#60 Emmie's Designs

Momma Told Me: I spy with my little eye...

Do you remember playing 'find it' games as a child? It starts early with Hide N Seek, then moves onto Waldo and other identification books. Oh Waldo...I still have memories of flying back East each Winter to my grandparents home. I'd rush through the door and begin moving random objects, already primed in the car for the hunt. My grandparents took joy in hiding a small Waldo figurine throughout their humble home, behind the phone, in tissue boxes, anywhere small hands could reach. It would keep me busy for hours.

Every parent knows it's hard to keep a young child's attention, while Wow Wow Wubzy may have been a hit last week, this week it's all about Yo Gabba Gabba. The best way to keep little hands out of trouble? To give them a task or goal. So when I found Emmie's Designs on Facebook, not only was I enthralled by the creative use of color and patterns, but I was drawn to the simple yet ingenious I Spy bags. Remiscent of my favorite childhood activity books, these $15 handmade creations are sure to keep your kids busy virtually anywhere!

With dozens of stylish designs and themes to choose from, Emmie's I Spy bags are wonderfully crafted 7" x 7" rice filled pouched with an average of 36 hidden items. The rice allows for visual coverage and a textile experience to challenge and engage your little one. Considered a 'green' option to poly pellet alternatives, the pouch is safely sealed with superior double stitching, and a clear viewing window. Included is a laminated card, attached by keyring, with a comprehensive content list and visual search guide. I love that the items are listed as well as shown, for increased comprehension skills and to aid in basic reading/spelling growth. Maintenance is as simple as cleaning with a damp cloth, and this toy is considered suitable for children 3 and up with supervision.

I was sent one of Emmie Designs' ISpy bags for review here on Momma Told Me. The bag came wrapped in tissue paper, gift ready, and made a wonderfully playful jingling noise as I unwrapped it. Our kitty loves things that jingle as they remind her of her cat food, and instantly ran up to inspect. I literally had to shoo her away throughout my investigation, as the rice shifted and recreated the noise. The pouch itself was substantial but surprisingly convenient in weight. Two large cards attached revealed my search guide in photo and verbal format, though I'd like to see numbers associated with the pictures/words to help kids develop cognitive abilities better. A four year old may not recognize 'compass' by word, but may recognize the picture, why not tie the two together?

I also found the laminated cards quite convenient for use with a water soluble kid friendly marker, perhaps something Emmie might consider adding in the future, but a common household item regardless. I was surprised by how hard it was to locate all 36 items. I found about 20 right up front, but ended up with 3-4 I simply couldn't find. Because the rice allows for new exposure and hiding, it makes for a never ending 'search and find' experience. These are great for road trips, quiet time, and passing around at a family event. IF you need something to keep the kids busy while the turkey cooks, Emmie's ISpy bag is it!

Emmie also sells some other wonderfully stitched products such as her Burpies, Lovies, Paci Clips, and (my personal favorite) Blankets. An Emmie's Design Blanket will run you $35, with a cotton front and plush Minky backing any baby and mom will love. The 37" x 44" footprint is larger than average and great for growing into! Emmie's Designs is a one stop shop for lasting handmade baby/toddler gifts this Holiday Season, made by a mother, whose kids approve!

What Daughter Says: I Spy with MY little eye, an amazing handmade gift from Emmie's Designs!

One Momma Told Me follower will win a $15 gift certificate to Emmie's Designs on Etsy, great for any ISpy Bag, or you can put it towards a Minky Blanket!

Mandatory Entry: You must be a Momma Told Me follower, then visit Emmie's Designs and tell me what you'd put your $15 towards!

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Giveaway begins November 5, 2010 and ends 12:01 AM PST on November 16, 2010. Winner will be notified via email, and posted here. Entries valid INTERNATIONALLY. Winner has 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be drawn. Prize will be transferred via sponsor.

As required by the FTC: I received no monetary compensation for this review. I received a sample for the purpose of my review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.