Educational Gifts That are Also Fun

One way in which many parents will vary their normal shopping routine this year will be an increased focused on educational toys and gifts. Let’s face it, there are lots of cool toys on the market that provide almost endless entertainment, but wouldn’t it be awesome if your child were also learning at the same time that they’re playing? With that as the goal, what follows is a list of really cool educational toys and gifts:

Leapfrog Scribble and Write (Ages 3-5 yrs.)

The Scribble and Write is deliberately crafted to teach the alphabet, and it does so in several ways: drawing shapes; tracing upper-case and lower-case letters; and guessing letters. Basically, letters and shapes, formed from patterns of red dots, appear in a traceable writing area. Verbal instructions from the Scribble and Write prompt children to trace the object which appears using an attached stylus. (In the "guessing" mode, a letter is drawn on the tracing surface and children are asked to identify it by pressing the proper alphabet button on the face of the Scribble and Write.)

　

Baby Einstein Count and Compose Piano

A cool learning gift, this toy piano has a "keyboard" that consists of five large colorful keys numbered 1-5 and has three teaching modes: keyboard, composer and counting. Depending on which mode you are in, pressing a key can play a single musical note (keyboard mode) or portions of classical music (composer mode). In counting mode, the toy announces the number of the key before playing music. In addition, there is a language selector which allows for hearing the numbers pronounced in either English, Spanish or French. Finally, another dial lets the child choose whether the notes are played on a flute, xylophone or piano.

　　

Leapfrog Phonics PondLeapfrog Scribble and Write (Ages 3-5 yrs.)　

The Phonics Pond is another great gift that combines fun and learning, as it teaches phonics trough various methods, including: (a) Discovering Letters – Children press the letter of their choice and are rewarded with the name of the letter; (b) Finding Identified Letters – Phonics Pond asks the child to find a specific letter of the alphabet, e.g., "Find the letter O"; (c) Spelling – Various 3-letter words are spelled out, and children are asked to press the corresponding letters that make up that word; and (d) Music – Children are prompted to press a letter, which will cause music to be played – mostly perennial favorites like "This Old Man," "Yankee Doodle," and the like.

　

Laugh and Learn Smart Screen Laptop (Ages 6 mos. – 36 mos.)　

This toy provides a very nice introduction to some of the fundamentals of learning, such as counting and ABCs. It also has lots of other cool features, including words and songs. Moreover, it provides kids with a laptop of their very own, so that they are no longer obsessed with the real thing (parents with toddlers or small children will understand).

　

Vtech Mobigo Touch Learning System (Ages 3-8 yrs.)　

This is a neat little handheld learning/gaming system for kids. It helps develop rudimentary skills in counting, spelling and problem-solving. The touchscreen gives gameplay a contemporary feel, while the slide-out QWERTY provides an introduction to the standard keyboard layout. A truly engaging, interactive gift.

　

Leappad Explorer Learning Tablet (Ages 4-8yrs.)　

Impressive learning tablet for kids. This interactive device has a large, in-color touchscreen and comes with 4 apps, but has a over a hundred other games, apps, ebooks, and other digital media available. Its educational materials cover a broad range of subject matter, including reading, math, science and music, among others. It also includes a built-in camera. Long-term teaching and entertainment value.

　

Needless to say, the list above is by no means exclusive. There are lots of cool toys and gifts out there to help your child learn and grow, while being fun at the same time.

To find other great educational toys and gifts, as well as gifts in general, please visit Cool Toys and Gifts.

Upscale, High-End Gift Ideas

There really are a lot of great gifts out there this holiday season. Technology has just made so much available to us at almost all levels that figuring out what to get is almost mind-numbing for the average Joe. Great products are not only plentiful, they’re also more affordable than ever.

 Moreover, if you’re one of the select few who find themselves with a little extra scratch to spend this holiday season, there are a couple of upscale, high-end luxury items that might tickle your fancy:

 Wobble Chess Set

An elegant and distinctive chess set that’s a conversation piece even when you’re not playing! Beautifully crafted, this set can be used for play, or just as a centerpiece. It’s unique construction will amaze and delight!  This one will set you back $250.

Sony BluRay/DVD/CD Megachanger

It holds a whooping 400 BluRay disks, CDs and DVDs – you can fit your entire library in here! It also contains cutting-edge technology, including an ethernet port and built-in USB port.  A used device will run you $650.

Power Plate my5 Vibration Training Machine

It’s a revolutionary physical training device, with an all-new way to exercise! This high-end device harnesses the power of vibration with Acceleration Training technology to give you a complete and thorough workout. Approximately $4600.

Luxury Rotogalbe Leather Watch Winder

It really is counterintuitive (and counter-productive) to buy a high-end, precision timepiece, and then purchase a cheap watch winder to stick it in! You need a watch winder that is just as sophisticated as the watch you bought it for, and this is it. Hand-crafted and featuring world-class parts and fine Italian leather (and a $1475 sticker), this winder will take care of and extend the life of your watch.

Zero Gravity Perfect Chair

This beautifully crafted leather-and-maple chair reclines to relieve pressure on the spine and elevate your legs. Ideal for those with back problems, or someone who just wants a chair that totally relaxes you.  Not a bad trade-off for $1900.

Heatwave Santa Fe Sauna

There’s nothing quite like having your own personal sauna at home. A true luxury item, this 3-person sauna features ergonomic back rests, CD player (with mp3 connection and built-in speakers), color therapy light and much, much more! Thi one is yours for roughly $1800.

Live Luggage Power Assisted Suitcase

Traveling is a breeze with the world’s first power-assisted suitcase. Stylish and cutting-edge, it features intelligent control systems, flat motor technology and sensors (not to mention a $1200 price tag). A truly unique gift this holiday season!

In retrospect, if you’re interested, there are some truly novel, high-end items on the market that are not only singularly unique, but also ultra-cool and stylish.

For more upscale, high-end gift ideas (as well as cool gifts in general) please visit Cool Toys and Gifts

Another Cool Toy or Gift: Secrets of the Master Magician

If the idea of getting your child a cool toy or gift has crossed your mind this holiday season, then you must have contemplated getting a magic kit at some point.  (And in the post-Harry Potter age, who hasn't?)  If so, then you should seriously consider Secrets of the Master Magician: An Aprentice's Manual.

Needless to say, there's nothing quite like being able to do magic.  Simply put, illusions and magic tricks have always been popular with people of all ages.  Stunning friends and family with deft sleight-of-hand just never gets old or boring.  Contained within Secrets of the Master Magician are all kinds of marvelous tricks and illusions that will keep kids enthralled, whether as performers or spectators.

For starters, the kit comes with many of the standard magical accoutrements, including a magic wand, a handkerchief and a deck of cards. It also consists of the Apprentice's Manual, an actual hardcover book containing the requisite details for performing magic. (In fact, the kit itself comes in a box that is keenly designed to resemble a magical spellbook.)

In addition, the book clearly and distinctly explains how to perform numerous magic tricks.  Thus, you will find coin tricks, card tricks, rope tricks, etc. Moreover, the discussion of of each magical illusion is reflected in full-color photos that detail the individual actions for accomplishing the numerous magic tricks. In brief, young children are provided with in-depth guidance for executing each trick. 

Needless to say, you will find an excellent variety of illusions in Secrets of the Master Magician, and it will take your child a lttle time to become profient with all of them.  Plus, kids tend to want to execute magic tricks as soon as they learn them. In brief, this magic kit not only provides long-term entertainment value, but is practically guaranteed to keep kids interested for the foreseeable future.

In review, Secrets of the Master Magician tends to make for an ultra-cool toy or gift. Speaking frankly, it only seems to possess a down side in a single area: although it aids youngsters learning the skills which will make them competent magicians, it doesn't give them the traditional look of a magician. There's no cape, no top hat, no white gloves, and so forth. Still, I seriously can't imagine that the lack of those things will diminish the value of the gift in any respect.  Plainly speaking, Secrets of the Master Magician is an exceptional magic kit for kids of all ages. It should present exceptional long-term amusement to your kids and family.



For more nformation about this and other unique gift ideas, please visit Cool Toys and Gifts

Cool Toys and Gifts: 3 Sleek Gifts for Men

Christmas shopping, for lots of people, rates fairly low on their list of preferable things to do. You're forced to deal with over-crowded shops, long lines, insufficient - or total lack of - parking, etc.  And that's on top of simply trying to find a nice gift, particularly when you're purchasing for a guy.

It's usually pretty difficult trying to figure out what gift to buy for the man you love. You try to find something which he will find enjoyable, but at the same time let him know just how extraordinary he is and what he means to you. In addition, you'd like your purchase to reveal the simple fact that you put time, consideration and effort into the process (i.e., you didn't simply go to a convenience store along the route home).

If you're currently experiencing this issue, don't worry. The help you need is right here. There are lots of awesome gift ideas to choose from out there, plus some are actually quite cool. Listed here is a brief list of some items that your Mr. Wonderful will undoubtedly savor:

Smartek Hardwood Valet Stand
This is actually one of those gifts that men generally long for but almost never decide to buy for themselves. A valet stand is not only highly practical - it can keep his formal wear picture-perfect and chic - but it also lends an air of prestige to any environment that it is a part of.  Expertly constructed and with a sophisticated mahogany finish, it is a treat he will relish for quite some time.

Levitron AG Anti-Gravity Globe
There is no doubt that, here, the name actually says it all. This sleek, floating globe seems to magically hover unsupported in mid-air (it is in fact kept aloft via magnetism), and really is a wonderful gift for either home or business. Not only is it exceptionally cool, but it also serves as a great conversation piece with visitors and guests.

Kenneth Cole Leather Zip Top Travel Kit

This stylish and highly functional travel kit holds all of his personal items – electric razor, toothbrush, etc.  – with room to spare.  Ideal for his travel needs, as well as day-to-day routine like going to the gym. 

In brief, you can get outstanding gift ideas for the guy in your life without a lot of frustration and bother. Each one of the three gifts previously mentioned would certainly be perfect to leave underneath the tree for him this Christmas, and would leave him positively jumping for joy. You have my word on it.

For more great gift ideas, please visit Cool Toys and Gifts

3 Thoughtful Gifts for Women

There's just something concerning the holidays that merely makes you joyful. There are carolers all around you, most people are filled with the Christmas spirit and good cheer, etc. It's clear to see why Christmas is universally believed to be the most wonderful time of the year. Unless of course you're a man in search of the ideal gift for Mrs. Wonderful.

Ladies are infamously hard to shop for. Essentially because, to some degree, shopping for them always feels like an exam - to find out if you had been listening when they were speaking. (And believe me, this is a test you don't want to fail.) You need to find something that they can enjoy, but which - at the same time - shows that you know and understand them. Not a job for the average guy on the street.

However, even if you are presently experiencing this particular dilemma, help is at hand. Right here, in fact. There are many superb gift suggestions available, and a few are in fact very cool. Here is a short list of several gifts that your particular lady will be thrilled to receive this christmas:

Fossil Clear Resin Bracelet White Glitz Watch

This is truly a very flattering and chic watch. Probably its most eye-catching feature (and the detail that truly sets it from the pack) is the clear resin band; I'm not sure there's another product that is comparable to it sold in the market. Nonetheless, it is decorative, meshes wonderfully with any apparel, and is something that she will treasure forever.

Clarisonic Mia Skin Cleansing System

If ever there were a all-around crowd-pleaser in the gift category, this would seem to be it. This unique skin treatment system gets kudos for treating oily skin, blemishes, dry patches and more. In other words, it will help her have clean, healthy skin. What's more, it's transportable, so she is free to take it wherever she goes.

Hottie Body Wrap

This durable body wrap will not only keep her comfy, but will also soothe aching muscles. She'll absolutely love the way it delicately eases away the day's stress and worry, enabling her to totally relax. (It's so such a stress-reliever, you might want to buy one for your own use!)

In short, if you're finding yourself challenged with respect to choosing that perfect present for the woman in your life, hopefully the 3 items above can provide a simple solution. (Or, if not a solution in and of themselves, they may at a minimum present you with some thoughts or point you in the most suitable direction.) In any case, provided that it is a gift from the heart, you almost certainly can't go wrong. After all, it's the thought that counts.

Please visit our website for more ideas about gifts for women 

3 Great Gifts for Pets

Thinking of getting your pet a cool toy or gift this year? If so, we understand completely. If not... Well, why not? Ever since Rin Tin Tin (and prior to that, in fact), pets have occupied a unique place in the public psyche, as well as their owners' hearts.  That is because they embody a level of devotion that people rarely achieve; they tend to accept you as you are, with no strings attached.

It's no wonder then, that owners often exhibit a tendency to shower their pets with affection: they won't go anywhere without their pooch or kitty (and boycott places where pets aren't allowed); money is no object when discussing their pet's comfort or care;  and they dress them up for holidays, like Halloween and Christmas.

Moreover, owners often have a holiday shopping list for their pet, looking to locate that one great present or toy. It is as tough as shopping for any other member of your family, and let's face it: pets are just as much family as anyone else in your house. With that in mind, below are three cool gifts that your pet would undoubtedly appreciate getting their paws on this Christmas:


Frolicat Interactive Laser Pet Toy
This awesome little device will keep your pet - in particular cats - busy for quite some time. Basically, it generates random laser patterns for your pet to play with. Or, if set in the manual mode, you could point the laser dot anyplace you like and watch your pet pursue it. All in all, it's an incredible toy that your pet is unlikely to tire of.

Scoopfree Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Needless to say, cat owners may get far more benefits out of this gift than the cat (much like the man who buys his wife a bowling ball for their anniversary). There is no cleaning or scooping to deal with, it works for weeks at a time, and owners never have to handle any pet wastes or the like.

Lectro Soft Outside Bed
Your pet will think you're the cat's meow for this cool gift: a heated pet pad. Ideal for either outdoor or indoor use, your pet will have no problem staying warm with this pad - even in cold weather. Additionally, it's especially helpful for older animals.

In short, for those thinking about getting something for their pet this year, each of the three gifts discussed represent a really a nice way to thank your dog or cat for the loyalty and devotion they've shown you while you have been with each other. Believe me, your pet will thank you.


Please visit the author's website for other ideas about gifts for pets

My First Cool Toy Idea: The Scribble & Write

As anyone having a pre-schooler might explain to you, children within the ages of two and five all appear to enjoy several elements in common: they don't really want to have their veggies; they have got endless amounts of stamina (which is in marked contrast to their teen years, when they will behave like almost anything you may try to ask them to try and do is seen as a life-draining project); and they love to write - primarily on the walls. With respect to the last item, if perhaps you ever previously longed-for that writing to become beneficial as opposed to simply arbitrary, the Leapfrog Scribble and Write could be the gift idea for you.

As a good number of you with smaller children are likely to know, Leapfrog can be described as manufacturer that typically puts out gadgets that integrate both learning together with enjoyment. Though I personally can't declare that each and every just one of their offerings hits the mark, a great amount of them do, and the Scribble and Write is actually such an item.

The S&W (shown below) is very much centered on teaching the alphabet, and it comprises several techniques to do so: drawing; tracing upper-case characters; tracing lower-case characters; and guessing characters. It does this by simply providing shapes and letters, indicated y burgandy dots, show up on a traceable writing surface. Following the verbal instructions from the S&W - which is provided with a speech component - a stylus pen (included as well) can then be used to trace the specific article which presents itself. (The stylus, fortuitously, is secured to the S&W, so there's little fear of losing it.)

Regarding drawing, the aim is to get your youngster more comfortable with drawing the lines and curves that form the particular letters of the alphabet. With that in mind, numerous forms - lines, circles, zigzags, etc. - display within the writing area for your kids to trace.

The tracing of upper and lower-case letters functions in virtually identical process, except your child is allowed to choose the letter of the alphabet he / she chooses to draw. (The characters all appear upon compact buttons on the front side of the device.) What's more, the S&W slowly and very carefully describes how the letter is to be drafted. For example, it points out that the letter "L" is usually drawn by just starting at the very top and sketching a line downward, and then making a line across. After completing any tracing activity, your little one pushes the "paw" button (there is a cute little puppy around the S&W) and is informed if they accurately traced the character or not. During the very last teaching method, the S&W drafts characters and asks your tot to correctly select it by hitting the right key.

In brief, the Scribble and Write, to a certain extent, can be viewed as educating by rote. Nevertheless, We cannot really claim that it's so very different than present practices currently being espoused via the education system. Speaking from the view of a person which has a 4-year-old who recognizes his alphabetic characters as well as numbers (not to mention a two-year-old patiently waiting in the wings), I believe it really is a great learning resource. Moreover, our youngsters actually love using it, and most likely don't imagine they are really being taught at all.

You can find other Cool Toy and Gift Ideas at Cool Toys and Gifts