While I am a great believer in “unplugged play” and limited screen-time for young children, I recognize that technology and even television shows can enhance learning. One of my favorite educational television shows is WordWorld, and I recently had a chance to test their new iPad apps for kids.
Beep, Beep, Here We Go! (Little Tikes Cozy Truck GIVEAWAY!)
The Little Tikes Cozy Coupe is a the single most popular toy at our play dates but now it has competition…from the Little Tikes Cozy Truck!
Kids line up to take their turn with this fun ride-on from Little Tikes. They’ve brought the cartoon styling of the Cozy Coupe to a new truck model and added a few new features to make this ride even more fun…
Spring Break Camps
Finding high-quality childcare during school vacations is incredibly stressful for working parents. Stay-at-home parents don’t have to scramble for childcare, but they still struggle to find fun, affordable and educational spring break activities.
I was thrilled to hear about KinderCare’s week long Spring Break Camps. When your local public school is on break, KinderCare’s Spring Break Camp will be in session!
EZ Sox: Pull-Ups for Your Feet
Not only are EZ Sox my new favorite item for my son, I think it is one of the best things I have ever seen for little kids. I often find myself in a constant battle with my son – him trying to assert his independence by dressing himself, and me wanting to get out of the house sometime that day. EZ Sox are my solution…
Contest: Elmo’s Green Thumb at Madison Square Garden
Seeing Elmo live is a magical experience for little fans. I took my son to see “Elmo’s Green Thumb, a Sesame Street Live Show, last March to celebrate his 2nd birthday, and we had a wonderful time. So I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to offer one lucky Mamanista reader the chance to win a Family Four Pack of Tickets to Sesame Street Live “Elmo’s Green Thumb” at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Last-Minute Gift Idea: Museum and Zoo Memberships
Rather than spending money on one more toy for your child, consider giving them a gift that extends the fun of Christmas for a whole year! My favorite gifts are memberships to local attractions like museums, the zoo and even theme parks.
I know that the cost of admissions often discourages parents, and I can understand. If I had to pay for parking and admission every time, I’d hesitate before taking my son to a museum or zoo. He can enjoy an excursion for about two to three hours before it’s time to go home, and that would be an expensive two hours. So I invest in museum and zoo memberships for Christmas and birthday gifts. It’s a great way to support your local community, and your child will benefit far more from these memberships than from extra toys.
Guidecraft Kitchen Helper
What’s the most indispensable tool in our kitchen? The Guidecraft Kitchen Helper.
We love to involve the kids in our cooking and let them perform experiments in the sink.
Little Tikes 3-in-1 Trike (12 Days of Giveaways)
We own several tricycles with push bars for my toddler and the Little Tikes 3-in-1 Trike offers some neat new innovations in the toddler-friendly tricycle category…
Alex Toys Magnetic Tabletop Easel (12 Days of Giveaways)
Art is a very important part of our lives, especially for young children. Young children use art to express their emotions and to explore new concepts. Their intense focus and the joy they take in creating is a pleasure to watch!
My children are having a great time with the new Alex Toys Magnetic Tabletop Easel…
You’ll Know Plenty ‘Bout Geography: LeapFrog Tag Map USA (12 Days of Giveaways)
The LeapFrog Tag Map USA offers a fun new way to learn geography through play.
Our kids love maps. On a recent family vacation, we visited The Map Spot a Mystic Seaport and my two loved all the interactive map exhibits. We’ve been looking for innovative ways to extend the learning and we’re loving the LeapFrog Map. As a former history teacher, I can tell you that map reading is an important life skill that also builds spatial thinking and is an essential building block to success in geography and history…
