Few things cause parents more stress than having to select which gifts to buy each other and their children during the holidays. In fact, the most wonderful time of the year can become a little daunting for some. Over 40% of Americans surveyed by the American Psychological Association indicate that the pressures of gift giving ranks up there on the stress meter during the holiday season[1].
PapiBlogger and Mamá Contemporánea have joined forces to come up with a simple solution that takes some of the stress out and puts some of the holiday cheer back in via a thoroughly researched guide that features gifts for mom, dad, toddlers and kids in a variety of price ranges. It also features sections spotlighting top family apps and top Latino-themed gifts.
The 2010 guide, which is the first of what is to become an annual tradition was compiled over several months with the input of other Latino mamis and papis and is available free in both Spanish- and English for download at http://papiblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/2010PapiHolidayGiftGuide-3.pdf.
In the spirit of gift giving, most of the items received for review will be donated to needy families served by the Salvation Army.
“Between work, parties and decorating, as parents, we know that the holidays can be exhausting. We wanted to come-up with something that could alleviate some of that pressure. Our guide has been designed to help families find gifts across a wide range of tastes and prices. We wanted to minimize the frenzy for families so they could spend more quality time together,” said PapiBlogger publisher Manny Ruiz who produced the guide with mom blogger Rory Lassanske of Mama Contemporanea.
From a space age copter that’s controlled by a smart phone to a Big Foot toy that exercises and roars and a Latino doll that sings Spanish-language traditional family songs, here are some of this year’s gifts from the list of over 50 top picks featured in the 2010 PapiBlogger Holiday Gift Guide.
Javier doll from Baby Abuelita
This new addition to the popular Latino doll family of Baby Abuelita is the first boy of the Collection and like the other dolls from the collection Javier sings five Hispanic heritage-inspired songs. (Retails for $24.99).
Sesame Street® 1-2-3 Learn with Me™ Potty Chair
The 3-in-1 Elmo Potty Chair is a multilingual, multi function seat that can be used as a potty chair, a potty seat on top of an adult toilet seat and/or a step stool to help your child reach the toilet or sink. Elmo encourages your child to use the potty with 10 different phrases in English, Spanish and even French. (Retails for $35.95)
Imaginext® BIGFOOT The Monster
Fisher-Price’s BIGFOOT is probably the funniest, most personable toy on our holiday list. Big Foot walks, talks, tumbles, tosses a ball, sleeps, exercises and roars via remote control. (Retails for $99).
Parrot AR Drone Quadricopter
Although pricey at $300, this is possibly the most amazing high tech toy this Christmas. The quadricopter uses four plastic blades to fly indoors or outdoors and is fully controlled by a smartphone. (Retails for $299.99)
Sony Bloggie Touch
In the world of portable video cameras this holiday’s top pick is the elegantly redesigned Sony Bloggie Touch. The camera comes in a 4G (Retails for $179) or 8G (Retails for $199) versions.
Nespresso Citiz Espresso Maker with Aeroccino Plus Automatic Milk Frother
The sleek Citiz delivers unbeatable flavor with Nespresso premeasured capsules in a convenient and easy to store unit. The Aeroccino Plus milk frother quickly creates steamed or frothed milk for a variety of tasty coffee drinks. (Retails for $349.95)
George Foreman Healthy Cooking Evolve Grill
The new EVOLVE GRILL is a compact but versatile appliance that is easy to use and even more importantly reduces the amount of fat in foods for healthier cooking. (Retails for $129.99)
Red Toolbox
Red Toolbox, available only at Lowe’s, consists of woodworking kits and workbenches that let your child learn various carpentry skills like following directions and building. (Starts at retail for $14.98)
iRewardChart (iPhone app)
This is an iPhone app with an award system that help you reinforce your child’s good behavior. With this app you give your child stars for helping “mami”, or an award certificate for good behavior at the zoo.
[1] American Psychological Association, “What is stressing you out this Holiday Season” 2010.