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kid gear

Lil Gift Guide: Great Gifts For 4-Year-Olds!

By 4 years old, tots know what they like, and they're already forming their own wish lists for the holidays.

By 4 years old, tots know what they like, and they're already forming their own wish lists for the holidays. Chances are that many of the items on that list are the hottest toys of the season — including the LeapFrog LeapPad and the VTech InnoTab, Lalaloopsy, and Hot Wheels Wall Tracks. If mama's looking for a few new ideas, we've got her covered. Check out our favorite finds for these preschoolers!

The Orb Factory's StoryCraft The Frog Prince ($20) allows for creative storytelling, as tots add shapes and jewels to a 10-page story book about the Frog Prince fairy tale. LeapFrog keeps expanding its popular Tag reading system to do more than just teach tots to read. The LeapFrog Solar System Adventure Pack ($14) uses the Tag stylus to teach lil ones about the solar system — exploring planets and educating tots about life beyond Earth. Exercise doesn't feel like a chore with Diggin's Wobble Deck ($45), which plays music and games while tots try to balance on the board. Mini American Idol fans will love First Act's Voice Rockrz Mic ($25) that not only changes the singer's voice, but provides drumrolls and applause. Kids will rule the neighborhood with Fisher Price's Power Wheels Stinger XT ($250), a motorized car with room for two.

gift guide

Lil Gift Guide: Great Gifts For 2-Year-Olds!

Terrible twos? Sure they exist, but they're not as bad as everyone would have you believe.

Terrible twos? Sure they exist, but they're not as bad as everyone would have you believe. Plus, when they look at you with those adorable eyes, mama's sure to give in! One way to combat the tantrums is to have a steady supply of activities on hand. Here are some that should do the trick!

A classic like Mr. Potato Head has been keeping lil hands and minds busy for decades. The Mr. Potato Head Silly Suitcase ($16) is packed with so many combinations that tots will be creating funny faces for years to come. HABA's Rainbow Whirls Pegging Game ($32) is a fun take on the classic stacking rings. A combination puzzle and ring game, tots can pile up the rings by color or any reason they see fit. Lego's are another classic that continues to entertain a new generation. The company's Duplo line brings toddlers in on the action and their new sets range from movie-influenced themes — like Cars Flo's Café ($55) to more familiar sites like the farm or the grocery story. It's never too early to get kids active and Fisher Price's Grow With Me Inline Skates ($24) to do just that! Finally, for lil ones who want to mimic mom and dad in the kitchen, this wooden play kitchen ($200/piece) will help them whip up some imaginary food for upcoming tea parties!

Editor's Pick

Rachel Zoe Knew She Was a Mom When She Was Wearing Flats!

Every new mama has that moment when she realizes that she is, in fact, a mom.

Every new mama has that moment when she realizes that she is, in fact, a mom. When you're a fashionista like Rachel Zoe, that moment is sure to involve a fashion awakening, like catching yourself wearing a pair of flats. We caught up with the new mom at the launch of Room to Bloom, a new nursery decor collaboration between Fisher Price and Sherwin Williams. She talked to us about baby Skyler's first Fashion Week experience, a very fashionable upcoming playdate, and how motherhood has improved her work habits. Check it out!

2011 Summer

LilSugar's Must Haves For June

June's a month of change!
June Must Haves For Families

June's a month of change! With warmer temps, the end of school, and a special day dedicated to dad, it's a month full of celebrations. As we head into Summer, check out LilSugar's fun finds for the month, including cool new kicks, outdoor toys, and something just for dad! Have fun!

Editor's Pick

Sunny Days: 10 Great Toys to Take Kids Outside

April showers are behind us turning thoughts to the sunny days of Summer!
Outdoor Toys For Summer Fun

April showers are behind us turning thoughts to the sunny days of Summer! Before Memorial Day weekend sneaks up on us, stock up on the latest and greatest toys to encourage tots to head outdoors. With new toys at the ready, kids will be begging to enjoy the fresh air. Check out these 10 new toys for outdoor fun.

Shopping

Blast From the Past: Vintage Fisher Price Toys Bring Back Memories

When Fisher-Price brought out their limited edition Little People anniversary play sets, mamas jumped at the chance to introduce their tots to updated versions of the classic toys they played with as kids.

When Fisher-Price brought out their limited edition Little People anniversary play sets, mamas jumped at the chance to introduce their tots to updated versions of the classic toys they played with as kids. The modernized sets brought back serene memories for many moms, but they didn't quite have the same feel as the originals. For those looking to recreate their childhood experiences for their own lil ones, take a step into ToysofthePast, an Etsy retailer with an incredibly vast collection of vintage Fisher Price toys (both from the Little People collection and not) that appear to be in great condition. From the classic family camper ($45) and airport ($100) play sets to the adorable circus train ($35), the sets may cost a bit more than they did in the '60s and '70s, but the satisfaction that both mom and child will experience may be worth the extra expense!

Editor's Pick

Best of 2010: Our Favorite Toys of the Year

Break out the forklift because this year's toy haul of new toys was bigger than ever.
Best Toys of 2010

Break out the forklift because this year's toy haul of new toys was bigger than ever. We traipsed the floor of the Toy Fair, spent hours scanning the toy shelves of big stores and independent retailers, and had kids test toys. The task was difficult, but in the end five items rose to the top to become our favorites of the year. Check them out and our reasons for the selections.

Music

Blast Back From the Past: Fisher Price Music Box Record Player

Power down the iPod, it's time to get back to basics.

Power down the iPod, it's time to get back to basics. Long before mama's MP3 player was loaded with her lil one's favorite tunes, tots spent their time bopping along to classic kids' songs on their Fisher Price Music Box Record Player. The preschooler favorite was powered by a wind-up dial (no need for charging stations or batteries) and came with five hit records (two songs a piece) that were spun on the yellow turntable.

For the first time in 30 years, the mega toy company is reproducing the popular music box. All of the original styling is intact including a carry handle, built-in record storage, and traditional tunes like "Farmer In the Dell" and "Hickory Dickory Dock." The retro players will be sold at Target stores nationwide soon, but for now, you can find them at Urban Outfitters ($40).

Poll

Do You Let Your Kids Play With Your iPhone?

Mama's favorite lil piece of technology may soon become junior's, too.

Mama's favorite lil piece of technology may soon become junior's, too. After seeing their parents use iPhones for everything from tracking nursing schedules to seeking out clean toilets, it's no wonder that lil ones want to get their hands on them. And now that toy giant Fisher Price has created three iPhone apps featuring some of the company's most iconic characters — Chatter Telephone, See ‘n Say, and Little People — it will be hard for mom to say no. The three new apps are both educational — they are designed to help wee ones learn their numbers, identify animals, and visit a farm — and entertaining. Meaning they will help pass the time as you wait in the carpool line or at the bank. But handing over a $300 "toy" to a tot is not every parent's idea of a smart thing. So tell us, do you let your child play with your iPhone?