Qtpies Gift Buying Guide

Since I am all but finished with my shopping, I am at your service to help you with yours.

One of the hottest big ticket item being marketed in stores is the Kota My Triceratops Dinosaur on sale at Amazon from $299.99 down to $199.99. If you want to buy it, go ahead, but I want to warn you about Kota. He is a frisky little guy. I saw him at the BX in Texas and I was checking out his features. Supposedly if you tickle his belly he laughs or something. That would be cute, right? I'm tickling and tickling, trying to find the spot that makes it work. All I got for my trouble was Kota turning his head and taking a bite of my boob. Obviously he felt we were much closer than I thought, although Drew said I had it coming for having my hand where it was. What else was he supposed to think?

For the little tikes on your list there are many great products that are safe, fun, natural and educational. Or just plain fun, that works, too.
The Mellissa and Doug blocks and the Mellissa and Doug Shape Sorting Cube, only $14.38, are great choices for any young child on your list. They will last for year and years, and may even be around for their kids to play with. For the young toddlers there is the super fun Playschool Busy Balltivity toy for $10.99. The balls spin around for endless fun and laughter.

Any of the Aquadoodle line of toys will be a smash hit. Every one of my kids had to play with it when we got one. The fun has not worn off in several months. Well worth any investment. They are fun and other than a little water, they do not make a mess! The cool new Bilibo would make a very cool, hip and trendy gift to give to show off your fantastic sense of style and hipness to that snooty sister-in-law. (you know the one)

The Adventure Squad Racer helmet and controller are a very cool gift for those kids a bit older, about 3-5 years old. We have this for Sam and I can tell you that it is a big hit for him at only 2, but he can't get it on and off on his own and his head is a bit small. But it is a blast to play with. Also available is a Police version, I believe.

For those a bit older, maybe 8-12, here are a couple of great ideas:

EyeClops Bionic Eye Multizoom for that geeky kid in your life who like science and seeing things up close and personal. It magnifies up to 100xs or so. It looks like Mike from Monster's, Inc, though. For your little homemaker, Jakks Pacific Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker for $11.99 (from $29.99) would make a great gift. Both Hope-Anne (12) and Trinity (5) have been asking for this one.

What to get for the gaming/video geeks in your life? Look no further! I know just what to look for.

Boom Blox for the Wii is really fun, and the pre-teens and teens in this house love it and would like to own it. Mercury Meltdown: Revolution looks like a fun game for the type who likes puzzle games. Rock Band for any of the gaming systems would make just about any teen or music fanatic tickled pink, you might even get a show in thanks. (this one should be under the tree from my dear brother in law)

The Wii Fit is the hard-to-find gift of the season. I keep hinting to my brother-in-law who works at Best Buy that I really, really want one, but he keeps saying they are impossible to find. Umm, I found them at Amazon.

What about those pesky teens in your life? Sure, an i-Pod would make them happy, but most people won't be spending quite that much money this year. But I did find an amazing deal for the teen who already has one: Portable Speakers for an unbelievable $4.87! That is an amazing deal, and you should really buy those. Radio-Controlled Shocking Tanks look like fun. Not to play, of course, but to watch your less than intelligent teens play it and get shocked over and over and over. That would be fun. There are always the Battling Helicopters if you have a larger budget.

Movies are good for so many people. Who doesn't like to watch movies at least occasionally? There is definitely something for every taste in this category. For the men or teens in your life, the Iron Man 2 disc special is a hot gift. The Dark Knight, yes another comic book movie, is also amazing. There are at least 4 super hero movies out right now, including Hulk.

For the less action-packed, but still fun and good, there is Wall-E and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.
For the fun, sassy, or musically inclined woman in your life, the Mamma Mia 2 disc special edition will endear you to them for at least the holiday season.

The comedy lover? Get Smart is hilarious! I thought it would be really lame, but I loved it!

For your pre-teen, young teen, there are also many selections. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2 Disc Special Edition) is well-loved by Cody, 13. Donnie, Devon and Sam even enjoy it, so that is a huge age range. Kit Kitteredge An American Girl is out, too, for your American Girl.

What about that special woman, you know, YOU. (or your wife, if you are a guy) Many women would love their own i-Pod for exercising, or tuning out the kids. What mom or grandma wouldn't love a Flip Video Camera? You can video with something that fits in your pocket and then hook it right up to the computer without a cord. I would love one. Or a new Camera would be appreciated by almost any one. A KitchenAid Mixer is a gift that will last and last. I love mine. The year I got it for Christmas was one of my favorite years, except for the whole stomach flu thing we went through.

For the men, Power Tools, of course. What else? A Cordless Laser Mouse or a Gaming Keyboard are great gifts for the guy who prefers the electronic tools to the power tools.

Whatever you do, have a good time shopping, and don't drive yourself crazy this year, it isn't worth it.