Gadget Mommy » kids

Ideas, ideas, ideas….

Trish — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:22:50 +0000

Sometimes I feel like I am just out of ideas for presents for my kids. In a way I think it was easier when they were babies when they were entertained by an empty box. I remember our first Christmas together. I was so excited to see them open their presents. They were more entertained by the wrapping paper than by what was inside. Oh how I long for those days. Now I am bombarded by “Mom, I want this” every time they see a toy they don’t have. So the pressure is on. With a little over 2 months until Christmas, I have no clue. No inspiration. I aimlessly browse toy websites and stroll up and down the aisles at Target hoping for some glimmer of inspiration. So far…nothing. Zip. Zilch. Nada. So now, I’m feeling panic set in. I need the perfect gift. I MUST find the perfect gift. There has to be someone out there that can help me. I call on my trusted friend, Google, to come through for me. And here is what I found:

Gifts.com: Not only can you find gift ideas for your kids, but also for any other person and for a variety of occasions. Their holiday recommendation are sorted by age group so that you can easily find recommendations.

Amazon.com: Offers a variety of ways to sort by available toys, as well as lists featuring the best selling toys. Also browse other parent’s lists for their children to get ideas.

Wishlist.com: Not only can you search for toys, but you can add them directly to your child’s wish list. You can then share that list with friends and family (See my previous post on Wishlist.com)

Gadget Mommy’s Top 5 Kids’ Educational Websites

Trish — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:36:56 +0000

Sometimes it’s tough to sort through all the websites out there that are marketed to our kids. It seems that every TV show, channel, and toy has a website. Often these site are nothing more than glorified advertising for their product. We all want our kids to enjoy their time online, but it is an added bonus when they can learn something at the same time. So, I put together a list of 5 excellent educational sites that your kids will enjoy and that you will approve of.

Starfall : A great resource to supplement what your kids are already learning in school. Filled with fun and educational games and activities.
FunBrain: Fun games and parent resources for kids of all ages
PBSKids: Games and activities from your kids’ favorite PBS characters.
Kids’ National Geographic: Explore the world of National Geographic with games, stories, videos and activities.
Discovery Kids: Fun and interactive science themed games.

Terrific Toy Tuesday : Computer Cool School

Trish — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:16:26 +0000

Fisher Price Fun-2-Learn Cool School

The Cool School is an educational toy that is sure to capture your child’s attention. I came across it last year in a magazine and it looked really interesting. So we made the purchase and have loved it ever since. In our house we judge a toy by how long the kids are amused by it, and I’m happy to say that we’ve owned this toy for over 6 months and our kids are still thoroughly entertained by it. It teaches them letters, numbers, music, drawing, and many other skills all in the form of fun games featuring their favorite cartoon characters. Favorites in our household include Scooby Doo and Spongebob.

How does it work? Plug it in to a computer via a USB connection. Kids use the keyboard and stylus pen to interact with the games.

What software is available? The Cool School does come with one software title out of the box. Additional titles are available for about $16 a piece. Available titles include Spongebob, Scooby Doo, Dora & Diego, Clifford and Elmo. Each disc comes with unique games, activities and stories.