Looking for a last-minute Hanukkah present or last-minute Christmas present? Visit your local toy store! There are so many benefits to shopping locally. One of the big benefits: education. Local stores provide personalized service. I have a great relationship with my local store owner, and I have appreciated some of their tips and product recommendations. My neighborhood toy store carries unique educational toys. But I bet you didn’t know that you are actually supporting your local schools when you shop locally.
Crazy for Cars
If your little ones are crazy for cars, make their holiday dreams come true with this line of exclusive cars from RosieHippo.com.
RosieHippo.com is a top source for organic toys, wooden toys and handcrafted quality toys. All of the toys have been carefully selected by owner Kim Bloom. Kim is a mom, and the line of exclusive cars and trucks came from her son Ethan’s requests.
Making It Fun To Be Neat
Is your playroom cluttered with blocks, LEGO toys, cars, and trains? While you could spend your precious free time organizing, a better strategy is to inspire your children to clean up their own toys. Purchasing the right storage solutions makes the job easier.
One of my favorite products is the ZipBin, a combination toy and organizational product. ZipBins convert between play mats and storage bins in a zip (sorry…I couldn’t resist the pun)
Shop Local: Support Neighborhood Toy Stores
Going to the toy store is a magical experience and a real treat for kids. Local toy stores often have impressive displays of stuffed animals, dolls and trains. My son’s favorite spot is the train table at our local store.
While he plays happily with Thomas the Tank Engine and friends, I have the opportunity to discover some high-quality toys unavailable at the big box stores. And I can count on the friendly store owner to provide expert advice on the best gifts for the kids on my holiday list (and free gift wrapping on my purchases).
Another helpful source of shopping advice is the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) 2009 Best Toys for Kids Award Winners. Over 500 of America’s top independent and neighborhood toy retailers selected the Best Toys for Kids based on their experience and understanding of what kids like.
Bedtime With Elmo
My son loves everything Elmo, and it shows. He’s learning his colors. Blue is “bwoo.” Yellow is “yellwoo.” But red is “Elmo.” So I suppose it’s not a surprise that the two of us loved the newest Elmo DVD- Sesame Street: Bedtime With Elmo.
If You Give a Mom a Martini…
As the mother of an active toddler, I barely remember my pre-baby self. Lyss Stern, founder of Divalyssicious Moms, sent me a copy of her new book If You Give a Mom a Martini: 100 Ways to Find 10 Blissful Minutes for Yourself
Healthier Hotdogs and Hamburgers: Organic Grass-Fed Beef
You probably already know that organic meat is free of antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones and is more nutritious for your family, especially for children and pregnant moms, but you may have had trouble locating quality organic meat at your local grocer or butcher.
While a trip to an organic farm is a great learning experience, it may not be a practical way to do your weekly or even special occasion grocery shopping. At Greensbury Market, you have quick, convenient access to premium-quality organic meats.
Momma Gotta Have: Miss Gigi-Mae Tether System
The Miss Gigi-Mae Tether System is a Momma Gotta Have. If you’ve ever reached around to grab a toy off the floor of your car while driving or picked your child’s sippy cup off a grimy restaurant floor, you’ll understand the need for this tether system.
This mom-invented product is designed to attach to a carseat, stroller or high chair. Simply attach baby’s toys or sippy cup to the four retractable clips to keep them off the floor and safely in reach. (You can view a demo of this product here. )
I’m Charmed
For Mother’s Day, I received a beautiful charm from Not Just Any Old Day. The solid sterling silver calendar charm is marked with a clear Swarovski crystal for my son’s April birthday. You can select from 12 different birthstones to customize your charm.
The pictures don’t really do this charm justice. Each charm is customized by the designer and then hand-antiqued, which gives the finished piece more of an heirloom quality rather than a cookie-cutter look. The Fleur De Lis gives the calendar charm a feminine touch.
Babywearing: New Native Pouch Sling Review
There are so many slings on the market, yet our friend Jen at NursingMotherSupplies.com sells only the New Native Baby Carrier. Jen’s a breastfeeding expert who recommends only the best products for nursing moms.
