Gifts Galore
Shopping for little kids is just as awesome as the reaction you'll get when they open these cool surprises. From tyke-size teepees to a ninja watch or a chalkboard T-shirt, the mom.me editors vetted this year's newest, hottest gear for kids ages 4 to 8 to bring you this list. Our goal was to keep it budget-friendly with a splurge suggestion as well. Click forward to check out our picks.
A Teepee of Your Own
Who doesn't love a hideout or, in this case, a pint-size play-tent designed by The Land of Nod. Sure, we know it's a splurge, but with a durable cotton canvas cover and solid wood pole construction, it's bound to weather many a game of hide-and-seek. We love the graphic orange and white stripe fabric, but it also comes in blue stripes, pink stripes and a vintage cowboy print.
To buy: A Teepee to Call Your Own, $149
Shadow Puppets
Step right up ladies and gentleman, boys and girls: It's showtime for your very own old-timey circus with this shadow puppet set. There are 11 paper puppets on wooden sticks, including a balancing elephant, a seal with a ball, a weightlifter, a lion tamer, a tightrope walker and, of course, a clown. All you need for the show to go on is a sheet (or other surface for projection) and a spotlight.
To buy: Shadow Puppets (Circus), $25
Marker Airbrush
For your little street artist: Crayola's new marker airbrush takes the everyday marker to a new level. Just hook up the airbrush sprayer to almost any Crayola marker, pump it up and spray out a fine ink mist that is just perfect for "tagging" any surface, including fabric. The set comes with washable markers, fabric markers and four stencils.
To buy: Marker Airbrush, $23
Frankie Stein
She's got a platinum up 'do, a white-as-a-ghost complexion, a punk couture fashion sensibility and crazy platform shoes. No, we're not talking about the teenage girl next door. It's Frankie Stein from the hot Monster High collection. Other spooky touches include Frankie's spool of thread purse, scissor-heeled shoes and a tiara of needles and thread. Perfect for your goth-minded little one.
To buy: Monster High Scarily Every After Frankie, $25
Furby Family
Remember back in the day when the newest, coolest toy could repeat the same five phrases over and over? Behold the Furby: 2012's take on the old doll. It's just as cute as our old-school friends, but way, way smarter. Just download a free app to teach your Furby to eat, speak and listen to music. Of course, it's 2012, so your Furby also can communicate through iPad, iPod touch and some iPhones.
To buy: Furby, $54
Stackable Tea Set
Throwing a tea party may have been your grandmother's favorite pastime, but this new stackable tea set, complete with retro modern owl- and butterfly-themed teapots, puts a fresh spin on the time-tested tradition. And with four cups and saucers, your little host or hostess will be able to invite all of their newest friends.
To buy: Stackable Tea Sets, $19
Ninja Watch
Do ninja's wear watches? We don't know if the masked legends prefer mechanical or digital timepieces, but we do know that LEGO's new Ninjago-themed kids watches elevate time-telling into an artform. Kids can assemble their own watch (LEGO-style, of course) and add a mini Spinjitzu master to the wristband to boot.
To buy: Ninjago Jay With Mini-figure Watch, $25
Hands-Free Head Lamp
Kids love hats. Kids love flashlights. It's the best of both worlds with the hands-free head lamp with this adjustable strap and seven bright LED bulbs. Added bonus: Turn on the lamp's red or blue light function the next time your take the family out after-dark, for easy tracking of your little one. Just don't forget the batteries!
To buy: Light the Way Head Lamp, $10
T-Shirt Chalkboard
The T-Shirt Chalkboard makes the ordinary message tee look like yesterday's news. Why should your mini style-setter settle for just one fashion statement per day when she can draw inspiration—literally—wherever she goes? This cotton T-shirt comes with five pieces of chalk and a very small pocket to store them in. Parents, take note: The T-shirt Chalkboard is also a good reminder that art is everywhere.
To buy: T-Shirt Chalkboard, $25
Walkie-Talkies
Parents, can you read me? Check out the two-way 16 Mile Radio from Cobra Electronics for your adventurous little one. Sure, these walkie-talkies look snazzy thanks to kid-friendly colors like hot pink, but functions include 22 channels, call alert, roger beep, LCD display and a wall charger jack. The best part is that when not deployed in a game of secret agent, adults can use the walkie-talkies to keep track of free-roaming kids. Over and out.
To buy: Two-way 16 Mile Radio, $25
