As a mom and an educational consultant, I believe in the power of play. A few carefully chosen toys can boost creativity and problem solving–here are a few of our top picks this year. With the best educational toys, your children will not even realize how much they are learning!

Ride-ons are toy classics–right up there with blogs and dolls. As soon as man invented the wheel, mom and dad probably thought up the ride-on. We like ride-ons that spark the imagination and get kids moving–here are our picks for Award Winning Ride-Ons from our Hottest Holiday Toys.

This is one of my favorite categories of toy. My mom recently brought out an old pull toy of mine and it is a classic that just keeps on giving. Push and pull toys delight babies, amuse toddlers, and occupy preschoolers. Some, like the sophisticated and clever mix-and-match Automoblox, are collectibles suited for older children, teens, and even adults.

The selections from our Hottest Holiday Toys Awards are engaging, interactive, and made from high-quality and often eco-friendly materials.

Learning a musical instrument opens up new worlds for children. As the granddaughter of a professional musician, music has played an important role in my life since I was a very young child. And this is a gift I am excited to share with my children, as well. The musical toys from our Hottest Holiday Toys Awards allow the child to create his own rhythms and melodies, rather than simply play a song at the push of a button…

Children are naturally creative. A few well-chosen toys are great “props” for their imagination. The Creative Pretend Play Winners from our Hottest Holiday Toys Awards all support role playing, creative exploration, and discovery…

Just find one way each and every day to make a small difference–even little actions add up!

Many responsible toy retailers are now highlighting products made from eco-friendly materials. Consider buying locally when possible–saving the fuel required for shipping is even better than buying organic, another smart move. And while you are showing your respect for the planet, don’t forget its people: when you purchase items from around the world, look for fair trade products.

We hope you’ll enjoy our Earth Day Guide…

I love my digital camera. Since I don’t have to pay for film, I can take hundreds of photos in one session in order to capture the perfect pose. But the downside to digital photography is that it’s hard to find the time in my hectic mommy schedule to actually print all those beautiful photos.
I treasure the baby book my mother created for me, and I always intended to create a baby book when I had a child. But four months after his birth, the baby book I lovingly purchased when I was pregnant still lies unopened on a shelf. I’ve …

Traditional Father’s Day gifts like ties and wallets might be good enough for traditional 1950s dads, but what do you get a modern dad to say “Thanks for changing all of those diapers” or “I appreciate your help with nighttime feedings”? These cool dads deserve a gift as great as they are.
My husband will be getting a Microsoft Zune for Father’s Day this year that will be perfect for listening to music in the office, at the gym, and while working in the yard. Best Buy sells …

Mother’s Day is May 11, 2008 and we’ve got the goods.  Check out our Mother’s Day Gift Guide. For picks for your chic, stylish, hip, busy, exhausted, talented, nurturing goddess of a mom.
We have coupon codes for some of our favorite mom shops with more to come.
There’s a contest, too, for our blogging friends, with others to be added for all our fabulous readers.  So check out our Mother’s Day Gift Guide and share it with your friends!