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? 

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!)

eeBoo’s website promises to offer only “ beautiful, useful and well-made gifts for children”, and uses only the original art work of well- known, well- loved children’s book illustrators to create vibrant and original toys and gifts.”  I’m very excited about the wonderful products they have to offer, and I would like to share with you a few of my favorites.

eeBoo Spanish Bingo: A fun way to expose children as young as three to another language!

eeBoo Good Manner Flash Cards: Well, we could probably all use some of these.

eeBoo Fairies Of The Field Lacing Cards: Oppenheim Gold Award Winner, this is an old fashioned toy that has been updated with gorgeous illustrations and is a simple way to teach hand eye coordination to youngsters.

eeBoo Castle Sketchbook: For the princess in your life.

eeBoo Santa’s Flight Advent Calendar: It’s never too early to start shopping for Christmas.

eeBoo Poet and Astronomer Paper Doll Set: You can be anything you want to be.

I could go on and on, but you’ll just have to check out PriceGrabber for their extensive collection of fabulous eeBoo products.  Wrap one of these lovely items up in some pretty tissue or even some recycled newspaper and you will be giving the gift of creativity, knowledge and fun, all in one beautiful package.

I am an unabashed fan of Playmobil. Not terribly well known in the United States, these great little pretend play toys lack the hulking body of boys’ action figures and the overtly sexual bodies of girl’s toys. I like them. Available in a multitude of versions sure to break any parents pocketbook…still they offer an opportunity for children from 3 or 4 well into the middle school years the opportunity to create stories and adventures in most any century, country or culture.

So, as Christmas approaches I  expect more Playmobil will enter our home. One way will be through a Playmobil Advent calendar. The cardboard Advent calendar with little doors that dispense chocolate candy is another European tradition that is slowly making its way to the U.S. This is, in my opinion, just one more opportunity to stuff our children with chocolate earlier and earlier each year. In other words, I’m not impressed.

So, this Playmobil Advent calendar is the perfect option. Children clamoring for their candy Advent calendar can, as is often the case when  trying to lure them away from sweets, be mollified with a toy…or in this case a whole month’s worth.

And unlike candy which will last only in memory. These toys will be played with long after we’ve put away the holiday lights and returned to normal.