Let's be honest. Christmas/Hanukkah shopping is irritating at best. Unless you're a pro-shopper from way back, you love your family, but you can't stand the holiday crowds, crazies, etc {psst... If you finished your shopping in October, paid everything off, & already have it all wrapped, then this post probably isn't for you}. If you're like me, then likely you've waited until now to even start thinking about it.
Don't worry guys - I'm here to rescue you! My
Top 10 pics for kiddo gifts (plus a *
bonus* to open on Christmas Eve
):
10. DYO Yo-Yo, DYO Kaleidoscope & "Good Things for Boys (and Girls)" from
Seedling, NZ [starting at $18]
Yo-Yo makes a great stocking stuffer for the 4/5+ crowd & The "Good Things" Kits are equally entertaining for the creative 6+ year-old. Knitting supplies for Girls & Dominos for Boys. If your son likes to play with knitting needles (like mine does), then the Girl set is for you.
NEW this year: The DYO Kaleidoscope kit. Stop It... I want one.
9. Push & Pull Wooden Animals (+ Dinos) from
Plan Toys [starting at $22]
NEW this year: the Push-Along Pterodactyl {who knew that was spelled with a 'P'?} & the Push-Along Stegosaurus. Rad. Box says 19m+, but I say if they can walk, they can push. Go for it. The Pull-Along Alligator is in the running for World's Most Annoying toy, especially if you have hardwood floors. The big shocker here is that it's their favorite. Pick up one of these too. They'll love you forever, but don't say I didn't warn ya. Grab a cocktail, and let your new lil walker go wild!
8. Pirate 'n Bird 'n Smart Kid pillow stuff from
See Stuf [starting at $14]
NEW this year: ALL of it! I first got excited about these due to their Pirate nature, however upon further investigation, they're also distributed by our Besties at
Wry Baby. Some are designed to help baby's developing brain with the cunning use of contrasting colors and shapes, and some are just plain Pirate... Or bird. Decorate a nursery or give one to your Kindergartner who thinks he's too cool for stuffed animals, but still cries because monsters live under his bed. Newborn to grown-up, who doesn't need a sweet bookend looking pillow Pirate?? Some even jingle!
7. Stencils, Pencils, & Craft Kits from
Kimmel Kids [starting at $16]
NEW this year: The entire
line of big-kid-eco-awesome-creative goodies! I'm really excited about this collection based on the research I've done. Although I cannot give you a personal testimonial at this time {the shipment arrived today - hooray!}, I can say that I'm preeeetty sure these are gonna be a BIG hit.
Karen Kimmel, founder of
Kimmel Kids, encourages little monsters to "Make Your Mark". No, not on your walls and floors, but with their diverse array of craft supplies. Get coloring.
6. The Pocket Pouch 8 piece wooden block set from
Tegu [$32]
So if you've already bought one of these, then you know that they are one of my personal favorites. Plane rides, restaurants, you name it. The sample set I received kept 4-y-o KR busy for one whole HOUR back in 2010. He still hasn't tired of them, and neither have I. Perfect gift for the 3+ crowd as well as the grown-ups on your list. Why 3+? Well 'cause if your 1-y-o
does, in fact, manage to swallow one, it will be rather uncomfortable for her... and while you may very well be proud of Sally for accomplishing such a feat, when that *second* one goes down, you gonna have some problems. Buy them for baby's 1st Christmas, but play with them amongst yourselves till Jr. turns 3. Sets come in three different colors, and a sweet felt travel pouch. What more do ya want?! Tints (mulit-colored) & Natural (pictured above) &
NEW this year: "Jungle" - aka Natural with Green accents.
5. The Plasma Car -- from
PlaSmart [$69.95]
Well, this guy doesn't really need an introduction... Holiday fun for the whole family. Weight limit is 220lbs {& yes, I'm serious}. Due to my delicate condition, the demos I've been giving have gotten a little weird, so feel free to come in and ride one before you buy it for your kid.
NEW this year: not a whole lot, except they seem to be selling through faster than last year, so get on it. I don't want to have to sell you the Demo at closing time on Christmas Eve.
4. A Hoard of Creature Bags from
MadPax [starting at $15.50]
The Mighty Bite. The Nibbler. The Half Pack. & The Full Pack. These bizarre and startling bags took me by surprise. They're amazingly cool and versatile. The tiny one is perfect for the tweener in your life that needs to stash her make-up, gum, cell phone, etc. Or maybe it's time to make your 2-y-o start carrying their
own toys around for once {the 1/2 pack is perfect}.
3. The
Bilibo [$30]
Sit in it. Spin in it. Walk on it. Put your hamster in it. Put in on your head. The Bilibo is perfect for ages 2-7. Not only will the children be entertained, the spinning action really helps develop that core body strength. Welcome side effect? Early bed time. The Bilibo is also an excellent water toy. It floats! Among other things... Red, blue, pink, green, yellow, orange.
2. Delicious, Local, & Organic Skincare goodies for Mama & Baby from
Zoe Organics [starting at $12]
I simply cannot sing ZO's praises enough. They're phenomenal and their goods are good enough to eat. Zoe Organics was born out of a need for safer cosmetics and ingredients. Founder & CEO, Heather Hamilton, not only rocks because we share a name, but because as a child, she was just as sensitive as one Kyle Reed. Physically, not emotionally. Growing up with severe allergies has motivated Heather to create a truly unique product line where parents don't have to worry about what's being put on their child's skin. Plus it smells great even when your kid doesn't.
1. The FLIP & 3-in-1 Bike from
Wishbone [$159 & $249 respectively]
NEW this year: The Wishbone FLIP. Brought to you by the same Kiwis that gave you the Wishbone 3-in-1 trike/balance bike {also returning this year}, comes probably most fun & versatile ride-on toy for 2011. Since its launch this summer, the FLIP has been getting the 1-5 crowd super excited. Pre-walkers can Rock out on the FLIP, and pro-walkers can Ride it. All over the place. Also brand new this season is the Limited Edition Apple-a-Day design for the 3-in-1 Bike. Limited Edition = very limited, FYI.
✶✶AND THE *BONUS* GIFT IS.....
The
Eco-Kids Eco-Ornament Kit! Bust this bad boy out on Christmas Eve and put your little guy to WORK! Sip on mulled wine & egg nog while your toddler makes a mess & a masterpiece to hang on your tree. You'll get at least a half hour of quiet outta this one, so go for it & give that macaroni, construction paper, and glue a rest. Toxin-free everything from the family that brought you Eco-Dough, Eco-Paint & the Eco-Easter Egg kit. Go crazy & Have a happy holiday...
Well there ya have it. You're welcome... And best of all?? Everything is available HERE at Monkey Bars!! Happy Shopping & See you soon
!
Cheers!
~Heather
