Kaleidoscope Toys Staff Pick February 5

Who picked it: Terry

Why we love it:

Doodle, sketch, draw, write…let your imagination lead your fingertips with the Spyro Gyro Pen! Kids of all ages will have fun making 3D appearing illustrations and incredible works of art.

What make it unique?

This is no ordinary pen - the Spyro Gyro pen is an artistic motorized stylus that creates three different shapes (square, circles and triangles) in a seamless transition from small to big and back again. The harder you push down on the stylus, the smaller the shapes. Release the pressure and the shapes get bigger! The clear view window even allows you to see the moving gears in action.

Use the Spyro Gyro pen to easily craft greeting cards, frames, stylized letters and more! Your imagination is at your fingertips and this pen will easily get your creative juices flowing!

Who can play with it?

The Spyro Gyro Pen Set is rated for kids ages 8 and up but we have found that as young as age 6 can have fun with it and be successful creating cool artwork.

Where can you find it?

You can find the Spyro Gyro Pen Set visiting us at 110 N IH35 #375 in Round Rock or purchase it online and we can ship it to you! 

Join us on February 7, 2015 for our Valentine Doodle Day of Fun where you can create a special Valentine using the Spyro Gyro Gel Pen! Get more information on the event here.

Valentine Doodle Day February 7

Join us for some creative doodle fun on Saturday, February 7 at 1 pm! 

Doodle a Valentine Scratch Art Heart to give to your special Valentine using the Spyro Gyro Pen Set for Artistic Motorized Stylus fun!

Receive a free valentine pop - yummy!

Free Spin and Squiggle Art Pad with any $22 or more purchase of regular priced merchandise. (While Supplies last)

Admission is one non-perishable food donation per person. We hope to see you here! 

4th Annual Lego Building Competition Winners!

Over 80 builders across 3 age groups submitted their Lego designs during our 4^th Annual Lego Building Competition! We would like to thank everyone who entered and voted for their favorite! It was incredible seeing the unique designs, cool buildings and creative displays. With so many entries it was tough picking winners for each category, everyone truly did a fantastic job!

And now a drum roll please… the winners of the 4^th Annual Lego Building Competition are

See more entries and participants in our 4^th Annual Lego Building Competition on our Facebook page. 

Interested in joining our next event? Check our monthly calendar for dates and times! We hope you come out and play with us at Kaleidoscope Toys! 

Kaleidoscope Toys Weekly Staff Pick January 29th

This Weeks Staff Pick: Squirrel King Craft Kit

 

Your children will go nuts over this fun filled craft kit!

Who Picked It? Terry

Why We Love It:

This super cute craft kit will inspire your kids to go nuts with creativity! It is perfect for a rainy day when your kids are stuck inside – or as a family activity that everyone can participate in.

The first thing you notice is that the kit is not in the traditional boring box. It comes in a nut. No really, a giant acorn! Take the top off and inside you will find everything you need to make three cute adorable squirrel friends. The instructions come on a deck of cards that double as a “Spot It” game to play. Once you've created your squirrels, they need a place to hang out, right? No problem! Just turn the giant acorn over, cut out a door and windows, add decor and anything else you want to make it into a cozy little home. So you get the Craft Kit, Spot It game and Dollhouse (Squirrel) Play all in one!

What Makes It Unique?

Inside the acorn, the red envelope that is used to package the materials can be planted and will grow wildflowers! The crafts kit is made with 100% recycled paper so not only will your kids be able to use their imagination and creativity but they can also learn about being eco-friendly.

Who Can Play With It?

The craft kit is perfect for children ages 6 and up. We have to warn you though, it is so fun any adults around are going to want to participate!

Where Can You Find It?

You can find the Squirrel King Craft Kit by visiting us at 110 N IH35 #375 in Round Rock or purchase it online and we can ship it to you! 

Puzzles Play Week

From Friday, January 23 2015 -  10:00am To Thursday, January 29 2015 - 7:00pm Every day

January 29th is National Puzzle Day and we're celebrating all week long! Save Up to 40% on Puzzle Purchases! January 23-29 We have many delightful wooden & die-cut diversions available for all ages from Ravensburger, Springbok, Sunsout, eeboo, Melissa & Doug, Innovative Kids and more!  Save: Select your puzzles, bring them to the counter and pick a random puzzle piece that will reveal your savings. You'll save up to 40% on all puzzle purchases!    Munch: All puzzle purchasers get a FREE deliciously decorated puzzle piececookie while supplies last. Hurry in before they're gone!  Win: Guess the correct number of puzzle pieces in the jar and win a $50 gift card to Fundamentally Toys. One entry per person. Drawing January 29.

Kaleidoscope Toys' 4th Annual Lego Building Contest

Sunday, Jan 18th - Saturday, Saturday, Jan 31st

Rules:

1. One Entry Per Person

2. Entries may be dropped off at Kaleidoscope Toys between Sun, Jan 18th and Sat, Jan 31st.However, the longer they are on display, the more they can be voted on.

3. Entries must remain at Kaleidoscope Toys until the end of the contest. Please pick up your entries by Monday, February 9th or they will be donated.

4. Voting will take place in the store and on the Kaleidoscope Toys Facebook page (www.facebook.com/kaleidoscopetoys). Each comment, Like and Share will count as a vote. 

5. *NOTE* Votes made in-store and online will not be the only deciding factor in determining the winners. Votes will account for 50% of the decision; the other 50% of the decision will be based on the staff of Kaleidoscope Toys and Learning Fun 101

6. Participants should construct their Lego creation ON THEIR OWN. NO HELP FROM MOM AND DAD! SORRY! Creations can be a set built according to directions or creative use of loose bricks to make an original structure.

7. Maximum size of entry is 18"Wide x 18"Deep x 18" High

CATEGORIES:
Ages 3-5, Ages 6-8, Ages 9-13

PRIZES:
There will be a 1st & 2nd prize for each age category. 1st Prize is a $100 Gift Certificate and 2nd Prize is a $50 Gift Certificate.

Saturday, January 31st:

Learning Fun 101 will be here at Kaleidoscope Toys from 1pm- 4pm to conduct a FREE Legho Day of FUN. This will be "free play" so you do not need to arrive exactly at 1pm.Admission is food for the Round Rock Area Serving Center. Prizes will also be awarded from Learning Fun 101 including:

1- Robo Champ Game - $15.00 value
1- Robotic Workshop - $35.00 value
1- 1/2 day Robotics Camp -  $145.00 value

Winners of the Lego Contest will be announced that day at 5pm. 

Friday Family Fun Nights Begins!

Friday Family Fun Nights & Our Summer Long Food Drive at Kaleidoscope Toys Begins!

Friday, June 7th

 MR. JOHNNY & SHARON

TWO SHOWS: 6 pm & 7 pm 

Friday, June 14th

  MR. PUPPET

ONE SHOW: 6:30 pm 

Friday, June 21st

  Ventriloquist Sandi Sylver
TWO SHOWS: 6 pm & 7 pm 

Friday, June 28th

 SAFARI GREG!
TWO SHOWS: 6 pm & 7 pm 

Visit our events page at www.kstoy.com/events

for more info!

Valentines for Your Valentine Special!

Valentines for your Valentine!!

Feb 1st - Feb 14th

Receive a FREE pack of 20 Valentine cards with stickers

with any $20+ purchase.

Limit one per family, while supplies last!

Lego Christmas Ornament Building Contest!

Lego Christmas Ornament Building Contest

Drop off your entry between

 

Dec 1 & Dec 8 by noon

 

1st & 2nd place prizes for each age group & 1 Grand Prize

 

FREE - Ornaments Hanger Topper for each entry  (while supplies last) -

Pick one up at the store between Dec 1 and Dec 8

Visit www.kstoy.com/events for contest rules & details

 

Going trick-or-treating?

	Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
	Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
	Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
	Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
	Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you. Always WALK and don't run from house to house.
	Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.
	Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
	Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
	Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
	Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
	Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
	Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit houses. Don't stop at dark houses. Never accept rides from strangers.
	Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Neighborhood Toy Store Day!

Neighborhood Toy Store Day!

We're having a Party to celebrate the joy of play & ASTRA's announcement of the Best Toys For Kids 2012 Top picks!

   Saturday, November 10th

Our Neighborhood Toy Store Day will Feature:

    

Best Toys For Kids list announced & displayed! Fun, Top Quality Toys selected by neighborhood toy store owners around the country who care about kids and know toys inside out!

 

Toy Exchange for Blue Santa - Bring in one GENTLY used toy valued at $20 or more and receive 20% off one regularly priced item that day.** 

**Limit one per family. May not be combined with any other offer, discount or coupon. Toys must be clean, unbroken, complete and good enough to give as a gift. All used toys collected will be donated to Blue Santa.



Letters to Santa - Santa's Elf will be on hand to help your child write their Letters to Santa then post it in our Official Santa's Mailbox


Lego Christmas Ornament Building Contest 


Savenger Hunt - 10am - 12pm


Free Goodie Bags for the kids


For full details visit www.kstoy.com/events

 

 

 

  

                                                               Halloween

Spook-Tacular

 

Friday, October 26    6:30pm - 8:00pm

Wear a costume & Treat or Trick at the store

  

Fun Icky Activities

Spooky Games

Halloween Craft

 

Prizes, Treats and just plain Fun!

Getting to school safely!

It's National Safety Month!

Follow these tips to get to and from school safely!

Bicycle safety

• Make sure the student is wearing a helmet. Helmets can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent.
• Obey the rules of the road; the rules are the same for all vehicles, including bicycles.
• Stay on the right-hand side of the road and ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Know and use appropriate hand signals.
• Talk with your children, and choose the safest route between home and school and practice it with children until they can demonstrate traffic safety awareness.

Walking safety

• Supervise young children walking or biking to school or as they wait at the school bus stop.
• Ensure your child leaves early enough to get to school 10 minutes prior to the start of school.
• Use the same route every day and avoid shortcuts.
• Go straight home after school.
• Students should use public sidewalks and streets when walking to school.
• Choose the safest route between home and school and practice walking it with children until they can demonstrate traffic safety awareness.
• Walk to school with other students. Strength in numbers.
• Teach children to recognize and obey traffic signals and pavement markings.
• Cross at designated crosswalks, street corners and traffic controlled intersections.
• Always look both ways before crossing the street and never enter streets from between parked cars or from behind shrubbery.
• Walk, don’t run, across intersections. A flashing “walk signal” or the crossing guard in the street does not mean it’s safe to cross.
• Tell your child to avoid talking to strangers.
• Never get into a vehicle with a person – even if your child knows that person – without parent permission. If a stranger approaches, tell a trusted adult such as a parent or teacher.

Things to avoid

• Allowing your child to be at school any earlier than 15 minutes prior to the start of school as crossing guards, teachers, or aids may not be at the school to monitor your child.
• Letting your child go to friend’s houses without getting permission.
• Walking to school using canals, alleys, and cutting through yards or open fields.
• Walking alone as they will be an easier target for harassment, bullying, or stranger approach.
• Running to cross the street or intersection or cross in the middle of the block especially in heavy traffic areas. Never let children under age 10 cross the street alone.
• Talk to strangers or get within reach of that person. That includes taking a ride from a stranger or someone they know without parent’s permission.

Source: State of Michigan and compiled by EdNews Parent

Water Safety!

It's National Safety Month!

Check out these tips to keep your kids safe!

 

Start early Once a child is potty trained, a child is old enough to take swim lessons. There are even classes for infants! 

Use swim vests or arm floatation devices Floaties and/or water wings should never replace the parent. Parents or caregivers should always be within arm's reach of the child. These items are inflatable toys and are used for support but should never be thought of as approved PFDs (personal flotation devices); they are not life vests. They should not be used in teaching a child how to swim. 

Finding a good learn-to-swim program These basic skills are best taught by a professional, and parents can ensure the quality of a specific learn-to-swim program by following these guidelines:

• Make sure the instructors are certified (CPR, first aid and water safety)
• Ensure that there is a favorable instructor-to-student ratio (6 students or less per instructor)
• Check that there is a set progressive curriculum in place
• Visit makeasplash.org and click on “Take Action” to find a swim club in your area 

Making your kids water-safe There are several simple skills that kids need to become water-safe.

• Hold breath for 7-10 seconds.
• Tread water with vertical kicking and arm movements for balance and body support
• Float on back and kick for 7 feet
• Float prone and kick for 7 feet 

Know the drowning risks

• Drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death for children in the U.S.
• 3/4 of all drownings occur from May to September
• Nine people drown each day in the U.S.
• Kids don’t have to be in a pool to drown. Drainage ditches, lakes and ponds, and for small children, bathtubs, toilets and buckets all create a risk

Educate yourself Many kids never learn to swim because their parents cannot afford swimming lessons. Parents may visit makeasplash.org to find a place for their kids to learn to swim, and also to provide swim lessons for children who are less fortunate. 

 Have a safe & Happy Summer!

Tips courtesy of NBCNews.com

Suprising Safety Hazards

Does your toddler get into everything?  Here are a few Surprising Safety Hazards to look out for. 

Dishwashers

The Danger: Dishwashers give children easy access to sharp knives and forks. Detergent can irritate your child's skin and eyes and can burn the lining of her mouth and esophagus if swallowed. 

 

Safe Strategy: Point knives, forks, and other sharp items downward in the utensil basket. Don't fill the dispenser with detergent until you're ready to run the load, and wipe out any that's left over after each cycle. Always replace the cap on the bottle tightly, and store it in a locked cabinet. Keep the dishwasher closed and latched when it's not in use.

Latex Balloons

The Danger:  Children can choke to death when chewing on or blowing up latex balloons. "Latex balloons are one of the worst things to choke on because they can conform to a child's throat and completely block breathing,"

Safe Strategy:  Buy Mylar balloons instead of latex ones. Always supervise children playing with latex balloons, and never allow biting or chewing on balloons. When a balloon pops, immediately throw away the pieces.

Soft Bedding

 The Danger: Fluffy comforters and bumper pads may make a crib cozy, but soft bedding can mold around babies' faces and suffocate them. 

Safe Strategy: Place babies on their backs on a firm mattress covered with a tight-fitting mattress pad and sheet. Don't put pillows, comforters, thick bumper pads, or soft toys in the crib until they are a year old. Keep them warm with a lightweight blanket tucked tightly around the mattress, or dress them in a blanket sleeper.

Bath and Baby Oils

The Danger: Some bath and baby oils contain liquid hydrocarbons, which can cause a serious pneumonia-like condition, irreversible lung damage, and even death if a child aspirates the substance into their lungs.

Safe Strategy: Read labels and store all bath and baby oils out of your child's reach, even if they're in child-resistant packaging.

 Tips courtesy of Parents.com

Fire Safety Tips

Fire safety can be scary. Do you have a emergency evacuation plan? Here are a few tips to help your whole family get out safely.

1.) Have a meeting place identified. 

2.) Do home fire Drills.

3.) Have emergency numbers posted.

4.) Do regular smoke detector checks.

5.) Keep it simple. Children learn when the rules are straight forward and easy to remember. If you have pre-schoolers, you may want to introduce just one or two of the rules at a time.

6.) Use teachable moments. Reinforce your discussions about fire safety whenever the topic arises -- for example, when there is a fire in the news or in a book, or when you see a fire, ask your children what they would do if they were in that situation.

7.) Do it. Don't just say it! Children learn by doing and by following your example. Make a game of practicing a fast escape from each room in your house, especially at night when most deadly fires occur.

8.) Know two ways out. Use a stopwatch and wait until everyone has gathered at your family's designated meeting place before you stop the timer. Work together to set a family record.

9.) Repeat yourself. Children need to hear and do things over and over before they remember them. Practice your family's escape plan 4 times every year.

10.) Don't scare small children with too much responsibility. In a dangerous situation, it's normal for 3-6 year olds to forget things they've learned. Make a game of practicing fire safety do they become very comfortable with all of the rules. Remind them to never hide. Go outside.

Tips courtesy of Firesafetyforkids.org

Sun Safety tips for your Little Ones!

Just one blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life.

Below are The Skin Cancer Foundation's recommendations.

Infants
0-6 months: Infants under 6 months of age should be kept out of the sun. Their skin is too sensitive for sunscreen.

• Use removable mesh window shields to keep direct sunlight from coming in through the windows of your car or invest in UV window film,
• Take walks early in the morning before 10 AM or after 4 PM and use a stroller with a sun-protective cover.
• Dress baby in lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs.
• Choose a wide-brimmed hat or bonnet that protects the baby's face, neck, and ears.

Babies
6-12 months: It's now safe to use sunscreen on babies.

• All the protection methods explained above still apply, however now sunscreen use should be incorporated.
• Apply broad-spectrum, SPF 15+ sunscreen to areas left uncovered such as baby's hands.
• Most importantly, sunscreen must be applied 30 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.

Toddlers/Pre-School Age

• Make sure your child seeks the shade between 10 AM and 4 PM. Check the outdoor area where your child plays to make sure there is adequate shade.
• Make sure toddlers are covered. Long-sleeved, unbleached cotton clothing is cool and comfortable, while also highly protective. Clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) listing on the label offers extra security. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends clothing with a UPF of 30 or higher. 
• Don't forget hats and sunglasses. Choose a wide-brimmed hat that protects face, neck, and ears.Water-resistant, spray-on sunscreens are a good choice for toddlers who won't sit still. Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF 15 or higher.

Tips courtesy of Skin Cancer Foundation

Backyard Safety Tips for a Safe & Happy Labor Day!

Many families enjoy spending time in their backyards, especially while celebrating Labor Day. But the backyard poses an entirely new set of problems and concerns. It doesn’t matter whether you like to have family cook outs or simply sit outside and look at the stars.

 

Here is a list of tips to keep your little ones safe in the backyard. 1. Watch your baby at all times. Bugs, rocks, dirt, grass, etc. could all prove to be hazards. Attentive parenting is always the best safety tool. 2. Bug spray. If you live in a climate where mosquitoes, ticks, etc are a problem then you will want something to protect your baby. The best products are Deet free and come in gentle formulas. 3. Water. Always have plenty of fresh water and snacks. 4. Sunscreen. Anytime your baby is outdoors they should be protected with an SPF of at least 50. 5. Keep your baby contained. If you have a large yard, you may want to invest in playyard. It will keep baby in one area, and give you a much smaller area to baby proof. Pay special attention once your child starts standing, as they will eventually be able to climb out. 6. Be mindful of plants and insects. Babies love to put things in their mouth, and many items outdoors are poisonous. Make sure to research anything you plant in the garden, as well as anything that pops up in the wild. If you do find something poisonous, uproot it immediately or kill it with a weed killer. 7. Be prepared for stings. Bees, wasps, yellow jackets etc, are all real threats to your baby. If your child gets stung (assuming that they aren’t allergic) you can administer a cold compress and some antihistamines. 8. Grilling. Always keep the baby away from the grill and open flame.  Tips courtesy of Babyproofingdirectory.com

Little Ones that get Left Behind

·                         

 

Tips for easing the transition when older sibling go back to school.

Play school. Set up your own classroom and play school teaching simple lessons. 

Explain the changes. Prepare your little ones with a “story” about how school days will be a little different — but still fun and happy — once the older ones head off.

Create a “secret” leave-behind. Make a special card together with them to remind your older child how much their younger brother or sister loves them, and tuck it into your older child’s lunch bag or backpack. It will actually be a special treat for your toddler as well!

Do something special on the first day. After your older child heads to school, try to do something special with the younger one. Try a café for lunch ,visit a museum or organize a playdate. Whatever you do, make it special and enjoy each other’s company.

Practice the art of distraction. If all else fails, try your best to divert their attention away from missing his or her older siblings. Bake cookies together, put together a puzzle, go for a walk. Or just snuggle and take a nap together.

It’s hard for young children to know what to expect when one sibling goes to school. It certainly is an adjustment, no doubt. But, like anything else the changes will morph into a decidedly  familiar and comfortable new routine. Then before you know it, it’ll be time for summer vacation once again!

Some tips courtesy of Parenting Magazine on-line.