Saturday, November 13, 2010

Hobo Mama Giveaway: Grow Smart Games My Pocket Games or I Spy Sensory Stick = winner's choice! {12.7; US/Can} CLOSED

This giveaway is now closed. View the winner here! Thank you all so much for entering!



This is a joint giveaway with Hobo Mama Reviews and Natural Parents Network. You may enter at one site only. Please find the section marked "Win it!" for the mandatory main entry and optional bonus entries.

Have Kids Will Travel special giveaway event at Hobo Mama ReviewsWILL TRAVEL special event: I am featuring a few special travel items for review and giveaway that I was able to use on my trip with my three-year-old son and eight-year-old niece this summer. If you win, you'll have your items in time for December holiday travel or Christmas gifts!

Grow Smart Games is offering my readers a giveaway of winner's choice of either a set of My Pocket Games or an I Spy Sensory Stick!

Grow Smart Games is a wonderful Etsy shop that exclusively features these two fun and entertaining, hand-crafted toys. The games promote learning, help children strengthen skills, and provide opportunities for interacting with others. Grow Smart Games believes that simple, old-fashioned games are still the best!

If you choose the I SPY SENSORY STICK (picture below), you'll receive a fun toy made of approximately 9" of clear heavy tubing, sealed at the ends and filled with Polybead pellets and 20 hidden items. As your child turns and shakes the tube, different hidden items emerge from between the pellets. A laminated list of hidden items is attached by ribbon. The I Spy Sensory Stick is recommended particularly for younger children and toddlers though can be enjoyed by children of all ages.



If you choose the MY POCKET GAMES, you'll get a pack of six laminated cards attached to a ring, along with a secured mini dry-erase marker to use that easily wipes off each page. Each card has a simple and fun game on one side, instructions on the opposite:

  • Hangman — guess the other player's word before the hangman is complete
  • The Alphabet Game — check off items you spy that start with each letter
  • Tic Tac Toe — three familiar boards for Xs and Os
  • Pipes — try not to run into each other as you draw lines
  • Dots and Boxes — compete to see how many boxes contain your initial
  • Make Your Own Game — a blank page to encourage extra creativity

The My Pocket Games is recommended for older children who can enjoy the games and was a huge hit with my eight-year-old niece, although even a three-year-old will love scribbling on the pages, as I found out! You might be able to direct a version of The Alphabet Game with a younger child as well.

We were able to test out both of these items in extreme conditions: namely, a beach vacation where it rained pretty much the whole week. Mikko used the I Spy Sensory Stick on the airplane, and both he and my niece used it in the cottage where we were marooned. In a restaurant with a looong wait for service, my niece and I kept each other entertained with rounds of My Pocket Games, and since then I've kept it handy for Mikko to draw on at will. He gets a kick out of having a "book" to write all over. Either of these toys would be great for keeping kids happily entertained during travel, a stint in a waiting room, restaurant outings, public transportation, or visits to relatives who would like something quiet and gentle to do with kids, such as at Grandma's house. (At least, such is the case with Mikko's grandmas.)

My take on the I Spy Sensory Stick

My niece helped Mikko find the items in the I Spy Sensory Stick. I appreciated that the stick was an unusual shape for an I Spy game, which lent a fun new aspect. It's the right size and shape for a child's chubby fingers to hold.

The creator of the sticks uses items that are easily recognizable by kids including seashells, balls, animals, and shapes. Kids can find the items in random order or make the fun more challenging by trying to find the items in the order listed on the attached card.

You can give your kids extra challenges by removing the laminated card and asking them to find certain items listed, or make it even tougher by encouraging them to seek out a triangle, something that's orange, or something that starts with the letter C.

"The I Spy Sensory Stick provides opportunities to practice fine motor skills, word recognition, auditory processing, reading and building attention span. The sounds created as children shake, twist, and turn the tube are fun and engaging."

The only problem I had with our stick was sometimes the items inside got "stuck" a particular way, such as face-down, and I wasn't able to easily shake them back upright. I wonder if ours would have been a little easier with fewer beads, in that case, so that the items could move more freely. It didn't seem to bother the kids, though!

I really like the bright and bold objects that are hidden within. They're easy enough for even young children to identify. And the sound the stick makes as you shake it around is soothing. Games like this build attention span and observational skills, and I'm all over that.

My take on the My Pocket Games


Mikko and my niece stay happy at the restaurant where no one wanted to bring our food.


My niece schools me in a game of Dots and Boxes.


I really enjoyed the My Pocket Games and think they'd be a great resource to slip into a purse, tote bag, or, well, pocket! The games are fun ones my mom always used to bust out on a napkin when we were bored waiting somewhere, so to have them pre-printed and laminated is such a convenience — plus, you don't have to remember the rules, because they're printed right there!

The marker is attached to the ring by its cap, so you don't have to remember to bring a pen, and we had no problems wiping the marks off after finishing a game.

I think elementary-age children through adults could be satisfactorily amused by My Pocket Games throughout a nice long wait!


BUY IT!



You can buy My Pocket Games or I Spy Sensory Sticks online from the Grow Smart Games Etsy shop.

My Pocket Games come in different colors and sell for $5.50 for one, or $10 for two. They would be a great little present to slip into a stocking or as a bonus inside a larger package. Shipping is $1.75 for one to US or Canada or $0.50 with an additional item.

An I Spy Sensory Stick costs $8. Shipping is $3 for one to US or $3.25 to Canada or $1.25 to either with an additional item. An I Spy Sensory Stick would also be a fun stocking surprise!


WIN IT!


For your own chance to win either a My Pocket Games or an I Spy Sensory Stick from Grow Smart Games, A Prizey Pick buttonenter in the comments below! Contest is open to U.S. and Canada.

MAIN ENTRY: Visit the Grow Smart Games shop on Etsy and tell me whether you'll pick the My Pocket Games or I Spy Sensory Stick if you win!

Leave an email address in at least one of your comments if it's not clearly visible on your profile or linked web page so I can contact you if you win. (You can write it like this to foil spambots: mail {at} hobomama {dot} com or similar.)

This is a joint giveaway with Hobo Mama Reviews and Natural Parents Network, a new site co-founded by Lauren of Hobo Mama & Dionna of Code Name: Mama and intending to bring together those interested in attachment parenting and a natural lifestyle. You may enter at one site only, and we'll be recording IP addresses to ensure that there are no duplicate entries. That said, please do check out and enjoy both sites!


BONUS ENTRIES, to increase your chance of winning (leave a separate comment for each so I can count them all):

RULES:
  • Contest open to United States and Canadian mailing addresses only.
  • Contestants may enter at either Hobo Mama Reviews or Natural Parents Network but not both. Entries will be combined for the drawing of a single winner.
  • Leave each entry as a separate comment so I can count them all.
  • For actions like following and subscribing, if you already follow or subscribe, just let me know in your comment.
  • For tasks that garner you multiple entries, you can copy and paste the comment with a #1, #2, etc.
  • You don't have to do any of the bonus entries, but you do have to complete the first mandatory one.
  • I will pick the winner through Random.org after the contest closes and send an email notification. Leave an email address in your comment if it's not clearly visible on your profile or linked web page so I can contact you if you win. If I can't reach a winner or don't hear back within a couple days, I'll draw a new name.
  • Any questions, let me know: mail {at} HoboMama.com

Contest closes December 7 at 11:59 p.m. PST.


Disclosure: Grow Smart Games sent me a
My Pocket Games and I Spy Sensory Stick for review.
I try to seek out only products I think you would find
relevant and useful to your life as a natural parent.
If I don't like a product, I won't be recommending it to you.
That's how I roll. See my full disclosure policy here.

187 comments:

TopHat said...

I would choose the sensory stick! It would be perfect for times like lines at the DMV and airports!

TopHat said...

I follow with GFC!

TopHat said...

I subscribe to Nat Pat Nework RSS.

TopHat said...

And I follow you on Twitter (TopHat8855)

TopHat said...

Same with @NatParNet (TopHat8855)

TopHat said...

I like you on FB.

TopHat said...

And the Network as well.

Julidette said...

How cute! I would love the My Pocket Games for my family. Thanks!
julidette {at} hotmail {dot} com

Julidette said...

i like HM on FB.

Julidette said...

I like NPN on FB.

annies home said...

I would choose the my pocket games
shopannies@Yahoo.com

annies home said...

heart grow smart games on etsy
shopannies@Yahoo.com

Liza767 said...

I Spy Sensory Stick

Liza767 said...

Shop added to favorites

Liza767 said...

Item added to favorites

Liza767 said...

my 10 yr old son

Liza767 said...

GFC follower

Liza767 said...

network follower

Liza767 said...

get emails

Family Ties said...

I'd pick the my pocket games

Family Ties said...

I hearted Grow Smart Games on Etsy

Family Ties said...

Follow through Google Reader

Family Ties said...

Follow on Twitter

Domestic Diva said...

I'd choose an sensory stick. Great stuff!

Melissa Taylor said...

meltay at comcast.net
I love both but I guess I'd go for the Pocket Games

Melissa Taylor said...

Twitter follower @imaginationsoup

:)

Melissa Taylor said...

hearted on Etsy - I'm meltay.

Nancy said...

like the sensory stick :)
good ideas!
thanks

Unknown said...

I would choose the I-spy Stick

danellejohns at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I hearted on Etsy-danellejohns

danellejohns at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I hearted the I Spy Sensory Stick with Red endcaps-danellejohns

danellejohns at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I would be giving it to my baby boy for Christmas. And again I am sure that his brothers and sister will play with it too.

danellejohns at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I follow you publicly via GFC-DanelleJohnson
danellejohns at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I follow you publicly via GFC-DanelleJohnson
danellejohns at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I follow via feed GoogleReader

and comment 35 was for HoboMama

danellejohns at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I am an email subscriber danellejohns at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I am an email subscriber to HoboMama

danellejohns at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I follow HoboMama via feed GoogleReader
danellejohns at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I am an email subscriber of Nat Parent

danellejohns at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I follow/like you on Twitter-DanelleJohns(Danelle)
danellejohns at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I follow/like NatPar on Twitter-DanelleJohns(Danelle)
danellejohns at gmail dot com

Unknown said...

I follow/like Nat Par on FB-DanelleJohns
danellejohns at gmail dot com

Momma Jorje said...

I would totally love to have the I Spy Sensory Stick (not the holiday themed one)!

I already like HM & NPN on FB. I am also subscribed to HM. I probably do other things on the list, but there you have it. Plus you have ways to contact me already. :-)

I don't know if you can see the pic well enough, but check out Learn With Nemo [With Wondertube] - my brother got this book for my daughter. It has paper pages (so she can't be left alone with the book), but it has a tube-shaped I Spy style tube at the top with items that relate to the story. You can spin it attached to the book or you can pop it off the book for a separate toy. Sasha LOVES it! We do too!

4babygem said...

I would pick the sensory stick. I've got 3 toddlers to get stocking stuffers for as well as my own babe so I think I would like to get a few of these as gifts for friends even if I don't win.

Miranda said...

I would pick My Pocket Games. What a cool thing to bring on a trip!

Unknown said...

I would like to win the MyPocket games...for long car rides for my two year old. LOL!

piano4praise at gmail dot com

Martha said...

i would pick the I Spy Sensory Stick b/c we love to play I Spy. (mavans@gmail.com)

mverno said...

i would like the my pocket games
mverno@roadrunner.com

Tessy said...

i'd chose the i spy sensory stick :)

tessyfishburn@hotmail.com

littlelatina said...

the stick for my son

Unknown said...

I'd pick the I Spy Sensory Stick. It would be perfect at the Doctors office or at restaurants.

appetizerforacraftymind(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

My daughter would play it :)

appetizerforacraftymind(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

I'm now following you with google friend connect

appetizerforacraftymind(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

I'm following NatParNet on twitter @buttonlove

appetizerforacraftymind(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

I'm following you on twitter @buttonlove

appetizerforacraftymind(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

I entered your Glitterful Felt Stories story + travel board giveaway

appetizerforacraftymind(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

I entered your Giggle Junction I Spy Bag giveaway

appetizerforacraftymind(at)yahoo(dot)com

pinkveganmiso said...

I would choose the My pocket Games


pinkveganmiso(at)yahoo(dot)com

jenn said...

Sensory Stick!

Sarah said...

I think they both look fun! I am torn! In fact, just changed my mind and wrote down something else! Sensory stick for us!

darlanpaulsmamma said...

ok this is a tough decision - i will probably pick my pocket games
melissa.barnes76 at yahoo dot com

darlanpaulsmamma said...

follow hobomamareviews on gfc
melissa.barnes76 at yahoo dot com

darlanpaulsmamma said...

email subscriber to hobomama
melissa.barnes76 at yahoo dot com

darlanpaulsmamma said...
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darlanpaulsmamma said...
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darlanpaulsmamma said...
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darlanpaulsmamma said...
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darlanpaulsmamma said...
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darlanpaulsmamma said...

follow hobo mama on twitter as lovinmykiddos
melissa.barnes76 at yahoo dot com

darlanpaulsmamma said...

follow natparnet on twitter as lovinmykiddos
melissa.barnes76 at yahoo dot com

darlanpaulsmamma said...

entered felt stories
melissa.barnes76 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I'd luv the MY POCKET GAMES:)

jmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com

Anonymous said...

Heart grow smart games on EtsY:) jmatek

jmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com

Anonymous said...

follow u thru GFC

jmatek AT wi DOT rr DOT com

The Brown Bunch said...

i would choose the I Spy Sensory Stick-my boys LOVE I Spy!

princessjen_7@hotmail.com

Keri said...

I would choose the My Pocket game!

Keri said...

I would use the pocket games when we are out at a restaurant. Great idea to keep the little one busy!

Keri said...

Following on Twitter as Craftsbykeri

erin, maker of chimes said...

I'd pick the My Pocket Games - Red - great backseat game for siblings

erin, maker of chimes said...

I'd let my little one and my niece play with it

mamipdx said...

i would choose the stick for my toddler.

shenais
divertida at fastmail dot fm

mamipdx said...

gfc follow

shenais
divertida at fastmail dot fm

mamipdx said...

both my kids would use it.

shenais
divertida at fastmail dot fm

mamipdx said...

twitter follow @mamipdx

shenais
divertida at fastmail dot fm

clenahan said...

Tough question as I love both! I think if I need to make a decision, I will take the sensory stick:)

herent said...

I would choose one of the my pocket games, my 8 year old and 3 year old could both enjoy it.
thanks,
Heather
herent@comcast.net

Pickled Pandas said...

pickledpandasATgmailDOTcom

Sensory stick, most definitely!

Pickled Pandas said...

pickledpandasATgmailDOTcom

I hearted her shop on etsy (my username is dierdrelefae)

Pickled Pandas said...

pickledpandasATgmailDOTcom

my sons would use it!

Mrs. Olsen said...

I'd choose the I Spy Stick. I really like the games but they are still a little too advanced for my girls. rebolsen at gmail dot com

Mrs. Olsen said...

I hearted the Sensory Sticks as Charming Violet. rebolsen at gmail dot com

Mrs. Olsen said...

I hearted Grow Smart Games as Charming Violet. rebolsen at gmail dot com

Mrs. Olsen said...

My daughter 3 year old daughter will use this.

Anonymous said...

I would select the sensory stick! kimbarsness(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Love the pocket games!!! trishbazin(@)yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I would love to have this for my two daughters I think that it would be a lifesaver while waiting at drs.
trishbazin(at)yahoo.com

very married said...

ms(dot)verymarried(at)gmail(dot)com

I would def pick the my pocket games!

very married said...

ms(dot)verymarried(at)gmail(dot)com

this would go to my little brothers!

very married said...

ms(dot)verymarried(at)gmail(dot)com

i favorited! (username: pixyfairy)

Becky said...

My 16-month-old daughter would be entertained by the I Spy Stick for a while. I love the cards, but don't want to wait until she's old enough to enjoy them! bluemelon1@yahoo.com

Becky said...

Following Hobo Mama Reviews on Google Friend Connect

Becky said...

Subscribed to Hobo Mama Reviews on RSS feed

Becky said...

Following HoboMama.com on Google Friend Connect

Becky said...

Subscribed to HoboMama.com on RSS feed

Becky said...

"Liked" Hobo Mama on Facebook

Becky said...

Entered to win Giggle Junction I Spy Bag

Becky said...

Entered to win Glitterful Felt Story and Travel Board

Becky said...

Put button (HoboMama) on my blog, #1

Becky said...

Put button (HoboMama) on my blog, #2

Becky said...

Added HoboMama.com on my text blogroll, #1

Becky said...

Added HoboMama.com on my text blogroll, #2

AEK said...

I would choose the sensory stick.
Thanks!
angiedkelly at gmail dot com

AEK said...

Hearted their shop on etsy under dunkel99

AEK said...

Hearted the Christmas sensory stick on etsy under dunkel99

AEK said...

My two daughters (6 and 1) will be clamoring over this!

AEK said...

Follow you publicly via GFC

AEK said...

follow HoboMama via GFC

AEK said...

Follow you on twitter @queenofthesnot

AEK said...

Follow @NatParNet on twitter @queenofthesnot

AEK said...

http://twitter.com/#!/queenofthesnot/status/10167858386440193

Abi said...

I would choose the i spy stick. What a great product. Thanks for sharing.
havenera at gmail dot com

lolamichele said...

I would definitely pick the i spy game.

boswife @ gmail . com

One with many names said...

I would select the pocket games options for sure, my daughter would love those!

One with many names said...

I hearted them on etsy, my etsy username is twopeasinapie

my email is jinxies2010 at yahoo.com

One with many names said...

This fabulous prize will be used by my 10 year old daughter who has Asperger's.

One with many names said...

I now follow you in networked blogs! my facebook account is under my real name erica sonnier

One with many names said...

I now follow you on twitter from @twopeasinapie

One with many names said...

I now follow natparnet on twitter from @twopeasinapie

Jessica said...

I would choose the sensory stick!

Jessica said...

heart grow smart games shop on etsy
username: guihua
jessicatang90@gmail.com

Jessica said...

my favourite item on etsy shop
http://www.etsy.com/listing/61348564/christmas-i-spy-sensory-stick-great
username: guihua

jessicatang90@gmail.com

Jessica said...

would give my prize to my kids if i win!
jessicatang90@gmail.com

Jessica said...

followed hobo mama reviews on GFC - Jessica

Jessica said...

hobo mama reviews RSS feed subscriber on google reader - Jessica

Jessica said...

hobo mama reviews email subscriber
jessicatang90@hotmail.com

Jessica said...

followed hobomama on GFC - Jessica

Jessica said...

HOBOmama RRS feed subscriber on google reader - Jessica

Jessica said...

hobo mama email subscriber
jessicatang90@hotmail.com

Jessica said...

natural parents network subscriber on google reader - Jessica

Jessica said...

followed hobo mama on twitter
@hongdoufantuan

Jessica said...

followed natparnet on twitter
@hongdoufantuan

Jessica said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/hongdoufantuan/status/11132654317473792

Jessica said...

hobo mama fb fan
jessica tang
jessicatang90@gmail.com

Jessica said...

natural parents network fb fan
jessica tang

DT said...

I would choose the I Spy stick!

DT said...

My 2.5 year old daughter would love the I Spy stick. She would be the one using it until her little sister is older.

Anonymous said...

I would pick the sensory stick for my toddler classroom. It would be a great activity for when the children first arrive in the morning!
Zoe0825@verizon.net

Sarah M said...

I'd pick the I Spy Sensory Stick.

helpersarah2009@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I would get the My Pocket Games
veniceangel@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

My son would use this if I won!
veniceangel@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

I Follow @NatParNet on Twitter under childrensnook

Unknown said...

I Follow @Hobo_Mama on Twitter under childrensnook

ERocco said...

I would choose the I Spy Sensory Stick! I have a 2 year old that would love to point things out!

Julie L. said...

I would get the I Spy Sensory Stick. My 2 year old loves the I Spy books.
bixbyjulie at hotmail dot come

Anonymous said...

I would love the I Spy Stick. It's such a neat idea.
nfocon@hotmail.com

Made by Melissa said...

I would totally love an I Spy stick for my little guy!

madebymelissa at gmail dot com

http://madebymelissa.etsy.com

Made by Melissa said...

Added GrowSmartGames to my favorites

madebymelissa at gmail got com

http://madebymelissa.etsy.com

Made by Melissa said...

Hearted the Christmas I Spy Stick

http://www.etsy.com/listing/61348564/christmas-i-spy-sensory-stick-great

madebymelissa at gmail dot com

http://madebymelissa.etsy.com

Made by Melissa said...

Following Hobo_Mama on Twitter as madebymelissa

madebymelissa at gmail dot com

http://www.twitter.com/madebymelissa

Made by Melissa said...

Following Natural parents on Twitter as madebymelissa

madebymelissa at gmail dot com

http://www.twitter.com/madebymelissa

Made by Melissa said...

Following via Google Friend Connect

madebymelissa at gmail dot com

Kaye said...

I would choose the My Pocket Games.

Kaye said...

These would be for my son

kerismommy said...

I would choose the take along games. They look fun.

michelle said...

we love the i spy sensory stick!

michelle r.
heinzmom at hotmail dot com

Carolyn said...

I'd choose the My Pocket Games!

Thanks

Carolyn said...

The My Pocket Games would be for my nephew!

Thanks for the giveaway!

Kristie said...

I would choose the Christmas I Spy Sensory Stick if I won.

khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com

Anonymous said...

I would choose My Pocket Games for my nephews! Thanks for the giveaway!

Heather
liveinbohemia@gmail.com

susansmoaks said...

i would choose the i spy sensory stick if it won
susansmoaks at gmail dot com

Tylerpants said...

I'd pick a I Spy Sensory Stick for my son. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

Tylerpants said...

I'm a GFC follower of Hobo Mama. tylerpants(at)gmail.com

Tylerpants said...

Likes Hobo Mama on Facebook (Lisa L). tylerpants(at)gmail.com

Tylerpants said...

Likes Natural Parents Network on Facebook (Lisa L). tylerpants(at)gmail.com

Unknown said...

I will definitely pick the I Spy Sensory Stick - I've got a toddler who loves that kind of thing.

ohmiss14 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I <3 Grow Smart Games on Etsy

ohmiss14 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

I <3 the Christmas Sensory Stick at Grow Smart Games on Etsy

ohmiss14 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

My 2 y.o. son will be the recipient, but I wouldn't put it past his 12 y.o. brother and 15 y.o. stepbrother to play with it too!

ohmiss14 at yahoo dot com

Bakersdozen said...

I would choose the sensory stick. It would be great for car rides. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com

cman said...

I would choose the I Spy Sensory Stick.

cman said...

I hearted Grow Smart Games shop on Etsy, user name gkran.

cman said...

I hearted the Christmas I Spy Sensory Stick - great Stocking Stuffer, user name gkran.

cman said...

It would be for my twins :)

cman said...

I follow Hobo Mama GFC.

cman said...

I'm a Hobo Mama email subscriber.

cman said...

I subscribed to Natural Parents Network by email.