Philanthropic, Educational and Adorable: Monkeez Makes a Difference {Review, Giveaway & Coupon Code}

There are some toys that are there purely for entertainment, which is completely fine. It is a toy, after all.

Then there are those that fall into the "educational toys" category, which are a great addition to any child's life seeing as they are fun while also encouraging learning at the same time.

But what if there was something more? What if there was a way to provide kids with a toy that they could enjoy playing with while, at the same time, helping to instill a sense of compassion? One that gives knowledge and a feeling of global responsibility? Inspiration and encouragement to take action in their own community and give back all over the world?

Sounds like it wouldn't be a toy that kids would really want to play with... until you see how completely adorable the Genuine Monkeez and Friends collection is and realize that, combined with the online games, real-life Do Good challenges and special donations, Monkeez Makes a Difference can truly teach children the importance of philanthropy to last a lifetime.

A first-of-its-kind innovative and interactive experience, Monkeez Makes a Difference teaches kids the importance of helping others through kid-friendly methods. In today's day and age, parents everywhere are on the lookout for ways in which to discuss and demonstrate what it means to think of others — and the Monkeez and Friends are the perfect way to start.

The first step is to select a colorful plush pal to bring home to delight the child in your life. While this sounds like an easy task, there are more then 90 designs in multiple sizes to choose from... and each one is more adorable than the next!

Monkeys, owls, bears, lions, dogs, cats, pigs, cows, kangaroos, koalas, alligators, hedgehogs, elephants, hipps, frogs, raccoons... the list truly seems endless.

Ranging in four sizes (Mini, Small, Medium and Large) and made from soft, cuddly fabric, the animals themselves retail anywhere between $7.99 and $114.99 from MonkeezAndFriends.com and independent retailers across the country.

However, once your child's new stuffed pal arrives, that's far from the end of the story.

Each specially marked character comes with a unique online game activation code right on the tag. Kids (and their parents) simply follow the instructions on the tag to visit the website and enter the code to see videos about the charities that partner with Monkeez Makes a Difference: Samaritan's Purse, Alex's Lemonade Stand and Best Friends Animal Society.

After learning about these three amazing organizations, your child can select which one will receive a donation of 10% of the wholesale cost of their new Monkeez pal.

Along with the knowledge of doing a great deed, this donation also unlocks an interactive and educational online world for children to play games, have fun and, most importantly, learn more about what they can do to help others.

But Monkeez Makes a Difference doesn't stop with just a wonderful, generous donation!

Along with showing your child the importance of helping others around the world, Monkeez extends the experience to their own life as well, helping children realize that they too can make a difference at home, at school and in their communities each and every day through Do Good Cards.

Available in 15 difference packs, each Do Good Card set contains challenges that consist of simple, but meaningful tasks such as:

• We are responsible for taking care of the Earth. Check your house for leaky faucets and turn them off to save water. 

• Memorize your parents' cell phone and home phone numbers.

• We all have things that we do not really need. Look for something in your room that you do not need. Ask your parents for their permission to give it to someone who needs it.

• Manners are so important. They really need to become a habit. Chew with your mouth closed today!

When your child has completed each challenge and talked about the experience (what a great way to really show kids what a difference even the smallest gestures and actions and can do!), they can then take the trading card and redeem it online for Monkeez Island game incentives.

All in all, I love the way that Monkeez Makes a Difference has created such a great way to not only give back, but to empower children to do the same. It is never too early to teach kids about thinking of others and making the world a better place, so by allowing them to decide which charity they would like to support, providing them with games and lessons that reinforce positive messages, and encouraging philanthropy within themselves, it all adds up to a gift that keeps on giving!

And if that kind of wisdom can be passed on to my kids all by providing them with a high quality, well-made, extremely cute stuffed friend to love, then that's just even more reason to smile.

To find out much more about Monkeez Makes a Difference, the Monkeez and Friends collection, Do Good Cards, and how this unique and interactive program can help instill philanthropic values to last a lifetime, visit MonkeezAndFriends.com.

Plus, why not save some money at the same time? From now until December 30, 2013, simply enter the coupon code LOVE at checkout and save 20% off of your cute Monkeez purchase!

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will be able to provide the child in their life with a fun and meaningful gift as well, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of small Monkeez and Friends stuffed plush!

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A big thank you to Monkeez Makes a Difference for providing two plush and a selection of Do Good Cards for me to review as well as the small plush 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.