Buttons & Things Review

This is a sponsored post.

How do you proclaim your craftiness to the world?  (Besides being able to say, "Oh, I made it" when people ask you where you got that cute scarf, or skirt, or dress, or earrings, or whatever it is.)  Buttons & Things has you covered.

Crochet Buttons on Etsy

This Etsy shop, run by Pepper, has some of the cutest craft themed pins and magnets that I've seen.  (She also has some great stitch markers.)  I was so happy that she sent me the "Even More Knitting Buttons" and a few other pins.  As soon as I took them out of the packaging I loved them.  They are too awesome, how could I not?

Even More Knitting Buttons on Etsy

The magnets are nice and strong.  Which is perfect for my family, because my daughter also has the creative gene and the refrigerator is often covered in artwork!  I tried taking pictures of the magnets on my fridge in various forms of light, and at various times of day, but I simply couldn't get the magic formula quite right.  Despite the poor photo quality I think that you can see why this pirate magnet is one of my favorites.  It makes me giggle a little to myself each time I look at it!

The below four are pins.  I've loved this style of button pins since I first came across the American Girl Grin Pins.  (Anyone else remember those?  I'm dating myself here.  If you don't know what I'm talking about just search for them on Ebay.  I even found some on Amazon.)  Once Dominic is a little bit older, right now he needs pretty constant attention, I am going to make a project bag for while I'm out.  (I'm thinking something like the red purse I made with this pattern.)  I will proudly display these pins on the bag.  I can't wait!

These buttons would make a great gift for the crafter that you know.  Be sure to connect with Buttons & Things so that you can keep updated about shop news!  Go say "Hi!" on Facebook.

I'm also very excited to tell you that Pepper has given my readers their very own coupon code!  Make an order before April 9th and use the code PHILWIFE15 to take a $1 off!  

So, tell me, which button is your favorite?

Knitting Buttons on Etsy

This was a sponsored post.  I received some magnets and pins in exchange for my honest opinion.

Product Review: Melissa & Doug 20 Animal Magnets in a Box

My highly energetic toddler loves her magnets.  This past Easter she received a box of magnetic fish that were, and continue to be, such a hit that her Daddy and I decided to get her some magnetic animals for her birthday.  We spent some time browsing the internet and settled on the Melissa & Doug 20 Animal Magnet set.  The price, while not a steal, wasn't too bad.  (It has since gone up--Amazon is constantly changing their prices!)

We've really only heard good things about Melissa & Doug products and have been very happy with the few that Catherine does have.  (Her Melissa & Doug Large Shapes Jumbo Puzzle is a favorite!)  I especially appreciate the hardy wooden construction that tend to characterize the M&D products that I've seen.  

These magnets are cute, although the actual artistic quality of the animals leaves something to be desired.  The fish set that Catherine has is from Shure Farm MagnaWheels and those pictures appear to be of a higher quality--i.e., less cartoonish and more realistic.  Obviously, this doesn't affect the quality of play.


Catherine is out of the chewing on everything stage, but if she weren't I would keep these away from her.  I would be afraid of her destroying them very quickly.  While they are wooden they are not very chunky or "heavy duty" like the before-mentioned Large Shapes Jumbo Puzzle.


I believe the biggest negative of this set is that the "storage" box doesn't have a lid.  As a Mommy that is constantly losing the battle against clutter I would prefer all toys to be able to be packed up nicely.  There was a cheap plastic packaging piece under the original shrink wrap, but it certainly wasn't a lid and wouldn't work to keep any items inside!  It's a shame too, because the box is a very nice wooden one.  


Overall, this is a very nice product.  The animal magnets have been, and I am sure will continue to be, a great learning tool.  Most importantly, Catherine enjoys playing with them!

All views and opinions are exclusively my own.  
I did not receive any form of compensation for this review.  This product was purchased by me as a birthday gift for my daughter.  Some links on this page are  affiliate links.  
Click here for more information on my disclosure policy.

Teaching Time for Toddlers: Magnets

These guys have been gracing the front of the fridge,
and the inside of my small crock-pot, since Easter.
Anyone know what species the orange fish is?
Or the one under/just to the left of the shark?

Magnets are so much fun!  Even as an adult I enjoy fiddling with them, don't you?  There is a plethora of toddler targeted magnetic toys and learning aids out there.

I've told you previously about Catherine's magnetic fish.  (Sadly, I still haven't been able to identify all the varieties.)  She still loves them and plays with them quite frequently.

Right out of bed and
she's "fishing"!

For her birthday she received the Melissa & Doug Animal Magnets.  (Her cousins have this set and she has always been fascinated by it!)

She also was given the Melissa & Doug Deluxe 10-Piece Magnetic Fishing Game.  (This one is Daddy and Mommy's favorite!)  This is a great toy/activity for little ones!  Using the "fishing rod" to "catch" the fish requires a little bit of skill and patience--two great things to teach youngsters while playing.  

I love all of these magnets because they are helping to stimulate Catherine's fine motor skills, she is learning to identify the different animals, plus she is having fun experimenting with which materials the magnets "stick" to--a great introduction into the world of science!  

What have you and your toddler(s) been up to recently?  Or not so recently?  
I'd love to read all about it!
Please, link up below!  I'd love if you'd grab my button (on the left) but it's not required to share.