Fat Brain fun: Trio for tots to pre-teens (and beyond)

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Fat Brain fun: Trio for tots to pre-teens (and beyond)

The holiday gift-giving season will soon be upon us, and Fat Brain Toys is among the tops spots for grandmothers and others seeking screen-free fun to give the grands.

Fat Brain Toys sent me a special trio of toys to try out with my favorite boys — two ideal for my tiniest grandson plus one that’s fun for the bigger kids (and grownups, too).

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Click, flip, change: The Infantino 2-in-1 Bouncer & Activity Seat (review)

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Click, flip, change: The Infantino 2-in-1 Bouncer & Activity Seat (review)

Having a baby in the house means having lots of stuff. Not just stuff like bottles and diapers but big stuff, too. I’m talking basinettes and bouncers and baby seats of all sorts, gear befitting kiddos from infant to beyond.

Whether you’re a parent or a grandparent, if you’ve got a baby, you’ve got too much baby stuff.

Thankfully Infantino has come up with a remedy for at least a portion of baby equipment overload. Introducing the all-new—as in, launched just last month—Infantino 2-in-1 Bouncer & Activity Seat, available exclusively at Target.

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Holiday gift ideas for grandkids: Toy time!

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Holiday gift ideas for grandkids: Toy time!

Seeking unique screen-free toys for the girls and boys on your holiday list?

Check out these five fun gift ideas for your grandkids, all reviewed and recommended by my grandkids.

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4 baby shower gifts for grandmas to give

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4 baby shower gifts for grandmas to give

This time of year, gift ideas naturally lean toward what to give (and get) for the holidays.

Despite the season, though, there are still babies being born, still showers being thrown. Which means many grandmothers and others seek goodies for giving newborns and new moms.

Here are four of my recent favorite baby shower gifts, perfect for grandmas to give whether they prefer passing along presents of a practical sort or something sweet and sentimental.

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DOZZI Natural White Noise Machine by WITTI a doozy of a baby shower gift

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DOZZI Natural White Noise Machine by WITTI a doozy of a baby shower gift

My newest grandson will soon arrive, and the baby shower for his mama — my eldest daughter — is on the calendar. With Brianna's shower scheduled, all things baby have been on my brain lately. She'll receive a nursery glider from her dad and me (not a secret, so no spoiler here) but I plan to present her with a few other little goodies, too, as grandmas do.

Yet as I peruse the possibilities, everything seems so, well, generic, typical, common. All that's on Brianna's registry is adorable, yes, but I'm looking for something a little different, useful gifts versus

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Summer six pack: While away dog days with Pressman Toy and Goliath Games

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Summer six pack: While away dog days with Pressman Toy and Goliath Games

Though school bells beckon in the distance, there's still a fair share of summertime to spare. Why not gather the grands and try your hands at these six entertaining options for school-age kids and older?

I received the six following toys and games from Pressman Toy and Goliath Games free for review, and my review buddy, James, and I had a blast putting each to the test.

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Gramma in a Box: Fun food activities for faraway grandkids

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Gramma in a Box: Fun food activities for faraway grandkids

Grandma Terry Chamberlin has come up with a pretty sweet subscription service for serving up grandma-style food activities from faraway. When three of Terry's grandchildren moved away from her, she began sending them boxes of cookies and treats to go along with their Skype sessions. She soon realized other grandmas just may want to do the same, and the Gramma in a Box subscription service—tagline Gramma does all the work. You have all the fun!—was born. 

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Delightful display: Custom canvas print from Canvas Factory (review and giveaway)

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Delightful display: Custom canvas print from Canvas Factory (review and giveaway)

I'm one of those grandmas who displays lots and lots of photos of my loved ones. All around my house. For this post, I began counting the number of pictures I have placed here and there. And stopped thirty six. With the remainder of the main level plus the family room to go, I've chosen to just guesstimate here. I'm guessing there are fifty or so scattered about. On walls, bookcases, mantels, and more.

I delight in seeing my sweeties, old and young, in pictures. But with that many pictures to adore—and dust—I clearly don't need anymore.

Yet an offer to review—and give away! (more on that below)—a custom canvas print from Canvas Factory…

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