Elementary

Instead of the 12 days of Christmas, we're celebrating the ages and the toys that go along with them. Keep an eye out for your age group as we tick along throughout the season!

On the twelfth day of Christmas, yours truly gave to thee... a techie gift! Most 12-year-olds are better at managing their parents' gadgets than dear old mom and pop. They pick up typing as quick as handwriting and they are whizzes with cameras and video games. If Santa is looking for a generous gift, he should consider a small laptop, a simple digital camera, or one of Apple's smart devices — an iPod or iPhone. They may be on the pricier end of the spectrum, but it could be a smart present instead of lots of smaller packages.

Check out what we suggest for the other ages of Christmas!

Instead of the 12 days of Christmas, we're celebrating the ages and the toys that go along with them. Keep an eye out for your age group as we tick along throughout the season!

On the eleventh day of Christmas, yours truly gave to thee... a video game console! Try as she may, mama will have a tough time denying her older child a gaming console. It is possible but for those not willing to put up the fight, here are the top of the line video game consoles that youngsters have on their wish lists this holiday. The Nintendo Wii can skew a bit younger and has loads of age appropriate games while the Playstation and XBox 360 may be geared for a slightly older audience. No matter which one is under the wrapping, a smile is sure to be the result this holiday season.

Check out what we suggest for the other ages of Christmas!

Instead of the 12 days of Christmas, we're celebrating the ages and the toys that go along with them. Keep an eye out for your age group as we tick along throughout the season!

On the ninth day of Christmas, yours truly gave to thee... a Bop It ($15)! One of the hottest games for youngsters, this entertaining gadget is so much fun that they frequently make their way out at mom and dad's cocktail parties, too. A toy with few buttons, it seems easy enough to master but as it yells commands to jump, shout, move or bop, players find themselves tripping over their limbs and providing loads of laughter for everyone in the room. The physicality of the game keeps tots on their toes while sharpening their motor skills and making them more agile. Easy enough to play solo, it is also a fab family night find.

Check out what we suggest for the other ages of Christmas!

Instead of the 12 days of Christmas, we're celebrating the ages and the toys that go along with them. Keep an eye out for your age group as we tick along throughout the season!
On the sixth day of Christmas, yours truly gave to thee... a Barbie Townhouse and a remote control dinosaur. I've tried not to be too gender specific thus far, but when tots turn six, their lust for pink and all things motor starts to make themselves known so we've picked out two toys that will suit a young girl's fancy and make a rough and tumble lad very happy. Barbie fans will rejoice when they see the 3-story townhome underneath the tree this year. A throwback to the original home of the '70s, the updated version still includes an elevator but has a flat screen TV and a whirlpool tub. The swanky spot also has operating lights and sounds so the dreamy lady will know when her gal pals or suitors arrive. For the lil man of the house, Imaginext Spike the Ultra Dinosaur ($130) will have youngsters doing cartwheels. The four-legged friend walks, eats, stretches, blinks, roars and snorts on command. He can also stand on his hind legs making him even taller than his 27" resting stature.

Check out what we suggest for the other ages of Christmas!

Instead of the 12 days of Christmas, we're celebrating the ages and the toys that go along with them. Keep an eye out for your age group as we tick along throughout the season!

On the fifth day of Christmas, yours truly gave to thee... a wooden counting tree kit ($65)! What does leftover wood plus a deck of cards equal? A sustainable learning toy. Tots who enjoy stacking up and knocking down will be fascinated by this learning game that is made from logs and tree bits. Youngsters will gain knowledge in counting, adding, subtracting and other mathematical skills all while having fun doing it. Pull the dice and deck of 96 educational cards out of the canvas tote and turn a lesson into an entertaining experience. A roll of the dice and challenges adds up to one good time and bulked up brainpower.

Check out what we suggest for the other ages of Christmas!

I wish I could bottle my daughter's confidence. That way when she grows into a tween or teen that doubts herself, I would have it to hand back to her. She recently informed me that she's trying out for her school's talent show. When I asked if she'd be performing with friends or by herself, she told me she's going to do a "solo in front of thousands of people."

Whether or not she makes the cut or bails because of stage fright at the tryouts really doesn't matter. It was just priceless to watch my five-year-old who didn't know anyone when she started kindergarten last month decide if she should sing or play guitar because she's "good at both." My girl isn't a vocalist and has never had a music lesson, but no matter how off-key she is while belting out her homemade tune — I will beam with pride because my child completely believes in herself.


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Start with some kid friendly tongs and spatulas. They get children in the mood for some cuisine fun. Have them stir up batters or pat down wet lettuce. A personalized apron will give extra incentive to keep things cooking!