HAVE KIDS, WILL TRAVEL special event: I've been featuring a selection of special travel-related items for review that should make your next family vacation even more enjoyable! Today's giveaway is of a fun, kid-friendly suitcase that I've had my eye on for awhile.

Melissa & Doug are promoting fun and happy family travel for this upcoming holiday weekend. To celebrate they're offering my readers a chance to win one of TWO Trunki kids suitcases in the winner's choice of color, along with a saddlebag, tote bag, and 3 packs of decorative stickers — a $76 value!

The contest closes July 8, so enter soon!




I love the look of the Trunki suitcases and have long wanted one for travel with Mikko. You can see from the picture that they're fun colors and the perfect size for kids to pack their own belongings.

But the kicker is that kids can ride on them. You can pull the suitcase along the normal way (as a suitcase on wheels), or you can have your kidlet sit on it and pull both along behind you. No more dragging a tired toddler through an airport — or chasing a wired one! As someone whose families live across the country, I think this suitcase is a brilliant invention for family travel with the toddler through preschool crowd.

A big congratulations to the winners of the SafetyTat Temporary ID Tattoos giveaway — #27 & #61!

Christina Fletcher & 1955nurse

Christina F. says:

"These would be amazing for our son when we head over to England this summer. I’ve been wondering what to do for the air travel. These would be perfect."

1955nurse says:

"I learned that over 2,000 kids are lost EVERY day!!! (That's a frightening statistic!)

"I would use them on our Grandson on outings. Also his Mom could use them on trips to the store, etc. (Just in case...) Great product, wonderful giveaway!!!"

This was a joint giveaway with Natural Parents Network, so entries were combined and two winners drawn. Randomly, one winner won from each site.

The SafetyTat Quick Stick Write-On! tattoos from SafetyTat temporary tattoos are a sticker-like tattoo on which you can write your phone number. It can be easily applied to your children's arm, and it will stay on for at least 2 weeks — that way, if your children get separated from you (heaven forfend), they don't have to remember or be able to say their phone number; it will be printed right there to be seen by a helpful adult.

If you were not the lucky winners, you can purchase SafetyTat temporary tattoos directly from the SafetyTat.com website or from the list of local, online, and international retailers.

AND, just for our readers, SafetyTat is offering a coupon code!

Get a 10% discount off any order of $15 or more from the SafetyTat website by entering code HoboMama2 (case sensitive). Coupon is good through March 28, so use it now!

SafetyTat temporary tattoos is offering TWO of my readers a giveaway of a sample pack of the SafetyTat Quick Stick Write-On! temporary tattoos (the packet to the left in the picture below).



I was intrigued by the benefits SafetyTat tattoos provides when traveling or attending a busy place with your child. The SafetyTat Quick Stick Write-On! tattoos are a temporary sticker-like tattoo on which you can write your phone number. It can be easily applied to your children's arm or hand, and it will stay on for up to 2 weeks — that way, if your children get separated from you (heaven forfend), they don't have to remember or be able to say their phone number; it will be printed right there to be seen by a helpful adult.

I envision these being a safety measure for pre-verbal children, or children and others with special needs who might have difficulty recalling or conveying a phone number. You could also write a message about allergies or medical conditions. I'd love to have one of these SafetyTats on Mikko as we were going through an airport, sightseeing in a busy city, or visiting a theme park, children's museum, zoo, or similar crowded attraction. They would be an extra layer of protection before sending your child off on a field trip or camping excursion. It could even make things less stressful during a day of errands or shopping, particularly if you have a child who loves to run off.

This giveaway is now closed. View the winners here, and get a new coupon code! Thank you all 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 event: Through our most recent cross-country trips, I've been featuring a selection of special travel-related items for review that should make your next family vacation even more enjoyable! Today's review and giveaway is of an innovative safety-oriented product.

SafetyTat temporary tattoos is offering TWO of my readers a giveaway of a sample pack of the SafetyTat Quick Stick Write-On! temporary tattoos (the packet to the left in the above picture).

SafetyTat contacted me to do a review, and I was intrigued by their product, and the benefits it would have when traveling or attending a busy place with your child. SafetyTat offers temporary tattoos with your phone number that can be easily applied to your children's arm or hand — that way, if your children get separated from you (heaven forfend), they don't have to remember or be able to say their phone number; it will be printed right there to be seen by a helpful adult.

I envision these being a safety measure for pre-verbal children, or children and others with special needs who might have difficulty recalling or conveying a phone number. You could also use one of the tattoos with a message about allergies or medical conditions. I'd love to have one of these SafetyTats on Mikko as we were going through an airport, sightseeing in a busy city, or visiting a theme park, children's museum, zoo, or similar crowded attraction. They would be an extra layer of protection before sending your child off on a field trip or camping excursion. It could even make things less stressful during a day of errands or shopping, particularly if you have a child who loves to run off.

HAVE KIDS, WILL TRAVEL special event: I am featuring a few special travel items for review that I was able to use on my trip with my three-year-old son and eight-year-old niece this summer and another trip with my family in the fall. Enjoy these fabulous family travel products!

One of the worst parts of traveling with kids by plane is lugging the car seat through the airport. Am I right?

When I saw the CARES Child Aviation Restraint System from Kids Fly Safe, I just knew I had to give it a try. The company graciously agreed to give me a harness for review, so I was able to use it with three-year-old Mikko on our flights, both to the East Coast and Midwest, this summer and fall.

Why is CARES better than a car seat for airplane travel?

CARES is a special harness that's been tested and approved the FAA as being safety-equivalent to using a car seat in an airplane for children age 1 and older who weigh between 22 and 44 pounds and are no more than 40 inches tall. CARES has also been certified in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Switzerland, and Oman. See the FAQ for specific airlines that have authorized the use of CARES.

A big congratulations to the winner of the Grow Smart Games giveaway for a My Pocket Games or I Spy Sensory Stick — #178!

Tylerpants

Tylerpants says:

"I'd pick an I Spy Sensory Stick for my son."

This was a joint giveaway with Natural Parents Network, so entries were combined and one winner drawn. Tylerpants entered at Hobo Mama Reviews.

Grow Smart Games is a wonderful Etsy shop that exclusively features these two fun and entertaining, hand-crafted toys: an I Spy Sensory Stick, which is a tubular spin on the I-spy classic, and My Pocket Games, travel-friendly laminated cards with several familiar games, like Hangman and The Alphabet Game. Both toys 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 were not the lucky winner, 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!

A big congratulations to the winner of the Glitterful Felt Stories giveaway of a felt story + portable travel board — #82!

Michelle at Best Toys for Toddlers

Michelle says:

"We are right now reading this story at least 3 times a day. This would be a cool addition."

This was a joint giveaway with Natural Parents Network, so entries were combined and one winner drawn. Michelle entered at Hobo Mama Reviews.

Glitterful Felt Stories features incredible hand-crafted felt boards and story characters that are sure to spark your child's imagination. The felt characters from children's literature and songs stick to the flannel board and can be rearranged at will. Felt boards make a wonderful tool to keep children engaged and happy during a long wait — such as on a trip, in a waiting room, or at a restaurant. They also make storytelling fun, because it brings the characters to life, letting you or your children "act out" the story in a tactile and visually satisfying way.

If you were not the lucky winner, you can buy felt stories and rolled travel boards online from GlitterfulFeltStories.com, FunFeltStories.com, or their Etsy shop.

Portable folding travel boards are $12 for the regular size, $14 for the larger. Aluminum and wall-hanging boards range from $14.99 to $19.99.

Felt stories generally start around $7.00 (although some are on sale for even less), and most are in the $10-$14 range.

Shipping in the U.S. runs $9.95 for a felt board, $2 for one story and $0.50 for each additional story, plus a $1 handling fee. If you sign up for the newsletter, you'll find they often offer shipping promotions and free stories with purchase. International shipping starts at $5 for one story and $0.50 for each additional story.

Be sure to connect with Glitterful Felt Stories to be kept up to date on new products and special deals:

• Subscribe to the FeltStories.com blog.
• Follow @glitterfulfelt on Twitter.
• Like Glitterful Felt Stories on Facebook.

From now through tomorrow, December 6, you can save 20% off all orders for giggle.com's friends and family event!

Shop giggle's friends and family event and SAVE 20%.
Hurry! Offer ends December 6.
Promo code INSIDER10 must be entered at checkout.
Some exclusions apply.

And, remember, you can get help for the holidays in finding the perfect gift! Just shop giggle's holiday gift finder.

I really like the products giggle offers and the philosophy behind them:

giggle isn't just a baby store: it's a new parent store.

We do the homework so you don't have to, offering only the best, smartest, and most innovative products out there.

At giggle, part of our job is making your job easier — not by offering every baby product available, but by offering only the best. We carry all your must-have baby items, pre-sorted to include only the most healthy, stylish and innovative products available — from fun, bright bedding and furniture, to gear, toys, baby care, cleaning products, and more.

I love that they have a lot of organic and unique items from smaller businesses that really focus on doing things well.

Here are some of those best-of-the-best products:

They're perfect for holiday gift giving, baby showers, or your own sweet family!



Long-Sleeved Lap-Shoulder Tee in Organic Cotton: Under a jumper or paired with pants, these cool little lap-shoulder tees are a great baby staple. They're also wonderfully soft and healthy, made from 100% organic cotton with no pesticides or chemicals used during the entire production process. 
In my experience, separates are sooo much easier than one-piece outfits for young babies, particularly if you're using cloth diapers or doing elimination communication. And lap tees are wonderful, because they're easy to get over those huge but fragile newborn heads. Win-win! Something like this, with some cute organic pants, would make a wonderful baby shower gift.


Here's a short-sleeved version with a kimono-type opening, so easy for dressing those floppy, chubby little newborns.


Felt Photo Pocket: Have those baby pictures ready to pass around at a moment's notice. This felt photo pouch holds 24 photos for a versatile way to share — especially if keeping a brag book current seems like too much work. And with its simple and sweet applique, it's also a great way to present a set of prints to a loved one!


The Family Book: What kind of family do you have? Big, or small? Messy, or neat? Whatever your family is like, you're not alone! This colorful book by Todd Parr shows all different kinds of families, including families with step-parents, single parents, and same-sex partners. But no matter how different they are, there are some things all families can agree on, and those are the things that really matter.


Babyprints Keepsake: Babies grow up fast, but this wonderful keepsake can serve as a permanent reminder of how tiny they once were. Using baby's hand or foot print, this kit will make a lasting impression! Why it's a giggle pick: This is such a sweet idea, we couldn't resist, and the kit has everything you need to pull it off!


giggle Better Basics Starter Layette Kit: Finding the perfect gift has never been easier! Chock-full of the things every new parent needs, this set includes two long-sleeve baby bodysuits, two hats, a pair of mitts and booties, and a bunny blanket friend, all in an adorable (and durable!) canvas tote. Why it's a giggle pick: We designed this line of organic baby essentials to be the perfect combination of quality and value!


Piddle Pad: The Piddle Pad makes every seat accident-proof. Much easier than washing the whole car seat or stroller, this soft, absorbent pad shields seats with a vinyl layer and even wicks moisture away from baby. The contoured design easily and discreetly fits every child's seat from newborns to toddlers. Accidents will happen, but with the Piddle Pad, cleaning them up is a whole lot easier. Great for ECing babies and potty-learning toddlers.


Taga Stroller Bike: Enjoy the journey with this combination bike and stroller. You and your child can ride to your destination together, then a 20-second conversion switches the bike to stroller mode so you can continue on foot. What a fun way to share together time! Why it's a giggle pick: Taga is a safe, ecological, and innovative way for you and your child to keep moving. Who it's perfect for: The outdoor enthusiast who wants to add biking into their fitness routine, or the car-free parent who wants an innovative way to get around. I have never seen the like, but I know we love our front-mounted bike seat. This is like a two-in-one deal!


Benz Bench: This kid-sized bench is an excellent way to provide extra seating and storage without the waste! Constructed out of sturdy cardboard (it holds up to 300 lbs!) and made from recycled materials, it's recyclable itself, not to mention biodegradable. It's easy to assemble and disassemble, making it an easy fit into anyone's life.
Let me repeat: It's made out of cardboard! And it supports 300 pounds!


My Green Dollhouse: A giggle exclusive! This stylish habitat is a fun and modern update to the classic dollhouse. And not just because it has a fresh, clean appearance in a contemporary brown and pink color palette — it's also eco-friendly! Constructed out of cardboard made from recycled materials, it's recyclable itself, not to mention biodegradable. Easy to assemble and disassemble, with a carrying case for portable fun, this dollhouse is an easy fit into anyone's life.


Ultimate Car Seat Travel Bag: Wouldn't this be a lifesaver at the airport? Juggling luggage, a toddler, and a car seat when you travel? Protect the seat that protects your child. When you're packing up the car seat to take on an airplane or train, this carrier will protect your car or booster seat's safety features (not to mention the upholstery!) from the perils of travel. Plus, padded backpack-style straps make carrying it along easier than you would have ever dreamed. Finally — one less thing for your busy parent hands to hold in the airport! The FAA recommends that children under 40 pounds sit in a car seat while flying, so don't skip the car seat, but do skip the extra effort!


Early Rider Lite Bike: Apparently, the hard part in learning to ride isn't the pedaling — it's the balance. Take away the distraction of pedals and gears and brakes, and you give children the chance to learn balance safely and at their own pace. This balance bike is a great choice for your kids' first set of wheels! You can start kids off early on this lightweight, pedal-free bike — as young as 20 months. And the adjustable seat setting lets you continue to use it all the way through age 4! This is a great value for such a high quality item, and it encourages the development of balance, strength and motor skills even in young children. I bet this could help even Mikko!


giggle Reusable Gift Bag: And to put it all in? Got a big surprise for the parents or parents-to-be? No need to struggle with super-sized wrapping paper: Just pop your present into this extra-large gift bag and you're ready to go. It's even reusable, making it the gift bag that keeps on giving! This bag measures 20" x 20" x 46", which fits bigger gear items such as most car seats and high chairs.


Shop now to take advantage of the sale, and remember you can get free shipping on certain essentials every day!