Review + Giveaway + FREE SHIP Code: LOCK LACES: Because You Have Bigger Fish to Fry

WHAT: LOCK LACES
INVENTOR: Eric Jackson

DOES: gives you freedom from the tyranny of shoelace-tying instruction or service, especially in the AM. 

INVEST:  $7.99  (have free ship code for you!!!!!!!!!!!!)
AGES: if they can lock them or you can lock it for them, then they can wear them.Usually my kids don't unlock them, they just slip off or wiggle out of their sneakers instead.

TOOLS: I Can Take Care of Myself- Morning sanity is one giant step closer to reality!

World Maker Faire 2013 Pt. 2- 'Til Next Year

To my son, this is what Heaven looks like- Check out Vex Robotics

WHAT: World MAKER FAIRE 2013 Pt 2: Can't Wait 'Til Next Year!

DOES: Inspires the maker in all of us while you eat the best food in the world

INVEST:  too late to pay this year, try again next year
AGES: I saw little babies there but I am assuming they didn't make anything.

TOOLS: Think Like a Scientist/Engineer, Express Yourself, I Can Take Care of Myself

World Maker Faire 2013

KIDS made this.  I KID you not.

WHAT: World MAKER FAIRE 2013

DOES: Inspires the maker in all of us while you eat the best food in the world

INVEST:  door price $35 adult -single day; $20 Youth (2-17)- single day (but if you buy in advance it is soooo much cheaper
AGES: I saw little babies there but I am assuming they didn't make anything.

TOOLS: Think Like a Scientist/Engineer, Express Yourself, I Can Take Care of Myself

Review + Giveaway: Disruptus: The Kids Will Blow You Away

 You will want to be a disruptive person after you read this review and everyone will think you're awesome!

WHAT: DISRUPTUS by Funnybone Toys
INVENTOR: Julien Sharp

DOES: it really is possible to practice creative problem-solving with real-life themes in a controlled game setting, excellent way to practice communicating ideas via speech and/or drawing

INVEST:  $24.99 MSRP
AGES: Box says 10+ but we went a bit lower. See Adaptive Play ideas here.

TOOLS: Think Like a Scientist/Engineer, Express Yourself, Work Experience
GIVEAWAY: Two winners will each get a game of Disruptus- Open to U.S. and Canada

Review + 2 Calm Giveaways: Buddha Board: This Too Shall Pass

WHAT: Buddha Board
INVENTOR: Eric Thrall

DOES: a visual-tactile REAL-time display of how you can let go of something great and LIVE THROUGH IT; get help shrugging off mistakes because you'll see that this too shall pass

INVEST: Buddha Board - Original: $34.95; Buddha Board - Mini: $11.95
AGES: As water is generally non-toxic in many parts of the world, I am going to say 3+? But maybe make sure that younger kids don't eat the brush? It's a nice brush

TOOLS: Express Yourself, Family Fix-its, I Can Take Care of Myself
GIVEAWAY: Two Winners will each receive and Original and a Mini Buddha Board!

Review + Super Social Giveaway- Best Outdoor Toys- Keep The Play Alive This Fall

WHAT: Super Social Fall Outdoor Toys - a mini-salute to the U.S. Open

DOES: Outdoor Toys that are still fun even after summer is done. It's really not about being outdoors, it's about enjoying the outdoors with people.... 

INVEST:  $3- $100+
AGES: Some are 4+ and some are 8+

TOOLS: Social Scene Helper, My Body Needs to Move
GIVEAWAY: Totally Awesome: Win the OgoSport Raq set and ONE YoBaby Kick Flipper