Begin Again Toys (Review & Giveaway)

Do you ever hear Ina Garten talking about 'getting back to basics' on her cooking shows or in one of her cookbooks? I think about that a lot, and in this technologically advanced world- how on earth can we get ourselves back to the basics? I'm talking about the simple things in life- like, kids playing with cardboard boxes, lemonade on the front porch, and family walks after dinner, or game night on Fridays.

Imagine my delight when I happened upon Begin Again Toys, an imaginative toy company located in CO. Begin Again Toys features the designs of local 20th Century Colorado inventor, Benjamin Barlowe. Benjamin's ideas, stories and observations of his own grandchildren, are the inspiration for Begin Again Toys products. You may be familiar with David Bowen and Chris Clemmer, who founded Sprig Toys, and are also the toy makers behind Begin Again. These toys are designed with the kids in mind- and their main goal and top priority being to inspire children with stories of adventure, invention, and fun!

We were offered our choice of toy from Begin Again, and I was eager to look through the many fun categories of toys, which include A WISH:

About BeginAgain Toys

A - is for the artist. Creative artistic play develops imagination and gives a sense of the world we live in. This is where you can find creative arts, music toys, and more.

W - is for the writer. Children are natural storytellers and these toys help develop communication and confidence. Here you can find role play and character playsets.

I - is for the inventor. The Inventor loves to learn, explore, and build. Find learning games, exploration kits, construction, and science fun here.

S - is for the sportster. Exercise for the body is important of all kids. Here you can find outdoor toys, sporting games, ride-ons, and more.

H - is for the hero. Kids love to save the day. This category is all about heroes, adventures, action figures, and wheels fun.

B - is for the beginner. The toys for beginners help with fine motor skills like grabbing, stacking, and pushing for our next generation of inventors!

After browsing through the categories, I decided to go with a selection from the Writer category for a couple of reasons... #1- obviously, I am a writer, and thought the category was just too fitting, and #2, Balian has shown an increased interest in imaginative role play, like cooking, baking, etc.

So, we chose to review the Scented Scoops Ice Cream Set, and couldn't wait to sniff and play! Our Scented Scoops Ice Cream Set arrived in a cute little carry box- loaded with all sorts of fun ideas, and lots for me to read!

Our Scented Scoops Ice Cream Set from Begin Again Toys...

'A WISH' Categories are listed and Writer is highlighted on the product packaging.

We couldn't wait to get our hands on these colorful, scented scoops of ice cream!
Look at what was in our box...

Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry Scoops- right on top...

Here are all six of the ice cream scoops, the wooden tray and the wooden cones.

The six scented scoops (two of each flavor) that come with this adorably fun set from Begin Again, smell so delicious! They really do smell like chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, and each time I pick one up off of the floor after being played with, I can't help but take a whiff- and of course, it leaves me wanting ice cream! I couldn't wait for Balian to get his little hands on these and enjoy some play time!

Balian, checking out his first scented scoop- vanilla!

Balian was super determined to get the scoop off to get to the cone!

I love how the cones fit right into the wooden tray, and can easily be carried by little ones...

'Come on, mommy- let's have ice cream!'

We have been having such a blast with the Scented Scoops Ice Cream Set from Begin Again. I think each of our family members who have been over to our house since last week, have been offered an ice cream cone. Balian's papa got to experience all three flavors at once! This toy set has been a great tool for me, as I start to explain the difference between 'real' and 'make believe' to my little sweetie. Now, Balian is very fond of saying, 'Let's play pretend, mommy and daddy!' We play ice cream parlor, restaurant, and are sometimes even offered an ice cream cone right after dinner!

Writer Toys: Scented Scoops Ice Cream Set

Writer Toys: Scented Scoops Ice Cream Set

Features of the Scented Scoops Ice Cream Set

The Scented Scoops Ice Cream Party Playset comes with 6 servings of ice cream that smells good enough to eat. Kids love to role-play with the six, Maple wood ice cream cones that can be topped with deliciously scented chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla scoops made from GreenDot, a MADE IN THE USA biomaterial made from corn. This toy features 6 scented scoops, 6 wood cones, and one wood tray. All parts MADE IN THE USA, wood tray made in China. $30.00

We love this play set so much, that I'd love to get Balian the other play sets for the Writer, which include...

Writer Toys: Lemonade Set

Lemonade Set

Writer Toys: Tea Otters

Tea Otters Set

And of course, Begin Again Toys has lots of other wonderful toys to spark your little one's imagination! As Balian gets older, I know he'll love some of these...

Artist Toy: Artkit

Artist on the Go Kit

Inventor Toys: Alphabet Dinosaur

Dinosaur Puzzle

Sports Toys: Kickin Putt

Kickin' Putt

Hero Toy: Dunk and Dive Bathtub Characters

Dunk & Dive Bathtub Characters

How cool are these toys? You'll have to really look through all of the categories, because there are even more toys and activities that you and your kids will absolutely love! All of these wonderful Begin Again Toys inspire both parents and kids to get back to the basics of good 'ol fashioned play... and hey- isn't playing with your kids one of the best things you can do for them?

Add Begin Again Toys to your bookmarked sites, and don't forget about them this holiday season! Some of these toys would be great to tuck inside a Christmas stocking, or to wrap up! Your kids will love these toys, and you'll love that you've given them such a wonderful gift that they'll cherish!

Beginner Toys: EarthWorm Assortment

There are even cute toys for little Beginners!

Want It? Buy It!

You can purchase these featured toys and more at Begin Again Toys, and you can also find them at Whole Foods (love that store)! Don't forget to connect with Begin Again on Facebook, so you never miss out on cool new toys, kits and product news!

Want It? Win It!

One lucky MBP reader will win their very own Scented Scoop Ice Cream Set from Begin Again Toys! Just use the easy peasy Rafflecopter form below to enter for your chance to win!

Special thanks to our friends at Begin Again Toys for allowing us to share their magical, creative products with our community, and for offering such a sweet giveaway!

Good luck to all who enter to win!

My MBP Signature

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.