Mattel's Holiday Toy List for 2016 is Hot!

   

Since the 1940's, Mattel has been a favorite mainstay when it comes to toys. Whether iconic brands such as Barbie & Hot Wheels, or newer brands such as Thomas & Friends and Mega Bloks, you're bound to have either had toys manufactured by Mattel in your own childhood, or have purchased them for your kidlets.

As always, Mattel's 2016 holiday toy lineup will rock many a child's world! Here are my faves from this year's list: 

Hot Wheels is always a popular choice, and this year is no different. The Hot Wheels Criss Cross Crash Track Set is a great way to get your willies out. With a relatively easy set up, you can quickly get to lining up your Hot Wheels cars, pitting them against each other to see how they handle the turns. Will they crash, or get away by the skin on their chinny chin chins? With more than 16' of track and 4 hairpin turns, each car will practically fly around the track at a high rate of speed, thanks to the motorized boosters. They will eventually crash at one of the crash points. Will it be after the first hairpin turn? The third? It's anyone's guess! This set is quite big and will take up a good chunk of space. It's about 2-3 feet wide on all sides, so you'd best be prepared to place this on the dinner table, or on the floor. Personally, I prefer the floor as the cars will sometimes come flying off of the track and if you've got hardwood floors, it may dent them. While the size may be a disadvantage to some, it's a plus to others. You'd easily have enough space for at least 4 kids to play with this at one time. This track set does include 1 Hot Wheels vehicle to get you going. It can accommodate most other dinky cars out of your child's current line-up, so long as they aren't too heavy or too wide to fit the track. There are also several parking spaces built into this set, which helps keep their other cars organized and out of the way. This Hot Wheels Criss Cross Crash track set is geared for kids 5+. Like the Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage last year, I'm sure this will be on many a child's Christmas list this year. Speaking of Christmas, be sure to pick yourself up 4 D batteries, which are required for this set. Unfortunately they are not included, and you wouldn’t want to be without them on Christmas morning. The Hot Wheels Criss Cross Crash track set retails for about $43.99USD/$49.99CAN.

The Thomas & Friends Trackmaster Sky High Bridge Jump is a unique action packed train set featuring Thomas pulling the biggest stunt of his life. Based on scenes from the Thomas DVD entitled The Great Race, Thomas races around the track & gets transported up the mountain by way of Harold the helicopter. He then makes a daring jump to the other side of the bridge at full speed! This death defying stunt is sure to impress the youngsters in your life. And maybe even an adult or two. Equally impressive is the size of this toy. It's huge! With dimensions of 36" tall, 105" long, and 28" wide, you will definitely need a lot of space to set this one up. If space is an issue, there are a ton of other Thomas Trackmaster Track Sets available to better suit your needs. This set comes with Thomas, Harold, and the track set, which includes the ramp and the bridge jump. While it does require 2 AAA batteries, it should be noted that they are not included in this set either. The Thomas & Friends Trackmaster Sky High Bridge Jump is geared to those 3-6 years of age, and retails for $99USD/$109CAN. 

Move over Super Man & Batman, the DC Super Hero Girls are taking over! DC has just come out with Super Hero Girls' dolls which give girls (and boys) a rockin' strong female lead. These Super Hero Girls are 12" tall and articulate into various poses, allowing for creativity and re-enactment of favorite or original scenes. In addition to articulating, they can stand up alone. I also appreciate the fact that they are dressed a bit more conservatively than some other dolls on the market. Not only do they come with fabulous outfits, they also come with some pretty rad accessories. Wonder Woman, as an example, comes with her Lasso of Truth, her wrists cuffs, as well as, her iconic golden tiara. For parents who grew up with the original Wonder Woman, one has to ask: Are you buying for you? Or for your child?  The DC Super Hero Girls come in 6 characters: Wonder Woman, Batgirl, Supergirl, Bumblebee, Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy. These powerful 12" ladies are geared to those 6+, and retail for about $19.98USD/$24.95CAN. They also have a smaller 6" version which retails for $9.84USD/$13.99CAN, if you are on a budget this holiday season. 

Board games are always a hit at Christmas and birthdays, and family game night is something that we try to incorporate as often as we can. This year, we tried out the Bounce Off game.

Bounce Off is for 2-4 players, and is geared for those 7 years and up. The concept of the game is to re-create the shape that is depicted on one of the challenge cards, by bouncing balls into the grid. When you successfully complete a pattern, you take that card. The first person/team to earn 3 cards wins the game.  This game is perfect for school aged kids, tweens, older siblings and their parents. My oldest was dying to get his hands on this game this year, and my youngest, who is 3, does his best to keep up, and loves trying to bounce the balls whether he gets them in or not. Bounce Off comes in two formats - the original game, as well as, Bounce Off Rock 'N Rollz. Rock 'N Rollz has a tray that rocks back and forth based on where the weight of the balls land, instead of sitting flat on the table like the regular version. Both Bounce Off versions retails for about $19.99USD/$24.99CAN.

In addition to these previously mentioned items, they also have other great toys in this year's lineup! 

From the updated Barbie Dream House that incorporates smart phone technology, to the interactive Fisher Price Dance & Move BeatBowWow, these are sure to make your child's creativity and imagination shine. And last but not least that’s definitely worth a mention, is the Gas Out game! See who gets gassed out first by Guster the Gas Cloud’s farts. Kids will be howling over this one for sure!

All of these items are available at mass retailers. For more information on any of these products, please visit Mattel.com. 

***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post. *****

Lightify - A Whole New Way to Light up Your Life

   

If you've ever worried about leaving your house in the dark while going on vacation, or wish you'd left the outside light on when going out for the evening, the Sylvania/Osram Lightify LED System will literally, and figuratively, brighten your day. If you've ever wished you could change the colour of your bulbs to accommodate any given holiday or festivities at the drop of a hat, you can do that too. It's pretty cool! 

The Lightify System essentially consists of special Lightify lightbulbs, known as lamps, and a downloaded free app on your smartphone or tablet. Powered by your Wi-Fi connection, you can adjust your light settings and turn them on or off. You can do this whether you are in your home, or anywhere in the world, simply by using the mobile app.

Not only can you turn them on or off to make it seem like you are home while away on vacation, you can also manipulate the brightness level as well. If you have a coloured bulb, you can also play with the colour of light emitted, and adjust it any time you want.  You can also control up to 50 Lightify light bulbs at a time, simply by using the app. The Lightify systems also allows you to utilize the bulb's special features, such as a wake up light, tricking you into thinking the sun is rising. This is particularly timely given that daylight savings time is about to end. 

Out of those 50 Lightify light bulb lamps that you could have, you can leave them as individual lamps, or organize them into rooms, or into other groups that work for you. This way you can control a bunch with one single flip of a proverbial switch. You can also set the colour that the bulb will emit individually, or in a group. For example, with Hallowe'en coming up, you could have one bulb emit orange, another purple, and so on. If you decided to, you could still use your lamp in the traditional way, manually turning it on and off, even with the Lightify bulb in it.  

To get started with the Lightify System, you will require a smartphone or tablet, the free Lightify app, an internet connection using a Wi-Fi router, as well as, the Lightify Starter Kit. You can then expand from there. The free app is available for download from iTunes or the Google Play Store, and will require a minimum of either an iOS 7, or Android 4.1 to function on your smart device.

As previously stated, the Lightify App is free for download. The Lightify Starter Kit, which includes 1 white bulb, retails for $54.99USD/$84.99CAN. Each additional Lightify White Bulb is about $29.99USD/$37.99CAN, and the Lightify Colour Bulb retails for approximately $39.99USD. The Colour Bulbs are just about to arrive on Canadian shelves, and so far, do not have a manufacturer's suggested retail price as of yet. If I had to venture a guess, I'd imagine they would likely be at least $45-$50CAN, per bulb. The Lightify system and accessories are currently sold in Canada at Lowes, Co-op, and some Loblaws company stores, to name a few. In the U.S., you can purchase these items at stores like Lowes & Home Depot.

While they are not cheap, they are innovative and definitely have a practical piece to them. Whether you had one bulb, or a bunch of them, there are so many ways to configure and utilize these bulbs. As a woman with a family, the best way for me to use them is to trick people into thinking we are home when we're away, and to turn on our front porch light when we happen to come home later than expected.  The packaging does indicate that they can be used in outdoor lighting, if the temperature outside is between -20°c to +40°C (-4°F to +104°F).

Like any electronic or device, there is always a health statement. These Lightify products are to be used with a minimum distance of 20cm away from your body. So just be sure that these bulbs are placed in lamps that are at least, that distance away. And as always, which should go without saying, always be sure to read and apply all safety guidelines & instructions when using any product. 

For more information on what cool features Lightify offers, simply visit their Features page. 

It really is a "bright" idea!

***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post. *****

Pioneer Woman Kitchenware Has Hit Canadian Shelves!

   

For those of you who are Canadian Ree Drummond/Pioneer Woman fans, you'll be thrilled to learn that some of her kitchenware is now available here in Canada, exclusively at Walmart.

While her Canadian selection is not nearly as plentiful in variety as in the U.S., there are quite a few items that most would find not only functional, but adorable.  

In Canada, you will find casserole dishes, measuring and serving bowls, dinnerware sets, glassware, the famous Charlie Cookie Jar, and a slew of other items to complement your kitchen. 

From the Canadian line, I sampled the Pioneer Woman Flea Market 2-Piece Ceramic Bakeware Casserole Set. And from the American line, the Pioneer Woman Charming Check Tablecloth, as well as, the Pioneer Woman Vintage Speckle 12-Quart Stock Pot. 

The Pioneer Woman Flea Market 2-Piece Ceramic Bakeware Set comes with a medium sized 2.3qt floral casserole dish, as well as, a turquoise 3.6qt baker. They both have ruffled edges, and nest nicely together, making them easier to store. Both these bakers are oven safe, dishwasher safe, as well as, microwave safe. The jury is still out on whether or not they are freezer safe. I am waiting to hear back from the manufacturer to confirm whether or not these are actually freezer safe, as the packaging does not indicate either way. As soon as I hear back from them, I will update this section of the review. This set retails for approximately $20USD/$28CAN, and as stated, is available in both Canada, as well as, the U.S. 

The Pioneer Woman Charming Check Tablecloth is aptly named - it's definitely charming! It comes in a variety of lengths and shapes to fit most dinner tables, and is the exact same turquoise/teal colour as the rest of her line. The tablecloth is comprised of a 75% cotton/25% polyester blend, and is machine washable. The Charming Check Tablecloth retails for approximately $14-$19, depending on the size chosen. You can also purchase matching napkins and placemats, if you wish to have complete place settings. We have a harvest table, and this color scheme looks great against the rustic design of our table. 

The Pioneer Woman 12 Quart Stock Pot, allows you to make large batches of soup, stew, chili and other items in one pot. It comes in both red and turquoise, and is oven safe up to 500F. It is hand wash only, which can seem like a disadvantage, But truth be told, it would be difficult to get this pot into the dishwasher anyway due to its size. This Stock Pot retails in the U.S. for approximately $35USD. 

Overall, I really like these items. The tablecloth was great, and complements my kitchen well. The bakeware set is as delightful as Ree Drummond herself. With that being said, I do hope that they are freezer safe. If they aren't, then that would be a bit of a disappointment. I like to make a bunch of extra casseroles at a time and freeze them. Not having freezer safe bakeware takes away some of the functionality of the item. When reading consumer reviews on the stock pot, there were some comments left regarding the enamel sometimes chipping off of this pot, as well as, food sticking to the bottom. I didn't find that food stuck to the bottom if you had it at the right heat for what you were cooking. I even made Ree Drummond's Refried Beans recipe in this pot and it worked just fine. I didn't find that I had to stir or check the beans any more often than I would using another pan or pot. I also made tomato sauce in it, and it did not stick, burn or stain the pot. I did notice upon receipt of the stock pot though, that there were a few very tiny specks of enamel missing off the exterior bottom of the pot. The enamel inside the pot has been just fine for me so far. I hope it stays that way, as this pot isn't only esthetically pleasing, it's very practical.

In the U.S., you can find so many more Pioneer Woman items. I hope that we eventually get the wide selection here in Canada too! In the meantime, there are plenty of great items available to get your collection started.

To check out some other great Pioneer Woman items available in the U.S., please visit my previous review when her items launched in the U.S.

***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post. *****

PAW Patrol Pups Rescue Kids' Bath Time! The Latest in Bath Decor & Essentials are Now Available!

   

American children are going to be ecstatic once they discover that PAW Patrol bath items have arrived in store at Walmart and online at Walmart.com! So far there is no release date for when these items may start appearing on Canadian shelves. But for the moment, these rescue pups' paws will be upholding the law in America when it comes to cute and functional bath decor and & essentials like wash cloths and towels! 

We recently got a number of these bath items for review. We were about to put them to use, when we decided to give the bathroom a fresh coat of paint first, and give these items a proper inauguration. We purposely chose a paint colour that would tie in the existing fixtures with the PAW Patrol decor, and it looks great! The kids are thrilled, and have also been more motivated to keep their bathroom clean and organized. 

When it comes to PAW Patrol bath decor and bath linens, Walmart pretty much has everything covered. Whether you prefer basics like the PAW Patrol Fabric Shower Curtain and various towels, or functional decor like the PAW Patrol Toothbrush Holder, they've got all sorts of stuff in between. You'll find PAW Patrol Hooded Towel Wraps, a Foam Bath Rug, a Waste Basket, Shower Curtain Hooks, Wash Cloths, Hand Towels, and a Tub Mat. You'll also find other items such as the 2-Piece Towel Set, as well as, seasonal items like regular Beach Towels & Hooded Beach Towels. There are even more items available at Walmart.com. 

All in all, I found these bright and colourful items to be great quality for the price. The towels and wash cloths are soft and pretty thick. I would venture a guess that they'd easily last a few years with proper laundering. The Shower Curtain & Hooks are not only adorable but functional. The Toothbrush Holder has 3 wide slots in it, making it suitable for most toothbrush sizes. The Liquid Soap Dispenser is a great addition to not only decor, but in encouraging hand washing amongst little ones in particular. The floor mat is well padded, and the tub mat is narrower and longer than most tub mats, perfect for when you're bathing 2 kids at once. No more butt cheeks slip sliding around!  

If you are on a budget and are interested in only a couple of items instead of the whole line, I would suggest the 2-Piece Towel Set, which includes both a decent sized bath towel, as well as, a Chase wash cloth. Those sets retail for approximately $9.88USD. In my opinion, the Hooded Towel Wraps, retailing for about $12.88, are adorable, but are best suited for kids 3yrs and under. They could be too short if you've got a taller kid aged 3 or above. The full sized towel included in the 2-Piece Towel Set would be a better bargain, getting more use out of it long term. 

Other pricing is as follows, and may vary from location to location: 

Fabric Shower Curtain $19.98USD

Shower Curtain Hooks $8.88USD

Bath Towel $8.88USD

Hand Towel $7.88USD

6-Piece Wash Cloth Set $8.88USD

Bath Rug $14.88USD

Tub Mat $9.88USD

Waste Basket $9.99USD

Toothbrush Holder $9.88USD

Soap/Lotion Pump $9.99USD

Initially, you may find a limited supply of these items at your local Walmart, as they are just starting to roll out into certain locations. The entire line is available now though, at Walmart.com.

If your kids were hoping for PAW Patrol bath items, but you live in Canada, you could consider getting them PAW Patrol bedding instead. Both Boys' & Girls' PAW Patrol bedding is available in Canada, as well as, the U.S., and should satisfy their desires until the bath items are released in Canada. I'm just hoping that they will eventually release a more feminine version of these bath products down the road, like they did by adding traditional Girls' bedding. After all, Skye & Everest need a bath too! :) 

This should go without saying, but never, ever, leave children unattended in or near water. These products are not toys, and are for use under the supervision of a responsible adult only.

 ***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post. *****

Girls' PAW Patrol Bedding Has Arrived and is as PAW-Rriffic as the Boys'!

   

My followers know that those in our household are avid PAW Patrol fans. Ok, well really it's the kids. But if they love it, at some point we have to embrace it too.

We were thrilled to hear that girls' PAW Patrol bedding is now available in the U.S. & Canada, and that more will be released later this fall. Many a Skye & Everest fan would enjoy traditionally feminine bedding, and it's nice to see that it's been added to the line. If I were younger, I'd want it for myself! 

You can now find girls' PAW Patrol Twin Sheets, a Twin/Full Reversible Comforter and a Plush Throw Blanket at Walmart, both in store and online. The sheets are cute as a button! The fitted sheet has a whole bunch of different pink and purple PAW Patrol decals. The flat sheet is lined with pink and purple stripes which feature PAW Patrol lingo. For kids with a double bed, the girls' version of the Full Sheet Set and Blanket is expected to be released this October. In the meantime though, the Twin/Full Reversible Comforter would a great first addition. The Twin/Full Comforter would be many a girl's dream with its polka dots, flowers and pink and purple colours. Not to mention that Sky & Everest are the main power pups prominently displayed. Girl power! The Plush Throw is soft, fluffy, and oh so cozy. We have the boys' version of all these, and my both my boys love it.

Speaking of the boys' version, it's just as PAW-riffic!  My youngest nearly flipped his lid when he saw the bedding for his room. The boys' sheet sets already come in both Twin and Full sets. In addition, they have a Twin/Full Reversible Comforter, a full sized Puppy Rescue Plush Blanket, and as previously mentioned, the Plush Throw. 

The Twin Sheet Sets retails for approximately $19.88USD/$29.94CAN, and the Full Sheet Sets for $29.98USD/$39.94CAN. The Twin/Full Reversible Comforter is about $29.88USD/$49.94CAN. For the full sized Plush Blanket, you're looking at $22.88USD/$39.94, and for the Plush Throw, $14.88USD/$24.94CAN. 

While I do think that children's licensed bedding in general is getting to be a bit expensive, the pricing of these items are competitive. Bedding should be a bit of an investment, given that one typically spends 8-10 hours a night in bed. You'd want it to go the long haul. When you factor in that PAW Patrol is a newer cartoon, as well as, the bright, bold patterns, it's practically a given that these will stay trendy for, at the very least, a few years to come. 

There are even more PAW Patrol items in select stores, and widely available at Walmart.com & Walmart.ca, such as the Mink Sherpa Throw and Cozy Hat & Throw Wrap Set.

In the U.S. specifically, they've also just launched a whole PAW Patrol bath decor & essentials line. They've got some great stuff in that line as well. No word yet on when the bath items will be available on Canadian shelves.

If your kids are fans of the PAW Patrol crew, then they'll love snuggling with them - all night long!

***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post. *****

Thermos FUNtainer Products are a FUNtastic Option for Back to School!

   

Thermos has been a household brand for decades. Quality products, appealing designs and cost effectiveness have all got to be reasons why they've stuck around for so many years.    

   

Part of back to school shopping starts with thinking about how to pack and transport food & drink. As a parent, I know I'm always considering what's going to work best, actually last the course of the school year, and not cost me a fortune. 

My kids have been using Thermos FUNtainer products for the last few years. Not only do they love their trendy designs, I love them as a parent. They are functional, do not leak when closed, keep drinks and food at the right temperature, and are easy to clean. The great thing about Thermos FUNtainer products, is that they meet everyone's needs and preferences without breaking the bank.

Thermos FUNtainer Bottles are geared for kids 3 years and over, and keep a 12oz drink cold for up to twelve hours. They are constructed of stainless steel and feature a pop up lid which allows easy access to a BPA-free sippy straw inside. They are designed for use with cold drinks and the lids have a pull up handle for easy carrying. The sippy straw components all come apart very easily, making it simple and quick to wash each and every piece.  With so many sippy cups being recalled recently for mould growth inside the straws, this is a great alternative. 

Thermos FUNtainer Food Jars hold up to 10oz, and will keep your child's hot foods hot until lunch time, up to 5 hours. Like the Bottle, these Food Jars are also constructed of stainless steel. We've used them successfully for soup, mac & cheese, chicken fingers, fries, boiled hotdogs, as well as, many a leftover. These Food Jars are also suitable for cold products and will keep them cold upwards of 10 hours. The Food Jars have wide mouths, and like the bottles, are super easy to clean.

As pictured, we chose the Paw Patrol and Lime Green set this time around. My oldest is 8 years old & preferred something a bit more "distinguished" this year, choosing to go with a solid colour. Whether your child would be more drawn to a solid colour or a themed design, there's something for everyone. From Wonder Woman to Finding Dory, to Batman to The Minions, there's a design to capture most children's interest. On average, Thermos FUNtainer Bottles and the Food Jars retail in both Canada and the U.S. for approximately $12-$19 each, and are widely available both in store and online at a variety of retailers.   

Though hand washing is recommended for both the bottles and the food jars, it is not a must. All parts are dishwasher safe on the top rack. Washing them in the dishwasher may affect the longevity of the images on the outside of the bottle, but the one we used last year throughout the school year survived the dishwasher use just fine. These products also come with a 5 year limited warranty.

One year, my son decided to chew on the sippy straw, creating a hole in it. Luckily, I found out that you can order replacement sippy straws for only $1 each by calling Thermos directly at 1-800-831-9242. That's much better than replacing the entire bottle!  

Overall, we've been pleased with these and other Thermos products we've gotten since my son started school a few years ago. Last year, we had a Thermos Batman Lunch Bag for him. Despite being used daily for the duration of the school year, it barely has any wear on it and is still in fantastic shape. 

I'm sure my kids will love these products again this year, just as much as they have in the past. (And so will I.)

***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post. *****

Feed Your Hunger with Fuel To-Go Containers & Lunch Bag!

   

Now that summer is coming to a close, it's the time when we're beginning to think about, and look forward to, getting back into the swing of things. Part of that is getting back into healthy eating, and more meal planning.

Trudeau Maison is a new line of affordable kitchen products and to-go containers. Their Fuel line offers a number of environmentally friendly and BPA-free lunch containers, lunch bags and lunch accessories, perfect for back to school or work. 

I happily sampled 3 items from their Fuel line: 

The Fuel 5-Piece Lunch Set includes a large Sandwich Container, a 10oz reusable juice box, as well as, a Snack'N Dip Container. The sandwich protector is quite sturdy and roomy inside. You could easily fit a thicker deli style sandwich inside and still be able to get it closed. No more squished sandwiches! Personally, I don't like to drink out of plastic containers very much, but I could see this being useful to those who do. The snack container is sectioned into two parts. One 5oz compartment for items like veggies or crackers, and a smaller 2oz section that would be perfect for dips like hummus, yogurt, or peanut butter. The snack container also comes with a little spreader that fits snugly inside the container, ready when you need it. The Fuel 5-Piece Lunch Set retails for about $19.49CAN. 

If you are a condiment addict like I am, then the Fuel 3-Piece Condiment Set will be right up your alley. It's nice to find small, durable and leak resistant containers for salad dressings and other sauces. Each of these will hold 1.5oz, and they are very durable. This Fuel 3-Piece Condiment Set retails for approximately $9.49CAN.

And last, but not least, the Fuel Hungry Lunch Bag allows you to transport your food items in a functional, insulated, and classy lunch bag. It has a large opening so that you can have easy access to all items inside, and a wide carrying strap to take the load off. The large opening allows you to easily fit food containers inside, along with various snacks. You could probably even get a drink inside as well depending on how much food you've already got in there. I like that everything inside the lunch bag is easily accessible when you unzip it. No more digging to the bottom! It's lightweight, easy to wipe down and water resistant. The only thing I would change is to have the carry strap be adjustable for when you'd prefer to be hands-free. It retails for $26.99. 

In my opinion, the Fuel line would be best suited to older children and adults who can appreciate the trendy and sophisticated design and colour scheme that these items have to offer. They are an environmentally friendly alternative, and in the end, could save you money if you were one to purchase a lot of take-out before utilizing re-usable containers like these. 

Additionally, Trudeau Maison has a whole line of other useful to-go items. Particularly noteworthy is their Fuel Salad Container. It has a snap-in ice pack and an attached dressing container inside. They also have a Bento Box, as well as, a number of cutlery solutions. Their items come with varying warranties, and are available at a wide variety of specialty and mass market retailers across Canada.  To check out all Trudeau Maison has to offer, visit their website.

Happy noshing! 

***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post. *****

Possibly the Coolest Lego City® Backpack/Lunch Bag!

   

'Tis the season for back to school shopping! To some, this is the most wonderful time of the year. To others, it is the beginning of a rat race to acquire quality, durable products for their children's return to school.

I was recently shopping in a well known Canadian book retailer with my son. He called me over to show me a Lego City backpack & lunch bag that he'd seen and thought was cool. When I picked it up, I immediately noticed how good the quality was and how durable it seemed compared to those sold in big box department stores. 

Now that my son is getting older, his bags are starting to not only take a beating throughout the school year, but being strained by carrying heavier items to and from school.  When I realized how good the quality was, I immediately set out to acquire some samples for review. Thankfully, Carry Gear Solutions/LegoBags.com, the manufacturer of these items, were happy to oblige. 

The Lego City® Elite Police Heritage Classic Backpack is the perfect bag for Lego fanatics! It's got the main section, as well as, a front volume zippered pocket. There are organizer compartments in both sections of the backpack, as well as, as a side mesh pocket on the outside that's perfect for their water bottle. There is a name tag on the inside where you can write your child's name, and it is PVC, lead and phthalate free. It has great padded shoulder straps  that come with a chest strap to help balance the load. It also has a D-ring on the front so that they can either attach their hat, lunch bag or other items onto the bag. I was also thrilled to see that there were reflective points on the back to increase visibility. Our bus times are early, and sometimes in the winter, it is still dark outside at that time. This will be especially useful for those in similar situations.  This particular bag is 16"H x 11"W.  The Lego City® Elite Police Heritage Classic Backpack is available at LegoBags.com, as well as, Amazon and retails for $35USD. There is a more basic version of this bag available at Indigo Books here in Canada which is a bit smaller in size, does not have the front volume pocket and is designed for younger kids. This smaller one in particular retails in Canada for $35CAN.

The Lego City® Elite Police Vertical Lunch Bag is a well insulated bag. I was pleased to see how dense the insulation padding seemed compared to others I've checked out. This should help to keep food colder, longer, and possibly help to prevent one more smashed sandwich that got mushed while inside their backpack. On the inside, there is a nice little mesh pocket that you can store cutlery or other smaller items like an ice pack, and is held secure by velcro so it won't slip out. The inside lining is easily wiped clean and the outside not only has the appealing Lego City® Elite Police image, but also reflective Lego stud decals on the sides. It comes with a well padded handle, a buckle clasp that you can open to attach to the backpack, and measures 9"H x 7.5"W. The Lego City® Elite Police Vertical Lunch Bag is available at LegoBags.com, Amazon, as well as, Indigo Books here in Canada. It retails in the US for $15USD, and if you were to purchase this lunch bag here in Canada at Indigo Books, you're looking at $19.95CAN. 

LegoBags.com also has a number of other Lego backpacks and lunch bags for sale, geared towards both boys and girls. When purchasing from their website, shipping typically costs $5 to continental U.S. destinations if the total cost is under $50. If the total exceeds $50, then shipping is free within the U.S. For shipping to Canada, costs are assigned by weight. To give you an idea, the average shipping cost for one backpack and one lunch bag to the Toronto area would be about $15USD via USPS.

For more information and to see their full selection of Lego backpacks and lunch bags, visit LegoBags.com.

***** These views are mine, and mine alone. As with anything, you are responsible for assessing whether this item and/or activity is safe and suitable for your specific needs. InfoMommy does not make any warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, and assumes no responsibility and/or liability for any actions taken as a result of this blog post. *****