Fun Conversation Starters: Around the Table Games Review and Giveaway!
Saturday, May 23, 2009 Posted by Piera Jolly
The world we live in today is very different to the one our grandparents and even our parents grew up in. Life is busier and faster...not just for parents, but also for our kids. With everyone coming and going from work, school, sports, recitals and everything else, it's easy to become disconnected from our friends and family. If we want to connect with one another, we have to CREATE those moments, which is why I love Around the Table Games-a collection of award winning portable conversation games designed to engage families and friends in fun and enlightening conversations.About Around The Table Games:
Creator and owner of Around the Table games, Beth Daniels was blessed to have her grandparents and great-grandparents in her life for decades. Over the years, she realized that the more she learned about them, the better she understood herself. As an Occupational Therapist, wife and mother of two, Daniels understands all too well how active lives and busy schedules can prevent families from sharing the anecdotes and folklore that make a family a family. That’s why she created Family Talk and Grandparent Talk games as a fun way for families to reconnect.
Around the Table Games sent me their brand new double-deck tin (pictured above) to review and it is awesome! This set comes with 200 full playing-card-sized Family Talk and Grandparent Talk decks. I think this set can be used in so many different settings-family reunions, at the dinner table, family vacations, road trips, and so much more. And, even though these are labeled "Family and Grandparent", I also think that many of the questions can be used with friends as well! What Mike and I have been doing is pulling the set out during dinner and we'll ask each other a few questions. We LOVE this set so much because at the end of the day, the last thing we want to talk about is work or anything stressful and these cards spark fun and interesting conversations between us. Lucas is too young now, but as he gets a little older; these cards will help him learn more about us and his grandparents. In turn, we will also learn more about him and that is something that every parent desperately wants-to really know and understand their children.
Below are some sample questions:
- What was dinnertime like when you were young?
- What do you worry about most?
- Where did you hang out when you were a teenager?
Camp Talk: These are perfect for kids ages 7 and up that are heading off to camp or for family camping trips! Each deck comes with 50 fun questions and a carabiner clip, flashlight, and compass. Here’s a small sample of the questions included in Camp Talk:- What's the funniest or most unusual nickname for a counselor you’ve heard?
- If you wrote your own campfire song, what would it be about?
- Name a place you feel you can really be yourself.
Buddy Talk: These are also for kids ages 7 and up and are a fun way for kids and their friends to get to know each other better. Great for birthday parties, at the bus stop, during recess or at a sleepover. Here’s a small sample of the questions included in Buddy Talk:- What's your favorite thing about summer break?
- If you could have picked your own name, what would it be?
- What is the funniest trick your pet can do?
Teen Talk: A fun way for teens to really get to know their friends! The cool carabiner clip attaches to backpacks, sports bags or overnight bags for fun conversations anytime! Here’s a small sample of the questions included in Teen Talk:- What is one thing you couldn’t live without?
- What influences you the most?
- What is the weirdest dream you’ve ever had?
Want It: Teen Talk, Buddy Talk, and Camp Talk retail for $7.99. The dual tin retails for for $19.99. All can be purchased online at Around the Table Games.
This contest is closed. Congratulations to the winner, shopannies! Winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to contact me.
May 23, 2009 10:06 AM
she loved hearing stories of the past from her grandparents when she was a kid
shopannies@Yahoo.com
May 23, 2009 10:07 AM
subscriber
shopannies@Yahoo.com
May 23, 2009 10:07 AM
button on my blog
shopannies@Yahoo.com
May 23, 2009 10:10 AM
following you and sponsor on twitter and tweeted message http://twitter.com/shopannies/status/1893389695
May 23, 2009 12:09 PM
They were awarded the National PArenting Seal of Approval in 2008.
May 23, 2009 12:09 PM
I subscribe via reader
May 23, 2009 12:12 PM
tweeted, following you, and Around the Table
brandibest
May 23, 2009 12:12 PM
I have your button
May 23, 2009 12:17 PM
I put my face book name in wrong. It is just Brandi Best
May 23, 2009 12:19 PM
Blogged about it
http://fivemonkiesreview.blogspot.com/2009/05/around-table-gamesjolly-mom.html
May 23, 2009 2:20 PM
They won an award and it's portable!
May 23, 2009 6:55 PM
Dr. Toy 2008 top thinking game.
May 23, 2009 6:56 PM
Subscribe by reader.
May 23, 2009 6:57 PM
Stumbled.
May 23, 2009 6:57 PM
Have your button.
May 23, 2009 6:58 PM
FB fan of Around the Table.
May 23, 2009 9:35 PM
This sounds like such a great idea...I'm all about family togetherness!
I discovered that while they have 4 stores listed in KS, none are near me :(
May 23, 2009 10:17 PM
they have 2 editions of the family talk game
May 23, 2009 10:17 PM
subscriber
May 23, 2009 10:36 PM
I realized how portable the cards are!
May 23, 2009 10:37 PM
I'm a fan on Facebook (Michelle Yera)
May 23, 2009 10:38 PM
I subscribe
May 23, 2009 11:38 PM
2 editions of the family talk.
May 24, 2009 12:19 AM
What began as a business of bringing families together through conversation has now brought the Daniels family together through entrepreneurship! Beth’s 9 year old daughter saw and heard the impact that her mom’s games had on peoples’ lives, so she decided to write some games of her own.
Very cool I lover her daughter got into the mix ;)
May 24, 2009 12:19 AM
I subscribe and follow :)
May 24, 2009 12:20 AM
JM button is up ;)
May 24, 2009 2:42 AM
This is very neat.
They won the 2008 iParenting Media Outstanding Product Award
May 24, 2009 2:42 AM
Subscriber
May 24, 2009 2:43 AM
I have your button
May 24, 2009 4:30 PM
I blogged... and I must say... I really like my post! Check it out! http://lollipopsandlipgloss.blogspot.com/
May 24, 2009 4:33 PM
I don't see my first post...
What I learned...
award winners, portable, and (my fave) Beth's daughter wrote two of the Talks! Her neice wrote one! Kudos Beth!
May 24, 2009 4:34 PM
Subscriber!
May 24, 2009 4:36 PM
follow both on twitter and tweeted! http://twitter.com/bestmom4girls
May 24, 2009 8:46 PM
I learned that Around The Table Games received a 2008 iParenting Media Outstanding Product Award For Improving Family Interaction. Thank you so much!
May 24, 2009 8:46 PM
I'm a subscriber.
May 24, 2009 8:47 PM
I'm a follower.
May 24, 2009 8:48 PM
I follow both on Twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/kewpiedoll04/status/1907646292
May 24, 2009 8:49 PM
Facebook fan
Judy Brittle
May 24, 2009 9:57 PM
These cards have won many awards including the The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval.
renee
yeloechikee at hotmail dot com
May 24, 2009 9:57 PM
I subscribe
renee
yeloechikee at hotmail dot com
May 25, 2009 1:53 PM
They were awarded the National PArenting Seal of Approval in 2008. mverno@roadrunner.com
May 25, 2009 5:08 PM
The game was: Dr. Toy's Top 10 Games of 2008
I love stuff like this! I made a "conversation jar" for my family recently.
Abbeycrews@gmail.com
May 25, 2009 6:17 PM
I learned that I can buy these at the local kids store in Manchester, NH. Thanks for the giveaway!
annasmama0702@gmail.com
May 25, 2009 6:18 PM
I subscribe via email
annasmama0702@gmail.com
May 25, 2009 6:18 PM
I follow you on blogger
annasmama0702@gmail.com
May 25, 2009 6:20 PM
I subscribe via RSS feed
annasmama0702@gmail.com
May 25, 2009 6:21 PM
I follow both you and aroundthetable on twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/annasmama0702/status/1917015141
annasmama0702@gmail.com
May 25, 2009 6:22 PM
I stumbled this post (annasmama0702)
annasmama0702@gmail.com
May 25, 2009 6:23 PM
I'm a fan of Around the Table games on facebook
annasmama0702@gmail.com
May 25, 2009 9:19 PM
Wow, I learned that they're available at a lot of stores near me (in Mass.)!
May 25, 2009 9:51 PM
It has the National Parent seal of approval ...valkholder@gmail.com
May 26, 2009 11:47 AM
Beth’s daughter write Buddy Talk (for tweens) and Camp Talk (for kids going away to camp). The family involvement continued as Beth’s niece wrote Teen Talk - a conversation game designed for Teens!
May 26, 2009 11:49 AM
darn forgot my e-mail on the first post...Beth's daughter wrote, Buddy Talk (for tweens) and Camp Talk (for kids going away to camp). Beth’s niece wrote Teen Talk - a conversation game designed for Teens
dove42(at)comcast(dot)net
May 26, 2009 11:50 AM
I am a subscriber, via e-mail.
dove42(at)comcast(dot)net
May 26, 2009 11:51 AM
I am a follower on Twitter and tweeted.
http://twitter.com/Dove420/status/1924756453
dove42(at)comcast(dot)net
May 26, 2009 1:08 PM
I found out they don't sell them in the state of Idaho, but won lots of awards. Good thing we have the Internet! I like the buddy talk. Very everyone appropriate!
lbaran @ pcsedu.com
May 26, 2009 4:29 PM
the creator's daughter shares in the creation of questions :) how wonderful
May 26, 2009 4:31 PM
Blogged:
http://thethingswehopefor.blogspot.com/2009/05/around-table-games_26.html
May 26, 2009 4:31 PM
i follow you on blogger
May 26, 2009 4:32 PM
stumbled:
via emmy coffee
May 26, 2009 4:33 PM
i'm a fan of around the games on facebook (emmy coffee)
May 27, 2009 11:38 AM
They won a The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval award. This is a great giveaway. Thank you.
May 27, 2009 12:09 PM
They are A 2008 iParenting Media Outstanding Product Award recipiant.
donna at optilink dot us
May 27, 2009 9:02 PM
They have won some awards, such as being in Dr. Toy's Top 10 Games of 2008 and receiving The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval!
May 27, 2009 9:02 PM
I subscribe!
May 27, 2009 9:03 PM
I'm an Around the Table FB fan! (Annmarie DiPasqua Weeks)
May 27, 2009 10:02 PM
I learned that there are two versions of Family Talk.
nhmummab@comcast.net
May 27, 2009 10:21 PM
email subscriber
nhmummab@comcast.net
May 27, 2009 10:22 PM
Fan on Facebook
nhmummab@comcast.net
May 28, 2009 1:15 AM
I learned that it has the award of Dr. Toy's 10 Best Games of 2008.
May 28, 2009 1:15 AM
I subscribe to Jolly Mom by email.
May 29, 2009 2:38 PM
Around the Table Games was awarded a 2008 iParenting Media Outstanding Product Award!
May 29, 2009 2:38 PM
I follow!
May 29, 2009 4:48 PM
they received the national parenting seal of approval in 2008!
May 29, 2009 5:44 PM
"Beth’s 9 year old daughter saw and heard the impact that her mom’s games had on peoples’ lives, so she decided to write some games of her own."
I thought this was cool.
courtneytarver85 at yahoo dot com
May 29, 2009 5:45 PM
Email subscriber!
courtneytarver85 at yahoo dot com
May 29, 2009 5:45 PM
Facebook fan! Courtney Lyn
courtneytarver85 at yahoo dot com
May 29, 2009 9:11 PM
I like that the daughter was inspired to make her own games.
May 30, 2009 8:34 PM
The creator is an Occupational Therapist, wife and mother! Busy lady!
tobethode at gmail dot com
May 30, 2009 8:35 PM
I subscribe!
tobethode at gmail dot com
May 30, 2009 8:35 PM
Blogged about here:
http://tobethode.wordpress.com/2009/05/30/giveaways/
tobethode at gmail dot com
May 30, 2009 11:22 PM
A 2008 iParenting Media Outstanding Product Award
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
May 31, 2009 1:37 AM
They won the National Parenting Seal of Approval, among other awards.
June 3, 2009 1:04 PM
Beth Daniels 9 year old daughter saw and heard the impact that her mom’s games had on peoples’ lives, so she decided to write some games of her own. How interesting!
pkildow at gmail dot com
June 3, 2009 1:09 PM
The creator's 9-year-old daughter was inspired by her mom's games and wrote Buddy Talk and Camp Talk.
pkildow at gmail dot com
June 4, 2009 5:16 PM
I learned that you can follow them on twitter and the games have won several awards. thanks, justicecw@hotmail.com
June 4, 2009 5:17 PM
I am an email subscriber. justicecw@hotmail.com
June 4, 2009 10:07 PM
There is 1 retailer in Canada that carries the games, in Toronto.
June 4, 2009 10:07 PM
Blogged:
http://lee-annwantsfreestuff.blogspot.com/2009/06/giveaways-ending-june-6th.html
June 4, 2009 10:08 PM
I follow on Blogger.
June 4, 2009 10:08 PM
Follow both on Twitter & tweeted:
http://twitter.com/gordy93/status/2037393087
June 4, 2009 10:09 PM
Became a fan on facebook (Hard on Rocky Racoon)
June 5, 2009 7:02 AM
They won an award.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net
June 5, 2009 8:42 AM
neenee838@yahoo.com
i learned where i can purchase the games if i don't win! (i'm game in north olmstead, ohio.)
June 5, 2009 8:42 AM
neenee838@yahoo.com
i subscribe via email.
June 5, 2009 1:43 PM
I learned that the creator of Around the Table games is an occuptional therapist and mom of 2 :)
Katie
showbizkp[at]gmail[dot]com
June 5, 2009 1:43 PM
I follow your blog!
Katie
showbizkp[at]gmail[dot]com
June 6, 2009 12:15 AM
They also offer a Double Deck Tin of Family Talk and Grandparent Talk
on their site for 19.99
June 6, 2009 12:16 AM
follower lezanac@yahoo.com
June 6, 2009 7:25 AM
They won the Dr. Toy 2008 award! I love award winners. That helps me decide a lot of the time.
quelleheure4[at]gmail{dot}com
June 6, 2009 7:25 AM
I have your button
June 6, 2009 7:26 AM
Email subscriber
June 6, 2009 7:26 AM
Follower!
June 6, 2009 7:27 AM
I follow you and Around the Table games on twitter and tweeted: http://twitter.com/quelleheure4/status/2053409452
June 6, 2009 7:28 AM
Stumbled: quelleheure4
June 6, 2009 7:30 AM
I blogged here
June 6, 2009 10:03 AM
The games have won many awards including The National Parenting Seal of Approval. garrettsambo@aol.com
June 6, 2009 10:29 AM
They got many awards like Dr. Toy's 10 Best Games of 2008.
June 6, 2009 10:29 AM
subscriber
June 6, 2009 10:30 AM
follower
June 6, 2009 10:30 AM
facebook fan
June 6, 2009 10:30 AM
grab ur button
June 6, 2009 10:33 AM
Tweeted Enter to win Table Games Giveaway http://bit.ly/10QH1t
June 6, 2009 11:20 AM
Beth's daughter wrote two of the talks.
lucy.surveys at gmail dot com
June 6, 2009 5:53 PM
they got a A 2008 iParenting Media Outstanding Product Award
June 6, 2009 5:53 PM
following your blog as klp1965
kathy pease
June 6, 2009 5:55 PM
fan of around the table on facebook kathy l pease
June 6, 2009 6:14 PM
they sell the card games at the toy box in NC close to where I live.
June 6, 2009 6:17 PM
subscribed via email
June 6, 2009 6:18 PM
got your button on sidebar
June 6, 2009 6:19 PM
following both of you on twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/jblanton41/status/2058631324
June 6, 2009 8:23 PM
Beth’s 9 year old daughter saw and heard the impact that her mom’s games had on peoples’ lives, so she decided to write some games of her own. Thanks to Beth’s daughter’s hard work, in 2009, Around the Table added Buddy Talk (for tweens) and Camp Talk (for kids going away to camp) to its line of conversation games.
June 6, 2009 8:23 PM
Subscribed via email
June 6, 2009 9:46 PM
Around The Table Games received a 2008 iParenting Media Outstanding Product Award For Improving Family Interaction :)
June 6, 2009 11:17 PM
Beth's 9-year-old daughter was inspired by her mom's games and wrote Buddy Talk and Camp Talk. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this giveaway!
June 7, 2009 12:50 AM
That they don't have any local stores near me. :(
misusedinnocence@aol.com