When looking for a gift for baby, it’s a good idea to have a variety of things for them to play with. I know I got caught up in buying a lot of interactive and educational toys for my son when he was very young.They provided the mental stimulation I was looking for and they were fun as well. It’s also good to have something’s that offers physical activity and that’s why Baby Einstein Animal Exploration Tunnel is tops on my list as a great gift to give for Christmas. (Or any time for that matter)

This is a lovely and safe way for little ones to explore their world.  A crawling baby will hear the sound of softly crunching leaves as she ventures through this soft sided tunnel and she’ll come across a variety of her favorite items like a chirping red bird, animal photo cards even a water filled apple tether. Because this tunnel consists of sheer paneled mesh windows, your baby will feel secure in the fact that she can see you and hear you. 

Young children of all developmental stages will benefit from this terrific toy and I bet this would be a wonderful gift for a child with special needs, too.

If you’re shopping for a newborn, Baby Einstein offers a similar product for those that are not yet mobile. (Baby Einstein Activity Gym Seek And Discover)  

In a world where toys are here one season and gone the next, the amazing endurance of Fisher-Price Little People is unmatched. They have been played with and loved by children since the 1950’s and I personally have possession of my own Fisher-Price School Bus (circa 1968) that I snagged last time I was home. (Sorry, Mom and Dad!) 

That is why these have my stamp of approval as a top gift for holiday giving.

Because children have different interests, Fisher-Price offers a lot of variety. This is not a one size fits all type of toy and that’s why I like them so much. Although the look of them has changed over the years the concept has stayed the same.

Pretend Play. 

While kids may wonder why they are receiving these and may ask what size batteries they take, believe me when I tell you that most won’t be able to resist them. With choices like Michael with Bulldozer, Mayflower Playset, Lil Pirate Ship and Lil Kingdom Palace  one of these charming options will  surely peak their interest.

Actually, Little People Mayflower Playset would be a fun thing for the kids to play with on Thanksgiving. (How about a little early gift, Mom?) 

Check out Little People Hanukkah Set, for a multi-cultural experience complete with a collectible gift box. 

Always appropriate, always entertaining, Fisher Price Little People.

If the electronic age hasn’t arrived I don’t now when it ever will.  Don’t misunderstand me. As a working mom, I can’t live without my Blackberry, Laptop and cell phone. But when it comes to electronics and kids, how much is too much?

Most or them are plugged in an average of 6.5 hours a day, save for school and athletic events.  That is a staggering amount in my opinion and I think a lot of parents share my concern. We should re-introduce these kids to board games. If your holiday gift list doesn’t include one, now is the time to take a look at some exciting new ones and some familiar classics.

Puerto Rico By Rio Grande Games is a German Board game that is slightly complex, but once teens get in to it they’ll be obsessed with it. (In a good way!)   The object of the game is to gain as many points as you can by shipping goods to the Old World while acting as colonial governors on the island of Puerto Rico during the age of Caribbean Ascendancy by constructing buildings. This is like a really grand version of Monopoly by parker Brothers, which is my second choice for those “hard to buy for” teens.

“Game Night” is a great way to re-connect with your kids and establish some lasting traditions. Why not give it a try? 

I can’t say enough about Lego’s.  They have kept my son enthralled for hours (So I can get some work done!) and I have fun playing with them too.

One of this years “must have’s” for the Lego loving child is The Lego Agents Mobile Command Center. There is something about the words “command center” that gets a little boy’s heart racing. Must have something to do with being the good guy. (Which is a fine thing.) This toy certainly comes with a lot of opportunity to do just that. 

The imaginary story of Dr. inferno and his evil henchmen will most definitely bring out the hero in your little guy, as he races against time to save the world.  With a little help from the intel center, weapons Bay (Whatever that is? I’m a girl so I’m still learning!) Jet plane boat and two cars surely it will all turn out all right. 

Until Dr. Inferno escapes in his monster robot! (Lego Agents Robot Attack, oh, how kids love robots!) This superset comes with missiles and a harpooned quad bike and is the perfect addition to the command center if your little guy has been extra good this year.  

Though the Mozart effect study is under fire…does early exposure to classical music REALLY help baby brain development? I’m not sure but, listening to classical music from an early age certainly gets them used to it…maybe they will prefer it to whatever outlandish music is popular when they are teens some day.

So, why not add a Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube to your holiday gift list? It’s one musical toy that won’t drive you nuts listening to it over and over and over.

I always recommend limiting electronic toys, but a few are fine if they are interactive, which this one is. Watch your child add or subtract instruments with the touch of a button including harp, flute, piano French horn and violin) and they can compose up to eight different songs to dance along to….OK- maybe compose is too strong a word…but you know how babies love buttons.

This would also be an inspiring gift to wrap up and place in your local charity’s giving tree for needy children at Christmastime. Or recommend it to that grandparent, uncle or friend who just has to buy something noisy for your child.

The sturdy design means it won’t end up in the trash pile anytime soon either.

It’s never too early to start shopping for Christmas.  Especially when the hottest toys sell out quickly. One of this year’s best is Zhu Zhu Pets and is predicted to be the top seller of 2009.

This interactive hamster toy follows on the heels of the popularity of Littlest Pet Shop, which has been wildly successful for years, but these little guys will have you believing they’re real.

Zhu Zhu Pets are battery operated and have various mode settings, which allow them to squeak, bump and roll through their hamster house or play in the many different play sets available. One that I like is the Zhu Zhu Pets Giant Hamster City, which comes with everything your child needs to get started.

This set includes two hamsters, funhouse, exercise wheel, garage, sleep dome and adventure ball.  Kids can set the mode to whatever activity they want.  Time to play (watch them race around!) or time to snuggle (they’ll coo and purr when you hold them.) They’ll love watching  these silly hamsters explore their habitat and because this particular set comes with two pets, a sibling or friend can join the in the fun!

Though I’m not usually a fan of electronic toys, this one is great for boys and girls who really enjoy “things that go”. when the battery runs out, don’t replace it. They’ll get hours more fun  making the hamster run around using “kid power”.

Zhu Zhu Pets are also sold separately if you want to start out small (Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster “Pipsqueak” With Orange Pet Bed And Carrier) for a younger child.  But don’t hesitate; these little guys are flying off the shelves!

For many years I have spent my holidays overseas, in another state or even at the beach.  Nowadays, like most people I am much busier and I don’t want the expense of traveling on a whim anymore. I am searching for ways to host a traditional Thanksgiving meal at my house this year and I have a few ideas for inexpensive ways to make any dinner a success.

1.) Let the kids get involved.  Start with Scene Setters Poster Wall Decorations. This giant turkey will look festive on your wall and for under three dollar’s; it’s a great way to announce the holiday to your guests. Have the kids add some of their own artwork to add to the ambiance.

2.) For the powder room, Thanksgiving Theme Guest Towels are disposable and impressive.

3.) Place Settings: Soooo important and equally fun for your kids to color while you are trying not to burn anything. They might even help you set the table! ( The kids, I mean!)

Of course you’ll probably be  cooking a turkey, but add some inexpensive side dishes such as fresh vegetables from your local farmers market, some juicy cranberries in a bowl (which also makes a pretty decoration) and some homemade bread to complete your meal.  It’s all about being with family and friends, anyway.

Just don’t skimp on dessert. It’s the best part of the day!

With fall arriving in just a few short weeks, I thought I would share with you some of the top Halloween costumes for kids. (From Pricegrabber, of course.)

Baby Nemo Clown Fish: How cute is this? It’s perfect for a chilly October night, as it acts like a bunting and fastens snugly in the back to keep your baby cozy and warm.

Peter Pan: I like costumes that are different and original and let’s face it, kids won’t let you pick out their costumes forever! (For babies’ eighteen to twenty four months)

We like Pirates in my house, and this is about as classic as you can get.  What’s great about this costume is that it really is gender neutral.

Baby Ice Cream Cone: So yummy you’ll want to take a lick. They’ll probably get extra treats for wearing this winner. (Back closure makes diaper changing a snap.)

Princess White Velvet Native American Princess: Pre-teen girls will appreciate this costume, especially if they are into the American Girl dolls or books.

Cherokee Warrior: This impressive costume will complement Princess White Velvet beautifully. (That is, if your daughter will let her brother trick or treat with her!)

Ben Franklin Historical Halloween: For the intellectual child that wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a pirate costume.  This unique costume could win your kid a prize!

Chewbacca: Star Wars is still popular after all these years and again, it’s gender friendly.

Cowgirl: For the tomboy (girl), there’s nothing like the wild, Wild West!

Finally, a Princess:  Every little girl who dreams of being one. (I might be one myself this year!)

Art class is a favorite of most kids, especially little girls.  (Boys tend to like recess) At I recent kindergarten graduation I attended, twelve out of sixteen girls said they wanted to be an artist when they grew up.

Well what’s not to like about expressing your creativity?  In my son’s school, they do a lot of crafty things, and the kids enjoy it tremendously. So, as I was looking for a gift to buy for a for a little girl’s eighth birthday party, I kept this theory in mind.

I thought this Friendship Bracelets By Alex would make a great present and a fun activity to do at the party.  This is an Oppenheimer Award Winner Toy and is a new way to make some fashionable accessories for the “diva “ in them.

This kit comes with ten wheels, ten colors of floss, finishing beads and easy instructions so Mom or Dad can get them started.  Once the initial pattern is in place, kids can simply turn the wheel and watch their creations take place. This would make a great party favor too, if you were the one hosting the party.

As an add-on gift you might want to include a refill pack (Alex Toys Friendship Wheel Singles) for the birthday girl so she can enjoy making additional bracelets for herself or as gifts for others. (You know you’ll be wearing one, Mom!)

I love Burt’s Bees. I even love the name. If you’ve never tried them, you’re missing out on some of the purest skincare around. Their goal is to be “The greenest personal care company on earth”. I’ve used their products for years.

By using sustainable packaging methods and responsible natural ingredients, Burst Bees’ is one of the most popular health and beauty lines available. (Did I say affordable, too?) And their products work!

One thing I particularly like is the Burt’s Bees School Survival Kit.  This little set is packed full of full size products that are soothing and beneficial to the skin. Perfect for a young teen girl on her first day of junior high, or her college bound sister.

These little beauties fit nicely into a gym bag or an overnight bag. Just add an amazing and tasty (Peppermint) sheer and shiny Lip Shimmer (Which I personally use and love!) and they have a great little kit that’s appropriate for a young girl’s introduction to skincare and the many friends that will want to try them.

Of course one of their most popular sellers’ is their “Mom and Baby” line that boasts too many items for me to suggest, but I encourage you take a look at the many exceptional product’s Burt’s Bees has to offer and decide for yourself. I’ll bet you’ll become a “Bee” lover too!