Thursday, December 1, 2022

Jenga Giant Kids Wood Blocks Toy Review

Toys 


MBE partnered with Jenga GIANT for this review, post contains affiliate links 

Educational Kids Fun Builds STEM Skills 


If you were a child starting in the 1980s, chances are you probably remember the classic Jenga wood building blocks game. This brand's nostalgic no tech and educational toy is still going strong, getting bigger and better for the next generation with the introduction of the Jenga GIANT JS4 wood blocks building set, the newest edition to the Jenga GIANT line.



Boy Building With Wood Blocks



Giant Wood Blocks Building Game for Bigger Fun 


A new twist on the original stacking game. Jenga GIANT JS4 challenges kids to enhance their fine motor skills, learn about cause and effect, and sharpen strategic thinking abilities to build a tower up to 3 feet high using the included 54 over-sized wood blocks measuring 4.75" x 1" x 1.58" (four times the volume of classic Jenga blocks). 

What's more is that with larger build-ups boys and girls as they play the game, kids get to experience even more excitement along with louder and bigger crashes when blocks tumble. What's not to love as a parent about keeping kids busy for hours with an engaging wholesome activity that doesn't involve any electronics or wifi and that won't mess up your house? 

Millennial Mom Shares Her Family Experience 


Just ask Rachel Marks, millennial mother of a preschooler and toddler, what she thinks about Jenga GIANT JS4. 

"I enjoyed playing with the original Jenga so much during my own childhood," Rachel says. "It was often the go-to activity for multi-generational family gatherings, so I was very interested in trying out this new giant Jenga version with my two boys. 

"When I first received GIANT JS4 for my latest MBE review, I was curious to see how my 4-year-old son would respond to this toy. Growing up with Jenga was a special experience for me and I find it to be even better now because I'm sharing this new rendition with my own family.



Jenga GIANT Kids Wood Blocks



"Each classically-designed wood piece is big enough for my son to easily grab and start building. What a thrill it is to watch him at work stacking these lightweight, but sturdy blocks, and creating yet another massive tower. The look of sheer anticipation, excitement and wonder in his eyes that he can build a structure that's taller than he is speaks volumes. 

"Not only is my big boy enjoying himself with this, as a parent it is satisfying to know he is also learning and growing through this amazing STEM activity combining a fun no-mess activity with building greater physical dexterity. Even my 18 month-old little guy has gotten into the act, mesmerized by watching the action as his big brother is focused on building a tower that doesn't tip over too early in the game.

"The icing on the cake is that Jenga GIANT blocks are teaching my children important life skills like cooperation, working together, and patience. In a short time, Jenga GIANT blocks have proven to be a reliable entertainment resource for play dates, at-home game nights, and even one-on-one child bonding time with mom or dad.

"Another mom-worthy note: The heavy-duty traveling case is so handy not only for storage at home when not in use. This is perfect for on-to-go families like ours to bring on trips to the park or when visiting family and friends," Rachel concludes.

The Origins of Jenga 


Jenga was inducted into the National Toy of Fame in 2020. The original product idea was conceived in the early 1970s by Leslie Scott, a British national, who was inspired by a game played with wood building blocks by her family while living in West Africa. The toys name Jenga comes from the Swahili word kujenga which literally means to build. 

Fast forward to 1983 when Scott officially introduced Jenga at the London Toy Fair. From there the simple game based on wood blocks took off and by1985 the flagship product was first available in the US and Canada and shortly thereafter could be purchased in many countries worldwide.Jenga was inducted into the National Toy of Fame in 2020. 


Family Fun 
for All Ages


Boy Girl Building With Wood Blocks



About the New Jenga GIANT JS4 Blocks Set 


Jenga GIANT JS4 wood blocks are an ideal gift idea for Ages 6 years old and up. Available on Amazon and at JengaGiant.com. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor fun for the whole family: kids, teens and adults will all enjoy playing with this together. An entertaining and educational activity for family game nights, special occasions and children's birthday parties. 

A perfect addition to traditional and homeschool classrooms, too, since Jenga GIANT JS4 blocks are constructed of premium hard wood and are built to last. 



Jenga GIANT JS4 
Kids Wood Blocks



DISCLOSURE: We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows our site to earn a bit of compensation (at no extra cost to you) for including where to buy referral links within our posts to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

NYTSTND Duo Tray Wireless Charger Review

Tech


Technology Made for Minimalists


Don't you just hate always depending upon having a mess of assorted charging cables on hand -- not to mention those electric plugs that always seem to go missing when you need them -- to ensure your smartphone, smart watch, and/or wireless earbuds are charged to keep up with your tech-based lifestyle? For sure, I know that feeling. That menagerie of cables and plugs was cluttering my gadget loving life until I was rescued from all that wired chaos with the NYTSTND Duo Tray Wireless Charging Pad Station which I received to facilitate this honest review recapping my experience.

MBE partnered with NYTSTND for this review



Minimalist Elegant Wireless Charger
NYTSTND Duo Tray Wireless Charger Station



Meet NYTSTND Duo Tray Wireless Charger Pad


The NYTSTND Duo Tray Wireless Charger can charge up to two Qi-compatible devices (any combination of smartphones, smartwatches, wireless earbuds, etc) simultaneously. Made in the US and constructed with Amish-sourced wood and beautifully stitched quality leather, it's a statement decor accessory piece that charges your devices.

Not only pretty to look at, this product perfect for busy families and minimalistic lifestyles is compatible with newer Apple, Samsung and Google Pixel, Nokia and other Qi-compatible devices. That's a real benefit, especially if you want to charge two different brand devices at once such as an iPhone and a Samsung phone or two types of devices like an iPhone and Airpods. The Duo also includes a built-in tray to store all those small items that are easily misplaced. Important things like your eye glasses, wallet. earrings, and more. This tray is also where your own personality is reflected, as you see from the photo at the top of this post I love having orchids in the tray of my NYTSTND charging station.

Extra Perks, Easy Setup and Use


Another perk of this stylish NYTSTND product: you can charge a compatible phone without removing the case if it is up to 5mm thick. There's even an extra USB port on the back of the unit for charging an additional device that might not be Qi-enabled. Best of all, at just 8"H x 5.8"L x 6.9"W and weighing less than a pound, this mini mobile powerhouse is compact, sleek and stylish and is perfectly sized to fit on workspaces, desks and most bedside night tables. 


NYTSTND Duo White Wireless Charging Station
NYTSTND DUO TRAY IN ACTION


Straight out of the box the Duo is easy to set up and ready to use. All you have to do is connect it to the included AC Power Adapter and plug into a nearby electric wall outlet. Then simply place one (or two) compatible wireless devices directly on the charging pad. You'll know each device you want to recharge is placed in the right spot when you see a solid blue light turn on signaling that charging has begun. If you see a flashing blue light just keep moving the device until the solid light appears to position it properly. Your device(s) will charge quickly and you'll know the charging is complete when you see a green light. 

The Magsafe-compatible NYTSTND Duo is available in Rustic White Leather with White Wood Base, like the white-on-white tray wireless charger I chose for this review post. The Duo tray style is also offered in nine two tone color combinations (Black/Slate Gray for example) to suit just about everyone's personality, lifestyle, and decor.



NYTSTND QUAD TRAY 4-in-1


About NYTSTND


Headquartered in Ohio, NYTSTND specializes in high-quality luxurious wireless charging stations offered in various combinations, handcrafted from premium wood and ultra-soft luxe leather. In addition to the DUO TRAY 2-in-1 charging station featured in this review (which is also available without the tray, other NYTSTND products available include the UNO (for single device wireless charging),  the TRIO and TRIO TRAY (3-in-1 wireless charging station), and the QUAD and QUAD TRAY  (4-in-1 wireless charging station). Prices range from $64 to $234.


NYSTND Life Uncluttered



WHERE TO BUY


Add some luxury and unclutter your life at home or at the office. Check out the full line of elegant and functional NYTSTND wireless chargeing stations available exclusively on the brand's site


NYTSTND.com


This post contains affiliate links what allow our site to earn a bit of compensation (at no extra cost to consumers)  for including referral links.

Monday, October 24, 2022

More Free Halloween Pumpkin Carving Stencils

Crafts

100+ Free Printable Pumpkin Stencils & Templates


Free fun and whimsical DIY pumpkin carving patterns are as plentiful as the pumpkins you see in the fields, at neighborhood pumpkin patches and at markets right now.  For those of you celebrating, Halloween will be here before you know it. So it's time to start (or finish) decorating your home, if you haven't done it already. It's also a good idea to start planning this year's jack-o'-lantern masterpiece now, if you're carving one. To get the best choice, select your pumpkin now. But, wait to actually carve the design until just a day or so before Halloween to keep your pumpkin as fresh as possible.





Isn't this adorbs? I love this super simple pumpkin carving idea for baby's first Halloween which makes a great photo prop for some Instagram worthy images this fall. All you do is cut the pumpkin top open and hollow out then cut two smaller holes in front slightly larger in diameter than your child's legs. 

Seriously, no matter what you like, what your skill level is and what you are looking for you are bound to find one or more free downloadable pumpkin stencils here that you or the kids will want to use to carve your pumpkin this Halloween.






34 Free & Easy Pumpkin Carving Templates from HGTV

More than 90 Advanced Pumpkin Carving Templates from HGTV

15 Halloween Decorating & Craft Templates from Martha Stewart

Superman Pumpkin Carving Template from Celebrating Halloween

The Good Dinosaur Arlo Pumpkin Carving Template based on the Disney Pixar movie

43 Cool Pumpkin Carving Stencils from Popsugar

Assorted Pumpkin Stencils in Different Themes from The Pumpkin Lady

Many fun Pumpkin Carving for Families Templates from Pumpkin Pile

Huge Selection Whimsical Pumpkin Carving Templates from Better Homes & Gardens

53 more Pumpkin Carving Templates from Better Homes & Gardens

49 Pumpkin Printable Stencils from Good Housekeeping

50 Pumpkin Carving Stencils from Woman's Day

50 Printable Pumpkin Carving Templates from Parade

26 Pumpkin Carving Stencils from Real Simple

30 Free Skull Pumpkin Carving Stencils from Artsy Pretty Plants


Remember Safety First is your responsibility: Supervision by a responsible person is always advised for any activities or crafts involving kids 

Bookmark this page NOW 
& keep checking back 
as we add more template resources to the list

Happy Halloween!

Pumpkins Farmers Market


Other Halloween posts you'll like

DIY Hand Dipped Chocolate with Store-Bought Candy Bars 
10 Free Fun Halloween Mobile Apps for Windows
Tofu Halloween Ghost Pumpkin Mummy Pop Cakes
Free Halloween Party Printables