Tag: big kids

Disney Netpal netbook for kids unveiled

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Pink for princesses or sleek Disney blue? If you’re on the market for a kiddie PC, Disney just might have a kid-friendly laptop for your kid.

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That’s right. Disney, together with ASUS, have developed the Disney Netpal, which is described as a netbook computer for kids. Because it’s a Disney-themed computer, it features a Disney interface, dubbed the Disney Magic Desktop. It also features 40 parental control options, an 8.9-inch LCD display, Wi-Fi capabilities, Windows XP Home and of course, kid-friendly software featuring Disney characters. Kids can customize their desktops with more some of Disney and Pixar’s most popular franchises, including Cars, Club Penguin, Disney Classic Characters, Disney Fairies, Disney Princess, Vintage Mickey Mouse, Toy Story and WALL-E. The Hannah Montana and JONAS themes would appeal to the tween set.9

With its spill-proof keyboard (I so need one of those!) the Disney Netpal by ASUS was designed to be kid-friendly, in terms of durability and content permissions. The Disney Netpal features ShockShield data protection that is supposed to cushion the blow and data loss when the computer is danced upon or tossed off the couch for giggles.

The Disney Netpal, designed for the the 6-12 age range, will be available in late July in two models with prices based on features. Retailers include Toys”R” Us and Amazon.com, and will retail for $350. Some are calling this kid computer affordable, but I think affordability in this economy has a different definition for everyone. A few weeks ago, I reported about the PeeWee PC, but I’d be interested in comparing the two kid-focused PCs to see which has a better bang for the buck.

Sweet Shoes: cute and cool

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

If you’re into cute, yet edgy cool for the kid, I’d suggest checking out Sweet Shoes. Ok, so, nevermind that I just scored a pair of $5 lookalike slip on vans for the boy from H&M (seriously, check out their sale going on right now!), I love the look of Sweet Shoes. I spotted Sweet Shoes not too long ago while on the hunt for a pair of casual shoes. I love that all the little boy shoes all seem to be versatile for coordinating for day-to-day and playwear.
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The wave design in navy are perfect to pair with shorts, yet can be worn well with jeans in the cooler weather, too. Add the convenience of Velcro to a super cool design, Sweet Shoes are on our shoe-shopping list! What can I say, I love cool shoes!

Matthew Broderick guest stars in Cyberchase

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Matthew Broderick will guest star as the voice of Max in a special Father’s Day episode of Cyberchase, premiering June 19 on PBS KIDS GO!   In this episode, Hacker sets out to ruin Father’s Day while Max and the CyberSquad try to stop him.

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If you’re not familiar with Cyberchase, here’s this special episode’s description from PBS:

Cyberchase features a trio of smart, curious kids who outwit the dastardly villain Hacker (Christopher Lloyd) during his mad quest to rule Cyberspace.  With help of their bird pal Digit (Gilbert Gottfried), the CyberSquad uses math and brain power to foil Hacker’s evil schemes. This time, it’s the annual Father’s Day Parade in Tikiville, and Max (guest star Matthew Broderick) is this year’s Cyber Dad of the Year.  Max was once a schoolmate of Hacker’s – and continually bested Hacker in all of their endeavors.  Hacker has decided it’s time to get even. His dastardly scheme is to replace Max with a Max robot and make the robot do awful things during the parade. The CyberSquad must use number patterns to crack a series of coded messages sent by Hacker to save the day in Tikiville.  Matthew Broderick voices both the easy-going, likeable Max and the evil Max robot in this thrilling Father’s Day Cyberchase adventure.

Following the June 19 on-air premiere, the Father’s Day episode with Matthew Broderick will be available for streaming at Cyberchase Online and on the PBS KIDS GO! video player.

SmartyCard: earn while you learn

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

The end of the school year for many kids is upon us.  If they’re not already out, then they will be soon!  Ah, the endless days of summer…Some kids go to camp, some go to the beach, some go play outside all day and then, of course, they’ll play video games.  Hours spent playing video games won’t be so bad, especially if SmartyCard is in the equation.

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SmartyCard is quite simple: parents pay for the card (smallest increment is $10), kids participate in interactive online games, quizzes and lessons; as they learn, they earn. The rewards rendered are SmartyCard’s virtual currency that can be redeemed at online destinations like, ClubPenguin, WebKinz, Stardoll, or used toward Wii games or iTunes giftcards.  SmartyCard recognizes the importance of refining reading skills during summer break and has partnered with the Scholastic Summer Challenge, a program that encourages kids to read for fun over summer break.  Every Scholastic Summer Challenge participant who reads and logs a minimum of 20 minutes is offered free SmartyCard points.

Call it learning 2.0:  I love the concept of SmartyCard, and how it leverages technology and video games to encourage educational activities targeted specifically toward tweens.  I know plenty of kids who consider reading a reward in itself, so earning cool rewards will be like extra credit!

Wellness Wednesday: Yummi Bears giveaway

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

I’m bumping this post because I just added some pretty pictures and that they’ll be two winners! see below

yboboxbottleAs this blog continues to grow with leaps and bounds, I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you—my awesome readers, especially my frequent commenters.  All of you rock. And guess what, I’m not the only one who notices your frequent visits and comments on The Next Kid Thing, but so are many of the companies that I’ve been featuring.

I’m sure many of you remember the post from a few weeks ago about the Organic Yummi Bears vitamins by Hero Nutritionals. In case you don’t, let me refresh your memory:

Hero Nutritionals has recently added Yummi Bears Organics to their Yummi Bears Gummy Vitamins product line. The organic option is GMO-Free, as well as allergen, gluten and casein free.  The Yummi Bears Organics are manufactured with natural flavors and colors, too.  The organic product line is gelatin free and vegetarian approved, so parents, rest assured, there are no harmful pesticides, no insecticides, no growth hormones and no antibiotics added to the gummy vitamins.

Well, because today is Wellness Wednesday, I thought I’d announce another great giveaway!  Hero Nutritionals is generously offering a gift basket to one lucky Next Kid Thing reader.  Check out the goodies:

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  • Yummi Bears – Multi Vitamin+ Minerals
  • Yummi Bears – Wholefood (fruits & veggies)
  • Yummi Bears – Omega Fish Free
  • Slice of Life – Multi Vitamin + Lycopene Antioxidant
  • Slice of Life – Energy + B12
  • Slice of Life – Omega 3-6-9 Fish Free
  • With Yummi Bears Organics samples (which aren’t available until August)
  • Plus their mascot Oliver Bear

Seriously, what a great giveaway!

Want to win the giftbasket from Hero Nutritionals?

Visit Yummi Bears and tell me what product you’d like to try for your family.

For additional entries:

1. Tweet about this giveaway

2.  Share this post on any social networking site

3. Sign up to receive my updates via email.

4. Become a fan of NKT on Facebook

5. Tell me the name of the recently launched line of natural gummy vitamins for adults.

6.  Comment on another NKT post and get 2 more entries!

—>**New***Second winner!
Want to win 3 months worth of Yummi Bears?
Tell me your childhood vitamin memories. It can be funny, quirky, crazy…whatever! I’ll pick the second winner at random from the memory entries.

Want to know mine? Uh, when I didn’t like the flavor of my Flintsone Vitamin, I’d stash the uneaten vitamin behind the encyclopedias. (Sorry ’bout that, Mom!)

Please comment for each additional entry and good luck! This contest ends on June 24, 2009.

Want a chance to win a Spa Finder Giftcard or Hero Nutritionals goodies, among other things?  Be sure to sign up for their Sunshine Drawing!

And a big thanks to Hero Nutritionals!
************This contest is closed*************

<br /> The numbers generated by this widget come from RANDOM.ORG’s true random number generator.<br />

Flippin’ sweet

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

We have a blue rhinoceros hanging in our bathroom—a cute, blue rhinoceros to be exact.

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FlipperWe were recently sent a Flipper Toothbrush Holder to try out, and it’s been a fun accessory for our toothbrush-loving tot.

Our guy enjoys brushing his teeth so much, but he doesn’t get the importance of keeping the toothbrush sanitized in the bathroom or that you can’t clean the windowsill with it, either. In fact, he conveniently hides his brush in his toybox, or better yet, under the couch after he’s finished. (yuck!)

The Flipper has helped to remedy this problem. The animal-themed toothbrush holder wards off nasty bacteria, while the handy suction cups on the back provide an easy-to-find placement on our bathroom mirror. So, what was once a problem, the Flipper now makes for a fun addition to the little dude’s toothbrushing experience–no more playing “let’s find the kid’s toothbrush in the toybox” anymore.

Also, since we travel frequently to visit family back in Virginia, the Flipper is compact enough as a toothbrush cover, too. I’m all about multi-purposing gadgets!

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The functional toothbrush holder works well with standard kiddie brushes, but we just so happen to use the Hasbro Toothtunes at the moment. Because that toothbrush is a little bulkier, the Flipper doesn’t close all the way, but it still holds well on the bathroom mirror! It’s fun, functional and a great addition to our toothbrushing routine.

I bet kids of all ages and their parents would enjoy the functionality and fun of the Flipper Toothbrush holder.

Flipper offers various animal designs, as well as several other functional products. The Flipper can be bought at stores such as Urban Outfitters, Babies ‘R’ Us, Target and Amazon.

Update:  want a Flipper for yourself or your kiddo?  please use the code “next kid thing” for a 10% discount on their site!

Soft Spot for Real World Wonders

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Real World Wonders has launched a line of plush toys that also educate about wildlife conservation. There are currently 16 different Real World Wonders plush toys that are inspired by real animals from the Amazon, Galapagos Islands, North America, Arctic and Antarctic regions. Each character in these “gangs” comes with fun facts about the species and their habitats.

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I’ll always have a soft spot for stuffed animals, especially now that the little guy is becoming more cognizant of the many different types of animals. There are so many great plush toys out on the market, but Real World Wonders has a new take on things. My favorite has to be Ruby RedRed-Footed Booby. Say that 10 times!

Kido’z: Kid-friendly media browser

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Parents, did you know that a few years ago, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution declaring June “National Internet Safety Month?”  Yeah, me neither, but it’s so good to know!

As a mom of a toddler, internet security and safety is already a blip on the radar.  But as this digital savvy generation becomes parents/aunts/uncles, it’s comforting to know that educators, community leaders and volunteers are doing their part to safeguard our kids.

Key parts of raising awareness of internet safety are great tools and resources, namely user-friendly, innovative software that keeps you and your kids ahead of the curve, such as Kido’z.  Kido’z is a plug-and-play application and web environment that’s specifically tailored for relevant, kid-friendly content.

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Basically, after you download Kido’z, safe content geared to kids from 3-7 is at your fingertips.  Just a few of the many Kido’z features include, a kid-friendly browser that’s easily personalized, a tv interface where Youtube videos among others can be viewed and a customizable, interactive game center. As parents should, there’s easy accessibility for monitoring usuage.  The Parental Control Account is a password protected area where you can manage your child’s account and content.

kidozHas anyone had a chance to try out Kido’z?  I have yet to try it out, but it definitely looks like a colorful and helpful application that we’ll be installing sooner than later.

*Thanks to Mike B. for recommending Kido’z!  Keep the suggestions coming–I love it!

Rocking the ruffle

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Ruffles are a spring trend that’s overlapping into summer.  Nothing says girly quite like ruffles; it’s no wonder ruffles are everywhere lately.   And since summer is all about being fun and whimsical, these ruffle dresses from Baby Eggi certainly rocks this girly trend.

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Looking for a little more edge?  How about this butterfly dress featuring artwork by famed tatoo artist Mark Maloney and for the dudes, this Tee-Rex. (heh, get it? Tee-Rex!)

If you’re in the NYC area, starting tomorrow, Baby Eggi will be having a sample sale.

Baby Eggi sample sale
June 9-12
boys & girls 12 mos – 4T
Tues – Thurs 10:00am – 7:00pm / Fri. 8:00am – 5:00pm
141 West 36th Street – Suite. 1804 NYC
Prices:  $3- $15

*A big thanks to Brett for forwarding me the Baby Eggi email and reminding me of the awesomeness that is Baby Eggi.

Hot Wheels Battle Force 5 to hit full force

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Mattel announced several products to go along with the launch of the new series, Hot Wheels Battle Force 5, set to debut in August on the Cartoon Network.  The CGI-animated, Battle Force 5 is said to feature a team of drivers in super fast, super cool vehicles who must work together to save the Earth.

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The Hot Wheels Battle Force 5 line features a full range of toys including battle vehicles and figures, a vehicle assortment, a trackset and vehicle assortment two-packs with a DVD containing the first episode of the show. The full Hot Wheels Battle Force 5 line will be at stores in October 2009.  Activision Publishing will release a Hot Wheels Battle Force 5 videogame to Wii and Nintendo DS platforms this November.  Also be on the lookout for a litany of Hot Wheels Battle Force licensed products for boys including clothes, footwear, role play toys, graphic novels, skateboards, bikes dvds, watches and more.