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I keep seeing award stickers on toy packages. If I buy a toy that has an award sticker on the box does that mean other similar toys are not as good? What guidelines can I follow for choosing a good toy?

Lauren, Miami, FL
Mom of Rachel (7), Sofi (6) and Naomi (2)
Use them as a guide and follow 3 easy steps before making a decision on what to buy?

1.Analyze: What does the child have already? (Stacks of board games, tubs of building blocks, shelves of books) Take a quick INVENTORY of your child’s collection and see if there is a type of toy missing from the playroom. A new kind of toy will trigger interest and intrigue once opened!
2.Simplify- Parents “think” kids need a lot of toys, then regret having so many around the house! It is best to have a variety of TOY TYPES, so a child uses a range of developmental skills.
3.Magnify: It is imperative that toys are chosen which are age-appropriate and are of interest to a child. Choose toys that "MAGNIFY’ a child’s current skills and challenges those they need to work on.


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Halloween Tips

Halloween is all about fun and not-so scary fun for little ones. Safety is most important for this Holiday whether your children will be participating in trick-or treating or attending Halloween-themed parties. Here are a few tips on products you may want to consider.

Reflective Halloween Treat Bag
(with a starter candy bag!) $16.99
--A large black plastic tote style bag is designed with a glow-in-the dark reflective pattern on the front (green cat or orange pumpkin ) with a carrying handle for portability. It is sturdy enough to carry a full bag of candy.
PlumParty.com

My story song flashlight/pen
$9.99
--This combination flashlight/pen can be used as a safety light for night trick-or-treaters, night strolls, reading in dark places or in a diaper bag for mom. mystorysong.com

S'mores Maker $29.99

--A S'more is a melted marshmallow and chocolate sandwich inside a graham cracker. For many parents, an image of Boy or Girl Scouts camping is a reminder of these tasty treats.

For parties with adults, this tabletop maker is heated with canned heat cooking fuel (similar to what is used for fondue pots) and can be used both indoor and out. A rotating tray holds ramekins in place providing up to four people a chance to roast comfortably. Roasting forks, service for four (customized ramekins to hold marshmallows, chocolate bars and graham crackers) and a snuffer to safely extinguish the flame is included.

NOTE: Graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate bars and canned chafing heat are not included. Parental supervision is RECOMMENDED for children of ALL ages. Not suggested to be used with children under age 8.
bedbathandbeyond.com and The Boston Store.

The Runaway Pumpkin Book
--A festive story about a pumpkin that triggers imagination and happiness. A nice positive character message is taught. (The story reminds me of Frosty the Snowman)
scholastic.com

Jolly time Popcorn Maker $1.50
--Popcorn balls are a treat that can be made with different ingredients/decorations for any holiday. This is a plastic ball with two halves to make popcorn balls so hands do not get sticky or burned by hot marshmallow. Not suggested WITHOUT adult supervision or for children under age 4.
jollytime.com

Eight-foot Inflatable Winnie-the-Pooh $99.99
-- A giant self-inflating prop to be used indoors or out (wind permitting) dressed in a Dracula costume. Included are set-up instructions, lights, an electric fan, four base anchor stakes, tether stakes, an extra fuse and extra light bulb. NOTE: This can be reused for birthday parties, family gatherings or as a conversation point marker anytime you have a gathering at your home.
smarthome.com

Creepy Gummi Station
$9.99, refills $5.99
--An activity/craft kit to make edible gummi candy. Included are 2 mixes, glitter, molds, and a funnel and two squeeze bottles for mixing. Suggested for school age children, this activity fosters creative thinking, fine motor skills and can also be used for birthday parties or as a rainy-day or babysitter activity. NOTE: Each piece of candy has 15 calories. Appropriate for families with twins or multiple siblings near the same age. Buying refills is suggested.
walmart.com

Flashin' Lix Lollipops (Malibu Toys) $1.99
--A soft chewy candy lollipop that lights up when a tab on the back is pulled. Not for children under age 4.
target.com




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