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Career Day Gift Ideas for Kids

May 272010

In elementary school, Career Day exposes young minds to the many possibilities of what they can become “when they grow up.” From the shiny red hat of a fireman to the opportunity to mend the broken bones of furry companions, there are aspects of certain jobs that especially attract kids. Below you will find some of the most popular careers that pique the interest of elementary-aged children and a couple of gift ideas to show that you’ve been listening.

Fireman

Many children see the fireman as a modern-day Superman – able to save burning buildings and put out fires with a blast of their magical water hose. The fire department is notorious for making pit stops at schools and impressing students with their adventures. You can place your child in charge of their imaginary firehouse with the Melissa & Doug Fire Chief Role Play Costume Set, which comes with helmet, “fire extinguisher,” bullhorn with sound effects, shiny badge, and a bright red, machine-washable jacket.

Teacher

With an apple on the desk and chalk in hand, the teacher enlightens children each and every day. In the eyes of young kids, becoming a teacher is a respected position that many aspire to attain. Encourage their love of education with their own chalkboard, which allows them to not only take on the teacher role, but also advance their own studies. Chalkboards for kids come in a variety of shapes and sizes – some in the form of an easel, while others attach to the wall or the back of a door.

Doctor

Every doctor needs the right tools, and with the Doctor’s Bag by Schylling, your child will have everything they need to enjoy hours of pretend play fun. Eight different doctor tools are contained in the snap-shut bag – perfect for children ages 3 and up. You can also supplement the doctor’s bag with the Melissa and Doug Doctor Role Play Costume Set, which comes with lab coat, facemask, stethoscope with sound effects, reflex hammer, ear scope, and a syringe.

Veterinarian

You can allow aspiring veterinarians to experience the ins and outs of working with animals by the gifts you choose for their next special occasion. Not only does the Dalmatian Vet Kit come with all the appropriate tools for a veterinarian, but also supplies your child with a plush puppy to attend to. Features of this gift include medium puppy vet cage, stethoscope, small tray hammer, mirror, ear tool, tweezers, tongs, scissors, thermometer, syringe, and bandages.

Astronaut

Before you make the investment of purchasing a telescope for the child who sets his or her sights on becoming an astronaut, start with the basics. Teach them about what they are looking for beforehand. Use the 3-D Solar System to create the universe in their room with more than 200 glow-in-the-dark planets and stars. With the Illuminated Constellation Globe explore about 70 fascinating celestial images. Other astronaut gift ideas for kids include a pair of Aeromax Astronaut Boots with a NASA emblem or one of the many helmets found on Amazon.com.

Scientist

Introduce a budding scientist to an exciting world of discovery by gifting a microscope made for children. For example, the My First Lab Duo-Scope Microscope is quite extensive – offering a 50-piece accessory set, and is made with real optic glass. Reaching 40x, 100x and 400x magnifications, the microscope promises wide-ranging fun because it offers the flexibility of exploring slides, as well as solid material.

Affordable Jewelry for Kids

Jun 222009

When it comes to children gifts, most think of games, toys, and clothing. However, very few gift jewelry to kids. It may be because people don’t think its something kids would enjoy, despite the fact that kids, especially girls, want to mimic adults. Or maybe because it would be too expensive, or vise versa, be cheap stuff that would be destroyed and tossed, like anything else.

Well, here an idea, gift a kid jewelry that is actually nice and kids would want to wear. Guess what? It’s affordable, too!

“Twinkle, Twinkle” Diamond Necklace

Show the little girl in your life that she is your shining star with this adorable pendant.

A classic oval locket design is beautifully rendered in sterling silver with the words “Twinkle, Twinkle” stamped on the front. Little diamonds are actually in the stars underneath these words!

A lovely gift.

Price: $45

“Angel” Diamond & Sterling Silver Necklace

Spoil your little cherub with this adorable child-sized necklace.

Lustrous sterling silver is gorgeously crafted into a delicate chain necklace featuring the word ANGEL in elegant script.

A perfect gift for a special birthday.

Price: $65

Pink Enamel Heart Charm & Diamond Sterling Silver Bracelet

Pamper the little princess in your life with this darling charm bracelet.

Dainty sterling silver hearts are touched with bright pink enamel and suspended from an exquisitely crafted silver chain bracelet.

A perfect gift for a every little girl!

Price: $70

Rocking Horse Diamond & White Gold Necklace

A darling rocking horse motif lends this appealing pendant an air of elegant playfulness.

The pretty pony is exquisitely crafted in lustrous white gold, adorned with a dazzling diamond accent, and gracefully suspended from a delicate chain.

A great gift for a younger child.

Price: $95

Cultured Pearl 14K Gold Necklace

Adorn a little girl with the gift of the gorgeous luminescence of pearls.

This delicately feminine, child-sized necklace features droplets of gleaming freshwater pearls gracefully suspended from a dainty chain of lustrous yellow gold. Available with pink pearls.

Great jewelry gift to give, especially if there her first pearls!

Price: $95

For more children’s jewelry gift ideas, visit ice.com. Many of the children’s jewelry shown were available in easy payment plans.

Holiday Gifts for Baby

Nov 282008

Don’t forget the baby this holiday season. Here are a few holiday gift ideas for the baby.

Sleep Sheep

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNZIJlgNxdw[/youtube]

From Cloud B comes the Sleep Sheep. It’s the perfect gift to give for those who have fussy babies who have a hard time sleeping at night. The Sleep Sheep is a 12″ plush sound machine with four soothing sounds; Mother’s heartbeat, spring showers, ocean waves, and whale songs. Created to be attached outside the crib or as a plush for the baby once the sound machine device is removed.

Pee-Pee Teepe

From Beba Bean it’s the Pee-pee Teepee. A great gift for those who have mishaps changing baby boys. The Pee-pee Teepee is a 100% cotton cone-shaped cloth which is used during changing to provide an extra hand and makes sure diaper changes are dry and easy! Each package comes with five Teepees.

100% Organic Cotton SleepSack Wearable Blanket

Halo created the SleepSack Wearable Blanket to keep babies safe at night by replacing dangerous lose blankets. This wearable blanket carries the “#1 Safe Sleep Product” gold seal from First Candle/SIDS Alliance, and makes the perfect gift for new mothers and those who are just worrywarts. The SleepSack comes in organic cotton, which is free of dyes, chemicals, and preservatives. Great for those who are concern with both safety and the environment.

California Baby Holiday Cheer Gift Tote

California Baby’s Limited Edition Holiday Cheer! Gift Tote is the great gift to give this season if you really don’t know what to give. The tote comes with a bubble bath, aromatherapy spritzer, and bath mesh. The limited edition Holiday Cheer! scent is a blend of orange, lavender, and a touch of vanilla. All products from California Baby are used with essential oils and contain organic and sustainably grown ingredients. The biodegradable bubble bath is non-drying and is free of sodium lauryl sulfate and DEA.
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Have any holiday baby gift ideas? Please leave a comment and tell me all about it!

Interview with Silvia Leite

Nov 222008

Felt Doll (Lilly) on LookMamaMadeIt.Etsy.com

I interviewed Ms. SÃlvia Leite, creator of handmade dolls and miniature play food on LookMamaMadeIt.Etsy.com. I asked her a few questions about her creations and the work she puts into her craft.

What made you start creating children’s toys and accessories?

To tell you the truth, this is something I wanted to do since my early childhood. I simply can’t get tired of small scale objects. I started to make my own toys when I was about my daughter’s age (she is 6). I used to build large mansions with furniture made from cardstock and homemade glue, and to populate them with happy families of paper dolls. I also sewed, knitted and crocheted for my dolls. My deep love for miniatures lead me to unwillingly kill two innocent bonsai trees, and also made me want to become an architect. I gave up this project when I understood that what I really wanted was to build 3D models and maquette- and that is not what architects do.

Latter in life, and even though I was able to follow another dream of mine (taking a degree in Art History), I found myself doing repetitive, administrative work, and forgot all about toys and miniatures. Till the day when my daughter asked me to make her favorite doll a birthday cake!

Then, in the beginning of this year I had a little spare time in my hands (I was in between jobs) and decided to give it a try. I made my first felt cakes, cookies and dolls for my friends’ children, and they were the ones who encouraged me to start selling.

Miniature Birthday Cake on LookMamaMadeIt.Etsy.com

What is your inspiration for your creations?

My daughter was my first client, and the main cause and inspiration for everything I’ve created since her birth. A lot of the toys and accessories I make are also based in memories from my own childhood. Of course, this means I am particularly at ease with girl’s toys! I believe children should play with good quality, beautiful objects. I design my products to be visually appealing, pleasant to the touch, and easy to play with. They must have the right size, feel and weight for children’s hands, and to be stimulating and suggestive enough to encourage pretend play. Finally, everything is carefully and lovingly crafted, and tested in my home lab (my daughter’s playroom)!

What kind of materials do you use for your handmade toys and accessories?

I use mainly felt. Just love this material! I choose a high quality, rich wool blend felt that I can buy in a wide range of lovely colors. I always try to use non-allergenic, all-natural materials, and also use recycled materials when possible.

How long does it typically take to make one of your creations? Small (e.g. a cupcake) and large (e.g. a doll)?

Well, with a 6-year-old child and a full time job I have very little spare time to craft. I mostly craft at night, or on weekends, though I also need to take time for my family. I usually cut several pieces in one crafting session, then sew them all in another session, and then make all finishing in yet another day, so it is hard to answer this question. But if I had to make a doll in a single session I would need
at least 5 hours to finish it whereas one cupcake would take me about 1-2 hours.

Do you take into account customer feedback and suggestions when you start a new creation?

Yes, by all means. Clients can customize almost anything from my shop, and I am always glad to have special orders, because they help my work to evolve. Feedback is very important, since I really want my clients to be satisfied. My toys are conceived to make people happy.

What is next for SÃlvia Leite and her handmade children’s toys and accessories?

I don’t know. Maybe I should, but I am not really making plans. I love to craft, and would love to be able to do this full time, but the right moment hasn’t arrived yet. Anyway, a part of me likes to keep this business in small scale… like my toys. But I always have ideas for new products!

Tell me what you think of SÃlvia Leite’s handmade children’s toy and accessories. Please leave your comments and let me know if you enjoy handmade and handcrafted gifts.

Gel Toothbrush Holder

Aug 262008

Children are notorious for leaving their toothbrushes all over the bathroom. If they don’t have a specific place to put it, they cast them down without any thought of germs or hygiene. The Gel Toothbrush Holder works to solve many toothbrush holder issues as well as serving as a cute bathroom accessory. Not only is it quite attractive, it conveniently sticks to mirrors, tile or glass. This keeps it clean and out of the way, giving more counter space. A great gift for younger children or teens. Who says getting kids to brush their teeth isn’t fun? They will love to use the Gel Toothbrush Holder. Continue reading »

Curious George Cake

May 132008

Â What little child does not love Curious George? The next time you are invited to birthday party or you want to make something special for your little one, why not give a cake. Cakes are always known for “get well soon” occasions or welcome gifts.

Here is one specially made for kids. The Curious George cake is a fun and creative gift that is sure to get screams and smiles of joy out of the little ones.

What you’ll need:

knife
rubber spatula
muffin pan and cupcake papers
chocolate cake mix
well greased oven safe glass bowl, preferably 2 quarts
wire baking rack
caramel frosting
2 doublestuffed oreo cookies (minis if you can find them)
small amount of red icing and black icing

Now you have all your ingredients, let’s get cooking.

Follow directions for mixing cake
Pour 2/3 of batter into the greased glass bowl
Use remaining to fill up the 3 muffins (3/4 full, each)
Put cake and cupcakes in oven and bake until done (cupcakes will cook faster than cake)
Once finished, allow to cool completely on the wire racks

Eveything must be completely cooled so that the frosting won’t get crumbs in it. Ok, everything is cooked and cooled. Let’s make us a Curious George!

Face

Use the caramel frosting to make the face shape as shown in the picture. Like a large 8 for the upper and the bottom is simple. Make sure to come all the way to the bottom of the cake.
Get the frosting as smooth as possible using the spatula.

Ears

Put frosting on one cupcake using the caramel frosting
Cut the cupcake vertically in half
Put each half onto the side of the head using frosting to secure it

Eyes

Take the Oreos apart
Flatten out the creme into circular shapes and place accordingly on the face
Use the oreo cookie part for the pupil
Draw eyebrows using the black frosting

Nose

Use the black icing to draw the nose and the nostrils as pictured

Mouth

Using the black frosting, draw a shallow “U” about 1 1/2 inches below the nose
Draw the bottom of the mouth, make sure to connect it to the top and leave room for the tongue
For the tongue, use the red icing and make the tongue

Now you have yourself a pretty nice adorable Curious George. Plate it and it’s ready for any child!! You can box it up or leave it as is.

Image belongs to www.pbs.org

Animal Lamps

Apr 012008

animals Â

Need to buy a children’s or nursery gift ? Try giving these adorableÂ animal lamps sold by Uncommon Goods. These are the cutest little lamps, such a neat idea. They are sure to brighten a smile and the day of any child. At the size of about 8×6 inches they will fit perfectly on a children’s night stand or on a nursery dresser. What little child would not want this as a bedroom lamp, I know I would have loved it when I was young. You can choose to give one or all, children can never have enough cute animals in their room. These lamps will add a hint of fun to any area they are put.

cow&elephant Â Also available in smaller sizes (6×8 inches) are “Cosmo the Cow” and “Ernie the Elephant”. “Cosmo the Cow” is accordingly fitted with a cute pair of wings to help him jump over the moon, of course Winking . “Ernie the elephant” is beautifully colored in sky blue, great for a little boy’s room. All these lamps make a great night light, using a 25 watt bulb, and perfect lighting for checking on a new baby in the middle of the night.Â Â

Â Â Â Â These are suitable for all ages and are sold separately for $20.00 each. For $4.50 you can choose to have the items put in gift boxes, and you can have the items gift boxed together for just one charge of $4.50 for the gift box. This is a great buy for the price and the gift box option.Â Item can be shipped directly to the recipient and no record of price will be included, it will just come in the gift box with a personal message from you. This is an easy gift to give and whoever receives it will love it.

—imagesÂ belong toÂ www.uncommongoods.com