Glob’s natural botanical Paint Kits are packaged in a very cute ‘green’ resealable bag…the perfect size for a stocking. Made from natural ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, flowers and spices; these botanical paints even smell good….yummy to be specific. Six colors including pomegranate, lemon verbena, berry blue, plum purple, tangerine and basil green are packaged in individual packets (each makes three ounces of paint). My kid tester loved to use the, “deliciously smelly paints” but hey, what kid doesn’t like to paint?
My Glob Paint Kit also came with two bamboo brushes and six compostable jars with lids. Parents should note, the packaging warns that the paint/colors may stain…which means you should dress your child in a smock and/or arts and crafts clothes (an old shirt and pair of pants you don’t care about getting ruined). I found that using Oxi Clean helped alleviate the stains from staying but I still strongly recommend wearing older clothes and/or a smock. Recommended for kids ages three and up, the Glob paint kit retails for $15. For more very cute botanical and natural gift options, check out Glob’s online store at http://shop.globiton.com/. STARS: ****
Looking for a cool and entertaining gift; that’s small enough to fit in a stocking; and features some pretty awesome technology? Well have you ever heard of a HEXBUG? The company sent me two to test. The first is a cool blue color and the second is a combo black-green -- both have the same technology and are part of the Nano Newton Series. Packaged in test tubes these micro-robotic bugs come in five assorted colors. And if I didn’t know better, I’d believe these Nanos were real bugs. Able to flip over, Nano bugs are also able to maneuver around their surroundings. Bump into something? No problem, they turn and go the other way. Hours of fun and collectable too. MSRP is $5.99 each. Want more information on HEXBUG? Check out my upcoming post on cool gifts for the mini-techie in your family. STARS: ***
What to get a preteen or teenager (or even your spouse) as a cool stocking stuffer this year? Well look no further than Bodyguardz’s earjax premium earbuds. The company currently has five earphone models to serve a wide range of preferences, ranging from $19.95 to $99.95.
Bodyguardz sent me a pair of earbuds from their Moxy series to test – the brown and silver with mic version, retailing for $69.95. Upon first examination, the package is the perfect size to fit into a stocking.
The high definition earbuds come with a zippered hard case; a clip; multi tip fit kit featuring small, medium and large standard and transparent tips, one pair of medium three tiered tips; and earjax sticker decals.
For those true techies, here are the product specs that matter most: high definition 10mm speakers; 20 Hz – 23kHz frequency response; 3mW power handling; 105 dB 1mW sensitivity; woven cloth braid PVC cable; and aluminum gold-plated plug. What else? According to the company’s Web site, “Moxy buds feature an ultra-lightweight, anodized aluminum encasement scientifically angled for fit and sound perfection. Its sleek contoured design enables Moxy to fit snuggly in the ear and makes it a great solution for runners and bikers. Engineered for superior audio reproduction and tuned with extra bass…”
My gear tester was impressed with the earbuds’ snug and comfortable fit; enhanced sound quality; and ability to take a phone call with the ease of one click. The only complaint the gear tester voiced was the earbud’s inability to adjust the volume – unfortunately, there is no volume control option incorporated into the Moxy earbuds.
Bodyguardz does back all its products with a lifetime, limited warranty – make sure to register your product online at www.earjax.com. Even better, Bodyguardz is helping to provide the gift of sound to disadvantaged children by partnering with the Starkey Hearing Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing the gift of hearing to children in need around the world. Earjax is committed to donating nearly three percent of its sales to the Starkey Hearing Foundation; so far the company has donated $10,000 to the organization over the past two years. Truly a gift that gives this holiday season. STARS: ***
Well if the GLEE cast is using it; it must be cool, right? Featured in the September editorial pages of Vogue and worn by Dianna Agron and other members of the Glee cast, Plume's feather hair extensions are now available in a DIY clip-in, clip-out version. Design your own or order a ready-to-wear version. The interactive website allows kids and parents to get creative and select from gorgeous high quality all natural feathers -- that can be styled either straight or wavy. My daughter and I had fun going on the site and compiling options prior to deciding upon our own custom feather extensions. Since my daughter’s favorite color is pink, most of the extension is pink. My favorite color is purple so there was one lone purple feather added, “just for mom.” Cute, tasteful and easy to clip in and out; Plume’s feather extensions are a great gift option. Plumes are packaged in a long plastic tube, just the right size to slip into a stocking. Prices vary based on selections but range from $20 - $25. STARS: ****
It seems that many of the toys which were popular in the 80s are making a comeback. So it’s fitting that the Rubik’s Cube be included as a stocking stuffer idea – 31 years after its first introduction. Parents will be happy to see that the Cube has not changed. Still comprised of six different colors which all need to be twisted and turned to match up; the Cube is just as puzzling as ever. Marketed to kids ages eight and up; the Cube’s ARP is $7.99. Wrap your brain around that! STARS: ***
Disclaimer: I was provided with product samples for review by the above companies but all opinions are solely mine and/or my toy testers.
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