Fuze: An ideal Christmas gift for the gamer in your life

Debut 'Made with FUZE' game release, SUPER FUNKY BOWLING for Nintendo Switch™ opens the gates for budding game developers, Bedroom Coders and Homebrew Heroes everywhere. 

FUZE Technologies removes the barriers to entry, making the process of games development and publishing more accessible than ever before!

FUZE Technologies are the creators of FUZE4 Nintendo Switch, an application designed to make learning real coding as accessible and beginner-friendly as possible. With its comprehensive suite of features and tutorial content, users can learn the fundamentals of coding in a forgiving environment, therefore removing the barrier to entry often found in professional platforms.

Made with FUZE is a channel for FUZE4 Nintendo Switch users to get their games on the Nintendo eShop, allowing them to start earning money for their games and leaving the complexities of publishing to FUZE.

The debut ‘Made with FUZE’ release is the incredibly awesome ‘SUPER FUNKY BOWLING’ by FUZE community member Nathaniel Strub (aka. Scrubz). The game was created for a high-profile competition judged by video game veterans (including Jeff Minter, Eugene Jarvis and the Oliver Twins) and exemplifies beautifully what is possible in FUZE!

David Silvera, FUZE Product Manager, said: “This is all about lowering the barrier to entry for new developers, celebrating hidden talent and opening doors for people with less access to the support they need to get started.”

Over the past several years, FUZE has seen the creation of a thriving community of coders at every stage of their journey - enthusiastic beginners and seasoned programmers alike are sharing their knowledge, lifting others up and collaborating on awesome creative projects. Their work is celebrated by both FUZE and the community alike, fostering an environment of support and empowerment.

“Game development has always just been a fun hobby for me. I’ve never made a game expecting to make a profit from it. Sure, I’ve dreamt of publishing and selling my games somewhere special, but the process seemed too convoluted to be worth it. Then the FUZE team came along, took a game I made with FUZE, and did the hard work of putting it on the eShop for me! How awesome is that!” – Scrubz, Super Funky Bowling Developer.

Super Funky Bowling is available exclusively on the Nintendo eShop from October 14th 2022 for only £2.99 

Who are they? FUZE Technologies Ltd, Oxfordshire, England has a core focus on making learning to code as easy, accessible and enjoyable as possible.  As well as local Coding & Gaming activities, FUZE provides award winning, curriculum-mapped, computing workshops to schools and STE(A)M events country-wide.

FUZE developed FUZE4 Nintendo Switch, an application designed to bring accessible coding, and even games publishing, to the world’s best-selling games platform and will soon announce versions for additional platforms.

Supporting its activities, FUZE offers freely downloadable teaching content, a vast number of YouTube coding tutorials and operates the FUZE Arena, a community driven platform for coding advice, creative inspiration, and events such as Game Jams and competitions.

To find out more about FUZE Technologies Ltd: fuze.co.uk.

FUZE Arena, YouTube, Twitter & TikTok / @fuzearena

General & Education enquires: contact@fuze.co.uk

 

Meet tonies® - This Year's Fastest Growing Preschool Toy Brand - Set to be on Every Child's Christmas Wish List

tonies®, said to be the world's largest interactive audio platform for kids, is readying itself for a bumper Christmas season this year. 

The latest NPD data for July 2022 has revealed tonies® to be the fastest growing preschool toy brand in the UK for the year to June 2022. 

Their iconic Toniebox ranks as the fastest growing toy in the overall UK market*, making tonies® the toy brand to watch this Christmas.  

No wonder families across the world love the Toniebox so much, it gets played 148 times more than the average gifted toy.

Lucia Kreuzer, the General Manager for the UK and Ireland at tonies®, said: "We are thrilled with the latest NPD results. Being the fastest growing preschool toy brand over the last 12 months is a testament to the team's hard work and commitment to create a product and content that children love. 

"These results are also proof of the strong collaborations we have with our wonderful retail partners and licensors. Knowing we are the top toy brand on gift lists this Christmas is something we're obviously very proud of. But we're far from complacent and we will continually strive to find new,  exciting ways to bring joy and happiness to families and children via the magic of audio entertainment."

Designed for children to replace bright and overstimulating screens, the Toniebox is a robust, softly padded musical storytelling box, designed and built exclusively for kids.

With an extensive range of accompanying hand painted figurines, called Tonies, they are simply placed on top of the Toniebox to play music, songs and also educational content. 

The award-winning, intuitive audio system with its child-safe, wireless,  screen-free approach is transforming the way in which young children independently play and learn.

tonies® has taken the toy world by storm since they were launched back in 2016, developing over 600 different Tonies and selling in excess of 3.9m Tonieboxes and 47 million Tonies globally.  

To date, every second child in Germany owns a Toniebox.

On Black Friday last year, tonies® was the third most searched for brand in its home country Germany, and sold out within hours in the UK. 

tonies® have won multiple awards worldwide. tonies® partnerships have included the launch of educational Tonies with National Geographic and the CBBC favourite, Horrible Histories, besides expanding the growing portfolio with British storytime favourites from Roald Dahl, Julia Donaldson, Enid Blyton and Michael Rosen. 

The brand has also launched collaborations with the UK's top educational resources platform Twinkl, and a partnership with Moshi, the sleep and mindfulness app for children, launching this month, demonstrating their strong commitment to supporting parents and caregivers with content that helps enhance children's educational and emotional wellbeing.   

tonies® has attracted a worldwide fanbase, with celebrity fans in the UK including Millie Mackintosh, Giovanna Fletcher, Martine McClutcheon, Cath Tyldesley and Helen George, to name just a few. Loved by the whole family, it's easy to see why the Toniebox has developed a cult following since its launch.

For parents, grandparents and others looking for Christmas shopping inspiration, the tonies® collection is the ideal present to light up little faces and is the gift that keeps on giving.  With a raft of screen-free content, the Toniebox (£79.99) and accompanying Tonies (from £11.99) provide hours of entertainment for different ages, making it a cost-effective purchase which will be loved for many years. With a range of matching accessories including headphones, carry cases and a car organiser, the tonies® collection is perfect for travel too, allowing kids to enjoy the magic of tonies® at home or away.

To buy your Tonibox visit them at https://tonies.com.

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‘Enchant,’ the World’s Largest Christmas Light Spectacular, Announces U.S. Event Locations

Opening officially everywhere on Black Friday (Nov. 25), the sprawling 10-acre event is produced annually on the playing fields of major league sports stadiums and iconic outdoor spaces. Featuring an immersive walk-thru light maze created with over 4 million stunning and sparkling lights.

Enchant also includes an impressive 100-foot-tall holiday tree, a unique ice-skating trail, live entertainment, Santa visits, and a holiday shopping marketplace with crafts, gifts and culinary treats including festive holiday beverages and cocktails.

“We’re looking forward to hosting millions of guests again this year and introducing Enchant to millions more as we expand to cities across the U.S.,” said Enchant Christmas founder and CEO Kevin Johnston. “We bring a new story and elements to our featured light maze each year, so guests always have something special to experience when returning to enjoy a holiday night at Enchant with family and friends.”

This year Enchant will string its incredible light displays coast to coast from Florida to California and will be joined by first-ever national sponsor, the Hallmark Channel.

“Hallmark Channel’s ‘Countdown to Christmas’ is synonymous with the holidays, bringing warmth, connection and happiness to millions of viewers,” said Lara Richardson, chief marketing officer, Hallmark Media. “Lights are such an integral part of Christmas magic, whether they be displayed on your house, strung throughout your favorite hometown spots, or featured in grand, eye-opening light displays like Enchant, and this partnership creates a new way to spread Hallmark Christmas joy.”

The popular television network will be offering guests a variety of custom experiences, including a “Hallmark Cozy Christmas” lounge, photo opportunities, Hallmark Channel wine tasting and a chance for fans to win a set visit to a Hallmark movie while in production.

“Hallmark Channel is the perfect partner to join Enchant across America this year. It’s an amazing brand fit in every way with the premium, experiential holiday celebration we’ve created,” said LeeAnne Stables, chief marketing officer for Enchant. “We have so many fun surprises waiting for their millions of fans, including that Hallmark classic—delicious mugs of Enchant hot chocolate ready to go.”

Returning cities for the holiday extravaganza include Dallas; Washington, D.C.; St. Petersburg; and Las Vegas. Debuting Enchant events in 2022 are Sacramento, San Jose, Scottsdale and Nashville.

Tickets for all Enchant cities are on sale at enchantchristmas.com

Enchant is the world’s largest holiday light event experience encompassing over 10 acres, featuring a dazzling installation of over 4 million sparkling multicolored lights creating a one-of-a-kind, story-themed walk-thru maze, with holiday trees over 100 feet tall. 

Produced on the playing fields of major league sports stadiums and iconic outdoor spaces, the event offers an ice-skating trail, live entertainment, interactive games, Santa visits and a charming holiday marketplace featuring local artisans, along with holiday foods and festive drinks. Founded in 2016 by Canadian entrepreneur Kevin Johnston, Enchant has since delighted over 3 million guests in major cities in the U.S. and Canada. Visit enchantchristmas.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

If any readers of That's Christmas live in the USA or are on holiday in the USA this looks like a fun event to attend.

Gracias Choir Brings the Joy of Christmas to the City of Los Angeles this October

If you are going to be in LA next week, please remember that The Gracias Christmas Cantata is happening on Monday, October 3rd, 2022 at the Microsoft Theater (777 Chick Hearn Ct., Los Angeles, CA 90015) for free. 

The City of Los Angeles gave a Certificate of Appreciation for the Gracias Choir & Orchestra for their combined efforts.

Founded back in 2000, the Gracias Choir is an internationally award-winning, non-profit choir and orchestra that has taken the highest prizes at the world’s most prestigious choral competitions. Since 2011, the Gracias Choir has performed its world-famous Christmas Cantata in major cities in the U.S. every year.

The Christmas Cantata features cherished music through three unforgettable stages: the Opera Act will present the Nativity, the heart-warming Musical Act based on the “Gift of the Magi,” and the Traditional Christmas Act will showcase a glorious rendition of Handel’s Oratorio, “Messiah.”

To request for free vouchers or to make guaranteed reservations for a donation of $20, please call 310-779-6392 or go to www.ChristmasCantata.us and go to Request Tickets and find the Los Angeles performance on October 3rd, 2022.

To ensure the quality of the event, no children under the age of five years old are allowed to attend. Also, the free seats are given on a first-come, first-serve basis so please be sure to arrive early.

Collecting Seashells has some exciting Christmas Gift ideas

 Collecting Seashells has some exciting Christmas Gift ideas at their online shop https://www.collectingseashells.com.

Here are some examples of what delectable Christmas gift ideas are available:-

Bone China Zodiac Mugs £9.95 These are the utterly perfect personalised gift. 

A white ceramic mug with Beautiful Gold detailing of each star sign.

Or what about some lovely Handmade Soy Candles? 

And Emperor Pillar Set Of 2 £21.95 individually hand poured soy wax candle, the perfect addition to any dining table, coffee table, or your side board/ These are bound to make a beautiful statement in your home whilst complementing your interior. 

Happy Luxe Bee Cushion £17.95 A truly bee-utiful soft velvet effect cushion in grey.

And nicely finished with four yellow pom poms, one at each corner, and some exquisite embroidery.

Heart Sentiment Vase - £4.95 This dainty, beautiful small glass vase, detailed with a wooden love heart neck and is the perfect size for a couple of stems or some tiny posies.

Bamboo Heart Spoon - £4.95 Cooking with love, taken to the very next level! 

This super cute love heart design bamboo spoon makes a lovely gift. Why not pair two together to make the perfect salad servers? Ideal for a Christmas side salad.

Jewellery dish £14.95. In the form of a cat, a home a dog or a bunny.

 These delightfully wobblw edged porcelain jewellery dishes come with either a 3D cat, bunny or house sitting within the dainty dotted trinket dish.

Christmas scented candles - £12.95 available in Jasmin wood & vanilla, Christmas pudding, Christmas pear, spiced berry, Ginger, and vanilla. (available on the website from late September). Fill your home with mouth water scents of Christmas. 

Glass Ornament - Starfish £19.95 Crafted from specially hand blown glass, this beautiful green starfish shaped sculpture with swirl detailing is utterly majestic.

Our Happy Place Wall Plaque £31.95 lovely handwritten text paired with a rustic wooden frame. 

An ideal gift for someone who is moving into a new home at this festive time of year.

And what about their new range of special items released just for Chirstmas? Amongst these you will find an utterly delightful  Traditional light up frosted Gingerbread House at £32.95.

Christmas is coming. Just ask for Mizzie the Kangaroo!

Mizzie The Kangaroo was born to help your little ones develop in a fun way! From birth to toddler years, every single Mizzie product is designed specifically to help your children learn through play.

Stimulating the senses, developing fine motor skills, teaching cause & effect and encouraging the love of reading and singing are among the many benefits your children will gain during their Mizzie play time! All Mizzie baby toys and toddler toys were designed with love by parents.

Mizzie The Kangaroo Original Natural Teething Toy, is carefully crafted using 100% natural rubber, Mizzie The Kangaroo baby teething toy is designed for infant's sensory development and sore gums. 

Stimulating babies’ sense of sight, touch, smell and hearing. And of course, she squeaks, too! 

Mizzie The Kangaroo baby teething toy is specially tested and certified to all Toy Safety standards in Australia, New Zealand, USA and Europe. Soothes on gums. Water-based non-toxic dyes. Free from PVC, BPA, nitrosamines and phthalates. Carefully designed by parents.

Stimulates and develops Babies’ Sight through her playful colours and features Touch, with her soft and rubbery texture.

Hearing. Because Mizzie laughs with a ‘squeeze’ when she is hugged hard!

Smell. From her 100% natural rubber form the Hevea tree. RRP £14.99, John Lewis, Amazon and www.mizziethekangaroo.co.uk.

But there's more! The New Mini Mizzie Teething toy is made of 100% natural rubber and is safe for your little one to chew on, soothing those sore little gums, naturally!

A mini 'on-the-go' version of Australia's original Natural Teething Toy - Mizzie The Kangaroo, mini Mizzie is sure to ease bubbas little sore gums with her soft rubbery texture, naturally. Perfect for sensory development, mini Mizzie develops the senses of SIGHT, TOUCH, and SMELL - this little teether has NO HOLE and NO SQUEAK. Mini Mizzie is perfect for travelling, for the pram, the car, or as your go-to at home too. RRP £9.95

'Sing with Mizzie - Nursery Rhymes' is the best nursery rhymes SOUND baby board book on the market! This wonderful and interactive SOUND BOOK was designed especially to awaken and ignite children’s love of singing, listening skills and to encourage the love of reading. PRESS the button and HEAR 6 favourite nursery rhymes, all beautifully sung by school children! RRP £12

Musical hop out Mizzie is a classic and fun, developmental toy with so many learning benefits! Also known as a ‘Jack in the box’.

Learn to turn the level. Listen to the music and wait. Learn about timing when smiling soft toy Mizzie The Kangaroo hops out and charms you, to the music ‘Pop Goes the Weasel’ Musical hop out Mizzie Boost baby’s cognitive skills:-Increase fine motor skills-Teach children cause and effect-Encourage curiosity and discovery-Discover sensory play and spatial relationship-Enrich the love of music from a young age. RRP £25

Mizzie Puzzles – Hopping Around Australia, is the first of a series from around the world. Increasing in difficulty with either 4, 6, or 9 pieces. Mizzie Puzzles are a great development tool from 2 years of age and can help: Increase fine motor skills and problem solving. Teach patience while increasing hand and eye coordination.

This gorgeous Mizzie Puzzle box set includes 3 puzzles and features a sturdy, sleek designed magnetic box to keep all pieces together. Each puzzle has a different coloured backing to help your little ones sort the 3 puzzles. The Mizzie Puzzles are 3mm thick board designed especially for little hands, using colourful designs to stimulate the child’s learning and help them remember the pieces and patterns. The designs are friendly and fun, making the experience all the better! RRP £14.50

Or why not Flourish Your Mind with Mizzie The Kangaroo's 'Mizzie Memory Match & Flash Cards'! A multi-level memory match and flashcard game to flourish the curious toddlers' mind! The curious toddler's mind will HOP into a fun learning journey with our JUMBO 4-in-1 Mizzie Memory Match Game! 

This 36 Cards, 18 Pairs and 3 Level game set will exercise their blossoming brain in a FUN and INTERACTIVE way! Perfectly sized for toddler's hands, this gorgeous 36 card, Mizzie Memory Match Game can be used to play 4 DIFFERENT GAMES:- Colour & Shape Sorting!- Memory Match up to 18 Pairs with 3 Levels between 4, 5 and 18!- Recognise Numbers and Count from 1-5!- Recognise Basic Lettering A-D with true Aussie items!

This game will help your little one improve their:- Concentration, Alertness & Attention to Detail!- Visual, Short-Term Memory, & Sight Memorisation - Reasoning & Critical Thinking Skills- Colour, Shape, Number & Letter Memory- Ability to Group, Sort & Class. RRP £13.95.