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	<title> &#187; gifts</title>
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		<title>The Joyful Experience Of Kids</title>
		<link>http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/the-joyful-experience-of-kids/</link>
		<comments>http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/the-joyful-experience-of-kids/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:59:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Charles de Chunac</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[children]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Children's Products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gift retailers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[toys]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[toys and games]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[varied merchandise]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/?p=3306</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are so many children's gifts available in shops or on the internet. Children deserve to be treated as they bring so much joy to their parents. It is a great feeling to see a child open a gift and watch their smile. Being a parent is hard sometimes, but when you see your child smile it is all worthwhile.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><b></b><i></i><u></u>There are so many children&#8217;s gifts available in shops or on the internet. Children deserve to be treated as they bring so much joy to their <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&amp;camp=1789&amp;tag=httpwwwmusi0a-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;path=external-search%3Fsearch-type=ss%26keyword=being+a+good+parent%26index=blended"  class="alinks_links" onclick="return alinks_click(this);"  style="padding-right: 13px; background: url(http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/alinks/images/external.png) center right no-repeat;" title="More Resources on being good parents" rel="external">parents</a><img class="amazon_image" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=httpwwwmusi0a-20&amp;l=ur2&amp;o=1" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />. It is a great feeling to see a child open a gift and watch their smile. Being a parent is hard sometimes, but when you see your child smile it is all worthwhile.</p>
<p>Buying gifts for children can be difficult because you want to get something that the child will play with and not put to one side and forgot about. Some girl&#8217;s enjoy cars or trains more than dolls. There are also some boys who prefer dolls and similar toys.</p>
<p>Children also love watches that feature their favourite cartoon character. If you are buying a gift for a children&#8217;s birthday present then you could always ask the parent what the child is interested in. If they are an older child then they might want something for school like a bag or you could buy them an item of clothing.</p>
<p>Carrying heavy toys from one shop to another can be difficult especially if you have no transport. That is why ordering on the internet is so much easier because the toy is delivered straight to your door. Children change and grow as they get older and soon grow out of toys.</p>
<p>If you are a close friend of the family then you will already know what the child is interested in and what types of toy they would enjoy the most. Decide how much money you have to spend on a toy and where you want to buy it from. There are sites on the internet as well as offline.</p>
<p>Children of all ages appreciate different gifts. Very young babies would like rattles or clothes to wear. Young children might have a favourite cartoon character and would like a DVD with that on. They might like a cuddly toy or a doll. Jigsaw puzzles are very popular and can feature children&#8217;s favourite cartoon characters.</p>
<p>Older children might be more fussy when it comes to clothes. They might like a particular brand like Nike or Adidas. There are many types of clothing like shoes or jumpers with brand names. Bags for school are very popular as well for older children as well as younger. Today there is so much choice of toys available for children that you can feel spoilt for choice. Sometimes it is better to ask the parent what their child is interested in as the parent will know the child better. The child might be interested in colouring or painting.</p>
<p>When you need to get <a href="http://everythingbutflowers.com.au/category/53-childrens-gifts/">gifts for kids</a> you can find them easy! Finding the perfect <a href="http://everythingbutflowers.com.au/category/899-gifts-for-girls/">gifts for girls</a> is a breeze and gives you with a wide range of choices.</p>
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		<title>Stimulation Through Toys That Have Lights and Sound</title>
		<link>http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/stimulation-through-toys-that-have-lights-and-sound/</link>
		<comments>http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/stimulation-through-toys-that-have-lights-and-sound/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:51:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Edie Mindell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[babies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parent]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[toddlers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[toys]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/?p=3272</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Add a bit of light and a few sound effects and watch the fun grow. Your baby can roll, sit and even step a bit when holding your fingers or clinging to the couch. It might be time this year to get a Christmas gift that will really get the party started. Babies love lights. Toys that blink or flash stimulate brain function and really hold your little one's attention. You probably already have a variety of toys that come equipped with a light show. The addition of a few sounds and strains of music take the fun to another level.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&amp;camp=1789&amp;tag=httpwwwmusi0a-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;path=external-search%3Fsearch-type=ss%26keyword=A.D.D.%26index=blended"  class="alinks_links" onclick="return alinks_click(this);"  style="padding-right: 13px; background: url(http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/alinks/images/external.png) center right no-repeat;" title="Learn more about ADD" rel="external"><b></b><i></i><u></u>Add</a><img class="amazon_image" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=httpwwwmusi0a-20&amp;l=ur2&amp;o=1" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> a bit of light and a few sound effects and watch the fun grow. Your baby can roll, sit and even step a bit when holding your fingers or clinging to the couch. It might be time this year to get a Christmas gift that will really get the party started. Babies love lights. Toys that blink or flash stimulate brain function and really hold your little one&#8217;s attention. You probably already have a variety of toys that come equipped with a light show. The addition of a few sounds and strains of music take the fun to another level.</p>
<p>Yet all the lights and sounds in the world are often no match for the simple pleasure of standing and moving. Babies who have reached the cruising stage are not content to sit in one place and rattle the same toy no matter how many lights it has or different sounds it makes. A cruising baby wants action!</p>
<p>This is where toys that come in the form of a table come in. There is a type of musical lights and sound table to suit any parent or baby&#8217;s wildest Christmas dreams. A few of the more common varieties are simply activity tables that stand about a foot or so off of the floor. These elevated toys have knobs and buttons for your child to press, open, roll or slide. In addition to the gadgets for baby&#8217;s play your child can now stand and shimmy all the way around their little table. Babies love to press the buttons that play music then perform their own dance routines while using the table to steady themselves.</p>
<p>Has your baby already shown an interest in a certain cartoon character or song? There are tables that incorporate most of the major baby friendly cartoon shows and songs. The familiar colors and sounds enhance baby&#8217;s interest and play.</p>
<p>One of the perennial favorite light, sound or musical play tables for little ones are tables that include a miniature key board. It is never too soon to create a love of music in your child. Who knows where this early piano tinkering will take your child?</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&amp;camp=1789&amp;tag=httpwwwmusi0a-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;path=external-search%3Fsearch-type=ss%26keyword=being+a+good+parent%26index=blended"  class="alinks_links" onclick="return alinks_click(this);"  style="padding-right: 13px; background: url(http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/alinks/images/external.png) center right no-repeat;" title="More Resources on being good parents" rel="external">Parents</a><img class="amazon_image" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=httpwwwmusi0a-20&amp;l=ur2&amp;o=1" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> often think about fun and learning. Babies just want to have a bit of fun. There is a table for that! In fact there are many, many tables that not only stimulate play, but also help your child learn a variety of basic facts. Some tables come with buttons shaped like each letter of the alphabet, as your baby presses these buttons the letter&#8217;s name is said. The same holds true of shapes, numbers or animal sounds.</p>
<p>To get the most for your money look for tables that grow with your child both in terms of height and interest. Some tables have different program settings that will change the function of buttons and sound effects. This means your baby will move through the cruiser and toddler stages and not become bored because even for youngsters variety is the spice of life.</p>
<p>For mommy and daddy&#8217;s sanity, look for tables that are equipped with volume controls as well as an off button. If your child loves this toy as much as most babies do you may soon wish it wasn&#8217;t quite so loud. You will also want to consider how the table is powered. How long do the batteries last? How many, what type and what is the cost of the batteries it uses? Many toys requiring batteries are left lifeless and useless once the batteries wear out if the cost and ease of replacement is too high.</p>
<p>Edie Mindell is the writer for http://www.SimplyUniqueBabyGifts.com, which has some fun toys for toddlers. If you are looking for <a href="http://www.simplyuniquebabygifts.com/baby-gift-baskets.html">unique baby gifts</a>, check out their large selection of <a href="http://www.newsreleasewire.com/24174">baby shower gift baskets</a> that have <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&amp;camp=1789&amp;tag=httpwwwmusi0a-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;path=external-search%3Fsearch-type=ss%26keyword=educational+toys%26index=blended"  class="alinks_links" onclick="return alinks_click(this);"  style="padding-right: 13px; background: url(http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/alinks/images/external.png) center right no-repeat;" title="Resources For Childhood Educational Games and toys" rel="external">educational toys</a><img class="amazon_image" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=httpwwwmusi0a-20&amp;l=ur2&amp;o=1" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> in them, such as Baby Einstein. Enjoy free shipping (lower 48 states) on all the gifts offered there.</p>
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		<title>Kids Love Quality Time</title>
		<link>http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/kids-love-quality-time/</link>
		<comments>http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/kids-love-quality-time/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:28:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Edie Mindell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[babies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parent]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[toddlers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/?p=3271</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We love to spend time with our children and bond with them everyday. But as career-oriented and working moms, we rarely have the chance to do so because of our hectic schedules. We long to be with them for every minute of their lives, but we simply can't. We just can't find much available time to do so.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><b></b><i></i><u></u>We love to spend time with our children and bond with them everyday. But as career-oriented and working moms, we rarely have the chance to do so because of our hectic schedules. We long to be with them for every minute of their lives, but we simply can&#8217;t. We just can&#8217;t find much available time to do so.</p>
<p>Because of our hectic schedule, we are already tired and exhausted whenever we go home. And one of the quickest and simplest form of bonding we could give our children is watching television together. Just by doing so, we think that we have already spent time with them. Watching tv is our way of bonding with them, at the same time, we get to relax our tired body.</p>
<p>Watching tv can be fun, but letting your children watch too often for you to spend time with them is not quality time.While watching tv can be educational especially if they are watching informative programs, too much of it is not a healthy bonding for you and your children.</p>
<p>TV can give useful information, but toddlers learn best by actual touching, tasting, smelling, hearing, and seeing. We say it is educational, but if we are perfectly honest with ourselves, the real reason we allow our children boob tube time is that it is convenient. The colorful, flashing images grab their attention and glue them to their seats. We get to cuddle them without worrying about keeping them busy. TV gives us the luxury of low-maintenance quality time.</p>
<p>But most of the time, despite the convenience, we still feel bad about boob tube bonding. So we often rationalize- we think of the hundred and one things that our precocious children are learning from TV. Unfortunately, there is increasing evidence of the harmful effects of TV on little children.</p>
<p>TV does not allow experimentation- they passively watch the images and absorb pre-processed facts. They can&#8217;t interact with it, and because there is no interaction, there is no feedback. A habit of passive learning dampens curiosity and weakens problem-solving skills. Children grow used to being given information, not actively processing experiences for hidden facts and concepts.</p>
<p>The bottom line is, you don&#8217;t need energy to watch TV, but you do need to invest time in support activities to glean any educational value from what your toddler watches. A 30-minute Barney tape on numbers has to be accompanied by games and activities where you and your children learn to count together.</p>
<p>Having quality time with your <a href="http://www.thomasthetrainfansite.com"  class="alinks_links" onclick="return alinks_click(this);" title="Free Thomas The Train Printable Coloring Pages"  style="padding-right: 13px; background: url(http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/alinks/images/external.png) center right no-repeat;" rel="external">kids</a> does not rely solely on watching TV. There are a lot of fun and educational activities that you could do together to strengthen your bond. Playing is one important bonding activity that you could share with your children.</p>
<p>There are a lot of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&amp;camp=1789&amp;tag=httpwwwmusi0a-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;path=external-search%3Fsearch-type=ss%26keyword=educational+toys%26index=blended"  class="alinks_links" onclick="return alinks_click(this);"  style="padding-right: 13px; background: url(http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/alinks/images/external.png) center right no-repeat;" title="Resources For Childhood Educational Games and toys" rel="external">educational toys</a><img class="amazon_image" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=httpwwwmusi0a-20&amp;l=ur2&amp;o=1" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> available in stores and even online that are great for your children. For your toddlers, Ride-on toys and pedal cars are a sure hit to them. Toddlers love toys that are mobiles. You can bond with them by teaching them how to play and ride on those toys. Its double the fun and enjoyment, plus educational benefits that could help your children in their learning stage.</p>
<p>Being tired and exhausted is not a reason to disregard your time with your children. Spending quality time with them is the most important aspect of a good <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&amp;camp=1789&amp;tag=httpwwwmusi0a-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;path=external-search%3Fsearch-type=ss%26keyword=parenting%26index=blended"  class="alinks_links" onclick="return alinks_click(this);"  style="padding-right: 13px; background: url(http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/alinks/images/external.png) center right no-repeat;" title="Amazon Resources For Parenting" rel="external">parenting</a><img class="amazon_image" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=httpwwwmusi0a-20&amp;l=ur2&amp;o=1" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />.</p>
<p>For the best <a href="http://www.simplyuniquebabygifts.com/">unique baby gifts</a>, visit Simply Unique Baby Gifts where you will find a large selection of <a href="http://www.simplyuniquebabygifts.com/baby-gift-baskets.html">baby gift baskets</a> for boy, girls, unisex and twins.</p>
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		<title>Air Hogs Make A Nice Christmas Gift</title>
		<link>http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/air-hogs-make-a-nice-christmas-gift/</link>
		<comments>http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/air-hogs-make-a-nice-christmas-gift/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:25:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ned Dagostino</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[air hogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[air hogs helicopter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[children]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hobbies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[product reviews]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[r/c]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[radio controlled]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[toys]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/?p=3270</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Every year it appears Air Hogs are a favorite Christmas gift. After all, who hasn't thought of flying through the sky at some point in their lives? It's the sensation of fantastic flying fun the makes for a wonderful present. Kids like them because they're so much fun. Parents also like them. Not just because they're fun, but because they require no assembly.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><b></b><i></i><u></u>Every year it appears Air Hogs are a favorite Christmas gift. After all, who hasn&#8217;t thought of flying through the sky at some point in their lives? It&#8217;s the sensation of fantastic flying fun the makes for a wonderful present. <a href="http://www.thomasthetrainfansite.com"  class="alinks_links" onclick="return alinks_click(this);" title="Free Thomas The Train Printable Coloring Pages"  style="padding-right: 13px; background: url(http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/alinks/images/external.png) center right no-repeat;" rel="external">Kids</a> like them because they&#8217;re so much fun. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&amp;camp=1789&amp;tag=httpwwwmusi0a-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;path=external-search%3Fsearch-type=ss%26keyword=being+a+good+parent%26index=blended"  class="alinks_links" onclick="return alinks_click(this);"  style="padding-right: 13px; background: url(http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/alinks/images/external.png) center right no-repeat;" title="More Resources on being good parents" rel="external">Parents</a><img class="amazon_image" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=httpwwwmusi0a-20&amp;l=ur2&amp;o=1" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> also like them. Not just because they&#8217;re fun, but because they require no assembly.</p>
<p>The radio controlled, feather-light and air-powered flying Air Hogs have models for beginners to more advanced users. New models of this prize winning product line are released often. Some data on the more well-liked models follows.</p>
<p>If you&#8217;re looking for something tiny that&#8217;s big on delivering fun, then take a look at the Air Hogs Havoc Heli. It&#8217;s one of the tiniest RC helicopters in the world. It&#8217;s small size allows it to maneuver well. The Havoc Heli is good for beginners, ages eight and up, and is rated for inside use.</p>
<p>If your kid is a little more advanced the Air Hogs Switchblade is just the thing. It&#8217;s distinctive flying style makes it perfect for children over age ten. The Switchblade looks like an ordinary helicopter on takeoff. lifting off vertically. Then, with a press of the Morph knob on the remote unit, it turns into a stunt flying plane! It is innovations like this and many others that have helped the company build its great reputation.</p>
<p>For something a bit more advanced, the Storm Launcher is an all-terrain wonder. It operates on land, air and water! The Storm Launcher should only be utilized by children age 10 and up and should only be used outside. Compared to it&#8217;s scale, the company says this one can reach speeds of 205 MPH.</p>
<p>Dozens of unique Air Hogs have been made over the years, a number of which are retired. No matter which model you give (or receive) as a present, one flight can tell you why Air Hogs are one of the most popular gifts this year, and will seemingly be for several years to come.</p>
<p>You&#8217;ll be able to find a complete list of the <A HREF="http://www.top10toysforchristmas.net/">top 10 toys for Christmas</A>, including the popular <A HREF="http://www.top10toysforchristmas.net/the-air-hogs-helicopter-and-other-air-hogs-toys">Air Hogs helicopter</A>, by visiting Top10ToysForChristmas.net.</p>
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		<title>Baby Gifts &#8211; Where Fun and Practicality Works Best</title>
		<link>http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/baby-gifts-where-fun-and-practicality-works-best/</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:20:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Edie Mindell</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[babies]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holidays]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[shopping]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thomasthetrainfansite.com/blog/?p=3215</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Nowadays, when it comes to buying gifts, practicality is the number one concern. This practice even extends to buying baby gifts. This is brought about, in part, by the current financial condition. However, being practical can be quite daunting especially if you are torn between that cute and cuddly little toy and that baby towel.]]></description>
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