Bright Ideas. Eco-Friendly Play - Illuminating the Imagination with Geomag Glow

Geomagworld has been innovating with magnets since 1998, introducing young innovators and learners to the creative and imaginative world of magnet-building fun. Through its magnetic rods and steel spheres, Geomagworld has provided a fun, constructive, and educational environment for children to explore the limitless possibilities of magnetism. For 25 years Geomag has created numerous product ranges; from Magicube, Classic Geomag in multiple color ways and themes such as Panels, Supercolor, Glitter, Glow, and for old builders comes Mechanics.  One concept, three platforms, all ages!   

From building blocks to complex structures, Geomag has something for all ages. All toys are made with the utmost care and respect for the environment. Geomag is committed to reducing its environmental impact. All the company's products are manufactured in the European Union, Switzerland, with all power used 100% renewably. To ensure their operations didn't require any fossil fuel energy sources, the company converted their factory to run by hydropower. By doing this, Geomagworld has drastically reduced its carbon footprint and even makes its toys from 100% recycled plastic, meaning no new plastic is created in the process.

Geomag is an excellent tool for independent play and collaborative activities. Regardless of age, kids and adults can explore, experiment and create in a relaxed and interactive environment with magnetic rods and metal spheres. It encourages creativity, engineering capabilities, and problem-solving skills and encourages teamwork as it allows multiple people to collaborate to achieve their desired shape or structure. With its variety of colors and shapes, Geomag allows individuals to explore the different ways that magnets attract or repel each other, a great way to learn about magnetism! Geomag is an excellent tool for developing spatial thinking, practicing fine motor skills as well as providing hours of educational fun.

Geomag toys are STEM.org-certified toys and are perfect for a fun and sustainable learning experience. These educational toys have been carefully reviewed and evaluated to ensure that they meet rigorous standards of quality learning experiences so your children can get the most out of their playtime while learning invaluable skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The Geomag Glow range is the perfect educational toy for young children aged 3+. It includes the Geomag Glow 93-Piece Set (339) that stimulates children to explore and create amazing constructions using the power of magnets. Made with 100% recycled plastic and a natural plant-based glow it is certain to inspire creativity and develop problem-solving skills. helping to build a strong understanding of basic science concepts. The Glow rods come to life in the dark, providing an all-around mesmerizing experience for your child. With 93 pieces that connect through the power of magnetism and allow endless construction possibilities, Geomag Glow provides a stimulating and engaging environment. In the Glow range, there are also sets available in various sizes, the (328) 25-piece set, (329) 42-piece set, and the (338) 60-piece set.

All Geomag Glow sets can be added to other Geomag ranges to make even bigger sets.  As the range continues to expand, it allows the models, and the children’s achievements, to increase to impressive heights.

All Geomag Glow sets can be added to other Geomag ranges to make even bigger sets.  As the range continues to expand, it allows the models, and the children’s achievements, to increase to impressive heights.

The Geomag (328) Glow 25 Piece Set costs $24.99 from Maisonette

The Geomag (329) Glow 42 Piece Set costs $39.99 from Maisonette

The Geomag (338) Glow 60 Piece Set costs £54.99 from Maisonette

The Geomag (339) Glow 93 Piece Set is available at Geomagworld.com

Get Summer's Hottest Toys at Target!

This summer, Target has some of the best toys to keep your kids entertained inside and out. There are hundreds of affordable options to choose from, but here are New Age Mama's four top picks for summer fun in 2022. 

Tiny Groovy Glow Wubble

This fun toy will provide hours of outdoor fun. A combination of a bubble and a ball, once you blow this up it floats like a bubble but its a lot harder to pop. What makes this particular version even more fun are the psychedelic colors. Once blown up, the wubble is a tie-dye shade of orange, blue, and green that glows in the dark. The Wubble kept my kids entertained while we waited for the Friday night firework display and everyone around us was intrigued by the glow in the dark colors and how it floated on the breeze. Once it popped it had to be tossed, but it only costs a few bucks and was well worth the price.

Smithsonian Gem and Rock Dig

My kids and I are all rock hounds. I have a full collection of crystals and we scour the beach for the cool stones, but we've always wanted to dig for real gemstones. I'd love to dig for crystals in Arizona, but until I get there, the Smithsonian Gem and Rock Dig is the next best thing. This fun set comes with a slate of clay you can dig and chip away at until you unearth real gemstones. The kit makes for hours of fun and really kept my kids entertained. Once they were finished they had a dozen different gemstones in all different shapes and colors. It comes with everything you need, but if you use it inside, I suggest putting it under a cookie tray or something else that will make it easy to clean up because it does create a lot of dust. This is a great way to keep kids entertained on  a rainy summer day!

Smithsonian Jurassic World Dominion Prehistoric Projector Science Kit

My son is huge fan of dinosaurs so we were super excited to give this projector a try. We set it up in his room at night and were amazed at the realistic depictions it created on the wall. There are a variety of different dinosaurs and the pictures are very clear, but it may take a little work to achieve it. It works best on a plain white or tan wall. You can adjust the focus to make the image larger or smaller depending on how big the surface is. Once I had it set up, my son was able to switch the images independently. He loves it and leaves it switched on until he falls asleep. Every night there's a different dinosaur. This is a fun and educational toy perfect for any kids who love dinosaurs. 

All Pro Passer Robotic Quarterback

This Pro Passer is the perfect outdoor toy. My son is hoping to try our for the football team this year, but with with only me and his sister in the house, he didn't have anyone to practice with. Even when I tried, I failed miserably at passing the ball. This robotic quarterback allows him to play outside independently. It passes his the ball and he can run and catch it. It works way better than I expected. You just put it on the base and it takes off. Assembly was easy and we haven't had any issues with it. My son is outside playing with it every day.

New Minions Movie Toys

FREE THE FUN this Summer with Illumination’s Minions! Sweet, subversive and always unpredictable, the Minions are back to save the day and make sure your family has the best summer yet. From toys to games and even some yummy treats, the fun never stops with the mischievous antics of Kevin, Bob, Stuart and all the beloved Minions. 

Minions: The Rise of Gru will hit theaters on July 1, 2022. In the meantime, Illumination’s original blockbuster Minions is airing on NBC on June 11!

Fart Gun

• Join true Minion joke action with the super-size Fart 'n Fire blaster.
• Has two modes of play: 20+ trigger activated fart sounds or custom made farts.
  
• Emits a mist for extra juicy funny effect.
• Fun trombone chamber lets you create quickly, short bursts or drawn out, loud farts.
• For ages 4 and up.

Otto the Minion

• New character Otto from Minions: The Rise of Gru responds to how you move him.
• 20+ signature sounds and phrases when you move him in nine different positions.
• Innovative technology creates realistic reactions.
  
• Engaging companionship toy and super special gift for Minions' fans.
• Great gift for kids ages 4 years and up.
  
  

My Thoughts 

These toys are hysterical. One thing to know about my son is he has a two different laughs. His fake laugh and his real life. His fake laugh is obnoxious, loud and grating. I love him, but it is. His real life is adorable and infectious. These toys bring out his real laugh, and I love them for it. The fart gun is as ridiculous as it sounds. It is a fart gun, what are you expecting lol? It is hysterical though. It is a pretty decent size so your kids feel like a tiny bad ass with it, and it makes a bunch of different fart noises. You can either pull the trigger or pump the gun, I guess like a shot gun? (best way I can think to describe it)The best part though is that there is a tiny spray bottle in the barrel of the gun, so when you do the pump action a fine mist comes out, like the fat plume in the movies. Kids think it is absolutely hysterical. 

The Otto the Minion toy is a nice piece of new toy technology. The mouth and features are like a hologram and move with his words and movements. That is probably not what the technology is called, but that is what it reminds me of. They toy performs different actions based on how you move it. Depending on the movement you make, it makes different noise. If you lay it down it snores. If tilt and pretend it is flying it makes flying noises, etc. There is also a special coin you put in the overall pocket that unlocks another secret sound. Very sweet and interactive. My children, who are very much obsessed with the Despicable Me movies, love these. There are a lot of other adorable toys from this new line to check out as well. 

Connect with Minions: Rise of Gru

Flipbook

Adorable Doctor Dress Up Set for Kids

Are there any passionate kiddos in your life? You know, the ones who 100% know what they want to be when they grow up?

When I was little, I was convinced that I would grow up to be an actress. I would strut around the living room in plastic heels and sunglasses while I posed for the imaginary paparazzi. My siblings would roll their eyes as I forced them to participate in my fictional world as my directors and agents. Using my imagination to explore the possibilities of the future was thrilling!

The truth is, all kids have a bountiful imagination and are seeking the right inspiration to explore their wildest stories and ideas. It’s important for kids to exercise their minds by engaging their creativity and honing their social-emotional learning skills. 

Plus, after a year of every waking moment glued to screens... This summer is the perfect time for kids to dive back into their creative side and dream of the future.

The doctor is in! This adorable 11 piece doctor’s kit includes a doctor’s coat, stethoscope, eyeglasses, 6 boo-boo-aids, boo-boo-aid box, ID badge and a bonus “Litti Doctor Benny” story book. Get ready to inspire kids to reach towards their dreams and squash those fears of going to the doctor

With this set, kids can give their stuffed animals checkups, heal their sibling’s pretend wound, and have hours of role-playing fun. This set is a perfect gift for any child that wants to be a doctor when they grow up (or just likes to play pretend).

Retail price- 29.99 

My Thoughts 

This play set has brought my son's imagination better than any of his other play clothes have so far. He LOVES playing doctor. I have boo boos all over that needed to be treated. And the most adorable part is that the stethoscope actually works. He loves the doctor coat, and told me the other day that I was not allowed to wear it because I "did not have the proper training". I am going to start monitoring what he watches on You Tube even more than I already do. I have been the recipient of a lot of make believe shots as well. My kid is a sadist lol jk. The band aids are adorable. They are little slap on bracelets, so you can wear the band aids. They are a little small for adults but fit great on his baby brother lol. He is adorable in this little outfit pretending to treat our boo boos. I love it. You can leave the badge as or put in your own photo. It also comes with a cute story book that we have read a few times. He likes to dress up and make me read the story to him while he is dressed like a doctor. 

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Smart-playing at home: cubes and shapes with magnetic fun

                              

                                Smart-playing at home: cubes and shapes with magnetic fun

 Geomag launches a new range of Magicube toys with stimulating shapes and colours to unleash hidden talent through magnetic fun at home!

During last 12 months for most of adults ‘smart-working’ has become a new way of life.     Smart-playing has always been at the heart of the Geomag toy brand and it’s now time to introduce this concept to kids!  It's common sense that learning by playing is necessary for our children but making it fun can be challenging! Currently unable to play with friends and with screen time most likely to be dominating their daily lives, a variety of developmental skills and their ability to partake in exciting experiments is limited. But with parents spending more time at home too, the new Magicube Shapes magnetic construction toys are a powerful tool to develop those skills together.

From magnetic cubes to magnetic shapes

Magicube is a revolutionary building block system made up of magnetic cubes that attach to each other on all six sides, made entirely from 100% recycled plastics. What started out as the Original Magicube System has now become a whole new world of magnetic building blocks with the new Magicube Shapes line.  This ingenious range features not only the traditional cube building block but three additional shapes; the quarter circle, half sphere, and half cube.

A playing system that grows with your children

 

By incorporating new shapes, your child's imagination and thinking skills will flourish as this range enables them to invent animals, characters, structures and even vehicles. 

By playing with the individual cubes, even the youngest of children begin to develop their first manual skills and as they grow older, they can build bigger and more complex structures using the pictures on the animal cubes and furthermore as they approach the early years at school they can improve their math & reading skills with the Magicube education sets.  

 

4 sets in 100% recycled plastic

As always made from 100% recycled plastic, these Magicubes Shapes are available as a 6-piece starter set, a 9-piece animal themed set, a 13-piece set which also includes wheels and magnetic wheelbases so junior builders can now go as far as building vehicles with real moving wheels. Finally, the bumper world of Magicube Shapes 32-piece shapes set completes the collection.

 

 

My Thoughts

These blocks are super cute. We received the Animal set. It has 9 pieces and comes with a pamphlet with different animal shapes and how to build them in the book. The blocks are magnetic on all six sides, so you can use them anyway you want. The trying-to-be-a-responsible-earth-citizen-mom in me likes that they are made of 100% recycled plastic. Apparently the original Magicube sets where only block shape, which is still a lot of fun when they are magnetic, but these new sets include "three additional shapes; the quarter circle, half sphere, and half cube." This makes the possibilities only limited to your imagination. 

My husband and my son decided to play a game. Daddy would build an animal, and then Declan would try and guess which animal it was. Then Declan (with Mommy's help) would build one and Daddy would guess. Declan was belly laughing by the end of the game when Daddy "couldn't" guess that it was a whale. Declan then made his little brother giggle by hovering the blocks over each other until the clicked together with the magnets. From what I can see so far, they are pretty durable as well.

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Magformers... The Best Blocks for Kids (and Adults)

Magformers Basic Plus 14pc Set

Create 3D structures from 2D nets with Magformers Basic Plus 14Pc Set. Build with 4 Squares, 8 Triangles and 2 Inner Circle Square shapes. Create houses, towers and our ‘magic ball’. Learn to build using combine, roll and pull-up techniques and see what your imagination can create! Build along with the step-by-step instructions and develop color and shape recognition, fine motor skills and problem-solving ability. The original and authentic Magformers. Perfect for brain development, critical thinking and STEM education. Follow the Step-by-step educational idea booklet for ideas and instructions. Each geometric shape contains magnets that never reject, so you’ll always hear the Magformers click. When playtime is over, use the magnetic power to simply stack and store. MSRP: $24.99; ages 3+.

My Thoughts 

There is no other way to say this, but we are obsessed with these blocks. Since receiving them, I have now gone out and bought the fireman set, and a wonderful starter set that I found. My son plays with these for hours, I play with them, my husband plays with them. They have quickly become a whole family favorite. The other day my son and I made a structure flat on the ground and when I lifted the pyramid in the middle the sides all connected together as I lifted it and suddenly i had a tower. It was so satisfying and my son thought I had preformed a magic trick. I love watching the mind of a three year old build things and figure them out. His creativity with these blocks astounds me. There are so many different sets to choose from and build your collection on their website. They have even come out with Paw Patrol and Shimmer and Shine sets. These toy sets have won many awards including being a finality for the Toy of the Year Award.   

They are good quality, brightly colored plastic with strong magnets that click together. They make the most satisfying noise when they click together. It makes clean up such a breeze and I keep them all in a small trunk. They all come with manuals to help you with different ideas for construction. The boys also just get creative on their own. They have a line of vehicle sets, animal sets, educational, motorized, themed, etc. They also have many STEM approved sets as well. These really are the greatest toys. 

 Connect with Magformers

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Fun, Creative Game for Toddlers

GAMES FOR TODDLERS: Use with your child for sorting, color recognition, patterning, learning basic math skills such as counting, adding, subtraction and graphing. The best part about this Montessori set is that your little ones won't even notice that they are learning as they "play".

MOTOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT: The pegboard stacker set is great for building fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, develop and strengthen visual perception skills, visual motor coordination, making patterns and more.

EASY STORAGE & TRAVEL TOYS: It comes with the Skoolzy drawstring backpack to easily store all the pieces and for your child to carry their peg board set at home, in the car or airplane. Makes for quick and easy clean up.

INCLUDES:

• 1 Skoolzy peg board (8.5")
• 30 pegs (2") 6 colors
• 1 Skoolzy storage backpack (12" x 8")
• Downloadable parent activity guide for the toddler toys.

My Thoughts 

I am not going to lie at first I was very confused. I got the game and when I opened it there was a drawstring bag, a peg board, a bunch of pegs, a string, and a colored block. I looked for directions on how to play the game and could not find any. I assumed it had been a packaging mistake. So I went on the website and realized that it is not a structured game. I was so thrown. I looked at my father like, huh? Well he took over and then I realized the magic of this game. They were making up all sorts of games. There are also tons of different sets that you can choose from with different levels of add ons like blocks, and different colors. They have many versions to choose from.
The put the pegs on strings, pegs stacked on pegs, color coded pegs, rolled dice and then that was the only color peg that could move. There was so much freedom to make up their own games. By the end of a half an hour, my dad just looked at me and said, "I get it now. This is actually pretty ingenious." Declan, my three year old, was making up all sorts of games. He loves to go in and string the pegs on to the a long black string. He also likes the bag. It is such an easy thing to grab to bring places. The downloadable activity book. There are so many cognitive and creative skills that can be flourished from this game. It can teach colors, counting, coordination, patterns, etc. It is actually ingenious. I love the vibrancy of the colors as well. 

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Awesome, Awesome Block Alternative for Kids

 Magformers Amazing Sets 

Click and create your own adventure with Magformers AMAZING Sets! Magformers are a magnetic construction toy where the possibilities are endless. Kids now have the opportunity to live out their dreams and become one of their dream professions such as a firefighter, a police officer, and construction worker through one of the four new Magformers AMAZING sets! Great for children aged 3 and up. Create 50 ideas with the follow-along idea booklet or build your own adventure! Ages 3+ MSRP $59.99

My Thoughts 

This has probably been one of the most successful items I have reviewed for the blog. Everyone in my family has since become obsessed with these blocks. The first night I opened this set, my husband and my son played for two solid hours, QUIETLY! We have even bought a few more sets, because my HUSBAND wanted to be able to do more with them. As he puts it, he "loves that they are small enough and flat enough to not take up a lot of room, but are not choking hazards." We actually just recently took a small bag of these blocks with us on a weekend trip. My father and his friend were playing at the dinner table with my son with these. When our friend took some block pieces to build something my son looked at him and said, "Bad boy," and took them back. Everyone starting laughing. There are so many different sets to choose from and build your collection on their website.  These toy sets have won many awards including being a finality for the Toy of the Year Award.  

They are good quality, brightly colored plastic with strong magnets that click together. They make the most satisfying noise when they click together. It makes clean up such a breeze and I keep them all in a small trunk. They all come with manuals to help you with different ideas for construction. The boys also just get creative on their own. They also have many STEM approved sets as well. These really are the greatest toys, especially for my son who we have been saying since day one he was going to be an engineer. 


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NEW My Little Pony Toys - Easter Gift Guide

MY LITTLE PONY RAINBOW WINGS TWILIGHT SPARKLE Figure
(Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Spring 2019)

Imagine the Princess of Friendship soaring through the clouds above Equestria with the Rainbow Wings Twilight Sparkle 8-inch pony figure! This purple pony figure has gorgeous rainbow wings inspired by scenes in entertainment. Push her signature cutie mark to see her unicorn horn and wings light up. Her rainbow wings also flutter while holding and guiding her up and down to pretend she’s flying. When her wings flutter, they light up too! She also comes with her signature princess tiara and a comb for styling her purple mane and tail. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide. My Little Pony Website.




MY LITTLE PONY MANE PONY CLASSIC Figure Assortment
(Ages 3 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $4.99/Available: Spring 2019)

Inspired by the MY LITTLE PONY: FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC television series, this MY LITTLE PONY MANE PONY assortment features 3-inch figures designed to look like some favorite characters from entertainment. Collect the Mane 6 in their colorful pony figure form with molded hair, character-inspired looks and signature cutie marks. These are great pony figures for kids who are beginning their My Little Pony collection and long-time fans alike! Each sold separately. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide. My Little Pony Website.


MY LITTLE PONY CUTIE MARK CREW SERIES 4 BLIND BAG: Beach Day Collectible Mystery Figure
(Ages 4 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $2.99/Available: Spring 2019)

The Cutie Mark Crew combines the worlds of My Little Pony and Equestria Girls to imagine a universe of play and friendships beyond the mirror's portal. The My Little Pony Cutie Mark Crew Series 4 has an "Away We Go" theme, bringing together characters from the My Little Pony and Equestria Girls for a tropical vacation! Pretend some favorite My Little Pony characters are having fun in the sun with their beach-themed accessories. Each Beach Day blind bag includes an adorable 1.5-inch figure, beach-themed accessory, collector card, and a cute storage case. Collecting more Cutie Mark Crew blind bags means more stories to create. Which character is waiting inside? Find out! 12 of the 24 available blind bag figures have fun treatments, like neon or glitter! Look for all 24 to stack more cases and build out a world of pony, seapony, and Equestria Girls Cutie Mark Crew figures. Each sold separately. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide. My Little Pony Website.

Our Thoughts 

When thinking about Easter basket ideas for the kids, it's always hard to figure out what to put in their baskets; especially for little girls. The new My Little Pony toys are a great choice for those last minute Easter basket adds. 

My daughter has been able to play with the items of this review for the past week and has loved all of them. She is a kid who loves the little collectables and is crazy over horses so these My Little Pony toys are great for her. 

My Little Pony Rainbow Wings Twilight Sparkle is so much fun. My daughter loves the wings that move and they light up! Being able to comb Twilight Sparkle's hair is fun and her hair is easily able to be braided or twisted in different styles because of the softness. The girls have a great time playing with this toy with her friends and by herself. My daughter, who is five, opened this item herself without help. She was able to take Twilight out by using scissors with supervision but didn't need adult assistance at any time. 

The My Little Pony Mane Classic figure assortment is reminiscent of my own childhood and the My Little Pony figures I played with as a child. My daughter has loved playing with these figures and keeps them in my vehicle so she can have them while we are on the road or other places where she normally gets board very easily. Because they're about 3" tall, they are compact and easy to carry in my purse or in a small carry bag. The packaging was easy to open and was simple enough for a five year old to do it on her own. 

The My Little Pony Cutie Mark Crew Series 4 Blind Bags are fun for kids because they're surprised with the characters they get in the bag. My daughter really loved these and she got some of the characters she wanted and they were fun to open together. The only thing we didn't like about the blind bags were the confetti that came in the packaging with the bag. The confetti, while it was paper and not plastic, it made a mess and was difficult to clean up because it was in small pieces. The packaging itself was easy to open and deal with. 

If you'd like to see more of the My Little Pony items, please visit their website. They also have a kids website with games, videos, and character bios.