Have you ever noticed that the best gifts are ones that kids play with over and over for years? And kids are happy to get them as gifts and play with them! If you're wondering how to find a meaningful, long-lasting toy gifts to give, here are my specific suggestions. Share in the comments your toy buying tips or the toys you're most excited to give this holiday season! Best Tips for Holiday … [Read more...]
Creative Art and Craft Gifts for Kids
If you're looking to find an art and craft gift for your child, look no further. This up to date list of ideas for 2016 should help! Creative Art and Craft Gifts for Kids Color a Doghouse Kit ages 4+ Whether a real dog or your plush toys live in this house, you'll be able to design it exactly how you want for a colorful, creative home! Sew Mini Treats KLUTZ ages 4+ This beautiful … [Read more...]
30+ Stocking Stuffers Kids Will Love
Find the best stocking stuffers your kids will love! See what you think about these fun small gifts and toy ideas. And, if you want more ideas, check out last year's stocking stuffer list here. 30 Stocking Stuffers Kids Will Love Monster Hat ages 0 - 5 This is a fair-trade, hand-knit hat for kids ages 0 to 5 made from 100% cotton yarn by rural woman from Bangladesh. Octopus Bath … [Read more...]
Games & Puzzles Holiday Gifts for Kids 2016
Giving games and puzzles as gifts a time honored tradition in our family. Each year I look for new games that my kids and your kids will love to play -- usually with an educational or learning angle. Here's your Games and Puzzles Holiday Gift Guide for Kids 2016! See last year's Games and Puzzles Gift Guide here. Games & Puzzles Holiday Gifts for Kids 2016 Mudpuppy Cats Meow Color-in … [Read more...]
Kids’ STEM Holiday Gift Guide 2016
Since you want to encourage your kids in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), my first holiday gift guide is new and awesome STEM (and STEAM) gifts (toys and kits) for 2016! I'm including building with engineering so all the building blocks and building kits are on this list, too. See last year's STEM Gift Guide here. Kids' STEM Holiday Gift Guide 2016 Lauri Toys … [Read more...]
Impressive New Tech Toy for 2016: Code-a-Pillar
Code-a-Pillar Think & Learn is an impressive new (2016) STEM learning toy for preschoolers. In fact, after reviewing it, Code-a-Pillar now tops of my list for educational holiday gifts for preschoolers and older. (Ages 3 - 8) Impressive New Tech Toy for 2016: Code-a-Pillar Each segment of the Code-a-Pillar is a mini program for how the toy will move, straight, turn right, turn left, with … [Read more...]
Cool Educational Games for Kids
Looking for Christmas gift ideas 2015? My 2015 holiday gift guide has gifts ideas for kids that are both fun and educational! Today I want to share the best, new educational games for kids that will also make great family game night choices. Enjoy! UPDATE: 2016 Gift Guide for Kids Game Gifts for Preschoolers 1. The Three Little Piggies ages 3+ Smart Little Piggies is a perfect … [Read more...]
My Favorite Picture Books 2015
It took me forever to pick my my favorite picture books of 2015. But I read more and more to be sure I had a list of books your kids would love. And finally it's done!! I hope this gives you lots of good snuggly reading times with your children. :) My Favorite Picture Books 2015 1. The Princess and the Pony by Kate Beaton We loved this hilarious story of a warrior princess whose parents … [Read more...]
Best Children’s Nonfiction Books 2015
This year's selection of nonfiction children's books (2015) was so good it took me awhile to select my favorites. But, I did. I hope your kids enjoy reading them! Best Children's Nonfiction Books 2015 1. Hippos Are Huge! by Jonathan London, illustrated by Matthew Trueman Excellent writing and illustrations make this one of the best nonfiction animal picture books. Bigger text pairs with … [Read more...]
The Best Chapter Books 2015
I've been reading like crazy to find the best chapter books of 2015. (Don't tell but I've even abandoned books in the middle if I knew they weren't that great!) After much time reading and deliberation, here's my final list of the best chapter books for children ages 5 to 12 -- from easy chapter books through middle grade. The Best Easy Chapter Books of 2015 1. Shivers! The Pirate Who's … [Read more...]
Best Children’s Board Books of 2015
Ready for some tasty board books for those little hands to grab, hold, mouth, look at, explore, and enjoy? Because board books start babies and toddlers on the road to literacy! Here are the best children's board books of 2015. Happy reading! Best Children's Board Books of 2015 Hi! by Ethan Long Perfect for babies and toddlers, you'll read this colorful, charming book over and over … [Read more...]
Pretend Play Gifts for Kids
Kids who regularly use their imaginations to pretend play develop better social skills and vocabulary than kids that do not. I love finding toys that encourage pretend play -- usually toys that are open-ended and battery free. How about you? For the 2015 holiday season, here's what's new and interesting for pretend play gifts. Update: 2016 Pretend Play Gifts Pretend Play Gifts Lock and … [Read more...]