Tuesday, December 28, 2010

North American Bear Company {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Jessica!}

Even though it was a lot of work, last summer I held a garage sale that was very necessary around here. Where does all of this stuff come from? How have we managed to accumulate so many things that have no use or that my kids have absolutely no need for?

One main box that I was glad to put out on the driveway was filled with the junkiest, cheapest stuffed animals. Whether they were won from fairs and carnivals or picked up as an afterthought at the store, they were ones that my kids never played with or loved - they just never made the cut.

Instead, they seem to have a sixth sense for plush pals that are truly made to last. The ones that have style and quality and are just... better. And the name that defines the best of the best stuffed animals is none other than North American Bear Company.

A family-owned and operated company started 30 years ago, North American Bear Company was formed out of the desire of a mother looking for the perfect teddy bear for her son (now that's what I call a dedicated mom). Today, their small, tight-knit staff consists mainly of parents who know and love the wide variety of products just as much as their customers - and who can blame them?

With everything from dolls to teddy bears to cuddly monsters, there is an option for both boys and girls of just about any age and interest. And North American Bear Co. doesn't just design adorable stuffed animals, they also have entire categories of fun Accessories or items for Dress-Up that are just the right combination of entertaining and endearing.

We set out to discover just how much fun we could have with these unique items when North American Bear Co's Handbag Goldfish and Tutu Tulle Kit arrived and brightened our day.

Brightly colored and silky soft, the Handbag Goldfish was confiscated immediately by Big Sister E as soon as she laid eyes on it. I did talk her into sharing it with Little Sister B for a while... but later on found that she had managed to stash it away in her room for even more time to herself.

Although I have to admit, even after I brought this plush fish back out to be shared, I could understand why she wanted to spend a little extra time with it.

With its sweet face and fins, convenient carry handles and easy-to-open zippered top (covering quite a large fully-lined compartment inside), this is one goldfish that can be both a toy and a purse at the same time. Measuring approximately 13" long, this isn't a tiny bag but rather almost large enough to be a cozy pillow as well. How many purses can do that?

From small treasures to important scraps of paper, both girls have loved using this unique handbag for carrying just about anything that is needed on a daily basis or for an imaginary adventure.

And what's the perfect outfit to wear when going on one of those adventures? Well, your very own custom tutu, of course.

Available in pink or purple, North American Bear Co's Tutu Tulle Kit has everything you need to not only wear a classic dress-up item, but to design it yourself. Opening up the package, we found the multi-layered tutu, a large tube of glitter glue, a package of shiny sequins, nine fabric flowers, thick paper templates to be used to create even more decorations and a satin bow to finish the look (that Little Sister B confiscated right out of the bag and was never to be seen again).

The concept of this kit is completely fun yet very simple: the lucky little girl creates her own decorations using the included supplies (or any additional ones that are added) and drops them down into the pocket-type layers of the tutu itself. The result is a completely personalized and easily changeable item that can be worn for pretend play, ballet or just any time that a tutu is an outfit's perfect finishing touch.

Being that Big Sister E is a huge fan of both arts & crafts and dress-up, this tutu was the perfect combination to entertain her from beginning to end. She started by decorating the fabric flowers, as well as some of the paper templates, with the glitter, sequins and crayons.

After they dried, it was easy to slide each piece into the openings near the top of the tutu and letting them fall throughout the layers. All that was left was to use the adjustable waistband and wrap this tutu around a 16" - 27" waist of the little ballerina waiting nearby.

I really like being able to open and close the waistband this way so that kids don't have to step in and out of the tutu as they usually do. Plus, even though this kit is recommended for ages 3+ that doesn't mean that a certain younger dress-up fan around here doesn't get to also enjoy the fun that this tutu has brought...

Little ballerinas have to try to imitate their big sisters in all of their poses, too

From classic and traditional to modern and unique, North American Bear Company has a huge collection of high quality, well-crafted items that would make great gifts for newborns through big kids. Heck, I think I need a Pink Tutu Tulle Kit of my own! With reasonable prices and oh-so-cute features, this is one company that knows what makes parents and kids happy.

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will get to pick their favorite bear or monster for the child in their life, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of Classic Bears or My Own Monsters (up to $30) from North American Bear Company!

To enter to win: Visit North American Bear Company and tell me which of their adorable items is your favorite.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow North American Bear Company on Twitter and/or Like them on Facebook.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

WIN a North American Bear Co Classic Bear or My Own Monster (ARV $30) from @NABearCo! #thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/ejuFKD #giveaway #win

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or become a fan on Facebook.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and North American Bear Company. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on January 21st at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open worldwide! If you're reading this, you can enter!

A big thank you to North American Bear Company for providing a Tutu Tulle Kit and Handbag Goldfish for me to review as well as the choice of Classic Bears or My Own Monsters for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

885 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   1 – 200 of 885   Newer›   Newest»
Misty said...

I love the Rosy Cheeks™ Big Sister Ballerina Blonde
mommy2skie@yahoo.com

Misty said...

follow North American bear co on facebook; misty vanepps

Misty said...

follow North American Bear on twitter; Mommy2skie

Misty said...

subscribe. mommy2skie@yahoo.com

strawberry said...

I like the Pattycakes gingerbread girl. strawberry_sweetheart39@yahoo.com

Misty said...

GFC

Misty said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
strawberry said...

I like North American Bear company on Twitter. user name strawberry_39. strawberry_sweetheart39@yahoo.com

Misty said...

follow you on facebook; Misty VAnEpps

Megsp22 said...

Oh my goodness... The Rosy Cheeks Baby Doll is the sweetest little thing ever :)

meagan.paullin@yahoo.com

Misty said...

got your button.
www.mommy2skie.blogspot.com

strawberry said...

I like North American Bear Company on facebook. user name Sally Grubbs. strawberry_sweetheart39@yahoo.com

Misty said...

button #3

Megsp22 said...

"Like" North American Bear Company on Facebook!

meagan.paullin@yahoo.com

Megsp22 said...

Email subscriber!

meagan.paullin@yahoo.com

Megsp22 said...

Fan of yours on FB

meagan.paullin@yahoo.com

Megsp22 said...

Fan of yours on FB!!

meagan.paullin@yahoo.com

strawberry said...

#1 I subscribe by email. strawberry_sweetheart39@yahoo.com

strawberry said...

#2 I subscribe by email. strawberry_sweetheart39@yahoo.com

strawberry said...

#1 I am a fan of yours on facebook. user name Sally Grubbs. strawberry_sweetheart39@yahoo.com

strawberry said...

#2 I am a fan of yours on facebook. user name Sally Grubbs. strawberry_sweetheart39@yahoo.com

Misty said...

blogged #1
http://mommy2skie.blogspot.com/2010/12/giveaways-i-entered-today-tuesday.html

Misty said...

blogged #2

Patricia said...

I love the Culture Club Kids Tote

Thanks!!!

Patricia said...

I follow North American on twitter @patacraft

Thanks!

Patricia said...

I follow you on twitter @patacraft and my tweet´s here:

http://twitter.com/patacraft/status/19807468330688512

Thanks!!!

Patricia said...

I´m suscribed to your feed on Google Reader

entry 1

Thanks!

Patricia said...

I´m suscribed to your feed on Google Reader

entry 2

Thanks!

Patricia said...

I have your button

http://craftyandartsygiveaways.blogspot.com/

entry 1

Thanks!

Miranda said...

My favorite item is the Little Princess™ Doll Blonde.
http://www.shopatron.com/products/productdetail/Little+Princess%26%238482%3B+Doll+Blonde/part_number=3876/648.0.1.1.8275.79963.0.0.0?pp=25&

Patricia said...

I´m blogging here:

http://craftyandartsygiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/12/thanks-mail-carrier.html

entry 1

Thanks!

Patricia said...

I´m blogging here:

http://craftyandartsygiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/12/thanks-mail-carrier.html

entry 2

Thanks!

Patricia said...

I´m blogging here:

http://craftyandartsygiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/12/thanks-mail-carrier.html

entry 3

Thanks!

Miranda said...

Follow them on twitter. @randi094

Miranda said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Miranda said...

Following and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/randi094/status/19810398354022400

Miranda said...

Follow on GFC.

Camelia Andrasescu said...

I love "Tutu Tulle Kit Purple"
andrasescu.camelia@gmail.com

Miranda said...

subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email

Camelia Andrasescu said...

I liked them on FB (Adriana Camelia Andrasescu-Scrieciu)
andrasescu.camelia@gmail.com

Camelia Andrasescu said...

Hi,
I follow you via GFC (Camelia Andrasescu)
andrasescu.camelia@gmail.com

Grace Matthews said...

3595 My Own Monster™ Crazy Eyes

giveawayswithgrace(at)yahoo(dot)com

Camelia Andrasescu said...

I subscribed your's newsletter by email
andrasescu.camelia@gmail.com

Grace Matthews said...

Following north American Bear on Twitter

@gracegives

giveawayswithgrace(at)yahoo(dot)com

Camelia Andrasescu said...

I follow you on FB(Adriana Camelia Andrasescu-Scrieciu)
andrasescu.camelia@gmail.com

Grace Matthews said...

Liked North American Bear on Facebook

Grace Matthews

giveawayswithgrace(at)yahoo(dot)com

Grace Matthews said...

Entered Dinosaur Train Giveaway

giveawayswithgrace(at)yahoo(dot)com

Grace Matthews said...

Entered Joe Shopping GIveaway

giveawayswithgrace(at)yahoo(dot)com

Grace Matthews said...

Entered Giant Party store Giveaway

giveawayswithgrace(at)yahoo(dot)com

Grace Matthews said...

Following you and Tweeted

http://twitter.com/#!/gracegives/status/19813044162924544

giveawayswithgrace(at)yahoo(dot)com

Grace Matthews said...

Subscribe to e-mail



giveawayswithgrace(at)yahoo(dot)com

Grace Matthews said...

Subscribe to e-mail



giveawayswithgrace(at)yahoo(dot)com

Grace Matthews said...

Subscribe to RSS Feed



giveawayswithgrace(at)yahoo(dot)com

Grace Matthews said...

Subscribe to RSS Feed



giveawayswithgrace(at)yahoo(dot)com

Grace Matthews said...

Fan on Facebook



giveawayswithgrace(at)yahoo(dot)com

Grace Matthews said...

Fan on Facebook



giveawayswithgrace(at)yahoo(dot)com

Grace Matthews said...

Grabbed your button

http://giveawayswithgrace.blogspot.com/p/awesome-blogs.html


giveawayswithgrace(at)yahoo(dot)com

Jessica said...

love the Rosy Cheeks™ Big Sister Ballerina Blonde
jessicatang90@gmail.com

Jessica said...

followed north american bear on twitter
@hongdoufantuan
jessicatang90@hotmail.com

Jessica said...

north american bear fb fan
jessica tang
jessicatang90@gmail.com

Jessica said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/hongdoufantuan/status/19814344200032256
jessicatang90@hotmail.com

Jessica said...

followed you on gfc - Jessica
1
jessicatang90@gmail.com

Jessica said...

followed you on gfc - Jessica
2
jessicatang90@gmail.com

Jessica said...

your RSS feed subscriber on google reader - Jessica
1
jessicatang90@gmail.com

Jessica said...

your RSS feed subscriber on google reader - Jessica
2
jessicatang90@gmail.com

Jessica said...

your email subscriber 1
jessicatang90@hotmail.com

Jessica said...

your email subscriber 2
jessicatang90@hotmail.com

Jessica said...

your fb fan 1
jessica tang
jessicatang90@gmail.com

Jessica said...

your fb fan 2
jessica tang
jessicatang90@gmail.com

Jessica said...

entered $25 amazon gift card giveaway
jessicatang90@gmail.com

Jessica said...

entered Bissell steam & sweep giveaway
jessicatang90@gmail.com

Jessica said...

entered $50 amazon gift card from giftzip giveaway
jessicatang90@gmail.com

Jessica said...

entered Numi Key giveaway
jessicatang90@gmail.com

Jessica said...

entered CSN stores giveaway
jessicatang90@gmail.com

Jessica said...

entered $Keurig Hot apple cider giveaway
jessicatang90@gmail.com

Jessica said...

entered Melissa & Doug wooden railway set giveaway
jessicatang90@gmail.com

Jessica said...

entered $100 amazon gift card from joeshopping giveaway
jessicatang90@gmail.com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

I like the Rosy Cheeks Girl Blond.
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Katie said...

I <3 the The Rosy Cheeks Baby Doll

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said...

I'm an email subscriber to Thanks, Mail Carrier.
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

debbie said...

I would like the pull-a-longs pinto.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I am a email subscriber.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Brooke Anna @ Mommy Does... said...

I love the Tinie Dinies Yellow Topsy!
brookeannaroberts(at)yahoo(dot)com

Brooke Anna @ Mommy Does... said...

I follow GFC!
brookeannaroberts(at)yahoo(dot)com
1

Brooke Anna @ Mommy Does... said...

I follow GFC!
brookeannaroberts(at)yahoo(dot)com
2

Brooke Anna @ Mommy Does... said...

Your button is at mommydoes.blogspot.com!
brookeannaroberts(at)yahoo(dot)com
1

Brooke Anna @ Mommy Does... said...

Your button is at mommydoes.blogspot.com!
brookeannaroberts(at)yahoo(dot)com
2

Cory said...

i love the good witch/bag witch
mychancetowin at gmail dot com

Alison said...

I think the Oly Panda is adorable. (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

I like north american bear on fb (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

I subscribe via email (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

I subscribe via email (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

I like your page on fb (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

entered amazon bestcovery giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

entered dinosaur train giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

entered bissell giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

entered kix giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

entered zooper giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

entered hearts for hearts giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

entered inspired gifts giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

entered collections etc giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

entered cheerios barnes & noble giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

entered build a bear giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

entered keurig giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

entered melissa & doug giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

entered curious george giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Alison said...

entered appreciation station giveaway (alidear at hotmail dot com)

Heather said...

I like: Rosy Cheeks™ Baby Blonde Boy in Box
bqqtch420@aol.com

Heather said...

Following North American Bear on Twitter
bqqtch420@aol.com

heather said...

Following North American Bear on facebook
bqqtch420@aol.com

Heather said...

Following you on Twitter (faye1218)

Heather said...

Retweeted contest on twitter:
http://twitter.com/faye1218
bqqtch420@aol.com

heather said...

I'm a fan of yours on facebook!
bqqtch420@aol.com

elaine said...

Big fan of teddybears and loving the Oatmeal Classic Bear!

Elaine R
emrosser@shaw.ca

cstironkat said...

We like the monster Yucky.

Julie said...

love the topsy turvy good witch bad witch...:)
one is my friend the other is meJ/K

hbgarden@aol.com

Christina said...

My favorite is the Oatmeal Bear...so cute!

grahamcrackerbabykisses AT gmail DOT com

Christina said...

I am following the North American Bear Company on Twitter as gcbabykisses.

grahamcrackerbabykisses AT gmail DOT com

Christina said...

I am following the North American Bear Company on FB as Christina Graham.

grahamcrackerbabykisses AT gmail DOT com

Christina said...

I follow you on Twitter and tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/gcbabykisses/status/19884932880924672

grahamcrackerbabykisses AT gmail DOT com

Sarah said...

I just love Little Princess Christmas Brunette!!

Sarah said...

I get your emails!

Sarah said...

I'm in the giant floor puzzle giveaway!

Sarah said...

I'm in the KIX giveaway!

Sarah said...

I'm in the hearts for hearts doll giveaway!

Sarah said...

I'm in the cheerios giveaway!

Sarah said...

I'm in the CSN giveaway!

Sarah said...

I'm in the joe shopping giveaway!

Sarah said...

I'm in the curious george giveaway!

Sarah said...

I'm in the lindt giveaway!

Sarah said...

I'm in the appreciation station giveaway!

Brenda said...

I like the Tinie Dinies Green Rexy.

brendashandmade@yahoo.com

Brenda said...

I follow the North American Bear Co. on Facebook. Brenda M.

brendashandmade@yahoo.com

eek031880@hotmail.com said...

I like the Mammas & Baby Duck Musical toy.

Sweet Panda said...

My favourite is the Ark Playhouse

sweetpanda2010 at gmail dot com

Sweet Panda said...

follow North American Bear Company on Twitter (@PandaSweetSweet)

sweetpanda2010 at gmail dot com

Sweet Panda said...

I have entered the Britax car seat giveaway

sweetpanda2010 at gmail dot com

Sweet Panda said...

tweeted: http://twitter.com/PandaSweetSweet/status/19911785947602944

sweetpanda2010 at gmail dot com

Sweet Panda said...

Email subscriber

sweetpanda2010 at gmail dot com

entry 1

Sweet Panda said...

Email subscriber

sweetpanda2010 at gmail dot com

entry 2

Sweet Panda said...

Follow you via GFC (Sweet Panda)

sweetpanda2010 at gmail dot com

entry 1

Sweet Panda said...

Follow you via GFC (Sweet Panda)

sweetpanda2010 at gmail dot com

entry 2

Kim said...

love- My Own Monster™ Crazy Eyes

Kim said...

gfc follower 1

Kim said...

gfc follower 2

Kim said...

email subscriber 1

Kim said...

email subscriber 2

Kim said...

feed subscriber 1

Sweet Panda said...

Facebook Fan (Panda Sweet)

sweetpanda2010 at gmail dot com

entry 1

Kim said...

feed subscriber 2

Sweet Panda said...

Facebook Fan (Panda Sweet)

sweetpanda2010 at gmail dot com

entry 2

cw said...

I like the Goody Bag - ladybug

cw said...

gfc 1

cw said...

gfc 2

Julie said...

i follow you via GFC #1
hbgarden@aol.com

Julie said...

I follow you via GFC#2
hbgarden@aol.com

Julie said...

I subscribe to your emails #1
hbgarden@aol.com

Julie said...

subscribe to your emails #2
hbgarden@aol.com

Julie said...

like you on facebook
#1
hbgarden@aol.com

Julie said...

like you on fb #2
hbgarden@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I love the Yucky Monster! How cute!

Kristen said...

I like the My Own Monster CRAZY EYES.

Kristen said...

I follow on GFC (1)

Kristen said...

I follow on GFC (2)

jc said...

Oly Panda is my favorite. He looks so soft and gentle and really cuddly, wouldn't mind keeping him all to myself! Thanks for the lovely giveaway.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!

yumihamano@gmail.com

Brandi Elam said...

Oh, so many cute items! I like the Under the Sea starfish cozy.

brandielam3 at gmail dot com

Brandi Elam said...

Follow via GFC
brandielam3 at gmail dot com

Brandi Elam said...

Follow via GFC
brandielam3 at gmail dot com

Brandi Elam said...

Subscribe by email
brandielam3 at gmail dot com

Brandi Elam said...

Subscribe via email
brandielam3 at gmail dot com

Brandi Elam said...

FB fan
brandielam3 at gmail dot com

Brandi Elam said...

FB fan
brandielam3 at gmail dot com

Brandi Elam said...

Follow North American Bear on Twitter (@shakymommy)

brandielam3 at gmail dot com

Brandi Elam said...

Like North American Bear on FB
brandielam3 at gmail dot com

Kristen said...

entered Collections, etc.

Kristen said...

entered Hearts for Hearts

Kristen said...

entered dbLogic

Kristen said...

etnered CSN

Kristen said...

entered Melissa & Doug

Anonymous said...

My fave is the Oatmeal bear :)

sswpss at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

1. current gfc follower as "sswpss"

sswpss at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

2. current gfc follower as "sswpss"

sswpss at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

entered the Lindt Chocolate Lindor Truffles giveaway

sswpss at yahoo dot com

jc said...

#1 Email subscriber, thank you.

yumihamano@gmail.com

jc said...

#2 Email subscriber, thank you.

yumihamano@gmail.com

Meredith said...

I love the Peanut Bunny™ Small. It is adorable!

DebbyM said...

I love Muffy - Peace on Earth. She's adorable!.

Thanks,
VaDebby@cox.net

DebbyM said...

I follow you on GFC as dukebb - entry #1

Thanks,
VaDebby@cox.net

DebbyM said...

I follow you on GFC as dukebb - entry#2

Thanks,
VaDebby@cox.net

DebbyM said...

I'm an e-mail subscriber. entry #1


Thanks,
Vadebby@cox.net

DebbyM said...

I'm an e-mail subscriber. entry#2

Thanks,
VaDebby@cox.net

DebbyM said...

I entered the MoBeam Numi Key giveaway.

Thanks,
VaDebby@cox.net

Karen Propes said...

I like the Tag-along Louie bear
ncjeepster@aol.com

Karen Propes said...

I follow North American Bear Company on Twitter @ncjeepster
ncjeepster@aol.com

Karen Propes said...

Like North American Bear Co. on Facebook @ncjeepster
ncjeepster@aol.com

Karen Propes said...

I follow on Twitter and tweeted @ncjeepster
http://twitter.com/#!/ncjeepster/status/19970730162655232
ncjeepster@aol.com

Karen Propes said...

Entry #1
I follow your blog via GFC publicly ncjeepster@aol.com

Karen Propes said...

Entry #2
I follow your blog via GFC publicly ncjeepster@aol.com

Karen Propes said...

Entry #1
Subscribed to your RSS Feeds ncjeepster@aol.com

Karen Propes said...

Entry #2
Subscribed to your RSS Feeds ncjeepster@aol.com

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