Blog Archives

  • The Gender Thing

    From on January 18th, 2012

    I’m hoping that this is the year we can all start having an honest conversation about toys, gender identity and socialization. It’s certainly a topic that can get people all worked up, but is it real? I don’t think so. Like so much in the media in the “age of outrage,” this is often something that’s cooked up so that people can a) pontificate on talk shows and b) sell books or consulting services. Either way, some people are getting rich making you think that a color (pink) has the mystical power to form the personality of the girls in your life.

  • Giving and Receiving

    From on December 19th, 2011

    With Christmas less than a week away, many of us are very concerned about giving as we race around to try to finish our shopping for everyone on our lists. (I know I’m nowhere near finished, and this may finally be the year that everyone gets funny socks.)

  • Storytime: Navigating the (Apparent) Minefield

    From on December 6th, 2011

    Sometimes you just have to laugh. I wonder if there isn’t anything in the media or entertainment world these days that can’t provoke adult outrage from someone seeking—and too often getting—publicity. And it all usually comes from one very popular but horribly misguided practice—adults projecting their unresolved personal issues and political agendas on anything that comes in their sights. It doesn’t matter if their opinions makes no sense or ignores the facts; it’s all about getting attention and shocking.

  • chocolate-zombie-bunny

    Chocolate Zombie Bunny

    From on April 14th, 2011

    I would love to find this Chocolate Zombie Bunny in my Easter basket!

  • The Gift Card Conundrum

    From on December 13th, 2010

    Stores love gift cards, and according to a recent New York Times article, they’re pulling out all the stops to get you to buy them. With fees, restricted spending and the ability to get your money in advance, why not?

  • Present Tense: Birthday Gifts Without The Stress

    From on March 24th, 2010

    For something that’s supposed to be fun-a birthday party-lots of people can get pretty bent out of shape about them, especially when it comes to presents. If you’re the guest, questions as to what to spend or whether a parent is going to welcome something into the house are paramount. If you’re throwing the party, questions as to when to open presents and how to teach kids to be gracious are paramount.

  • Make Sure “Happy Birthday” is Happy for All

    From on March 24th, 2010

    I don’t know whether it’s good, bad or just plain scary that my wife and I have thrown almost 50 birthday parties over the years for our kids. While you want to create memories that can last a lifetime, you do not empty your bank account. As a Birthday Vet, I’ve seen everything from disasters, to great parties on a budget to some that were nicer than my wedding, no kidding.

  • The Toy Guy on MamaCheaps.com!

    From on December 10th, 2009

    This week, our own Chris Byrne aka The Toy Guy, contributed a guest blog post to MamaCheaps.com on gifts for $10 and less.

  • The Toy Guy on Seattle Mom On The Go

    From on December 3rd, 2009

    Our own Chris Byrne, The Toy Guy, contributed a great article on green toys to the Seattle Mom On The blog yesterday.

  • What to do if the hot toy is unavailable?

    From on October 14th, 2009

    When a child makes out their holiday wish list, there are often one or two toys at the top that are the ones they “gotta get”. Often a parent hopes to wait for this item to go on sale, unaware that it’s hot, and then gets shocked when it’s unavailable anywhere. What’s a parent to do? Years ago, a friend of mine went into a store and asked for the Furby aisle and was laughed at thinking she’d just walk down the aisle and pick one out. Don’t let this be you!

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