tumbles.of.fun

Even blogs need their beauty sleep! The time has come for tumbles.of.fun to rest up and get beautiful! Alas, I won't be blogging here for at least a month or two.

In the meantime, you should check out my other blog Stroller Patroller, where you'll find the latest scoop on strollers, baby gear, and so much more!

Shown: toddler bed and nightstand from Kidkraft's Princess Collection.

So, winter is in full swing. It snows every weekend and even your kids are starting to resent it (well, maybe). When playing in the snow and cold doesn't appeal to them, you have to be prepared for the dreaded, "There's nothing to DO!"

Buki Books can help with that.

These inexpensive, cute activity books are filled with fun games and activities that encourage problem solving, art, or cognitive development. There are mazes, connect the dots, and even color by numbers books. We're talking good, old fashioned fun here, people!

At about $5 a pop, these books are a small price to pay for some quiet time. You can even pat yourself on the back for being a good parent (and not plopping them in from of the TV with another Disney DVD)! Stock up so you have plenty on hand for those inexplicably boring afternoons indoors.

Another idea: pick up a couple Buki Books, add some chocolate, and you've got a sweet Valentine's Day gift for your child that's educational too.

Not that I'm trying to add to your holiday stress by suggesting you have to give your kids presents on Valentine's Day but I will say that I loved it every year when my dad would bring my mom a giant box of chocolates and my sister and I little mini versions of our own. And hey, this gift would at least buy you a few minutes of parental alone time. If you're lucky.

First of all, I just to link to Peter from The Poop's angry--justifiably so--diatribe against the Ty Beanie Baby dolls that just happen to be named Malia and Sasha.

I mean, it's bad enough they made the dolls, but the fact that they claim it's a coincidence that the Obama girls have the same names is just...well, insulting to our national intelligence.

Also, why on earth do these dolls have breasts?????

Be honest, would you buy these dolls for your kids?

It looks like this is going to be another week of snow and cold weather, so I guess we better make the most of it! If you're going a little stir crazy or maybe running out of DVDs for your kids, why not go sledding? If your kids are in need of a sled, then I suggest getting them the Slicer.

At first glance it's just a regular plastic sled (high density polyethylene, to be precise). But this sled has a secret power: it can be used with or without snow!! Check it out in the video below.

So here's how it works: Inside the Slicer there are two "Icers" aka molds. You can fill them with water and freeze them (it takes all night to freeze so be sure you make this clear with the kids ahead of time or else brace yourself for a very disappointed tantrum). Once the Icers are frozen you can attach them to the bottom of the sled. And *poof* you don't need to go looking for snow--you can bring it with you!

Of course, the warmer it is outside, the faster that ice is going to melt. Still, it's a cool idea and makes the sled a possible outdoor entertainment year round. It would also be fun for those winter days when there is no snow and "nothing to do."

At $59.99, this sled probably isn't the very cheapest on the market, but I've seen plenty that were way pricier. And if you're going to get a sled, why not make it one that doesn't rely on the weather?

Still looking for that perfect holiday gift? Maybe one that promotes an eco friendly attitude as well as active learning and play? Then look no further than Dunecraft.

Dunecraft makes educational terrariums, which cultivate an appreciation for nature and gardening. Each terrarium is guaranteed to grow so your child can look forward to the fun and satisfaction of watching their plants bloom.

Each terrarium is made in the USA and is $25 or under. There's a range of themes to appeal to different kids' interests. A fantasy novel-loving tween will like the Healing Garden Kit, which includes aloe, eucalyptus, and hyssop. This is perfect for anyone wishing to take a lesson from Professor Sprout.

A boy going through the requisite dinosaur phase will love the Dinosaur Park Kit. It's a great alternative to yet another dinosaur book or plastic figurine and is appropriate for kids 4 and up.

Are the holidays getting you down? I always kick off the season full of excitement (and lots of plans) but half way through my eyes glaze over and I forget what exactly we're celebrating. Two straight days at the mall have also turned me into some sort of shopping zombie that shuffles through crowds looking not for brains but for deals and sales.


Here's a little help to ease your holiday stress and get you in the spirit!

Still scrambling for gifts? Check out All Children's Furniture's Most Popular Holiday Toys List for some great ideas that are sure to please.

Need some time to yourself for wrapping or holiday cards? Let your kids design their own mess-free gingerbread house online. Highlights for Kids has lots of fun December activities, stories, and craft ideas on their Web site.

If the weather outside is frightful (or you're just burned out from too much shopping at the mall) Cookie Magazine has some Holiday recipes you can do together.

Let your kids track Santa online with Norad. The technical organization of this site is perfect for older kids who are beginning to wonder whether or not there really is a Santa Claus.

And just to keep it all in perspective, check out these Scared of Santa photos courtesy of Parenting.com.

If you're wracking your brain for gifts this year, consider these fun options--all under $20! Not only are they fun toys, but they'll keep your kid busy on those dreaded snow days.

1. For the Kid Who Loves to Build: Try Lego's Bionicle Toa Ignika Building Set for $19.97. Perfect for kids 8-16, this challenging set includes 140 pieces! Once the fun of putting it together is over, your child will enjoy hours of imaginative play with this futurist figure.


2. For The Kid Who Loves to Bake: Try Sassafras' Kid's Cupcake Baking Kit for $13.95. Just right for kids ages 5 and up, this kit includes everything you need to bake cupcakes: a spoon, cupcake pan, paper liners, cupcake mix, frosting, sprinkles, a rhyming recipe, and instructions. The high-quality, non stick cupcake pan can be used again and again. This kit may be just the beginning of your pastry chef's culinary adventures!


3. For The Kid Who Loves to Paint: Try Balitono's eco-friendly Nutcracker Soldier Wood Paiting Kit for $17.99. The kit includes everything you need: the wood soldier, paints and artist quality brushes. Great for kids 6 and up, this kit is certified non-toxic, handcrafted of sustainable wood, and has won several toy awards. That adds up to one fun, festive, and feel-good gift.


4. For the Kid Who Loves to Make Music: Try Melissa and Doug's Band in a Box Music Toy for $17.95. Just right for kids 3 and up, this toy includes a tambourine, cymbals, a clacker, maracas, tone blocks, and a triangle. It all comes neatly packed in a wooden storage crate. I love toys that come with their own storage! Expand your child's creativity, dexterity, and love of music with this fun toy.