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...]
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 PlayTape Reinvigorates Our Pretend Play
I always want my kids to pretend play -- to imagine, to create, and to just be unplugged. As they get older, it's been harder and harder to find something that will engage both kids in pretend play with something they will play together. (They're 14 and 11.) But PlayTape pretend road tape reinvigorated my kids' imaginative car play. Which is why I'm telling you about it -- because, hooray for … [Read more...]
Zoobs: A Favorite Open Ended Play Toy
Want to know one of our favorite open-ended toys? My kids don't have many toys that have lasted as long in the play rotation as this toy-- ZOOBs. It's pretty amazing considering my kids have been playing with ZOOBs since ages 4 and 7! Now they're 11 and 14 and still playing with them. Which is why I had to share. I mean, that's pretty amazing, right!? It's interesting to watch how the … [Read more...]
P’Kolino Wooden Puzzles for Preschoolers
We LOVE puzzles -- so we feel that we've researched all types of puzzles for children of all ages. And for the toddler / preschooler set, the P'Kolino puzzles are our hands-down favorite. Puzzles, as you probably know, are fantastic learning toys. They help children develop hand-eye coordination, spatial skills, and fine motor skills. Plus, these double sided options allow children room to be … [Read more...]
Play: How to Raise a Happy, Creative, and Smart Child
You want your child to be happy, creative, and smart, right? Let her play. Yes. Play. Ignore our adult created concept that kids need scheduled activities. It’s not true. It’s not how kids learn. How to Raise a Happy, Creative, and Smart Child Kids actually learn by playing! (See links below to the decades of scientific research proving this.) So . . . what are you supposed … [Read more...]
App-Controlled Darkside Robot
A darkside robot? Why, yes! Yes there is. (And just in time for the new Star Wars movie!) Sphero's Darkside Ollie is a belligerent and opinionated DARKSIDE robot --but that doesn't mean you can't control it from up to 100 feet away with apps on your Apple or Android device aka. iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch etc., and teach it new tricks. It can go up to 14 miles per hour! (That will get your … [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...]
The Coolest Star Wars Gifts for Kids
Star Wars fans everywhere can't wait until December 18, 2015 -- the opening day of the new movie, The Force Awakens, episode VII. Which is why I thought I'd share the coolest Star Wars gifts for kids (little and big) for the upcoming holiday season. "The Force. It's calling to you. Just let it in." The Coolest Star Wars Gifts for Kids Star Wars The Force Awakens Play Set ages … [Read more...]
Build Your Own 3D Toy with Potatoyz App
I didn't think my kids would get to try 3D printing before me but it happened with POTATOYZ, a brand new interactive app and toy created by the animators of The Lorax and Despicable Me. Children create and customize a toy in the app which can be sent to a 3D printer, made for real, and sent to your child. It's totally cool to see your imagination come to life! And, where else can you make your … [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...]
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...]