droolicious : amazon.com

Amazon Deal Alert: Elmo Live 32% Off

Chris Ford — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 23:00:00 GMT

Elmo Live (or as my two-year-old calls him, "Hard Elmo" because he's not squishy), is a big hit in my house. He talks, sings, dances and is one of those toys that as a child I imagined toys would be like in the future. Well, if you didn't find Elmo Live under the tree a couple of months ago, now is definitely the time to pick one up. Elmo Live is available at Amazon.com for $44.99 - that's $21.00 off the regular price.

Fisher-Price Elmo Live, $44.99 from Amazon.com

Amazon's Complete List of Frustration-Free Toy Packaging Options

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:30:00 GMT

Amazon's Frustration-Free Packaging Option, offered on a wide selection of toys this season, lets you opt to have your gifts shipped in a "recyclable, easy-to-open box that eliminates 4-color printing and minimizes the use of PVC windows, blister packs, fasteners, and 4-color inserts found in traditional packaging."

Sounds great, but where does all that excess packaging -- such as the colorful box, blister pack and fasteners normally found in the Matchbox Mega Rig Space Shuttle shown here -- go?

Matchbox Mega Rig Space Shuttle as boxed (left) and unboxed (right) with Frustration-Free Packaging.

According to Amazon's Frustration-Free Packaging FAQ, the company works directly with manufacturers to have toys shipped in the scaled-down, eco-friendly packages right off the assembly line. Sounds like a pretty cool feature, provided you're willing to give up the magic of presenting a gift in its obviously kid-appealing original box. Having shredded my hands on countless fasteners and plastic bubbles, I say bring on Frustration-Free Packaging for everything.

Complete List of Toys Shipped in Frustration-Free Packaging (Amazon.com)

Matchbox Mega Rig Space Shuttle in Frustration-Free Packaging ($34.99; normally $44.99)

Amazon Deal Alert: Graco Pack 'N Plays $50 Off

Chris Ford — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:01:00 GMT

As a new or impending parent, a "pack 'n play" (or some sort of similar portable bed) is something you absolutely think you'll need, but in my experience it's something that you'll only use a few times. But, when you do need one - you really need one. Either way, if you're shopping for one you could do a lot worse than get one for $50 off.

The Pack 'N Plays from Graco that are usually $209.99 are on sale for $159.99 (from Amazon seller Right Start). There is also a more modern-looking option from Combi (the Combi Jazz Play Yard) that's also $50 off.

Check it out at this page on Amazon.com

How Does A Champion Boxer Keep The Swelling Down In His Fists?

Chris Ford — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 06:31:00 GMT

In a recent article, ESPN.com revealed that Ukrainian WBC Heavyweight Champion Vitali Klitschko uses a couple of small presents from his young son to help keep the swelling down in his fists after fights. And to be honest, it's kind of gross. At least, kind of gross for those of us not from the Ukraine, though I suspect it's probably pretty gross for them too.

If you haven't guessed already, Vitali Klitschko uses the used, urine soaked disposable diapers of his three year old son to keep the swelling down in his fists. It's an idea he got from his grandmother, and he says that "Baby wee is good because it's pure, doesn't contain toxins and doesn't smell."

I'm not sure exactly what kind of "toxins" Vitali is referring to, but urine is, after all, a waste product of our bodies. Even three-year-old bodies. And while I can't imagine it will hurt anything, remind me not to shake Mr. Klitscko's hand if I ever meet him.

But wait, you ask. What does this have to do with a blog about baby products? Why, a diaper sale of course! Amazon.com is now offering a promotional gift certificate of $20 off a future Amazon.com purchase when you spend $99 on select Pampers and Luvs products.

Check it out the sale at Amazon.com

Read the article about Klitschko's dirty diaper mitts at ESPN.com here and here.

[Klitschko Photo Credit: ESPN.com]

Plush Baby Photo Albums from Gund

Chris Ford — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:19:00 GMT

Baby books for newborn babies are always a good gift, but I've always been a fan of baby photo albums. We've been the recipient of a few soft sided books with family pictures in them over the years, but my favorite are from Gund.

We have the traditional "My Family Photo Album" (shaped like a house), but Gund makes a lot of other versions too. There's the "Look At Me!" photo album, the "Grandma, Grandpa and Me" photo album and my favorite, "Big Sister Photo" photo album (pictured). Most are available for $9.99 to $17.99 at Amazon.com.

Big Deal: Peg Perego On Sale at Amazon.com

Chris Ford — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:54:00 GMT

If you're in the market for a stroller, you're likely considering Peg Perego. Before you buy, check out the Peg Perego sale at Amazon.com. Most all of the products are on sale, with some up to 50%. For instance, check out the Peg Perego P3 Light Weight One Hand Fold Stroller for $249.99 (pictured). That's $120 (32%) off the regular price.

Check out all of the products over at Amazon.com.

7 Days of Must-Haves: The Snack Trap

Chris Ford — Sat, 31 May 2008 12:01:00 GMT

When I asked my wife what I should write about for "7 Days of Must-Haves," she immediately said "the Snack Trap." And I have to admit, she was absolutely right. If you've got a toddler who likes to take a snack with them (which pretty much limits it to every toddler in the world), then a Snack Trap is something that you really need to have.

Often the most simple things are the most ingenious, and the Snack Trap is no exception. It's a cup for small bite-sized snacks (like Goldfish crackers, Cheerios, grapes or whatever) with a rubber lid. The genius thing about the lid is, it lets small hands get to the food, but keeps the food inside for the inevitable moment when your toddler tips it over. The picture shows the lid, so you can get an idea of how it works.

They're found in lots of baby supply stores, or you can buy them in a three-pack for $13.95 from Amazon.com. In my opinion, you can never have too many.

Big Deal: $20 off Pampers and Luvs from Amazon.com

Chris Ford — Tue, 27 May 2008 18:26:00 GMT

Right now through May 31st, Amazon.com is giving a $20 Amazon credit with the purchase of $99 worth of Pampers or Luvs. You have to buy them all in one order, but as long as you don't cancel or return your items, they'll send you a code for $20 off your next purchase at Amazon.

Buying diapers is a necessity anyway, and especially if you've got two or more kids in diapers (and Pampers is your brand) this might be worth checking out. And for those of us who subscribe to Amazon Prime (which gives free two day shipping), it's a no-brainer.

Check out the sale details here from Amazon.com.