Christmas shopping has commenced! I try to pick up little things throughout the year for my loved ones and believe Christmas is more for the children in the family. Growing up in a household of 9 kids it was not easy for my parents to get each child what they wanted, financially it just was not possible. Looking at it in hindsight us kids, we never noticed. We were always happy with what we received. We loved to get toys that we could not only play with but where we could learn and build something from. I have continued that tradition with my nieces and nephews in gifting educational and fun gifts.
It is wonderful to receive presents at any time of the year. Fortunately my husband and I try to grab little meaningful and fun gifts for each niece and nephew up until Christmas. We are not millionaires and have entry level jobs, but we love to see smiles and baby giggles. Having a newborn son of our own, it makes the holidays even more special because we can shop for him too. I am on the lookout for any game, toy, or book that will help his motor skills and be a little evil genius. Anything really that will coax a smile out of him and not make him give his “I am dying scream”.
Recently I attended the Chicago Toy and Game Fair at Navy Pier. Loads of new games, for kids and adults. I thought it was going to be boring and a headache but it was actually a lot of fun. My son who is only two months old came along in his Boba too. I picked up a few things and gawked at a few others. I particularly looked at baby and developmental toys for children of young ages. Below are a couple of toys I have decided to get for my son and niece and nephews. Just my own POV of some pretty cool toys.
1. Paige and Paxton – This wonderful company introduces learning science and technology at an early age. Incorporating paleontology and green thinking as well as technology into fun puzzles and books. For my niece and nephew who love to play with puzzles and read, this was perfect!
2. NumberAlive! – I do not know if any kid being introduced to math has gone into a classroom disliking numbers. This company wants to help a kid love to learn math and numbers at an early age. Giving Pi a face that can be a happy sight instead of filled with read. The plush dolls are a great way to show recognition of numbers and colors. The World Number Poster is something I was thinking of getting for myself.
3. Mirari – Buying for a baby is not easy. Because development happens so fast babies go through toys at a wonderful pace. We just need to keep up as parents. I looked at these Mirari toys and they caught my sons attention in his Boba. The shape is different but He loved when I made these shapes jump in the Bouncy Bop by Mirari Toys.
These are the toys that caught my eye in particular at the ChiTAG for my son and young family members. Do you have any favorite recommendations for Christmas gifts that encourage learning and fun? Share please and I look forward to your responses.
thatsnotmyboob 