Gifts – Reviews by Kathy

Love, Santa: The 8 Top Toys for Kids This Christmas

November 23, 2020 Leave a Comment

Believe it or not, Christmas is almost here. Retailers are prepping their Black Friday sales, so it’s time to start planning your shopping list for your kids’ Christmas gifts. If your child is less than forthcoming with their Christmas wishlist, then you probably need to do a little research about what to get them.

Are you wondering about the top toys for kids this Christmas? Read on to learn all about them!

1. Baby Yoda

Disney+ has a smash hit on its hands with The Mandalorian, which is now entering into its second season on television. One of the biggest stars out of the franchise is, of course, baby Yoda (The Child).

If your kids have been dying to cuddle up with this little cutie, then your prayers have been answered in the form of an animatronic Baby Yoda. This toy features a number of different movements and over 25 different sounds. You can program him to take a nap, too, just in case you get tired of hearing him all day.

This awesome gift is priced at $59 on Amazon, and it’s selling fast. Better get your order in right away!

2. Pets Alive Fifi the Flossing Sloth

Look, there are few animals in the world that are cuter than the sloth. With that in mind, Zuru’s Pets Alive line has released a purple dancing sloth toy known as Fifi the Flossing Sloth.

Fifi dances to three different songs and will keep your kids super entertained with its awesome dance moves and butt wiggles. This fun sloth won’t teach your kids about oral hygiene, but it will make them giggle by embracing one of the year’s biggest dance crazes: the backpack kid floss.

3. PlayStation 5

The Sony PlayStation 5 is one gift that’s on pretty much everyone’s Christmas list. This latest iteration of Sony’s hit gaming console was released just in time for the holiday season. Of course, that also means that pretty everyone is dying to get their hands on it and it is sold out in a number of places.

The PlayStation 5 will also cost you a pretty penny, coming in at either $399 or $499, depending on whether you want Ultra HD Blue-Ray disc playback capability. If this is too rich for your blood, then there is a solution for you. Keep an eye on Walmart clearance finder to spot a deal on this hot item.

4. Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Grow-the-Fun Garden to Kitchen

If you want to give your child a gift that is super fun to use and helps them learn to appreciate healthy eating, then the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Grow-the-Fun Garden to Kitchen toy should absolutely be added to your Christmas shopping list.

This item is double-sided, so your child can grow fruits and veggies in the garden and bring them into the kitchen to cook. They also get to gather eggs and hone their green thumb by planting flowers. This toy is great for children between 18 and 36 months of age, and it is a great deal at around $60.

5. Healthy Roots Dolls: Zoe

Do you want to get your child a doll that looks like them? Want your child to learn more about diversity by surrounding them with dolls of varying ethnicities? The Healthy Roots doll Zoe is a great way to do all of and support a BIPOC owned and operated business.

Zoe is a black-American doll with curly hair that can be washed and styled. She is 18 inches in height and comes in a super cute outfit featuring a heart jumper and yellow converse.

Zoe is priced competitively with its American Girl doll counterparts at $79.99 and is currently being sold on a pre-order basis.

6. American Girl Joss

American Girl dolls have been all the rage for decades, and this company is showing no signs of slowing down. Joss is the 2020 American Girl doll of the year, and she’s flying off the shelves.

Joss is a surfer girl with a hearing aid to help her stay on top of her cheerleading routines. She’s 18 inches tall with long brown hair that can be styled. She comes with a full outfit, a pink swimsuit, a carrying case for her hearing aid, and a paperback book about her life. There is also a number of accessories you can purchase along with the Joss doll to get the complete experience.

7. Kid Trax Semi-Truck and Trailer Ride-On Toy

Does your kid like heading out for a drive around the neighborhood? This ride-on semi-truck is a great way for your child to explore the neighborhood and feel like a grown-up, too!

This semi-truck looks just like the real thing and hits speeds of up to 4 miles per hour. It has functional lights in the cab, a PA system, and a horn, too! It is powered by a 12-volt battery that is easy to charge up at the end of a long day of hauling. It seats one rider with a max weight of 77 pounds and is priced around $250.

8. LEGO Super Mario Adventures with Mario Starter Course

Want to throwback to the days of your youth? Then the LEGO Super Mario Adventures is a great gift for your kids this Christmas.

This kit has 231 super fun pieces that your kid can assemble to re-create the fun of the Super Mario video game. It includes LEGO Mario, with LCD screens for his eyes, mouth, and stomach. Mario is programmed with over 100 reactions to movement and includes a speaker.

In short, this $60 starter course will bring Super Mario to life in your own living room!

These Top Toys for Kids This Christmas Are Sure to Thrill!

Buying any of these top toys for kids this Christmas will undoubtedly make your kids super happy on Christmas morning. Of course, some will take more effort to find, but if you can score one, you’ll be their hero. Happy holiday shopping!

Looking for more great articles to help you improve your life? You’re in the right place! Check out the rest of our blog for tons of fresh content.

Filed Under: Toy Tagged With: American Girl Joss, Baby Yoda, Christmas, Gifts, Kid Trax, Kids, Lego, pets, Playstation, Semi-truck and trailer ride on toy, Toys, Zoe

Cool Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Teenage Girl

November 12, 2020 Leave a Comment

It can prove challenging shopping for the right gift for your teenage girl, and this is attributed to the changing trends, pop culture and music. Christmas is a great time of the year where family and friends converge to have good times, and sourcing for a gift that captures this moment can prove even more challenging.

Image via Shutterstock by Insta_photos

To ease your buying decision, here are a few gift ideas that may be perfect for your teenage girl.

Bluetooth Smart Light Bulb

Teenage years are the time of life where kids love to experiment on alcohol or drugs, which means that the love for music and party is at its peak. A Bluetooth smart light bulb is a great gift to light up those fun moments in your teen girl’s room. One of the unique aspects of this smart light bulb is that it constantly changes colors.

Since it’s controlled using a mobile application, it can set the room to whichever mood your teen wants. The energy-saving LED can fit in most lighting fixtures and last for hours without going off.

Polaroid Camera

When the festivities finally arrive, many teenagers want to capture the big moments. One of the ways to ensure that your teen never misses capturing the holiday celebration is by investing in a Polaroid camera. If your teenager is about to join college the following year, the camera will be an awesome tool to collect all the good memories of friends and family to decorate her room or keep an album.

The other aspect that makes it a handy gift for your teenager is that it comes with a self-timer feature and a battery life that can last up to sixty days.

Friendship Lamps

If your job requires you to work during the holidays, a friendship lamp will help you remain connected with your teenage daughter no matter where you are around the world. The beauty about these lamps is that when one is touched, the other glows gently. Whenever you see a gentle glow on your lamp, you will always know that your little girl is thinking about you.

These lamps come as a set of two lamps, which are pre-paired as a group. You can choose to use them as is or consider adding them to an existing group.

Vanity Makeup Mirror

If you have a teenage girl, what matters most is their appearance, and there is no better way for them to get that flawless look than with the help of a vanity mirror. If your daughter loves to get her makeup on before leaving for a Christmas party, the mirror may just come in handy. The same also goes for those who have body piercings and want to have a closer look before putting on a captive bead ring.

Christmas is an exciting time of the year because it’s when friends and family gather to celebrate, and if you have a teenage daughter, you have to be smart about the gifts you should buy for them. Despite the pandemic, remember to gift your daughter fun gifts that will keep them active.

Filed Under: Christmas Tagged With: bluetooth smart light bulb, Christmas, Gifts, Makeup mirror, polaroid camera

How To Plan The A Baby Shower For A Friend

June 7, 2017 Leave a Comment

Throwing a baby show for a friend is one of the greatest, heartfelt gifts you can give them. It’s a rite of passage for many women, who are pregnant for the first time, and what better way to celebrate an upcoming birth of a baby, than crossing the line into womanhood surrounded by friends. But this in itself, poses a huge challenge for friends and family, as the challenge is to differentiate your party from every other baby-related gathering or celebration. Luckily there are a few common codes of conduct that are flexible enough to give you creative control and allow you to make a truly bespoke baby shower.

The location

There is a whole range of differing locations that present contrasting vibes for baby showers. You could rent out a luxury apartment in the city, in a high-rise building so you can sip wine and enjoy the view while your pregnant friend opens presents. You may find renting of a 40×60 steel building cost is less than a hall venue in a grand hotel, yet provides bigger room and more options for facilities, such as a band, outdoor play area for visiting children of other moms, and a large main room for a large guest list. Parallel to the seating arrangement, you could have tables set up with a buffet food offered to the attendees. If you’d rather do it at your own home, that’s a great decision too, because it’s more personal and provides you with a chance to show the mark of a great hostess.

Image by – Lori

Setting the tone

It’s pivotal to the select a theme that your friend will relate to and enjoy. It’s got to be expressive of their nature, or perhaps from a childhood memory, and possibly even a theme that’s reflective of their baby’s gender. The easiest way to lose a grip on the overall look and interior design of the party is to move forward with just a vague hint, perpetuating a stride with no clear direction. Set out the day and what you want to achieve. For example, the catering, you could start out with a light brunch, reminiscing about the past with a close, tight-knit bunch of friends. Next onto an afternoon tea or lunch, where each person could swap stories about the first time they had a child and exchange tips and tricks on how to cope with a newborn.

Source – TerriC

The plentiful bounty of gifts

Make sure you brief your guests before they come to shower, and inform them well in advance that gifts should be baby proof and practical and something that will be detrimental to raising a baby. Apparatus like a breast pump, advanced guide to the stress calls and crying a baby makes life hacks that will save her time and money with the proper planning advice, clothing for the baby such as hats, mittens, and footwear, etc. These gifts should be given to make the life of the pregnant woman easier and less stressful, so try to steer away from food items and makeup.

Filed Under: Baby, Children, Family Tagged With: baby, Children, Family, Gifts, parent, Shower

Dear Mom, What a Mother really wants for Mother’s Day 2017 #mothersday

April 26, 2017 15 Comments

First and foremost, I love being a mom. I am a mom to three grown children who are finding their own way.Even more amazing is now I have three adorable grandsons. Knowing they are healthy and happy makes my heart happy. I like most moms would be perfectly happy just spending time with the family for Mother’s Day. I have come up with a basic Mother’s Day gift list that would make me extremely happy as I am sure it would most mothers.

Family time, with no gadgets or technology, maybe even a family game night!
A picture of everyone, they grow and change every day, I would love an updated picture.
A simple Thank You! (Maybe with why you are thanking them, mom’s work hard!)
Okay, so this is my infatuation right now… Crossbar Necklace (25% off for mother’s day Kim Kardashian wears this).
A dinner date with my Mr.
Handmade items (my grands make the best)
Bath Bombs
https://www.etsy.com/featured/mothers-day-gifts
Kim Kardashian long Medallion
Lastly, an “I love you”!!

This year will be the first in 20 +years I get to spend with my own mother. I realize turning the big “50” this year, I need to enjoy life every chance I get, I am going to Georgia to spend this mother’s day with her.

So my hubby, children, and grandkids are spending mother’s day the Friday before because they realize the importance of family and spending time together!!

I have this elaborate plan for all of us sisters to take our mother out to eat for lunch and spend some quality time with our her. You see my sisters live throughout Georgia, and I live in Texas this will be the first time we all spend mother’s day with our mother in years.

So this mother’s day, keep it simple tell your mother you love her, tell her thank you and mostly just spend time with her. The truth be told, if I receive only a hug and love you I would be happy!!

So here is mine!!

Dear Mom,

Thank you for always wiping my tears when I cried, thank you for always telling me like it is. Thank you for raising me to be a hard worker and great housekeeper. Thank you for teaching me to be a great mother and thank you for your unconditional love! Mostly thank you for dragging me to church every Sunday!!

For these and many many more reasons, I hope to never allow you to spend mother’s day alone again.

Love, Kathy

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: 2017, Children, Church, crossbar, Etsy, Family, Gifts, Happy Mother's Day, Kim kardashian, Lisa Leonard, Mother's Day, Mother's Day Gifts, necklace