When holiday shopping for kids, there’s always the factor of finding something unique, and the nine to twelve year old set can often pose a challenge, but it’s always safe to check out the latest offerings from the kooky folks at Klutz. (And I say kooky with all due respect!) With a wide variety of activity books in their gift center, it’s difficult to not find something just right. As the mom of a nine year old boy, I have to say that two specific offerings stand out. Bonnie Burton brings us Draw Star Wars: The Clone Wars– the must-have drawing guide for any true Star Wars fan, and Pat Murphy, along with the Scientists of Klutz Labs, presents Invasion of the Bristlesbots, with which kids can transform two toothbrush heads into robots.
Now, the very cool thing to this mom is that Draw Star Wars: The Clone Wars presents the process of drawing in very logical and easy to follow steps, encouraging young artists to begin with stick figures, add in basic shapes next, and finish by finalizing the fine details. Translucent pages lay over familiar Clone Wars character images, ready to be traced for practice. Complete with sketching pencil, black marker, colored pencils and an eraser, kids have everything they need in way of tips and instruction as well as materials and tools. My own son is just beginning to show interest in the visual arts, so this book will fit perfectly in his stocking this year!
Want to get a sneak peek at the book? Check out the official product page, or watch the promotional video, which ends with a Yoda-esque declaration of how valuable this book could be to your own young jedi artist.
Now, two toothbrush heads and little colorful motors are the provided materials for the activities described in Invasion of the Bristlesbots, a truly unique activity book for kids. With a cool variety of suggestions for mazes, races, and even sumo wrestling, I picture this being a Klutz book that gets lots of action and laughs. I personally love the directions for using colored paper clips to transform the bristlebots into insects and spiders- something I can see my own son fiddling away with for long periods of time.
Check out their product page for more images, and even a little video of the bristlebots in action, just in case this whole wacky idea is difficult to imagine.
Jennifer reviewed the Encyclopedia of Immaturity Vol. 2 last month on 5 Minutes for Giveaways, and here’s a bit of what she had to say about it.
The Encyclopedia of Immaturity: Volume 2 is a lot of fun. While I initially thought that it was targeted right to boys (and immature can’t-grow-up men), my 11-year-old daughter found a lot to like in here, including how to make a diamond ring (dime-in-ring out of a dime and a dollar bill), hand faces, do some magic tricks and play the spoons.
It’s quite sturdy, with a canvasy cover, covered spiral and thick pages — designed to hold up to lots of use and abuse. Check out the page for the Basketball Egg Launch for a great example of what you can expect.
If you’re in the mood for some of Klutz’s other fun selections, you should know that you can receive 25% off your order when you sign up for the newsletter, and through December 3rd, you can get 20% off AND free shipping on orders over $40 (use discount code SHIP at checkout for standard U.S. shipping only), or use HOLIDAY25 through December 16 to receive 25% off your entire order.
Dawn loves the Klutz books, and not just because of the former childhood nickname coincidence. Follow her at my thoughts exactly, for more wackiness, cute kids, and book talk.
Jennifer’s parents favored the ironic “Grace” nickname, but she is also a huge fan of all things Klutz. She blogs at Snapshot.
Two of you (U.S. residents) will win a set of all three titles, perfect to dole out at Christmas or upcoming birthdays or delight your own child.
Entries will be closed on December 8, and we will announce the winners on December 9. Please watch your email and check the site for your name, so that we can collect your shipping information and you can get your gift by Christmas.
This giveaway is now closed. Thanks.
Be sure you’ve entered all the giveaways in our 2009 Gift Guide and Giveaway event.
Oh! oh! pick me! pick me! *snaps fingers in annoying, bratty way, while intending to simply convey enthusiasm *
Klutz books are the best. I’ve bought many of theses in the past, but I’d love the opportunity to win some!
bookingmama(at)gmail(dot)com
would love these to give as gifts!
we love Klutz books at our house!
Klutz is the best! At least one of their products is under our tree every year!
I’d love to win this!
My daughter would love the star wars thing and I’m sure I can find some happy kids for the other two. Thanks for this giveaway.
Anything Star Wars is a perfect gift around here. Thanks for the chance-
I would enjoy gifting the Klutz book to my nephew. The other two are grandson material all the way. Such super giveaways. Thank you.
My son would love this book.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
looks like some great reading ! Would love to win
My daughter seems to be interested in the The Encyclopedia of Immaturity: Volume 2. lol
I know my son would have a blast with these.
wmmahaney(at)att(dot)net
My boys would adore these! Thanks for the great giveaway.
These Klutz Activity Books look terrific. Thanks for the possibility.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for reviewing my book! I hope moms, dads and kids alike will have fun drawing their favorite Star Wars characters! 😉
Oh my goodness! These books sound like a great deal of fun…one book for each of my girls. Thanks!
Really good time since christmas is right around the corner:)
Please enter me!
I would love these for my family child care.
I would love to give these or keep them for my house!
Oh please pick me. I have one gift left to buy. It is for a 10 year old boy that i have only met once. I do not know his likes or dislikes. I only know that boys of that age like cars. But this book sounds perfect for any boy.
These are great! Fun for all ages!
Awesome activity books!!
I LOVE these! I would LOVE to win…I may even be generous and give a few of them away for Christmas if I win….maybe! =)
I know the perfect people to give all of these to. What a great giveaway.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
My great nephew would love these!
Klutz rocks thanks so much for the chance to win this awesome prize!
Klutz books are great. My son would enjoy these!
My three boys would love this!
I’d like to win this for my daughter who loves Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
my stepson would enjoy this
looks good! fingers crossed!
My son would love to win these!
The Encyclopedia of Immaturity is a wild read. It will make someone very, very, happy.
This is the perfect gift for any boy. I really want to try out those bots.
We have had a couple Klutz books ,they were absolutely fantastic. Thanks for the chance to win these.
These books look great.
I luv Klutz! Great giveaway, thanks!
My 11 year old would love these! Thanks for the chance to win.
Good books are always welcome. Thanks for the contest!
klutz rules, kinda
We love Klutz.Thanks for the giveaway:)
These would make great gifts!
My budding artist son would love this.
These all look like fun and like they would occupy my boys for a while.
Wow I could put these books to good use. Great for gifts and I know who they would go to.
Wow, thanks for the chance!
my nephew would love these!
My sons would love these books!!