Top 10 gifts for the holidays
www.bn.com/expertcircle
The Barnes & Noble Kids' Expert Circle, comprised of leading experts in child development, literacy, teaching, and behavior, has issued their Top 10 Picks of educational toys, games and books for the holidays.
1. "The Family Dinner: Great Ways to Connect with Your Kids, One Meal at a Time" by Laurie David with recipes by Kristin Uhrenholdt Retail price: $29.99
Recommended by Harvey Karp, M.D., FAAP: "It's great for families with kids of all ages. Fun and super practical with great recipes and ways to get kids engaged!"
2. Crazy Forts! by Crazy Forts, ages 4 and up Retail price: $49.95
Recommended by Ellen Booth Church: "Snow coming down? Stuck inside with the kids? No need to worry about 'cabin fever' when you and your child can use this wonderful creative toy to turn sheets and blankets into imaginary worlds. This is a 'do-with-your-child' activity that builds creative thinking and problem solving. You can even add Crazy Forts Light for overnight indoor camping!"
3. Ultimate LEGO Building Set by LEGO, ages 4 and up Retail price: $32.95
Recommended by Jen Klein: "There's nothing like LEGO to get the whole family on the floor yes, including the adults creating creatures and buildings and any number of things from imagination. Whether a bucket or a set, LEGO is a classic toy for a reason. There will be LEGO under our tree!"
4. Brain Quest Game by University Games, ages 5-13 Retail price: $26.95
Recommended by Leigh A. Bortins: "Christmas in our home is a great time to play games. Brain Quest allows children of various ages to play together at their own skill level. Children enjoy reciting what they have learned, and this game gives them the perfect opportunity. This game is wonderful for a night of popcorn, hot chocolate and family fellowship."
5. Talking Farm by Chicco, ages 12 months and up Retail price: $39.95
Recommended by Jennifer Shu, M.D., FAAP: "This is a great toy that will keep your little one busy. It has many features to help your baby or toddler develop many of the five basic senses. From its flashing lights, varied sounds and clickable buttons, this is a toy that will hold the attention span of any child."
6. "Touch & Discover Book" by Tiny Love, ages 6-18 months Retail price: $24.95
Jennifer Shu: "What a great gift to get for a developing baby or toddler! Not only does it develop motor skills, but it also teaches the basics of learning. From developing babies' communication skills, to stimulating their sight and touch senses, this is great book for any baby."
7. "Mini Masters Boxed Set" by Julie Merberg and Suzanne Bober, for infants through preschool Retail Price: $19.99
Recommended by MaryAnn F. Kohl: "This set of boxed board books shows the works of four great masters of art, and is for the very youngest child."
8. "Elf on the Shelf" by Carol V. Aebersold and Chanda A. Bell Retail price: $29.95
Recommended by Jackie Silberg: "One of the most popular and timeless holiday classics, this book and toy set is a favorite of parents and children. Not only is it a great story to read during the holidays but also a great way to teach children about being a 'good girl or boy.' This is a great holiday activity for the whole family!"
9. Qwirkle by MindWare, ages 6 and up Retail Price: $24.95
Recommended by Jane Nelson, Ed.D.: "One of the games played by children in a study out of Oakland that found that children from a low-functioning school who played fun reasoning games in an after school program a couple times a week, improved their overall test scores by a large percentage compared the children who were given other test preparations."
10. "Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct" by Mo Willems Retail Price: $16.99
Jane Nelson: "A wonderful, humorous and touching book on the power of being heard. I love it as much as my grandkids do!"
Posted on Mon, Dec. 13, 2010 05:17 AM
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