Reviews for $20-50
Zolo Linko (by Kushies)$32.00 at Kushies |
These Zolo Linko teethers by Kushies are a nice interactive set because they include little Zolo creatures your teeny grandchildren will enjoy holding and hugging. These creatures are the soft additions among other interesting textures and shapes that can satisfy an array of finicky little fingers and gums. You’ll find raised dots and stripes, highly polished and matte finished plastic rings and unique shapes. One pretzel-shaped teether has squiggly etched lines, and if the colors were brown with off-white (read, milk chocolate drizzled with white chocolate…), instead of white with black, it would look good enough to eat! Of course, the contrast of black and white together is now known to be helpful in infant development (three of the links are black and white). Kushies has also included plenty of other fun, vibrant colors perfect for your playful tot. All of the individual teethers link together to make a long chain, or can be parceled into smaller chains for strollers, car seats, restaurants, etc. The Zolo Linko set is “Parents’ Choice Approved.” and makes a great gift!

| Buy Now |
to learn more at our trusted vendor's website |
This rocket ship by International Playthings is great for toddlers, as there are no small or complicated parts. It’s also great for preschoolers who are at the height of their imaginary play phase. Although made of plastic, it’s of quality construction with lots of fun accents you might find in a real space shuttle (cockpit, cargo hold, microwave, Murphy bed, toilet, etc.). In addition to the rocket ship, the set includes 2 astronauts, space dog, alien, dune buggy, and moon crater. And, of course, there is a button that when pushed, takes kids through the “lift off” sequence (10, 9, 8… lift off!), simulates other rocket sounds, and lights up the “boosters.” A really fun and popular toy!
| Buy Now |
to learn more at our trusted vendor's website |
Your older granddaughter will feel good about being bundled up in this fair trade patchwork wool scarf that is hand-made by women artisans in Nepal. Since each scarf is hand-crafted, every one is wonderfully unique! The program in which the artisans participate is called Sana Hastakala. Started by UNICEF, it helps underprivileged artisans with business and community development. Choose this scarf, or browse through World of Good’s beautiful selection, from wools, to rayons and silks. And don’t forget to check out all of the different products World of Good makes available via fair trade programs throughout the world.
| Buy Now |
to learn more at our trusted vendor's website |
This is a gift that keeps giving… all year if you wish! Different craft kits are mailed to your grandchild each month, based on the child’s age, gender, and interests. You can choose from standard or deluxe kits, and purchase 3-, 6-, or 12-months worth. The first shipment is sent 1-3 days after an order is placed (unless it is a holiday advance order) and subsequent shipments are made around the 1st or 14th of each month, depending upon when the initial shipment is sent. You can choose the kits yourself, have ChildCrafter select the kits based on information that you provide, or include a survey in your grandchild’s first shipment. Examples of kits include soap-making, candy-making, sewing, needlepoint, painting, coloring, jewelry-making, decorating, and more. Kit manufacturers include ALEX, Curiosity Kits, Quincrafts, and Dimensions, all reputable and kid-tested companies. Shipping cost is additional. Recommended for kids ages 4+.
| Buy Now |
to learn more at our trusted vendor's website |
Dolce Mia Designs, a family-owned business, has been creating beautifully crafted gifts since 1995. Their vintage inspired designs bring smiles to our faces — we own several pieces! Their children’s and baby lines, in particular, boast a unique combination of playfulness and warmth reminiscent of the toys and activities of earlier generations. Choose from several new Wall Art pieces (shown here), frames, clocks, note cards, photo albums, brag books, placemats and growth charts. And you can combine different pieces within the same theme — for instance, a picture frame and clock both with the “construction truck” pattern. Themes range from “princess,” “fairies,” and “ballerina,” for girls, to “space,” “firefighter,” “race cars” and “trains” for boys, among others. And if you’re in need of a baby gift, look no further! Noah’s Arc, a baby chick, little lamb, and even a little “Cupie,” make appearances in this adorable collection of memorable gifts.

| Buy Now |
to learn more at our trusted vendor's website |
This chess set is great for kids just learning chess (5 or 6 and up), or for older grandchildren and anyone who already loves the game. The faces of the pieces are designed to get a chuckle, and young kids will love the way the rubber pieces feel in their hands. The entire set — plastic board with circles instead of squares, muppet-like faces, and modern colors — gives the game a fun makeover. A carrying case is included.
| Buy Now |
to learn more at our trusted vendor's website |
What a wonderful way to document your grandchild’s early years! The First Adventures of Incredible You, published by Custom Made for Kids (created by two moms), is a personalized children’s book about the everyday experiences of a young child — your grandchild. You help write the story, by providing the names of special people and places in your grandchild’s life (including you!). From splashing in rain puddles to cheering on a favorite team to smelling a beloved family food, the book tells the story they can most easily relate to. The publisher’s website has a great FAQ page that answers all types of questions, like how the story accommodates multiple siblings, if a child is adopted, a twin, etc. Great for kids ages 0-8, the book is the winner of the 2007 iParenting Media Award Winner for Outstanding Product in the Gift category. We are sure that this is one story your grandchild won’t want to miss!
| Buy Now |
to learn more at our trusted vendor's website |
Eyeclops Bionic Eye is a great educational toy for kids 6-12, or younger, with supervision, who will never look at their everyday surroundings in the same way again. Objects become 200 times their size when viewed through the fun hand-held device, and then projected using LED lights onto a TV screen. An observation dish and clear tube are included to allow kids to view things like liquids and insects more easily. It’s more powerful than a magnifying glass and unlike a microscope, there’s no fuss — it hooks up directly into any television and the imaging is great. Mom and Dad will love joining in the fun, and also appreciate the educational value in this perfect gift.
| Buy Now |
to learn more at our trusted vendor's website |
You don’t have to be middle-aged (and male) to appreciate a nice sports car. And you don’t have to be all grown up to appreciate a beautifully-crafted wooden toy car. This sportster is just one of many modern Automoblox model do-it-yourself car kits, including coupe, SUV, and compact for eco-concious kids. Every component in the Automoblox system is interchangeable: wheels, tires, roofs and wooden bodies, so the possibilities are endless. A great toy!
| Buy Now |
to learn more at our trusted vendor's website |
Strategy game aficionados agree that Settlers of Catan deserves all of the accolades and awards it’s received over the past decade. It’s a game that’s accessible, easy to learn, and thus, easy to recruit other players. In order to keep things interesting, the game board changes each time you play. We won’t go into the details of how this works, but just know that these variables add up to quite an intriguing game! Players build settlements, roads and villages, and become masters at the art of trading. Oh… and they also need to deal with a roaming thief! This is a game for older children — ages 12 and up.
| Buy Now |
to learn more at our trusted vendor's website |