Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Alex Toys Giveaway

I'm sure everyone has heard of Alex Toys. They've won over 250 awards for their fabulous products and can be found on shelves worldwide. In 1986, they began their company selling children's arts and craft supplies. Recently Alex Toys has realized the demand for Eco-friendly products and has designed a new line of educational toys using recycled paperboard and printed with soy ink and water based varnishes.

Homeschooling a preschooler is quite different than homeschooling a second grader. Preschoolers have limited attention spans and aren't going to sit there and listen to a lecture about their ABC's or how to count. From what I've read, pressuring a preschooler to learn will cause them to show less enthusiasm. So if you choose to homeschool your preschooler, you need to make it fun, laid back and follow your child's lead. If they start to lose interest then switch to something else. Set small goals of what you'd like to accomplish that day and keep the activities short. Remember they can be spread out throughout the day and don't have to be crammed together.

We got to review the Monsters Play All Day Eco-friendly set from Alex Toys and it's been a huge hit in my house. The set comes with the Moody Monsters Matching Set, Cards, and Memory Game. So how are these games educational? They teach early math skills and logic. I'm going to talk about each game so you can see how.

The Mix and Match Puzzle Game has 4 monster cards where you can match monster parts to the body. For beginners you can just lay down the cards and have your preschooler match the heads, bodies and legs. This promotes logical thinking for turning the pieces in the correct direction- like the legs and arms and they have to match the patterns and colors. Once your child masters this you can make a game out of it. Each person gets a card and you take turns turning over pieces to see who can build their monster first. Ella loves to match anything, so this has kept her occupied for hours. Yes, hours.The Memory Game is awesome! This was my favorite game as a child so I was really excited to play with Ella. When we first got our set, I laid them all face up and had Ella match the cards to get familiar with them. This was great for working with colors and having her focus on the backgrounds to find the pair. Each card has a monster face with an emotion on different backgrounds. They are all fun colors and silly designs with the emotions written on the cards. After Ella got used to the game, we started out with 6 cards and turned them face down and she got it! Over the past week we've gone up to 12 cards.The Playing Cards can be used for numerous activities. The first game we played was Slap Jack. This was tons of fun and Ella enjoyed smacking the Jacks. When we would turn over a new card we would say what the number was, count the shapes and talk about the colors. They are large, child sized cards and come with fun Monster game instructions. We haven't tried the Monster games yet, but I want Ella to become more familiar with the cards before we try so she doesn't get overwhelmed.

Ella has truly enjoyed playing all of the games. The awesome part is that she's learning important concepts without being forced. This set has won the Preferred Choice award by Creative Child Magazine.

Want one? You can purchase the Monsters Play All Day set from Alex Toys online or a toy store near you for only $34.99!

The Giveaway:
Alex Toys would like to offer 1 lucky winner a Monsters Play All Day Set!
Rules: You have until 11:59 p.m. EST October 20, 2009 to enter. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced after they respond to the winning email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning email, or a new winner will be chosen. You must leave your email address! This contest is open to the US.

How to Enter: Visit Alex Toys and tell me another product your child would love! Click on "Comments" to leave your post. Make sure to leave your email address!! I cannot contact the winner without it!

EXTRA entries: You must complete the "How To Enter" before making any extra entries. Make sure you leave a comment for each extra entry and tell me which one.

2. Become a fan of Mkokopelli on FB, Mkokopelli on Twitter, or Follow my blog
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (on the right sidebar) You must verify and be active at the time of the giveaway- those who are unverified will become disqualified
4. Blog, Tweet or send a message on FB and leave a link here (3 extra entries)
5. Enter another giveaway I have going on and tell me which one or leave a comment on a non-giveaway post (1 extra entry total)
6. Become a fan of Alex Toys on Facebook
7. Follow Alex Toys on Twitter
8. Enter Alex Toys Ready, Set, Create contest for a chance to win free art supplies by October 15 (5 extra entries) details below and on their FB page
9. Grab my Homeschool your Preschooler Week button
Mkokopelli



The Alex Toys Ready, Set, Create contest:
Mom, we want to know: How do you encourage your preschooler's creativity? Send us 1-2 paragraphs about how you create an environment that stimulates your child's artistic imagination.

Tot: The proof's in the pudding! We'd like to see some original artwork by you that illustrates just what mom does to let your creative genius shine. Ask your mom to scan or photograph an art piece of yours. Whether it's a crayon-drawn masterpiece or modeling clay extravaganza, it's up to you!
The winning teams will be chosen by the ALEX Toys Arts & Crafts Panel.
The art submissions from all winners will be displayed on the ALEX Toys website (www.alextoys.com)
The deadline to enter is October 15, 2009. Winners will be announced by October 25th.
Bragging rights included. To enter:

- Become a Fan of ALEX Toys on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/alextoys
-Send a single email to contest@alextoys.com with a .jpg of your tot's artwork and your 1-2 paragraph submission.


The photo may be attached but your submission should be included in the body of the email with your full name, child's first name and age, email address and phone number. Children ages 3-5 are eligible for this contest. Mom's age may vary.

267 comments:

  1. Well their Super Soft Modeling Dough looks awesome...and what a cool pottery wheel! Thanks for bringing this site to my attention. I did not know of Alex Toys before reading your blog! I really look forward to my 2 year old getting into more arts and crafts activities.

    jessicabrooke@gmail.com

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  2. Would love the picnic basket. My grandson has been asking me for one, Im so happy to have found this.joyfulgirlnaturals@gmail.com

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  3. I'm a fan. Shelly Henley joyfulgirlnaturals@gmail.com

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  4. I subscribe to your blog. joyfulgirlnaturals@gmail.com

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  5. The Jiggly Piggly toy is so cute!

    chrisny2(at)aol(dot)com

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  6. I'm following Alex Toys on twitter @chrisny2

    chrisny2(at)aol(dot)com

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  7. fan of alex toys on facebook. Shelly Henley joyfulgirlnaturals@gmail.com

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  8. following alex toys on twitter. Jgnp joyfulgirlnaturals@gmail.com

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  9. entered your soft star shoe giveaway. joyfulgirlnaturals@gmail.com

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  10. I know my kids would love the Monster Toss game. They both hae mean arms and have pretty good aim, too! =)

    treflea4 at gmail dot com

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  11. I follow you on Twitter.

    treflea4 at gmail dot com

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  12. I'm an email suscriber.

    treflea4 at gmail dot com

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  13. I follow Alex Toys on Twitter.

    treflea4 at gmail dot com

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  14. I entered your Dreamsacks giveaway.

    treflea4 at gmail dot com

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  15. my one son was just telling me today how much fun he thought finger painting would be and I see they have some

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  16. http://twitter.com/cneiding/status/4674922812 tweeted

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  17. http://twitter.com/cneiding/status/4674922812 tweeted 2

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  18. http://twitter.com/cneiding/status/4674922812 tweeted 3

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  19. http://clarissaneiding.blogspot.com/2009/10/wall-decals.html have your button

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  20. My grandkids would love the Water Flutes -
    how clever!

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  21. I'm following you on Twitter (slmiresse)

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  22. I'm following AlexToys on Twitter (slmiresse)

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  23. I tweeted this giveaway. http://twitter.com/slmiresse/status/4681572741

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  24. Tweet (#2) http://twitter.com/slmiresse/status/4681572741

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  25. Tweet #3
    http://twitter.com/slmiresse/status/4681572741

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  26. My daughter would love "Ready, Set, School"...she loves to play school and learn new things.
    Patty
    stannseniors at yahoo dot com

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  27. Mixed Up - Friends with shapes and all looks interesting.

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  28. I follow Alex's Toys on Twitter

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  29. I've entered the Alex Toys' Contest! I hope I win both your's and Alex's. :)

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  30. I've entered the Alex Toys' Contest! I hope I win both your's and Alex's. :)
    2

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  31. I've entered the Alex Toys' Contest! I hope I win both your's and Alex's. :)
    3

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  32. I've entered the Alex Toys' Contest! I hope I win both your's and Alex's. :)
    4

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  33. I've entered the Alex Toys' Contest! I hope I win both your's and Alex's. :)
    5

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  34. I tweeted it: http://twitter.com/brownatural/status/4683787515

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  35. I tweeted it: http://twitter.com/brownatural/status/4683787515
    2

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  36. I tweeted it: http://twitter.com/brownatural/status/4683787515
    3

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  37. "Ready, Set, School" looks great

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  38. The learn to Write board is pretty neat looking.
    Rachskye at Gmail dot com

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  39. I follow Alex on Facebook
    rachskye@gmail.com

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  40. I love the Zoominoes. How great to ease the children into regular dominoes with you........that teaches them to count.
    gourdsrmylife at yahoo dot com
    Marj M.

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  41. email subscriber to Mkokopelli.
    gourdsrmylife at yahoo dot com
    Marj M.

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  42. My 3yo daughter would also enjoy the ABC Zoo.

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  43. I love the Make A Ruffle Rug
    USD$ 32.99
    silverhartgirl at gmail.com

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  44. tweet #1 http://twitter.com/phxbne/status/4689698875

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  45. tweet #2 http://twitter.com/phxbne/status/4689698875

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  46. tweet #3 http://twitter.com/phxbne/status/4689698875

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  47. READY SET SCHOOL!!! Vanessa.Iaquinta@gmail.com

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  48. follower on twitter Vanessa.Iaquinta@gmail.com

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  49. facebook fan VAnessa.Iaquinta@gmail.com

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  50. I follow your blog Vanessa.Iaquinta@gmail.com

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  51. email subscriber Vanessa.Iaquinta@gmail.com

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  52. I entered to win the Athena Tunic! Vanessa.Iaquinta@gmail.com

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  53. We would also love the Giant art box!


    Mdjdarling@aol.com

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  54. The Learn To Write would be pretty useful.

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  55. Twitter follower @getalonghome.

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  56. Email subscriber.

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  57. Would like to try their STring a Farm! thanks!

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  58. The kids would love the Happy Camper Chair
    copperllama at yahoo dot com

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  59. I am a subscriber
    copperllama at yahoo dot com

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  60. I am a follower
    copperllama at yahoo dot com

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  61. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE the My Wall Easel for my daughter as she gets older. Right now she LOVES to draw and paint. My lil artist.

    dropcqueen@Yahoo.com

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  62. twitter follower
    lgsmith09

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  63. facebook fan
    linda smith

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  64. entered imagiPLAY giveaway

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  65. My step-daughter would like the Giant Art Jar. Thanks.
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  66. email subscriber
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  67. I follow your blog.
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  68. I have the Homeschool Your Preschooler Week button up on the right hand side of my blog.
    http://heckofabunch.blogspot.com
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  69. The Learn To Write board looks great!
    katiekarr at gmail dot com

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  70. My kids would love the Sticker Factory!

    khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com

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  71. My son would also like the Play Mat. Thanks for the giveaway.
    maryDOTavingerATgmailDOTcom

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  72. The Color A Pony Purse Kit looks fun too! Thanks for the giveaway.
    Bridgette Groschen
    joeandbridge@aol.com

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  73. I follow, Fan and Twitter. Thanks!
    Bridgette Groschen
    joeandbridge@aol.com
    fb name: bridgette.groschen
    @joeandbridge

    ReplyDelete
  74. I subscribe to your blog by email. Thanks!
    Bridgette Groschen
    joeandbridge@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  75. I tweeted your giveaway. Thanks!
    http://twitter.com/joeandbridge/status/4823928864
    Bridgette Groschen
    joeandbridge@aol.com

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  76. I posted a link to your giveaway on my Facebook page. Thanks!
    http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/posted.php?id=100000184415722&share_id=158232085755&comments=1#s158232085755
    Bridgette Groschen
    joeandbridge@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. I entered your Mermaid Purse giveaway. Thanks
    Bridgette Groschen
    joeandbridge@aol.com

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  78. I am an Alex Toys Facebook Fan. Thanks!
    Bridgette Groschen
    joeandbridge@aol.com
    fb name: bridgette.groschen

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  79. I think my kids would really love the Rub A Dub Draw In The Tub. It looks like such fun!

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  80. I'm a facebook fan of mkokopelli.

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  81. I like the "In My Kitchen"

    ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com

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  82. I Became a fan of Mkokopelli on FB,on Twitter, and I Follow your blog.

    ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com

    ReplyDelete
  83. I Subscribe to your blog by email.

    ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com

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  84. I Entered the GlammaToys Giveaway.

    ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com

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  85. I Become a fan of Alex Toys on Facebook.

    ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com

    ReplyDelete
  86. I'm Following Alex Toys on Twitter.

    ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com

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  87. I tweeted.
    http://twitter.com/ShawnaMichelle2/status/4855479160
    Entry #1
    ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com

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  88. I tweeted.
    http://twitter.com/ShawnaMichelle2/status/4855479160
    Entry #2
    ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com

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  89. I tweeted.
    http://twitter.com/ShawnaMichelle2/status/4855479160
    Entry #3
    ShawnaMichelle@ymail.com

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  90. my daughter would enjoy Fashion Weaving Loom

    melissa.barnes76 at yahoo dot com

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  91. blog follower and follow on twitter s lovinmykiddos
    melissa.barnes76 at yahoo dot com

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  92. fan of alex toys on facebook as melissa barnes
    melissa.barnes76 at yahoo dot com

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  93. follow alex toys on twitter as lovinmykiddos
    melissa.barnes76 at yahoo dot com

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  94. have your homeschool your preschooler button http://makingitbydaybydaywithasmile.blogspot.com/
    and i do!!! yay!!!
    melissa.barnes76 at yahoo dot com

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  95. entered Greenbee's giveaway
    melissa.barnes76 at yahoo dot com

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  96. MY GRANDSON WOULD LOVE THE PLAYMAT. THANKS
    jan816@aol.com

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  97. I love the Picnic basket! so cute. Thanks for the chance.
    mogrill@comcast.net

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  98. The Monster Toss game looked like something my two grand children would love. I try to get new and different things for them at my house so it is special and different from home.
    jtckk@aol.com

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  99. My God-daughter would adore the Picnic Basket set.

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  100. Super Soft Modeling Dough - Basic Colors looks great too
    tvollowitz at aol dot com

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  101. My three year old granddaughter would the Dot To Dot Markers-she is crazy about art supplies.
    smchester at gmail dot com

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  102. I follow with Google Friend Connect.
    smchester at gmail dot com

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  103. I am now following Alex Toys of Twitter (ptowngirl).
    smchester at gmail dot com

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  104. The Monster Toss game would be something all of the children could play together.
    traymona[at]aol.com

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  105. my son would love the monkey balance board

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  106. The paper plate bugs are a great idea and something my children would enjoy working on!
    greenlancer at comcast dot net

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  107. The Wooden Stringing Sets - String A Farm looks fun!

    Tarah
    tarah716[at]ymail.com

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  108. The Learn To Write would be cool

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  109. I also love the Paint A Rockpet -- Turtle, thanks!

    Hotsnotty2@hotmail.com

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  110. My son would love the water flutes

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  111. Following you on twitter under juliemeagan. ao7577 at hotmail dot com

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  112. http://twitter.com/JulieMeagan/status/4902378995 Tweet 1

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  113. http://twitter.com/JulieMeagan/status/4902378995 Tweet 2

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  114. http://twitter.com/JulieMeagan/status/4902378995 Tweet 3

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  115. **Daily Tweet**
    http://twitter.com/joeandbridge/status/4907625629

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  116. Fingerpaints! Thank you for the giveaway.

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  117. No question-- my girl would love Princess Matching Game!! :) --Michelle, blogattoday[-at]gmaildotcom

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  118. I'm following your blog!! =D --Michelle, blogattoday[-at]gmaildotcom

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  119. I entered the EOS giveaway! --Michelle, blogattoday[-at]gmaildotcom

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  120. I like the magnetic boats in the tub

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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  121. I like the Learn To Write
    disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

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  122. Fan of Mkokopelli on FB

    disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

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  123. Follow Mkokopelli on Twitter

    disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

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  124. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  125. Subscribe to blog
    disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

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  126. Entered idbids starter kit giveaway
    disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

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  127. Follow Alex Toys on FB
    disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

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  128. Follow Alex Toys on twitter
    disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com

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  129. silly sandwich fulfam@hotmail.com

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  130. **Daily Tweet**
    http://twitter.com/joeandbridge/status/4954727634

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  131. JeansandTs@hotmail.com
    I think we would love to paint the "Home Tweet Home" bird house.

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  132. Please count me in. We would also like the Ark Desk.

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

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  133. I also entered the ImagiPLAY Counting Penguin Puzzle contest.

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

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  134. Cuddly Kids Lexie is another I'd like.

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  135. My son would like the pirate match it game

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  136. We would love the In My Kitchen set. yyeres(at)gmail(dot)com

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  137. would like to have the Farm Giant Floor Puzzle.

    clynsg at yahoo dot com

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  138. Blog follower

    clynsg at yahoo dot com

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  139. Entered the Mermaid's Purse giveaway.

    clynsg at yahoo dot com

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  140. My daughter is dying to learn how to knit. I would have to say Knitwear Designer would do the trick!
    cillymoo@gmail.com

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  141. I am a subscriber
    cillymoo@gmail.com

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  142. I follow your blog cillymoo@gmail.com

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  143. I am following Alex toys of twitter as cillymoosh
    cillymoo@gmail.com

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  144. I commented on your Where the Wild THings Are post
    cillymoo@gmail.com

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  145. I love the super soft dough and the cool pottery wheel. I always wanted one when I was little. Thanks so much for the giveaway!

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  146. My 4 children really like the Ready, Set, Art Table. Thank you for the chance to win the memory game.
    caitlin_melody@yahoo.com

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  147. I also entered the mermaids purse giveaway.

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  148. My kid would love the friends 4 Ever bracelet making kit!
    redhensbread@aol.com

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  149. My daughter would love the My Tissue Art Kit.

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  150. My daughter would love the Fashion Weaving Loom. She is really starting to get interested in crafts.

    ssovrnej(at)gmail.com

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  151. Tweeted
    http://twitter.com/Greatgiveaways/status/4990917493

    ssovrnej(at)gmail.com

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  152. I am following Alex Toys on twitter as Greatgiveaways.
    ssovrnej(at)gmail.com

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  153. Following you on twitter as ky2here.

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  154. Following alextoys on twitter as ky2here.

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  155. And here's a tweet: http://twitter.com/ky2here/status/4993087599

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  156. For some reason I think kids and parents love doing beads, I know it's interactive for me and my daughter so I'd pick the Jewelry Design Studio
    set

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  157. My boys would love the Bubble Beater With Bubbles.

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  158. I like the ready, set, art table also.
    jcristig@hotmail.com

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  159. I would like to win the mix match puzzle set. When class starts the first thing my son and his classmated do is to start a puzzle before going to other activities.
    rebecamrtnz@yahoo.com

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  160. I think my daughter would like the My First Sewing kit. Thanks!

    annettekz2@yahoo.com

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  161. I'm a subscriber.

    annettekz2@yahoo.com

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  162. My son would love the Tag-Along Tots - Aj. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  163. I follow on Twitter @couponlover16.

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  164. I tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/couponlover16/status/5001531584
    #1

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  165. I tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/couponlover16/status/5001531584
    #2

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  166. I tweeted:
    http://twitter.com/couponlover16/status/5001531584
    #3

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  167. I entered your GlammaToys giveaway.

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  168. I follow @alextoys on Twitter.

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  169. I think that they would like the Completer Cook Set.

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  170. Learn To Crawl Tunnel looks fun even for toddlers. Kids love tunnels and forts.
    dearandrea
    at sbcglobal.net

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  171. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  172. fan of Alex Toys on Facebook
    andrea brown bidwell
    dearandrea
    at sbcglobal.net

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  173. Follow Alex Toys on Twitter @dearandrea
    dearandrea
    at sbcglobal.net

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  174. He'd love String and Beep
    decadent87@gmail.com

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