https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 26 May 2026 00:57:24 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2795325 Fri, 05 Jan 2018 20:52:45 +0000 skipra 2795325@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hits:<br /> Leapstart was a surprise hit with the 3.5 and 5 year olds. I was looking for something to help keep them busy on car rides or when it's nasty out that is not a screen. The kids like how interactive they are and I like that they are book and not screen based. The 3.5 year old likes the Paw Patrol book and the 5 year old likes that and the STEM book.</p> <p>Legos and new combo lego/train table also a big hit. We had a train table before so the lego table is currently getting more use. </p> <p>Transformers</p> <p>Hatching reptile eggs. Put them in water and the lizard hatches out then grows bigger. Those things were such a hit and now that they are hatched the kids measure them and see how much they grow and shrink as they take them in and out of the water. Best bang for the buck, for sure as they cost less than a dollar!</p> <p>Misses include the yo-yos from MIL (more weapon than toy and didn't last long!), Sea Patroller (super excited about it but barely touch it), waffle blocks (too complicated for the 15 month old and can't compete with the Legos for older kids) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2795295 Fri, 05 Jan 2018 18:49:33 +0000 imadreamer 2795295@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a 4 1/2 year old and a 2 1/2 year old.<br /> The biggest hits were:<br /> - PJ Masks talking figures: <a href="https://www.target.com/p/pj-masks-deluxe-talking-figure-set/-/A-51422348#lnk=sametab" rel="nofollow">https://www.target.com/p/pj-masks-deluxe-talking-figure-set/-/A-51422348#lnk=sametab</a></p> <p>-M&amp;D Ice cream stand: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Wooden-Scoop-Counter/dp/B01B1V10KA/ref=sr_1_5?s=toys-and-games&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1515195658&#038;sr=1-5&#038;keywords=melissa+and+doug+ice+cream" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Wooden-Scoop-Counter/dp/B01B1V10KA/ref=sr_1_5?s=toys-and-games&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1515195658&#038;sr=1-5&#038;keywords=melissa+and+doug+ice+cream</a></p> <p>- Kidkraft dollhouse</p> <p>-Dresses for their dolls and some doll furniture/accessories.</p> <p>- Kwik stix tempera paint: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013HO4OR0/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I14EH8X0Y6HSP6&#038;colid=8TMNIN5ZS19V&#038;psc=0" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013HO4OR0/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I14EH8X0Y6HSP6&#038;colid=8TMNIN5ZS19V&#038;psc=0</a></p> <p>Misses:<br /> 2 1/2 year old wasn't as interested in her own big girl doll.. She still only wants to play with her sister's doll.<br /> Sticker mosaics - but could be because they have gotten these before<br /> M&amp;D numbers and alphabet puzzles</p> <p>Regarding Osmo - it's a hit at our house too! My 4 1/2 year old just likes Monster and Tangram. I heard the creative kit is 70% off at some Target stores now! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794916 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 15:53:42 +0000 Dahlia 2794916@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Biggest hits with my 2.5 year old were:</p> <p>- Doctor kit<br /> - Beauty case: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Theo-Klein-Braun-Beauty-Case/dp/B000P3908A" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Theo-Klein-Braun-Beauty-Case/dp/B000P3908A</a> (she loves the hairdryer)<br /> - Melissa and Doug salad set<br /> - Playmobil dollhouse. (We actually haven't given her this yet, but she was playing with a similar one at a friend's and spent FOREVER playing with it) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794909 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 15:40:25 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2794909@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsADS: how did you know the M&amp;D car carrier would be a good gift? I feel like my LO is not into cars and trucks except pointing them out. :bummed: That carrier is the kind of toy we would want him to have. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794877 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 14:27:56 +0000 jhd 2794877@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gingerbebe: I will check out that CD. We have some Christian kids cds but DH won’t listen to them. They are definitely not musically interesting, but they are songs I remember from Sunday school growing up. I would love to add some better CDs to our car collection!</p> <p>ETA I just found them on Spotify so we can preview! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794875 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 14:19:40 +0000 wrkbrk 2794875@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@muffinsmuffins: Adding this to my cart right now!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794872 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 13:55:19 +0000 erinbaderin 2794872@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PinkElephant: The stick horse was our winning gift too! B got a brown one, W got a black and white one, and all they do these days is gallop around our living room yelling "Neigh-hay-hay-hay!" and feeding their horses apples. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794869 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 13:41:18 +0000 PinkElephant 2794869@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The gift that won Christmas: My 3.5 year old got a pink and purple unicorn "stick horse" she saw at a friends' house - seriously, $12 from Toys R Us. She named it Butterscotch and slept with it for days. It was adorable.</p> <p>Overall other hits (for a 5.5 yr old girl, 3.5 yr old girl, and their 1 year old sister, who wanted in on everything) were:</p> <p>- Our Generation Vet Clinic (Target)<br /> - Lalaloopsy Storm E.'s Camper &amp; Lalaloopsy Paint Can blind bags (more little plastic dolls that can trade clothes/hair) - Toys R Us<br /> - Hatchimals Collegtibles (they just liked the eggs/toys, not the accessories - see our misses below)<br /> - Vtech Puppy (1 year old - she loves pulling it around, though she can't walk)<br /> - Vtech star activity table (the big girls like this more than the 1 year old I think!)</p> <p>Overall misses, though few, were:</p> <p>- Frozen-themed Trouble game - it was too hard for even the 5.5 year old to understand moving multiple pieces at once<br /> - Hatchimals Collegtibles Nursery - for whatever reason, they just didn't care much about this playground themed playset. The 5.5 year old liked it better than the 3.5 year old; I think the pieces were hard to move for the 3.5 year old.<br /> - Bike basket and pom poms for a balance bike - since big sis got a big girl bike, little sis got a basket for her balance bike as a consolation prize - she didn't really care.</p> <p>They also liked other blind bag stocking stuffers (Puppy in my Pocket/Kitty in my Pocket, which come with carriers), Little Live pet Birds (these were behavior rewards before Christmas), and their own hard-side suitcases in colorful patterns. Oh, and some furniture - beds and sofas - for their American Girl dolls, but these didn't get as much use so far as I thought they might. </p> <p>One last thing - these weren't super exciting b/c the girls have had them before, but I really recommend them to anyone gifting to 4-5 year olds (and up) who like crafts - even my 3.5 year old can do them independently, and they're great for fine motor skills/strength, number practice, etc: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Orb-Factory-Plushcraft-Penguin-Pillow/dp/B00RXXOFAI" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Orb-Factory-Plushcraft-Penguin-Pillow/dp/B00RXXOFAI</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794867 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 13:34:39 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2794867@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>4.5 year old girl:<br /> Wanted a "big girl computer" like mom and dad (we both have laptops), so we bought a keyboard/cover kid for an iPad mini, loaded a few educational games on there (PBS Kids, Code-a-Pillar, ABC Mouse, some coloring book apps), and it's been a big hit (and is helping teach screen time limits)</p> <p>Other stuff we added:<br /> Science Kit (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035EQDTU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&#038;psc=1" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035EQDTU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&#038;psc=1</a>): big hit, getting a lot of play</p> <p>Bow and Arrow: (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MV1MWZC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&#038;psc=1" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MV1MWZC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&#038;psc=1</a>) - she's been playing with a similar one at a friend's house, so she was super excited to see this</p> <p>She got more Magnatiles from my brother, which she also wanted to supplement her existing ones, she loves those. My mom got her a tablet that has an Etch-A-Sketch pad and some letters that move around the board for writing/letter practice. That's kinda lukewarm for now. One of the other big hits was a set of princess dominoes (like this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Disney-Princess-Dominoes-by-Cardinal/dp/B0089R022C/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1515004414&#038;sr=8-6&#038;keywords=princess+dominoes)" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Disney-Princess-Dominoes-by-Cardinal/dp/B0089R022C/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1515004414&#038;sr=8-6&#038;keywords=princess+dominoes)</a> that a friend gifted her. She's obsessed with them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794864 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 13:27:36 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2794864@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: Thanks for this! My kid wanted a "big kid computer" for Christmas, so we bought a keyboard/cover kit for an iPad mini and loaded a bunch of learning games on it. This looks awesome. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794852 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 13:03:15 +0000 Adira 2794852@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@muffinsmuffins: My boys would love that!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794847 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 12:56:48 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2794847@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, yes I styled out LO’s gift during his nap at Christmas and took a picture. :silly: He’s 20 months. </p> <p>Big hits: IKEA play kitchen, Hape cut play food and IKEA pots and utensils, board books: Llama LLama and ABC, Rudolph that lights up and plays a tune.</p> <p>Ok: blue &amp; yellow puppet. </p> <p>Not winners were his stocking stuffers: pin wheel and poseable action figure. LO just doesn’t have the patience to play with them.</p> <p>[attach=3033/18/p1zr6o.361x600.064DC5F5-2621-46DD-99E8-4A6C0FB97C7C.jpeg] </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794843 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 12:51:58 +0000 muffinsmuffins 2794843@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wrkbrk: <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hot-Wheels-Stunt-Go-Truck/54987086" rel="nofollow">https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hot-Wheels-Stunt-Go-Truck/54987086</a></p> <p>Plus it comes with like 15 different cars! I got ours at Costco. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794834 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 12:35:20 +0000 wrkbrk 2794834@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@muffinsmuffins: OOO could you share the link for the elastic racetrack thing? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794822 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 12:03:18 +0000 gingerbebe 2794822@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our boys are 39 months and 19 months.</p> <p>We got the Ikea play kitchen, Ikea's pots, pans, utensils, and baking set. We also got the little matching table and 2 chair set. Both were/are a hit.</p> <p>The relatives got them play food from Learning Resources and Melissa and Doug and they are a wonderful compliment. The kids already had the Little Tikes shopping cart, so they like to play "Costco" and buy groceries and then play restaurant. </p> <p>The nice thing about having the play kitchen is that its translated into the boys wanting to help a lot more in the kitchen. DS1 has also really gotten into wanting to make "pupcakes" :grin: </p> <p>We got an indoor trampoline with handle from Grandma, and it hasn't been used quite as much as we thought, but its not SUPER cold out yet, so it may get more use as the weather becomes problematic.</p> <p>For art supplies, we got Play Foam and some new Play Doh implements/tools for our existing Play Doh. Both guys love them. Between those 2 things, the kids have been doing some pretty (clean) art projects at the table. </p> <p>For Christian parents out there, we got our first Seeds Family Worship CD as a gift from a relative and its wonderful. The songs are pro quality, well produced music that even parents can enjoy, but the lyrics are wholly just passages of scripture. We got the Seeds of Faith CD and DH wants to buy more because he likes the songs and so do the kids. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794811 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 11:53:34 +0000 muffinsmuffins 2794811@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS is 3. Total hits were:</p> <p>Hungry hungry hippos game (we are keeping the marbles in a bag and only take them out to play) we’ve played it 5000 times!</p> <p>Hot wheels slingshot/loop set that uses an elastic to sling the cars around the loop. Also 5000 times.</p> <p>Suitcase to hold all his hot wheels cars</p> <p>Little people dollhouse (to replace our giant dollhouse) because he still plays with the LP barn he got for his first bday the most.</p> <p>Sled for tobogganing! Loves it.</p> <p>Huge play doh set that can make spaghetti and different tube shapes.</p> <p>Some misses:</p> <p>Knock off magna tiles-he doesn’t understand the magnet idea and they fall apart if he’s rough with them. Frustrating so far for him.</p> <p>Letter and number tracing book-no interest yet. Will bust it out for a crappy weather day.</p> <p>Skates-terrified to try them on but hopefully when he sees me with mine he will go on the outdoor rink. Loves watching kids play hockey...my parents got them used so not a big loss if he’s not into it this season. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794808 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 11:48:32 +0000 MrsADS 2794808@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My 2yo:</p> <p>- Melissa &amp; Doug Car Carrier: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Carrier-Truck-Wooden/dp/B0037UT3E4" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Carrier-Truck-Wooden/dp/B0037UT3E4</a><br /> Got this from DH's parents, he loves it.</p> <p>- Daniel Tiger Electric Trolley: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Daniel-Tigers-Neighborhood-Deluxe-Electronic-Trolley/dp/B00UVCT5YO" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Daniel-Tigers-Neighborhood-Deluxe-Electronic-Trolley/dp/B00UVCT5YO</a><br /> He LOOOOOVES this (he is obsessed with DT). My mom also got him the set of the little figurines and he loves those too.</p> <p>- Thomas the Tank Counting Bank<br /> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Friends-Learn-Fun-Bank/dp/B01MZZ1HYT/ref=sr_1_4?s=toys-and-games&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1514998039&#038;sr=1-4&#038;keywords=thomas+the+train+counting+toy" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Friends-Learn-Fun-Bank/dp/B01MZZ1HYT/ref=sr_1_4?s=toys-and-games&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1514998039&#038;sr=1-4&#038;keywords=thomas+the+train+counting+toy</a><br /> A relative got this for him, he likes it but it's really loud and annoying. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794805 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 11:20:01 +0000 looch 2794805@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I seem to constantly recommend this, but if you're okay with screens for learning as well as fun and you have an ipad:</p> <p><a href="https://www.playosmo.com/en/" rel="nofollow">https://www.playosmo.com/en/</a></p> <p>We have the numbers, letters, tangrams, drawing, coding and Hot Wheels extensions. Will also purchase the pizza extension. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794785 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 10:32:12 +0000 Adira 2794785@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wrkbrk: My 4 year old got that Mega Hauler too! He loved it!</p> <p>Other big hits (boys, ages 3 and 4):</p> <p>Hoot Owl Hoot (<a href="http://a.co/araQvxI" rel="nofollow">http://a.co/araQvxI</a>) - Cooperative Board Game<br /> Hot Wheels Set (<a href="http://a.co/dVDgQpx" rel="nofollow">http://a.co/dVDgQpx</a>)<br /> Let's Go Fishing (<a href="http://a.co/6coLBEJ" rel="nofollow">http://a.co/6coLBEJ</a>) - fun game!<br /> Trouble (<a href="http://a.co/1S1jg4x" rel="nofollow">http://a.co/1S1jg4x</a>) - another fun game<br /> PJ Masks Headquarters (<a href="http://a.co/6e5pPdn" rel="nofollow">http://a.co/6e5pPdn</a>) - Their big gift from Santa!<br /> Sam &amp; Dave Dig a Hole (<a href="http://a.co/12zDzaZ" rel="nofollow">http://a.co/12zDzaZ</a>) - silly story that my 4 year old finds HYSTERICAL </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794779 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 10:15:37 +0000 wrkbrk 2794779@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs D: Totally! As long as they are watched - but then again not every child is a monster like mine who eats whatever isnt nailed down. Haha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794777 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 10:13:51 +0000 Mrs D 2794777@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wrkbrk: yup, they terrify me too. We initially told DD1 that she had to keep them in her room...then this weekend in the bitter cold we were desperate - so out it came. Both girls were mesmerized watching me/instructing me how to build it. The first time I gave out the marbles...I only gave them to DD1...that created a fight. But DD2 was eventually happy to just watch the marble cruise through the maze. Then they knocked it down and I rebuilt it...one bigger one for DD1, and one smaller one for DD2. She was given two marbles (and she had her paci in...so her mouth was busy). She did good with it, she never put them in her mouth or it would have been game over (which I reminded her of often).</p> <p>I should note that DD1 (4) has them at school, hence why I knew she'd be ok. We keep the marbles in a drawer the kids cant reach and they are only given out when DH or I are right there supervising. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794765 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 09:52:41 +0000 wrkbrk 2794765@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs D: Whoa. Marbles terrify me. So much so that I wont take DS to the toddler room at our science museum because the first time we went he immediately stuck a marble in his mouth!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794764 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 09:51:25 +0000 wrkbrk 2794764@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: Good idea! I love crowd sourcing.</p> <p>DS is 2.</p> <p>Big hits:<br /> <a href="https://www.target.com/p/hot-wheels-mega-turbo-hauler/-/A-16455890#lnk=sametab" rel="nofollow">https://www.target.com/p/hot-wheels-mega-turbo-hauler/-/A-16455890#lnk=sametab</a><br /> &amp;<br /> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Liberty-Imports-Penguin-Race-Jolly/dp/B004KT2OEW" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Liberty-Imports-Penguin-Race-Jolly/dp/B004KT2OEW</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794761 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 09:46:11 +0000 Mrs D 2794761@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Here are our bigger items...</p> <p>DD1 (age 4)<br /> -Kid Kraft My Dream Doll House: Big hit, lots of play time with it so far. The quality is ok...I'll be anxious to see how it holds up over the years.<br /> -Marbles Starter Set: Huge win. Both my girls love it. Its entertaining for them to set up, play with and then fun to knock it down at the end.<br /> -Aqua Beads: This is a solid "good". The set up of the beads is a bit over DD's head right now, but she does enjoy watching me do it. Then I let her spray it. So it does fully occupy her, which is nice.</p> <p>DD2 (Nearly 2)<br /> -Cheap Tent/Tunnel Castle...major win. Both girls love it.<br /> -Step 2, 2 sided Easel...Another big win, both girls love it<br /> -Manhattan Toy Company Stacking Blocks...so so...she doesnt quite get the magnet angle yet<br /> -Tegu Blocks...same as above</p> <p>Joint Gifts: Chunkies...kind of a crayon, kind of paint...kids love them! Melissa &amp; Doug dress up waitress/chef and play food HUGE hit. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794759 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 09:43:49 +0000 snowjewelz 2794759@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>3 year old girl - </p> <p>Kidzoom camera <a href="http://a.co/c4JTNYD" rel="nofollow">http://a.co/c4JTNYD</a><br /> ** I got this for only $30 so it def gets cheaper. She loves this thing so much and it's really cute/functional/perfect for preschooler and up </p> <p>Little Tikes trampoline <a href="http://a.co/bL89F9i" rel="nofollow">http://a.co/bL89F9i</a><br /> ** I got this one sale at Target; don't know why Amazon is so expensive! My 1 year old loves it too tho she can't actually jump! They play with it so much that I have yet to fold it away at all! </p> <p>Peppa Pig doll house <a href="http://a.co/iQAO7BF" rel="nofollow">http://a.co/iQAO7BF</a><br /> ** I didn't get her this, but I think this is more mature than her Fisher Price one with more furniture/rooms/characters. I was annoyed that it only comes with Peppa, Geroge and Zoe Zebra; she kept asking me where the parents are. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-gifts-thumbs-up-or-thumbs-down#post-2794754 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 09:34:05 +0000 looch 2794754@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Now that the holidays are behind us, I thought we could do a "roll call" of sorts on how the gifts given to our kids fared. and if we recommend them in the future. I am always looking for ideas on what to give.</p> <p>I worked off a list for the most part, but some of the things gifted to my son were surprises and I was happy how well my son did with them.</p> <p>Games, ok for boys and girls ages 5 and up:</p> <p>Maze Racers: We had played this before, I was surprised how well my son did with it, I recommend!</p> <p><a href="https://tinyurl.com/ybdyd8ru" rel="nofollow">https://tinyurl.com/ybdyd8ru</a></p> <p>Q-Ba maze: Recommend! Will probably buy some expansion sets.</p> <p><a href="https://tinyurl.com/ybt3xwq2" rel="nofollow">https://tinyurl.com/ybt3xwq2</a></p> <p>Pictionary kids: this is great if you need birthday gifts, so I would stock up when the price drops.</p> <p><a href="https://tinyurl.com/ybjglmdy" rel="nofollow">https://tinyurl.com/ybjglmdy</a></p> <p>Legos: My son loves the architecture skyline series, I think we have 5 of them now, and they actually look great in the bookshelves of our living room. If you have a lego fan with good motor skills and patience, these are fun to do as an activity with an adult.</p> <p>Also, a Hugglepod. Plan to put this one outdoors, poolside this summer. Need to buy a separate stand for it, but my son is so excited for it already.</p> <p><a href="http://www.hearthsong.com/hugglepod-collection/hugglepod-collection.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.hearthsong.com/hugglepod-collection/hugglepod-collection.htm</a> </p>