Bedtime Made Easier Thanks To Snuggle Monsters, Sleepylights, & Emoji-Notes #GiftGuide

Do your kids give you trouble when it comes to bedtime? So many parents dread bedtime, as it is fights, tears, and kids not wanting anything to do with going to sleep. Sometimes, they are afraid of the dark, of monsters under the bed, or other childhood fears related to bedtime, and it can be a trying time for both parents and children.

To make bedtime a bit more palatable, we have a few suggestions you might want to try. These are great gifts for the holiday, check them out and see what you think will work best for your family .

Continuum Games introduces four Emoji-Notes Color & Shine craft kits at $19.99 each. These kits allow you to color your nightlight as you’d like and write your own messages.  When your child is ready for a change, they can wipe it clean and color it again.  This is a light up message board, night light and craft kit all in one.  The kits join distributor Continuum Games’ line of Lumenico SleepyLights ($29.99) that offer soft lighting for a goodnight and sleep-tight bedroom atmosphere.

If the kids are looking for something so snuggle up with, or perhaps need a monster to help them fight off the baddies under the bed, check out Snuggle Monster Hide & Seek Bedtime available at $29.99 each. They come in Purple, Pink or Blue Monster shades, and have a storybook as well as fun night time activity designed to help parents get their kids to bed at night.  Introduce your child to their very own snuggle monster and read them the story about how snuggle monsters are super silly creatures that hide in the closet or under your bed during the day because their eyes are made for nighttime and sunlight is like dark to them. At night, it is your child’s job to find them and let them know it is okay to come out and play.  Each night, mom and dad hide the monster somewhere in their child’s room. Yes, very “Elf on the Shelf” like, and you know how the kids love those. When it is time to go to bed, parents let their child know it is time to find their snuggle monster.  That’s where the child can search for and find their nighttime pal Snuggle Monster before going to bed.  Parents have a transition tool (one fun activity before bedtime) they can use to help get their child to bed with no fuss.

The boxed set features a nighttime storybook, lovable plush monster as a sleep companion and a hide-and-seek game. Watch the nighttime ritual turn the nighttime struggles into snuggles. Fun and easy, and worth it to get the kiddos to bed without tears.

Aquabeads For Creative Holiday Gifting #HolidayGiftGuide

 

Aquabeads arts and crafts products are new and improved as they allow for a quicker drying time to create even more incredible designs in less time.  The new sets feature an innovative Flip Tray and Bead Receiver to set art work aside for faster drying while continuing to create additional masterpieces.  This is a great gift for kids of all ages- my son is 12 and he still enjoys playing with Aquabeads. The pieces are small, so supervise small children. 

Kids can make Aquabeads creations from included templates or their own imaginations. They place beads onto the layout tray, then spray with water to fuse the beads together, letting them set with time.  Once dried, the creations can be shared with friends and family. 

best gifts for kids

 

Kids can get started with the Beginners Studio. They can create designs even faster than before using the flip tray to let one creation dry, as they work on another. With more than 840 shining jewels and solid beads in 16 colors, there are plenty of options for creative play. Beginners Studio includes the case, flip tray with bead receiver, sprayer, bead pen, template sheets and instructions to ensure kids have everything to get started. As kids collect studios for more fun, they can connect them for easy storage and travel. Beginners Studio, Ages 4+/ $19.95

art toys for kids

Kids can double the fun with the Deluxe Studio as they can now create fun 3D designs with 2 flip trays This Deluxe set contains more than 1,300 jewel & solid beads in 24 colors, a container, and two flip trays and bead receivers, rainbow bead pen, easy trays, sprayer, template sheets & instructions. This set connects to the Beginners Studio or Glamorous Designer Set for even more fun. Deluxe Studio, Ages 4+/ $29.95

frozen toys

Just in time for the premiere of Disney’s Frozen 2 on November 22nd, kids can craft their favorite Frozen characters of Arendelle with included templates featuring Anna, her sister Elsa and friend, Olaf! To play, place beads onto the layout tray, then spray with water to fuse the beads together and bring the artwork to life. Once dried, the character creations can be shared with fellow movie fans, friends and family. Aquabeads Frozen 2 Character Set for ages 4+/$9.95.

Spreading Holiday Cheer with Calico Critters #GiftGuide

Do your kids love Calico Critters as much as mine do? They are the perfect toys for kids, and since they use animals instead of traditional dolls, both boys and girls can enjoy them without getting the side eye from those judgmental or less progressive members of the family. (Not that boys should ever be ashamed of playing with dolls- I just love that there is another option for kids, as well as for the boys who want to nurture, but might not love dolls.)

Calico Critters is already decking the halls with lots of family merriment and cheer, with both their traditional collection as well as brand new additions.  This holiday season, consider Calico Critters as the perfect gift-giving items for your little holiday helpers. They last as well, so they will stay in great condition from your oldest to your youngest (and likely then some- I still have the Calico Critter I had when I was a kid, and it looks great. My son added it to his collection.)

CALICO CRITTERS VILLAGE RED ROOF SERIES HOME

 

Sweet Raspberry Home

kids gifts

The Sweet Raspberry Home is the newest addition to the Village, perfectly matching the detail and design of the Red Roof Cozy Cottage and Red Roof Country Home. Kids will enjoy the outdoors with the Hopscotch Rabbit family in the comfort of their home porch. The home comes furnished with baby furniture and Nursery Series Grace Hopscotch Rabbit who’s ready to play. Children can also connect the Sweet Raspberry Home with the Red Roof Cozy Cottage and Country Home for more fun.  Ages 3+/ $24.95/ Available Now

 

Red Roof Country Home

dollhouse

playset

Nestled in the Village is the beautiful and spacious Red Roof Country Home.  With four rooms, a terrace, staircase and lights, Critter families can enjoy the beauty of the village in the comfort of their home.  Children can create various layouts in a 90˚angle, 180˚angle or closed setting. Connect the Country Home to the Sweet Raspberry Home and Cozy Cottage for an even grander household. The Red Roof Country Home Gift set includes detailed furniture, accessories and lights, as well as Heidi & Bell Hopscotch Rabbits. Ages 3+, $69.95/ Gift Set $99.95/ Available Now

 

Red Roof Cozy Cottage

cheap dollhouse

Comfortable, cozy and close to the Village! The Red Roof Cozy Cottage is the perfect starter home for children to build their world of imagination.  Bell Hopscotch is ready to play house in her quaint home, furnished with a bed, kitchen sink, stove/oven, food, tables, chairs and more! Kids can connect the Cozy Cottage to the Sweet Raspberry Home and Country Home for even more creativity and fun. Ages 3+/ $29.95/ Available Now

 

CALICO CRITTERS NURSERY COLLECTION 

The new Nursery collection features sweet new Baby Critters and specially designed environments – all packed with play for the little ones. 

calico critters babies

Blind Bags – Baby Party Series

Blind bags add the element of surprise to Calico Critters play!  Hidden in each bag is a new Baby Party critter that children can add to their nursery collection. They won’t know which critter is inside until they open the bag. Each bag includes a Baby Critter and uniquely designed party accessories. The collection includes nine new collectable babies to complete the party:  Maple Cat baby with a bouquet of flowers, Sweetpea Rabbit baby with party hat and tambourine, Toy Poodle baby playing the piano, Persian Cat baby with a birthday cake, Sandy Cat baby with bowling set, Cuddle Bear baby with horseshoes, Woolly Alpaca baby with a gift, Fluffy Hamster baby with confetti shooter, and last but not least, the exclusive secret style Baby Critter to add more fun to the festivities!   Ages 3+/ $4.95 each

Blind Bags – Baby Shopping Series

toy baby animals

Blind bags add the element of surprise to Calico Critters play!  Hidden in each bag is a new Baby Shopping critter that children can add to their nursery collection. They won’t know which critter is inside until they open the bag. Each bag includes a Baby Critter and uniquely designed grocery and shopping accessories. To add to the surprise, the series includes one extra secret style critter. The collection includes nine new collectable babies to tag along the shopping trip:  Hopscotch Rabbit Baby with Bread, Buckley Deer Baby with Shopping Cart, Wilder Panda Baby with Popcorn, Outback Koala Baby with Shopping Bag, Polar Bear Baby with Ice Cream, Sweetpea Rabbit Baby with Eggs and Juice, Tuxedo Cat Baby with Shopping Cart, Silk Cat Baby with Cash Register, and an exclusive secret style baby to join the fun at the Grocery Market! Ages 3+/ $4.95 each

Blind Bags – Baby Band Series 

Blind bags add the element of surprise to Calico Critters play!  Hidden in each bag is a new Baby Band critter that children can add to their nursery collection. They won’t know which critter is inside until they open the bag. Each bag includes a Baby critter and a uniquely designed musical instrument.  The collection includes eight new collectable babies to complete the band: Shiloh Yellow Labrador on xylophone, Daisy Maple Cat playing the Trumpet, Jason Cuddle Bear with cymbals, Henry Sweetpea Rabbit on the drums, Milo Toy Poodle with accordion, Grace Hopscotch Rabbit playing the violin, Joseph Tuxedo Cat on the piano, and last but not least, Luke Hazelnut Chipmunk playing the tambourine. Ages 3+/ $4.95 each

Best of Pokemon For Your Collector #HolidayGiftGuide

Looking for some great new toys for your Pokemon fans? Check out these fun options.

POKEMON TAG TEAM MINI TINS

Two Pokémon can be stronger when they join forces, as you’re bound to learn after getting your hands on these new TAG TEAM cards. A TAG TEAM can be stronger than a Pokémon battling solo. Choose from three strong duos—Pikachu & Zekrom-GX, Eevee & Snorlax-GX, or Celebi & Venusaur-GX—in the Pokémon Trading Card Game: TAG TEAM Tin. Each of these fantastic tins contains an amazing pair of Pokémon who work together perfectly as a team—with a GX attack that can leave opponents in the dust. Each tin comes with;

    • 1 of 3 foil TAG TEAM Pokémon-GX with special art: Pikachu & Zekrom-GX, Eevee & Snorlax-GX, or Celebi & Venusaur-GX
    • Pokémon TCG booster packs
    • 1 metal TAG TEAM GX marker
    • A code card to unlock a playable deck in the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online

My Partner Pikachu

Engage with Pikachu like never before. My Partner Pikachu features 3 touch sensors that let you and Pikachu communicate in a new and fun way. Watch Pikachu’s arms and ears move, his cheeks and tail light up or hear one of his iconic Pikachu expressions or sound effects. 2 modes of play create over 100 interactions along with 20 sounds and expressions for you to experience. Gotta Catch ‘Em All!™SRP: $19.99, for ages 4+

Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield games are among the fastest-selling Nintendo Switch games of all time. Additionally, the games sold just over 2 million copies in the first two days in the U.S., making it the highest-grossing launch of any Pokémon game.

In Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, players embark on a journey through the Galar region, where they’ll catch, battle and trade a variety of Pokémon, meet a memorable cast of characters and unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta. (Photo: Business Wire)

“This past weekend, millions of people began their Pokémon journeys through the new Galar region,” said Nick Chavez, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “With such a momentous launch, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield have proven to be two of the must-have games this holiday season.”

Games in the core Pokémon RPG series have sold more than 240 million units worldwide since launching with the Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version games in 1996.

In Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, players embark on a journey through the Galar region, where they’ll catch, battle and trade a variety of Pokémon, meet a memorable cast of characters and unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta. In the Wild Area, which stretches between the Galar region’s different towns and cities, players will explore a vast expanse of untamed wilderness that’s full of Pokémon to battle and catch. By teaming up with three other players locally or online in the new multiplayer co-op Max Raid Battles, players will face off against gigantic and super-strong Pokémon known as Dynamax Pokémon.

For more information about Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, visit https://swordshield.pokemon.com/en-us/.

Great Gift Ideas For The Kids #GiftGuide

Looking for a great toy for the kids that won’t break the bank? We are HUGE fans of Stikbot over here, and have been from the start. They are great for imaginative play, as well as getting kids to get off their gaming consoles now and then. This does require tech, but the use of their minds and imaginations as well as learning a new skill set means it’s not just another useless, mindless, brain numbing app or game- it’s actually pretty cool and gives them something positive to be doing. Not to mention? Kids love, love these.

KlikBots is a line of collectible action figures that kids can use to create their very own stop-motion videos. With their interchangeable pieces, articulating limbs, and action accessories, KlikBots are ready to travel the universe and go on any adventure you can imagine.

KlikBot comes with a free app, Stikbot Studio, that allows users to create and edit stop-motion movies with their characters.

You can get them in single packs as well as “studio packs” which gets you the Klikbot, tripod, and extra bits and pieces.

The Stikbot Studio gets you 1 Stikbot, 1 Stikbot pet and 1 tripod.

There is also a Zanimation Studio, or Studio Pro Stickbot options which comes with 2 Stikbots, 1 Stikbot pet, 1 tripod, 2 prop boxes (blue and green), and 1 green/blue screen stage. Everything your kiddo will need to make stop motion movies like the pros do.

Also available are dinosaurs, pets, safari animals, monsters and mega monsters, and so much more. There are so many “bots” and playsets, your child(ren) won’t get bored. Best part? They are not expensive. You can get them for as little as $4 in just about any store that sells toys. Prices vary depending on what you are buying, but the single packs are a super affordable gift, stocking stuffer, or bribe to get good grades. Not that anyone would ever do that….

Check out the line here, and see what strikes your fancy. Happy holiday shopping!

Win National Geographic Kids Books and Plush Toys #GiftGuide

Just in time for the holidays, National Geographic Kids Books is rolling out a brand new series of picture books that are perfect for kids ages 3-7 (preschool – 2nd grade).  To  celebrate the release of the first two books in their So Cool! So Cute! series, National Geographic is giving away a very huggable prize pack: a hardcover copy of So Cool! Sharks, a hardcover copy of So Cute! Pandas AND adorable shark and panda plushes.

shark book
So Cool! Sharks – Sharks are among the world’s top predators, but that’s just ONE reason why they are SO COOL. So who wouldn’t want to hang out with them to learn more! These books blend awesome animal photos with silly quips and info that will delight young readers and animal enthusiasts. For example, kids can catch the hunting habits of a great white shark while learning that its true nature is as chill as a frozen fish stick. This is the perfect little reader to get their brain buzzing and keep them laughing during downtime, bedtime, or anytime.
So Cute! Pandas – Get ready for cute overload, panda style. And the funny thing is, this panda isn’t just cute. It’s got attitude! You’ll flip over the adorable photos and be equally charmed by what this sassy little panda is thinking on every page. Introducing the brand-new series from National Geographic Kids that combines two wonderful things: super cute photos of all your favorite fluffy animals and silly text that will have the whole family laughing. Add to that some great nonfiction content that gets kids learning, and, what can we say? This series is just so cute!
These are perfect for gift giving- what kid wouldn’t love to receive them?
You can pick yours up online and you can enter to win below as well.
Good luck! Ends Nov. 29, 2019

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Importance of Plushies in Your Child’s Life

Kids are always curious about things and are constantly exploring new locations, ideas, and even identities. They absorb new things they discover and are proud of the simple achievements they manage to obtain. The toys and the materials they play with—educational or not—are a big help in their developmental stage. They are stimulants for creativity and imagination, and these help them as they grow older and face the world.

 

One of the favorite toys of kids around the globe are plushies, and they all come in different shapes, sizes, and personalities. These stuffed friends are seemingly always by their side day and night, even in sickness and health. They are like their guardian angels whenever they are scared and their special confidant in their daily lives, but there’s more to these adorable plushies than you think!

 

Despite their adorable appearance and their soft bodies, they actually have a rewarding benefit and can hone your kids’ personality and skills. Children spend the majority of their time communicating with their buddy, and it’s expected that they will form a special bond with that toy. While some simply cling to these adorable plushies, these toys play a vital role in the overall development of the child.

 

Surprising Benefits of Plushies

 

  1. The first step to independence. You might notice that kids without a plushie tend to be clingy or overly dependent on someone else, can’t initiate conversations sometimes, and tend to be aloof. Some kids look at their plushies as a guardian, and it actually helps them do tasks on their own and muster the courage to ask for help.

Plushies are like their small bodyguards when things feel scary, and it’s always nice to have someone to depend on for the simple relief and assurance that it will be okay. They view these adorable plushies as guardian angels ready to take them in whenever they fail or win—thus improving their sense of independence.

  1. A sense of comfort. Do you always understand what your toddlers want to say? What does “macaroni prince mumbo jumbo” mean, and why is it scary? Your children might be too young to express themselves, and even a parent can be utterly lost with their unique terminologies and logic.

But for them, their best friend plushie always knows what’s up, and they are always there to lean on. They tell them their secrets, and sometimes this helps them process what’s bothering them. Their plushie is their partner, and it hones their control over their emotions and their ability to express themselves. This is usually done through role play by themselves or with other friends.

 

  1. Developing their communication skills. They talk a lot with their stuffed buddies since they always seem to listen to their thoughts and rants. As they keep on doing this, they are slowly aware of their own voice and the sounds they make. They might even try to communicate more with you as they might even notice themselves that they improved. It will be a slow process of learning but it’s guaranteed to boost their confidence in talking and making friends. Kids who speak up what’s on their mind tends to be more successful and more sociable if developed properly.

 

  1. A sense of responsibility. Kids are naturally unruly and carefree, but having a plushie by their side gives them an urge to protect their toy. They treat their plushie as a family member and are sometimes closer to it than they are to their own family members. Since they treat their plushies as their guardian angels, they return the favor by protecting them and caring for them at all costs. They tend to do what they think is best for their plushies and treat them kindly whenever they can.

 

  1. Inspiring them to make more friends. Kids with plushies are actually more confident in making friends and confidently talk to them without any hesitation. They gather ideas and courage from the role plays they do with their plushies, recreate scenarios, and experiment with them in their head—and sometimes down to the last detail! While their attempts at speaking may not be perfect, the kids actually want to try harder and strive for success.

 

  1. Helping them understand their emotions. Since kids recreate scenarios and have pretend conversations in their head, it also gives them an idea of why they feel that way and what they need to do to feel better. While their solution doesn’t really make sense to you, it helps them act on what they feel will make things better. It gives them options on what they could do to help themselves, and they slowly learn how to open up.

 

You can also encourage them by asking their plushie questions, such as an emotion associated with your child. Ask the doll why she’s happy or sad, and the child will tell you the scenarios that made them happy and sad. It will give you a better understanding of what your child might be going through.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to School with the Jetson Scooter @ridejetson #ad @BestBuy

Beat the traffic with this Jetson Quest Electric Scooter . The 250W hub motor lets you travel up to 18 miles at 15mph, while the bright LED headlight and deck lights support nighttime travel. Use the easy-fold system to conveniently stow away this Jetson Quest electric scooter in your car’s trunk or underneath a desk.  Easy peasy! Older kids (and adults) will love it, you will too.

best buy

About The Scooter

Powerful 250W hub motor
Helps reach speeds up to 15 mph for a fun ride. Just step on the deck, push off with your foot, and press down on the thumb throttle to engage the motor.

Premium lithium-ion battery
Provides a max range up to 18 miles.
Foldable design
Easy fold system offers portability.
Weight capacity
The scooter can handle any rider weighing up to 220.5 lbs.
Disc brake
For maximum stopping power.
Solid tires
Engineered to absorb shock when you’re riding on roads and sidewalks.
LED display
Shows battery life, current speed, and more.
Ultra-bright LED headlight and taillight
Make your evening ride more comfortable and safe.
Suitable for children ages 13 and older
For safe riding.
jetson scooter
The no flat, solid tires are engineered to absorb shock along with a concealed premium lithium-ion battery that offers a smooth 18-mile range.
– The Quest can reach an exhilarating top speed of 15 mph with its powerful 250W hub motor.
– The Quest is equipped with an ultra-bright LED headlight and taillight, improving visibility and safety for when you’re riding on roads and sidewalks.
– Shop this and more electric scooters plus electric bikes and boards at Best Buy.
Ride Responsibly:
The purchaser and rider of this product are responsible for knowing and obeying all state and local regulations regarding the use of this product. It is highly encouraged that you read and follow the product instructions including all safety precautions and use protective gear. Protective gear can be found at http://www.bestbuy.com/protectivegear.