Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with AMP Agency and Walmart. All opinions are 100% mine.

There is nothing more awesome than childhood. You get to be carefree, free-spirited and just have fun! When I was little my mother owned a hair salon. I used to visit her there often after school and on weekends.

There were two women that worked for her named Helen and Mona that I still remember to this day. They were always so sweet to me and treated me like one of their own daughters.

One year during the holidays when I arrived at the salon there was a gift waiting for me. It had to be a toy!!! My adopted “Aunts” had been thoughtful enough to purchase a gift for me.

When you are an 8-year-old little girl there is nothing more awesome than receiving an unexpected gift. It doesn’t even matter what the gift is, but a toy is definitely at the top of the list. Seeing the shiny bow on top of the beautiful wrapping paper, it’s a shame to have to rip it apart to get to the goods inside.

And as I ripped open the wrapping I laid my eyes upon the most beautiful toy doll in the world. Her name was Honey Combs, because of super curly hair and accompanying comb. I didn’t realize the irony until just now as I am writing this. Leave it to two hair stylists to give me a toy doll whose main feature is her hair lol.

Honey Combs went everywhere with me. I would comb her hair daily and even use her comb on my hair. She had such a thick head of beautiful curls that looked like a honeycomb! My hair was the total opposite, straight and boring. Oh how I wanted curls in my hair.  And I got them!

 

My mama caved and curled my hair when I was 8 years old! I was like the coolest 3rd grader in the world. And then in 4th grade she did it again. I felt like a real rock-star.

Honey Combs was my inspiration and I still remember her to this day. Every time I enter a salon to get my hair done I recall Helen and Mona with fondness in my heart. It’s not because they bought me a gift, it’s not because I got a toy, it’s because they helped me create even bigger memories that I carry fondly with me. They cared fort mama and they cared for me.

My mama worked hard and the extra time I got with her while she was doing my hair was always special. It was one on one time for us. And that will always be the greatest gift a child can ever receive, but a toy is always appreciated too.

When I shop for my children I try to focus on buying a toy that will encourage the engagement of myself or my husband. Because at the end of the day it’s not the toys that matter as much as the time spent with the ones we love.

This holiday season you can get started early on researching which toys will be best for you and your little ones at Walmart. With an extensive selection of toys, you will be sure to find the perfect one to bring you and your little ones just a little closer.

Walmart Toyland events are happening in November and December. To find one near you be sure to check the list of participating stores and the dates! I’ll be attending an in store event on Saturday, November 15, 2014 and I’d love it if you did too. If you can’t make it to any of the events, be sure to take a photo with your favorite toy today and share it with the hashtag #chosenbykids!

Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with the AMP Agency and Walmart. All opinions are 100% mine. I may have received products or other compensation for sharing this post. Regardless, I only share about products/companies that I truly believe in or use for my family, that I feel will be a good fit for you the reader. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.