Perplexus 3D Puzzle Games

Perplexus 3D Puzzle Ball

One of my daughters picked up a Perplexus ball as a Christmas gift for her brothers last year. It spanned the ages, working as a gift that suited all kids from ages 6 to 15, and while they occasionally challenged each other about whose turn it was, it proved to be a lot of fun. The goal in maneuvering the tiny ball through the maze is not a novel idea, but it is more challenging in the 3D environment of working this puzzle. Occasional successes made it clear that success could be achieved in solving this puzzle, but there's enough challenge to keep it fun for everyone, including the adults in the house.

Dominoes for Kids: Fun and Learning

Double Six Dominoes:  Educational Games for Kids

One of my favorite educational game choices is dominoes. A simple set of double-six dominoes is perfect for provoking kids to use their mental math skills. Cooperative skills come into play as people challenge each other. In our large household, the fact is that there have to be teams for everyone to be able to participate, adding to the learning experience. While there are lots of game choices for kids, the simple and standard choices can be among the most pleasurable. Add a set of double six dominoes to a holiday or birthday gift, or make it a standard family game night choice!

Kindle Touch as an Educational Gift

Kindle Touch is an Excellent Electronic Educational Gift

Ereaders have really provided an interesting opportunity to encourage our kids to read, and my daughter's receiving a Kindle Touch for her birthday seals my approval. I like Kindle in terms of it's usability across different devices and apps, making it possible to access a book on your smartphone or pc.


The Kindle Touch was easy to setup, easy to operate, and I am particularly thrilled with the clarity. I use my own smartphone app to access my Kindle downloads, but the sharpness and contrast on my daughter's new ereader really captured my attention. I can't say enough how much I love the clarity and sharpness. My younger children also found it exciting.


While I recognize that my youngsters can get excited about anything for a short time, I think this is an excellent tool for the child that enjoys reading. With my youngest children, I spend a lot of time reading and misplacing material. I see much value in having one device to manage. There is a lot of free reading material for Kindle. Amazon's Kindle Publishers often place their materials in promotional offers for short periods, making it worthwhile to keep an eye out for inexpensive reading options.


Text to speech and audio books add to the attractiveness of this device. As we get more opportunity to enjoy the new tool in the house, I'm sure that there will be more discoveries. If you select a Kindle for a child, it's important to consider an accident protection plan, offered with Kindles sold through Amazon. It's also wise to invest in a cover so that the device is protected.


Instruct your youngsters in proper care and storage, and help them to understand the costs associated with the system. (Read more about Kindle Touch, including customer reviews)

Kitchen Math: Education Through Discovery

Education in Experiences

The kitchen lends itself well to all manner of experience. From smell to taste to temperature, we become acquainted as youngsters with the things we later study in science. We observe the changing of a variety of ingredients into solids such as cakes and brownies, and we appreciate the importance of this hub of the household when our tummies rumble, informing us of mealtime. Equally important are the beginnings of important mathematical principles, as we learn to count, sort, identify, and compare. Sets and subsets are not important, but stacking of cans of like sizes, or arranging of silverware according to size and type are the beginnings of our understanding of relationships that will later enable us to compute and solve the most basic to the more complex problems.


In the modern classroom, all too often, test scores trump understanding. What I mean is that, while intended to measure a student's understanding, most testing tools are limited to easy-to-grade answers of multiple choice or true/false. There is little opportunity for a student to provide his thinking on a topic, or to defend his answer. Further, time to develop the tactile understanding through hands on experience is limited by needs to comply with the schedule at hand for the curriculum. While the basic information needed to pass a test might be communicated, the understanding needed for essential application of these concepts is bypassed.

As parents, we can fill in some of those missing gaps by allowing our children to explore and experiment with materials that allow them to see, touch, and experience in a way that brings understandings of quantity and qualities.

Head Chefs Measuring Cup for Junior Chefs

Counting and Sorting

The activities of counting and sorting really come naturally. If a child is presented with a set of items, it won't be long before they are doing one, or both. Allow this to happen naturally in the kitchen. Encourage your child's presence as you prepare meals. Allow them to taste, touch, and smell the ingredients in your recipes....within reason, of course! Of course, we aren't going to have little ones handling raw meat or hot peppers. Nevertheless, there are many things in our kitchens that little ones can do to participate. While it may be loud and annoying for a child to play with pots and pans, these are beginning opportunities to experience sounds.
Youngsters love to help in putting away groceries. What a fantastic means to allow sorting. As cans are separated from vegetables, as pantry items are stored with like items, it's the opportunity to develop a sense of attributes and sets. Fruits are separated from vegetables, and separated from each other, as they are stored, again providing the opportunity to experience attributes and relationships.
Small materials such as rice or pasta or marshmallows may provide a great opportunity to compare or conserve. Some measuring cups, a bowl of grain, and some other assorted containers, and a pre-schooler can easily be entertained. The bonus is the understanding that is being developed.

Learn to Ask Questions

A parent who asks great questions will encourage understanding. Rather than telling the youngster how many marshmallows there are in a bowl, ask. If an incorrect quantity is reported, count together. Allow the child to have his "aha" moments. If he asks how many of something there are, encourage him to do the counting. Help him to attain understanding by enabling him to do it himself.

Fun Materials

Depending on the child's age and ability to eat certain sized foods, it's fun to purchase some special items for the purpose of encouraging sorting, counting, and measuring. For example, a bag of M&M's is lots of fun to experience. It need not be a large package, but could be a small individual sized bag. Gummy bears, gumdrops, marshmallows, and cereals are all fun materials to work with, which can be consumed during or after a planned activity. These provide lots of fun in sorting, counting, and of course, consuming! Not only are these great for mathematical understanding, but also, are nice means of discussing textures, weights, and other characteristics. Vocabulary will develop in the discussion. Comparisons and contrasts may naturally develop, for example, as large marshmallows and small are experienced. The opportunities are limitless. Many of these same food items are often used in crafts, whether stringing Cheerios and Fruit Loops, or glueing pinto beans and rice to a picture. The encouragement of exploration may ignite an artistic interest or a musical interest. As your children grow, many of these same materials may allow for understanding more advanced ideas and concepts, such as ratios and proportions, and may lend themselves to charting and graphing. The most important thing is to have fun as you facilitate learning.

You Can Do It

You do not need a credential to encourage your child's learning. You are your youngster's first and best teacher. As you learn and experience together, you are key to his or her confidence, and you are able to make a huge impact before school years approach. Take advantage of the inexpensive and ample opportunities in your own kitchen to encourage mathematical understanding and more! Learn together!

Fun Educational Kitchen Gifts

Head Chefs Measuring Spoons and Tools Make Fun Gifts

Whether you need a fun set of activities for your children for the summer or a great birthday gift, a junior cooking set can provide the opportunity for your youngsters to explore measurement and cooking at the same time.  There are play sets and there are sets of real kitchen tools for junior chefs.  Involving your youngster in kitchen activities will allow for familiarity and confidence in culinary skills and will allow for an intuitive understanding of measuring, number significance, fractions, and counting. 

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.

My Twinn Black Friday Sale

Black Friday Sale Only! FREE SHIPPING on orders of $100 or more. Up to $70 in FREE GOODS!

If you are hunting for a look alike doll for your daughter this holiday season, then check out the Black Friday sale linked here, with up to $70 in freebies. 

Pretend play is important developmentally, and many children really love look alike dolls.  My Twinn allows you to create a doll for your child with similar features, hairstyle...even freckles!  There are many ways to customize your daughter's twinn!

Science Experiment Kits for Kids

If you have an inquisitive child (or grandchild, niece, or nephew), then you recognize that they take in a lot of interesting information, formulate ideas, and love to regurgitate their interpretations...or spit out random facts at odd times!  That inquisitive child has a zillion questions to ask, and while that may challenge our patience, it's the stuff that leads to a future of dreamers and inventors!  I wonder what life was like in the Jobs and Gates homes. 

Science experiments kits for kids can provide an exciting slate of activity for that curious one, and there are so many unique kits to choose from.  Even some of the most basic (and in some of our eyes, boring) science sets for children are apt to intrigue, at the right time. 

One year, my children received Smithsonian science kits from an uncle, for Christmas, and they had the best time with the building of a volcano, making of gummy bugs, and examining crystals growing. 

Mr. Rootbeer Kit:  The Science of Carbonation!
A fantastic experience, and study, for curious kids!

Another year, the kids received a Mr. Rootbeer kit, and we became fans of homemade root beer in the process.  The science is a blast, and everyone enjoyed the outcome!  Yum!

A Microscope Kit in a carrying case is a helpful choice,
providing a means of keeping a science set together, easily accessible,
and ready for the next use.

My tween daughter is constantly pulling out her microscope set, lately, as a botany study provides lots of interesting concepts to explore.  There are plenty of applications for this kit, and the opportunity to be curious, and to follow through on ideas, is a fantastic means of encouraging higher level thinking. 

Each kit is going to have its own slant and focus, and when selecting science sets, and experiment kits for children, you will need to consider a few things.  The child's interests can direct your choices, but at times, we may not be certain of these things, especially with nieces and nephews.  Age is an important element, as well.  Under the age of 10, most children will need a great deal of oversight and supervision, not to mention direction.  While the gift is intended for a child, the parent is going to be an important player in the process.  This doesn't mean it's not a good gift idea, but it does mean that you want to be conscious of this factor. 

When you get into the 10 to 12 age range, a child will have the ability to work more independently.  Some fun science kits at this level may pertain to the nature of the age group.  Tween girls may absolutely love a spa science kit.  Tween boys, on the other hand, will get a kick out of "Disgusting Science".  Both boys and girls are apt to enjoy food related science experiment kits for kids, such as Tasty Science.  There are a host of options, and user reviews can really assist you in decisions, many of which you will find with the products linked here, and in the kids' science kits available through Amazon.

Gifts for Young Readers: Personalized Story Books

If you are looking for a unique gift for a child, consider the I See Me personalized books!  There are many themes to choose from, whether it's a fairy story for a girl, or a pirate tale for a boy, or a congratulatory gift for a new big brother or sister. 

While some people may like the idea of creating their own personalized book via print on demand media, those who don't have time for creating from scratch, or don't feel confident in their creative abilities, can still provide a richly colorful book that highlights a child's name throughout.  Some spell out the name, letter by letter, over the course of many beautifully illustrated pages.  Others weave the child's name throughout.  You have the option of seeing a guided tour through sample "I See Me" books, to get an idea of the look of the story.

There are personalized children's books for varied occasions, as well as personalized floor puzzles.  This is a fun, and exciting gift for a youngster who loves book, or is learning to read. 

Magazine Subscriptions for Kids Make Fantastic Educational Gifts

As a grandparent, aunt, or uncle, you may be struggling with gift ideas for your young family members.  Sometimes, the toys on the market seem like such "twaddle" (mindless, unchallenging junk!), and you don't want to simply throw away your money, in order to satisfy an obligation.  It's much nicer when you know that your gift is meaningful, that it will be enjoyed and appreciated. 

My parents took the magazine subscription approach for a couple of years, and it was really a pleasant experience for the kids.  I don't know about you, but I love it when a new magazine arrives, and my kids equally enjoy the experience of thumbing through and looking at pictures, reading articles, and discussing their observations.  If you are looking for a great way to boost a particular interest, or to encourage reading skills, this could be just what you are looking for.

There are so many magazines available, that you shouldn't have any trouble finding something suitable.  My youngest daughter received High Five from Highlights for two years, while an older child received the actual Highlights Magazine.  My youngest son received Thomas and Friends.  Another son received Spider.  Dig, Muse, Ranger Rick, and National Geographic Kids have also been pleasing choices for the kids.  Older children received titles suited to their interests:  Polymer Clay, Cooking, Baking.  The activities, articles, and photos are great.  The kids have loved looking forward to that monthly arrival in the mail, and have dreaded that "final issue" notice. 

Back to School Supplies: Dry Erase Crayons

If you have a youngster who likes to color, but is constantly leaving drawings everywhere, you might really appreciate the new Dry Erase Crayons from Crayola.  Although you won't be able to save the brilliant art created in this medium, you can provide the artistic youngster with hours of drawing fun. 

A dry erase board is ideal for using these, and Crayola has a set of dry erase crayons and dry erase board, for a great price.  You can also find dry erase wall decals, which can allow you to make a convenient practice board in virtually any location in the house, perfect for working math problems, or practicing spelling words.

The crayon box includes a sharpener, and an erasing mitt.  Stubborn smudges come off easily, with a little water.  Sounds too good to be true, but I tried it out, and was very pleased!  These are topping my back to school list, for at home practice, but you may want to treat a favorite teacher to a set, too!

Outside Playground Equipment

Lifetime Geometric Dome Climber
***Links are clickable, for Amazon pricing and details.

While outdoor playground equipment may seem more of a physical item, than educational, the fact is that an outdoor playground set can be the source of a great deal of pretend play, and imagination takes wings in such an environment.  Children can become their favorite superheroes, re-enact their favorite fairy tales, and re-tell their beloved stories.

Commercial outside playground equipment can be pricey, but there are many worthwhile swing sets and activity sets to consider.  Individual pieces can be less harsh on the wallet, yet provide hours of entertainment and inspiration.

Gym Dandy Teeter Totter

Lifetime Ace Flyer Airplane Teeter Totter

Dizzy Quad Merry-Go-Round

Wooden Outdoor Playground Equipment

Champion XP Outdoor Playset

Step2 Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center

Gorilla Outdoor Playground Set
Big Skye II

Little Tikes 8-in-1 Adjustable Playground

Lifetime Big Stuff Adventure
Outside Playground Equipment

Gorilla Playsets
Outside Playground Equipment

Cars 2 Cartridges for Leapster Explorer and LeapPad Explorer

Cars 2 releases June 24, 2011, and there are many educational tie-ins to provide your youngsters with fun learning!

LeapFrog has released its Cars 2 cartridge for Leapster Explorer, which will also be compatible with the coming iPad type product for kids, LeapPad Explorer.  LeapPad Explorer will be available for pre-order beginning June 29, 2011, and is a great way to provide a hands on tech experience for your 4-8 year olds, without having to give up your iPad.

You can find a full line of LeapFrog products available for purchase through Amazon.  LeapFrog products are outstanding tools for learning reinforcement, and educational play.

Bead Bazaar Kits: Beading Supplies for Girls

Papillon Mini Bead Chest by Bead Bazaar

One of the best informal activities for developing math number sense is sorting, and beads lend themselves perfectly to sorting, grouping, and re-grouping.  More fun, beading kits allow an informal environment for children to experiment with creating their own patterns.  I love this sort of informal play for my children, and there are many types of kids' toys that facilitate this sort of manipulative work.  Beading kits developed for girls are great, and Bead Bazaar Kits are varied enough that you will have years' worth of gift ideas to equip your daughters with crafting projects that serve an educational purpose, as well.

Bead Box Kits by Bead Bazaar

Bead box kits include several types of beads, and materials for stringing.

***Images are clickable, for current Amazon pricing and availability.

Alpha Bead Kit by Bead Bazaar

Bead Bazaar Mini and Medium Bead Box Kits

Bead Bazaar Bead Barrel Kits for Girls

Bead Bazaar Bead Barrel Kits for Girls

Bead Bazaar "Just for Fun" Barrel Kit

Bead Bazaar Sweet Treats Bead Barrel for Girls

Bead Chests by Bead Bazaar

BeJeweled Bead Chest by Bead Bazaar

Le Petit Mini Bead Chest, Butterfly Garden by Bead Bazaar

Bead Bazaar Bead Medley Kits for Girls



Bead Bazaar Kits are fun, and cute, a great choice in gifts for your own daughters, nieces, or granddaughters, or perfect for your daughter to take as a gift for a friend's birthday party.