While perusing the latest technology news in my role as a professional technology writer, I came across something interesting, a company called Toygaroo that bills itself as the Netflix of toys. Apparently, the online toy rental company was featured on a TV show that I haven’t seen called Shark Tank. The idea behind the show is that entrepreneurs pitch their ideas and then investors decide whether or not to invest in the company.  Two investors, including Mark Cuban, chose to invest in the company.  I mention this, because it reduces — but does not eliminate — the chances of this being a fly by night scam.

I have not signed up for Toygaroo yet, but it is an interesting concept that I will definitely dig into more deeply. Basically, you sign up for a toy rental plan, and then like at Netflix, you put toys into a “pouch” or queue. They send you the first shipment of toys on your list and then every two months, you box up the toys and ship them back. At that time, they send you the next available toys on your list.

The prices are not cheap, which is why I need to look more in-depth before I would feel comfortable giving parenting tips about using this toy service.

The cheapest Toygaroo plan is called the Joey Package an gives you four toys at a time. This toy renting package costs $24.99. Shipping is free both to your home and when you ship the toys back. There is also a Flyer Package with six rented toys at a time and a Boomer Package that offers eight toys at a time.  These are priced at $32.99 and $42.99, respectively.

Is Toygaroo a Good Value?

To get a good deal out of Toygaroo, you need to pick the right toys. More specifically, you need to not pick the “wrong” toys.

For example, there are some Melissa and Doug chunky puzzles offered. These are good toys for kids. They are wooden puzzles with thick pieces you can play with on their own if you ever get bored of just putting the dinosaurs in their spot, for example. But, you can buy the Melissa and Doug Dinosaur Chunky Puzzle for just $9.99 normally, and less if you find a sale or Melissa and Doug coupon. In other words, for the price of renting four such puzzles, you could actually OWN two.

Is Toygaroo a Scam?

Of course, there is no reason you have to rent four puzzles and that is sort of the point. If you pick the right toys at the right time, Toygaroo can be a great deal. If not, then Toygaroo is not a good deal. Either way, Toygaroo is not a scam, and one certainly wouldn’t say Toygaroo sucks, however, you would want to manage it properly to make sure that you are getting the most value for your money. Otherwise, you will be better off just looking for good deals on toys and buying them yourself.

Toygaroo Online Toy Rental originally published at Undefeated Daddy

I know a good idea when I see it, and over at Backpacking Dad, I saw two in one really short article.

The first good idea is the concept of a "Father’s Year." Think of it as a fiscal year for dads, only for parenting instead of accounting purposes. It’s nice because it moves your year end and year begin as a father away from all the noise and hoopla around that other New Year with its Christmas, Thanksgiving, and bowl games neighbors.

The second good idea is the concept of Father’s Resolutions. Again, taking off of the new year theme, the idea is to use the start of the new dad year to make some resolutions about what you will work on as a dad in the coming Father’s Year. As an added bonus, Backpacking Dad has a good sense of humor and one that carries over into writing, so it’s a fun read.

Since it is late June now, I’m running a bit behind, but I’ll get to my Father’s Day resolutions before month end; that is if I can keep my unspoken resolutions to not turn into a zombie while staying up too late working, and getting up too early to play with my little alarm clocks, er… I mean children.

Good Parenting everyone.

Father’s Day Resolutions originally published at Undefeated Daddy

I follow the guys over at dealnews.com pretty much every day.  Today, I noticed that there are several printable coupons available for Baby’s R Us and I thought I would pass them along.  Click the link above to get to DealNews, but they generate so many great deals each day that it might not still be on the front page, so I’ve posted the links below.

Combine these coupons with Gift Cards you get for free by redeeming credit card points or miles and you can really save some dough.

Direct Link to DealNews item (was working when I posted): Babies "R" Us printable coupons: Up to 25% off select items

If it’s not working now, or it has moved, here are the links to the coupons:

During their latest sale, Babies "R" Us and `Toys "R" Us retail stores offer discounts on select items via the printable coupons below. After coupon, many items are at lowest-we’ve-seen prices. Sales tax is added where applicable. These discounts are not available online. Sale ends March 26. Notables:

• $20 off all jogging strollers or 3-wheel strollers
• 10% off all car seats
• 15% off all Fisher-Price monitors
• 25% off all flip-open sofas
• $250 off a nursery furniture purchase of $1,200 or more
• see all Babies "R" Us coupons

Babies R Us Print Coupons Online originally published at Undefeated Daddy

Undefeated Daddy is undergoing a full makeover.  We hope that you will really like the results, and we are sure going to like doing a more dynamic and vibrant site.

In the meantime, please bear with us as we work out the kinks.

The new look may be changed soon.  We had pretty much settled on a layout when a middle of the night inspiration brought some good ideas with it.  So, stay tuned.  You are going to love it.

New Look At Undefeated Daddy originally published at Undefeated Daddy

So, Doodle’s Place has a contest for a $25 gift certificate if you go to a website and find your favorite Melissa and Doug product and leave a comment with your choice.  Easy done.  Melissa and Doug are some of the best toys out there and you don’t have to worry about them being coated with lead paint either.

My daughter loves this puzzle

Hurry though, the contest ends tomorrow!  Sorry, I just found it myself

Melissa and Doug Giveaway originally published at Undefeated Daddy

This just about made me cry:

I don’t know of too many men who have been blessed with teenage daughters who have enjoyed just sitting around and talking with their dads. I was one of the lucky ones.

To the dad at The Land of Curly Hair, congratulations.  Not just on the wedding, but on the above.  I hope I join the club someday.

I Hope I’m Lucky originally published at Undefeated Daddy