Thursday, December 21, 2017

Now Available to Own on DVD -- Disney Ducktales: Woo-oo! (Review)

Disclosure: I was sent a review copy from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Let the Adventure Begin!
DUCKTALESWOO-OO!


 Includes Television Movie Plus Six Bonus Shorts!

Were you a fan of DuckTales back in the day? I used to love this show. So, when my youngest daughter was flipping through channels recently and stumbled upon the new animated DuckTales series on Disney XD, we had to stop and watch it.  And, after the first few minutes, the girls were hooked, and I found myself reminiscing about the DuckTales I loved as a kid and comparing the two. While I am partial to the older DuckTales, I have to say that this new reboot of the hit series, is really fun and will delight kids (and adults) of all ages.  After catching the first episode, which ended up being a repeat of the premier episode, I made a point to set the DVR to record the other episodes that had aired, as well as record new episodes in this sure to be hit series.  We are now all caught up with the show, and the girls love watching the episodes over and over again. And, when I heard they were releasing a DVD which contains the premiere episode and 6 shorts, I knew two girls who would go crazy for the DVD, and want to bring it in the car to watch over and over again....yep, my two girls, and yes, since receiving a review copy, this is all they watch in the car.  I can now repeat the entire episode thanks to them playing the episode over and over again. But, they aren't getting bored of it, and I especially love seeing them get excited about DuckTales, just like I used to get as a kid. 

Disney's Ducktales

We can't wait for new episodes of this new animated series on Disney XD to air, and will definitely be picking up additional DVD's once they release of this show to grow our DuckTales DVD collection. If your child loves this new animated series, or you are looking to introduce them to Donald Duck and his mischievous nephews, then this is the DVD to get.  And, at under $10, you can't go wrong. 


More about this recent DVD release:

"From defying danger to solving mysteries, chart a course for action-packed thrills with DuckTales "Woo-oo!"

The high-flying fun begins when Donald Duck reluctantly takes his mischief-making nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie to McDuck Manor, stately home of their rich, reclusive, great-uncle Scrooge McDuck. Enthralled by the exploits of their once-legendary great-uncle, the triplets and their fearless new friend Webby unwittingly unleash secret totems from Scrooge’s epic past, launching the entire family on a daring, deep-sea quest for the Lost City of Atlantis."
                  
Voice Cast:     David Tennant ("Doctor Who") as Scrooge McDuck, Danny Pudi ("Community") as Huey, Ben Schwartz ("Parks and Recreation") as Dewey, Bobby Moynihan ("Saturday Night Live") as Louie, Kate Micucci ("Garfunkel and Oates") as Webby Vanderquack, Beck Bennett ("Saturday Night Live") as Launchpad McQuack, Toks Olagundoye ("Castle") as Mrs. Beakley and Tony Anselmo ("Mickey Mouse") as Donald Duck.

Executive Producer:   Matt Youngberg

Co-Producer/
Story Editor:     Francisco Angones

Bonus: Six “Welcome to Duckburg!” Shorts:

        Donald
        Scrooge
        Huey
        Webby
        Launchpad
        Beakley



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Release Date:             December 19, 2017
Ratings:                       TV-Y (US), Bonus Material Not Rated
Total Run Time:                        Approximately 44 minutes (not including bonus)
Aspect Ratio:  1.78:1 Widescreen (Enhanced for 16x9 Televisions)
Audio: 2.0 Dolby Digital
Languages:                 English
Subtitles:                      English SDH


Disclosure: I was sent a review copy from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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Monday, December 18, 2017

Last Minute Gift Ideas -- Everyone (Young and Old) Will Jump for Joy When They Unwrap the Big Kid S'mores Kit and Hot Cocoa with Mexican Vanilla Marshmallows from Amy's Ice Creams This Holiday Season - Only 2 Days Left to Order to Receive in Time for X-Mas!! (Review)

Disclosure: I was sent samples from the vendor in exchange for an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.


Amy's Ice Creams



Christmas is almost here...are you done with your shopping yet?  I can't believe how many people I am seeing leaving comments online that they haven't even started shopping yet.  What are you waiting for?  I had to run to the store the other day and couldn't believe how picked over the shelves were.  There were tons of boxes that hadn't been unpacked, and so many people racing around with their carts trying to find the perfect gift for each person on their shopping.  My husband used to leave his holiday shopping to the last night and loved it. He said he loved the rush of last minute shopping and seeing everyone else shopping last minute like him.

Well, if you are like my husband and the others I am seeing online who haven't started or only just began their holiday shopping, I wanted to share a couple great last minute gift ideas that could take care of everyone on your shopping list, so that you don't have to stress and run around like crazy last minute only to be disappointed that you can't find what you were looking for.

Have you heard of Amy's Ice Creams?  Don't worry if you haven't, as I wasn't aware of the either until last week when I stumbled upon their website looking for a S'mores Kit to gift a good friend of mine.  I fell in love with the Big Kid S'mores Kit from Amy's Ice Creams as soon as I saw it, and then was over the moon excited when I saw they also offered a combo gift set that includes a box of Mexican Vanilla Marshmallows along with a jar of Hot Cocoa Mix. 

Big Kid S'mores Kit


Hot Cocoa + Mexican Vanilla Marshmallows Combo


If you follow my blog then you know that I LOVE hot chocolate, and will usually have a cup of hot chocolate each night (almost year round).  So, I am always up for trying new hot cocoa mixes and adding ones that taste good to my favorites list, and stocking up so I have to enjoy year round.

Who doesn't love making s'mores?  I have so many great memories this summer of our family sitting around the firepit making s'mores.  The girls are finally old enough to roast their own marshmallows and put together their s'mores themselves.  Oh, how I miss eating their overly toasted marshmallows they would cook up for me. :-)  We even had fun this summer on rainy days making s'more indoors thanks to our microwave and our s'more supplies.  Even though the Big Kid S'mores kit from Amy's Ice Creams could be enjoyed by kids and adults, I see this kit being a great gift to give your sweety or picking up to enjoy during an upcoming at-home date night.  What is better than take out, followed by making your own s'mores with gourmet chocolate and biscuit, and ending the night with a good movie.  Great idea, right?! 

The kind folks at Amy's Ice Creams sent along their Big Kid's S'mores kit and their Hot Cocoa + Mexican Vanilla Marshmallows Combo set the other day for me to review (you can buy these gifts separate as a S'mores Kit Combo where you get the S'mores Kit and the hot cocoa and marshmallows all for only $29.99.  

Big Kid S'mores Kit

What a great way to wrap up with holiday gift guide this year, which features over 300 wonderful products for everyone on your shopping list (from kids to adults).  I planned a fun at-home date night for my husband and I Friday night.  I didn't tell him we would be making s'mores...which are one of his favorite snacks and guilty pleasures.  After dinner, I pulled out the Big Kid S'mores kit to show him, and he was all smiles.  He had no idea, though, that this kit was more than just your average milk chocolate bar and graham crackers.  

Take a look at what you get when you purchase the Big Kid S'mores kit from Amy's Ice Cream...




I love Biscoff gourmet cookies.  They have just the right amount of crunch and are great to dip in teas, coffee and hot chocolate. I never thought to use them in place of graham crackers to make s'mores.  But, after trying them with the Mexican Vanilla marshmallows and the rich Belgian Callebaut dark chocolate included in the Big Kid S'mores Kit, I don't think I can eat a s'mores any other way now.  This was SOOOOO good!  While I would cute the marshmallow in half next time for easier eating, I didn't mind scraping up the ooey gooey marshmallow off the plate after I sunk my teeth in the crunchy Biscoff cookie and tasted all the delicious big kid flavors -- gourmet cookie, chocolate and marshmallow.  Yum!

 I am getting hungry just thinking back to how good these s'mores were. 

Because the cookies are only small, you may find yourself thinking you will be able to eat a few in seating.  But, be warned, after one or two you will find yourself getting full.  

Roasted s'mores melt beautifully. Big Kid S'mores Kit from Amy's Ice Creams.

I had paired the s'mores with the hot cocoa and marshmallow from Amy's Ice Creams, as I was eager to try the hot chocolate. 


And, I have to say, after having tried so many hot cocoa mixes over the years, this is hands down one of my favorites.  It was easy to make and was so rich and creamy. 


If you are a chocoholic like me, then you must try this hot cocoa and the big kid s'mores kit from Amy's Ice Creams.  

Just look at the marshmallows below.  And, they don't melt down into the hot chocolate, but get softy enough that with each sip,you get a little bit of the marshmallow stuck to your lips and will have to lick it off.  


But, the best part is when you are done with the cocoa and get to eat the marshmallow left in the bottom, which has soaked up all the chocolate goodness of the hot cocoa.  It is like the icing on the cake, as you finish off your cocoa for the night.  Your belly will surely be happy, and match the smile you will have on your face. :-)

With only Monday (Tomorrow) and Tuesday left on their shipping schedule to order and receive your holiday gifts in time for Christmas, don't delay in heading over to Amy's Ice Creams today and placing your order for their big kid s'mores kits, the hot cocoa or the Mexican vanilla marshmallows. I will be heading over to their online store after I finish this post to stock up on the hot cocoa and my marshmallows.  My girls saw the s'mores kit Saturday morning and wanted one for breakfast.  I couldn't say "No," as I was secretly hoping to wake and make another one to enjoy, after having them the night before.  You can't help but want to indulge in this gourmet version of everyone's favorite comfort snack, s'mores.  And, once you try it with the Biscoff cookie and Amy's Ice Creams marshmallow, you will not want to enjoy it any other way.

So, what are you waiting for?  Head on over to Amy's Ice Creams today and order from their online store.  In addition to the items I mentioned above, they also offer a wonderful peppermint bark, peppermint hot fudge, their popular hot fudge and even a Mexican Vanilla candle that smells just like their delicious tasting marshmallows. 

Peppermint Hot FudgeHot FudgeMexican Vanilla Candle




Disclosure: I was sent samples from the vendor in exchange for an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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Sunday, December 17, 2017

Last Minute Gift Ideas: Powerpuff Yourself in 3D with New 3Doodler Start Kit (Review) #Tryazon #3Doodler

Disclosure:  I was sent samples from the vendor to host a Tryazon party, in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.



"Powerpuff Yourself in 3D with the world's first kid-friendly 3D printing pen from 3Doodler



Made with low heat BPA-free, non-toxic plastic, create your favorite PowerPuff Girl or use the molds to fashion your own unique character. Who will you create?"



Last weekend I had the opportunity to share the new 3Doodler Start Powerpuff Yourself Licensed 3D Printing Pen Set with a roomful of Powerpuff Girls fans and their parents.  As part of a holiday homeschool co op party, I brought this new starter kit from 3Doodler along to share with the the kids and let them try their hand at making their own mini me inspired by their favorite Powerpuff Girls character.  Earlier in the week I had mentioned about this starter kit to the parents at our weekly homeschool classes and they had never heard of it or the 3Doodler.  So, I told them that at our holiday party I would bring it so that everyone could try it out, and parents could see it up close as they finish up their holiday shopping.

Do you have a Powerpuff Girls fan in your life?  Both of my girls love this show and love drawing their favorite Powerpuff Girls in their doodle books.  So, when I heard that the folks at 3Doodler were coming out with a Powerpuff Yourself start kit, I knew they would love the opportunity to try it and create their own mini me character to show off...and, that they did!  They saw me taking the two 3Doodler Start Powerpuff Yourself Licensed 3D Printing Pen Set out of the box I was sent from the folks at Tryazon, and they couldn't wait to try it out.  I had mentioned this a few weeks ago to them, and they asked me to add to it to their wish lists for Santa.  So, I knew they would be thrilled when they received a set to try out.  Then, when I started talking it up at co op after hearing from parents how their kids love the Powerpuff Girls show, I knew this would make a fun demo at either an upcoming co op day or the holiday party.


If you are not familiar with 3Doodler and 3D, you use a special pen that you add plastic to and as you write with it, it melts and quickly harden into a shape.  My girls have tried using a 3D pen in the past, but without the assistance of molds or stencils it was hard for them to do freehand work.  So, I was excited when I saw this kit and saw that it came with a DoodleMoldTM and 4 unique DoodleBlocks, which makes creating your own unique mini me.



Here is more about the 3Doodler Start Powerpuff Yourself Licensed 3D Printing Pen Set, which I was sent, along with extra packs of 3Doodler plastic, so that all my girls' friends could make their own Powerpuff Yourself mini me to take home and show off.



The award-winning 3Doodler Start allows kids to bring their ideas to life in 3D! With the 3Doodler Start Powerpuff Yourself Sets you can create your own unique Powerpuff characters in 3D! LOVE THE POWERPUFF GIRLS: Now you can Powerpuff Yourself & your friends and use your superpowers to fight crime and protect from the forces of evil! THE ONLY CHILD-SAFE 3D PEN: Designed with no hot parts, and uses low heat



BPA-free, non-toxic Plastic so it’s completely safe for kids aged 8+. PERFECT FOR STEM LEARNING: As a tactile learning toy, the 3Doodler Start inspires creativity, design, planning, building and spatial understanding. 3D ART MADE EASY FOR KIDS: Plastic hardens rapidly allowing kids to literally draw in the air with only one speed and one temperature.

"Sugar, spice and everything nice!


These were the ingredients chosen to create the perfect little girls, but Professor Utonium accidentally added an EXTRA INGREDIENT to the concoction.... colorful biodegradable 3Doodler Start Plastic! Now you can Powerpuff Yourself in 3D with the 3Doodler Start Powerpuff Yourself Pen Set and use your superpowers to fight crime and protect Townsville from the forces of evil!"




Box includes:
  • Special edition 3Doodler Start x The Powerpuff Girls 3D Printing Pen
  • 4 packs (96 strands) of 3Doodler Start Plastic in eight colors
  • Special oval DoodleMoldTM to easily create perfect head and eyes every time
  • Four (4) unique DoodleBlocksTM to make clothing and accessories
  • Powerpuff Yourself Activity Guide
  • Micro USB Charging Cable.



Doesn't this look like the coolest kit?  The kit is geared towards children ages 8+, but 6 and 7 years old can do it, too, with the help of an adult.  It does take some getting used the 3Doodler pen if you haven't used one before, but after a few minutes of using it, you will find yourself feeling at ease with it and then the fun begins as you start to create a fun mini me that you can add detailing like glasses, designs to the clothing you put on them, facial hair, etc.  The sky is the limit to the detailing your child can add to their mini me figure they create.  





We had 10 kids make a Powerpuff Yourself mini me, and all left the table smiling and excited to show off their creations.  They all said it was the best thing every and told their parents that they, too, wanted to add the 3Doodler Start Powerpuff Yourself Licensed 3D Printing Pen Set to their wish lists, or wanted to save their allowance money to buy this 3Doodler Start Powerpuff Yourself Licensed 3D Printing Pen Set, so that they could make more mini me figures at home.

If your child already has a 3Doodler pen at home and loves Powerpuff Girls, you can purchase the 3Doodler Start Powerpuff Yourself Licensed Activity Kit, which comes with everything I mentioned in the 3Doodler Start Powerpuff Yourself Licensed 3D Printing Pen Set, minus the 3D Pen.  


Be sure you pick up extra packs of plastic so that you don't run out once your kids starts getting doodler with this fun 3D art kit.  



The 3Doodler Start Powerpuff Yourself Licensed Activity Kit is available at Amazon for only $24.99.  





We had so much fun trying out the 3Doodler Start Powerpuff Yourself Licensed 3D Printing Pen Set and this past Thursday when we met up for our weekly homeschool co op group, all the kids were still talking about the Powerpuff Yourself kit and how much fun it was.  They were sharing how if Santa brought this kit for Christmas that they would make more Powerpuff girls friends and have a whole collection to play with and display.  



So, with only 8 days left until Christmas, why not add one more gift under the tree for that special Powerpuff Girls fan in your life. This is definitely one kit that they will use time and again, and once your child experiences using a 3Doodler 3D pen, they will be hooked and want to create more fun 3D art, with all the other kits available from 3Doodler.



To learn more about the new Powerpuff Yourself set, as well as other sets available from 3Doodler, head on over to https://the3doodler.com today.  3Doodler products can be purchased at the: 3Doodler Store or on Amazon: 3Doodler Powerpuff 


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More about 3Doodler:

Creators of the world’s first 3D printing pen and successfully funded on Kickstarter twice! 

3Doodler is the world’s first 3D printing pen

"We wanted to design a 3D printing device that could be used within minutes, without needing any technical knowledge, software or computers. We also wanted it to be affordable as well as fun, so that anyone could 3Doodle! Compact and easy to use, the 3Doodler allows you to literally draw in the air – whether freestyle 3D sketching or tracing shapes from templates to make larger structures and objects."

Disclosure:  I was sent samples from the vendor to host a Tryazon party, in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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Saturday, December 16, 2017

Check Out These Stocking Stuffer Ideas -- Many Great Gifts Under $5 + Every Yoobi Purchase Gives Back! #YoobiGives (Review)

Disclosure: I was sent samples from the vendor in exchange for an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Yoobi



I was first introduced to Yoobi last year while stocking up on school supplies for my girls for the new school year.  My girls are all about arts and crafts, and have really gotten into those coloring books with the intricate designs. So, I was in search for markers and colored pencils during that visit to Target.  But, if you are a Target-holic (yes, I admit that I am), then you know you can't go to Target and just grab a few items.  The $1 bins in the front of the store are my weakness, followed by their arts and crafts supplies.  I love a good deal, and when I find great supplies to use with the girls for school and during our crafting, I can't resist.  Come on, you know you love Target, too!  My girls love to shop like me, and were able to recognize the red Target symbol when they are 2 and 3 years old.  They would point to it when driving and ask to go to Target.  And, more times than not, I would remember I needed something -- and then walk out with enough bags to fill the trunk. :-)

As, when it comes the holidays, I know that Target has me covered when it comes to great stocking stuffer and last minute gift ideas.  And, they never disappoint with their sales and product offering, which includes my family's favorite brand, which also gives back with each purchase, Yoobi.  If you follow my blog, then you have probably read a handful of posts about Yoobi. Usually I share for back-to-school and around the holidays, as they have a great product line for family's who love getting creative, and LOVE arts and crafts like my girls and I do.

Recently, the folks at Yoobi surprised us with a huge box of some of their popular and must have gift ideas for the season.  Some of the products are great for last minute gift ideas to wrap and leave under the tree for your kids, while others are perfect stocking stuffers, many of which are under $5.  You can find the following items I will be sharing with you at Yoobi.com, as well as at your local Target and through Target.com.

Like I said, I was sent a wonderful selection of Yoobi products, that left my girls with huge smiles on their faces, and asking to get crafting.  


These goodies couldn't have come at a better time as we had a long list of homeschooling friends the girls were swapping handmade Christmas cards with, and the markers, washable paint brushes and glitter glue pens would make card making a breeze, and so much fun.

Check out all the stuff the folks at Yoobi sent out way....


Savannah loved the paint-your-own piggy bank.  I ended up making her wait until I could buy another one, so that both my girls had one, and then we made an afternoon of it, painting and decorating their very own piggy banks, and then filling it with change they had stashed around the house.  Now, their Yoobi piggy banks, painted by them, are displayed on their dressers in their bedroom.  And, whenever someone comes to visit, they are quick to show off their piggy banks, which they are so proud of.  

Washable Paint Brush Set, 24 Pack - Multicolor

The girls also loved the Washable Paint Brush Set, 24 Pack - Multi-color (which looked like an artist's paintbrush.  If you have artsy child in your life, and they don't have their own set of these washabale paint brushes, then you definitely have to pick up this set for them. Say goodbye to a dripping paintbrush, or spilled paint or water cups, when you use the Washable Paint Brush Set, 24 Pack - Multicolor from Yoobi.  And, they are washable! :-)  


I ended up picking up canvases at the local craft store for the girls, and they used their new Yoobi washable paint brushes to paint a picture, to give as a gift this holiday season.  Savannah painted a scene with dogs and cats, while Bella tried her hand at some of her favorite cartoon characters.  Both girls did a great job, and I can't wait for them to surprise their Nana and Papa with them at Christmas.

Kids who love to craft can never have enough supplies, and the Craft Chest from Yoobi is another must have item for arts and craft lovers.  The Yoobi Craft Chest is filled to them brim with a wonderful assortment of craft supplies including: 5 foam sheets, 5 felt sheets,̴ 65 pom poms, 4 jumbo pom poms, 25 pipe cleaners, 25 foam sticks, 20 googly eyes, feathers and foam stickers.
  

Craft Chest


While my girls waited for the second piggy bank to arrive, dove right in and had a blast creating fun things with the different supplies found in the Yoobi Craft Chest.  They even used some of the foam sheets and pom pom craft supplies from this fun craft chest, to  make some of the homemade Christmas cards.  The even used the pipe cleaners and popsicle sticks to make a few handmade ornaments to give their close friends, for them to hang on their trees. 

And, when they were done crafting with the help of their new Yoobi Craft Chest, they went straight to the DIY Melty Bead Kit, which they absolutely loved. Yes, there were a handful of beads that wound up on the floor and that I stepped on -- hurts a little less than a LEGO -- but, it was nice seeing the girls sit together and enjoy time together as they made fun bead art.  

DIY Melty Bead Kit - Super Food


"Pick a bead, any bead, and watch your design turn into a brand-new necklace, keychain or pin!

DIY Melty Bead Kit - Super Food 

This kit comes with everything you need to turn little beads into colorful food and creative masterpieces - all you need is an iron (and a grown-up helper!) to complete your melty bead magic."
Product Details:
DIY Melty Bead Kit - Super Food
  • Includes 2,000 non-toxic melty beads, 1 template board, 5 iron papers
  • 10 printed template sheets
  • 3 keyrings, 1 necklace chain
  • 4 magnet backings, 2 pin backings
  • Ages 5+ 

As far as the other Yoobi goodies sent, these would make for great stocking stuffers, with most being under $5.    You can never have enough colored pencils, crayons, glue pens, and markers. 

Glitter Glue, 6 Pack - Multicolor 

Stackable Markers with Stickers, 12 Pack - Multicolor

Mini Neon & Glitter Gel Pens, 12 Pack - Multicolor

Colored Pencils, 6 pack - Color Opposites


And, tweens/teens and those who love to journal or draw will love having their own journal from Yoobi to grab and use.  My daughter Savannah is working on a story about a dog named Lucky right now, and she is using the Yoobi journal we were sent to write out her story and add illustrations with the beautiful Yoobi Chase Rainbows Journal we were sent.

Journal  - Chase Rainbows

I could go on and on about how much we love Yoobi products. But, if you are a fan of Target, or have kids who love arts and crafts, then you are probably aware of this brand, which not only offers amazing quality products, but also had an great mission, where they give back with every purchase made. 

For every Yoobi item purchased, a Yoobi item is donated to a U.S.classroom in need!

So, with the holidays fast approaching, why not make a special trip --- you know you already planned to -- to your local Target, and check out all the wonderful gifts available from Yoobi.  From hardcover journals to colored pencils, washable paint brushes and stamps, stickers and stencils, you can't go wrong when you give a gift from Yoobi this holiday season.  



And, knowing that your purchase will help others in need should make you feel good when you go to cash out.  Not only will you be getting a great deal on these great gifts, but a U.S. classroom in need with benefit from you purchase, by receiving a Yoobi item donated by the folks at Yoobi.


To learn more about Yoobi and their wonderful products, all great for gifts under the tree or to fill stockings with, visit https://yoobi.com/. And, right now if you use promo code STOCKING20 at checkout you can receive 20% off stocking stuffers.  So, what are you waiting for?  Let Yoobi help you finish your holiday shopping so that you can enjoy quality time with your family, crafting and creating with the new Yoobi arts and crafts and stationary supplies you pick up.

Stay up-to-date on all things Yoobi by following their social media pages below:




Yoobi creates colorful vibrant supplies for school, home or office that give back. For every Yoobi item you buy, a Yoobi item is donated to a U.S. classroom in need. Since launch, Yoobi has impacted the lives of 3 million kids across the U.S… and we’re just getting started!


As we gear up for our Holiday 2017 season, we are looking for awesome people like YOU to help spread Yoobi holiday cheer! Check out our holiday must haves, stocking stuffers under $5, games and more!  These items will be available on Yoobi.com and Target stores nationwide.



Disclosure: I was sent samples from the vendor in exchange for an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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