Gift Ideas

That a tough one when All a nine year old and his friends live and breath Pokemon.
What worse a teen brother crazy about WWF.
What ever happened to monopoly and let's say street hockey.
-- Lori

Legos are still pretty big as well as computer games - many of the Humongous company games like Spy Fox and Pajama Sam are popular with my sons (ages 9,6+4)
-- lorinne

Story and assessment books that are suitable for their age. If the children enjoy painting, get some water colouring tube.

-- Susan

Giving children games and activities that require parent involvement will win over Pokemon and video games every time. Children love to spend time with parents.
-- Cynthia

For this holiday season, we tried to stick
to the basics in toys. We purchased a couple of
board games on her intellectual level. And honed in
on her interests...not what was trendy. For example,
she is fascinated with dinosaurs so we found in an
educational toy store a kit to exacvate then piece
together a T. Rex. It will require some help from
myself or dad too.

Best of luck.

-- Katrina

My daughter is 10. This year she asked for a variety of CDs, an inflatable chair for her room, the Chicken Soup for the Kids Soul book and a learning laptop computer. She also likes kits for making her own jewelry or painting on clothes.

-- Julie

This is a hard one, if they don't get the newest and most popular gift they feel presure from the kids that did, but I still say the best gift is one that is both fun and educational, I am lucky I have two Grand daughters who both love learning, we have made adding, subtracting spelling a game and this year they both have asked me for computer games that will teach them more on math and spelling as well as about animals. Go for the fun educational toys, they want to learn, make it fun and you may be surprized at what they can do and how fast they can learn.
-- Dorcus

All kids should enjoy building model cars or even beginning rocketry should win over the fads. Making a purchase into your child's creative side, what about paint by number or a craft kit. Buy your child a key board piano and watch the interaction. Personalized gifts such as, backpacks or clipboard and pencils/pens are always useful.
-- ruth

My daughter (age 6) loves arts and crafts kits. Not to advertise for anyone but her favorite store is Noodle Kidoodle, they have tons of arts and crafts stuff. We also get games and puzzles by Ravensburger and musical instruments.

My son is a little older (13) I stick to board games, sports equipment. models. All those chemistry sets have been put to greaat use--this year we got him a telescope.
-- Wendy

As a mother of a very TREND EFFECTED 4 year old-- sometimes you can't avoid the Star Wars and Pokemon stuff, but I buy the smallest cheapest type of each. Then he gets his wish and I can load him up with the things he needs- a Jacket-- outside toys--kids don't get out enough. If your kids need clothes get them the "in" theme Sweat shirt- Then you are totally covered. The best thing about having 2 kids is that I bought all the basics the first time. The baby was easy this year- intesting bath toys-- and a doll or 2.
-- Marni

I have 3 Boys.(9yrs, 7 1/2yrs and 6 yrs) Last year my husband gave me a sanity present, a 8x8 clubhouse 6 feet off the ground. This year, He added 2 slides, 4 swings, and a caterpult.(a seesaw) The boys play in it daily. Another good idea, We bought costumes and gave them our old video camera. It has become a family tradition to watch a movie the kids made once a month. All their friends want to help or be in the movie and then come to watch. Usually bringing the parents to watch also.
-- Michelle

My 6 year old wished for Pokemon, and we will give him a set of cards, but I found wonderful ideas at HObby Lobby, where there are cool car model kits,rock polishers, rocket kits, coin collecting binders with slots for a variety of coins from around the world, (many from travelling grandparents).Footballs and rollerblades get them outside, too.
-- Wendy

I have a 6 y.o. who loves all the "trendy" merchandise out there. He wants it all...Pokemon, Star Wars, etc. I don't agree with toys & merchandise that glamorizes violence, hate or predjudice. My son knows this & we talk about it. It is o.k. for him to have an interest in these products and if I give him enough info to digest hopefully he will (eventually) outgrow the gimmies for these type of products. As far as gift giving this season I have tried to satisfy both our desires. His for the trendy merchandise, Mine for the "toys that teach" & build healthy relationships. He getting a 1000 pc. Anikan Skywalker puzzle, this is something we can do together and it's Star Wars! He is also getting creative play toys like Hot Wheels, CD roms and an Easy Bake oven.
We all know that if a kid wants to play with a gun he will simply chew his pop-tart or toast into the shape of a gun. Bananas also make good toy guns.
I think as long as we educate our children and teach them to think criticly they will be just fine.
I am,
"the mean Mom"...Happy Holidays and Good Luck!!!!
-- Sassy

I have two girls ages 9 and 5.
I got the 9yr old a furby and a discman and some accessories for her American Doll
For the 5yr old I got an American Doll and accessories.
-- Sue

I have two girls ages 9 and 5. And pokiman is not allowed at our house. Most of our friends know this and it is not a problem.
I gave my 9yr old a furby and a discman and some accessories for her American Doll
For the 5yr old I gave an American Doll and accessories.
-- Sue

My children 13 and 15 are mostly into coputer things, but they did recieve a pokemon product or two this year. Hopefully this will just be a yearly fad, just as the Furby was last year. It seems as though they always come back to the tried and true presents.
-- Esther

I have a question, instead of a comment. Maybe there is someone put there that can answer it for me. We give our 5 1/2 week old grandson honey/water mix occasionally to help soften his stools. Some say that honey is bad, as young infants can't digest it properly, or it is hard to digest. Is this true, and if so, are doing wrong, and what should we use?
-- Marvin

Nice comment page. I and my wife have only one young child, a 5 1/2 week-old grandson, our children are 22yrs, and 19 3/4 yrs. Not to much for such a young child less than 2 months old, but did pick up some good ideas from the other parent's suggestions, as we're looking forward to his 1'st birthday(Nov.24), and next christmas. Thanks,
-- Marvin

In reply to Marvin, whom stated he gives his infant honey and water mixture at times. For your information honey products should never be given to infants for the danger of harmful
bacteria. I believe some sort of botulism which can lead to unnecessary death. Not sending this to scare you but honey is definatly not good for the little one. Talk to your pediatrician he will have alternatives if constipation is a problem.
Good things to try: prune and apple juice, high fiber cereals, plenty of fluids. Take care
-- brigitte

Reply to Marvin!

I agree with Brigitte, honey is not good for your young one. Please check with your doctor. Also, strawberries (even though out of season right now), peanut butter and all nuts are not advised before 1 year of age. Doctors are rather strict about that here in Sweden. So take it easy and try the apple and prune juice. Good luck!
--Althea,
Jamaica - Sweden.
-- Althea

DIR SIR
I AM IRAQI HUMANE RESIDE IN IRAN I SUFFER FROM
SO MANY PROBLEMS FOR LIVING HERE TELL ME WHAT I
HAVE TO DO THEY PREVENT US TO WORK OR TO TREVAL
I DON'T KNOW WHY THEY DO THESE THINGS.
I AM ENGINEER AND I WORK ILLEGALY IN THE FIELD
OF OPHTHALMIC LENSES INDUSTRY TOGETHER WITH COATING LENSES IN THE SAME TIME.
THEY PAY ME VERY LITTLE MONEY BECAUSE I WORK
ILLEGALY I HAVE MORE THAN 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE
I HOPE TO HELP ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

I AM MARRIED AND HAVE ONE CHILD 3.5 YEARS OLD.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP
-- MOHAMMAD

your all just a bunch of winers
-- fredric

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