Play Eats: Target's Play Wonder play food review

We now have a couple of these Target Play Wonder sets. We have gotten them on clearance for around $7.50/set, sometimes more, sometimes less. Target is always changing their packaging so you can get these cheap at least once a year.

The construction of the foods is quite nice. We haven't really had any problems with the paint chipping off or the fabric wearing. However, the "fabric" is so synthetic it's almost gross to touch it. I'm sure they made it out of this stuff so that it will stick to the hook side of velcro without pilling like acrylic felt. But it just feels cheap.

That said, these sets are super cute. We have had a lot of fun making different pizzas with the toppings (and they have faces!). The little pizza cutter has been a huge hit as well. The pancake set came with some fakin' and two pats of butter so there's a lot of realism without being over the top. I love the little jar of maple syrup.

The verdict: Definitely pick these up if you see them on sale. You can get a lot of pieces to stock your kitchen. Don't buy them full price unless you have to. The quality just isn't there and you can get the Melissa and Doug stuff for around $15 and it will last longer.

Monkey on the go

This has been one very busy October. I knew I didn't have it in me to make a complete costume this year. Heck, I haven't even finished the Jump Rope Dress (although I seriously only have to sew on a couple of buttons, pockets and hem it).

So when I saw a Scooby Doo costume at a yard sale, I knew it would be my monkey. I cut out an oval-ish shape of felt for the snout (?), hot glued on a piece of red bias tape for the mouth, cut out some circle-ish shapes for the eyes and ears, and hot glued the whole mess on. I think it took me about 30 minutes. So it's homemade and handmade and better than anything you can buy at Target (no matter how hard they try to put us down!).

I will say this: I have bought Halloween costumes at Target. I have spent lots and lots of time making various Halloween costumes for myself over the years. I have sometimes spent a lot of money and sometimes very little. But I will never, ever, ever, ever buy a costume from Target again. No more after holiday 90% off sales for me (although I used to love them so, sniff), no more pigtails or chicken hats for my cat (yes, it's true), no more fleece pumpkins, no more stripey socks or witch hats. You and me, Target Halloween aisle, we're through.

Goodwill, my love, we'll see you next year.