Mommies Magazine

Top Christmas Gifts for 2009

Posted on 20. Nov, 2009 by Mom Mag.

Can you believe how quickly the shopping days until Christmas is running out? The shortness of time compounded by not having a clue what to get your loved ones can make shopping a chore. Here for your help are some of the highest rated Christmas gifts for 2009! There is a little something for each age group.

Technology may change over the years but one thing will never change, children love video games! Boy or girl, young or young at heart all get a kick out of the latest video games.

The Atari that you may be familiar with has evolved into complex systems and games. Some even allow you to feel like you are in the midst of the game play. Thankfully, the most popular console brands have decided to lower their prices for Christmas this year, but do not wait too long.

Consider all the options and then choose a console that works for everyone, Nintendo Wii is a hit with all ages, so is the Xbox 360, PS3, Nintendo DS and PSP (play station portable).

Soft and cuddly toy animals are still a hit in 2009 and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Of course, this is the technological age and these toys actually have a virtual world for kids to explore. No longer are you simply buying a stuffed animal.

There is a stuffed pet known as Zhu-Zhu, and he is a pet hamster. This is a gift that kids never get tired of playing with because they can alter the online world these pets live in. This is one you definitely want to jump on quickly; they do not last long on store shelves. Children can have hours of fun providing shelter, food and clothing for their new pet in his virtual world, and if he gets ill there is even a virtual vet!

If you have a teenager on your to buy list then the cell phone is the way to go. There are hot new cell phones on the market that will play videos, log onto the web and play music. All the kids want the latest in cell phone technology. Teenagers love their technology!

Women in the family tend to like to record all of life’s tender moments, and as such are generally the picture takers. Birthdays, holidays and just because days are all Kodak moments waiting to happen.

Digital cameras are the answer for today’s picture taking woman. No longer do you have to take a picture then run to the drug store to have it processed, just snap and go to your printer for copies.

Whoever the picture taker in your family is a digital camera will be the greatest thing since sliced bread. Choose a simple camera for the beginner or one with tons of features and accessories for the more advanced photographer.

It has been said that men are a bit more difficult to shop for and in some ways this is true, however if you know what his hobbies are you will not have a problem. Does he play golf, video games or love all things technical? There are all kinds of gadgets to choose from including personal digital assistants, GPS for the truck or boat or even virtual golf games.

It does not hurt to keep the top Christmas gifts for 2009 in mind while you are shopping, but keep in mind the personal likes and dislikes of the loved one you are shopping for. Digital cameras may be all the rage and many women would love one, however if the woman in your life has little interest in photography move on to something that will make her happier.

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Choosing Eco-Friendly Baby Gifts: Part 2

Posted on 13. Nov, 2009 by Sarah Valek.

Here are more ideas for eco-friendly baby gifts. Remember that even though organic and natural gifts tend to be (but are not always) more expensive than their conventional counterparts, you are paying for quality. Money is tight in many families so it’s a no-brainer why parents buy cheaper, lower quality products. But, sometimes you have to weight the pros and cons: spend less money for a cheaper product or spend more to get something naturally and ethically made? Personally, I recommend taking a balanced approach: seek out as many natural products as you can but know you can’t afford to have every top-of-the-line product. Instead of buying all organic new clothes (which can be pricey) seek out used, gently-loved clothing. This way you’re still helping the environment (by reusing) and keeping money in your wallet. But, if you can, buy more of the items listed below:

Wooden Toys
Look for wooden toys made in the U.S.—or European countries, since many have strict safety standards—out of natural, sustainable wood and non-toxic paints. (Check to make sure natural paints were used.) Wooden toys eliminate waste since they’re fully recyclable and are more durable than chemical-laden plastic.

Cloth Diapers
Babies need diapers but they don’t need to create a landfill full of them. Cloth diapers are easier and much more pleasant to use than people think. If you’re not sure about them, try a trial pack or purchase a cloth diapering  service for a few months. Cloth diapers are easy to use—the hardest part is deciding which ones to buy. Sampler packs take the guesswork out of cloth diapering and can be bought from specialty online stores.

BPA-Free Bottles and Sippy Cups
Bisphenol A (BPA) has been getting a lot of heat. Claimed to increase the risk of certain cancers, the chemical BPA is found in some bottles, sippy cups and pacifiers. The good news is that BPA-free alternatives are now easy to find and clearly labeled. Why take a chance with a controversial chemical when you can easily buy a BPA-free alternative? These can be found in big name retail stores or online.

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Choosing Eco-Friendly Baby Gifts: Part 1

Posted on 11. Nov, 2009 by Sarah Valek.

Green gifts are hot right now. And for good reason. Not only are eco-friendly gifts good for the Earth, they’re healthier and safer for babies. If you’re looking for things to put on your family’s holiday gift list, or are searching for the perfect product to buy a new baby–go green. Seek out green baby gifts and give an infant all nature has to offer, free from any chemicals and toxins.

Organic Fabrics
Once relegated to specialty online stores, organic baby items can be found in any big name (or mom and pop) store. Organic clothing, blankets, bibs, mattresses and stuffed animals are made from cotton or hemp that was grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and fertilizers. Bamboo is another popular organic fabric. It’s hypo-allergenic, anti-bacterial and can prevent skin irritations. Plus it’s sustainable.

Natural Remedies
No one enjoys teething. When pearly whites start poking through baby’s mouth, parents scramble for a remedy—any remedy. Instead of buying conventional teething gel, which often contains artificial food coloring and other artificial ingredients, go natural. Consider buying (or putting on your wish list) a baby necklace made from Baltic amber, a natural anesthetic. When your child sweats, Baltic amber releases healing oils that are absorbed into the skin and provide natural teething relief. Take note that the necklaces are meant to be worn, not put in the mouth. You can also find homeopathic remedies for colic, teething, gas and earaches in some specialty and big name stores.

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7 Tips When Buying Christmas Gifts for Toddlers

Posted on 05. Nov, 2009 by Mom Mag.

Before you know, it Christmas, time will be upon us again and with it will be stress filled shopping days, dinners to plan and decorating to do all while still maintaining your day job! Here are 7 tips to make your Christmas shopping much more enjoyable this year.

Shopping with Children

When it is time to go shopping the best scenario is to have the day to yourself by hiring a sitter. However, this is not always possible and you need to have a plan for shopping with little ones. Preparation is key when shopping with small children, make sure they have had a good nap and take plenty of snacks along with you. To cut down on boredom in the store you can allow the kids to pick out one cheap toy or snack.

Kid Swap

One handy way to organize Christmas shopping is to swap children with a friend or family member. You agree to watch their children while they shop for a few hours and they agree to return the favor. This way everyone has the opportunity to leisurely shop.

Shopping Time

Waiting until the last minute to do your Christmas shopping is not conducive to a stress free trip. Try to wrap up all your shopping a few weeks ahead of time to avoid all the madness.

Online Shopping

Perhaps one of the best ways to Christmas shop for toddlers is to do the bulk of it online. Today you can order directly from many retailers, for instance Wal-Mart has the option of ordering online and having your product delivered to the store. Other great sites for Christmas shopping include Amazon and eBay, just be sure you order in plenty of time to beat the Christmas rush.

Keep it Simple

While it is tempting to want to buy your toddler the hottest toys for Christmas, you have to remember that the toy will likely be forgotten in a few days time. Spending several hundred dollars for a motorized car they will outgrow by summer is probably not the best course of action. Stick with simple gift ideas that will not break the budget.

Boy Gift Ideas

Toddler boys love things they can push around the house. Oversized plastic trucks and cars are a toddler’s best friend and they are generally a fairly cheap gift idea. They also enjoy simple crayons, coloring books, large puzzles and blocks. Kids at this age are pretty easy to please.

Girl Gift Ideas

A very popular gift idea for girls of all ages is the timeless dollhouse. For toddlers companies like Playskool have created dollhouses with rounded edges and heavy construction to stand up to the rigors of toddler play. Of course, girls of this age also love bouncy balls, moveable toys like cars or trucks and baby dolls.

Caution

When shopping for the best toddler toys be mindful of the recommended age on the package. Many toys will have small moving parts or pieces that can easily become a choking hazard. Safety is the number one consideration when purchasing toddler Christmas gifts.

Conclusion

Have a cup of hot chocolate and relax, the Christmas season is meant to be a joyous time of year. Do not let stress and money woes get you down, plan a simple but enjoyable dinner with simple gifts and everything will be just fine.

photo credit: Zach™

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Christmas Gifts For Girls – 7 Buying Tips That Will Surely Put a Smile on Your Girl’s Face

Posted on 28. Oct, 2009 by Mom Mag.

By Wendy Wood

Christmas will be here before you know it, and if you have any girls you need to shop for, it’s time to get started. Purchasing for your girls can be a bit difficult at times, trying to figure out what they’ll really like. If you want to make sure you score the best gifts for your daughters this year, here are seven tips to help you out when purchasing Christmas gifts for them.

Tip #1 – Consider Their Hobbies First of all, consider their hobbies when you are looking for gifts. Most girls like gifts that are related to hobbies that they are interested in. If she enjoys taking photos, maybe a new digital camera. Maybe she likes to scrapbook. If so, consider purchasing some scrapbook tools and embellishments. Keep it related to her hobby and she’ll be sure to love it.

Tip #2 – Keep the Gift Age Appropriate You always want to keep the gift age appropriate when purchasing Christmas gifts for girls. If your daughter is a new teenager, keep this in mind. Remember, she’s growing up. Don’t buy her something she’ll consider childish this year.

Tip #3 – Research the Year’s Top Gifts Research the year’s top gifts on the web. Each year the top gift items change. Get online and start doing some research so you know what gifts are on the top of every girls list this year. This will help you out on your search for the perfect gift.

Tip #4 – Know What’s Hip You may be out of touch with what is hip. What you think is hip is probably quite a bit different than what your teenage daughter thinks is hip. Find out what’s hip with kids your daughter’s age this year so you buy the right gift.

Tip #5 – Buy Online Consider buying online. This is a great idea for parents who are busy. You may not have a lot of time to go rushing around doing shopping, but you probably have a few minutes to get online. Most gifts are easy to find online. Have them shipped to your home and hide them for Christmas. You’ll get your shopping done in record time and you’ll make sure you get the best gifts before they’re gone.

Tip #6 – Ask Them for a List Ask your girls for a list of what they would like this Christmas. Let them know they may not get everything on their list, but it is a great option to help you get started with your shopping and you’ll be sure to get them something that they really want.

Tip #7 – Remember Their Favorite Characters Whether your girl is three, ten, or sixteen years old, remember her favorite characters when you are looking for the perfect Christmas gifts. Younger girls often love Dora the Explorer, tweens are big fans of Hannah Montana, and your teens may love characters from popular shows or teen singers, such as the Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, and Selena Gomez.

We’ve taken the hassle out of finding the right Christmas gifts for girls on our blog. Visit our Best Girls Toys section today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wendy_Wood
http://EzineArticles.com/?Christmas-Gifts-For-Girls—7-Buying-Tips-That-Will-Surely-Put-a-Smile-on-Your-Girls-Face&id=3136491

photo credit: Brisbane Falling

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Movie Review: Fireproof

Posted on 26. Oct, 2009 by Angel Lynn Diamond.

If you have not already seen this movie then I highly suggest that you do. Watch it with your mate. It is a powerful movie that shows what God can do in your relationship and in your lives. It also shows what evil can do if you let it get a grip on you.

This movie is about a couple on the brink of divorce. The husband, played by Kirk Cameron, is insensitive and self-absorbed. He is a hero in his work as a fireman, but not a very pleasant man to come home to.

The wife, played by Erin Bethea, is heartbroken and wants to end their marriage. She then begins to form a relationship with a flirtatious doctor at work, which only complicates things of course.

Cameron’s movie father tells his son to give it 40 days and hands him a book on how to save his marriage. By doing little thoughtful things each day for your partner you will strengthen your marriage. This book has a day-by-day, to-do list of meaningful and loving gestures that is giving of yourself to your partner.

During this time a very confused Cameron accepts Christ into his life. At first these things do not impress Catherine (Bethea). Eventually after realizing that her husband is changing she turns around. The ending is remarkable with Catherine coming to her husband and telling him what he means to her. She also, impressed with his change, questions him and he tells her about Christ.

This wonderful movie has an important message for couples. The power of Christ is what makes the difference.

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Christmas Gifts For Preschoolers – 7 Tips For Purchasing Your Preschooler Gifts This Holiday Season

Posted on 16. Oct, 2009 by Mom Mag.

By Wendy Wood

It is almost that time of year again and for some people the stress is already beginning to build. The cost of everything has gone up over the last couple of years and then there is the daunting task of what to get for a preschooler! Christmas shopping is something many people dread as much as a trip to the dentist, however it does not have to be that way. Below are 7 handy tips to make your holiday season less stressful and more joyful!

Shop Now

When it comes to Christmas gifts for preschoolers there is one thing you will not have to worry about; they will not be comparing gifts with their classmates. In fact, the day after Christmas his or her gifts will probably be forgotten in lieu of another favorite activity or toy. So cut yourself some slack and go shopping now, there is no reason to wait for the latest and greatest toy to hit the market because at this age they will likely play with the box longer anyway.

Tried and True

Even though toy manufacturers will insist that their latest offering will make your preschooler the happiest kid on the block, the truth is many traditional gifts are still going strong. For instance, you will be hard pressed to find a little girl of any age who will not enjoy a simple dollhouse, or a boy who does not love trucks!
These gift ideas are available year round at most retailers and they will not cost you a small fortune. Too many times parents and loved ones are caught up in the idea of purchasing very expensive gifts for preschoolers, such as motorized cars. The problem is number one these gifts are super expensive and two the kids will outgrow them before next Christmas comes around!

Babysitter

Do not attempt to Christmas shop for preschoolers with them in tow! This is a recipe for disaster and the money you spend on a sitter will be well worth it, as your shopping can be accomplished quickly and easily.

Budget

Set your entire Christmas shopping budget before you go to the first sale. You should have an exact accounting of what you can afford and how you plan to divide it among your loved ones. Then stick to this budget like glue, Christmas time should be a time of joy not time to go into debt.

Gift Ideas- Boy

We have already touched on the basic toy ideas for boys, but if your little guy already has every truck known to man you may want to look for something a bit different. The educational toys from Playskool are a great place to find nice gifts at a reasonable price. Or perhaps the fun Helmet Heroes; a police helmet with separate motorcycle handlebars, comes complete with sirens and lights!

Gift Ideas- Girl

Want a fun gift idea that little girls absolutely love? Put together a dress up box full of brightly colored and sparkling outfits. This can be done in several ways; you can purchase dress up clothes from a local retailer in the toys section, check your local resell shop or make your own if you are handy with a sewing machine.

Other Simple Gifts

Preschoolers are not picky; they simply love the mystery of it all. A brightly wrapped box of crayons and a coloring book will mean just as much as any expensive gift you can think of. Consider blocks, puzzles, art easels or finger paints for the preschooler in your life this year.

We’ve made things even easier for you. Visit us for a list of other Christmas gifts for preschoolers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wendy_Wood
http://EzineArticles.com/?Christmas-Gifts-For-Preschoolers—7-Tips-For-Purchasing-Your-Preschooler-Gifts-This-Holiday-Season&id=3076481

photo credit: Zach™

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