More Holiday Gift Ideas For Kids (And Enter Fun Giveaways Here Too!)

This weekend, we're definitely finishing up with our family's Christmas gift shopping. Our house is all decorated, the Christmas tree is up and the holiday menu list is almost done. :)

Now, if you're still looking for last-minute gifts for the people in your Christmas list, look online as well for great holiday deals. You'll be surprised at how much money you'll be saving with coupon codes, free shipping deals and such.

Here are a few more holiday gift recommendations for kids- affordable, fun and something they will surely enjoy!

Christmas books from Scholastic

*The Christmas Magic by Lauren Thompson, Illustrated by Jon J. Muth- Truly a magical, delightful read about Santa getting ready for Christmas Eve. It's a special and beautifully-illustrated Christmas story book that kids will treasure for many years to come!

Description: Far, far North, when the nights are longest and the stars shine brightest, Santa begins to prepare for his big night of giving. He gathers his reindeer, feeds them parsnips and berries, and polishes his bells and his sled. Then lovingly, he chooses toys for every child in the world. For Santa loves them all, and he knows what each child at heart wants most. Then, with the thrum of magic that makes reindeers fly, he spreads the Christmas joy and warmth throughout the world--as he always has -- and always will until the end of time.
(Recommended ages from 4 years up)

*The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann, Illustrated by Gail de Marcken- I've watched the Christmas Nutcracker story performed on live stage before but have not read an actual book about it. I'm glad I own a copy of this amazing book. It's a superb Christmas story my kids will always love reading!

Description: In this gorgeous telling of The Nutcracker, Gail de Marcken brings E.T.A. Hoffmann's richly enchanting world to life. With beautifully detailed illustrations, the story of THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING will become an instant classic. It's a story readers of all ages will delight in. (Recommended ages from 4 years up)

And for some hands-on fun, how about these awesome craft book/toy items from Klutz?

*Paper Fashions Fancy- A great gift idea for little girls who like fashion or love dressing up their dolls! Paper fashions get glam! In the Klutz paper fashions custom, young designers get to turn colorful paper, ribbons, beads, sequins, and jewels into glamorous fashions and accessories. The kit includes an all-new set of patterned and colored papers — some with glitter, foil, and velvety black flocking to make elaborate, fancy couture: like gowns, red-carpet-ready ensembles, prom-pretty frocks, and more.

*Invasion of the Bristlebots- #1 Award winner 2009 Toy of the Year Award, FamilyFun magazine
Invasion of the Bristlebots comes with two mini-robots— basically motorized toothbrush heads. These guys zoom around like caffeinated cockroaches, spinning, skittering, and bouncing off walls. Resistance is futile. The book bristles with ideas for robot games and activities: race robots against each other, use the included punch-out walls to construct a bristlebot maze, stage a robot sumo-wrestling match. You can even customize your Bots with the provided wire legs, feelers, and beady eyes.

From now through 12/16/09, use coupon code HOLIDAY25 at www.Klutz.com to receive 25% OFF your entire order!

*Gotta Catch Santa Claus DVD- Get yourself and your kids in the holiday spirit with this fun Christmas-themed movie that will sure to become a family favorite! Funky music, holiday magic and a supersonic sleigh are all wrapped up in this CGI-animated family adventure starring William Shatner as the voice of Santa!

Description: Trevor is a true believer in the holiday spirit, so his skeptical best friend, Veronica, challenges him to show the world actual proof that Santa is real! Trevor and his friends embark on the adventure of a lifetime to catch Santa in action and reveal the true magic of Christmas. But they've got to find Santa before LeFreeze - a dim-witted monster who's carrying a serious 100-year-old grudge- and his snowman minions put Christmas on ice forever! Join the race to save Christmas in GOTTA CATCH SANTA CLAUS, the jolly, jammin', modern-day holiday classic destined to become a family tradition!

*Nintendo DS Game: Winter’s Tail

Game Synopsis: Take an exciting journey on your Nintendo DS and learn about the real-life story of Winter, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin who overcame incredible odds. Including fun mini-games and a fully interactive storybook based on the Scholastic Book Winter's Tail, read by the authors Juliana, Isabella and Craig Hatkoff. The release date is set for November 24th. Rated E for Everyone!

*Good news, Hip Mama's Place readers! Our sponsors have offered to give away the following items to five lucky winners!

*Prize pack containing one copy each of the "The Christmas Magic" and the "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" books (one winner)

*Gotta Catch Santa Claus DVD (2 winners, 1 DVD copy to each winner)

*Nintendo DS Game: Winter’s Tail (2 winners, 1 DS Game to each winner)

To enter the contest, leave a comment with your choice of prizes listed above. I will be choosing winners at random and there is no guarantee that you will get your desired prize. You will win any of the above-listed prizes.

This contest ends on December 19th, 2009 at 12MN, EST and is open to U.S. AND CANADA ADDRESSES ONLY. I will choose FIVE (5) WINNERS using Random.org and will be announced as a comment on this post.

Your comment is your one entry. To earn extra entries, just do the following: (You may leave extra comments for your extra entries if you wish)

1. Grab the Hip Mama's Place badge code under the "Grab Our Fabulous Button" and paste it on an HTML page on your blog sidebar.

2. Tweet this event on Twitter with a direct link to this URL page: (JUST COPY THIS URL PAGE AND POST IT ON YOUR TWITTER PROFILE UPDATE)

"I just entered the kids' books and DVD giveaways on Hip Mama's Place!
(followed by this URL): http://bit.ly/5fJjbR

3. Mention this giveaway on your Facebook (again using the URL page address above)

4. Write a short post about this giveaway on your blog linking to our home page or the URL page address above

5. Follow Hip Mama's Place on Twitter

6. Become a Fan of Hip Mama's Place on Facebook

You will have seven (7) total entries when you do the above-mentioned extra entries besides your comment. The more entries you have, the greater chances of winning!

Goodluck and have a happy holidays!

Hip Mama's Place Disclosure: “The opinion I am sharing remains my own. I received the products mentioned on this post to facilitate my review and I was allowed to keep them”.

More Holiday Gift Ideas For Kids (And Enter Fun Giveaways Here Too!)

http://www.hipmamasplace.com/2009/12/more-holiday-gift-ideas-for-kids-and.html