*This post is sponsored by Lunchbox. All opinions expressed are my own.
I was first introduced to the world of Thomas & Friends when my son was about 2 years old. He fell in love with these friendly little trains and they quickly became a staple in our home. For birthday’s, holiday’s or any other special occasion he always had one request when it came to toys, Thomas. I know that many other kids, including my daughter, have this same love for Thomas & Friends and that’s why these characters are so popular.
Benefits of Thomas and Friends
In today’s fast-paced world, Thomas & Friends give children and families a time and place to slow down, share, imagine stories, and make new friends. They deliver messages about important values through imaginative, relatable storytelling and characters … and always in the friendliest, most engaging ways!
Growing Imaginations, Learning Life’s Lessons: Thomas & Friends storylines involve everyday ups-and-downs that show the value of friendship and teamwork, giving children plenty to think about. Through engaging scenarios and realistic details played out in bright, bold colors and captivating animation, these stories help children’s imaginations grow – and make them want to create adventures of their own
So realistic: When you read Thomas & Friends stories with children or observe them watching the show’s episodes, you’ll notice they’re especially fascinated by the details of Thomas’ world … by the engines’ faces, the colors and numbers that identify them, and all the workings of a train yard. Based on real steam engines, everything Thomas and his friends do relates to the way real-life railways operate. Their surroundings on the fictional Island of Sodor depict a traditional English countryside in the era of steam railways.
Friendship and cooperation go hand-in-hand: Much like children at a playground, Thomas and his friends are always interacting with each other and sharing jokes, squabbles, schemes, friendships, and rivalries. Children identify with the characters and learn about interaction, problem solving, compassion and more.
Timeless life lessons in every story: Through the adventures of Thomas and his friends, your child will learn important life lessons about the value of friendship, fair play, teamwork – and what it means to be a Really Useful Engine!
The Benefits of Train Play
Children learn best when they’re active and engaged. While train play may seem simplistic compared to high-tech toys, trains are actually one of the most powerful developmental toys you can give a child. It’s because of the interactive way children play with them, becoming conductors of their own worlds which they control, experiment with and journey through.
Skill-Building with Thomas: While “little engineers” are riding the rails with Thomas & Friends, they’re also developing valuable skills that will serve them well now and down the track.
Cognitive Skills: Train play is brainy business! Fitting together track, constructing layouts, and dreaming up adventures on the Island of Sodor takes creativity, logical thinking, and planning. For Thomas’ youngest friends, learning to recognize and name colors and numbers is another part of the learning fun.
Physical Skills: Train play gets little ones up and moving! They develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills as they make deliveries to Knapford Station, guide engines along the track, and create the best route to Tidmouth Sheds and other destinations.
Social Skills: Train play is full of feeling! As children act out stories from the Thomas & Friends books, TV shows or DVDs – or even dream up their own incredible adventures – they’re learning valuable lessons about teamwork, sharing and kindness, and becoming more aware of their own emotions, too.
Walmart carries a huge line of exclusive Thomas & Friends merchandise perfect for all of those train fans. Not only can you buy your little one’s their favorite trains but you will also earn points for buying them! The Walmart-exclusive Thomas & Friends Journey To Rewards program is the only place where you can earn rewards for your purchases of Thomas & Friends product purchases. These points can be redeemed for Thomas and Friends merchandise as well as gift cards.
So how would you like to win a $100 Spafinder Gift Card? It’s easy to enter:
1. Go to Thomas & Friends Journey To Rewards (or click on the picture below).
2. Type in the Promo Code GIFTFORMOM.
3. Sit back and think about how nice a spa day would be!
