The Best Gifts for Little Kids 2021: Holiday Gift Guide (12 months to 4 years)

The Best Gifts for Little Kids 2021: Holiday Gift Guide (12 months to 4 years)
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It’s almost the most wonderful time of year again…the holidays! This season parents know that it’s been an extraordinary time so kids should all be rewarded. If searching for some of the season’s Best Gifts for Little Kids in the hot holiday toy category this is the year to shop early! With a shipping crisis it may be hard to find certain toys by December so here is the list of top toys to purchase now in case you would like to shop now.

Don’t forget that the holiday season would not be complete without kindness, love, holiday cheer, and giving back so if you’re able, consider donating a toy to those in need as well.

Psst… Check out The Best Gifts for Dad: Holiday Gift Guide 2021

Choppin’ Fun Learning Pot

Prepare a recipe for learning with the Choppin’ Fun Learning Pot! Children will love to pretend to cook, following the five step-by-step recipes to encourage learning with play. Kids will love chopping the food, setting the temperature dial, pressing the food buttons, and stirring the pot to make recipes like rainbow soup while learning about colors, numbers, and fantastic foods! Parents will love that all the pieces stored in or on the pot for easy cleanup when playtime is done. Soup-tastic! Age: 12 months+ $19.99

 L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G Movie Magic Fashion Dolls

Hot on the heels on the all-new L.O.L. Surprise! The Movie, the L.O.L. Surprise! OMG Movie Magic Studios is hot ticket item this holiday along with the new L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G Movie Magic Fashion Dolls, featuring the four new Silver Screen Queens from the movie. Kids will love the chance to play filmmakers themselves with this set that includes 12 exclusive dolls to play the cast and crew, and a package that folds out into a 360-degree playset, a green screen, and a movie theater. All 70+ surprises are hidden throughout the playset for kids to find and unbox using the included 3D movie glasses. Parents will love that it comes with lots of unboxing to delight their kiddos: 12 dolls to unbox, including 2 OMG fashion dolls, 6 LOL Surprise dolls, 2 Pets and 2 Lil Sisters to ensure that kids can create a full cast and crew for each movie they produce Age: 4+; Starting at $36.99 

Fisher-Price® 4-in-1 Ultimate Learning Bot 

A transforming playtime buddy featuring four ways to play and lots of fun music, lights, and hands-on activities. Parents will love that the bot grows with your child, has three learning modes, and each bot has its own fun for little ones to discover, from spinning eyes to silly popping balls to exciting crawl-and-chase play. Kids will love playing and exploring each bot individually or building them up into one big interactive buddy with fresh music, sounds, and phrases! And with Smart Stages technology, you can switch up the learning content to best fit your child’s age and stage. Age: 6M+ $49.99

Ryan’s World Galaxy Explorers Mega Mystery Rocketship

Blast off into a universe of fun with the Ryan’s World Galaxy Explorers Mega Mystery Rocketship.  Kids will love pressing the button to activate the countdown, lights, and realistic rocketship sounds on this playset that unfolds to reveal four levels of hidden surprise-filled compartments. Kids will love finding over 15 surprises like a space blaster with lights and sounds, a buildable rover, hammer, moon dig, five figures, and accessories, glow in the dark stars, and a Ryan astronaut badge. Parents will love that the fun and creativity never-ends with the surprising and exciting Galaxy Explorers toys from Ryan’s World. Age: 3+; $79.97 

Ada Twist, Scientist On-The-Go-Lab Set

Inspired by the popular children’s book and Netflix show, Ada Twist, Scientist, the Ada Twist, Scientist On-The-Go-Lab Set has everything curious kids need for a scientific playdate. Parents will love that this travel lab set includes an on-the-go lab case, goggles, beaker, flask, test tubes, removable ruler, six experiment cards, and more. Kids will love working together with their parents to create fun pre-school-level experiments. Just like Ada, aspiring scientists can formulate a hypothesis, test it, and observe the results. Age 3+, $44.44

CoComelon Deluxe Interactive JJ Doll

Enjoy endless imaginative play with kids’ favorite small-screen star, JJ. Parents will love having their kids get JJ ready for the day with the CoComelon Deluxe Interactive JJ Doll! Kids will love to dress JJ up in his favorite outfit, feed JJ yummy peas, and watch the peas disappear while he sings and giggles. The doll wears his signature outfit from the show and features popular CoComelon songs like “Yes, Yes, Vegetables” and “Your Name.” Age: 3+; $29.99

Blue’s Clues & You! Check-Up Time Blue

Blue’s Clues & You! Check-Up Time Blue is ready for a check-up and encourages kids to care for others. Prepare for hours of joyful, pretend play as Josh’s voice gives prompts to help kids give Blue a thorough check-up. Parents will love that Blue features lights in her chest, cheeks, and mouth to guide little doctors through the examination. Kids will love using the play otoscope to check Blue’s ears and play thermometer to check her temperature, and using the play stethoscope to listen to Blue’s heart that makes real beating sounds! Blue also comes with a removable face mask and a stretchy bandage. Age: 3+; $29.99

Squishville Mystery Mini Plush

Kids will love the sweet and savory Squishmallow Food Squad featuring the lovable Carmelita the S’more and her collectible, delectable friends like Bernardo the Burrito, Tex the Taco, Bernice the Boba, Sinclair the Avocado Toast, and Clara the Ice Cream Sundae. Families will also love the smaller, budget-friendly Squishville Mystery Mini Plush. This adorable and squishy assortment features everyone’s favorite Squishmallows plush characters in a mini 2-inch size. Kids will love these mystery mini-Squishmallows plush toys that come with a fashion accessory they squeeze into and the mixing and match fashions. Age: 0+; Starting at $4.99

 

 

Neighborhood Kids Doll – Camille

“Camille” is 34” tall and handcrafted from 100% cotton fabrics, yarns and threads and is part of the Neighborhood Kids Collection. If looking for a gift like the dolls you grew up with, you will want to add this to the holiday gifts. $50, available at nathanandco.com

 

Melissa & Doug Dinosaur Jigsaw Puzzles

An excellent gift for this age group is wooden toys, as they are perfect if you are looking for a gift that keeps kids busy and learning through hand-eye coordination, motor skills that helps with problem-solving. This Melissa & Doug Dinosaur Jigsaw Puzzles in a Box 12-piece dinosaur puzzle includes a triceratops, an apatosaurus, a stegosaurus, and a T-Rex. The handy wooden box doubles as a  puzzle board! Age 3+, $13.99.

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Manhattan Mandarin

<p>Manhattan Mandarin runs the Mandarin after-school programs at over 40 schools</p> <p>nationwide, including St. Bernard's, Chapin, Allen-Stevenson, and Buckley. Whether</p> <p>in schools, students' homes, in the office, online, or on our beloved China trips, our</p> <p>teachers and tutors have helped hundreds of students of all ages master the Mandarin</p> <p>language on their own unique paths to fluency. Our philosophy has always been to</p> <p>make private lessons and classes perfectly tailored for each individual student. We</p> <p>look forward to working with you.</p> <p>- Jamie Keyte, Founder</p>

The Music Institute of Long Island

<p dir="ltr">Established in 1990, the Music Institute of Long Island (MILI) is a classical music school staffed by exceptional instructors from many of the most prestigious conservatories and graduate music schools in the United States and Europe. Long Island’s foremost musical academies, its instrumental programs include violin, viola, cello, piano, flute, clarinet, saxophone and voice classes. MILI has been voted # 1 BEST MUSIC SCHOOL Consistently. </p> <p dir="ltr">They teach the Traditional, Suzuki, and ABRSM methods. Students participate in All-National, All-Eastern, All-State, youth orchestras, and score highly in NYSSMA and Royal Academy Music Festivals. First prize winners of competitions earn solos at Carnegie Hall and with orchestras. MILI offers Fall/Spring semesters plus Summer Sessions. Semesters include 15-17 weeks of private lessons, solo recitals with a final GALA Concert featuring chamber music.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>About the Directors: Carol & Geri Kushner:</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">The sisters are violinists, violists, chamber coaches & performers. They believe in instilling the love of music,  fostering proficiency, success, confidence & believe all MILI students achieve success.</p> <p dir="ltr">Degrees BM, MM (+), K-12 certifications, attended Manhattan School of Music, Queens College & Stonybrook University.They have been adjunct professors at Syracuse University, Aaron Copland School of Music Pre-College & Five Towns Colleges, Stonybrook University & have taught in L.I. public schools.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e9f5dcc8-7fff-2ad2-edea-98d61c367d72"></span></p>

Dedimus Potestatem

<p>Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today!</p> <p>Sessions</p> <p>We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow </a>or email us at <a href="mailto:info@potestatem.co?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">info@potestatem.co</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a></p> <p>This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a></p> <p>Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech & Debate</a> (competitive and non-competitive programs available)</p> <p>This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a></p> <p>Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a></p> <p>Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently.</p> <p>Mock Trial (<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>)</p> <p>Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students’ civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. Our objective in this course is to educate the next generation, nurture and inculcate a passion for civics and history and encourage young people to advocate for themselves.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a></p> <p>The focus of the Philosophy class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular philosophies embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these philosophies and engage in a Socratic style debate. Students are presented with an ethical question and they must identify stakeholders and players within the dilemma, discuss the key moral issues and present opposing viewpoints. This class was built for students who wish to <a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a></p> <p>The Money Matters course is built to help students manage their personal finances, from building credit and loan applications to interest rates and investing strategies. This class will cover the basics of financial health, savings, spending habits, and budgeting. After learning how to store, track, and spend responsibly, students will learn about risk management, APRs, and tax preparation. This class will use real-life examples and teach students how to set and achieve financial goals. This course is ideal for middle and high school students.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics: (Ages 10-18)</a></p> <p>Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette (Ages 5 and up)</a></p> <p>Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a></p> <p>Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world.</p> <p>College application course </p> <p>Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a> </p> <p>These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a></p> <p>These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed.</p> <p>Computer Programming: Coding for Kids</p> <p>In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>