Gear

A+ Gifts For Your Child’s Teacher

May 27, 2009 By Alex 19 Comments

Being the daughter of a teacher, I always loved the last day of school—as young kids my brother and I would eagerly gather around my mom to see what she received (and what we would get) as a parting gift from her students. There were great gifts and bad gifts—the latter of which we would selfishly groan about: “Chocolate covered cherry cordials? A whole pack? Who eats that?!” or “A silk rose?!? Really, that’s it, a silk rose?!?” So, now that my son’s first year of preschool is coming to a close, the beads of sweat have already begun to form on my neck. What will I get his teachers? It has to be GOOD—I don’t want their families gathering around my present, groaning. And I know I’m not alone here; getting your child’s teacher’s gift has to rank up there amongst most stressful things to do. So, I’ve taken it upon myself to poll a dozen different teachers, all in different school districts, private and public, preschool and elementary, to see what they enjoy receiving. I’ve also included the Do Not of Gift Giving so you know how to spend your money wisely–no use in buying a present that won’t get used. However, with all of that being said, Cheryl, a teacher in Northern California has this to say, “It really is all about having the child be thoughtful and appreciative of their teacher…so really, there is no bad or wrong gift.”

10. Flowers. Flowers or plants in pots was mentioned a few times. The teachers love them—what they don’t love? Having your kid [Read more…] about A+ Gifts For Your Child’s Teacher

Must-Have Toy—the VTech Tote & Go Laptop

May 20, 2009 By Alex 1 Comment

Is your toddler obsessed with the computer? Ours was and it started to become a problem when he’d use it by himself –we were afraid that he’d unintentionally ruin it. Then, one day some friends came to visit. They brought along with them their VTech computer and my son was bewitched. He didn’t want to hang with them, he didn’t want to eat dinner, he didn’t want dessert—all he wanted was to play with this computer. When it came time for our friends to leave, my son had one of the worst tantrums to date. It was awful, but needless to say, my husband and I found the solution to have him stop playing on our computer. He got the VTech Tote & Go Laptop for Christmas and it has been a god-send. The computer is portable, so it’s perfect for long car trips, airplane rides, waiting in the doctor’s office—you name it. And the best part? It’s totally educational. It has 30 different games and activities to help your child learn his letters, numbers, and how to work a mouse. And the even better part? It’s under $25.00!! Unbelievable. Need one now? You can order it here.

Breezy Mama Tip: Don’t care if your kid fools around on your computer? Check out these sites for great free computer games: Disney, PBS, and the teacher recommended Starfall

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Current Top 10 Children’s Books

May 14, 2009 By Chelsea 15 Comments

Get your bookmarks ready! To literally help invigorate your morning nap/afternoon nap/nighttime reading (and per Breezy Mama Kelly’s request), I cross referenced the top 10 children’s books from NY Times Best Sellers List, Amazon’s top sellers, Borders’ top sellers and Chronicle Books to create the Breezy Mama Current Top 10. Sure, there are several classics missing from this list, but again, this is the current toppers. Don’t let your kid get caught clueless in the sandbox – update their bookshelf stat!

10. Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy
by David Soman and Jacky Davis. Illustrated by David Soman.
At the playground, Lulu asks her friend Sam if he wants to play with her. Sam likes Diggers, while Lulu thinks Monkeys is the best game. Sam suggests playing under the castle, but Lulu knows that the top is the most fun. They just can’t agree! And then Lulu asks, “Have you ever played Ladybug Girl?”
For Amazon’s price of $11.55 (vs. $16.99) click here.

9. Blueberry Girl
by Neil Gaiman. Illustrated by Charles Vess.
A book of wishes, addressed to a daughter. In a magical [Read more…] about Current Top 10 Children’s Books

What Your Hubby REALLY Wants for Father's Day

May 13, 2009 By Alex 6 Comments

Yes, you just got celebrated, and now it’s his turn. But, what does the father of your children REALLY want? We surveyed close to 100 dads to get the answers. While some told us what they don’t want — like a Starbucks Gift Card (um, we’ll take it) or a family outing that will just stress Dad out (my personal favorite) — others gave us the low down on their requested goods. And, the top picks (in random order) are. . .

Sophie the Giraffe–more than a cute face

May 6, 2009 By Alex 7 Comments

A couple years ago I noticed that every baby I walked by was clutching on to this giraffe. I was intrigued–what was so special about the toy? Then a friend of mine had a baby, and sure enough, when he was about five months old, he too, was gumming it up. So I asked her–what is it with the giraffe–why does everyone have one? She simply replied, “It’s fantastic! He loves it.” I started asking around, and everyone said their kid couldn’t get enough of Sophie. So, when I became pregnant for the second time, me, a lover of all things retro, had to get Sophie for my baby as well. I went and checked her out and WHOA! Sophie was $23.00! She’s cute and all, but a rubber teether for $23.00?!? After my conscious battled it out, I decided to get Sophie, and justified it with the fact that it would be my baby’s gift from Santa (she was born in November). Fast forward to today–my daughter is five months old and at that stage where she puts everything in her mouth. I pull out Sophie, and that too, goes in her mouth. And stays there. For a long time. My daughter can not get enough of Sophie. She gums it to death. And, let me tell you, do not dare take it out of her hands or you’ll get protest cries like you’ve never heard. Entertainment plus a soother for her swollen gums? Totally worth the $23.00. But, lucky for you, I found one for only $19.00 here.

Breezy Mama Tip: Still can’t justify the $20.00? My son was born before Sophie was popular and he had the Original Rubber Duck and liked to gum on it to no end. You can get it for only $4.95 here.