February 23, 2012

Top 4 Toys That are Beneficial for Your Kids’ Mental Growth

Lego Bricks

Image by bdesham via Flickr

Toy stores are packed with thousands of brightly colored children’s toys, each promising to educate and entertain. However, some toys have been studied and proven to improve the cognitive growth of children.

The #4 toy that improves a child’s mental capacity is a musical toy meant for children under 12 months old. A baby learns about its surroundings by learning to use its senses, so hearing the noise and associating it with a specific item can help it to process other sounds it will hear in the future.

The #3 toy on the list is a pushing or riding toy for a toddler. This helps build independence, as the child is able to explore the surroundings and learn about the world in which he or she lives.

Toy #2 is a book featuring brightly colored pictures and large text. Many children who enjoy reading can trace this hobby back to their childhood interests and experience at home with books, and those who enjoy reading typically excel more in school.

The #1 top toy for improving the mental capacity of children is a building set, such as connecting blocks or other similar items. This improves hand-eye coordination and allows children to build items and feel accomplished.

When seeking out a good toy store to buy educational toys, Canada 411 can be very useful. The site offers a quick web search to find local stores. Consumers who choose educational toys will to help improve the intellectual capacity of their children, which is a great way to prepare them for the classroom.

Where to Get Your Child’s 7th Birthday Costume

1920s Stetson carlsbad cowboy hat

Image via Wikipedia

Themed birthday parties are always fun. They can be a little tough on parents, though: a bunch of tiny pirates running around screaming and swinging their plastic swords. But kids love parties, and, ultimately, that’s what’s most important. Memories of a special themed birthday party will last a long time. Here are some tips for where parents can get what they need for a great themed party.

Costumes and Props

A themed birthday party needs costumes or props. A group of little cowboys or princesses are at their best with cowboy hats and plastic guns or glittery gowns and tiaras. Supplies like this are available at specialty shops or at websites like costumeexpress.com.

Decorations

A dinosaur, western, or Harry Potter-themed party might need specific decorations. Party supplies stores carry a lot of these sorts of things. Places like Walmart might even have party supplies. Some websites have a variety of balloons, tableware, decorations, banners, and party favors to fit any theme.

Food

Food served at a princess party should be fit for a princess. Likewise, food served at an outdoor-themed party should be outdoorsy. Parents can order specially made cakes or hunt through cake recipe books from the library. The Internet offers a number of options, such as a neat campfire cake recipe for a camping-themed party.

Putting together a themed party for that seventh birthday or class party may seem somewhat daunting. A great costume shop or party supply store is only as far away as the computer, and the memories made will be worth the effort.

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21st Birthday Gift Ideas

wine glass

Image by monicaxrose via Flickr

Turning 21 is a very important milestone for many. It symbolizes a teenager turning into a true adult, moving on to the next stage in his or her life. So what do you get someone who is turning 21? Here are a few gift ideas to get you thinking.

Glasses

No, not the seeing kind, but the drinking kind! 21 marks the point in a person’s life when they can legally drink, so why not mark it with a lovely wine glass or beer stein? There are plenty of styles and designs available for all sorts of tastes, and there are plenty of party shops which will have a custom design put on to the glass for you. For a female try a pretty patter or her name. For a guy, try his name or a funny slogan.

21st Key

The 21st key is an oversized key, usually made out of thick cardboard or wood which is given to the birthday boy or girl as a memento of the occasion. If there is a big 21st birthday bash, then everyone at the party would sign the key and it would be presented to him or her as the key to their adult life. This is popular as it is a classic keepsake that can be looked upon at anytime with fond memories.

These are just a couple of ideas for 21st birthday presents. Think about the person who you are buying for. Would they like something to receive that will be a keepsake for the occasion?

 

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