Parenting Tips

Holiday Gift Ideas for Kids

Posted by Neena on 10/26/07 in Children of All Ages, Shopping

What are your kids getting for the holidays?

If you are stumped for ideas, a recent press release by Toys R Us has identified the top 5 toy trends of 2007 holiday season. There is sure to be something here that your kids will want:

Trend #1: Hey! You’re A Rock Star!
Taking their roots from karaoke, and inspired by television hits such as American Idol and Disney’s High School Musical, the toys representative of this trend are perfect for novice musicians, wannabe performers and those who dream of being the next big rock star.

Ideas for trend #1:

Trend #2: Pink Play
Tweens have spoken loud and clear in response to the question, “What’s your favorite color?” So, with young fashionistas in mind, Toys”R”Us worked with manufacturers to create an exclusive line of toys and games that shout “Pink Rules!” The following “Only at Toys”R”Us” items are sure to win the hearts of young girls: The Think Pink Game Collection created for Toys”R”Us by Hasbro Games features a trio of favorite board games redesigned with pink pizzazz.

Ideas for trend #2:

Trend #3: Get Up! Get Active!
The introduction of the Wii from Nintendo last holiday season helped show both young and old alike that getting physical can be fun, and this innovative gaming system is expected to be one of the must-have gifts again this year. With its intuitive controls that challenge players to compete in games like tennis, baseball, bowling, boxing and more through physical motion, Wii started a revolution that has inspired several new toys designed to get kids active by making movement fun.

Ideas for trend #3:

Trend #4: Internet Connectivity
Every year, the Internet is further incorporated into everyday tasks and is continually changing the way kids learn and are entertained. Parents often wonder whether or not their children are ready for exposure to the Internet, and many of this year’s new toys can help by offering kids safe online access.

Ideas for trend #4:

Trend #5: Transforming and Robotic Toys
This summer’s biggest movie blockbuster, TRANSFORMERS helped everyone rediscover a love of robotics. From action figures that change forms to remote controlled toys, robots are popping up everywhere.

Ideas for trend #5:

Well, this should jump start your holiday season. Happy shopping!

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Littlest Pet Shop VIP’s have Arrived in New York City

Posted by Neena on 10/19/07 in Children of All Ages

If you happen to be anywhere near New York City next week, you will have to stop down at the Littlest Pet Shop VIP Boutique pop up store. This is something you won’t want to miss!

Hasbro has taken their very popular Littlest Pet Shop line and brought them to “life”. Enter Littlest Pet Shop VIP’s. These are adorable stuffed animals (my kids can’t put them down!) that have an online persona as well. Each animal comes with a secret code that allows you to set up their online version. I haven’t thoroughly explored their online world, so I will write about that next week. But I wanted to spread the word NOW about the pop up Boutique in New York City.

What is a Littlest Pet Shop VIP pop up Boutique, you ask? (I did, too.)
It is an actual hands on playspace and store dedicated to the Littlest Pet Shop VIP’s. When you enter the Boutique you will get a “Kibble Card” with activities you need to complete as you travel through the store. The activities are fun things like playing with the VIP’s online at one of the computer stations, having your picture taken with the VIP’s, and playing a real life version of the Super Sundae game. You then turn in your Kibble Card for some really cool prizes. And, of course, you can shop for your VIP’s here as well. But here’s the catch! The Boutique will only be there for a limited time. Six more days to be exact.

When:

  • Today thru Sunday October 21, 2007
  • And next week on Thursday October 25, 2007 to Sunday October 28, 2007

Where:

  • 587 Fifth Avenue, New York (Between 47th and 48th) - an easy walk from Grand Central Terminal.

If you can’t make it to the boutique, not to worry, the VIP’s are available at HasbroToyShop.com, Amazon.com, and at major retailers in New York City area.

To see my complete review of the Littlest Petshop VIP’s read my post called LittlestPetshop.com

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Webkinz

Posted by Neena on 04/9/07 in Children of All Ages, Parenting Tips, Technology

If you have kids in elementary school, you have probably heard of Webkinz.

You buy the stuffed animals at specialty stores and use the attached secret code at their website. (they are not available at large chain stores but rather at smaller specialty stores - there is a store locator tool at www.webkinz.com) The secret code gives you access to the web version of the stuffed animal for one year - after this you have to pay a renewal fee if you want to continue for another year.

Once online, your web animal comes with a room, a few starter furnishings, and some virtual Kinzcash. You then play arcade style games to earn more Kinzcash, which your pet can use to buy virtual food, clothing, furnishings etc. You can play games against, chat with, and invite other Webkinz over to your room. However, the chat is limited to canned, preset phrases and only Webkinz that you have placed on your friends list can come over - you can also kick them out at any time.

There are also daily events which your pet can do once a day - among these is our favorite, the gem hunt. Every day your pet gets three chances to mine a gem. Once you acquire all of the available gems you get “the legendary crown of wonder”.

My kids each have one pet but many of their friends have several.

When toy ideas like this take off, I wonder how the project got started. Globeandmail.com has a good article on the background of Webkinz.

And families.com has a unique idea on how long distance family members can use Webkinz to keep in touch and stay involved in each others lives.

How many of your kids play Webkinz, and what are your thoughts about this virtual playground?

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