For Single Parents, 10 Gifts Ideas for this Holiday Season
While Santa is putting the final touches on his list of which kids have been naughty or nice, parents everywhere are scrambling to malls, shopping centers, toy stores and onto the Web in search of the perfect holiday gifts for their kids. This year, it’s easier than ever to go over-budget when buying your kids what’s on the top of their holiday wish lists.Among newly divorced parents, absentee parents, and those who feel guilty for having to hold down a job (instead of focusing exclusively on raising their kids), spending a bit extra on their kids’ gifts is all too common.
10 TOP TOY PICKS FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Toys like Barbie dolls, Legos, and classic board games are a proven favorite year after year, and always can be counted on to provide countless hours of fun. This year in particular, anything having to do with Disney’s High School Musical (including the DVDs, books, games, and dolls) are also extremely popular.
For less expensive and collectible toys, Webkinz and Littlest PetShop are extremely popular among kids in the five to ten age group. With the shopping days before Christmas dwindling quickly, the following list features Divorce360’s top 10 toy and gift picks (listed in alphabetical order), should help you easily choose something that’s affordable — and equally important, age-appropriate — for your kids.
1. American Girl dolls.
For anyone with a daughter who plays with dolls, you probably already know that the American Girl dolls (and Bitty Baby dolls for girls, ages three to six) aren’t just another popular toy line. These dolls and their related products, accessories and clothes, have become a nationwide phenomenon. Created in 1986 by Pleasant T. Rowland, the company was acquired by Mattel, Inc. in 1998. These dolls aren’t available at your local toy store, however.
You’ll need to visit an American Girl Place retail store in Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta or Dallas, or visit the Americangirl.com website to purchase them. The dolls themselves are priced around $100 each, however, a wide range of accessories, designer outfits and books are available and sold separately. There’s also a bi-monthly American Girl magazine that makes a great gift. Oh, and a movie is in the works for a July 2008 release. Mattel reports that since 1986, more than 13 million American Girl dolls and 117 million American Girl books have been sold worldwide.
The American Girl Place stores are much more than retail shopping destinations. They’re designed to offer young girls a memorable experience. In addition to displaying all of the dolls, books, outfits, and accessories, these stores feature a live show, an American Girl themed cafe, and even a beauty salon for the dolls that are actually staffed by professional hair stylists.
This season’s offerings from American Girl include the Julie Albright doll and a vast collection of outfits and accessories for her. Julie, whose parents are divorced, is the first new character to join American Girl’s historical line of dolls and books in five years. According to the new series of six books that tell her story (each sold separately), Julie is a nine-year-old girl from San Francisco who is growing up in the 1970s. The 18-inch tall Julie doll’s outfits are colorful and historically accurate.
“The ’70s were a time of profound change. People were adopting new views on politics, on women’s roles, and on concerns for the environment, to name just a few issues,” said Ellen L. Brothers, president of American Girl. “Although the 1970s represented a period of societal upheaval, they were also a time of positive change for many Americans. Our hope is that Julie’s stories can still touch and teach girls of today. More than any American Girl character before her, Julie bridges the past and present and allows moms to share their personal experiences with their daughters. I hope Julie’s stories will inspire girls today to find their own voice, speak up for themselves, and to effect change in their own lives, no matter what obstacles they face.”
Designed for girls, ages eight and up, the new Julie doll bundled with one paperback storybook is priced at $87. The doll with the complete five book set is priced at $150. Several other Julie doll bundles are available. The doll’s Christmas outfit (sold separately, $24) is one of many priced between $22 and $24 each. Everything you need to know about American Girl products can be found online at www.AmericanGirl.com, or by calling (800) 845-0005.
2. Digital music and movie players.
For a few years now, one of the hottest electronic gadgets amongst people of all ages has been the Apple iPod. In time for this holiday season, Apple introduced the new iPod Nano (starting at $149), and the sleek-looking Apple iTouch (starting at $299), which add new features and functionality to these portable digital music/video players. The iTouch is a scaled-down version of the Apple iPhone, but without the cellular phone capabilities and no monthly charges associated with using it. Using the state-of-the-art, 3.5-inch (diagonal) touch screen, users can watch TV shows, movies and music videos download from iTunes or other sources on the Internet.
iTouch also works as a digital music player that stores thousands of songs, plus allows users to keep track of and view their schedule, contacts, and digital photos. When within range of a Wi-Fi hotspot anywhere in the world, the iTouch can be used to surf the web using a built-in version of the Mac’s Safari web browser. It can also access YouTube videos, and download music directly from a Wi-Fi version of iTunes.
The more economical and portable iPod Nano provides much of the functionality of an iPod Classic in terms of allowing users to store and listen to music, music videos, television episodes or movies that have been downloaded from iTunes or other Internet sources. The Nano itself comes in five colors, has an extremely readable, two-inch (diagonal) 320-by-240-resolution display, and overall is extremely compact. (It’s just .26 inches thick and weighs 1.74 ounces). The rechargeable battery lasts about five hours when watching videos or 24 hours when listening to music.
The iPod Classic (starting at $249) offers a larger screen than the iPod Nano, plus more memory for storing video, picture and audio files. All of the iPod models and iTouch are available from Apple stores (800-MY-APPLE), as well as from the Apple website (www.apple.com), and from consumer electronics retailers nationwide. While all of the models come with everything a user needs to connect the iPod or iTouch to their PC or Mac-based computer and recharge the unit’s batteries, to keep the unit and its screen clean and safe, an optional case is definitely recommended. All of the units come with headphones but work with higher-quality, third-party headphones and external speaker systems. The units can also be connected to car or home stereo systems. If someone already has an iPod, there are literally hundreds of accessories available that also make great gifts.
3. Eyeclops handheld bionic eye.
Think of this toy as a modern, kid-friendly microscope, but with a handful of fun features built into it. The EyeClops is a high-tech, handheld gadget that allows the user to see any object at 200 times its regular size when the unit is connected to any television set. The EyeClops is an award-winning toy that is recommended for kids between the ages of six and 11. It’s both fun and educational. It’s manufactured by Jakks Pacific, and available from toy stores everywhere, including Toys ‘R Us, Amazon.com, Target, and Wal-Mart.
4. Guitar hero III: legends of rock.
Available for many of the popular video game systems, including the Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3, Guitar Hero III allows the gamer to pretend they’re a rock star and play a video game adaptation of an electric guitar (that connects to the game system instead of a controller). More than 70 rock ‘n roll songs are built into the game, which is suitable for players over the age of 12. Of course, there’s also a challenging game element to Guitar Hero III.
“Where there is music this holiday season, there is Guitar Hero, and we’re excited to deliver Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock as the ultimate guitar-bending experience for our fans,” says Dusty Welch, head of publishing for Activision/RedOctane. “With an amazing set list, added game play features, online functionality, and new wireless guitars, aspiring rock stars are going to shred harder than ever before.”
The Guitar Hero III game alone is priced around $60, however, to really experience the thrill of being a musician, players will definitely want to get their hands on the wireless Guitar Hero X-plorer Controller (sold separately for $59.99). Game and guitar bundles are available for between $100 and $130.
A compatible video game system (Nintendo’s Wii, Microsoft’s XBox 360, or Sony’s PlayStation 2 or PlayStation 3 is also required and sold separately. One thing that sets this game apart is that it offers an immersive concert experience which is truly interactive when played with the guitar controllers. The game is published by Activision, is rated T, and is available wherever video games are sold.
5. Your own story kit.
The IlluStory Make Your Own Story Kit comes with everything a child (between the ages of six and nine) needs to create, illustrate and write their own storybook. When the manuscript is complete, it gets mailed into the Creations By You company, which then publishes the child’s creation as a professional looking, nicely bound, full-color, 18-page hardcover storybook.
It will be a welcome addition and wonderful keepsake in any child’s library. IlluStory allows a child to tap into their imagination, use their creativity and artistic skills, plus learn about the book publishing process. Illustrations can be created by hand, using colorful markers (included), or designed on the computer using the IlluStory Web site. IlluStory is manufactured by Creations By You and is priced under $25. Other similarly priced products from this company allow kids to create their own photo books, calendars, plates, clocks, mugs, and watches. The IlluStory kit is sold at toy stores and through Amazon.com.
6. Leapfrog leapster learning.
Video games have changed the way kids and teens entertain themselves. While Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft offer video game systems designed almost exclusively for entertainment purposes, Leapfrog has developed an electronic gaming system that offers kids (ages four to 10) educational and edutainment titles (each sold separately in the form of interchangeable cartridges). The Leapfrog Leapster looks like an oversized Nintendo Game Boy and is designed to be held with two hands. The built-in, full-color touch-screen is where all of the action takes place. In addition to the touch-screen, game control buttons are located on both sides of the unit, which also has a built-in speaker (or it can be connected to headphones when on-the-go).
This is an ideal toy for traveling because it’s portable, battery-powered and can provide countless hours of fun, especially if the child can switch between game cartridges. Each game title is designed to teach letter names, phonics skills, rhyming, spelling, numbers, basic math, music and/or artistic expression, and stars some of the most popular children’s characters from television and movies.
Having won numerous awards for its design and educational content, more than 40 game cartridges are now available and are priced around $25 each. Popular Disney, Nickelodeon and Thomas The Tank Engine characters, along with DC Comics’ superheroes, are among the stars of the various games and learning activities. The Leapster system is priced at $59.99. It’s available from toy stores, mass-market retailers (such as Target and Wal-Mart), as well as consumer electronics stores nationwide.
7. Monopoly banking edition.
Hasbro’s classic board game Monopoly has been reinvented multiple times over the years, with several special themed editions currently available. This new edition, however, takes the game into the 21st century by utilizing an innovative electronic banking system instead of paper money. Designed for two to six players, between the ages of eight and adult, Monopoly Electronic Banking Edition comes with the familiar game board, houses, hotels, dice and all other game play accessories, including Monopoly Bank Cards (which work like credit cards) for buying real estate and managing money.
This game still teaches core lessons in economics, competition, strategy, and finance. All financial transactions are conducted using the game’s bank card system. Otherwise, the classic rules of the game remain intact. Priced just under $35, Monopoly Electronic Baking Edition is available wherever toys and board games are sold. Of course, the classic Monopoly game, which recently celebrated its 70th anniversary, is still available.
8. Nintendo DS.
Since the 1980s when the first Nintendo Game Boy handheld video game system was introduced, Nintendo has dominated this area of electronic interactive entertainment. Over the years, the Game Boy has undergone major technological innovations, while always allowing players on-the-go to experience versions of some of the most popular video games ever created. Today, Nintendo, with its Nintendo DS handheld gaming system, has once again reinvented portable video gaming and has taken it to a more realistic, immersive and interactive level than ever before.
According to Nintendo, more than six million Nintendo DS portable video game systems have already sold in the United States during 2007 (as of November 30, 2007), which translates to a new system being sold every five seconds. While the design of the Nintendo DS is state-of-the-art, it’s ultimately the games available for it that make it so popular.
With more than 100 games now available for this system, many starring some of Nintendo’s most beloved and well-known characters, it’s no wonder why kids, teens, and even adults want to get their hands on a DS system this holiday season. Super Mario Bros., Mario Kart DS, Pokemon Diamond, Super Mario 64 DS, Brain Age, Pokemon Pearl, Animal Crossing: Wild World, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, and four separate versions of Nintendogs (a realistic virtual pet dog simulator), are all among the best-selling game titles for the DS system (each sold separately).
What’s great about the Nintendo DS system is that many of the available games are kid and family-friendly, which make them ideal for young people to play at home or while traveling. Each game title provides countless hours of challenges and entertainment, and in many cases, multi-player capabilities. DS systems can be linked together to experience games against other players.
The Nintendo DS system ($129.99) comes is several colors, is battery powered, and has two built-in screens (including one touch screen), plus built-in stereo speakers. A wide range of games are available for people of all ages, so it’s important to choose specific titles that are age-appropriate for the child you’re shopping for. Games, which are sold separately, are priced between $19 and $35 each. Nintendo DS and compatible games are available wherever video games are sold.
9. Nintendo WII.
Thanks to technology that’s evolving incredibly quickly, interactive video game entertainment has come a very long way since the days of Pong, Tetris, Pac-Man, and Space Invaders. Today’s video games feature photorealistic, three-dimensional graphics, surround-sound and multi-million dollar production/development budgets that rival many Hollywood blockbuster films. Taking video games to yet another level of interactivity, Nintendo has once again set the bar with its new Wii (pronounced ‘We’ not ‘Why’) system. In addition to offering state-of-the-art graphics and sound, plus online multiplayer capabilities and a wide range of other gaming functions, the majority of Wii games utilize special controllers that require full-body movements in order to control a game.
So, when you play a bowling simulation, for example, you’ll need to use your entire arm to launch the ball, just as you would at a real-life bowling alley. While Sony’s PlayStation 3 and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 also offer state-of-the-art technologies, these other gaming systems don’t have the large library of family-friendly, non-violent games that Nintendo is famous for. All of Nintendo’s popular characters, from Mario Bros. and Pokemon to Donkey Kong and Zelda, have been reinvented for the Wii system, creating more detailed, realistic and challenging adventures that ever before. For families with kids, the Wii will definitely change and improve how kids and families enjoy their interactive entertainment. Nintendo’s Wii is priced at $249.95. Games are sold separately and range in price from $19.99 to $59.99. The system connects to any television set.
The Wii and compatible games are available wherever video games are sold, although many retailers are already sold out of the system and some of the most popular game titles, so you may have to shop around to get your hands on one this holiday season. When choosing specific games, be sure you select titles that are age appropriate for the person you’re shopping for. While many Wii games are family-friendly, others have more action or violent themes that are not suitable for young players. Some of the sports simulations might also be too complicated for young children. Pay attention to each video game title’s rating (which is similar to a movie rating) that’s displayed on the game’s packaging.
10. T.J. Bearytales bear.
Designed for kids between the ages of three and six, Hasbro’s T.J. Bearytales Animated Plus Bear ($49.99) is an adorable, 13.5-inch tall plush teddy bear who is battery powered and has moveable eyes, ears, mouth, and arms. Using interchangeable cartridges (sold separately), T.J. Bearytales tells stories, sings songs and entertains young kids with a variety of interactive activities.
This toy is somewhat similar to Teddy Ruxpin (who made his debut in the 1980s), although T.J. Bearytales is more technologically advanced. All of the game and activity cartridges available for T.J. Bearytales come with accompanying storybooks. T.J. Bearytales is available from toy stores nationwide and operates using four D” batteries (not included). The bear comes with one story cartridge. Additional cartridges are available for $10 to $15 each.While this is a wonderful toy designed to entertain kids, it’s not too suitable for travel. Many of the activities and games require kids to move around, plus all have an audio component (heard through the bear’s built-in speakers) that can’t be muted or listened to using headphones.
TREAT YOUR KIDS TO AN EXPERIENCE
As a single and potentially absentee parent, it’s extremely easy to walk into a toy or consumer electronics store and spend a fortune on your child in order to win their affection. However, no amount of money spent makes up for not spending quality time with your kids — even if it’s only on weekends (or whenever your joint custody arrangement dictates). During the holiday season, instead of overspending on toys and gifts for your kids, consider investing your money in memorable experiences — such as a trip to Disney World or New York City, a visit to a local zoo, or tickets to a show, circus, sporting event or concert. Consider taking your kids to a special event happening in your city, or participating in other activities that allow you to spend quality time with your children in order to bond. They will likely remember these experiences far longer than they can use or recall any toy or electronic device received.
Sure, every kid or teen would be thrilled to get a new iPod or video game system, but chances are, they’d really prefer to spend one-on-one time with their parent, especially after experiencing the turmoil of a divorce. This holiday season and throughout the year, focus on showing love and support to your children, instead of trying to buy their affection or outspend your former spouse in an effort to give your kids bigger or more extravagant gifts.
