If your child goes to daycare or preschool, they will inevitably consume more than their fair share of sweets on Valentine's Day and come home with even more sweets packed in goody bags from all their friends. You might be guilty of contributing to this over-indulgence too by baking cookies, heart-shaped muffins or giving those boxes of sweethearts candy.How about giving Valentine's Day happies that are not edible on Valentine's Day, but will be a great parent/child project on a future day.One idea is to give a heart-shaped cookie cutter with a cookie recipe attached for each child. Here are … [Read more...]
Christmas Gift: Tickets for Live Show
December 20, 2007 By
Here's a great last-minute gift idea for babies and toddlers. Order tickets online for an upcoming live show in your area and just wrap a picture of the tour's stars or a stuffed animal or toy of the character.Here are a few ideas: 1) Playhouse Disney Live! - Just enter your zip code & select show "Playhouse Disney Live" to find out if they will perform in your area.2) Sesame Street Live - Search their entire North American tour date list or narrow it down by state.3) Doodlebops Live - Check out their live concerts through March 2008.4) Disney on Ice - Monster's Inc., Mickey and Minnie's … [Read more...]
Stocking Stuffer: Elmo and Grover
December 11, 2007 By
We found these Play Town Sesame Street Licensed Figures at Target, but they are also available on amazon.com for $6.25 for the set. The figures are wooden characters that remind me of Little People.They make great stocking stuffers and are the perfect size for little toddler hands. It's also an easy toy to throw into your diaper bag or purse to entertain your little one in the car, on a plane or at dinner. … [Read more...]
Christmas/Hanukkah Gift: Little People
December 9, 2007 By
I loved Little People when I was a kid. Check out these gift ideas for your little ones: A Little People Christmas Nativity Set and The Little People Hanukkah Play Set. Each set is $24.99 at Toys R Us. … [Read more...]
"The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition"
December 7, 2007 By
My college roommate Andi (mother of three) blogged about this new Christmas tradition for her family and I knew we had to feature it for all of you.Andi said, "Our family has started a new tradition this year. It's called The Elf on the Shelf. Have you ever wondered just how does Santa know if you've been naughty or nice? It's all because of the Elf on the Shelf! I don't want to give too much of this book away, but if you have kids I highly recommend this precious book. It's about a magic elf who comes to live with you during Christmas time and magically flies to Santa every night to give him … [Read more...]
Stocking Stuffer: Letter to Your Child
December 5, 2007 By
Stocking stuffers are often inexpensive toys, but how about something free and memorable? Here's a creative idea that can become a treasured family tradition.Consider writing a Christmas letter to your baby/child. It can be a reflection of the past year highlighting their birth or birthday, milestones, family vacation and your feelings towards them (love, pride, etc). Each child can read their letter aloud once they are old enough or you can read it to them on Christmas morning. Then add the Christmas letter to their scrapbook or create a special memory book with enough pages to add Christmas … [Read more...]
Website Spotlight: Learning Express
December 5, 2007 By
Learning Express is the largest specialty toy retailer in the United States with over 100 locations across the country. They believe that toys and games should be fun and encourage learning through play.Check out the Jester Jack in Box (1-24 months), the Bath Tub Symphony (18 mo -3 years) and the Gearation (3-5 years). You can also shop their site by brand: Melissa and Doug, Thomas, Webkinz, etc. … [Read more...]
Christmas Gift: The Happy Elf DVD
December 4, 2007 By
I love Harry Connick, Jr., so I couldn't pass up highlighting this cute Christmas DVD, "The Happy Elf".Harry Connick Jr.'s original song "The Happy Elf" inspired this cheerful, animated Christmas special. He provides the voice of a narrator straightening out a couple of misguided kids who think they've got Santa fooled about their naughty-or-nice status. I guess you'll just have to watch the DVD to see how it turns out."The Happy Elf" is listed online at Target for $12.99, but my Target catalog had it priced at $9.99, so maybe it's priced differently in stores. … [Read more...]
Christmas Gift: GPS
December 4, 2007 By
Sometimes it's much easier to buy gifts for kids than it is spouses or parents. That's because kids actually tell us what they want, or they are too young to know the difference. Some adults on the other hand can't give any good suggestions.The Mio c220 is available at CircuitCity.com for just $139.99. They are currently offering $60 off the regular $199 price. This is a great deal. I received the Mio for my birthday and it has been invaluable. It's a great gift for people who travel a lot, are new to a city or just plain get lost all the time. And how about that gadget-lover on your list?GPS … [Read more...]
Christmas Gift: Lift-Off Rocket
December 3, 2007 By
5...4...3...2...1...We have lift off! The Lift-Off Rocket is a new toy that's "out of this world". Perfect for the kids with great imaginations and what kid doesn't have a great imagination or those aspiring astronauts! It's recommended for kids 18 months and up and is $39.95 at Constructive Playthings.I think this is on my 2-year-old's Wish List. He's been obsessed with space ever since he witnessed the Space Shuttle Discovery launch a few weeks ago. … [Read more...]
