Mommy FTW

As we’ve been moving into our new house in D.C. I’ve been trying to get Cameron’s playroom ready and organized.  I started looking for a toy organizer to help out.  I found one on Amazon that had great reviews, so I decided to order it and give it a try.  I couldn’t be happier.

Cameron's toy organizer in action

What I ended up with was the Tot Tutors Toy Organizer.  I picked it because it has lots of bins which display Cam’s toys in a way that he can easily see what is where and find what he wants to play with.  The one criticism people seemed to have about the toy organizer was that the bins were small (and it wasn’t good for organizing big toys).  This may be true, however the biggest problem I had with Cam’s toys was that all the little ones fell to the depths of his toy baskets.  Cam would then dump the baskets everywhere to find them.  So, for us this organizer works perfectly in conjunction with his baskets (which hold his large trucks and stuffed animals).

I think the price is pretty reasonable, and the organizer seems very sturdy.  If you are looking for a way to help organize your little one’s toys – check this one out!  FYI, it also comes in pastel colors, if that is more your speed.

Cameron has a birthday and Christmas coming up – so mom and Santa are racking their brains to figure out some good toys that will have staying power.  Recently I was checking out eBeanstalk.com and was really impressed with their toy suggestions.

Expert selected toys matched to your child's development. AKA, Santa's little helper!

They very helpfully organize toys and books by age and then for boys and girls. (If you’d like to learn more about their experts and how they pick toys, check out their website). They have so many awesome ideas for 2 year old boys!  Pretty much everything I saw on their list looked like a sure fire winner.  FYI, I would suggest price comparison shopping with Amazon after you get some inspiration from eBeanstalk.

Dear Santa – are you looking for some great toys for some little boys and girls on your list at discount prices?  Well the Mini Social has you covered.

Today they’ve got Melissa and Doug, Haba, and Hape toy sales with great choices for kids of all ages.  And through the week there will be more toys to come!  So check out the Mini Social, and be sure to sign up if you haven’t already so you can get the emails!  Below is a very small sample of the toys they’ve got right now.

It was last fall when Cookies, the kids department store in the Fulton Mall, first appeared on my radar.  I was at Camel Park and I noticed one of Cameron’s friends had a super cute new coat and pair of jeans.  I made a comment to the mom about the outfit, and she told me she got it at Cookies – and it was really affordable!  She went on to tell me that Cookies had an amazing selection not only had a HUGE selection of clothes for kids of all ages, but also lots and lots of toys.

It really is a Department Store for Kids!

Then, this spring when a local dad was looking for a Fisher Price walker for his daughter, but didn’t want for it to wait to come from Amazon, I suggested he check out Cookies or Target.  Well, Target didn’t have it – but Cookies did.  He also commented on the great selection of everything for Children that they carried.

Recently I was over in the Fulton Mall and I was able to check it out for myself.  I have to admit, since I wasn’t there to shop my visit was short lived as Cameron was really excited and wanted to buy every toy – but if you are looking for something for your little one, weather it’s new fall clothes, back to school supplies, or maybe a last minute birthday present for a friend, think Cookies!  Cookies is located at 510 Fulton Street, just off of Flatbush, in the Fulton Mall.  You can also check out the Cookies Website to get a better sense of what they sell.

Posted from New York, New York, United States.

Having a child can be so expensive – so here’s a simple and free idea to help save you some cash, and keep your little one happy as well!  Recently I started a toy exchange with two other local moms that have boys around Cameron’s age.  We each brought several toys to a playgroup meet up, then did a little swap (while the boys weren’t looking – of course).  That way, the guys can have new things to play with, and then when they get their toys back at after the agreed upon amount of time has passed (we decided a month) they will be new and exciting again.  Here’s a few tips if you want to start your own exchange:

1) Exchange with other parents who have kids around your child’s age, and sex (I hate to say it, but it really seems like boys are interested in different things than girls – Cameron and his boy friends love trucks, cars, mechanical things – and anything that rolls).

2) Agree upon the length of time for the exchange.

3) Realize that things might break, or not come back in pristine condition!  Hey, I know Cameron is a little destroyer, and I wouldn’t expect anything less from another toddler.

4) Clean your toys before you exchange them, and before you return them.

It’s easy, and it’s free -so ask your friends if they are interested!

I know mommy always thinks she knows best, but sometimes the gifts you get from other people that you wouldn’t have bought yourself turn out to be the best ones.  These toys have consistently Cameron’s favorites, and are also extremely popular at playgroup.

Playskool Busy Ball-Tivity Center

Cameron got this “Activity Center” from one of Matt’s Co-workers when he was about 1 month old.  We kept it in the closet until he was about 6 months old.  When we finally broke it out, I was very unimpressed with it.  It didn’t seem to do much at all, and I found the music it played to be annoying.  Well, shows what I know – this has been, and still is, one of Cameron’s favorite toys.  He loves the music, loves the spinning balls, loves everything about this toy!  And so do the other kids at playgroup.  There is generally a crowd around it.

CAT 3-in-1 Ride-On Dump Truck

When this gigantic ride on truck showed up in the mail, I thought, “What am I going to do with this huge thing?!”  It also arrived when Cameron was very young, like the activity center.  Once he was crawling we took it out of the box, and he immediately began pushing it around the apartment.  It also honks and makes noises when you press the buttons – exciting stuff!  Now, Cameron is using it as a walker.  It is also a ride on if you lift up the back part.  All of the kids at playgroup are immediately drawn to this toy.  So if you’ve got room for a big, ugly, dump truck in your living room… go for it!  Your baby will love you for it.

Cameron’s first birthday was at the end of November, so he just got a bunch of new toys.  If you are looking for some ideas of what to get your little one – maybe these suggestions will help.

School bus from fisher price:

Cameron pushes this thing all around the apartment!

Magnetic letters (these are a great distraction while I am making Cam food):

Keep your baby busy while you're in the kitchen

If you prefer wooden magnetic letters, Melissa and Doug make some.  They also make some wooden magnetic animals that are super cute!

Classic Radio Flyer bike:

So far Cam just rings the bell, but I know he will grow into this toy!

Matchbox cars:

I'm sure these will be a favorite for years to come

Some of these items should get years of use – I remember playing with magnetic letters on my fridge while growing up for a long time!  Anyways, I hope this gives you some ideas.  Generally, it’s not too late to order from Amazon with standard shipping in most cases.  And if you have Amazon Prime, you have until the 21st!  Just check on each product to see what Amazon recommends.  Good luck!

Update:

Just got an email:

JCrew Coupon Code 25% off Orders of $150 or more

Coupon Code: GIFTS

Expiration Date: 12/6/09

Now that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are over, the coupon codes and Friends and Family sales are back!  Here’s some new ones for you all:

Timberland coupon – Friends & Family Sale: 40% off purchases

Coupon Code: FFDEC9
Expiration Date: 12/07/2009

Back To Basics Toys coupon – Up to 20% off purchases

Coupon Code: DECSAV9
Expiration Date: 12/15/2009

Lord & Taylor coupon – 20% off regular and sale merchandise + free shipping offer

Coupon Code: GREAT
Expiration Date: 12/08/09

Betsey Johnson coupon – Friends & Family: 30% off all merchandise + free shipping offer

Coupon Code: FF2009
Expiration Date: 12/07/09

Macy’s coupon – Friends & Family: 25% off + free shipping offer

Coupon Code: MACYSFRIEND
Expiration Date: 12/07/09

CCS coupons – 20% off orders over $99 or free shipping on $30

Coupon Code: LKS69DS5, LKS69DS3
Expiration Date: 01/02/2010

Linens ‘N Things coupon – 10% off your orders + extra $10 off coupon for future use

Coupon Code: SAVE10N10
Expiration Date: 12/08/2009

Lucky Brand coupon – Friends & Family Sale: Save 30% on purchases

Coupon Code: 9DECFFE
Expiration Date: 12/13/2009

GameStop coupon – 10% off video games $20 or more + free shipping

Coupon Code: BEMERRY
Expiration Date: 12/21/2009

GapKids coupon – 25% of purchases

Coupon Code: L9N2H2YK7HTL
Expiration Date: 12/06/2009

The Body Shop coupon – 20% off your order

Coupon Code: FNF2009
Expiration Date: 12/7/2009

Melissa and Doug is having another sale at the Mini Social. They’ve got all new toys for the Holiday Season.  So help Santa get an early start on things and check it out!

If you aren’t a member of the Mini Social yet, sign up using my link!

Cold season is upon us, and is hitting this household especially hard!  I’ve been trying to wash Cameron’s toys regularly, but I got tired of doing it all by hand…. so I decided to chuck them in the dishwasher.  It was so much easier!