Parent Guide Holiday Wish Guide

HAPPY GREEN HOLIDAYS | HAPPY HOLIDAYS HONEY | TOP TEN TOYS FOR 2011

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3 Holiday Wish Guide ParentGuide®

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4 Editor’sNote

8 HappyGreenHoliday

10 HappyHolidaysHoney

12 Top10Toysof2011

14 Merry,MerryfortheKids

16 MerryPetmas

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Welcometotheholidayseason, that lovelytimeofyearfilledwithfamily,food,funandshopping.Andwhilemanyfindthistobethemostexcitingandjoyoustimeofyear,forsomeparents, it’satimeofgreatstress.Why?Becauseshoppingfortherightpresentsfortheirkidsandspousescanoften be frustrating and time consuming.That’swhyParent Guideistakingthistimetoshowcasesome of the best toys and gifts of the holidayseasoninthishandy,HolidayWishGuide.

Thiswonderfulgiftguidehasgiftsforeveryone--parents,kidsandpets.There’salsoagreengiftguideandaaveryspecialsectionprovidedbytheGoddardSchool thathighlights their top ten toypicksforinfantstochildrenage6.Well,actually,it’s not their top ten toy picks, it’s the picks oftheir kids.That’s right.TheGoddardSchool lettheirstudentspickthetoysfortheirtoptenlist.

So,whilemunchingonanotherpieceofholidayrumcake,lightingallthecandlesontheMenorrahorrearrangingtheornamentsontheChristmastreeagain(yes,yoursecret’sout),whynottakeafewminutes with your Parent Guide HolidayWishGuide and plan out some fun shopping. Then,findyourkidandsing“Rudolph theRed-NosedReindeer” at the top of your lungs...together.You’llcherishthememoryforever.

Geodie Baxter PadgettExecutive Editor

Happy Holiday Shopping

Editors Note


Holiday 2011CONTENTS

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Blueberry Frecklesphotography

n a t u r a l f a m i l y p h o t o g r a p h y

Babies l Maternity l Children l Families

Heidi Joyner [email protected]

www.blueberryfreckles.net


1. Suppose your beloved decides to bestow upon you with all the gifts in “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” How much do you think he or she will have to fork out?

Answer: For all the gifts, be prepared to shell out $101,119.84 according to the PNC Christmas Price Index for 2011, which by the way, lists this year’s price at more than 4 percent more than 2010. If that’s out of your budget, you could just pony up for one day’s worth of gifts for a mere $24,263.18.

2. How many reindeer does Santa have including Rudolph?

Answer: 9 Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Dunder, Blixen and Rudolph

3. In “A Christmas Story,” Ralphie wants a new Red Rider BB gun. Why can’t he have one?

Answer: His mom thinks “He’ll shoot his eye out.”

4. What kind of pipe did Frosty the Snowman have?

Answer: According to the song, “Frosty the Snowman, the iconic snowman held a corncob pipe as well as a button nose and two eyes made out of coal.

5. What’s the name of the top-like object that children spin during Chanukah?

Answer: A dreidel, which is used to play a game where players bet on which Hebrew letter will land upright, is often played during the eight days of Chanukah.

6. Who wrote “Twas the Night Before Christmas?”

Answer: Clement Clarke Moore wrote the poem, which was originally titled “A Visit from St. Nicholas in 1823.

Holiday Trivia to SHARE

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HolidayWish Guide

HAPPY GREEN HOLIDAYSParent Guide’s picks for the best green gifts

Soft ClotheS from the DryerNow you don’t have to miss that snuggly feeling when pulling clothes from the dryer. Bouncing Woolies are eco-friendly dryer balls that lessen drying time and soften clothes. Prices vary per design and quantity. Visit www.bouncingwoolies.com.

Peanut Butter mixerNatural peanut butter is delicious, but stirring it up when it separates is a pain. That’s why this peanut butter mixer is sheer brilliance. Just screw it on a 16 oz. peanut butter jar and crank. There’s even a gasket that wipes the mixer off for easy cleaning. $10 Go to www.gaiam.com.

aDoraBle hoBBy StiCk PonieSThese handmade hobby stick ponies from Manely Recycled by audioamy are not only cute, they’re very popular among green kids and their parents. Learn more at Manely Recycled’s Facebook page or www.etsy.com where they sell for $37. Or contact the artist at [email protected].

little ClaSS with your GlaSSYou can ditch the one-time-use plastic straws for Strawsome’s straws, artsy glass straws that are reusable and add more than fun to your drink. Prices start at $7. Check out www.strawsome.com to learn more.


healinG StoneSEnd that headache or help your child ease her teething pain with these unique, amber healing bracelets and necklaces from Inspired by Finn. Prices vary. Visit http://hyenacart.com/stores/inspiredbyfinn for more information.

BuG-free humanelyThis de-bugger will satisfy moms who want a bug-free house and kids who want to catch and watch bugs. The BugZooka is a battery- and chemical-free bug catcher that sucks bugs into a chamber where they can be released. Kids can even get a peek before the bug is released. $29 at www.gaiam.com.

reCyCleD Solar SyStem PuzzleThis 48-piece puzzle will intrigue children eager to see the secrets of the universe. Made of sustainably-harvested and recycled pieces with non-toxic soy-based ink and water-based coating. $15 at www.planethappytoys.com.

Product Reviews I Geodie Baxter Padgett

Diy liP GloSS for GirlSThis Kiss Naturals Lip Balm Making kit will delight girls ages 6 and older. Featuring essential oil, sheer butter, beeswax, and safflower oil to make the lip balms, all products are natural and easy to use, although younger girls may need mom or dad’s help to melt waxes and oils. $25 Visit www.treehugger.com.

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HolidayWish Guide

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, HONEYParent Guide’s picks for the best gifts for moms and dads

the total money makeover: a Proven Plan for finanCial fitneSSDuring these tough economic times, there may be no better gift for your spouse than Dave Ramsey’s book on how to get out of debt. Not only will this book it help you live debt free and build wealth, it will have you both working together for a common goal. $16.50 or less at www.amazon.com.

70 mPh umBrellaHe’ll love this one-of-a-kind umbrella that was tested in a wind tunnel. It features a unique aerodynamic design that resists turning inside out. Made with a sturdy aluminum frame and pongee polyester canopy and reinforced points. $70 at www.sharperimage.com.

fine DininG for you BothOne of the best gifts you can give your honey that you both can enjoy is a gift certificate to your favorite romantic restaurant. And save a little money on that gift certificate by visiting www.restaurant.com for dining deals in your neighborhood.

mom’S teChno wonDerApple’s iPhone 4S is without a doubt a busy mom’s new BFF. Siri, the “personal assistant,” can answer mom’s questions, help her call folks and keep her organized. And that’s in addition to all the other cool stuff that the phone does. Prices vary according to calling plan upgrade status. Visit www.apple.com.


Product Reviews I Geodie Baxter Padgett

natural home SPa treatmentShe’ll create her own beautifying treatments using her favorite natural ingredients such as avocado, cucumber and more with this natural spa. Complete with recipes, this unique system will have her feeling healthy and lovely all the time. $120 at www.sharperimage.com.

home BrewinG SyStemDad will love getting up early with the stylish Keurig single-cup-brewing system ready to make his morning cup of coffee. It offers a range of coffee options as well as tea, cocoa and more. Plus, because each cup is brewed individually, there’s no waste. Prices vary. Go to www.keurig.com.

relax anD enjoyYou’ll make her day with the i-need massager for neck and shoulders from Brookstone. The massager wraps around the neck and shoulders while delivering heat and rhythmic vigorous percussion. $100 Visit www.brookstone.com.

DaD’S favorite Grill toyThis one-of-a-kind grill brush features motor to really power away grease and grime. It also has a steam sprayer to help melt away grease. Uses 8 AA batteries, not included. $30 Available at www.brookstone.com

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HolidayWish Guide

Top Ten Toys of 2011 for Infants and Preschoolers

(Courtesy of the Goddard School)

SaSSy® SenSory Ball Set(Suggested Age Range : 3 months & up)Sassy’s Oppenheim Award-winning Sensory Ball set comes with a set of three balls, each featuring high-contrast patterns, graspable areas, textures or noisemakers for play and sensory development.

huGS :) linkS™(Suggested Age Range : 3 months to 3 years)Each link is a happy rattle. Beads click–smooth plastic loves little hands. Put them in the jar. Take them out of the jar. Repeat. Rooooll the jar down the hall.

little ShoPPer PlaySet(Suggested Age Range : 6 months & up)Six-piece playset is full of activities. Each food features a different texture plus crinkles, jingles or chimes. Perfect for fill and spill and take along fun.

Soft Chime GarDen(Suggested Age Range : 6 months & up)Colorful flowers encourage baby to reach, tug and bat, developing hand-eye coordination.

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In 2011, over a period of a few weeks, teachers in select Goddard Schools observed how the children played with a number of toys that had been sent to the school to be rated. The teachers documented their finds, and that information was compiled. From it, a top ten toy list for infants up to age 6 was developed.

And here they are...


Parent Guide Picks I Geodie Baxter Padgett

totem StaCkerS(Suggested Age Range : 6 months & up)Stacking is easy and frustration-free with the Totem Stackers! They use smart magnets, baby learns that there is no wrong way to stack them!

elemeno Squeeze ®

(Suggested Age Range : 6 months to 3 years)Toss them in the tub, learn the alphabet and build your masterpiece. They can keep children busy for years! Or at least minutes. The toymaker’s international heritageinspired the rich colors.

wheeee-lS !®

(Suggested Age Range : 1 to 4 years)Great for enthusiastic little hands. The car rings! The truck chimes! The racer rattles! The taxi squeaks! “Garage” box is made from recycled and recyclable materials.

animal SounDS hay riDe(Suggested Age Range : 18 months & up)A fun tractor and hay wagon ride with farmer and animal figures. The figures are removable, with a bonus game of matching the animal figure to an image within the hay wagons, rewarding the child with the correct animal sound.

BinGo animal kiDS(Suggested Age Range : 2 years & up)Be the first to find the animals on your picture card to win the game! An assigning game with animals includes a variation for older children.

CitiBloCS little BuilDerS rattle BloCS(Suggested Age Range : 2 years & up)Eco-friendly; builds strength in little fingers and improves eye-hand coordination. Learn and practice math skills by grouping, adding, subtracting, matching and sequencing.

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HolidayWish GuideParent Guide Picks I Geodie Baxter Padgett

Merry, Merry for the KidsParent Guide’s picks for the best toys for school age, tweens and teens.

leGo’S Cool ninja SetSNinjago, LEGO’s popular Ninja set, features all types of setups including this year’s LEGO Ninjago Fire Temple. Set comes complete with 7 minifigures...and a splitting temple where the Fire Dragon is held. Age 8+; $108 at Target.

SwimminG arounD the roomAir Swimmers are amazing remote controlled fish that actually swim/fly around the room leaving the kids (and you) astonished. Moving with the smooth glide of a real fish, the air swimmers are designed for inside use only. Fish requires only 4 AAA batteries and has up and down and a full 360-degree turning control. $50 Available at Toys R Us.

Color maGiCMake your own colorful rainbow with this motorized rainbow maker. Simply apply the suction cup to a

window getting direct sunlight and watch as solar energy powers the motor that rotates a genuine hanging crystal. As the crystal refracts light, rainbows light up your living room. $35 Visit www.smithsonianstore.com

Glow roCkS SCienCe kitThese special minerals light up under a UV light (included in the set). Just wave the portable UV light over them and watch as they sparkle and glow with color. And you can take the UV light and check out other things around the house. You’ll be surprised at what might light up (money, stamps, etc.). $40 Visit www.amazon.com to buy.


arounD the worlD from the livinG roomIt’s not just a magazine, it’s worldwide adventure. National Geographic is the perfect gift for tweens and teens (and their parents) to explore the globe’s most fascinating and beautiful animals, lands and people. And National Geographic Kids is available for pre-school and school age kids. Special online pricing for a year: $57 for National Geographic and $15 for National Geographic Kids. Check out www.nationalgeographic.com.

Portal 2 for the xBoxThis follow up to 2007’s Game of the Year doesn’t disappoint. Players use their wits over weapons solving puzzles and facing challenges in a “funhouse of diabolic science.” Rated E10+ $30 at www.gamestop.com.

kinDle fireReleased in September 2011, the Kindle Fire is the newest entry into the tablet marketplace. Although its suite of functions isn’t as extensive as the iPad, for most users, what the Kindle offers is entertaining and more than enough. It’s full color with thousands of apps, games and movies. Features a dual core processor. $199 Go to www.amazon.com.

Gift CarDSSometimes, there’s no getting around it. Tweens and teens are more finicky about their gifts, and often, those gifts cost more than the holiday budget allows for. That’s why you can never go wrong with a gift card. Consider some of these tween/teen favorites when buying the card: GameStop, Aeropostale, AMC or Regal Movie Theaters, iTunes, Amazon.com, Banana Republic and Best Buy. Or try a Visa Gift Card for use anywhere.

Glow-in-the-Dark Beetle mouSeThough it may look like some sort of graphic optical illusion, it’s not. A real chafer beetle is embedded in the acrylic of this unique mouse. $20 at www.smithsonianstore.com

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HolidayWish GuideParent Guide Picks I Geodie Baxter Padgett

MERRY PETMAS!Parent Guide’s picks for the best gifts for your pet

Canine Cool ShaDeSDesigned with an elastic strap to wrap around your dog’s head, Doggles are a smart, hip way to protect your furry friend’s eyes. 100 percent UV protection, shatterproof construction. Approximately $20 Visit www.doggles.com for more info and ordering.

PamPereD PooCheSLavish some extra love on your dog with a Doggie Spa kit filled with Every Dog Has His Day SpaR Shampoo, Between Baths Spritz and Paw Rub. All products are free of chemicals, dyes and synthetics. $49.50 Available www.frontgate.com

SCratChinG & Groovin’ kittySee what moves your cat can bust when she starts playing with the DJ Cat Scratch Turntable. 100 percent cardboard. 100 percent cool. $40 at www.perpetualkid.com

PrePPy PuPSSpoil that little friend of yours this holiday season with pet sweater or polo from designer Ralph Lauren. Sweaters and polos come in all different sizes, colors and styles. Prices vary. Go to www.ralphlauren.com.


artSy GolDfiSh DiGSWho says your goldfish bowl has to be boring? The Fishscape Fish Bowl is a 2011 International Design Excellence Award winner with its beautiful underwater landscape crafted all in glass. $140 Check it out at www.conranusa.com

hiGh teCh kitty GameSSome of the greatest ideas are the simplest as in the case of the FroliCatTM BOLT, an award-winning laser toy that flashes laser light around the room, triggering the cat to chase it. $20 Visit www.frolicat.com

BirDie funEncourage your bird’s exercise and keep his beak and claws healthy with the Star Bird Toys. Made of wood and leather, it will pique your feathery friend’s interest while keeping his mind and body active and healthy.

Cat feeDinG StationThe AiKiou Stimulo has to be the most unique cat feeding station around. Food is hidden in the blue tubes and cats use their natural hunting and foraging abilities to find it and eat it rather than tearing up the couch. $25 Visit www.amazon.com.

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Parent Guide Holiday Wish Guide