When I was young, every very time we went into a drugstore, I'd scan the personalized-item area. Of course, "Kari" was never an option. Well, it was an option once: a tiny CA license plate in the now retired yellow and blue. I bought several. Still, I wished I could have my very own "Kari" pencils, or a magnet, or something else cheap and plastic that just happened to have my name.
These days, personalization is relatively easy. There are plenty of online and specialty stores that will create fun things with your name in it. But Fruit Roll-Ups? This was a new one. When the Parent Bloggers Network asked me if I wanted to create my own design using My Fruit Roll-Ups, I jumped at the chance.
Although I intended to check out the site by myself, the sound effects and morphing cartoons radared the boys into my computer. They immediately squished onto my chair so that they could see what was going on.
Spliggle said: "That's cool! I want candy with my name on it!" (I keep telling him it is a fruit-roll-up, but really he thinks it is candy.)
The Cat said, "Awesome! This is really neat. I made a green soccer ball on it." He then proceeded to do several different designs (centering around being great at soccer,) printed them out, and bookmarked the site for future reference. "I kind of like it when it starts up," he explained, referring to the blobby manufacturing equipment run by the little noseless, mouthless bouncy-guys (who sometimes talk on a cell phone or walkie-talkie instead of just jumping around.)
I wasn't a fan of the buzzing type of sound effect. The boinging sound effect was okay at first, but got a bit annoying after a time. The boys loved the sound effects, though, and they are more the target audience. (Of course adults creating surprises for kids can just turn down the volume.)
As for the design options themselves, there is pretty much anything: sports, holidays, graduation (hint, hint, 'tis the season!) cartoon characters, animals, pirates and princesses. Messages are completely customizable. My guess is most kids will want their name on it.
The design can be 2-piece or 3-piece and can be in lines or in more of a checkerboard fashion. The ink color for the design is customizable as well; however, it appears that the actual flavor of Fruit-Roll Up is the same for all orders (looking at the ingredients, it is primarily pear with some other flavors, and is dyed red.) I would have loved to change the color of the actual Fruit Roll Up. (Back in my schoolyard days, there was a flavor that was Feingold-safe, perhaps pear? or pineapple? It would be great to have that one available, and then with an "ink" choice that was similarly not-artificial. Unless that option is available, the Cat's designs will be for show only, not for eating.)
While we had lots of fun creating various designs, the final winning one will be for Spliggle's birthday party next week. We selected the birthday cake and added a "Happy 4th Birthday, Spliggle!" message. He will hand them out as part of the favor bags.
Save $8 on your own package of My Fruit Roll-Ups by typing in the code GRAD08, valid until July 1st. (Regular price $29.99 for 30 roll-ups)
Or - peruse the site and leave a comment here telling me what design you'd choose if you had the opportunity - I will give away a box. Comments will close this Friday at midnight.
EDITED TO ADD: Unfortunately, the giveaway is for US Residents Only.
Congratulations to Betty N, winner of the My Fruit Roll-Ups!
Comments (20)
It looks pretty cool. I made one that said "7 rocks" and had my oldest sons name on it, "Kevin" because he is going to be turning 7 soon. Of course if I were to order one for real I am sure I would have to put both boys names on to be fair. Thanks for sharing the info!
Posted by Tasha | June 10, 2008 7:06 AM
Posted on June 10, 2008 07:06
would love to get some with baaseballs for my son's baseball team!
thanks!
moore.g at insideconnect.net
Posted by stacey moore | June 12, 2008 4:20 PM
Posted on June 12, 2008 16:20
my son is in tball this year. i would choose the baseball theme. thank you! ;)
Posted by tanyetta | June 13, 2008 12:28 AM
Posted on June 13, 2008 00:28
I would choose the Way To Go design....I have 4 grandkids in another city and each has accomplished something this year either in school, sports, or other type of activity...and then I would put all four names on them....
Posted by Betty N | June 13, 2008 10:25 AM
Posted on June 13, 2008 10:25
Soooo many graduations this year. I would have to choose the 2008 graduation slogan.
Posted by Julie Kenyon | June 13, 2008 11:05 AM
Posted on June 13, 2008 11:05
nice prize
Posted by Willard Whiteman | June 13, 2008 11:16 AM
Posted on June 13, 2008 11:16
I was looking kinda having a hard time deciding on the picture, but the words would have my son and his brides name with there wedding date. This would be nice cause its different and the kids would love them.
Posted by Amber U | June 13, 2008 11:26 AM
Posted on June 13, 2008 11:26
Would love the 2 bats and ball for my daughter's softball team!
Posted by Kathy Conley | June 13, 2008 11:35 AM
Posted on June 13, 2008 11:35
I really like the bulldog for my son's upcoming birthday!
Posted by Amber Porter | June 13, 2008 11:59 AM
Posted on June 13, 2008 11:59
I really like the bulldog for my son's upcoming birthday!
Posted by Amber Porter | June 13, 2008 11:59 AM
Posted on June 13, 2008 11:59
I really like the bulldog for my son's upcoming birthday!
Posted by Amber Porter | June 13, 2008 11:59 AM
Posted on June 13, 2008 11:59
I really like the bulldog for my son's upcoming birthday!
Posted by Amber Porter | June 13, 2008 12:00 PM
Posted on June 13, 2008 12:00
i need some birthday balloons. have bithdays coming up and the kids would love this.
Posted by judy brittle | June 13, 2008 5:43 PM
Posted on June 13, 2008 17:43
There are so many nice designs at My Fruit Roll-Ups. I like many of the animal designs. I would personalize fruit roll-ups with any of the cat designs since my family and I love cats so much and actually own a cat. This is a great giveaway and I really hope I win. Thanks.
Posted by Kristen Hendricks | June 13, 2008 5:45 PM
Posted on June 13, 2008 17:45
the balloons with a happy birthday wish.
Posted by judy brittle | June 13, 2008 5:45 PM
Posted on June 13, 2008 17:45
I would love to have the frog graphic with the words "Welcome to Pre-K" to give to my pre-kindergarten students on the first day of school in mid-August! We are the frog class!
Posted by Jennifer Cullen | June 13, 2008 6:29 PM
Posted on June 13, 2008 18:29
I'd get "Hooray You're 4" for my son's birthday!
Posted by Deanne S | June 13, 2008 7:07 PM
Posted on June 13, 2008 19:07
I would choose penguins!My kids adore them!Great giveaway!!
Posted by Teresa Hoyt | June 13, 2008 8:13 PM
Posted on June 13, 2008 20:13
Happy 13th Birthday Melissa
with Lots of Balloons!!!
Posted by AnneMarie D. | June 13, 2008 8:24 PM
Posted on June 13, 2008 20:24
I would choose the Pot of Gold and rainbow for my son's birthday.
Posted by Linda F | June 13, 2008 9:18 PM
Posted on June 13, 2008 21:18