Parents, I know many if not most of you are with me on this: The kids’ toys are taking over the house. When they were babies it was rattles and teethers. Now I’m dealing with Legos, Hot Wheels, Thomas the Train, and Barbie. Throw a few puzzle pieces and coloring books into the mix and we’re living in Romper Room. I bought a couple of those cube-like storage units and they’re definitely helpful for keeping things off the floor, but don’t do much for keeping the mess hidden. Let’s be honest: Clean up to the kids means jam everything in a square as fast as you can. That type of storage doesn’t help when you need something portable for travel, either. You can imagine how excited I was when I discovered Swoop Bags, a simple yet brilliant toy storage solution that works great at home or on-the-go.
Swoop Bags are like a toy storage bag and a play mat in one. These 100% cotton canvas bags flatten out and provide a surface for the kids to build Legos in, or use whatever toys they choose. I like how they have that little lip on the edge to contain the toys. That really helps keep the little pieces from finding their way under the couch! When playtime is over, just pull the nylon cords on either side of the bag and it ‘swoops’ up into a bag, holding all of the toys in one quick motion. How easy is that clean up? Even the kids can do it. Oh how I love it when they can clean up their own messes.
The thing I really love about Swoops Bags is how perfect they are for travel. We are a family of beach bums and hit the shore several times a year. Last time we went I literally spread our Swoop Bag out in on the floor in the hall between the kids’ rooms and said, “Whatever you want to take, throw it in the Swoop.” They both got their kid-size pillows, favorite stuffed animals, and a few bedtime stories in the bag. I swooped it shut and threw it in the trunk. It was just as easy to pack it back up when we came home from vacation. Anything that can simplify packing for vacation is more than appreciated by me. I *need* a vacation by the time the packing is done!
I love the colors Swoop Bags come in. They’ve got lots of vibrant, modern colors that are perfect for boys and girls, and I love that none of them are too light or washed out. They won’t show dirt as easily that way. Another selling point for me! Of course when they do get dirty they’re machine washable in cold water and you can tumble them dry on low. And if it’s not really that dirty but has just collected some toy link (yup, there is such a thing) just throw it in the dryer for a few minutes. These aren’t flimsy bags. I think ours will last forever or at least until the kids have outgrown their toy trains and Barbies!
Actually, I think they’d be perfect for a college dorm room too. You could easily fit a load of wash in there and carry it to the laundry room and back. And when they’re not in use they aren’t bulky at all. Look how small this was folded up when I got it. There are probably a hundred uses for Swoop Bags. We’re getting a ton of use out of ours and I expect we’ll continue to for many years. If the kids’ toys are taking over your living space, or if you need a gift for the a kids that the parents will also appreciate, be sure to shop Swoop Bags!
Check out Swoops Bags on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest to stay in touch and learn about all of their latest products and promotions. Swoop Bags is generously offering one of my readers their very own bag! Enter to win here! This giveaway ends at midnight ET on July 10, 2012.
I was provided with a Swoop Bag to facilitate this review. The opinions in this post are 100% mine. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
Teri F says
This is a fantastic idea! I have been struggling for a solution to the Lego issue….. Now hopefully ALL the Legos will be cleaned up at one time!
Carolyn Daley says
I would choose Aquarium and I would use it to store toy cars.