Thursday, July 14, 2011

Anamalz Eco-Friendly Wooden Animals {Review & Giveaway}

anamalz logo{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Jenine!}

My kids love animals of all kinds. Big ones, small ones, cute, fuzzy ones, creepy, crawly ones... they are constantly pointing them out when we see them outside, in books, on television, and more. Whether it is something sweet like a puppy walking down the street or not-so-sweet like a snake crawling up your arm...

pet snake...they just seem to happily love them all. Shudder.

So when it comes to toys, my girls have had a wide variety of endless adventures pretending to ride animals, own animals, be animals, and more. Their new favorite animals, though? The kind that are eco-friendly, unique, able to be posed, and are altogether fun: anamalz.

anamalzDesigned in Australia, anamalz are a collection of award-winning, handcrafted wooden toys made from sustainable maple wood and textile products, giving them the ability to be bent into a variety of poses. Make them look up, make them look down or twist them into your own position - kids are engaged with them immediately!

Knowing that Big Sister E and Little Sister B were going to be excited to check out these eco-friendly figurines, when a Triceratops, Crocodile, Moose, Orange Tree, and Playmat arrived, it was all that I could do to not want to simply admire the cuteness of them and display them on a shelf.

Considering that the only thing these toys require is creativity, all that we needed to do was lay out the playmat to be ready to jump into the anamalz imaginary land.

Measuring approximately 32 x 24.5", the all-new Playmat is the perfect backdrop for the anamalz to have a place to roam and play. The plush, extremely soft green pasture takes up the majority of the space, while a river separates it from the dirt field in the distance. With multiple padded rocks to cross over the water and three push-along wooden fish that swim through, the simplicity of the playmat is what makes it just right for nearly any adventure.

It didn't take long at all for Big Sister E and Little Sister B to position the soft orange tree in place, bring the inhabitants in... and become completely entertained by them.

As cute and modern as the anamalz were to look at, once the girls had possession of them, they were pretty much irresistible. The combination of the smooth wood and the soft fabric and the bendable body parts allows them to be moved and posed into any number of ways and it only adds to the amount of fun that kids can invent.

It seemed that each time the girls realized that they could pose the anamalz in different ways, it was as though the stories just kept coming. They went for long walks...

...often met with friends...

...stopped to take plenty of drinks of water from the river and eat delicious oranges from the tree...

...and, when they were tired, the anamalz knew that it was time to lay down for a little rest.

As the kids traded the anamalz back and forth, I couldn't help but notice how much more they seemed to be enjoying them than traditional, static figures. The wood/fabric design stands out and each hand-painted (with child-friendly water-based paint) face is so endearing and sweet. How could they not feel as though these were more than just a toy, but were in fact new friends?

The addition of the playmat and the orange tree were just what was needed, as the bright orange fruit was included in many of the anamalz adventures and the playmat tied it all together. The girls loved helping the fish swim under the iridescent water...

...and, even better, at the end of our play sessions, the playmat easily turns inside out and becomes a handy bag for storage. Just reach into the opening at the end...

...and tuck the fabric into itself. Then store your anamalz and accessories right along inside and you're ready for travel or just to put these characters away until next time.

Design, quality, entertainment, and function? I love it!

There are four lines of anamalz (Prehistoric, Wild, Farm, and Australian) that retail between $8.95 and $12.95 each, three types of trees (Orange, Apple, and Wild) that have a price tag of $16.95, and the new Playmat that retails for $39.95, so you're able to pick and choose your favorite anamalz pieces for your collection.

Designed for children ages 3 and up (although at 2, Little Sister B has been perfectly fine with them), anamalz can be found online (Amazon has some great deals) and in stores at specialty shops, Barnes & Noble, and more across the United States and around the world.

As an added bonus, an anamalz purchase gives children access to the online experience on the company's website - allowing them to animate their pal, download wallpaper, play games, find tips on improving the environment, and more. What a great way to extend the play that these creatures already provide!

For a unique item that children (and adults) are sure to enjoy, anamalz don't require batteries or make noise or flash lights. Instead, their eco-friendly, simple attractiveness takes the classic wooden toy and gives it a fresh, modern twist. It seems as though each time we have taken these out, they spark a new, imaginative tale and we have had a blast over and over again!

And, thanks to the generosity of anamalz, one person will be able to bring home new friends for the child in their life as well, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of any three anamalz!

To enter to win: Visit anamalz and tell me which adorable animal(s) you would most like to welcome into your home.

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 if you Like anamalz 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!

I want to WIN my choice of 3 Anamalz, the eco-friendly wooden animals kids LOVE! http://bit.ly/qE1NCD @thxmailcarrier #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, become a fan on Facebook or add Thanks, Mail Carrier to your blogroll.
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 this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on August 4th 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 to U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to anamalz for providing a playmat, orange tree, and three anamalz for me to review as well as three anamalz of choice 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.

381 comments:

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Unknown said... 1

I love the panda :)
tanyainjville at yahoo dot com

Unknown said... 2

#2 i follow via gfc
tanyainjville at yahoo dot com

Unknown said... 3

i follow you on facebook (Tanya Riley)
tanyainjville at yahoo dot com

Unknown said... 4

i follow you on facebook (Tanya Riley)
tanyainjville at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said... 5

I like the monkey one.

careym13 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said... 6

I like you on facebook #1

careym13 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said... 7

I like you on facebook #2

careym13 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said... 8

I entered your bounty giveaway

careym13 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said... 9

I entered your Melissa & Doug giveaway

careym13 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said... 10

I entered your dream playhouse giveaway

careym13 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said... 11

I entered your little tikes giveaway

careym13 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said... 12

i entered your walmart giveaway

careym13 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said... 13

I entered your children's place giveaway

careym13 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said... 14

I entered your edys giveaway

careym13 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said... 15

I entered your swimways giveaway.

careym13 at yahoo dot com

Cooking with Cristin said... 16

i would love to get the giraffe because my daughter seems to love them!
itsmecristin1225@gmail.com

Cooking with Cristin said... 17

i like anamalz on fb
itsmecristin1225@gmail.com

Laurel said... 18

I love the lion!
alwaysneedhim4evr@yahoo.com

Laurel said... 19

I like anamalz on fb.
alwaysneedhim4evr@yahoo.com

Jenine said... 20

We love to welcome the Llama, Elephant, and Moose into our home!

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Laurel said... 21

Entered A Parent Company giveaway
alwaysneedhim4evr@yahoo.com

Jenine said... 22

I've liked Anamalz on FB as Jenine Herrell.

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Laurel said... 23

Entered Edy's giveaway
alwaysneedhim4evr@yahoo.com

Cooking with Cristin said... 24

i follow via gfc
itsmecristin1225@gmail.com
entry 1

Cooking with Cristin said... 25

i follow via gfc
itsmecristin1225@gmail.com
entry 2

Cooking with Cristin said... 26

i subscribe via google rss
itsmecristin1225@gmail.com
entry 1

Cooking with Cristin said... 27

i subscribe via google rss
itsmecristin1225@gmail.com
entry 2

Cooking with Cristin said... 28

i subscribe via email
itsmecristin1225@gmail.com
entry 1

Cooking with Cristin said... 29

i subscribe via email
itsmecristin1225@gmail.com
entry 2

Cooking with Cristin said... 30

following on twitter-@GiadasMama
7/14 tweet-http://twitter.com/#!/GiadasMama/status/91556214722404352

Jenine said... 31

I follow you on Twitter and tweeted.

http://twitter.com/#!/feralmoon/status/91556821474607104

feralmoon at gmail dot com

melissa williams said... 32

We love the monkey!

williamsmel88@yahoo.com

Jenine said... 33

I follow with GFC as Jenine.

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Entry #1

Jenine said... 34

I follow with GFC as Jenine.

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Entry #2

Jenine said... 35

I follow your feed.

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Entry #1

Jenine said... 36

I follow your feed.

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Entry #2

Jenine said... 37

I'm an email subscriber.

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Entry #1

Jenine said... 38

I'm an email subscriber.

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Entry #2

Jenine said... 39

I'm your fan on FB (Jenine Herrell).

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Entry #1

Jenine said... 40

I'm your fan on FB (Jenine Herrell).

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Entry #2

Jenine said... 41

I have your button on my blog here.

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Entry #1

Jenine said... 42

I have your button on my blog here.

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Entry #2

Jenine said... 43

I have your button on my blog here.

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Entry #3

ann said... 44

i like the wild animal set


amhengstATverizonDOTnet

ann said... 45

I like anamalz on facebook and left a comment

amhengst

ann said... 46

I follow by email


amhengst@verizon.net

ann said... 47

I subscribe by email



amhengstATverizonDOTnet

ann said... 48

I entered the bounty giveaway



amhengstATverizonDOTnet

ann said... 49

I entered Sun #21 giveaway to


amhengstATverizonDOTnet

ann said... 50

I entered the fun in the sun giveaway


amhengstATverizonDOTnet

ann said... 51

i entered the chex mix buddy mix giveaway


amhengstATverizonDOTnet

Laurel said... 52

Entered SwimWays giveaway
alwaysneedhim4evr@yahoo.com

living for the planet said... 53

Those are sooo darn cute! I'm visiting from the Thursday blog hop and I'm your newest follower. I'd love it if you followed me back at http://organicplanet.blogspot.com/

Denise said... 54

Giraffe, Elephant and Cow

stonemedic76@hotmail.com

Denise said... 55

GFC Follower #2
stonemedic76@hotmail.com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said... 56

I would like to welcome the giraffe, monkey and the elefant into our home.
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said... 57

1. email subscriber
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said... 58

2. email subscriber
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said... 59

entered Melissa & doug Sand Toys g/a
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said... 60

entered Prime Time Toys Dartstorm
g/a
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said... 61

entered Little Tikes g/a
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said... 62

entered WhoNu Cookies g/a
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said... 63

entered JennLinn g/a
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said... 64

entered Clean It Supply g/a
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Frugal Tumbleweed Acres said... 65

entered the Childrens Place Camo Towel Bag g/a
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com

Linda W, said... 66

love the panda. email subscriber walk9@att.net

Cal's Cats-Micah Pearson said... 67

I liked the koala one!

Cal's Cats-Micah Pearson said... 68

I liked anamalz on Facebook!

Cal's Cats-Micah Pearson said... 69

I’m entered to win the Go-Go Babyz giveaway!

Cal's Cats-Micah Pearson said... 70

I’m entered to win the Batteries/$10 Gas Card giveaway!

Cal's Cats-Micah Pearson said... 71

I’m entered to win the Little Little Black Dress Shop giveaway!

Cal's Cats-Micah Pearson said... 72

I’m entered to win the $25 Wal-Mart GC and WhoNu Cookies giveaway!

Cal's Cats-Micah Pearson said... 73

I’m entered to win the Go Anywhere Booster Seat giveaway!

Cal's Cats-Micah Pearson said... 74

I tweeted about this giveaway!

http://twitter.com/#!/micahpe/status/91625625063927808

Cal's Cats-Micah Pearson said... 75

I’m following you via GFC! entry 2

Cal's Cats-Micah Pearson said... 76

I’m subscribed to you via RSS! entry 1

Cal's Cats-Micah Pearson said... 77

I’m subscribed to you via RSS! entry 2

Cal's Cats-Micah Pearson said... 78

I liked you on FB! entry 1

Cal's Cats-Micah Pearson said... 79

I liked you on FB! entry 2

s said... 80

the prehistoric ones - especially the stegosaurus.
tnxns09 at gmail dot com

s said... 81

Like anamalz on Facebook. (sus)
tnxns09 at gmail dot com

s said... 82

gfc follower (sl)
tnxns09 at gmail dot com

s said... 83

gfc follower 2 (sl)
tnxns09 at gmail dot com

s said... 84

email subscriber
tnxns09 at gmail dot com

s said... 85

email subscriber2
tnxns09 at gmail dot com

s said... 86

like you on fb (sus)
tnxns09 at gmail dot com

s said... 87

like you on fb (sus)2
tnxns09 at gmail dot com

Jessica said... 88

Love the lion, great mane.

Jessica said... 89

Liked Anamalz on FB.

Jessica said... 90

subscribe via email entry#1

Jessica said... 91

subscribe via email entry #2

Jessica said... 92

FB follower #1

Jessica said... 93

FB follower #2

Jessica said... 94

You are on my blogroll. #1

Jessica said... 95

you are on my blogroll. #2

Jessica said... 96

button on my blog #1

Jessica said... 97

button on my blog #2
http://jessicabooth.blogspot.com/

Rebekah said... 98

If I won I would choose the Llama if I had the choice.
rebekahmercier@gmail.com

Rebekah said... 99

LIke anamalz on Facebook.
rebekahandnick

Rebekah said... 100

Follow you on Facebook. Entry #1
rebekahandnick

Rebekah said... 101

Follow you on Facebook. Entry #2
rebekahandnick

Rebekah said... 102

Follow you on Twitter.
@rebekahmercier

Rebekah said... 103

Follow you via Google Reader entry #1.
rebekahmercier@gmail.com

Rebekah said... 104

Follow you via Google Reader entry #2.
rebekahmercier@gmail.com

Rebekah said... 105

Follow you via email. entry #1
rebekahmercier@gmail.com

Rebekah said... 106

Follow you via email. entry #2
rebekahmercier@gmail.com

Rebekah said... 107

Follow you on Twitter
@rebekahmercier
and tweeted.
http://twitter.com/#!/Rebekahmercier/status/91712493021429760
posted that I follow you on twitter but forgot to put that I tweeted with it.

Unknown said... 108

Any! But I really love the sheep
alklong at hotmail dot com

Unknown said... 109

I like Anamalz on Facebook
alklong at hotmail dot com

Unknown said... 110

gfc follower #1
alklong at hotmail dot com

Unknown said... 111

gfc follower #2
alklong at hotmail dot com

Unknown said... 112

Email subscriber #1
alklong at hotmail dot com

Unknown said... 113

email subscriber #2
alklong at hotmail dot com

Unknown said... 114

facebook fan #1
alklong at hotmail dot com

Unknown said... 115

facebook fan #2
alklong at hotmail dot com

Unknown said... 116

My kids would love the prehistoric anamalz

Unknown said... 117

Follow TMC on Twitter @manthas24 and tweeted http://twitter.com/manthas24/status/91888137139273730

Unknown said... 118

2 Follow TMC with GFC – manthas24

Unknown said... 119

2 Like TMC on FB – user id manthas24

Unknown said... 120

I entered for the SwimWays

Unknown said... 121

I entered for the Walmart GC & WhoNU

Unknown said... 122

I entered for the Little Tikes Garden Cart

Unknown said... 123

I entered for the Prime Time Toys

Unknown said... 124

I entered for the choice of $25 worth of Melissa & Doug sand toys

Knocked Up and Nursing said... 125

i like the bear.
knockedupandnursing at gmail dot com

Knocked Up and Nursing said... 126

i like anamalz in fb
sarah brown
knockedupandnursing at gmail dot com

Knocked Up and Nursing said... 127

i follow you on twitter and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/knockedupnursin/status/91900673456746496
knockedupandnursing at gmail dot com

Knocked Up and Nursing said... 128

blog follower via gfc #1
sarah brown
knockedupandnursing at gmail dot com

Knocked Up and Nursing said... 129

blog follower via gfc #2
sarah brown
knockedupandnursing at gmail dot com

Knocked Up and Nursing said... 130

i get your emails #1 as sarah.robot
knockedupandnursing at gmail dot com

Knocked Up and Nursing said... 131

i get your emails #2 as sarah.robot
knockedupandnursing at gmail dot com

Knocked Up and Nursing said... 132

fb fan #!
sarah brown
knockedupandnursing at gmail dot com

Knocked Up and Nursing said... 133

fb fan #2
sarah brown
knockedupandnursing at gmail dot com

Knocked Up and Nursing said... 134

i entered the little tykes giveaway.
knockedupandnursing at gmail dot com

Jenine said... 135

Retweeted today.

http://twitter.com/#!/feralmoon/status/91918293975318528

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Unknown said... 136

I love them all! I guess I would choose the cow, the horse, and the pig. Since we live on a farm. The grandkids will know these animals.
theblackat at hotmail dot com

Unknown said... 137

I like Anamalz on Facebook. ('Crismon' Philips)
theblackat at hotmail dot com

Unknown said... 138

I follow you on Twitter and Tweeted.
https://twitter.com/#!/klcmaher/status/92299135671222272
theblackat at hotmail dot com

Unknown said... 139

I follow you on GFC. klcmaher
theblackat at hotmail dot com

Unknown said... 140

I follow you on GFC. klcmaher
theblackat at hotmail dot com

Unknown said... 141

I follow you on GFC. klcmaher #2
theblackat at hotmail dot com

Unknown said... 142

I subscribe via email. #2
theblackat at hotmail dot com

sandyandcosmo said... 143

I love the giraffe!

sandyandcosmo said... 144

I follow you through GFC.

Sarah said... 145

I like the T-Rex!

slbastin at gmail dot com

Anonymous said... 146

I like the pig
lexigurl_17 (at) hotmail (dot) com

Anonymous said... 147

I like on FB: Alexandra Herring

Anonymous said... 148

I follow via gfc

Anonymous said... 149

I follow via gfc 2
lexigurl_17 (at) hotmail (dot) com

Anonymous said... 150

I follow on FB: Alexandra Herring

Anonymous said... 151

I follow on FB 2 : Alexandra Herring

Anonymous said... 152

I subscribe via email
lexigurl_17 (at) hotmail (dot) com

Anonymous said... 153

I subscribe via email 2
lexigurl_17 (at) hotmail (dot) com

Karen said... 154

ADORE the Panda :)

Karen Gonyea
ktgonyea at gmail.com

Karen said... 155

FB Fan 1

Karen Gonyea
ktgonyea at gmail.com

Karen said... 156

FB Fan 2

Karen Gonyea
ktgonyea at gmail.com

Karen said... 157

GFC 2

Karen Gonyea
ktgonyea at gmail.com

Jenine said... 158

RT 7/17/11

http://twitter.com/#!/feralmoon/status/92750188233498625

feralmoon at gmail dot com

HiHoRosie said... 159

Toothy peg would be cute! Or cow...the lion (king of the jungle) or rhino...Fun!

HiHoRosie said... 160

follow on gfc -1

HiHoRosie said... 161

follow on gfc -2

HiHoRosie said... 162

email subscriber -1

HiHoRosie said... 163

email subscriber -2

HiHoRosie said... 164

button on blog hihorosie.blogspot.com -1

HiHoRosie said... 165

button on blog hihorosie.blogspot.com -2

HiHoRosie said... 166

button on blog hihorosie.blogspot.com -3

Sarah said... 167

the rhino the hippo and the giraffe :)

Sarah said... 168

entered jenlinn

Sarah said... 169

entered chex mix

Sarah said... 170

entered the childrens place

Sarah said... 171

entered edy's

Sarah said... 172

tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/skpowers3/status/92974350344531968

Sarah said... 173

gfc follower 1

Sarah said... 174

rss subscriber 1

Sarah said... 175

rss subscriber 2

Sarah said... 176

email subscriber 2

Sarah said... 177

fb fan 1
sarah bjo

Sarah said... 178

fb fan 2
sarah bjo

Sarah said... 179

button 1
http://www.contestsandmore.blogspot.com/

Sarah said... 180

entered peeps

Jenine said... 181

Retweeted 7/18/11

http://twitter.com/#!/feralmoon/status/93007904118026240

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Sarah said... 182

entered endangerables

Allison said... 183

My daughter would love the stegosaurus, t-rex, and triceratops!

Allibird1 at aol dot com

Allison said... 184

I like animalz on fb (Allison Lewis.)

Allibird1 at aol dot com

Allison said... 185

I like you on fb (Allison Lewis.)#1

Allibird1 at aol dot com

Allison said... 186

I like you on fb (Allison Lewis.)#2

Allibird1 at aol dot com

Allison said... 187

Email subscriber. #1

Allibird1 at aol dot com

Allison said... 188

Email subscriber. #2

Allibird1 at aol dot com

Allison said... 189

Follow you via GFC. #1

Allibird1 at aol dot com

Allison said... 190

Follow you via GFC. #2

Allibird1 at aol dot com

Allison said... 191

I subscribe to your RSS feed. #1

Allibird1 at aol dot com

Allison said... 192

I subscribe to your RSS feed. #2

Allibird1 at aol dot com

Jenine said... 193

I blogged about your giveaway here.

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Entry #1

Jenine said... 194

I blogged about your giveaway here.

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Entry #2

Jenine said... 195

I blogged about your giveaway here.

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Entry #3

Jenine said... 196
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jenine said... 197

I have you on my blogroll page here.

feralmoon at gmail dot com

Megan Earley said... 198

I'd love the kangaroo or the emu
mearley1979 at gmail dot com

Megan Earley said... 199

like anamalz on fb
mearley1979 at gmail dot com

Megan Earley said... 200

entered who nu
mearley1979 at gmail dot com

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