dolls Archives — Thrifty Mommas Tips

Christmas Guide to Cover Everyone on Your List

Paula — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 12:50:18 +0000

We could all use a bit of help figuring out what to gift this time of year. A Christmas guide is a useful tool. With so many people on our respective lists and so many different interests, it can be hard to get the right gifts for everyone. It seems that every year, we fall more and more into the “gift card rut,” that place where we say, “You can’t go wrong with a gift card.” While gift cards are great to receive, it’s always nice to give a physical gift. This Christmas guide features companies than span the gifting spectrum to help make sure you’ve got your entire list covered. A Christmas Guide for All I’ve picked out seven companies that offer gifts across the board. These companies were all featured recently at the Impressions PR Holiday Gift Guide event in Toronto. You can find everything from Maplelea dolls to personalized items that make gifting more memorable. Between all of these options, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your shopping list this year. Maplelea Maplelea is a Canadian doll company specializing in dolls that are uniquely Canadian. Each of the dolls has a unique personality and hometown. We have a few of their dolls already, and we love them. You can find all kinds of dolls and accessories to fit any doll lover in your life. For girls age four and up these dolls are such a beautiful high quality keepsake. One year my older daughter received Taryn as a gift. Another time we received Charlsea. My girls still love the catalogues every year and pour over them endlessly. ASK me about any one of the dolls and I will tell you what I love about them and which accessories we adore. That’s the great thing with Maplelea, they could be in my Christmas guide every year because you can keep giving the accessories annually. That adds to the fun. This season there’s a new horse with stable. I love that for my daughter who rides. Staples I know. You don’t really think “Christmas Gifting” when you think Staples, but they have a lot of great gifting options. Staples is like a wonderland of personalized gifts ready to make and share, with everything from mugs to pictures to blankets and tees. Any child, or grandparent would love a personalized blanket keepsake with special photo on it. Mugs and coasters and phone accessories are special gifts too. And that’s just a sample of what they can personalize for you. Their stocking stuffers and electronics section seems bigger than I ever remember it being. And there are so many great options for teens, children, and adult gadget geeks too. St. Anne’s St. Anne’s makes the Christmas guide because they’re the perfect gifting source for anyone who’s into beauty and skin care products. St. Anne’s has a huge selection of all-natural skin care products that are both effective and safe for you and for the environment. I’ve been using their nourishing eye cream for the last week and it is a keeper. Love how effective it is. Rent Frock Repeat Do you have a clothes horse on your list? Maybe you need to go to a special event and don’t have a thing to wear. Enter Rent Frock Repeat. This company specializes in super stylish clothing that you can rent for any event or occasion. They have a special showroom in Toronto where you can try on their offerings. If you can’t get there, you can also “try on” their clothing via SKYPE. Hello, that’s brilliant! This time of year this is the solution you need to dress up fast. Why would you buy a dress when you can rent one that is gorgeous at 90 % off. Plus honestly I like that this spares my closet space. I don’t enjoy clutter. UNICEF Live What better addition to a Christmas guide could there be than one that gives back. During this season of giving, consider gifting with products from UNICEF Live. The gifts you buy for your family and friends help make a meaningful impact in the lives of needy children around the world. Right now a couple of the most popular gifts are the bed nets which are rally a good price at 3 for $10. I might purchase some of those and tell a friend that I have done so in place of a gift this year. Malaria is a very real threat to so many kids and adults in developing countries. The plumpynut, a concentrated food for a malnourished child is an impactful gift too. I personally would give the school in a box, a gift that can change lives for children in a war zone or refugee camp. OR I would love give the gift of vaccines this year, because I have seen how impactful those can be. In Zambia vaccines are the difference between life and death. Lif3 Lif3 is a company specializing in smart chip technology that helps guard you and any other tech lover in your life from the radiation that emits from smart phones and smart devices. It’s doubly great because it protects your giftee, and it’s also a cool little safety add on to any of your gadgets. Happinessisinc.ca Let your Canadian pride show for all with gifts from Happinessisinc.ca. They have a full line of tees and clothing that are uniquely Canadian, allowing you or your giftee to show their Canadian spirit. Their t-shirts are great quality and so are their hoodies. I know a teen or two who would LOVE a Happiness is Canada t-shirt or hoodie this year. [tweetthis]Have you started your shopping yet? This #IPRFamilyHoliday guide might help. #TMMGG16[/tweetthis] Gaffe Free Gifting This Year This Christmas guide is all about gaffe free gifting this year. Check out these companies and see what they have to offer for your holiday gift shopping. All told, these companies have products that run the gamut from clothing to tech to charitable gifts and personalized gifts. You’re sure to find something for everyone. I was not compensated for this post however I attended the event recently and received some perks as a result. My opinion is all my own and it is also truthful.

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New Barbie Amaze Chase Feature

Paula — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 15:52:38 +0000

No big secret here that my kids are Barbie fans. So, when we heard this new movie featuring Barbie was coming out we had to see it to believe it. Some days I am still certain Barbies are hatching a plot to take over my house. My one daughter has collected Barbies since she was two. I have written about our Love for Barbie often over the years. I fact my daughter’s love of Barbies is well documented. But what about my Barbie beginnings? Timeless Toys Look Like This In the 70s and 80s I grew up with Barbie and I can still recall every last dreamy pink Barbie gift I ever received. My Barbie collection included the Barbie cruise ship and the Barbie camper and so many Ken dolls and adorable Chelsea too. Every birthday I received a new Barbie. As a child, I dreamed and created and built glorious afternoon stories with the entire Mattel family of Barbie dolls. We were most often on a cruise ship and Ken was a lovely husband to our sweet daughter. My Barbie was always a career Mom. In my childhood, I don’t think I knew any Moms who didn’t work. When You Don’t Want to Outgrow That Stage I had it pretty good with my Barbie team and I recall all too well NEVER ever wanting to outgrow that. Now, my girls are right here at this stage. Just last week one of them said to me: “Some of my friends don’t play with dolls anymore. They think dolls are immature for grade X.” See, that’s the thing about Barbie for me also. She has always given me a beautiful pretty little bridge into my daughter’s world. I take it, grab the bait and hold on tight. “And what do you think?” I ask. (This is my secret parenting trick number one. Always throw the ball back into their court in form of a question.) “Well I see what they are saying but I still love to play with dolls.” “I remember exactly feeling this,” I tell her. “I remember that I was encouraged to grow up and even though I put my Barbie cruise ship in storage at Grandma’s house, I played with it every single time we went over to her house. Dreaded moving them out of our house. Boy, I really loved playing with them a lot.” My daughter listens as I go on. “So what do you think?” “Mom, I really still love playing with dolls and I don’t want to give that up yet.” “Okay, then I think we need to get them out and play right now.” Strolling Down Memory Lane The gorgeous thing about parenting is this: you get to relive childhood. But you pick and choose the fun moments and you get to play Barbies on a Saturday afternoon with your soon to be tween daughter, if you wish to do so. So, I am a fan of Barbie for so very many reasons. Barbie opens doors for me with my girls and that is so precious. Confession time – I am still honestly like a child every time I see the Barbie toy aisle at Target or Walmart. A Tool For Building Friendships The Barbie Dreamhouse we have in our basement is epic and it is also a tool for friendships and sharing and connecting. Neighbour girls and my niece love to play at our house because of the Barbie Dreamhouse. My girls sometimes still play together because of the many dolls we have. I am sure many of you Moms of girls are familiar Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse. There is a brand new episode that I am excited about called Amaze Chase. This is the first-ever 22-minute long episode of Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse. There are several chances to win prizes here too so pay close attention. Enter for a Chance to Win 1. First of all Barbie Amaze Chase wants you to visit the main Barbie hub page and enter to win one of 30 incredible Amaze Chase VIP viewing packages. (Value is over $100) Go here: http://www.barbie.com/en-ca/promo/barbie-my-dreams and register for an account by entering your phone number. A total of 30 lucky fans will win a Barbie® Amaze Chase suitcase full of Barbie® party essentials and a doll from the Amaze Chase line. The suitcase will give fans everything they need to unpack and get ready for the newest episode of Barbie Life in the Dreamhouse, Amaze Chase, airing November 23 on Teletoon. Show also airs on YTV on November 30. Two great chances to catch this show!! This Prize Includes!! This prize kit includes: (Remember there are 30 chances to win this one.) Winter Chalet & Barbie Product (Approx. $50) Barbie party essentials, including plates, cups, napkins, etc. A $35 Loblaw Gift Card AND ALSO ENTER FOR CHANCE TO WIN HERE!! 2. To celebrate, I am giving away to one Canadian reader a VIP Viewing Party Prize pack valued at about $60. My prize includes: 1. special package of Barbie sisters. and a Dream Chalet (wouldn’t someone LOVE those for Christmas?) Actually don’t tell my kids because they are getting some of these things. (so I can keep playing with them too.) HOW? So follow the instructions to win. And don’t forget to watch the YTV premier of Amaze Chase is November 23 @ 5PM on Teletoon & November 30 @ 8:30AM on YTV. (it promises to be fun. This is an episode where Barbie goes on a sort of Amazing Race type trip with her friends! Entry-Form I received product to help facilitate this post. My opinion is my own. This post contains an affiliate ad as a service to readers. Purchases made via qualifying links mean a commission for me.

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Barbie My Dreams Express Your Style Contest

Paula — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 01:23:00 +0000

I asked my kids if they wanted me to post some more stories about Barbies. They hollered great whoops of joy. “Wait, what’s that? You girls still like Barbies?” “YES!!!!!” They hollered loudly and in unison. Such are the conversations in my house. I make no excuses ever for our unabashed love of all things Barbie. There was a time I thought my girls would be tough sporty girls (and they are). They would never like pink. (My Mom bought one exclusively pink clothing for the first 6 years of her life and it still remains a favourite colour of my one daughter. So that didn’t fly either) It’s like that saying life is what happens when you are busy making other plans – well kid’s personalities are like that too. They have their own likes, personalities, dreams and quirks and they know what they want. Barbie My Dreams So Barbie, it is. And believe me, we have enough to start our own little Barbie store. There are campers, cars and houses, galore. And last year at Christmas when Santa led my girls on a scavenger hunt in the old house to find their Barbie Dream House in the basement, well it was like the best gift ever. And I think I still get brownie points for helping Santa with that one. So What’s New with This Traditional Barbie Doll? Now, comes the news that Barbie has a new game site. So, you know my kids are all over that. Signed up and ready to play. I have written about our love of Barbie here once, or twice, or three dozen times. Contest Site Barbie my Dreams is a new online interactive hub for contests, games and, of course, dreams! Canadian Barbie fans will love collecting their favourite things, catching up with Barbie and friends and entering the latest contests. The Barbie my Dreams site is a safe environment for mom and daughter to play together and WIN! It functions similar to Pinterest, but for the biggest Canadian Barbie fans. Updates Content is uploaded regularly and when you sign up for a Barbie my Dreams account you will be the first to know about new promotions. Sign up here: www.barbie.com/mydreams For a short while longer, with the Express your Style contest, Mom and daughter can show off their style for their chance to win a trip for four to Toronto for an unforgettable shopping experience. The Express your Style contest is a way to show off your personal style, how you stylize your Barbie, or showcase your style sense by uploading your favourite outfit. All the images are private and cannot be viewed by the public – so it’s your personal spot to curate your style. How Do I Enter? Entering is easy! Just post one of your fave fashion items to your Express Your Style DreamBoard. Then upload a photo of yourself, your friends and Barbie® showing your fave style or look! Whatever your style is, express yourself! Mix and Match for endless possibilities! The Barbie my Dreams contest page is here: http://www.barbiemydreams.com/contests. Contest closes March 23! Good Luck. I was not compensated for this post, but I received product in exchange for writing about the contest. We are 100 % Barbie fans and this is my honest opinion. Post contains affiliate links as a service to my readers. Commissions made via qualifying links equal a small commission for me. I have Barbie girls so this topic is perfect for us.

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American Girl’s First Ever Blogger Event #BittyBaby

Paula — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 12:48:00 +0000

The years are brief, in which girls play with dolls. Blink your eyes and they are almost done. Even shorter, if you have a sporty girl who had no interest in anything girly until very recently. So colour me happy and a wee bit shocked too when this one – who has been christened sporty spice, bug, two foot tornado and Hurricane Ainsley at various points in her short nine years – decided she was a doll girl. She is prone to these whiplash about turn moments now as a young almost tween. So, when I was invited to an American Girl event this year I was thrilled to take it all in and share some of it with her later. Embracing American Girl Dolls This past year when my oldest child received a gorgeous doll for Christmas, Ainsley suddenly really wanted a nice life-like doll of her own. I knew she wanted to dress it up, and carry the doll around town to take on our adventures and rehearse life. Well, I put her off for awhile because she has a tendency to um…let’s say – be very hard on her toys and clothes and etc. So, when I got an invitation to the first ever American Girl blogger event in Chicago at Blogher 13 this summer, well I was super-secretive and extremely happy. From the moment I walked through the doors of the American Girl event and building I was completely overwhelmed. The dolls are undeniably beautiful. There are so many with personalities fully formed and great backstories. The building has a boutique, a reading area, a photo studio and a Bitty baby nursery. The clothing is adorable and I have to confess that I went back for a second visit. This was such a unique environment that I really had to soak it all in. There’s something charming about the store that transports you bad to your own childhood magically. It took me forever to find the right doll for Ainsley. Mostly because the selection is so vast. Doll of the year Saige appealed to me because Saige likes horses and art. Ainsley rides at Sari therapeutic riding. So I picked out Saige and had her sent home to meet me when I returned. It was a great choice. I wasn’t fast enough to capture Ainsley’s face when she first saw the red box on her bed. She screamed for Payton and went running to her sister’s room to show her the box. Together, they opened it. Ainsley loved her instantly. That was so very worth the trip to Chicago. A Book Too? A book comes with each named doll. Together, we are all reading Saige’s story of activism (Okay, seriously, could I have picked a more perfect doll for this family?) There are other dolls that have curly hair and short hair and have every potential combination of colours and eye shades. Those dolls come with a charm. Saige has accessories that suit her New Mexico lifestyle and can be bought separately. She has a balloon and Ainsley is now asking for the horse. Why I Love This Brand What I love about American Girl is the wholesomeness of the dolls. American Girl dolls are dolls for girls, not dolls pretending to be what someone thinks girls want to look like when they grow up. They are really well constructed and beautifully packaged and there is every piece of clothing and accessory you could ever imagine available for the American Girl doll. I was initially worried about the price as a thrifty mom. But quality isn’t something you can always put a price tag on and $100 for the doll with book wasn’t too much in my opinion. Bitty Line Up The American Girl blogger event was all about the newly expanded Itty Bitty line. So the baby dolls. The line of Bitty dolls expands on August 27th to include even more dolls that look like your little girl. There are now 11 options and you can match the Bitty dolls to your child’s skin tone, eye and hair colour. They are soft, cuddly and precious and of course well constructed as well. Each blogger was given one, sent to their home after the event ended. My daughter is not getting her baby until Christmas, but I made sure to buy some diapers and change matts and other accessories because she is at the age where Ainsley loves to diaper her cousins and she loves to help with babies. I can’t wait to share those Christmas pictures. What are Bitty Baby’s About? Bitty Baby’s also have a great line of books authored by a Newberry award-winning author. Sure to make story time even sweeter. Raising a daughter is a unique experience and it can be so rewarding. I am fully aware that the time goes fast though so embracing their childhood and youth is something I try to do often. Educational toys and toys that encourage creative play are ones I celebrate and love having in my home. Disclosure: Thanks so much to American Girl and Jenny Ingram and Danielle Smith for the amazing event. It was the biggest highlight of the Blogher after conference parties for me. This Canadian loved the American Girl store. A night to remember!! I attended a great event and received a Bitty doll from the event. My opinion is my own.

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