gear – Page 30 – The Next Kid Thing

Chuggington Celebrates One Year in U.S.

January 18, 2011January 18, 2011 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Another train-centric show that we’ve been fans of since they chugged their way stateside, Chuggington, is celebrating its one-year anniversary since its U.S. debut! I shared my initial thoughts of the show from the beginning and we’ve been tuning in ever since.

As a Chuggington Conductor, it’s been really fun checking out the latest and greatest products. You think Chuggington had a good first year? Well, this Ludorum property is riding the rails steadily, so much so, they’ve launched a slew of cool toys, books and games. Be on the look out for my upcoming reviews and vlogs of the latest Chuggington goodies. BTW, apparently, you guys are big fans of the Chuggington vlog I did on the roundhouse because it’s received over 6k views.

In the meantime, if you’re around in a few minutes, join us on at 1 p.m. for a Chuggington Twitter Party celebrating their one year milestone! I hear there will be some cool surprises, so be sure to honk your horns!

Dinosaur Train Introduces New Episode and Giveaway

January 18, 2011February 1, 2011 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

It’s a chugging kind of day; I’ve got lots of cool train-related news today.

To start off, Buddy and crew are welcoming the new year with a new Dinosaur Train episode. The Jim Henson Company property that follows a Buddy the dinosaur, along with his family and friends on their train adventures, is chugging along with a new episode called “The Good Mom;” “Diamond Anniversary.”

In the new episode, Mrs. Pteranodon meets fellow mom Millie Maiasaura, who hovers a bit over her kids. The moms share some mothering methods in a play date at the Big Pond. And, Mr. and Mrs. Pteranodon decide to surprise each other with gifts on their anniversary.

The new episode can be viewed on PBSkids.com, so be sure to check it out if you missed it.

As fans of both trains and dinosaurs, Dinosaur Train, which airs on PBS, is one of our all around favorites. We’ve been tracking Dinosaur Train’s adventures way before the very first episode even aired. Dinosaur Train has been so well received, like many popular shows, licensed toys and products have followed suit. I love Learning Curve’s Dinosaur Train toys and can’t wait to see what’s up next toy-wise.

But toys aren’t the only Dinosaur Train products worth checking out: There’s a new line of pjs that are now available at Kohl’s, ideal for this frigid weather. The Dinosaur Train Striped Footed Pajamas feature a dinosaur appliques and a striped pattern, and I’ve got one to give away.

Giveaway

Would you like to win a size 3t Dinosaur Train Striped Footed Pajamas? Just tell me why you and your kid(s) like the show and comment below.

Want additional entries?

Tweet about this giveaway and be sure to @jenrab

Follow The Jim Henson Company on Facebook and tell them The Next Kid Thing sent you.

Comment on the NKT FB post associated with this giveaway!

Share this giveaway on any social networking site.

Please comment below for all entries. This giveaway will end 1/25 at 11:59 p.m. and is available for U.S. residents. All giveaway winners will be contacted via email, so please be sure to include a valid email address.

Celebrating and Giving Thanks to Dr. Martin Luther King

January 17, 2011January 17, 2011 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

On August 28, 1963, the honorable Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood before a crowd of civil rights supporters and admonished racial inequality, discrimination and social injustice. Dr. King’s 17-minute “I Have a Dream,” speech is perhaps one of the most recognizable public addresses that spoke volumes, and in turn, gave a movement even more momentum.

Today, we observe the celebration of Dr. King’s life.

Though every word of the speech has inspired generations, as a parent, this line underscores the significance of Dr. King’s plight:

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

As a parent to a multicultural child who is the product of an interracial marriage, I’d like to say, Thank you, Dr. King, for helping to pave the way, but we’re not all the way ‘there’ yet.

We’ve come a long way, much thanks to Dr. King’s efforts, but there’s still a long road ahead until we achieve his dream.

The day where it’s assumed that I’m not the nanny to my fair-skinned child, the day where I’m not greeted in Spanish by complete strangers who are unsure of my ethnicity and assume I don’t speak English (much less have a degree in it) or the day where our family doesn’t prompt judgmental double-takes while walking together in a crowded suburban mall, the day when crimes aren’t committed as a result of hate and ignorance…that’s when I know our society is getting even closer.

Maybe our kids will have a chance to experience this in their lifetime, but educating about the importance of equality is up to us just as well.

Today isn’t a day where our family will go ice skating to celebrate a “day off.” Instead, it’s a day where I hope to emphasize to my young child about the beauty of color.

He’s only three, but thanks to YouTube, we started our day by listening to the speech of “I Have a Dream.” If you or your kids haven’t seen it, then go watch and be inspired. (My guy insisted that the video’s black and white appearance indicated the beginning of his favorite movie, “Up.” Hey, I’m trying here.)

But I digress…

If books and dvds are more your speed, here are some suggestions for books and dvds about Dr. King that are worth checking out:

The Story of Martin Luther King Jr., by Johnny Ray Moore, is a board book that gives kids a concise primer on Dr. King’s life that’s easy for small children to understand.

The award-winning Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Doreen Rappaport gives kids a pictorial glimpse of Dr. King’s life.

Part of Scholastic’s Storybook Treasures includes March On! And More Stories About African American History on dvd. March On! The Day My Brother Martin Changed The World, the title story included on this dvd, is by Dr. Christine King Farris, who recounts her perspective of her brother’s legacy.

*And btw, another inspirational man who shares a January 15th birthday and moves mountains for family? My dad. Happy Birthday, dad!

KidFresh Frozen Meals: Convenient Deliciousness

January 14, 2011January 14, 2011 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

An advocate for helping kids make healthier choices, as you know, I’m always on the hunt for good eats. I’m not the biggest fan of “sneaking” veggies, making exclusive meals for kids, nor am I really a fan of overly processed food for kids. But in reality, if it works, it works—especially if you’ve got a picky eater.

Time is of the essence for all families, which is why it’s always great to have easy meal options or frozen food onhand. When you’re not feeling well, running late for that playdate or just don’t have the inspiration to cook, it’s nice to simplify life with a meal that takes little or no brainwork. The problem with many of those frozen foods, however, are the sodium and preservative levels.

And then, there’s KidFresh.

CES: Fun Picks

January 13, 2011January 13, 2011 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Even though I’m still reeling from CES, like many other bloggers and media outlets, I’m already fielding many exciting emails for Toy Fair events and booth visits. But before I can appropriately shift gears to Toy Fair mode, I have so many CES finds that I want to share.

Though there were hundreds of thousands of products being showcased at CES, obviously, not everything is necessarily family-friendly or geared to kids. There were, however, a good amount of products that are of interest to families who appreciate technology. Here are a few family-minded products that I’d love for myself:

Disney Computer Speakers

I spotted these Disney-themed computer speakers at a booth that showcased products designed by students from a Korean University. While not all the products are being marketed yet in the U.S., some products are in the process of being launched stateside. These speakers, I thought, were a modern, functional yet whimsical nod to Mickey and friends.

iPod Dock and Boombox

This M&M iPod Dock/Boombox caught my eye when I walked the floor of the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. I mean, who doesn’t love M&M—kids and adults, right? After I snapped a couple of pix, the reps at the booth stopped me from taking photos, so, unfortunately, I don’t have many details on the product, other than this. Still, what a fun idea for an iPod dock.

Asus 100P Seashell Netbook

Asus may have turned heads this year at CES with several new innovative products, but this hot pink textured Seashell Netbook definitely turned my head. Geared to moms and teens alike, while the stylish Seashell Netbooks aren’t entirely new, this line of netbooks has garnered great reviews.

The New Ford Explorer

I had a very cool walk-through with Ford on their Sync technology, the computerized system in the dash that allows you to do, um, practically anything. I’ll talk more about it later, but what I liked most was that the system leveraged the technology that you may already have within your smartphone. During my demo, they showed me how to implement Pandora through the car via Bluetooth and Sync. You can control Pandora on the steering wheel’s controls once it’s synced so you don’t have to fumble with the phone while you’re driving!

Aside from that cool tech, I fell in love with the new body design of the Ford Explorer. My family always had Fords growing up, so, naturally, I loved seeing the new body design in person, and envisioned carting around my own family in that sleek SUV. While I’ve been overlooking SUVs as a practical vehicle for our family due to fuel inefficiency, the V6 model of 2011 Ford Explorer is said to rival MPG of other conventional SUVs. Although, seeing is believing…

Special K What Will You Gain Tour Launches in NYC

January 10, 2011January 11, 2011 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Now that the confetti has cleared, the ornaments are packed away, resolutions and promises for change often mark the transition into the New Year. But what makes this year different from years past? For me? Motivation and discipline—two characteristics that I’m known to lose as quick as a tantrum rears its head.

For a recent assignment, some bloggers and I were tapped to help promote the launch of the Kellogg’s Special K What Will You Gain When You Lose campaign. In addition to conducting some interviews, I found myself perched atop a bright red scale in the middle of Times Square Studio.

Instead of releasing my own tantrum and running far, far away from that scale, I left feeling inspired—with a photo of me on the jumbotron as a reminder to boot.

In lieu of numbers, the bright red scale offered singular words, which served as gems of inspiration for people who seek change in the new year.

From interviewing a few women who attended the event to weigh in, I learned that positivity and encouragement can spark motivation and change.

The creative brains behind Special K’s Resolution campaign sought to harness emotional benefits and sincere reactions from “real” women. Women relate to each other, especially when weight management is concerned, and so, social media also plays a big role in the brand’s promotional efforts. Check out my interview with Special K brand manager Vivienne Edwards.

In line with sharing sincerity and the value of emotional benefits, Special K interviewed and taped several women’s reactions after weighing-in at the Times Square event,with the intent of using some interviews in an upcoming commercial. Some of the latest Special K commercials, which are already running, include “real” women and provide a genuine perspective of maintaining healthier lifestyles.

Catchphrases like Sass, Guts, Confidence are just a few of the gems that Special K hopes women will GAIN when they lose. I had the chance to interview one enthusiastic participant at the Special K weigh in, who genuinely embodied the emotions that the campaign was meant to evoke. Felicia was a breath of fresh air, a bright personality, and someone that made an impression. Apparently, the Special K team felt the same way; over the weekend, Felicia contacted me to let me know that she was asked to be a part of an upcoming commercial.

How’s that for some sass!? Congrats to Felicia!

Be sure to check out the What Will You Gain Tour on Facebook to “weigh in” and share/gain your own gems of inspiration.

Full disclosure: I was compensated for my participation in this campaign. As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.

CES 2011: Music Monday

January 10, 2011 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

CES, the world’s largest technology show, and perhaps, the biggest trade show I’ve ever attended, yielded a whole new world of experiences. The Consumer Electronics Show, which was held in Vegas last week, opened my eyes to the advances of technology and how it complements our families’ lives today and will change the way we tackle day-to-day activities.

It was such a cool experience to check out the latest tech firsthand, but it was unfortunate (and a bit ironic) that I was unable to get online as much as I would have hoped. Nevertheless, I’m in the process of uploading and editing the thousands(!) of photos I took of all the innovative products I checked out.

I’m still trying to organize my thoughts and ideas on CES, but it’s safe to say that tablets ruled the roost and manufacturers are continuing to ride the 3D wave.

Since it’s Music Monday, here’s a sampling of some of the coolest music tech I spotted at CES:

Samsung Galaxy Player

This sleek-looking music player is said to rival Apple’s iPod Touch. It’s said it will employ Google’s Android OS 2.2 Froyo, available in 8GB, 16GB or 32GB flash drives. It features also include SoundAlive audio enhancement technology, HD video playback, microSD card slot, a 1200mAh battery, Android Market and Samsung Apps access.

Sesame Street Headphones

I saw a wide range of headphones, including quite a few headphones geared to kids. Headphones can be used for a variety of devices, but music players, kid-sized instruments and for travel purposes always come to mind. I’m sure we’re not alone trying to rig adult-sized earbuds or headphones to work on the kid, which is why I loved these Sesame Street-themed headphones from DreamGear, and really love the rest of their line up of gaming and other electronic accessories.

Mobi Headphonies

I didn’t come home with too much CES swag (I tried to avoid accumulating more pens and unnecessary stuff at all costs), but the Mobi Headphonies that I came home with is probably my kid’s favorite thing right now. With most kids owning some type of electronic device, who wouldn’t love collecting these cute mp3 speakers? Headphonies, which variety of colors and characters, are portable, functional and collection-worthy. A funky sumo wrestler figurine might be quirky, but it makes us smile every time we hear the kid’s playlist coming from it. My next Headphonie will definitely be Hello Kitty!

Silicone Keyboard

There’s so much more CES coverage and finds. In the meantime, feel free to check out my photos on Flickr. The link can be found via the Flickr icon at the top right.

There were quite a few musical instruments throughout the four different halls of CES, and I spotted this super cool silicone and totally flat keyboard. I amazed at the design and at how flat the keyboard was, but also how it was composed of silicone. I have yet to get all the details of this keyboard, but expect to see another post on it soon.

NKT at CES 2011

January 6, 2011January 6, 2011 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Howdy from Las Vegas, everyone! As everyone was gearing up for the New Year and packing up their Christmas decor, I was fielding emails, setting up appointments and mentally preparing myself for the Consumer Electronics Show, the world’s largest technology conference.

What’s a blogger—more specifically, a blogger who focuses on kid stuff—doing at a tech conference?

I’m doing what most other members of the press are doing: checking out and reporting on the latest innovations in technology. Most importantly, what I’m here for, is to learn about all this new technology and how it intersects with families and kids.

This holiday season, I noticed that more and more handhelds for kids and gadgets lined the shelves of big box electronic stores. In the age of iPads and smartphones, apps help our kids to read stories, tablets are being harnessed for educational purposes and moms…well, we’re still doing most of the buying decisions, especially when it comes to technology throughout the entire house. It’s more than evident that technology is embraced by the entire family, with mom and kids influencing a good portion of the techy marketplace, now more than ever.

With CES officially opening today, I be on the look out for a superfluous amount of #CES tweets, my pictures on Flickr, and of course, some blog posts all about the family friendly tech gear that I find on the showroom floor.

Gift Glossary: Outdoor Toys

December 20, 2010January 3, 2011 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

First up on the Gift Glossary includes my round up of some of the most innovative outdoor toys from the year. Scooters and caster boards continue to gain popularity in this section, which is exactly why I included quite a few in our list. Other notable goodies include fun toys that have the potential to get a lot of play time outside from kids of all ages.

Whiplash Scooter

The Whiplash was one of the most notable scooters I saw this year. First spotted at Toy Fair in February (maybe you remember the video I posted over on FB?),

this scooter combined elements of a caster board and scooter, making it a versatile vehicle choice with a lot of twists and turns. It boasts speed and swift maneuverability, but for those with skill, the Whiplash can turn heads.

Pulse Slither

The Pulse Slither, unlike other scooters, has the capability to drift. Like its name implies, the scooter’s back end can drift in such a way that it slithers.

When first learning the Slither’s nuances, we found that the maneuverability, isn’t as smooth, but once riders got the hang of it, it’s fun to slide and drift around. Check out one of our kid reviewers take the Pulse Slither for a ride.

Zipfy Mini Luge

It’s snow season for many parts of the U.S. already, but I first caught eye of the Zipfy Mini Luge at the Discovery Store’s Holiday Preview this summer.

The Zipfy, which comes in a variety of bold colors, might be small in size, but its design puts speed on its side. The feet first design of the Zipfy, which gives kids an easier handle to break with their feet, was one of my favorite aspects of the mini luge, which is sure to be a staple for kids and parents alike. As with all outdoor sports like sledding, helmets and proper safety gear is highly recommended.

Little Nutty Helmets

With all these fun outdoor toys that made the list, how could I not include some stylish safety gear? Little Nutty from Nutcase Helmets are among my favorite, eye-catching helmets for kids.

All Little Nutty helmets comply with US CPSC Bicycle Helmet Safety Standards for persons age 5 and older. Who says you can’t be safe and stylish at the same time?

Ybike

Ybike is a new, 3-wheel balance bike that combines the basics of riding a bike–minus the pedals.

Preschoolers can scoot, navigate and “ride” on their own, which makes the Ybike a fun way to learn and implement balance. Made of a durable plastic that can seemingly take a beating from little learners, the Ybike comes in a spectrum of vibrant colors. Low to the ground, easy maneuverability and a sleek design make this balance bike an instant favorite for the preschool set.

Full disclosure: select samples were provided for editorial review. As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.

The Best of the Rest: Holiday Gift Glossary

December 20, 2010December 20, 2010 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

In line with me doing things differently this holiday season, I’m excited to announce this year’s gift glossary. Sure, most of you have completed your shopping list, but for those of you who haven’t, I’ve compiled the best of the rest. Consider this my round up of NKT’s favorite things with an emphasis on my own charitable initiative, which I’ll share about soon.

From Toy Fair earlier this year to all the holiday previews, we’ve tested and played with a lot of toys and goodies all year, I’m excited to share them with you in this gift glossary. Be on the look out for a few giveaways, but much more holiday cheer for a very deserving family.