HABA Launches HABAusa.com to Bring Beautiful German Quality to Kids Everywhere {My First Ball Track and Rainbow House Pegging Game Review & Giveaway}

While talking to a friend about her daughter's upcoming birthday recently, I couldn't help but nod when she said a line that I have repeated more than once: And the presents? My kids just don't need any more stuff.

But then her husband chimed in with an addition that struck me: Unless it's heirloom stuff. You know, really nice quality.

As a parent, it is difficult being on either side of the situation because we really all just want the best for our children. But often we end up wandering the toy aisles in the big box stores and opting for something that will hopefully be entertaining and fun, even if the small voice in our head is saying that it'll probably just end up discarded after a few weeks.

Which is why I love knowing that I can always turn to HABA.

Unmatched in their selection of unique, high quality toys, games, gifts and furniture, HABA offers the whimsical and innovative toys for babies, toddlers and beyond that reflect their European values of staying playful and environmentally-friendly.

While this company was founded in Germany back in 1938 and has been bringing amazing, award-winning products to children ever since, consumers here in America have mostly been relegating to finding them on the shelves of specialty toy stores.

However, this summer has changed all that with the introduction of HABAusa.com. Without needing to dig out your passport (and hope that it isn't expired), a few taps on your keyboard bring you to a site that is brightly colored, easy to navigate, and even offers sections on safety, product development, corporate philosophy, user videos and more.

It's just too easy to get lost browsing the magical world of HABA!

I love the way that the new website helps narrow down their large selection so that you can find the product that will work perfectly for your young recipient — whether you have a previous notion of what that will be or not.

From specific categories (e.g. Wooden Blocks, Pretend Play or Outdoor Toys) to shopping by age, price or manufacturer, HABAusa.com starts with a broad range and quickly works to pinpoint more than a handful of items that are sure to be immediately loved.

My girls adore just about any way that they can dress that uses their imagination, so clicking Pretend Play, narrowing it to 3 - 5-year-olds and then to Costumes resulted in options that they would definitely enjoy.

Or maybe you're on the hunt for a small item for baby to finish off the wrapping of your baby shower gift? In less than a minute I had chosen Baby > 0-12 Months > Handcrafted Wooden Toys > $0 - $10 and came up with many that would be great to put right on top of a box instead of a bow or add to a basket of must-haves for the new little one.

As much as it was hard to tear myself away from looking at all of HABA's items that are designed with creativity and incomparable durability, the arrival of their Rainbow House Pegging Game and My First Ball Track - Basic Pack gave us the ability to see the high quality and entertainment value for ourselves.

Perfect examples of why we have always loved HABA, both of these creative, interchangeable toys are made from beautiful beech wood and colored with water-based, non-toxic stains. The resulting pieces are not only vivid and bright, but are designed to provide endless play opportunities for children of all ages.

There really is no right or wrong to the Rainbow House Pegging Game (retail price $39.99) and there isn't a limit on the number of creative stacking variations that a child can build and rebuild time and time again.

Match the colors, contrast them, stack them tall, keep them short... at first glance you might think that this game wouldn't hold that much interest, but it truly does.

In the same way, the My First Ball Track - Basic Pack (retail price $69.99) gives kids young and old the ability to feel like a master builder. Each of the connecting blocks has two convenient dowel studs that easily connect to the bottom of the track pieces, therefore eliminating any frustration during the construction process or by accidentally bumping into the set and having it come crashing down.

Instead, it is simple to set or move each item into place and send the two bright balls rolling down... only to reach the finishing block at the end and give a cute ring of the bell!

While both of these toys are easily manipulated by younger children (the Rainbow House Pegging Game is designed for 2+ and the My First Ball Track - Basic Pack is made for 18 months+) they have also captured the attention of both of my kids... and, ahem, I have to admit having spent quite a bit of time being enamored with them myself.

They're so colorful, easy to use and well made that it's simple to see that both of these toys display what HABA is known for: quality, creativity and the durability to last for generations to come!

Now with the ability to purchase them right from HABAusa.com (you can also use the store locator to continue to find these products in hundreds of stores from coast to coast), it is even easier to bring home the award-winning items that will be a perfect gift or educate and inspire your own children for years to come.

Thanks to HABA's generosity, one person will also be able to enjoy the individuality, style and value that comes along with their amazing items, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of the Rainbow House Pegging Game or My First Ball Track - Basic Pack from HABA!

(Enter with the Rafflecopter form below. If you have any questions or problems entering, there is a video tutorial found here that can help.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A big thank you to HABA for providing a Rainbow House Pegging Game and My First Ball Track - Basic Pack for me to review as well as the choice of the two items 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.