Tent Time

I have looked at many kids playtents and found them to be ridiculously expensive. Surprisingly, I found a reasonable and adorable tent at http://www.restorationhardware.com/ under their new kids and baby selection. The Tents are on sale for $99.00 and you can have them personalized for only $6.00 more! Plus you can buy a matching nap-mat for $64.00.

Fly Me To The Moon

So, we all know that we are in a total economic meltdown and everyone is looking for novel ideas that bring great joy to kids and still let you pinch a penny. So, if you wanted to get your kids a treehouse or a cool hide-out, take a look at these cardboard rockets and play houses from http://www.landofnod.com/. They run $89.00 and the great thing is that because they are cardboard, your kids can customize them with paint on their own.

Reindeer Snacks

Kids always leave out cookies and milk for Santa, but what about those poor reindeer who haul those gifts around the world? Now you can give them some reindeer treats courtesy of http://www.crateandbarrel.com/. For $11.95, you can find this adorable reusable bag that after you have fed the reindeer with the treats that are included, you can refill it year after year and add a new family tradition to the mix.

Customize

A great idea for the holidays is to take just about anything and customize it yourself or let you kids customize it. At http://www.zazzle.com/ you can do just that. You can customize shoes, shirts, hats, and just about anything else with your own picutes or art you pull off the site. Its fun for just about anyone and the best thing is that as you create, you can see what your product will look like before you order.

One Laptop Per Child

Looking for a fantastic opportunity to truly make a difference and get your kid something amazing from Santa? One Laptop Per Child is that gift. One Laptop is a global initiative to provide laptops to disadvantaged children all throughout the world and one time a year you can get one of these laptops for your child if you buy one for a needy child. We participated in Give One Get One last year and were thrilled with the product. For $399 you get a laptop and one is donated on your behalf. The laptops are especially cool because they are produced for children and not adults. The key pads are small and they features that were built into the technology are amazing. In order to work in third world environments, the laptops have such things as an extended battery and you can see the screen when you are outside and the screen is in color and it works in all kinds of environments. Believe it or not, it even has a video feature! and yes, it is Internet accessible. I can't say enough about this wonderful opportunity and even if your child doesn't use it as much as you thought, you gave another kid in the far reaches of the globe, the opportunity to learn and connect to those around them. Check it out at http://www.laptop.org/ and click on the Amazon link to purchase.

Banana Bunker

Does your kid love bananas and do you have trouble transporting them when you are out and about without them turning into mush? I found the "Banana Bunker" online which will solve your problems and save your bags from disgusting mush. You can find these at http://www.momashop.org/ and they run $10.00 for set of two. I admit when I saw the picture I did a double take, but think it is a great idea.

Make Your Own Muppet

Ever wanted to create your own muppet? Or have a child who is a big fan? Check out FAO Scwartz (http://www.faoschwartz.com/) and search for Whatnot (the name of "make your own" muppet) and voila begin your creation. You can either make your own on the site for $90.00 or buy a kit for $130. It takes 3-4 weeks for delivery, so if you are considering this as a holiday gift, think fast.

Egg

Looking for clothes and blankets this season for your infant or toddler that are warm and designed with enviromentally friendly products? Your search is over at http://www.egg-baby.com/ These clothes balance chic and sweet. They even has cool astrological blankets made of the best and softest materials. Although the line is a bit expensive, these would make great unique gifts.

Family Portraits

Looking to have a family portrait made that doesn't consist of someone sitting for hours in a stiff chair with a stiff smile? Check out http://www.illustratedportraits.com/ where illustrator Samantha Ferguson displays her fun and original family portraits. What a great why to have an everlasting piece of art that has character. She also does custom artwork for holiday cards, invitations and more.

Take It or Leave It

After having children, our take menus become extremely important to us so why not make life easier and keep all of them organized in one place. This Takeout Menu Organizer is a dream. It's about $20.00 and includes all kinds of dividers, tabs, menu protectors and much more. This menu management system is a must have! Check it out at www.knockknock.biz

My Bag

Check out this bag from Kushies called "My bag" (http://www.kushiesonline.com/). This bag is perfect for trips or overnights and has everything included to keep you organized. You can choose from two great colors. The bags are $80.00 and come with:

• compartments for your stuff
• 1 insulated snack box
• 1 insulated medicine box
• 1 clean clothes bag
• 1 dirty clothes bag
• 1 soiled clothes bag with laundry insert
• A pillow and blanket
• A handy hook for hanging
• 1 spare shoes bag