Christmas is creeping up on us, and now the big toys companies are having recalls by the dozens (or at least that is how it seems).  How are parents suppose to buy something that they can feel safe with their children using?  I think science toys and practical (wood working, crafts, etc) is the route that our family will take this year.

Since we live in a small home anyway, I usually try to find things that are going to be used up.  Experiments are a great source of entertainment, education, and excitement.  At certain ages, even sea monkeys are exciting for kids.  You remember those don’t you - the dried shrimp that you could put in water and watch “come to life.”  Children are fascinated by things like that.

Even my smallest child loves butterflies.  At only twenty months old, he will squeal with delight when he sees one flutter by the window.  I can only imagine his excitement when he watches them hatch from the cocoon. 

As for the older children, I will probably stick with home grown products this year.  It’s going to take more shopping and more creativity on my part, but I will sleep better if I know that the products they are using are safe.