Organizing Kids With #ThirtyOneGifts: Toys

Disclaimer: I received products to review. All opinions are my own.

I have a confession: Of all the things that have to be organized, organizing toys is my least favorite. I would rather organize an attic that hasn't been touched in 50 years. That may seem a bit harsh, but I have 2 kids with lots of toys. They can never find what they want, so getting that perfect organizing system has been important, but dreadful. Thanks to Thirty-One, I think I finally got it right!


This may seem messy, but it is an improvement. This is mid-progress of organizing Tbomb's toys. Although I'm still searching for the perfect solution to the swords and random weapon chaos and the chaos that is called Legos, we are there with the other toys. The 18" dolls organization is still evolving as well. 

Hang-It Pocket Organizer - Candy Corners
The Hang-It Pocket Organizer is hanging above each bed. One pocket is for slippers and poncho (kind of like a housecoat). One pocket stores their clipboard, travel desk, and drawing supplies. One pocket is for their Bible and the book they are currently reading, and the other two pockets are for the small stuffed animals they like having close by.

Oh-Snap Bin - Chevron Charm
They each have an Oh-Snap Bin. Snapper's hold her play makeup (that is real makeup) high above her head. Tbomb's holds his Lego mini-figures (he doesn't like digging for them).

Stand Tall Bin - Camo Crosshatch
The Stand Tall Bins are perfect toy bins! They fit weapons, action figures (yes, the big ones too), doll toys, strollers, and all the other random toys that do not seem to fit anywhere else. 

Your Way Rectangle - Candy Corners w/ Chalk
The Your Way Rectangle and Your Way Cube with lids are probably the most versatile. You could use them for anything. Snapper has 2- Dress up items are in one and her mini dolls and animals are in the other. Tbomb has 2 as well. They hold his 18" boy doll items and his dress up items. I will likely be investing in several of the cubes when I tackle Snapper's doll items after the new year (yes, that will be a huge project, but it has to be done!)

All organizing kids' toys take is knowing what they have, knowing how the kids work, and a little creativity.


SmartLab Toys’ AfterShock! Earthquake Lab wins 2017 Dr. Toy’s 100 Best Children’s Products and has been selected as one of the 10 Best Educational Products of 2017

Bellevue, WA, 4 December 2017 – SmartLab Toys a division of Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc, proudly announces that one of its bestselling STEM products, Aftershock! Earthquake Lab has been named one of this year’s Dr. Toy’s award recipients, having been selected as one of the 100 Best Children’s Products and one of 10 Best Educational Products for 2017.

Dr. Toy’s Guide reviews and curates a wide variety of products in several categories created by many toy manufacturers, inventors, and designers worldwide. Age grading, company dependability, the versatility of design, and name recognition are all factors for consideration in their yearly review. Dr. Toy has over 56 years of play, toy, and educational experiences with parents, teachers, and consumers to assist in their selection process to match products with a children’s age and interests. Since 1992 Dr. Toy’s valued annual report has featured industry information about fun, new educational, and developmentally appropriate toys, games, and children’s products from large and small companies. The toys and products selected meet the highest standards for design, durability, price, quality, safety, and value.

“We are honored to be recognized by Dr. Toy’s Guide for our Aftershock! Earthquake Lab kit. This award supports our mission of creating STEM toys and games that help to build confidence in kids by providing opportunities to test the unknown with hands-on, creative exploration, and cultivating a curiosity in kids through fun and engaging products,” said Mike Oprins, Vice President of SmartLab Toys.

SmartLab Toys’ passion is creating toys and games that give children and parents opportunities to learn and play together. Since 2004, STEM toys have earned SmartLab Toys more than 60 of the toy industry’s most prestigious awards, including multiple Oppenheim Platinum awards, Good Housekeeping Best Toy

awards, and Family Fun Magazine Toy of the Year awards.

SmartLab Toys is a subsidiary of Becker & Mayer! LLC and a division of Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.

# # #

About The Quarto Group

The Quarto Group (LSE: QRT) is the leading global illustrated non-fiction book publisher and distribution group. Its mission is to make and sell great books that entertain, educate and enrich the lives of adults and children around the world.

Quarto creates and owns proprietary content, publishing books from a diverse portfolio of imprints that are creatively independent and expert in developing long-lasting content across specific niches of interest.

Quarto sells books across 45 countries and in 35 languages through a variety of traditional and non-traditional channels, while constantly looking for new ways to create and deliver content that people need.

Quarto employs over 400 talented people in the US, UK, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. The group was founded in London in 1976. It is domiciled in the US and listed on the London Stock Exchange.

For more information, visit quartoknows.com or follow us on Twitter at @TheQuartoGroup.

Organizing Kids with #ThirtyOneGifts: Out Of Season Items

Disclaimer: I received products to review. All opinions are my own.

One of my biggest organizing problems is storing the kids' out of season items. This isn't just clothing, but toys, bags, shoes, and more. I do not like putting these in our building because I don't like the idea of an animal getting in them and I tend to lose things out their (that isn't my domain and it makes me nervous). We do not have a basement or an attic, so I have to get creative with it. I used to store it in a big box in my closet, but that got old, so I have a new approach. I had the Mister install a shelf in their room just for this purpose!


On this wonderful shelf that my dear husband installed for me, I have all of the kids out of season and travel items stored (now I have some Christmas presents hid there as well.) The Deluxe Utility Tote from Thirty-One is absolutely perfect for this. I have 3 of them, along with an old picnic thermal (not Thirty-One).

The picnic thermal holds the family's swimwear (swimsuits, coverups, swim hats, goggles, and rash guards). One Deluxe Utility Tote is hiding presents for now, but will most likely hold either summer clothes that will fit next year or extra blankets after Christmas.

The other two totes (which are color-coded) have heavy winter coats and travel items in them. For now, the summer toys will be kept in the building.

These totes are the perfect size for this use. The handles on the ends make them easy to get down, the long handles make it easy to carry around. Another thing is that they are soft-sided, so there is more flexibility when shoving items in them (yes, I shove!)

Inside Out Books From Quarto Knows

Disclaimer: I was sent books to review. All opinions are my own.

It didn't take me or the kids long to fall in love with these books. They are filled with fun facts on top of the hard science. Tbomb just loves learning about body systems, so this was the perfect set for him. These books have probably been read more than any other books we own. In fact, Tbomb takes the Human Body one every where we go!

Inside Out Egyptian Mummy

Calling all explorers and archaeologists! Inside Out: Egyptian Mummy comes with everything you need to start an Egyptian adventure from the outset to discovering a tomb, to unwrapping a mummy.

Though the ancient civilization of Egypt may be long gone, its dead still have secrets to tell. From the myth of Isis and Osiris, to King Tut’s tomb, to the intricacies of preparing the body for its underworld journey, Inside Out: Egyptian Mummy takes you step by step into a tomb. Get a fascinating glimpse into how an ancient culture saw death and the afterlife beyond.

That isn't all though! Alongside beautiful illustrations and photographs, an interactive die-cut model reveals the many rites of the Egyptian tomb. You will be amazed by everything from the iconic golden burial mask, to the lucky amulets the dead were buried with, protective linen wrappings, and even the mummified body and preserved sacred organs. And when it comes to hieroglyphics, hidden burial grounds, and missing treasure, there’s always more to uncover, so get your start now, who knows where your journeys will take you!

Inside Out Sharks

Journey inside a shark and live to tell the tale! With Inside Out: Shark, you’ll take a three-dimensional tour through a different sharks to learn about the unique bodies of these eating machines! 

Sharks are some of natures largest and most ancient creatures on the planet. This is your chance to learn how they move, how they work, and tons of facts about how they live. Inside Out Sharks brings you all of this information and a whole lot more!

Why are shark eggs called “mermaid purses”? What in the world are “skin-teeth”? Do sharks deserve the nickname “man-eater”? Find the answers to these questions and more in this action-packed book, which dives deep under the surface to explore the world of these astounding animals.

From the eerie goblin shark to the wide-eyed hammerhead to the most feared shark of them all, the great white, see the world from a shark’s-eye-view—and get an in-depth look at these most mysterious and misunderstood predators.

Inside Out T. Rex

The Tyrannosaurus rex has long been hailed as the king of the dinosaurs, but what do scientists really know about this prehistoric creature? Inside Out: T. Rex shows you all the clues we've gathered!

Inside Out: T. Rex offers clues to understanding the most compelling and mysterious dinosaur of them all. Loaded with awesome illustrations and captivating text, a die-cut model within the book’s pages will take you inside T. rex’s body to reveal, layer by layer, how these giant beasts lived more than 65 million years ago.

You won't need a time machine to see this giant, fearsome predator in amazing detail! Each page of Inside Out: T. Rex will bring you even deeper into the world of the Tyrannosaurus rex. You will be amazed by how its specialized anatomy, from its razor-sharp teeth ,to its massive size, to its squishy insides established it as the top of the prehistoric food chain.

Inside Out Human Body

Discover the amazing human body, system by system and layer by layer, and the incredible things it is capable of with Inside Out Human Body. Comes with a real, 3-D model to help you learn faster!

What do you think is the most amazing machine in the universe? A superconductor? The modern computer? A rocket ship? Think again: It’s the human body! Astonishingly intricate and complex, your body grows, heals itself, and performs a mind-boggling number of complex functions all at the same time!

Inside Out: Human Body takes you on an incredible journey through the powerful muscular system, the "bone zone," the long and windy road of the digestive system, the blood-pumping circulatory system, the forty-seven-mile long nervous system, and beyond! A unique layered model of the human body serves as the center point of each section, revealing key body parts and functions, while entertaining and informative text explains how the body works.

Each section is fully illustrated with colorful diagrams and includes fun, interactive lessons for you to try yourself. You can learn how to take your own pulse, how to make your arms float, and even what the color of your urine means! Sometimes the most incredible wonders are right under our noses.

2017 Kid Scientist Gift Guide

Disclaimer: Some of these products I was sent to review.

My son Tbomb is a little scientist. He loves all things science and loves learning about the human body. I love finding great science toys for him!

1. Squishy Human Body Model with Quiz Cards

Image result for squishy human body

What keeps your stomach from digesting itself? What do brains and pudding have in common? Explore the complex inner workings of the human body and see how the bones, muscles and squishy vital organs fit together with this 12"H hands-on model. Includes 9 organs, 12 plastic bones and muscles, tweezers, forceps, full-color guidebook and an exclusive free trivia card set with 160 challenges for on-the-go learning. Made exclusively for MindWare by SmartLab Toys.

2. Science Academy: Lab Coat

Image result for science academy lab coat

What an amazing discovery! Gear for science kids! Young scientists will love this premium lab coat, featuring a Science Academy branded upper pocket, plus two hip pockets perfect for stowing lab supplies or super secret scientific notes. 
• The best science projects start with the right uniform
• Boosts imaginative play with real science supplies
• Fits most children ages 4 to 10
• Fabric: 65% polyester/35% cotton

3. Microscope and Book

Image result for mindware microscope

Created by the same manufacturer that supplies medical research laboratories, this high-quality microscope features cordless battery power and 40x, 100x and 400x magnification settings. Includes a 50 piece accessory kit with 5 glass slides and a 144-page, full-color Ultimate Guide to Your Microscope with over 40 illustrated experiments. Bonus: also converts into a stereo dissecting microscope for studying 3-D objects like coins, clothing fibers, and food in detail. Uses three AA batteries (not included).

4. You Trak It Weather Lab (SmartLab)

You Track It Weather Lab

Explore the science behind weather using this interactive station to track wind, rain, and temperature and put your local weather reporter to the test! Kids will love learning the science behind weather; from what makes the wind blow, to what different types of clouds mean, budding meteorologists will love it.

This weather tracking kit comes with:

-A sturdy, mountable base
-Rain gauge
-Anemometer with glow-in-the-dark speed indicator cup
-Compass
-Weathervane thermometer
-Weatherboard with cloud chart
-12-panel booklet and instruction sheet outlining information and activities

Read all about the extremes of our planet as you compare hurricanes to tornadoes, and lightning to thunder. Five experiments take you from challenging your weatherman to predicting the weather using crickets! Plus, the You Track It Weather Lab now includes web-enhanced features, like downloadable charts, for further learning. Great for kids age 7 and up.

5. Astronomy Lab For Kids (Michelle Nichols)

Astronomy Lab for Kids

Introduce your children to the wonders of the galaxy in a fun, hands-on way!

It can be hard to explain and understand what lies beyond what you see in the beautiful night sky. Astronomy Lab for Kids teaches children the basics of outer space in 52 lessons that can be done with everyday items from around your house. Mini astronomers will learn about things such as the size and scale of planets using sandwich cookies and tennis balls, how to measure the speed of light with a flat candy bar and a microwave, how to make a simple telescope with magnifying glasses, and so much more! Children of all ages and experience levels can be guided by adults and will enjoy these engaging exercises.

2017 Special Needs Gift Guide

Disclaimer: Some of these products I was sent to review, some I was asked to include, and some I included on my own with no other compensation.

My son (Tbomb) is ADHD with some sensory issues. My daughter (Snapper) has an expressive language delay, anxiety disorder, and some sensory issues. There are also suspicions of other disorders. We are just waiting to test. That isn't all of my experience with special needs children. In high school, I was a teacher's aid for a special needs classroom, I tutored in an after-school program for special needs, and I had some special needs children in my classroom at church. In college, I worked with special needs in the Laboratory School I worked at. Over the years, I have truly enjoyed interacting with special needs children and adults. I feel like I have been lead in this direction and enjoy helping, as well as encouraging them to set goals, dream, and dream big! As you might imagine, I see the benefit for special needs children in all kinds of toys. Here are a few of my favorites.

1. Mr. Scribble Write & Draw by LeapFrog


LeapFrog Mr. Pencil's Scribble and Write Toy

Learn to write letters, numbers and more with Mr. Pencil’s Scribble & Write™! With the help of the friendly Mr. Pencil, explore six activities that introduce writing, drawing and spelling.

2. VtechKids Monster Truck Rally

VTech Go! Go! Smart Wheels Press & Race Monster Truck Rally
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday! It's time for the monster truck rally show with the Go! Go! Smart Wheels® Press & Race™ Monster Truck Rally™ by VTech®. Race and jump with Mark, the Press & Race™ monster truck, around the rally tracks and off the launch pads while listening to him play fun phrases, sounds and melodies. Then, have a jump competition by launching off the stunt ramp to encourage creative play and discover cause and effect. The spinning flames and more than 30 songs, melodies, sounds and phrases will engage your little speed racer in some monster playtime. Welcome to the monster truck rally, let the show begin! 

3. LeapFrog LeapStart

Image result for leapfrog leap start
LeapStart is an interactive learning system that gets kids excited about counting, learning to read, problem-solving and more through fun, replayable activities. The magic behind LeapStart is a stylus that reads invisible dots on every page, triggering questions, challenges, songs, jokes and more.  The grow-with-me stylus is comfortable for kids of all ages and promotes proper writing grip. The LeapStart library features touch-and-talk games, creative challenges, problem-solving puzzles, math mazes and more for 2-7-year-olds with more than 30 activities in every book. Most replayable activities have two levels with more than 50 key skills per level so kids can play and learn at the right level and move up when they’re ready. The LeapStart library of 25+ books (sold separately) covers a variety of preschool through first-grade subjects and includes two Learn to Read book sets. A total of 400+ activities help kids build tomorrow’s skills today.

4. Kurio Watch 2.0

The next generation of The Ultimate Smartwatch Built for Kids is here – Kurio Watch 2.0+! Now comes with two (2) interchangeable bands to match your style, including a bonus band that changes color right on your wrist! The front-facing camera is perfect for selfies and recording videos—make a silly face or add to the fun with photo filters & frames, then customize the watch face with your photo! Play the included single and two-player games on one watch, or connect two watches together via Bluetooth to play together! Message friends via Bluetooth to share texts, emojis, selfies, doodles and voice recordings with other Kurio Watches & Android devices. Plus, everything you need in a smartwatch – activity tracker, music player, alarm/stopwatch, calculator, calendar and so much more. With scratch resistant and splash proof protection, plus an “In Case of an Emergency” (I.C.E.) app where parents can enter their child's medical and contact information.

5. Micro Kickboard Mini Original


The Mini Original is the highest rated scooter for children ages 2-5.  The smooth gliding 3 wheels, low to the ground deck, and safe steering all contribute to stability that make the Mini perfect for preschoolers and kindergartners. The Mini Original has been awarded the Oppenheim SNAP (Special Needs Adaptable Product) Award.  This award is given to products that can be used by or easily adapted for children with special needs.