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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.