What to get the Kids for Christmas- Our Top Five List!

Oh, you think that’s an easy question… well think again. Have you ever seen a child’s face after opening his/her present only to see its Jazz instead of Optimus Prime or Fashion Barbie instead of  Princess Barbie? It’s not pretty, that’s all I can say. I can’t guarantee with 100% certainty that this list will save you from all the potential Christmas present drama, but I do think I have some pretty sure fire hits and runners up.  What are we waiting for, let’s get shopping!

* For the Baby

This is always a tough job. You gotta get the baby something, but what will grow with them the best? What will keep them charged and happy? It’s not easy, but not impossible either.  I was really impressed with the Yookidoo-Baby’s First Bumper Book. Soothing sounds and lights-Perfect!

* For the Toddler

You may through a fit when I suggest this great toy, but really there is not anything as joyful as a toddlers belly laugh. And I am pretty sure the Sesame Street Playskool Let’s Rock Elmo will have them giggling from morning till night.

*Pre-Schoolers

Oh yeah… get ready for this Dad’s! No little boy should be without this under their tree this year. The Matchbox Smokey the Fire Truck, not only is it a fire truck, but it shoots balls. This is pretty much a most get.

*Grade -Schoolers

The challenge begins1 Grade-schoolers are some of the most difficult. Buying gifts for this age set is complicated to say the least. They have become old enough to know more specifically what they want and more verbal about what they don’t like and too young to apply buffers to their words. Some parents may opt to go the safe route, but when it comes to cool gifts, sometimes parents DO know best. LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer Game System helps them feel older, like they so want to be and entertains while educating them. Subliminal learning, I like it.

*Tweens

Go ahead and say it, Ugh! Nothing makes them happy because they don’t even know what they want, that is unless its something someone at school has that they have to have. I want to say get them a tv tray so they can hang out in their room,  including mealtime until they’re 18. But seriously they may enjoy the Lego MBA kits. I like this because its progressive and gives them something positive to build on, their education and creativity.

and a Bonus category-teens

*Teens

This group is pretty easy. They are old enough, for the most part to apply filters when they don’t like something. And young enough to still want Christmas gifts from mom and dad-the kid in all of us lives forever. They are a great group because they spend so much time throughout the rest of the year making sure we know they aren’t babies anymore. After all, most of them can even make toast by now. Teens love gadgets, electronics, skiing and the list goes on. For the Teens this year I say get them something cool and unique-a lot of teens already have smart phones, tablets, readers and the video systems-so step out of the box. I like the Sound Asleep Comfort Pillow with built in speaker, I think I want one.

No matter what you get there will be happy faces and sad faces, there is no way around it. Just remember its a season for families and good times and that trumps everything. Happy Holidays!