As you search for that “perfect” gift for the holiday season, or just stuff to do with the kids over the holidays, consider adding Creative IQ(TM): Giving Young Learners the Creative Edge in a Competitive World by Jo-Anne Schneeweiss & Shelley Sefton to the shopping list. With all this quality time with the kids coming up, sometimes it’s handy to have an “idea book” close-by.
If you’re like me - tired of hustle and bustle, but concerned that staying at home will result in too much screen time - Creative IQ(TM) is a recipe book for fun, creativity, and learning. Let’s face it, a book whose opening chapter, “Chocolotta,” details chocolate-related play, learning, and, of course, eating, is a winner.
“You had me at ‘Chocolotta’.”
From a chapter on “Winter Wonderland,” to “Math…It All Adds Up,” the authors combine their significant experience and talents to offer new and traditional suggestions for play, learning, and creative enrichment. Appealing to all types of learners, the activities are varied (math, music, science, language, and art are just some of the categories) and, well, delicious.
Whether it’s savouring the Spider Cookies in the “Say Know to Insects and Bugs” chapter, or teaching your children to be environmentally responsible in the “It’s So Easy Being Green” chapter, Creative IQ(TM) appeals to a broad readership. Formal and informal educators, as well as parents, will benefit greatly from this resource book.
So, consider taking a page out of Creative IQ(TM) this holiday season and taking a break from the hustle and bustle by indulging in some excellent recipes for creativity, curiosity, and engagement. And, we mustn’t forget the chocolate!
Dr. Janna Nadler has a B.Ed. and a Ph.D. in English Literature. She is the Director of BOOK CLUBS BY JANNA and lectures widely for book groups in the GTA. info@bookclubsbyjanna.com * www.bookclubsbyjanna.com
THAT’S A WRAP! MASTERMIND TOYS UNVEILS 2012 HOLIDAY HITS LIST
This Holiday Season, The Letter S is in Style!
Introducing: Skoot Case, Stix Strux, Speed Stacks, Sno Stompers, Symphony in B & Shamballa!
TORONTO, ON – October 18/12… What’s in-store this Holiday Season at Mastermind Toys? Holiday shoppers are about to find out when the new Mastermind Toys 2012 Holiday Gift Guide drops October 30th in over one million Canadian households.
Providing shoppers with the inside intel on the latest and greatest in toys this season, the annual gift guide features the best selection of unique toys, puzzles, books and games, hand-picked by the fun experts at Toronto-based Mastermind Toys, Canada’s leading specialty toy retailer. The guide is filled with an amazing assortment of over 300 unique and imaginative toy ideas ranging in price from $5.95 to $299.95, targeting newborns to 12 year-olds.
“Whether it’s composing a symphony, learning how to sport stack, luging down the hill in style, or making dinosaur tracks in the snow, the Mastermind gift guide has you covered,” said Jon Levy, Mastermind Toys CEO, co-founder and chief toy buyer. “Each year, parents hope to get it right when it comes to the perfect holiday present. Our gift guide is your own personal GPS, providing you with a great resource and shortcut to help navigate you through the busy gift buying season,” he added.
All gift guide items are available at Mastermind’s 16 Ontario locations and online. Mastermind Toys ships across North America and offers free gift wrapping, plus personalized gift tags for all online orders.
To help shoppers get started, Mastermind Toys has assembled a Top 23 Holiday Hits List featuring a few gift guide favourites:
1. SKOOT CASE LUGGAGE ($59.95), Ages 3+ (Red, Blue, Pink, Lilac) (Mastermind Exclusive)
For the little world traveler, this case holds the most important travel necessities (like books, games and stuffed animals), but also folds up to look like a Vespa Scooter! A completely chic, European design with handle bars and steering, your little one can scoot around the airport in style!
2. SYMPHONY IN B. MUSIC MAKER ($74.95), Ages 3+ Imagine having your little one compose classic musical all on their own! With the Symphony in B. Music Maker, kids mix and match 13 instruments onto the orchestra pit; when an instrument is added, that element of the music (for example the drums) begins to play. Kids combine the elements to create an arrangement just like a real conductor!
3. MASTER KITZ ART KITS ($29.95), Ages 5+
For the budding artiste! These kits teach the techniques and history of master painters like Van Gogh and Monet. Then, little ones are encouraged to create their own interpretations of some of the biggest masterpieces of all time with the included paints, stencils and brushes!
4. SNO STOMPERS ($21.95), Ages 5+ These aren’t your regular snow shoes! Sno Stompers have animal tracks underneath and leave cool dinosaur and bear tracks in your wake! Simply strap these on over your little one’s boots and stomp around in the snow!
5. ZIPFY COLOURS ($49.95), Ages 8+
The classic mini luge sled now comes in designs created by artists from around the world (including Toronto)! Tear down the hill with styles like Graffiti, Monster & Totem Pole.
6. WOOFER DOGGY GUITAR ($39.95), Ages 3+
Get ready for peppy puppy tunes! This adorable doggy-shaped guitar plays guitar music … but in the form of doggy barks and “hound-dog” howls!
7. BRIO CLASSIC WOODEN TRAINS & TRACK SYSTEM ($5.95-$299.925), Ages 3+
Brio is the original wooden train system. Made from Beech wood, Brio is very durable and built to last. What sets Brio apart is the blend of complexity and simplicity with elements of nostalgia and the modern world. Brio features an extraordinary amount of detail and moving parts that allow trains to function exactly as they would in the real world.
8. STIX STRUX FORT BUILDER ($59.95), Ages 5+
The latest and greatest fort-building set! Stix Strux is comprised of super lightweight plastic tubes and foam connectors that go together to create GIANT forts, just add a bed sheet (and your imagination), and the sky is the limit!
9. RADIO FLYER LITTLE RED FIRE ENGINE ($149.95), Ages 1+
Race to the rescue with this classic toy from a classic name. This brand new take on the ride-on fire engine, from one of the oldest names in the toy business, is sure to be a hit. It features a sturdy steel design, complete with push bar handle for mom and dad, rubber wheels for safe floor riding, retractable footrests and a stylish design!
10. COOL CIRCUITS ($19.95), Ages 8+
Electrify your brain with this challenging puzzler! The object is to place all of the pieces on the board to successfully complete the circuit; do so, and the entire board lights up! Cool Circuits emphasizes spatial reasoning and abstract thinking with over 40 different challenges ranging from student to expert. Can you solve them all?
11. DECORATE-YOUR-OWN CARDBOARD PLAYHOUSE ($39.95)/ROCKET SHIP ($29.95), Ages 3+ (Mastermind Exclusive)
The refrigerator box has evolved…into a delightful country cottage and a space-faring rocket ship! These easy-to-assemble giant cardboard play structures can be decorated and make perfect playroom centerpieces.
12. PERPLEXUS TWIST BRAIN PUZZLE ($29.95), Ages 8+
Perplexus is our best-selling brain puzzle and the Perplexus Twist adds a new… twist! The object is to move the marble through the 360 degree maze inside a giant hand-held sphere. With the twist, you must ALSO twist and turn the internals tracks to navigate the maze!
13. KIDKRAFT MASTER COOK’S KITCHEN ($219.95), Ages 3+
Young chefs will jump for joy when they see this deluxe play kitchen! The Master Cook’s Kitchen is perfect for make-believe play and cooking up a fun time. Featuring pastel colours and smart, sturdy construction made of finished, composite wooden materials, this beautiful kitchen is large enough for multiple kids to play together at once.
14. LEAP FROG LEAPPAD II ($119.95), Ages 4+
The top kids tablet just got better! This amazing piece of technology for little ones has the same great features as the first generation LeapPad but includes upgrades like the high resolution cameras on both the front AND back, faster processing, more memory and improved battery life!
15. CRAYOLA DIGITAL LIGHT DESIGNER ($59.95), Ages 6+
Put down your crayons and stretch your drawings to a new dimension! The Crayola Digital Light Designer offers a dazzling way for creative people to draw with light and dimension. Kids use a digital stylus to draw on a 360 degree dome canvas with coloured LED lights. Three different modes allow children to freely draw, add animation or special effects, and play games and activities.
16. SHAMBALLA BRACELET MAKING KIT ($16.95), Ages 6+ (Mastermind Exclusive)
Make uber-hip bracelets as unique as you are. Design up to eight bracelets with amazing beads and beautiful jewels! Plus, this kit comes with a hook that suctions to virtually any surface so that you can create your bracelets anywhere!
17. ELF ON THE SHELF CREATIVITY KIT ($19.95), Ages 7+
How does Santa know if you have been naughty or nice? Just ask the Elf on the Shelf! Through the magic of Shrinky Dinks, this classic holiday book comes to life! Set up your play-scape and create a page right out of the store, complete with elves, a tree, ornaments & more!
18. REMOTE CONTROLLED ROBOT WITH DISC SHOOTER ($29.95), Ages 5+
Not only does this space robot shoot discs, he also has five awesome functions: walking forward and backwards, sliding and glide, twisting head, twisting and turning body and (the best part) robot dancing!
19. CYBER CYCLE R/C MOTORCYCLE ($49.95), Ages 5+
This fully functioning motorcycle takes R/C vehicles to the next level. With two- wheel steering and self- righting capabilities this futuristic looking motorcycle will blow your mind!
20. SPEED STACKS STACK PACK ($39.95), Ages 4+
It’s stacktacular! Experience Sport Stacking, the exciting new sport that builds hand-eye coordination, ambidexterity, concentration, and speed! To play, up-stack and down-stack 12 Speed Stacks cups in specific patterns as fast as you can - racing against the clock for your quickest time!
21. STAR WARS FORCE GLOVE ($19.95), Ages 6+
Join the force young Jedis-in-training! These gloves help you harness the energy of the force (with a magnet inside the glove), that allows little ones to perform the elusive Force Push and Force Pull.
22. MAGNETIC TRAVEL CHESS ($6.95), Ages 8+ (Mastermind Exclusive)
This magnetic chess set is PERFECT for travel. It is compact and portable AND magnetic so all the pieces stay in place while you’re playing, PLUS all proceeds from the sale of this game will be donated to local food banks in the communities surrounding our Mastermind stores.
23. SAFARI: A PHOTICULAR BOOK ($28.95), Ages 4+ Readers, as if on safari, encounter 8 wild animals that come alive! Using an innovative lenticular-based technology, precision sliding lenses, and original four-color video imagery, each image is like a 3-D movie on the page, delivering a rich and fluid visual experience. Accompanying the images is Safari, the guide: It begins with an evocative journal of a safari along the Mara River in Kenya and interweaves the history of safaris.
Since its inception in 2001, Mastermind has raised and donated over $900,000 to numerous children’s and local charities across the Greater Toronto Area. This holiday season, Mastermind will sell a special, limited-edition chess set and donate 100% of the proceeds to local food banks in communities surrounding all Mastermind stores.
ABOUT MASTERMIND TOYS Celebrating its 28th year in operation, Toronto-based Mastermind Toys was founded in 1984 by brothers Andy and Jonathan Levy. Canada’s leading privately-owned, specialty toy retailer currently has 16 locations in Southern and Southwestern, ON., and four new locations opening in November 2012. Both in-store and online, Mastermind carries a distinct collection of over 10,000 educational and fun toys, books, games, arts and crafts, puzzles and science kits offering exceptional service and complimentary gift wrap. Visit www.mastermindtoys.com. Mastermind Toys can also be followed on Facebook, Youtube and Twitter.
Fall or autumn, no matter what you call it, offers so many fabulous opportunities to have fun with your kids.Going on a nature walk and collecting leaves, then returning home to create a fall work of art.Visiting a pumpkin patch and then carving your very own Halloween Jack-O- lantern. Scooping out all of the raw pumpkin seeds and roasting them to make a delicious and nutritious snack.Finally, at the end of a long day, cuddling up on a couch with your kids to read a book about the season.These are just some of the things that make Fall special for me and my family.
Fall leaf activity: Cherishing the colours of fall
You will need:
·Leaves in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes
·Craft foam sheets in fall colours – orange, red, brown or yellow
·Contact paper*
·Tan card stock paper
·White school glue
·A popsicle stick (spreader for the glue)
What to do:
1.Go outside and collect leaves in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes.
2.Cut a frame out of the foam sheet and put aside.
3.Cut a piece of card stock paper to fit behind the frame (the same size) and put aside.
4.Cut a piece of contact paper the same size as your card stock paper and put aside.
5.Take your leaves and plan out a design on your card stock ensuring that it fits inside the frame.
6.Using your popsicle stick, spread the glue on the back of your leaves.Glue the leaves to the card stock. Peel away the backing of the contact paper and stick the adhesive carefully over the leaf picture.
7.Using the popsicle stick, spread the glue over the back of the foam frame and place it over the picture (on top of the contact paper).
8.Allow the glue time to dry.
*Contact paper is a clear adhesive covering used to laminate pictures or posters and protect them from getting wet and ruined. It can be purchased at most dollar stores.
Wall art – hanging-up your creation:Using a hole-punch, make one hole in the top left corner and one hole in the top right corner. Then thread a fall coloured ribbon or yarn through to hang.
Sweet & Spicy Pumpkin seeds:
Pumpkins are a very important part of Halloween and the fall. Why not try out this recipe for roasted pumpkin seeds, a healthy snack to give the trick-or-treaters, before they head out in search of candy. This particular recipecaught my attention.It uses egg whites instead of the usual butter or oil required in most roasted pumpkin recipes.I thought it to be a healthier alternative!
You will need:
·1 egg white
·¼ cup white sugar
·½ teaspoon fine grained sea salt
·1 cup fresh pumpkin seeds (washed and dried)
Method:
1.Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2.Spray the baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray (Parchment paper is an alternative).
3.In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg white, sugar and salt.
4.Add the pumpkin seeds and toss well. Drain off any excess egg white (using a colander) and place seeds in a single layer across prepared baking sheet.
5.Bake for 10-12 minutes or until seeds are golden in colour.
6.Remove from oven and allow to cool. Seeds may be kept up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Great reads for the fall:
Here are some great fall-themed books that caught my kids’ attention at our local bookstore!
The local library is also a great place to take your children. They can pick out their own books and it is much more cost efficient!
1.Boo! by Robert Munsch (a favourite in our house!)
2.How Do Apples Grow?by Betsy Maestro – find out how an apple grows from bud to flower to fruit–ready for you to pick!
3.Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
4.Too Many Pumpkins by Linda White
5.The Scarecrow’s Hat by Ken Brown
6.…and my 10 year old Sabrina’s all-time favourite Halloween book, Happy Halloween, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt
The leaves are falling yellow, orange and red,
Fall is no time to be staying in bed,
It’s time to go out and pick up a pumpkin,
Roasting the seeds will have everyone jumpin’,
Halloween costumes - I can’t tell you apart,
Using coloured leaves to create fall art,
After trick or treating, cuddle up with some books,
Fall really is as much fun as it looks!
Shelley Sefton is co-author of Creative IQTM:Giving Young Learners the Creative Edge in a Competitive World. Creative IQTM is available at www.amazon.ca, at Alpha Textbooks. Orders in the GTA can also be placed directly through Shelley Sefton at bcreativeiq@gmail.com.
A friend and I recently wrote and published a book called Creative IQ:Giving Young Learners the Creative Edge in a Competitive World. This book provides parents, teachers and care-givers with a multitude of educational and fun activities of which children can partake and that they can solve through creative methods. Through the development of their exploration, critical thinking and problem solving abilities, the young learners gain confidence to pursue even more challenging issues.In my experience, children are always more receptive to learning when it is done in a fun environment.
The book is divided into 10 chapters and they include (among others) Chocolotta, You Colour My World, Math-It All Adds Up, Surfing For Fun At The Beach and Creating a Winter Wonderland.Each chapter contains ten or so activities, some with challenges.Each activity is aligned to one of the “Building Blocks for Creativity” that identifies the skills being developed.
One of my favourites is Chocolate. People tend to assume that any activity featuring chocolate is a “junk-food” activity.This is not always the case. First of all, did you know that chocolate (in moderation) can be quite healthy?Second, pairing with chocolate (which is part of one of the activities in our book) is a great way to teach children to try foods they might otherwise not let you bring within five inches of their mouth.Finally, chocolate can be used to enhance so many summer recipes, one of which I have included below.
Chocolate can be good for you!
There are many benefits to eating chocolate, in moderation.It is high in antioxidants, it can lower blood pressure and has shown to reduce LDL cholesterol by as much as 10 percent. Chocolate containsserotonin, a natural anti-depressant. Chocolate also stimulates endorphin production, which creates feelings of happiness and pleasure. It has the reputation of being one of the best cancer-fighting foods along with blueberries, garlic, and tea. Chocolate is high in magnesium which is a mineral that helps in the regulation of digestive, neurological and cardiovascular systems. Essentially, the results of years of studies show that a moderate consumption of chocolate (mostly dark, bitter sweet or semi-sweet) can improve our over-all health.
Let’s play Chocolate Detective!(advance preparation is required)
In this activity, children use their senses as they play chocolate detective and try to guess what is inside ten different chocolate surprises (prepared by you). Sight, touch, smell, and taste are all required.This activity also offers a great way to get kids to taste test foods they would be reluctant to otherwise try.
You will need:
·8-10 small food items to cover with chocolate such as pretzels, blueberries, strawberries, grapes, dried apricots, carrots, pepper slices, grape tomatoes, olives, marshmallows, cookies, dried mango slices and cubed cheese.Feel free to substitute any of the above with foods you wish to test.
·8 ounces/250 grams of semi-sweet chocolate chips
·Canola or sunflower oil
·Parchment paper
Steps:
1.Cover a baking tray with parchment paper.
2.Melt the chocolate in a microwave or in a double boiler on the stove (Note: Watch carefully as chocolate can burn quickly).
3.Add a tablespoon of oil to the chocolate to thin it out for dipping.
4.Carefully dip each item into the melted chocolate and place it on the parchment paper.
5.Once all of the food items have been covered in chocolate, place the baking tray in the refrigerator so that the chocolate will harden.
6.After the chocolate has hardened, place the items on parchment paper or plates, putting a number beside each item.
7.On a piece of paper, have the detectives write the number of the item and their guess after tasting it. After trying all of the items, see which guesses are correct.
Note:As a time saver, you may wish to visit your local grocery or bulk store to see if you can find pre-prepared chocolate covered items.
Chocolate Dipped!
You will need:
·4 whole bananas, peeled and cut in half
·1 cup chocolate chips or chunks
·1 Tbsp. canola or sunflower oil
·Sprinkles or chopped peanuts, optional
Steps:
1.Peel bananas and place on a plate in the freezer.
2.Place the chocolate chips and 1 Tbsp of oil in a glass bowl.
3.Microwave for 60 seconds and then stir.
4.Microwave for an additional 30-60 seconds until the chocolate is melted.
5.Remove the bananas from the freezer and dip into the melted chocolate.
6.At this point, you can then dip into the sprinkles or peanuts.
7.Place the dipped banana halves on the plate and into the freezer until the chocolate is hardened.
8.They can be stored in a re-sealable container in the freezer for up to a month.
Frozen bananas dipped in chocolate…Yummmm!! We are in the heart of the summer and these refreshing treats are a great way to have your fruit and chocolate too!
Whether you are looking for some fun summer activities for your kids this summer, or you are looking for some new and refreshing material for your classroom, check out Creative IQTM:Giving Young Learners the Creative Edge in a Competitive World. It is available at Amazon.ca and Alpha Textbooks, a teacher’s supply store in Toronto.
Shelley Sefton is co-author of Creative IQTM:Giving Young Learners the Creative Edge in a Competitive World. Creative IQTM is available at www.amazon.ca, at Alpha Textbooks. Orders in the GTA can also be placed directly through Shelley Sefton at bcreativeiq@gmail.com.
We were referred to a great list of recommended tween books on Twitter in the last few days. It was from Candace, found at @seemummyjuggle. The list was inspired by her daughter, who is an avid reader. We are of course pleased to share the link she provided with you.
Valentine’s Day is once a year, and not to be a mood killer, but don’t you think that we should be celebrating those we love everyday (and not just your “significant other”)? Not that I don’t give my kids all of the love and attention they need daily (ok, as a working mother of 3, I’m the first to admit that I live with guilt every minute about not giving them enough), but there’s no day more perfect to do something special as a family than on Valentine’s Day.
Taking a few extra moments to consider the activities we do together and the things we buy for one another will mean the world…to the world. Try one (or more) of the following 15 ideas:
1. Greetings of Love. Make cards for one another from what you have in your home…old magazines, scrap paper, how about that artwork brought home from school that you are not keeping? (seriously, if you have school aged-children, you will know that I’m not an evil mother…there is only so much space we have and so many things that we can classify as precious!). Or, of course, send your love via email.
2. Pack a Loveable Lunch. Whether you’re sending the kids off to school, or planning a picnic in the park, packing your healthy homemade meal in a safe (and irresistibly cute) lunch bag means less waste, and happy, smiling kids.
3. Build a Snowman. What better way to spend time with the family over this loveable holiday than to come together for some good ol’ fashioned team work? I bet you didn’t think a snowman could be local and organic did you?
4. Coco Loco. You can never go wrong with chocolate treats. Well, actually, you sort of can. Make sure to look for organic and fair-trade labels. When labeled “organic” you can be assured that your chocolate hasn’t been sprayed with synthetic ick. When labeled “Fairtrade”, it means that farmers were given a fair price for their cocoa. Here is the absolute best chocolate in the world – www.chocosoltraders.com – I could write an entire article on why it’s the best, but you’ll have to check out their website and try it for yourself.
5. Buy the whole bush! Most cut flowers are grown in South America, Africa and Southeast Asia and can be heavily sprayed with pesticides, fungicides and herbicides (with toxins that are banned in fields in Canada!). And we thought flowers were supposed to signify beauty and purity?! When buying flowers make sure to source local and organic ones, you’d be surprised to find out what’s growing in your own backyard. I love My Luscious Backyard’s organic selection. You can also go out with your family and buy a plant, a sprouting kit, or an indoor herb garden (organic, of course). You can have fun planting them as a family and it can be a reminder of something you did all together. However, if you aren’t blessed with a green thumb (mine is actually black), hire a farmer. They make it easy and fun to pick the freshest, most local and organic veggies and you can plan an entire meal around what’s growing right outside in your very own backyard.
6. Create a holiday cocktail. I’m referring to one the entire family can enjoy.Choose fresh, local, organic and colourful fruits and veggies and create a delicious smoothie or juice to enjoy. We have plenty of great drink ideas in our 2011 Drinking Guide. Get each family member to create their own “signature” drink (and have their own signature reusable glass straw too).
7. Screen something. Choose a delicious (and healthy) snack – here are some of my favourites - and cuddle up under a comfy organic throw to watch a movie as a family. Choose the latest release or go with old family footage.They can be great for laughs and good memories. (Combine this activity with #8 too!)
8. Pop it up. Pop local organic popcorn (our family favourite is http://www.naturesorganics.ca/. If you are curious why you shouldn’t ever eat microwave popcorn, then what you should be screening (see #7 above) is King Corn but maybe not with the kids!).
9. Experience it all. Experience something new or old together. Go to the museum or other attractions. Go mini-golfing or bowling. Get tickets to a concert or play. www.kidsaroundcanada.com is a good place to start looking. If you combine your outing with a meal, choose a restaurant with a local and sustainable menu. You cannot believe how many exist, are affordable and offer favourites like pizza or burgers if your kids are picky eaters…however, make it an opportunity to find a new food to love…something colourful perhaps?!
10. Dress up or dress down. Dress up your table and yourselves or, dress down and get down on the floor. Spread out a blanket and have an indoor picnic and prepare a local family dinner together. I know, this is a stretch for some to imagine, but trying to plan it (and stick to it) could become a fun project.
11. Light it up. While enjoying a special family meal (see #10 above), set a calm mood (what family doesn’t need more of that?) with 100% beeswax candles with cotton wicks. Rest assured knowing you’ll be dining without the black soot and fumes (think diesel exhaust while you eat and drink, ick) from standard paraffin, lead-wicked candles. Keep your indoor air clean, and your family-time moments pure!
12. Read a Good Book.Well I’m bias since I wrote the Alphabet of Avoidance but it’s a fun, inspiring, and perspective changing read that not only identifies what we should be avoiding in order to live healthier lives, but also includes simple (and not overbearing) solutions to immediately replace the “bad” with someone better, or even, nothing at all.As a family, you can read one page a day and make a simple change (or if you’re ambitious, you can read the entire short book in an hour!).
13. Have a pillow fight. As you’re tossing your pillows around (and resting your head on them at night) make sure your pillows are safe and are not made from synthetic materials.Your family could be sleeping on toluene, formaldehyde, and other nasty chems. As Annie Leonard from the Story of Stuff exclaims - there’s got to be a better way to stop your head from catching on fire while you sleep than dousing your pillow in flame retardants”.Although replacing your favourite worked-in pillow may seem challenging, swap it in for one that’s made from organic wool or organic rubber.It’s a better change for your loved ones.
14. Be playful. Play that doesn’t harm the earth, provides fun and games for the whole family, and learning a thing or two , is what family time is all about. Our family loves Anouk’s board games and puzzles.Each one is designed in Toronto with passion, and made with FSC certified paper and veggie based inks.
15. Take another shot. Take tons of digital pictures throughout the day (use as many cameras as your family has – no, not an encouragement to go out and buy more), and make a collage, an online album, a screensaver from it. There is nothing like my family’s smiling faces to brighten a moment.
However you decide to celebrate this day with those you love, make it memorable and get to the heart of the matter. Even when caught up in the hustle, bustle, routines and chaos on every other day, may your days together be full of fun, laughter, kindness and love…for your loved ones and our world.
Lisa Borden, owner of Borden Communications, takes a unique approach to holistically marketing eco-intelligent living and working. Some of her favourite titles (from a long list) include: Catalyst for Change, Enthusiastic Philanthropist, Inspiration Agent, Strategist + Catalyst, Mother of 3 and Wannabe Organic Farmer. You can follow her on twitter @LisaBorden or learn more about her and her business at www.bordencom.com.
TORONTO, ON – The waiting is over! Mastermind Toys, Canada’s largest independent specialty toy retailer, will drop its annual gift guide this week featuring over 400 toys, games, books and puzzles. Prices in the holiday gift guide range from $2.99 for Lego Minifigures to $299.99 for the Radio Flyer Family Wagon, offering customers a variety of affordable price options suitable for everyone’s budget.
“The Wow factor is clearly evident in our toy selection this year,” said Jon Levy, co-founder and chief toy buyer for Mastermind Toys. “All of the items featured in our gift guide represent a combination of fun, innovation, quality and value, resulting in lots of choices for the perfect present.”
A digital version of Mastermind’s 56-page gift guide will be available for download at www.mastermindtoys.com. All gift guide items are available at Mastermind’s 11 GTA locations and online. Mastermind Toys ships across North America and offers free gift wrapping, plus personalized gift tags for all online orders.
To help consumers get started on their toy-buying mission, Mastermind has prepared a list of the Top 24 Toys ranging in age from birth to 12 years. Over half of the items listed in the Top 24 are under $40.00.
MASTERMIND TOYS: TOP 24
1. GIANT FOAM BUILDING SETS, 2 IN 1 ROCKET AND BOAT/2 IN 1 RACECAR AND AIRCRAFT ($79.95) AGES 4+
These brand new foam building sets are perfect for the playroom! Each comes with colourful and durable foam pieces that assemble to make two large models for play, and there are two different models to build! Build a giant race car then turn it into a plane, or build a rocket and convert it into a boat!
2. CHUGGINGTON WOODEN RAILWAY SYSTEM (PRICES VARY: $12.95-$149.95) AGES 3+
A Mastermind Exclusive! Welcome to Koko, Wilson, Brewster, and all of their friends from the hit TV show! This brand new system of wooden railway features new and exciting sets like a two-story roundhouse, a clock tower figure-eight set, and tons of fun new chunky characters for zippy railway play!
3. HAND-CRANK SLOT CARS ($39.95/$49.95) AGES 8+
Slot-car racing using kid power! Just like classic slot cars, this set lets you race your rides around the track as the cars stick to the slots. The difference is that YOU are the power source! Turn the hand crank faster and slower to increase and decrease your speed to skid through the corners, avoid crashing, and win the race! A Mastermind Exclusive!
4. LITE HAWK RC HELICOPTER ($49.95) AGES 8+
The world’s BEST remote-control helicopter! The Lite Hawk has a special stabilizing system and precise controls for addictive, up-in-the-air, easy-to-fly fun!
5. TRUNKI “LUGGAGE FOR LITTLE PEOPLE” ($49.95) AGES 3+
Junior jetsetters will love traveling this holiday when they pack their funky Trunki, the lightweight luggage for little people! Featuring a fun and colourful design, this ride-on luggage is filled with kid-friendly features like chunky wheels and a tow-strap for easy travel, internal straps, secret compartments and more!
6. FUN EXPLORERS PIRATE SHIP PLAYSET ($129.95) AGES 3+
Ahoy young swashbucklers! This giant pirate ship play set comes with all the fixings…er…riggings! Pirate figures, cannons, sharks and more hide in and amongst this giant ship, which also folds open for interactive interior play!
7. BAMBOO SUNSHINE DOLLHOUSE ($229.95) AGES 3+
This cool three-storey dollhouse takes “GREEN” to a whole new level! Made entirely from sustainable bamboo, this bright and open-concept modern dollhouse has a real working solar panel that absorbs light and powers 5 LED lights inside the house!
8. MY BACKYARD BBQ SET ($119.95) AGES 3+
Who says you can’t get grilling in winter? This sizzling giant wooden BBQ play set is realistic-looking with an opening hood, temperature dials, and even a collapsible side table, just like the real thing!
9. RADIO FLYER CLASSIC BUMPER CAR RIDE-ON ($79.95) AGES 1+
Your walls are safe again! This classic, cool red bumper car comes with fun sounds including a honking horn and features a soft foam bumper for safe ride-on and furniture-friendly play!
10. 10 ASSORTED LEGO GAMES
A new way to play with two of the greatest things in the world combined: board games and Lego! Lego games take classic board game play and add their signature building fun to the mix! With 10 great games, here are two of our faves:
• Harry Potter Lego Game ($39.95) Ages 8+
Build your own Hogwarts game board and help Harry and friends navigate the magical maze to win!
• Ramses Pyramid Lego Game ($39.95) Ages 8+
Build your game board to create Ramses Pyramid, where the object is to get your explorer to the top of this ever-shifting Lego pyramid. But beware of the cursed mummies along the way!
11. PLAY HOUSE GYM LAMAZE ($99.95) AGES BIRTH AND UP
This gym grows with baby! It starts as a classic playmat with archway, covered in fun activities. As baby grows it can transform into an activity mat and finally a play dollhouse. This three-in-one gym was created for three different stages of development!
12. GIANT MAC TRUCK BRUDER ($129.95) AGES 4+ This giant Mac truck toy is super-realistic, and features a real working crane that goes over four feet high! Bruder makes the VERY best truck toys!
13. GRAPHIC T-SHIRT STUDIO SET ($49.95) AGES 8+
Make old T-Shirts new again, or take boring T-shirts from blah to bling! This kit has EVERYTHING your favourite fashionista will need to create her own cool look: fabric markers, ribbon, stencils, and the “Cooler Jeweller”! This piece allows you to simply and safely affix gems and rhinestones to your shirts for amazing designs.
14. BEEP BEEP WORLD (PRICES VARY: $3.95-$39.95) AGES 1+
A Mastermind Exclusive! This new line of car-play toys for little ones is perfectly designed! The track snaps together easily like a puzzle, and the cars start and stop with a simple pat to their roof! Other toys in the line include a fun parking garage and ramp racer set.
15. KISS NATURALS KITS ($14.95 - $19.95) AGES 5+
These Canadian-made, do-it-yourself kits are perfect for craft time! Make your own lip balm, bath fizzies, soap and more with these different kits, all made with 100% natural ingredients.
16. CRAFTY ADVENT CALENDAR KIT ($24.95) AGES 5+
A Mastermind Exclusive! Countdown to Christmas with a make-your-own advent calendar! This easy-to-do craft has 150 peel-and-stick felt shapes for you to decorate your advent calendar. When you’re done, fill it with treats for each day!
17. ZIPFY AND ZIPFY JR. ($39.95/$29.95) VARIOUS AGES
Congratulations! The bestselling mini-luge has a new baby brother. The Zipfy is simply the most fun you’ll have on the hills this winter, and the all-new Zipfy Jr. is safely sized for younger riders!
18. SUPER-STAR STAGE MICROPHONE ($39.95) AGES 4+
A star is born! The Super Star Microphone comes with a stand and cool sound effects like applause. The best part is you can sing along to your favourite tunes since it includes an MP3 jack as well!
19. 4D CITYSCAPE PLAYSETS ($29.95) AGES 10+
Your favourite cities, including Toronto, in a cool 700-piece puzzle format! Assemble the puzzle to form the base, complete with glow-in-the dark streets and street names, and then add the major building landmark pieces to complete your cool cityscape model!
20. STICKY MOSAICS BLINGLETS KIT ($19.95) AGES 5+
This Made in Canada kit is blingtastic! Make your own stylish jewelry with a kit that lets kiddie crafters stick and style their way to 12 different blinglets, using over 700+ sparkling jewel stickers!
21. TOTALLY GROSS GAME ($24.95) AGES 8+
A dose of gross helps makes science fun! This board game for kids features icky experiments and activities in a fast-paced game that camouflages learning with fun!
22. CHRISTMAS BOX OF QUESTIONS ($19.95) ALL AGES
Designed to inspire fun and great conversation, this fun-filled box of questions is great for a family gathering over the holidays. The box is filled with questions like “what is your favourite ornament on the tree and why?” A perfect present to start a new family tradition.
23. SNOW PLAY BOOK ($18.95) ALL AGES
The perfect book for the snow lover-young and old. With crazy creatures to build, challenging games to play, and outrageous spaces to sculpt, author Birgitta Ralston, a Europe-based designer, has imagined 25 creative ways to play in the snow including how to build a Loch Ness monster and a giant frosted snow cake.
24. TY LIL’ ONES ($4.95) AGES 3+
Don’t let the small package fool you; these are some of the cutest and hottest dolls available! From the maker of Beanie Babies, each Lil’ One is beautifully made, perfectly poseable, and comes with a trendy outfit and a miniature pet!
ABOUT MASTERMIND TOYS
Celebrating its 26th year in operation, Toronto-based Mastermind Toys was founded in 1984 by brothers Andy and Jonathan Levy. Mastermind is Canada’s largest and most successful independently-owned, specialty toy retailer with 11 locations across the Greater Toronto Area. Both in-store and online, Mastermind carries over 10,000 educational and fun toys, books, games, puzzles and software offering exceptional service and complimentary gift wrap. Visit www.mastermindtoys.com. Mastermind Toys can also be followed on Facebook, Youtube and Twitter.
Mother’s Day presents the perfect opportunity to show the women in your life how much you appreciate everything they are, and everything they do. We are delighted to bring you lovely gift ideas early, to avoid a last-minute rush. Mother’s Day is May 9.
Mother’s Memories That Can Last a Lifetime
Sponsored Listing Drop In to Tija Ceramics Studio any Sunday in April and make mom something special to last forever. Whether it be a vase with your hand prints, a mug with a special message or a picture frame with your moments, we can help make a lasting impression.
Sponsored Listing Perfectly charming gift ideas for the Moms, (and Grandmas!) on your list! Charming Mommy features personalized sterling silver jewellery for every family member. What better way to say “I love you” on Mother’s Day! Enter Code MOM10 for 10% off.
Bring Mom to the Stratford Shakespeare Festival for FREE on Mother’s Day weekend!
Sponsored Listing Purchase a ticket to Kiss Me, Kate on May 8 and/or 10 and receive a free adult ticket for Mom for that performance! Call our box office at 1-800-567-1600 and quote 32147 to save! For show details and information on our incredible season featuring 12 stunning productions, visit www.stratfordshakespearefestival.com.
Sponsored Listing: De-stress your family life and consider a nanny for your family! Nannies provide quality childcare, light housekeeping & help with dinner. Nannies give you the flexibility to have some time for yourself. International Nannies & Homecare Ltd. has been placing nannies since 1996. Founder is a former overseas nanny with lots of knowledge in the industry.
Sponsored Listing: Glow Baby is dedicated to creating beautiful organizational tools for today’s busy parents at all stages of parenthood. Award winning “Baby’s First Journal” and “Baby’s First Foods” are thoughtful gifts for moms-to-be or moms of newborns. Glow Baby Notepads will help keep any mom organized!
Shut Up and Eat: Tales of Chicken, Children and Chardonnay
Sponsored Listing: A no-holds-barred look at that most fraught of family institutions: mealtime! Experts claim that eating meals as a family prevents children from getting into trouble while simultaneously creating close-knit families - that is a lot to ask meatloaf! This is a must-read book for any woman who’s ever wondered: What the hell am I cooking tonight?
Sponsored Listing: Written by Nadine Hughes, “The Groove Mamma Goes Gourmet - Easy Ways To Put The Fun Back Into Entertaining”, is part party planning, part menu and recipe planning, and part life coaching book all in one. Available for $7.99 at www.groovemamma.com.
Give Mom a Hand with the NEW Slingsax Shoulder Shopper
Sponsored Listing: Our new Slingsax hands-free shoulder shopping bag ($14) is lightweight, waterproof and folds down to 3 x 2. Adjustable straps, a roomy front pocket plus its made of recycled plastic bottles! Save 20% on any order through April 22*. Use code KIDSCANADA.
Sponsored Listing: Visit the Babytime Show from April 30 to May 2, 2010, to shop, learn and have fun all within one place celebrating parenthood. Discover new and interesting parenting products, the latest gear, maternity clothing, parenting tools, places to go and services, expert led workshops and entertainment for toddlers. Click for a $2 admission coupon.
We just finished participating in the Today’s Parent Babytime Show for three great days in Toronto.
The show presented a wonderful opportunity to connect with many of our visitors, and to introduce expectant parents, parents and grandparents to our website. Welcome!
We are now in the baby groove, and are excited to share fun and interesting show finds, as well as new baby tips over the next few days! Please feel free to share your own as well.
Imagine having your little one compose classic musical all on their own! With the Symphony in B. Music Maker, kids mix and match 13 instruments onto the orchestra pit; when an instrument is added, that element of the music (for example the drums) begins to play. Kids combine the elements to create an arrangement just like a real conductor!
These aren’t your regular snow shoes! Sno Stompers have animal tracks underneath and leave cool dinosaur and bear tracks in your wake! Simply strap these on over your little one’s boots and stomp around in the snow!
Readers, as if on safari, encounter 8 wild animals that come alive! Using an innovative lenticular-based technology, precision sliding lenses, and original four-color video imagery, each image is like a 3-D movie on the page, delivering a rich and fluid visual experience. Accompanying the images is Safari, the guide: It begins with an evocative journal of a safari along the Mara River in Kenya and interweaves the history of safaris.
Drop In to 
Perfectly charming gift ideas for the Moms, (and Grandmas!) on your list! 
Purchase a ticket to 
De-stress your family life and consider a nanny for your family! Nannies provide quality childcare, light housekeeping & help with dinner. Nannies give you the flexibility to have some time for yourself. 
A no-holds-barred look at that most fraught of family institutions: mealtime! Experts claim that eating meals as a family prevents children from getting into trouble while simultaneously creating close-knit families - that is a lot to ask meatloaf! This is a 
Written by Nadine Hughes, “The Groove Mamma Goes Gourmet - Easy Ways To Put The Fun Back Into Entertaining”, is part party planning, part menu and recipe planning, and part life coaching book all in one. Available for $7.99 at 
Our new 
Visit the