HOLIDAY HISTORIAN AILEEN AVERY PROVIDES SUPER COOL TIPS FOR CHOOSING GIFTS FOR KIDS

Find out the Gifts that Should be on Every Kids’ Wish List this Holiday Season
 
Finding fun gifts that will entertain, educate and inspire is a challenge that can stress out parents during the holiday season. Now, we have the expert with a real ‘history’ for helping people find the perfect gifts for their kids. In fact, Aileen Avery has studied and written about both the psychology and history behind gift giving in her popular book GIFT RAP: The History and Art of Gift Giving. Just in time for the holidays, Avery share her unique expertise to provide gift suggestions that kids will love and parents can appreciate.
 
BACKGROUND: Avery can also share some insight into the history of gift giving. For instance, Christmas honors the birth of Jesus Christ that evolved over two millennia into a worldwide religious and secular celebration, incorporating many pagan traditions into the festivities along the way. Also, learn how Germany started the Christmas tree tradition, as we now know it, in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. Some built Christmas pyramids of wood and decorated them with evergreens and candles if wood was scarce. In the past, Avery also co-hosted the HGTV show “I WANT THAT!” which highlighted the hottest “must-haves” products for the home. She is the creator of www.giftexpert.org, which features excerpts from her book and gift advice.

KEY ELEMENTS WHEN CHOOSING A GIFT FOR KIDS
Shimmer and Shine Wish and Spin dolls, based on Nickelodeon’s hit preschool series Shimmer and Shine, are granting magical wishes this holiday season. These dolls say phrases and play music from the show while their glittery bracelets light up and sparkle. Clap your hands or press the genie bottle necklace to have Shimmer or Shine spin in a full circle and grant your wish. Nickelodeon’s Shimmer and Shine follows the adventures of twin genies-in-training who grant wishes for their friend Leah that lead to surprising mishaps. The series features a social-emotional curriculum highlighting the importance of teamwork, resilience and overcoming obstacles. For more information, visit www.nickjr.com/shimmer-and-shine

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GIFTS THAT EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY CAN ENJOY WITH THE KIDS DURING THE HOLIDAYS  
I like to get a movie or two the whole family can watch for the holidays, and Disney has some fabulous stocking stuffers this year: The BFG and Pete’s Dragon. The BFG, The Big Friendly Giant, directed by Steven Spielberg and based on the beloved children's classic by Roald Dahl, tells the heartwarming story of a courageous and spirited girl Sophie and the kind giant who becomes her protector. Pete’s Dragon is a reimagining of Disney's cherished film about the adventures of a boy named Pete and his best friend Elliot, who just happens to be a dragon. Both are available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital. Prices in stores start at $20 and you can find them at mass retailers. For more information, visit www.movies.disney.com/watch-at-home
 
UNIQUE HOLIDAY TECH GIFT TO CONSIDER
I love gifts that use imagination, which is why I like the Zoomer™ Hedgiez that are adorable and interactive, fantasy hedgehogs. Through their wiggly noses, sweet sounds, sensors and LED eyes, they truly come to life.  Hedgiez blow kisses, whistle, sneeze and really move on their own. Kids can pet them to perform tricks like headstands, somersaults and more, for under $40-dollars, and it runs on 4 triple-A batteries. For more information, visit www.spinmaster.com