I’ve mentioned before how much I adore toys that actually make Anna think instead of just an electronic toy that tells her what to think.   Since money is tight these days, people have been forced to be more creative with their entertainment and a happy byproduct of these difficult times is that there seems to be a shift in making toys more basic too.  Electronics have their place – my kid has her own iphone, for crying out loud -  but nothing makes me happier than seeing Anna pretending and using her imagination.

So, when the opportunity to review products from Babalu Inc. came up, I was thrilled to bring their products into our home.   Babalu was launched in 2006 by modernizing a classic kids toy in their Felt Tales brand.  Plus, they have recently acquired WJ Fantasy and added their line of unique, engaging and innovative children’s products to an already impressive line-up of toys.  One of my favorites are the original Felt Tales, which are newly redesigned classic felt storyboards that aim to engage your child’s imagination with lots of movable pieces and unlimited possibilities!

There are lots of different storyboards to choose from – they have everything from princesses to dinosaurs and everything in between.  I picked the “Busy Day on the Farm” Felt Tales for Anna and it was a big hit the minute she saw it.  But, for me, the true test was to see how long she actually played with it.   I’m happy to report that she still plays with her little felt pals – in fact, the felt people and animals often migrate around to her other toys and play in her dollhouse before making it back to the storyboard. Also, an unexpected consequence of this favorite new toy was Anna’s interest in making sure she cleaned up all of her little felt friends and put them in the nice little pouch that comes with it to make sure no one got lost.  Hey, any time cleaning up is fun is a definite plus!

Next, Anna got to try out the “My Tool Box” by WJ Fantasy and this was a huge hit!  Anna’s Daddy is very handy and always doing lots of projects around the house.  She’s now at an age where she’s very interested in everything he’s doing, but often the tools and the projects themselves are too dangerous for her to be around.  So when I presented her with this very handy little Tool Box she was very excited to be just like her Daddy. I thought the presentation was so cute – the whole set comes in this little Tool Box, along with four tools (hammer, saw, screwdriver, pliers), a denim tool belt/apron and a set of four board books each in the shape of a tool and about that tool.  I don’t know many little handymen (and girls!) who wouldn’t be thrilled with that set – I know mine is!

Lastly, one of my favorite products that I’ve seen in awhile – a book called  “Time for Bed – Secret of Shadows“.   This line of Shadow Books combine your child’s love of reading with a unique and exciting way to read!  This book in particular is useful for teaching the lesson that just because you see a “scary” shadow on the wall that doesn’t mean there’s something to be scared of.  As you turn out the lights and start turning the pages to read and create shadows with the included flashlight, your child learns that shadows aren’t scary at all!  This product really drew Anna into the story as she eagerly flipped the pages and shined the flashlight to see what shadow would be created next.  She frequently requests “Time for Bed – Secret of Shadows” at all times of the day – suddenly instead of being afraid of the dark, she’s looking for the darkest place possible to play with her shadow book!  They also have “Camping Out”, another shadow story that looks like lots of fun!

Babalu Inc. also carries Babalu Basics (educational and interesting placemats with various themes) and their WJ Fantasy line has a fantastic array of blocks, Advent calendars, Judaica, Toys & Games and books!  This is a fantastic place to get some unique and innovative holiday gifts for that kid (or kid at heart!) in your life.

Babalu, Inc. did provide my family with product samples so that I could experience their product and share my thoughts with my readers.  All opinions expressed here are my own or that of my family and are not influenced in any way by any form of compensation.

WIN IT! One winner will win their choice of ANY toy from either Babalu Inc. or WJ Fantasy (ARV up to $25)!  To enter, please visit Babalu Inc. and WJ Fantasy and tell me which toy you’d pick if you won AND become a subscriber of this site (if you aren’t already)  You MUST confirm your subscription for it to count!  I check all entries and if you are not a subscriber, your comment will be deleted.  That’s it!

***Apparently, some of you need a refresher course in your giveaway manners.  If you need a clue or have noticed your two-word entries being deleted, please see my previous blog post on What Not to Do When Entering Giveaways before entering.  All entries that are simply “enter me”, “wow”, “great prize”etc or entries that do not follow the directions for how to enter will be deleted and you will not be notified.  Take your ignorance elsewhere.***

Comments will close on November 6, 2009 at 10 PM EST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). Open to US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement of the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

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