THE WHAT:  Teethease

THE WHY:  a Canadian line of jewellery for parents that’s also safe for babies to teethe on

THE SAFETY: Also, the collection is dishwasher-safe and simple to clean with soap and water. The line is BPA- and PVC-free, and contains no phthalates, heavy metals or latex and the smooth surfaces are made from hypoallergenic, medical-grade, FDA-approved silicone

THE REVIEW:  The jade-looking Teethease Pendant Necklace came right before a trip en famille to California (read my Disney Tips).   I put the necklace on for the plane ride as a piece of regular ol’ jewlery.

A few hours into our plane ride (with baby on lap whole time), I unzipped my outer sweater layer and an amazing thing happened.  Dear Son immediately grabbed the Teethease and started chewing on it.  Really. 

I guess most kids try a chew on a necklace now and again – but it was cool that this specific necklace was made for him via my wearing it.  I liked that it had the break away clasp (meaning if he tugged too hard it would break away and not rip my neck).  I also found, after his repeated chewing – that it didn’t mark (a bonus because who wants to wear jewlery with teeth marks?).

I not only wore the Teethease pendant – I dangled it in front of him for eye tracking stimulation during a long car ride – I played a light tug of war for motor skill development as we sat on that plane and I gave it to him (under supervision) to play with on his own.  It is certainly multi-purpose.

And you know what – beyond his teething years – I would wear this as jewlery.  Lightweight and pretty it will make a nice baby memory piece to wear.

And my fav.  It is a Canadian company.

For all the people on your list for Valentine’s Day Gift Giving – where do busy families go? Me…it’s Shopper’s Drug Mart.

Why? First, I am a Shopper’s shopper. Whether it be diapers, shampoo, pain reliever or milk - I shop at Shopper’s Drug Mart often (daily sometimes).   Second, I don’t have just one Valentine…I have many Valentines (him, her, kids, teachers, classmates, office*) and a one-stop-Valentine’s-shop-within-family-budget (i.e. my go-to Shopper’s) just makes my life easier.  And I’m all over easier!

So what might be on my list to give (or…um…receive…nudge nudge)

• For Him: Headphones because I love him but don’t love hearing his music
• For Her: Benefit Silky-Finish Lipstick because every girl deserve something silky
• For Teacher: itunes card because gift cards are always the right size
• For Class: Kids’ licensed Valentine’s cards because kids love to give and get Valentines
• For Kids: Allan Love Bear Bear because chocolate is a yummy way to say I love you
• For Me: Smashbox shadows and brush because I need to live up to the term “Hot Mama”
• For Office: Life Brand Gourmet Valentine Jelly Beans because a sweet treat can boost office morale (*even if you work solo comme moi)

The Parent Club takeaway: Make shopping easier…for Valentine’s Day and everyday

Click here to explore a fabulous selection of cupid-approved gifts. Go to Shoppersdrugmart.ca/yourheartsdesire  

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of moi (and if you want to discuss it you’ll find me in the diaper section of my local Shopper’s Drug Mart)

 

THE WHAT: Hexbugs

THE WHY: These micro robotic creatures are hot this holiday. Fast and sleek playing with them is science and fun married.
THE HOW: well, best to see them in action – check the video ->

THE HABITATS:  Add-ons to hexbug play are “habitats” – sold separately and presenting different venues of play.  From the starter spiral habitat to the battle bridge to the glow in the dark habitat there are tons of environment options (all sold separately of course).

THE BUGS:  ant, inchworm, spider, larva…if you have a bug lover in the house there is a bug-a-corpia of choice.

THE REVIEW:  Tons of fun – but definitely for older kids (small parts = choking hazard for little ones).  Though a good choice for any science minded kid – we think this is especially fit for boys aged 9-11.