Archive for the ‘Gift Guide’ Category

We all know that money is going to be tight this holiday season. So, to help you maximize what you have and get the kids some toys they’ll enjoy, I’ve put together a list of the Top 8 Cheap Toys That Don’t Suck.

When I think of a classic board game, I immediately think of Monopoly. But, of course, it is far from the only one out there. From Life to Candy Land to Chutes and Ladders, there’s a game available for every age group. Even better, when it comes to prices, the classics we’ve loved for years tend to be quite reasonable. You can get the classic Monopoly pictured above for $10; the classic Candy Land is only $5. Stick with the classic versions rather than the updated ones to save money, and enjoy the time you get to spend playing with your little one!

Buy Board Games Online:

• at Amazon.com

No, really, I’m not being weird here. A lot of kids love to play shop, including Small Person #2 (3.5 years). In fact, he sets up an entire store in the living room, including pretend money, products, and in the end he even delivers them. Heck, I get better service from him than most shops in the neighborhood. After our most recent session (which can last for an hour or more), I got to thinking what the best toys for pretend shopkeepers would be.

1. Play Money

You wouldn’t have much of a shop without play money to use. Admittedly, you could use real money, but, well… that’s just gross. And dumb. I mean, you don’t know who’s touched those bills, right? And really, with this economy can you afford for Junior to decide to stick a few under the fridge when you’re not looking?

Buy Play Money Online:

• at Amazon.com
• at Back to Basics

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Expecting your first baby? Or maybe you’re trying to think of an appropriate gift for a friend or family member who’s expecting. With all the toys out there marketed for infants, you might be overwhelmed; after all, you may wonder what exactly a small person who can barely do more than eat, sleep and poop could possibly find entertaining. Well, I’m here to help. After taking care of more infants than I can count, I’ve come up with a short list of the best must-have toys for ages newborn to 6 months.

An often overlooked but well-loved toy among infants, these slip onto their feet, providing them with limitless (well, until they manage to yank them off) entertainment as well as keeping their cold-prone feet warm. The perfect gift if you’re looking for something small with a high cute factor which will actually get some decent use by the baby.

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