Thursday, December 22, 2011

BeginAgain Toys–Telling Stories Through Play (Review and Giveaway)

Closed.  Congrats to Donna J.

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BeginAgain is a creative mix of old timey storytelling and responsibly crafted invention. It is our mission to tell stories through toys, to teach through play, and to invent in partner with the planet. Our company is fueled by the heroes we create and the partners we collaborate with along the way. At the BeginAgain workshop we believe our toys should provide play value without compromising planet value.
 

The workshop rules - "Ben's 4 simple rules"

1. Kids are the true noisemakers!

No batteries, no electronics, ever!

2. Share your ideas, then build

Collaborate, share, and build in partnership.

3. Don't leave a mess

Take OIL out of play, use plant based materials whenever possible and always reduce, recycle, and seek improvement.

4. Great products have greater purpose

BeginAgain gives 1% to the community.
My Thoughts:
When I first stumbled across this website and their product line, it reminded me of toys and games you would find in an old country store.  Each of the BeginAgain Toys has a unique story behind it and comes packed in eco-friendly packaging.  I chose BeginAgain’s Bathtub Ball – Shark Tank to review, as my daughter loves her bath time and thought it would be a fun toy for her to play with in and out of the tub.  And, boy was I right.  Since receiving the toy a few weeks ago, Savannah cannot stop walking around without the ball and its characters. 
Bathtub Ball - Shark Tank
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Ages 3+
This durable natural rubber play set is great for play in and out of water. The characters bubble with excitement as they sink in the water. This toy is perfect for the beach, bath, or pool. Going on vacation, take this set on the go! The bathtub ball has storage built in. The rubber shark tanks doubles as clean up storage!
Includes:
1 - Bathtub Ball
1 - Diver
2 - Sharks
1 - Octopus

Wash Instructions: Dishwasher Safe - Top Rack preferably
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She especially loves the diver! I can’t get over how durable and bendable this toy his. I think this is the first natural rubber toy Savannah has, and I like it! Not only do I not have to worry about her biting off a piece of the toy and choking on it, but it is easy to clean.
Here are some of the other toys BeginAgain Toys offers, that also have that old time feel and charm to them.
 
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After seeing how much Savannah enjoys the Bathtub Ball - Shark Tank, I have made a point to bookmark this site, as I will be shopping here come Easter and for her birthday. And, when I need a fun and unique toy for a gift, I know where I am looking first.  The next toy I will be getting her and her sister is the Lemonade Set.  I can just picture my girls now setting up their own lemonade stand.

---WIN IT--
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One lucky reader will win a Bathtub Ball - Shark Tank  of their own, thanks to the folks at BeginAgain Toys.  To enter, please head on over to the BeginAgain Toys website and let me know something you learned about the company.  Make sure you include your email address is your comment below, so that I can contact you if you win.
Open to US residents only. Giveaway ends on Jan.5, 2012 at 11:59PM EST. I will then use Random.org to choose a winner. Winner will have 48 hrs. to respond to my email to claim prize. If I don't hear back from selected winner, I will draw another winner.

Disclosure:  I was sent a sample from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.











18 comments :

  1. BeginAgain was founded on the principles, ideas, and inventions of Benjamin Barlowe, an early 20th century inventor from Fort Collins. Ben's fantastic tales and astute observations of his grandchildren, Zadie and Fuller, are the inspiration behind our products. His archive overflows with tinkered toys, playful mechanisms, and incredible stories filled with nostalgia, history, and lessons on how things used to be.

    kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. BeginAgain was created by toymakers David Bowen and Chris Clemmer–two of the co-founders of Sprig Toys

    wdwfla at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I learned that Created by toymakers David Bowen and Chris Clemmer–two of the co-founders of Sprig Toys–BeginAgain is focused on thoughtful product design and imaginative storytelling for today's kids. It is our goal to inspire children with stories of invention, adventure, and good old-fashioned fun.
    I like that they have classic toys! Thanks for a super giveaway!

    My email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  4. The company tries to use plant based materials including Natural rubber, cotton fabric, Sustainably harvested woods, Wheat starch plastic and Bamboo.
    Marysa {at} marysa {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
  5. They are a imaginative toy company located in Fort Collins, Colorado!


    Christyn M
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  6. At the BeginAgain workshop they believe their toys should provide play value without compromising planet value.

    Missy L
    mlynnh5 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love their website design--they had this quote on their page that sums up what they are all about--I really liked it.
    "Kids already have the best job in the world, to play. It's full time work and the way they play shapes the way they grow. The toy box is the child's first tool box. Toys are meant to inspire kids to draw, build, explore, tell stories, play games, and ultimately save the day." - Benjamin Barlowe, Inventor and Science Digest, 1959.
    what cool toys!
    *kelly
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  8. Created by toymakers David Bowen and Chris Clemmer–two of the co-founders of Sprig Toys–BeginAgain is focused on thoughtful product design and imaginative storytelling for today's kids. It is our goal to inspire children with stories of invention, adventure, and good old-fashioned fun. BeginAgain toys teach through play and nurture the development of the whole child.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I learned that BeginAgain acquired ImagiPLAY and debuted in Sept 2011.
    10750coupons at gmail dot com

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  10. love the Kickin' Putt too!

    ykatrina at hotmail dot com

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  11. I learned that the company has been around for almost 100 years.

    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  12. Their toys haeve no electronics or batteries. momlovesdeals at gmail dot com

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  13. I learned that they have Artist on the Go products that bring out creative expression in children! [email protected]

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  14. I learned that they have toys that do not compromise the planets value!
    lizzyallen123@gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  15. They are are working to take oil out of play and feature plant based materials! I also love that a lot of the toys are made in the USA!

    Shannon F.
    shannybakes(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  16. I learned that they are based in Ft. Collins, CO.

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  17. This Toy company is based in Ft. Collins, CO and their toys require NO batteries or electronics!!! ((1955nursehjc4me(at)myway(dot)com)) Thanks for the chance....

    ReplyDelete
  18. Created by toymakers David Bowen and Chris Clemmer

    dollhousecreation(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete