Did you know that teaching your kids to wear sunglasses is as important as teaching them to brush their teeth? Kids 10 and under are at a higher risk for developing skin and eye damage from UVR (ultra violet rays), and taking precautions for protection- like putting on a pair of UVA and UVB blocking glasses can dramatically reduce the risk.

We get a lot of intense Carolina sunshine throughout the year where I live, and from the very first days of Balian's sweet little life, I have been a stickler for protecting his eyes from the sun. He thinks sunglasses are pretty cool now, but we didn't always have such great luck. We've dealt with lots of screaming, tantrums, and even a pair or two of broken sunglasses, due to them being uncomfortable, cheap, etc. Who knew it would be so hard to find a god pair of kids sunglasses?

Real Kids Shades knows the dangers of UV Rays, and the harm they can cause our children. They are a leading maker and provider of sunglasses for children through age 12, and encourage parents to have their kids wear sunglasses everyday, because little eyes are precious and deserve protection.

I worked with Lori over at Real Kids Shades, and she sent us a fantastic sampling of sunglasses for Balian to try out. I was thrilled to have so many different choices in different styles and colors. We are a pretty active family, getting lots of playtime outdoors, as well as going for walks, bike rides, etc, so sunglasses are always a must when we head out the door.

Our review package from Real Kids Shades included three pairs of sunglasses and some educational brochures.

Take a look at these cool shades, all with reusable pouches!

Balian became very excited when he laid eyes on all of his new shades! He couldn't wait to test them out, and I couldn't wait to learn more about how they would protect his precious blue eyes from the sun's harmful rays.

Real Kids Shades- Xtreme Element

These cool shades are perfect for kids of all ages, especially if you have trouble getting your kids to leave their sunglasses on. They are comfortable to wear, and the support band is non-rubbing/itching, and just sort of goes with your child as they're active. This is my top pick, because they take the headaches and guesswork out of selecting a great pair of sunglasses for the kiddos!

Check out some of the features of the Xtreme Element Sunglasses from Real Kids Shades...

Balian and Clifford, modeling the Xtreme Element Sunglasses...

Next up, we have the Flex Duo Sunglasses. These flexible shades are top quality, and super snazzy. I like the wrap around design, because they block out the light/rays from Balian's peripheral vision. The flexible frames are pretty indestructible, and safe in little hands. They also come with a removable neoprene strap. If Balian had to pick a favorite, these would win. He definitely looks like the coolest kid on the block in these Flex Duo Shades, and loves to wear them to church, or when we're out playing, or just out for the day.

The Flex Duo Shades

Super cool color combo, and flexi design...

Testing out the Flex Duo Shades- win!

And last, but not least, we have the very cool My First Shades, in the Green Frogs pattern. These shades are designed specifically for babies, toddlers and kids, up to age five. These pretty shades are designed to do two things- protect little eyes from UVA/UVB, and be comfortable, durable and attractive. There are lots of cool colors and designs, for both boys and girls. I actually selected this color/style for Balian, because they match his swimming gear. We'll be spending seven days on a Caribbean cruise in January, where the sun will be very intense. I knew it would be important for Balian to wear his sunglasses both on and off the cruise ship, and these seemed like the best choice. 

My First Shades- Green Frogs

Balian, exploring his new My First Shades... and loving those green frogs!

So, why Real Kids Shades?

Real Kids Shades are the doctor recommended sunblock you can apply directly to your kids’ eyes. They’re made with shatterproof, impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses because it’s the best stuff kids’ sunglasses can be made from. Our Xylex frames are super light and durable while our TPE frames are extremely flexible and bendable. Our wrap-around frames minimize exposure to harmful peripheral light. Opticians can even fit some of our styles with prescription lenses. These are just a few of the reasons why doctors like Real Kids Shades.
 (From the Real Kids Shades Website)



Plus... Real Kids Shades is the proud recipient of an iParent Media Award for Child Safety!
Check out all of their partnerships, awards, reviews and more!

We love our sunglasses from Real Kids Shades, and it's true- it's the fastest, easiest, safest way to fully protect my child's eyes from the sun. There are so many adorable and cool styles and designs to choose from at RKS! These super shades are perfect for gifting this holiday season! They'd make a great stocking stuffer for the kids, and at just $14.99/pair, you can keep a pair in the car, in the diaper bag, at grandma's house, etc!

Want more? 
Check out a previous MBP review of Real Kids Shades and see how Steph's kids liked their shade samples!



Want It? Buy It!

You can purchase any of the above featured styles, plus many more at Real Kids Shades. Be sure to click the box for your child's age group to be shown appropriate shade styles for your little one! Real Kids Shades is on Facebook, so be sure to like their page, and enter the Sweepstakes they have going on through December 13th!

Want It? Win It!

One lucky MBP reader will win their very own pair of sunglasses in their choice of style and color, from Real Kids Shades. Just use the Rafflecopter entry form below to enter to win!

Special thanks to the fabulous folks at Real Kids Shades for allowing us to review their most wonderful sunglasses, and for offering this super fab giveaway for our readers!

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Other than the above mentioned products, which I received directly from this sponsor for review purposes, I was not compensated for facilitating this review. All opinions expressed are my own. Your experience may differ. Mommy's Block Party and its team members are not responsible for prize fulfillment or shipment- this is the understood responsibility of the giveaway sponsor.