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Toy Tips

Home » Blogs » Kitchen Table Blogs » Toy Tips

Name: Marianne Szymanski
Kids: son, age 10; daughter, age 7
Works: Founder of Toy Tips and Publisher of toytips.com
Favorite part about being a mom: Smiles on my children's faces
Least favorite part about being a mom: Volunteering for way too much. I can't help it.
Famous for: Baking homemade cakes for all birthdays

Marianne is a lifestyle blogger, writer and journalist who created TOY  TIPS and founded the TOY TIPS Research Institute 20 years ago. Author of TOY TIPS: A Parent's Essential Guide to Toy Choices (Wiley/ Jossey Bass) and mom entrepreneur of her own brand,  "TOY TIPS"  of  "I'm a toy Tester" playwear and the all natural TOY TIPS TOY cleaner.

Zappos, Tony Hseih, TOY TIPS, Delivering Happiness

Delivering Happiness. The Zappos Way

Posted by Marianne Szymanski on March 27, 2013

It's Spring in Milwaukee and as the snow is melting and the grass starting to peek in, it's time to think Happy! 
 
Lately, when I think of the word Happy, I think of the word Zappos!  Why?  Well, because that company sure knows how to deliver it!
 
A few weeks ago, a white box with black writing and a blue shoe graphic arrived on my doorstep. 
What's inside, I wonder? Surprises for testing?  While opening it up anticipating the goods inside, there is nothing better to feel than ...happy.  When I pulled out bright orange soccer shoes and purple running shoes for track season, I thought about the happiness kids will feel once spring sports get underway. 
 
I always go by the mom rule that when a season changes, be sure to measure your child's foot and always know their current shoe size. If spring/summer shoes for tennis, track, soccer and golf may be on your list, shopping online for shoes is easier than you think. Zappos has this handy guide to measure your child's shoe size and also calculate what their European shoe size is.  Because we all know European shoes are uber-cute! http://www.zappos.com/measure-your-shoe-size 
 
If mom finds out that someone grew a size without warning,  all Zappos returns are free.  Actually, shipping both ways is free.
 
These are the styles TOY TIPS tested.  Our testers ran, jumped, kicked and hopped in these.  We reviewed for fit, comfort and function. 
 
As outdoor soccer will be starting soon, indoor soccer shoes can double as this season's summer street shoes. They won't fit next indoor soccer season so you get more wear out of these. We tested these shoes on an indoor gym floor during Futsal season. Not only was the style a "WOW" factor with many teammates  but these were durable for kicking and running with enough room for comfort.  We also found them to be true to size. 
 
www.zappos.com/adidas-freefootball-topsala-black-running-white-pop
 
For track season, pick a shoe that is most appropriate for the age and skill of your runner. Most kids start track in 5th grade with their school team. Depending on the kind of running your child will be doing, it's best to make sure first that the shoe is comfortable and second that the sole is fit for the terrain and it's use. For example, if your child will be running on asphalt, make sure you have a shoe with great treading on the bottom. If you have a cross-cournty runner on different terrains, you may want to do some research on the best shoe for that. Keep the shoe light with breathability.
 
 
And, along with Spring Sports also comes the need for protecting your eyes. Polarized lens reduce glare from the sun. They are a great option for most summer sports and for children that 
will spend a lot of time in the sun, it's best to be sure they have plenty of sunscreen and are wearing eyewear to prevent squinting.
 
Never forget yourself!  Zappos has an exclusive line of "Delivering Hapiness" comfy yogawear, dresses and cute summer styles that are perfect for moms on spring walks, at the park and fancy dinners.
 
We tested the Breezy Teezy which is loose-fitting and  light and pairs well with jeans and shorts. It also is a perfect choice for moms who recently delivered happiness with a new baby because it is oversized and just comfortable to wear.
 
http://www.zappos.com/delivering-happiness-breezy-teezy-cloud
 
The Zappos Company Tagline "Delivering Happiness" does fit up to its name. At least with me.
 
And, the best news is that  if you live in or will be in Milwaukee on April 21, you can Brunch with the Zappos CEO, Tony Hsieh and learn more about the company. For all aspiring entrepreneurs, and mompreneurs, I highly recommend you attend to hear him speak.  More information can be found on newaukee.com.
 
I'll see you there!
Marianne
 

Pinkalicious, pinktabulous, pinkerrific, Pinkerton, pinkitis Peter

Pinkalicious is Pinktabulous!

Posted by Marianne Szymanski on Feb. 24, 2013

If anyone loves the color pink, that would be me. Hot pink, soft pink, striped pink and dotted pink. Anything and everything pink! This past weekend, I put on my pink cowboy boots, hot pink T-shirt, pink scarf and  pink lipstick and escorted by 8 year old and her pinkeriffic friend to see the First Stage performance of Pinkalicious.  The play is based on the book (of the same name) by Elizabeth Kann and Victoria Kann.

The story revolves around Pinkalicious Pinkerton whose mother is busy with texting and talking  and her father is busy with work. Pinkalicious spends time eating scrumptuous pink cupcakes that will make anyone looking at them hungry. But, after she eats one too many of the  pink cupcakes, she develops a case of "pinkititis" turning her body pink from head to toe.The story unfolds and the musical adventure begins as she finds the cure.

The actors combine humor, dancing cupcakes, stellar singing and a little tap dance routine that will knock your pink socks off.  Her little brother Peter reveals a secret  to the audience along with her father that fosters self expression and acceptance. Pinkalicious herself reveals a message of self discovery and friendship. The set is decorated in ultra pink and the lighting has soft pink hues. I really like one subliminal underlying message that I think will get the youngest audience members more interested in eating their green vegetables after they see the show.  But, I can't tell what that is or I'll ruin the surprise.

This performance is appropriate for both boys and girls, parents and grandparents and anyone who loves the color pink!


"Pinkalicious" is on stage through March 27 at the Marcus Center's Todd Wehr Theater, 929 N. Water St. For tickets, call (414) 273-7206.www.firststage.org.

kids cooking program, kids chef school, toy tips

Cook with your Kids

Posted by Marianne Szymanski on Nov. 19, 2012 | 1 comment

I found an adorable cafe in Elm Grove that offers a great cooking program for kids. Perfect for scout troops and fun for siblings.

Carolines' Cafe offers "Kids Can Cook" Culinary School. The Basic Jr. Chef is $15 per class and there are 4 classes in the program.  Each child will receive a hardcopy cookbook and learn to prepare breakfast and lunchtime favorites that kids love to eat.  Kids will learn to make pancakses and crepes, breads and muffins, grilled panini sandwiches, fruit pies and pizza!

My friend Mary and I enjoyed a great lunch that included the best homemade squash soup with pancini that I ever tasted .. ever!  It has a cute homey feeling and she has also has a shop set up in the cafe with fun food and crafy items. It's located in the heart of the Elm Grove Village across the street from the Park and Shop.

Call Caroline's in Elm Grove and tell them Marianne Szymanski from Toy Tips sent you! 

3456 Watertown Plank Rd. Elm Grove, WI  262-784-1094

Jeff Kinney, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Third Wheel

Diary of A Wimpy Kid The Third Wheel!

Posted by Marianne Szymanski on Nov. 14, 2012

For the love of reading.....

Jeff Kinney, author of A Diary of A Wimpy Kid Series will be in Milwaukee on Thurs, 11/15 signing copies of his new book, The Third Wheel! 
Thursday, November 15, 2012
6:00 p.m.
Books & Co Oconomowoc
(262) 567-0106
Held at Oconomowoc High School Field House
641 East 4th Street
Oconomowoc, WI 53066

My kids have read every book in the series and I saw all the movies.. .good clean fun!
I am interviewing Jeff for TOY TIPS and he seems like a great model for kids to encourage reading, writing and cartooning. I'll post the interview tomorrow.

:-)
Marianne 

BIG, toy tips toy testing, toy testing in Milwaukee, growing up. toys, holiday

Dreaming of BIG!

Posted by Marianne Szymanski on Oct. 29, 2012

 It's already holiday time in my life and one way to start off this holiday season is to go see the First Stage Production of BIG!  It's worth every moment. 

 
As we stay so wrapped up in our busy worlds as parents, sometimes we forget how fun growing up actually is. This production gives every audience member an opportunity to release your inner-child and think about what it was like to grow up. Bring your favorite children and enjoy one and a half hours of pure childhood!  First Stage got it right when they created their own version of the movie, "BIG" and the Broadway production that was created in 2006.
 
Maxx, Mia and I saw  the "Wild Thunder" Cast and the talent, dancing and singing is amazing. The whole storyline is based on Josh Baskin, a little boy that wishes and grows BIG. You yourself will find times where you will smile, laugh and cry (I did) thinking of your own dreams and aspirations and who you are now.
 
The famous piano scene in the toy store is exciting  as Josh and the toy store owner, Mr. MacMillian light up the keys with their years of piano lessons!  First Stage custom built this piano  and... I admit it, I wish I had one of these at home!  Who wouldn't want to jump and sing at the same time?
 
This play was close to my heart because I saw the original movie when I was in college. One memorable scene in the movie put a little thought in the back of my head that started to unravel when I created Toy Tips in 1991.    That initial thought is my dream 22 years later. While my job is to play all day, it gives me the reassurance that I live out something daily I am passionate about. 
 
I don't think anyone will leave the theater without the same thought. Whether you are knee-deep in your career now, focused on parenting, grand-parenting  or  spending time with a cause you fee strongly tied to, that is also an aspiration and dream. For kids, it's all about possibilities, making choices and decisions that will shape their lives.
 
It's a great discussion point for the  car ride home. One thing I love about all of First Stage Productions is that in the Playbill they hand out, there are questions that they call "Curtain Call" to reflect on the play. My kids and I quiz each other all the time and it's fun to do. It allows them to see how much mom retained and they learned!
 
While we all secretly want our kids to stay little, as parents, we all want them to dream BIG!
 
The performance wraps up on November 11 and the last weekend ends with Toy Tips toy testing events prior to the show! Get your tickets and come play! 
 
Marianne
 
 
Test Toys with Toy Tips!
Just like Josh in BIG, THE MUSICAL!  Join First Stage and Toy Tips prior to the 1:00 p.m. performances of BIG, THE MUSICAL on November 10 & 11, and try out both this season’s newest toys and some of the favorites parents and grandparents alike will remember. 
WHO:  Grandparents, parents, and kids
WHEN: Saturday, November 10 at 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM and Sunday, November 11 at 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
WHERE:  Upper lobby of the Todd Wehr Theater, Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water Street in downtown Milwaukee
ADMISSION:  The cost to attend this event is FREE with ticket purchase.   Option to purchase a box lunch in advance to enjoy before the performance is also available.
RSVP:  To RSVP for this event, call (414) 267-2964 by Friday, November 2.  Tickets may also be purchased by phone. Admission for this event is limited. 
 
 

How To Train Your Dragon!

Posted by Marianne Szymanski on Oct. 19, 2012

Dreamworks How to Train Your Dragon is coming to town  Oct 25-28!

If you have kids that enjoy thrilling visual performances, this is one to consider. The story is about a boy named Hiccup who lives in a mythical world and does not fit into his family tradition of being a heroic dragon slayer. Along comes a dragon and the show explodes with adventure, thrill and a lot of excitement. It's not too scary for the younger set but thrilling for the school age kids.

A few things you should know before determining if this show it suited for your child.

Who is Hiccup?
Hiccup is a teenage viking who has a strained relationship with his father.  He wants badly to become the Viking man his father, the Viking King, wants him to be, but to do this he must slay a dragon.  As he sets out to do this, he learns morning about dragons than previously known, befriending the Night Fury Dragon Toothless, and changing the way his father sees him as a young viking, and changing the community along the way.
 
Dragon's breath..-- is this scary for kids? Is this real fire that comes out of the dragon?
There is a flying dragon known as a Skrill that does breath fire.  The other dragons have a combination of smoke and lighting that comes out of their mouths, in conjunction with fire blasts around the arena floor.  It’s thrilling and exciting, some of our younger ones, around the age of three, can get a little jump in their seats.
 

Is there any participation with audience members during the show? 
Because of the immersive nature of Dreamwork's storytelling in the arena setting, audience members will feel like they are visiting the Land of Berk where the story takes place.   The experience is more immersive than interactive.  There are  flying dragons, laser lights, fire blasts, smoke effects, bubble effects, farting dragons, and more. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0d7kEs81Co

I've seen other DreamWorks animated shows before and they are top notch and an amazing family experience.

Enjoy the show and say hello if you see me there!
Marianne


PS: If you are a mom blogger, use the  discount  code MOM  to get  25% off the $25 seats on opening night.http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/070048F7BF735910?artistid=1659167&majorcatid=10003&minorcatid=55