Fans of Sesame Street can now extend the fun with their favorite pals through a new magazine. Fun to Learn with Sesame Street launches on newsstands and via subscription tomorrow (December 13) in the U.S. and Canada. Aimed at Sesame Street’s preschool fans, each 36-page issue will contain stories, an educational and interactive 16-page pull-out […]
Sesame Street Launches New Magazine for Preschoolers Read More »
During the holidays, family and children come together to celebrate many different things, but also to exchange gifts that were made, reused, or purchased. Gifts for getting the family together and toys that the whole family can enjoy make the holidays truly enjoyable.
The Gift of Giving Read More »
Stores love gift cards, and according to a recent New York Times article, they’re pulling out all the stops to get you to buy them. With fees, restricted spending and the ability to get your money in advance, why not?
The Gift Card Conundrum Read More »
For something that’s supposed to be fun-a birthday party-lots of people can get pretty bent out of shape about them, especially when it comes to presents. If you’re the guest, questions as to what to spend or whether a parent is going to welcome something into the house are paramount. If you’re throwing the party, questions as to when to open presents and how to teach kids to be gracious are paramount.
Present Tense: Birthday Gifts Without The Stress Read More »
I don’t know whether it’s good, bad or just plain scary that my wife and I have thrown almost 50 birthday parties over the years for our kids. While you want to create memories that can last a lifetime, you do not empty your bank account. As a Birthday Vet, I’ve seen everything from disasters, to great parties on a budget to some that were nicer than my wedding, no kidding.
Make Sure “Happy Birthday” is Happy for All Read More »
So you’ve purchased the perfect toys and presents for your family. It’s now time to open them up and have some fun. Here’s a few tips about making the whole process easier and enjoyable:
Making the Holidays Better Read More »
The holidays are upon us, and many of you may be wondering how you can make a difference this year. One of the biggest topics in 2009 was to “be green”. But what does that really mean? Here are a few tips to help you understand why and how you can have a “green” holiday season:
TTPM: How to Have a Green Holiday Read More »
If you go into a Toys R Us over the next few months, you will see a big change in their product offerings. In approximately 50% of their stores, Toys R Us will no longer carry apparel for kids 4 and older. Instead, they will have a special section called the “R Market”, stocking their shelves with “everything you need for a child”.
Toys R Us Adds New Non-Toys Categories in Merchandise Read More »
I used to think I was creative and resourceful…and then my daughter started preschool. I’ve since learned that a last-minute approach to class gifts will never do.
The Mannered Mom On… Class Gifting Mania Read More »
Originally written for the Live with Regis and Kelly Blog Here come the holidays! And that means toys for kids. But if you’re like the vast majority of people we’ve spoken to over the past months, you’re probably concerned about your budget. The good news is that it’s still possible to manage your budget and
Great Toys and a Great Holiday… Without Busting Your Budget Read More »
As the mother of two young children and recipient of many odd, duplicate, or “way too cute” gifts, I have become a “regifter”. There, I’ve said it. Whether regifting is your answer to a penny-pinched shopping season, you’re a chronic regifter, or if you truly believe some one else will covet the copper pumpkin potpourri
The Mannered Mom on… Re-gifting Without Shame Read More »
Listening to the financial analysts we talk with, they want us to believe that it’s going to be a late holiday shopping season. It may, in fact, be just that. There are five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas than last year. There are many reasons to put off shopping till the last minute, not
Strategic Shopping Read More »
A very funny story happened to me about 10 years ago that we can all learn from. The year was 1998, and Furby was the hot toy of the year. You couldn’t get it anywhere, and people were frantic to try to get it. It was about 10 days before Christmas when I received a
Promises, Promises! Read More »
I keep getting asked by everyone from Wall Street analysts to reporters to shoppers whether or not the toy industry is going to suffer in this downturn.
My answer: Not as much as other industries.
The Economy, Santa & You Read More »
Parents often focus on getting the “hot toy”, and if they don’t get it, in their mind, the holiday will be a failure. Often, the hot toy might not be the “right toy” for your child, as it doesn’t match their interests. And, if you positively, absolutely need to have that hot toy, but it
Parents and gift-givers always want to try to make every kid’s holiday wishes come true. Particularly in times of economic stress, parents want to make the holidays especially magical for kids.
Managing Expectations, Keeping the Focus on What Matters Read More »
It’s always a big dilemma. Do I do my shopping now or do you wait until after Thanksgiving when the bigger sales start
Buy Now or Buy Later? Read More »
