Nike Adventure Club: The New Sneaker Subscription Service Encouraging Play

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post filled with 100% honest opinion. 

Back to School is in full swing and you can usually call me last minute Susie, but this year I actually got a headstart on supply shopping. I'd been procrastinating & dreading hitting the stores to stock up on gym clothes, sports gear, and sneakers for our two boys who seem to outgrow everything at lightning speed and although they have a great personal style, they have absolutely no patience to shop. 

Imagine how intrigued I was when Nike invited us out to an exciting day on Governors Island to learn all about their newly launched sneaker subscription service. Nike Adventure Club is going to save parents time and spare in-store headaches by sending a new pair of cool sneakers directly to your active kids at home. 

Must Haves For Lil' Monsters {Kids} No. 3

This weeks collection is full of fun finds I spied at some local family expos over the last few weeks and are carried by some of my favorite NYC neighborhood stores. While some picks will have your lil' one dressed to impress this spring, others will promote creativity: especially on rainy days indoors and give back to those in need.

Bring all the fun of building castles on the beach home without creating the annoying mess. When I discovered Kinetic Sand, I was instantly sold on it's "magical" properties that will allow your little one to sculpt and mold without leaving you with the headache of cleaning it all up because every speck stays in place.

Hailing yellow taxis and chasing fearless pigeons through parks and off sidewalks are typical city moments & these iconic NYC pillows would be awesome reminders of this crazy city life or will have you wander-lusting for a trip to the big apple.

High top denim sneakers are too cool for school & perfect for hitting the playground in.

Girls will love twirling around in this colorful and fun floral poplin skirt, that's perfect for spring.

Grab your little foodie and head to the kitchen! Once they've opened up their first Raddish monthly subscription box {which includes recipes, activities and more} they'll want to help make dinner all the time.

The Feed + Oh Joy Diaper bag has me seriously needing an excuse to buy one for myself, despite my two monsters being well beyond their potty training days. Not only is this bag trendy, with it's fantastic print, the purchase of a bag will allow 1 mom and 1 child to receive micronutrients for one year.

Kids can celebrate being brave with the poem Life Doesn't Frighten Me written by Maya Angelou and they'll be engaged by the child-like artistry of Jean-Michel Basquiat while learning to overcome their fears.

If your kids are like my 3 year old { he loves his smoothies and applesauce in them}, they will love the line of Squooshi reusable pouches that come in adorable animal designs and will allow them to take the yummy foods you prepare for them on the go without the waste, mess or need for utensils.

Have you discovered a  Must Have for your lil' monsters, if so which one?

Snowy Day fun with Citrus Lane

I'd always been curious about the various gift subscriptions that are out there for kids, so when a friend had asked what she should gift Tristan for the holidays, I requested a subscription to Citrus Lane. What parent doesn't appreciate, monthly hand picked, age appropriate products for their children, delivered right to their door? Each month a box is sent, tailored to your child's age group from some of the most well trusted brands like: Plan Toys, Weleda, Aden + Anais and Skip Hop. Items chosen for each age group vary from toys and games that are engaging or encourage pretend play, to arts and crafts, snacks, lunch bags and more! My son Tristan didn't know he was getting a special package and when he opened his preschool 3-4yr old January14 box he was super excited. 

With all the snow we've been getting and cabin fever setting in, the items that were in the January14 box were perfect for my 3yr. old.

The Zig Zag Zebra coloring book from Barefoot Books {$4.19} is perfect for age 3-7 and will keep your lil' monster busy while encouraging creativity. Tristan is at that great stage where he wants to pull every book of the shelf to read, and grabs his crayons to color & draw and is then thrilled to show us his newest masterpiece. This book isn't just for coloring though, it helps kids with shape recognition, line drawing and reading through simple activities and it's perfect to take on subway rides, and while in the waiting room.

Duo Tip Washable Markers from Faber-Castel {$4.99} were also included which are recommended for ages 4+ but they are pretty easy to use, so kids even younger could use. I love that the markers are double sided with a wide and thin tip and the best feature is that they are made from food-grade vegetable dye, making it easy to remove them from clothes, or in our case a small spot on the couch.

We haven't had the chance to use the Upset Tummy & Nausea Relief from Mommy's Bliss {$9.99} but I'm a huge fan of products that use safe, all natural ingredients. There are single dose packets included that are free from gluten, dairy soy and sugar & will help ease indigestion and nausea.

Out of all the items included Tristan's favorite by far was the Fruit Set from Plan Toys {This set is exclusive to Citrus lane, follow link for similar 3 items priced at $7.99 but doesn't include knife, so let's round to $10}. On the weekends you can find Tristan in his toy kitchen playing restaurant with his older brother and serving up dishes inspired by watching his daddy in the kitchen {nope, this mom doesn't cook, but I can make a kitchen spotless}. This fruit set includes 3 different fruits and a knife that are all made from recycled rubberwood. Tristan loved that he could slice his fruit to make a salad and when he's all done they stick back together with Velcro and can be put back in their drawstring bag.

 

I was very satisfied with our first box and we've been eagerly checking to see if we have any new packages waiting for us. With everything estimated to be a total of $30 if purchased separately and not including shipping I find the subscription to be worth it and I enjoy the surprise of opening the box with my lil' monster. I am curious as to how varied the boxes are in the same age group from month to month, as I read some reviews in which parents said they got duplicate or very simialir products later on. Ultimately I think this monthly subscription is a great deal,  a 3 month subscription is $24 and a 6 month subscription is $21 making them worthy options and if interested in a yearly subscription the price is only $19. I'll be sure to show you guys what's in our February box. 

Are you currently subscribing to Citrus Lane, are you and your lil' monster enjoying your monthly surprise? Would you recommend any other monthly subscriptions, please do tell!

*This is not a sponsored post, the opinions expressed are 100% solely mine. I received no compensation.