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You’re making your list, and checking it twice – the pressure is really on to find perfect gifts for all those little ones who’ve been naughty AND nice!

Selecting children’s gift can be tons of fun – after all, who doesn’t love to visit the local toy store and reminisce about the holidays when we were kids? Even so, sometimes the thought of figuring out what to buy that niece or nephew that you only see once a year can be quite daunting. Luckily, Melissa & Doug makes a fabulous line of more than 800 hand-crafted, high-quality children’s products to choose from, and we have some great advice for how to select that perfect present for just about any child!

Start by making sure you are selecting gifts in the appropriate age category so you’re little one will get the most play value possible! If you buy something targeted for an age that is too young, the toy might be “boring” or “too easy.” But if you buy something that is for an age that is too old, this could lead to frustration and the gift might be ignored. But, you’re in luck -- all of Melissa & Doug’s products are clearly labeled with age recommendations! AND, they all come with a variety of “extension activities” listed directly on the product or packaging that offer a bunch of different ideas for how the child can use the toy for endless fun!

Then, figure out what the child is into and what really excites them! Does he love to play pirate and never takes off that pirate hat he got for his birthday? Then a pirate-themed puzzle or puppet would be a perfect fit! Is she totally enthralled with fairy princesses and princess-themed movies? Then a princess magnetic dress up doll or a princess wand will be perfect gifts for her!

If you’re not sure what themes to go with but you remember hearing how much she likes to play “cooking” with Mommy, then turn to any type of pretend play food item and you’re sure to have a hit! If you don’t know the child that well, turn to generic categories like plush, puzzles or games – these types of gifts are great for any child. At www.MelissaAndDoug.com, you can shop for products by keywords like “pirate” or “princess” and find all types of items, or you can shop by category -- it’s really that easy!

Finally, consider your budget. Especially in today’s challenging economy, we are all conscious of price, and being able to get a great gift for a great price is super important! With Melissa & Doug, you definitely do not have to overspend to get the perfect gift! Our products are always a tremendous value and we have awesome gifts in every price range!

So, now you’ve read all we’ve had to say and still aren’t sure where to start in your quest for the perfect gift? Here are a bunch of ideas to get you started: (I mean, take it from us -- we have 6 kids of our own!)

Our play food toys are among our most popular toys each holiday season (and even year round for that matter!). Kids will be delighted with any of Melissa & Doug’s dozens of play food sets – they are innovative and fun, and truly stand up to tough preschool play. Choose from our classic Cutting Food Box ($19.99; includes eight pieces of wooden food that create a realistic “crunching” sound when sliced, a cutting board and a wooden knife) or our fun new Slice & Bake Cookie Set ($19.99; includes twelve wooden, sliceable cookies with 12 toppings that store in a durable dough tube, a wooden knife, spatula, cookie sheet and oven mitt). Or, if you know a child with a special interest or food love, some of our other play sets include a Sushi Slicing Set, an Ice Cream Parlor Set and a Grill Set.

Looking for a more versatile pretend play toy? Melissa & Doug Fold & Go Play Sets will be the perfect match! For girls, choose from the Fold & Go Dollhouse or Fold & Go Princess Castle ($49.99 each), and for boys the Fold & Go Medieval Castle ($49.99) is a perfect match! Looking for something more gender neutral? Check out the Fold & Go Barn or Fold & Go Stable ($49.99 each). All of these sets are beautifully designed to capture a child's imagination and come with accessory pieces for imaginative play. And, of course, they're all portable! Fold them up and take them with you to Grandma's!

For the little creative genius in your life, there is no better gift than the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Easel and Easel Companion Set! The adjustable height, double-sided, wooden easel ($69.99) features both chalk AND dry erase-boards, a locking paper roll holder, a child-safe paper cutter, four clips, and a plastic tray on each side to keep supplies within reach! Pick up the Easel Companion Set ($34.99) to go with it and you’ve got everything you need to get your little Picasso started – paper, paint, brushes, chalk, eraser and more!

Don’t forget those stocking stuffers and grab bags! Melissa & Doug Decorate Your Own craft sets are exactly what you need to stuff those stockings or throw into that grab bag! The sets come in various themes and varieties, including the Decorate Your Own Piggy Bank ($6.99), Decorate Your Own Picture Frame ($6.99), Decorate Your Own Princess Wand ($6.99), and Decorate Your Own Wooden Jet Plane ($12.99)! Each set includes the undecorated item (piggy bank, picture frame, princess wand or jet plane) and everything needed to decorate and personalize the item (paint, paintbrush, stickers and glitter glue are among some of the components in the sets). These sets are fun activities for kids at various ages and are priced right to be that perfect “little something”, stocking stuffer, grab bag or secret Santa gift!

If you’re still stuck on which present is right, visit www.MelissaAndDoug.com today to see our spectacular holiday selection! We know you’ll find just the right gifts for all those little ones in your life!

Posted in: Daily Shout Out, Role Mommy Recommends on 11/26/2009