Disclosure: I received a swag bag with samples of items to help facilitate this post. All opinions are my own.
Two weeks ago I had the privilege of attending a fun and informative Social Media Mom Mixer Holiday showcase event at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Hosted by fellow Philly Social Media Moms bloggers Colleen Padilla, Classy Mommy, and Whitney Wingerd, Mommies With Style, this event was the perfect opportunity to network with other area bloggers while connecting with some amazing brands. Sponsored by CVS, there was a multitiude of hot toys, accessories and family fun ideas for the holiday on hand for us to check out, play with and learn more about first hand.
Let me begin by saying that CVS completely and totally rocks. As a busy Mom, I am so excited at all of the great things CVS has to offer – all in one stop shopping. (I am all about making life easier with less running around). This holiday season, CVS is stocked up on toys and gifts for everyone on your list as well as household staples, snacks and party needs, makeup and hair goodies to help you look and feel beautiful for all of your holiday parties and of course any pharmacy or personal items you may need as well. At the Mom Mixer I had the opportunity to sample some of the Gold Emblem Chocolate Chip, Soft Baked Brownie and Vanilla Bean Coffee Cookies – OMG can you say heavenly?? These are awesome to keep on hand for last minute guest visits! They taste absolutely divine with a cup of coffee or tea – and they are so good they will have no idea they are not your own homemade! They also have delightful trail mix (perfect for all of you salty/sweet lovers), nuts, chocolates, truffles and more! Who knew? Let me tell you – these are rich, delicious and absolutely perfect for all of your entertaining needs!
Ok – now on to more holiday shopping ideas! Here are a recap of some of my favorite gift picks from this year’s Mom Mixer Holiday Showcase:
For the Girls on your Gift List:
These fun, new hair twists are easily “twisted into the hair and stay in place, creating fun looks girls are sure to love! Spaghetti Headz are made to be styled and collected together and come in a variety of colors and themes.
All things Doc McStuffins including this adorable Doc McStuffins Mobile Cart
If you are not already a fan of the sweet and adorable Doc McStuffins, you have no idea what you have been missing! Her little fans are sure to go crazy over all of the fun dolls, accessories, books, DVDs and more. My new favorite? The new Doc McStuffins Mobile Cart. Complete with light & sound EKG, thermometer, on site check up center and bandage sticker dispenser, your little ones can get to work “taking care of all of their little dolls and friends!
Puppy or Kitty Surprise Plush Set
Does anyone remember Puppy Surprise from the 90’s? They are back! Get ready because this is one of this year’s hot toys to watch! Each Puppy (or Kitty) comes with either one, two or three puppies (or kitties) inside their velco closure stomach. Your child will not know how many until they open their gift! Perfect for little children who love t0 nuture or are animal lovers, this is sure to be a big hit under the tree!
Both bears are cuddly and soft. (I have been partial to Care Bears for as long as I can remember and I am pretty sure most little girls will go gaga over these as well. The newest Care Bears are softer and more plush than ever with vivid colors that are irresistible – so perfect for snuggling day or night. Doodle Bears, perfect for your little artist, can be drawn on and washed over and over again for endless fun! I especially love that kids can make them unique, feeling as if their creation is like none other.
These little mermaids with their aquatic and micro-robotic technology will dance and swim in water in the The Robo Fish My Magical Mermaid Water Wonderland Play Set
and other PlayDoh Playsets
A fun new spin on arts and crafts, the DohVinci sets are a fun way to create fun usuable pieces like picture frames and picture boards, vanities and door decor that girls are sure to love! Of course all of the original and modern Playdoh sets are always a fun option too!
For the Boys on your gift list:
These Meteor mutants from out of space are sure to become the basis of tons of imaginative play! There are over 150 to collect so kids will have a blast starting a collection and trading with friends.
Toys based off of the educational children’s animated series, many of the toys have a biology, zoology, and/or ecology basis. Once again, these toys will give the opportunity for hours of imaginative play and they also incorporate well with other toys in the house.
For both boys and girls:
This spill proof cup comes in an assortment of colors and is perfect for younger and older children. Help keep drinks from spilling onto the carpets and furniture! No sippy straws – these cups are more like regular cups making them appealing to a wider range of ages!
Perfect for storing everything from Legos and superheros, dolls and arts and crafts, these awesome 3 in 1 ride on storage cases allow you to ride it, pull it or carry it anywhere and everywhere. I love that they not only are fun to play with but they serve a great purpose! I can’t think of a cuter way to get some of those little toys organized!
Get ready for some stunts, tricks and magic fun as the Amazing Zhus Stunt Pets take center stage. These motorized plush pet toys will perform acrobats and gravity defying stunts that are sure to keep the kids laughing and entertained!
Stride Rite’s newest collection of shoes is sure to appeal to boys and girls alike! I was especially excited to see the new Frozen collection, which is sure to be a big hit with little princess fans!
Family fun Gifts
There is nothing like a good old fashioned game night! Hasbro games are always a hot with classics like Sorry, Twister, Life, Connect, Operation, Monopoly, Battleship and Trouble just to name a few!
Franklin Institute Tickets or Membership
Sahara Sam’s Indoor and Outdoor Water Park Passes or Membership
Diggerland Passes or Membership
Perfect stocking stuffers for everyone in the family! Enjoy everything from Coffee and Breakfast Sandwiches to Ice cream cones, McCafe specialties, Lunch or Dinner!
Have you started your holiday shopping yet? Are any of these fun picks on your holiday shopping list?
