droolicious : holiday gift guide

Squeeze-Me Mittens

elizabeth leach — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:30:00 GMT

Hold hands with your little one with Oeuf's Squeeze-Me Mittens. These adult sized mittens have a small mitten for your little one's hand to fit warmly and snugly inside. What could be cuter?

The Squeeze-Me Mittens would look great with Oeuf's Hug-Me Sweater in Babble's Holiday Gift Guide. Mittens are 100% alpaca and available in brown, pink and black. Find the Squeeze-Me Mittens here for $58. Shop Oeuf.

Big Deal: 40% Off Second Day Shipping at Toys "R" Us

elizabeth leach — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:00:00 GMT

It's not too late to shop on line at Toys "R" Us for Christmas and get a great deal on shipping. Look for the items that say "40% off second day shipping when you spend $49". Here are some of the great items in this category...

Live Elmo is $49.99 and a crowd pleaser for our Elmo obsessed babies!

If you have a new baby arriving soon, the Tiny Love Symphony-in-Motion is a fantastic mobile. ($39.99)

Boikido Wooden Blocks have colorful and imaginative drawings on each block. They are beautiful! (30 piece set for $29.99)

Shop all toys with 40% off second day shipping here.

Maisy's Christmas Day

elizabeth leach — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 14:30:00 GMT

Join Maisy and her delightful friends on Christmas morning with this charming board book. My little girl is fascinated by Christmas trees and there's a Christmas tree on every page of this book. This is the best way to share the holidays with my daughter and for me to get in the holiday spirit!

Maisy's books are written by Lucy Cousins. Find Maisy's Christmas Day on Amazon for $5.99. Pick two day shipping for guaranteed delivery by December 24 and then stuff it in their stocking!

Inexpensive Gift Pick: The Hess Truck

editors — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 22:33:00 GMT

It’s like there’s an alarm that goes off in every kid some time after the age of two and they must have trucks, trains and all things that go. My daughter saw the annual Hess Truck commercial and quickly declared, “I want it” as if in a trance. The best thing about this holiday standard is the price. At $22.99 you can afford the 2008 Hess Truck and Front End Loader for every truck lover on your list.

The Hess Toy Truck has working lights and "authentic" truck noises - you know, honking, ignition start-up and that back-up warning beep. It even comes with batteries to make all this magic happen.

Hess trucks are only sold on location and recommended for ages 3 and up. Go here to find out where you can find one on the highway near you. - April Peveteaux

Baby's First Laptop

elizabeth leach — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:32:00 GMT

The Discovery Store's Baby Laptop is packed with fun sounds and lights to keep baby entertained. Open the laptop and baby can see himself in the baby safe mirror. Touch the keys and they light up and teach baby animals sounds, numbers, letters and cute phrases like "peek-a-boo" and "you're my friend". And it's the perfect size for a baby's lap.

The Baby Laptop is on sale for $17.47 at the Discovery Store.

Big Deal: 25% Off Three Potato Four

elizabeth leach — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:30:00 GMT

Three Potato Four is an online boutique that has an amazing selection of the most charming vintage and modern objects. From home decor to vintage toys, everything is unique and special. For today only, take 25% off everything in their store. Get the code after the jump...

The above ceramic girl coin bank is $32. Shop Three Potato Four with code: 25POTATO.

Haba's New Doll Buggy

elizabeth leach — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Sweet wheels! Haba's new Doll Buggy will give their dolls and stuffed animals a smooth and stylish ride. Frame is made of birch ply-wood with a steel axis and fabric is removable for washing. Designed and made in Germany.

Find Haba's Doll Buggy at Oompa for $159.99 and free shipping.

Six Sides of Discovery

elizabeth leach — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 15:00:00 GMT

The Discovery Store Interactivity Cube has six sides of fun activities. This toy is packed with games: a mouse that pops up when you push a button, five animals who make animal sounds when you push them, a singing clock, a “CD player” that plays music, musical keys, flashing lights, among others. I love the bright turquoise color, too.

With so much fun, you'd expect to pay a lot for this toy, but it's on sale for $20.97. Buy the Interactivity Cube at the Discovery Store.

They'll Play With It For More Than Ten Minutes

elizabeth leach — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:00:00 GMT

We’ve written about Fisher-Price's Little People Learn About Town before (read Sunny's post here), but I had to write about it again because it's such a fantastic toy. We are all searching for that toy that our toddler will play with for more than ten minutes and this is one of those toys.

With so many places to explore like the pizza shop, doctor’s and dentist’s office, pet store, schoolhouse, and the Numbers Tree House, your child will have many activities to keep her attention. There are doors to open and close, buttons to press, words, numbers and ABC song to hear, a swing and slide, and magnetic board to write on. Set includes two Little People, a table and chairs, pizza delivery truck, play pizzas, play apples and an easel.

Find the Little People Learn About Town here for $45.

Green Baby: Your Very Own Recycling Truck

Meredith Broussard — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 21:00:00 GMT

Encourage your kid to go green with this recycling truck from Playmobil.

If you've ever stood with your toddler and watched a recycling (or garbage) truck empty a dumpster, you can probably imagine the utter joy your child will experience upon receiving his or her very own recycling truck with dumpster lift.

If you haven't had the pleasure of this particular experience... what are you waiting for?

Playmobil recycling truck, $49.99 at Amazon.

Modern Paint Set

elizabeth leach — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:00:00 GMT

This mini paint set unfolds from a neat box to include water colors, a natural bristle paint brush, mixing palette, two water cups, water bottle and pencil. Perfectly packaged in a clean, modern style.

Pocket Paint Set measures 3" x 6" x 1.5". Find it at Modern Tots.

Star Wars Clone Trooper Helmet Still Flying Off Shelves

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Getting little kids to go nuts over talking Star Wars merchandise is like shooting fish in a barrel, but there are a few good reasons Hasbro's Clone Trooper Voice Changer Helmet is topping so many "hot toy" lists this season.

For one, it's durable -- so much so that your littlest Clone may reel from the sheer weight when he or she dons the thing. But if you've experienced either the lesser Clone helmets that cover just kids' faces or the cheapo, rubber-band-backed Halloween masks that always seem to break within minutes, you'll understand why bulk makes the difference.

Once you get the helmet adjusted -- and for anyone under 10, unless they've got an especially large noggin, you'll need to work with the fittings a bit -- the voice-changing feature adds a nice bit of realism to the experience. If you're familiar with The Clone Wars, you'll realize the term "voice-changing" is a bit of a stretch, but from a kid's perspective, the walkie-talkie-style effects that leave them sounding like Commander Cody and his comrades will invite hours of imaginative play.

$30.93 (regularly $36.99) from Amazon.

Let's Learn Our ABC's

elizabeth leach — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 18:00:00 GMT

What happens when a graphic designer and an early childhood educator start their own clothing line? Milalu is a new on-line store that sells tees and onesies that marry both modern graphics and childhood whimsy. Each one is super, duper cool. I can't decide which one I like the most.

All designs are available as onesies in sizes 3-6 and 6-12 months and as tee shirts in sizes 12 months - 4 years. The above Alphabet Onesie comes in heather grey or white with teal ink and the below Numbers Tee is available in heather grey and white with orange ink. Onesies and tees are $18 each.

You can also find retro inspired child aprons and folded notecards with their graphic designs at Milalu. Shop Milalu.

Green Baby: Wonderworld Puffy Dragon Ride-On

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:00:00 GMT

If you thought plastic, rubber or metal were the only materials durable enough to make a ride-on toy, the Wonderworld Puffy Dragon Ride-On is happy to defy your expectations. Green in both color and concept, the plush fire-blower sits on a recovered-rubberwood base and features non-toxic, water-based paint on its detailing.

The dragon is also easily removed from its base when toddlers tire of pushing or riding, and in addition to its soft, biodegradable fabric, the dragon also invites sensory play with its beeper and crinkly textured ears.

$94.16 (regularly $99.99) at Amazon.

Big Deal: 15% Off Sugarplum Dreams

elizabeth leach — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 22:00:00 GMT

From now until the end of the year, take 15% off your order of $50 or more at Sugarplum Dreams. This one stop shop has many gift options for babies and kids. Here are a few of my favorites. Read my last review of Sugarplum Dreams here. (Get the discount code after the jump...)

The above Carnivale Wall Candy decals are fun and colorful. The set includes forty flags and two sets of white letters. ($86)

The above hand made Monkey by Oopsy Daisy is the perfect size for snuggling. Measures 20". ($65)

Is your baby obsessed with ducks like mine is? Michel Ducky Soaps are hand made from all natural ingredients and gently scented. Three ducks in a decorative crate. ($20)

Shop Sugarplum Dreams and use code: babble15 for 15% off.

Holiday Videogame Roundup: 5 Games for Girls

Aaron Burgess — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 20:52:00 GMT

Off to adventure in Bella Sara for Nintendo DS.

First, a disclaimer: There are approximately 8 zillion kid-friendly video games currently available for boys and girls -- 4.2 zillion of which came out in the past month alone. But we're all about helping you narrow down your choices here at Droolicious, and in this guide, we've pulled together five of the better new titles for the girl gamer on your list.

All of these games have been kid-tested, and all of them scored big in a few select categories: ease of play, young-child-appropriateness of content, and intentional girl appeal. Don't worry, parents of little boys: Your list is coming soon enough.

Bella Sara (buy it at Amazon)
Rated: E
Systems: DS, PC
Based on the hit trading-card game and website of the same name, Bella Sara gives players their own virtual fantasy pony to care for and accessorize. As you move through the Bella Sara world, you seek out more than 200 different virtual horse and accessory cards to add to your stable, and thanks to the real trading card that comes packaged with each copy, you can unlock even more items separately through the Bella Sara site. The game's Wi-Fi element also allows you to trade virtual cards with other players, much as you would in a real-world card game, and beyond the cards, there's a whole world of minigames, show competitions, and other fun activities to explore. While boys are certainly welcome to play Bella Sara, this one in particular has girls in mind: each of the game's six playable avatars is female.

Littlest Pet Shop (buy it at Amazon)
Rated: E
Systems: Wii, DS
Though it features 32 of the adorable, bug-eyed pets so many of us are accustomed to stepping over in the playroom, Littlest Pet Shop keeps all of its critters confined to your screen. Players move through the Littlest Pet Shop world, exploring colorful new environments (each of which gets its own game in the different DS versions) and playing various minigames. Accessorizing and caring for your pets are also key features, and each completed minigame lets you unlock goodies ranging from accessories to playsets (many of which you'll recognize from real-world toy shelves) to new pets to love and play with. Little gamers should have no trouble figuring out the basic concepts here, even if Mom or Dad may have to guide them through reading some instructions. Plus, the game's adjustable difficulty levels also help to make Littlest Pet Shop appealing to older players.

Build-A-Bear Workshop: A Friend Fur All Seasons (buy it at Amazon)
Rated: E
System: Wii
Sure, the Build-A-Bear Workshop in your local mall has a number of $10 animals on sale this season, but considering the $40 Wii version of said workshop nets you the ability to customize eight different animals and outfit them with some 80 different accessories before you even start the game, we're seeing a bit more bang for buck here. You're headed to a Build-A-Bear party, but first you need to work your way through 20 different easy minigames in order to collect the four map-unlocking puzzle pieces that lead you to the fun. The concept is simple enough that kindergarten-age players can grasp it, even if that also means older kids will tear through it in an afternoon.

My Baby Girl (buy it at Amazon)
Rated: E
System: DS
It seems a little crass to think of a baby as a virtual pet, but that's pretty much the experience My Baby Girl (and its baby-blue Boy version) offer -- although in each game, you have to do a lot more than simply feed and soothe your little one to keep it happy. My Baby makes you the caretaker of a kewpie-doll-like infant that comes complete with a daily routing of feeding, napping, playing and filling his or her diaper. As you nurture your baby -- playing with her, taking her for routine checkups and talking or singing to her (a particularly cool feature offered by the DS' mic), she grows into a healthy, happy older child. Of course, such constant levels of attention may be more than your littlest gamer can handle, so proceed with caution before handing this one to kids who aren't yet old enough to look after their real brothers or sisters for a spell.

Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell (buy it at Amazon)
Rated: E
System: DS
Launched in tandem with the animated movie starring the newly made-over (and at-long-last vocal) Tinker Bell, Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell is much more than a licensed-character cash-in. For starters, the game links you to Disney’s free DGamer community and its chat, avatar and stat-sharing functions -- all of which, thankfully, feature major parental/content controls. The game itself puts you into Neverland’s fantastical Pixie Hollow, where you fly about the world collecting items, completing tasks and using your inherent tinkering powers to help other characters complete their own challenges. Action happens in (kinda) real time, with seasonal and time changes reflecting as you move throughout the game, and there’s a major fashion and customization element in the 100-plus different items you can collect to build Tinker Bell’s wardrobe.

Fairies, stuffed bears and magical horses not your thing? Check out another of our recent game guides, 5 Kid-Friendly Music Games That Aren't Rock Band or Guitar Hero.

Babble Makes Your Holiday Dreams Come True

editors — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 17:31:00 GMT

One of the best things about this job is checking out all the new merchandise coming down the baby gear pike. As you can see, we have been busy this holiday season. But our perusing is your gain as we’re giving away a TON of baby, adult and kiddo products this month on Babble. How do you win?

There are so many ways! If you’re looking for the perfect gift and/or free goods including: handmade wonders from Etsy, personalized photo books, electronics and gifts for the grandparents go no further than our Holiday Gift Guide. We have over 30 amazing items for free – for you!

If a top of the line stroller and car seat are on your wish list, head over to The Babble Playground and join our Photo Contest. The winner goes home with a Quinny Buzz 4 with Dreami bassinet, Quinny box accessory and Maxi-Cosi Mico car seat. Nice!

Did you ask Santa for a camera/GPS/underwater camera set this year? You are in luck with our Sony Ultimate Giveaway. It’s got all these things.

Need a place to put the baby? The Jeep Trek Easy-Travel Playard holds everything in one place – and we’re giving one away for free!

Baby clothes, toys and maternity wear are also up for grabs. So check out all of our giveaways and have a holly jolly money-saving holiday. – April Peveteaux

A Present for Santa Claus (and for You)

elizabeth leach — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:34:00 GMT

I love reading holiday books to my daughter, even though she doesn't understand who Santa Claus is yet. "A Present for Santa Claus" is a beautiful pop-up book that tells the story of a little boy who has a dream on Christmas night that he saves his money all year long to buy Santa a present. Your child will marvel over the intricate pop-ups of winter shop scenes, Santa and his sleigh, a Christmas tree on Christmas morning and Santa's workshop.

I think my little girl will start to understand Christmas a little better with this beautiful book. Find "A Present for Santa Claus" by Dana Kubick and David Wood here for $11.55 and wherever books are sold.

Big Deal: 30% Off all Gifts at Style Kid

elizabeth leach — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:30:00 GMT

Style Kid has a lot of cool things in their gift department like this Doodlebugz Crayon Apron. Apron holds up to 64 crayons and looks very flirty! Get code after the jump...

Doodlebugz Apron is normally $15.96, but now is only $10.36. Take 30% off all gifts at Style Kid with code: SALE8. Offer is good until Dec 5.

RipStik 'G' Caster Board Built to Tackle Curbs and Coping, Too

Aaron Burgess — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:04:00 GMT

The RipStik "G" is pretty much the same impossible-to-ride caster board your kids somehow manage to master within days, with one major exception: The "G" has a section of aircraft-grade aluminum in its midsection that also opens up the board to grinding.

$61.59 from Target, and be sure to pick up a helmet while you're there.

Cyber Monday Deals: Huge Sale at Tea Collection

Meredith Broussard — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:00:00 GMT

Have you been drooling over the Skjolden Ski Sweater from Tea Collection featured in the Babble Holiday Gift Guide? Now's your chance to get it-- and everything else at Tea Collection-- for 25% off.

Get 25% off at Tea Collection using coupon code GIFT08 through 12/03; free shipping on orders $100+.

How do Dinosaurs?

elizabeth leach — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:00:00 GMT

"How do Dinosaurs" Pocket Library consists of three of the popular "How do Dinosaurs" books: "How do Dinosaurs Clean Their Rooms", "How do Dinosaurs Learn Their Colors" and "How do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends". These three mini board books, written by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague, are perfect for little hands and the illustrations are down right hilarious!

Don't these cute, little books just scream "stocking stuffer"? Find the "How do Dinosaurs" Pocket Library and all the "How do Dinosaurs" books at Scholastic.

Cyber Monday Deals: The Complete List of Online Discounts

Meredith Broussard — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:05:00 GMT

Ready with the credit card? Here's the ultimate wrap-up of Cyber Monday discounts on kids' toys and gear:

Land of Nod: free shipping on most purchases w/coupon code WINTER; get the adorable personalized stockings pictured above for $25 each.

Discovery Store: $10 off $50, free shipping over $75

Lego Store: free shipping over $99, $10 off orders over $100, $20 off orders over $200, $30 off orders over $300

Back to Basics Toys: 10% off everything w/coupon code EDISC84; free shipping over $85 w/coupon code EDISC83

The Scholastic Store: up to 75% off on sale items; free shipping on $39+ w/coupon code AFFTGS or coupon code SSTGS

PBS Shop: $10 off $50 w/coupon code PBSFRIDAY; $5 off bestselling titles; free shipping; $10 off $65+

Leapfrog: 25% off everything, free shipping over $50

KB Toys: $5 Off $100 w/coupon code LSGENQ48; free shipping on lots of toys; up to 50% off Fisher-Price toys

Toys R Us: free shipping over $25 on select items; free shipping on Mattel toys, including Barbie; buy a Star Wars Wii game, get 50% off any other Wii game; free shipping on lots of video games, plus $30 off Guitar Hero. Check the site for details.

eToys.com: up to 60% off and free shipping on select items

Gap: buy one, get one free on select holiday sweaters

Macy's: free shipping over $99 with promo code MERRY

Land's End: free shipping, daily St. Nick's Pick discount items (today: outerwear)

Overstock.com: free shipping

Target: free shipping on 5,000+ toys

eBay: $1 holiday doorbuster items hidden on the site, including a 65-inch Panasonic plasma HDTV and a 2009 Chevy Corvette; daily deals; occasional free shipping

PayPal: cash-back incentives and lots of online discounts from 5 percent to 30 percent off at various stores, including Toys R Us, eBags, and Overstock.com; free shipping on Elmo Live; free shipping on eBay items

If this isn't enough savings, check out Consumer Reports' blog for tips on where to find promotional codes, how to compare online deals, and how to save lots of cash this holiday season. Happy shopping!

Got a LEGO Lover?

elizabeth leach — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 16:07:00 GMT

If Santa is planning on leaving LEGOs under the tree this year, now is the time to shop because Toys R Us is offering a buy one get one half off deal on all LEGO sets (excluding Star Wars and Tubs).

The above LEGO City: Construction Set is brand new and features a mobile crane, delivery truck, digger and lots of LEGO construction dudes. Find the Construction Site here for $89.99.

Shop all LEGO here.

Smart-E-Bear: The iPod for Toddlers Giveaway

elizabeth leach — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 13:55:00 GMT

Smart-e-bear, dog or cat, by Kids Prefered, is an interactive plush toy that you program on your computer to play thousands of award-winning songs, interactive stories, and educational games. At 13” tall, he’s the perfect size for lots of hugging!

My sixteen month old loves her smart-e-dog and hugs him all the time. I think she might have learned to hug by playing with him! I programmed the dog to play only songs since that’s what she loves the most and to say “Hi Charlotte!” As she gets older, I’ll program games and stories, too. This toy truly grows with your child.

To win your own smart-e-bear, smart-e-dog or smart-e-cat, visit their site here and click on "Learn More" to take a tour. Check out all the music, games and stories available and send me an e-mail at babbledesign@gmail.com and tell me which artists you would download for your smart-e-bear. I will choose a random winner at the end of Wednesday, December 3.

You can purchase your smart-e-bear here.