Mastermind Toys Is Coming To Barrhaven!*
I had to get the exciting bit out of the way first -- I've been a fan of Mastermind Toys since my older guys were babies, ordering many toys from their online shop. They are now opening their third Ottawa location in Chapman Mills Marketplace.
They are throwing a party and we're all invited!
Attend the Grand Opening celebrations at 71 Marketplace Ave, from July 10-13, 2014, and receive loot bags for your kids, a special offer for you, and participate in giveaways. Attentive staff will be on hand to help you and complimentary gift wrapping will be available all weekend.
Did I mention the cupcakes? Who can say no to cupcakes?! (PSA: cupcakes are on Saturday only.)
Mastermind Toys has published their list of Hot Summer Toys, and was kind enough to send us something to play with, too!
Smakaball is a neat game with a simple premise: hit the ball and catch it in a hoop. My oldest son was pretty skeptical when he looked at it, doubting it would be as much fun as it promised, but by the end of the night all three of my boys were arguing over whose turn was next -- the only downside is that it only comes packaged with two catchers, and I have three kids!
I wondered how well my 4yr old would make out, as the ball is about half as big as he is, but he quickly put his own spin on the game -- chasing the ball across the grass and trapping it with the catcher, while laughing maniacally the entire time. He had so much fun that getting him to come inside for bedtime took nothing short of bribery and a promise to play the next day.
It was easy to assemble and simple to use, though the ball did take a bit of work to get fully inflated. Smakaball would be as much fun at the beach or in the pool as it was on the grass. My kids each gave it two thumbs up, but would like to know if they plan on releasing add-on kits of extra catchers.
What is your favourite summer game or outdoor toy? Is it something on the Mastermind Toys list, or is it something different altogether?
Comment below to be entered in a draw for a $50 Mastermind Toys gift card.
Contest closes July 8th, 2014. One entry per person. A winner will be chosen using Random.org on July 9th, 2014, and announced here on the blog.
Be sure to include your email address with your entry so I can contact you. Entries without contact info will be deemed invalid. The winner will have 24hrs to respond before a new winner is selected. This contest is open to Ottawa. Void where prohibited. Winner must be able to pick up prize at the new Barrhaven store.
*I was provided complimentary product in exchange for my unbiased review of these items and for hosting a giveaway. All opinions are my own.
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And the winner is comment #5 by LTO!