This holiday season, toy manufactuers kept our budgets in mind. So while there are some exciting toys with higher price tags, it has never been easier to find great toys for the season for under $30. Below is the Hot 20 list, and for the full list of hot toys for the season, go to
www.thetoyinsider.com
The Toy Insider’s “Hot 20” Toys for the 2009 Holiday Season
0-2 Years
Elmo Tickle Hands – Mattel’s Fisher-Price
Mega Bloks Play ‘N Go Table – Mega Bran…
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Added by Laurie Schacht on October 27, 2009 at 2:41pm —
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While there are many trends to discuss this year, what makes the top of the trend list will be the price! The Toy Insider list that’s posted here does not have a single toy over $100….and many are under $30. As parents, we will not disappoint our kids for the holidays. There’s nothing better than the excitement when our children are ripping open their gifts. I remember when my oldest (now 19) was little….every time she opened a gift she would say “I always wanted this my whole life”, and my husb…
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Added by Laurie Schacht on October 14, 2009 at 10:00am —
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What is a mom's fantasy while in the throws of a children's birthday party? Well, I stumbled on to the answer just this week.
Thanks to our high humidity and oppressive temperatures, my head has felt like a rhino has been sitting on my temple all week. Although staying at home with my netty pot and a steamy shower sounded like good doctors advise for my sinuses, the boys and I received a birthday invitation that we just couldn't ignore.
Read full version at…
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Added by Emily on August 17, 2009 at 2:30am —
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I'm a whole lot better at mommy-hood with others by my side.
Others like you.
So here's what I'm thinking...
I mentioned before that I've been writing a book for moms. One of the things that inspired me to do this was the encouragement I saw among moms in the blogging world...
One mom would post about her child being sick, and she'd be flooded with words of hope and comfort. Another mom would post about the birth of her newest baby, and she'd be showered with congratulations.
I love when pe…
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Added by Genny on June 22, 2009 at 1:00pm —
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By nature, women are nurturers—the ones always helping others. While it’s admirable that we are always trying to be there for others, between work and family, our lives can get chaotic. In striving to be
SuperMom, we often forget how and when to say no. Then, being overcommitted with no time for ourselves, we’re left feeling frazzled, burnt-out, despondent and not much good to anyone.
Fortunately,…
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Added by Kaira Sturdivant Rouda on May 1, 2009 at 10:02am —
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Ever since
we saw her first concert, Miley Cyrus won me over! She performs like a rock star singing her heart out and gives each show her all. And after meeting her, I was convinced Billy Ray's real talent is in raising his daughter... not singing or haircuts!!! I personally am excited to take Nick and his friends to see this kid flick. I am anticipating an "afterschool special" type of message. Wouldn't that be nice…
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Added by HappyHourMom on April 21, 2009 at 7:30am —
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We are on Spring Break this week. I have been planning activities to keep us busy and yesterday we had no plans. I started to panic. Would boredom set in? Nope, we have Wii!!! My son grabbed the bag we keep our Wii games in and spread them out the length of the couch. "Wow Mom, which one should we play first???" Then he began to do the ennie-meenie- minenie- moe thing. Five minutes and 16 verses later he had picked Wii Fit. We played, um I mean exercised for almost 2 hours laughing, jumping, hul…
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Added by HappyHourMom on April 20, 2009 at 7:30am —
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A Spring "Break" that Lasts ALL Year long!
There's so much to share, I don't really know where to begin...
The Entertainment Capital of L.A.,Universal Studios gives you a rare glimpse into the world of movie making. Taking a Tram Studio Tour through one of the world's largest working movie and studio lot makes Universal Studios a one of a kind experience. *Trams go Hi Def in June, 2009 with new flat-screen HD monitors installed in each Tram car.
Finally, a place that caters to the tween/teen…
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Added by HappyHourMom on April 18, 2009 at 7:30am —
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Start your day at Breakfast with Shamu. You'll get a seat next to Sea World's biggest star, plus enjoy an-all-you-care-to-eat buffet that will take care of even the biggest appetites well into the afternoon. *We didn't get a chance to do this, but I hear it's is one of the best kept secrets in the park.
It's Show Time!!! Let's face it, Sea World is all about the shows and who doesn't love shows?
Our hands down favorite is... The Shamu Show: Believe
We had the totally random good fortune to be…
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Added by HappyHourMom on April 17, 2009 at 10:31pm —
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Kidspace children's museum is a hidden gem nestled in the Rose Bowl area of Pasadena in Southern California. An easy drive from most areas in L.A. and the O.C.
This hands-on museum is one-of-a-kind and will keep the attention of wide range of ages from 2-10. Admission is only $9. (the price of a movie) for several hours of learning disguised as fun! And that, my friends is the best kind!! I recommend bringing a friend for you and the kiddos, the more the merrier, right?!…
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Added by HappyHourMom on March 31, 2009 at 9:05pm —
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Spring Break is just around the corner which means the kids will be out of school. If you're anything like me you'll do anything to keep from hearing those dreaded three words "Mom, I'm Bored". So here's the deal, I will be posting the top places to take your kiddos in 2009. Check back for ideas on where to go...
Mom, don't forget- plan activities for the kids' spring break!
Here's where you come in... got a great idea? Share it! Already made plans? Where are you going?…
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Added by HappyHourMom on March 31, 2009 at 8:00pm —
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Winter Parties at home can be a challenge so here are some ideas to encourage you. For older children, 8 and up, ask for their help in planning the party. Pick a theme and stick to it. Choose food, decorations and any activity you plan on doing all around the theme. This helps keep it semi organized and within a budget. If your child’s birthday coincides nicely with one of the many holidays or national days from January – May, use that as the basis for your theme. i.e. Chinese New Year, Presiden…
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Added by Beth Ann Bentley on January 28, 2009 at 9:29pm —
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Our lives have become so busy...and not just ours, but our kids lives too! When my 13 year old tells me how quickly the year is passing by, I know that there's just too much going on. We can all give advice on finding time (I make it a point to have dinner together every Sunday night, and at least 2 nights during the week) but it's really hard. My youngest loves CSI...so that's become a mom/dad/daughter event every Monday (she only likes Miami, not New York). But what else can you do to keep you…
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Added by The Toy Insider Mom on November 14, 2008 at 4:24pm —
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Well believe it or not, it is that time of year—the
Fruits & Veggies—More Matters® Month. Really, there is a month long event, of sorts, dedicated to adding just one more fruit or vegetable to your family’s diet. It is a noble cause; many children (and adults) don’t get close to getting their suggested daily intake of fruits and vegetables. The USDA recommends 5 servings. Some new research state we should get more like 9 servings. However, the average child is getting more like 2-3 se…
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Added by Beth Ann Bentley on September 16, 2008 at 11:56am —
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So, we’re finally moving. The big day has arrived. As I pack, paint, and dream about life in a larger, newer, safer, nicer, fresher and more open house I reach for something that has fallen behind the bookcase.
And I touch…
Cat vomit.
Now, I realize that you find strange and sundry things when you move. A stray sock here, an old wrapper there, a toy, a broken remote. But cat vomit. Behind a bookcase. A bookcase that to my knowledge has never been away from the wall.
OK, I love my cats. I real…
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Added by Sugar and Sprouts on July 23, 2008 at 2:06pm —
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On Saturday July 19, 2008 I will celebrate the opening of my Children's Consignment Boutique-- The Be Hive with a Grand Opening Celebration! I'd like to invite all readers to join me as my special guest...mention Hybrid Mom and receive an additional 20%off your entire purchase (all other discounts still apply). WOW --where can you get a deal like that?! Bring your kids, friends and family for face painting, hair wrapping, sidewalk chalk art contests, bubbles, deep discounts on summer clothing an…
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Added by Amy Middleton on July 16, 2008 at 6:33pm —
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Ah, the lives we lead.
Do you ever wake up and wonder where you are? Not in a bad way, but in a weird dream-induced coma kinda way that makes you lay there for a few minutes. In wonder. In a calm sense of joy.
Then the cat jumps on your very full bladder, and you feel like you’re gonna explode with pee. Then as he nimbly leaps away, his claws dig cruelly into your belly and all bets are off. The day takes a tumble for the chasm looming below normal life. And you start to almost enjoy wallowing…
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Added by Sugar and Sprouts on July 16, 2008 at 9:47am —
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So, I have been told I confuse people. I sometimes feel like I’m a little Donny and a little Marie.
I turn off the water while I brush my teeth. I recycle pretty much everything, and even bring scraps of paper home from work to recycle. I compost. I buy
organic. I would love to have the money to own a Prius. I support the Democratic Party but believe they have gone too mainstream, too center. I am not that politically active, but I hav…
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Added by Sugar and Sprouts on July 8, 2008 at 11:40am —
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Violence to a child is still violence. And it sucks.
I know I have spent a long blog post on this topic already, but it pisses me off and breaks my heart at the same time. Here goes…
A woman in our play group was going on about how appalled she was about something that happened to her friend the other day. Not realizing which party in the story was her friend I was at first confused, and then put my size ten foot in my mouth. Then I thought better of it…
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Added by Sugar and Sprouts on July 7, 2008 at 1:30am —
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My daughter was due in mid February. She was born two months early. My intelligent mind tells me it wasn’t my fault – I did nothing to make this happen and today, she is healthy and strong. My intelligent mind can reason. My emotional heart can’t forgive. I know it isn’t rational but there it is.
I was not able to protect her when she needed it most. So perhaps I may overindulge a bit now in my tendency to control her environment. (I’m sorry but those grapes really, really DO need to be quarter…
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Added by Sugar and Sprouts on June 28, 2008 at 1:00am —
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thetoyinsider.com is live for 2009
Sinus Congestion - Mom's New Fantasy?
Chime in on Mom-Mondays....
Learning to Say No
Places To Take The Kids for Spring Break (series)...The Hannah Montana Movie
The Winter Birthday Party-The Indoor Party
Generational Toys
Cat Vomit and Other Grossness
GRAND OPENING!!
