Top Holiday Toys Under $20

This holiday season, almost everyone is a little more budget-conscious.  Luckily, we have some great products for less than $20, perfect for any budget.  Here are our top picks:

• Extreme Dot-to-Dot Books - $15.95 for set of 2: We’ve mentioned these a lot lately, but it’s just because they’re so cool. Some of the puzzles have more than 1,400 dots to connect - which makes them great for kids and parents alike.
• Dizios - $19.95 : This is like dominos with a colorful twist, and is great for family time.  It might be the perfect family activity for that lull between the present-opening and dinner.

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Tags: All Around the USA BrainBox, Cook it in a Cup, Dizios, Extreme Dot-to-Dot Books, Top Holiday Toys 2009, Top Holiday Toys on a Budget, Toys Under $20, Ultra Stomp Rocket

Kitchen Science

“Mommy, can I help?”

As sweet as the offer is, I have to admit it — sometimes when I’m in a hurry, I inwardly groan when I hear this question (especially when I’m in the middle of making dinner).  But cooking with kids teaches them a variety of lessons — not only about this important life skill, but about math, science and being creative.  Who knew that time in the kitchen was so educational?

Kids learn an assortment of math and science skills in the kitchen.  They learn about weighing and measuring, fractions, sorting, counting and sequencing.  They learn to follow step-by-step instructions, how to solve problems and what to do when things go wrong.  They learn about experimenting, what happens when different ingredients are mixed together and about how food changes while it’s on the stove or in the oven.  They can make predictions and see if they’re right or wrong and learn about food groups.

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Tags: Cook it in a Cup, Cooking Fun, Kitchen Toys