Presidential elections are a great way to teach your children about the democratic process and U.S. history. The first presidential election I remember was in 1984. I had just turned six, and my parents brought my brother and me with them to the polls. My father let me help him pull the lever to cast his vote, which I found really exciting.
Looking back, I’m impressed with the way my parents involved us in the electoral process. While I knew who my parents were voting for, there was no rancor and no badmouthing of the other candidate. What I felt from them was pride in America. We lived in Philadelphia at the time, and my parents had taken me to see Independence National Park. They’d told me about how brave Americans had fought and died to give us the right to vote and to pick our own leaders. And they told me how lucky we were to live in a democracy because so many people worldwide didn’t have the right to vote.
In that spirit, Mamanista’s 2008 Election Guide features bipartisan products that celebrate our right to vote.
Election Apparel for Mom, Dad and Baby:
I spotted
the hip “Vote for Mom” tee (pictured above) by PeaceLoveMom in the October issue of Parents Magazine. It normally sells for $40, but you can get 25% off using coupon code “Vote08” (coupon valid from now-election day). Available at www.peacelovemom.com.
Your little hipster will look stylish in this retro print “Snoopy for President” tee by JunkFood- available for $26.50 at GapKids. (Many local stores are sold-out of these designs, but they’re still available online. I also spotted a “Darth Vader for President” tee online at GapKids as well.)
If you’re looking for something more partisan, you’ll find thousands of Republican and Democrat t-shirts, baby onesies
and tote bags at CafePress. Or you can design your own for a one-of-a-kind look.
Dad can show his sense of humor about the election by sporting the new “Poll Position” tie by Bird Dog Bay. Dad’s color choice (red or blue) is a subtle way to show his political leanings. Or if he wants to keep people guessing, he can pick a bipartisan gold. Republicans and Democrats may be butting heads, but they won’t debate that this tie is a stylish winner. Like all Bird Dog Bay ties, the “Poll Position” tie is 100% silk, handmade and handprinted in the USA. Available online for $75 at www.birddogbay.com.
Election-Themed Children’s Books and Movies:
You’re Not Elected, Charlie Brown
Duck for President
Woodrow for President: A Tail of Voting, Campaigns, and Elections
Party Pride:
Cheer on your candidate during an election night party. You can find Democrat and Republican paper plates, napkins and other party supplies at 4FunParties.com.
Support your candidate by buying delicious cookies and cupcakes! Mrs. Beasley’s Cookies and Cupcakes is pitting Obama against McCain. To “vote” for your candidate, buy cookies or cupcakes with photos of McCain, Palin, Obama or Biden. Every purchase counts as a vote in their poll.
WIN A TIE BY BIRD DOG BAY: For a chance to win a “Polling Position” tie by Bird Dog Bay ($75), cast your vote by leaving a comment on this post by 11:59pmEST on November 3, 2008 letting us know whether you want the Red (Republican), Blue (Democrat) or Gold (Undecided) tie. But please keep your comments as classy as this beautiful 100% silk tie and respect our desire to keep our election guide bipartisan and civil.
