Best Kids Gadgets and Toys for 2013: 2014-05-18

Saturday, May 24, 2014

what are some good toy ideas for a 3 year old girl ?

grumpy gir

she is a bit of a tomboy and loves to roughhouse. i do not have kids , so it has been ages since i have even gone into a toy store. i new some ideas ... she is a new niece. please help me ... i am going to need it.

Answer
if she is a tom boy, try outside toys. I have a 3 yr old girl and she loves bugs. We have so many bug collectors for our nature walks.She also loves her Aquadoodle. At wal- mart they also have a little tykes basketball goal and ball for like $20. Cheap and awesome for keeping them entertained. Hope that helps!

Things to keep almost 3 year old busy?

MCi

I need some things to keep my almost 3 year old daughter busy. She has toys, a couple books, dolls but she doesn't play with them. Maybe she outgrew them they are not age appropriate anymore?

What are some non-messy things for a toddler to do? I have a playroom set up but she will not do anything in there.

Please give me a huge list of things I can buy to keep her busy! I have a newborn to take care of and she has never played properly by herself (even before the baby)

Anything but TV please.

Answer
Maybe she wants to play where you are. Move the toys or some of them into the living room. Yeah then it will be a little messy and it won't be as tidy and clean as you may like, but you have children people understand. Most people see a house with toys on the floor with kids and they understand. With the toys in a main living area and not in the other room, she can still play independently and be where you are. Even at that age, kids want to do that. My kids play in the kitchen and the living room and the hall. At night my son's job is to take his dump truck and collect the toys from the kitchen and the hall.

Give her a cupboard in the kitchen that she can play in, the pans or the tupperware, she can't hurt it, but again, when you are working in the kitchen, she will be in there with you. If she has a play kitchen move it into your kitchen, then she can cook when you do.

Make a craft box for her. Get some construction paper and glue sticks. Use scrapbooking punches to cut out shapes or buy some simple die cuts from the scrapbook section or the kids craft section. Get some foamy shapes with adhesive on the back. Add all those things to the box along with some plain paper and crayons. Maybe put some cardstock in there. She can sit at the table in her booster seat, or at a kids table and make pictures. All of these things give her the chance to create and most kids love it, especially if you take a few minutes and do it with her sometimes. Maybe even some crazy scissors, but you would need to supervise that.

Make some play dough (google a recipe for salt dough). Get her some cookie cutters, or let her use yours and a rolling pin. You can buy a big box of cookie cutters for really cheap with letters and numbers and all sorts of shapes.

Get her a toy mop and broom so she can help you clean or just do it herself.

I have the toys in the main living area, it is not always as tidy as I would like, but my kids have plenty to do and they can do it where I am. Still they play with the metal cookie sheets and hot pads. I stop and play with them throughout the day. They play alone sometimes and with me sometimes. My two year old helps put away dishes, they are never done right, but he is occupied doing something constructive. He knows that I care and value him. I also keep the back door open during the warm weather so they can run in and out as they want to. There are lots of things to do.

Edit**
Emily has some great suggestions. The thing I like about Salt dough is that it lasts a long time, is easy to make and if little ones eat it, it doesn't hurt them. That will be a concern as the baby grows.

kids xmas presents?

linda d

what does your kids want this xmas??? and how old are they?? when do you start your xmas shopping? and how much do you spend on each child?
i do not start xmas shopping till after thanksgiving. I hate it when the xmas decorations are out and it's not even halloween or thanksgiving.
i have an 8 yr old daughter and i usually spend 300.00 on her...she also has aunts and grandoparents that buy for her. I now have a new baby this year...he is 8 months now...i will probably spend 25.00 on him since he could care less

Answer
I am usually making lists well before Thanksgiving and thinking about things. Trying to guess what they will wand and plan how much money I'll need.

I will usually have some stuff tucked away for stockings and such that I find on clearance throughout the year. (Example: Target had Disney Princess stuff in their dollar area recently so I have one daughter's stocking done except for some candy and an ornament.)

Right around Thanksgiving I actually start purchasing gifts. Amazon usually has a free shipping deal around then and I'll order a bunch of stuff online. (All three kids have bdays in either Feb or March, so we buy Bday and Xmas all at once and hide stuff away.) We usually spend about $400 including bday and Xmas, maybe a bit more by the time I finish stockings.

We have three kids. We try for 3 gifts under the tree from Santa each year, plus stockings filled. On Xmas Eve they get a book and a new pair of PJ's from mom and dad as well. Then, since I said we preshop for bdays at the same time as buying for Xmas, I'll have about 3 Bday gifts put aside as well.

Oldest is 7.5 year old boy (will be 8 yrs in Feb.). This year I'm thinking of getting him (split between bday and Xmas) -
Polar Express book for Xmas
Zathura or Jumanji book for birthday
magic kit
"string games" book with strings
new Pokemon Gameboy game
kid's digital camera
spy toys
Legos
computer game - maybe Unfortunate Events?

Middle - 5.5 year old girl (will be 6 in March) - to be divided between bday and Xmas -
book The Umbrella by Jan Brett
Ed Emberly drawing books with art supplies
Diego Rescue Center
"Tooty Ta" CD and shirt
potholder loom with loops
Dora van
something with treefrogs - maybe a stuffed one?
Diego or Dora computer game

youngest is 3.5 year old girl - will be 4 in Feb - to divide between bday and Xmas for her -
Falling for Rapunzel book
Leonardo the Terrible monster book
Barbie 12 Dancing Princesses computer
Barbie 12 Dancing Princesses dolls
12 Dancing Princesses DVD
Kelly Clubhouse
Zingo game
computer game with Barbie or Disney Princesses

Not buying kids xmas & bday presents anymore?

Mrs. B

Ok, I have decided that my kids have WAYY too much stuff, and dont appreciate most of it anyway. (They are 4, 5 & 7). So, I decided that for their bdays I would take them out for a "special day" with just me, for lunch & to do something that want to do (movie, bowling, whatever). I call it giving them a memory rather than a present. And for xmas I decided I am only going to buy things that they want for like decorating their rooms (comforter sets, wall decor) but no toys. Some people in my family say that I am wrong to not buy them toys, but I figure they will get enough of that stuff from grandparents anyway. I would rather give them a memory that will last a lifetime than a toy that will be broken in a week. Any thoughts? Am I wrong?

Answer
I'm the oldest of six girls, and our parents gave us toys some years and parties other years. They gave us a party every second year (when younger, after 12 it was only milestone years) - but what my mother does now is give 1-2 toys or 'want' items (so for older ones, CD players etc) and then the rest are 'need' items - a new bathing suit, a pair of shoes, etc. Now we're older it's stuff like clothing vouchers etc. But because we had so many girls, our toys never went to waste - there were five girls afterwards to make use of everything. I think experiences are great for older kids, but maybe for the younger one, go for educational toys - that way he still has fun and learns at the same time. But otherwise, a great idea - and the kids will probably love decorating their rooms!

Friday, May 23, 2014

What was the top toy out when u were a kid?????

madeintheu

I dont mean to give away your ages but which toy was in high demand as u grew up?????? I remember rubiks cubes being really big-and furbies........

Answer
A rock and a piece of string.

Need help finding name of toy?

nean h

It a toy latern that kid can hold and carry it part stuffed animal top and bottom but light that in the middle.. It goes off by it self after setting it down..-Saw toy on hub channel comercials but didn,t get name of it? Help my 7 year old bday soon..ty

Answer
Hello, the toy you are looking for is call Dream Lite.

Inflatable pool toys?

Joe S

Do you like collecting inflatable pool/beach toys, air mats, beach balls, ride on animals, pools, party toys and other inflatables? If so, what kind and where do you shop for them?

Thanks!

Answer
We get new pool toys every year, the kids, now 19, 18 and 9 still look forward to it. I make "Summer fun packs" as one of their Christmas gifts so that in the dead of winter they can look forward to Beachy-times. I generally guy the floats wherever they are on clearance at seasons end, and might get waterpark tickets, new beach towels, and stuff like that too.

What are some clean, kid friendly, good beaches to visit close to MD and DC?

Michelle C

I want to go to the beach this weekend and take my daughters, but I dont want to go far. I live in Washington DC. Any suggestions?

Answer
The name of the beach is Rehoboth, not Rehobeth, and it is located in Delaware, not Maryland. If you want to visit some of the bay beaches, you could head to Sandy Point State Park, just prior to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Chesapeake and North Beach are also close by. Just take Rt. 2 south from Rt. 50 east. Chesapeake Beach has a fun Water Park, a beach and a great boardwalk, as well as a charming little museum and train station. Food at the Rod & Reel is really a treat, but save room for dessert at the ice cream and candy shop on the main street.

You can also head north to Havre de Grace and enjoy the antique shops, boutiques and hardshell crabs.

Or you could select Tilghman Island or St. Michaels for the weekend. Very kid friendly, dog friendly and grown-up friendly, too. Take the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry across to Oxford and enjoy lunch on the water and ice cream at the Highland Creamery....homemade by a genuine Scotsman with a delightful brogue.

Visit the Chesapeake Maritime Museum, check out the charming shops, take a harbor cruise or book a sail on one of the few remaining working Skipjacks. If you visit Tilghman, be sure to take a day sail on the Lady Patty. Her captain, Jeff, is the father of two little boys and understands kids! It is a special day. Don't miss Lowe's Wharf where there is a lovely beach and the water is perfect for wading, a sand pit for volleyball and an old dingy that's filled with sand toys for the kids.

Now that doesn't mean you shouldn't at least consider the best family ocean beach in the area, Bethany. It has a great bandstand, boardwalk, beach and shops galore. Mango's has a view of the ocean and great carribean style food such as conch fritters and jerk chicken. There are clean, convenient bathhouses for your convenience and the kids will have a great time. Parking can be a problem, so plan to cross the bridge and arrive early.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

For kid toys is it cost effective to replace a $9,700 cost w/ a $2,800 cost that turns the toy into a drug?

DAR

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071108/ap_on_bi_ge/toys_date_rape_drug;_ylt=AkzwtirD9EF2yZbHPeVtsBxv24cA

"HONG KONG - China-made toys seized in Hong Kong were being tested Thursday after scientists in Australia found that similar ones contained a chemical that converts into a powerful "date rape" drug when ingested, officials said.

At least five children â two in the United States and three in Australia â have been hospitalized after swallowing the toy beads, which are used in arts and crafts projects. They can be arranged into designs and fused when sprayed with water.

Australian scientists say a chemical coating on the beads, when ingested, metabolizes into the so-called "date-rape" drug gamma hydroxy butyrate. When eaten, the compound â made from common and easily available ingredients â can induce unconsciousness, seizures, drowsiness, coma and death."

Is there more to the higher cost of our toys than labor?

Answer
First our animals...now our kids.

This is a huge concern for parents and grandparents.

It's time to say no to any manufactured products from overseas that haven't been tested and approved.

With the Holidays coming, (I'm being very PC here while gritting my teeth) I'm adding this link to American made toys.
http://www.turnertoys.com/made-in-USA/american-made-toys.htm

IS there a kids/toys website where I can pay in USD and ship to Australia?

Vikas L

Answer
There are many. I don't know what type of toys you're looking for but I highly recommend the following:

T.G.F. Toys
http://tgftoys.com/page/t4yl/Go_Shopping.html

BigBadToyStore.com
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/help.aspx#intl

Wizzywig Collectibles
http://wizzywig.com/xcart/help.php?section=shiphelp

Back To Basics Toys
http://www.backtobasicstoys.com/shipinfo.aspx

I have ordered from all the above retailers multiple times and have been very satisfied with my purchases. I will continue to shop and buy from each.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

So.....what did you learn from that?

Glinda

I learned never ever ever to co-join money with anyone unless I am married.

I learned that certain people will always be so, so, sorry they did it and they promise never to do it again. They almost always do it again. *sigh*

You?

Answer
I learned that when you're a kid and ask your parents to buy you a toy at the store, and they say," well, we'll see about it" that it means you ain't getting that toy.
I learned that sometimes at the dollar store, things cost more than a dollar.
I learned that you don't always get a second chance if you make a mistake driving a motorcycle.

where can I find a little kids learning toy that has buckles, zippers, snaps, buttons or something similar?

Ann Marie

Answer
Mothercare sells an elephant that has various fasteners on it.. laces on one shoe.. that cannot come out.. other shoe has a button.. velcro on the pockets of its jacket and a zipper on the jacket . the jacket is stitched on and cannot be removed...... Boots sell safari sam who is a soft bodied doll with many clothes with all the zips and buttons. Try looking in toysrus and Early learning centre too. I remeber my daughter had the elephant and safari sam. they really did help her a lot with her motor skills.

what do you call those old antique wooden toys wheels that kids roll with a stick?

SineWave

you know, the ones were the kids run and hit the back of the wheel with a stick in order to make it roll

what do you call those?

Answer
They do not really have a name --
but what you are asking was called

"Hoop rolling"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoop_rolling

The hoop and stick are two of the
oldest toys in the world
and have been with us even farther
back then ancient greece...

no one really knows when
it got it's origins

The hoops you see kids playing with
in the movies are mostly hoops that
were used to hold barrels together
{mostly whiskey}

The stick itself was the most
versatile toy ever...

With a child's imagination -
a stick could be anything from
a twirling baton, a mighty sword,
a toy gun, a barker's cane,
a ruler's staff,
or a magic wand

In fact, the cardboard box,
the stick, and a hoop were just
recently commemorated and
given their own special display
in the Hall of Toys hall of fame
just last year ...

**

When do your kids get toys? Only Birthday's and Christmas?

Q. When I was little if it wasn't your B-day or Christmas or didn't come from a happy meal we weren't getting any toys. However, some of my daughter (age 4) friends have SO many toys. A ridiculous amount, and they get them pretty much every visit to the store. My nephew (age 9) is the same way and he doesn't even use them. Is this the norm nowadays? My kids usually only get gifts on B-days, Christmas and depending on how they do report cards. I used to do progress reports also until one time my then 8 year old son bought me all A's on his progress report than when his actual report card came out he had an "Unacceptable" in behavior lol. Which I actually found pretty funny.
@Betty white and I am: Lol you guy's are hilarious ahahahah.
@Mike Super Soakers aren't toys. They are necessities lol. We usually get new ones every easter not just for the kids. YOU WANNA GO TO WAR?

Answer
First. My daughter was born at the end of November... so basically she gets some toys for her birthday, and then more on Christmas, or more toys on her birthday and a skimpy Christmas from family. My sister grew up with a birthday like that and resented my June birthday. Well guess what, my son has a June birthday. :/ I don't want her resenting that he gets more toys, no one else but me has a birthday in June so he gets a party to himself (she shares November with 7 others I think at last count...), and it's summer so his party can be a water-gun fight and such.

Secondly, I homeschool with my kids, so if I buy my daughter a puzzle that's not exactly a toy. Neither are most coloring books, crayons, etc. Even things like hotwheel cars become experiments in how things move. Play-doh, especially, is educational. Maybe I'm making excuses here, but if something is bought and I use it educationally then I see it more as a tool than a toy.

Third, when I was growing up in the 80's during the recession we got an allowance and used that to buy toys for ourselves, along with doing chores. My kids are too young for an allowance yet, and when they do I'm not exactly going to hand them money but more help them buy what they want and take it out of a 'fund' that they manage like a checking account. But basically if I spend $4-10 a month on toys then that's about what I'd expect to be spending on allowance ANYWAY (a dollar a week for both, or about $8.)

Fourth, the worst time to buy toys is right before Christmas. The best time to buy toys is after Christmas and during sales. If I find, say, a wooden Cars Puzzle with 4 different scenes in a wooden carrying case for $3 instead of $10, then putting it off until Christmas means it won't be there.

Fifth, Christmas in my house is more about Christ. I actually make my kids wait to open any presents until either the day after Christmas if people are pushy, up until New Years day. I don't want the only times they get new toys to be Christmas and Birthday because it puts a LOT of emphasis on those days better rock and less appreciation for just the one or two presents they may get. My kids typically get 3-7 presents for their birthday, depending on family who comes. I don't want them to start getting "you only brought me a $3 present... gee thanks." because all the emphasis is now on getting toys. Instead, I want them to realize that the party is to celebrate them being born and to have fun, the toys are a bonus and you can always get more toys.

So, basically my kids get toys through the year if it's a good price, teaching them that if there is something you want then watch for it to go on sale and save up for it (they get told if we don't have enough money to buy that right now but will when we save up enough.) My daughter's toys are almost 80% all reused (ie, we find them at garage sales, goodwill, ARC, ebay, etc. Sometimes they're broken and I have to stitch them back together again.) She's 3 and she donates a LOT of toys every year to a Christmas group that gives toys to families with kids at Christmas and they're trying to work up to a birthday fund as well, so if we buy a reused toy, fix it up, and she loves it for a year then donates it... well...

We almost never buy toys at full price though. If it's not on sale then she will agree that we can wait for it to go on sale and watch for it, meanwhile saving up. I like the attitude she's having towards toys right now to be honest, and her excitement about her birthday being more about the type of cake we'll make than the toys she'll get.

What's a good kid's toy laptop -- for a 7-8 yr. old?

bibliophil

I bought the Bratz one and it's way too easy -- annoying, also. We have an old Barbie one, so that's out. I have looked on Amazon at a couple v-tech ones, but many reviewers said that the screens were hard to see. Got any ideas or experience with these toys?

Answer
MY GRANDDAUGHTER HAS THE VTECH TOUCH TABLET LABTOP AND SHE LOVES IT. IT IS THE BLACK AND WHITE VERSION AND IS NOT HARD AT ALL TO SEE. THE COLOR ONES ARE DUE TO COME OUT SOME TIME THIS MONTH AT TOYS R US. IT HAS A WORD PROCESSOR IN IT THAT SAVES UP TO 3 FILES AND YOU CAN HOOK IT TO YOUR PRINTER TO PRINT THE FILES. IT IS REALLY GREAT. I AM GETTING THIS FOR MY OTHER TWO GRANDDAUGHTERS FOR CHRISTMAS. HOPE THIS HELPS YOU FIND THE PERFECT COMPUTER FOR YOUR DAUGHTER.IT IS 100.00 FOR B/W OR 130.00 FOR COLOR

I am 23 married with 2 kids. 8 yr old & 3yr old, both girls. My husband wants to try for a boy. 50/50 chance.?

Jazzy

am I to young to have 3 children? I wanna try but I know that I might not get a boy. I understand that sex doesn't matter. I would be happy with a girl. but the point is he says that he don't want them that far apart in age..also he is 30, he says he's getting old... ANY ADVICE

Answer
i had 3 kids by the time i was 25 so i dont think its that big of a deal as far as your age , its more about how stable is your marriage , if ur marriage is stable, if u can afford another child then go for it.. I can see where he's starting to feel like he's getting to old, because the older u get the more u slow down and even if u got pg tomorrow he'd be 31 more then likely by the time the child was born, and almost 50 when the child probably would leave the house.. so i can see him not wanting to wait to much longer.. but if ur not wanting a child right now then u should have a say as well but ur oldest child is 8 and a 9 year age spread between the oldest and youngest isnt very close and from my own expirence of having a little brother that is 9 years younger then me.. we've never been very close to much of an age difference, but fortunately u have the 3 year old but 4 to 5 years age spread is still going to have a similar result because for example, lets say u have a baby when ur youngest is 5, by the time ur baby is 5 and into Barney, Dora, whatever (preschool type stuff) your youngest now would be 10 and into 10 year old things and wont want to be bothered with "baby" toys or games.. and then once she's a teenager she definately wont want to be bothered by an 8 year old.. so they wouldnt be very close till probably their adult years.. i say if u want to have a baby.. if u love ur husband, and you can afford it.. go for it...

Toddler learning resources?

My little girl just turned 2. She is extremely intersted in learning her colors, numbers and shapes. She is recognizing letters on newspapers, t-shirts and pointing out certain shapes to me. I have never really sat down and taught her any of this, but I would love to help her along as she truly loves learning. I wanted to see if any other parents of toddlers had suggestions for specific flashcards and learning tools that I could purchase for her that she would enjoy. I have looked around, but most of the resources seemed geared towards older children.
Thank you!

Answer
I have worked with children about the same age as your little one for years. There are tons of things you can do with her. Books are a wonsderful way to teach things. You can buy books on numbers, alphabet, shapes, and colors. You can do crafts with her that work around anything. For letters, you can have a letter for everyday, and do things that day that start with that or eat things that start with that letter. I would be creative and make up your own stuff!

Here are some books that might help you:

The Alphabet from A to Y With Bonus Letter Z! by Steve Martin and Roz Chast

Dr. Seuss's ABC: An Amazing Alphabet Book! by Dr. Seuss

Eric Carle's ABC (The World of Eric Carle) by Eric Carle

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish (Beginner Books(R)) by Dr. Seuss

Those are just a few, or you can go online to amazon.com and search for books, here a link to directly what you need or go to your look book store

http://amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_n_1/002-6458349-1337635?ie=UTF8&rs=2752&rh=n%3A4%2Cn%3A2752%2Cn%3A2753

www.kinderart.com is a good sit eto go to for arty and craft ideas or google what you are looking for and you will have tons of results.

If you have a teaching store in your area, they might have stuff too!

They also have tons of learning toys out, like leap frog, check your local walmart or target for them.

If you have any other questions, email me! Good luck and hope i have helped!

what toys are good for learning?

emarie4920

hello i have a grandson who will be 2 on the 28th and i need to know whats the best toy for his age and also is a learning toy. he doesn't talk very much just a few words so i would like some suggestions. i would like something that has activities to help him learn simple words. thank you

Answer
LeapFrog Learn & Groove musical Table is one of the most popular toddler toys this year

What's a popular toy for 6 year old girl?

mazdagirl0

Have to get my neice a birthday gift and wanted to know what the "it" toys are right now for 6 year old girls. She's a girly-girl...

Answer
I have a five year old! Good Luck, there ae these mp3 playres actually that are made by disney they are called mix*clips, they have these chips with kid music on them and you can also download i think they are like 1g still more than any six year old should need. I got my little girls at kmart. Let me think... she also likes fake nails? they are only like four bucks too, in the same sect. as adult nails, but they have like stickers to put them on, and best they are already decorated! Or they have kid guitars at walmart and my five year old wants one of those really bad, but we haven't given in on that YET? Like I said good luck!! I didnt think they started getting expensive until at least ten? YEAH RIGHT! Oh real quick they have unbreakable digital cameras too chloe loves hers!!!!!!

disobeying 6 year old!!!!?

Q. i babysit for about 4 families and 3/4 families i enjoy babysitting the kids and i always have so much fun together but....... one family i babysit for has a 6 year old and 2 year old and the 6 year old never listens! i dread going to babysit because this little girl is not only a brat but she's rude and mean. she will i kid you not slap her sister across the face and when i tell the 6 year old to say sorry/go to her room...she wont! she will laugh...whenever i try to punish her she takes it as a joke and i do get mean! also whenever the 6 year old (mady) does something wrong, her little sister (claire) will see and copy her...great. if i say this "mady one more time and you can not play the new toy i brought" her response "blah blah blah, whatever, i dont care, i dont like you ect." i repeat she is 6 years old! nothing i do works there is so much more i could say about her but in order to make babysitting more fun for me and the kids (how it should be) what do i do to help mady obey when i punish her/be a better kid!

p.s. telling the parents does not work...this does not scare her..trust me ive tried.

please and thank you!

Answer
I'm so sorry you have to put up with that!
I would ask this kids parents what they do with Mady..
I would also take everything away from that kid until she got it through her head that if she can't play nice she can't play at all! Like just remove all the toys and anything entertaining from a room and make her sit there until she could come out and recognize what she did wrong and apologize. Leave her out of fun activities so she knows what she is missing out on with her bad attitude and just keep sending her back to that bedroom how ever many times it takes. Oh, do you think it's possible that she is suffering from like ADHD, ADD, maybe even bi-polar or just straight up mean?

Monday, May 19, 2014

Where can i send gifts to kids in foster care for xmas?

NONAME

in Georgia

Answer
Popular Christmas Gift Ideas AND Toy Ideas for 2009
http://www.universefree.com/archives/1203.html

Top 10 Christmas Gifts to Make The Festive Season Unforgettable
http://www.universefree.com/archives/612.html

How to Make Gift-Giving Easier During Christmas
http://www.universefree.com/archives/800.html

Select Ed Hardy Clothes as Your New Christmas Gift
http://www.universefree.com/archives/827.html

How to Make Gift-Giving Easier During Christmas
http://www.universefree.com/archives/800.html

History of The Christmas Tree
http://www.universefree.com/archives/794.html

Cheap Xmas present ideas?

priestesso

Christmas is coming up & it's going to be very tight...we are moving back to the city our family live in at the end of November.

People to get presents for include my grandmother (Who's birthday falls on the same date), my parents (who are helping us move), my partner's parents, our son, sister, brothers(27 & 16), two nephews(12,13) a niece, great aunt, aunt and my partner's grandmother. Those are only what we consider "close" family, because our family is very large!!

Answer
Umm I wouldn't buy for your 27 year old brother he's too old! if hes got kids your buying for them anyway. Grandmothers I tend to get a basket and put some bath stuff in (lots of shops do buy one get one free or 3 for 2). My parents and my husbands parents all get a bar or box of their favourite chocolates aswell as a top for both fathers, a picture frame with 9 spaces for pics which I put photos of the grandchildren in for each mum. Nephews at 12 & 13 give them money, they will appreciate it alot more than a gift! Neice dependant on age make up is good (again look for 3 for 2 or buy on eget one free and do a basket or box or get a little bag and fill that) if shes younger check out woolworths, and tesco who are both doing 1/2 price toys at the moment. Great aunt make shortbread, buy a nice box line it with grease proof paper and put the shortbread in. You could also put in homemade fudge or mints or if she likes jams and marmalades and your a good baker you could make her some of those.

BABY TOYS for younger kids(0- 4 months)?

happygoluc

I can't figure out what to get my nephew for his first Christmas. He will be 4 months! I already got him enough clothes(seeing how he is the first grandchild for both families he has clothes he will NEVER wear haha) and No diapers/diaper products(we buy it from costco so no issue). I was going to buy a baby swing because he likes to be rocked but his daddy and mommy bought it. What toys can I get for him? He will be barely four months when it's Christmas...Oh he has ALL the teething supplies needed haha.

Answer
Check out Tiny Love's website. They make developmental toys for infants. You can see what skills/milestones baby is working on at a specific age and choose toys that have those developmental goals in mind. They make *great* products. I've pasted the link for 3-6 month toys.

Lamaze also makes exceptional developmental toys.

what is the best toy for bay 6 month age?

Emad S

Answer
For a little one something textured and makes noise is always good.. Stuffed animals actually arent very good because everything goes in mouth and is hard to clean and keep germ free. Most little ones love those plastic keys. Also they are great when they start teething they will probably chew on them a lot. My kids had some that had a box with buttons like people with car alarms have and it made noise. Also any toy that plays music is going to be good and they like lights too.

Sunday, May 18, 2014

What was your favorite childhood toy?

My favorite was this book that had a super miniature electronic piano attached, and the book contained nursery rhymes and famous kid songs (Pop Goes the Weasel, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star etc) Funny, because now I've been playing piano for real since I was tall enough to reach the piano :)
How about you?

Answer
I liked those round things that you sat on, that had a wheel on top that you turned to spin yourself.
:D

Entertaining kids on an overseas flight....How?

AshleyHurl

My husband and I will be taking an overseas flight in 2 months. Our girls will be 2 1/2 and 4 1/2 by then. Beyond the snacks and pacifiers, what other things would be helpful? Our dvd player would surely die quick and I don't see them having plugs on the plane. LoL! (We are taking a Rotator, for those military minded folks) Should we bring a car seat for the youngest or would she be a tad too old for it? All these lil details have been left to the military wife to figure out. So please, help me :)

Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and I can confirm that yes, your younger one would do better in a car seat. I fly a lot between Europe and California with my three children and I always take a car seat with us.

To transport it, you can buy an overpriced GogoKidz or just do what I do and strap it to a small metal luggage cart. I use an extra bungee cord and she'll even be able to ride in it if she's tired. Then again, you can try to use your stroller. Either wedge it inside or bungee cord it to the back (depends on the design of both). Try it at home first!

It was a really good idea to use it onboard when the airlines lost three of our four bags last winter but my daughter was safe on the 2 hour drive home since we had our car seat with us. Use it onboard and you'll have it at your destination without the worry that it's broken or lost in the hold. The adult seatbelt doesn't hold 2 and 3 year olds very well and your older one is about the minimum anyway.

None of mine ever took a pacifier so I never had them with me. There is a common myth that children are supposed to suck on something during take-off and landing but actually, they only need to be awake at the *top* of descent (landing is too late) so please let them sleep if they do so on take-off (which they often do).

As far as the portable DVD player, I'm not familiar with that brand. Can you buy a second battery? Recharge both and exchange them inflight? For a long haul trip, you need at least 5 hours play time (one movie for each girl, if you want to see it that way).

My girls are just a bit older and they flew at these ages too. What I found worked well;
-coloring anything, books, paper, just a pad with washable felt tip pens
-Those boards that wipe clean
-story books (no one will mind if you read to them)
-small puzzles they can do on their tray table
-stickers (why are these such a hit? Easy to buy, easy to carry, get a bunch!)
-dolls. Mine love Polly Pockets which are to easy to pack. Barbies fit in their backpacks and bring lots of changes of clothes.
Other parents swear by pipe cleaners. Again, lots of stuff you can do with those and they fit in a bag easily.

Get them new presents, which don't have to be expensive. An extra Barbie dress, coloring book, etc. Estimate one new toy about every two hours of flight time (or less if it's excessive). Keep the new stuff yourself and dole it out during the flight.

Have each child pack a bag of their choice of toys. Edit it!!! Especially with security in mind.

Any electronic toys, bring batteries or make sure they're recharged. Have the rechargers with you in case of a delay or if you have a layover.

Nothing can make ANY noise. Annoyingly, a lot of those electonical "pets" (Pet Shops and Tamagochis?) have sound that doesn't turn off. Double check but don't bring anything that beeps or squeeks unless you don't mind being very unpopular in your cabin!

About 8 years ago, I wrote an article on the subject of flying with children for a local newsletter. On the web, all the information I found was written by people who had never worked directly for the airlines. I wanted to promote the use of car seats on aircraft for both safety and comfort. I have more general flying tips, many of which came from the many, many military families who were on my flights over the years, so feel free to visit;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com

My dad was a captain and I was born at an Army hospital so I'm particial to military folks, many of whom are having a time of it right now.

My contact info is at the end, if you need anything else. If not, have a great flight!

My kids won't pick up after themselves.?

Jules

My children are messy, messy, messy. Their ages range from 3 to 10 years. They are constantly making messes. I can't keep up with them and my house is a disaster. They leave toys, shoes, clothes, and books everywhere. My husband is just as bad. I am tired of living in a pig sty. I'm tired period. I have 4 kids and a husband and I make 6. It is so hard cleaning up after 6 people (not to mention the 6 animals we have but they are less trouble). I just want people to pick up after themselves. Is that too much I ask? I mean, you name it, it's lying on my floor! Even dirty dishes lay on my floor! What would you do?

Answer
There were also 4 kids in our household - 2 were from hubby's previous marriage so that was added conflict where NO-body wanted to clean up or pick up after themselves. Thankfully only 2 left now. Depending on how easy-going your husband is... you can try what worked for me - and it still works when I see the kids falling back into the old ways.

What I did is this: I went "on strike" and refused to perform my "motherly duties" unless the kids changed their behavior (but keep giving them affection though!!) I put a list on the fridge of what that behavior is supposed to be. We also had a family meeting to explain the expectations and what would happen if they weren't met. the first couple of weeks I heard a lot of grumbling - but stick to it because it's worth it. Now my kids take pride in keeping clean rooms and they look forward to the treats I give them when I do a surprise check, and find a clean room - then they get a special treat.

An example of what I did - if they don't pick up their clothes and bring the dirty stuff down to the laundry room - I didn't wash their laundry. If they don't hang the clothes up - they go to school with wrinkled or dirty clothes - then they got embarrassed and they changed their ways.

I even put a lock on the pantry door so they couldn't just help themselves to snack food and sneak it into their rooms. It was a tough 2 weeks (for the lady who told me to try this - it took 4 weeks for her - but still worth it.)

And - No food leaves the kitchen/eating area for ANY reason. You will need your husband's help in role-modeling this stuff too - but DO NOT approach him as though he's behaving like one of the kids - even if he is - or you'll get no help from him. And - as hard as it may be at times - don't be grumpy - BUT you HAVE to stick to it or as soon as you show that you're weakening toward the old ways your kids will jump on the opportunity.

Your approach with your husband should be all about teaching and preparing your kids to be adults. How will your kids make it in the world on their own if they continue like this? If you let them continue in the bad behavior it's like telling them it's okay to disrespect you. Stick to it and it could work! It did for me and the lady who suggested it to me.

*I also included some things similar to "horsenuttss's" posting about cleaning house. Sure was nice not having to clean toilets (consequence for misbehaviour).

If the kids fall back into old ways - just notify them you're going on strike again. Good luck!

Best way to travel with 3 kids, ages 3 and under?

Chris G

Is there any gear that experienced parents would recommend? We are going to stay at a hotel at the beach for a week with our 3 young kids. We already have a travel system for the baby, as well as a double stroller. I was wondering if anyone had any helpful hints or advice.
We are going with our whole family. It isn't going to cost that much. It is an annual thing, so we are definetly doing it. We are waiting to do Disney or anything big like that until they are old enough to remember it.

Answer
Have your kids pick 1 toy that is their choice to bring with them and make sure you do. Pack coloring books and crayons...not just the 3 year old will enjoy the coloring.
I would suggest bringing enough diapers/pull ups to last you the first night and buy some where your going( if you can) this will lessen the load. Bring extra swim suits for the kids. Snacks and treats can be brought or bought while your there. Make sure the hotel room has a crib available to you. If not, then bring a travel bed. Don't forget, extra bottles, bibs, pacifiers, and the essientals.
Sunscreen and littel swimmers..lol

I know travelling with young ones can be trying and un-nerveing.. but it is done all the time. To make the car ride easier for you, bring some dry cereal in a baggie, some juice in a non spill cup and some cd's with kids music on it. Sing along with the kids and enjoy. The more comfortable you make them, the easier the ride is for all of you!

Free christmas toys for my kids who have sum?

Savannah J

I'm a single mother I need help can u help me

Answer
There are a few organizations that give out free toys to need children, or children whose parents can't afford to give them Christmas gifts. Toys for tots gives toys to kids who need them; www.toysfortots.org. You can also go to Salvation Army and ask about their program that is similar to Toys for Tots, or go to some local churches because a lot of them donate toys to kids.You might also want to go to your child's school and ask about it, because a lot of schools have programs where they let kids pick certain toys if their parents can't afford it. If you live near a YMCA, they have a Women and children crisis center that sometimes helps women to give gifts to their children. Those are the few that I could think of. I hope this has helped, and I hope you and your kids turn out to have a good Christmas! God bless. :)

Leads in kids toys?

blueberry

Most of my babys toys are from china! Her theme is Hello Kitty. So i've been collecting a bunch of hello kitty things such as stuff animals, hello kitty figures, lamps, tin boxes, those hello kitty mcdonalds toys. Its all made from china! should i be worried?!? Shes just one & puts everything in her mouth. Do i need to throw them out? One of fisher price toys on the recall list she got on christmas so would it still contain lead?

Answer
I would go find the fisher price web site and go through their recall list. I found a toy on there my kids have and reported it, they are suppose to be sending me a package to return the toy and then giving me a coupon for the toys worth to buy a different toy, not on the list. So go check it out, but try to keep her away from any toys you are concerned about until you can find out if they need to be returned. I also saw on the news there is a "Lead Test Kit" you can buy at most hardwear stores so you can test your childs toys with out having to try searching through all the recall lists. Good Luck, and be safe

Has your kids toys ever went off by themselves?

Q. I'm a little parnoid because the house we lived in before was haunted for those who believe me. Now were living in a apartment & this 1 particular toy(riding toy) keeps going off during the night by itself. How could this happen? AND has your kids toys ever done the same thing?

Answer
Oh yes this has happened a lot. Very creepy.

But there are a few reasons for this.

My son got a remote control air plane when he was little. It was preschool type toy and he would hold the controls like a steering wheel and drive the plane around the house.

We noticed sometimes while watching tv the airplane would make noises when no one was near it. It would beep, wheels would turn & so on. Other times the tv would flicker too or get static on it.

Turned out that the remote for the airplane and our tv remote were on the same what is it called frequency. My husband discovered this himself. He's an electronic engineer.

Another time in our old house during the middle of the night we'd hear a preschool Mr. Potato head game going off by itself. We'd hear out of the blue "Opps, I lost all my parts can you help me?" lol Drove us crazy! The toy didn't have an off button & would time out making itself go to sleep. It would go on & off by itself often. At first thought it was our dog or even our daughter sneaking out at night bumping it. But we'd put it on top of the tv stand out of reach and it would still do it!

My daughter loaned the toy to our neighbor one weekend. Late one night around 11pm our neighbor knocked on the door in his robe. He looked tired and had the game saying it would shut up. lol

Turns out it was the batteries were low. We found replacing them more often when the screen dimmed it stopped doing it.

We've had other toys too that do this. Toys that light up and play music are creepy. We had a stuffed bear that would start to play Twinkle Twinkle little star on it's own.

I do believe in haunted houses. I grew up in Columbus, MS. I saw it profile on tv a few years ago as one of the most "Haunted towns in MS." Dateline or Primetime profiled it. I grew up being one of the kids in the victorian houses for tour groups. We'd make butter, decorate a christmas tree, sew and stuff like that while tour groups walked by.

All the homes in the area were haunted. My best friend & I often changed clothes in a room where a baby had died. You would see the form of the baby on the feather bed. The maid would fix the bed before tours and sometimes while standing there changing we'd see the form appear by itself. It was a high bed so we thought maybe something was pulling on it from under it but that never happened.

I grew up in an area where part of civil war took place. Ditches were dug all through out neighborhood. They were ditches the soldiers would hid behind while they fought against the north. Plus many indians died in the area too. We had a famous trial near us & as you walked through the woods trees marked in red paint were where indians had been buried. Very creep.

My 14yr old says we have ghosts in the house. We have an old piano from the mid 1800s. My daughter says she often sees a little girl around 10 sitting near it at night. The idea scares me to death. lol

I've often smelled and felt my grandfather's presence. I smell Old Spice & Peppermints.

Now I don't believe ghost can move things or touch things. Ghosts are mentioned in the bible after Jesus dies and he is seen in ghost form. http://www.jesusreligion.com/ghosts_bible.html Ghosts are more the spirit that moves our human body. We pass easily from Heaven to Earth.

My brother in law is a Baptist pastor and we've often spoke on this subject.

Demons are the ones who attack, move things and throw things. Demons, I believe are after the spirits who belong to God. Demons can trap the spirits. Demons also want to attack us and use us to attack others.

you can't believe in the good with out believing in the bad

Edit - "I do believe in ghosts but they don't play with little kid toys, that's just silly. " - very true. It is more the engery not ghosts can't touch things but their energy can.

I watched a tv show that showed a demonologist talking to a ghost child who was trapped by a demon. They tested the power of the little girl to make sure she wasn't a demon. she was asked to turn and move the flashlight which she didn't. Then she was asked dim it which she did.

my nephew is going on two, christmas gift ideas?

jlo l

never around kids, know nothing about them, so i need gift ideas!!!

Answer
You should try this site
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/82460/top_ten_gift_ideas_for_2_year_old_boys.html?cat=74
OR this one
http://www.parents.com/holiday/christmas/gifts/best-two-year-old-gifts/
AND Toys R Us has some GREAT stuff for little kids.

Neglecting my cat :(. Need some interactive toys?

Christine

I have been working some insane hours at work. I come home and give linx kisses, get a shower and go to bed.. I get up and get ready for work... He IS MISSING play time! Any toys someone can recommend while i am in this wirlwind at work..
Gizzy,, Love the battery operated thing.. Where did you get it?? Also really like the idea with the food in a ball!!!!
Summer is the busiest time at work for me... Linx in used to 2 hours of play time with the mom (me :)) This will last until august.. He always was tired out from playing and slept with me all night. Now he is so energetic and running all night long, as cats do.
sack o t .. lol.. What a great idea.. Linx would definatley chase that thing... :)

Answer
Know the feeling, I've been unemployed for a few months and the cats have been used to me being at home and having all the fuss and play time they want. Now Im working again I am out of the house all day, get home and all I want to do is sleep.
I found a battery operated toy 'thing' it has a bendy stick that moves around randomly with a feather on the end, my cats love it. Though I don't like to leave it on when I'm not in the house, but it is good to put on when I get home and am making dinner my zombiefied state..! Also lasers get them running around madly and require little effort on your part.
While you are out though balls, bells, string dangling from door handles/ furniture etc are good. You can also get balls with small holes that you put their food in, they have to chase it and roll it about to get at it, that keeps them occupied for a while.
In the main though, don't forget cats like to sleep... Lots. I wouldnt be surprised if he falls asleep after you leave in the morning and doesnt move again until you get home..!

Edited to add links-

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panic-Mouse-360-interactive-electronic/dp/B0009YYPC6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1339157253&sr=8-2

not quite the sort I have but similar, it jerks and jumps about in random directions, then goes still for a min or so, then starts jumping about again. Great fun to watch! When I was looking for this link I also saw a few solar powered versions that you stick to a window, they randomly start bouncing around at different times of the day... Looks fun..!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-media/product-gallery/B001LWRFW2/ref=cm_ciu_pdp_images_0?ie=UTF8&index=0&isremote=0

Just found this too and had to add it, not as expensive as I would have thought, and looks good fun, I'm more of a kid and want to play more than the cats I think!

http://www.vetuk.co.uk/cat-toys-cat-treat-balls-c-163_976/catrine-catmosphere-dispenser-ball-p-3624

Once again not quite the one I have but similar. These sorts of things are cheep too. I also have a tube type one with holes cut down the sides like a flute so they never know quite where the food is going to pop out

http://www.amazon.com/Stimulo-Feeding-Station-Activity-Center/dp/B004EG21FS

Something else I just remembered too, I saw this in the local vets a while ago (I'm in uk but it seems it is American based so shouldn't be too hard to find) I didn't buy it, couldn't afford it at the time, but I really want one. By the looks of it you have different sized tubes that can make it harder/easier as well.

Also one other idea, like I said, I was unemployed, couldn't afford much, I made them a toy. I took a shoe box, cut a few holes in it, threaded a piece of string through the holes and put some treats and cat nip inside. Shame yahoo won't let me add pictures because I have some great pics of my two cats going mad over this..!
Good luck :)

What are the most popular toys to get this year?

Susan L

I don't have any kids so I'm just curious what they are.

Answer
Top Toy for Girls: Digi-Makeover Interactive Make-up Kit

Top Toy for Boys: Air Hogs Radio-Controlled Storm Launcher

Top Toy for Teens: Nintendo Wii

Top Seasonal Toy: Fisher-Price Little People Children's Nativity Set

Top Toy for Family Play Time: Cosmic Catch

Top Infant Learning Toy: V.Smile Baby from VTech

Top Toy Girl 3-5: Baby Alive Doll

Top Toy Boy 3-5: Kid-Tough Digital Camera from Fisher-Price

Top Toy Girl 6-9: Amazing Allyson

Top Toy Boy 6-9: ESPN Fast Action Footbal

Top Toy Girl 10+: Designer's World Plug n' Play TV Game

Top Toy Boy 10+: Fly Wheels XPV (Xtreme Performance Vehicle)

What are the best shoes for a toddler who drags his toes on a riding toy?

Angela

I have twin 2Â½ year old boys who love scooting around the neighborhood on their riding toys. Problem is, all their shoes are getting holes in the toes from where the boys drag their feet. Any suggestions? They have long legs, so they'll probably outgrow the riding toys and move onto trikes soon, but what do I do in the meantime? Are there any shoes that are more durable? I've heard Keens, but are they really THAT much more durable and worth the extra money? Or should I just plan on going through several pairs of shoes this summer?

Answer
Well its up to you if you wanna spend the money. Keens are good but think of how much longer they will be on the riding toys vs. Shoe cost. Personally with my boys I had play shoes and regular shoes and play shoes I just put a few layers of duct tap on the at the toes. Also maybe like rubber boots over the shoes. Good luck

when can toddlers ride riding toys on their own?

Xand

By the way - i've decided that it's time for me to move to this section!!!!!!!!!! Yay! I have a perfected 10 month old walker who is Everywhere! I think that qualifies us :)

Answer
Usually around 1 1/2 I'd say. They need long enough legs to reach the floor for some of those riding toys. Some of the brands you can find at Target are really small, so you might get your child to try one of those. =) Welcome to the Toddler and Preschool section! =)

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