Giveaway: $100 Rokenbok Action Set & $50 Deluxe ROK Block Set

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If you're like me, you bore easy. I can fall asleep watching True Blood, so you can imagine what goes through my head after saying "No sweetie, the triangle won't fit in the square space" for the 400th time.

Shape_sorting_cube_with__chunky__game_puzzle_ Toys for a 19 month-old are MIND-NUMBING. We've got multi-colored stackers, alphabet blocks, shape sorting cubes (pictured left), laughably easy puzzles and….ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz… Huh? What? Where was I?

The most exciting toy that Mazzy has at the moment is a talking map of the United States. I like it because it's fun to hear Mazzy say "Colorado" and because (embarassingly) in the face of a blank map, I would not be able to name all the states. So if a blank map is ever presented to me in some sort of "name the states or everyone dies" scenario, recalling Mazzy's map is the only shot I'll have at saving the world. (See? I have everyone's best interest in mind.)

As Mazzy gets older, I predict we'll ditch the boring stuff and get toys that are a bit more entertaining for the both of us. Something that doesn't make animal noises when you pull a lever. Or make me want to throw myself off Mazzy's mini-kitchen.

Something like a Rokenbok building set.

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I know you think Mazzy and I are all dolls, necklaces and hairdryers (and mainly we are) but please don't be so quick to place us in the "princess/ballerina" box. Lincoln Logs were one of my favorite toys when I was little and Mazzy can currently stack about five of her alphabet blocks on top of each other— so yeah. Obviously, I'm already looking into whether MIT has a preschool engineering program.

Unfortunately, Mazzy is currently too young for Rokenbok (the sets are for kids 3 and up) but I've come to understand that Mazzy will keep growing (whether I'm on board or not) so in the interest of OPERATION: AGING BABY ACCEPTANCE, I had Rokenbok send us a set to check out.

Basically, I learned that Rokenbok is not your average set of blocks.

Their building sets involve things like scaffolding, mechanics and remote control (I think Mike just started to mouth breathe over my shoulder) that challenge young minds and create a totally educational experience. Kids come up with their own ideas and then they are able to build and interact with them on a whole other level— that is, if they can wrestle the remote control away from Dad. (Or Mom. No gender stereotypes here!)

Semi Truck With Clipping PathToday, I am giving away two Rokenbok sets. One winner will receive an $100 Rokenbok Action Set with remote control and moving parts (pictured above) and a second winner will receive a $50 Deluxe Rok Block Set (example of what can be built pictured left) just by leaving a comment below (winners selected at random).

Both sets are excellent entries into the Rokenbok world. But be prepared because the Rokenbok world is full of diehard fans who let scaffolded remote control building sets take over their entire homes (see video below).

I, for one, can't wait to get started on my Diaper Changing Robot.

GIVEAWAY RULES:

1) You must be a Mommy Shorts Facebook Fan to enter. If you are not already a Mommy Shorts Facebook Fan, you can easily become one by clicking "like" on my right sidebar or by clicking here.

2) If you'd like a second entry, become a Rokenbok facebook fan (they do fun stuff like facebook giveaways and caption contests). Then leave a second comment below.

3) Just for fun, tell me the most boring toy/game your kid makes you play.

One last thing. And I'm doing this both because the Rokenbok lady was so cute/persistent and also because it really gives you a much better idea of the kind of toy I'm giving away.

Here's a two mintue video explaining the world of Rokenbok: