Playdate in a Box

Today on Mama Finds we feature Letitia Fox, creator of Playdate in a Box who is bringing old school play back for kids! Remember when we were little and actually played with our friends without electronics? As a mom of two children, Letitia wanted to inspire her kids to play with their friends instead of just watching tv (I’m sure you can relate!) It can be challenging to find interactive activities for children, so she created my new favorite  “go to” when friends come over: the Playdate in a Box! It encourages kids to put technology aside and use their imaginations! “My dream is to inspire children to use their own creative imagination – with a little help from my product – and make a positive difference in their adult lives,” Fox said.

 

“I was looking for  playdate activities for my son and his playmates that were fun and creative. I went out to the stores looking for something for 2 kiddos and I could not find it! So I created the Playdate in a Box. A themed costume playdate box with dress up and activities that keep the kiddos entertained for hours!” -Letitia, Playdate in a Box

 

 

“I am passionate about what I do because the boxes encourage children to put technology aside and embrace their own creative imagination and play with their friends. I am on a mission to bring old school play back for kids! Join the movement. #bringoldschoolplayback” -Letitia, Playdate in a Box

Currently there are 5 themed Playdate in a Box boxes: The Superpower Girl, The Superpower Boy, Pirate Adventure, Rockstar Diva and Rockstar Dude. Each box contains a “secret scroll” that helps take kids through an imaginative adventure, as well as costumes, stickers and markers with which kids can customize their playtime experience. The boxes also make great gifts and are ideal go-to playdate box for playdates! Here are the top 3 boxes:

Superpower Girls Playdate in a Box

 

 

Superpower Boys Playdate in a Box

Pirate Adventure Playdate in a Box

Currently there are 5 themed boxes and you can check them all out and order on Amazon (and the best part is they are available for Amazon Prime!!!) There is currently a discount promotion running now so order soon so you don’t miss out on this great deal:  https://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&me=A1YEWZI7AWX5OD&page=1

New box concepts are in the works! Follow on Instagram to see when new products come out: @playdateinabox

Build & Imagine

Today on Mama Finds we feature Laurie Peterson, Founder & CEO of Build & Imagine. Build & Imagine is an award-winning toy company founded by a mom who wanted to encourage girls to build… but turns out, boys love her magnetic dollhouses too! My son Carson absolutely loves his Fairytale theater set! It let’s him act out his favorite fairy tales or even make up his own! With tons of magnetic mix & match backdrops, costumes and props, he can entertain himself for hours creating his own adventures!

Let’s learn more about Laurie and what inspired her to start her company…

“Building toys have been one of the hottest toy categories, and I just wasn’t seeing a lot out there that is really appealing to girls. Those that tried were often doing so by taking their existing sets and turning them pink. I call it “Pink Think”. What I did is combine several things girls have historically loved. Build & Imagine StoryWalls are like dollhouse meets dress-up dolls meets magnetic building blocks. It’s not just building a structure, it’s building a story. By combining our illustrated magnetic panels to form dollhouses (and other themed sets) kids are developing foundational STEM skills like spatial reasoning, problem solving, and design.”- Laurie Peterson, Founder & CEO of Build & Imagine.

 

“I was one of the little girls who grew up wanting to be a scientist and got discouraged along the way. What we play with really does matter. Toys help to shape a child’s vision of the world, and develop important skills. By getting girls building, we’re opening them up to new possibilities.” -Laurie Peterson, Founder & CEO of Build & Imagine.

 

“Mompreneurs have a unique advantage in identifying market opportunities in toys and other kid based products. The last four “Rising Star Toy Inventors of the Year” (including me) have all been independent female entrepreneurs. By starting our own businesses, we’re able to go after opportunities that are overlooked or dismissed by the “big boys”. This is particularly important when it comes to transforming gender segregation in toys.
Malia’s House is our best seller. I think it really resonates with people that it’s a magnetic dollhouse you get to build a new way every time you play. And it’s super fun!” -Laurie Peterson, Founder & CEO of Build & Imagine.

 

Go to BuildandImagine.com to check out the different sets, and you can also follow them on Instagram to stay up-to-date with new products and promotions: @buildandimagine

Stoplight Golight

In honor of upcoming Daylight Savings Time, we feature Stoplight Golight! As most parents know, it can be so hard to keep kiddos on a sleep schedule. And just when you get them on a good schedule… BAM, along comes daylight savings! (Seriously, can we vote to get rid of this already? I’m pretty sure most toddler moms would band together on this one!) Thank goodness for Stoplight Golight!  The concept is easy – even for children as young as two! Red light means stop, Green light means go. This amazing product was created my two moms, Courtney and Whitney, who also happen to be sisters. Let’s learn more on how they came up with this idea…

Courtney and Whitney, co-owners/moms/sisters

“We started our business out of necessity. I had 2 year old twins and a newborn at the time and I NEEDED SLEEP! The easiest way for me to get some sleep would be to get my twins on a good bedtime, wake time and nap time schedule. Problem was they couldn’t tell time and quite frankly didn’t find the sleep thing as important as I did. One day, Courtney and
I were running errands with my kids. We were stopped at a stoplight and one of my twins said, “Momma, red means stop and green means go!” Courtney and I looked at each other and realized we could find a way to get them on a sleep schedule with it being fun for them. At that moment the Stoplight Golight timer was born.” -Whitney, Stoplight Golight

 

“Once we started implementing the Stoplight Golight, we found that toddler and kids enjoy “their” timer. They have taken ownership in having it on and it makes them feel more confident and in “control” of their schedules. The Stoplight Golight quickly became a tool for other tasks than just sleep schedules. We used it for teeth brushing, potty training, time outs, reading and homework time.” -Whitney, Stoplight Golight

 

“We are passionate about the Stoplight Golight timer because we know it works and it can help other families with their day to day schedules. We love the fact that parents and children love it and use it everyday. It’s like uncovering a great secret and you feel you have to share it with everyone.” -Whitney, Stoplight Golight

To learn more and order go to www.stoplightgolight.com and use code TIMER to get 10% off. Also, follow them on Instagram: @stoplightgolight

Auggie Froggy

Today we feature Kathleen, owner of Auggie Froggy. I love her shop so much because it is FULL of cool stuff for creative kids! My son loves pretend play, and her adorable handmade products let his imagination come to life! And since she makes all the pieces she sells, each item is unique and high quality…perfect for holiday gifts for all the little ones on your list!

 

“When I had my son I quit my job to be a stay at home mom. I started making costumes, a playmat, hats, and other things for him when I couldn’t find what I wanted. Every time I made something people would ask where I got it. Eventually I realized that other people were looking for the same things. I love finding cool fabrics and designing products which I think kids and parents will enjoy.” -Kathleen, Auggie Froggy

 

“I love how imaginative little kids are and I try to make things which feed their creativity using both form and function. I make aprons which have a safe cross strap design and are great for art, cooking, and experiments. I was looking for hats which are comfortable (so they stay on), cover the ears, and look cool, and ended up making my own fleece lined hats.” -Kathleen, Auggie Froggy

“Most of what I make is gender neutral, but I also try to step outside of mainstream gender roles. For example, I just made some hats that are pink, but with a fun robot pattern. I also have messenger bags with little girl superheroes. I know so many kids who love their own combination of things which might not be readily available. A girl can like bunnies and construction vehicles. A boy can like glitter and trains (in fact my son does). I recently made a messenger bag for a girl who likes purple and loves dragons. Custom pieces like that are so satisfying to create.” -Kathleen, Auggie Froggy

Wing and mask sets

The wings are cotton with a feather pattern and have elastic loops which slip over the shoulders and wrists and come with a matching bird mask. They are very versatile because they go over whatever the child enjoys wearing, they can wear them together or separately. The cutest thing is that every kid immediately starts flapping their arms when they put them on!

Crowns and magic wands

“I love watching a kid look at the available options and choosing just the right one. Kids create their own amazing stories using a dragon wand or a fox crown. I add to my shop all the time, and I love hearing from customers about what they’d love to see.” -Kathleen, Auggie Froggy

Messenger bags

“The little messenger bags which I make are about 7″ X 9″ and I made the strap adjustable from little kid to adult (every parent who has ended up carrying around a tiny bag with a fixed strap will like this feature). Some of the fabrics are suitable for kids or adults too, so anyone could use them. My son is 3.5 and he uses his to carry his lunch to school every day, but he has also used it to bring small toys along to a restaurant, or to show his stuffed animals the zoo.” -Kathleen, Auggie Froggy

To order go to www.auggiefroggy.com and use code HELLOMAMA when you order to get 10%off (minimum purchase of $20) until 11/10.

Also follow on Instagram to stay up-to-date with new products and deals: @auggiefroggykids

Pear Lane Comforts

Today we feature Kelsey Jones, owner of Pear Lane Comforts. Pear Lane Comforts is an online shop that offers adorable pillows and holiday items! Since I am currently designing a playroom for my son, I reached out to Kelsey and she created a beautiful pillow for my son that says “Where the Wild Thing Plays”…isn’t this the cutest!?

Let’s learn more about Kelsey and what inspired her to start Pear Lane Comfort…

“After teaching middle school English, I began staying at home full time with kids after my second son was born. We moved to NC for my husband’s schooling. I knew we needed a little extra cash, and I wanted to do something to keep me busy while my husband was gone a lot studying.” -Kelsey Jones, Pear Lane Comforts

“After thinking about what I love: home decor, holidays, and personal touches to the home, Pear Lane Comforts was born! I specialize in personalized and custom pillow covers. I love how individualized these pillows can be made, especially for wedding and Christmas gifts.” -Kelsey Jones, Pear Lane Comforts

Here are a few of the top items in her shop:

Advent Calendars

This advent bag countdown is a great way to celebrate Christmas!  Fill each bag (approx 4.5×6.5in) with goodies or notes as you count down to Christmas! It’s great for kids, families, or as a couple!

Pillows with Handwriting
“One of my favorite pillows are handwriting transfers. Customers send me a picture of a loved ones handwriting (usually someone who has recently passed away), and then I transfer it onto a pillow. The stories behind the pillows are so special, and it’s such a privilege to do them.”  -Kelsey Jones, Pear Lane Comforts

Custom Pillow

“I also love doing custom designs for customers. It’s so fun doing different quotes and sayings to reflect a customer’s personality.” -Kelsey Jones, Pear Lane Comforts

To order, go to pearlanecomforts.etsy.com and use code MAMAFINDS to get 15% off until November 1st.

Also, follow on Instagram to stay up-to-date with new products and deals: @pear_lane_comforts

Sarmon Designs

Today on Mama Finds we feature Sara, owner of Sarmon Designs. Her etsy shop features fun items like masks, capes, and other costume pieces that promote pretend play and inspire young minds to be creative! All of her products are handmade with lots of love and attention to detail. Let’s learn more about Sara and see her favorite products…

“I was teaching for years before having children and loved seeing my students enjoy learning and using it as a creative outlet since I’ve always enjoyed crafting and creating. Once I had my oldest, I began to stay home and sub only once in awhile. When baby 3 came, I needed a creative outlet and started making masks for Etsy. Soon it took off and a year later I’m a fully registered and CPSC compliant business specializing in children’s imaginative and educational pieces – with a few items for adults too! Basically, a creative bone in my body started it all!!” -Sara, Sarmon Designs

“Being a teacher and mommy to 3 little ones, I’m passionate about what I make because I want to see imaginations soar and play time to be back like when we were younger! From Story Starters to Hero cape/mask sets, purses, bedroom banner decor, doll carriers, animal and holiday masks, crowns and tiaras… each one brings so much joy to children and I love seeing that!” -Sara, Sarmon Designs

Here are a few of the favorite products in her shop:

Masks

They promote imaginations to run wild, and are so adorable!! Her woodland friends continue to be her most popular, but it’s so hard to choose a favorite (especially since she now has over 40 masks with her new holiday collections!)

Super hero capes and masks

My personal favorite is the Super hero costume set! My son LOVES dressing up as a super hero and practicing “saving the day”.

Baby doll carriers

With these carriers, both boys and girls can be like their parents and carry their own doll or stuffed animal with them around.

Toddler purses

“These are a lot of fun for my daughter and other little ones. I love seeing them in use – and have been told they easily carry gold fish, chicken nuggets, and coins!” -Sara, Saramon Designs

To order go to sarmon.etsy.com and use code MAMAFINDS to get 15% off for the next two weeks!!

Also follow them on Instagram to see when new products come out: @sarmondesigns

Little Fox Teething Jewelry

Today on Mama Finds we feature Hilary & Lori of Little Fox makers of teething jewelry that is totally on-trend! Their collection is based around neutrals and beach inspired hues, which makes each style so wearable. And babies absolutely LOVE their jewelry…the different shapes of the beads spark their curiosity, and the chew-safe texture soothes their gums. Hooray for non-toxic silicone beads!

“Lori and I became close friends when we both found ourselves pregnant at the same time, having our babies only months apart. As we began to dive deeper into motherhood and saw how much pain our little ones were experiencing we decided to come up with ideas to find them some relief but also something that was easy to take with us anywhere, as being a new mama we were finding our hands were always full. After a lot of (strong) coffee and brainstorming, we started to really notice how much teething jewelry needed a fresh, stylish approach, and how much our little ones loved the colours and textures.” – Hillary, Little Fox

“We absolutely love seeing how our jewelry can transform our typical ‘mama uniform’ of leggings and a tee, into a chic ensemble! Plus, it’s amazing to witness how babies are truly drawn to our jewelry – the different shapes of the beads spark their curiosity, and the deliciously chew-safe texture soothes their gums.” – Hillary, Little Fox
Here are a few favorite pieces right now in the shop:

Adao necklace

Oh the outfits you can wear with this necklace! Simple but elegant…you will love wearing this again and again. The Adao necklace is the perfect combo of wood and silicone beads for little teethers providing instant relief for their sore little gums!

Madeline necklace

The Madeline necklace lends a glamorous feel with it’s longer length, and classy-round beads. The modern, color-block design will have you wearing this with truly any outfit – and your little one sure won’t mind!

Georgie necklace

Inspired by mala-style prayer necklaces, the Georgie is free-spirited, boho-chic, and looks effortlessly hip. Plus, babies go absolutely gaga for the gorgeous hexagon pendant!

To order go to www.littlefoxteething.com and use code MAMAFINDS to get 15% off through October 15th!

Also follow on Instagram to stay up to date with new products and deals: @littlefox_teethingjewelry

Honeycomb Baby Goods

Today we feature Kim of Honeycomb Baby Goods. Kim has always loved design, photography and marketing, so starting a small business allowed her to do what she enjoys… while getting to stay home with all of her boys! She began Honeycomb Baby Goods as a way to solve one of the biggest problems she saw facing new mamas: teething.

“I am Mama to 3 boys under the age of 4. I am also a foster mom, so I have done the baby thing a few times, and I will be the first to say that TEETHING. IS. THE. WORST. Am I right? I had heard of these new mommy teething necklaces made with silicone beads that were designed specifically for teething babies, but I couldn’t seem to find anything that I would actually like to wear. I have always loved making things so I thought, ‘Why not make my own?’ I started researching which suppliers were safe and authentic and jumped right in. Friends started asking where they could get one and everything took off from there.” – Kim, Honeycomb Baby Goods

“I absolutely love what I do! Being a stay-at-home mama is such a blessing and so fulfilling, but I’m sure other moms can relate to the fact that it can also become a little lonely. I spend most of my days with 3 little boys, doctors, speech therapists, physical therapists, etc. So the fact that I get to connect with other moms and other “mamaprenuers” through social media or pop-up shops is so much fun. I love being able to provide other moms with cute accessories that happen to be extremely practical as well. Nothing makes me smile more than seeing other moms post photos of them and their little ones enjoying my product!” Kim, Honeycomb Baby Goods

Here are 3 of my favorite products and why I think other moms will love them too:

Mama Teething Necklace

Moms love these because they are not only cute, but SUPER practical! Throw it on anytime you’re leaving the house and it will keep baby happy and content while out and about. They are beyond simple to clean – just throw them in the top rack of the dishwasher! SO EASY!!!

Teething Ring

I don’t think that I am the only mom that gets a little tired of seeing obnoxious looking baby toys. These teething rings are not only adorable, but babies LOVE them. The constancy of the silicone beads and the wooden rings are extremely soothing for their sore gums. Just like the necklaces, they are dishwasher safe. Bonus: You can throw them in the freezer for a little extra soothing!

Paci Clip

“Not every baby takes a pacifier, but every single one of mine has. They are so hard to keep up with, especially when running errands or traveling on an airplane. These paci clips not only keep their paci close by, but also gives them something to chew on when the paci just isn’t cutting it for those new teeth.” -Kim, Honeycomb Baby Goods

To order go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/HoneycombBabyGoods and use code MAMAFINDS to get a discount.

Also follow them on Instagram to stay updated on new products and deals: https://www.instagram.com/honeycombbabygoods

Farm Fresh Felt

Today we are featuring Beth, owner of Farm Fresh Felt Toys. Beth creates felt food and toys to fuel your child’s imagination. These quality pieces are unique and just adorable!! Also all of her supplies are made in the USA (felt, stuffing, thread, etc) and are handmade by her…. so customers can shop with confidence knowing that the products they buy are quality pieces made to last! My son has some of her sets and as a #boymom let me tell you: these toys are definitely “toddler proof”!

“Before having my boys, I worked as a registered nurse and absolutely loved it. But after my first was born, I just couldn’t leave him. So I stayed home and kept really busy caring for our new babe and creating various baby items for him. Burp rags, bibs, blankets, clothes, shelves and artwork for his room, etc. When he was a year old, he got a play kitchen for Christmas. I searched for play food to fill it and was disappointed in most of the plastic food options. So I started creating our own! I wanted something soft for his little hands to hold and things that were safe if he happened to chew on them. It was so much fun creating new items and watching him play with them. Many of our friends and family loved our creations too and started purchasing our items. They ultimately encouraged me to open my own shop. I’m so glad I did!” -Beth, Farm Fresh Felt Toys

“Every time I receive a photo from a customer of their child playing with our felt toys, it puts a smile on my face and warms my soul. I know how much my own kids love to “cook” in their kitchen, and I absolutely love seeing the smiles on other kid’s faces too. I’ve had many people tell me that out of every toy their child received for their birthday or Christmas, our items were their favorite. Each item is truly one of a kind, making them the perfect gifts!” -Beth, Farm Fresh Felt Toys

Here are a few of my favorite items in her shop:

Set of 6 Realistic White Eggs, Sunny Side Up Felt Eggs With Carton

These farm fresh felt eggs were the first things listed in her shop, and they’re still her favorite today. Kids LOVE how realistic these eggs are. I think every play kitchen needs a set!

Pretend Play Light Up Felt Campfire Set

“I wanted a to create a campfire set to go with a teepee I made. As I was trying to come up with a pattern, my son grabbed a battery operated candle and said, “Mommy, this can be our fire!” Such a smart boy! 🙂 We created our fire to hold a LED battery operated candle so you can turn the lights off and have a truly realistic camping experience!” -Beth, Farm Fresh Felt Toys

Felt Food Grill Set with Hamburger and Hot Dog

This grill set is the perfect summer toy! Kids love to pretend to take orders and grilling up a custom hot dog and hamburger with toppings. Kids can get really creative with this set!

To order go to https://www.etsy.com/shop/FarmFreshFeltToys

And use code MAMAFINDS to get 15% discount.

Also you can follow on Instagram to stay up to date when new products come out! @farmfreshfelttoys