Educational Preschool Gifts that Won't Bankrupt the Budget

Every Christmas, I say to myself, "I'm not going overboard shopping for the kids this year." And each year, I do. But at least, I'm a good bargain-hunter. I may overspend a little but I get lots of bang for my holiday buck! As a teacher and mom, I insist on educational toys and gifts. Here are low-cost, high-learning toys and gifts for preschool-age kids.  Read more

Best Kids' Toys and for 2012 Christmas Presents

One of my favorite parts of Christmas is buying gifts for kids. I love choosing toys, but I'm very picky. I demand that toy gifts I buy have some intrinsic educational value. And there are a lot of junk toys on the market. How do you wade through the chaff to find the best gifts for kids? Here's a guide from a 25-year veteran teacher and 24-year mom of four.  read more

Best Holiday Gifts for Kids Missions

Looking for a great Christmas giving opportunity? Operation Christmas Child is a charitable giving outreach ministry of Samaritan's Purse. Each year around Thanksgiving, thousands of boxes are shipped to domestic and foreign missions. Here's a list of items to put in your Operation Christmas Child holiday gift box. If you missed this giving opportunity, don't worry. Many churches and groups fill boxes for needy kids. These tips apply to local or overseas missions. Use this list to purchase gifts for any toy or gift donation. Gift suggestions are standard to most charity protocol. Christian families, consider using toy donations part of your offeratory. Catholics, remember, Advent is a penitential season; we're required to practice prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Childrens' missions make perfect holiday almsgiving opportunities. Many Jewish families participate in Hanukkah giving. Muslim families, if you participate with toy drives, be sure to check if gift donations are zakat-eligible. I can't speak for all Islamic centers but many in Detroit partner with area missions or have their own giving opportunities for Muslim holiday observances. Read more Best Gifts to Fill Your Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child Box

At-home preschool dramatic play learning center

 As a special needs and former Montessori teacher, my classrooms have always been organized on the learning center principle. Learning centers are rotational play areas were children perform tasks related to specific content areas: math, reading, science, art, practical life, dramatic play. When I had children, I imported the learning center philosophy into my home. The play room was set up like a modified preschool classroom. Got toddler or preschool age kids? I highly recommend setting up learning centers. If you're homeschooling, learning centers are a must. Here's how this Montessori mom designed an at-home dramatic play area. Easy at-home ideas, plus shopping tips for your budding thespian's play area. Montessori mom: At-home preschool dramatic play learning center 

Health Experts Warn Parents to Skip Cellphone Apps, Games for Kids

Popular items for the holiday shopping season are cellphone games and applications for children. Education and health experts say parents should skip all apps. Developmentally, they say, kids need unstructured, creative play, not games like those played on a tiny, digital screen. Here are facts about kids and cellphone apps. read more

Toys to Avoid Buying This Holiday Season: CPSC "Most Wanted"

When holiday shopping, we usually think in terms of what gifts to buy, not gifts to avoid. But some children's toys are not safe or have been recalled. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has compiled a list of recalled and "most wanted" toys to avoid this season. Read more...

Best Toys to Donate to Toys for Tots and Children Charities

Best Toys to Donate for Toys for Tots and Giving Tree Childrens Christmas Gift Drive One of my favorite parts of Christmas is choosing gifts for the Marines Toys for Tots drive and church missions Giving Tree childrens gifts. Sometimes it's difficult to know what kind of gift to choose. Here are some considerations to help. Read More

Free Printable Disney Toy Story 3 Coloring Pages and Crafts

Free Printable Disney Pixar 'Toy Story 3' Coloring Pages, Crafts, Toys and Activities Raise your hand if you can't wait until June 18, 2010. Why? Because that's when Disney Pixar's Toy Story 3 hits the big screen, in 3D. Can't afford to give much this Christmas? Maybe you have a child on you list that would love some free printable Toy Story coloring pages? Print off images and design a nice cover with recycled materials. A quarter box of crayons (bought at back-to-school sales) and you've got a a gift cheap!Visit my linked blog Free Coloring Pages 4U (linked in the side bar) for gobs of other printables! Read More

Halloween Trick-or-Treat Candy Alternatives

100+ Valentine Treat Alternatives This article discusses alternative Valentine treats. These candy alternatives make excellent trick-or-treat prizes too. Over 100 ideas for inexpensive treats and candy alternatives. View more »

Choosing Gifts for Toys for Tots, Overseas Missions and Children's Charities

Top 10 Gift Ideas for Children's' Charities Issues to consider in charitable gift-giving. Climate, lifestyle, health, environment, language, usefulness, and many other considerations. Gift suggestions that work well for Toys for Tots, overseas missions, foreign aid, anonymous giving. Age appropriate gift list, too. View more »