* This post contains affiliate links.
As my kids get older, I'm less and less eager to get them "stuff." You know what I mean: those random trendy gifts that get played with twice before being forgotten forever. Those cheap toys that break immediately upon opening.
I'm also intrigued that as my girls get older, they are less and less inclined toward stuff. Thanks to the era of Netflix and Apple TV, they are rarely in front of commercials. Which means they aren't aware or interested in the millions of lackluster toys that the media bombards them with. I appreciate that they don't have the "gimmies" or looking for the next big thing just because.
Often, when asked about gifts, my girls resort to 3 simple categories: books, crafts and games. I absolutely love this! As you may recall, Hubby is an English teacher, so there is no limit on the amount of books that are allowed to be brought into our home. Crafts are a fun and creative way to spend time. Sometimes we even just get them each a ream of computer paper and a fresh pack of colored pencils and they are good to go!
In recent years, we've really embraced having Family Game Night. The girls love the classics, but are always eager to try something new. Which is why I've really fallen in love with ThinkFun games. They are always putting out new and intriguing products, all of which are steeped in education.
We had a blast last year with a few of their new games, and this year is no exception. Make sure to add these games to your Wish List!
* This post contains affiliate links.
As my kids get older, I'm less and less eager to get them "stuff." You know what I mean: those random trendy gifts that get played with twice before being forgotten forever. Those cheap toys that break immediately upon opening.
I'm also intrigued that as my girls get older, they are less and less inclined toward stuff. Thanks to the era of Netflix and Apple TV, they are rarely in front of commercials. Which means they aren't aware or interested in the millions of lackluster toys that the media bombards them with. I appreciate that they don't have the "gimmies" or looking for the next big thing just because.
Often, when asked about gifts, my girls resort to 3 simple categories: books, crafts and games. I absolutely love this! As you may recall, Hubby is an English teacher, so there is no limit on the amount of books that are allowed to be brought into our home. Crafts are a fun and creative way to spend time. Sometimes we even just get them each a ream of computer paper and a fresh pack of colored pencils and they are good to go!
In recent years, we've really embraced having Family Game Night. The girls love the classics, but are always eager to try something new. Which is why I've really fallen in love with ThinkFun games. They are always putting out new and intriguing products, all of which are steeped in education.
Roller Coaster Challenge
In this thrilling engineering challenge, players get to build their very own roller coasters. Start by choosing a challenge card and setting up the pieces to match. Then, players use the remaining pieces to build a working roller coaster that meets the build conditions on their challenge card. Roller Coaster Challenge incorporates elements of a logic puzzle, while also allowing for the creativity that stems from free-form building. Once you have solved each challenge, you get to watch a real coaster car glide down the track, complete with dips, curves, and loops! Roller Coaster Challenge earned American Specialty Toy Retailer Association’s (ASTRA) Best Toys for Kids Award and National Parenting Products Award! (Ages 6+)
Available on Amazon - $29.99
//CODE: Rover Control
Prepared for a programming space mission? In this 40-challenge game two Rovers have been sent to explore Mars. The trouble is, the Rovers are programmed to travel on color and most of the pathways were left colorless in a dust storm. You’ll need to call on your critical thinking skills to correctly color the pathways so the Rovers stay on course. Challenges introduce “decision points,” “loops,” and “increment instructions” as you progress--all advanced computational skills that are delicately embedded into a fun play experience and will have you thinking like a true programmer. (Ages 8+)
Available on Amazon
- $14.99
Available on Amazon
- $14.99
Color Cube Sudoku
Flip and rearrange all 9 Color Cubes on the 3 x 3 tray until each color appears once in every row and column. It will take more than a couple flips of a cube to master this brilliant Sudoku puzzle. Once you’ve conquered the traditional Sudoku pattern, give your brain a real workout with our fun Bonus Challenges! Color Cube Sudoku is a Parents’ Choice Gold Award winner and earned finalist status in American Specialty Toy Retailer Association’s (ASTRA) Best Toys for Kids! (Ages 8+)
Available on Amazon
- $19.99
Available on Amazon
- $19.99 Other gift ideas
and neighborhood toy stores. (Ages 6+).
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is pre-loaded with over 200 premium educational apps, e-books, videos, and songs! Curriculum areas covered are math, reading, spelling, science and more! Includes a BRIGHT BLUE easy grip protective bumper, front and rear facing camera, and the A+ Reporting app for parents to track children's progress. No Wi-Fi needed with this kid-safe learning environment. Ages 3 to 7. Grades K to 1.
