>U Mom Knows Best: Holiday Gift Guide For Kids

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Holiday Gift Guide For Kids

The holidays are quickly approaching and it is time to think of presents for the kids.


  I like to buy unique yet fun gifts for my boys for Christmas. When I buy a toy for them I research the item as I want to make sure the toy will provide hours of fun for them. I want to be able to help parents buy fun unique toys this holiday season. So I teamed up with several companies who have sent me some toys, books and other fun items for kids. My boys will help me review these items so you can have some ideas for presents this holiday season. I will update this post as we receive new items.


  Of all the toys we received Paper Trax was the one my boys liked the best. My 10-year-old son said "I wished I did not mail out my wish list to Santa as I would have asked for more of these." Paper Trax is a completely recyclable, all paper-based race track created to race toy cars on Trax attached to your wall. These colorful tracks attach to the wall with 3M Command Strips so no harm is done to the walls. My boys had a blast setting up their tracks on the wall. The best part was racing the cars down the tracks. The removable adhesive tape on the tracks made it easy to reposition the tracks several times. My boys played with the Paper Trax for a long time and even the teen joined in. Watch our video to see the Traxs in action.


Product: Paper Trax Toys
Website (URL): http://www.papertraxtoys.com/  

Category: Cars
Description: 
Paper Trax is an awesome STEM toy that transforms your walls into a matchbox speedway.

• Paper Trax is a completely recyclable, all paper-based race track created to race toy cars on Trax attached to your wall.

• All you do is pop open the box, fold the Trax and stick them to the wall with removable adhesive tape 

• Available in Speedway and Dino editions

• Use with small cars like Matchbox and Hotwheels

• Buy on Amazon and Toy & Game Warehouse

Price Per Unit: $24.99
Purchase Linkhttp://www.papertraxtoys.com/


   Looking for unique items for the Christmas stockings?  I don't like to put tons of candy in my boys Christmas stockings as they have already had way too many sweets from all the parties. So I like to put other items in their stockings like healthy snacks.


One healthy snack that my boys, including the teen, love are Slammers Snacks. Slammers Snacks are tasty, superfood snacks designed to fuel kids with organic fruits and vegetables such as mangos, acai, sweet potato, and yumberries.  Not only are they a healthy alternative to sugar-laden candies and convenience store snacks, Slammers are, crumb-free, easily digestible, and serve as a great source of essential vitamins. Check out my review Here

Product: Slammers Snacks
Website (URL): http://slammerssnacks.com/  

Category: stocking stuffers
Description: 
Slammers Snacks are tasty, superfood snacks designed to fuel kids with organic fruits and vegetables such as mangos, acai, sweet potato, and yumberries.  Not only are they a healthy alternative to sugar-laden candies and convenience store snacks, Slammers are, crumb-free, easily digestible, and serve as a great source of essential vitamins. Some flavors, including Creamy Banana Chocolate (our newest, with the least amount of sugar!) come packed with seven grams of protein.

• Available at Target, Safeway, Meijer, and other stores.
      http://babygourmet.com/slammers-stores

Price Per Unit: average price $3.98
Purchase Linkhttp://slammerssnacks.com/  





                                                     Check out this 3D light!


The 3DLIGHTFX  is a cool 3D Deco Light that comes in many different styles. My boys received the Thor Hammer but these lights also are available in comic book, superhero, Disney Princess, sports, cars and more. My boys love how the light comes out of the wall. These LED lights are battery operated and cool to the touch so you can place them anywhere in the room. The light is easy to attach to the wall. The light comes with a sticker that makes it look like there is a crack in the wall. The light adds a special touch to the room during the day and at night when it gives a soft glow to the room making it a perfect night light. Once you see all the selection of these 3D lights you will have a hard time deciding which one to buy.

Product: 3DLIGHTFX
Website (URL): 
http://bit.ly/TargetUSFamily
Category: unique items
Description: 
3DLIGHTFX 3D Deco Lights are the perfect gift this holiday season.

• They have a full range of comic book, superhero, Disney Princess, sports and car lights that look as though they are popping right out of the wall

• Battery operated

• Cool to the touch LED light and cordless

• Easy to install and comes with a crack sticker for the wall

• Looks cool off and looks cool on.

.Your kids will love having these in their rooms and they're also the perfect editions to a den, family room, man's cave or office!

•Available at Target stores and Target.com 

Price Per Unit: $29.99
Purchase Linkhttp://bit.ly/TargetUSFamily  



                                                 Check out this cool watch!

This Watchitude  watch is so fun and colorful. Those are cute cupcakes that you see on the slap band style watch. This company makes fun watches for kids in lots of fun patterns like pizza, sports, animals, and lots more. These funky watches have no buckles as they slap onto the wrist. They are so bright and colorful and kids will want to own several of them. I chose the cupcake watch for me as they boys already have a watch. My boys now want one and are drooling over the different designs. I am thinking these watches will be perfect in their Christmas stocking. You have to visit the website to see all the designs that these watches come in. Even the boxes are fun!


Product: Watchitude
Website (URL): http://www.watchitude.com/  

Category: stocking stuffers
Description: 
Collect ‘em all- Watchitude offers tons of funky designs and limited edition collectibles

• Durable materials- Zinc Alloy case with glass crystal and quartz movement

• Water resistant- Splash proof, withstands rain, sweat, and splashing

• Excellent quality- Slap band, super thick material, comfortable feel

• New Patent Pending Technology- Brilliant photographic quality printing and durable glossy finish

• Non-toxic- SGS Certified safe for kids and 100% lead-free

• Beautiful Unique Colorful Textured Gift Box- Great for birthdays, holiday gifts, milestones and other special occasions

• Easy setup- Instructions to set the time, and a 1 year, replaceable standard watch battery

Price Per Unit: $21.99
Purchase Linkhttp://www.watchitude.com/  





One company that sent us toys is Geo Space. They sent us a couple of active toys that can be used indoors or outside. I love their unique toys as they encourage kids to be active. Their toys are geared for kids ages 5 and up. My younger boys and my teen enjoyed the two toys that they sent to us. My boys loved shooting the rockets and they went very far. The Ski Skooter was hard to use on the grass but did work on the snow. When winter comes the Ski Skooter will be fun with the snow.


Product: Pump Rocket Air Archer
Website (URL): www.geospaceplay.com
Category: Toys
Description: The new AIR ARCHER, with its flexible, bow-like arm, dramatically increases the power of the PUMP ROCKET® launcher. You won’t believe how fast and far these foam rockets will travel. To operate, simply pull back the launcher piston, stretching the elastic bow string attached to the ends of the bow. When it’s fully drawn back, let go and…WHOOOSH!!!, the rocket goes screaming off into space at near Mach speeds. Okay, maybe a little slower than that, but still impressively fast. Kids will be amazed.
Price Per Unit: $25.99
Purchase Linkhttp://www.amazon.com/Rocket-Archer-Air-Powered-EZ-Pull-Bungee/dp/B00WYJU6E0/ref=sr_1_58?srs=2592519011&ie=UTF8&qid=1443199405&sr=8-58  






  Product: Ski Skooter
Website (URL): www.geospaceplay.com
Category: Toys
Description: The amazing SKI SKOOTER from Geospace opens up new worlds of exploration for young riders -- snow for one, but also grassy hills and even sand dunes! The Skooter works on flat terrain as well as hills...just leave one foot on the board and push with the other, using the handle for balance and directional control. In dry, deep snow, Ski Skooter acts like a snowshoe, allowing riders to float on the surface.
Price Per Unit: $49.99
Purchase Linkhttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PBII0MG








  The second company that sent us a toy was Plasmarttoys. My boys already have several fun toys from this company. My boys own a PlasmaCar and a KickFlipper. These are toys that they play with weekly if not daily, so we were excited to try out their FunSlides Carpet Skates. The skates were easy to put on and my boys had a blast sliding on the carpet. My boys did circles around the dining room table and upstairs throughout the bedrooms. I liked that they did not damage the carpet and that the skates also fit my feet so I was able to join in on the fun. These skates will be great for when it is too cold to play outside so my boys can burn off that extra energy.



  Product: Fun Slides Carpet Skates
Website (URL): www.plasmarttoys.com
Category: Toys
Description: FunSlides Carpet Skates started a whole new indoor toy and game trend. Like sliding in socks on a hardwood floor. FunSlides Carpet Skates give you that fun-powered glide on carpet! Woooosh!¿..Strap 'em on and away you go.! This pair comes in sleek silver color. They work on any type of carpet and they are carpet friendly. They're great for active play, family fun and active sports. One size fits all. FunSlides Carpet Skates have won the following awards: The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval; Dr. toy 10 Best Active Products Winner; Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products Winner; Creative Child Magazine - Creative Toy Awards Seal of Excellence; Major FUN Award.
Price Per Unit: $19.99
Purchase Linkhttp://amzn.to/2bSbum5


  My boys are crazy about Legos. They really don't need another Lego set as they have plenty of Legos. The Lego Christmas Ornaments Book helped my boys discover new things to build with their Legos. My boys love the detailed step by step instructions that included colorful pictures. I loved that the instructions also included not only the type of bricks needed but how many. This book is perfect to keep the kids busy during the holiday season. My boys want to make all the ornaments in the book by Christmas so they can decorate the tree with Legos.




  Product:The Lego Christmas Ornaments Book
Website (URL): www.nostarch.com
Category: Books
Description: Every year, families deck their trees with strings of popcorn, popsicle sticks, and gingerbread—but why not use LEGO. This holiday season, LEGO fans can build lasting memories by making their own DIY ornaments that the whole family can build and enjoy for years to come. With colorful graphics and detailed instructions, The LEGO Christmas Ornaments Book is the perfect gift for do-it-yourselfers and crafters. The 15 designs in the book include holiday classics like a wreath, snowflake, poinsettia, Christmas tree, and gingerbread house; fun stuff like a computer, arcade machine, and cheeseburger; and even simple geometric designs like a bow, barrel, and lantern. As author Chris McVeigh explains, "Whether you're looking for a traditionally-shaped ornament or want to add something fun and quirky to your tree, there's something for everyone in this book!
Price Per Unit: $19.95
Purchase Linkhttps://www.nostarch.com/legochristmas?imm_mid=0e6eb1&cmp=em-na-na-na-pr_lego_christmas

 I love toys that teach my kids. I discovered these cool kits that teach kids how to be an entrepreneur. These fun kits give your children life skills while providing them an activity that allows them to earn some money. When I presented this kit to my younger boys, the younger one got excited about being able to make something and then sell it to earn some money. He could not wait to check out the contents in the kit. We received the Treats To Go kit and it included everything that my boys needed to start a business selling some treats. I liked that the kit had detailed step by step instructions on things like finding customers, taking orders, setting the price, and even recipes. My boys and I chose to make some delicious chocolate covered pretzels. The boys decided that they would sell them to friends at church.



ProductVK Venture kits
Website (URL): http://www.venturekits.com/          

Category:  Educational Toys
Description: Venture Kits turn little ones into real entrepreneurs through experiential learning and hands-on, screens-off play. Our expanding line of entrepreneur-designed, kid-tested business starter kits teach kids valuable business lessons, cleverly masked in fun. From Lemonade Stands and Babysitting to Online Magazines and E­commerce Stores, kids will become real life entrepreneurs and CEOs, creating real products, offering real services, finding real investors, and earning real profits. Venture Kits' unique step by step guide - our Venture Plan - will give them the confidence and know-how to succeed. Venture Kits. Because the next generation of CEOs is sitting right in our living rooms, probably watching 

cartoons.






Check out these cute headphones for kids. My boys tried out the black and yellow pair and loved how comfortable they were. The also come in a pink "cat" style and a red "Christmas" style.

ProductiClever BoostCare Kids Headphones     
Website (URL): www.Amazon.com
Category: Entertainment
Description: Colorful Theme Kid Friendly Headsets:Colorful and attractive, batman styled and flexible Makes for a good gift for family/friends kids or buy for your own. Good also for KG/pre-school teachers.
+ Kid-Safe Volume Limiting Technology: built-in volume-limiting circuitry that keeps the sound pressure down to levels recommended as safe for young ears and will not blow their eardrums Sound limited to 85 db. Max (Safe for children). Environment-friendly material, RoHs, EN71,CPSIA,FCC approved
+ Soft Overall Quite Lightweight and Durability: kid-friendly portable headphones is durable enough to withstand a lot of abuse, worry-free for any stretch, twist, crunch. Flat cord won’t get tangled easily
+ Custom Designed Fit for Children: nice cushioned earpads and a cushioned headband,safe and comfortable for the kiddos. Made for children 3 years old and up. (Recommended for kids 3-12)
+ Universal Compatibility: Using a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, work with virtually all smartphones and tablets t
Price Per Unit: $19.99
Purchase Linkhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JO7ANR4
Christmas Limited Edition: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JO7ASRY
Cat Ear Headphones: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JLURR2S


  I am so excited to tell you about a new item for a holiday gift. This gift is one that the kids receive for six weeks. It starts out with a letter in the mail that includes a map and a key. Then once a week for six weeks your child will get more fun surprises in the mail, each more exciting than the other. This Treasure Hunt gift was so exciting for my boys to receive. They have only received the first gift and I can't show you pictures of them interacting with the items as I don't want to giveaway the mystery that my boys are trying to solve. My boys would catch on if I took pictures. My boys opened the letter and were excited to know that they have a pirate for a relative- Boggybottom Pittman. Now this pirate goes back many more generations than their genealogy loving grandpa has discovered. My youngest son knew right away that the map had some sort of code on it and asked me to look up secret codes online. Once the boys had their code guide the went to work to solve the message on the old crinkled paper. The only problem was they could not figure out the place in the message that began with a letter V. The older of the two, questioned this mysterious letter at first but now he is trying think of places that start with V with four letters. The boys so want to figure this mystery out to find the treasure box that their key will unlock. I am excited for the next five gifts to arrive along with the treasure box that is loaded with the treasure. This item is great for ages 8 and up.


Website (URL): https://www.mailordermystery.com/  

Category: Unique Items
Description: Maps, keys, curses, and sharks. Hidden treasure and scheming pirates. It all starts with a letter from a woman half-way across the world who finds an old key and a note from a long-dead pirate who happens to be your Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Great Grandfather. It’s up to you to find the family fortune, but can you keep it safe from double-crossing pirates? Who’s to know when a pirate’s telling the truth, yaarrr?

Mailing #1: A letter from Flora Smart along with a key and an ancient note from your Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Great Grandfather, a pirate with buried loot. It is up to you to you find - and keep safe - the family fortune. And for any double-crossers out there: beware the Dread Pirate Curse!

Mailing # 2: A copy of the latest edition of the esteemed publication “Shark and Pirate Quarterly”, issue #1268, sent by editor and local historian Nigel P. Silver. Pay close attention to the puzzle page - there could be a message for you.

Mailing # 3: A letter from  the curator of the Royal Museum Archives, a (different) key, a business card with a phone number to call and a copy of a treasure map that may be of interest to you. And by the way, if you have something that, perhaps, belongs in the archives, we would really like to have it back. Could you maybe give us a call and tell us what it is?

Mailing # 4: A note from Nigel P. Silver along with an article from issue #148 of the Shark and Pirate Quarterly proving that Flora Smart and her nephew, who happens to be the curator of the Royal Museum Archives, have an interest in treasure of their own.

Mailing # 5:  A second note from Flora Smart - and she's got your map back from Stumpy Joe.  


Mailing # 6: The police have caught the pirates red-handed and they are sending the treasure back to you, the “rightful owner”. 

Price Per Unit: $74.00
Purchase Linkhttps://www.mailordermystery.com/



    Keep checking back as I will be adding more toys as my boys and I have fun with them.

"These opinions are my own and I received the above-mentioned products to facilitate this post."

22 comments:

Alli Smith said...

My grandsons would love every single thing on this page. The air archer is right up their alley. These are all great ideas for Christmas gifts.

Amy Jones said...

Really cool list, they are all fantastic options. I think my nephew would have lots of fun with the ski skooter

Chei said...

This is cool! My son will love this gift. :)

Unknown said...

This is a fantastic list! My son would enjoy legos so much.

B is 4 said...

Oh wow, my kids would love all of these toys. I think they'd really like that ski skooter. These are fun ideas for gifts. Christmas will be here soon!

GiGi Eats Celebrities said...

OMG alreadyyyy the holiday gift guides are popping up!

Shannau said...

I wish they'd make skates for wood floors lol! I know they'd LOVE the carpet skates if we had enough carpet here. Now the Lego Ornament Book is so cool. We collect Legos, so that's a must check out!

Ellen said...

Lots of great ideas. My son would have loved the ski skooter!

Elizabeth O. said...

I love toys like these because they keep the kids active and they're also so much fun to use! It's an awesome gift guide and the kids will love these for sure!

alfonzowrods said...

Forget the kids haha I want each of these toys! They are so epic, holy spatula I would have so much fun with those carpet skies. Geospace products rock!!!

Jenny @cookeatgo said...

My son would love playing with these toys!! These are great gifts for any kid!

Unknown said...

Oh, great ideas. Holidays are quickly approaching and I really need to make a list of the gifts I will shop for the kids.

Unknown said...

omg need that ski scooter! totally adorable haha i totally need one for myself if they one have for adults. they all look cute!

Unknown said...

That ski scooter looks awesome! But my son would love the rocket pump too!

Unknown said...

These gift ideas sounds like great ideas to give for the holidays. I especially like the ski scooter.

Karlaroundtheworld | Karla said...

Those are some cool toys and gadgets I must say! Even my niece would be jealous of that archer one if I have it as a gift for my nephew.

laborders2000 said...

My kids would enjoy the Lego ornaments. I know they would love to see them on our tree.

Jamie said...

I would love that Skooter when there is snow here - that looks like fun!

dd said...

When the kids aren't using the Fun Slides Carpet Skates, strap them on yourself for a workout! I have a pair that have lasted over the years and use them for my leg exercises. They're easy to get on and off and work great on the carpet to workout especially those inner thighs! You may have to get a pair for yourself if the kids won't share!

Unknown said...

How about a unique legal-themed board game for ages 8 and up? Take a look at the LAWSUIT! board game. It's a fun, award-winning, game that teaches what it's like to be a lawyer. It's available at the gift shops at the Supreme Court and National Constitution Center, and through Amazon.

Pazzta Tali said...

I am glad that I finally got a chance to check out this place. Great views, food at the event venues is nice. The quality of service was great, and the environment were pretty comfortable. I’ll say I will look forward to visit again.

Star said...

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