now that yuletide is done

[fox]

Pinch hits: I will be in the car most of the day Saturday, so signing up for a pinch-hit seems like not the smartest idea for me. There are approx. two pinch hits I would be qualified to write, among the 161 I've seen so far, but not a thousand words by Saturday midnight. Extra Treats it is!

Today after work is Shopping Fun Time. I must return a coat, buy a black turtleneck or two, get some new year's cards, and acquire presents for my extremely limited set of present-receiving people. Here is Fox's Gift List:

the grown-ups
• Mom
  
• Dad
  • whose birthday is tomorrow, by the way
• brother
  
• sister-in-law

the kids
• small cousin #1, age 7 1/3 (girl)
  
• small cousin #2, her sister, age almost 4
  
• small cousin #3, their cousin, age about 10 months, maybe 11 (boy)
  
• NoRMaN #1, age 2 (girl)
  • whose birthday is Boxing Day
• NoRMaN #2, her sister, age about 6 months

All suggestions eagerly welcomed.

Comments

[wordplay.livejournal.com]

This is that thing I was telling you about (http://www.amazon.com/LeapFrog-Word-Whammer-Fridge-Phonics/dp/B0002SC7CE), and this (http://www.amazon.com/LeapFrog-Fridge-Phonics-Magnetic-Set/dp/B000096QNK/ref=pd_sim_t_img_1) is its baby cousin, which might be more age appropriate. These things make noise but they really are lovely toys; also, LeapFrog toys are available pretty much everywhere so they should be easy to find.

Don't forget there's a Lego store at Tyson's, too. :D

Oh, also, since you have time before you have to gift the cousins and could order online, let me recommend something our family is really into right now, especially for the oldest cousin (although the little one could learn to play it with her). We have just bought four of these (http://www.amazon.com/Gamewright-230-Sleeping-Queens/dp/B0009XBY3A/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1198165828&sr=8-1) for cousins, friends, classrooms, etc and are ordering more today. It's an extremely simple game that goes quickly but the kids have a great time stealing each other's cards and thinking about strategies, plus it's good practice for their math skills. Also, cheap. All of the Gamewright card games look to be good and we're giving others to our kids this year.

[resonant8.livejournal.com]

When the kidlet was 7 1/3, the best present anybody ever gave her was one of those marble maze sets, but that might be bigger/more expensive than you want.

[neotoma.livejournal.com]

Wooden toys for the 4 and 2 year old. I suggest trains -- Appalachian Spring at Union Station has some nifty ones. Stuffed animals/European baby toys for the baby.

There is a really cute toy shop (http://www.yelp.com/biz/fair-days-play-takoma-park) right around the corner from me that has a good selection of toys for the tiny.

For the 7 year old, maybe a game of Set (http://www.setgame.com/)? Or a Screaming Flying Monkey from the House of Musical Traditions.