2009 Mom’s Best Awards – Products for Moms and Kids

Over the course of 2009, the 3 Kids and Us family has had the pleasure of working with a over 100 companies and brands, testing and sharing opinions on products we’ve come to know and love. These are products we’ve not only tried ourselves, but products we continue to use and put our name behind.

In the 1st Annual, “3 Kids Tested, and Us Approved” Mom’s Best Awards we’re happy to announce the following winner’s in six categories, hand picked by our family.

Best in Tech Gadgets

Apple iPhone with AT&T mobile service – While I never did an official review on the iPhone, it has quickly become the best investment I made this year technologically speaking. Paired with thousands of applications that allow you to do and see just about anything you can imagine, it’s the next best thing to a laptop that allows you to track fitness goals, engage in social media,, manage grocery lists and recipes, even check severe weather alerts with the touch of a finger.

Favorite iPhone Applications -  Snap2Twitter (twitter photo sharing), Echofon (twitter), iFood from Kraft Foods (recipes, grocery lists and more), Squeeballs, RK Free (tracks running distance, calories burned and more).

3 Kids and Us iPhone App Coming Soon – Be on the look out for an announcement later this month about a free application you can download to get all of our blog posts, tweets and youtube videos to go! (I’m just slightly more than excited about this)

Honorable Mention – Casio Exilim Digital Camera

Best in Baby Gear

Tummy Tub from Spa Time Baby – Rated earlier this week as one of 2009′s best product reviews for children, this is my top pick for gifts for those expecting and new moms. The Tummy Tub and Step Stool combination creates a 2 in 1 product that can be used from birth to 2 years and creates a womb-like bathing environment for baby. We’ve been using this product with our youngest daughter for several months now and couldn’t be happier with it. Read our Tummy Tub Review

Favorites from Spa Time Baby – Baby Mat, perfect for diaper changes. Baby Cape – keeps mom dry and baby warm after bath time in a convenient cover up. Our Spa Time Baby Cape Review.

Honorable Mentions – SoftSpot by Wozzy and Bumbleride Indie Twin Stroller

Best in Children’s Toys

Tag Junior Book Pal from LeapFrog – By far, the absolute best investment for children learning to read, the Tag Junior has not only been educational but entertaining. With the LeapFrog Tag Junior, early readers not only get the visual words and pictures in the book but an audio assistant to help with word pronunciation and identification.

Reader Discount – Use coupon code LEAP30 to save 30% off all LeapFrog Books, Games and Accessories until January 7, 2010. Plus free shipping on all orders over $30.

Favorite Tag Junior Books – 1,2,3 Dora, Ni Hao, Kai-Lan

Honorable Mention – Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Learning Farm

Best in Home Office

ESP 9 All-in-One Printer from Kodak – This printer not only delivers quality photo prints and documents but offers a number of qualities that make printing from home easier and cost effective. With ink prices far below competitors, the ability to print, scan and fax, the ESP 9 printer has become the hub of our home office, saving us time and money. Read our Kodak ESP 9 Printer Review.

Honorable Mention – Schoolio Von Hoolio collection from Office Max

Best in Gaming

Tony Hawk Ride for Wii – Not only is this a fun game for kids, by it explores technology that goes beyond the hand held controller with a skateboard that your child can step on and into the game, engaging kid’s in physical activity. Read our Tony Hawk Ride Review.

Best in Household Appliances

Cordless Stick Vacuum from Hoover – For mom’s looking to pick up a quick mess, the Hoover Cordless Stick Vacuum is my pick for household appliances. Not only is this vacuum handy but is easy on the budget for anyone looking to have an easy to store, use and versatile cleaning tool. Read our Hoover Cordless Review

Best in Public Relations Representatives

Behind the products you’ve seen at 3 Kids and Us are a number of absolutely amazing brand representatives that not only work hard to serve their clients but go above and beyond in forming relationships with our family. These particular men and women have not only been courteous but organized and personable and deserve a very big thank you from our family!

Victoria from Rocket XL
Heidi from Salmon Borre Group
Kristin from New Media Strategies
Dina from Big Honcho Media
Jill from Weber Shandwick
Daphne from Rogers PR
Debbie formerly of Big Honcho Media
Anna from Rockfish Interactive