Save $140 on the Kindle Fire HDX! #ad

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Looks like the Kindle deals are starting today! Save $140 on the Kindle Fire HDX 8.9", HDX Display today. I know the box says $399.00 but if you click it, the price changes to $259! This kindle also has a camera. 

Gift Guide: Experience Gift Ideas 2014

I love experience gifts!  They don't add to the clutter in  my home (and trust me, there is clutter!) and these gifts can last all year long.  These are just a few of the great places you can take your family, but the greater Philadelphia area is loaded with family fun!  



Family Gifts: Great options for a one shot deal!

The Media Theatre close to home and lots of fun!

Arden Theatre Tickets My family loves going to the children's theater & my husband & I enjoy going without the kids! BLACK FRIDAY-CYBER MONDAY DEAL: For just $50, you’ll get a gift certificate for a family four-pack to any Arden Children’s Theatre production OR two tickets for any Mainstage production (subject to availability).  This is a $50+ savings for either package!  

Tyler Arboretum Membership: Tons of family fun throughout the year and plenty of room for energetic kids to run, the Tyler Arboretum offers something for everyone in the family.

Wilmington Blue Rocks :  A variety of game packages, the Blue Rocks will entertain your family all summer long.  Package tickets with t-shirts and hats to make a great winter holiday gift!

Longwood Gardens Fun for the entire family, all year round!  

For the Kids:

Please Touch Museum

Philadelphia Zoo

Upper Darby Performing Arts Center-get tickets to one show or buy an entire season!  

Local Charities Gift Guide-2014 #givingtuesday

For the person on your list who has everything, it can often be tough to find the perfect gift. In this case, I always consider making a donation in their name to a charity! I find that people love this gift & are more appreciative of it than a gift that you buy out of obligation.  

Newly formed but an organization that is easy to support:
Plaid Pajamas, you can go on the website & choose a child to purchase new pajamas for, that they will receive in time for the holidays.  My children open a new pair of pj's every year on Christmas Eve, so I have an extra special place in my heart for this organization.  It's also affordable. Have a $15 limit?  Buy one pair.  More to spend you can help more kids!  

Local charities that I've supported in the past include:

Alex's Lemonade Stand is trying to raise $40,000 by Dec. 31st 
Kisses for Kyle, 
Cradles to Crayons, 
Philabundance 
Delaware County SPCA Not only monetary donations, but ADOPTING your next pet is the gift that keeps on giving!  Check out the http://www.theshelterpetproject.org/ to find the perfect pet for you! 

I like these organizations because my donation stays local...do you have an organization that you support?  Let us know!

Educational Toy Guide 2014

One of my absolute favorite trends this holiday season is a real push for toys that really allow children to be creative & scientific. It could be building a robot or making candy, anytime we pull our kids away from the tv & they use their hands to create is a huge win in my book. Learning while they play is a big bonus too!

1. The Kindle Fire less expensive than Ipad, but still fun, be sure to add Kindle Freetime to the device to control how much time is spent playing games & watching movies...then you're not the bad guy!  For the younger crowd, you might want to look into the Leappad Ultra which is made for the younger crowd.  Little Scholar Educational Kids Tablet is another great option & comes loaded with apps, videos, books, games & songs plus has a rubber case included in the purchase!
2. Sport Stacking with Speed Stacks Cups no batteries, no computer, just you against the clock & it's tons of fun! 
3. Thames & Kosmos Crystal Growing but if crystals aren't your kids speed, they have a variety  of other educational but very cool, learning toys & games. 
4. HEXBUG VEX Robotics Ant build your own Hexbug robotic ant that you use a remote control to maneuver.  There are multiple sets in this line & they can be mixed & matched to create you own bug!  I also like Laser Pegs they can be matched up with Legos but these blocks make your buildings & cars glow!
5. Experience Gifts: So not exactly a toy, but still a great option!  Children will stop playing with toys, but the memories of going to a special place with a friend or family member, can last a lifetime.  My childrens' list don't include many toys this year but a few places they'd like to go instead.  I love these kinds of gifts because my kids get to spend time with someone they love AND they don't need another toy! 

2014 Holiday Gift Guide-Toy Guide

This post contains multiple affiliate links, they help us pay the bills but don't cost you a dime!

  
2014 Holiday Gift Guide 

Toy Guide

 As the holidays approach, I get the unique opportunity to see many of the year’s hottest toys & speak with companies about the latest & greatest trends in children’s holiday gift buying! It’s a tough job but someone has to do it! My favorite trend though, is a push by many toy manufacturers to challenge children’s creativity & push them to learn math & science concepts through play! I love toys that do more than just entertain (though there is nothing wrong with that either!)

• You can’t be the hottest movie of the year & not be listed first! Frozen! If you want something from Elsa & Anna you better start looking now. Amazon has a lot, but not a lot on sale…and anything that does go on sale will be snatched up quickly. This theme I recommend snatching up as soon as you see it.

• Doc McStuffins Mobile Cart  The good doctor makes the list again!  Last year her check up center sold out everywhere & there is some talk that it could happen to the Mobile Cart this year too.  

• Bungees Battleground - Exclusive Master Arena This is a new toy that reminds me of Pokemon & kind of mix of Beyblades.  The arena is a little expensive but you can purchase additional "guys" for around $3 a pack.  Each player comes with a collectible trading card & disk.  

• Pound Puppies...they're back & I loved mine, so my kids stand a good chance at getting one, because I want one!  If you want one, watch for sales, Target had them for 50% off just the other day!

• It's My Biz This is an interesting product & not really a toy.  Geared towards older girls, there are a variety of guides to help you learn to promote a variety of businesses (bakery, vintage t-shirt designs, etc).  The sets include recipes, shopping lists, ledgers to keep track of incoming & outgoing expenses. 
• Board Games...Yes board games!  I LOVE that games are making a come back---I've already purchased both Sorry!  and  Monopoly for my kids, at less than $10 each they're affordable & fun!

• Now completely switch gears to the newest video game Skylanders Trap Team Starter Pack .  This game looks like a ton of fun & is on the wish list of a few kids I know.  I'll be on the look out for a deal too!  

• Ninja Turtles...These green, crime fighting turtles are still popular & are on so many wish lists!  

• Crayola Virtual Design So far there are two sets you can purchase, Car & Fashion designs.  Basically you color in a picture then you can take your drawing to a virtual world to race or walk down the runway, adding more customization along the way.  

• Spaghetti Headz Charms are a fun way to decorate your child's hair with color & charms plus they can be reused!  These are a great stocking stuffer & come in a variety of themes (Christmas, Hanukkah, St. Patty's Day, etc.)

Let us know what you're looking for this holiday season & we'll keep an eye out for great prices & deals. I'll also be posting additional guides for educational gifts, local stores we love & more!  Watch for those in the next few days.  

This post contains multiple affiliate links, they help us pay the bills but don't cost you a dime!