When it comes to toys I am always looking to find ones that are both fun and educational. And even more so with the holidays quickly approaching. With my son being almost a year old every day is an adventure, and everything that crosses his path is in some way a learning experience. That is why I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the toys from Melissa and Doug. And this holiday season they have put together their top 20 items designed to inspire and educate young minds.

Melissa and Doug have over 1000 unique and exciting toys, and that means that there is something for everyone. The same holds true with their holiday collection.

Company co-creator Melissa Bernstein says:

“Our strong holiday collection is in keeping with our signature approach: staying in touch with the way children naturally play, listening to their parents’ concerns and advice, and designing every toy we make to inspire a world of imagination. Our goal is always to spur the creativity of children, and this year’s lineup of holiday toys includes plenty of inspiration!”

Melissa & Doug have released their list of must have products for the 2011 holiday season.

18 MONTHS+

Snowman Stacker ($12.99)

Caterpillar Gear Toy ($9.99)

AGES 2+

Stack and Sort Butterfly ($14.99)

Happy Giddy Bowling Set ($19.99)

AGES 3+

Sort & Snap Color Match ($19.99)

Low Loader ($19.99)

Wooden Farm Train ($19.99)

Town Blocks Wooden Play Set ($29.99)

Doorbell House ($29.99)

Bake & Decorate Cupcake Set ($19.99)

Felt Food Sandwich Set ($19.99)

Scoop & Stack Ice Cream Cone Play set ($29.99)

Grocery Cart ($69.99)

Deluxe Floor-Standing Wooden Easel ($79.99)

Giraffe Giant Stuffed Animal ($99.99)

AGES 3–6

Trunki ($39.99)

AGES 4+

Make-a-Face Sticker Pad ($4.99)

AGES 6+

Flip-to-Win Hangman ($12.99)

Butterfly Treasure Box Peel & Press Sticker by Numbers ($14.99)

AGES 8+

U.S.A. License Plate Game ($19.99)

See? Something for everyone! Right now Melissa & Doug is offering FREE SHIPPING on orders over $60. Just use FREESHIP60 at check out. Happy Shopping!

I was provided with a Melissa & Dough Snowman stacker for the purposes of this review. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own.

* CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED *

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I am thrilled to be working again with LeapFrog this holiday season to bring you some sneak peaks and great giveaways of LeapFrog�s latest releases. Today we�re starting with their hottest new item for the holidays: the LeapPad.

Just like you want an iPad, your kids are going to want to get their hands on a LeapPad. Even better, I have one to giveaway to one lucky MWS reader! Read on�

The LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet is the newest all-in-one device from LeapFrog. You can play games, draw pictures, read books, hear stories, watch videos and even take your own pictures or movies! My boys have been fans of the Tag Readers and the Leapster Explorer, but the new LeapPad offers the best variety of activities. Here are just a few of the reasons you�ll love the LeapPad.

Variety. Numbers, letters, shapes, words, adding, subtracting, comparing, problem-solving, time, coloring, drawing, measuring, logic, reasoning, patterns, charts, phonics, geography, foreign languages. What can�t you learn on the LeapPad? With a library of over 100 games, ebooks, apps, videos and flashcards, the LeapPad provides an endless supply of learning opportunities.

Durable. LeapFrog makes stuff for kids, and they know how kids treat things. Keep teaching your kids to be careful, but know that the LeapPad comes with a sturdy, yet sleek, outer shell, a scratch resistant screen and 2 stylus pens (though you can use your finger too).

Compatible. One of the big complaints about LeapFrog products in the past is that they kept coming out with great products! Well, that wasn�t the problem as much (Apple seems to have survived this flaw), but that the games you�d buy for one game couldn�t transfer to the new device LeapFrog was coming out with. They heard the complaints and adjusted, and the new LeapPad is compatible with all the Leapster Explorer games � and vice versa. Already own Leapster Explorer games? They�ll work on the new LeapPad. And if you buy games of the LeapPad, you can load them on your Explorer too.

Adaptable. My oldest boys are close enough in age that we have few toys that are clearly for one child or the other, but they are not at the same level academically. With the LeapPad (and many of the the LeapFrog products), you can create different log-ins for each child and set the games for each child�s level. So both my boys can help WALL-E sort trash or explore the ocean floor with Dory on the Pixar Pals game, but can answer questions and do activities set to their specific level.

Snap & Record. While previous LeapFrog products had cameras as an add-on device, the LeapPad comes with a camera and a video recorder built-in. These are fun just by themselves, but add in a few apps like Story Studio which allows you to create your own story and record it or Photo Studio where a simple photo can be stamped or drawn on to create unique final products and the fun is endless. Parents can even share their kid�s creations via Facebook or email.

Follow. I think a lot of parents may not utilize LeapFrog�s Learning Path software, but I highly recommend it. You download it onto your computer and then whenever you plug in your child�s LeapPad to update it, download new games, etc, it will track your child�s progress. Learning Path can show you which activities your child spends the most time on and which they never play, which kinds of questions they get right and which they struggle with, which skills they are learning and which they need work on. I love that while my son is enjoying playing games, reading books and doing activities on the LeapPad, I can get an individual look at different academic skills he�s developing or struggling with.

What�s in the box?

LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet (with 2GB Storage)

Built-in Camera & Video Recorder

Pet Writing App

Story Studio App*

Art Studio App*

Free App Download*

USB Cable

LeapFrog Connect CD & Quickstart Guide

Extra stylus with tether

2 App Center Download Cards (value of $40 total)

1-year limited warranty

*To download these apps you must install the LeapFrog Connect Application and complete registration.

LeapFrog also sent along two of their new games � Disney Pixar Pals and Pet Pals 2. Pixar Pals has games with the characters of WALL-E, Toy Story and Finding Nemo. My 5-year-old has been loving learning about recycling and the environment with WALL-E while my 3.5-year-old is more enamored with washing, feeding and caring for his pet dog on Pet Pals 2. He thinks he�s playing with a cute computerized puppy; I know he�s learning how to count, add and subtract.

The Less Than Great. I�ve always been impressed with LeapFrog�s products, but the LeapPad truly is my favorite to-date. The two things I�m less than thrilled about are� the battery life and the price of the game cartridges. The LeapPad requires 4 AA batteries and it eats through them pretty fast. You can purchase a separate AC adapter if you know you�ll be using it at home a lot, but since we always bring these in the car on long trips, the battery life can become an issue. As for buying additional content, most of the apps you can download about $5-$10, but the game cartridges are $24.99. My kids aren�t into true video games yet, so maybe this is cheap in comparison, but this was higher than I was hoping for.

The LeapPad retails for $99 and you can buy it individually at places like Amazon, but I recommend buying one of the bundles through LeapFrog.com. You’re going to want additional games and activities and the LeapFrog’s Store offers a number of different money-saving bundles to suit your needs – Reading & Writing, Reading & Math, Ultimate Boys Bundle, and bundles with $40 in app downloads. Definitely worth it.

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WIN! Here’s your chance to win a brand new LeapFrog LeapPad of your very own along with Disney Pixar Pals, Pet Pals 2 and $20 in download credits. To enter, tell us in a comment below what feature you’re looking forward to the most on the LeapPad. You can earn one additional entry for each of the following – leave a comment below to let us know you did: (1) follow LeapFrog on Facebook or (2)� Twitter, (3) tweet about the contest using the hashtag #LeapPad, (4) follow MWS on Facebook or (5) follow me on Twitter. Entries must be received by Saturday, November 5th, 11:59pm PST. One winner will be picked via random.org and notified via email. Sorry, no P.O. boxes. US residents only.

We do it for family & friends who might ask what Cole wants but have no idea what to get him. �Plus, I get a discount on the items in the bucket after his birthday is over so it’s a win-win since Christmas follows shortly after his birthday. �And I like that it gives me a little bit of insight into some toys I wouldn’t have normally thought to pick out for him.

So. �Looking for ideas for a 5 year old boy? � Here are some ideas straight from the source:

Sqwishland SqwishLanders (not to be confused with Squinkies. �Oh, I know.) �These are at least cheaper than their counterparts. �These little rubber animals come in small balls. �The SqwishLander itself has a small hole on its stomach so you can decorate with the SqwishLander – Cole added a “bracelet” to his bucket where you can change and swap out SqwishLanders and wear them. �A tube of 6 Sqwishland animals is $4.99. �(Great stocking stuffer!)

He continues to love Lego Ninjago products. �The Lego sets themselves are for 7+ so I had to steer him clear of putting any of those in his bucket (will save those for his big brother!) but the little figures are great for when the kids pretend to have battles. �It’s about $8-10 for a Lego Ninjago figure – you can get a variety of them on Amazon.

And I was glad when he added this Honeybee Tree from International Playthings ($14.47 on Amazon) because it seemed very age appropriate. (Having an older brother he only wants to play with older toys so much of the time!) �A friend of ours has this and it’s a cute game. �Kids pull out the leaves and try not to release the bees into the bottom of the tree.

He was very excited about this Lightsaber Room Light ($29.99). �It attaches to the wall and with a remote, it changes colors.

Lastly, no stranger to Legos since his brother is obsessed, Cole selected some items from the Lego City line. �I had to steer him towards the age appropriate ones. �The key with the Legos is to see what the Lego piece count is. �Lego City is a great line for kids starting out with the smaller legos as they have several sets that are 5+. �We picked a few sets for him that were between the 200-300 piece range.

I first hear about Shoulder Buddies at BlogHer, where I got a sample Shoulder Buddies to bring home to my kids along with some other toys. �This little toy didn’t seem like much to me. �It reminded me of those Trolls people used to collect when I was a kid. �But I didn’t realize what it did until Cole (4) showed me.

Shoulder Buddies come with a half-dollar coin-sized magnetized disc that the Shoulder Buddy sits on. �The kid puts the disc under their shirt on their shoulder and then the Shoulder Pal sticks and stays on the child’s shoulder as he walks around. �Cole gets a huge kick out of walking around with his Pal and it makes anyone smile who sees it!

You can pick up a Shoulder Buddy at your local Hallmark or other store. �Use the Shoulder Buddy Store Locator to find them at a store near you. �I recently saw them at the Philadelphia Airport! �You can also buy them at the Shoulder Buddy Online Store for $5.99 each.

Perplexus is a maze game.� Using the 3-dimensional toy, players have to try and keep the marble on its path.� As you move, you come across barriers and are challenged to get around them without dropping the marble.�

This is one of those coffee table toys that everyone can pick up and play for five minutes.� While it’s listed at ages 6-14, I’d say it’s great for anyone 6+.�

The best part:� no batteries required.�

Retails for $24.99, get it on Amazon for $19.49 with free shipping.

The Hess Toy Truck has been a holiday tradition since 1964. Find it at Hess and Hess Express retail stores retailing for $25.99 plus tax � Energizer� batteries included. In this day and age, the price is very reasonable and the batteries will last for a long time.

Find them on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/hesstoytruck.

Thank you to the Hess Corporation for providing a sample Hess Toy Truck for review purposes.

This is one of those toy suggestions that everyone Mom is going to curse me for. �But your kids will love me. �Stinky the Garbage Truck was the big gift in our house this week for Cole’s 4th birthday party. �He’s been watching the commercial for weeks now and it’s been at the top of his “Must Have” list.

While the retail list is pricey ($59.99), you can get it on Amazon for $49.99 right now and Stinky truly does a lot of things: �he eats, talks and dumps things out of his back. �(Unsurprisingly, my kids immediately started playing and saying, “Stinky poops!”)

He talks a ton and tells jokes and thankfully there’s an on-off switch. �And truthfully, my kids are really enjoying this toy as they laugh and happily play with him together and that’s worth a lot in my book.

Disclaimer: �I received a sample of Stinky the Garbage Truck to facilitate this review.

Pretending to be bugs while wearing the FireAnt & Mantis Buzzerks

So my kids have been running around the house all week wearing their Buzzerks glasses from Insect Lore. �We received one pair of each – a Mantis, Hornet and FireAnt. �My kids quickly determined which belonged to which kid (the third pair, the Hornet was too tight for their heads – my kids have big heads) and they’ve been off and running with them ever since.

These glasses give children a bugs eye view of the world. �Use the “bug eye lense” inside of the glasses to see the world as a bug does or not. �My kids have been doing both – the bug eye lenses can fold back to make these just regular glasses as well. They’re $9.99 each and 6+ (although they are just fine for my almost 4 year old to use). �Get them on the Insect Lore website.

Giveaway: �Insect Lore will send ONE winner one set of Buzzerks (one in each insect) for the winner�and one set for the winner’s teacher, for a total of 6 pieces.� (retail value $59.94). Winners must be residents of the United States. How fun is that? �3 for your kids and 3 for your child’s classroom. �Just comment to enter – which pair do you like the most? � One winner will be selected at random after October 27th. Extra Entries: �Tweet about this giveaway. �Suggested tweet: �I just entered to win 6 pairs of @insectlore bug glasses @mommieswstyle http://bit.ly/dADoYt

There are 16 collector puppies available with accessory packs and fun play sets, like the Ultimate Fancy Paws Day Spa. I think there will be more Mix Pups in our future. Thinking ahead to the holidays they would make perfect stocking stuffers. Mix Pups was just nominated for a Peoples Play Award by Time To Play Magazine and they have also come out in plush stuffed animal form.

Mix Pups were provided by Jazwares for this review.

One thing he asked to do this year was create a “Birthday Bucket” at our local Learning Express.� We had gotten something for Julie‘s son out of his birthday bucket back in August and Cole asked to do one for his own birthday.

I’m not sure how many people we’ll actually tell about the birthday bucket (other than you all) as I hate to presume that someone would feel the need to pick something out of the bucket.� But I realized there was value in making a bucket for two main reasons:� it gave me great insight into what he’s into these days (sometimes the lines between what he wants and what his older brother wants get blurred) and I will receive 20% off anything out of his bucket after Cole’s party is over.

I pretty much let him determine what would go into the bucket with little direction from myself.� I figure it’s his birthday and his time.� Here are a few items he was excited about that we dropped into his bucket:

My First Science Kit – $19.99 – I was excited to see this Kit is made for children ages 4+.� While I’m sure this will be one big mess in my house, I know he’ll love mixing up the various colors in the test tubes and playing with the crystals.

Ultra Stop Rocket – $16.99 – we’ve had various rocket kits in our backyard before and it never gets old.� The whole smashing and launching a rocket up into the air always provides my boys with hours of entertainment.� He was quick to put this in his bucket.

Hexbug – Ever since I brought a couple of HEXBUG samples home from BlogHer, my kids have been obsessed with this toy.� Cole was particularly interested in the Hexbug Original ($10.03 on Amazon with free shipping)

My kids loved their Butterfly Garden from Insect Lore that we used this summer.� They watched as caterpillars turned into butterflies and then released them at the Jersey shore.� It was a great experience which Cole remembered.� He was quick to put the Ladybug Land from Insect Lore into his bucket in the hope that it will be as fun to watch as the Butterfly Garden was.� You can get the Ladybug Land for $15.54 on Amazon with free shipping.