Name Meaning Bookmarks

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

 

I get to review all sorts of curricula, websites, and other homeschool-related things as a member of the Homechool Review Crew. Every now and then though, I get the opportunity to review something different.

CrossTimber is one of those companies as they offer unique and personalized gifts. The great thing is that their products appeal to much more than just homeschoolers since they specialize in name-meaning gifts, and everybody has a name. We were first introduced to their company a few years ago and have gotten different products from them. This time, we received 5 Name Bookmarks from www.Bookmarks.name and a set of AmazingName Print Activity Sheets.

CrossTimber is a family company that was started by the Dehnart family in the late 1970s. From photography to carpentry to printing and graphic design, they've offered many services over the years. Then, in 1994, John Dehnart started the personalized name products portion of the company as a way to show Christ's love and bless those that persecuted him. Now, he and his wife, and even his kids, work together to create beautiful gifts that highlight the meanings of names and are still blessing people through their products.

I bought my three oldest kids name bookmarks four years ago. The foundation of our education is literature, so naturally we do a lot of reading around here. As you can imagine, those bookmarks were in rough shape! I was excited to replace them with new personalized ones and get them for my younger kids, too.

Last time, I spent so much time poring through the 200+ design options in order to find the perfect bookmarks to surprise my kids. This time, I deferred that job to them. There are multiple design themes from which to choose and then many background options under each category.

• Faith & Encouragement
• Castles & Lighthouses
• Celtic, Irish, & Gaelic
• Fantastical & Imaginative
• Musical Instruments
• Sports
• Sunrises & Sunsets
• Flowers
• Animals
• . . . and many more.

My girl spent time looking through all the options and carefully decided on the best one for her, whereas the boys found their preferred styles in less than a minute each. Obviously she is the only one who takes after me! I love that CrossTimber has many options which makes it easy for everyone to find something perfect to match their likes and personalities.

Each bookmark includes a name along with its meaning and origin. After choosing a style, you can also add other personalized features such as a ribbon and corner design punch. You also get to choose what else you want printed on the front of the bookmark from a presidential quote, famous author quote, Bible verse that matches the name meaning, a character quality, or a custom text (for an additional cost.) The possibilities are endless!

We chose the matching Bible verse for our bookmarks. I want my kids to claim Scripture as their own and apply Its message to their hearts. The website says that they "typically start with the King James Version." Because that version is very important to us and we use nothing else ever, I sent an email to John to let him know of my wishes. With all of my other orders over the years, he was quick to reply and happy to make changes. This time, however, I did not get a response and then one of our bookmarks came with a verse from a different version. My kids always double check verses on things like this right away, so not only was I disappointed by the bookmark, so was the boy it belongs to.

On top of that, the oversized envelope was shoved into our mailbox, bending all five bookmarks and the name activity sheets. Thankfully, nothing was creased, so time and some heavy books helped to flatten everything out. Packaging the materials between cardboard would have helped keep it all smooth through shipping though.

We received an AmazingName Print Activity Sheets set for our youngest son last year when he got a personalized Amazing Name video. This time, I chose our 8-year-old to receive the set. He was very excited to have 28 pages of name activities. There are mazes, crossword puzzles, word searches, coloring pages, and both printing and cursive practice that feature the name over 80 times. There is a variety of difficulty levels for ages 3-12. I was surprised to see so many new pages from last time! Some of the worksheets feature characters from the Amazing Name cartoon video, so that was fun for my kids to see.

This really is a fun option for helping young ones recognize and spell their names, but also for older ones to appreciate how special their names are.

Maybe you're looking for a unique gift for someone older. CrossTimber also sells personalized name plaques, coffee mugs, music boxes, and more. There are also names of God plaques that would look beautiful in any home. Just like the bookmarks, there are many different options for themes, frames, and other personalized features. Some of my other Crewmates received a name plaque print, so be sure to check out those reviews, too.

CrossTimber offers many beautiful and special personalized products that would make perfect gifts. Head over to www.Bookmarks.name and you won't be disappointed!

You can connect with CrossTimber on the following social media sites:

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You can read more reviews of these name meaning gifts on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.

Amazing Name Video Review

Picking out a name for your child can be one of the most exciting yet possibly stressful parts of having a baby. You want the name to be perfect--whether the name was chosen after someone special, because of its meaning, or simply because you like it. My kids have all wanted to know the stories of how their dad and I decided on the perfect names for them. Each story is unique, so what better way is there to share that event with your child that using a brand new product from CrossTimber - Name Meaning Gifts. Your child can learn all about their name with the Your Amazing Name - Personalized Adventures for EVERY Name video.

CrossTimber is a family business that focuses on name meaning gifts. They create personalized name plaques, bookmarks, coffee mugs, music boxes, and more. We worked with them a few years ago and had a lovely experience. John, the owner, is friendly and helpful, and can find the meaning of any name, no matter how rare.

Amazing Name is the company's newest product. It is a personalized cartoon adventure that features your child. His name is spoken over 20 times, seen written on the screen in over a dozen different ways, and spelled out multiple times. His artwork is also woven into the story as it is rolled, becomes a rocket and then a parachute. His name and address are shown on an envelop as a letter written by you is read to him. It ends with his own photograph shown onscreen.

The cartoon is more than just hearing and seeing the name though. You child, along with the characters, goes on an adventure to the moon and back to earth to learn what his name means. On top of that, the characters explain that not only does God know what his name means, He also knows who he is and all he is meant to be. There are references to God and Bible verses throughout.

The cartoon is bright and colorful. It has very different characters as it includes a talking pencil, stars, an owl, and a sheep. The video is geared to a younger crowd, except the entire scene with Mr. Owl at his tree hints toward humoring adults. Many puns--possibly too many, in my opinion--are incorporated, and I love puns. One thing about that part that I appreciate though was the inclusion of additional information about my son's name. It briefly lists the origin, background, and facts and location of the country of origin.

One thing that surprised me what the choice of Bible version. Their website states that they "typically start with the KJV translation, but will sometimes consult other translations." None of the verses in the video were from the KJV though. My kids even commented on it. I'm sure it won't matter to some, but I expected it to be that version. However, I did specifically request the KJV verse to be used in accordance with my son's name, and they did use it for that.

I chose our 4-year-old to be the star of the video. Our whole family sat down to watch it together. My husband, older kids, and I felt it was very much for younger children as it is a bit juvenile, not in content, but execution. There are a few too many awkward pauses, as well. To be fair, I'm sure the video is meant for younger kids as it highlights and teaches the spelling of the name.

My opinion isn't what's important here. To find out what my little one thought, I asked him some questions:

Did you like watching your video?

Yes!

What did you think when the pencil drew on your picture (that you colored)?

Not good. (Actually, he was kinda appalled while watching.)

What did you think when they read you the letter from Daddy and Mommy?

Good!

What was your favorite part

All of it!

If you had to pick just one thing to be your favorite part, what would it be?

My picture! And the letter because it had you and Daddy.

He smiled from ear-to-ear when the video started, became quite serious and engrossed throughout, and then ended with smiles again during the reading of the letter. He thought it was very exciting to see all the personalized aspects, like his drawing of a tulip, our letter, and his picture.

CrossTimber takes the personalization a step farther as they offer printable activity pages. We received 10 pages that include mazes, printing, cursive, the Bible verse that complements his name in the video, and more. One thing that I think would make this packet better would be the addition of simple coloring pages. While there is one, it is more like a page from an adult coloring book. My guy wouldn't even attempt to color it because it was "too much." I did get him to highlight his hidden names though. Since the videos appeal to young kids, there should be pages for them, as well. I think my little one would enjoy coloring pages that feature the characters from the show or maybe even generic scenes from the video itself.

CrossTimber - Name Meaning Gifts is currently running a giveaway for your own personalized Amazing Name video. You can enter on their Facebook page and also watch their promo video of the product. They also have a promotional offer that jump starts this new product. You can head over to save $20 on a digital Amazing Name video or purchase a DVD for $8 more.

If you're looking for a special gift to teach your little one how special his name is, you should consider CrossTimber and their many name meaning gifts.

You can connect with CrossTimber - Name Meaning Gifts on the following social media sites:
Facebook
Pinterest


You can read more reviews of these personalized name videos on the Homechool Review Crew blog.