Hopping Toward Easter

Are you ready for the Easter Bunny to hop into your house? Fill your little ones’ baskets (and tummies) with these fun, spring items.

Shakin Eggs (HABA USA)

Haba EggsThese eggs are perfect for baskets and never go bad. The kids will love them—not only for their bright colors, but also for the fun sounds they make. Each box contains a set of five colored beech wood eggs (and yes, the paint is safe and non-toxic, since we all know kiddies are going to try to put them into their mouths). Each egg makes a different sound (one jingles, another rattles, and so on), so your little bunny can make plenty of seasonal music. Recommended for ages 2 and up, but we think they’re okay for younger kids as well, since they’re too big to fit in the mouth and there are no small parts. About $20 at a retailer near you or at http://www.habausa.com

Cheekeez Bunny and Lamb (Aurora)

Aurora plushNo basket is complete without a sweet, fluffy toy, and Aurora makes some high quality plush toys that kids of all ages will want to cuddle up with year round. Among our faves for this season, though, are the Cheekeez Bunny ($9) and the oh-so-soft Lamb ($15.50). Available at gift stores like Hallmark or at http://www.auroragift.com/

Limited Edition Easter Toys (Skylanders)

Skylanders limited editionFor your gamer, Skylanders has released two limited edition, exclusive Easter themed toys for the Skylanders SuperChargers game. Spring Ahead Dive Bomber ($14.99) is a new vehicle that the Skylanders have disguised as an Easter egg to protect their bounty! The Skylanders figures can also interact and ride inside the Bomber within the game, adding a new layer of fun. Also out for the holiday is Eggcited Thrillipede ($12.99) who, with an extra set of arms, is the reigning Dragon Egg Toss Champion. Maybe this year, he’ll defend his title with Easter Eggs. Available at Game Stop, Toys R Us, and other stores that carry video games.

Gift Baskets (GourmetGiftBaskets.com)

Easter-Bunny-Gift-Basket-ClassicIf you’re not in the mood to create your own basket, you ran out of time, or your little chicks live far from you, not to worry! You can send your hugs and chocolate kisses by mail and if you order soon, they’ll get there in time for Easter. GourmetGiftBaskets.com has a huge selection of pre-made baskets that will please any gift-ee. For example, there’s the Gift Basket for Men, Premium Wine Spa Gift Basket, Sugar Free Gift Basket (for the diabetic in your life), Happy Easter Brownie Cake, and lots more. For families with more than one child, check out the Double-Bunny Easter Basket, which comes with two of everything: candies, chocolate bunnies, and, of course, stuffed toys. Prices vary. Visit www.GourmetGiftBaskets.com

Inspiring Ideas (Tastefully Simple)

tastefully simpleIf you want to make sure your special Easter celebration comes off perfectly, but you maybe aren’t the whiz in the kitchen you wish you were, you’ll find plenty of ideas, menus, recipes, and packages that will ensure that everything goes according to plan. You’ll still need to pick up the ham (or whatever you’re making) and the fresh items, but Tastefully Simple will guide you through every step of the planning, shopping, and cooking process. They’ve got plenty of inspiration, tutorials for making amazing-looking food that you’re definitely going to want to share on Instagram—even if you’re no Martha Stewart—and lots of time saving mixes for brownies, truffles, and more. You’re going to love the way your food turns out. https://www.tastefullysimple.com

The Art of Happiness

Art and childhood just seem to go together, don’t they? But who says adults can’t roll up their sleeves and get creative? This week we take a look at two traditional ways of making art, one less-traditional way to express your creativity, and one way to kick back and marvel as others make art happen right in front of your eyes.

Star Wars Crayons (Crayola)

crayola star warsIf you’ve got any Star Wars fans at home (something that’s required by law in 47 states), and you love to make art (which is required in all 50 states), you’ll love Crayola’s new Star Wars Limited Editions crayons. These 64-color sets come in collectible boxes that feature either Darth Vader or Stormtroopers. (If you’re looking for the good guys, you’ll find them in a Star Wars-themed set of mini coloring pages that comes with six mini, washable markers.) The crayons are wrapped in snazzy black-and-white labels and each box includes a number of new colors (Outer Space and Deep Space, being just two of them) along with metallic or glitter effects. For all ages. About $8 at your favorite retailer or http://shop.crayola.com/  @crayola

Art and School Supplies (Yoobi)

yoobi art suppliesYoobi doesn’t have as many colors as Crayola, but they’re well on their way, with a strong product line that includes markers, paints, crayons, brushes, pens, pencils, highlighters, and many other ways to transform every surface in your world into an expression of your creativity. The company also goes well beyond art, producing tons of office supplies as well, including staplers, tape dispensers, notebooks, rulers, binders, folders, and a lot more. But what’s consistent across all of Yoobi’s products is that they’re high-quality, vibrant, and stylish. Yoobi also gives back: For every product you buy, the company donates a similar one to a classroom in need in the U.S. Prices vary. http://yoobi.com/  @yoobigives

Socks and More (Pair of Thieves)

Pair of thieves socksNow you can take art with you everywhere you go, with these bright, whimsical cotton-blend socks that are eye-catching, comfortable enough to wear to work or the gym, and cool (in the hipster sense, but also in the sense that they’re breathable and moisture-wicking, which makes your feet feel literally cooler). Pair of Thieves has dozens of wild designs in a variety of sizes, from toddler to dad. Plus, they have some adorable dad-kid matching sets. Oh, and let’s not forget about the stylin’ underwear that’s just as cool (in both senses of the word) as the socks. $8/pair for the kid socks, $10/pair for the dad socks, $16/pair for the dad-kid sets, and $20/pair for underwear. Available at Target or at http://www.pairofthieves.com/  @pairofthieves

Universoul Circus

universoul circusThis circus is an absolute joy, for a number of reasons. First, the dazzling array of colors make it truly a work of art. Second, the performers elevate the art of the circus to new heights. Third, everything takes place in single ring, and the seats are so close that the audience members feel like they’re part of the action. But back to the artists/performers, who hail from all around the world. There were limbo dancers from Trinidad and Tobago, acrobats and contortionists from Ethiopia, trapeze masters from China, death-defying daredevils from Ecuador, a magic act from the U.S., and plenty of African-American culture to go ‘round. Together, they kept the audience entertained—and on the edge of our seats—for the entire 2.5-hour performance.  For all ages. Tickets range from $18 – $35. Check the website to see when Universoul is coming to your town. http://www.universoulcircus.com/  @UniverSoulCirc

Home Safety

While we’re big fans of toys and games, what could be more important than your family’s safety, especially inside your own home? There could be various disasters and hazards that may cause severe losses, and it is crucial to keep children safe from those. For instance, in case of wildfire spread, you can safeguard your house by adopting wildfire defense strategies and techniques such as sprinkling fireproof spray on the house exteriors, anti-break, and incombustible window laminates, etc. Here are some other great products that are designed to protect you and your children from a variety of hazards, both visible and invisible.

Worry-Free Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm – http://kidde.com/

kidde combo smoke+co alarmThis combo smoke-CO alarm is packed with great features, one of the nicest of which is that it has a 10-year battery. Yep, 10 years. That means a whole decade without those annoying, twice-a-year, middle-of-the-night beeps that we all know and love. The battery also ensures that your alarms will function even during power outages, a time when many fires and carbon-monoxide leaks happen. Speaking of alarms, this product also has voice alarms, which announces “fire, fire!” or “Warning: carbon monoxide.” Since the combo alarm is two units in one, it saves time on installation (you’re putting in one unit instead of two). Under $70.

Worry-Free AC Powered Plug-in Carbon Monoxide Alarm – http://kidde.com/

kidde plugin CO alarmIf you already have enough smoke alarms in your home but are missing a CO alarm, this one is for you. Although designed to be plugged in (as the name indicates), this alarm, like the rest of Kidde’s Worry-Free line, also has a sealed-in, 10-year battery. That eliminates the need for (and cost of) replacing batteries and makes it impossible to accidentally install the alarm without a battery. Other nice features include a digital display that shows PPM (parts per million) levels of CO in your home so you can monitor any changes, and a nightlight/escape light that comes on in dark- or alarm conditions. Under $70.

RemoteLync Home Security Camera – http://kidde.com/

kidde remote lync cameraThis is a self-contained security system that is not only wireless but also wire free, meaning you don’t need to keep it plugged in all the time. You do need to charge the camera itself, of course, but only once every three months. The camera is motion activated and starts recording the instant something moves. Works with a free app (for Android or iOS) that automatically sends notifications to your mobile device and to anyone else you designate. Since you’re using your existing wifi network, there are no monthly alarm-monitoring fees. About $140.

RemoteLync Smart Home Monitor – http://kidde.com/

kidde remote lync monitorIf an alarm goes off in your home and there’s no one there to hear it, what’s the point? This small device plugs in to an outlet anywhere in your home and listens for your smoke- and/or CO alarms. If it hears something, it automatically notifies you and anyone else (your neighbors, for example) via the free app. You can even set it to call 911. Like the RemoteLync camera, the Monitor uses your wifi network, which eliminates monthly fees. Just make sure your wifi is strong enough to send a notification. You can check out different Spectrum internet plans if you’re worried your current internet provider isn’t reliable enough. The last thing you want to happen is for your wifi to go down right when you need it. You should also consider where you place the monitor – if it’s too far away from the alarm or it’s muffled behind a piece of furniture, it won’t be able to hear the alarm when it goes off.

SafeheadBABY – http://www.safeheadbaby.com/

safeheadBABYBabies and toddlers spend a lot of time smacking their head into things, whether it’s the corner of a table, the floor, or the underside of a chair they’re crawling under. And while the resulting bumps and bruises are usually pretty minor, they hurt and can quickly turn laughter into tears (and yes, sometimes parents are the ones crying). SafeheadBABY has a solution: soft, adorable headgear. It’s kind of like a helmet, but is very comfortable and lightweight, so your baby won’t want to take it off. SafeheadBABY is made of non-toxic materials and is designed to protect the forehead without interfering with baby’s vision. Ultimately, the SafeheadBABY will give your little one freedom to roam and will give you one less thing to worry about. $49.00.

Getting Healthy: You’ve Got to Start Somewhere

Looking for ways to make your family a little healthier? Over the next few months, we’ll be bringing you reviews of a variety of products that will help you incorporate healthy eating and fitness into your family’s daily life.

House Foods Tofu (House Foods)

house foods tofuHow much tofu do you eat? If you’re like most Americans, the answer is either “not much” or “tofu is for hippies.” But tofu (which is made from soybeans) is actually a very versatile, nutrient-dense food that mixes well with (and takes on the flavor of) just about anything you cook with it. And although it’s often associated with Asian food, tofu is great in Italian, Mexican, or any other cuisine. It’s also quite kid-friendly (just show them the packages with Kung Fu Panda on them and they’ll line up to eat like Po!) House Foods has a wide variety of tofu products (including noodles), which are all reasonably priced, gluten free, and non-GMO. Need meal suggestions? They’ve got tons of recipes too. Visit https://www.house-foods.com/

Wild Garden Hummus (Wild Garden)

wild garden hummusWith soybeans getting so much attention, garbanzo beans (aka chick peas) were feeling left out. But no more, thanks to hummus, which is made predominately from chick peas. Wild Garden has a wide variety of hummus products, including traditional (chick peas, tahini—ground sesame seeds, salt, and spices), roasted garlic, sundried tomatoes, fire-roasted peppers, and jalapeno. Several flavors are gluten-free. They come in jars and small squeeze tubes, which are great for snacks or school lunches. Some packages include chips. Wild Garden hummus is all natural and packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, and contains no preservatives or transfats. Prices vary. Visit http://www.wildgarden.com/

Vega Protein & Greens (Vega)

vega nutrition shakeVega’s plant-based protein powder is great for breakfast shakes, afternoon snacks, or for any other time of the day. Made from hemp, peas, sprouted whole grain brown rice, and other wholesome ingredients, Protein & Greens also contains papaya enzymes which help you digest what you eat. Every scoop (thus every shake) gives you the equivalent of two servings of greens from kale, spinach, broccoli, and alfalfa. If you’ve had other “green” drinks, you know they can be a little biting. This one isn’t. It comes in a variety of flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, berry, coconut almond, and mocha. But be prepared: it’s not going to taste like a milkshake either. Vega also has a number of other healthy shake mixes and snack bars. Prices vary. Visit https://myvega.com/

Cardio Core & More Fitness Hoop (Empower)

empower hoopA healthy diet is important, but so is exercise. If you’re looking for something to break up your usual jogging regimen or gym routine, you may want to check into hooping. Yes, hooping, as in the hula hoop you played with when you were a kid. (Hey, with every other adult carrying around a coloring book, why not? Nostalgia is in!). Hooping is actually a great workout, and Empower’s Cardio Core & More weighted hoop is a great introduction. (If you’re a beginner, the weight—only three pounds—actually makes the hoop easier to work with). It targets your core, burns plenty of calories, builds muscle, and may make you a better dancer. It’s also a fun way to get exercise-averse kids up and moving. You can get a set that includes a hoop and instructional DVD for about $35 on Amazon or at major retailers. Empower also makes a number of other fitness-oriented products, including kettlebells, weights, and medicine balls. http://store.empowerfitness.com/

Toy Trends for 2016

Every year, hundreds of toy manufacturers descend on New York in what is almost always the coldest week of the year, to unveil their latest and greatest offerings. And every year, the Parents@Play Team braves the single-digit temperatures to identify what we believe you’ll be seeing a lot of in the months ahead. So, without further ado, here are the trends we expect to dominate in 2016. Over the next few months, we’ll be doing detailed reviews of many of the products we mention here—and plenty of others.

Sloths and Puppies

secret life of petsAnimals are always popular. But this year, there’ll be a new species in town: sloths—the slowest mammals on earth—who are memorably and adorably featured in Disney’s “Zootopia” (opening in March). The other heroes from “Zootopia” will probably still be in line at the DMV when DreamWorks’s “Secret Life of Pets,” hits theaters in July, bringing to life a dizzying number of dogs, cats, and other hilarious animals.

Coding

code-a-pillar

code gamerThe terms STEM and STEAM are being overused to the point where they’re nearly meaningless. But the underlying skills, including coding, are going to be critical to today’s children, who (hopefully) will become tomorrow’s leaders. Fisher-Price’s Code-a-Pillar and introduces coding concepts to toddlers. Code Gamer from Thames & Kosmos brings those same skills to kids 10 and up.

Build-it-Yourself Robots

maker MiP

mix and move busyVTech’s Mix & Move Bizzy introduces the basics of robot building to toddlers, while WowWee helps older kids refine those skills with their Maker kits, including Maker MiPosaur, Maker MiP, and Edu MiP.

Girl Power

ladybug and cat noirWell, it’s about time! We’ll be seeing plenty of DC’s and Marvel’s female superheroes, including Black Widow, Wonder Woman, Super Girl, and others. We’ll also get introduced to the eponymous heroes of Nick’s “Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir.”

Personalization

budsiesThis year, kids will be able to design Barbies and other dolls in their own image. But one of our favorites in this category is Budsies, which turns your child’s artwork into incredible, custom made (and wonderfully detailed) stuffed animals. The whole process takes a few weeks, but the end result is well worth the wait.

Real Construction

real constructionWill all the talk about technology, there’s still a place for good, old-fashioned construction. Real Construction has some great kits that combine tools and wood-like material to let young kids build practically anything—without any danger of hurting themselves.

Food Toys

yummy worldVeggie Tales was all the rage a few years ago. This year, there’ll still be healthy food toys for kids to play with, but Kid Robots is introducing a line of smiling French fries, donuts, pretzels, cupcakes, and more for kids who like to play with their food.


Video Drones

mota jetjat nano

sky viper These incredibly fun toys come in all sizes. Mota’s JetJat Nano is the smallest we’ve ever seen. And Skyrocket’s Sky Viper series now incorporates a variety of features (including GPS, auto hover, and auto landing) that make controlling your drone a lot easier, meaning you’ll be able to spend more time flying and less time retrieving your drone from your roof or your neighbor’s tree.

New Construction Systems

brackitz

miclik

yoxoDon’t get us wrong—we adore LEGO. But there are a lot of other building systems out there that deserve a look. Kits from YOXO let kids connect paper towel tubes and other found items to create amazing structures. Brackitz and Miclik both use unique—and very versatile pieces to create equally amazing structures.

Fun? You Can Count On It!

A lot of the STEM-related toys and games we review here focus on science and engineering (building). This week we take a look at five entertaining games that emphasize math. They’re all from Jax, Ltd., and you can find out more at jaxgames.com/

The Game of Chips

Game of ChipsPlayers take turn rolling the dice and removing any combination of chips (numbered 1-10) that match what they rolled. For example, if you roll an 8, you can take out the 8, 7+1, 6+2, 5+3, 5+2+1. 4+3+1. This part of the game is a great way for young players to use and master basic addition facts. But wait—there’s a small element of strategy involved too. If it’s your turn and there aren’t enough chips left on the table to match your dice, you score the total on those chips. Low score wins. For two or more players, ages 7+. Under $8.

Match ‘Em

Jax Match 'emEach player gets five cards and the first player lays one down. The next in line plays as many cards as possible to match the value of the first player’s card (similar to the matching combinations in The Game of Chips). If you can’t come up with a match, you draw two from the deck and either make a match or establish a new target. The goal, of course, is to be the first to use all your cards. To win, you’ll need a combination of luck, strategy (to make your opponents draw more cards), and a sense of humor. For 2-4 players, ages 7+. About $4.

Over and Out

Jax Over and OutIt all starts with a “Tip Top” card. Players draw cards from the deck and play cards from their own hand, keeping track of the total, and hoping not to be the one who goes over the Tip Top limit. It’s not all about addition, though. Special cards require players to subtract, or even change the Tip Top number. A fun, fast-paced way to use basic math facts and, of course, to spend time together. For 2-8 players, ages 7+. About $7.

Polygon

jax polygonThe rules of this game are sometimes a challenge to follow, but the game itself is well worth learning. Each of the six-sided pieces has three numbers and three colors and your goal is to lay down your tiles in patterns and combinations that get you the most points. Sounds simple, but this game requires a lot of thinking and strategizing. It’s also a fun way to practice basic addition and multiplication facts. For 2-4 players, ages 7+ (although it’s also a fun game to play by yourself). About $16.

Sequence Numbers

jax sequence numbersIf you like the Sequence games, you already have a pretty good idea of how to play Sequence Numbers. But this one’s a little different. In the other Sequence games, you match pictures on cards with pictures on the game board. In Numbers, each card has an addition or subtraction equation and the answers are on the board. Solve the equation and put down your chip. As with other Sequence games, the goal is to get five chips in a row, up, down, or diagonally. To make it a little easier to find your answer on the board—and to help younger players double-check their math—the equations and their correct answer are printed in the same color. This is a really fun game that’ll get you and the kids thinking and laughing together as you brush up on your basic math facts. Ages 7+, 2-6 players. Around $16.50.

Straight from the Heart

Looking for the perfect gift for your kids and spouse this Valentine’s Day? We’ve put together a little list to make your shopping that much easier. Check out some of our picks, and see what strikes your fancy.

Love-a-Saurus Techno Plush (Hallmark)

hallmark lova-a-saurusPush his button, and this bright red cutie roars, dances, and breaks it down to MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This.” The young ‘uns will groove while ma and pa wax nostalgic. It’s $33, or $18 when you buy three Hallmark cards. You can also find an assortment of adorable itty bittys—sweet toys that fit in the palm of your hand, including the new Thing 1 and Thing 2 (your favorite troublemakers from Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat). They’re available for $7 each. You can pick up these items or any of Hallmark’s classic cards at www.hallmark.com  and Hallmark Gold Crown stores.

Customizable Valentine’s Jewelry (Origami Owl)

origami owl customizable jewelryFor tweens, teens, spouses, and other ladies in your life, we love the lovely gifts from Oragami Owl. Not only is the jewelry beautiful, but you can customize it for the one you love. Choose the color, size, shape, the charms that go inside and/or outside, the length and type of chain used, and all the other details. You can even add Swarovski crystals for a bit more color and sparkle. Origami Owl lets you pick out items that highlight special memories about your Valentine, and will be a truly cherished reminder of the special bond you two share. Choose from necklaces, bracelets, wrap bracelets (a hot trend right now), lockets, and more. Prices vary. Visit www.OrigamiOwl.com

Nail Polish (Duri)

Duri non toxic nail polishAnother option for the girls and women in your life is Duri’s environmentally-friendly, non-toxic nail polish collection, that’s free from DBP, formaldehyde, and other nasty stuff. You can buy individual bottles or a cute Valentine’s Day set of four. While there are more than 250 shades of Duri, the Valentine’s Day collection includes “every-day-is-Valentine’s-Day” red, “cupid-rules” pink, pastel “iced roses,” “unexpected kiss” (a light purple-pink), and “sweetheart.” (a bright orangey-red) A great gift anyone—male or female—who loves a mani-pedi. Singles are $6 each; the gift is $24 at www.duri.com

iPhone Heart Charging Cable (ThinkGeek)

thinkGeek iPhone Heart Charging CableFor the nerdy love in your life, ThinkGeek has a few fun options that are perfect for those with a taste for tech, comic books, sci-fi, and, of course, Star Wars. For a fun twist on classic Valentine’s Day gifts, we love the charging cable for the iPhone 5/6 (it also works with your iPad). The 46” cable has eight tiny, plastic LED red hearts that light up when it’s plugged in and charging. For just $14.99, you can show how strong and bright your love is, and that it’s endlessly renewable.

Star Wars Bouquet (ThinkGeek)

ThinkGeek Star Wars BouquetsTired of giving people the same old, same old floral arrangements? Wouldn’t they rather get a bouquet of long-stemmed Star Wars characters? These arrangements come in three styles: The “Assortment” (Boba Fett, Darth Vader, C-3PO, R2-D2, two Ewoks, and three Stormtroopers), the “Darth Vader” (Darth Vader and eight Stormtroopers), and the “Droid” (three each of R2-D2, R2-Q5, and R2-D9). These clever gifts are sure to be a conversation piece, and something that’ll make all the other geeks jealous. Who has the best spouse? Yeah, you know it. Bouquets are $60 each at http://www.thinkgeek.com/gifts/.

Some Assembly Required

Some games are ready to go right out of the box. Others require a little more work. Here are four interactive kits that we know will keep you and your kids entertained for hours.

Light It and Shake It (lectrify)

lectrify itLectrify is a new company whose mission is to “make it easy and accessible for makers of all ages to build mechanical and electronic projects.” And after trying two of their kits, we can assure you that the company is achieving that goal. The core of each kit is a fully-functional circuit board. Light It includes a battery, two LEDs, an on/off switch, and a momentary switch (like an on/off switch but it only works when you press and hold it). Shake It includes a battery, on/off switch, vibrating motor, and more. Young makers (and their parents) can experiment with the board. Then, when they’re feeling confident, they can snap the components out of the board and embed them in any project they’d like. One especially cool feature is that the circuit components are compatible with LEGO and other systems, so it’s easy to add some special features to your LEGO creations. The possibilities are unlimited, but if you want some suggestions, there are plenty on the website. For ages 5 and up (with adult supervision). Prices vary. http://www.lectrify.it/

Totally Irresponsible Science Kit (Sean Connolly)

totally irresponsible scienceSean Connolly has done a great service for science and math, making both subjects a lot more interesting and engaging. The titles of two of his previous books should give you an idea of his strategy: “The Book of Potentially Catastrophic Science: 50 Experiments for Daring Young Scientists” and “The Book of Perfectly Perilous Math: 24 Death-Defying Challenges for Young Mathematicians.” The experiments in this book/kit combo aren’t terribly new, but it’s the approach that counts. For example, learning how to make bubbles out of soap or generate static electricity is okay (yawn). But when you put it in terms of encasing your little brother in a giant bubble or shooting a bolt of lightning from your fingertip, now you’ve got something fun. Includes the book, a beaker, a test tube, and a measuring spoon. The rest of the ingredients you probably have around the house. For ages 7 and up.  $15 on www.amazon.com

Build a Knight’s Castle: Paper Toy Archaeology (Annalie Seaman)

build a kinght's castleWhat a great way to spark in interest in archeology. You and your child start by reading about how people in medieval times lived, built their castles, and defended them. Along the way, Annalie Seaman, an archeologist and educator, shows you how to pull clues from medieval documents, paintings, maps, burial sites, scraps of metal, and more. Then, you use that knowledge to build a 3D castle using pieces that pop out of the book—knights and weapons included. For ages 5 and up. Under $11 on www.amazon.com

Malia’s Beach House Building Kit (Build & Imagine)

malia's beach houseAimed mostly at girls (although plenty of boys will enjoy it too), this constructible dollhouse helps bring out those all-important STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, math) skills, including building, spatial reasoning, and problem solving. Build & Imagine has a number of kits, all of which use magnetic panels and pieces and are 100% compatible with each other. This one includes Malia and Skyler dolls, 17 dual-sided, illustrated panels, and a few dozen accessories. Kids design and build their own indoor- or outdoor world. Once that’s done, they can incorporate the dolls, clothes, and other accessories and props to create any scene they’d like. For age 4 and up $60. https://www.buildandimagine.com/

Are We Having Fun Yet?

It’s still cold outside, but there’s still plenty of family fun to be had. Here are a few winners of the recent Mr. Dad Seal of Approval (mrdad.com/seal), plus some other great options.

Spanish for Kids: The Ultimate Collection (Whistlefritz)

Spanish-Ultimate-CollectionThis cute video features an adorable, animated mouse and a Spanish-speaking senorita who have teamed up to help you learn Spanish. It’s really sweet, and has fun and upbeat music that the kids can enjoy while learning a new language. The one drawback is that it’s entirely in Spanish, which can make it a little hard for kids to follow along unless they already know some Spanish vocabulary. We worry that the kids might give up too quickly. That said, this Collection would be great to use in conjunction with other Spanish language learning sets (including those made by Whistlefritz). As the kids become more fluent (which shouldn’t take too long), you can use this DVD more regularly. Ages 2-6. $115.00. Buy it at www.whistlefritz.com

Happy Wrap (Happy Baby Wrap)

happy baby wrapBabywearing is an easy and effective way for dads (and moms) to get tons of cuddle and bonding time with baby while boosting those all-important feelings of competence and confidence. These lightweight, breathable wraps have no buckles or rings and are one-size-fits-most, so you and the baby-mama can share one wrap. They come in a variety of prints and can safely and ergonomically support a baby up to 25 pounds (translation: less back pain for ma and pa than many baby carriers). $48-$55. www.happybabywrap.com

Shampoo & Body Wash (Nature’s Baby Organics)

nature's organics shampoo and baby washToday’s dads are involved in every aspect of parenting, and bathing the kiddies is no exception. In fact, it’s one of the best jobs ever. Really. But some of the “baby” shampoos and bath products out there have a—there’s no nice way to say this—stench. That’s not a great thing under normal circumstances. And it’s especially unpleasant if anyone in your family is sensitive to scents. Nature’s Baby has figured out a way to clean and moisturize our littlest monsters, leaving them smelling delicious–like coconut and pineapple. Also comes in lavender-chamomile and vanilla-tangerine. $17.95 for a 16-oz. bottle. www.naturesbaby.com

King’s Gold (Blue Orange Games)

blue orange king's goldThink Yahtzee meets Jack Sparow. Pirates take turns rolling the five custom dice (instead of numbers, the faces have coins, skulls, cannons, or crossbones). You can roll up to three times, keeping some or all, trying to make certain combinations, which allow you to take coins from your opponents (or the king, who gets a cut of all your winnings). Play wisely and you’ll become the richest pirate in the Caribbean. About $14.00. 2-6 players, ages 8 and up. www.blueorangegames.com

Draw 4 (Blue Orange Games)

blue orange draw 4The dig starts by creating an excavation zone, consisting of face-down dinosaur bone cards and action cards. Players take turns removing cards from the zone, trying to assemble complete dinos. The action cards can speed things up or cost you your turn—or your bones! About $13.50. 2-5 players, ages 5 and up. www.blueorangegames.com

X6 Zoom Rocketz (Zing)

zing zoom rocketzThere’s no strategy, no stealing cards from your opponents, and nothing to assemble here. Zoom Rocketz is all about competing to see who can send six rockets the farthest. The harder you stomp on the launch pad, the better. Depending on the angle of the launcher, you can go for height or distance. Comes with one launcher (which automatically rotates and loads the next rocket) and six rockets. About $20 at your favorite retailerFor kids 8 and up, and definitely for outdoor play only. www.zingtoys.com

Cold Enough for You?

With much of the USA spending a lot of their time indoors these days, it’s important to think about what the kids are doing to entertain themselves. Here are a few of our current favorite toys to while away the winter.

Star Wars Hero Mashers (Hasbro)

star wars hero masherHasbro’s previous Mashers sets have included Spiderman, Jurassic’s World dinosaurs, and Transformers, so Star Wars couldn’t have been far behind. Oddly, though, only the male characters are available. Despite that glaring oversight, these toys are amazingly fun and give children hours of play, acting out favorite episodes, comics, and making up their own adventures. These figures are nicely articulated and fully interchangeable, so you can swap heads, arms, weapons, and everything else to create your very own ultimate hero (or villain). The only thing that would make them better would be to bring on Rey, Black Widow, Jessica Jones (without the booze), and the other leading ladies of heroism. Women matter. Hey—without Rey, how does the Force awaken, anyway? Prices vary. Learn more at http://www.hasbro.com/en-us/brands/heromashers

Marvel Legends Infinite Series (Hasbro)

marvel legends infiniteAha! If you’re looking for those female action figures, they’re over here, sitting on shelves right next to the guys. So now Wasp, Spidergirl, and a few others can join your child in adventures with Ant Man, Spiderman, Iron Man, Venom, and more. The Infinite Series is great for a number of reasons. First, the figures really look like their characters. Second, the line also includes some hard-to-find characters. Third, all of the figures are nicely articulated and seem to be begging you to pick them up and play with them (as opposed to collector editions that look great on a shelf but won’t stand up to being tossed around. Fourth, when you buy one, you get a bonus piece: an arm, a head, or something else that you can use to build a whole new toy once your collection is complete. Why wait for Marvel to create a new superhero when you can do it yourself? Around $20 each at stores like Toys R Us.

DigiBirds (Spinmaster)

digibirdThese friendly birds are adorable, and come in a variety of breeds, colors, and packages. You can get owls, penguins, chicks, and others one at a time, in multi packs, and in sets that include a birdcage, igloo, or another habitat. There are so many options that your child can assemble a whole chorus of tweeting friends. DigiBirds dance, bop, chirp, sing—either alone or in ensembles with their buddies—and do pretty much everything real birds do but fly and, oh, you know. Your child can blow into the (included) whistle ring to get the party started, or she can place two birds close together and they’ll automatically sync up and sing together. Want to expand the birds’ repertoires? Just download the free DigiBirds app. Prices start at about $10.99 at stores like Kmart. Learn more at http://us.digibirds.com/

Star Wars Disney Infiniti (Disney)

disney infinityWhile we’re strong with the Force, have you and your children played the new Disney Infinity 3.0 yet? It’s fun, interactive, and if you don’t already own one, it may become your console of choice. Some Infiniti characters are already out, and the most recent releases include Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren. You and your kids can awaken the Force, become a Rebel, or create new scenarios with your favorite Disney characters who’ve made the jump from a screen to your living room floor. Where else can Boba Fett and Princess Jasmine hang out, after all? Learn more at https://infinity.disney.com