Moose Toys – The Next Kid Thing

Grossery Gang Putrid Power Movie Debuts on YouTube and Fun with Grosseries

August 9, 2017August 9, 2017 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

The Grossery Gang is at it again, and this time, they’ve released a YouTube-exclusive film to showcase their grossness. In Putrid Power: The Grossery Gang vs. The Clean Team, The Grossery Gang takes on the new evil force known as the Clean Team. With Cheap Town under the threat of being cleaned up for good by the evil Vac Attack and his team of clean freaks, Putrid Pizza, Dodgey Donut and the rest of the gang must band together to fight the power of clean; to save themselves from getting mopped up by the baddies.

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We had fun watching Putrid Power and getting to know the Grosseries’ quirky characters through their video. It’s pretty cool to see the smelly guys come alive, on YouTube no less!

In honor of the 33-minute film release on YouTube, we had the chance to play with The Grossery Gang Putrid Power collectibles, where my guys were pleasantly disgusted by the various Grosseries. Putrid Pizza and Dodgey Donut were just a few of the guys’ favorites with Grub Sub and Crud Cake as smelly seconds. I love how some of the Putrid Power Grossery Gang collectibles have trash-stained Grosseries and shiny stain!

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In a space where girly collectibles and characters seem to occupy most of the shelves and screen, I love seeing that Moose Toys’ Grossery Gang is pretty popular with boys and tweens who appreciate gross humor!

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The Grossery collectibles are popular with my guys; they love creating a storyline and sharing/swapping Grosseries with each other. Beyond Grossery Gang’s collectibles and blind packages, Putrid Power also has action figures for more developed character play!

Be sure to check out Putrid Power: The Grossery Gang vs. Clean Team on YouTube.

Full disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Product and compensation was provided for this post. As always, opinions on NKT are my own.

Giveaway: Despicable Me 3 Toothbrush, Mineez and $25 Visa Giftcard

June 30, 2017 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Gru, the girls and the Minions are back with a brand new adventure in Despicable Me 3. The boys and I love the Minions and can’t wait to see this fun family film!

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Over the past few months we’ve had a chance to get a glimpse of all the new Despicable Me 3 goodies! In honor of Despicable Me 3’s release, we’re sharing our thoughts on the Minions Talking Toothbrush from Colgate and Moose Toys’ Mineez!

Always a fan of innovative gear, we loved taking Colgate’s Minions Talking Battery Powered Toothbrush for a spin! This cool toothbrush has power that will give freshen up the kids’ toothbrushing routine. My little guy loved the Minions that talk when you push the button. The toothbrush helps kids with easy commands and which area of their mouths to tackle next. It’s totally genius!

Our friends over at Moose Toys have these cool new collectibles called Mineez that fit into that blind bag toy craze. Instead of bags, Mineez are in a plastic ball for kids to collect. We scored one of the cool vacation Minions, complete with hula skirt. I love the affordable price range of these fun new collectibles from Moose.

And in honor of Despicable Me 3 hitting theaters, we’ve got an awesome prize pack up for grabs! Please enter below to win this fun prize pack!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

One (1) winner receives

•$25 Visa gift card to see Despicable Me 3 in theaters June 30

•Two (2) Colgate® Minions™ Talking Battery Powered Toothbrushes

•Two (2) Mineez Despicable Me Surprise Packs

•Official Motion Picture Soundtrack

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DESPICABLE ME 3 – In Theaters June 30

Full disclosure: this is a sponsored post. All opinions on NKT are my own. Thank you for always supporting The Next Kid Thing!

Top Toys of 2015

November 23, 2015November 23, 2015 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

From Toy Fair in February to recent holiday media events, I’ve been scouting toys and trends all year for The Next Kid Thing. I have several lists in the works, but before the biggest shopping day of the year kicks off, I wanted to share some of the coolest toys that I think might be the big sellers this season.

I put this list together based on the play value, my kids’ reaction, price point as well as accessibility. I’ve been checking out the toys’ popularity online and in person and have compiled, what I think, might be some of the hottest sellers this season. Some obvious picks did not make my list because the supply is more accessible or the price is out of reach for many people.

Keep an eye out for more of our picks. Until then, I present The Next Kid Thing Top Toys for 2015.

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1. Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train

This is the latest version of Vtech’s popular Alphabet Train. The multi-phase toy is intuitive and is perfect for tots who are sitting, toddling or already on the go. I love that this toy grows with kids and offers so many different types of educational play and function. On sale, I’ve spotted this great toy in the $40 range.

2. Bright Beats Dance and Move Beatbo

Beatbo first caught my eye at Toy Fair because of its bright and simple aesthetic. Beatbo dances, sings and has engaging educational games, perfect for curious toddlers. Beatbo can be found at major retailers for $35.

3. Paw Patrol Interactive Mission Chase

Chase has all kinds of features, making him quite the hot commodity. Chase is bigger in size and has cool details for making missions easier. Paw Patrol toys, in general, are popular, so make sure to pick up Chase before he becomes hard to find later in the season. This Chase is #1 on my little guy’s list.

4. Paw Patrol Patroller

This Paw Patroller vehicle holds 3 vehicles when closed and several more when opened, making it an ideal gift for Paw Patrol mega-fans. This cool vehicle has multiple functions and landed on several top toys’ lists, and will certainly be another popular toy this season. Head’s up: Target currently has a 20% off Promo on toys. Head to their site to take advantage of this deal.

5. Shopkins

Just like it’s been all year, expect anything Shopkins to be super popular this holiday season. Right now, playsets and blind bags are in stock, but expect anything Shopkins to be a must-have for kids who appreciate these super cute collectibles. I love this Ice Cream Truck!

6. Clever Keet

Little Live Pets have been a favorite for animal lovers, and Clever Keet is no exception. This clever guy can chat and respond to your voice. He dances and even rides his little cart.

7. American Girl Grace Thomas

The 2015 Girl of the Year Grace Thomas encourages savvy kids to pursue big ideas and embrace the business world. Available for only one year, the Grace collection includes an18-inch Grace doll featuring long dark-brown hair and blue eyes, plus several French-inspired outfits, accessories, and toys that reflect her interests, such as the premium French Bakery Set with more than 60 pieces.

8. Girl Scouts Cookie Oven

The very cool Girl Scouts Cookie Oven is making quite the buzz this holiday season. With this fantastic toy, kids can bake their favorite Girl Scout cookie flavors at home while learning how to bake.

9. Interactive R2-D2

With the upcoming release of the latest installment of Star Wars: the Force Awakens, it’s no surprise that Star Wars toys will be among the hottest toys this season. One toy that made our list of hot toys is Thinkways’ Interactive R2-D2. He projects images, turns his head while he talks, is voice-activated, among other cool features. With over 1000 programmable action combos, this smart toy will be a favorite for kids and adults alike.

10. BB-8 Sphero

BB-8 Sphero has been a hot Star Wars item since Force Friday earlier this year. This interactive droid is app-enabled and has voice-recognition, and has been dubbed the coolest Star Wars Toy by various outlets. Another toy that’s expected to be a popular multi-generational gift, this guy might be hard to find later in the season.

11. Lego Dimensions

Lego Dimensions joins the market as the latest toy to life video game. But this time, this video game has the clout of its beloved Lego franchise and characters to back up its foray onto consoles. From fun characters from the Lego Movie to classic superhero and cartoon figures, Lego Dimensions is already popular for kids and families. Since spotting it at the Kidz Vuz Back to School party, this game is #1 on my older guy’s list!
Head’s up: Lego Dimensions is featured on Target’s Cartwheel for 35% off for two more days, which makes it around $65. Combine this with an additional 5% off if you have Target RedCard. To compare: Toys R’ Us has Lego Dimensions on sale for $64.99 on Black Friday at 7am.

12. LeapFrog LeapPad Platinum

LeapFrog’s latest LeapPad Platinum has some of the coolest features yet. It features a faster processor and crisp screen. In addition to the popular LeapFrog games and easy-to-navigate interface, the LeapPad Platinum features the unique and cutting-edge ImagiCard technology. My preschooler is obsessed with ImagiCard and I appreciate how reinforces counting, colors, alphabet, as well as tactile manipulation.

As of today, all of these toys are available in stores and online. Be sure to take advantage of pre-Black Friday sales and coupons which are proving to be cheaper than schlepping out to stores in the wee hours later this week.

Stay tuned for more gift ideas with all of my NKT Holiday Gift Guides!

Trick or Treating with Moose Toys Trash Pack and Glitzi Globes

November 7, 2013November 7, 2013 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Halloween has always been one of my most favorite times of year. The crisp, cool air, costumes, monsters—oh, and the treats!

With two younger guys, we love getting all into the Halloween fun. I’ve made the boys’ costumes the past two years, and even threw something together for myself too! We went as a Star Wars-themed group with Biggie as Luke Skywalker as an X-Wing Fighter Pilot, the babe as Wicket the Ewok and me as Leia. We had a blast with it, and I’ll always have the boys’ smiles and laughter from the Halloween festivities etched in my mind. Having missed out on two Halloweens in a row, this year made it that much more special.

And speaking of special, one of the Halloween events we enjoyed this year was our community’s trunk or treat. Trunk or treat was a fun way to connect with our lake friends while watching our costumed kids parade around the parking lot. And once again, we teamed up with Moose Toys to hand out some fabulous non-candy treats. As superfans of Trash Pack and a new adoration for Glitzi Globes, I’m not sure who was more excited about our treats.

In fact, as our box of treats arrived, I immediately posted a Vine of the uber cool Glitzi Globes. I’ve been collecting snowglobes for as long as I can remember, so the concept of being able to create tiny collectible globes almost blew my mind.

It turned out, the Glitzi Globe samples that we handed out at Trunk or Treat were quite the hit. Several friends came by not two or three times, but as many as five! I don’t blame them!

The tiny glittery globes that are put together with a few drops of water transform into cutesy collectibles. Glitzi Globes make a fun activity and if you’re like me, they make for a fun new obsession. Like the big kid I am, I have my eye on the Mega Dome Showcase. I just need a girl of my own to help me out with toys like these! Or, I can just get them for myself, ahem.

Trash Pack are definitely a mainstay as well, so it was equally awesome to hand out sample packs of those too. Both boys and girls had a fun time comparing characters. And best of all, after all the parties and candies and trick or treating the kids did this year to make up for last year, it was great knowing that we handed out non-candy treats that we know and love instead of adding to that sugar rush.

A big thanks to our friends at Moose Toys for helping us spread the fun for a very special Halloween.

Full disclosure: we were provided with samples, but were not compensated for this post. As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.

Battling Trashies: Thoughts on UFT Ultimate Fighting Trashies

June 14, 2013 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

We’ve been playing with all sorts of fun new toys this spring, but one toy that has seen quite a bit of playtime for several seasons is the Trash Pack. I’ve talked about how Trashies have been innundating our home since last year, but with new seasons, brings new toys. Moose Toys recently introduced the Ultimate Fighting Trashies, or UFT for short. UFT is exactly as it sounds: they’re battling Trashies, complete with ring and launchers.

My first impression of this latest take on the Trash Pack line of toys: fun, quirky and cool way to further engage kids into the world of Trashies. I’m a big fan of the kid-powered launchers and the affordable pricepoint of the UFT set and add-ons. Having grown up in the age of Garbage Pail Kids, I would have never anticipated that my own kid would be obsessing over his own version of trash. Despite the fact that I’m constantly finding Trashies in every nook of the playroom, I do like these tiny toys and their collectible factor.

My dislikes about this set, I wish it came with a pair of launchers and while we’re at it, a way to organize all of these tiny pieces from the set.

Biggie and I gave the ring and several of our Trashies a try, and we’ve been battling ever since.

Check out our video that we filmed a few weeks ago.

You can find Trash Pack toys, accessories and UFT at major retailers such as TRU and Target.

Full disclosure: we were provided a UFT set to facilitate this review. As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.

Trick or Treating with Trash Pack and Blingles

November 21, 2012November 21, 2012 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

As everyone has turkey and stuffing on the brain, we’re just now getting Halloween off of ours. Thanks to Superstorm Sandy, a Nor’easter and the debilitating effects these weather systems left in their wrath, unfortunately, Halloween came and went for many kids here in the Northeast. And quite honestly, that was ok.

As more homes got their power back, families started picking up the pieces and normalcy started to settle in, it was the kids who reminded us the importance of resiliency. And for our community, even though Halloween was postponed twice, we got together and held our own Trunk or Treat.

Little monsters, goblins, Power Rangers and yes, even my Aqua Bats, paraded up and down the parking lot, from car to car, collecting treats galore. If I say so myself, I’ve always, had a blast picking out the “best” candy for my block, especially since we don’t get that many kids. I usually do the whole candy bars, which I always find on sale at Costco, but this year, next to my Snickers and Milky Ways, we had even MORE awesome treats: the non-edible variety.

Moose Toys, the makers of beloved Trash Pack and Blingles, among other fun toys, sent me a box full of Series 2 Trash Pack blind packs and Blingles to give out to my Trick or Treaters. Quite frankly, it was tough prying the Trash Packs away from my 5 year old, but after much convincing, Biggie ended up loving handing out the Trash Packs and Blingles packs to his fellow T or Ters. And because it was a smaller group at our Trunk or Treat, we had plenty of candy and treats to go around. As one of the little girls who came back for seconds, nay, fifths and sixths, said: “our trunk was the best stop of all.” Hey, we aim to please around here.

There’s much to be said about handing out fun collectibles that the kids already love. Trash Pack has been quite the sensation for school aged kids that I know; so, it was fun watching the kids’ eyes light up when they saw our stash to give away. As with most collectibles, these funny and quirky guys are conversation-starters with boys and girls alike. In this digital age, it takes something special to get these kids looking up and AT you, away from their digital devices.

In our house, the Trash Pack resides next to super heroes and My Little Pony characters. Biggie loves this Series 2 line of characters, and has already asked the Guy in Red for Series 3. As for the Blingles, in a house full of boys, I can’t get enough sparkle. I can’t wait to bling out whatever I can get my hands on; better yet, I can’t wait to share Blingles with my nieces who appreciate a good sparkle.

Many thanks to Moose Toys for giving the kids in my community a little more reason to smile after Sandy washed away our Halloween.

Shopping tip

I’ve seen the Trash Pack toy accessories and the DS game from Activision in my NKT research and shopping travels. At $14.99, the Trash Pack Mega Pack is poised to be featured as one of Toys ‘R’ Us Black Friday Specials per BFads.net.

Full disclosure: I was not compensated, but was sent product samples to share and give out. As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.