Wonder Forge Imaginative, Innovative, Entertaining Games for Kids {Review & Giveaway}

You have to be careful when uttering the phrase, Anyone want to play a game? in our house, as it might lead to ultrasonic screeching and a near-stampede.

Big Sister E has long reached the age where she enjoys the interaction and entertainment of playing board games and Little Sister B is finally old enough that she can play along after having had the concept and rules clearly explained. The only problems that we tend to run into are attention spans that run out, waiting patiently to take turns and the big one: winning and losing.

Yes, learning to deal with the disappointment of losing is necessary in life, but the competitive side to playing games can often make it difficult to play with young children and not result in sadness. Who wants to lose?

Not wanting my children to grow up having been "let win" too often and yet not develop a jaded view of games if indeed they continue to lose, I love knowing that there are innovative companies like Wonder Forge that not only create products and games that educate and inspire, but promote cooperation, creativity and fun.

A Seattle company that creates good-for-you games that promote active-play and teamwork for children and families, Wonder Forge preschool games boost self-confidence by giving kids a chance to discover what they can do.

Featuring beloved characters and games that have kids running, sliding, hiding, seeking, sorting, stretching, and exploring, these active, engaging games are the perfect alternatives to TV and video games.

While browsing Wonder Forge's website, I came across quite a few of their top games that caught my eye. However, living in the princess-loving household that I do, as soon as I saw the Disney Princess Enchanted Cupcake Party and the Disney Princess Dazzling Princess Game, I knew that they would be a big hit.

In a race to crown cupcakes, Disney Princess Enchanted Cupcake Party invites all of the princess players to work together to make as many cupcakes as possible before it's time for the party.

Right away it was easy to see that the directions for play were easy enough for young children to understand (the game is designed for ages 3+) and that the group goal of matching and sharing would be the perfect accompaniment to the adorable miniature cupcakes created.

I love that there is no single winner or loser in this game and that all of the players work together to flip the tiles, make the cupcakes (by following the recipe cards to match the fancy liners, frostings, and toppers), and count to see how many total are made in the end.

Each cupcake creation is fit for a princess and the laughter and smiles are only a side benefit that goes along with the physical dexterity, creative expression and turn-taking skills that are practiced throughout this game.

Retailing for $16.99, Wonder Forge's Disney Princess Enchanted Cupcake Party can be found at a retail location near you as well as on Amazon.com.

When we haven't been enjoying our time playing together to create delectable mini cupcakes, we have loved having the ability to have a magical time playing dress up thanks to the Disney Princess Dazzling Princess Game.

Containing tiaras, rings, bracelets, jewels and much more, this game is such a fun way to celebrate our favorite princesses by collecting the sparkling jewels to decorate the accessories.

As with the Enchanted Cupcake Party, this game features a simple concept that kids can easily grasp (it is designed for 4+). Players are able to easily take turns drawing a card and guessing which princess it belongs with, followed by using the red heart gem to reveal the answer and how many jewels have been earned for getting that card correct.

With every right answer, it is fun to add sparkling gems to your bracelet, ring, and tiara and let your inner princess shine in this fantasy-filled dress-up game! I can't think of any little girls who wouldn't enjoy the counting, matching and imaginative play that this game involves... all while practicing more turn-taking and playing together.

Retailing for $19.99, the Disney Princess Dazzling Princess Game can also be found at a retail location near you as well as on Amazon.com.

Both of these games have done a great job encouraging helping, self-esteem, cooperative habits and more and have continued to impress me each time we open the box. I couldn't be happier that my girls are practicing positive early childhood developmental skills while, at the same time, having such a good time making cupcakes and dressing as princesses!

If you're looking for a captivating game that the children in your life are sure to enjoy this holiday season, visit the Wonder Forge website to see their expanding product line and the education and entertainment that they can bring to your home.

With everything from active, adventurous play for little pirates to action-packed games of teamwork and special powers to just about everything in between, you're sure to find the games that the boys and girls in your life will enjoy for quite some time to come.

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will be able to do just that, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of game from Wonder Forge!

(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 Wonder Forge for providing two games for me to review as well as the game 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.