Every January, I vow to get more sleep! But by January 3rd, I’m back to my old ways of going to sleep way too late and waking up way too early. I’m well aware of the old maxim – sleep when your kids sleep! But that’s nearly impossible when there’s so much quality reality television to watch and 100 new Facebook status updates to check each hour! Fortunately, here are a few products to help your little ones get as many Zs as possible so you can enjoy some more for yourself!

Zazoo Kids Photo Clock

This fantastic Photo Clock by Zazoo Kids has been beyond helpful in getting my 3-year-old early riser to sleep a little later in the morning. The digital screen displaying the daytime photo on the clock tells kids when it’s time to get up for school, while the starry night image shows that it’s still sleepy time. My son is so proud of himself for knowing how to “tell time” with his Zazoo clock! There’s even a naptime setting! What’s more, the ZAZOO Photo Clock can be personalized with your own family photos, and it even plays music, audio books and videos. This all-in-one alarm clock will grow with your child and give the whole family some much-needed rest! http://www.zazookids.com

My NapPak

With their very own My NapPak, your child will actually look forward to nap time! Forget those uncomfortable, drooled-on mats at daycare. My NapPak makes naptime safe and comforting! And with a wide variety of creative designs to choose from (and monogram), the NapPak is definitely preschool ‘cool’! From Under The Sea to Cowboys & Indians, your child’s dreams are sure to be sweet! This all-in-one, award-winning product is not surprisingly, mom-designed. It is durable enough to handle weekly washings and is perfect for day-care, traveling and sleeping over at grandma’s! http://www.mynappak.com

gunapod

Don’t stress about unsafe crib blankets, 3:00am diaper changes, sleeping-baby-transfers or crazy heating bills. The gunapod has made all of those issues disappear! Made with the yummiest, coziest blanket fabric to keep your baby warm, this award-winning sleep sack features a simple-yet-ingenious layout of zippers and snaps easily adjustable into a multitude of configurations. The ultimate in wearable blankets, the gunapod offers a roomier fit and opens completely from underarm to underarm to allow for simple diaper changing. Leave the bottom open for free movement of feet or unzip in various combinations for temperature ventilation. Thanks to the three experienced mamas who created the gunapod, life just got a lot easier, not to mention cozier! gunapod is available in Manhattan at Albee Baby, Lesters, Torley Kids and at http://www.gunamuna.com.

Here’s to a happy and restful 2012!

You’ve just recuperated from Black Friday and here I am with a long list of new toys and holiday gifts perfect for the little ones in your life. But trust me, the smiles you’ll see after giving these gifts will make you wish there were 20 days of Christmas!

Box Creations

Take your homemade cardboard forts to a whole new level with Box Creations. This new line of U.S.A. made, durable, recycled cardboard play lands, including Country Cottage, Carriage, Medieval Castle, and the all-new, award-winning Pirate Ship, are perfect for kids ages 3-7. They come with detailed line work and markers to provide children and parents with a great way to enjoy “Do-it-Yourself ” fun! Large enough for 2-3 children, Box Creations inspire creativity and imagination. Visit http://www.boxcreations.com.

One Step Ahead’s Kids Safety Trampoline

You will never forget the image of that ear-to-ear grin your child will bear while jumping on the Kids Safety Trampoline from One Step Ahead. This revamped tramp features an ergonomic safety bar for easier grabbing, a soft, cushioned handle for firmer gripping, and covered, padded edging for maximum protection. This One Step Ahead Exclusive takes 5 minutes to assemble and features stable, screw-on legs over less-dependable foldouts. A fantastic and safe energy buster for ages 3 and up (up to 80 lbs), it’s perfect for some NYC apartment fun! http://www.onestepahead.com.

Ikea’s Soft Toys

These soft, cuddly animals will no doubt make your little ones happy this holiday season, but with the IKEA Soft Toy Campaign, they’ll actually make many other children happy as well. Running from November 1 – December 24, this annual event raises money to educate children around the world. Since 2003, the campaign has donated $47.5 Million to UNICEF and Save the Children. These adorable stuffed animals, finger puppets and books range in price from $.49 – $19.99 and are available in all IKEA stores and online. And for every IKEA Soft Toy that a customer purchases, approximately $1.35 US is donated to the Soft Toys for Education Campaign. These incredibly affordable and cuddly creatures will certainly put a smile in the hearts of children, while supporting millions of other children who are in need of a quality education.
Visit http://www.ikea.com.

VMV Hypoallergenics Hollycoddle Time Kit

Smother your baby with love, kisses and the amazingly gentle products from VMV Hypoallergenics. Their Hollycoddle Time Kit includes VMV’s must-have Grandma Minnie’s Big Brave Boo-Balm, an antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal ointment ideal for a variety of skin issues, as well as Grandma Minnie’s Mommycoddling All-Over Lotion, an effective and gentle daily moisturizer perfect for mom and baby. And the best part? This certified hypoallergenic, parabens-free kit comes in adorable, Norman Rockwell-esq packaging – no wrapping paper necessary! Visit http://www.vmvhypoallergenics.com.

Blume Clothing

The perfect go-to clothing line for all your gift-giving needs, Blume carries a wide variety of apparel to outfit you every day or on your most special days. Whether you’re the bachelorette, the bride, a new baby, a big brother or even a dog, Blume has got you covered. I love the high quality of their personalized items and my latest favorite is the Dapper Dude Kid Vest Tee. No need to worry about extra pieces – the faux vest and tie are sewn on! Visit http://www.blumekid.com.

Kaskey Kids Sports Figurines

Too nervous for your kid to actually play football? Kaskey Kids Award-Winning Sports Figurines are the solution! Each action figure set comes with up to 30 total pieces including two full teams, a field, accessories and a cool storage container that allow children ages 3 and up to recreate a variety of sporting games and enjoy imaginary play for hours! And, these action figures are a great visual teaching aid for little league coaches. Combine both their love of sports and their obsession with action figures. Visit http://www.kaskeykids.com.

Play-Doh Twirl ‘n Top Pizza Shop Playset

Have some pizza dough, PLAY DOH style with the Twirl ‘n Top Pizza Shop. This pizza parlor playset will have kids entertained throughout the endless school vacation. Create the perfect PLAY-DOH pizza crust in the “brick oven,” crank out realistic looking grated “cheese,” add favorite toppings like pretend pepperoni, mushrooms and peppers, and then use the handy tools to cut and serve to friends. Set includes plenty of playdoh for some pizza-doughy fun.
Visit http://www.HasbroToyShop.com.

Babo Botanicals Stocking Stuffer Bunny Loves Soap Set

Complete with the adorable Babo the Bunny and three fragrance-free bunny-shaped soaps for sensitive skin, Babo Botanicals gives you a perfectly packaged stocking stuffer to make both mom and baby smile! Snuggly is made and stuffed with 100 percent organic, machine washable material and the soaps are made with the best ingredients for worry-free bath time.

Visit http://www.babobotanicals.com.

With these products on your list, this gift-giving season will be a breeze.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

Tweens are aware of the changes in seasons and how they translate into new clothes. Though so young, they seem to know what trends are in and out faster than you and they won’t let anything you say ruin their calling for style. Here are some favorites for spring for tween girls and young teens.

Children’s Place

The military look is big this spring and The Children’s Place is on top of it with this cotton twill Utility Jacket. It’s lightly peached for softness and has plenty of zip and snap closure pockets along with a rib-knit waistband. Pair it with the camouflage Smocked Skirt in cotton-voile for a tough but feminine show-stopper.

Available at The Children’s Place stores and at http://www.Thechildrensplace.com

Justin Boots

Though spring is promised at the end of March, we are still meant to stride puddles and keep our feet warm in this cruelest of months. For spring, Justin Boots has a pair of cute, creamy Huesa Liega Cowboy Boots with a flowery design that you can pair with this season’s hip military looks. The insole J-Flex flexible comfort system ® with removable orthotic inserts make these boots extremely comfortable for growing girls. For the youngest fashionistas, check out the new style for spring in pink camouflage.

Available at http://www.JustinBoots.com, http://www.Zappos.com and western retailers nationwide at the end of April.

Cape Clogs’ Pica Pica Heels

A gorgeous spring day calls for a great pair of colorful sandals. Pre-teens and teens like to wear heels but often find themselves wobbling on the top. What they need is a pair of comfortable wooden sole sandals like Cape Clogs’ Pica Pica Heels. Shaped to an anatomically correct scaffoid metatarsal arch, these light sandals mix the comfort of clogs with the elegance of a haute-style sandal. Made out of alder wood soles and genuine leather uppers, they are available in such bright colors as jade, petal pink, nectar orange and ocean turquoise.

Available at http://www.Capeclogs.com

Olivia and Joy Purses

Purses are an essential accessory when completing an outfit and your girl knows it. She will love to strut her stuff with an Olivia and Joy bag. The collection has all the chains, studs, ruffles and bows that girls love and at a very reasonable price. Styles vary from girly-girl-pastels to trendy khaki and Rocker black so it covers all the blooming tastes of tweens and teens for spring.

Available: http://www.OliviaandJoy.com

Andrew & Audrey

For the girl who likes a more classic American look, discover the spring line by the new company Andrew & Audrey. A blend of restraint and hip “laissez-aller”, this well-tailored line has glee in its step. This simple Sailor Dress with blue and red lines on the hem and a slim belt is cool and fresh on a sunny Easter afternoon. Made out of 100 % cotton.

Available at http://www.Andrew-Audrey.com

Crabtree and Evelyn Fragrance

In the old days, it was customary to offer a young girl rose water as a first scent. In its spring collection, Crabtree and Evelyn, the renowned pioneer in botanical formulations for 35 years, has a new fragrance called Rosa Centifolia, the hundred-petal rose. This blend of rosewater with violet, peony, fresh green foliage and musk accents is so authentic, it evokes the riffs of a bed of wild roses on a radiant spring day in England. Rosewater is the perfect scent for any girl tumbling into spring.

Available at http://www.Crabtree-Evelyn.com

Spring is the time to start with a fresh slate. tweens and teens can express who they are this season with new colors, new styles and new fragrances. With these ideas for a fashionable spring, young girls will have a place to start and create all that they can be.

May is mom-month. Same time every year. We know it, you know it, dad knows it. Yet somehow, without fail, every year the day seems to pop up out of nowhere. The brunch reservation has been made, mom has called (again) to request we “wear something other than black,” and we find ourselves suddenly reminded of the gift we never bought.

Oy.

Lucky girl, this year you’re covered”¦

If Mom means business when she speaks Skincare, sign her up for the bootcamp of facials:

Book her a treatment at the Sonya Dakar Skin Clinic. If she goes in before May 9th (doubtful, we know) ask about the Double Duty Beauty package – two treatments for the price of one, plus a goody bag valued at $50. Yey, you can get some serious prodding and peeling, too.

For a list of treatments: http://www.sonyadakarskinclinic.com; To book appointments: 888/64.SONYA(76692) or concierge@sonyadakarskinclinic.com.

If Mom likes some pampering mixed into her Beauty cocktail:

Sign her up for the Mamma Mia special day package at Ona Spa in West Hollywood. Including an Oxygen Facial, eye brow shaping, Ona Stoned Massage with reflexology, and Classic Manicure/Pedicure with exfoliating treatments for hands and feet, it sounds like heaven. This is sure to make her forget all about last year’s matching plaid pot holder-dish towel set. Check out http://www.onaspa.com or call directly: 323/931.4442

If Mom likes her products natural and still sways to the Hair soundtrack:

Plan a drive up (or down) the coast and take her to Keys Creek Lavender Farm, just north of San Diego. USDA certified organic, the eight-acre farm boasts two dozen varieties of lavender, bee hives where their signature lavender honey is made, an essential oil distillery, gift shop of farm-made culinary and beauty items, and a peace garden where lavender can be planted in memory of loved ones.
Sign up for a Keys Creek lavender basket weaving class or order some lavender lip balm at http://www.keyscreeklavenderfarm.com

“¦And for the mom who only covets the crème de la crème of fragrances:

Seriously splurge (hopefully big bro takes care of dinner) on a bottle of Rose Oud from the Kilian Arabian Nights Collection. Luxurious petals from Turkish roses blend with Oud (an extremely rare and precious oil from Southeast Asia) to create a rich, warm feminine eau de parfum like nothing she’s ever smelled.

Available at Bergdorf Goodman. http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/templates/SC.jhtml?itemId=cat333800&parentId=cat10028&masterId=cat000017

Hola. Bonjour. Ni Hao. Davinci?

With the economy unraveling, parents are definitely feeling the pressure this holiday season. Give your children a meaningful gift this month by turning them into a traveling Leonardo Davinci. Your little one can have the gift of creativity with the art house and the gift of learning with Little Pim. Both DVDs are fun for children of all ages and have an educational purpose parents can appreciate. 

Before your baby can count to 10, he can be speaking in a different language with Little Pim’s foreign language DVD. Little Pim, an animated panda bear, takes your children on a fun adventure with both live and animated scenes with Pim and children alike. Eating and Drinking, Wake Up Smiling and Playtime are three signature Little Pim DVDs that come in Spanish, French, Chinese and ESL.

Research shows that young children who learn a language before turning five tend to have superior reading, writing and social skills, in addition to boasting extensive vocabularies.  
Newborn to three is the best language learning window. By the age of five, this window of opportunity begins to close, and the ability for a child to be able to differentiate foreign sounds diminishes dramatically. Little Pim DVDs retail for $ 17.95 and are available at http://www.littlepim.com.

Mastering basic shapes opens up the world to developing young minds and The Art House Volume 1: Basic Shapes and Animals makes teaching children to draw easy and fun. The Art House is the perfect interactive formula for teaching artistic skills to children.  Join Teacher Emily (a real-life Pre-School and Art Teacher) as she leads the Art House Gang in drawing a series of animals.  Give your own children some crayons and paper and you will be amazed at how quickly and easily they will catch on to the Art House’s way of drawing. Teacher Emily’s step-by-step instructions help children to create masterpieces of their own using this DVD. The Art House retails for $17.99 and is available at http://www.inthearthouse.com.

This holiday season, ensure your children are having fun and enrich their lives through creative education at the same time.

Nothing puts a flush on a wee cheek or a twinkle in a kid’s eye more than a gift to unfurl. Here are some wrap-worthy gifts for some very fortunate boys and girls this holiday season.

Playmobil never fails to thrill with a vast selection of superb toys. This year let your kids recreate the big top with Playmobil’s Circus Ring, winner of a 2008 Parent’s Choice Gold Award and Top 10 Toy of the Year by Family Fun magazine. This endearing toy seats 30 little visitors and features trapeze artists, concession stand and LED lights. Great for children older than five; visit http://store.playmobilusa.com or simply http://www.playmobil.com.

The Eyeclops Bionic Eye, BioniCam, and Eyeclops Night Vision provide incentive for kids to explore the world around them, and new accessories enable kids to do more with their images and videos of specimens. The EyeClops toys will fascinate kids (and adults) of all ages, and are available at http://www.jakks.com.

Girls will love Juku Couture, the high fashion dolls inspired by anti-matching, layering fashion trendsetters in Harajuku, Japan. The dolls include a preppy girl, a girly-girl, an athletic/natural girl and a romantic punk girl for the full fashion spectrum. Available at http://www.jakks.com.

The K’Nex Amusement Park Series features four motorized rides: a classic Ferris wheel, speed coaster, swirling Octopus Whirl, and Drop-n’swing free fall ride. K’Nex has something to build for children of all ages, ranging from this amusement park and fleet of trucks for older kids to a Sesame Street Workshop K’Nex set for preschoolers. Browse the choices at http://www.knex.com, http://www.target.com, and http://www.toysrus.com to pick a few that will delight your brood.

The remote-controlled Spike the Dinosaur will blow a child’s mind and keep him or her enrapt all throughout the New Year. Cleaner than a puppy, and even more fun! Find it at J.C. Penney stores this holiday season.

Kids can rev up their Pro Stunt Ripper rider to soar over a mechanical moving and champing great white shark in the game MXS Shark Jump Challenge. If your guy misses, he gets chomped! Fun for everyone, large and small. Available: http://www.jakks.com.

Render exercise fun with the ME2 from iToys. Kids will get pumped with this handheld and online gaming gadget that allows them to power their games with their own exercise routine. Kids earn points for exercising through the device’s sensor, which they utilize in online games. Perfect! It’s a parent’s dream come true ““ as well as a child’s! Find it at http://www.me2universe.com.

The Bill Nye Paper Recycling Factory is a fun, educational science kit that allows kids to take scrap paper and turn it into colorful greeting cards and notepads. This is ideal for imparting info about the environment and the process of recycling. Another kid-pleaser is the Sour Candy Factory, which lets children create lip-puckering masterpieces in the form of lollipops, liquid or powder candy, and hard candy. Let’s hear it for sour power! Find both at http://www.elmers.com or Wal-Mart stores, along with a Bubble Gum Factory that will also enthrall.

Trivial Pursuit’s 25th anniversary edition aptly underscores why the game has endured for decades, and features upgrades such as easy, medium and difficult categories so the whole family can play. Let the next generation fill their pies and amass knowledge! Another family favorite is the classic wooden block stacking game, Jenga: Party for at home or at the ski lodge. This version adds an element of “truth” to liven up the party: players must answer the question on the block, too. Both are available at http://www.hasbro.com.

The Ugly Doll has become a holiday staple, and for kids, the bigger the better! A 2-ft. version ensures that your little one will have lots of cuddly Ugly Doll to embrace. Ugly Dolls are made in all shapes and sizes, and can be as small as a backpack clip-on that fits in the palm of a hand, or large enough to light up a child’s face. Find them at FAO Schwartz stores and at http://www.uglydolls.com.

The Fortamajig Connectables are an inspired way for kids to do what they do naturally: build forts. But instead of using your favorite bedding, they can now create with connecting Fortamajigs panels or wide Fortamajig tents instead. Brilliant! Check them out in their various forms at http://www.thehappykidcompany.com.

SillyTalk SpongeBob will lend mirth and merriment with tricky tongue twisters, kooky phrases and moving eyes. He’s oceans of fun! Kids will love him ““ as you already know. Twist his nose while he’s talking, and his voice changes. Find him while he’s still available at http://www.jakks.com.

The game Repeat Or You’re Obsolete, invented by 13-year old Zach Levins, has been racking up awards for good reason. This hilarious game of memory madness will keep everyone’s memory sharp and concentration in top form. Great for all ages and always engaging, this will become a family favorite ““ find it at http://www.innovativekids.com.

Jumpstart 3-D Virtual World: Quest for the Color Meister, for ages 6 to 8, provides mind-boggling puzzles, 3-D action adventures, virtual pets, collectible cards, and hours of fun for little ones on snow days. Find it at http://www.amazon.com and http://www.JumpStart.com.

The Melissa and Doug online toy store site is the source for all things wonderful for kids: stuffed dogs, various coin tricks sets, classic and new toys, and toys that will enthrall parents, grandparents and kids of all ages. Browse the online store at http://www.melissaanddoug.com.

This year and beyond: May your holidays be merry and bright!

Cleaning my home is not high on my priority list; thus said, I admired the results after finally using the bottle of Thymes all-purpose cleaner on my kitchen counter.

One rushed morning I missed my cup while pouring my coffee. Without thinking, I automatically reached for the spray bottle of Thymes and used it to clean the spill. I realized that I was not only cleaning up the spill, but the counter suddenly had this wonderful sheen…Well, rushed morning or not, nothing was going to stop me from making the entire counter shine.

And did I mention the enchanting scent? In no way did I feel like I was cleaning.

The Thymes all-purpose cleaner is available in five different, delightful scents. It not only does the cleaning job, but contains essential oils that leave your surfaces gleaming, unlike some other products that can leave a residue.

You’ll have to excuse me now — I must get back to my cleaning.

New moms always remember first holidays with their baby, so add to their pleasure with one or more of these stress-saving, soothing or simply fantastic items. Though it’s a blissful time, it’s far from easy, and many of these products will render those sleepless nights far more enjoyable.

The Offi Dachshund Pet Lamp doubles as décor and a delightfully original lightning source for nurseries or children’s rooms. Shaped like a dachshund, it’s perfect for dog-lovers and children alike, and available in a variety of colors. Made of non-toxic plastic, it casts a soft glow that lulls baby to sleep. Find it at http://www.csnstores.com.

Built has a gorgeous, chic diaper bag for new moms, so they can tote around their essentials in style. Durable, modern and practical, this bag melds Built’s fine construction with an eye-pleasing graphic. This is a gift that will keep giving, since moms live with their diaper bags for quite some time. View the baby selections at http://www.builtny.com.

Chivas Goat Milk Skin Care offers fragrance-free bath soaps that will soften and nourish sensitive skin for baby and mom — as well as a relaxing Salt Sachet ideal for tub respite. These super-rich soaps are handmade with French Alpine goat milk, fair trade shea butter, and essential oils; no chemicals, preservatives, mineral oil or colorants are added. Made in Ventura County, CA by a mother-daughter team, the soap types include spearmint, lemongrass, lavender oatmeal, wise sage, sweet nothings and original. http://www.green-and-greener.com.

L’Occitane’s product line for mom and baby includes a rich 7% Shea Butter Cream for face and body, a comforting Mom & Baby Balm and a delicate Animal Soaps Set trio, with 100% of the proceeds of the soap set earmarked for helping the visually impaired. Whimsically elegant packaging and high-quality ingredients render this line a perfect gift choice. http://www.loccitane.com.

For in the Built diaper bag: Natracare products are all-natural, free of chemicals and crafted with preserving the earth in mind. The line includes an array of pads including nursing pads, tampons and other new-mom necessities that will be appreciated. Visit http://www.natracare.com to view their much-needed offerings.

Little ones sporting eco-friendly Fierce Hug Baby Apparel are likely to endure many cheek kisses. This wearable, organic art line introduces a new character named Cryptia, inspired by Tim Burton’s endearing and slightly spooky illustrations. Dagmar Meindars is the artist, and one of many used from around the globe. Check out the eye-popping lineup at http://www.fiercehugs.com.

Hugg-A-Planet‘s Organic Foundlings are environment-conscious, so this line of eight soft, stuffed animals can be placed in a nursery or crib without worry. Created with 100% organic, pesticide-free, unbleached cotton, this line is produced fully in the United States. In addition, the eyes on the animals are embroidered to ensure the safety of young children. These gifts and more can be found at http://www.huggaplanet.com.

Jason Natural Products offer new moms a wide variety of gentle, all-natural products free of chemicals and harsh additives. And now there’s a new line just for kids that includes foaming hand soap, bath and shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, detangler and toothpaste. These are all items that moms and kids should use in their purest forms to protect themselves. Find them at Whole Foods stores and at http://www.jason-natural.com.

Hair loss is a fact of pregnancy, so moms looking to thicken their tresses can nourish them and promote growth with Viviscal, which contains no harmful ingredients and, by most accounts, works exactly as promised. Ingredients include vitamin C, a natural marine complex, acerola cherry extract, and horsetail extract. Find it at http://www.viviscalhair.com and http://www.hairboutique.com.

Books for parents that will clarify or amuse: Parent Smart From the Heart: Empowering the Parent Generation by Derek and Gail Randel is chock full of sage and no-holds-barred advice from two parents with M.A.s and, more important, parenting experience; http://www.authorhouse.com. For holiday levity, consider Scared of Santa: Scenes of Terror in Toyland, a Harper collection of hilarious photos of children on Santa’s lap who are clearly less than thrilled, from Chicago Tribune editors Denise Joyce and Nancy Watkins. Look for it at your favorite bookstore. How Your Child Thinks by Dr. Stephen Briers, available in March of 2009 from Pearson Education, offers insight as to how to strengthen parent-child bonds, bolster self esteem and empathy, banish anxiety and negative thoughts, and much more; http://www.pearson.com. Yes You Can!: Everything you need From A to Z To influence Others To Take Action by Stacey Hanke and Mary Steinberg not only helps with convincing children, but will be useful for parents who return to work after baby is born; http://www.authorhouse.com. And last but not least, consider the engaging and extremely funny book The Parent Trip: From High Heels and Parties to Highchairs and Potties by Jenna McCarthy. Metro moms will appreciate the wit and burning question, “Does this baby make my butt look big?” Find it at http://www.bellalunapress.com.

Stuff mom’s stocking full of Natural Dentist’s Healthy Teeth & Gums brand toothpaste with whitening agents and mouthwash. She’ll thank you for it all throughout the New Year with a big, healthy smile and super-gleaming white choppers. Find them at http://www.thenaturaldentist.com.

Rest assured that whatever you give a new mom will be most appreciated. Most of all, give her your love and support!

Turn your child’s room into a magical night sky and provide a nightlight with Cloud B’s Twilight Sea Turtle. This plush toy illuminates a child’s room in soothing hues of blue and green as stars are cast onto the ceiling. A sea turtle storybook is included to teach children about these endangered sea animals, and an automatic timer switches the lights off after 45 minutes. Find it at http://www.cloudb.com or Bloomingdale’s stores.

Tuck copies of 3 Pigs and A Baby, Elmo’s Christmas Countdown, The Flight Before Christmas, and Tortoise vs. Hare from Genius Products under the tree. The Unstable Fables DVD collection features classic fairy tales with well known actors such as Brooke Shields, Jamie Lynn Spears, Tom Arnold, Jamie Foxx, Anne Hathaway and Ben Stiller and adds modern twists for an outrageously funny result. Stock up on them at http://www.geniusproducts.com

Another timeless tale with valuable messages is the lovely Delgo from Farfelian Films, rich with full characters, solid role models and gorgeous animation. Delgo is a tale about acceptance of diversity, tolerance, patience ““ and what it means to be resourceful. Order it at http://www.delgo.com

Combine charity with gift giving by purchasing one of Ikea’s adorable plush animals, including lions, tigers, dogs and bears. Good for hugging, comforting and providing imaginary company, these toys have a charitable component: for every soft toy purchased through December 24th, IKEA will donate $1 to UNICEF and Save the Children. Head to http://www.ikea.com

Rosetta Stone software offers 31 different language courses and renders learning organic, fun, fast, easy and instinctual. Lessons are engaging and appropriate for any family member, so don’t forget to slip a Rosetta Stone gift to your favorite future polyglot. http://www.rosettastone.com

All y’all will be whislin’ Dixie after swaddling your little ones in fantastic Southern Brand clothing. Festooned with iconic Southern images such as Route 61 or a Hickory Smoked Bar BBQ sign, and made of 100% sweet, pure cotton, this line has a vintage wood-type look and feels as comfortable as a front porch swing. Visit http://www.southernbrand.com and choose your favorites.

Abe Lincoln Crosses A Creek: A Tall, Thin Tale by Deborah Hopkinson (Schwartz and Wade) brings Honest Abe to life for children and introduces our 16th president in a way that children can relate to and definitely enjoy. One Million Things: A Visual Encyclopedia is rife with info on everything you need to know to understand the world around you: nature, human body, science and technology, space, earth, people and places, history and arts and culture. http://www.dk.com. Space fascinates children, and Cosmic!: The Ultimate 3-D Guide to the Universe renders it even more exciting. Finally, Earth Matters for older children is a practical, comprehensive guide to what they can do to help preserve the planet during their time here on earth. Well-researched and dynamic, both of these books are also available at http://www.dk.com.

What would Christmas be without Alvin and the Chipmunks? Twentieth Century Fox has released a special edition set just in time for the holidays, as well as the classic Planet of the Apes series, which set the gold standard for sci-fi films ““ and much more for cinematic gift bedazzling. Find them at your local film store or at http://www.foxmovies.com.

Keep your clan cultured this holiday with books, and keep them happy with love.

It may take a village to raise your children, but there are definitely a few people in your life who chip in more than most: your child’s music, dance or art instructor, coach, tutor, doorman (if you have one), teacher, sitter, and of course, all of your extended family and doting friends.

Show your gratitude this season with one of these suggested gifts for your treasured inner circle.

Kit + Lili has expanded their fresh, modern line of adorable leggings, dresses, tees, onesies, plush toys, rompers and distinctive tote bags to include 100% cotton canvas, hand-printed cushions for the home. Reasonably priced and perfect as holiday gifts that will last throughout the year, they can be purchased at http://www.kitlili.com.

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It’s safe to bet that most people love or need coffee – or both. Black and Decker offers a streamlined, sophisticated coffeemaker that will personalize each serving of coffee to perfection. Versatile and convenient, the Black & Decker Coffeemaker will ensure that your favorite people will think of you each morning. Find it at http://www.blackanddeckerappliances.com

Consider the innovative, value-priced HD Radio from Coby this holiday season. Access hundreds of new HD2 and HD3 channels and 1700 crystal clear AM and FM stations from anywhere! Sweet. Cordless and waterproof, with a rechargeable battery and huge sound, there’s no reason not to buy one. Snap it up at http://www.hdradio.com and http://www.cobyusa.com.

The holidays call for Barefoot Bubbly wine, especially because this reasonably-priced sparkling wine pairs well with an array of hors d’oeuvres, entrees and cocktails. Let your favorite people toast the New Year with ease. Purchase it by the dozens at http://www.barefootwine.com or request it at your favorite wine shop.

The prestigious Michelin star is an award not granted lightly, so the 2009 Michelin Guides are the perfect gift for the foodies in your life. Whether gourmet or gourmand, the recipient will know where to find a superb meal, and for the budget-minded, Michelin also highlights “Bib Gourmand” selections noted for their high-quality offerings at a value price point. Visit http://www.michelinguide.com to find them, where you can sign up to be an undercover food inspector.

The forthcoming new presidency has rekindled an interest in Abraham Lincoln, and Candace Fleming’s engaging The Lincolns: A Scrapbook Look at Abraham and Mary will satisfy the most ardent Lincoln fan, from tweens and teens to adults. Meticulously researched and chock full of personal memorabilia in scrapbook style, this is a history buff’s dream present. Order this and other phenomenal books at http://www.randomhouse.com/kids.

One product from Save Your World preserves an acre of rainforest for a year. If the chemical-free, amazing skincare and shampoo products aren’t enough to entice you, then the prospect of saving the rainforest should do the trick. You can’t go wrong with Save Your World soaps, body wash, lip balm, and essential oils as a gift. Check out the selection at http://www.saveyourworld.com.

Anyone on your holiday present list can appreciate Ito En‘s elegant, all-natural tea gifts, which range from 20 unique flavors of delicious whole leaf teas to keepsake tea cups, teapots, porcelain and glass serving sets, vases, warmers, strainers and other tasteful, tea-inspired accessories. The Jasmine Pearl tea is presented in a mini black chabako box with leaf decoration. Visit http://www.itoen.com/store, and choose your preferred gift set.

The Green Beauty Guide by Julie Gabriel chronicles the effects that synthetic products have our bodies, offers shortcuts to going green without going broke, and provides tips to spotting organic frauds and gimmicks. This useful tome is beneficial for everyone, and shows that green can be mainstream and affordable ““ and should. Available at http://www.hci-online.com.

Crate and Barrel offers a fantastic array of Genie dessert plates in vibrant colors for holiday feasts, and recipients will want to use these plates as often as possible throughout the new year. Give them as a gift, and you may very well find yourself eating sour cherry pie with vanilla-licorice ice cream off of them one day. Find them at http://www.crateandbarrel.com

Show the people who care about your children that you care about them, too. They’re the gardeners who help your little ones blossom.