Ravensburger WOW Toys Mix ‘n’ Fix Mike Review and Giveaway (Christmas Wish List 2010)

When we started thinking about gifts for “Bug” for this Christmas, we wanted to find him the most unique toys that not every kid in on the block had, so I set out to find the coolest toys within our holiday budget and after spending so much time on the web and searching sites and toys stores we finally found him a toy that I think he will really love and I love it because it’s not to small nor is it too big for him to play with. With my father being in the construction industry and having equipment around all the time they seem to be some of “Bug’s” favorite toys so when I was offered the chance to review the WOW Toys Mix ‘n’ Fix Mike from Ravensburger I couldn’t say no!

About Ravensburger (Taken From Website):

How it all began
When the Ravensburger bookseller Otto Maier signed his first publishing contract in 1883, he laid the foundations for the now internationally renowned brand that is Ravensburger. His first publications included guides and instruction manuals for the building and craft trades. In 1884, the first game appeared with the title “Voyage round the World“ – carefully handcrafted, beautifully finished and modelled on Jules Verne’s bestseller ”Around the World in 80 Days“. This was quickly followed by learning and children’s games, card games, strategy games, books and children’s art and craft kits. Behind all the published products lay the guiding principle of learning through doing.

Ravensburger today
The family firm Ravensburger changed its legal status from a partnership to a corporation at the end of the 1980s.

In 1993, the individual Divisions were established as subsidiaries under the umbrella of the Ravensburger AG holding company. The trademark name Ravensburger was promoted to the company name. All shares of the company remain in the ownership of the founder family Maier.

The founder’s grandson Otto Julius Maier, who had run the company for over 40 years, took over the chairmanship of the Supervisory Board between 1995 and 2005. His cousin Dorothee Hess-Maier, a member of the management team between 1978 and 2001, has occupied the position of Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board since 2005. Both family members have contributed substantially to the company’s expansion over the last 50 years. Since the early 1950s, the number of employees has risen from 90 to 1400, while turnover has risen from approx. 1 million to approx. 280 million euros.

Ravensburger Games is the number-one company in Europe for puzzles and handicraft products and the German market leader for games. Ravensburger Books is currently one of the leading publishing companies in the German children’s and youth book market. Ravensburger achieves over half of its sales abroad. It is one of the few companies in the sector with its own production facilities in Europe. 85 % of all Ravensburger products are now made at the two production sites in Ravensburg and Poliçka (Czech Republic).

My Thoughts:

I was given the chance to review the WOW Toys Mix ‘n’ Fix Mike and I was very excited after reading up on the product, I felt that it would be perfect for “Bug”! Here is a little about the WOW Toys Mix ‘n’ Fix Mike:

Friction-powered Cement Mixer Truck with Realistic Engine Sounds

3 Piece Set Mike is ready with his cement for any construction job large or small. Thanks to his clear outer drum, cement making has never been so fun and interesting to watch. Mike's powerful friction motor rotates his inner cement drum with fun colors and sound. Operated by his friendly construction driver Ricky, his detachable barrier can also be fixed to the back of his truck for easy storage. Includes automated rotating mixer with realistic mixing sounds, driver figure & removable barrier. No batteries required!

Our Mix ‘n’ Fix Mike arrived very quickly and since it’s going under the tree for “Bug” we decided not to let him see it but in the fairness of the review my husband and I decided to check it out while “Bug” was taking a nap a couple of days after it arrived and I have to say that this is a pretty awesome little cement mixer, I’m loving that it features colors and sounds without batteries, heaven knows we go through way to many batteries as it is around here so one less toy without batteries is a huge plus in my book!!! This toy is super easy to use, and I don’t think that “Bug” is going to have a bit of trouble running this cement mixer. I’m also loving that it’s a three piece set and that all the pieces can be stored in the truck itself so it will be less likely for the pieces to get lost. I also think that this toy is made of the highest quality materials and I have a feeling that it will last for quite a while.

After receiving the Mix ‘n’ Fix Mike I’ve had lots of time to spend on the WOW Toys part of the Ravensburger site and I am looking forward to eventually getting “Bug” the entire set of construction vehicles to go along with Mix ‘n’ Fix Mike since he loves construction type toys.

Bottom Line:

I can’t wait for “Bug” to find the Mix ‘n’ Fix Mike under the tree on Christmas morning, I’m sure it’s going to be a huge hit!!! I know I had a blast playing around with it (just for fairness of the review), but don’t let him know please :0)!

If you are looking for a fun and unique toy to put under your tree this year check out the selection of WOW Toys at Ravensburger, they have such a selection of different types of vehicles and such that I’m sure you will find the perfect toy for your future racer or construction worker!!!

Buy It:
To purchase the Mix ’n’ Fix Mike visit Ravensburger‘s website!

Win It:
Ravensburger has generously offered one of my readers a Mix ‘n’ Fix Mike of their very own (ARV $49.99)

Mandatory Entry: Visit Ravensburger and tell me another product you would like to have! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.

Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)

1. Become a public follower of my blog (current follower count too)

2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)

3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader

4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to Ravensburger be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

Giveaway ends Dec 15, 2010 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the Mix ’n’ Fix Mike mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.