Must-Haves

Explaining Tragedy To Children and Helping Those In Need

As we take in the images and try to grasp the devastation in East Africa and South Asia, what are our children going through as they see and hear about the lives lost and families being torn apart?

Is it possible to reassure your child at a time when you, yourself, are horrified by the images of intense pain and grief you see in the hearts and on the faces of parents half way around the world?

ModernMom.com contributor Chick Moorman offers his advice on how to explain world tragedy to children.

And, you can also help those in need by donating to programs that are already working with local groups to support relief efforts, such as:

Save the Children

The American Red Cross

Oxfam International

USA Freedom Corps

USAID

Include children in the decision to help those abroad and explain what the donation will do to aid the vicitims of tragedy.

Just when you though gift giving season was outta sight…

We made it through the holidays and the year is coming to an end, which means just around the corner is the busiest time of year for us and birthday parties. Yup, from January straight through 'til May we've basically got back to back weekends filled with bouncy houses and goldfish crackers.

Here's our tip for making it through party season without heading out to the toy store every week: STOCKPILE! Found a fabulous gift? Buy 10, wrap 'em and then all you have to do is reach in the closet on your way out the door.

Another tip: choose gifts from Oliebollen.com's birthday gift cheat sheet. They've culled hot picks for every boy and girl that meet every budget.

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Modern Mom Favorite: Lions, Tigers, Bears! Oh My!

Here's a look back at one of our most popular Modern Mom Weekly features. Our subscribers raved about Jeeto's prints when we first profiled the company in 2003 and they've since expanded their selection with more fun, affordable images and t-shirts! "No, honey - we can't have a baby elephant for a pet. No, not a monkey either. I don't think a dolphin would be happy in the pool." Sound familiar? Take a break from the n-word and bring home a panda or lion for junior...sort of.

Jeeto's fine art collection (don't worry, "fine art" doesn't mean "too expensive for the kid's room") can transform any space into a jungle or ocean with their silk-screened wall hangings.

Choose from the Animal Kingdom or Sea Friends collections - each featuring close to a dozen unique and vibrant prints. Available in three sizes and starting at a mere $24.95, these animals definitely beat pet shop prices.

Jeeto also recently launched a line of infant and toddler clothing donning their fabulous animal images.

Available at www.jeeto.com. Prints start at $24.95.

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This week only - our popular Modern Mom Green Card discount program is only $10! We've added many new discount partners and will have hundreds more right after the New Year! The card will be $25 again as of January 1st - so get yours today and start saving!

Last Minute Holiday Deals

Once again, you've procrastinated to the last possible minute to start your holiday shopping. Lucky for you, most of us here did the same, so we've scoured the web for deals and are passing along our best finds.

And, we'll make it as easy as possible to give a holiday gift to your favorite cause this season. Just Give allows you to easily search for charities and donate online.

Holiday Gift Guide: For the Kids

Last week, we brought you tips for what to give the man in your life - by far the most difficult person on most gift lists.

The kids are easy - they've been telling you for the last six months what they can't live without. For a change, in addition to that must have toy they've been longing for since summer, why not surprise your tots with one of our fabulous finds? Your cool-factor with them will rise and you might even get a few extra days of cooperation - which would be the best gift of all for you!

Odyssey Toys' Scapes Sets

Available in different themes including Moon, Pirate, and Fire Station, these award-winning play sets include posable figures, interconnecting wood play boards and double-sided backdrops for multiple adventures in each set.

Prices range from $15.95 - $229.95; Available at OdysseyToys.com

Tumble Tree House

The unisex alternative to a doll house, this tree house is as beautiful as it is entertaining. The wooden, handcrafted play set includes a sturdy storage box to keep figurines and accessories tucked away when not in use. Tumble Tree House- $79.99 at Target.com

Create Balance

Help your kids improve coordination and delight in the strange pleasure of being dizzy!

Spindisc Balance Game - $130 at ZebraHall.com.

Can We Build It?

Kids love to pound, paint and glue - so why not put that energy to use with I Made That's kid-friendly building projects? With furniture for all ages including a stool, toy cart and table, kids will have fun and enjoy the results of their hard work. Prices range from $24.99 - $49.99; Available at imadethat.com.

Outsider Art

Get the creativity flowing outdoors with Sno-Paint or, for those of us in warmer climates, Sand Paint. Non-toxic and biodegradable, both kits can be used to write and decorate on snow / sand sculptures and forts. Sno-Paint - $15.95 at HearthSong.com; Sand Paint - $10 at PlumParty.com

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