Products |
STUFF WE LOVE...our editors' latest obsessions
Love It, Bunches
We're always looking for a new addition to Family Movie Night (as well as an excuse to use the popcorn maker) and this one's our new favorite. Reminiscent of days past for the adults and packed with entertaining, innocent fun for toddlers all the way to teenagers, "The Brady Bunch - The Complete Series" is something the whole family can enjoy. This particular set, complete with its shag carpet cover, includes all 117 episodes from 1969-1974, A Very Brady Christmas, The Brady 500 and a 2 part episode of The Brady Kids cartoon. With hours of viewing entertainment, this baby's even perfect for a cross-country road trip with nary a peep from the back seat. Available at amazon.com. Batter Up!
POP Til You Drop!
As self-confessed popcorn addicts, we gladly
chaperoned multiple screenings of UP (or any kids' movie) just for the theater
popcorn fix. We love family movie night at home, but the microwave, Jiffy
Pop, Air Popper, and other various popcorn mechanisms we tried failed to complete
the true essence of the movie watching, popcorn eating experience. Movie
nights, play dates and afternoon snacks took a 180 with the arrival of our
Waring Pro Popcorn Maker. With a built in fun factor, it's simple enough for the kids to use (with supervision), and a ten minute turnaround time from warm up to popped that has us enjoying fresh, movie style popcorn even before the previews have ended. Available at amazon.com or Sur La Table.
Ready, Set, Lift Off!
Designed for kids 3 and up, the junior version of the Stomp Rocket provides hours of entertainment for kids of all ages. On our first time out of the box, we heard squeals of delight combined with "again, again" as a stomp on the air pump sent rockets soaring repeatedly into the air. What started as a brief test run quickly turned into the activity for the afternoon (and multiple afternoons thereafter). Stomp Rocket Jr. is easy for even the littlest ones to use, and the lightweight foam makeup is a safety feature. When the rockets themselves wear out, or the dog hides one or three, pick up a pack of replacement rockets. Stomp Rocket Jr. and replacement rockets available at Imagination Toys & Shoes, 142 Vintage Park Blvd in Vintage Park Shopping Center (HWY 249 & Louetta).
Rub A Dub Dub, Organization in the Tub
Who says tidy can't be fun? The brainchild of Shanda Toys and winner of the Dr. Toy 2009 Best Play and Learn Award, this playful pal does double duty as a bath toy organizer and bath time entertainer. Multi-colored and sporting a big smile, we found Shanda! to be a welcome friend to even the most fearsome at bath time. With suction cups that allow her to easily adhere to the bathtub wall, a pouch that holds tons of toys (thus leaving the bathtub neat and organized during non-bathing hours) and a kid-friendly release that sends said toys tumbling into the water, we give our latest find a big thumbs up. Available at www.shandatoys.com.
Boys (and Girls) of Summer
Created by Houston mom Sarah Gish, The Summer Book is an all inclusive guide to Houston area day camps and programs for kids from age 4 up to their teens. Published annually in March, The Summer Book is chock full of information on over 200 organizations offering camps and classes and even includes a week by week chart by date and camp amenities. Comprehensive enough to plan an entire summer's worth of activities for the whole gang, it's portable enough to carry around in your back for a quick reference. For a list of local retailers or to order online, visit www.thesummerbook.com Buy One, Give One
We love a fab shoe find and this one’s a “feel good” in more ways than one. Cute, comfy and benevolent, for every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. In sizes ranging from Pre-Walker Tiny TOM’S all the way up to Women’s and Men’s, you can stock up on shoes for the whole family. Available at www.tomsshoes.com
Swaddling Simplified
With your firstborn, you won't marvel at the effortless swaddling ability of the hospital nurse until you arrive home and attempt it yourself. For some of us, that perfectly bundled, tightly wrapped like a burrito in less than 30 seconds trick isn't quite as easily replicated. Wrapping, unwrapping, picking up your baby to re-wrap, stopping mid-point to Google and follow the "How to Swaddle" instructions (again) somewhat negates the soothing, calming effect of the swaddle. While mastering the swaddle is possible for most, both experts and swaddle-challenged parents alike will love the Kiddopotamus Luxe Velboa Swaddling Blanket. This handy little jewel is soft, cozy, comforting, easily washable, comes in multiple colors and sizes and best of all, it has Velcro and is easy to use. Described by parents as "the best swaddle blanket ever" and "can't live without it", this is tops on our list for must have baby items. Available at Babies R Us. Rising Temperatures
We all know the drill. Fussy, sick child. Worried, stressed out parent. The call to the pediatrician with the following information. Name, date, of birth, symptoms and temperature, preferably an accurate one. An armpit reading fluctuates in accuracy and the thought of a rectal reading strikes a chord of panic in even the most stoic of parents. Fast forward to the Exergen TemporalScanner, one of our must haves for every parent's medicine cabinet. This non-invasive gem of an invention is so fast and easy, it can even be used without waking your child. All it takes is a two second swipe across the forehead to determine whether or not your child has a temperature. For you skeptics out there, according to a Harvard Medical School study, the Exergen TemporalScanner Temporal Artery Thermometer is even more accurate than ear thermometers. In fact, The Hospital for Sick Children Study found it is comparable in accuracy to the rectal thermometer. Available at most drugstores, Babies and Toys R Us, Target, WalMart, Costco and amazon.com.
Go Ahead, Write On The Walls!
Michelle Takes the Cake...and Delivers
An artiste de confection, Michelle at Diva of Cakes is tops on our list. From a bow-tied bevy of boxes to an exact replica of your child's favorite superhero, these tasty creations will wow even the most discriminating little critics. Need more? Diva of Cakes can provide cupcakes, cookies and even deliver it all to your party location. www.divaofcakes.com
Learning and Parties and Presents, Oh My!
Take your favorite learning enrichment
and teacher supply, party goods and novelty shop, arts and crafts
establishment, and toy emporium. Mix them all together for a perfect
concoction of They Have it All, a.k.a. The U.S. Toy Company. A family owned business since 1953, The U.S. Toy Company sells
a vast array of party and seasonal decorations, costumes, novelty
items, stuffed animals, balloons, teacher supplies, paints, crafts and more.
For toys that teach, fun and educational items abound in Constructive
Playthings. Aisles of affordable items won't pack a punch to your
wallet but you will want to budget extra time for your shopping
excursion. 7885 FM 1960 West outside of Willowbrook Mall.
|
Monthly Family Day with hands-on art projects, discovery activities, storytelling, performances and tours. 10AM to 5PM, Pearl Fincher MFA, 6815 Cypresswood Dr., Spring, TX (near Stuebner Airline and Cypresswood next to the Barbara Bush Branch Library).
Monthly train rides free to the public. 3rd Saturday of every month, March through November. 9AM to 3PM, Zube Park, 14700 Roberts Rd., Hockley, TX 77447.
Copyright © 2010 Northwest Houston Kid Stuff.
eCommerce solutions by Virtual Design Media.
