by | February 15, 2011 · 8:52 pm

EcoMom Review and Giveaway: Apple Pie, Anyone?

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**GIVEAWAY CLOSED** My winner was Anne, with comment #113! Congrats Anne!

It’s pretty safe to say that I heart EcoMom. Lots of EcoMom products have found their way into our daily routine–from stainless steel straws and tiffins to our bamboo compost container, and even the eco-friendly decorations that brighten up my bland beige cubicle at work. And now, my son is an EcoMom devotee, too! Check out his new Melissa & Doug Wooden Make and Serve Apple Pie Set!

This fun toy is especially appropriate for my little man, because I spent the day before my induction baking apple pies. I had gestational diabetes, so apples were my go-to sweet snack during pregnancy, and I wanted to use the rest of my bag up before I went into the hospital. So, I baked and baked and baked to help ease my nerves on that long day (I found out later that my mom was doing the very same thing!)…and fresh apple pie will forever remind me of that day I spent peeling and slicing, anxiously awaiting the arrival of my precious baby boy. :)

The Apple Pie Set includes a pie crust, a segmented apple, a pie plate, pie server, wooden knife and oven mitt. All the ingredients to make a perfectly lovely little pie! I immediately fell in love with it because 1.) It’s just super cute! and 2.) It’s not a traditional “boy” toy. (I get really, really annoyed when kitchen toys are seen as “girls only.” :mad: )

All the pieces fasten together with a very sturdy velcro, so each piece stays put. I was quite pleasantly surprised at the quality of the pieces…I’m sure this set will stand up to lots of hours of playtime.

Looks good enough to eat, doesn’t it?

I wasn’t the only one who thought so! (Little Man is very into pretend eating and sharing lately…)

Nom nom nom…

So, needless to say, the Apple Pie set is a big hit. But the more we play with it, the more I realize how much potential it has for different types of play:

  • It can teach real vs. pretend.
  • It allows my son to model what he sees Mommy do in the kitchen.
  • It helps refine motor skills with cutting action and assembly of pieces.
  • We can make a game out of putting a piece of apple in one slice, and having him guess which one it’s hiding in.
  • The pie can even serve as a lesson in fractions, addition or subtraction for older children.

I have to be honest: When I first considered reviewing a toy from Melissa & Doug, I wasn’t sure it was the right fit for us. I strive to provide the safest toys for my son, and I’ve heard a lot of talk about Melissa & Doug not being quite as “eco-friendly” as they claim to be. Most of what I’ve heard seems to center around the fact that some of their toys are made in China, which strikes a chord of fear in many parents (me included) due to the lack of testing and regulations on materials and manufacturing procedures there. But I do trust EcoMom to choose their products carefully, and I like the fact that this toy does not contain any plastic, so I wanted to keep an open mind. So, I raised the question with EcoMom and asked them if they could provide any information.

Here are two excerpts from the responses I received from M&D’s Chief Products Officer:

Melissa and Doug started as a mom and dad team wanting to make different toys for their kids. They grew into a large company and are still very invested in their company. Not everything is made in China, either. Unfortunately China has gotten a really bad name for manufacturing, but Melissa and Doug’s facilities are managed by a hands on team, and all of their products have received certification based on rigorous testing. They believe in transparency, so if there’s ever a concern, they welcome questions and the opportunity to respond!

No matter how carefully we design our products, we believe there’s no substitute for TESTING, TESTING, and MORE TESTING. The key to assuring the safety of our products is not simply insisting our factories follow our instructions, but to go one step further and AUDIT, INSPECT, AND TEST, not only once, but at various phases of the production process. This is something we’ve always done.
Additionally, we specifically test our paints and coatings very frequently, to be sure our toys meet or exceed government recommendations limiting heavy metals and lead in children’s items. We have cabinets full of thousands of passing test reports, and these passing results have been verified by 3rd party independently accredited testing laboratories, considered by many to be the best scientific laboratories in the world.

 

My conclusion: The reps from Melissa & Doug were very forthcoming in addressing the China and safety issues. I’m sure they’ve heard my questions before. My concerns have to do with adequate testing and safety standards – M&D seems to fully understand the concern, and they stand firm in their commitment to upholding high safety standards. Ever the skeptic, I might limit use of these toys if my son were still chewing on anything and everything, but at this age, I feel comfortable with this toy in his toybox.

So, it’s TOO cute, right? BUY IT!

You can buy the Melissa & Doug Apple Pie Set at EcoMom for $19.98.

DEAL ALERT! Place an order before February 28, 2011 and save 15% on your total purchase using this exclusive promo code available only to ABCGP readers: SBBL663

EVEN BIGGER DEAL ALERT! If you place an order of $50+, shipping is FREE!

While you’re there, be sure to sign up for EcoMom’s Daily Deal (a daily promotion that features one great eco-item at an irresistible price!) and sign up for their newsletter!

WIN!

One lucky winner will win a $15 gift certificate to EcoMom’s online store!

Mandatory Entry: Visit EcoMom’s online store and tell me what you would buy if you were to win.

Extra Entries (One entry each. Please leave your email address in each comment.):

  • Follow @EcoMom on Twitter (Leave your Twitter handle)
  • Like EcoMom on Facebook (Leave your FB name)
  • Like ABCs and Garden Peas on Facebook (Leave your FB name)
  • Subscribe to my blog
  • Sign up for EcoMom’s newsletter
  • Tweet about this giveaway. Please use the tweet button below so your tweet includes a link back to this post. (Please include the URL to each unique tweet in your comment. Limit two per day, please, at least 2 hours apart.)

Good luck! :D

The Fine Print:
Entries will be open until March 8, 2011 at 8pm. I will choose a winner via Random.org on or about that time. Winner will be alerted via email and will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize, or another winner will be chosen.
Giveaway is open to residents of US or Canada.
Giveaway recipients may only win 1 Ecomom prize every 45 days. If you have won a prize from Ecomom within the past 45 days, you are ineligible for this particular giveaway.
I received a sample product free of charge for review purposes, but I was not compensated for my review. All opinions expressed are my own and are based on my own personal experience with the product.

120 Comments

Filed under giveaways, Product & Restaurant Reviews, The Everyday

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120 Responses to EcoMom Review and Giveaway: Apple Pie, Anyone?

  1. abbie
    February 15, 2011 at 9:03 pm

    I would be spending the whole amount (and more probably!) in the bath and beauty section! I so need some new organic make-up and bath products for the girls.

  2. abbie
    February 15, 2011 at 9:03 pm

    Follow eco mom on twitter. @alenlund

  3. abbie
    February 15, 2011 at 9:04 pm

    Like EcoMom on Facebook.

  4. abbie
    February 15, 2011 at 9:05 pm

    Like your page on FB; Abbie Enlund. Sorry I forgot to include my name on the previous comment. Same name on that one; Abbie Enlund

  5. abbie
    February 15, 2011 at 9:06 pm

    Subscribed via email.

  6. abbie
    February 15, 2011 at 9:07 pm

    Signed up for newsletter.

  8. Brandi Elam
    February 15, 2011 at 9:37 pm

    I would get the Haba Changing Triangle.
    brandielam3 at gmail dot com

  9. Brandi Elam
    February 15, 2011 at 9:38 pm

    Subscribe to the Ecomom newsletter
    brandielam3 at gmail dot com

  10. Brandi Elam
    February 15, 2011 at 9:40 pm

    Follow Ecomom on Twitter (@shakymommy)
    brandielam3 at gmail dot com

  11. Sabrina Radke
    February 15, 2011 at 9:40 pm

    I would buy Plum Organics baby food!
    sradke1024 at gmail dot com

  12. Brandi Elam
    February 15, 2011 at 9:40 pm

    Like Ecomom on FB
    brandielam3 at gmail dot com

  13. Sabrina Radke
    February 15, 2011 at 9:40 pm

    I follow EcoMom on twitter!
    brisbritches
    sradke1024 at gmail dot com

  14. Sabrina Radke
    February 15, 2011 at 9:41 pm

    I like EcoMom on fb!
    Sabrina Dahl Radke
    sradke1024 at gmail dot com

  15. Sabrina Radke
    February 15, 2011 at 9:41 pm

    I like you on fb!
    Sabrina Dahl radke
    sradke1024 at gmail dot com

  16. Brandi Elam
    February 15, 2011 at 9:42 pm

    Like you on FB
    brandielam3 at gmail dot com

  17. Sabrina Radke
    February 15, 2011 at 9:42 pm

    I subscribe to your blog!
    sradke1024 at gmail dot com

  18. Sabrina Radke
    February 15, 2011 at 9:42 pm

    I get the EcoMom newsletter!
    sradke1024 at gmail dot com

  19. Darcy
    February 15, 2011 at 9:58 pm

    I really want to get the under the nile monkey!

  20. Darcy
    February 15, 2011 at 10:00 pm

    follow ecomom on twitter @syrana

    darcyzalewski at gmail.com

  21. Darcy
    February 15, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    like ecomom on fb darcy zalewski
    darcyzalewski at gmail.com

  22. Darcy
    February 15, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    like you on fb darcy zalewski
    darcyzalewski at gmail.com

  23. Darcy
    February 15, 2011 at 10:02 pm

    subscribe via email
    darcyzalewski at gmail.com

  24. Darcy
    February 15, 2011 at 10:02 pm

    signed up for ecomom’s newsletter
    darcyzalewski at gmail.com

  25. Kendra
    February 15, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    I would spend the money on some Plum Organics fruit/veggie pouches for my daughter. She can’t get enough!

  26. Kendra
    February 15, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    Follow @EcoMom on Twitter! @butterfly1979_2

  27. Kendra
    February 15, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    Like EcoMom on FB! (Kendra V)

  28. Kendra
    February 15, 2011 at 10:26 pm

    Like ABCs and Garden Peas on Facebook! (Kendra V)

  29. Kendra
    February 15, 2011 at 10:27 pm

    Subscribe to your blog

  30. Kendra
    February 15, 2011 at 10:27 pm

    Signed up for EcoMom’s newsletter

  32. Pingback: Tweets that mention EcoMom Review and Giveaway: Apple Pie, Anyone? | ABCs and Garden Peas -- Topsy.com

  33. Brittney Minor
    February 15, 2011 at 11:15 pm

    I am a big Ecomom fan. I would buy a set of Kids Konserve napkins if I won!

  34. Brittney Minor
    February 15, 2011 at 11:15 pm

    I like Ecomom on FB
    Brittney Minor

  35. Brittney Minor
    February 15, 2011 at 11:17 pm

    I like you on FB
    Brittney Minor

  36. Brittney Minor
    February 15, 2011 at 11:17 pm

    I subscribe to your blog via email

  37. Brittney Minor
    February 15, 2011 at 11:18 pm

    I subscribe to the ecomom newsletter

  38. Anne E. Perry
    February 16, 2011 at 12:54 am

    I would buy Under the Nile Nursing Pads

    missanneperry at gmail dot com

  39. Anne E. Perry
    February 16, 2011 at 12:55 am

    I Follow @EcoMom on Twitter (@aeperry)

  40. Anne E. Perry
    February 16, 2011 at 12:56 am

    I ke EcoMom on Facebook (Anne E. Perry)

    missanneperry at gmail dot com

  41. Anne E. Perry
    February 16, 2011 at 12:56 am

    I Like ABCs and Garden Peas on Facebook
    Anne E. Perry
    missanneperry at gmail dot com

  42. Anne E. Perry
    February 16, 2011 at 12:57 am

    I Sign up for EcoMom’s newsletter
    missanneperry at gmail dot com

  44. Anne E. Perry
    February 16, 2011 at 1:00 am

    I Subscribe to blog
    missanneperry at gmail dot com

  45. Tandra Ahrens
    February 16, 2011 at 1:06 am

    If we won we’d get the Melissa & Doug Cargo Carrier. =)
    ssqueakert at aol dot com

  46. Tandra Ahrens
    February 16, 2011 at 1:07 am

    Follow @EcoMom on Twitter
    name: ssqueakert
    ssqueakert at aol dot com

  47. Tandra Ahrens
    February 16, 2011 at 1:08 am

    Like EcoMom on Facebook
    name: tandy ahrens
    ssqueakert at aol dot com

  48. Tandra Ahrens
    February 16, 2011 at 1:08 am

    Like ABCs and Garden Peas on Facebook
    name: tandy ahrens
    ssqueakert at aol dot com

  49. Tandra Ahrens
    February 16, 2011 at 1:09 am

    Subscribe to your blog
    ssqueakert at aol dot com

  51. Alex H. (lexigurl)
    February 16, 2011 at 3:10 am

    I would love to get the half moon push along toy!
    lexigurl_17 (at) hotmail (dot) com

  52. Alex H. (lexigurl)
    February 16, 2011 at 3:11 am

    Email subscriber
    lexigurl_17 (at) hotmail (dot) com

  53. Alex H. (lexigurl)
    February 16, 2011 at 3:12 am

    I follow ABC on FB: alex Herring

  54. Alex H. (lexigurl)
    February 16, 2011 at 3:12 am

    I follow you on ecomom on FB: alex Herring

  55. Alex H. (lexigurl)
    February 16, 2011 at 3:13 am

    I follow EcoMom on twitter @lexigurl_17

  56. Carol L
    February 16, 2011 at 7:52 am

    I’d get the Green Toys Fire Truck .
    Carol L.
    Lucky4750@aol.com

  57. Carol L
    February 16, 2011 at 7:53 am

    I’m an Echo Mom email subscriber.
    Carol L.
    Lucky4750@aol.com

  58. Carol L
    February 16, 2011 at 7:53 am

    I subscribe to your blog.
    Carol L.
    Lucky4750@aol.com

  60. Laura Waltz
    February 16, 2011 at 4:28 pm

    If I won I’d like the Melissa & Doug Joey Magentic Dress Up Doll for my older son.
    llwaltz (at) gmail (dot)com

  61. Laura Waltz
    February 16, 2011 at 4:29 pm

    I like EcoMom on Facebook with my name as seen above
    llwaltz (at) gmail (dot)com

  62. Laura Waltz
    February 16, 2011 at 4:31 pm

    I like ABCs and Garden Peas on Facebook as Laura Waltz too.

  63. Laura Waltz
    February 16, 2011 at 4:31 pm

    I subscribe to your blog via google reader.

  65. Stacy Hancock
    February 17, 2011 at 10:46 am

    i might get my son the winter water green monster long sleeve tshirt!
    hancoci_s at msn dot com

  66. Stacy Hancock
    February 17, 2011 at 10:46 am

    i follow ecomom on twitter @organicmommyluv

    hancoci_s at msn dot com

  67. Stacy Hancock
    February 17, 2011 at 10:47 am

    i ike ecomom on facebook
    stacy lynn b h

    hancoci_s at msn dot com

  68. Stacy Hancock
    February 17, 2011 at 10:47 am

    i follow you on facebook stacy lynn b h

    hancoci_s at msn dot com

  69. Stacy Hancock
    February 17, 2011 at 10:48 am

    i get the ecomom newsletter

    hancoci_s at msn dot com

  70. domestic diva
    February 17, 2011 at 8:17 pm

    I’d get some eco-kids eco-friendly finger paint. Great stuff!

  79. Valerie Peace
    February 20, 2011 at 9:29 pm

    I would purchase the Melissa & Doug Friendship Stamp Set and the Clementine Natural “Rock” Crayons. Thanks!

  80. Valerie Peace
    February 20, 2011 at 9:30 pm

    fordgirlval follows via twitter

  81. Valerie Peace
    February 20, 2011 at 9:30 pm

    Like EcoMom on Facebook

  82. Valerie Peace
    February 20, 2011 at 9:31 pm

    Like ABCs and Garden Peas on Facebook

  85. abbie
    February 22, 2011 at 8:46 am

    Can’t seem to find the tweet button you mentioned but I tweeted!
    @alenlund
    http://twitter.com/#!/alenlund

  87. Janice
    February 23, 2011 at 12:24 pm

    I love the Green Toys Dump Truck!

  88. Janice
    February 23, 2011 at 12:25 pm

    I like ecomom on fb (Jan Richardson)

  89. Janice
    February 23, 2011 at 12:25 pm

    I like you on fb (Jan Richardson)

  90. Janice
    February 23, 2011 at 12:26 pm

    I follow Ecomom on Twitter (@babybrainstorm)
    Thanks for the giveaway!

  98. Anne E. Perry
    February 28, 2011 at 1:08 am

    tweet1
    http://twitter.com/aeperry/status/42103612691845120

    Anne E. Perry

    February 27, 2011 at 12:47 pm

    tweet2

    @aeperry
    Anne Elizabeth Perry
    EcoMom Review and Giveaway: Apple Pie, Anyone?: http://t.co/ydwuNtv @ecomom @melissa&doug

    about 12 hours ago via Tweet ButtonRetweetReply

    missanneperry@gmail.com

  107. Nicole B
    March 4, 2011 at 3:08 pm

    There are so many great products I want to try there, like Plum Organics.
    nicolebang@gmail.com

  108. Nicole B
    March 4, 2011 at 3:08 pm

    Following Ecomom on twitter
    @skipbang
    nicolebang@gmail.com

  109. Nicole B
    March 4, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    Like you on Facebook.
    Nicole S. Bangert**
    nicolebang@gmail.com

  110. Nicole B
    March 4, 2011 at 3:10 pm

    Like EcoMom on FB.
    Nicole S. Bangert**
    nicolebang@gmail.com