If you're not familiar with The Suite Life of Zack and Cody or your kids are starting to watch it but you're baffled by why are these blonde boys always alone, wisecracking and why now they're on a boat (I was at first), here's the Cliff Notes version:
These identical twin boys (except one is a bit plumper, don't ask me which) have a mom who's a lounge singer at a fancy hotel so the boys get to live in the hotel full-time (thus, the SUITE life pun, harhar.) While mom's on stage or working, the boys are alone getting into trouble and driving the hotel manager crazy. To reach the tweeny girl demographic, each episode there's always a storyline about two airheaded but loveable Disney Channel princess chicks at the hotel too.
So, Suite Life's been on forever and Disney had exhausted all variations on the "they threw waterballoons out the window, got in trouble and learned their lesson" story and their Adam's apples were starting to show, so they changed it up. Now mom's singing on a cruise ship (thus the ON DECK.) Everyone at the hotel's along for the ride except the blonde tween queen chick who hit it big in High School Musical: The 10 Year ReunionDanceoff. She's replaced by a less blonde cookie who doesn't have a record deal yet.
This DVD has 6 episodes of the popular series, it's rated G, the boys now like-like girls, and I'm sure there's lots of variations on the "they yelled 'Man Overboard!', got in trouble and learned their lesson" story. Your elementary or middle schoolers will dig it.
Congrats to Lauren and Carrie, the randomly drawn winners of the lunch boxes!
You many be ready for your crazy kids to head back to elementary and preschool, but are you ready for the frenzied back-to-school shopping for gear? Awesome online children's store Cattiwampus- operated by local mom and daughter team Wendy and Sharon - would like to give to APISS readers two adorable soft-sided lunchboxes!
These lunchboxes/bags by Crocodile Creek have such great graphic design that you don't see everyday (no offense to the lunchboxes dominating the aisles at CVS) and they're made with the safest of materials (there's no lead, PVC or other weird plastics or chemicals to leech into your kids' PB&J.)
Leave a comment to win either the barnyard or flower lunchbox design for your child, and I'll randomly draw the winners in one week.
And be sure to check out all the crazy cute Cattiwampus Back-to-School gear - loads of stuff is marked down 15-20% off to give you guys a hand with your September schoolkid shopping, and more great stuff is on sale and clearance, too.
I love giving baby shoes and socks as gifts. Moms always need new, cute items to keep their little one's tootsies warm and I like how foot fashion items fit babies far longer than outfits.
I was excited to try out a cool classic to add to the shower repertoire: Nowali Moccasins. They're Sweden’s famous slipper/sock and have been around since the '50s for that nostalgia Nordic preppy feel. In baby, toddler and kids sizes, these are great gifts for babies to six year olds. I like how they look and feel luxe and hand-me-downable for years, but only cost $24.95. I like the classic Block Stripes for little boys and the adorable striped-meets-polka dotted Confetti style for girls. The soft soles of all Nowali Moccasins allow new walkers to move freely but the non-skid soles keep slippy accidents to a minimum. Their special design at the ankle keeps the slippers on and they're machine washable to prevent skanky slipper stink, especially important for big kids that fall in love with Nowalis and insist on wearing them everywhere.
GIVEAWAY: Would you like a pair for your child? All you have to do is visit Nowali.com and leave a comment with your favorite product on the site. Deadline for comments is midnight Monday June 1st. The lucky randomly-drawn winner will get to choose her favorite pair!
COUPON CODE: Enter HAPPYFEET at checkout and you'll receive 10% off your total + free shipping for orders over $40. Code good thru 12/31.
Sometimes I think I should just directly deposit the entire contents of my checking account into Hallmark's coffers each month. Between holidays, birthday parties, showers, weddings, keeping in touch with our massive list of siblings, nieces and nephews, we buy A LOT of cards in the APISS household.
Now ideally I'd have both my kids make all the family cards, turning our playroom craft table into a mini-sweatshop. But somehow my demands for homemade greetings on a deadline make the kids less than thrilled and sometimes take the fun out of coloring and crafting. I've actually finished my children's abandoned cardmaking myself in order to make the mail carrier, dishonestly slapping on a few princess stickers from "Eve" and forging Charlie's name by writing with my left, non-dominant hand.
Not my proudest parenting moments, I must confess.
So I was totally intrigued when asked to review KidCards®, these new activity books for kids that streamline the making of homemade cards. The books are filled with sturdy cardstock pages that kids tear out and fold into a greeting card and envelopes are included. We've been using these for the last few birthday parties and holidays, and my kids have been way into designing them.
I love that at $14.99 for 20 cards, they cost less than $1 each but still have the mark of handmade love. Family members have been touched by the kids' personal flair and artistry, and the card-creation process was greatly streamlined. Fellow mom friends have been asking where we got them, so I think that not only are they good for birthday cards to playmates, the card books also make cool birthday presents themselves.
Volume 1 are coloring cards for a variety of occasions like birthdays, thank you, congratulations, that kids simply color and sign - great for young children. Volume 2 contains cards that allow older kids to add their own design and write messages, while still providing a themed frame to help get them started on the sometime daunting "Let's make Grandma a birthday card" process. Both sets retail for $14.99 and contain 20 cards and envelopes.
Want one of your own?Leave a comment below with your favorite product on the KidCards website. I'll randomly draw one winner who will get to choose his/her own KidCards book. ($14.99 value) Deadline for comments is midnight Sunday May 31.
Penny Promotion code:When you go to www.kidcards.org and purchase 2 or more books online, enter the penny promotion code "Blogger Bonus"in the box and you'll receive both a crayon set AND the watercolor paint set for 1 penny.
I was delighted to receive from local author and award-winning graphic artist Irene Zevgolis the opportunity to review her inspirational story book for children, The Dreamer and The Moon. She also included a gorgeous paperback copy for a lucky APISS reader!
The Dreamer and The Moon is "an inspirational story with a ballet theme" and my ballet-loving three year old and I both thoroughly enjoyed it. We loved rooting for Tara, the young girl protaganist that dreams of becoming an accomplished ballerina. In the story, Tara is working towards her goal in challenging classes with her friends, taught by the demanding Miss Monique who urges Tara to reach for the stars. When Tara has the chance to audition for the Children's Ballet Company, she is torn between her desire to achieve and her trepidation that she won't make it. The night before her big tryout, she has a very special visitor that inspires her to believe in herself and her power to make her dream come true. I am impressed by the book's vibrant full-color illustrations, and it's no wonder: The Dreamer & The Moon received the 2008 American Graphic Design Award. I also appreciate the message that children should have goals and dreams, and that a combination of hard work and self-confidence is essential for them to be achieved. My daughter loves all of the ballet illustrations and dance lingo, and after we close the book she always insists on dancing around the living room to classical music from WETA 90.9. In short, it's a superb story for families to share.
Want a chance to win your very own copy? Leave a comment below before midnight Friday April 24 with your own or child's greatest dream, and I'll have my daughter randomly draw the winner this weekend.
Thanks to my partnership with Parent Bloggers, my kids received a SYLVANIA PalPODzzz portable nightlight for their shared room. It was a tough decision for Charlie and Eve between the lady bug and rocket ship designs, but due to a heavy celestial design influence (read: star stickers and planet sheets) the rocket ship won out in the end.
The kids adore how the PalPODzzz rocket functions both as a nightlight and a rechargeable flashlight. The battery-less aspect is a godsend, as we go through more batteries in the APISS house than a prolific family of Energizer bunnies. And I don't know who gets more annoyed - my kids that I don't have the batteries they need to revive their toys or me that I'm constantly spending good money on those blasted little cylinders. With this nightlight/flashlight, everyone's happy. The charger base is stylish and looks like a launch pad for the rocket and is a welcome addition to the room décor.
When the rocket is lit you can see this cute little astronaut guy inside...that's my daughter Eve's favorite part. My son likes that he can stay up a little later than his sister reading with this nifty little flashlight. My husband and I like that the happy glow of the PalPODzzz has nullified the bedtime debates over hall lights/bathroom lights/open door widths, thus both speeding up The Sandman's arrival and saving energy.
The Sylvania PalPODzzz portable nightlight & flashlight is a great gift and gizmo, and retails for just $19.99. Nighty night!
I love Envirosax Kids for getting my kids in on the reusable bag trend. These bright, graphic bags are perfect for stowing extra clothes for sleepovers, pool/beach, school or helping me with the shopping. The bags are super lightweight, weighing just over one ounce, waterproof and fold up into a 4-inch roll when not in use. They can be stuffed full of gear- each bag holds the equivalent of 2 supermarket plastic bags and holds up to 40 pounds.
Cattiwampus is the vision of Wendy and Sharon, a DC mother/daughter team that stocks "tried and true products that have withstood the test of the kids in our homes." Founded in 2007, they have a great selection of kids clothes, toys, gear and gifts.
To be entered to win one of two excellent Envirosax Kids bags, leave a comment with your favorite item on the Cattiwampus site. I'll randomly draw the winners in one week.
My son's adoration of DreamBox Learning K-2 Math is like a frat guy after finals with a new video game. A Mac fiend gazing upon the latest Steve Jobs vision. Heck, he reminds me of teenage me in my orthodontic headgear with my Nintendo Tetris back in 1989. Charlie is totally engrossed in playing DreamBox online, and he has no idea that his allotted computer time with this game is thoroughly teaching him serious arithmetic.
The former camera magnet can't even turn his eyes away for one quick snap
DreamBox Learning K-2 Math is an online game where kids have fun learning math. It launched in January 2009 and thanks to Parentbloggers, Charlie and I had the opportunity to be beta users. Charlie is having a blast, and I'm really impressed. My pre-kindergarten five year old is learning an in-depth math curriculum and receiving completely individualized learning in an engaging, creative manner. The game guides him to learn in age-appropriate progression, but he still feels he's "choosing his own adventure," much like when he plays purely fun games. See how it works.
Screenshot of DreamBox's "menu" map of kids' learning game choices
As his parent, I am receiving regular emailed updates of Charlie's progress, the skills he's learning, where he needs to improve, what obstacles he faced and then worked out through the games. I can also access a parent dashboard anytime that shows me what he's learning, what lessons he's completed and the grade level of each skill he's accomplished or working on.
Screenshot of the DreamBox Parent Dashboard
In an email CEO Lou Gray sent to all parent beta testers, Gray writes that the DreamBox team "consists of top notch educators, entrepreneurs, technologists, and creative designers" who "spent over 3 years developing this product." I think their attention to detail is evident. My kids and I have tried out various online and CD-ROM learning games, and I do feel that DreamBox was intuitive for my child so he could begin learning immediately, captured his attention and imagination, and had a winning combination of entertainment and learning.
Some really cool concrete results: Charlie can now count by tens to 100, understands the number grouping concept, and is starting to "get" the idea of counting by twos/even numbers. Hey, hopping over every other number when you're barely five years old sure beats hopping over sliding mushrooms!
And you and your child can check out the learning games for free too! Click here to try DreamBox Learning K-2 Math FREE for 14 days.
GIVEAWAY Discovery Kids Biometric Safe $24.99 Voice-recognition technology protects kids' allowance and valuables in the Discovery Kids Biometric Safe. It works by detecting the sound waves of the owner's voice and features a handy shelf and drawer. Keeps special stuff safe and organized...and secret. Leave a comment and one lucky APISS reader will receive their own!
GIVEAWAY Lincoln Logs Commemorative Edition from Back to Basics Toys $33.99 The same Lincoln Logs you’ll recall from your youth ~ just like the first set designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s son! The 115-piece Commemorative Edition in a tin canister features all wood pieces stained in the classic original colors. Kids can build their own creations or follow one of the included designs. A classic since 1916, its proof that simple pleasures last. Leave a comment and one lucky APISS reader will receive their own set, courtesy Back to Basics Toys!
GIVEAWAY Discovery Kids Paper Recycling Studio $20.99 It's an art project AND a lesson in recycling when kids reuse old everyday paper to create works of art. A great way to make holiday cards or pass an afternoon indoors. Kids grind paper to pulp, then form sheets of different sizes and shapes, adding organic material for special flair. For ages 8 and up. One lucky commenter will win their own set!
Stacking Tree by Plan Toys at The Pajama Squid $20 This stacking set's design is based on the concept of nature. Each wooden piece can be stacked to form different kinds of trees. Children can learn the color variation and size. For age 2 years and up. Plan Toy’s vision is to create toys that inspire imagination, as well as promote children’s physical and intellectual development. Plan Toy's products are made from recycled rubberwood that is non-chemically treated, and are just simplistically beautiful toys!
MobileHome Cardboard Dollhouse by Kidsonroof at The Pajama Squid $34.95 Tiffany at The Pajama Squid says of this dollhouse, "I wanted a doll house that appealed to both girls and boys, was imaginative and there was no pressure involved...no pressure for the parent, so when the kids turn the box over they don’t see all the things he or she must have to make it their own."
This house is white on the outside and red on the inside, made out of exceptionally stable 100% recycled cardboard that is biodegradable with 8 rooms, stair opening, spy holes, and an attic for storage. Easy to install and easy to carry. Designing it is completely up to the individual.
Spark Smart Globe Jr. by Discovery Store $49.95 This interactive 3D full color spinning globe lets kids 3 and up explore the world with the touch of a finger. Kids will learn the continents, fun facts about animals and cultures, peoples and customs, food and language and more! The LCD screen visually illustrates learning about each geographic area and topic.
Discovery Kids FRS Walkie Talkie Watches $29.95 With 22 channels and a super high frequency, kids can play spy and communicate up to 1.5 miles away from each other! It has a voice activated mode that transmits when you start talking. There are ear buds for covert communications and the set is expandable - you can add more sets for a larger network. Forget the kids, this is so Mission Impossible, I want these!
Green Toys Enviro-Friendly Tea Set at The Pajama Squid $25 This tea set is made from advanced environmentally friendly materials and shows that green can equal cute too! For age 3 years and up.
Includes 17 Pieces including tea pot with lid, sugar bowl with lid and creamer.
GIVEAWAY Nintendo DS Smart Boy's and Smart Girl's Magical Book Club and Smart Girl's Party Game Games for preschoolers age 3-6 $24-30 The Smart Kids Series of videogames are the only developmentally appropriate games for preschoolers (age 3-6) on Nintendo DS. This is a great gift for parents looking for a positive point of entry for their youngest children into the video gaming market but seeking to avoid inappropriate and violent content. Nintendo DS offers "first-time games for first-time gamers." The games each feature 18 skill-based mini-games that help develop the memory, enhance hand-eye coordination, teach basic skills and encourage creativity. Recipient of the 2008 National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval. Leave a comment to receive one of these three Nintendo DS Games: Nintendo DS Smart Boy's Toys Club, Smart Girl's Magical Book Club or Smart Girl's Party Game Games for preschoolers.
Ultimate I SPY for Wii $39.99 or I SPY Fun House for CD-Rom $19.99 Play I SPY like never before! Navigate 3-D riddle screens, play paddleball or complete puzzles to solve I SPY riddles, all based on the beloved eye puzzle books for kids. The games combine the seek-and-find gameplay of I SPY with active play on the Wii or computer learning skills via CD-Rom. Special surprises abound!
GIVEAWAY Care Bears Flurries of Fun 3 DVD Collection $23.99 This set of sweet, family-friendly animated movies includes the bear-y fun favorite adventures“Care Bears Oopsy Does It,” “Care Bears Grizzle-ly Adventures” and “Care Bears Ups and Downs.” All stories teach good morals and behavior and include the ever-popular Care-Bear-Stare. Tummy tattoos of hearts and rainbows totally optional. Leave a comment and this 3 DVD gift pack could be yours!
GIVEAWAYStrawberry Shortcake Holiday Dreams 3 DVD Collection $23.99 Your berry-sweet daughter (or son, there's a boy character in it named Huckleberry Pie) can own three charming Strawberry Shortcake adventures in one specially designed gift pack. The popular titles, “Berry Merry Christmas,” “Big Country Fun” and “Let’s Dance” make up the brand new Strawberry Shortcake Holiday Dreams Collection. All three stories share the typical fun and adventure, songs and over-use of the word "berry" as a noun, verb and adjective that we all know and love. Comment below and one lucky family will win!
Pandamania Game from the Smithsonian Institution $14.98 DC area families LOVE the pandas at the National Zoo, as do children all over the world. Now this exciting new game from the Smithsonian Institution has players racing around the board to gather the food their panda needs. Educational and entertaining animal trivia and zoology fun. For 2 to 4 players, ages 5 and up.
Car Carrier Semi With Cars by East Laurel Woodcrafts at The Pajama Squid $28 This cool car carrier semi with cars is by Kentucky crafters East Laurel Woodcrafts. The wooden toys are finished with a non-toxic toy and wood oil to preserve the natural wood feel. Each piece is uniquely its own and absolutely beautiful.
K’NEX® Road Rigs Dump Truck & Tow Truck $19.99 Each Little Builders age 5 and up will love the constructing the vehicles in the Road Rigs series. After assembling the trucks with bricks, rods, connectors and wheels, the kids' creations motorize and pound the pavement. My son loves lifting the hood to check out the internal chrome engine and operating the working tow in the back. Each set includes a little K'NEXman action figure to sit in the driver's seat! An even bigger motorized truck can be built by combining the two sets - so cool! After years of traditional blocks, these new sets really sparked the imagination and creativity in my little builder.
K'NEX Sesame Street Building Sets $10.99 Each Now the younger sibling can build with K'NEX too! These brand new Sesame Street themed building sets are created especially for preschoolers and allow tots to create custom versions of their favorite sesame characters. Choose between Super Grover, Abby Cadabby, Elmo, Ernie, Cookie Monster and my daughter's favorite, Oscar. Perfect to stimulate and delight the building urge in little ones and pacakged in the cutest plastic carrying case, this will be my go-to 3rd birthday party present for 2009 - just stick a bow on the top and go!
Disney's The Hidden World of Fairies Hardcover Interactive Book $14.99 Do you have a little one that is super excited about the new Tinker Bell movie? Then this book is the perfect gift! This illustrated book allows kids to enter the fairy world with fairy facts and includes lots of interactive elements, like secret notes, miniature books and a removable fairy talent medallion. Disney Fairies: The Hidden World of Fairies offers fairy fans an intimate glimpse into this magical world.
Disney/Pixar World of Cars: Meet the Cars Book $12.99 The world of Cars just got even bigger. The colorful Disney/Pixar The World of Cars: Meet the Cars book introduces 200 minor characters and ''extras'' featured in the Cars movie. From RVs and security SUVs to racecars and helicopters, kids will love meeting all of the new vehicles and reading the humorous descriptions about them. Plus, the jacket is printed on the reverse so it can be used as a poster!
GIVEAWAY The Hannah Montana Glitter Studio $14.99 This set featuring everyone's favorite singing, twang-talking teen is jam-packed with art supplies. Includes Shimmer & Shine Art Glazes, Paper Stencils, Stickers, Markers, Jewels, Message Cards, Art Pad, Glitter Pens and Watercolor Tray with Brush. With over 100 pieces, young fans can spend hours creating their very own Hannah-themed stationery. By Elmer's Glue art products for kids. One lucky kid will receive their own set under the tree if you comment below!
BOCA BETH Spanish Learning Beginner Set $31.99 My 2 and 4 year olds are jabbering en Español thanks to the Boca Beth early language learning program. This set comes with the DVD "Mi Casa/My House," the music CD "First Songs in Spanish,"
their very own puppet of the Boca character and a bilingual coloring/activity book with more than 40 pages of Spanish & English fun. Parents will appreciate the How To Guide for second language instruction, since my own Spanish classes were eons ago.
The Boca set is truly a valuable educational gift that feels like a toy to the kids.
GIVEAWAY Story Time Felt "Paper" Dolls with pre-cut clothes $26.99 These sweet dolls have all of the fun and cuteness of old fashioned paper dolls, but none of the frustrating punching out, tabs or ripping. The ethnically diverse dolls - choose one of five options or design your own - are made from thick, sturdy, high quality felt with oodles of outfits made from a thinner gauge of felt. The doll clothes are soft, pliable, and stick to the felt doll perfectly. And Story Felt has many more great felt imaginative play products in stock. One lucky APISS reader will receive a $25 gift certificate to use at Story Time Felt to choose the product of your choice!
Cloud B's new Twilight Sea Turtle™ $33.98 One part nightlight, one part plush friend and one part educational toy, this sleepy sea turtle offers children of all ages a soothing companion that makes bedtime fun. This toy has been helping my son sleep independently and without the endless array of stories and drinks of water. He loves how the turtle's glow illuminates the room in soothing hues of blue and green and casts his very own star show on the ceiling. Winner of the Creative Child Top Choice of the Year Award, a portion of the toy's proceeds supports sea turtle conservation efforts.
First Name Puzzle at One Step Ahead $29.95 For a young preschooler just learning to spell her name, what could be more special than a puzzle that is all about her? This wooden puzzle can be personalized with up 11 letters in a first name. Must be ordered by 12/5 for guaranteed Christmas and Hanukkah delivery.
Play-Doh Magic Swirl Ice Cream Shoppe $14.99 Remember the Play-Doh Mop Top Hair Shop? For our children's generation, Play Doh has introduced the brand new for 2008 Play-Doh Magic Swirl Ice Cream Shoppe. My kids have spent several quiet, busy afternoons making brightly colored sundaes and cones and having a fabulous time! The kit is large enough for both children to happily play together. This is a great holiday present to give to sibling sets of nieces and nephews this Christmas, as our retail budget may not allow for individual gifts. The big box came with about 50 Play-Doh accessories, even contraptions that made sprinkles and cherries like a real ice cream parlor. It also comes with 4 of the big cans of Play-Doh.
Tonka Bounce Back Racer $29.99 I have an almost 5 year old son who loves, adores, covets anything remote-controlled. But a lot of the R/C items out there are too delicate and expensive for a rough and tumble preschooler. And often the gear shifts are too confusing for a little kid who still looks down to make the "L" to find his left hand. Thank goodness that Tonka gets preschoolers and made the new Bounce Back Racer with young kids in mind. My son passionately loves this colorful, crash-proof car. It feels soft to the touch, and soft against the furniture legs it continuously bumps without leaving a scratch. It says on the box it was developed for indoor play. The coolest part of the Bounce Back Racer is that it is two sided - if it hits a wall or obstacle it flips over and keeps on going. The kids love this part. The cat? Not so much.
GIVEAWAY JumpStart® 3D Virtual World My First Adventure PC CD-Rom Software $7.99, full set of all 4 3D preschool adventures $19.99 Knowledge Adventure’s award-winning learning software is the first of its kind for pre-schoolers. The JumpStart games every year win dozens of parenting and toy awards. The latest game, 3D Virtual World My First Advenure, is tons of fun and is helping my own preschoolers to learn pre-reading, early math, social studies, art, music, computer skills and critical thinking skills through endless adventures.
When he's ready we'll move up to JumpStart 3D Virtual World's The Legend of Grizzly McGuffin for ages 4-6, Trouble in Town for ages 5-7 and The Quest for the Color Meister for ages 6-8. All this for less than twenty bucks for the entire set, it's a great holiday gift.
Leave a comment below and FOUR lucky readers will receive their own copies of the first CD-Rom in the Jumpstart 3D Virtual World series, My First Adventure for ages 3-5.
The LadyBug Game $11.95 at Zobmondo!! I don't know about you, but if I visit Candyland one more time or slide down any more chutes or ladders, I think I'm going to hurl. I love the family bonding and unplugged fun that ensues with children's board games, but the old classics do get overplayed. That's why I am so digging The Ladybug Game. It's totally new, completely cool and it was actually developed by a first grader in a classroom project.
My kids and I have blast telling each other to "Bug Off!," counting aphids and practicing our strategic thinking. I actually ASK to play this with my kids. For ages 3 and up.
GIVEAWAY Charbridge Whimsical Hats, size newborn-adult, $15 The winner can choose the size and hat of his/her choice Who wouldn't want an adorable, originally designed and hand-knit hat for their little girl or guy? Choose from hats posing as monsters, spiders, animals and fruits and you'll never get your kid to take it off. A great price for a completely hand crafted hat made of worsted weight acrylic yarn. Leave a comment below for a chance to win the hat of your child's holiday dreams!
GIVEAWAY Zutano Kids Boutique Various Prices $12-60 The brightest colors, the most whimsical prints, Zutano Kids Clothing in sizes 12m-4T show a love of kids' individuality. I love that so many of the colors and patterns work great for boys or girls, and that kids and parents are encouraged to mix patterns and stripes, dots and prints. The Zutano clothes I have bought my children never ever fade and get cozier with every wash.
Leave a comment to receive a unisex Zutano Baby Basics outfit! The outfit is a long sleeved baby tee in the acorn mouse pattern, a fleece cozie in pool and a cotton cap in brown - all size 6-12 months.
GIVEAWAYSwell Foop Sea Turtle Kids Tee $22 This fantastic shirt features a green sea turtle above the phrase "live gently." It is made of five-ounce, preshrunk 100% organic ring-spun cotton, and is pre-washed for superior softness. Color: Slate Grey. Made in the USA. THREE lucky commenters will win a tee for their kid in the available size of their choice.
Sammy, Allergen-Free Sensitive Baby$10.99 This 11 Inch doll is soft and cuddly, specially designed for asthma and allergy sensitive babies. Manufactured with materials that do not contain chemicals or allergens. Finally, a cuddly friend for even the most sensitive child.
GIVEAWAY Lavender Dreams Slumbersong Baby $7.98 This sweet baby is scented with soothing lavender, a natural scent known to calm and relax fussy children. Pull baby's musical nightcap and hear a soft lullaby. For ages 0+. Leave a comment for a chance to welcome this baby into your home!
Playskool Dressy Daisy Doll $14.99 and outfits $7.99 each Playing dress-up is a cinch with this fashionably fun, soft huggable doll. The easy-on fashions are a snap to put on, leaving more time for imaginative, mix-and-match play. Choose an African-American, Latina or blonde Daisy for your little girl.
GIVEAWAY BabyLegs Baby/Child Leg (or Arm) Warmers $12-28 a pair BabyLegs help kids stay warm and make a funky fashion statement at once! They're great for preschool fashion statements and running around in the house, keeping the feet free for gripping. They make diaper changes and pottytraining a breeze. And they're just so darn cute. Leave a comment below and maybe you'll win one of the 3 BabyLegs for giveaway - all are in adorable holiday patterns!
FREEBIE Billy Brown Audio Adventures for Kids on CD at Giddio $10.99 We love these award-winning stories on long car rides to visit family. The Billy Brown audio adventures are professionally produced with full cast voice acting, music, and sound effects that hearken back to the days of radio dramas and really enthrall our kids' imaginations. Targeted for kids age 3-7, but all ages will enjoy these CDs. A FREE download of Giddio's award-winning audio adventure “Billy Brown And The Mystery Package” is available at www.Giddio.com!
Nerf Rocket Pass Peyton Manning Football with Lights! $15.99 The football game can continue, even on dark fall evenings! This light-up NERF football has two exciting modes, one keeps the ball lit up to never lose sight of the ball, the other mode lights up when kids throw a perfect spiral pass. An easy-access button helps easily switch and it comes with passing tips from Peyton Manning, Includes 2 AAA batteries.
GIVEAWAY The Masala Bhangra Workout For Kids $19.95 Get couch potato kids on their feet with this cool Indian dance workout video. This easy but fun helps kids and families stay in shape while dancing around Indian style and more importantly - together! Sarina Jain, the "Jane Fonda of India" leads the workout and it's lots of fun. I like to pretend I'm in a big Bollywood dance number in my family room. One lucky reader will win his/her own copy - so comment below!
You can also buy Shains at the Crab Soup Cook-Off in Annapolis at the Naval Academy Stadium on Saturday, Nov 22, Be Beep in Severna Park and at Tree Tops Kids in McLean and Potomac. FIVE lucky commenters will win one - leave your comment and it could be you!
Here I write only about stuff that I truly, honestly love and recommend. I follow the guidelines for online writers as outlined by the FTC. Most of the stuff I write about here is purchased with my own hard-earned cash, and most product-review freebies that I receive are converted into giveaways to readers. If I ever receive a product to keep or other sort of payment, it is very clearly stated.
I hold myself to the full disclosures, integrity and standards of a mainstream print freelance journalist.
My point: If I don't like it and believe the readers of A Parent in Silver Spring will dig it too, I will either tell you it sucks or I just won't write about it. Promise.
I'm here too
$50 and UNDER GIFT GUIDE
I hope this guide helps you find cool, creative, cost-effective gifts!
APISS Gift Hits 
Handmade Living Bracelet Kits from The Pajama Squid
