Little girls love to play with dolls. American Girl dolls are quite expensive, but off brand 18 inch dolls can be more affordable. However, if you can afford them, American Girl dolls have better hair than any other doll on the market and they have amazing doll clothes and accessories for them from doll dresses to beds and carrying cases. If you are on a budget, you can often find off brand American girl doll dresses and accessories from online retailers or sometimes at your local discount store.
The most popular American Girl clothes are princess costumes. What little girl doesn't love to dress up her doll like her favorite princess? Princesses are all the rage right now among kids and adults alike. The best selling princess doll dress is Cinderella. Little girls love her blue dress and headband and choker. The second most popular American Girl princess dress is princess Ariel with her beautiful sparkly fin. Don't forget Belle, Snow White, Jasmine, and Sleeping Beauty or Aurora. Make sure you find doll dresses that are machine washable in case they get a stain on them and need to go in the wash. You can even find girls dress up costumes that match exactly with the doll clothes if your little girl likes to dress up in princess costumes too. Little Adventures is a good brand of doll clothes. They also have girl princess costumes to match.
Other popular clothes for American Girls are period costumes. For example, your little girl would love a fancy ball gown for her Elizabeth doll or special Spanish attire for Kaya. There are several period costumes you can find at the American Girl store or online. They are quite pricey, from $20-$40 each, but you may be able to find slightly used ones, or off brand clothes on ebay or other classifieds sites. Sometimes you can get a whole lot of clothes, get volume discounts, or even get free shipping on already discounted items.
One popular accessory for American Girl dolls is a doll bed. Little girls love to have their American Girl dolls sleep in their room with them in their very own bed. You can find a variety of doll beds at the American Girl store, or you can find them for under $20 at IKEA. They take some assembly, but they are great for kids. Your little girl will love the blanket and pillow that comes with it.
Another popular item for American Girl dolls is shoes and glasses. These are relatively cheap items you can buy for your doll that provide hours of imaginative play and can be used interchangeably between American Girl dolls and other dolls or bears. Many girls use them on their Build a Bear.
Whether you are looking for an American Girl doll clothes, matching princess dresses for your girl and doll, or for doll accessories, try finding off brand items. It will be good for your wallet and good for your little girl as well as she learns how to take care of a nice toy, be imaginative, and some girls even learn how to do their own hair by practicing on their doll. You can find deals out there. Splurge and buy the real American Girl doll, and then find deals on the doll clothes and accessories.
Popular American Girl Doll Clothes
The Top 5 Outside Group Games Kids Love
Kids LOVE games. Everyone including parents know this. Our children are spending more time online and indoors than we did when we were kids. Listed below are the top 5 games that will get your kids up and out of the house and are great to play in the summertime. These games are a great way to help children socialize, learn to follow rules, and work together as a team.
We have also outlined the rules of play, so jump in and have some fun playing!
1)Hide and Seek
Hide and Seek starts with all players in a central location, indoors or out. One player is given the designation of "it".
There are two portions to the game: the hiding, where all the players except "it" locate a place in which to hide. And the seeking, where "it" attempts to locate as many of the players as possible.
The overall objective is to remain undiscovered by "it".
The hiding portion of the game begins with "it" using a method to avoid seeing the other players hiding. And counting out loud for a predetermined number of seconds, often with the aid of a word that takes about one second to say (e.g., "one-alligator, two-alligator...").
During the count, other players locate a place to hide. When the counting is completed, the "it" player usually announces the start of the seeking portion by shouting a phrase such as: “Ready or not, here I come!".
"It" then begins a search for the hiding players.
When all players have been found or caught, the next game's "it" is usually the first player to be found.
Alternatively, the players can agree that the last person to be discovered or tagged will become the next "it".
2) Tag
Tag is a game that usually involves two or more players. One player is "it" and attempts to "tag" other players by touching them. Once "it" tags another player that player becomes "it".
3) Blind Man's Bluff
Blind Man's Bluff is a children's game played in a spacious area, such as outdoors or in a large room.
In which one player, designated as "It," is blindfolded and gropes around attempting to touch the other players without being able to see them.
While the other players scatter and try to avoid the person who is "it", hiding in plain sight and sometimes
teasing them to make them change direction. The game is a variant of tag.
4) Red Rover
Red Rover is an outdoor game played primarily by children on playgrounds.
The game starts when the first team calls out, "Red rover, red rover, please send [name of player on opposite team] right over." The immediate goal for the person called is to run to the other line and break the chain (formed by the linking of hands).
If the person called fails to break the chain, this player joins the team which called "Red rover."
However, if the player successfully breaks the chain, this player may take his/her pick of either of the two "links" broken by his/her successful jaunt. This unfortunate broken link then joins the team
that had been called out.
The other team then enjoys the opportunity and challenge of calling out "Red rover" for a player on the first team, and so on.
5) Kick The Can
Kick the can is played when One person (possibly a team of people) is designated as "it" and a can (pop can) or similar object is placed in the open, usually the middle of a backyard, a green, a cove or cul de sac.
The other players run off and hide while the "it" covers his or her eyes and counts to a previously decided number.
"It" then tries to find and tag each of the players.
Any player who is tagged (caught and touched) is sent to the holding pen (jail) which is simply a designated area for all the captured players to congregate, generally in plain sight of the can.
Any player who has not been caught can "kick the can".
If they can kick the can without being caught then they set all of the captured players free. If "it" catches all of the players he or she wins that round and generally a new "it" is designated for the next round.
Kidkraft Dollhouse Accessories: Piece by Piece Decorating
Being bitten by the collecting and decorating bug means bringing things home, one by one, month after month and year after year. Acquiring a Kidkraft Dollhouse the first time can be quite tiring for your princess and you. But the joy and fulfillment you both feel come playtime only make you long for more of this toy.
As in home decoration, you also need moderation, an eye for mixing, and a knack for display. Beware of too much accumulation which will make your home look like an overstuffed shop. A child’s dollhouse is no exception.
Space-saving techniques, will make the most of a dollhouse’s small rooms. Piece by piece decorating is the key. There is a wide selection of Kidkraft Dollhouse furniture accessories available in the market today.
A living room accessory pack consists of a piece each of piano, bookcase, stool and sofa. Laughing, singing, playing games and story-telling with your child’s imaginary guests will teach her the art of being a good hostess. This is also a perfect time for family to grow closer and discover something new about each other.
She is having a sumptuous dinner for her guests tonight. Her dining room accessory pack with two wooden chairs, a floor lamp and cabinet is waiting for you. Other accessory sets can be purchased separately like a dining table and additional chairs.
Irresistible kitchen accessories like a refrigerator, a table and two stools will give her room for culinary experimentations. After her first successful cooking, your little one and her dollhouse will be inseparable. This will be the first of many cooking activities you will share.
Playing with laundry room accessories will make her feel grown-up. This is an engaging way for her to experience what Mom is doing in the laundry room. She will have fun with the washing machine, ironing board with iron and a clothes cabinet.
With Kidkraft Dollhouse Accessories, you will be building a foundation for your child’s future. You might think that her role-playing is just a waste of time, but it is not. You are allowing her to express herself through play.
What is different about Kidkraft dollhouses? For starters, they are actually designed for little princesses. Each dollhouse is made of quality wood, refined lines and styled pure and simple. Have fun with a beauty shop or dance studio miniature pieces, an ice cream shop and nursery furnishings.
Bringing a dollhouse into your home is like pure magic. There is a unique, exciting and colorful life that awaits you and your child. It could be part of your home décor, seen in prominent places in the house, with family and friends able to enjoy childhood memories again.
A dollhouse is not just a toy. It is a vehicle for new ideas and childhood ingenuity or fancy. As she plays, her mental agility and physical ability are being honed.
Playing instills responsibility, patience, skills and love of work. An active child is a productive child. Let her go, grow and glow.
5 Hottest WWE Action Figures
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is a very popular name. This company deals in professional wrestling. The arena of WWE is the playground for the world’s famous wrestlers that include some big heavyweight performers.
WWE is a publicly traded company. This sports company is engaged in media like TV, Internet and live events.
Earlier this company was named WWF (World Wrestling Federation). WWE has its headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut and have offices in other cities like London, New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto.
Brands - WWE works under three brands – Raw, ECW and Smakdown.
Management - WWE is headed by Vince McMahon, who is the chairman of the company and his wife Linda McMahon, is the CEO of the company. Their children also handle some departments of the company.
Merchandises - Out of all the WWE merchandises, WWE action figures are the most famous ones.
A huge amount of royalty is given to the WWE as a license fee to manufacture these action figures.
Today, there are WWE action figures that are based on all wrestlers that perform on the floor of WWE. But not all of them are equally famous.
Below are the 5 hottest WWE action figures -
1. WWE Jeff Hardy Action Figures – The well known WWE wrestler Jeff Hardy was born on 31st August, 1977. Jeff is signed with WWE and wrestles under the SmackDown brand of WWE. The ideals of Jeff Hardy were Shawn Michaels and The Ultimate Warrior in his childhood.
Today, he is not only a successful wrestler, but his own WWE action figures are sold in large number.
Jeff Hardy was 16 when he joined the WWE as a jobber. His first fight was against the famous wrestler Razor Ramon. Though, he joined WWE as a jobber, but today, there are so many Jeff Hardy action figures sold in many variations that no one can say he was a jobber at a time. These statues are based on his various fights he fought in the ring.
2. WWE Rey Mysterio Action Figures – Everyone knows Rey Mysterio and about his unique jumping style. Rey is one of the top WWE wrestlers and so are his WWE action figures.
Though he is a Mexican, but he is popular all over the America.
Rey Mysterio was born on 11th December, 1974. He wrestles under the WWE SmackDown brand. Rey is the Intercontinental Champion.
WWE Rey Mysterio figures are very popular among his fans and they look out for new versions very often. His action figures are based on his amazing stunts.
3. WWE Kane Action Figures - The famous WWE wrestler Kane is the half brother of the Undertaker. Together, both the brothers fight under a team ‘Brothers of Destruction’.
Kane is a respected name in the WWE ring. He has got some dangerous skills that help him defeat his opponents. The real name of this wrestler is Glenn Thomas Jacobs. Kane was born on 26th April, 1967. The Kane figures are sold in various versions. Toy companies cash the relationship with his brother. The Kane figures are not only famous in the states, but also in other parts of the earth.
4. WWE John Cena Action Figures – John Cena is the name of a versatile person. John Cena is a professional wrestler and he has also some other interests like hip hop music and movies. He performed in a rap album ‘You Can't See Me’. This album did well in the music charts. John has been part of two movies – The Marine and 12 Rounds.
The full name of this handsome wrestler is John Felix Anthony Cena. Currently John Cena is signed with WWE under the Raw brand.
John Cena has been the 5 times World Champion. John Cena figures are sold worldwide as has millions of fans across the globe. Toy companies release new WWE John figures almost every month. WWE John Cena action figures are launched after his every fight in the ring.
5. WWE The Undertaker Action Figures - Only the name of this great wrestler is enough to threaten his opponents, The Undertaker – the Deadman. This world famous wrestler was born on 24th March, 1965. His real name is Mark William Calaway. The Undertaker was wrestling under the SmackDown brand of WWE. Since 2007 he is inactive at WWE due to a serious arm injury. But the undertaker action figures are sold in large numbers throughout the world. The undertaker is still the favorite of a large number of people and that is why they love to collect the figure toys of the Undertaker. There are many different versions of WWE undertaker figures available today.
So, choose any of these WWE figures, but I guess that you may buy all of them as all these toys belong to the great wrestlers that have a huge fan following.
Finding Educational Kids Web Games
With all of the trouble and situations that kids can find on the internet nowadays, some parents are finding themselves quite hesitant in letting their children play online games. Older kids can suddenly find themselves the target of an online predator or playing a game that their parents definitely would not approve of them participating in.
For younger children, there are kids online games that are rather educational and safe. Most of those games are safe enough for parents to walk away from their children for a few moments and know that they are playing safely online.
I have a five-year old girl who is very good when it comes to kids online games. When it comes to playing games on the internet, we are very particular the same as what we let her watch on television. Some of our favorite children’s TV stations however have good websites with kids’ online games that allow them to play with their favorite characters.
Not only are those sites filled with fun and creative kids online games, but they can be more educational than watching them on the television. Quite honestly, my daughter can navigate through their websites a lot better than I can! She’s learning about how to use computers as well as whatever else the games are teaching.
I have found that by letting my daughter play kids online games, she actually comprehends more than the characters are teaching or showing on the television. But of course you don’t want to use the internet as a babysitter for your kids, not all the time.
On the computer, she has to count for herself – not just count along with the voices coming through the TV speakers. There are lots of other tasks that she has to accomplish for herself. While she hasn’t gotten into the Webkinz kids online games like many other children have, I know that if she does express an interest, that is a very safe and educational site as well.
A lot of time and energy has been spent putting together online games that children can find and play safely. It certainly will be a lot more difficult for a predator to target children when playing specific kids online games. I always make sure that I check on my daughter every few moments just to make sure that all is well, she’s still having fun and to make sure that she’s not breaking my computer!
It is relatively easy to find kids online games that are educational. You can simply search a few sites on Google or any other search engines. But be cautious on letting your kids sit in front of the computer for a long period of time because they might end up being a computer genius than you are!
It’s No Mystery that a Scooby Doo Costume is Perfect this Halloween
Mystery, Inc. is the name of the agency that Velma, Fred, Daphne, Shaggy and of course Scooby Doo is involved with. They investigate unusual events and ghost activity, getting into trouble in the process. Starting out as a cartoon series, then feature films and continuing in production to this day, several generations are familiar with the show and the characters. So, it is certainly no mystery that a Scooby Doo costume is the perfect choice for all ages this Halloween.
Not only can you get costumes for men, women, girls and boys, you can also get accessories to go with the costumes at the doorstep of http://www.oyacostumes.com. So, whether you are looking for a Scooby Doo costume to attend your annual Halloween costume party at work or you are a kid who wants to go Trick or Treating for some free candy, you can find just what you need. A husband and wife would look great going as Scooby Doo and Daphne. If you have a group or are going to a Halloween party as a family, consider assigning each person a character.
Anyone involved with a costume contest might get some extra points for creativity if a whole group coordinates using a Scooby Doo costume theme. The comedian in the group can get a lot of laughs by breaking out the Shaggy impersonations. With the popularity of Scooby Doo throughout the generations, everyone can get into the fun of costumes to outfit a Scooby Doo themed event.
Even though Velma, Fred and Daphne were always trying to get Shaggy and Scooby out of trouble when they were investigating ghosts, you will find you will have nothing but fun. Choose adult or child sizes to compliment any Halloween party or event. You will have a lot of fun with your choice of Halloween costumes. Kids will like emulating the characters they love and adults can take a walk down memory lane by getting a Scooby Doo costume. What better way to bridge the generation gap than to get costumes in characters both the parents and kids grew up with?
I Love my Teddy Bear! By Paul Lakeman of Funkybears
Everyone loves a Teddy Bear. Most of us grew up with the adorable stuffed animal. Have you ever wondered about the history of the cuddly Teddy Bear? A little more than a century ago, the story goes that President Theodore Roosevelt was in Mississippi to settle a border dispute. Roosevelt loved to bear hunt and was attempting to do so while settling the dispute. When no bears could be found, the President's host found a baby bear but Roosevelt refused to shoot the animal. Of course, President Roosevelt could not hurt such a loveable, helpless captive target. Newspapers got a hold of the story and printed a cartoon depicting the President with a baby bear. The caption read, Teddy's Bear. The cartoon was reprinted across the nation and the Teddy Bear was born.
When we were little, most of us have gotten some form of a teddy bear that we would hold when we went to sleep. Teddy Bears are so cute and cuddly and provide comfort. Best of all they are given as a gift of love. As we have grown up, the Teddy Bear remains a strong sentimental part of our childhood.
We give the stuffed animal to our girlfriends/boyfriends, husbands/wives, friends, and children. Teddy Bears last longer than flowers and they are so warm and cozy. One reason we love them is that they remind us of the person that gave them to us. The Teddy Bear reminds us that the giver of the bear wants to hold us and hug us all the time.
Another reason we love them is that they remind us of a pleasant time in our childhood. They bring out the little boy or little girl in all of us. They seem to be one of the few things that have managed to keep their innocence. Teddy Bears are cheery and so sweet and no matter how old we get we just don’t seem to grow old enough to want to get rid of them.
We love that furry feeling against us and they are nice to talk to when we go to sleep. They also make us feel secure and when we need to hold someone, they provide us with that comfort. There are many reasons we love our Teddy Bears and they are a gift that everyone can love.
Not only is the Teddy Bear a gift for all of us regardless of age, it is also a great gift for any occasion. Some deliver a message of love, some friendship, and some wish us to get well soon. Teddy Bears can be customised to fit any need. You can outfit them in almost any type of clothes and lavish them with all types of accessories.
You can have a standard size Teddy Bear, a monkey bear, in fact there’s a Bear for everyone! Teddy Bears are popular gifts for Valentine's Day, Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, and so much more. They really are suitable for any age, gender, or occasion. I love my Teddy Bear! Don't be afraid to admit it; I know you do too!
Looking for Action Figures
The most iconic action figure is probably G.I. Joe, which now has a renewed interest from the new G.I. Joe movie. G.I. Joe has been made by Hasbro since 1964. In addition to the film, G.I. Joe has also been seen in promotional comic books, cartoons, and video games. Currently, G.I. Joe action figures based on the movie can be purchased.
Another always popular toy is the Transformers. Transformers, which are also made by Hasbro, start off as toy cars when you buy them, but then they transform into alien robots. The Transformers franchise has been made into huge blockbuster movies, which has brought the toys even more popularity.
There are also figures for many different superheroes. The most popular currently being Batman, from the success of the recent Dark Knight movie. In addition to the Batman action figure, you could also purchase the Bat-mobile or a villain to go with, such as the Joker. Spider-man and Superman are also popular. Spider-man and many Spider-man villains can currently be purchased from any toy shop. Superman is not as popular right now, so he might be a little harder to find.
Star Wars action figures are also a lot of fun for young boys. This includes Darth Vader, Storm Troopers, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C3PO, R2D2, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin, an Imperial Officer, Yoda, Princess Leia, and Battle Droids. These can be a really fun toy for young boys since there are so many different ones to collect.
While action figures are mainly for boys, there are some that may appeal to girls as well. Girls are generally more interested in dolls, but when movie characters are made into action figures, girls may be interested. One of the top selling figures on Amazon currently is the Edward Cullen action figure from the movie Twilight. This is geared towards teenage girls. Girls of all ages (and boys as well) may also be interested in the Harry Potter.
For interactive action figures, the action figures from the recent Disney Pixar movie Wall-E may be of interest for both girls and boys. The action figures are Wall-E and Eve, which move and light up. They also interactive with each other with built in microphones. Wall-E and Eve will also talk to you as you talk to them, and Wall-E becomes afraid when he hears loud noises. Even though they are expensive, Wall-E and Eve are fun interactive toys for both girls and boys.
Action figures can be purchased at large toy shops like Toys R Us, which is recommended if you are looking for a wide selection. You can also find many figures in the kids toys sections of department stores like Target and Wal-mart. These toys can also be found at many comic book stores.
Transformers Voyager The Fallen – Solid Present Idea For Boys
by: John Marshall
With a hot new movie out, youngsters everywhere are buzzing about Transformers. The new movie has showcased some solid new Transformers that children will definitely want. One Transformer that will wow many kids is the Voyager The Fallen. For those who don't know, he is the new bad guy who is on a mission to destroy Planet Earth to get what he wants. The autobots and Sam, the human main robot, stand in his way.
Long story short, boys will love to get their hands on this toy. One reason for their interest in this robot toy is that they probably already have a number of the good character robots already. Picking this Transformer will let kids have more equal good and scary robots allowing for better toy playing. This toy has a lot more going for it than just this reason. Discover some of the other advantages of this one.
1. solid looking Transformer robot that matches the big screen version.
past Transformers toys often looked very different from the movies and cartoons. This drawback hurt youngsters role play and took away from their enjoyment of the toy. Luckily, the new Voyager The Fallen and the other ones look better than ever with a design that will be sure to affect them. You can only imagine how excited children are about seeing these changes.
2. This hot robot toy has an excellent price tag too.
Mom and Dad will like the fact that this robot toy is a value buy. Obviously, many the folks will happily hand over the money without regret when considering the value given here. Lots of people will appreciate the lower cost compared to other Transformers toys from years past.
With benefits like these, it is easy to see why so many children are wanting this robot toy. We expect this gift will be on a number of best sellers lists.
Toy Store and the Internet
The stores can also be very crowded and extremely unhelpful to someone shopping for a child. A great alternative to regular toy stores are online toy shops. These stores offer all the same items, and sometime even better ones, than regular toy shops while offering the convenience of shopping from your own home.
Action figures
If a child really likes action figures, he or she is likely to have many already. It can be hard to find new action figures that the child does not have in the store. Searching online can be a great place to find hard-to-find types of collectable dolls. Many online toy shops offer a larger variety and selection than any retail store. It is also possible to find these toys through auction sites and other person-to-person sales.
Interactive toys
Hard to find toys
If you have a child who has to have a certain toy that cannot be found anywhere in stores, you are in luck with online toy shops. Not only do online stores often have a larger number of a certain toy than offline shops, but sometimes they are even cheaper. If you cannot find the toy in an online store either, then it is possible to search auction sites or trading sites to help get the perfect toy for your child. It is also possible to find toys that are no longer being made, such as toys that you had when you were a child. These toys often carry more meaning to a child because they have meaning to you as well.
Other kids toys
If you are a parent or friend of a child you have probably noticed how many commercial toys there are. Most of the toys in stores are promoting some type of television show or movie. If you do not want your child to be a walking advertisement, then alternatives must be found. Online toy shops are some of the best places to find wholesome toys that are not related to any movie or television show. These toys encourage imagination and offer a wholesome style of play that is good for any child. Check out these online toy shops today.
Tips for Planning Your Next Visit To Boston Kids Museum
When you plan to visit the Childrens Museum in Boston, you will want to be well prepared. Taking a young child to a place where there is a lot of activities going on can be stressful for a parent. When you visit the museum, you should take the care to turn off your cell phone. Your child needs your undivided attention. By providing your full attention, you will also be less stressed, as it is much easier to relax when you are not doing several things at once.
When you visit the Boston Childrens Museum, it is important that you are patient and allow your child, or children, to make their own pace. Children, especially at young ages, are learning what they like and dislike. If an exhibit holds their attention, it is important to give them a chance to satisfy their curiosity. This is an integral part of learning. While a child's longer attention span for simple things may test your patience, don't feel ashamed of jumping in and joining the activities. The exhibitions are designed for both children and their parents. Your child will have more fun if you get down and play with them.
The Childrens Museum in Boston is open seven days a week with closures on holidays only. Members receive free access to the museum. There are also discounted and sponsored evenings at the museum. If you are interested in taking advantage of special rates, or if you want to learn more about the museum, you can check their website, call the museum, or visit in person. The kids museum in Boston is located on Congress Street in Boston, Massachusetts. Admission fees include all standard activities at the museum, as well as special events and KidStage performances.
If you wish to support the kid museum in Boston, you can donate your time or money to the museum. There is always a need for funds or volunteers to assist with events and helping children have fun while learning.
Peter S. Museer