kendama craze... and a giveaway

Saturday, October 01, 2011

Have you seen these things?
They are what my boys are currently obsessed with.
I mean obsessed. They are called Kendama's and they originated in the 1600's. I couldn't be happier that it has caught their attention. Keeping them off the video games and computer.
As written on the KendamaUSA website,

"The stylish kendama is an extremely addictive wooden skill toy that comes from Japan. It strengthens hand eye coordination, balance and reflex. It can be played by young and old alike. There are endless trick possibilities for the beginner and the seasoned master."
My boys stand for hours.
I mean HOURS, trying to master a new skill.
These guys from the KendamaUSA pro team make it look easy. Mental determination at its finest.
Girls love them, too. As Charlie's friend, Rachel is displaying. (Hi Rachel.)
I contacted the fine folks at KendamaUSA to tell them how happy I was with their product and to tell them I wanted to share this awesome wooden toy with my readers. Guess what they said? They would love to give away a Kendama to 5 (FIVE) of my readers! So, if interested, leave a comment by Tuesday, October 4, at 5pm, and I will have the random generator choose 5 names. I guarantee if you're not the one interested you surely know someone that would love one. They make awesome gifts, too.
If you enter and can't wait to see if you win, you can purchase one here. KendamaUSA will give a 15% discount to the first 50 people who buy. Enter the code "afriendtoknitwith" to receive a 15% discount at checkout!

Happy October!

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371 comments

  1. Leslie B10/02/2011

    Wow, this looks like great fun!

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  2. First time I hear about this! How cool is that! Somethhing that is not electronic ;-)

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  3. Looks great. I would love to win.

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  4. my sons would love these too!

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  5. My son would get a kick out of this!

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  6. just ordered one, still hope to win!

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  7. Never heard if this, but I would love to give it to my granddaughter.

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  8. This would make a great stocking stuffer for my son. Pick me!

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  9. Great giveaway- my boys would love this!

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  10. Oh thank you for the info (and the giveaway!) I love buying things like this for my kids!

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  11. Something that works the brain instead of dumbing it down? I'd love to have one!

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  12. My boys would enjoy something new to play with!

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  13. Those look like fun! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  14. I've never seen these before. Neat!

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  15. Good for hand eye coordination...& fun!

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  16. I have a 6 year old that would absolutely LOVE one of those. Of course, he might use it to try and tear down the house...

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  17. Those look like so much fun to play with!

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  18. Coordination for me is a real trick, this might just be the way to go. Thanks for sharing the website and thanks for the opportunity to win!

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  19. Fascinating! Thanks to you and Kendama!

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  20. eye/hand coordination. Perfect! I think I need one and perhaps I'll even share.

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  21. Oh! I love those! Pick me!

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  22. Would love to try it out!
    Thanks!!!

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  23. Ooooh! I would love to win for my sons! Good hand-eye coordination exercises!

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  24. Wow, like you I would I love to pull my teens away from the video games! Please include my name in the giveway! Thanks for the information.

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  25. I know two other boys who would just love it!

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  26. School has started again and my little dyslexic son could definately use something fun like this to burn some energy after the dreaded homework is done. Thanks for (always) sharing so many great treats!

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  27. My boy would love one! Maybe we will win!!!!

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  28. oh my gosh I know of 2 guys who would love to try those out

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  29. My girls would love this! Always looking for neat ideas. Thanks for sharing!

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  30. I think my boys would love this! Thanks for the chance to win one :).

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  31. Thanks for sharing this item. It will be a fun gift for one (or all) of my children.

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  32. Wow! Improves hand eye co-ordination, doesn't need a battery, keeps them off the computer/video games......Whats not to love?

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  33. That would be perfect for my 14 yo. Cool!

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  34. Ok - please kendama us! Thanks

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  35. We totally need one of these! Thanks for thinking of the rest of us!

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  36. I agree, anything to get a child off the video games is good with me! Thanks for introducing us to this interesting game!

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  38. I have not seen Kendama yet! this looks really cool and I could totally see my husband trying to sneak it from my daughter :)

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  39. Newknitter210/02/2011

    Wow that looks like it would be fun count me in .
    Thanks.

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  40. I know two boys who could use a diversion like this!

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  41. Kari O.10/03/2011

    My 10 year old son is addicted to the Wii but I think he'd find Kendama pretty fun to play!

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  42. Anonymous10/03/2011

    i had a simple version of this as a kid & LOVED it & know my boys (& me too) would love this game.

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  43. I'm willing to try anything that will get my daughter away from an electronic device. Great idea!

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  44. My boy would love one of those! And I love anything that gets him away from the screens.

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  45. Looks like crazy fun.

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  46. This looks like so much fun.

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  47. We have a Santa Claus one where you try to land the ball on Santa's nose. But is it quite old and creaky. This style is lovely.

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  48. I had a similar toy when I was a child and haven't thought about this in years. I would love to win this and try again. Wonderful for working on coordination skills. Thanks for the offer.

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  49. That looks like so much fun and definitely something my kids would love!

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  50. I am always so impressed at how many comments you get! I know 3 "boys" who'll be getting these for Christmas. It will may the Christmas Eve table lots of fun. Thanks for the good idea.

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  51. I am always so impressed at how many comments you get! I know 3 "boys" who'll be getting these for Christmas. It will may the Christmas Eve table lots of fun. Thanks for the good idea.

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  52. i had an exchange student and she gave us one many moons ago - we loved it! seeing this brought back so many memories... she was a wonderful girl and we miss her very much.

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  53. Tiffanie10/03/2011

    I'll bet my household full of boys would love to have one to play with. Thanks!

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  54. Awesome - could not agree more to physically play and keep kids away from media :D

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  55. Looks like fun - anything to keep them away from the bright screens

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  56. looks like fun- thanks for sharing!

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  57. Carol White10/03/2011

    I have two nephews who would LOVE one of those... and I would love to get them away from their computer games.

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  58. I have kids that could stand a few hours away from eletronics! This would work!

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  59. Looks like a lot of fun! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  60. I think my son would be obsessed too! How fun!

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  61. J would go nuts for one of those!

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  62. Amyjeanne10/03/2011

    My kids are about the same age as yours, and would love this. I agree- great alternative to video/computer games!

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  63. These look so fun! What a great idea for Christmas!!!

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  64. Something new to obsess about...move over Angry Birds! Jo

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  65. These would be a great Christmas present!

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  66. Anonymous10/03/2011

    Oh...I want one!!! What a great stocking stuffer!

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  67. Kathie G.10/03/2011

    I hope I win one...looks cool

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  68. squirrelnutcottage10/03/2011

    My son was mesmorized by the video. I got him a diablo (chinese yoyo) this spring - another challenging but fun skill toy. Thanks for the opportunity to win this!

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  69. I have a basket at our cabin filled with small puzzle type toys. The kids get fascinated with them. This would be a great addition. Thanks for the opportunity.

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  70. I can see how one would become obsessed with that!

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  71. Kelly F.10/03/2011

    This looks like something my husband would love!

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  72. Anything to get them away from the video games! This looks like a neat idea :)

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  73. I'm sure that my kids would love one of these. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

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  74. I've seen similar toys before, but not like these. My kids would love them!

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  75. Those are awesome! I can think of quite a few people I know for whome these would make the perfect gift.

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  76. I am sure my son would love this and in time to give it to him for his birthday!

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  77. Oh, my son would love one of these!!! Thank you Leslie!

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  78. what a cool toy. anything that gets kids up, I'm in favor of. thank you.

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  79. Thanks for the idea... sounds like a great gift for the nephews!!!

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  80. Jennifer Johnson10/03/2011

    Hey, what a great game! I'd love to give this to my daughter! Never heard of this game before, though it looks similar to a Mexican ball-and-cup toy. Happy October to you, too!

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  81. I know my son would love Kendama.

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  82. Wow, my kids would love one of those. I had something similar as a kid.
    Thanks for the chance to win.

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  83. looks like tons of fun!

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  84. Would love to have one of these for my son! Thank you so much for arranging a give-away! Jen

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  85. kathy H.10/03/2011

    Looks like fun...count me in!

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  86. Awesome! I'm always looking for a new gift idea for my son and his friends.

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  87. Totally looks like fun! I need all the help I can get when it comes to hand-eye coordination, too.

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  88. These look awesome!

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  89. I have two boys who would love this!

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  90. That does look like a great Stocking stuffer idea!
    Thanks for passing it on!

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  91. Carol in PA10/03/2011

    That looks like so much fun - count me in!

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  92. Anonymous10/03/2011

    This looks like so much fun!

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  93. I have a couple of boys that would fight over these for sure. Enter me please...Christmas is just around the corner.....

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  94. The perfect Christmas gift for all the kids I need to buy something for that have too many electronics (my kids included!!) Love it!

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  95. Definitely up ny son' s alley! Thanks again for the chance!

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  96. my girls would LOVE these. !!

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  97. Bobbie in AK10/03/2011

    This would make a great birthday gift for my DD who (unfortunately) lives to text. I love a good old fashioned toy. Thanks for the give-away!

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  98. This sounds like just the thing for my boy! I'd love to have one!

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  99. Wow, they used to give something like this away at the carnival when I was young! My grandkids would love these! Thanks for bringing it to our attention!

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  100. Wow, my grandkids would love these. I remember having something similar when I was little.

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  101. Looks like a lot of fun! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  102. WOW! That looks really cool. I can see my husband getting totally addicated to that.

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  103. Looks like fun! My son would love one.

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  104. What a great alternative to tv or video games!

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  105. I hope the random number generator picks me. :)

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  106. Looks like fun - my daughter would love one!

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  107. how funny. It looks like the old french bilboquet.

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  108. My nephew is too young for this yet but soon I'll be the Coolest Aunt Ever!

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  109. Looks like a more complicated ball/cup game. My daughters would love a chance. (I would have to take my turns when they are in bed)

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  110. I love them! This is a great stocking idea!
    Thank you

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  111. Anonymous10/03/2011

    Oh, I would love to win a Kendama!
    Looks like fun ....and might help keep everyone out of trouble around here!
    Missy

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  112. Looks like lots of fun. I think my granddaughter would love it.
    oshnpashn at gmail dot com

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  113. Anonymous10/03/2011

    Hi there,
    I have 7 grandkids and I am sure they would love them, and I was just needing a good Christmas idea also! So thank you.

    karen:)

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  114. Sounds great! Thanks!

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  115. I would love to have one. Anything that will keep them off the computer and tv is welcome in my house! :-)

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  116. Mar Beth10/03/2011

    Great green gift that requires no electricity!

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  117. Lynda F.10/03/2011

    Looks like a great way to get the grandkids off the computer; having fun at the same time as learning coordination!!

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  118. These look like fun!! I have 3 young people that would love to try them out! Thanks for the giveaway!!

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  119. Oh my kids would LOVE this!!!! Please sign me up!

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  120. My nephews would love these! Thanks for the tip!!!

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  121. that is awesome. anything to keep kids off of video games.

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  122. Looks like lots of Fun!! :D

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  123. Anonymous10/04/2011

    Amazing that it was developed so long ago yet lost to us. I would love to give it a try! ~Peggy in TN

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  124. This looks great! Would love to win one for my boy!
    Traceymccarthy@gmail.com

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  125. looks fun! i think my boys would have fun playing it!!

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  126. Looks like fun! My son would love to try it!

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  127. Anonymous10/04/2011

    I would like to play with this!!! I've never heard of these before you showed them. Thanks~Jan

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  128. Great gift idea! I love wooden toys!!!!

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  129. Hooray for wooden toys!

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  130. What fun! I'd love to win one!!

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  131. anything to get Griffin away from electronics....he would love it.

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  132. My kids would love this! Thank you!

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  133. I love that! Hope I win!

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  134. I recently asked our local toy shop to order these. I am eager to give it a try along with my kids.

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  135. Looks like so much fun, I think my son would have a ball with that:)

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  136. Wow! That looks awesome and I think my son would really enjoy one! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  137. Tammy M10/04/2011

    what a great toy!

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  138. Nothing beats a real live 3D game!

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  139. Anonymous10/04/2011

    nice!

    - sheila ambrose

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  140. This looks like so much fun! vk

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  141. I can see the kids doing this for hours. Thanks for sharing

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  142. Anonymous10/04/2011

    Looks like an awesome fun time!
    Tammy in MICHIGAN

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  143. Melissa10/04/2011

    I hope I win. Thanks!

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  144. Looks like fun. I can't let my kids watch the video though. I'll find them on the roof.

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  145. Looks frustrating but fun. I can't let my kids watch the video. I'll find them up on the roof.

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  146. my husband would get a kick out of this

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  147. Ah! Not a screen - how wonderful! We'd love to try.

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  148. My boys would love that! Looks like a lot of fun!

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  149. I would love to give my nephews a gift that would get them away from the tv and computer!!

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  150. My boys would love this!!!!

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  151. My boys would love this!!!!

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  152. So, where does that 5pm count? I mean, are you looking Eastern, Pacific, or Greenwich? Could it please be somewhere other than here so that I'm not late? Please??

    What a fun toy!

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  153. Joanne Snyder10/05/2011

    Looks like fun and I can imagine the kids trying to master the different skills.

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  154. I would LOVE to win this for my son!

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  155. Anonymous10/05/2011

    fun! thanks for doing another giveaway!
    carolyn
    eandnsmom@yahoo.com

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  156. Thanks for the great Christmas gift idea! My kids would love these.

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  157. Gotta love a simple wooden toy.

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  158. Gotta love a simple, well-made wooden toy

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  159. Missed out on the drawing for the chance to win a free one but just ordered 2 with the discout code what a great idea for Christmas gifts for this year my son and hubbie will love these!
    Thanks

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  160. I love toys that never go out of style. And especially wooden toys! I would love to share this toy with our grand daughter!
    woolyknitsnbits (at) live (dot) ca

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  161. Hi my mom won't buy me one and said i could win one, plz help me get a kendama all my friends have one and I dont't, plz help. :(

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  162. ldhussey10/17/2011

    Wow! As soon as I saw this last week, I logged onto the KendamaUSA site and ordered two for my twin boys who turned 14 yesterday. I knew immediately they would LOVE them. I gave them to the boys yesterday at around lunchtime and they did not go near their computers for the rest of the day (unusual for a Sunday when I typically allow them more time). All I heard was the click clack of this fabulous simple toy. What music to my ears. Thank you.

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  163. Awesome photos! Kendama USA is amazing. We just got back from DAMA FEST in Atlanta. HUNDREDS of kids were there. We flew in from San Francisco to live paint and Mc the event. Check us out for tons of kendama action and culture.

    www.thekengarden.com

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