Sunday, March 30, 2008

Baby Shower

1. Fisher-Price Rainforest Waterfall Peek-A-Boo Soother
Lulls little ones to sleep with a glowing blue waterfall leading to a pool of real bubbling water. It contains a fish that bobbles, a swinging monkey and a peek-a-boo frog. You can control sounds of classical music, lullabies, or the rainforest. It attaches to crib. $34.99

2. Battery Operated Swing or Baby Bouncer
Either one is great! It usually includes a toybar and can have music and lights. It entertains, vibrates and soothes the child. $24.99 and up.

3. A Baby Gate
This functional gate is made for a doorway to keep babies safe and from falling down stairs or any dangerous area. It is sturdy and easy to install. $34.99 and up.

4. Be Be Pod
The ultimate in infant positioning and support. An essential tool for infants learning to sit $59.99

5. Boppy Tummy Play Pad
A brightly colored padded mat that provides a clean and comfortable area for your infant to play on that includes a tummy propping pillow with toys and a teether. $24.99

6. The Floppy Seat
A patented padded shopping cart seat cover. It is machine washable, has its own carrying case and expands to fit any shopping cart or high chair. Very sanitary and safe for baby. $39.99

7. A Baby Bather
There are many types available. This provides cushioning and safety while bathing your infant. It is great for travel. They normally can be used in a tub or kitchen sink and provide stability
and support for baby. Folds flat. $19.99 and up

8. Mobiles
Not for a crib but portable mobiles that attach to a car seat or stroller. They have names such as: Freddie the Firefly or Dylan the Duck. These clever little mobiles have toys to keep your infant busy such as: mirror, teether, rattle, squeaker, clinking rings, etc. $12.99 and up

9. Miscellaneous-These items can be grouped together or added on. There are so many to choose from such as: Bath Toys (teach cleanliness is fun), Books (so many to pick from-Dr. Seuss, Goodnight Moon, etc), Baby Einstein, Brainy Baby or Baby Genius Learning DVD’s or CD’s, Teething Cloth/Toys to soothe babies sore little gums.

10. Last but not Least….Don’t forget Mom or Dad-to-Be. A gift card for a dinner, movie and a free night of babysitting will go over big!!

Sunday, March 9, 2008

For Boys: Ages 6 - 14


1. Boys love their electronic toys. Computer games are always appreciated especially along the sports line such as football, baseball, hockey, basketball.

2. The younger boys may enjoy Lego’s or Transformers sets to build. The older boy may enjoy building robots, radios, or anything electronic.

3. Board games are always fun and cross any age line plus they encourage using your brain. Inexpensive card games such as UNO can be had for under $10. Scrabble is also making a comeback. For something special, an expensive chess or backgammon set.

4. DVD’s of their favorite movies. Boys love to relax and watch their boy themed movies. Action and comedy films are a big hit!

5. Sports themed clothing and accessories. A tee or hoodie of their favorite team or a backpack is always nice.

6. Posters for their room of their favorite sports figure or film star. A really fun item is a cardboard stand up. Years ago, our guy had a stand up of basketball star, Shaquille O’Neal in his room. You can buy from various websites on the internet. Just type in cardboard stand up on Google or any search engine or go to allposters.com or cardboardcutouts.com.

7. Any sports gear is always fun. A new football, basketball, baseball glove, or soccer ball would be appreciated. Depending on the sport they are into, buy accordingly or introduce them to a new sport.

8. A tent, fishing rod, or any camping gear for an outdoor enthusiast would be a great gift gear.

9. A nice set of headphones which can be used with their MP3 Player or their hand-held games would be especially appreciated by Mom and Dad.

10. Special Books. There is one called, “The Dangerous Book for Boys”. This is a fun, can’t put-it-down book for boys that teaches them so many things such as coin tricks, knot tying, making paper airplanes, how to tan a skin, place a splint among many serious subjects. Fun and learning in one.

GIFT CARD SUGGESTION** Toys R Us, KB Toys, Discovery Channel Toy Store.

For Girls: Ages 6 - 14


1. Anything “Hanna Montana“-This ultra popular television show has just taken off and keeps on going. I’d suggest any of these items: CD, poster, calendar, books, alarm clock, pillow, apparel, video games, etc. They can be purchased at Wal-Mart, Target, or off the Internet.

2. Anything “High School Musical”. This is a Disney movie that children and young teens love. It is about 2 high school juniors from 2 different worlds and how they try out for their high school musical. The movie has great singing and energetic dancing. You can get the DVD, CD, Video Games, Posters, etc. at so many stores such as Target or Wal-Mart.

3. A really special handbag. You can always buy a cartoon themed bag for a young girl. For the older girl, a Vera Bradley brightly printed bag in key lime or hot pink. For something really special, a small Dooney and Bourke wristlet from Macy’s or a Coach wristlet. You can also get great deals on these items on eBay.

4. Clothes from Target, Old Navy, H & M. Girls love the trendy items that can be had for a reasonable amount. You can always find great themed T’s, PJ’s, Hoodies, or accessories from these fun stores.

5. Cosmetics or Toiletries. Bath and Body Works has a great line called, “American Girl“. You can get a set of products or purchase individual items such as lip shine, body wash, shimmer lotion, nail polish and accessories, etc.

6. A great book is always appreciated. A new one that is really hot is entitled, “The Daring Book for Girls” by Andrea J Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz. It is basically a guide to knowing anything about so many various subjects such as: building a campfire, how to play cat‘s cradle, making friendship bracelets, playing a good joke on someone, making a quill pen, etc.

7. Anything “Hello Kitty” would be fun for this age range. This fictional character originated in Japan but is now worldwide and is on everything from jewelry, handbags, luggage, to credit cards. Target is a great place to buy this line or any dept. store.

8. Does your girl love to be fussed over? Buy her a gift certificate to a salon for their first manicure or pedicure. Girly girls will love this.

9. Jewelry is always something us young and/or old gals love. Personalized jewelry is a thought such as an initial necklace in gold or silver. A starter charm bracelet is still fun. A nice watch in bright colors is always appreciated.

10. How about a pair of comfortable Crocs shoes? Young girls love the brightly colored Crocs with Jibbitz (little buttons you can place in the holes of the Crocs shoes). Older girls may like the Crocs with the fleece lining (like slippers).

Gift Card Suggestion** A Movie Theater Gift Card and a Cold Stone Creamery Ice Cream Gift Card for afterwards.