As the holiday season kicks into high gear, journalist Perri Peltz examines the effects, impacts and influence of video games

A leading behavioral child psychologist, a renowned toy tester and an expert in video game violence will take calls and offer advice and tips that every parent should hear

SIRIUS XM Radio today announced that it will broadcast Doctor Radio Reports: Kids and Video Games - What You Should Know Before You Buy, a live one-hour special hosted by journalist Perri Peltz on which she and a panel of experts will explore everything parents need to know about video games and the effects they have on children.

Doctor Radio Reports: Kids and Video Games - What You Should Know Before You Buy will air live December 11 at 10:00 am ET on Doctor Radio, SIRIUS channel 114 and XM channel 119. The phone lines will be open for the entire show for listeners around the country to call in with their questions. It will replay December 12 at 12:00 pm ET and December 13 at 6:00 pm ET.

Which games are too violent? What do the ratings mean? How do you set guidelines for how long your child should play? What must you know before you buy? Peltz and a panel of experts will answer these questions and more, and explore a wide variety of other topics including: the video game rating system, what it means and how to use it to purchase games as presents; the most popular games this holiday season and whether or not they are appropriate for your child; the impact of setting guidelines for your child, and advice on what to do when playing video games affects their schoolwork and sleep habits.

Guests scheduled to appear include child behavioral psychologist Dr. Lori Evans, co-host of Doctor Radio’s weekly child psych show About Our Kids. Dr. Evans, a specialist in ADHD and Behavior Disorders, is Director of Training at the NYU Medical Center Psychology program. She has counseled families on how, when, and if limits should be set on video game usage.

Peltz will also welcome Cheryl Olson, Ph.D., Co-Founder & Co-Director of the Center for Mental Health and Media, Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. Olson is on Faculty in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and the co-author of Grand Theft Childhood: The Surprising Truth About Violent Video Games & What Parents Can Do. James Oppenheim, a tester and reviewer of games and toys, will also join the show. Oppenheim is the former Tech Editor for the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio and Child Magazine. He is the creator of JamesGames.com and TheMoveChef.com and is currently a contributor on the Today Show on NBC-TV.

Source Sirius XM Radio

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While many families are having trouble affording holiday gifts for kids this year, AboutAirportParking.com, an online airport parking reservation site, announced today that it would use the busy holiday travel season to help Toys for Tots.

Between now and the end of the year, as families across the country make travel plans for the Holidays, each airport parking reservation made through www.AboutAirportParking.com/ToysForTots will result in a $5 donation to Toys for Tots, a leading foundation fulfilling the Christmas holiday dream of millions of our nation’s neediest children.

“People come to our site for a convenient way to get great deals on airport parking. Now, they can go to www.AboutAirportParking.com/ToysForTots for an easy way to make their parking reservation while, at the same time, help brighten a child’s Christmas,” said Erik Budde, CEO of AboutAirportParking.com.

A report Tuesday from Gallup states that consumer spending was down 21% from 2008. With unemployment remaining high, more families will be struggling to give gifts this year.

In its 62 year history, the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program has distributed more than 400 million toys to over 188 million needy children. “Finding a parking lot sold out at Christmas is a hassle, but not having any Christmas presents is hard on both parents and children. If we can help even a small number of families, it will be worthwhile,” said Budde.

“Toys for Tots is very pleased to welcome AboutAirportParking.com on board the Toys for Tots Team this year,” said retired Marine Major Bill Grein, vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “With their help we will be able to reach many more children than we would otherwise be able to do.”

SOURCE AboutAirportParking.com

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Looking for good gifts for kids that will never be outgrown? Do you have family and friends asking you what they can give to your child for a birthday or holiday gift? Do you wish your child could better understand how regularly saving money is a good thing? Citizens Bank is introducing a new personal savings account that can answer all those questions. It’s called a Let it Grow Gift Account(SM).

A Let it Grow Gift Account(SM) allows you, your family and friends to easily and securely contribute to a savings account in your child’s name. As the child grows older, they can also begin contributing to the account to further boost their savings. It’s like a gift registry, only this is a savings account. Citizens Bank representatives say that this new account is a perfect alternative to a gift of cash. By contributing to a Let it Grow Gift Account(SM), family members are contributing to something and more meaningful than what a cash gift would be. Plus, it has a longer term impact. One of the best features of this account is that it helps children to learn that by saving, long term financial goals, whatever they may be, are more attainable with the discipline of savings.

A Let it Grow Gift Account(SM) comes complete with invitations, email templates and step-by-step instructions for suggesting this gift alternative to family and friends.

SOURCE Citizens Republic Bancorp

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It was Bing Crosby who immortalized a white Christmas in his 1942 hit single, but these days more and more eco-conscious consumers are dreaming of a green Christmas instead. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint for gifts for kids this holiday season, consider these tips from Wake Forest University Director of Sustainability Dedee DeLongpre Johnston:

Use sustainable gift-wrap.
Consider saving and re-using holiday wrapping paper just as your grandmother once did. Or wrap your gifts in pretty fabric that can be used for other purposes. “In my family, we re-gift gift bags again and again,” DeLongpre Johnston says. “Pillowcases can also make pretty gift wraps if done right.”

Decorate with energy-efficient lighting.
While many people still use standard incandescent holiday bulbs, decorative LED lights are now available in a variety of holiday shapes and colors. In addition to having a much longer lifespan than standard lights, LEDs also reduce fire risks because they stay cool to the touch. “This would be one of the areas where you might spend a little more upfront, but save in the long run.” Want to be even greener? Use light-sensor timers to turn your lights on and off.
Give consumable gifts.
Most of us don’t need any more stuff, or as DeLongpre Johnston points out, we’re all “stuffed out.” So consider giving the gift of services instead, or goods that can be consumed. Some ideas include massages, pedicures, tickets to sporting events, gift certificates for restaurants and other similar pampering treats. Other options would be to give consumable gifts that keep on giving all year long like a membership to a Wine of the Month Club or a monthly delivery of seasonal fruits grown locally. Says DeLongpre Johnston: “It doesn’t mean you have to be any less generous.”

Make a donation in someone’s name.
If someone has a passion in life, giving to an organization that supports their cause can be very meaningful. Whether you donate a flock of chicks to support a hungry family through Heifer International or fund the planting of trees through American Forest, you will be giving a gift that gives back and helps preserve the environment at the same time.

Give the gift of time.
Schedule time to get together with friends and family for cookie exchanges or other meaningful holiday events. “We do have the ability as individuals and families to bring whatever intention to this season that we want,” DeLongpre Johnston says. “So we can share meals and share time with one another, and if we’d like to give each other gifts, we can do that too.”

SOURCE Wake Forest University

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Music Making Creates Magical Holiday Traditions and Gifts for Kids, Gift of Music Keeps on Giving with Numerous Health, Wellness and Cost Benefits

With interest in recreational music making at an all-time high, according to a 2009 Gallup Poll* conducted by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the holidays are the perfect time to share the gift of music by giving a gift of music lessons or instruments. NAMM’s “Top 10 Reasons” illustrates just some of the many proven benefits of an untraditional musical gift that keeps on giving beyond the holidays:

10 Reasons for Giving Musical Instruments and Lessons This Holiday Season

Brought to you by

You’re never too old to learn how to play music - A common myth, but music can be learned at any age, and studies show that making music is a life-long skill that enriches the lives of children and adults

Making music relieves stress - Recreational music making has been scientifically proven to help reduce stress and reverse the body’s response to stress at the DNA level. With the holidays as one of the most stressful times of the year, making music or giving a gift for someone special to make music for you, can help reduce stress for an entire family

Making music fights off depression - Depression affects about 19 million people in the U.S.**, and with the holiday season as one of the most vulnerable times of the year, music making can make all the difference in keeping spirits uplifted

Enrich your holiday experience - and your life! - with music making - Whether gathering around the piano to play holiday tunes or caroling around the neighborhood, or dancing to live music at a holiday party, music making vibrantly brings the entire holiday experience to life

Use music to create lasting family traditions - Each family has its own traditions, but music making offers a new way for families to celebrate the festive season together. From playing a favorite tune on the piano or jamming on the drums with a rock n’ roll rendition of a classic holiday song, music-making can create unique traditions for generations to share

Source NAMM

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Santa Claus is coming to the annual “L. Ron Hubbard’s Winter Wonderland” this Sunday at 8:00 PM directly following the Hollywood Christmas Parade to give away gifts to hundreds of underprivileged Southern California children and teens.

Santa’s gifts and children activities will include Disney Studios’ movie DVDs, Stories from the Golden Age print and audiobooks by L. Ron Hubbard, and presents donated by Southern California businesses.

The invited children and teens (ages 6-19) come from local youth shelters and programs for underprivileged youth.

“We wanted to make this evening a very special one for these young people, so several of us (area businesses) decided to contribute gifts for those who might not otherwise receive any,” said Tony Dinges, president of LTD Enterprises, one of the event’s sponsors.

Other event sponsors include Audiology & Associates, Color West Printing/Packaging, Inc., Distribution Video & Audio, Hirschey & Associates, Pasadena Family Dental Center, Stevedores Physical Rehabilitation and the Wellness Support Network.

For more information on the event or how you can participate, contact John Goodwin at jgoodwin@galaxypress.com or call 323-321-2144.

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SOURCE Hollywood Christmas Parade

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If fashion mimics our culture, what does the dawn of a new decade bring for our baby’s child care and fashion? With over 8 years experience in running a successful on-line baby boutique in trendsetting Los Angeles, proprietor Dawn Torress of RecurrentDreams sought out to answer this question. “Parents have a new sense of social awareness, and are optimistic for what the future holds for our children”, states D. Torress. “They continue to want the best for their babies, but what’s changing is what they consider ‘best.’”

The new “best” is unique baby clothes that are free-trade, sweat shop free, preferably made in the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Europe or Australia. And “best” is even better, if it’s eco-friendly, made from sustainable fabrics, organics and bamboo. “These next genesis fabrics are full of color and are luxuriously soft for baby’s delicate skin. Long gone are the drab scratchy organic wools of yesteryear” says Torress.

Styles are preciously classic yet relaxed as we emerge from recession. Warm pinks and sky blues are modern again with aargyle and kimono side ties. Colorful whimsy prints are seen on traditional baby rompers. Think orange owls, rich chocolate trims, turquoise guitars and animal prints. Little girl dresses take their inspiration from the storybooks of renaissance princesses and a midsummer’s night dream. “Celebrity favorites are California designers Luna Luna Copenhagen, Made Sky Kids and Toni Tierney Designs. They are constantly mixing things up season to season”, states D. Torress. “Miraculously, they have managed to keep their prices at bay, while maintaining high quality and excellent work conditions for their sewers.”

Will the twenty tens be as fashion iconic as were the 60’s and 70’s? Then again, when all is said and done, every generation laughs at the old fashions and follows the new; and babies base most of their fashion taste on what doesn’t itch!

Source Recurrent Dreams

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Hamsters are invading a Pittsburgh-area Salvation Army and it’s a good thing! Thirty-five lucky kids from Brackenridge will be the recipients of a very special treat this Friday. The Allegheny Valley Salvation Army will be hosting the introduction of Zhu Zhu Pets, the season’s hottest fuzzy tech toy and gift for kids. And, each child is going home with his or her very own pet.

Pierce Events LLC has been chosen by Cepia and the Martz Agency to manage the Pittsburgh market launch. Zhu Zhu Pets(TM) are the world’s first innovative, realistic, interactive, plush, and artificially intelligent hamsters that talk and move around in their own playsets. Zhu Zhu Pets(TM) include two play modes: nurturing mode where the hamsters coo and purr, and adventure mode where the hamsters explore their habitat with intelligent audio and mechanical responses to various habitat stimuli.

As part of this launch, Pierce Events has partnered with The Salvation Army of Western PA to host a children’s kick off party. “We are so proud to be able to work with the wonderful people at the Salvation Army,” said Shaun Pierce, President of Pierce Events. “Through the generosity of Cepia, children served by the Salvation Army will be some of the first in the country to experience Zhu Zhu pets. It’s our hope that by donating these toys, we will be delivering joy and fun to these children and in a small way support the amazing work done every day through the Salvation Army.”

Cepia was founded in 2002 in St. Louis, Missouri by a senior management team boasting over 100 years of combined history in the toy industry. Cepia’s original management team, comprised mainly of executives from Trendmasters Toy Powerhouse. Cepia’s track record of successfully marketing toys has been fueled by the innovative talent and solid experience of its management team. Ingenuity, creativity, playfulness, and passion are the heart of Cepia and everything it creates. Cepia is especially known for its use of advanced technology, which is employed in such an unobtrusive way that the toys are not only fun to play with, but often viewed as “wonderful” or “magical.”

SOURCE The Salvation Army

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Parents should take extra care in selecting toys for young children and supervising their play during the holidays, according to a leading eye surgeon on child safety.

According to Dr. Mark Borchert, director, The Vision Center at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, certain toys, such as BB guns, pose a particular danger for young children.

“While a BB gun pellet may not break the skin of a young child, it can puncture his eye very easily. Unfortunately, every Christmas I see young children in our emergency room who have had an eye destroyed by a BB pellet.”

The eye surgeon said parents with young children should avoid toys that shoot projectiles, have parts that fly off or can be shattered into sharp pieces. He added that scissors, rubber bands and deflated balloons — often left out at holiday time — should be collected, since they can be dangerous in the hands of younger children.

It also is a good idea to explain to a child how a new toy is properly used and to promptly throw away broken toys.

The Consumer Products and Safety Commission reports that more than 230,000 toy-related injuries are treated at U.S. emergency rooms annually. Of those injured, approximately one third were under the age of five, and three quarters were under the age of 15. More than 45 percent of injuries were to the head and face.

Dr. Borchert noted that during busy holiday times, young children are at higher risk for injuring their eyes because they often have less adult supervision.

“If you are hosting young children in your home, be sure to get furniture corner protectors for tables, cabinets and windowsills. Young children are prone to falling into low-lying objects,” he added.

If you suspect your child has suffered an eye injury look for these symptoms:

There is blood in the clear part of the eye;
Your child has obvious pain or trouble seeing;
One eye does not move as well as the other;
The eye has an unusual pupil size or shape

Source The Vision Center at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles

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As families prepare to help kids draft their “Dear Santa” letters, Toys”R”Us today announced the launch of ‘Wish List,’ making it easier for gift-givers to grant gifts for kids this holiday season.

Using Wish List, parents and kids together can create a tailored list of toys based not only on what the child wants, but on his or her age, interests and abilities. This helps guide gift-givers to make appropriate toy selections and provides parents and families more input on the gifts their children receive for holidays and birthdays. Wish Lists can now be created, updated and maintained online at Toysrus.com/WishList and in all Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us stores nationwide.

“At Toys”R”Us, we know that creating wish lists during the holiday season and for other special occasions are among the most memorable experiences a child can have,” said Greg Ahearn, Senior Vice President, Marketing and e-commerce, Toys”R”Us, Inc. “Wish List provides families a fun way to spend time together, and at the same time, gives parents the opportunity to set realistic expectations with their kids about the presents they may receive.”

To begin the Wish List process, parents and caregivers create one master account online or through in-store Registry Centers or Guest Services stations. Once registered, Wish List participants can generate as many Wish Lists as they would like for each of their children, tailoring them for specific occasions, such as birthdays or holidays. Together with their little ones, customers can browse and select products with scanning devices in Toys”R”Us stores or with the click of a button online to create and update a running list.

Customers who create a Wish List for their child can enjoy the following benefits:

Customize a Child’s List with the RIGHT Toys — Wish Lists guide gift-givers to toys that are age-appropriate and suitable for an individual child’s skill level, helping to ensure that a child is not frustrated or bored with a toy.

Set Expectations in Advance of the Big Day — The exercise of building a Wish List can be used as an opportunity to teach kids about the cost of certain products and which items are within budgetary reach, so they are not disappointed if they do not receive a particular toy.

Rely on Expert Advice from The Toy Authority — In making Wish List selections, toy-buyers can consult with the company’s knowledgeable store associates or utilize the Gift Finder application on Toysrus.com for toy suggestions for a child’s Wish List.

Share Wish Lists Easily with Gift-Givers Near and Far — Notifying friends and family of a Wish List is as easy as sending insert cards that include the registrant’s Wish List number. Wish Lists can then be printed in-store at Wish List kiosks, Registry Centers or Guest Services stations. Wish Lists can also be shared via e-mail or through social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter.

Avoid Duplicate Gifts — Once a gift is purchased, it is deducted from the Wish List, just like a gift registry, so kids do not receive more than one of the same gift.

Maintaining a List is Simple — Regardless of where it is created, a Wish List can be updated and maintained in any store or online. And, long after a birthday or holiday has passed, items that have not been purchased remain on a Wish List, in the event that friends and family want to give “just because” presents.

Source Toys R Us

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The Kids’ Book of Adventure Projects will keep your children occupied with fantastic adventure projects for hours and hours. They will forget about their favorite TV program and computers and enjoy building real wooden toys. Perhaps, it can be included in your best gifts for kids.

list. (Where to buy it via online shopping: www.amazon.com)

Firstly, the children can read up on basic tools and how they can be used effectively. They learn about hacksaws, hand plane, coping saw, hand saw, brace and bit, chisels and others. The author talks about how to safely work with tools, where to work, different glue types and finishes.

The projects in the book include:

* How to make a boomerang
* How to make a barometer
* How to make a magic propeller
* How to make a Movie Ghost Box
* How to make an Army Tank
* How to make a Model Airplane
* How to make a Kaleidoscope
* How to make a Slingshot
* How to make a Compass
* And much, much more

Through these exciting building projects, children will gain valuable confidence to know that they can build proper toys from scratch. It teaches problem solving, patience, craftsmanship and woodworking skills and scientific principles. The finished projects will be treasured as gifts by anyone who receives it.

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Your Big Backyard Magazine is published by the National Wildlife Federation. Aimed for children aged 3 to 7, this reading material can be a perfect idea for gifts for kids. Moreover, everyone in the family can enjoy the information which can be read here.

Your Big Backyard Magazine is published monthly and is written in a very easy to understand language. Moreover, it is filled with captivating and engaging images which can train the photographic memory of your kids. Even children who cannot read yet will get lots of entertainment out of looking at the fantastic photos.

Each magazine gives thorough descriptions of different animals with every issue. There are also a lot of engaging game pages including Matching Game, Upside Down, Backyard Buddies, Let’s Draw, Picture Game and My Little Book. There is also the regular comic strips of The Adventures of Bonnie and Chester and the tidbits of Wild Facts and Explore the Big Outdoors.

Your Big Backyard Magazine is filled with lots of fun children activities to keep your kids entertained. It will give them a glimpse of the natural world around them and teach them why we should take care of our planet. They will love to do the seasonal craft ideas easy recipes for kids which can be found inside its pages.

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As Easter nears, there are expensive pre-made Easter baskets everywhere. They’re filled with cheap toys and candy. If spending that much money isn’t for you, here are excellent gifts for kids? Make and decorate your own Easter baskets for your children.

The great thing about home-made Easter baskets, besides the cost, is that you can make personalized baskets for each child in your family. Not only can you make and decorate your own Easter baskets, you can also include items that you know your child will enjoy, even if they aren’t associated with the holiday.

Perhaps you’ve found a great empty basket that can be used for Easter during the year. You may even have found several at the end of the season sale at a store nearby. Or you could have found a used basket that someone let go at a yard sale. If the color doesn’t suit you, don’t be afraid to paint them to ensure you have a basket in your child’s favorite color.

Don’t limit yourself to just using the wicker baskets that are traditionally used. You want the “basket” to be unique just like the recipient. Use any container you can find, whether it’s a spaghetti pot, colander, fruit basket, or small milk crate. Your imagination and your knowledge of who the basket is intended for will make choosing a basket or container easier.

Partially fill the basket with grass. Of course, you can purchase the plastic-type grass, but you may want to opt for something that looks more natural. Green crepe paper that has been run through a shredder would be a good option. If you’ve saved the grass from previous years, that would be good to use, too, so you’re also recycling.

Add Easter candy, toys, small books, crayons, cars, stickers, or anything else that will fit in the basket that you know your child will enjoy. Remember not to overfill the basket. You want to have room for a stuffed animal. Bunnies, ducks, or baby chicks are common animals to find in Easter baskets.

Use your imagination when deciding what to include in your child’s basket. Think of your child and what they like. If your child isn’t into stuffed animals, why not situate their favorite doll or action figure in the basket instead?

Wrap the completed basket with colored cellophane and tie it up with a big ribbon. This will keep the dust out of the basket, and make it more of a production for them to open it on Easter morning.

Easter is a great day to shower your children with love. A home-made Easter basket will do more to let them know that you love them than a store-bought one, and you’ll save money on it to boot.

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It used to be that when you traveled, you could find snow globes in almost every gift shop at major tourist attractions and museums.  In fact, many people used to collect snow globes.  Not only were they a way to remember your visit to these locations, it also reminded people of winter even in the hotter months of the year.

Snow globes are almost a part of a different time and place.  They’re not as popular as they used to be as mementos, but children are still fascinated by them.  Some children still ask for them when on holiday, but anyone can make one with the right parts and some time.

This year you can help your child make their own snow globe, something just for Christmas or for any time to remember the cold of winter.  Here’s what you need to make one:

* Small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid (baby food jars are great for this).
* Distilled water or water that has been boiled and allowed to cool.
* Glycerin (You should be able to find it in most drug stores or in crafts departments).
* White or silver glitter.  Don’t choose glitter that is too fine - it’ll be too small to fall like snow.
* Small waterproof ornament or toy.
* Clear silicone sealant.  Adults should be the only ones to handle the sealant.
* Small plastic lid such as a film canister lid to elevate the ornament inside the jar.  Florist’s clay would also work.
* Decorative ribbon or fabric to cover the lid.

And here’s how to make your own snow globe:

Wash and dry the baby food jar and lid to be sure they’re completely clean.  Be sure the inside of the lid is clean as well.

Build up some clay or attach the film canister lid inside the lid of the jar.  Attach the ornament, toy, or other miniature to that, building up the base so you can easily see the figurine.  To make sure the toy is at the right height, put the lid on the empty jar and check it out.  Keep adding more clay until you’re happy with how it looks.

Add cold water to the jar, leaving at least ½ inch at the top.  Sprinkle glitter into the jar, approximately ½ teaspoon for the medium to large baby food jars.  Add ½ teaspoon of glycerin so the glitter will float rather than fall.

Line the inside of the lid with silicone sealant and then screw the lid down as hard as you can.  This should make the seal waterproof.  Run a bead of silicone around the outer edge of the lid and let dry overnight, lid side up.

You can make a wooden base for the globe if you like.  If not, decorate the lid with the fabric or ribbon of your choice by hot gluing it to the lid.  Let your globe dry entirely.  Then shake it up and let the snow fall.

Since your children have helped to make them, baby food jar snow globe gifts are great to give to friends and family.  They may not be perfect like those you can buy, but they will be loved for the time and energy you and your child took to make them.

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