Must-Haves

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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Boy Toys

With the holidays right around the corner, we know you must be agonizing over what to buy "the man in your life" this season. For some reason they're always the most challenging to buy for, and that's why we've enlisted the help of the gift-giving gurus from www.thepinkpuppy.com for this special task. Whether he's your husband, father, uncle or son, we think these gift ideas are sure to make you the apple of his eye.

Noteworthy

You may not have given any thought to buying stationery for the man in your life, but we're here to recommend it. Of course there's a place for monogrammed stationery in every man's professional life, but wouldn't it be fun to introduce him to a casual, whimsical note card for everyday occasions?

We happen to adore the "aviators" and the "tv chair," as well as the fact that you can personalize them if you want.

So, order him a set of note cards and a roll of commemorative football stamps and we promise he'll take note of this incredibly thoughtful gift.

Watch Out A trendy twist on a classic gift a watch! Introduce him to the world of fashion with a celebrity favorite a Red Monkey Design. With just enough edge and a hint of rock & roll, any one of these would make the perfect addition to his wardrobe. After sporting his watch for a few weeks, you may find him looking for a skin care regimen and a salmon shirt it will bring out the "faconnable" in all of them!

Handle With Care We've found the perfect carry all that will redefine running errands for all papas! A perfect something for that "Dad to Be" or new daddy, this bag comes equipped with ten compartments, a changing pad, clips for his keys, as well as The Baby Owner's Manual and a rather hilarious onesie that teaches him the do's and don'ts of baby handling!

It's a Wrap Want to buy him something that is two gifts in one? This season Burberry is sporting a scarf that is charming, sophisticated and reversible. Yep, it's check on one side and pinstripe on the other how collegiate! With the predictions of a cold winter in our future, why not give him something (other than yourself) to keep him warm.

A-men-ity Think he's cool now? Wait until he tries aMENity's cooling aftershave lotion. Say good-bye to redness and irritation and hello to a soft, smooth kissable face. Don't just stop with one product let him try all of them (including their Original Pink Shave Cream 25% of profits benefit breast cancer research). Let's face it you want him to have this gift just as much as he'll want it for himself!

To find more unique gift ideas for everyone on your list, hop over to www.thepinkpuppy.com- A Girl's Best Friend A Guide to the Hippest Trends in Gift Giving.

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