my favorite things {twenty-twelve}... for kids

When it comes to buying gifts for my kids, I tend to go slightly away from mainstream toys. I think of things that they will really like which means it isn't always found in the ToysRUs flier. Gifts for them don't necessarily have to come in the form of toys either. Things for their room, practical things and books are great choices as well. Seek out their interests and things that excite them and go from there.

Here are some great 2012 gifts I adore for kids...

1. Hot Hugs Hottie stuffed animals {I love love this little lamb!}. A minute in the microwave, and the removable tummy of natural grain will give lasting warmth and release the subtle fragrance of pure lavender essential oil. With a new friend so hot and huggable, your little one will never want to put it down. Price $25.

2. Kindle Fire with Fisher Price Kid-Tough Apptivity Case. Unlimited access to books, games, apps and movies. Vibrant color on the 7" LCD screen and built-in WiFi. The case will protect the tablet and extend it's life when in younger hands. Price around $140. (Right now on Amazon, the Kindle Fire is $25 off and the case was free too when you put 'FIREMOMS' in the promo code).

3. Discoveroo Bright Fruit Music Instrument. The easy, fun-looking shapes and textures of this adorable music kit is a big hit with the little ones. Apple xylophone, lemon maraca, lime and melon castanets and pear guiro come packaged in a handy wooden crate for easy storage. Made of plantation tea wood and ply. Price $40.

4. Lego Friends City Park Cafe. Build a hip hangout for the LEGO® Friends with a side of fresh-baked fun! The City Park Café is the coolest place to hang out in Heartlake City, where the Friends meet for sweet treats and cold shakes in the sun! Price $30.

5. The North Face boys Vestamatic Triclimate Jacket. Keep boys warm while they build blue ribbon kickers in this hyper-versatile, four-in-one snowsports jacket. With four ways to sports this ski/snowboard dynamo, this jacket/vest combo creates a super versatile barrier for winter. Price $185. (fyi...We saw this coat at a North Face outlet for a fraction of this price).

6. The Classic Green Bean Bag. What kid should be without a comfy bean bag in their room? The Classic Bean Bag has been everyone's favorite chair for over 40 years! Updated with bright solids and fashion forward prints. Trendy and comfortable seating that's great for all ages. Price $30.

7. National Geographic magazine for kids. Give a child a new way to explore the world. Two different magazines specifically for ages 3-6 and 6-14. Price $15.

8. Homemade Playdough. Not every gift you get a kid has to be bought. Why not make something they will enjoy for a long time and at a very low cost? This is an easy, step-by-step way to make your own playdough with easy ways to store and package it. Price... super cheap!

9. CAKE Stitches little girl's half apron. This is my dear friends' Etsy store full of her cute sewing creations for kids (boys too!). I am loving the little girl's strawberry half apron. The ruffle and waistband are in a coordinating red and white polka dot. The apron attaches with velcro at the right side of the waistline, camouflaged by a layered matching flower. Check out all the pics and imagine your little one in it! Truly encourages independence and role play. Price $18.

10. Melissa and Doug shopping cart. To market, to market...Take your shopping list and your teddy bear and get ready to shop! Our durable metal shopping cart looks just like those in real stores! Sturdy metal construction includes pivoting front wheels and a folding seat so your child and their favorite companion can navigate the aisles in style! Price $37.

11. Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids. If you have the adult version, you know this is going to be incredible for kids. Devotions written as if Jesus is speaking directly to a child's heart. Based on her original Jesus Calling, this version has been adapted in a language and fashion that kids and tweens can relate to their everyday lives. Price $11.

What are some of your all-time favorite kids' gifts?

For my favorite {for him} gifts go here.

WB Meal Plan - Going Vegan

Beware... I am doing a little twist on the meals for this week. Brian and I ate a little poorly on Saturday and that evening, we did not feel right. We "blew" the whole wholesome thing, for sure. 

Sooo, I did some scouring of my healthy meals and thought we would go a little vegetarian this week. If you've never done vegetarian, I would encourage you to try it. It takes a little planning ~ make sure its when the kids are in bed so you can think ~ but, in my opinion, is a good way to clean the gut out of a lot of toxins found in animal products (unless you buy strictly organic). 

If you go vegetarian for the week, let me know how it went and how you felt. Side note: One of the main health benefits of a vegetarian diet is improved cardiovascular function. This is because on the whole, vegetarians do not eat saturated fats. These fats have proven to cause artery blockage. One of the many other health benefits is that the high fiber found in whole grains that are typically eaten has been proven to defend against colon and other cancers.

(You will notice I did not go strictly vegetarian. I do feel we do need a little more protein than that on a strict vegetarian diet).

Monday:

Black Bean Burgers (recipe found here) with whole wheat buns, lettuce, tomato. Cool slaw** & unsweetened applesauce on the side.

Tuesday:

Big Fat Taco Salad** (made with no meat, but guacamole and black beans).

Wednesday:

Whole wheat (homemade) waffles with maple syrup & turkey sausage links.

Thursday:

Spinach Salad with strawberries, sunflower seeds and balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Herbed cauliflower** on the side and peaches.

Friday:

Pizza night... homemade, of course. With whole wheat dough, homemade sauce and low fat mozzarella cheese. The kids love ice cream on Fridays too... we have been getting the super cheap Party Pail at Kroger of their chocolate yogurt... the kids love it.

** These are from the book "Appetite for Reduction: 125 Fast & Filling Low-Fat Vegan Recipes". I can email you the recipes if you're interested.