Friday, November 27, 2009

Holiday giveaway: Win a $250 Toys "R" Us gift card!



You might recall from my visit to BlogHer this summer that I did not meet Britney Spears. But I did meet this dynamo of a woman who works for BillMeLater, Sara. We've kept in touch, and one of these days I'm going to tell her about my revolutionary idea, BillMeTenYearsLater. Anyway, Sara invited me to participate in Toy Tuesday.

Sounds like fun, right? It's on December 8, when you can visit the Toy Tuesday site for major deals on hot toys and gifts from Toys “R” Us, Walmart.com, Step 2, Little Tykes, eToys, Drugstore.com, FAO Schwarz, HP, Overstock.com, MacMall, Mercantila, One Step Ahead and more. Meanwhile, in the days leading up to to Toy Tuesday, different bloggers are doing giveaways sponsored by BillMeLater. Hel-lo!

I raised my hand to write about Toys "R" Us and its Toy Guide For Differently-Abled Kids before I even knew that bloggers would get gift cards for participating, may this blog be smitten with pestilence if I'm not telling the truth. First off, I think Max should go on the cover next year. Can't you just see him on it? Second, maybe the entire catalog should feature Max as its exclusive model. Third, over the years I've found this catalog to be extremely helpful; it tells you, through symbols, which toys help promote development of fine motor skills, gross motor skills, language, and so on. I also like this catalog because it doesn't include suggested ages for toys; it can be unnerving to see one labeled "ages 1 to 4" when it's on your six-year-old's level.

A few toys I recommend from experience/a few I'm lusting after for Max:


Barnyard Animals Wooden Jumbo Knob Puzzle
Puzzles like these with big-old knobs encouraged Max to use (and open up!) his hands when he was a tot. We'd also work on making the animal sounds; "MOOOOOOOOO" was the first one he learned, and he'd repeat it so often I'd jokingly call him Moox.


The Laugh & Learn Fun With Friends Musical Table
This is a jam-packed learning center with lights, games and musical activities that encourage interaction (which will not drive you crazy—trust me, we've had toys whose sounds have driven us insane). It also enticed Max to pull-to-stand, though you can take off the legs to bring it down to floor level for kids who aren't yet on their feet.

61-Key Magic Light Keyboard
The music therapist brought one of these to our house the other day, and Max went nuts. So I know this one's going to be a home-run. Hopefully, Max will soon be able to serenade me with Springsteen songs.

Doctor Dress-Up Set
Max's imagination has really kicked in this year, and I think it's time for him to break out of train conductor mode (though the catalog has a supercute outfit for that, too). I will probably have to buy one of these get-ups for Sabrina as well or she and Max will sustain non-pretend injuries fighting over it.


30th Anniversary Cozy Coupe
After Max started walking, thanks to a gait trainer, he needed a new set of wheels. This one rocked! It helped him learn to use his feet to navigate, go backwards and turn—he cruised our 'hood in this and picked up chicks. OK, not really. But it was awesome to see him in it. This car is photo op central.

Spongebugs Kids Fun Bowling Set
Another toy I'm getting for Max. The ball has deep holes for easy grasping and the pins are made of foam, so the noise won't freak him out and I won't worry about Max and Sabrina clonking each other. Did I mention they fight?

Band in a Box
We've had something like this since Max was two, and he still uses the instruments—sometimes, oh happy day, with both hands. This one has maracas, cymbals, a triangle and rhythm sticks.


Moon Sand Royal Castle
One of Max's occupational therapists recommended this stuff to us. It's a sand-like compound kids mold to make different shapes, so it's a good sensory experience that also gets them to do fine-motor stuff. Beach not included.

What kind of toy are you most eager to get for your child this year and why? Leave a comment about that by midnight tonight; Bill Me Later will randomly pick one commenter to receive a $250 gift card to Toys "R" Us (you can use it at the store or online), and I'll announce the winner by 1 p.m. EST on Saturday. Bonus: BillMeLater will select three local charities and allow the winner to choose one for a $500 donation. Please note, you must include an e-mail if you do not have a Blogger account.

The next giveaway from BillMeLater will be at First Time Around; head on over tomorrow for a chance to win a $250 gift card to eToys.com and another $500 charity donation.

UPDATE: This giveaway is closed.

344 comments:

  1. WOW!! What a GREAT GIVEAWAY & I so need this one!!!--I would love to buy my son a Thomas and Friends bicycle(HE ADORES THOMAS!!, some new friends from the series and maybe that Farewell to the Docks set, too and "Let's Go Thomas". FOr my little one, I really want that Evenflo Jungle Exersaucer and some large swaddle blankets and some age appropriate Fisher Price toys, too!

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  2. Holy cow nice giveaway, I would love to win. We have the keyboard and Daniel L O V E S it like no other. I am sure max will too. It gets Daniel singing (in key) too!
    Oh and if u get the moon sand I've got tons of OT ideas for it. We use that too.
    If we won the gift card I would get Daniel some chunky puzzles, and they have this sand/ water table that he would just love. Crossing my fingers in hopes of winning. Come check out my magazine giveaway...not as cool as this one but still a chance to get freebies!

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  3. My children are teens so they want video games and I want to get them a karaoke machine--because they are very shy about singing--I want them to learn to have fun with their voices.
    kakihararocks@gmail.com

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  4. I am most excited to get the LeapFrog Scout for my toddler because it will help him learn and he loves cuddly toys. I want to get a play kitchen for my other one because he LOVES pans and pretend play with kitchen items. I want to get my daughter board games because she is a tween and it is always a great way for us to bond. Pictureka and Monopoly City are two I plan to look at.

    Thank you.
    msurosey@yahoo.com

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  5. Fantastic giveaway! I can't wait to see everything that is coming up. My son is just getting started on his letters and the alphabet, so I would love to get him some magnetic letters, a Leapfrog Tag Jr. and the Leapfrog magnetic refrigerator set that sounds out and names the letters.

    andrea.kruse at gmail dot com

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  6. Oops! I just saw this and it is past midnight. I'll dd mine anywy. :) I would get Lilly one of those trampolines with a handle. She is just learning how to jump and I think it would be a great thing for her to get some energy out during the long winter months ahead. If I had $250 to spend I would also be using some for the two needy children whose names I picked to buy something. I hate to think of children going without during this time of year.

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  7. p.s. Thank you for blogging about the reasons you like the Toys R Us catalog. One of my professors was wondering why there was a need for a special catalog. Not having the suggested ages listed is an excellent reason that I would have never thought of. :)

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  8. Wow. Awesome giveaway! I've had your blog in my Reader for quite awhile - thanks for writing such a lovely blog.

    For my twins I would get one some finger paints and other craft supplies as well as some puzzles to practice her fine motor skills. For my other daughter I would like to get a doll that she can practice dressing and feeding. I would also get books - a favourite for everyone in our family.

    denimc{at}gmail{dot}com

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  9. I can always find something great at Toy R us, and I do enjoy their special toy catalog. For my daughter who has CP I have been looking at different memory games that don't require picking up the cards.

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  10. wow!! with 9 grandkids this would come in handy for dvds,games,books,puzzles etc:)
    ty 4 the awesome giveaway and 4 the entry:)

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  11. I am most eager to get a pair of Piano Gloves this year. A certain department store has them on sale today but I don't know if I am brave enough for a mall!

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  12. I'm most eager to get my teenage son a psp because this way he could keep in touch with me - he lives in another city and has no computer. I miss him so much and this way we could be a touch away!

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  13. I want to get some board games for my grandkids. I want to encourage interaction and learning. Scrabble and Boggle and Upwords are fun for everyone in the family. Thanks for the contest.

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  14. I wouldl ove to get my girl a leapfrog tag jr intime@myself.com

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  15. I would like to get my son a Nintendo Wii to help him with his hand eye coordination as he is differently -abled as well with Cerebral Palsy.
    luckylady4163@yahoo.com

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  16. I'd really love the keyboard for my grandson. Actually, if I won this contest I could do all my Christmas shopping (for both grandsons) and be done. I don't have much money so this would be a Godsend. Thank you so much for the chance to win!

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  17. I want to get the crayola color me a song for my daughter. She does not like to color, but she likes music. I hope this will encourage her to color so she can get better control of her hands.

    She has CP and it is really hard for her to do things that other people can do. (This part is from her big brother)

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  18. What a terrific giveaway, Ellen!!! I would absolutely LOVE to be able to buy a set of good musical instruments for the twins. It seems that with Ross, and a little less so with Riley, their brains are processing music right now faster than spoken language. They turn tons of everyday items into instruments and I think they would have so much fun with some real ones to play with. It's funny, it can take Ross weeks or months to learn new words or language, but he can learn an entire new song in one day at preschool!
    Thanks! And yes, Max should totally rock the cover of the catalog!!!

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  19. wow i couldnt imagine winning this giveaway. Htis would make christmas much better looking than it is now! I have 3 children who would all love a bike! Thats what I would get them!!!

    luvnlife00@gmail.com

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  20. I'm stopping by from Tip Junkie, hoping to win some Christmas help! My son LOVES music and we are hoping to get him a little drumset this year! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  21. Awesome prize! My child is most coveting one of those Zhu Zhu Pet hamsters with the slide/ramp. Wish me luck in finding one!

    Kim
    turtles8861(at)gmail(dot)com

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  22. I'll answer this for my grandchildren since the children are grown. I'm trying to find those zhu zhu hamsters and all the accessories.

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  23. madden 2010 my son wants this . he gets a new madden every year mverno@roadrunner.com

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  24. My granddaughter loves Disney Princess toys and she would love the Vtech Disney Princess Magic Wand Laptop.

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  25. What an amazing giveaway and just in time to make some little ones very happy for Xmas. I have a 9 month old to buy for and find something new every time I go in a store or look at an ad paper. But the two things that I always stick with are the Fisher Price Little Superstar 2-in-1 Singing Band Walker and the VTECH Discover Nursery Farm.

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  26. So fun! I do not have any children of my own (yet!) but two young nephews who are really into baseball--so I'd like to pick them out something baseball-related. Maybe a new video game or a mega-collection of baseball cards. It would be fun to go shopping for them!

    carmensechristjunk at gmail dot com

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  27. OMG!!! What a great big Giveway, thank you to all involved! My Christmas list toys for my three girls is a Skitter, Tag Jr., digital camera, and crayola items.
    Brownatural at gmail dot com

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  28. Hello! Came over from Tip Junkie ... what an awesome giveaway!! My son is into all things Ice Age right now, so we're excited to be giving him some of those animal toys. My daughter is getting a bead maze ... those things make her laugh like silly!!! Thanks for letting me play along:)

    mandiholcombe (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  29. I would get some newer board games for the house- we have older and the newer versions of monopoly and such, and a deluxe scrabble would be great since we wear the games out

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  30. I'm so excited about these giveaways!!! I'm excited about the play kitchen my girls are getting! Crossing my fingers!!

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  31. What a fantastic giveaway! I'm not a mom, but I am a special education teacher, and I'm always looking for educational games that my students can learn from when they think they're just playing! Right now, I have my eye on "What's Gnu"?

    Sarah
    untenuredteacher at yahoo dot com

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  32. I am most excited about getting my grandson a tri-cycle this year. This will be his first form of transportation!

    LWons@HotMail.com

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  33. My girls want lots of art stuff for Christmas-I love buying all that stuff. I love that first puzzle for my little boy-I was already looking at that one.

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  34. I try to help my siblings with the gifts they purchase for their children. (I have 10 nieces and nephews 10 and under). What they like though seems to run from Thomas for the boys to the baking sets for the girls. Both the boys and the girls are thrilled with ELmo and the muppet gang. Of course they also love DVDs and the like.

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  35. I'd get tons of LeapFrog produts! I can't get enough of them! I'd get the Tag Reader and lots of books!

    mj.coward[at]gmail.com

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  36. First of all, this is my first year teaching 1st grade with an autistic student. (highly functional)I've been teaching for over 20 years and this is my first experience with this "cool" student. I LOVE him and he brings SO much JOY to our room. My kids LOVE him and I feel very protective of him. Anyway, I have temporary custody of my 4 year grandson and this would be a great gift! My husband just retired and this is his "retirement". I must say, some days he wants to go back to "work". Crossing my fingers as well as wishing you many joyful years with your son!lcarroll@valornet.com

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  37. I would love to get my daighter the barbie camper. bill110@optonline.net

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  38. At this point any toys would be nice to have since I lost my job and I don't know what to do for the kids christmas. They really want the ps3 but that's $300 bucks. Just want the kids to have a good christmas, thats what I want. Thanks.

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  39. Melissa L

    I am most excited to get my two year old her first doll and toys that bring out creativity such as the croyola magic light brush.

    sweetbabycakesnmore @ yahoo

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  40. What a great idea by BillMeLater. I wish I could get hooked up like that.
    LOVE the TRU differently abled toy guid. Love it. I think Addison should be a model for them too.
    Addison is getting one of those Melissa and Doug puzzles. It's sitting in my TRU shopping cart right now. Although it's just shapes, and I do like the farm animal one. Hmmm.
    We also have a similar music table, which she likes.
    Thanks Ellen!

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  41. I would love to win this and shower my grandsons with some special gifts.

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  42. I buy toys for less wealthy children. Usually I get some one to help me pickout appropriate items.

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  43. I want to get me son some math games for his new Nintendo DS! I'd love for him to be able to do his times tables before he gets into the third grade! And we would also get some board games. Both of my kids are learning to play chess and they both adore Monopoly, but our board is 25+ years old and is barely hanging on!

    rennieangie@gmail.com

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  44. Our toddler loves bugs so she will be getting an ant farm.

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  45. My toddler loves dinos so she will be getting the foam dinos from TRU.

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  46. my son would like the crayola art dome

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  47. I would honestly stock up on diapers and wipes. I have two kids, one in pull ups and a newborn. I lost my job a week before the baby arrived ( a month early) so things are a bit tight right now.
    Your site is very inspiring and thanks for the chance to win!

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  48. My 21 month old LOVES Elmo so Elmo Live in on our list this year! What a fantastic review, thank you for the opportunity to win. My husband was just laid off so this would be so helpful!

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  49. I would love to get the FP baby animals zoo - it has a button that Cici can press and there are movements and music that are triggered. She's just getting to the point where switches help her, and although we may have to adapt the toys with a capability switch for a while, she's really getting it! Oh, and magnets for her to push around on a tray!

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  50. Thank you so much for the chance! My sister loves your blog and after reading it, now I'm hooked. FYI, I didn't even know about the differently abled catalog from toys r us. i will definitely look at that for my son's gifts!
    I am super excited to get the learning giraffe stationery bike and some kind of swing for in the house for my little guy. Love the holidays! :) Thanks again! lys76 at msn dot com

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  51. I have a tween and she wants a digital camera and Nintendo DS dog games
    ahartup at yahoo dot com
    great giveaway!

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  52. Ooooooh! I love Toys R Us. I bet someone is going to be very, very happy.

    Let's see. What would I get? I think I'd get Legos, and another Melissa and Doug chore chart. I have one, but I've got four kids, so a second would be handy. And I'd get some clothes for my 3 year old. They have cute clothes there.

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  53. Oh! I forgot to add that I totally agree that Max would be a great cover model. He's totally cute.

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  54. What a great giveaway! I am excited to get my little boy (who is 2 months old already!) a play mirror so he can see himself and learn who he is!

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  55. This is an awesome giveaway! I am getting my kiddos Leapsters this year. It's the first year they've shown any interest in any type of video game. I think it's too early to give them the DS...so I am anxious to see how they like their first video games! :)

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  56. My sister is pregnant with her first child, so I would definitely get some infant toys for her. I like the Tiny Love Classic Developmental Mobile - it'd be perfect for the nursery. I'd also get a ton of diapers so they'd be prepared!

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  57. I am most eager to get my youngest a guitar.She is showing a lot of interest and promise in music. My oldest really wants a digital camera.

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  58. Awesome giveaway. The cozy coupe car is a family favorite in our house. Of all the toys in our house this one gets as much time as building blocks.

    Regarding the age recommendations, great point. That is why as a PT, if possible, I would always avoid what age level the child was at and use different evaluation tools that reflected the child's abilities. Then at the next evaluation use the same test to compare function over time.

    Thanks again for a great giveaway.

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  60. Amazing giveaway!

    I'm most eager to give my kids Leapfrog toys and games, like the Leapster 2 for my older sons along with the Star Wars game, and the My Pal Violet for my daughter.

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

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  61. I love toys that require nothing but imagination...no batteries, no electricity, no mouse! My kids wore the wheels off a Cozy Coupe (literally, but they do have replacement parts!) and it's still together 20 some years later. I'd love the next generation CC for the next generation of our family.

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  62. What a great giveaway! Toys'R'us is so full of great toys that it's hard to choose! My 3 year old son is crazy insane for Dinosaurs right now, so I think we'd get him some DinoRoars, and my daughter is getting a DS for Christmas, so we'd pick out some games to boost her brains! Thanks for the opportunity, I hope I'm picked!!!

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  63. Whoa what a great giveaway. Love the fact that it has a $500 charitable donation!! We always try to do something, a Toys for Tots gift usually but money has been so tight I don't even know if will be able to buy gifts for my daughter. (Food always wins out over present but try explaining that to a kid haha) Thank goodness for giveaways though!

    My daughter really wants a cute keyboard she saw (her daddy plays). She also really wants a Puppy in My Pocket and Littlest Pet Shop Adoption Center Playset (which is way to much $$ for us) with dogs. She asked for a My Pal Scout which I always love Leapfrog...yeah the girl loves dogs haha. She also wanted Skelanimals "Friends to the End" tee cause she is a little odd just like her mommy. Speaking of if I could I would get her some clothes, she has shot up like a corn stalk!

    I would love to find something for my 3 nieces since they will soon be moving to Egypt and I wont see them for a long time :(
    I would make sure I could buy something for Toys for Tots so my daughter can learn to help others out.
    I would also love to buy at least one book to donate to my daughters class because they need some new one.

    Thank you so very much for the chance!!! If I won it would be such a blessing...if not then yay for the other person :)

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  64. wow, such a wonderful giveaway!

    This is our little one's first christmas (well, he was only 4 months old last year...so this is actually the first Christmas he can open his own gifts ;-). I would love to get him a radio flyer wagon, I think he would absolutely love it!

    smell_the_rose@yahoo.com

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  65. Great giveaway! I'd get a seesaw and maybe a cozy coupe for our wonderful three year old son's new playroom!

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  66. Bikes seem to be on the top of everyone's list this year since my son's was stolen a few months ago. I'm also interested in Leapster products because I have one in Kindergarten and one toddler who both love to read. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  67. My son is dying for legos and a bike! He could just swim in a sea of legos and be eternally happy. My daughter is begging for a bike(which apparently had to be pink..or a unicorn?). We can't really afford anything for christmas this year(thank you, economy) so it would be absolutely amazing to win this!

    wiredalive at hotmail dot com

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  68. I'm excited to get the Wii. I would like to see them moving when they play a game.

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  69. In all honesty I can't list a particular toy, because it would be for our nieces/nephews. I do feel strongly about selecting something that involves a certain amount of learning experience. :)

    mcj4tlj(at)comcast(dot)net

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  70. Legos are high on my priority list year...they're so versatile and long lasting!
    bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  71. Would love to have the keyboard and the moon sand!

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  72. I would love to try Leapfrog. I think my grandkids would enjoy it.

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  73. Great giveaway! I want lots of new art supplies, including the Crayola Color Explosion Dome, for my daughter. Creativity is great!
    Jennifer, jennem22 at yahoo dot com

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  74. Buzz Light Year and Woody is on our list! Didn't want to battle the crowds today, so hopefully will make it soon!

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  75. I so want to get the Barbie Dream House. And any and all Barbie clothes (they seem to be hard to come by and kind of expensive usually).

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  76. I would love to pick out a few board games for my daughter and son so that our whole family can play together!
    Thank you for the giveaway :)
    hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

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  77. Marissa's not much of a toy person, but we use what we can for her physical therapies.

    She loves her ugly dolls, I think because of the bright colors, but there's a stuffed pony with a rigid back at TRU. We've been using a basset hound plush for this, but it sets a bad prescendent for the future, as the in-laws actually have a basset hound!

    marissasbunny@gmail.com

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  78. What a great giveaway. Who couldn't use the extra $$ this time of year. I would have liked to know about the special needs catalog 5 years ago! My son is 8 and we are always looking for new ways to challenge him and what better way in a toy!

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  79. I would love to get my grandkids a play kitchen, never too early to get them thinking about learning to cook, and it's something they can play with together

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  80. We like Barbies and dogs so the Barbie Doggie Park is on the list! Thanks! senekers@comcast.net

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  81. What a wonderful giveaway!!! If we win, we'll be loading up on Melissa and Doug puzzles! I'd also love to get our kids more imaginative play toys from their "Just Like Home" line - love it!!!

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  82. WOW, this is awesome! As a Mother of SIX, I would LOVE to WIN!
    Thanks!

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  83. This would solve most of my gift giving problem what a great giveaway

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  84. Those are great toys! Daniel had the older version of the activity table when he was younger, and those puzzles were excellent for constraint induced therapy when we trained "Lefty" to pick up objects. Good luck to the lucky winner of the gift card!

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  85. I love the giveaway idea. My kids are alittle older but my 12 year old loves Lego still and that is what he is hoping for.

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  86. Thank you for doing this! I love it and I love the toys you have featured. Band in a Box would be great for my 2 year old little girl...she would love all the noise should could make with it! :)E-mail:
    jenweathersharen@hotmail.com

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  87. Wow, so many comments already! What a great give-away that so many of us could use :-) Thanks for offering it up.

    I love that catalog, too! It's so nice to refer family and friends to it when they say they have no idea what to get Emma! Makes it easier than me handpicking every gift idea.

    I'm looking forward to giving Emma a baby doll. I am going to pick one out that crawls to give her more reason to try and start crawling. I think if her baby moves it might interest her to move more to catch her!

    Happy Thanksgiving!

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  88. since my nieces and nephews are way to old for Toys R Us, i'd donate the gift card to Toys for Tots. Rob, rf60527@att.net

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  89. That is a very generous thing for BillMeLater to do (and what a great idea!) I'm very impressed they are also doing charity donations along with their giveaways!

    I would like to get my oldest daughter a projection art kit I saw one day at Toys R Us. She's my budding artist.

    I would also like to get some Princess Barbie dolls and matching dress up outfits to go with them. My little one thinks she's a princess!

    NightOwlNotions@gmail.com

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  90. I would LOVE to get this to buy a nice outdoor something for the kids to play in when we move. We will be leaving behind one of their favorite things - a giant wooden pirate ship we inherited. I don't think we'll be able to afford much of anything in the way of outdoor play structures when we move to Oregon.

    Hope you had a blissful Thanksgiving.

    xo

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  91. My kids are into music and would love the keyboard. I probably would use it too..lol
    What a great giveaway! Thanks so much for hosting this..

    emeraldrose63@yahoo.com

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  92. My son adores anything related to music and anything Elmo. So my hubby and I have found the most darling Elmo drum set for him. He's going to be bouncing off the wall when he sees this!

    heatherdemke(at)gmail(dot)com

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  93. Well I have been blessed. My daughter is asking for arts and craft stuff, my other for a My Little Pony and my son wants an etch a sketch. They just want to be surprised by Santa which means Santa can buy things on sale and they'll be happy. This card would certainly buy what they want and a little extra.

    tutucuteforme(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  94. Man, this is a FANTASTIC giveaway!! I would love to get my son Star Wars figurines and Lego Bionicles. He is always building Bionicles in his room and pretending with Star Wars characters. For my daughter I would love to get her a telescope. She has been wanting one for a couple of years now.She wants her daddy to view the planets with her. She is absolutely fascinated with space!

    wood57495@yahoo.com

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  95. The keyboard! It rocks and is exactly what I have beem looking for to give to Isaiah. He is non-verbal, but seems to be totally plugged in to music. Thanks for this opportunity!

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  96. A little red wagon. He rode around in one at a friends house weeks ago and has been talking about it nonstop ever since.

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  97. Great giveaway! I'm looking forward to buying a digital video camera for my sons so they'll stop stealing mine to film their puppet shows, dances, and impromptu skits!

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  98. Great prize! I would buy an assortment of different age related building toys for my grandkids of all ages who come all the time.

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  99. My son would really enjoy the Lincoln Logs or the Lego blocks. He could play with those for hours.

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  100. I'd love to get two dolls with an assortment of clothing for them for my grandaughters.
    elyaklang@hotmail.com

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  101. I like the "Band in a Box". I think musical instruments are great toys for kids of all ages and all abilities. They help with rhythm, eye hand coordination, sequencing, etc. Plus they're just flat out fun! You can get the whole family involved for a raucous evening. Thanks so much! pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net

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  102. My son is into transformers right now! He loves to pretend that he can transform into anything! Thanks so much for this opportunity! That gift card would help out so much this year!

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  103. Memories of my first Christmas as a grannie my granddaughter Sarah had gotten several Toys R Us gift cards from her parents friends et al who did not know what to buy a four month old for Christmas. We went to the store and Sarah slept soundly in her pram and her Mom (my daughter) had a ball trying out all the toys and making selections. Since then there have been 3 more granddaughters and a step grandson so an annual trip to Toys R Us is pretty much a foregone conclusion because I can always find something they will love there.

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  104. This is an awesome giveaway that BillMeLater is doing! Incredible!! My daughter LOVES to wear my hills around the house & dress up so I am wanting to get her some dress up clothes & shoes. For my son I have been wanting to get a train table & train set. He has a small one that he LOVES to play with and set up in different ways.

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  105. I am most eager to get my daughter an electric scooter! She has been wanting one for some time!

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  106. They do have a great differently-abled toy guide - I also like the symbols on the toys so you know what skill they are geared towards.

    I'm looking for something for Kayla and Lucas to be able to use/play together with - maybe something interactive on the TV, or a train set. Still looking!

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  107. seriously want the leapfrog scout for my toddler, and of course some fun dvds

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  108. Wow I could really use this since I have missed 2 christmas's with my kids being deployeed to Iraq. Now I don't have to worry about missing anymore sine i have been medically discharged do to 2 Iraq deployment. Happy thanksgiving my babies.

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  109. My daughter has really been wanting a Zhu Zhu pet.
    and my son is in to Astro Boy this year.
    So that would be the toys that I would buy for them.
    But I would also buy several items for a friend of mine's children as she has been unemployed this year.

    Thank you so much for the chance to win.

    jweezie43[at]aol[dot]com

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  110. My kids want a skateboard That makes 3) and a razor scooter (3 of those too). There so many great toys out, it's great shopping for them.
    This is such a fabulous giveaway. It'd be a blessing to win!

    denyse_g@hotmail.com

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  111. Great giveaway! The wish list at my house includes Zhu Zhu pets, drum set, and Leapfrog.

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  112. I'm most excited to get my little man a Leapfrog Tag Jr. He may be a little too young for it, but I really want him to continue his love of books. I think it would help him so much, it's a great educational toy.
    Thanks for the amazing giveaway!!
    hawkgirl_16 {at} hotmail {dot} com

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  113. What a great giveaway! I would love to be able to get my son the Imaginarium Train Table and for my daughter the Fisher Price Grow with me kitchen.

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  114. Wow, with $250 I could get most anything on my girl's letters to Santa Christmas list. I would love to get my youngest a Dora Doll. And my oldest would love the guitar hero game for her DS. This would so help our Christmas. Thank you for the chance.

    tmh29141 at hotmail.com

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  115. Do you think Max would be willing to share the cover with Austin? I was so stoked so see a little boy with a BAHA & Microtia featured in this year's catalog on page 8. We've come a long way baby.

    I really like the Piongo Stroy Reader for Austin.

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  116. I would love to win especially for the product donation...I work at a school where many children don't look forward to Christmas because they won't get anything. It's so sad!

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  117. Hey Ellen! Happy Birthday!

    I would love to be entered...My shopping is almost done, but I am trying to afford Jacobs marble run...talk about spendy! This is what we need!

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  118. I would love to buy my sons the Learning Curve Brands Thomas Wooden Railway - Down By The Docks Set. They love Thomas so much but I really can't afford they toys. What a fantastic giveaway!
    ag1414@hotmail.com

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  119. I am looking at getting my little one one of the Playhuts. She loves crawling through things, and the playhut I'm looking at has tunnels, and an area for a ball pin. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
    fefebelkin(at)live(dot)com

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  120. For my 18 month old, I'm looking for a sofa-style rocking chair. When we go to our local children's museum, he always goes straight to their sofa rocking chair. He's not even interested in all the other craziness going on around him!

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  121. What a wonderful Giveaway. I have a little boy who is 2 and I so want to get him the Thomas Train Station Table for Christmas. He adores Thomas and Percy!!!

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  122. My sons are teenagers and they would love the nintendo dsi or the nintendo wii and some video games.

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  123. this is wonderful!! i have this beautiful granddaughter that i would love to get her the little kitchen and baking set. daddy is the cook, and she just loves helping, so this would be perfect

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  124. WOW, What a Wonderful giveaway! I would love to win this one...

    We have all of the toys that you listed except for the Doc set and the Cozy Coupe. My son's favorite toys are the moon sand and the Band in a box.

    If I were to win this, I would buy my son some sound books, touch 7 feel puzzles, scented markers and the spinning Zoo Alphabet.

    For my daughter I would buy her the grow with me kitchen and some play-Doh.

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  125. I am wanting to get my son a new bike this year and my daughter loves to play dress up so I am wanting to get her a vanity for in her room to play dress up.

    jcristig@hotmail.com

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  126. GREAT giveaway! I love a lot of your ideas listed, especially for occupational therapy. Might I also recommend any of the Melissa and Doug beading toys (available at Toys R Us) for the small motor skills?

    I am crossing my fingers for this one!!

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  127. I would love to get my children some musical instruments. Toys R Us has a great selection of beginner instruments. I would get my son an acoustic guitar and my daughter would love a keyboard. She is really starting to dance around, so cute. :-)

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  128. I really want to get Gracie a scooter. She wants one because she has outgrown her other one. Thanks!

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  129. wii's rockband world tour. we have so much fun jamming together.
    pksanndancer(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  130. Great giveaway! I'm most excited about giving my children Lego and a whole pile of crayola stuff. Although my children are young (4 and 2) I find that they prefer toys that make them think - they are like mom and lack creativity and aren't so good at playing pretend.

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  131. Great giveaway! I could buy a lot of great gifts this this!

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  132. I'm planning to get my kids a copy of the new Duck Duck Safari game by Kevin Nunn. They've gotten some of the extra duckies available from the first game, Duck Duck Go!, and love them.

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  133. What a great giveaway! Legos!!

    debcoberly at hotmail dot com

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  134. I would really love to get my son a Wii. This wouldn't be just for fun, but he could exercise with Wii Fitness. He's doing really good in school..and he deserves something nice. Thanks


    charisscharity at yahoo dot com

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  135. My twins are dying for a DSi and my little one would love a Scout toy from leapfrog. Also books and puzzles are a classic hit in our house!

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  136. My daughters are teenagers, but we all love playing video games. We could stock up on a few Nintendo DS games or go for a game system that we can all enjoy.

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  137. Wow my Daughter has grown up as a Toys R Us kid.. this year she is a tween so it is all about video games..I would use it to buy a Wii which is my special needs daughter's big want this year.

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  138. I'm really eager to get educational toys this year. Anything that helps a child's growth and is fun to play, is good in my book. I love Toys R Us, it was my dream place as a kid, and I know even today so many kids love the store. If I win this, I am going to be using it to purchase toys to donate to our local Toys for Tots program. Many thanks!

    shevilkenevil1 at aol dot com

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  139. I would like to get the Fisher-Price Imaginext Firehouse Playset
    for Gunnie who has downs syndrome. This would help him with motor skills and souns. Thank you.

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  140. I could finish my shopping with this giftcard. I have been looking for the ZhuZhu Pets..no luck though oh well theres plenty of other things on the kids list.

    Great giveaway!!!

    Julie
    Babybird1025@aol.com

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  141. My daughter really wants some Littlest Pet Shop toys. Thanks!
    hellomary018 at yahoo dot com

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  142. I am looking forward to getting my girls Tinker Toys. They loving building and creating. And of course it brings back many memories for me. This is an AWESOME give away.

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  143. I would love to get my 3-year-old a nice tricycle and my 6-year-old a new camera.

    shimonakatz (at) gmail (dot) com

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  144. I think they'd like stuffed animals

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  145. Thank you for an amazing giveaway!!! Wow! So wonderful to help out with the Christmas shopping this year.
    I would love to buy my 2 year old daughter the Fisher-Price Little People Happy Sounds Home in Pink. She tells me she thinks it's "cool!" anytime she sees it.
    I would get my 4 month old I would get the Laugh & Learn Learning Letters Mailbox. It looks like so much fun!

    Thank you again!

    leoandchelle at yahoo dot com

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  146. Wow... what an amazing giveaway! If I got my hands on that gift card I'd get my girl one of those cute Barbie Power Wheels. :)

    Plus, I'd pick up some cute newborn toys for the baby on the way. :)

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  147. Yay!!! Pick me, Pick me...pretty please with sugar on top!!! ;) What a great give away, one that I could sure use this season! We are doing a sub for santa this year for a single mom and her 4 girls so this would help out a ton!!! Thanks!

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  148. As the mother of a very medically fragile child with special needs, I use toys as a way of bringing the world to my son.

    First, I would purchase the collection of the LeapFrog Tag Jr. books for our Brave Hero. Which, btw, would be great to have for our upcoming hospital stay.

    Parker ADORES books and the LeapFrog Tag system allows him to participate in the 'reading' of each book, which also helps in eye hand co-ordination.

    Next on my list would be the LeapFrog Counting Candles Birthday Cake. We are working so hard to teach Parker how to 'blow'. Mastering the 'blow' would work wonders for Parker's speech skills. You can't imagine the hours we've spent trying to teach Parker how to blow a bubble off a bubble wand.


    Thank you so much for the opportunity to make a very lean Christmas (hello piles of medical bills) possibly much brighter for our Brave Hero.

    And, Ellen, how about if both Max and Parker share the next cover of the TRU Differently Abled Catalog? The world needs to see that a kid with a trach and an extra chromosome still loves the same types of stuff that their kid does. ;)

    Tammy and Parker
    www.prayingforparker.com
    @ParkerMama on Twitter

    hods 5 mom (at) (aol) dot com

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  149. My little adventurer would love a wagon! We want to get him the classic red wagon:
    http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2395285&fromFinder=TRU:GiftFinder&fromFinderCatId=3365775

    ericaemueller[at]gmail.com

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  150. This would be such a blessing if we won. WE recently moved from TN to Chicago and we would really like to get our boys a bouncer to put in the basement to get energy out during these winters we keep hearing about up here.

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  151. My son really wants the new Cras race track.seeing how he is 5 and can point out every little differance in the cars,which he has about all of them I hope,whether its differant wheels paint or anything else he wants them all
    Butchbarbee66[at]aol[dot]com

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  152. I would like to get him lots of PlayDoh and a PlayDog Ice Cream Swirl Shoppe.

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  153. hotwheels cars and tracks

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  154. I'm most excited about getting my son that shiny new bike he's so hyper about!!

    froggypartyof2@aol.com

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  155. I don't have a child, but I'd love to get my friend's child a speak and spell! I loved mine as a kid.

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  156. Well...I don't have any kids (yet), but I love donating to Toys for Tots. I'm unemployed and pretty broke right now, and this year I can't afford to do this which makes me sad. If I won this gift certificate, I could afford to donate to *!0* kids rather than just one :-)

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  157. Well, this is the perfect giveaway right now!! My son is getting his Santa list ready and it is really starting to scare me. However, my son's 1st pick is MindFlex mental game. I must admit I'm really curious to check out how it works too!

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  158. My 9 year old is begging me for Bakugan. My 7 year old wants everything he sees on TV. thank you

    candieluster(at)gmail(dot)com

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  159. What a generous and timely giveaway! I would love to use this to get my son the Mountain Bike he has been asking for. ToysRUs has such great prices there would be plenty left over to get extra goodies for the family!

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  160. toys are so hard to think about for LilB!! I really think he'd enjoy the band in a box though... also the Laugh and Learn table... or at least some kind of table we can practice standing.
    NB will be 8 months and I haven't looked at ANY toys for him!! I'm so unprepared, lol.

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  161. My kids both wants Legos, and I'd love for them to be able to use their imagination with them!

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  162. My kids are older and I would LOVE to get them a basketball hoop this year! We are moving and we will have an area to set one up.

    Thanks so much for the chance!

    CraftTeaLady AT yahoo DOT com

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  163. Very generous giveaway! I would like an art easel for my daughter, like the one from Imaginarium.

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  164. some legos as my kids are really into them right now.

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  165. My son really wants the night vision goggles by Jakks.

    tlannan30[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  166. Ian wants more Thomas- yeah, I know, and we'd love to get him a kitchen set- Step2 has one we are coveting.

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  167. I would buy my great-granddaughter a tricycle and Legos.
    Great giveaway.

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  168. Books. Lots and lots and lots of books. They're my 16-month-old's favorite. Plus some toys for a local holiday charity.

    Thanks for sharing, Ellen! I really enjoy your blog.

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  169. My daughter really loves music and has asked for a guitar and keyboard for Christmas so that's what I would get if I won the Toys R Us gift card.

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  170. main entry: Wow what a great giveaway so generous! I would get my grandson the Coby CD/AM-FM/Cassetter/Recorder and the K'Nex Lincoln Log Stagecoach Station and LEGO Pirates: Shipwreck Hideout thanks for the chance to win!!
    sewitupjulie@gmail.com

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  171. For my autistic son, I am most excited to get him the Ben10 Omnitrix he wants so badly. He is obsessed with all things Ben10. Although I'm afraid he thinks this watch will actually allow him to turn into an alien... which may mean a screamy Christmas morning. For my daughter, I still have no clue which one's going to be the BIG hit this year. My youngest, it's easy - the Power Rangers sword and costume! He loves to dress up!

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  172. Wow, thanx for this amazing giveaway!!! My son really wants some games this year, he has high functioning autism and video games and computer learning really seem to do the trick! I would be buying him Little Big Planet and also some other stuff, we love Toys R Us!

    justine417@comcast.net

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  173. Wow what an amazing thing for Bill-Me-Later to do!! This would do wonders for my low- income family this year! My 8 year old would go crazy over a new bike! And my 2 year old and 1 year old have their eye on the Step2 Lifestyle Party Time Kitchen!
    Thank you SO much for the opportunity!!!

    Kat
    mamakat25 at gmail dot com

    BTW : Max is adorable!

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  174. I'm really hoping I can get a Zhu Zhu Pets toy for my daughter. My son wants the the Transformers 2 Revenge of the Fallen Optimus Prime action figure. That one should be easy to find, but I'm not sure about the Zhu Zhu pet.

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  175. i have 2 sets of twins, all with different wants. 1 wants the tony hawk ride. he loves tony and his company is building skateparks for poverty stricken areas to give kids something productive to do!!

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  176. i would like to get the wii fit and balance board for my kids to help them with development of motor skills and coordinatation.

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  177. This would be a great gift for my husbands granddaughter. He just found out that he has a daughter and an 18 month old granddaughter! He is a DAV and just had back surgery. I am also disabled (heart) and we have a very low income. We have been worried about how we are going to get money to send her a gift. She live out of state. Please, this would mean so much to us. Our kids are grown and know they are not going to get anything, but now with a 18 month old. It would break Jeff's heart not being able to buy anything. God Bless you. giftoflife898@aol.com

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  178. I have a granddaughter that wants a hambster so badly and I am saying no, no no... lol
    So I want to surprize her with the zhu zhu pets that are fake hambsters . They roll around a wheel and across the floor just like a real one. So it's a win win situation. LOL
    Kath' at dublshot@comcast.net

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  179. I am dying to get my son a retro style tricylce for Christmas. He just loves to be outside, and what better way to spend a nice spring day out in the sunshine?

    Thank you for this opportunity, what a great giveaway!

    clctaube @ yahoo.com

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  180. My son has been wanting an Xbox for so long now and plain and simple, I just can't afford one for him. This great gift certificate would make it possible for me to get one for him.
    Thank you so much for the chance.

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  181. Fantastic giveaway! I would love to get my two year old that classic cozy coupe or some pretend play items - a few more food / grocery store items, a doctor kit, some dress up stuff. There are almost too many toys to choose! :)

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  182. Any pretend toys or the cozy coupe-
    Diane Baum
    esldiane@gmail.com

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  183. Thanks for the giveaway! We are looking to get healthier in 2010 and would love a Wii Fit!

    G. Wyatt
    vintagemorning {AT} GMAIL {DOT} COM

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  184. My son is begging for Beatles rock band. I'm thrilled he's actually interested in "real" music!

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  185. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  186. I've been looking at the leapfrog tag jr for my little one and also a trike, my older ones would love band hero
    tvollowitz at aol dot com

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  187. There are a lot of great arts and crafty toys out that my daughter is really interested in right now. She just turned 3. I could Definitely make a good Christmas for her this year with this gift card!!

    Amy
    xtwilightrunx@yahoo.com

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  188. This is such a generous giveaway! I have so many gifts I would love to buy for my nephew and godchildren. I can also think of numerous games and educational toys I would purchase for my classroom! Thank you!

    ~marmaid91@hotmail.com

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  189. Great holiday giveaway! Children of all ages can benefit...thank you so much for the entry and the hope!

    ShallowRunner(at)aol.com

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  190. What a wonderful giveaway. My son is begging Santa for one of those toy Hamsters. (Can't find it anywhere). My older son wants video games and nerf guns. Daughter wants Barbie Dolls and a doll house.
    Thanks so much

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  191. puzzles--son and daughter just love them!

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  192. Our 2 year old grandson isn't old enough to want anything yet. He's happy with what he has. We do want to get him some Super Why & Sid the Science Kid things since those are his favorite show.

    The 5 year old Granddaughter wants something different everyday it seems. We'll get her a Barbie and a couple of accesories. I'll have to chat with her more to see what the must have toy for her is.

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  193. What a great giveaway!
    This year I want for my daughter a whole collection of those wooden knob puzzles... she LOVES them! Also, a slew of Dr. Suess books. We both love those! And of course, considering it's a Toys R Us gift certificate? I would of course by a gazillion (well okay, perhaps not a gazillion) Little Peoples Sets. My daughter (and her friends and cousins of ALL ages) just LOVE the Little Peoples sets!!!

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  194. Great information! I (as a grandma) didn't know about the Toy's R Us catalog and the information that could be found there. Thanks!

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  195. My daughter is three and I'm most excited to pick from the array of baby dolls that stores like Toys R Us are now offering. When I was little, there was the generic baby doll that opened and closed it's eyes, but now dolls talk and crawl and go to the bathroom! There are so many adorable ones to chose from, and I know I'll have fun!

    My son is ten and desperately wants a PS3, but we'll have to see about that one. My oldest is fourteen and would be happy with anything, really. This gift card would really help me out, thanks!

    Cassie
    cjm92995@yahoo.com

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  196. I have been shopping for a play kitchen for my nephew. My mom bought one for him, but my sister hates it so we had to diplomatically tell her that we were returning it. We want something really fun but also cute that will look good in his room.

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  197. Wow - such a great giveaway!! I'm anxious to get my daughter a Tag reading system from Leap Frog. She is just starting to learn phonics and I hope this will help her put it all together.

    My son is going to be getting a little tikes t-ball set. He lives sports!!!

    dellenam@yahoo.com

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  198. We've been pushing for LeapFrog items for our God-kids. We already got my God-nephew a My Pal Scout.

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  199. My grandchildren have been wanting science kits and toys, so that is what I will get1 Thanks!

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Thanks for sharing!