WEEK #4:

BOARD GAMES & CARD GAMES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

(TODDLER -PRESCHOOL)

The Little Ones "Twelve Weeks Before Christmas" Holiday Toy Series is designed to help parents and grandparents make smart choices by featuring outstanding/award winning "toys that teach," accompanied by reviews which highlight and explain the educational benefits and specific skills children receive from these types of toys.

Young children certainly enjoy playing games! For this age group, playing games is actually a learning process. While children are having fun, they are being introduced to many new concepts such as following rules, taking turns, teamwork, and most importantly at this young age, the art of winning and losing graciously. These behaviors don’t always come easy for children, and games are the perfect opportunity to practice some of these essential life skills. Playing games along with your children can be a great family activity, and allows adults to model appropriate game playing behavior.

Choosing educational games like those listed below, have the added benefit of combining learning with fun. For this age group, playing educational games reinforces basic concepts such as colors, numbers, counting, money etc. Many of these games are designed for non-readers and have simple, easy to follow directions. Educational games also develop pre-reading/reading skills such as letter recognition, sight vocabulary, spelling and concentration. These children’s games also strengthen fine motor skills and improve dexterity since players are required to balance or manipulate game pieces.

Many of the old favorites and classics make some of your best choices, however there are some excellent new games available!

My First Games Set (Set of 4 Classics) The ideal set of "first" games for non-readers! Set include the 4 following classics: Candy Land, Chutes & Ladders, Memory Game & Hi Ho Cherry-O! Young children practice matching, colors, counting skills and more while having fun. Ages 3-7.

Candyland A memorable & classic "very first" game for non-readers. Young children use color cards to move gingerbread pawns through the winding path to Candy Castle. On the way they meet lovable characters and practice color matching skills. Simple instructions in both English & Spanish. Ages 3-6. A must "very first" game for households with little children.

Chutes and Ladders  A wonderful follow up game to Candy Land  in the beginners game series. This non-reader’s game teaches numbers, counting and the rewards of good behavior. Children move their game piece from square 1 all the way to square 100 by using a numbered spinner. Along the way they are rewarded for good deeds by climbing up ladders to higher numbers, or receive the consequence of sliding down a chute to a lower number for bad behavior.  Ages 3-7.

Hasbro Candy Land Castle Game A cute variation of the classic Candy Land board game. Extremely basic and simple fun for little ones. A colorful 3-D King Candy Castle shoots out muti-colored, multi-shaped game pieces such as a red circle or green square. Players must match the colors and shapes on their gingerbread gameboards. Ages 3-6.

Hi Ho Cherry-O Fun and simple counting game for young children. Be the first to get 10 cherries in your bucket and pick your tree clean. The luck of the spinner determines how many cherries to add or remove from your bucket. Builds fine motor and counting skills. Ages 3-6.

Original MemoryDevelop memory and concentration skills with this classic game. Find the matching pairs by turning over cards 2 at a time. Game inlcudes 72 colorful picture cards with storage tray. Ages 3-6.

Snails Pace Race Have fun racing these colorful wooden snails. Predict which snails will cross the finish line first and last. Roll the color ocde dice to move snails down the track. A wonderful game which teaches color recognition and numbers. Ages 4-8.

ThinkFun Zingo   An award winning reading game! This exciting & educational variation of Bingo features 72 picture tiles which teach simple sight vocabulary and matching skills to pre-readers & readers ages 4-7. An instant favorite! 

Don’t Break the Ice Loads of fun for young players! Tap out ice blocks with plastic mallets one at a time, but you must keep the polar bear from falling through the ice. An enjoyable game that uses simple strategy and refines fine motor skills. (You can’t hit the ice too hard or too soft.) Ages 4-6 plus.

Scrabble Junior Scrabble for juniors teaches children to match letter tiles to picture words on a grid. An added benefit is that this game grows with your child. Simply flip the gameboard over for more advanced game play. Whoever has the most chips on the board wins. Ages 5-8.

Monopoly Junior Edition Superb junior version of this popular board game. Monopoly Jr. is based on owning ticket booths to amusement park rides such as bumper cars or rollercoasters. A  fun and wonderful way for young children to practice basic math and money skills. This junior version uses smaller money increments, has a smaller gameboard and takes less time to play which makes it perfect for ages 5-8.

Great States Junior A great introduction to the map of the United States for young children. Children race the clock while matching shapes, pictures and names of locations on the map. An enjoyable and educational geography experience for ages 5-8.

For more information, please see:

Board Games & Card Games For Older Children (Ages 7- Adult)

The Little Ones Holiday Gift Giving Guide and

 **The upcoming schedule of  Little Ones "Twelve Weeks Before Christmas Holiday Toy Series"

Little Ones "Top 25" Award Winning/Outstanding Toy Picks

 If you simply can’t wait, visit www.littleones.com for our year-round selection of  Great/Award Winning Children’s Books, Little Ones Recommended Toys & Gifts, and Children’s Educational DVDs along with teacher tips, parenting articles, family fun and much more!

WEEK #3:

SCIENCE & DISCOVERY TOYS

The Little Ones "Twelve Weeks Before Christmas" Holiday Toy Series is designed to help parents and grandparents make smart choices by featuring outstanding/award winning "toys that teach," accompanied by reviews which highlight and explain the educational benefits and specific skills children receive from these types of toys.

If you have a budding scientist in your midst, these prepackaged Science kits are just what you’re looking for. Well-chosen Science kits provide an opportunity for children to explore and discover new principles by using a hands-on approach. Children learn basic scientific method techniques such as making a "hypothesis" or prediction about what will happen; following procedures; making observations; experimenting with the variables or conditions in their project and drawing conclusions. These kits provide hours of valuable educational experiences, and more importantly, children are having fun along the way.

(There are numerous areas of interest to choose from, but keep in mind that Science kits must be age appropriate. In addition, to insure your child’s safety, make sure that the proper guidance and supervision is provided.)

Snap Circuits Electronics Kit Multiple award winning electronics kit makes building simple circuits and devices fun & easy. Over 60 snap on parts can create 300+ exciting projects with lights, sounds, motors and more. Hours of experimentation for ages 8-14.

Live Butterfly Garden Experience the magnificent metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly up close in your very own home. This Butterfly Garden is a reusable, collapsible habitat where children can observe 3 weeks worth of nature’s "magical" changes which transform butterfly larvae into Painted Lady Butterflies. Simply mail in the enclosed voucher for 5 prepaid butterfly larvae along with special butterfly food. Kit includes clear and complete instructions, and a booklet of butterfly facts. Children will be amazed by this awesome and educational experience. Ages 4-14.

Magic Garden by Schylling This reasonably priced magical garden grows when watered with magical liquid. Watch it blossom within 3 hours and mature to full grown at 10 hours. Its delicate and fragile beauty lasts for a only temporary period of time, but is truly worth watching. A  fun activity for children ages 8+ (with adult assistance for assembly.)

Scientific Explorer’s Ul timate Crystal Growing Science Kit Super Science kit for curious kids! Learn all about crystals while experimenting with 15 different crystal growing activities. This crystal growing kit produces fast and impressive results within 2-3 days. Grow glowing geodes, giant crystals and even a crystal garden. Ages 9-12.

Volcano Making Kit Kids are intrigued by volcanoes! This reasonably priced, make your own reusable volcano kit is sure to  be a crowd pleaser. Includes fast drying plaster with stir stick, volcano mold, paint and paint brush. Cool eruptions will bubble and fizz when baking soda and vinegar are added (not included.) Ages 7-11.

ScienceWiz Electricity Experiment Kit (series) Multiple Award Winner! Phenomenal Science Experiment Kit Series! Classic and fun first introduction to electricity. Discover how and why electricity works with these 18 interesting experiments accompanied by step by step visual instructions in a 40 page kid friendly Science manual. Includes materials for "make a loop; motor mania; batteries & buzzers; make a switch; send messages; and test conductivity" experiments. Spark the interest of your 5-10 year olds with this affordable and "enlightening" science kit. Check out additional titles in the ScienceWiz award winning series!

ScienceWiz Magnetism Experiment Kit (series) Another outstanding science kit from the award winning ScienceWiz series! This multiple award winning magnetism kit explores the properties of magnets and electromagnets in a fun and exciting way with its 22 entertaining experiments. Each experiment is thoroughly explained in the accompanying step by step visual 40 page instruction booklet. Includes a set of ceramic magnets for experiments such as "iron detector; go fishing; levitate metal rings; swimming ducks; play with poles; make a compass; build an electromagnet and more!" Fantastic gift for curious kids ages 5-10. Check out additional titles in the ScienceWiz award winning series!

Fascinations Antworks Illuminated Absolutely fascinating and care free illuminated ant farm! An awesome study of animal life as children watch ants create tunnels in their nutritious blue translucent illuminated gel. An easy to care for pet that requires no food (blue gel is their food) no water and no maintenance! Observe ants easily in their translucent gel with the included magnifying glass and extreme zoom lens. Night light feature gives off a beautiful soft blue glow. Also includes a detailed instruction book with interesting facts about ants. A wonderful learning experience for children ages 8+.

For more holiday information, please see:

The Little Ones Holiday Gift Giving Guide and

**The upcoming schedule of  Little Ones "Twelve Weeks Before Christmas Holiday Toy Series"

Little Ones "Top 25" Award Winning/Outstanding Toy Picks

 If you simply can’t wait, visit www.littleones.com for our year-round selection of  Great/Award Winning Children’s Books, Little Ones Recommended Toys & Gifts, and Children’s Educational DVDs along with teacher tips, parenting articles, family fun and much more!

WEEK #2:

ARTS & CRAFTS/ MUSICAL TOYS

The Little Ones "Twelve Weeks Before Christmas" Holiday Toy Series is designed to help parents and grandparents make smart choices by featuring outstanding/award winning "toys that teach," accompanied by reviews which highlight and explain the educational benefits and specific skills children receive from these types of toys.

Children of all ages love to experiment with colors, textures and rhythms. If you ask children what their favorite subjects are, they will usually reply "Art, Music or Gym!" Art & Music are not only enjoyable, but they play an important role in your child’s development. Creative expression, whether artistic or musical, develops your child’s ability to explore and experiment with a variety of materials. Open-ended artistic and musical toys nurture your child’s imagination, along with a sense of pride and accomplishment in a unique product. Children, especially younger children, enjoy having the freedom to design their own artistic or musical masterpieces.  More structured art or musical toys, designed for older children, encourage them to follow directions or musical notes in order to complete a specific arts & crafts project or perform an actual musical piece.  Art & Musical toys have the added benefit of promoting hand-eye coordination. 

Your children will have hours of fun using these "totally cool" art sets and "awesome" musical instruments. So get the video camera ready for delightful musical concerts, and your refrigerator ready to display oodles of precious artwork!

Arts & Crafts:

Crayola Color Wonder Disney Princess Coloring Book & Markers Color Wonder technology allows markers to color only on the special paper, not on walls or furniture! Create 24 beautiful Disney Princess pictures with 6 Color Magic markers provided. Ages 3-7.

Crayola Color Wonder Disney Cars Coloring Book and Markers No mess activity which is perfect for toddlers and up. Color Wonder markers’ magic ink appears only on the special paper. Teaches young artists to color within the lines. Create 24 cool CARS pictures with 6 Color Magic markers provided. Ages 3-7.

Young Artist Creativity Box  High quality 60 piece art set made in the USA, comes in sturdy red wooden box. Plentiful supplies include 24 colored pencils, 24 large oil pastels, 6 watercolor tubes, 2 brushes, mixing palette and more! Makes a wonderful gift set for young artists ages 10+.

Crayola Super Art Craft Case Deluxe art set has over 50+ pieces including crayons, markers, paint brushes, model magic, sidewalk chalk, glitter glue tubes, washable paint pots, cookie cutters, blunt scissors and a pack of construction paper. Extra large clear plastic storage case holds all supplies neatly. Wow! A real value and a great gift choice!

Melissa & Doug Flower Power Wooden Bead Set Colorful jewelry making set with over 150 beads and 5 laces. Beads come in a variety of shapes, colors and patterns and store neatly in handy wooden box. Creative fine motor activity sure to become an instant favorite! Ages 4-7.

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Stringing Beads with over 200 beads  Over 200+ brightly colored wooden letters & beads along with 8 colored cords for lots of jewelry making fun! Beads store in wooden tray. Excellent gift choice for jewelry designers ages 4-6.

Perler Bonding Bead Blast Gift Box This awesome gift box contains 8000 colorful Perler beads and can make 40+ cool bead designs. Design your own magnets, ornaments, desk accessories and much more by placing beads on pegboard shapes. With an adult’s help, iron the beads to make them fuse together. Gift box also includes 4 fun pegboard shapes, ideas booklet, ironing paper and instructions. Ages 5-10.

IlluStory: Make Your Own Storybook Multiple Awards Winner! Imagine the sense of pride & accomplishment when your child creates and professionally publishes his/her very own storybook! This amazing set allows children to write and illustrate their own story on the special pages provided (or completely online using the Storymaker instructions.) Drafts are mailed in prepaid envelope (included) and in a few short weeks, your child will receive a color-copied, professionally hard bound storybook! Books can include About the Author, special dedication and title pages.This set includes 18 book pages, 2 cover pages, 10 washable markers, story web planner, instructions and order form. Encourages reading, writing and illustrating skills! Extra copies can be ordered for family members. A truly unique gift that lasts for years to come! Ages 5-9.

Make A Plate Another Award Winner! This fantastic craft kit allows children to draw their very own plate design, mail their artwork away, and in a short period of time, receive a usable, dishwasher safe, break-resistant 10 inch melamine plate featuring their artwork! An absolutelly wonderful way to preserve children’s drwaings. Makes an extra special keepsake to use each day or to give away to family members. This set includes 5 drawing sheets, markers, instructions, order form and one pre-paid certificate for processing one plate. Ages 4-10.

Alex Toys My First Sewing Kit Award Winning Beginners Sewing Kit! Start making quick & easy projects with this wonderful first  sewing kit. Includes 8 cool pre-cut patterns, 8 colors of embroidery floss, shapes to make felt animals, notebook cover, stuffing, fabric, needles, measuring tape, pins, thimble, pin cushion and more! Everything your child needs to get sewing! Excellent craft & life-learning experience. Ages 7-12.

Crayola Model Magic Deluxe Variety Pack  Unique, lightweight and pliable modeling clay allows children to make and display their own clay sculptures. Won’t crumble or stick! Final products can be painted, colored with marker or decorated with glitter glue. Decorative accessories such as eyes, buttons etc. can be added during air drying process. Kit includes 14 colored packs of clay along with 60 project ideas, tips and techniques. Ages 3+

Sculpey III Multipack – Classic Collection Preserve your child’s clay masterpieces with Sculpey Clay! Sculpey clay can actually be baked in the oven (similar to kilns) so that children’s clay artwork can be made permanent. Kit includes 10- 2 ounce Sculpey bars in classic colors, along with instructions and a project ideas booklet. Unlock your child’s creative potential with Sculpey! Ages 8+

Music:

 Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube Award winning interactive musical cube lets little ones create 8 Mozart masterpieces. Cube sides include the harp, French horn, piano, flute, and violin which light up and play instrument sounds. Sounds can be played solo or added together to create a symphony. Features soft rounded edges and durable design. Fascinating musical toy for the wee ones!

Little Tikes Drum Strike up the band! Little ones will have a lot of fun learning rhythm & timing while playing on this colorful, sturdy 8" wide drum. Mallots cannot get lost since they are safely attached to the sides of the drum. Provides great sensory & motor skills play. Ages 18 months-3 years!

Glockentoddler Toy Instrument This perfectly tuned, musically correct Glockenspiel will be music to your ears. This brightly colored 8-note diatonic instrument features safe metal keys, a specially designed toddler safe mallet which stores conveniently underneath, and an activity guide. Ages 12 months-4 years.

LeapFrog® Learn & Groove Musical Table Music, learning & fun rolled into one! Choose from this amazing toy’s words or music options. Learn about ABCs, colors, opposites, counting to 10 and primary shapes or play on piano keys, tap the drum, groove to over 40 songs and melodies, and listen to nursery rhymes & instrument sounds. Flip a switch to change from English to Spanish. Best of all, this toy grows with your child. It sits flat on the floor for babies and adjusts to toddler play by adding included table legs. Provides hours upon hours of visual, auditory and fine motor stimulation and skills practice. An educational wonderland sure to delight little ones from 6 months- 3 years.

Fisher Price Rock & Play Piano Little ones can create music with this electronic piano by rocking on its seat, or playing the piano keys. Children select from 3 different play modes and from 5 different instrument sounds: piano, violin, harp, tuba, or flute. Your child will absolutely love flipping the music book to listen to a choice of 4 classical songs or 4 children’s tunes. Auto shut off feature saves batteries. A real favorite!

LP RhythMix 6-pc. Rhythm Kit  Kids love a parade! This award winning 6 piece set of great sounding rhythm instruments will get children moving and shaking! Includes a handled drum, jingle stick, triangle, tone block, two Chick-Itas, two mallets, and a small backpack for storage.

Schoenhut My First Piano II Well built, bright red or white 25-key tabletop piano is the perfect choice for a toddler’s first piano. Delightful sounding notes. Great for encouraging musical creativity and hand/eye coordination.  Play-by-color teaching method, makes playing simple and fun. A removable color strip fits behind the keys to guide small fingers. Includes songbook of familiar tunes. Ages 3-6 years.

For more holiday information, please see:

The Little Ones Holiday Gift Giving Guide and

**The upcoming schedule of  Little Ones "Twelve Weeks Before Christmas Holiday Toy Series"

Little Ones "Top 25" Award Winning/Outstanding Toy Picks

 If you simply can’t wait, visit www.littleones.com for our year-round selection of  Great/Award Winning Children’s Books, Little Ones Recommended Toys & Gifts, and Children’s Educational DVDs along with teacher tips, parenting articles, family fun and much more!