Blog Archives - Page 15 of 25

June 3, 2019 by Elena Epstein

We have new award-winning apps that bring fun and learning together!

KidloLand Educational App

KidloLand is a comprehensive learning program for kids. Discover 1000+ songs, nursery rhymes, games, stories, and activities focusing on early learning, English, Math, coding, arts and more. The app also helps develop skills such as logical thinking, fine motor skills and creativity. KidloLand is regularly updated with new content and is also completely ad-free. $4.99/monthly, $39.99/annually, ages 1-7.

Tynker: Coding Games for Kids

Get creative and learn about coding with Tynker’s innovative computing platform. A great way to help children develop computational thinking and programming skills in a fun and intuitive way. As they’re guided through interactive game-based courses, children quickly learn fundamental programming concepts. With Tynker, a child can apply their coding skills as they build games, tell stories, mod Minecraft, create apps, control drones and robots, and more. Parents can follow their child’s success and share their creations through a parent dashboard. $20/monthly, $120/annually, $240/lifetime, ages 5-15.

Dr. Panda Learn & Play

Dr. Panda & Toto are back in the brand new learning app “Dr. Panda Learn & Play”! Kids can play and learn numbers, letters, phonics and more through playing 30+ activities along with Dr. Panda, with more added all the time! Beyond games, books and videos, kids will also explore Dr. Panda & Toto’s world, play dress up, unlock new costumes, and discover all sorts of hidden activities around Dr. Panda’s home. $4.99/monthly, $29.99/annually, ages 2-5.

Toca Kitchen Sushi

With Toca Kitchen Sushi, your child becomes the chef of a busy seaside restaurant. Slice up squid, asparagus, and candy canes, and roll it all up into a cone of seaweed! Or make stars and hearts of watermelon and mix them with fish and hot peppers! Want to make the roundest rice ball? You’ve got great tools for that right at your fingertips. Then see what your customers think. $3.99, ages 6-9.

For more product reviews, visit nappaawards.com. #playlearnconnect

June 3, 2019 by

Watching babies discover and explore new sounds and textures is so rewarding. These NAPPA-Award winning toys are perfect for enhancing your babies development and they are super fun!

Lights & Stripes Zebra

Lights & Stripes Zebra

Dance all day with the Lights & Stripes Zebra™. Upbeat music and playful sing-along songs encourage your baby to move and groove. This zippy plush zebra features bold black and white stripes, colorful patterned fabric and a variety of textures to enhance tactile awareness. The friendly zebra’s tummy plays endearing phrases and introduces colors through catchy songs while glowing in five different colors. The plush zebra has a washable surface with removable electronics. This snuggly striped sidekick is perfectly sized for your little one to hug and bring on-the-go! $14.99, ages birth+

My First Farm

My First Farm

My First Farm is a farm set for toddlers, which playfully introduces them into the BRIO wooden railway system. This frustration-free play set will give small children hours of fun and help teach them about farmyard animals. The five wooden animals fit into the animal wagon ready to be transported by train to the farm. Each animal also comes with three distinct sounds, which are activated automatically when placed in the farm meadow. Learning about animals has never been so much fun! $59.99, ages 18 + months

Butterfly Counting Pal

Butterfly Counting Pal

Enjoy a flutter of color with the Butterfly Counting Pal™ plush learning toy. Five colorful number buttons play a variety of songs to teach colors and numbers. A kaleidoscope of color, Butterfly’s light-up wing shows the colors of the rainbow. She also helps your baby fall asleep with soft, classical melodies. Each segment of this on-the-go toy features a dangling toy that rattles, squeaks, turns or crinkles to help develop fine motor skills. Learn at home or on the fly by using the included straps to secure the butterfly to infant carriers and strollers. $17.99, ages birth+

Lalaboom Educational Beads

Lalaboom Educational Beads

Lalaboom Educational Beads are designed for exploration and learning. Featuring vivid colors, unisex patters and soft texture. These beads are designed to guide children through their developmental learning curve based on the Montessori educational approach. Children will be able to explore five developmental functions by manipulating the beads at their own pace. All beads can be easily washed and cleaned.
10-15 months: Explore Colors, textures & shapes with basic POP IT action.
15-18 months: TWIST IT.
18-24 month: MIX IT.
24-36+: STACK IT!
36+: LACE IT! $5.99 to 29.99, ages 10 to 36+ months

Whimsical Wheel High Chair Toy

Whimsical Wheel High Chair Toy

Capture baby’s attention with the spinning wheels, cascading beads and bright colors of the Whimsical Wheel! The spinning wheels encourage baby to reach, tug, and bat, strengthening hand-eye coordination. Trapped within the clear structure are colorful beads, which help baby connect the sound to sight. One wheel features a mirror, which is perfect for self-discovery. Plus, the suction cup base attaches to flat surfaces such as high chairs and table tops for frustration-free play. $9.99, ages 6+ months

My Peek-a-Boo LapPup

My Peek-a-Boo LapPup

Learning is important business with My Peek-a-Boo LapPup™! Open the toy laptop and say hello to Scout or Violet before getting to work on learning about rhymes, shapes, colors and numbers. Press Scout’s or Violet’s name tag button to move their paws in front of their eyes and hear cute peek-a-boo phrases. Five crayon buttons light up while playing phrases and songs about colors. Shape buttons play rhymes about shapes, colors and numbers. Slide the clicking mouse up and down for additional imitative play. Close the lid and say goodbye! Available in Scout or Violet. $14.99, ages 6+ months

Do-Re-Mi Textured Tunes

Do-Re-Mi Textured Tunes

Dance along to three fun melodies on the Do-Re-Mi Musical Toy, teaching baby cause-and-effect by pushing the buttons to hear each song. At the bottom are soft, textured surfaces that encourage mouthing, aiding in the development of communication skills. The easy-to-grasp handle has a black & white pattern and click-clack rings to stimulate baby’s vision and auditory awareness. A great toy for playtime on-the-go! $9.99, ages Birth- 24 months

Scout’s Learning Lights Remote Deluxe

Scout’s Learning Lights Remote Deluxe

Learning is on every channel with Scout’s Learning Lights Remote™ role-play toy. Explore all 17 buttons on the learning remote to hear more than 100 phrases, sounds and music while building fine motor skills. Flip between modes for role-play excitement or learning activities that introduce numbers and letters. Silly pretend channels inspire imaginative play. Switch to the Spanish channel to hear common Spanish phrases, listen and dance to three different music styles on the music channel and hear rain, snow and wind sound effects on the weather channel.$12.99, ages 6+ months

Spin & Chew Ring Rattle

Whether at home or on-the-go, keep your little one entertained with the Sassy Spin & Chew Flexible Ring Rattle. Perfectly-sized for little hands, this rattle is easy to grab and features a spinning ring and ball to stimulate senses. $6.99For Ages: Birth to 24 months

Bend & Twist Rattle

Sassy Baby’s Bend & Twist Rattle is soft and squishy — perfect for baby. The bright colors, different materials and variety of surfaces help stimulate baby. Rattle beads and click-clack rings stimulate baby’s developing vision and awaken auditory awareness. The soft, squishy material is perfect for baby’s environment. Dishwasher safe. $6.99, ages birth-24 months.

For more all things baby, visit nappaawards.com. #playlearnconnect

June 3, 2019 by Elena Epstein

Check out our latest NAPPA-Award winning baby products. They make great gifts too!

MyTime Highchair

Bring style and comfort to mealtime with Inglesina’s MyTime premium highchair. There are many things to love about this highchair — both the ergonomic backrest and the footrest can be reclined in 3 positions, ensuring the highest comfort for your baby. Also features easy-to-adjust height settings in four positions. MyTime is practical and stylish for parents to enjoy as well. The leatherette seat can be easily cleaned with a sponge, and the serving tray is dishwasher safe. Once folded, MyTime is extra compact and can even stand by itself. $199, ages birth to 36 months.

Tiny Love Magical Tales Black & White Gymini Deluxe

The Tiny Love Gymini Deluxe from the Magical Tales Collection is an infant play mat that encourages baby development from day one. A chic black & white fashion means parents no longer need to choose between style and development, while adjustable arches and musical melodies support the 7 developmental wonders – a comprehensive set of guidelines to measure developmental milestones. The Gymini enhances baby cognition and motor skills while helping parents bond with their littlest love. $47.99, ages birth-12 months.

The New Rules of Pregnancy: What to Eat, Do, Think About, and Let Go Of While Your Body Is Making a Baby

The New Rules of Pregnancy is a beautiful tribute and celebration of moms-to-be. In this lovely book, two leading OB-GYNs guide you, the modern pregnant woman, through all aspects of pregnant life in an easy-to-digest, compassionate and motivating way. Instead of a detailed week-by-week look at your baby’s development, it’s all about you, and how to help your pregnancy go as smoothly as possible. $19.95.

The Peanutshell 23 Piece Newborn Essentials Layette Gift Set

As a collection of essentials and accessories for baby, this 23-piece Layette Set from The Peanutshell gives you all the best newborn must-haves. Available in pink, blue, or a gender-neutral grey. Each set includes basic white options as well, which are perfect for mixing and matching. With so many options, this set goes beyond the basics to create countless mix-and-match combinations for a girl, boy or both. $49.99, for newborns.

Nanobébé Breastmilk Bottle

The Nanobébé’s bottle is specifically designed for breastmilk. With its concaved surface area, breast milk is spread into a thin layer, allowing it to cool quickly and warm quickly at safe temperatures. Provides familiar shape and feeding position for nursing babies. Multiple bottles can be stacked in the fridge and easy to clean. $10.99, ages birth-24 months.

For more baby must-haves, visit nappaawards.com. #playlearnconnect

May 21, 2019 by

Meet our latest NAPPA Award-winning toys that will make great new friends for your kids.

Rubber Ducks from Wild Republic

These are not your mother’s rubber ducks! Wild Republic’s Rubber Ducks are free of any opening making them mold-free due to the unique hole-less design that does not allow moisture from collecting inside the duck. Rubber ducks are the perfect collectable for a water or land. Wild Republic has 31 different unique designs that can be used to educate children on animals of the world! $6.99

Squishmallows Hug Mees

Newest additions to the Squishmallows family have a “3D” look with hands, feet or paws for even more cuddling. Hug Mees are ready to give and get lots of love and are sure to please the ever-increasing Squishmallows fan base. Kids, tweens, collectors and toy lovers of all ages can look forward to adding the Hug Mees to their #SquishmallowSquad collections. Eight super soft, colorful, Hug Mees include two unicorns, two foxes, alpaca, blue bear, sloth and a raccoon available in four sizes: small (10”), medium (14”), large (18”) and jumbo (20”). $6.99, $14.99, $19.99 and $24.99, respectively.

Flutter Friends

Flutter Friends are birds that interact with kids and each other! Pet the hummingbird’s head or back to unlock over 40 realistic hummingbird sounds. Each tap will activate a variety of movement and sounds. Each Flutter Friend features soft, shimmery wings kids will love. Kids can help their Flutter Friend learn to fly by tapping their back twice. Their Flutter Friend will open their wings as she is guided through the air. $14.99, ages 5+

Hairdorables Pets Series 1

The Hairdorables Pets are just about the cutest fur-friends you’ve ever seen! Lovable, loyal, and with lots of “Big Hair Don’t Care” style, the Hairdorables Pets express their unique personalities. Each pet comes with their own brush, so girls can style their Hairdorables Pet’s hair, just like their Hairdorables Dolls. Pull, peel, and reveal 8 surprises inside. Each pet includes 2 accessories, 2 stickers, one brush, one adoption card, and one collector list. $7.99, ages 3+

Lights & Stripes Zebra

TLC Kritters

TLC Kritters need your care and love. Take home the incubator and open to reveal which baby animal you’ve received. Time for the gender reveal. Drop the included packet into water to reveal if your Kritter is a boy or a girl. The packet will include a gender reveal card and accessories for your Kritter. Use the included bottle to feed your new pet and – give it a squeeze to make it sneeze. Take off the Kritter’s diaper and dunk it in cool water to reveal a dirty diaper, noted by emojis. Clean the diaper by soaking in warm water. Collect all the TLC Kritters! $9.99, ages 6+

May 21, 2019 by Elena Epstein

Summer is a great time to connect with kids and playing games is one of the best ways to come together as a family to have fun and make memories. Check out our latest NAPPA Award-winning games.

Honeycombs Game

The object of Honeycombs is to connect your tiles together by matching their symbols. The more matches you make the more points you earn. The Honeybee is wild and can be connected with any symbol. Features three unique ways to play, each varying in speed and competitiveness. Choose the one that suits your mood! $19.99, ages 6+

Our Family’s Race Across the U.S.A. Personalized Board Game

Announcing a brand-new way to engage the family with your own personalized board game, “Our Family’s Race Across the U.S.A.”! In a race across America’s coasts, move your piece along the colored tiles and cross the finish line first to win! Personalize up to six game pieces with the names and photos of your family members. Your family’s names will also be incorporated into the game board artwork. Create lasting family memories during family game night with this uniquely personalized keepsake. $29.99

3UP 3DOWN

3UP 3DOWN is a fast-paced, family-friendly discard game with a surprising finish! THE GOAL: Get rid of your cards before your family and friends can. THE SURPRISE: Three of your cards are not revealed until the very end – so you will need both strategy and luck! Takes just 3 minutes to learn and 10 minutes to play. It’s so fast and fun, you’ll all say, “Let’s Play Another Round!” $9.99, ages 7+

BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE

BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE is a dynamic matching game with an explosive twist! THE MISSION: Ignite as many matches as you can by using special action cards, strategy, your memory, and a little bit of luck. THE TWIST: The matchbox is always changing, and sometimes everything explodes! TO WIN: Race against the timer, use some mental math to ignite matches, and hope that you’re the one that gets to say “BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE.” $14.99, ages 8+

For more product reviews, visit nappaawards.com. #playlearnconnect

May 21, 2019 by Elena Epstein

Out latest NAPPA Award-winning albums are upbeat, fun and super family friendly. Take them along on your next road trip or put on a dance party in your backyard.

Under the Big Umbrella by Brady Rymer and the Little Band that Could

Three-time GRAMMY nominees Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could, have released their 10th studio album. This is a music-filled place where individuality is celebrated and kindness wins the day. Inspired by and written with students, teachers and families and enriched by a handful of classic pop songs that underscore the message, Rymer’s vibrant and colorful album is his most ambitious yet, a collection of 12 new songs full of hope for a future with “room for everyone.” As one educator says, Rymer “gives us the tools to help our students, of all abilities and backgrounds, understand, accept and truly enjoy one another.” $14

Bubba & Boo

Multi instrumentalist, Megan Schoenbohm, is an earthy, edgy, free-spirited songbird, who takes the audience on a mellifluous journey through themes of kindness, humanity, creativity and imagination in her debut children’s album, Bubba & Boo. The music is catchy & fun, and is sure to get the whole family singing along. $15

Earworm by Sean McCollough

Radio show host and songwriter Sean McCollough releases his third album featuring 13 stick-in-your-head original and cover songs. Earworm also features guest artists such as Billy Jonas and Molly Ledford. “I love introducing kids to music that requires an open mind, an open heart and ‘big ears,” says Sean. $13; $9.49 for digital.

For more product reviews, visit nappaawards.com. #playlearnconnect

May 21, 2019 by Elena Epstein

Summer is almost here and we have some great new toys that will definitely bring the FUN! Check out our latest NAPPA Award winners.

Free Wheelin’ Rider Sport Convertible Balance Bike

Free Wheelin’ Rider Sport Convertible Balance Bike is a stylish and original pushbike that changes and grows along with your child. Start it off as a 3-wheel push bike for younger children. As they get older, it easily converts into a 2-wheel balance bike to teach more advanced riders the skills they need for all future cycling. The height is also adjustable as little ones grow bigger. $59.99, ages 1+

POWERUP Toys 2.0 Free Flight Electric Paper Airplane Conversion Kit

POWERUP Toys is taking paper airplanes to new heights with the POWERUP 2.0 Free Flight. The powered propeller transforms your paper airplane into a soaring electric aircraft with more than 30 seconds of flight. It’s as easy as folding a paper airplane, clipping on the propeller, and launching it into the air – just like a normal paper airplane. $19.99, ages 8+

PAW Patrol Swim Trainer Life Jackets

The PAW Patrol Swim Trainer Life Jackets are U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices for kids. Permanent flotation in the arms and chest provide greater mobility and the out-of-reach adjustable back buckles are convenient for parents and more secure for kids. The life jackets feature soft fabric and fit most children weighing 30-50 pounds. Available in PAW Patrol 3-D Chase & Skye characters (Chase & Skye sold individually) and PAW Patrol non-3-D character graphics. $18.88-24.99 each. Fits most children weighing 30-50 pounds.

JBL JR POP

Keep the music going this summer — anywhere, anytime! The JBL JR POP has epic sound quality and will be an instant favorite with kids and parents alike. With five hours of playtime, a waterproof design and JBL’s Signature Sound, the JR POP will have kids rocking out to their favorite “parent-approved” playlists from the school bus all the way through after-school activities. The best part is that this speaker is made just for kids – small enough to fit in their hands with a built-in strap for on-the-go listening. The JR POP comes in a variety of vibrant, two-tone color combinations that kids can customize with included sticker sets. The JR POP has a multi-color lighting mode that illuminates when it is playing — perfect for expressing your own personal style. $29.95, ages 3+

Rock Around Wobble Disk

Hold on tight for a rock, wobble, and 360 degree spin adventure with the Simplay3 Rock Around Wobble Disk! Kids 2 years and up can rock and wobble solo or have a parent add to the fun with a playful spin. Promotes core strength and balance. Molded in hand grips provide extra stability and a safety ring wraps around the middle of the toy saucer to help limit extreme wobbling. Made in the USA.$39.99, ages 2+

For more product reviews, visit nappaawards.com. #playlearnconnect

May 7, 2019 by

We moms know to-do lists well. Keep going, keep doing. Take care of everyone and every project – that’s the mom life. But recently, I’ve been granting myself permission to embrace a different mindset: Treat yourself; no guilt allowed. Trust me: Your mind, body and especially your family will thank you for it.

The quiet room at the Spa at Four Seasons Westlake Village.

For my recent “treat-yourself” solo date, I was seeking relaxation and pampering. For me to truly recharge, I need to be somewhere that feels “away” but is still close to home. The Four Seasons Westlake Village is an oasis of tranquility just off the 101 Freeway. The hotel is surrounded by the Santa Monica Mountains and has beautiful gardens, great restaurants and a staff committed to making sure you’re taken care of.

My day began with a veggie omelet and 33-layer croissant slathered in strawberry-and-thyme jam at the hotel’s recently opened Coin & Candor restaurant. The California brasserie features rustic, seasonal and locally sourced creations by executive chef José Fernandez. Warm, fresh bread is my glass of wine – the ultimate relaxation food. Starting my day with the delightful aroma of fresh croissants and house-milled Red Fife grain sourdough bread created by executive pastry chef Patrick Fahy (formerly at the French Laundry in Napa) was definitely the beginning of something wonderful.

Breakfast at Coin & Candor

After breakfast, I headed to the Spa at Four Seasons, where I slipped into a cozy plush robe. I tucked my phone – along with my to-do lists, emails, texts, responsibilities and world news – into my bag, zipped it closed and left it in the locker. My only companion was a book.

I poured a cup of chamomile citron herbal tea and headed to a lounge chair by the spa pool. My focus turned to the author’s words as I enjoyed the sun on my face. Before my treatment, I headed to the quiet room, where comfy sofa beds look onto a cascading waterfall filled with orchids. This is the kind of room you wish you could escape to every day.

Tea by the Spa pool

By the time I walked into the massage room with my therapist, Nancy, my mind had already stopped racing, and thanks to Nancy’s expert hands, I felt every knot in my back and neck untie. I asked Nancy to leave the door to the small patio outside open so that I could enjoy the fresh air and the subtle rustle of leaves.

Post massage, I enjoyed the steam room and a long, hot shower, then headed to the luxe salon, Rhythm & Hair, for a blowout, which began with a wonderful scalp massage and ended with soft waves that I enjoyed for several days. It turned out that hair stylist Ryan (at left in the photo with me) and I had a lot in common. We chatted about our favorite “Friends” and “Gilmore Girls” episodes, growing up in L.A., food and culture.

When I went back to the locker room to get dressed and grab my bag, I felt like I was leaving a week-long beach vacation. I had no makeup on, but my hair felt soft and wonderful, and I looked refreshed and relaxed. I thought about grabbing one of the signature drinks at the lively new bar inside Coin & Candor, but opted instead to take a walk around the property, soaking in the lush mountain views and gardens before heading home.

The happy, relaxed me was ready to dive back into my to-do list.

A walk around the Four Seasons Westlake Village

♥ play learn connect

May 7, 2019 by Elena Epstein

Mother’s Day is almost here and we have gathered some of our recent NAPPA Award winners that will make mom or a mom-to-be very happy!

Kids N Such Diaper Backpack

This high capacity diaper bag from Kids N Such is beautifully designed and has space and pockets for everything you need. The designers of this bag really know what moms want and need in a bag! Includes stroller clips and an insulated pacifier pod. $49.95

TWELVElittle On-The-Go Backpack in Stripe Print

Stylish and super practical! Designed with multitaskers in mind, the TWELVElittle On-The-Go Backpack in Stripe Print can be carried for any occasion — family outings, work functions and travels. Includes a separate opening for a fully padded laptop sleeve. $165

Frankie Cameron Braid Bag

We never thought we would use the words “luxurious” to describe a diaper bag, but the Frankie Cameron Braid Bag has made us a believer! Handcrafted from buttery-soft genuine leather with brass hardware accents and a matching detachable tassel. Fully detachable and washable liners transform this bag for baby to toddler stage and then work, travel and beyond. $395

June & January Mama Swing Dress

Designed for all stages of motherhood, the June & January For Mama collection is perfect for growing bellies, nursing mamas, postpartum bodies, “I’m so done having babies” and everything in between. The buttery soft stretchy cotton blend fabric is the ultimate level of comfort, while still being stylish. $31

The Clara Criss Cross Nursing Top

All moms need a versatile piece like the Clara Criss Cross Nursing Shirt from Kindred Bravely. A must-have for postpartum and nursing mamas, this one-piece, super soft infinity cardigan is both stylish and comfortable. $24.99

JJ Cole Outdoor Mat

Summer is coming and that means outdoor concerts in the park, beach and picnic time. These stylish and functional JJ Cole Outdoor Mats are designed for easy transport — perfect for families on-the-go! Features an adjustable carrying strap, quick-fold design and durable water-resistant fabric in a variety of fun designs. $34.95

ErgoErgo

Because we are made to move! ErgoErgo is the healthy and fun way to sit. Active sitting strengthens your core, encourages good posture and stimulates the mind/body connection to keep you alert and energized. Comes in adult and child sizes.$75 (KidsErgo) and $100 (ErgoErgo)

“Stories for my Grandchild”

“Stories for my Grandchild” is a keepsake journal that gives grandparents an opportunity to connect with their grandchildren and share memories, family history, personal feelings and experiences. $11.72

♥play learn connect

May 6, 2019 by Elena Epstein

We were so thrilled to be with L.A. Parent chatting about Mother’s Day Gift Ideas. Check out our video segment featuring recent NAPPA Award-winning products perfect for mom!

Products featured in this segment:

TWELVElittle On-the-Go Backpack, Kids N Such Diaper Backpack, ErgoErgo, Frankie Cameron Bag, Stories for My Grandchild by Honey Good, Kindred Bravely Criss Cross Nursing Top