Gifts For Kids

My kids, aged 5 and 7, are already computer games addicts. Well, can’t really blame them, when both parents are (amateur) gamers, can you? Still, seeing them spend hours at the computer can be annoying for two reasons:

1. While they develop some motor skills, and eye-hand coordination, they don’t learn a whole lot from those games.

2. They take up one of the computers, often leaving one of the grown-ups with nothing to do but the dishes.

We have considered getting them a Playstation, but it’s not only expensive, but also comes with games which we feel are at best a waste of time, and more often than not, inappropriate for their age group.

If you’re facing similar concerns, I have the perfect solution for you: the VTech TV learning system!

At under $50 (free shipping even, under some conditions), this system tricks your kids into thinking their playing nasty video games, while teaching them language, science and math. It comes equipped with a little joystick, a sing-along mic and a little writing pad stylus, all ready to teach your kids a variety of skills, including writing.

To operate this nifty little gadget, you need the game cartridges, aka “smartridge”. There is a variety of “games” featuring popular super heroes and Disney characters, that are sure to appeal to kids.

However, being at this system is so inexpensive, don’t expect too much when it comes to sound or visuals. Plug it into too wide a screen, and you’ll get a pretty fuzzy pixelized image… It’s a low-priced gadget toy, and goes well with the small TV set in the kids room - no more. Still, for the price, it does provide a great learning and entertainment experience for kids aged 3-8.

Get the VTech V.Smile TV Learning System

Woohoo! That was what my two boys said when they saw this one. “Mom, I want this!”

Well, I told them to put it on their birthday gifts list and they are going to. They’re not even huge fans of the teenage mutant Ninja Turtles, but they are boys and this set is so action packed, they didn’t care much that the heros are reptiles.

Ok, now here’s the catch: the cool little figures are sold separately. One of the buyer reviews on Amazon actually made the mistake of assuming that the word playset means that the figures are included. I can only imagine the disappointment when they opened the box and found just the tower.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie Monster Tower Playset

So, if you do get this, don’t forget to get this too :

Movie Star Action Figure Multi-Pack

Kawabanga!

When he was a teenager, my husband used to build homemade rockets with friends. As it turns out, boys of various ages, and many girls too, are absolutely thrilled by shooting projectiles of any kind into space. Well, into the sky, anyway. The higher, the better.

If you’re looking for a gift for a young physicist, seeking to explore the wonders of missile launching, this could be a great choice:

Marky Sparky Blast Pad

It’s not as small as it looks. It’s a telescopic system, which adjusted to full height, provides an impressive launch pad for the three lightweight missiles. It’s meant for outdoor play, of course, and can be just the thing to take along a family picnic.

Giving a real live pet is a big no-no, that one we all know by now, I hope. Adopting a cat or a dog is a major decision which involves the entire family, so any kittens for sale ads should be avoided. If you’re looking for a Kitty for a young ailurophile, then one of these is sure to be a hit: The Webkinz Cats!

Webkinz Persian Cat

They are all fluffy and plush, each in a unique design, and all of them are totally adorable. Like other Webkinz, they are brought to life on the Internet, in the Webkinz website, with each individual purchased toy having its own virtual character on the site.

Webkinz Himalayan

The Webkinz Persian and Himalayan are two of the most favorite Webkinz cats on Amazon.com. Plush and fancy, these kitties will get along just fine even if you don’t tend to their grooming needs. Something that can’t be said for the real life Persian and Himalyan cats.

Of course, a cat doesn’t have to be a purebred to make a great companion. In fact, why not try the Webkinz Alley cat instead? It’s furry and has the sweetest face that makes you want to hug it, bring it inside and take good care of it. Something that should be done for feral cats too.

Webkinz Alley Cat