THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS H O T F O R T H E H O L I D A Y
December 7, 2022 - December 13, 2022 • 21 S
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THE HOLIDAYS ARE ONCE AGAIN UPON US! By J. STEIN AND THE AMSTERDAM NEWS ELVES
’Tis the season to be jolly! Yes, be jolly! We are allowed to smile, have fun, and share merry even though the world is darker these days and budgets for many are stretched. This year, more than ever, kids and grownups alike need moments of light and laughter. We need to create community and family. Great games are less expensive than the price of some movie tickets and bring players together. Fluffy plush can make kids feel safe as transitional objects. Dolls allow children to role play. Art can be used for people to express themselves. Candles are a warm
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comfort with soothing scents. Items for selfcare allow users to pamper themselves and feel great. Holiday gifts can bring joy for years to come and bring us closer. Not all gifts have to be physical. This holiday season, if you would like to teach kids about giving or make a difference yourself, consider donating to a charity. Giving even a small amount can make a huge difference. The Amsterdam News Education Foundation (www.amsterdamnews.com/donate) supports organizations involved with arts and culture, baseball, childcare, and the nonprof-
it sector. Sanctuary for Families (www.sanctuaryforfamilies.org) is dedicated to the safety, healing, and self-determination of victims of domestic violence and related forms of gender violence. A third charity to consider is STOMP Out Bullying® (www.stompoutbullying.org), which is dedicated to changing the culture for all students; it works to reduce and prevent bullying and digital abuse; educates against homophobia, LGBTQ+ discrimination, racism, and hatred; and deters violence in schools, online, and in communities across the country.
The items below are hot for the holidays and have been tested by the Amsterdam News Elves to make sure that they are fun, dependable, and safe. Prices will vary depending on where you purchase presents. Communication is key to gift-giving— ask people what they want to get. Tell people what you want. Discuss your real options this year. You just may be pleasantly surprised. Happy holidays to all and to all a safe, merry, healthy, and bright New Year. Happy shopping!
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a. BEST FOR BABY 0-3
1a. Peekaboo Bear 10 Pc 18m+ Magformers, $19.99. This set is great for toddlers to explore tactile learning and hands-on magnetic play. Each Stick-O piece uses magnets that rotate, so creations always stick together. Build a bear, duck, and more. www.magformers.com 2a. Playworld Treehouse 2+ Bababoo and Friends, $54.99. This 31-piece wood heirloom set has a treehouse, train, and characters. It is great for working on storytelling, logical thinking, roleplay, and motor skills. www.us.bababooandfriends.com 3a. Build-a-Slice Pizza Cart 2+ Leap Frog, $49.99. Learn about food, numbers, and money while you wheel your pizza cart around and sell your pizza to friends and family. Lights and sound make this amazing cart even more special. www.leapfrog.com 4a. Tranquil Turtle 0+ Cloud B, $54.99. This turtle will help everyone in the house get to sleep with its underwater melody, sound of waves, and underwater projections. Made from recycled fabric and a shell that can illuminate, this is a plush with purpose. www.cloudb.com 5a. Solid Wood Counting Worm 18m+ TCG/ Little Tikes, $19.99. Children learn to count to 10 with this cheerful colorful wood puzzle worm that has a base. Also look for the Solid Wood Animal Ark 12m+ $29.99. Noah and 14 colorful animals are on this shape-sorting ark. Makes a great first birthday gift. www.tcgtoys.com
6a. Babablocks 1+ Bababoo and Friends, $38.50. This wood block keepsake set comes with Lion Bababoo. It is a green product made with eco-friendly packaging and nontoxic, waterbased paint. www.us.bababooandfriends.com 7a. You See A Girl, I See the Future Onesie Prinkshop, $35. These adorable messaged onesies are so soft. They make great birth or holiday gifts. Also, look for T-shirts by the same brand, such as New York Girl for little ones, $35. www.social-goods.com 8a. Little Big Friends 0+ BTL Diffusion, $14.99 each. Tested for harmful substances, these 22 adorable little PVC-free animals are beyond darling. Each is soft and made from a leathery material. We played with Elliot the Seal, Martin the Penguin, Emilie the Turtle, Nathan the Polar Bear, Octave the Octopus, and Madeleine the Whale. The creatures were designed in France. www.little-bigfriends.com 9a. Life in the Amazon Triple Fun Bouncing Activity Saucer 0+ Evenflo, $167.99. 25+ fun activities, playtime mat with toy bar, bouncing activity center, and cruising activity table make this the center of fun and learning for babies. www.evenflo.com 10a. Blue Triceratops 0+ Wildberry, $35. With a knitted look like Granny made it, this adorable and super-soft blue and white dino is sure to become a transitional object. www.wilderrytoys.com
b.TERRIFIC FOR TODDLERS 3-5
1b. Carnival Plus 48pc Set 3+ Magformers, $79.99. This set is great for creative STEMconstruction fun. Build unique ferris wheels, carousels, and more. The carnival wheel can be converted to a carousel—add Magbuddies and watch them swing. 2b. Pinata Smashlings Series 1 3+ Toikido, $27.31. The Panda Smashling figure comes with a baby unicorn, a bamboo rod, and a hidden figure inside. The game that you can scan is connected to Chuck E Cheese. Collect all four Smashlings. www. incrediblegroup.com 3b. Storytime With Sunny™ 3+ VTech, $59.99. Sunny tells stories with surprising plot twists to keep kids engaged and invites participation in 300+ activities with four disks and more than five hours of fairy tales, classic songs, guessing games, a poem creator, silly jokes, tonguetwisters, daily routines, and much more. Sunny teaches healthy habits, encouraging good manners, brushing teeth, and mindfulness exercises. It leads kids in a bedtime routine and has an alarm and a glowing night-light. www.vtech.com 4b. Spin Plus Set 6 PC 3+ Magformers, $19.99. Turn any Magformers creation into a moving and mobile wonder with this set. Build your cube and use the fidget as a spinning base to set your builds into motion.
5b. Rock and Roll It JR 6+ Mukikim, $34.99. This fantastic flexible roll-up piano features 32 standard keys, more than 20 different sounds and songs, and a builtin speaker. www.mukikim.com 6b. Duplo Disney 100 3 in 1 Magical Castle 3+ LEGO, $99.99. This giant 160-piece Duplo castle set comes with Minnie and her friends. Build three castle structures or be creative and build something entirely different. www.lego.com 7b. Wonder Tree Shape Sorting Clock 18m+ Bababoo and Friends, $32.99. This amazing heirloom-quality wood shapesorting clock teaches numbers and shapes while looking fantastic. 8b. Arctic Adventures 3+ Meemzy Magic, $49. This amazing sensory kit comes with wood animals, an arctic adventurer, trees, Goo, furry snowballs, and more. The beautiful carrying case keeps it all neat. Kids love the tactile nature of this play set and how different it is from other toys. www.meemzymagic.com 9b. Explorer Balance Bike 2-6yrs MOBO $89.99. Little people will love this sturdy bike that comes in 4 cool colors! It has a cushioned premium seat and this beautiful bike holds kids up to 60 pounds. www.mobocruiser.com
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS H O T F O R T H E H O L I D A Y
c. PERFECTLY PLUSH
1c. Disney Hocus Pocus 2 Winifred Sanderson Plushie 0+ Funko, $26.56. Adorable soft plush to add to your collection, based on the popular Disney movie. www.disney.com 2c. Pinata Smashling Plushy Box Series 1 0+ Toikido, $5.97. Collect all six bright mini plushies. www.smashlings.com 3c. Punchi Gumi 0+ Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Co., $9.97. These happy soft plushies are easy to take on walks, when traveling, or give as a sweet gift. www.Plush.com 4c. Scented Smelly Jelly Blind Bag 0+ Beverly Hills Teddy Bear, $9.97. Scented adorable pets in a blind bag. Collect them all. www.Plush.com 5c. Lote the Blue Whale 0+ Lily Toys. This plush from Ecuador is soft and huggable, and has huge eyes that make kids feel like their friend understands them. www.lilytoys.com.ec 6c. Plushie Rabbit Tote Bag 3+ Teeturtle, $10. The bag fits in the plush to play
with when you are not carrying stuff around. The plush sits on your shoulder when you pull out the bag. Collect the whole line. www.teeturtle.com 7c. Emma the Whale & Sammy the Seal Bundle 3+ Shore Buddies, $34.95. Made from 100% recycled plastic bottles for the eco-conscious kid. www.shore-buddies.com 8c. 30” Jumbo Orangutan Mom & Baby 0+ Wild Republic, $120. The expressive Mom and Baby are attached but can be cut apart. They are supersweet and beyond soft. www.wildrepublic.com 9c. Shark Set 2+ Night Buddies, $36.42. Happy parent and child shark plush set with glowing eyes that act as night lights. www.nightbuddies.com 10c. Pickle Ami Amis Wave 1 3+ Jakks Pacific, $20. Cute, quirky, and collectable little plush that look knitted. Pickle is a frog. www.jakks.com
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d. GLORIOUS GAMES
1d. Shark Bite 4+ Pressman, $15.79. Snag the play fish with your rod and be the winner, but if the hungry shark jumps, you could be dinner. www.pressmantoy.com 2d. Cake-N-Bake Challenge 4+ Hey Buddy Hey Pal HBHP, $29.99. Stack your colorful birthday cake pieces first to match your card and hit the bell to win a card candle. Win six card candles and you get to wear the chef’s hat. www.heybuddyheypal.com 3d. Stackers Trio 6+ Tactrics, $27.95. A game for two to four players from the Netherlands. Be the first to puzzle and place all of your stackers and not tip the balance. Also look for Stackers Columns 8+. www.tactrics.com 4d. Monopoly Scrabble 8+ Hasbro, $52.47. This is what you get when you mix the two classic games: an exciting mash-up. Also look for Monopoly Chance 8+, $19.99. by Hasbro. www.hasbro.com 5d. Shout It Out 8+ Mukikim, $14.99. Shout out as many words matching the letter to the category cards in 60 seconds.
www.mukikim.com 6d. Green Team Wins 10+ Goliath, $13.99. Three to six players can play this fast card game of thinking like everybody else in 15 minutes. www.goliathgames.com 7d. Coca-Cola Polar Rollers Game 13+ Funko, $9. This winter themed game uses the adorable Coa-Cola Polar bears to roll and then match to score. It comes in a box with a bow for easy gift giving. www.funkogames.com 8d. Unsolved Case Files Avery & Zoe Gardner Case 14+ Pressman, $26.97. Be the detective and solve all 3 objectives to crack the case! www.pressmantoy.com 9d. Giant Monopoly 6+ SpinMaster, $29.99. Play Monopoly in 30 minutes on a huge board inside or outside with giant playing pieces. Go big and stay home. www.spinmaster.com 10d. Inside Job 10+ Thames and Kosmos, $19.95. An insider is hiding in this mostly cooperative tricky card game. www. thamesandkosmos.com
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1e. Kodak Cork 1000 Piece Mandala Stones Puzzle 8+ Rose Art, $25.19. This Kodak Corkboard Puzzle has fully interlocking soft fit pieces and bright rich colors. www.cra-z-art.com 2e. Liar Liar 10+ Dyce, $19.95. This funny group game has everyone fibbing. ID the liar and laugh. www.liarliargame.com 3e. Wizard Potion Science Kit 8+ Thames & Kosmos, $24.95. Make magic with five chemistry experiments that you can drink. The kit includes a wand, cauldron, flasks, tools, and ingredients. www.thamesandkosmos.com 4e. Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Krang 8+ BST AXN, $29.99. With 31 points of articulation, incredible sculptural details, and multiple hand weapon acces-
e. TOTAL TWEEN
sories, this collectable figure is a must. Look for the other collectable TMNTs in the collection. www.TheLoyalSubjects.com 5e. Creatto Rainbow Butterfly 8+ Thames and Kosmos, $29.95. Create and design with this innovative, versatile, light-up 3D puzzle system that is supereasy to put together. 6e. Ankara and Beauty Puzzle by Nigerian artist Clement Nwafor, 10+ Art & Fable Puzzle Company, $23.95. The beautiful 500-piece puzzle has a velvet-touch surface and comes with a high-quality print. Donations from every sale of this puzzle go to the Malala Fund to help female students.
www.artandfablepuzzlecompany.com 7e. Wash Your Filthy Mouth Out Ceramic Toothbrush holder 8+ Buffalovely, $16. This is a cheeky toothbrush holder for older kids who are starting to say things that may be a bit questionable… www.baffalovely.com 8e. Rabbit Hole 10+ Dyce, $19.95. Players take turns reading the beginning phrase for popular internet searches and must then try to complete it with the most believable answer. They don’t have to be right; they just need to fool their friends into believing their answer is. www.dycegames.com 9e. All Love Is Valid Limited-Edition Sweater Paws of Pride, $45. Celebrate
the way you love with Paws of Pride. The company is all about inclusive clothing and supporting youth. They also make a Triple Trouble Beanie, $25. Their soft Beanies keep you warm while looking cool. The company stands for values and self-expression. www.pawsofpride.com 10e. Laser X Ultra 6+ NSI International, $49.99. With the Laser X Ultra Double Blasters, you can blast opponents with beams from up to 300 feet away, indoors or out, in darkness or bright sunlight. Select from more than 20 different teamcolor combos and have the whole family play. Blaster beams go through windows and bounce off walls and mirrors. www. getlaserx.com
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1f. Disney Hocus Pocus 500 pc Puzzle 7+ Funko Games, $15. Colorful and cute cartoon puzzle with the main characters of the movie. www.funkogames.com 2f. Puzzle by Numbers Map of the United States 5+ PlusPlus. Create all 50 states by following the enclosed pattern and placing each color on its matching number. Flip the poster over to discover more than 700 interesting state facts—flags, mottos, state capitals, and more. You can display your map anywhere—no glue or ironing required. Also look for the Learn To Build Big Activity Set, $44.99. www.plusplususa.com 3f. Captain Teel Plunderlings 8+ Lone Coconut LLC, $39.99. The captain comes apart so you can change his accessories, hands, and heads. This cute creature is a cool collectible. www.plunderlings.com 4f. Maya Flya El Grande Sayil 3+ Buena Unda Games, $24.99. There are more than 20 games and 50 uses for each flyer, handmade by Mayan Artisan partners in Guatemala. This is a Fair-Trade and Green Certified company that has a lifetime guarantee. They also make awesome hacky sacks. www. BuenaOndaGames.com 5f. Tower Bridge 3D Puzzle 10+ Revell, $20. In about 3 ½ hours put together the 120 parts to build an amazing replica of London’s Tower Bridge. www.revell.de 6f. Spin Flip Puzzle 8+ TCG, $17.99. Spin, flip, solve the unique, two-sided, 360º
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8f. puzzles. Collect all the artistic masterpiece puzzles in the collection. www.tcg.com 7f. Shashibo Battle Shapes Puzzle Game 8+ Fun In Motion Toys, $49.99. Create the most shapes with your limited edition Shashibo puzzle cube to win. One or two players can have a brainy battle. Also look for Forrest Shashibo 8+ $25. Create more than 70 shapes with this cool cube. Powered by 36 rare-earth magnets, this puzzle cube can be connected with others to build extraordinary structures. www.funinmotiontoys.com 8f. Brontosaurus and Stegosaurus Fleece Stuffed Animals 3+ ISCREAM, $42 each. Squeeze their tummies and these plush will roar. They are exciting and inviting due to their colors and soft bodies. Also look for the giant T-Rex Fleece Stuffed Animal 3+, $65. Ferocious and fluffy, this makes an amazing prehistoric present. Large, soft, and very vivid. Kids will go wild for this plush companion that can double as a pillow. www.iscream-shop.com 9f. Tamagotchi Uni 6+ Bandai, $58.99. Feed, bathe, explore with, play mini games, party, and travel with your Unique Tamagotchi in the Tamaverse. www.tamagotchiofficial.com/uni-select/ 10f. Boop by Scott Brady 10+ Smirk & Dagger Games, $34.99. This fast, cute cat strategy game for two players is challenging and fun. Herd cat pieces on a quilted cloth playing board to win. www. smirkanddaggar.com
1g. Positively Perfect Diana 3+ World of EPI, $24.99. Created by Dr. Lisa Williams, this is a beautiful 18-inch doll with long braids. Her plush body makes her a huggable friend and her storyline is inspirational for youngsters. We want her shoes! Also, Fresh Dolls Regine 3+ World of EPI, $17.99. This is for doll collectors. Regine has an amazing afro; clothing that a child can twist, wrap, tie, and knot; and stellar shoes. She can be friends with Barbie, but has her own super style and lux look. Collect all the dolls in the line like Keisha. This is a Black female-owned Blackdolly that is interactive with 20+ baby business. www.thefreshdolls.com sounds and cries, and connects through a bracelet. www.crybabies.toys/en-us 2g. Molly Tripple F 3+ Triple F, $45. This plush doll is Soft for Cuddling and designed 5g. Positively Perfect Kiara doll 3+ by a real female firefighter. She has brush- World of EPI, $22.97. Created by Dr. Lisa able hair and removable fire gear. A portion Williams, this endearing doll has amazing of the proceeds go to support the Triple F hair play and comes with a brush. The plush Foundation, which helps female firefighters huggable body has a bright and positive who are battling cancer and on-the-job inju- outfit and calls to kids. Her feet are absoluteries. The doll gear guide is informative and ly adorable. This is a Black female-owned supercool. www.TripleFRescue.com business. www.PositivelyPerfect.com 3g. Surprise Powerz Codie “The Coder” 2+ STEM Generation, $49.99. This plush Black doll with pink glasses, a backpack, tutu, and orange hair makes coding fun for young girls. Codie has 75+ early-learning coder expressions, counting, sound effects, and singalongs. Kids can start with the positive soft doll and grow with the concept of coding and STEM. This is a Black femaleowned business. www.surprisepowerz.com
6g. Truly Me 18” Doll #113 and Book 6+ American Girl, $115. This short-haired, androgynous-looking Black doll has a friendly face and beautiful detail. The book has plenty of activities. Pop of Plaid Holiday Outfit, $40. The set comes with dress shoes, pants, a bow tie, button-down shirt, and more. www.americangirl.com
7g. Crawling Miley 18m+ Cry Babies, $26.98 This is a magnificent must have 4g. Newborn Molly 18m+ Cry baby doll that crawls and makes 35 realisBabies, $34.49. Molly is a beautiful tic baby sounds! www.crybabies.toys/en-us
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS H O T F O R T H E H O L I D A Y
h.TEEN DREAMS 4h.
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5h. Ugly Sweater Thinking Putty 3+ Crazy Aarons, $15. 3.2 oz of sparkling putty with little sweaters makes this magical art. The putty can be used as a fidget toy, stress reliever, or medium to sculpt with. The Surprised Santa & Elphie Selphie are also great choices from this line. www.crazya rons.com
8h. 3Doodler Start + 6+ WobbleWorks Limited, $59.29. The exclusive bundle includes 75 extra refill strands, nine challenge cards, a 3Doodler Start+ DoodlePad, and 3Doodler Start+ Pen. Draw in 3D and engineer amazing creations. www.the3doodler.com
6i. DIY Tie-Dye Chalkboard T-shirt Kit! 6+ with adult supervision Chalk Me Up, $34.99. This creative kit comes with a T-shirt, six pieces of chalk or chalk markers, a cloth, dye powder packets, bottles, disposable gloves, rubber bands, and a tablecloth. Great activity for 2i. Tracer Bot 4+ Mukikim, $37.99. The groups, holidays, and parties. www.chalkTracer Bot detects and follows marker trails. meup.com This silly but super STEM toy promotes logical and critical thinking. www.mukikim.com 7i. Outer Space 3D Tunnel Book kit 6+ Eye Connect Crafts, $34.97. Get 3i. Fresh Inspirations Color Me Queen super-creative as you paint, assemble, Coloring Book 6+ World of EPI, $9.67. and pose playing pieces in this unique Color in 64 pages of beautiful women from artistic and innovative book. This is an around the world to celebrate culture, ethnic- exciting weekend project or vacation ity, and the female form. This coloring book family activity for all. New independent is for kids and adults to enjoy. Also look for female-owned company. www.eyeconFresh Inspirations Hip-Hop Vibes Coloring nectcrafts.com Book 6+, $5.97. From the Rock The Bells Collection of coloring books, this Hip Hop 8i. Bee Genius 6+ The Happy Puzzle themed coloring book gives an education Company, $29.99. This puzzle dice game on where the beat began to where it is now. teaches spatial awareness and strategic The Fresh and Fun Hustle coloring book is thinking skills. There are thousands of puzalso amazing. World of EPI is a Black female- zles kids can do with this super-STEM game. owned business. www.thefreshdolls.com www.happypuzzle.co.uk
9h. Yummy Gummies 0+ ISCREAM, $44. Calling all candy lovers because strawberryscented, different colored mini plush gummy bears hang out in their soft, pillow-like box that has a see-through peephole. It smells great and looks adorable. www.iscream-shop.com
4i. Opaque Colors VividPop! 8+ Ooly, $14.99. The pack consists of eight wild, water-based nontoxic paint markers that stay on porous surfaces like paper, rocks, cardboard, or wood. This is great for the young artist on your list. www.ooly.com
6h. Mind Reader: The Psychic Party Game 10+ Dyce, $24.95. Players earn points the more their thoughts are intertwined in this hilarious card game. www.dycegames.com 1h. 40th Anniversary Space Shuttle with Booster Rockets model kit 13+ Revell, $53.28. Create your own 17.20” model rocket with 97 parts and paint it. The freight compartment doors open and loading arm moves. This is for space enthusiasts and model-makers. It makes a great family project. www.revell.com 2h. Gelli Spa 5+ Zimpli Kids, $19.99. The silky set includes a pedicure kit and messaging marbles, pink gelli packs, inflatable foot tub, and essential oil. Additional gelli packs can be purchased. www. zimplikids.com 3h. Lion Pillowkin Wild Republic, $8. This real-size lion pillow has serious character. It has a mane, arms, and cool clothes. www.wildrepublic.com 4h. SnuggleLuvs Brown Bear Wild Republic, $43.99. This delightful happy big brown bear is fluffy and the size of a small child. www.wildrepublic.com This giant huggable bear is a great friend for little ones.
7h. Canvas Pack by Nanoleaf, $129.99. Nine color light panels come in the sensational set, with an easy customizable layout. They react to sound, the app, and touch. Create and illuminate with this safe, beyond cool STEAM set. www.nanoleaf.me
10h. Disney 100 Rubik’s Cube 8+ Spin Master, $14.99. The collectable Rubik’s Cube with Disney characters on it, such as Mickey Mouse, is magical. www.spinmaster.com
1i. Silly Scents Smashups Dual-Ended Markers 3+ Crayola, $5.99. This playful pack has 20 nontoxic washable, broadline, color and scented markers. The scents include S’mores, fluffernutter, key lime pie, and plum pudding. www.crayola.com
9i. Pixicade Unlimited with Sparks 6+ BitOGenius, $29.99. Design and create as many cool video games as you want and share them with this new game from award-winning Pixicade. Place the new Spark coins onto any Pixicade video game that you draw and watch them come to life 5i. Rainbow 42pc Clixo 4+ Toyish Lab in the app in seconds in your now-playable Inc., $59.99. A magnetic art set that allows video game. The coins have sound, mega you to create crazy creations in vibrant colors. movement, and exciting powers. Sparks are They are Brooklyn-based. www.clixo.com also sold separately. www.pixicade.com
26 • December 7, 2022 - December 13, 2022 H 1j.* Jeweled Series Pepper Spray with Snap Clip and Key Ring 21+ Sabre, $12.99. Maximum strength red pepper spray with UV marking dye in a bejeweled pink case. #1 brand used by police and Santa’s security forces. Also look for the Pepper Gel in the black case with finger grip. (*Note: This is not legal in every state.) www.sabrered.com 2j. Pink Eyes Tote PopBag designed by Jonny Detiger by POPBAGSUSA, $375. Made in Italy but designed by you. You pick the leather panels and straps to go with your bag. They are perfect for travel because they pack flat. This specific bag is fun, fashion forward, edgy, and feminine. www.popbaggusa.com 3j. DIY Natural Dye Kit by Laila Textiles, $50. Dye a silk scarf using plants and flowers with this
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all-natural kit. Create the perfect scarf and show your flair for fashion. www.lailatextiles.com 4j. The Lunar Dial 14+ Morbid Network/ Goliath Games, $24.99. This celestial strategy card game is based on the top true crime podcast “Morbid.” The game is for people interested in astrology, astronomy, and the occult. “Alter” the phases of the moon by how you cast your cards and collect them. 5j. Premium 800 Upper Arm Bluetooth Blood Pressure Monitor by Beurer, $68. This amazing health tool has 15 features and a talking function. There is also smart health monitoring with app share data to get info
k.STELLAR SELF CARE
(Before using any CBD product, ask your doctor if the compound is right for you.)
to your doctor. This monitor works well for people who are blind or visually impaired. www.shop-beurer.com 6j. Lucky Butterfly by Baccarat, $240. Iridescent and sparkling crystal butterflies are a Baccarat staple. Mom makes us feel lucky, so give a gift that makes her feel special every time she looks at it. www.baccarat.com 7j. Hot Seat 10+ Dyce, $24.99. Find out who knows you best when all the players answer the cards pretending to be the player in the hot seat! What answer was really theirs? www.hotseat.com 8j. The Mom’s Bucket List 15+ Flowjo,
$49.99. This 100-card kit gives wonderful ideas for how to create great memories with loved ones. The game has sections for things to do, doing, and then done. www.flowjo.co 9j. Cherapy-Therapeutic Heat Pillow 8+ Cherapy, $32. Made from cherry pits by a female massage therapist, this soft fabric heat- or cold-temp pillow is great for menstrual cramps, bruises, or muscle aches. Keep a few of the birthday ones in the house for great gifts at any time. www.cherapy.com 10j. Inspired by Claude Monet, the Japanese Footbridge 7+ PlusPlus, $19.99. Learn about the artist and artwork with this beautiful Danish puzzle kit. Also look for Inspired Hokusai, the Great Wave puzzle, $19.99. www.plus-plus.com
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2m. 1k. Body Oil Jo’s Body Shop, $24. This lightly scented unisex body oil for very dry skin is healing. The nourishing blend of oils from this Black female-owned company come together to give users silky, hydrated skin. Also look for their Scalp Soother, $32. It soothes, balances, and strengthens. The Green Fiend Face Mask is also a terrific treat. www.josbodyshop.co 2k. Lavender & Charcoal Soap Potager Soap Co., 12+ $11.98. Crafted in the USA by a family-run company, these fragrant luxury soaps clean and delight with their beauty. www.potagersoap.com 3k. Neem soap Pure Mitti, $9.99. Pure, 100% chemical-free, and made to help with acne, rashes, and sensitive skin. This soap is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties. www.puremitti.com 4k. Mauve Mystique Mineral Vanilla Bean Gloss Beauty By Rhonda, $26.
Made with chamomile, shea butter, aloe vera, and jojoba seed oil, this vanilla-flavored gloss keeps lips from chapping and tastes terrific. Also look for Mega Frost Berry Lip Gloss $26, that is plant-based, cruelty-free, and vegan. The formula keeps lips kissably soft. www.beautybyrhonda.com 5k. Relief Recovery Cream Astraea, $54.95. This CBD-based cream absorbs quickly, smells relaxing, and helps tired and aching muscles and joints. Also try the Relief + Warming Salve $34.95. It is easy to take on the go to the gym or travel with. At the end of the day, rub it into your feet for soft winter skin. www.astraea.co 6k. Full Spectrum Hemp Extract Balm Stick Charlotte’s Web Stanley Brothers, $31.99. This incredible balm has 525 mg of CBD, menthol, ginger oil, turmeric oil, and peppermint oil. Fantastic for neuropathy and arthritis. www.charlottesweb.com
l.SEASONAL
1l. Exit: Advent Calendar- The Silent Storm 10+ Thames & Kosmos, $49.95. Each door in this 24-day game hides a riddle. Solve the riddles and save the holiday in this exciting exit game and adventure story. 2l. Nickelodeon Rugrats—The Meanie of Chanukah Game 5+ Funko, $9. Flip the tiles and find pairs to make candles. Light your candles to score. Your favorite Rugrat characters are all mentioned. www.funkogames.com 3l. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Snowstorm Scramble Game 5+ Funko
Games, $9. Roll the die, flip the tokens, and match to move while working together to help three reindeer reach the end to win. www.funkogames.com 4l. Judah Maccabee 3+ Monkeybar Consulting LLC, $29.99. This huggable plush Jewish superhero with his lion shield teaches that little guys who are persecuted can hold their own and win. Also look for The Mensch on a Bench $32.99. This kit comes with a Hanukkah book and plush doll to celebrate the holiday with. www.TheMenschOnABench.com 5l. Winter Bananagrams 7+ Bananagrams, Inc., $16.99. Winter Bananagrams comes with a winter holiday-themed banana
THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS H O T F O R T H E H O L I D A Y 1m. History Trivia Game 14+ Dyce $29.95. More than 2,000 history questions in five categories. www.historytriviagame.com 2m. Fondue Set Pro L by Boska, $129.99 This stylish set, by the company that makes some of the best cheese instruments, comes with a durable cast iron fondue pot, 6 fondue forks, a burner, and a beautiful base. Say “cheese” this holiday season! www.boska.com 3m. Foot Reflex Zone Massage FM 60 Beurer, $69.99. This powerful shiatsu foot massager with 18 rotating massage balls will make you feel merry and bright day or night— the gift of relaxation. www.shop-beurer.com 4m. Safe Escape 3 in 1 Pepper Gel with Seat Belt Cutter and Window Breaker Sabre, $15.99. Great gift for a Dad who travels in ve-
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hicles! Feel safe and secure with this practical tool. Also look for the Personal Alarm With LED Light & Key Ring for when you cannot travel with pepper gel. The 130 dB alarm is heard up to 1,250 feet away. www.sabrered.com 5m. Nordic Lux Premium Microplush Heating Blanket Beurer, $99.99. Equipped with an overheating safety system, this large, soft, four-temperature blanket has a lifetime warranty and makes the ultimate cozy gift. 6m. Pick Your Poison 10+ Dyce, $12.89. The hilarious party game where you anonymously answer “Would you rather?” 7m. Knife with Charcuterie Board Buffalove-
eled cast iron, and is finished with a memorable gold-tone star knob. The easy-to-clean, durable, vibrant porcelain enamel requires no seasoning ly, $34. The” I will cut you” little knife for cheese and minimizes sticky messes. www.lecreuset.com is hysterical. Add that to the Launchable Char- 10m. Would You Rather 14+ SpinMasCu-te-rie board and you will have a funny and ter, $19.99. Laugh through this party practical present. www.buffalovely.com game that has 600 fun questions that span 8m. Mend Egg Kit $45. These eggs and sili- four categories. www.spinmaster.com cone gel toe-spreaders help people do hand and feet exercises. This works for diabetics, people with arthritis, and those who just want to keep up their health. www.mendstretch.org 9m. Noël Collection Holiday Tree Round Dutch Oven Le Creuset, $400. This expertly crafted cast iron Dutch oven is for the festive home chef because it features embossed tree 7m. scrollwork on the lid, is designed from enam-
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case, 144 letter tiles, and eight festive tiles. Play the classic game at your next holiday celebration. www.bananagrams.com 6l. Puzzle by Number Wreath 5+ PlusPlus, $24.99. This colorful 500-piece Danish 2- or 3D puzzle can be customized to include ornaments and candy canes. Hang it when you are done. www.plusplususa.com 7l. Santa’s Workshop 3+ Meemzy Magic, $49. Sensational sensory seasonal play kit that has an incredible painted miniature wood train, trees, Santa family, toys, slime, and more. The case is sturdy and beautiful as well. www.meemzymagic.com
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8l. Root and Seed Conversation Cards 13+, $29. These cards feature playful prompts that link to an online tool and help people preserve family memories. Get additional holiday sets to add to the information you are already storing. Traditions, tales, and even recipes can be saved this way from the cards. www.rootandseed.com 9l. Light Up Neon Effect Message Frame ISCREAM, $32.49. Illuminate your message after writing on the glass frame for a bright, neon-effect glow. The frame is the perfect way to tell people what’s for holiday dinner, present special holiday messages, and give fun reminders. www.iscream-shop.com
1n. Positive Pals Trio 0+ Kids for Culture, $35.99. Three super-soft diverse pals with positive affirmations on them. www.kidsforculture.com 2n. Backyard League Gaming Baseball 8+ Playfinity, $99. Join the world’s first connected baseball league with a water-resistant Bluetooth regulation-sized ball. Kids can play games with the app and have fun training. 4.2 IOS and Android. Also look for the SmartBall from Playfinity, $79. This soft, squishy ball and its free companion app are packed with exciting interactive games, sound effects, music, and a real-time audio coach that makes playing catch feel like an arcade game. The SmartBall merges virtual and physical play. www.backyard-league. com www.playfinity.com 3n. Teenie Needoh Cool Cats 3+ Schylling, $3.95. Three squishy nontoxic colorful cats per box. There are eight to collect. Look for Teenie Needoh Funky Pup, too. The Nee Doh Gum Drop Super Solid Squish 3+ Schylling, $4.99, is a fantastic fidget toy. There is great texture in this squishy, nontoxic, giant-looking gumdrop. www.schylling.com 4n. Clipkins Squirrel Monkey Wild Republic, $4.99. Clip this adorable little creature onto fingers, bags, or pens. www. WildRepublic.com
5n. Wood Keychains by 15+ Buffalovely, $12. Laser-engraved keychains with snarky phrases to make you laugh. An amazing present. www.buffalovely.com 6n. Twinkling Tree Mini Cosmic Glow Thinking Putty 3+ Crazy Aarons, $4. The green putty with sparkles is perfect. It is not sticky and holds its shape. www.crazyaarons.com 7n. You are enough! Coin purse and keychain 10+ Dance Happy Designs, $14.95. The future is inclusive with this dynamic line that celebrates differences. The keychain has a pouch for cash and a positive slogan. www.dancehappydesigns.com 8n. Dream Lash by Tai Lite, $22. Light up your face with long lashes that have colorful flowers on the ends. Look dreamy with lashes from founder and makeup artist Tai Ceme. Look for their Glow Pigment as well. This is a Black female-owned company that knows beauty. www.tai-lite.com 9n. Actually Curious Human Rights Edition 13+ Actually Curious, $25. This brilliant card game sparks thought-provoking and important discussions about mental health, environmental justice, race, gender, women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, and general civil rights. The cards create knowledge and empathy so people might see other views as they move forward. This is a Black-owned business. www.actuallycurious.com
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1o. Affirmation Bath Book: I Love Being Me! 0+ Kids for Culture, $2.98. This colorful positive book for baby to look at in the bath is for all kids. www.kidsforculture.com 2o. Sensory Panel Book I LOVE ME 0+ Kids for Culture, $5.88. The soft book has 10 panels with a mirror & a ring. It celebrates diversity and inclusion. www.kidsforculture. com Proud minority and women owned business. Also look for their Travel Activity Book, $5.88. Everyone is Different. 3o. Disney 100: 100 Years of Wonder 12 Little Golden Books Anniversary Boxed Set 2+ Random House, $71.88. The classic stories are here for fans and collectors. www.penguinrandomhouse.com 4o. DK Virtual Reality Dinosaurs 8+ DK Publishing, $59.99. Delight in dinos and learn all about
them with this 80-page awesome image book that has activities. www.abacusbrands.com 5o. Food, Hope & Resilience Authentic recipes and remarkable Stories from Holocaust Survivors by June Hersh with forward from Daniel Boulud, $29.99. Recipes that give a taste of history with a life affirming message for all people! www.junehersh.com 6o. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas 14+ Bloomsbury Publishing, $19. The book is a dark and exciting fairy romance adventure thriller. www.bloomsbury.com 7o. Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonne, Simon & Schuster, $19.99. Bree is the bold Black magical hero we have been waiting to read about. In this second book in the series, we see her face enemies, uncover truths, and grow. It is an addictive read. www.tacydeon.com
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1p. My Lil Ride RC (Carmen) 2+ Mukikim, $19.99. This first RC is easy to handle as well as adorable. www.mukikim.com 2p. Lolo’s Fire Truck My First Car 10m+ Bababoo and Friends, $17.99. Elephant Lolo has a classic red wooden fire truck with a fold-up turning ladder and the fire hose made of two movable wooden rings, so he can help anywhere. The lovingly illustrated playbox “Fire Station” provides a perfect backdrop for imaginative play. 3p. My Little Food Truck Playset 12m+ SpinMaster, $25. The plush set is fantastic for your little foodie. www.spinmaster.com 4p. Friends on Tour Pull-Along Toy 12m+ Bababoo and Friends, $38.50. This is a fun-filled exploratory pulling toy. Creative objects are attached to the bus to promote fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The vivid colors and integrated
sorting box encourage shape recognition and promote spatial thinking. 5p. Pink Slips 8+ Jada, $22.99. Collect all 12 detailed, next-level diecast radical rides. The Pink Slip line contains classic cars in different sizes and is made for auto enthusiasts. www. mjorette.com 6p. Carrera First Mario Kart Slot Car Racing Set 3+ Carrera, $39.99. The set comes with 9.51 feet of track for two Mario-themed cars that race and can crash. This is a super first racing set for any child. www.carrera-toys.com 7p. Carrera Go!!! Mario Kart Slot Car Racing Set 6+ Carrera, $104.99. 2.4 GHz technology racing fun with lights and body tilting action. Speeds up to 5.6 mph and up to 16 cars can be run in parallel on the track. The durable tires can grip on almost any terrain, in or outdoors. Race headto-head with this high-speed Carrera GO!!!! www.carrera-rc.com
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1q. Cafecito Con Leche Candle Bonita Fierce, $34. Hand-poured in New York, this coconut soy candle smells like rich coffee. It burns clean for hours, making any room smell delicious. www.bonitafiercecandles.com 2q. Under Construction II candle ArtistScent, $38. With notes of vanilla, sandalwood, and warm spices, this hand-poured candle packs a fragrant punch that was developed by the African American artist Ronnie Queenan and ArtistScent. The visual and olfactory fusion adds another dimension to the work. www.artistscent.com 3q. Orange Series Candle Everything is Everything Lit By Lex, $34.44. Some notes in this candle are teakwood, sandalwood, ginger, amber, and cedar. The candle is vi-
8p. Malibu 20” Wheel Bike 6-10yrs Mobo $225. This comfortable classic beach cruiser is built to last! It is safe, durable, and stylish. www.mobocruiser.com 9p. Barbie Dream Camper 3+ Mattel, $99.99. Drive to your dream destination in this cool camper that has seven play areas and tons of accessories. Drive dolls to their next adventure. www.mattel.com 10p. 1981 Camaro Z28 model kit 12+ Revell, $25.49. The model 1981 Camaro has 37 parts, is 7.875”, has stock alloyed wheels, and when you open the hood has a detailed v-8 engine. Putting this bad boy together takes about five hours. www.revell.com 11p. Rain and Sunshine Vehicles 13+ Nylint, $64.99. Built to last, these collectible die-cast heirloom-quality vehicles are made from high-quality steel. They are a must for automotive toy connoisseurs. www. nylinttoys.com
brant, and the glass is beautiful. This Black female-owned business makes long-lasting, clean-burning candles. www.litbylexcandleco.com 4q. Pumpkin Tobacco Candle LitRituals, $25. Fragrance notes of clove, pumpkin, tobacco, tea, leather, oak, and cinnamon surround this complex fall candle. www.litrituals.com 5q. Woo Candle Oasis Soul, $30. 60-plus hours of burn with this deluxe, layered, handmade coconut wax blend. This Black femaleowned company makes fragrant, fun items. Also check out their Southern Girl peach peony coconut soy wax candle, $29. www.oasissoul.com 6q. Art of Tranquility Incense Sticks $14.99. Premium-quality citrus-coconut-sandalwood aromatic incense sticks by a Black female-owned com-
pany. www.endlessesthetiques.com 7q. Queen Bee Beyonce Prayer Candle Buffalovely, $22. Unscented 8-inch candle ode to the Queen candle. They make a Radical RBG Candle, too, to celebrate the other queen. www.buffalovely.com 8q. Revive The Noble Brand, $50. Eucalyptus, peppermint, and patchouli are some of the notes from this relaxing 16 oz candle. The scent fills a room without overpowering it. www.thenoblebrandco.com 9q. Mountain Daddy by Nose Best, $22. Hand-poured in Brooklyn, Nose Best is a POC, queer, and women-led small business. Music and drink recipes are given for each fragrant candle. The names of the candles are fun. www. nosebestcandles.com
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1r. Mango Peach Spicy Fruit Spread Arawak Farm, $9.49. This spicy and sweet spread pairs well with poultry and cheeses—a delicious treat based on tradition, from a Black-owned business. www.vassellfoods.com
as a delish dip, a super spread, or a marvelous marinade. Mouth-watering treats from a Black-owned business. www.vassellfoods.com
4r. Queendom Reign Tea 2 oz Modestine, $18.50. This soothing, caffeine-free herbal tea blend 2r. Cookies N’ Crème Stuffed Puffs for women contains holy basil, $3.59. Marshmallow and cookie fennel, spearmint, and chamocombo—yum. www.stuffedpuffs.com mile, and will relax you any time. www.modestine.com 3r. Jerk Pepper Sauce Arawak Farm, $9.49. This Jamaican Jerk 5r. Tree’ts 3+ Stuffed Puffs, pepper sauce is an authentic blend $8.99. Two pepperminty marshthat is a marinade for meats and is mallows with minty, real milk savory, smooth, and spicy. Also try chocolate filling are a holiday their Sweet Ginger Basil Pepper treat. They are super for holiday Sauce, $9.49. This can be used baked goods.