A Grandma's spin on crafts, games, recipes & lifestyle

Category: Kid’s Games

Why Kids STILL Love Action Figures

I marvel at the different types of toys available for kids.  Let’s face it, there are some pretty amazing toys out there.  However, kids are the same today as they have always been…and kids STILL love action figures.  They are a pretty basic toy compared to what we normally see at the top of their wish lists, but if you put a set of action figures in front of a kid, I’m guessing 9 times out of 10 you will see their imagination flourish.

Kids also love sports.  What do you get when you merge action figures and sports?  You get sports action figures of course!  Kaskey Kids sent me a set of their Soccer Guys to give an honest review.  You already know I am all about finding awesome toys, books and crafts for my grandkids and this one did NOT disappoint!

The set includes two full teams, a referee, goals, ball, playing “field” and great storage container (with a handle for easy carrying…some times it’s the small things that make all the difference).   Our Max is a very busy guy who loves action.  This set has been awesome while we are at big sister’s soccer games.

KASKEY KIDS SOCCER SET ~

They have a variety of different sports available:

  • Soccer Guys and Girls Sets
  • Basketball Guys Set
  • Football Guys Set
  • Hockey Guys Set
  • Baseball Guys Set

Kids Using Imagination ~

Playing with action figures is a great way for kids to use their imagination.  Kids have to give a voice to each of the characters and decide how the scene is going to play out.  Without realizing it, they are learning about winning and losing as they are responsible for both sides in these sport sets.

I know I may ruffle a few feathers, but I am not a big fan of the idea that kids should always win.  While I want nothing more than for all children to be happy, I will always believe it is very important for kids to learn how to handle every situation they are going to face throughout life.  So how cool that they can accomplish this during play?!?!

Adding Another Player ~

Whether it’s a friend, sibling or parent, adding in other players is also a lot of fun.  As a parent, it is a great idea to let the child lead how the play is going to take place as then this helps the child learn some leadership skills.  However, when another child is playing it will most likely not go the same way.  Of course, this is yet another great learning opportunity for all kids involved here as well.

Someone can be the referee while others are the players.  They can choose their team names or for that matter, choose the player’s name.  As kids get a little older, you can even add in a scoreboard.  Why not add in some geography lessons and let the kids decide what country their team is from.  The ideas are endless when you use your imagination!

Toys On The Go ~

How many different events do you go to throughout the year that you need “on the go” toys to entertain younger siblings.  Soccer has just started up for my grandchildren, so there is no doubt these sets will go a long way with the family activities.  Do you do a lot of tailgating?  Maybe planning a trip to the beach?  Does an older child have some extra-curricular classes they go to weekly that you want to watch but are always entertaining the younger ones so you miss out?

Maybe you want to plan just certain times that they get this set out.  I wrote about quiet boxes a while back.  Put special toys and activities in a box that they only get to play with during quiet time.  If certain toys are only available at special times, that makes them desired even more.  Check out my earlier post on how awesome QUIET BOXES FOR KIDS are!  I keep quiet activity boxes for Addi and Max in our office and replenish items in there every once in awhile.

Variety of Sets Available ~

As mentioned earlier, they have several sports available.  There are also smaller tower packs that are a great package topper, party favor or even nice for a cake topper set.  The newest set is a Football Single Pack in Pink.  Kaskey Kids is donating 10% of the proceeds from this pink pack to support the Boys & Grils Clubs of America.  Getting great toys while also helping out important causes is a definite Win-Win!

Check out their website, not only for the fun sport sets that they have, but they also have a Kid’s Corner tab with “Good Reads” and “Party Ideas.”  I can tell you that Mimi has absolutely fallen in love with this company.  For those of you who have kids that I love to buy for….don’t be surprised when your sweet babe receives one of these cool sets! 😉

Check out Kaskey Kids Website HERE!!!!!

With Love~

Mimi

 

Meet Meddy Teddy ~ Meditation for Kids!

I AM BEYOND EXCITED TO HAVE DISCOVERED THIS AMAZING AND ADORABLE FLUFFY FRIEND!!!!!  We all strive to raise happy and healthy children.  Likewise, we all struggle with these very things at times as well.   Every parent witnesses tantrums, stress, and anxiety that we so desperately seek to alleviate for our kids, as well as for our own sanity!  Meet Meddy Teddy to help your kids with meditation and yoga!

MEET MEDDY TEDDY ~ YOGA & MEDITATION BEAR

***Coupon code down below ⬇⬇⬇

                         

This cute little guy is 100% poseable.  As your children learn different poses, they can mimic the same poses on Meddy Teddy.  He’s a perfect little yoga buddy with a great big heart!

BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS MEDITATION FOR KIDS~

  • Improves academic performance, learning & memory
  • Reduces anger & anxiety
  • Increases self-esteem
  • Fosters calmness & compassion
  • Improves self control
  • Boosts confidence
  • Enhances focus
  • Increases social skills

 

Do you now or have you ever done Yoga and/or meditation?  Can  you remember the benefits you received from it…or are still receiving?  Studies show that the earlier you introduce this concept to children the better the benefits.  Children actually have a natural feel for it because their minds are not yet biased or stressed with all of the things we adults deal with.  Now more than ever is a great time for extra help on raising happy and compassionate kiddos.

Code:  Mimi15

Use this link to check out Meddy’s website…..Meddy Teddy – the Original Yoga Bear!  Even better, use this code for 15% off!!!

This code expires Wednesday, September 30 ….SO ACT FAST!

Accessories & Free Yoga Classes ~

Of course there are accessories too….you knew that was coming right?  But a yoga mat and yoga clothes????  How adorable.  EVEN BETTER THOUGH..they provide a schedule on their website for FREE YOGA CLASSES!  Here is the link…..  FREE Yoga classes! All Times PST – perfect for kids of all ages (and adults too!)

This is updated monthly with available class times.  BUT WAIT….. They also provide FREE “Meddytations” to help calm and relax your kiddos!  Seriously, I am so loving EVERYTHING about this adorable guy and all he has to offer.

Mimi’s Favorite Toy of 2020 ~

Are you feeling as obsessed as I am with this little guy and all of the fun and benefits he offers?  I actually placed my order today (with that awesome code MIMI15) for Addi and Max.  Without a doubt, they will love him!   I also can’t wait to see how it helps Lauren with bedtime routines.  Updates coming soon…..

Until then….Namaste! 🧘‍♀️

 

 

Quiet Boxes for Kids

This was a huge success! As I continue to search for the best indoor activities that are fun, yet inexpensive, for the grandkids, I occasionally hit upon a winner~Quiet Boxes! The best part is that everything pictured here, including the box, came from the Dollar Store.

Seriously, have you been to the Dollar Store recently?  I took my time and perused the aisles looking for specific items that I knew each child would be interested in.  With the ages of our two, I tried to keep the items pretty similar to keep jealousy at bay, yet still catering to their specific current “likes.”

These are the items I chose for each box:

  • Coloring book and box of crayons
  • Small pads of paper
  • Stickers
  • Puzzles
  • Spinning tops
  • Character cut out sets to color
  • Candy
  • Colorforms
  • Army men
  • Unicorn figurines

I explained to the kids that these boxes were “only” for quiet time.  When we want to play with these boxes, we must put all other toys away.  Likewise, when we are done playing, we must put everything back into the box to be ready for the next time that we want time to ourselves.  The kids quickly dug in, pulled EVERYTHING out, and forgot about everything else around them while they enjoyed their own “special” box.  What’s even better, is that when we were ready for dinner, they put everything back.  They are anxious to keep their box together.

                         

I would like to point out that when I purchased the Colorforms I was super excited!!!  Do you remember these?  I saw these in the store and immediately traveled back to  my childhood.  I have memories of being so excited every time my mom would purchase a new set for me to play with.  I told my husband about them and he looked at me like I was a crazy woman.  I guess not everyone played with these when they were young.  🤷‍♀️  So of course, I did what every Mimi of the 21st century does and I jumped on to Amazon to see if I could find more.   My goodness, there are so many:

Colorforms Pet Set

Colorforms Paw Patrol

Colorforms Frozen

Colorforms Toy Story

These are a few of our favorites above.  They cost a little more than the Dollar Store sets, but they are bigger sets, so still worth the price.

You can also build off of this idea and make “Busy Bags” for the children.   This would be a great idea for times you take the kids somewhere that you know there may not be other toys or children for them to play with.  Once again, when a child knows they have some special bag or box that is only theirs, you will be amazed how much they look forward to it.

Whether you are a parent or a grandparent, I think you will find this to be a very worthwhile project.  Let me know if you try it out!

I Spy – Dig In

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Man, was I excited when I came across this awesome game!!!  Are your kiddos fans of  I Spy?  Our family loves everything I Spy!  You are definitely going to want to try I Spy Dig In, The Great Game of Frantic Finding, Fast Paced Color & Shape Identification Game For Kids.

With all of the fun playing options, it is one of those games that can be fun for all ages.  When a game like this is discovered, it is a no brainer that it needs to be added to the game closet!

Why I Love I Spy – Dig In

What I have discovered is so great about this game is that you can alter the rules for all age groups.  My 2 grandchildren’s ages are quite a challenge when trying to find something that both kids will enjoy.  We have come up with many different versions of rules to make everyone happy.  You can play with or without the timer, depending on the ages.

However, the game cards included do come with different playing levels as well.  If I am honest, I must say I have yet to conquer the challenging side of the cards within the allotted time….so this game should last us awhile!

Update – December 18, 2020

While we continue to have so much fun with the I Spy Dig In game, we have since discovered I Spy Eagle Eye.  Check out the I Spy Eagle Eye game here!!!  In this fast paced game, you race to be the first one to find all of the items on your card and ring the bell to share your victory!  Just like the I Spy Dig In game, this can also be played with different ages which is a huge plus in my book.

There are so many references to how I Spy type games can boost both memory and visual learning in kids.  One such article is from Scholastic, which I am sure we all agree is a leading source in learning.  Read more about the I Spy Book benefits as cited by Scholastic.  This is a great read about why I Spy books and games are so beneficial for your kids.  Even better is that teachers agree!!!

Any time you can pair learning with fun it is a win-win!  In fact, I enjoy sometimes just sitting back and watching the gears turning in their heads as they are making decisions and manipulating the game boards.  Not to mention the big smiles on their faces when they complete their task!

I Spy Printables ~

This is another excellent way to bring more search & find fun to your kids.  You can find so many fun options on Pinterest, like the ones I discovered here by “And Next Comes L.”  They offer you over 100 pages of I spy printables with an array of different fun themes.   Loads of free I Spy printables by And Next Comes L.  As they suggest in their article, these come in handy for different times, such as while you are preparing dinner or when you need quiet time.

You can also get creative and make your own as I did here ➡➡Scroll down here for a fun shark I Spy!  It is just so worthwhile to find as many I Spy sources as possible for continued learning and fun!  As stated earlier in this post, we have always been big fans of search and find games and books.  While I still believe I Spy Dig In is a must have, it is also worthwhile to check out all of the other options out there as well!

Keep Searching…and keep having fun!

Happy Gaming~

Mimi

 

 

 

 

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