Thursday, December 10, 2015

A Cool Gift for Kids (With a Sweets Kendamas Giveaway - CLOSED)


Last Christmas, one of my son's favourite gifts was his Sweets Kendama. This is one toy that stands the test of time - he still loves to use it a year later. And, as a parent, I love that it's an active and creative toy. The kendama is a traditional Japanese toy consisting of a ken (sword) and tama (ball). The ball is connected to the base or ken by a string. The ken has three cups and a spike that fits into the hole in the ball.



My son likes to watch the tips and tricks videos on the Sweets Kendamas website. Basic kendama tricks consist of catching the ball in the cups and on the spike. From there, more experienced users can try kendama tricks that involve juggling and balancing. Use of a kendama can increase a child's focus and hand-eye coordination while building self-esteem.

Sweets Kendamas was founded by juggler and yo-yo enthusiast Matt “Sweets” Jorgenson. After seeing a kendama in a video, he searched the web to find one and discovered they could only be purchased overseas. He started Sweets Kendamas in 2010 with a vision of providing kendama players the best products available. That goal led the Sweets Kendamas crew to begin painting and finishing kendamas in Minnesota, creating a quality finish that couldn't be found elsewhere.


There are a variety of really cool finishes to be had. The kendamas pictured are from the Chameleon Marble series. The marble-style paint is a Sweets Kendamas staple design. The marbling is done by hand and each one is unique. The kendamas in this series have been coated with shimmering chameleon paint to give them a colour-shifting effect. Browse the shop for your favourite design. This toy makes for a gift that any child or teen will cherish for years to come.

Who on your shopping list would love to have a Sweets Kendama? Which one do you like best?


Enter to win a Chameleon Marble Sweets Kendama


Residents of the U.S. and Canada may enter to win a Sweets Kendama in Chameleon Marble, in the winner's choice of red, green or blue. Enter using the rafflecopter below until December 28th.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


*This is a sponsored post. All opinions are authentic and my own. Thank you for supporting the awesome companies that partner with Woman in Real Life.
Labels: , , ,

83 comments:

  1. Audrey StewartDecember 10, 2015 at 4:59 AM

    This is a new toy to me. The whole site is full of them. I'll have to ask the grand kids.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JoKnowsDecember 10, 2015 at 9:12 AM

      For sure! Get them to check out the site. I'm sure they'll love the kendamas. :)

      Delete
  2. Audrey StewartDecember 10, 2015 at 5:03 AM

    Your share buttons on the bottom, don't work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JoKnowsDecember 10, 2015 at 9:12 AM

      They are working when I try them Misty. Maybe the page wasn't fully loaded?

      Delete
  3. LaurenDecember 10, 2015 at 8:39 AM

    I like the Candy Apple Kendama.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jonnie (JB)December 10, 2015 at 10:33 AM

    The Voodama doll looks really cool

    ReplyDelete
  5. latanya tDecember 10, 2015 at 11:09 AM

    THE PILL – ORANGE/SEAFOAM/YELLOW (JUMBO + REGULAR)

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousDecember 10, 2015 at 11:34 AM

    My students love these! I like the candy apple one, too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JoKnowsDecember 10, 2015 at 2:55 PM

      How great! So you've seen them in action Kelli. :)

      Delete
  7. Annie1December 10, 2015 at 11:44 AM

    The THE PILL – ORANGE/SEAFOAM/YELLOW is really cool!

    Rafflecopter Name is Anne Taylor

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousDecember 10, 2015 at 1:28 PM

    Leslie:
    A assortment of marble would look fab in my vintage candy dish.
    leslieannstevenson@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Jeannie LamDecember 10, 2015 at 3:41 PM

    I think the Pill toy is really cool!

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousDecember 10, 2015 at 5:32 PM

    I like the HOMEGROWN LOGO TEE – OLIVE
    jan

    ReplyDelete
  11. Laurie PDecember 11, 2015 at 5:55 PM

    I think The Jumbo Pill is pretty cool!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Viv SluysDecember 12, 2015 at 4:56 PM

    I think the natural cherry wood pill is cool.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wanda BDecember 12, 2015 at 6:02 PM

    I think the Homegrown Safari Hat looks pretty amazing and so comfortable to wear.

    ReplyDelete
  14. lynnsbeansDecember 14, 2015 at 10:45 PM

    I REALLY LIKE http://sweetskendamas.com/product/the-jumbo-pill/

    ReplyDelete
  15. AshleighSwerdfegerDecember 15, 2015 at 12:20 AM

    nEAT! i like oase.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Doris HumberDecember 15, 2015 at 11:07 AM

    I think the natural cherry wood pill is pretty cool.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Sharklady71December 15, 2015 at 2:32 PM

    The Biggie Marble – Blue/Orange/Red is cool.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Sue2SueperDecember 18, 2015 at 7:53 AM

    I like the VOODAMA.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Jennifer L.December 19, 2015 at 11:25 AM

    I like the F3 SOLID – PINK

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousDecember 21, 2015 at 10:23 AM

    Candy Apple Kendama is cool.
    Florence C

    ReplyDelete
  21. Bee W BedardDecember 21, 2015 at 10:42 PM

    I think the The Pill – Orange/Seafoam/Yellow (Jumbo + Regular) is really cool

    ReplyDelete
  22. Kimberly ODecember 22, 2015 at 8:09 AM

    They are like works of art - not toys! Love the Homegrown Spectra – Grapevine + Maple w/ Spectra Stripe. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  23. AnonymousDecember 22, 2015 at 8:23 AM

    THE PILL – ORANGE/SEAFOAM/YELLOW (JUMBO + REGULAR) is cool and so are their other products as well. Love the design and quality craftsmanship that goes into them. My e-mail is elixer2@hotmail.com.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Stacie HDecember 22, 2015 at 11:26 AM

    The Pill

    ReplyDelete
  25. kellyr78December 22, 2015 at 12:30 PM

    I like the F3 ATACK STRIPE

    ReplyDelete
  26. landonsmumDecember 22, 2015 at 2:35 PM

    my son loves these.... this one is pretty neat http://sweetskendamas.com/product/homegrown-spectra-grapevine-complete/

    ReplyDelete
  27. WehafDecember 22, 2015 at 2:37 PM

    I like the OASE pro model.

    ReplyDelete
  28. UnknownDecember 22, 2015 at 2:54 PM

    The Pill – Orange/Seafoam/Yellow (Jumbo + Regular)looks neat!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Mr. WinandDecember 22, 2015 at 3:51 PM

    I like the Spectra Grapevine. My kids have played with these before. We were at a camp ground and there was another family there who had one. They had a lot of fun.

    ReplyDelete
  30. cherry251December 22, 2015 at 8:30 PM

    i like the pill toy

    rafflecopter name is aarone mawdsley

    ReplyDelete
  31. Sharon cubicDecember 23, 2015 at 12:27 AM

    These are all really cool looking. My favorite was the MARBLE – BLUE/PURPLE/SEAFOAM KENDAMA

    ReplyDelete
  32. UnknownDecember 23, 2015 at 3:34 AM

    I like them all expecially the pill

    ReplyDelete
  33. UnknownDecember 23, 2015 at 4:50 AM

    my son would like this

    ReplyDelete
  34. monguppDecember 23, 2015 at 6:01 AM

    Very unique toys that my son would enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  35. KellypcDecember 23, 2015 at 6:30 AM

    The Voodama doll looks awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Morgan StewartDecember 23, 2015 at 11:36 AM

    The HOMEGROWN SPECTRA – GRAPEVINE COMPLETE looks very cool!

    ReplyDelete
  37. R's RueDecember 23, 2015 at 4:54 PM

    Homegrown maple popsicle

    ReplyDelete
  38. Susan T.December 23, 2015 at 5:50 PM

    I bet my nephew would like this toy. It's so gorgeous too!

    ReplyDelete
  39. AnonymousDecember 23, 2015 at 6:26 PM

    My grandson would love this toy.
    Florence c

    ReplyDelete
  40. Helisa DuplassieDecember 24, 2015 at 1:18 AM

    The natural cherry wood pill

    These toys look so neat! I have to go watch one in action now!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hide C.December 24, 2015 at 1:27 AM

    This sounds like a toy that my little guys would enjoy playing with.

    ReplyDelete
  42. UnknownDecember 24, 2015 at 3:56 AM

    I really like the HOMEGROWN SPECTRA – GRAPEVINE KEN

    ReplyDelete
  43. tzar1213December 24, 2015 at 11:15 PM

    The F3 MARBLE – BLACK/BLUE/PINK KENDAMA looks awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  44. lori bDecember 26, 2015 at 10:39 PM

    i like the grapevine complete spectra

    ReplyDelete
  45. Tracy MorinDecember 26, 2015 at 11:20 PM

    I love the F3 Marble – Green/Lime/Seafoam

    ReplyDelete
  46. Victoria EssDecember 27, 2015 at 1:44 AM

    I think my niece would love this!

    ReplyDelete
  47. AnonymousDecember 27, 2015 at 3:13 AM

    F3 Chameleon Marble – Red Kendama

    ReplyDelete
  48. Carey HurstDecember 27, 2015 at 12:11 PM

    The voodama doll http://sweetskendamas.com/product/the-voodama-doll/

    ReplyDelete
  49. NancyDecember 27, 2015 at 2:04 PM

    I think the Homegrown Maple - Popsicle one is very cute!

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  50. dmagee32December 27, 2015 at 2:57 PM

    The product I think is cool is the Homegrown Grain Print Socks – Green.

    ReplyDelete
  51. TinatchickDecember 27, 2015 at 5:22 PM

    I like the candy apple one

    ReplyDelete
  52. blew415December 27, 2015 at 5:30 PM

    Spectra Grapevine is cool

    ReplyDelete
  53. jeanne connerDecember 27, 2015 at 6:06 PM

    I think The Pill looks pretty cool to try

    ReplyDelete
  54. UnknownDecember 27, 2015 at 7:00 PM

    I like the HOMEGROWN MAPLE X UZUMAKI – THE RETURN.

    ReplyDelete
  55. EverythingSarahDecember 27, 2015 at 7:10 PM

    I love the HOMEGROWN SPECTRA GRAPEVINE COMPLETE
    crazyweirdo33@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. UnknownDecember 27, 2015 at 8:40 PM

    I love the Spectra Grapevine!!
    emileebond2004@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. AnonymousDecember 28, 2015 at 1:55 AM

    love it

    ReplyDelete
  58. Megan CDecember 28, 2015 at 10:13 AM

    I like the The Pill – Natural Zebrano. It sounds challenging.

    ReplyDelete
  59. SaraDecember 28, 2015 at 2:08 PM

    I like the Flipper, orange and blue together, it looks cool.

    ReplyDelete
  60. JRHFDecember 28, 2015 at 3:27 PM

    I like the F3 solid mint. This is very different!

    ReplyDelete
  61. UnknownDecember 28, 2015 at 3:40 PM

    Wow! They all look pretty neat. I think the HOMEGROWN MAPLE X UZUMAKI – THE RETURN would be a hit in our family! The email that I check most often is fossil316@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  62. UnknownDecember 28, 2015 at 5:09 PM

    Oh it's definitely got to be Turtle Power! How cool are those?

    ReplyDelete
  63. BreanneDecember 28, 2015 at 8:23 PM

    I like the Homegrown Spectra – Grapevine Ken

    ReplyDelete
  64. Mary GardnerDecember 28, 2015 at 8:36 PM

    I like the Homegrown Safari Hat.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Brandon SparksDecember 28, 2015 at 9:01 PM

    I really like the Pro Models – William Penniman

    ReplyDelete
  66. Shannon O.December 28, 2015 at 9:59 PM

    I like the F3 ATACK FADE – RASTA.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Angela MDecember 28, 2015 at 10:27 PM

    I love the HOMEGROWN SPECTRA – GRAPEVINE COMPLETE -- they look pretty cool!

    ReplyDelete
  68. tkDecember 29, 2015 at 2:13 PM

    my niece would love this!

    ReplyDelete
  69. MrDiscoJanuary 2, 2016 at 11:02 PM

    that would be a great toy for my neighbour's kid

    ReplyDelete
  70. UnknownJanuary 3, 2016 at 7:14 PM

    My friend's grandson would love that toy!

    ReplyDelete
  71. UnknownJanuary 3, 2016 at 7:24 PM

    I think my son would enjoy this. I would too!! Less plastic is always a good thing!

    ReplyDelete
  72. nicolthepickle (Nicole Graham)January 4, 2016 at 12:54 PM

    These look like fun. I think all my daughters would enjoy it.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Henry LoremNovember 22, 2021 at 2:40 PM

    Good an very informative post. I will come back to your blog regullary. ดูหนัง

    ReplyDelete
  74. Henry LoremNovember 22, 2021 at 2:50 PM

    We have a do-nothing-president I myself will not give him the honor of the title.. หนังออนไลน์

    ReplyDelete
  75. chaimyworldNovember 25, 2021 at 5:08 AM

    I never play this before. I want to try.

    บาคาร่าออนไลน์ สล็อตออนไลน์ LuckyNiki

    Ufa191 บาคาร่า

    ReplyDelete
  76. JasonDecember 2, 2021 at 11:31 AM

    these are so much interesting, will definetely gonna try them for my kids, recently i bought a superb quality playground equipment for 2 5 year olds.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Quentin MohamedDecember 14, 2021 at 7:45 AM

    On my website you'll see similar texts, write what you think. 25 mg edible

    ReplyDelete
  78. JasonJanuary 19, 2022 at 8:45 AM

    Decent post. I was checking continually this blog and I am intrigued! Amazingly supportive data exceptionally the last part I care for such information a great deal. I was looking for this specific data for quite a while. Much thanks to you and best of luck.
    commercial playground equipment

    ReplyDelete
  79. sameer aliMarch 25, 2022 at 4:10 PM

    The cornstarch recorded with the fixings is added to the powdered sugar for tidying the completed item. Powdered sugar alone is excessively effortlessly consumed while icing sugar, which is made of cornstarch with powdered sugar, isn't assimilated as promptly. bestturkishdelight.com
    click here

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)