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...]
Child-like Lottie Dolls Empower Imaginative Play
If you're wanting an alternative to Barbie or Bratz, look no further than the cute, little 7.5" Lottie dolls because Lottie dolls are made to look like 9-year old children. None have questionable clothes or mature figures anywhere! (LOVE it!) My daughters love their Lottie dolls. Maybe that's why Lottie has won 21 international awards since launching in August 2012. These sweet dolls encourage … [Read more...]
25 Gifts for Children’s Book Lovers
Gifts for kids who are book lovers are my favorite kind of gifts. This holiday gift guide is meant for kids who love reading, or who are growing to love reading. I hope these gift ideas of literary gear, personalized books and jewelry, book tech and more help you in your 2015 shopping! You might also like: writing gift ideas for children. KidLit Gear and Bling Gifts Adore yourself with a … [Read more...]
Arts and Crafts Gifts for Kids
When I plan for Christmas gifts for my kids, I shop for learning games, STEM toys, something for pretend play, awesome books, as well as something creative and / or artistic. How about you? What are your must-have gift categories? Today I want to share my favorite 2015 arts and crafts holiday gifts for kids in hopes that it helps you find the perfect creative gift for your child. Arts and Crafts … [Read more...]
Gifts for Baby Showers: 11 Interactive Board Books
Help baby grow up to be a reader by giving board books as gifts for baby showers. Babies and toddlers love interactive board books -- board books with things to touch, pull, lift, and slide like today's round-up of newly published board books. Happy reading! Interactive Board Books On My Beach - PUPPET by Sara Gillingham & Lorena Siminovich Wiggle the crab puppet with your finger as … [Read more...]
PBS Kids Toys at Whole Foods (+ Giveaway)
PBS KIDS and Whole Foods Market team up to bring PBS KIDS’ line of educational and earth-friendly toys exclusively to the Whole Foods for the holiday season. PBS Kids Sloth Plush Sloths are so cute, aren't they? I saw a sloth in Costa Rica and was thrilled for a glimpse. If you love this plush, you'll want to also get the new and wonderful picture book, Sparky. PBS Kids My Little … [Read more...]
American Girl Samantha
American Girl, Samantha, returns from retirement with new and wonderful books. (Seriously, I've read the books, so have my kids, and we really love them!) My daughters LOVE Samantha and play so many imaginative scenarios with her. This doll is a perfect gift for the holidays for kids ages 8 - 12. And don't you just love the history of the American Girl dolls and the open-ended play … [Read more...]
Holiday Checklist & Giveaway #TRUBatteriesIncluded
Hasbro and Duracell are teaming up with Toys“R”Us to help you get ready for the holidays and save money on this season’s hottest toys! From Fur Real Friends to Grimlock Transformers, Toys“R”Us is the perfect one-stop-shop to pick up all the toys on your holiday shopping list… but don’t forget the batteries! Last year my girls favorite gift was a Barbie Dream House. We learned a few valuable … [Read more...]
Stocking Stuffers for Kids
While gift cards always work as easy stocking stuffers, here are even more stocking stuffer gift ideas for your kids. Stocking Stuffers for Kids Stocking Stuffers for Kids 1. Thinking Putty Creatures Green (ages 3+) Thinking Putty Creatures have a unique texture and come with a pair of big creature eyes. We love our original Thinking Putty building toy and now can't wait to try this … [Read more...]
Christmas Gifts for Kids That Spark Imagination
This year I'm looking to buy Christmas gifts for my kids that spark their imaginations. Gifts that encourage creativity and pretend play. Gifts like these . . . Christmas Gifts for Kids . . . That Spark Imagination 1. Samantha’s Starter Collection - Doll and Book Samantha Parkington is BACK! She's kind, generous, and always ready to make a new friend. She has sparkling brown eyes that open … [Read more...]
Best Gift Books of 2014
Ready for the best gift books of 2014? This list consists of activity books as well as nonfiction books for kids. Also read: the best chapter books of 2014, the best picture books of 2014, the best board books of 2014, and the best YA books of 2014. Best Activity Books 2014 1. Draw Patterns with Barroux (ages 4+) This colorful activity book and kit includes the Draw Patterns with Barroux … [Read more...]
Best Board Books 2014
Do you have a baby or toddler who needs a board book? Get him or her one of these recommended best board books 2014. The Best Board Books 2014 1. My First Book of Girl Power From Wonder Woman's ability to find the truth to Black Canary's powerful voice to Batgirl's keen mind, readers will find lots of girl power to admire in this unique board book. 2. Super Heroes Busy Bodies This cool … [Read more...]