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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.

Every year I try to enoy the holidays and make the most of them but usually I end up feeling rushed and short on time--not to mention "holiday spirit." So, here are some helpful ideas to kickstart your family's Thanksgiving celebrations.

1. Volunteer with your kids: Cookie Magazine has some great ideas for ways to volunteer with your kids. What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than by helping the less fortunate--and doing it together as a family?

2. Try a New Thanksgiving Recipe: Every Thanksgiving there are some dishes that simply must be on my table, including my mom's stuffing and her pumpkin muffins. But trying a new recipe with your kids can make them feel more involved in the festivities. You may even start a new food tradition. Epicurious' Ultimate Thanksgiving Guide has a virtually endless list of Thanksgiving recipes complete with reviews and photos. Sit the kids down and let them help you pick out the recipe, then try it together. You know grandma and grandpa with think it's good no matter how it really turns out.

3. Let Your Kids Help Set the Table: Your kids will have fun and feel important when given the responsibility of making the table settings for Thanksgiving dinner. You can try something as simple as folded over manilla paper and festive stickers or something a little more challenging. Here's a cute idea that's not too tricky, courtesy of Highlights Magazine.

4. Start a New Family Tradition: Traditions make the holidays feel extra special and bring families closer together. Parenting Magazine has some great suggestions for what you and your kids can do together over Thanksgiving weekend.

5. Remember to be Thankful: As the family arrives, hand everyone a slip of paper and ask them to write down what they're thankful for this year. Leave a small basket near the appetizers where everyone can place their pieces of paper. When everyone sits down to dinner you can read the cards aloud. Remembering what the true meaning of the holiday is the best seasoning for any Thanksgiving meal.

As the holidays get closer I'm sure most of you have last year's slew of toy recalls on your mind.

Mattel, one of the world's biggest toy importing companies, came under a lot of scrunity last August when they issued a massive toy recall. That November, Mattel promised to uphold their "rigorous standards" in the future to ensure the safety of their products.

In 2008 they've only had to recall one toy. I think this shows that they've been true to their word and have done their best to uphold their safety standards since last year's recall.

I'm sure some parents aren't as optimistic as me and would probably like to avoid these toys altogether. But let's be realistic. First of all, Mattel isn't the only toy company with recalls, and the recall of certain toys doesn't mean that all of their toys are unsafe. And really, our kids are going to want Barbies and Matchbox Cars and Batman action figures this holiday season.

So as a parent what can you do? Stay informed. The CPSC has a great Web site that allows you to search for toys that have been recalled. You can also check a toy's Web site for updated recall information. Mattel's site has information on the latest recalls including helpful pictures. And be sure to shop from reputable online retailers like CSN Stores.

With a little research, parents can rest easy this holiday season, and kids can get the toys they want!

Halloween is almost here but so is another important day: Election Day! Now is the perfect time to get your kids excited about the election process. Talk to them about what's going on and, of course, what's going to happen on November 4.

Not sure where to start? Time Magazine for Kids has some fun Election 2008 resources for kids including Campaign Games where kids can see what it's like to run for President or be a member of the Electoral College. Children's book publisher Scholastic also has an extensive Scholastic News: Countdown to Election 2008 site with lots of information tailored just for kids as well as games and quizzes.

To really ramp up the election excitement, why not bring the candidates inside your own home? Advanced Graphics makes life-size cardboard cutouts of Senator Obama and Senator McCain.

Or, you know, there's always Hannah Montana if you prefer to keep things neutral in your home.

All right moms and dads, Halloween is only 1 week away! I hope you set some time aside this weekend to put those final touches on your homemade costumes or to run to the store for some last minute necessities.

Personally, I've never been as crafty as my sister. She's always whipping something up with her sewing machine whereas I've only got a glorified mending kit. But I still love homemade Halloween costumes. Take it from me: you don't have to be a master seamstress to put something together for you and your kids.

I recommend going to Marshall's or T.J. Maxx. I went there looking for cheap clothes I could turn into a pirate costume and ended up with several outfits to choose from! Before you go, make sure your kids have decided what they want to be and that it's something you can reasonably make on your own (like a pirate,princess, gypsy, etc). Then try to brainstorm some clothing that would work for that costume. That makes browsing so much easier and you might find something perfect (like bright red sailor pants, in my case.)

A little creativity, scissors, and some safety pins go a long way towards an original costume. Plus it can be like a treasure hunt for you and your kids. So have fun and good luck!

Halloween is only a week away and that means the holiday season is upon us. Halloween is a great time to take your kids to the local pumpkin patch and then to sit on the front lawn and carve (or decorate with markers, depending on their age) the pumpkins they've picked. But as the days get colder and colder, I find myself wondering what families can do during the holidays that doesn't involve the mall.

(I've tried baking festive cookies with positive results but you can only bake so many cookies--because once I run out of people to give them to I start to eat them all and that's not good.)

So here's a suggestion: do a puzzle. It's certainly not a new form of enterainment but it's a good one. A puzzle is a great way to bring the family together around a table. All ages can contribute and--unlike a movie--you can talk while you spend time together.

Get into the holiday spirit with a festive puzzle from Masterpieces. The All Hallows Eve 500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle is perfect for Halloween. Pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns, and even a few ghouls populate a town on Halloween night and there's lots of clever details for children to discover as the puzzle comes together.

Masterpieces also makes a wide selection of Christmas puzzles that would be fun for cold nights in November and December. Why not start a new tradition? I suggest hot chocolate and puzzles on Friday nights for some guaranteed family fun.

For Jewish families looking for some festive puzzles, I recommend Melissa and Doug. They make beautiful 30 piece puzzles that depict Jewish holidays such as Hanukkah with instructive text. These would be wonderful for younger children and parents to do together. They're also a fun way to encourage family discussion about holiday traditions.

I'm excited to let you know that tomorrow we're launching K'NEX on Toys and Games Online. K'NEX makes building sets for a wide range of ages. From Lincoln Logs to Sesame Street these building sets will spark your child's curiosity and imagination.

I love their new The Road Rigs Connect n' Build Collection, which is recommended for ages five and up. If you're looking for a fun holiday gift for a little boy in your life then this is it! Choose from the Tow Truck, Big Rig Semi Truck, Pickup Truck, or Dump Truck Set. Each set includes all the K'NEX rods, connectors, and bricks needed to build the toy truck. But the fun doesn't stop once the truck is built! Each truck is motorized (you'll need to pick up some AA batteries). Not only will your child enjoy putting the set together, but he'll love having a special motorized toy that he built all by himself. Plus at only $20 this makes an affordable gift that provides hours and hours of fun.

Take a look at all of K'NEX's creative building sets tomorrow when they go live on Toys and Games Online!

I'm really excited about a new collection of dolls recently added to Toys and Games Online. They're Speaking Dolls by Language Littles.

I have to admit I'd be partial to the Speaking Dolls even if they didn't speak. I've always had a (wait for it) soft spot for rag dolls and these are particularly cute and cuddly with their removable outfits, yarn hair, and happy expressions. Note they're also dressed in age-appropriate clothes. These are most definitely not Bratz Dolls.But these rag dolls do speak, which makes them extra special. Each doll has her own nationality and says a series of greetings and phrases in her native language as well as English. The recording is done in a human voice, which makes the doll and the languae come alive. You can choose from French, German, Spanish, Russian, Italian, Greek, Japanse, Chinese, Korean, and Hebrew. Plus each doll comes with a translation booklet and a unique pass code that will allow your child entry to specialized language games on the Language Littles Web site.

This is a great way to introduce, encourage, and reinforce language skills in children at a young age. If your child is lucky enough to be learning a foreign language in elementary school, then a Language Littles Speaking Doll could be the perfect gift to reward your child for a job well done. These dolls make foreign language fun and accessable and hopefully, especially with the addition of the Web site, spark your child's curiosity to learn more.

I really like the fact that there's a fairly diverse range of languages to choose from, though if you're looking for visual diversity, the choices are limited. All the dolls have the same white skin tone. Lizzie, the Spanish speaking doll, who comes in light or dark skin, is the only exception. I'll just have to hope that in the future this New York city-based company continues to expand into other Nationalities and languages.

If your child has been begging for a puppy or kitten but you just "know" that Santa isn't going to bring one this year, then Perfect Petzzz might be just what you need. These incredibly lifelike, handcrafted kittens and puppies even "breathe” (with the help of batteries, of course).

There's a wide range of kittens and puppies so you're sure to find the perfect pet for your child. Each pet includes a bed, brush, collar, pet tag, 1 “D” Alkaline battery, pet carrier and adoption certificate. It offers kids all (well, most of) the fun of having a pet without the cost or responsibility.

These toys will make sweet, cuddly companions for your child for years to come. It may also be a great way to teach your child about responsible pet ownership before he or she graduates to a real pet (although maybe he or she will want another Perfect Petzzz instead!)

A Perfect Petzzz toy would make a very special holiday gift. You can choose from cute accessories like a bandana or Play Pet Tote to add to the fun. Which pet would your child choose?

A few weeks ago, some of my coworkers attended the 2008 ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas and they returned with all sorts of gossip about forthcoming baby and children's products. I wanted to clue you in on the scoop about some cool new car seats.

For starters, clek, (a company known for its sleek, modern booster car seats) is coming out with a full back booster seat that will give your child increased protection in a collision. The new booster seat is called oobr and will be available in early 2009. And for the fashion forward, they've even partered with Paul Frank for two very cool, special edition prints. You can meet oobr and get a peak at Paul Frank's designs at clek's web site.

I've also been told that Combi is working on a new car seat, which will be narrower than their previous designs. Parents of multiples are sure to love this since you should be able to fit three across--even in a compact hybrid! I'll post more information about this mysterious new car seat as soon as I get it!

Check back often for more scoops, deals, and information from the world of children's products, courtesy of Mother Goose!

I know it's a little early to be thinking about the holidays, but I like to plan--and order--my gifts ahead of time in order to avoid morphing into a frazzled, mall-crawling maniac during the "most wonderful time of the year." So from now through December I'll be blogging about great holiday gift ideas from CSN Stores that you can order from the comfort and relative calm of your own home.

I'm kicking things off with Bilibo's innovative Play Shell. This toy is perfect for the child who has everything because it can truly be anything thanks to its simple yet ingenius design.

Let's start with the basics: What is it made of? This has become a really important question now that modern parents must contend with scary toy recalls as well as concerns for the environment. The Bilibo shell is made of shock resistant high density polyethylene. Don't let the big word scare you: polyethylene is non-toxic and 100% recycleable. And it comes in Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Pink so there's a color for every child's preference.

Phew. Cross that concern off of the list.

Now, what will your child do with it? The answer to that is almost anything either indoors or out, but let me give you some suggestions. First, the Bilibo shell is a great bucket. Little kids will love filling it with sand, dirt, water, or snow. And just think of the sand castle and snow man building possibilities.

Which brings me to my next suggestion: stacking. The shells can be aligned or stacked in many ways, like three-dimensional puzzle pieces. I love the way two shells can be joined to form a friendly-looking sphere that's perfect for building giant snow balls, among other things.

Children can also rock, sit, stand, or spin on these durable shells. This kind of active play helps develop motor skills and balance (no matter what the weather is outside). Plus, thanks to the shell's open-ended design, the shell promotes creative play, too. It can easily become a cradle, turtle shell, drum, cooking pot, ship, or even a fort for smaller toys.

Give your child a Bilibo Shell this holiday season and you're sure to discover a hundred more ways to play with it!

I don't know about you, but it seems like every summer just when I think I'm in control of my schedule, September rolls around and ruins everything. Now I'm scrambling to get out of the house on time. It seems like no matter what I do, I'll be running late for the next few months until I can get everything under control again. (re: after the holidays. cringe.)

If you're kids are having the same problem with punctuality, you might want to try a little bribery. Nexttime's cute clocks make great wall art and a great motivator for kids. With a bright clock on the wall they at least can't say they lost track of time.

Nexttime's Fun Collection features a wide range of designs that will appeal to younger kids and tweens. Their glass wall clocks feature cartoon animals and cute little phrases ("Time Out," a cat tells the mice that are playing on his tail) that will make little kids laugh. They also have larger numbers that are easier for younger kids to read.

The foam clocks, on the other hand, have a funky look that is sure to appeal to tweens. They're definitely more appropriate for older kids, who have no trouble telling time. These designs are sure to make tweens feel more grown up. And they'll look great in your tween's room.

My favorite has got to be the Giraffe Foam Wall Clock. The pink isn't too childish and the giraffe is just girlie enough. Tween girls are sure to love this clock now and through the coming years. Personally, I would have put this clock up in my dorm room--maybe it would have helped me make it to a few more 8 AM classes.

Well, Labor Day is somehow behind us and fall is just around the corner. Your kids have probably already had their first day of school and your life is returning to its school year schedule. So maybe by now you've managed to buy all of those back to school necessities. But maybe not.
And if you're still searching for a backpack sans Hannah Montana or Batman, then you're in luck. DwellStudio has just added three chic backpacks to their line of modern baby and children's products. The designs take playful subjects like cars, animals, or polka dots and turn them into something thoroughly modern that both parents and kids will like.

Anyone at any age can appreciate the style of these backpacks but at 12" high and 9" wide, they're perfectly designed for younger kids. Two adjustable shoulder straps ensure the right fit. They're made of durable, coated canvas and can be spot cleaned. An outer pocket and zippered closure make it easy for little hands to grab what they need. There's even a matching pencil case to help keep your child organized.

If you're feeling twinges of jealousy right now, I can help! DwellStudio also makes Diaper Totes and Weekender Bags in the same styles as their backpacks, which make great purses even if you're long past changing diapers.

The first day of school is almost here! Maybe you've already bought the new clothes, the backpack, the lunch box, the notebooks, and the pencils. But there's one thing you might be forgetting: a desk!

If your child is past kindergarten, then he or she is going to need a comfortable place for homework and studying. A bed, couch, or kitchen table can work in a pinch but a desk creates a special space that's just for school. It will also help your child stay organized by providing storage space for books, binders, and papers.

Fitting another piece of furniture into your child's room might not be easy, so stick with a desk that's compact and won't take up too much space. It's also a good idea to purchase a desk that your child can grow into. Your child probably doesn't need a computer right now but that's a strong possibility for the future. You can make use of the open shelves for stuffed animals and arts and crafts now and as your child grows, he or she can repurpose the desk to fit his or her growing needs.

I like the Gusdorf Student Computer Desk with Bookcase by Ameriwood. The style is light and open so it won't feel like a huge, heavy addition to your child's room. The steel frame in black and pewter metal is also plain enough to match any decor no matter what changes your child's room undergoes as he or she continues to grow. There's a slide-out keyboard shelf, vertical storage, and three spacious shelves. Plus there's a CPU pedestal that can be mounted on the left or right side of the desk. If your child doesn't have a computer, it would make a great nook for a backpack! This computer desk is also really affordable, which means you can start saving for that computer now.

Check back here for more back to school shopping suggestions straight from Mother Goose!

The weeks leading up to the start of a new school year can be filled with excitement and anticipation, but sometimes they're also filled with dread. I know when I was a kid I would get so nervous that I couldn't even sleep! For tweens in particular, going back to school can bring with it a lot of stress, especially since that may mean making the big transition from elementary school to middle school.

I recently stumbled on a Parenting.com article by Nancy Gottesman that addresses co-sleeping with your tween. Parenting conducted a survey on their online network MomConnection and found that 45% of moms who participated in the survey let their 8- to 12-year-olds sleep with them from time to time, and 13% permit it every night. The article talks about how stress can cause tweens to seek out mom and dad's bed when falling asleep becomes a problem.

Not surprisingly, school (friends, grades, bullying) is one source of stress that could keep your tween up at night. Susan Carney a middle school counselor who writes for Suite101.com offers helpful advice on how to tackle typical concerns for middle school tweens. Communication with your tween can reduce stress by addressing their concerns about lockers and schedules before they get out of hand.

Another way to reduce your tween's stress and help them sleep at night is to create a bedtime routine and then stick to it. The start of school means clubs, sports, and homework, which may push back bedtime in order for tweens to get everything done. But if you commit to a bedtime routine for your tween, it can help them relax and prepare for sleep.

If your tween continues to have problems sleeping, I suggest having him or her keep a journal. A journal is a safe place to record fears and concerns, which often seem much less scary once they're down on paper. Encourage your tween to make journal writing part of his or her bedtime routine. Even ten minutes of writing can help. Buy a sparkly notebook or a cool leather journal to make journal writing feel special and important to your tween.

Has your tween experienced back to school stress or had trouble sleeping? I'd love for you to share your experiences with us!

I hate to rush the end of summer but I can't ignore the fact that it's now August and September is not far behind. All too soon (or maybe not soon enough, depending on personal opinion), you'll have to watch that big yellow bus pick up your son or daughter and wisk them away to school. If you're wondering where to start on your "back to school" to do list, I've got a simple suggestion: start with a backpack.

Bazoongi makes adorable backpacks and matching lunchboxes. The designs are just right for little kids whether they're headed to nursery school, kindergarten or even...grade school.

These backpacks and lunchboxes are cute and kid-friendly and the size is just right for younger kids. Plus--thank goodness--both the backpacks and lunchboxes are waterproof inside and out. They're also made of easy-to-clean fabric.

The lunchbox and backpack feature a rubber patch where you can write your child's name in marker so it doesn't get lost (or if it does, whoever finds it will at least know where it belongs!). The lunchbox also has an easy push-n-click handle strap which attaches to the backpack. This makes it easier for your child to carry the lunchbox home and--hopefully--harder to lose it. The lunchbox also features an inner mesh pocket and an elastic drink strap to keep lunchtime organized. As for the backpack, it has an external elastic mesh pocket for quick, convenient storage.

I strongly recommend the pirate pattern, by the way. You really can't go wrong with pirates--for girls or boys.

You'll find a variety of back to school items at All Children's Furniture! Check back here in the coming weeks to find out more.

This is the perfect time of year for trips to the beach, picnics in the park, and concerts on the town green. So how do you tote all your gear and the kids to these summertime events? Just pack everything in a Radio Flyer Wagon and go!

A red wagon is an easy way to pack everything you need, including your kids! Radio Flyer has added big, brawny air tires to many of their classic styles. These are called "all terrain" wagons and, as the name suggests, they can handle any terrain, including sand and gravel. The new tires also make for a much quieter ride than the original molded wheels (though those are still available for those of you who prefer their Radio Flyer Wagons as retro as possible).

I really like the All Terrain Steel and Wood Wagon. It's the classic red wagon with a couple upgrades: the new all terrain tires plus higher wooden sides to ensure that your kids and your cargo stay safely inside the wagon, with no chance to tumble out.

There are a ton of convenient accessories that you can purchase to go with your All Terrain Steel and Wood Wagon or any other Radio Flyer Wagon. Just to give you an idea, there's a Canopy to shade your kids from the sun, a Cooler Pack (which attaches to the back of the wagon) so you can keep snacks and drinks cool, and even Wagon Pad and Side Pads to give your kids an extra cushy ride.

So if you've got more day trips planned for the summer I suggest picking up a Radio Flyer Wagon. It will simply never go out of style and aside from being a convenient towing device for you, it'll entertain your kids for hours of outdoor or indoor play. Find the wagon that's right for you at All Children's Furniture.

In kindergarten, there was one particular day when they took us to the police station. The parking lot had been set up with chalked streets and mini street signs, and we were allowed to peddle around on tricycles. Of course it was to teach us sign recognition, and it did, but most of all I remember it being really really fun.

So imagine my excitement when I found out that Guidecraft makes a set of those very same street signs! The Six Piece Drivetime Signs Set includes Stop, Speed Limit 25, Railroad Crossing, Yield (my personal favorite as a kid), School Crossing and One Way signs. Or you can purchase the Three Piece Set for the basics: Stop, Railroad Crossing, and Speed Limit 25.

These signs are sure to provide hours of active and imaginative play while simultaneously teaching your children the important lesson of how to read and understand street signs. Each sign is 30 inches high and made of weatherproof plastic. Use them outdoors now and bring them inside for the winter.

I can't help thinking that these signs have some serious summer birthday party potential. If you've got a big driveway, or maybe a nearby park, or even a school parking lot that won't be in use over the summer you could set up the signs and use chalk to make roads, a race track, or a maze. Have all the kids bring their bikes or tricycles and let them lose. This would work especially well for a large group of little boys or maybe even a Nascar themed party.

For more indoor and outdoor fun, take a look at all of our Guidecraft toys at All Children's Furniture.

I've got a new favorite kid's bed this week and it's the Twin Mansion Low Loft Bed by Maxtrix Kids.

Maxtrix Kids is all about designing sturdy bedroom furniture (made out of birchwood) that also provides innovative play space for your child. There's nothing too specific or gimmicky here. The bed designs are simple and streamlined, built for durability and safety. What makes them fun are the optional curtains you can add to the beds to create tents and club houses on or beneath your child's bed.

As a kid I would have gone crazy for these beds! My twin sister and I were always drawing up plans for elaborate tree houses and my parents would just shake their heads. A tree house was expensive and time consuming, not to mention difficult considering all we had in our backyard were oak trees with no low-hanging branches. I'm sure plenty of parents have this problem, or something like it: Parents that live in urban areas, or who have small backyards, or who just can't affort a play house for their kids. Maxtrix beds offer a wonderful, affordable alternative.

The curtains are simple enough that your child won't get bored with them. One day the play house might be a castle, the next day a pirate ship. The curtains give your child a blank slate for imaginative play. Plus, the simple design will look stylish--not childish--in any bedroom, which parents will appreciate.

If your child is longing for a special play space all his or her own, consider a bed from Maxtrix Kids at All Children's Furniture and let the fun begin.

Here's a really cool toy that's affordable, energy efficient, and offers fun for the whole family! It's called the PlasmaCar by PlaSmart and can be used by anyone age 3 and up. The PlasmaCar comes in red, blue, green, and purple and is not designed to look like an adult car, vespa, or motorcycle. In fact, it's kid-friendly and simple: six wheels, a seat, footrests, and a steering wheel. There are no pedals or gears.
This ride on vehicle doesn't require gas or batteries to run. All it requires is for the rider to turn the wheel back and forth to propel it forward. The natural forces of inertia, centrifugal force, gravity and friction do the rest. It can actually reach up to 6 miles an hour! Of course, that depends on how fast the rider is at turning the wheel. Unlike electric ride ons, this one is more like a bike in that it can only go as fast as the rider can make it go, which is sort of like a built in safety device in my opinion. Your 3 year old won't be able to make it go that fast...but you might.

And that reminds me: the PlasmaCar has a 220 lb weight limit so long as your on a flat surface like a sidewalk or gymnasium. Buy two (it would still be cheaper than buying almost any battery-powered ride on vehicle) and you could race your kids. Or just sit back and savor the fact that your kids simply can't outgrow this toy!

Perhaps best of all--okay, in my opinion--is how easy it is to stop. All your child has to do is stop rotating the steering wheel and, when the car slows, put his or her feet on the ground to bring it to a full stop.

Even if you haven't heard of the PlasmaCar, it's won several prestigious toy awards, including the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award (2005). So take a look at this innovative toy and other fun ride ons at our sister site RideOnVehicles.com.

Okay, maybe robots are not taking over the Earth. But with Wall E taking over cinemas everywhere, I suspect that we are probably days away from an all out robot takeover similar to the influx of penguin products following Happy Feet. I love Wall E, I just have one tiny little issue with him: he is not in the least bit cuddly--which is fine for a character in a movie but not so great for tucking into bed with your toddler at night.

Enter Glenna Jean's soft and adorable Plush Red Robot. This robot is definitely cuddly and ready for nap time. That's no surprise since Glenna Jean is most well known for their crib bedding. Recently they've branched out to include plush toys that coordinate with their bedding collections. Even if your toddler has long since moved into a "big kid bed", he or she is sure to love this soft, friendly, retro robot.

Plus, this little guy is under $25, making him a fun, affordable gift for the little robot-lover in your life.

If you're hosting a barbeque this weekend to celebrate the Fourth of July or if you've got a child's birthday coming up, you should take a look at Little Tikes' inflatables! So many families in my neighborhood rent out huge inflatables for their summer parties. But why rent, when you can buy it yourself and get way more use out of it?

And while we're on the subject, why not kick it up a notch with an inflatable water park of your very own? That's what you'll get with Crashing Waves Inflatable Water Park. Now, I had a slip n' slide when I was a kid but this just blows that...well, out of the water.

Your kids can climb up the rock wall to the top of the lighthouse, spray their friends with the spray cannon, and then slide down the other side, right into the water. More refreshing fun can be found by splashing around in the pool and exploring the crawl through tunnel in the middle of the lighthouse. It's really your own mini water park in the safety and convenience of your own backyard!

The inflatable is made of Puncture-resistant material with durable mesh netting and can hold up to 350 lbs. Just make sure there's only one child on the climber or slide at a time. It's durable, but not indestructible.

Stakes anchor the bouncer firmly in place, while a heavy-duty blower provides continuous airflow. It also comes with a repair kit just in case as well as a storage bag for when it's not in use. But be careful: once you inflate this thing, your kids--and the rest of the neighborhood--may never want you to take it down!

Have a fun and safe Fourth of July! And check out our other fun outdoor toys at All Children's Furniture.

(Before I go I just have to say that I love this picture. I don't know many moms that are 6 foot tall models with perfectly manicured lawns, who manage to make all the neighborhood kids play nicely all the while having perfect hair and looking fabulous. But who knows...maybe this product is really that magical. Though I doubt it'll make you 6 feet tall.)

Summer is in full swing and for those of you who are planning family road trips this summer (whether just a couple hours down the road to Grandma's house or a cross country adventure), make sure you've got a reliable car seat for your child.

As you probably already know, infant car seats are an important purchase for new parents. But by the time your baby is one year old (or about 20 lbs or so), he or she will most likely have outgrown that car seat. Then it's time to purchase another one. But what kind do you get? And how do you avoid buying several because your child keeps outgrowing them? Well, one way is to purchase a convertible booster car seat that's built to accomodate older children.

I like Britax's Regent Car Seat. This sleek convertible booster car seat converts from a forward facing toddler seat to a booster seat and can fit children from 22 to 80 lbs. This seat should fit your child comfortably until he or she no longer needs a car seat at all.

Britax is known for making safe, reliable car seats and the Regent is no exception. It has four Shoulder slots for a closer fit and a tangle free 5 point harness with a belly pad to keep your child comfortable. A one-pull front harness adjustment makes it fast and easy to get the fit just right. Plus the fabric cover is removable and washable, which will undoubtedly come in handy while you're on the road this summer (stopping for ice cream comes to mind).

Their patented HUGS (that stands for Harness Ultra Guard) system reduces head movement and minimize injuries to the neck in the case of an impact. Britax has also included their patented Versa-Tether as an additional anchor, which provides the most security in installations. It uses factory installed automobile car seat upper anchor points, and anchors the top of the car seat, minimizing the possibility of a head injury.

So no matter where you go this summer, make sure you've got the right car seat for your child. Confused? Don't worry, there's plenty of information on our sister site, BabyCarSeats.com. Check out our helpful Car Seat Buying Guide for starters or our Booster Car Seat Safety Guide for more information on booster car seats.

Happy Trails!

Here's a great, new toy from Fisher-Price that will keep your kids busy this summer and will go easy on your wallet. It's the Give Me Five Sports Center and it's really five games in one!

This toy is perfect for sports-lovers ages 3 to 9. With this one toy kids can play basketball, baseball, football, soccer, and hockey! It's all thanks to the clever design, which layers each sport on top of each other from goal sports (hockey and soccer) to throwing sports (baseball and football) to the basketball hoop right at the top. It comes with 4 balls and a hockey stick so your kids can start playing with it as soon as it arrives.

Be prepared for all the neighborhood kids to come over to check it out, too. Good thing this toy is perfect for groups of kids playing a game or just one kid playing by him or herself.

I love that so many sports can be played in one toy. It means less storage space is required for one thing. Plus you know your kids will get lots of use out of it without getting sick of it. And who says it has to be used for sports anyway? Your kids can make up all sorts of games using rubber balls or bean bags to get the full mileage out of this cute toy. With some encouragement from mom and dad, your kids could be creating their own games and flexing their imaginations in no time (not to mention their muscles).

Parenting Magazine named the Give Me Five Sports Center one of its "Hot Toys for the Great Outdoors" in their July 2008 issue. What's even better is that this toy can be used indoors or outdoors so whether it's sunny or stormy, your kids can still enjoy it.

Take a look at Fisher-Price's other creative kid's toys at All Children's Furniture and stock up for summer!