It’s that time of year again, Christmas is taking us all on a collective shopping spree, and most of us are running out of gift ideas. At least it seems that in the end everyone goes for typical gifts like a perfume, a book, or a pair of gloves. It could very well be the reason why every Christmas has that distinct déjà vu quality.

And now… Something completely different.

If you are looking for different kinds of gifts that will make this year stand out from the rest, check out these exceptional gift ideas. They are guaranteed to cause excitement and make you the star of the party.

1. The Gift of Remembering

   For just USD $50 (a one-time registration fee), you can give someone in your life a push to write their life story. This is a perfect gift for anyone, but especially for parents and grandparents.

   The Remembering Site is for all who want to write and publish their life memories but have been overwhelmed at the prospect. The site makes writing your biography easy and fun. It has more than one thousand evocative, story-telling questions from childhood through grand-parenthood and all the phases of life in between, to lead you through the process.

   TheRememberingSite

2. Learn a Foreign Language

   This is one great universal gift that can be given to anyone, a man or a woman, a friend or a lover, a child or a parent. After all, it’s never too early or too late to start learning a new language.

   Transparent Language Software has excellent reviews, and they offer more than  100 (yes, a hundred!) different foreign languages to choose from. You can go for something popular and useful like Spanish, French, Italian, or opt for the endangered and remote languages such as Altai, Tuvan, Buriat and Tajiki.

   What you get is a comprehensive language course on desktop software and audio CDs, featuring an interactive self-study program that delivers both vocabulary and real language in natural context.

   
   UPDATE:
   Black Friday Sale
   This Black Friday only: get 30% off any Complete Edition software. Use coupon code: BFCOMPLETE.

   Cyber Monday Sale
   Get 20% off any order of Byki Deluxe. Use BFBYKI at checkout. Valid Cyber Monday only.

   Transparent Language Software

3. An Unforgettable Experience

   Give a gift of a unique experience. At XperienceDays you will find an impressively large collection of all kinds of fun and entertaining experiences. There is something for everyone’s affinities and tastes, from dance lessons, pottery classes and wine tasting to adventure gifts like a Formula Racing experience, a balloon ride, or a flying lesson.

   All gifts are presented in the form of a gift certificate which may be redeemed by the recipient at their convenience. All experience gifts are sent in an attractive gift pack.

   If you live in the UK, check out Firebox for unique gift experiences.

   XperienceDays

4. Name a Star

   Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, recognizing a great achievement, or remembering someone dear to you, naming a shining star in the heavens is a unique and inspirational gift that will perfectly express your feelings and will last forever – and with a star named after them, they will never be forgotten.

   Name a Star

5. Canvas Photo Print

   In the past, only professional photographers could make photo portraits into canvas prints, and this was time consuming and expensive, a luxury that most people wouldn’t spend their money on. Today the advancements of digital photography have made canvas printing easy and affordable, and a great way to turn your favorite snapshots into cherished works of art. All you need is a favorite photo in a decent resolution, so that it will be clear when it’s blown up on canvas. You can polish it and add special effects in PhotoShop, turn it into sepia, black and white, or even pop art.

   If you are looking for an original personal gift, canvas print is a great option. It is a work of art, and will have the durability to last for many years. Unlike photos that are printed on paper, and may discolor with age, a photo canvas that is properly cared for can be handed down from generation to generation, with little degradation to the image. At CanvasPress you can also buy Gift Cards from $50 -$500.

   Canvas Press

6. Caricature King

   Caricature King lets you commission a caricature gift based on a photograph from several experienced caricature artists. The artists do not manipulate the image, but use it as the source for the caricature just as if you were sitting in front of them. Before the final art is completed, they will provide a pencil sketch to ensure things are on track.

   Every artist has a different style; they range from very realistic, hand-drawn classic, to cartoon-style, colorful and distorted head and body proportions, etc. Look at the samples of different artist’s caricature work and choose the art style you like best.

   Another fun option they have is doing a whole family caricature for Christmas cards. Cool, huh?

   

7. LoveBook Online

   LoveBook Online offers another great unconventional gift. Their LoveBook™ Creator lets you make a list of all the reasons you love someone and personalize it with simple, fun drawings. Once that’s done, your book is printed, bound and shipped. You can create your own LoveBook, or select one of six different themes: Anniversaries, Birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s / Father’s Day, Grandparents, and Weddings.

   UPDATE:
   Save 15% with coupon code: GOTXMAS15

   LoveBook Online

8. Personalized Photo Puzzle

   Using your own photograph, you can make a unique Personalized Photo Puzzle gift for your family to enjoy. A photo puzzle can be made from any image or artwork such as a photo, painting, sketch or children’s drawing. Seeing your own creation made into a photo jigsaw, makes puzzle making even more fun. Makes a great gift for birthdays, family reunions, weddings and retirements.

   

   Personalized Photo Puzzle

9. Astrology Forecast for 2012

   A day by day astrological forecast for the entire year ahead. That is probably the gift anyone would want. Wouldn’t you?

   At Astrology.Com you can order such a personalized day-by-day yearly forecast. This report is based on planetary transits and the way they influence the natal chart. It is a powerful personal tool that can be used as a road map to plan ahead and in times of uncertainty and indecision. One really nice feature is that it names each transit described, which is highly educational for those interested in learning astrology in more depth.

   
   Astrology.Com

10. Magazine Subscription

    If you want someone to think of you on regular basis, giving them a magazine subscription should do the trick. Magazine Agent is one of the largest online suppliers that offers over 1,200 magazine titles in more than 50 specialized top categories, which makes it easy to find a perfect magazine for anyone. They also have the lowest prices, free shipping and customer service that works 24/7. Take a look at the selection of magazines they offer and you will be impressed.

    

    Magazine Agent

This list is still in the making, and we are open to all fresh ideas. If you have any suggestions regarding the gadgets that should be included, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

A great gift does not necessarily have to be useful or even very personal. When it comes to innovative gizmos and gadgets, most of us want the same things.

This list features those popular innovations that make great gifts for all occasions. And you’ll find that some of the items listed here are not even that expensive.

1. The Roll Up Drum Kit

   This is one fun and irresistible toy for kids of all ages. Easy to roll up and store in a desk drawer, The Roll Up Drum Kit plugs into a USB port on your PC and the included software allows you to choose from six different drum kits, 48 rhythm patterns, eight special drum effects, and eight bass drum loops.

   Each of the six sensor pads may be programmed with different effects, enabling you to customize your set up for a cymbals-heavy rock or djembe-dominant African feel. The software’s intuitive interface provides control over tempos from 40-280 beats per minute; you can also record and play back your own riffs. Comes with two drumsticks.

   
   The Roll Up Drum Kit

2. Pulse Smartpen

   This is an innovative writing gadget that adds loads of features to a once sole-purpose object. There have been quite a few attempts to create a product that could convert hand-writing to digital format, but nothing worked that great. Pulse Smartpen is aimed at students and professionals, it captures what you write and what you hear simultaneously and synchronizes the writing and audio, so when you tap a particular word, you can hear what was being said when you wrote it.

   If you have the need to write a lot on paper, this is by far the best product for capturing any kind of hand-written notes. The Pulse has a number of other features, such as a calculator, translator, menu-navigation arrows, bookmarks, replay, playback speed, and volume controls. These functions are just the start, as Livescribe plans to create additional productivity apps and open up the platform with an SDK. It has already been referred to as “ipen” by its users.

   Despite the number of controls on the page and on the pen itself, the simplicity of use is impressive. Livescribe Smartpen will capture handwriting, simultaneously record audio, and then synchronize the two. You can charge the pen through the computer or an AC charger, and battery life is very long.

   Livescribe

3. The High Definition 3D Camcorder

   Do you know anyone who wouldn’t like a 3D pocket camcorder? I bet you don’t. It captures 3D and 2D content in high definition. Armed with a pair of lenses and 5-megapixel sensors to capture two different viewing perspectives simultaneously in high-definition, saved as an MP4 file. When viewed on the LCD preview screen (or on most 3D televisions), the dual images are interlaced and come in three dimensions without having to wear the special glasses.

   Included software for Windows 7, Vista, XP, and Mac converts video and images into “anaglyph” format for viewing on standard TVs and computer monitors with the provided red-green glasses. The camera includes a 4X digital zoom, automatic night shot mode, and white balance function. Comes with 128 MB of internal memory, with a slot for a SDHC card up to 32 GB. Rechargeable li-ion battery provides up to one hour of power after a six-hour charge. Also captures 2D video and still pictures.

   

   The High Definition 3D Camcorder

4. Electronic Cigarette

   A perfect gift for the smoker in your life. If you can’t get them to quit smoking, at least try to get them to switch to vaping.

   Electronic cigarettes have, in a relatively short time, become extremely popular. With anti-smoking laws on the rise all over the world, this is completely understandable. Compared to the traditional cigarette, the electronic cigarette is by far a superior product. For one, it is completely customizable: not only can you choose a fancy personalized skin, but you can select the level of nicotine, if you want any. E-cigarettes do not produce smoke, nor burning substances, so you have the freedom to smoke anywhere you like. They leave no stains or bad breath. There is no need to light them or put them out. And last but not least, they are significantly cheaper than the traditional cigarettes.

   There are already many different e-cig brands to choose from. We recommend GreenSmoke, as it is the most popular one on the market, and a favorite of passionate smokers. If you want to check out the other e-cigarette brands, take a look at E-Cigs Shop, it seems to be the most extensive e-cigs site on the internet. They also post all the latest e-cig promotions with discounts and coupon codes.

   

   Electronic Cigarette

5. Celestial Globe

   This beautiful 8″ Celestial Globe makes a wonderful unique gift for anyone. It features Earth while in lit surroundings and then changes to a representation of the night sky in darkness. An advanced optical sensor automatically activates a beautifully illustrated star constellation display as the room darkens.

   Excellent night-light for children and a unique tool for geographers and astronomers alike. Makes a unique corporate gift as well. Talk about universal gifts.

   

   Celestial Globe

6. Nanodots

   This is a creative and addictive magnetic puzzle you can play with for hours. It is made of 216 tiny magnetic beads that can be separated and molded into all kinds of different shapes, from a string of pearls to a ball, a tree, a heart. The Nanodots beads are specifically engineered to be the ideal size, strength and consistency to build complex geometric structures. They are made from rare-earth magnets and covered with a durable Nickel, Silver, or Gold plated coat.

   The simple cube is small enough to be carried in a pocket, and it provides a pastime that exercises brain, gives creativity a boost, and helps alleviate stress. The best of all, it can be even worn as a piece of jewelry.

   
   

   Nanodots

7. Star Theater Pro – Home Planetarium

   Gazing up at the night sky is one of life’s great pleasures. Sadly, those of us who live in the cities rarely have the opportunity to see the stars anymore. A top choice for a romantic gift, The Star Theater lets you bring the night sky into your loved one’s home.

   Ultra-bright white LED technology enables this über-advanced projector to beam 10,000 stars skywards. It even includes special discs to display both stars and delineated constellations (whatever they are), and mimics celestial movement in both northern and southern hemispheres. Simply place the little discs in the Star Theater’s front-loading tray and prepare to be transported. As if all that were not impressive enough, you can also set the Star Theater to project shooting stars at random intervals. Totally cosmic!

   

   Star Theater Pro – Home Planetarium

8. Kindle

   Kindle has been the #1 bestselling item for almost three years on Amazon, and is the most-wished-for, the most-gifted, and the highest rated product on Amazon. As if that isn’t enough, judging by Google Trends, Kindle is the most popular gadget sold over the internet. It is 3 to 5 times more popular than Macbooks, iPhones, and iPods.

   For those who still haven’t heard, Amazon Kindle is a portable e-book reader. More precisely, it is a software, hardware and network platform developed by Amazon.com that utilizes wireless connectivity to enable users to shop for, download, browse, and read e-books, newspapers, magazines, blogs, and other digital media.

   Kindle
   

This list is still in the making, and we are open to all fresh ideas. If you have any suggestions regarding the gadgets that should be included, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

Who says learning can’t be as fun or as addictive as playing games? Board games for children are incredibly effective learning tools as they promote teamwork and boost self-confidence, while ensuring fast-paced learning inspired by healthy competition. Today there are many games available to educate the young; here we have selected the top ten award winning educational games for children.

1. Blokus Board Game

   Fun for both kids and adults, Blokus is a strategy board game that challenges spatial thinking. Bright colors and simple rules make it ideal for ages five and up, but adults will certainly be engrossed by this unique and challenging game. Winner of over 20 prestigious awards.

   Blokus encourages creative thinking and has received a Mensa award for promoting healthy brain activity. It is simple to understand, but the game’s complexity is revealed shortly after everyone begins to play. It can be addictive, even for those not normally into abstract games. Blokus is a catalyst for spatial thinking, as players form images in their mind before placing the pieces on the board. Children and adults can play together for hours of competitive family fun.

   
   Blokus Board Game

2. Set Game

   SET is a card game of quick recognition and deduction. It is for one or more players, for ages six and above. Winner of many awards and featured on the New York Times bestselling games page.The object of the game is to identify “sets” of three cards. Each card is unique in its four features; color – red, green or purple, symbol – diamond, squiggle or oval, shading – solid, striped or open, and number – 1, 2 or 3. A “set” consists of three cards on which each feature is either the same on all of the cards, or different on all of the cards. This game contains complete instructions for play, 81 cards, and a durable plastic carrying case.

   
   Set Game

3. Passport to Culture – The World Culture Game

   This is a unique, exciting board game where players circle the globe, uncovering the mysteries of our amazing world. A game that’s an international education unto itself, Passport to Culture™ is part quiz, part cultural exchange, and all fun.

   Designed for ages 10 and up, with fascinating, fun-filled questions about people and places, food & drink, world treasures, greetings and gestures, or customs and traditions for all of the world’s countries and encounter surprising scenarios while traveling the globe. A Cultural IQ™ score measures each player’s global smarts, and no one ever really loses because everyone always learns something new. Passport To Culture™ is the Winner of Museum Tour Product of the Year award and Winner of National Parenting Center Seal of Approval.

   

   
   Passport to Culture – The World Culture Game

4. Totally Gross Game

   Winner of iParenting Media Award, this unique game engages kids to learn and understand all the major scientific disciplines. From biology to chemistry to zoology, there are over 220 science questions and activities.

   A dose of gross helps science make sense! Did you know snot keeps your lungs clean? Or that some bullfrogs are cannibals? Learn this and more as you travel around the game board answering queasy questions. Land on a Gross-Out space, and you may have to check another player for toe jam or describe the last time you threw up! Every time you answer a question or complete a Gross-Out, stretch your slime on the score line. Stretch it to 10 and complete a Lab Experiment to win the game! Full of action and information, it’s an educational game they’ll actually enjoy. Designed for ages 8 and up.

   Totally Gross Game

5. Mars 2020 Board Game

   Learn tons of facts with over 500 multiple-choice questions related to space science and technology. Choose a spaceship and a crew member and try to land on Mars first. Along the orbital path, players must answer questions to fix malfunctions that occur. Kids love the “cool” spaceship playing pieces and becoming a crew member. Mars 2020 captures the excitement, the challenge and the science involved in reaching the red planet. Mars even continues to orbit throughout the game, which provides an added challenge. Unexpected messages from Mission Control add excitement to the play. Ages 8 and Up, 2-6 Players.

   

   
   Mars 2020 Game
   

6. The Play’s the Thing Board Game

   This is a game to play and preform. Kids will learn about Shakespeare in a way that captures the spirit of his work and the pure fun and excitement of the theater. So besides learning the characters, plots and quotations from Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet and Julius Caesar, players will experience the stage mishaps and the much anticipated reviews! No knowledge of Shakespeare is required. Ages 8 and Up, 2 – 6 Players.
   

   The Play’s the Thing Board Game

7. Where in the World Game

   Where in the World was introduced 16 years ago it launched the trend in geography games. Today, this game remains the most comprehensive world geography games that families and classrooms love. The game has been updated to include the latest facts about every country in the world including capitals, major imports and exports, languages and religions. With 6 games in one, it’s possible for players of all abilities to play together providing challenge and a world of fun for everyone. Ages 8 and up, 2 – 6 players.

   Six games on six levels of play offer players of all ages a complete up-to-date tour of world geography. Learn the names, locations and vital facts of all 196 countries! Players will learn facts about every country in the world including; country name, continent, flag, capital, population, rank in size, literacy rate, monetary unit, languages, religions, imports, exports and seacoasts.Game includes 6 region maps (Africa, Asia, Europe, North American, South America and Oceania), 196 country cards, 6 wild cards, 1 spinner, 1 bodies of water reference board, 120 playing pieces and instructions.

   Where in the World Game

8. The Whole Brain Game

   This fun, fast paced interactive game challenges the mind, creates outbursts of creativity and causes the players to “Think out of the Box”. The concept is simple: It’s not what you think, but how you think it. Players are challenged to take unlike words or situations and create similarities, as one playing example. It causes the players to spontaneously think and shout out responses to the questions rapidly to beat the clock.

   A mentally and intellectually stimulating, educational and fun game all at the same time! “Right brain” activity is stimulated as players generate ideas, use their imaginations and work out patterns and relationships. At the same time the “left brain” quickly structures responses using language, logic, sequences and details. Great for families, parties, schools, and anyone that dares to think differently.

   

   The Whole Brain Game

9. Level Minded

   Level Minded is an exciting, educational, competitive family game designed to promote social and moral development. This balancing contest of principles, values and beliefs is an educational tool, winner of many awards: Dr. Toy 100 Best Children Products Award, Child Magazine’s Preferred Choice Award, iParenting Media’s Best Products Award. Ages: eight and up. Number of players: 2 to 8.

   Players score points by navigating a ball on a unique three dimensional labyrinth path and writing the most “level minded” responses to questions about ones personal principles, values and beliefs. The questions asked can be quite challenging, but since the players written responses are submitted anonymously, the answers can be clever, insightful or just plain silly. Level Minded includes the Junior Principles, values and beliefs deck, of questions but maybe played with multiple card decks.

   Level Minded

10. Stare!

    Winner of the National Parenting Center Seal and the Teacher’s Choice Award for the Family, this is a fun game for kids that develops memory, concentration and imagination. For 2 to 6 players (up to 18 players with teams). Ages 6-12.

    Kids can test and train their visual memory skills and have a blast doing it. In Stare! Junior – the game – players have 30 seconds to stare at an image on a card. Images are varied and fun for kids to look at. It might be a movie poster, funny photo, comic, work of art and more. When time is up, an opponent will flip over the card and ask the player a series of questions about the image to see how much they can recall. What was the clown holding in his left hand? What color was the girl’s hat? Guess right and advance on the game board. Kids can play individually or on teams. The revised Second Edition includes larger image cards containing all new images and questions! Includes 960 questions on 160 image cards, game board, sand timer, playing pieces, die, and instruction sheet.

    Stare!

Technorati Tags: educational, games, children, board games, learning

The clock is ticking, the days are getting shorter, and we are getting closer to the end of the year. Here you will find the top 10 notebook planners for 2010 to help you stay organized throughout the year. These engagement diaries are beautiful, they come in handy and make great gifts.

1. Busybodybook Personal & Family Organizer for 2010

   If you are looking for something to really aid you in organizing every day activities, BusyBodyBook is the top choice. It is an extremely versatile planner that makes it easy to manage your time. You can assign spare columns to household projects, babysitter instructions, meal planning, personal goals, holiday or vacation preparations, important clients, kid’s school subjects and extracurricular activities. Or you can use them to manage time for the whole family. It provides each family member with their own column to organize and track their schedules and activities while coordinating with each other side by side. The BBB GRID format provides the clearest view of your daily & weekly schedules and activities helping you stay organized, focused and on track. You’ll easily view overlapping schedules and avoid doublebooking. Price: $12.21

   
   

   Busybodybook Personal & Family Organizer for 2010

2. Don’t Throw it Out Organizer

   A perfect gift for the eco conscious. Use It Up! Is a one-stop, A-Z resource for practical and proven ideas to cut down on waste, plus easy recipes for common kitchen leftovers. Clear the clutter in your refrigerator as you discover innovative and delicious ways to use that very last spoonful. Save time and money when you shop for your groceries. Includes pocket pages for notes, reminders, shopping lists, coupons, and your own money-saving ideas. Price $9.99

   
   
   Don’t Throw it Out Organizer

3. Llewellyn’s 2010 Daily Planetary Guide

   Daily Planetary Guide 2010 Softcover Engagement Calendar: With planetary energy supporting your every move, success is in the stars! Packed with a wealth of astrological information, Llewellyns 2010 Daily Planetary Guide can help you take advantage of cosmic forces on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Listing exact times down to the minute, this astrological planner highlights favorable times to do anything. Price: $10.39

   
   

   Llewellyn’s 2010 Daily Planetary Guide

4. Black TimeMaster (Large) 2010 Planner

   An ultimate year organizer that will let you scan your year with ease, plan monthly projects and list your objectives in the special monthly sections. Weekly goals are recorded and prioritized in the order which you choose. Each day is timed from 7 am til 7 pm to schedule your appointments, Saturday and Sunday, too. Includes yearly, monthly and weekly planners. Price $18.99

   
   

   Black TimeMaster (Large) 2010 Planner

5. Campbell Laird 2010 Large Planner

   A gorgeous funky notebook organizer with magnetic closure. Features eight modern graphic design images by painter Campbell Laird.  Includes a ribbon page marker, weekly and monthly planners for 2010, an address section, and list of management vocabulary. Weekly calendars begin with Monday and have lined grids for writing appointments from 8:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. Price $15.99

   
   

   Campbell Laird 2010 Large Planner

6. Day Book 2010 Planner

   This handsome, weekly vintage planner proves that reminders of the beauty of life can mingle with the necessary obligations of work or home. The calendar features pages inspired by a vintage ledger, includes a ribbon marker, and has foil stamping on the cover. Throughout the pages, you will find artwork culled and collaged from vintage sources, alongside functional and beautiful layouts. Each week contains inspiring sentiments from a wide variety of well-known authors and poets. Price $18.99

   
   

   Day Book 2010 Planner

7. Moleskin Notebook Weekly journal Planner 2010

   Moleskine (mol-a-skeen’-a) journals are the legendary notebooks used by artists writers, intellectuals and travelers. Now you too can show off such sophisticated style as Hemingway, Picasso, and Chatwin by adding this little black book to your collection. This moleskine weekly planner is perfect for business, home, or travel to jot down those important dates, appointments and notes. Inside there are 4 timetable pages for jotting down weekly appointments and lessons. Ideal for students and professionals. Features Weekly 18 Month Planner+Notes format from July 2009 to December 2010. Format shows the weeks appointments at-a-glance on the left, complemented by a page for notes and ideas on the right. Also included is a monthly view for the year, in column format on a 6 page spread. Price: $22.98

   

   Moleskin Notebook Weekly journal Planner 2010

8. Hiroshige 2010 Hardcover Engagement Calendar

   Literally meaning “pictures of the floating world”, ukiyo-e refers to the famous Japanese woodblock print genre that originated in the 17th century and is practically synonymous with the Western world’s visual characterization of Japan. Hiroshige (1797 – 1858) was one of the last great artists in the ukiyo-e tradition. Though he captured a variety of subjects, his greatest talent was in creating landscapes of his native Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and his final masterpiece was a series known as “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo” (1856 – 1858). This linen-covered engagement calendar features a ribbon bookmark and an Address and Notes section. Price $24.99

   
   

   Hiroshige 2010 Hardcover Engagement Calendar

9. M.C. Escher 2010 Hardcover Engagement Calendar

   M.C. Escher Engagement Calendar: In the works of M.C. Escher, a fish may mutate into a goose, stairs may climb at angles denounced by gravity, water may run uphill, but the clean, rational lines of these prints achieve a logic beyond logic. This engagement calendar presents thirty-two of Escher?s wild perspectives and hypnotic, rigorously logical pieces. Also included are a brief essay about the artist, double-page 2010 and 2011 yearly grids, fifty-four weekly grids, twelve full-page monthly grids, lists of international holidays and calling codes?/ time differences, pages for notes, and a personal information page. Price $14.99

   
   
   M.C. Escher 2010 Hardcover Engagement Calendar

10. Four Agreements Engagement Calendar for 2010

    The bestselling book The Four Agreements introduced a simple but powerful code of conduct for attaining personal freedom and true happiness. The four agreements guide readers toward a life of increased wisdom and self-awareness. With an all-new selection of insightful messages from The Four Agreements, The Voice of Knowledge, and The Mastery of Love, this calendar will help you follow the four agreements as you work to achieve more love and joy in your life. Price $13.99

    

    

    Four Agreements Engagement Calendar for 2010

Technorati Tags: notebook planners, calendars, 2010, organizers

Little box calendars are a perfect desk companion and make a great gift. With a page for each day of the year, you are sure to enjoy the ritual of discovering something new every day. Nowadays there is a variety of beautiful, funny, inspiring, educational, entertaining, and what-not box calendars. Listed below are our ten favorites for the upcoming year.

1. Murphy’s Law Page-Per-Day Calendar

   Rain on a picnic day, locking the keys in the car, the bread hitting the floor butter side down, Murphys Law is to blame. Broadly defined as anything that can go wrong, will go wrong, the Muphys Law 2010 Day-to-Day Calendar explores the Murphys Law theory to maximum effect.

   There’s Sigstads Law, which states that when it gets to be your turn, they change the rules. And Rennie’s Law of Public Transit: if you start walking, the bus will come when you are precisely halfway between stops. Even if things are going wrong, at the worst possible time and in the worst possible way, this calendar still provides laughs for even the biggest cynics. Price: $13.99

   

   
   Murphys Law 2010 Page-Per-Day Boxed Calendar

2. Urban Dictionary Page-Per-Day Calendar

   The Urban Dictionary 2010 Day-to-Day Calendar culls from the popular, user-created Web site, as well as from the two Urban Dictionary books to give readers each day one of the funniest, wittiest, and most provocative phrases that define the modern slang scene. The Urban Dictionary 2010 Day-to-Day Calendar is perfect for those who want to expand their vocabulary with words like “chubby chaser” and “lego hair,” while also helpful for those who need the translations for “barking at the ants” and “fo shindu my Hindu.” Price: $13.99

   

   
   Urban Dictionary 2010 Page-Per-Day Boxed Calendar

3. Every Day is Earth Day Page-Per-Day Calendar

   The Every day is Earth Day calendar makes it easy to celebrate Earth Day all year long. Written by Linda Mason Hunter, a nationally recognized expert in Americas green movement, this daily calendar is filled with hundreds of tips on eco-friendly living designed to help protect the environment and make the world a better place. Resolve to paint 2010 green.  Price: $13.99
   

   
   Every Day is Earth Day 2010 Page-Per-Day Calendar

4. Mensa Brain Puzzlers Page-A-Day Calendar

   Test your mental mettle. Written by puzzle master Abbie F. Salny in cooperation with American Mensa, the internationally famous high-IQ society, it’s a year of word and number puzzles guaranteed to challenge and entertain you.

   Are your neurons up to the task? Push your gray matter with hundreds of word and number puzzles: Crisscross Saws, Tom Swifties, Gigantiwords, Palindromes, Puzzling Prices, Cubic Chaos, etc. Answers are found on the reverse side of each page. Price: $12.99

   
   Mensa Brain Puzzlers Page-A-Day Calendar

5. Scrapbooking PG Calendar

   Don’t throw yesterday away–just crop it! Accord’s craft calendar, Easy Scrapbooking Crop-a-Day 2010 Day-to-Day Calendar appeals to enthusiasts at all levels. With a year of decorative borders and other scrap-booking applications. Each page is designed to frame a photo up to 4″ x 6″ in size. Just place a photo on the page and it’s perfectly framed within a border! With fun and festive designs and decorative elements to clip for every season, holiday, or special occasion. Acid-free and lignin-free paper protects photography. Includes easy-access date cards. Price: $14.99

   

   Scrapbooking PG Calendar

6. 1,000 Places to See Before You Die Page-A-Day Calendar

   Monday Greece, Tuesday Patagonia, Wednesday the savannas of Namibia. Based on the roaring #1 New York Times bestseller and cultural phenomenon 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, this inspirational full-color calendar offers up a lifetime of destinations. Without leaving your armchair, experience glamorous Mediterranean resorts, mysterious ruins, clear tropical waters, exotic bazaars, and winding coastal highways. Includes festivals, quizzes, trivia, and quotes. Indulge your wanderlust. Price: $11.69

   
   1,000 Places to See Before You Die Page-A-Day Calendar

7. How to Cook Everything Page-Per-Day Calendar

   The How to Cook Everything: Simple Recipes for Great Food 2010 Day-to-Day Calendar content is taken from the completely revised tenth anniversary edition of Mark Bittman’s classic How to Cook Everything cookbook. For the new edition, the author carefully blended the best of the beloved original with appealing new recipes and fresh, current information. This calendar, featuring hundreds of the books updated and new recipes, tips, and suggestions, will be a handy and well-used addition to the home kitchen.The calendar pages are removable recipe cards that cooks can store in the sturdy calendar box or in their own recipe files, carry to the store, and share with others. Included are monthly and category dividers to use throughout the year. Price: $11.99

   

   

   How to Cook Everything 2010 Page-Per-Day Calendar

8. 365 New Words Page-A-Day Calendar

   Now celebrating 30 fabulous years as the best and bestselling word calendar, 365 New Words-A-Year is the perfect gift for writers, readers, students, crossword buffs, and etymology aficionados. On every page is a great new way to boost your everyday vocabulary. There are million-dollar words (paroemiologist: a student of proverbs), folksy words (thank-you-ma’am: a bump or depression in a road), and more. You’re sure to avoid catachresis (use of the wrong word for the context), because each entry includes a definition, pronunciation, sample sentence, and detailed word history. Price: $12.99

   

   365 New Words Page-A-Day Calendar

9. Origami Page-A-Day Desk Calendar

   One piece of paper, with so many possibilities! From Margaret Van Sicklen, passionate origami proselytizer and author of the bestselling book The Joy of Origami, this calendar brings the fun and creativity of origami to every day of the year. Fold a graceful lily, a spinning helicopter, a five-tiered pagoda. Includes weekend trivia and lore, and a separate “Origami Key” with clearly explained base folds, symbols, and other helpful hints. Price: $12.99

   
   

   Origami Page-A-Day 2010 Desk Calendar

10. The Left-Handers 2010 Desk Calendar

    A great gift for left-handers! It contains fascinating facts on famous left-handers and left-handedness. Birthdays of famous southpaws are also included. This calendar makes a great gift to anyone who is in the exclusive group of lefties. The Left Hander’s 2010 Desk Calendar features a little known fact, quote, bit of trivia, or anecdote about left-handedness, or information about a famous left-handed person on each page. It also recognizes the birthdays of famous left-handed people. Printed using recycled materials. Price: $13.99

    
    
    The Left-Handers 2010 Desk Calendar

Technorati Tags: box calendars, 2010 organizers, 2010 planners

What makes a good toy great? Let’s see… A great toy should be fun and interesting, inspiring a play that will develop our child’s mobility and skills. It should comply with all the safety precautions, and ideally, keep the children entertained for prolonged periods of time, so that we can also get things done for ourselves. Here are our top ten toddler gifts.

1. The Learn To Walk Trainer

   This four-wheeled, wide-legged ride-on is an award-winning ride-on toy. Shaped like a friendly, smiling face, the steering wheel’s two cut-out “eyes” serve as handholds. Its two front legs extend in all directions, providing stability and support while a child develops balance for walking.

   With adult supervision, it can also assist children 9-12 months old in developing the balance necessary for independent walking. Minimal assembly using the included tools. Supports one child up to 44 lbs. Ages 9-36 months.

   
   The Award Winning Learn To Walk Trainer

2. Scuttle Bug

   Scuttle Bug is innovative foot to floor trike for toddlers. Designed in Belgium, it has quickly conquered Europe with its usefulness and practicality. Scuttle Bug folds in three easy steps, so you can  carry it anywhere. It has great maneuverability and is very versatile; kids love it. Available in blue and pink.

   Scuttle Bug

3. DUPLO® Deluxe Brick Box

   This deluxe DUPLO® set is the perfect introduction to creative building and play for younger children. Storage box with transparent lid includes a building plate and lots and lots of safe, durable and colorful construction bricks, with plenty of special shapes and designs to help imaginations grow. Includes large 8 stud x 16 stud DUPLO baseplate! Includes lots of special elements like windows, a swing, wagon bottom and more!

   
   DUPLO® Deluxe Brick Box

4. Nursery Trampoline

   Nursery Trampoline is the favorite toddler activity toy. It has an easy to grip handle and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Made with a tough weatherproof mat and tubular steel frame with a durable coated finish. For extra safety, the padded cover around the mat cushions the frame and prevents children from stepping through the bungee cord. The handle simply screws off and the legs fold down for ease of storage.

   

   Nursery Trampoline

5. Potty Reminder Watch

   Reminder watch vibrates or sounds an alarm to remind children to go to the potty. This is an outstanding watch. It is mid-sized and accommodates a series of helpful options. The watch will provide children with a “friendly reminder” over the course of the day to avoid accidents. It helps with daytime incontinence, bed-wetting accidents, constipation, urinary infections, urgency and other potty problems.

   

   Potty Reminder Watch

6. Preschool Laptop

   As any parent will tell you, nothing gives more joy to toddlers than having the opportunity to press buttons, anywhere they can find them, on a microwave, washing machine, stereo equipment…  The Preschool Laptop is thus an ideal toy, packed with fun activities and rewarding lights and sounds – a great way to introduce kids to computers. The realistic mouse activates a matching games, while the colorful buttons teach numbers and makes sounds. Pictures light up on the screen when clicked to provide visual stimulation and teach cause-and-effect.

   

   Preschool Laptop

7. Haba Sevilla Building Blocks

   These beautiful wooden blocks are inspired by the work of Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi who conceived the Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona. The blocks depict Gaudi’s famous unique style and highly individualistic designs and cylindrical structure. The colors and forms of these blocks inspire children’s imaginations and structural possibilities. Contains 25 wooden blocks of different shapes and colors. This set include a block with rattle, bell, mirror, prism, magnifier and peep hole.

   Haba Sevilla Building Blocks

8. Monster Bowling

   The fuzzy Monster Bowling Set will bring countless hours of entertainment to the family. This wacky bowling set features six furry, funky-textured pins and one beasty ball.

   Monster Bowling

9. U-Play Mat

   As the name suggests, this is a large U-shaped mat designed to facilitate easy and playful interaction between the child and the parent or a tutor. The child sits inside the opening of the “U” with full visual and tactile access to the mat, without having to crawl atop. Fifteen theme-based cards are inserted into transparent pockets on the mat surface to engage the child in a variety of exercises. This great cognitive development tool was invented by Dr. Jen, pediatrician and mother of two sets of twins.

   U Play Mat

10. Retro Rocket by Radio Flyer

    A beautifully designed old timer, The Retro Rocket features classic styling and quality craftsmanship that can be passed on for generations of imaginative children to come. There is a 3-2-1 Blast Off feature that puts kids “in the driver seat”. Rolling wheels activate working lights and realistic astronaut and space sounds. This Radio Flyer’s ride-on makes childhood dreams soar.

    
    Retro Rocket by Radio Flyer
    

Technorati Tags: baby toys, toddlers, babies, toys, toddler toys