Great Holiday Gifts for Kids

Looking for the perfect gift for the little ones in your life?  Check out some of these hot new toys, and grab them before they are snapped up.

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Have you ever heard of Wubble?  The nifty ball/bubble/balloons that are part bubble, part ball, part wiggly fun.  Wubble is now not only in the form of the regular Wubble which can inflate up to 3 feet, but now includes the WubbleX and Glo Wubble.

he Wubble X is very similar to the original Wubble but inflates to a portion of its size with the included helium can.  The addition of helium instead of air or CO2 makes a big difference.  Now your Wubble floats around the room, sticking to ceilings and overturned hands as if by magic.  The Glo Wubble brings the familiar Wubble to night time play – the big, bouncy bubble now glows as it floats around.  These are great fun at night or in a play room with the lights out.  Wubble balls retail for $19.99 each and the original and Glo Wubble include a pump while the Wubble X retails for $7.99 and the helium can retails for $7.99.

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If you are looking to help your youngster get ahead in school, take a look at the Kurio Smart™ tablet, the first Windows kids’ tablet available.  Is is a child-appropriate 2-in-1 tablet/computer that comes with a “detachable keyboard, one-year of Microsoft Office and anti-virus protection, plus $200 worth of additional content” (as per packaging), has parental tools to keep kids safe, and retails for $199.99.  The attractive price as well as the functionality of the Kurio Smart makes it a great first computer. It can be used as a tablet if removed from the keyboard, so it’s still good for entertainment purposes as well. Grab yours at http://www.kurioworld.com/ , there are a few other options available as well- see what’s right for your child.

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Peanuts Happy Dance Snoopy is not only adorable, but timely.  With the new movie out about a month ago, kids are falling in love with this happy hound all over again (and so are adults of all ages).  Just Play has just released an adorable plush Happy Dance Snoopy, who dances to the “Peanuts” theme song (aka “Linus and Lucy”) when you squeeze his paw.  He kisses, too- just smooch him, and he will give one back (or a laugh, howl- even a burp).  He’s a dog, after all.  Snoopy is a lot of fun- I like him as much as my son does, if we are being honest. He retails for $29.99 at stores like Target and Amazon.

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Moose Toys has created Qixels, a fun craft aimed at boys who were left out of the bead and water trend until recently.  The Qixels Turbo Dryer is a fun new activity set where kids can use their imagination or follow directions to make predetermined patterns with cubes that fuse together water. When they “set”, they make an 8-bit looking creation that games like Minecraft have made popular once again. Make monsters, ninjas, zombies- whatever your heart desires.  Qixels alone can air dry, but with the The Turbo Dryer, they dry in half the time (because we all know kids don’t love waiting). You can pick yours up for $19.99 in stores like Toys R Us.  I’d give this to elementary age or up, and with supervision for younger kids due to small pieces.

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Kids are loving the tech pets craze right now, and one of the cutest is Little Live Pets CleverKeet. This sweetie pie just flew into the Little Live Pets™ pet shop and would love to be adopted by your family this holiday season.  Name your pretty bird, and he or she will remember it.   You will receive an included adoption certificate to make your new pet officially yours.  He likes to dance in front of the mirror, just like a real bird.  He knows all sorts of words and will answer your questions (in often silly ways), and he sings as well, of course.  CleverKeet comes with one CleverKeet bird, one playground (he loves to swing!), one cart, one instruction booklet and adoption certificate, for $59.99.

When It Cools Down, These Will Warm You Up

Now that the weather outside has gotten a bit frightful, we will need to bundle up a little more.  But that doesn’t necessarily mean adding bulk or ugly, clodding boots- check out these lovely layers from some of our favorite brands (that last longer then a season, too!)

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When it’s cold enough to need a little more then just a shirt, check out the Craghoppers ‘Swainby’ half zip fleece for the man and teenager boys in your life.  Classic, comfortable, and nearly impossible to stain in my own personal experience (really, my guy has not been successful yet, and I could swear he’s trying), it also washes well without all the ugly pilling that some fleece get. Besides it’s good looks and great function, it’s really very warm and comfortable.  My son loves it because it’s soft (and it retains it’s softness after repeated washings), has a large pocket, and easy to pair with anything. It is made with a cotton fleece blend, and has insulating technology built in. With it’s high collar that can be folded down or left up for additional warmth, and elasticated cuffs and hem, it’s wearer keeps extra body heat in. Too warm?  No worries- just undo the half front zip for some air.  Get yours for $60 at http://www.us.craghoppers.com

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When you need a little more then a sweatshirt, put on the Skipton Jacket by Craghoppers.  Water resistant, so good for those days that are snowy or a bit rainy, it’s also soft, super insulated, and nowhere near as thick as you would think it needs to be.  It’s thin- as thin as your spring jacket- but it’s been doing the husband good in 3o degree weather with no complaints to be had.  Not only is it lightweight, but it’s also made of soft wool and has a satiny-smooth lining that feels great next to your skin.  It’s very smart-looking, great for work or going out, a compliment to any outfit.  It has both a zipper and buttons, and you can use either one or both together for added wind protection. To top it off (quite literally) is an attached hood.  There are two functioning side pockets, big enough for your hands, a pair of gloves, your keys, or a cell phone- yes, they really do function.  Get yours for about $180 at sites like http://www.backcountry.com/

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When it’s time to head into the snow, no one wants wet, cold feet.  The Icebug Diana BUGrip boots are amazing in cold, wet, icy weather- not only are they nice to look at, but they really do help keep a grip on the ground. Besides keeping your feet warm and dry (and stylish!), the half-calf high boot is good for tromping about on snowy days and keeping your pants dry, too. Insulated with soft fleece, they feel good on as well as looking good. Easy to put on, they zip up with no issues as well as have a front lace for adjustment.  No wasted time or aggravation fiddling and fussing. The BUGrip outsole helps give traction in winter weather conditions- and it really works.  You can even hear it softly sticking as you walk, which is both amusing and reassuring. Get yours at http://icebug.com/us/ or at stores like Amazon for about $200.

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Still have cold feet?  Check out the St. Moritz Lite 200 I WP- a mouthful, but a cute, cute boot. These are insulated, water resistant, weatherproof, and have a cute faux fur top.  They come in black, brown, and gray, so choose your favorite color.  Each has a fleece lining that will keep your feet warm as you stomp through the snow. If you work up a sweat, not to worry- these are odor resistant as well, so you will not need to leave your boots outside the door like some people (you know who you are!) With Thinsulate insulation built in, you know you will stay warm, even when the temperature drops. The adorable St. Moritz will have everyone asking where you got them.  You can pick them up at http://us.hi-tec.com for about $100, by the way.

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When you are ready to head indoors, and need something a little less “outdoorsy” but still ready for winter festivities, the NAOT VISTOSO will be your go to boot. Zipping up the side, this ankle boot is too cute with a little bow across it (ready for the holidays!) It is padded for extra comfort, and has a memory foam footbed. As you wear it, the bottom bed and microfiber molds to your foot, making it more and more comfortable as you go along. The heel is sturdy, the sole is flexible, and you won’t feel like you are doing a balancing act all evening. These are boots you won’t feel the need to kick off quickly. Get them at http://naot.com or Amazon for about $200.

Disclosure- I received the above in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own and honest.  For more, see “I Disclose”.

Roadtrips with Kids- What to Take

When you are taking a road trip with the kids, you want them to be comfortable and occupied (and quiet!) so the trip will be more enjoyable for everyone.  Here are some new road trip accessories for kids of all ages to help you keep on truckin’.

You’ve likely heard of BubbleBum (an easy to take along car seat that folds up and flattens out for travel).  They have expanded their lines to include Sneck (a seatbelt travel pillow) and Junkie.

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The Junkie helps keep your kids organized, and the car cleaner.  It is both a car organizer and an activity station that can help keep the kids busy once you put their favorite things inside. It is easy to harness into the backseat and store activities, coloring books, snacks, drinks, and more between two children (and carseats).  There are two retractable trays, two cup holders, an insulated area for cold items, and plenty of storage.  The tote bag is removable, so you can bring your “projects” into the house, hotel, restaurant- wherever you are headed next-  easily.  Junkie makes road trips more organized.

Sneck is a travel pillow that lets kids nap easily in the car, filled with micro-beads and is plush on the outside.  The Sneck attaches most headrests easily with a Velcro strap so it stays where the child wants it to.  There is a small mesh pocket that can hold a small toy or electronic device.  Kids can use Sneck 3 ways to find the position that is most comfortable for them to sleep in.

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You can find BubbleBum, Sneck, and Junkie on Btheir website as well as Target.comBabiesrus.comSears.com and Walmart.com. You can also connect with them on FacebookTwitter and Pinterest.

NeckNapperz are easy to take along, adorable, transforming plush pillow/stuffed toys that are perfect for roadtrips, planes, trains- or even for your child’s own bed.  These neck pillows transform from plush toy into a plush neck pillow and back again, which makes them great for dual uses.  Kids are easily bored, as we all know, and being able to entertain themselves while you wait to board the plane or snuggle up with in the car, then use it when they are ready to nap is doubly-useful.
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The pillow offers support and cradles your child’s head, so none of those stiff shoulders and necks when they wake up from sleeping “funny”.  The neck pillow has a snap on the end, so they can snap it shut and secure if they would like to. It is easy to attach it to luggage or a carry on while you are moving about, so it doesn’t get lost.  They are priced at $19.99- you can get yours at http://www.necknapperz.com/

Equiptbaby is for the littlest travelers, and makes it easy to put baby to sleep wherever you are. This portable bassinet is so small, you can fold it up and put it into your diaper bag.  Made of rip stop nylon, it has SPF 50 protection from the sun to keep baby safe while he or she sleeps. Baby is visible from all angles and protected against insects with fine mesh- there are no chemical sprays used.  The inside, soft padded insert is machine washable, so if baby has an accident, cleanup is easy.  Setup is a breeze- it pops right out in about 2 seconds.  No worries!  It’s easy to fold back up too, and place back into your bag when baby wakes up.  Recommended for ages 0-6 months. You can get yours for $69.95 at www.equiptbaby.com

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If you are headed to a hotel, cabin, campground, or even a relatives house where you will need more sleeps pace then you have, check out Kid O Bunk.  These portable bunkbeds are perfect for camping, or anytime when you need an extra bed for the kids.  There are no tools needed to put it together, as it has lock in disks that snap together. They look somewhat like army cots, but are smaller in size and are built as multi-use bunk beds.  You can also use it like a bench/couch for daytime use, or side by side beds if you have the room or the kids prefer it.

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The bed’s material is machine washable, should anyone have a spill or an accident.  They come with a zippered carry bag for storage and to take it from place to place, and have side organizers to place “treasures” in for safe keeping while they sleep.  The Kid O Bunk is recommended up to age 12, but bigger kids will be too long to fit easily.  Each cot holds up to 200 lbs, so that’s a non-issue for most kids of those ages (one would think).  There are no ladders or mattresses needed- you can get your bunk for $289 at http://www.kidobunk.com or Cabela’s in lime green or teal.

Disclosure- I have received the above in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own and honest.

Vacations with an Amish Flair in Lancaster, PA

Most of us spend our day to day lives feeling pulled in a thousand directions, and almost everyone I meet classifies themselves as a “busy” person. When it’s time to get away, scenic Lancaster, PA is one of the best places for a slower paced, laid back atmosphere to unwind in a family friendly environment. There is plenty to do (and eat), but you will never feel overwhelmed, rushed, or hurried. These are some of our favorite Amish-inspired destinations in Lancaster, one of our favorite places to spend time as a family.

All aboard the Strasburg Railroad! with the friendly conductor

The Strasburg Railroad is the home to many restored trains from around the USA. Many train fanatics call this site the best historic railroad in America for visitors, and for good reason. Recognized as one of the most significant historic railroads in the USA, the Strasburg Railroad has acquired historic trains from all over the country, and recently celebrated operating for 50 years as a tourist railroad It is one of the remaining stations where you and your family can ride the refurbished trains and steam engines. This station is large, restored, and maintained beautifully- a source of pride for [Read more…]

#FamilyTravel in Upstate NY @I_LOVE_NY @Rochester_NY

Little Man and I recently took a ride to upstate NY, and we had a great time. There is lots to see and do (and eat!) and [Read more…]

South Georgia Zoos Offer a Walk on the Wild Side

What’s not to love about a day at the zoo? These four zoos in South Georgia offer great day trips with educational components for the kids- great if you are a local, or on vacation in the area.

The Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah will provide your family with memorable experiences
that will last well beyond your trip. Striving to spark a lifelong love of nature and its inhabitants,
the Center lets your children experience any of the forty hands-on activities available to them, such
as marsh ecology boat tours, star programs, and guided tours—all with the goal of deepening their
understanding of the surrounding flora and fauna. Locals can even enroll their children in summer
day camp, which feature stories, crafts, up-close-and-personal observations, and hands-on scientific
experiments to help children experience and understand nature’s phenomena. Contact: (912) 395-1212;
www.oatlandisland.org

At Pine Mountain’s Wild Animal Safari—Georgia’s drive-through animal park—you and the family
can go on safari from the comfort of your own vehicle, in a rented Zebra Van, or on the bus service
offered by the zoo and led by a tour guide. With a park [Read more…]