Melissa and Doug Holiday Deals

**Special Amazon Toys GoldBox Daily Deals Leak** - Up to 50 Off Select Melissa and Doug Toys

(only valid Dec. 8, 2011)
If you are a fan of Melissa and Doug toys, you will find a host of educational gifts and ideas, ranging from pretend play sets, to puzzles, to math manipulatives, and more.  Amazon's holiday deals are in full swing, and you'll find a variety of deals through the season, including the Melissa and Doug sale linked above.

LeapPad Explorer Inventory: Where to Buy LeapPad Explorer Online

If you are hunting for the popular LeapPad Explorer Tablet this holiday season, you may be a little frustrated with inventory shortages...our WalMart displayed prominently on Black Friday that it would not have any in stock, due to inventory issues beyond control. Following are some leads, though as the season proceeds, inventories will no doubt continue to dwindle.

Sears: Green LeapPad Explorer or Pink LeapPad Explorer

KMart:  LeapPad Explorer

Target

As well, LeapPad Explorer is available through many third party sellers on Amazon. Be aware that the prices may be significantly elevated, compared to list price, due to the popularity of the device. If you are considering an alternative to the Leapfrog Tablet, there are still supplies of the VTech Innotab, but again, the third party sellers may have elevated prices. Some sources include those same venues linked above. Additionally, Best Buy carries the Innotab, though is out of stock on LeapPad.

Another alternative to the LeapFrog Tablet, especially with upper elementary aged children, is the Kindle Fire, or the Barnes and Noble Nook Color.  Both retail at $199, and though not specifically targeted at children, have apps, ereading materials, and digital media available.  While the cost is significantly higher than the list prices of the electronic learning systems, the older child will be able to continue using one of these tablets on into tween and teen years.