The Go-To Resource for San Antonio Families Since 1985
FREE December 2020
Magazine SURVIVING AND THRIVING
ON A SINGLE INCOME BUDGET
THE MAGIC OF PURGING TOYS
Magazine
OPERATION SANTA GOES NATIONWIDE
HOLIDAY GIFT S A E D I Magazine
table of
December 2020
4 6 8 8 10 12 14 16
volume 36 • number 12
SURVIVING & THRIVING ON A SINGLE INCOME BUDGET THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF PURGING TOYS OPERATION SANTA GOES NATIONWIDE
6
SAN ANTONIO’S FIRST DRIVE-IN NUTCRACKER HOLIDAYS ALONE 5 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR ENERGY UP EVERYDAY 8 IMMUNE BOOSTING FOODS TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY HEALTHIER HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
agazine
Magazine
PUBLISHER Rudy Riojas 210-526-0312 DISTRIBUTION Taspas Delivery
agazine
4
CONTENTS
P.O. Box 1809 Castroville, TX 78009 210-305-4181 ADVERTISING: Pat Ramotowski 210-209-8673
Magazine
8 8 On the Cover Photo by: OLESIA BILKEI
Amy Sugarman 210-987-2202
OUR KIDS MAGAZINE LLC is a locally owned magazine published monthly. Advertisements in this magazine are paid for by the advertisers, which allows this magazine to be free to the consumer. Limit of one free copy per reader. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products or services are endorsed by the publisher. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising are available on an equal opportunity basis. OUR KIDS MAGAZINE LLC copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.
agazine
Magazine
2
Our Kids Magazine | December 2020
FRIEND US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazine210
Have you heard about Think Learn Play’s sensory boxes?
PARTIES & FIELD TRIPS Hands-On Science Fun In Person or Virtual!
210-651-1143
The activities in the box:
-are hours of fun, hands on learning for ages 3-8 -are based on grade level -develop fine motor skills -encourage problem solving
MATH READING ART Charra Burns, owner
SANANTONIO.MADSCIENCE.ORG
Phonics - Reading - Writing Composition Math - Handwriting - STAAR Prep. ADD - ADHD - Dyslexia - ESL - Autism Exp. 1:1 - Pre-K to 8th Grade
“Inspiring students to excel and do their best!�
Call or Text 210-722-4947 inspiringexcellencetutoring.com
Virtual Story Time! Hemisfair is partnering with the City of San Antonio this holiday season to bring some very special community readers to its popular Virtual Story Time program. Each week, members of the San Antonio City Council will read stories of inclusion, the fall and winter season and capturing the joy of holiday traditions shared in celebration of Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah. Mayor Ron Nirenberg will kick off the series on Tuesday, Nov. 10 reading Rain Boy by Dylan Glynn. The children’s book teaches vital lessons on acceptance, bullying, selfreliance and empathy. Each book reading is paired with a STEAM-related activity created by Hemisfair on the #ParkItAtHome webpage. The activity can be done at any time using items found around the house. The first 100 families to register for each event will receive a Zoom code via email to access Virtual Story Time. Registration will remain open until filled or until 5 p.m. the day prior. Virtual Story Time is free and made possible by Cavender Auto Family, Community First Health Plans, Dollar General Literacy Foundation, OCI Solar Power and individual donations to the Hemisfair Conservancy. Since launching in May in response to COVID-19, Hemisfair’s Virtual Story Time has served more than 1,500 participants. For a full list of upcoming events, visit hemisfair.org/ events and follow @hemisfair on Facebook and Instagram.
254-420-6504 SEWING CLASSES Ages 4 to adult
Free parking at the Hemisfair Garage through Dec. 30
Whether you’re heading down to Hemisfair to play at Yanaguana Garden or to visit one of our small businesses, take advantage of the current parking special inside the new Hemisfair Garage! Through Dec. 30, get free, allday parking with any purchase from CommonWealth Coffeehouse, Dough Pizzeria Napoletana, Paleteria San Antonio or Lick Honest Ice Creams. They’re all open and ready to serve you!
www.thinklearnplay.com
North Central at 281/Thousand Oaks
210-375-5241 Far West Side at Culebra
210-541-5088
In Person and Online Classes! www.AbbysAtticSewingSchool.com
COME GET
messy!
KIDCREATE STUDIO GRAND OPENING DECEMBER 12TH! We can’t wait to show you why making a mess is the best at Kidcreate!
TAKE $50 OFF A BIRTHDAY PARTY*
Use coupon code GO50BDAY when booking your party to receive your discount.
*Valid on Kidcreate Studio- San Antonio parties only. Cannot be combined with any other coupons, discounts or offers. Expires 3/31/21.
art classes birthday parties mobile studio
kidcreate.com/san-antonio (210) 698 - MESS (6377)
21803 IH-10 West Suite 102 San Antonio, TX 78257
December 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
3
Feature
Surviving and Thriving on a Single Income Budget By Christa Melnyk Hines
Life is expensive. Life with kids is even more expensive. So how do some parents who rely on one income not only survive, but still find ways to create a happy, well-rounded life for their families? Evaluate your biggest expenses. According to Leah Ingram, a money saving expert and author of Suddenly Frugal: How to Live Happier and Healthier for Less, housing, transportation and education are the largest expenses facing today’s families. If you can reduce spending in one of those areas, you’ll live more comfortably on less, she advises. “For most Americans owning a home is the American dream. But for so many people, especially families with children, renting in a good school district makes more sense than buying a home in a lower-quality school district,” Ingram says. Thinking about leaving your job to stay home with your children? First, create a spreadsheet that compares the costs of commuting and childcare versus how much you’ll save on those two expenses once you’re down to one income. “Sometimes it actually makes more sense for both parents to continue to keep working,” she points out. According to Pew Research, 31 percent of families live on a single income. Although many families make the choice, others are forced into the position. 4
Our Kids Magazine | December 2020
Control your inclinations. Beth Beseau, whose children are ages 8 and 5, is the primary breadwinner in her family. “We’ve had to be flexible and willing to make adjustments in our lifestyle,” she says. She says her greatest challenge is controlling the urge to impulse buy. “When you’re making a purchase, you have to ask yourself if it’s a want or a need. If you can do without it, then don’t buy it,” she advises. Slim down your food budget. Decide how often you can afford to dine out at restaurants as a family. Instead of hitting the drive-thru for coffee every morning, make your own at home. And brown bag your lunches for work and school. Planning your family’s meals ahead of time can help you save money by curbing the need to pick up unhealthy fast food on the fly. Try planning your weekly meals around whatever specials your favorite grocer is offering that week. Or, head to a bulk store like Costco or Sam’s. Take an afternoon to prepare meals that you can stick in the freezer and pull out on nights when you don’t have time to cook. Emily Cowden and her husband Jason have five children, ages 10, 8, 6, 4, and 2. Cowden left her job as
LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA
a registered dietitian to stay home with her children and home school. As a busy mom who is also committed to eating healthy on a frugal budget, she often skips time-consuming coupon-cutting and instead looks for sales at stores like Aldi and Sprouts that offer healthy organic foods. She found that eliminating processed snacks and cereals was especially helpful. “This cuts out a lot of unnecessary foods and unnecessary spending, leaving room for more nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables and proteins,” she says. Get creative. Many moms also turn to direct sales opportunities, like Pampered Chef, Mary Kay and Thirty One, as ways to pad their income. “Just be sure that stocking up (on product) doesn’t sack all of your earnings,” Ingram advises. “Also you have to have the right personality to do direct sales. Not everyone is outgoing and direct sales is not a path to easy money. These women work very hard, even if it’s at night and in people’s living rooms.” The Cowdens sell essential oils and other products through Young Living to help support their goal to live a healthy lifestyle. Rather than carrying an inventory, the couple works to educate others about the benefits of using essential oils properly.
The extra income helps cover extracurricular activities for their children, meals with friends and vacations. Beseau says she sells items that she no longer needs, uses or wants. “The pocket cash has come in very handy,” she says. Other moms turn their skills into entrepreneurial ventures that they can run from home like freelance writing, photography or baking. Seek free or cheap family entertainment. Ironically, happy memories are usually borne from what seem like mundane family activities. Go on bike rides together, visit area parks, get out the watercolors and have a paint party, play board games, make homemade pizzas together or check out movies or video games at the library. Also stay tuned for coupons and deals at area attractions for reduced price or free admissions. Still struggling? “Make a list. Put your values and priorities in order. Budget around that,” Cowden says. “If you find all of your income going towards things that don’t bring you joy, it’s time reevaluate and get creative.” Christa Melnyk Hines is a nationally published freelance writer.
Feel better fast. From sore throats, to colds, to the flu — we’re here for you.
Web Check-In® at CareNow.com
Open late. Open weekends. No appointment necessary.
5 locations in San Antonio Now open on Potranco Road!
Affiliated with Methodist Healthcare
December 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
5
Feature
The Life-Changing Magic of Purging Toys By Pam Moore
Until recently, I was convinced my life would be better if only we had more space. Until we got a bigger house or remodeled, I thought a special organizing system for our burgeoning collection of toys and books would do the trick. I lived in constant fear of a painful Lego-meets-foot disaster. I felt suffocated by the sea of toys covering every surface of our house. And then I purged. Our lives changed for the better, overnight. It turned out, we didn’t need more space, more labels, or more baskets. My kids certainly didn’t need more “friendly reminders” to pick up toys. What we actually needed was less. Here’s why:
1| It’s simple Before The Great Purge, I had this awesome idea. I would rotate the toys every few months. I put a huge bin of toys on a shelf with extra diapers and good intentions. But organization is not my forte. Our plants are chronically thirsty and my car typically gets an oil change a thousand miles too late. Not surprisingly, I never got around to rotating the toys. I just couldn’t muster the energy to get the bin down, empty it, and fill it back up with different toys, all under the watchful eye of my opinionated three year-old. But collecting the books I was tired of reading and gathering the annoying, battery-operated toys (you know the type) and dropping them in a garbage bag instead of the toy basket? That was easy. 2| It’s energizing Once I got the urge to purge, I couldn’t stop. I began to look at everything in my house with a fresh perspective. Instead of asking myself, “Where should I put this?” I asked myself “Do I really need it?” If the answer was no, into the bag it went. Along with the kids’ toys and books, I got rid of clothes I didn’t love but was saving for just in case, socks without mates, half a dozen books I’d been meaning to read, a stack of expired coupons, and jewelry I’d forgotten I owned. Without the burden of extra stuff in my house, I literally felt lighter. 6
Our Kids Magazine | December 2020
3| It’s an opportunity for learning My three-year-old learned it’s important to share. I learned she’s happy to share, if I give her the chance. Initially, I worried about how she would feel about letting go of her things. I thought about restricting my adventures in purging to after bedtime, but her bedroom is where most of her toys are, so that was not an option. I considered lying, but I feel it’s important to be honest with my kids (although I maintain it’s not hurting anyone if they think my chocolate is a spicy adult vitamin). So I told the truth. I explained to my daughter that she and her baby sister are lucky to have lots of books and toys, but some kids don’t have any, so we need to share. I braced myself for tears and screams. They never came. Instead, my daughter nodded and helped me add toys to the give-away bag. 4| Everyone is happier With less stuff, there is less mess. Less mess means I am not perpetually an inch away from tripping over a rogue block or a Frozen doll. While being asked to put her toys away used to elicit tears and cries of “It’s just too much!” from my three-year-old, now she generally cleans up with minimal pushback. On the nights when the tidying falls to me, I get it done in under five minutes. Meanwhile, my kids don’t seem to miss any of their old toys. If anything, they have more space to create forts out of blankets and end tables. Having less means less to put away, less to think about and less chaos. Less time spent dealing with stuff leaves more time for the stuff that matters. I only wish I’d purged sooner. Pam Moore is an author, occupational therapist, and certified personal trainer who helps women push through fear to become their best selves. To get her free guide to crushing Impostor Syndrome visit pam-moore.com. LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA
The Clowvazar Academy ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION • K-12 • YEAR-ROUND
General Ed., Special Ed., Gifted-And-Talented
Differentiated Education
for children with anxiety, learning challenges such as dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, or autism, or those simply needing a small class environment. We place students in learning groups based on ability not age.
Apply Online Today!
www.clowvazar.com | 210-690-4800 12746 Cimarron Path #120, San Antonio TX 78249
• Infant Care • Pre-School Programs • Music & Gymnastics • Private Kindergarten • Karate • Spanish • Ballet • Swimming Located near USAA and the Medical Center. 9433 Fredericksburg Monday - Friday 210-694-4622 6:15 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. www.brightideasdaycare.com
1-on-1 In-Home ABA Therapy ABA Therapy for children and young adults in the Autism Spectrum Disorder and with other special needs. We strive to improve the quality of life of our clients and their families.
(844) 568-2001 www.AdBAnce.com
December 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
7
For the First Time in 108 Years, Operation Santa is Nationwide! Let’s face it, this year has been a struggle for so many people in more ways than one. Thoughts of kids, the holidays and wondering how to provide for them may also be weighing heavily on many. But take heart, Santa and the Postal Service are way ahead of you, and are here to help. The USPS Operation Santa program celebrates its 108th year in 2020 by opening up for nationwide participation. Now, more than ever, the program is needed to help less fortunate kids and families during the holidays. The Postal Service established the USPS Operation Santa program to help those in need at the holidays experience the joy of opening presents — and to create special holiday memories. Since it began, millions of less fortunate children and their families have been helped by the kindness of others. The program is for every person of every belief, or non-belief. The purpose is to help as many deserving families as possible. And that can only be done if good-hearted adopters step forward. To participate in the USPS Operation Santa program as a possible recipient of holiday gifts, all you have to do is write a letter, put it in a stamped envelope with a return address, and send it to Santa’s official workshop address as seen on the example envelope below. Letters will be accepted Nov. 16 – Dec. 15. How to Write a Letter Sending a letter to Santa is easy if you know how. The Postal Service is here to help with guides and tips to help kids write and send their best letters ever. All the information you could possibly need to write a letter, address an envelope, put on a stamp and send it on its way can be found on USPSOperationSanta.com and in our Holiday Newsroom. The only thing the Postal Service can’t help with is to tell kids what to ask for. That is up to their imagination, and we would never stifle creativity. These tips are also good all year-round for sending thank-you cards, birthday cards, or letters to Grandma and Grandpa just to say, “Hi.”
8
Our Kids Magazine | December 2020
San Antonio Youth Ballet Presets San Antonio’s First Drive-in Nutcracker! Danielle Campbell Steans is taking the magic of the Nutcracker to the Drive-In! The San Antonio Youth Ballet presents a new way to experience a timeless Christmas classic, benefiting underserved youth through their non-profit, DanceReach. Enjoy your favorite Christmas performance safely and responsibly, while supporting the arts! Steans, director of San Antonio Youth Ballet and owner of San Antonio Ballet School, is producing San Antonio’s first youth ballet Nutcracker drive-in. Nutcracker Under the Stars San Antonio will be held at the Mission Outdoor Theatre on November 27-28, December 4-5, 11-13, and 18-20. Gates will open at 5:30 pm, and the performance will begin at 6:30 pm. The live performance will be projected onto the movie screen so everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the performance. Social distancing and masks will be required when outside your vehicle. There will be a Nutcracker Boutique onsite and online where you will be able to do safely distanced Christmas shopping, or purchase a souvenir for this innovative event! Tickets will be available on Eventbrite.com. Search: Nutcracker Under the Stars San Antonio. Proceeds from ticket sales go directly to SAYB’s DanceReach, a non-profit dance program for underserved youth. The San Antonio Youth Ballet is a 501(c)3 preprofessional program whose mission is to cultivate the art of dance among future generations. SAYB provides young dancers with unique opportunities to train and perform in a professional environment and to repress San Antonio at events and competitions throughout Texas and beyond. Steans is the first black woman in San Antonio to own, operate a ballet studio, as well as, direct San Antonio Youth Ballet. LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA
CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS TOGETHER Thanksgiving through Christmas Nov. 26 - Dec. 13: Thurs - Sun Open 6 pm-10 pm Dec. 17 - Dec. 25: Every Night Close 9 pm on Sun
WWW.CHRISTMASLIGHTFEST.COM
242 STATE HWY 46 W. BOERNE, TX
December 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
9
GETTING IN ON THE GIVING
Home Alone By Tiffany Doerr Guerzon
All of us have our own vision of the ideal holiday. But this time of year can be difficult for those living far away from extended family. Growing up, almost all of my family lived in the same town and my childhood holidays were a kind of crowded, happy chaos with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Now that we live across the country from our relatives, due to my husband’s job, it’s just us. The first few years we were married, we dutifully traveled home for Christmas, alternating years between his family and mine. Then we had our first child. Soon after she was born, we realized that between inflated airline ticket prices, snow delays and crowded airports, it would be best to travel at other times of the year and spend the holidays at home. Our home. That first year, I missed my family terribly and didn’t quite know what to do. So I tried to recreate the Christmas I had growing up. I duplicated everything, down to cooking the whole turkey dinner … for the two of us and a toddler. Without a gaggle of relatives to help, it ended up being me in the kitchen all day while my husband worked to keep our daughter occupied and out from under my feet. By the time we sat down to eat, everyone was cranky and exhausted. We then finished up Christmas Day by washing an enormous pile of dishes and cleaning the kitchen. Not the holiday I had envisioned. After a couple of years, I decided that this would have to change. I wanted these few days to be about time spent together as a family, not about Mommy spending the day in the kitchen. It hit me that although it was impossible to recreate my childhood experience, we could make our own memories. No longer tied down to dinner at a certain time at Grandma’s, we could tailor the celebration to fit us, and it could be anything we wanted. Anything. This realization was very freeing. We could go out or stay in. Cook or not cook. Open our presents whenever we felt like it. Since then, we have forged our own way, and it isn’t always traditional. For example, one year when the kids were very small, we ate KFC for Christmas Eve (it’s 10
Our Kids Magazine | December 2020
poultry, right?) and after Santa came on Christmas morning, we had breakfast at a pancake house, then went to a movie. Little kids couldn’t care less about a traditional turkey dinner, and ours were blissfully happy with fast food. In recent years, I’ve ordered a ready made holiday dinner with all the trimmings from a local grocery store, adding a homemade touch like a pie or other special dessert. We’ve made our own family traditions, building on them over the years as the children have grown. Some are carried over from our own childhoods, such as my family’s practice of opening just one gift on Christmas Eve or making a Filipino Star Lantern from my husband’s culture. We have certain things we always do throughout the holiday season, such as creating our own advent wreath and driving around to look at Christmas lights. The kids love baking cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve, something I probably wouldn’t have attempted back when I faced a long day of food preparation. Sometimes we spend part of the holiday with friends or just relax at home, eating popcorn and watching Christmas movies or playing board games. We’ve even spent the whole day in our pajamas! How we choose to spend our holiday varies from year to year. And it will continue to change; as our children get older we look forward to possibly spending the holidays skiing or sledding. I might even cook again when it can be a family project, but not until then. It’s continually evolving, and it’s ours. We still miss our relatives during this time of year, and we try to bridge the distance between us with Christmas Day phone calls or webcam conversations. Holiday memories can still be shared, even long distance. It’s not the same, but it helps. Although spending the holidays away from our families isn’t ideal, we have found that creating our own kind of Christmas can be wonderful too. LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA
GETTING IN ON THE GIVING
List on-profits to give to! Mission Road Ministries www.MissionRoadMinistries.org 210-924-9265
The Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP) www.campcamp.org 210-671-5411
Any Baby Can www.AnyBabyCanSA.org 210-227-0170 The Arc of San Antonio www.Arc-SA.org • 210-490-4300 Assistance League of San Antonio www.assistanceleague.org 210-732-1200 Avance www.avancesa.org 210-220-1788 ext. 252
Morgan’s Wonderland www.MorgansWonderland.com 210-495-5888
The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas www.CBCST.org • 210-736-4847
Ronald McDonald House www.RMHCSanAntonio.org 210-614-2554
ChildSafe www.ChildSafe-sa.org 210-675-9000
Roy Maas’ Youth Alternatives www.RMYA.org • 210-340-8077
The Elf Louise Christmas Project www.Elf Louise.org 210-224-1843
Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas www.BigMentor.org 210-225-6322
The Salvation Army - Angel Tree www.SalvationArmySATX.org 210-352-2000
Family Service Association www.Family-Service.org 210-299-2400
Boysville www.BoysvilleTexas.org 210-659-1901
Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries www.HillCountryDailyBread.com 830-755-5200
Guardian House https://guardianhouse.org 210-733-3349
Inner City Development www.InnerCityDevelopment.org 210-224-7239
San Antonio Food Bank www.SAFoodBank.org 210-337-3663 SA Pets Alive www.sanantoniopetsalive.org 210-370-7612 San Antonio Youth Literacy www.SAYL.org • 210-299-1533
P E D I AT R I C S Immunizations, Well-child visits, ADHD care, Cold/Flu care, & more. Te l e m e d i c i n e a n d C u r b s i d e s e r v i c e s a l s o a v a i l a b l e ! San Antonio
•
Helotes
•
Leon Springs
•
Boerne
(210) 233-7000
CommuniCareSA.org
A C C E P T I N G M O S T P R I VA T E I N S U R A N C E S , M E D I C A I D / C H I P. S E L F - P AY P A T I E N T S W E L C O M E D
December 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
11
Five Ways to Keep Your Energy Levels Up Throughout the Day Many people experience feelings of fatigue for one reason or another and it can be hard to break out of a slump. The good thing is that there are several ways to help feel more energized. The health experts at Envolve, an integrated healthcare solutions company, have put together five ways to boost your energy levels and be productive throughout your day. Set Priorities. One of the main reasons why individuals experience fatigue is because their minds and bodies are being overworked. Family responsibilities, pressures at work, and social obligations can be stressful and negatively impact your physical and mental health, along with increasing your feelings of tiredness. To help feel more energized, make a list of tasks and rank them in order of importance. Instead of wasting energy on what to do next, this defined set of tactics will help you focus on what needs to be accomplished. Enjoy Exercise. Keep yourself moving throughout the day so you’re not sitting in one place for too long. Whether it’s going for a walk during your lunch break or going for an evening bike ride, it’s important to incorporate activity into your day. Being active prompts your body to release the stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine, which can help you feel more energized. Moving more also reduces your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Sleep Soundly. Ensuring that you’re getting the proper amount of rest each night will do wonders for your energy levels. The National Sleep Foundation recommends getting seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Plus, going to bed and getting up at the same time every day can help improve sleep quality. To maximize your sleep, prepare your mind 12 Our Kids Magazine | December 2020
and body prior to jumping in bed. Take a hot shower or meditate and get rid of distractions like television and your cell phone. Avoiding light in the bedroom and caffeine too close to bedtime can also help you sleep better. By not having these things within reach, you can more easily relax and get a better night’s sleep. Add Meals. If your energy levels are down, try eating smaller meals more often throughout your day. By spreading out smaller portioned, more frequent eating sessions instead of three big meals you can help increase your energy levels. These mini-meals help stabilize blood sugar levels and provide nutrients to your body that aid in efficient metabolism providing higher energy. Avoiding sugary foods can also help you keep your energy levels up, especially between meals. Grab Gum. Did you know chewing gum can increase your energy? Studies show that chewing a piece of bubble gum for 15 minutes stimulates muscles that makes people feel more alert and productive. Gum also increases the saliva production in your mouth helping curb your appetite. For best results, purchase strong minty flavors and stick to sugar-free gum. Envolve, Inc.® is a family of health solutions, working together to make healthcare simpler, more effective and more accessible for everyone. Envolve unifies specialty pharmacy, PBM, vision, dental, 24/7 nurse advice services, MSO solutions, and more. For more information, please visit our website www.envolvehealth.com or contact us at mediainquiries@envolvehealth.com LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA
All SAPL branches and the Central Library are offering contact-free pickup except for the Kampmann Library Portal at the Briscoe Museum. The Potranco Holds Locker is not an option for use at this time. First step: Place items on hold. Materials can be placed on hold online using a library account at mysapl.org or by calling your local library branch. Second step: Wait for a notification. A notification will be sent by email or phone when items are ready for pick-up. You can also call your local branch for a confirmation by phone that your items are ready for pick-up. Third step: Pick up your holds. Visit your library location to pick-up your items on hold. Upon arrival, call your library and provide your library card number. Library staff will check out your items and then bring them outside and place them on a table next to the entrance. What if I need special accommodations due to a disability or other reason, contact library staff including by phone (local branch number or Central at 210-207-2500), chat at ask. mysapl.org or text 210-591-7445.
The International Baccalaureate Schools of SAISD Offering an innovative, rigorous education with a global perspective
Apply today at www.saisdchoice.com Nine in-district charter schools from Pre-K to graduation
For more information about IB schools visit: www.saisd.net/IB
(210) 554-2480
SCHOOLS - ACADEMIC SECONDARY & ELEMENTARY Brooks Academies is a premiere tuition-free public charter school with four campuses located in San Antonio. We serve grades PreK through 12 with a variety of specialized programs: STEM, Dual Language, Fine Arts, Sports Leadership & Management. Please contact us today to find the right fit for your child - we have both in-person and virtual settings! Brooks Collegiate Academy - 210-850-3002 Brooks Oaks Academy - 210-627-6013 Brooks Lone Star Academy - 210-998-4452 Brooks Academy of Science and Engineering - 210-633-9006
210-541-0051
Brooksacademy.org December 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
13
Health
8 Immune Boosting Foods to Keep Your Family Healthier
By Tiffany Guerzon
Kids get sick often, and although colds and tummy bugs are a part of childhood, keeping their bodies strong with a healthy diet can give them an edge against the germs they encounter in everyday life. Here are eight superfoods to add into your meal repertoire along with kid-friendly serving suggestions.
Berries This one isn’t a hard sell with kids. Berries are bursting with bioflavonoids, the plant chemicals that help to activate the immune system and work as antioxidants to prevent cell damage. The darker the berry, the higher the bioflavonoids. But all berries are good for you, one cup of strawberries contains the same amount of Vitamin C as a cup of OJ. Best of all, it’s been proven that frozen blueberries retain all of the good vitamins and chemicals, so you can benefit all winter long. Add berries to cereal, smoothies or yogurt. Yogurt Yogurt that has “live or active cultures” (listed on the label) offers probiotics which have been shown to reduce inflammation, which is implicated in viral and gut issues. The other immunity boosting properties of yogurt are due to magnesium, selenium, Vitamin D and zinc. The healthiest yogurt is the plain, unsweetened type with active cultures. Mix in a berry such as blueberries to sweeten plain yogurt, or try a commercial brand with probiotics such as Activia. Eggs Eggs have gotten a bad rap in the past when they were suspected of raising cholesterol. However, more recent studies show that eating 6-12 eggs per week in the context of a healthy diet doesn’t raise the risk of heart disease. You can feel good about eating eggs, especially since they are full of high quality protein, plus a slew of other vitamins and minerals. Eggs are rich in B vitamins, choline, selenium, Vitamin A, iron and phosphorus, plus they contain two antioxidants that protect eye health: zeaxanthin and lutein. Hard boiled eggs are great for snacking or whip up an omelette for breakfast or dinner. Nuts and Seeds Nuts are powerhouse foods. Almonds, for example, contain Vitamin E, an antioxidant which helps to fight off infection. Nuts and seeds are not only yummy, they offer an array of phytochemicals and minerals. Nuts have different 14
Our Kids Magazine | December 2020
nutritional profiles, so consume a variety to give your body what it needs. Nuts are great as a yogurt topper or just for snacking.
Peanuts Despite the name, peanuts are actually legumes. Peanuts contain manganese as well as iron, magnesium, niacin, folate, copper, phosphorus, thiamine and selenium. If PB&J is your kids’ jam, you’ll get better nutrition from natural type peanut butters instead of those with added sugars. Sweet Potatoes Sweet potatoes are worthy of the dinner table year-round with the numerous health benefits. Their bright color comes from carotenoids, which is an antioxidant. Just one sweet potato contains 400 percent of the daily requirement of Vitamin A as well as Vitamins B, C and D, plus many good-foryou minerals. To get your kids to eat this goodness, try serving a baked sweet potato with butter and brown sugar instead of a regular baked potato or have mashed sweet potatoes as a side dish. Red Bell Peppers These brightly colored veggies taste sweeter than their green counterparts making these more palatable for kids, plus they contain three times more vitamin C than oranges. Vitamin C is thought to boost white cell production- the cells that fight infection. Red bell peppers also pack a healthy amount of beta carotene which is good for eye health. Serve raw with a dip or sauted in a stir fry. Broccoli Mom was right, broccoli is good for you. Broccoli contains Vitamin C,B D, E and K as well as folate. More importantly, broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates which protect cells from DNA damage and have been shown to have anti bacterial, antiviral and even anticancer effects. Other vegetables in this family include cauliflower, cabbage, bok choy, arugula, brussel sprouts, kale, radish and turnips. Try enticing kids with raw broccoli or cauliflower served with a yummy dip or steam it and top with cheese. Roasting vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts bring out the sweet flavor and tones down the bitterness of cruciferous veggies. LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA
NEW BABY SHARK’S BIG SHOW!
Nickelodeon has set the cast for its highly anticipated new preschool series Baby Shark’s Big Show!, which will premiere with an original holiday special on Friday, Dec. 11, at 12:30 p.m. (ET/PT). Based on the world-famous pop culture phenomenon, the 2D-animated series will feature a swim-sational lineup of actors: Kimiko Glenn (Orange is the New Black); Luke Youngblood (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone); Natasha Rothwell (Insecure); Eric Edelstein (We Bare Bears); Debra Wilson (MADtv); and Patrick Warburton (Seinfeld). Co-produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio and SmartStudy, the global entertainment company behind the beloved children’s brand Pinkfong, Baby Shark’s Big Show! (26 half-hour episodes), will follow Baby Shark and his best friend William as they journey on fun-filled comedic adventures in their community of Carnivore Cove, make new friends and sing original catchy tunes along the way.
Meet the inhabitants of Carnivore Cove: ■ Baby (Glenn) – A sweet, bubbly, and abso-toothly fearless little shark who has a habit of biting off more than he can chew. ■ William (Youngblood) – A quick-witted pilot fish with a flair for the funny, William is always down for jaw-some adventures with his best bud Baby. ■ Mommy (Rothwell) – Fun-loving with a fierce streak, Mommy Shark works for the Mayor of Carnivore Cove. ■ Daddy (Edelstein) – A worrier who can’t help his loud and goofy nature, Daddy Shark is a dentist who flosses when he’s nervous. ■ Grandma (Wilson) – A new-agey prankster who’s all about good vibes and bubbleberry pies. ■ Grandpa (Warburton) – A charismatic shark who loves to tell stories about the glory days. New episodes of Baby Shark’s Big Show! will roll out across Nickelodeon’s preschool platforms in the U.S. beginning spring 2021, followed by Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. channels internationally. In addition to Nickelodeon and SmartStudy’s partnership to produce Baby Shark’s Big Show! December 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
15
HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS
Holiday Gift Ideas Elmo Magna-tiles
Elmo and all of his friends are joining the Magna-Tiles family! The all new Sesame Street Color with Elmo Magna-Tiles set features beloved Sesame Street characters and helps children learn their basic colors and shapes. Keeping with tradition of helping kids learn at home, this Sesame Street set is the perfect addition to any playroom.
Pretend Play My First Purse Set
Girls love princess toys and to imitate their moms. With this Litti Pritti My First Purse Set, you can let your little one enjoy some role-playing fun as she pretends to be a shopping mom just like you. Inside, she will find a wallet, cellphone, lipstick, face powder, 4 keys on a key ring, car key, ID card, play money and 3 credit cards. Litti Pritti’s Litti Lady Purse is the perfect princess toy for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions. Not only is it the ideal toddler toy for any 3-year-old girl, but it also makes a great girl’s purse for kids 6-8.
VTech Go! Go! Cory Carson O’Tool’s Construction Site Vehicle Toy Playset
Pretend, play and learn with Cory and friends from the original series, Go! Go! Cory Carson. Blow the whistle, build and knocking down walls at the O’Tool’s to encourage imaginative play in this 360° playset Place Cory and Timmy on the PlayZone™ location to trigger phrases and sounds; characters work with other characters (sold separately) trigger responses on the SmartPoint®
16
Our Kids Magazine | December 2020
iPlay, iLearn: Solar System Jigsaw Puzzle
Wooden Solar System Jigsaw Puzzles, Circular Floor Puzzle, Planets Learning Space Toy, Educational Children Toy Benefits + Features: Fun space theme – children will love the fun space theme of this exciting puzzle. The bright illustrations provide a range of talking points to keep even young learners motivated. Easy for Young Children - Puzzle can be built directly on top of diagram, or separate using the diagram as a visual reference. Puzzle pieces are large enough to be easily handed by small hands. High quality components – iPlay, iLearn’s jigsaw puzzles for kids will bowl you over with premium quality, in terms of both content and material. Extra-large size (1.6 ft diameter!) is a fantastic motivating factor for children.
Skidoo Into ABCs Book
Pretend to skidoo to the farm, the present store and even a haunted house just like in the show Blue’s Clues & You!™ Josh needs help remembering the letters of the alphabet; explore letters and words on 14 colorful pages. Light-up buttons introduce preschoolers to letter names, letter sounds and the names of things in a variety of places Blue can visit. Play a find-it game across all the pages by pressing the skidoo button. LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA
HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS Breyer Horses Mane Beauty Horse Styling Head
Breyer Mane Beauty introduces a whole new way to play with a Breyer horse | Two things girls love - horses and hair play! IT’S All ABOUT THE HAIR: DAYBREAK is an Andalusian with an extra-long, thick, silky, no-tangle white mane for endless braiding and styling play. LEARN: Includes detailed styling book with step-by-step instructions to learn new ways to braid and style INCLUDES: Wearable & shareable hair clips and coils | Set includes 1 mane comb, 2 mane hair clips, 4 mane coils and 50 elastics! MEASURES: Mane Beauty is 10” tall x 4.25” wide with a square base with non-skid pads to hold in place while playing.
Giftgowns
Giftgowns are hospital gowns but with a unique twist. They come in a wide assortment of colors and oh-so cute designs available for men, women, little kids and teens. There’s even a maternity line. They’re great for surgery, recovery, long-term hospital stays and at home care.
GIRLS CAN! CRATE
A subscription box, mini-mailer, or digital download for future world changers ages 5-10 introducing them to diverse women who have made history. Each crate comes with the GIRLS CAN! activity book, hands-on STEAM activities, and inspiration galore! The mailer and digital download are smaller sampler versions of our original crate. Gift girl power! Each month, a new fearless female role model. Creative play props. 2-3 hands-on STEAM activities in the crate and one in the mini-mailer. 20-page (in the crate) and 16-page (in the mini-mailer) GIRLS CAN! Activity book with the featured woman’s story, games, experiments, and more!
Body Wash Good for your Girls
This lovely trio from Good For You Girls contains its Body Wash, Body Lotion and Deodorant in either Baby Powder or Honeydew scents. Good For You Girls is the leader in skincare for the beauty beginner and beyond. During this pivotal time of transition, it’s crucial to keep girls away from hormone disrupting chemicals. What they put in, and on their bodies matters.
Moonglow Jewelry
Give her the pink moon this October for BCA! Moonglow Jewelry makes it possible with custom designs featuring a lunar masterpiece that reflects your memories and milestones. Pick the date of your choice and discover how the moon looked during your special moments and milestones. Each image is an original design by a Canadian artist and carefully set in a unique piece. Moonglow Jewelry hand finishes every purchase with genuine gemstones, Swarovski crystals, and semi-precious metals.
JaxoJoy Complete Kids Cooking and Baking Set
The Chef Dress Up Clothes For Little Girls – Girl or toddler apron, chef hat, oven mitt, glove, whisk, wooden spoon, rolling pin and 4 cookie cutters, all you need for kids baking or kids cooking. BONUS KIDS COOKBOOK INCLUDED Fully Functional Kids Chef Hat And Apron - Chef Apron is pink with white polka dots and frilly edges, comes with a 12” strap to tie around neck and waist to fit even the toddler girl. Chef’s Hat is white with pink trim and has an adjustable elastic band to perfectly fit a little girls head. The utensils are fully functional and can actually be used to cook and bake.Great Quality, Safe And Machine Washable - The hat and apron for kids are made to last with a sturdy material and reinforced edges, and can be thrown in the washing machine. Safety tested in accordance with CPSIA and ASTM standards. Hours Of Imaginative Fun – Educational Toys Encourage Creativity & Role Play Teach Kids About Food & Cooking; Recommended for 2 year old girls, 3 year old girls, 4 year old girls, and up. Watch their face light up when you present them with this as a gift! December 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
17
HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS We’re Different, We’re the Same
Elmo and his Sesame Street friends help teach toddlers and the adults in their lives that everyone is the same on the inside, and it’s our differences that make this wonderful world, which is home to us all, an interesting—and special—place. This enduring, colorful, and charmingly illustrated book offers an easy, enjoyable way to learn about differences—and what truly matters. We’re Different, We’re the Same is an engaging read for toddlers and adults alike that reinforces how we all have the same needs, desires, and feelings.
Zincuta Skin Ointment
Zincuta skin healing ointment is indispensable as it boosts many applications; it’s a burn relief ointment for burns and sunburns, an antibacterial ointment for eczema/psoriasis, a cut healing ointment for accidental cuts in the kitchen or while shaving; it’s also an effective very dry skin ointment to soften moisturize chapped lips, dry hands, and chafes; so the skin protectant ointment is very versatile both indoors and outdoors. The natural eczema ointment has antibacterial and antiseptic properties which help to calm and heal eczema; a thin layer of it on the affected area will immediately relieve soreness and promote healing
So Embarrassing: Awkward Moments and How to Get Through Them
You’re not alone! No way are you the first kid who ever tripped and fell in public. Or spilled water on your pants so it looked like… you know! For those moments and more, here’s, the book that understands what you’re going through when you get caught farting in class. Laugh-out-loud funny yet enormously compassionate, So Embarrassing is a comics-style compilation of stories about awkward and embarrassing situations for kids. Written and drawn by Charise Mericle Harper, the bestselling creator of the Just Grace series, So Embarrassing combines humor, science facts (what happens when we blush, for example), tips for quickly recovering from a cringe-worthy situation, and practical advice––like what to say to comfort a totally embarrassed friend.
Go!Go! Smart Wheels Ultimate Corkscrew Tower
Race down the 3 foot spiral or set up side-by-side tracks to encourage fine motor skill development and problem-solving. Press the windshield button to learn about the letter ‘R’ and to hear three singalong songs and six melodies. Five SmartPoint locations play over 40 songs, melodies, sounds, and phrases when vehicles ride over them, reinforcing cause-and-effect learning.
Happy Lappy
Re:move Duffel
The Re:move Duffel integrates fabric developed from respun plastic water bottles otherwise destined for the landfill. Made with a heather gray material, the Re:move Duffel includes removable / adjustable shoulder straps, a front zippered pocket, an interior organizer section with key clip, and a back panel that slides over a luggage handle.
18
Our Kids Magazine | December 2020
A Very Lappy Christmas is a story that combines the magic of Christmas with self-acceptance, teamwork, and love. In Kennett Square Pennsylvania, a Finnish Lapphund named Snowy lives with her seven brothers, their parents, their sister Brandi, a lovely rescue dog, and their human family. The young Lappies want to learn about their ancestors who herded reindeer in the Arctic for thousands of years, as well as their grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles. https://www.happylappies.com/
LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA
HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS Re:store Tote
Countdown To Mama
The Re:store Tote is part of Solo New York’s Re:cycled Collection, integrating fabric developed from respun plastic water bottles otherwise destined for the landfill. Made with a heather gray material, the Re:store Tote includes a padded compartment for laptops, an interior organizer section with key clip, a front zippered pocket, quick access pocket, and a back panel that slides over luggage handles.
The advent gift calendar is getting a makeover, and it’s transforming traditional baby shower gifts. For your holiday shopping guides this year, Countdown to Mama has the perfect gift solution for the momto-be over the holiday season. The Countdown to Mama gift box includes 14 beautifully curated gifts for both mama and baby.
Tiny Teethers
Teething is a stressful time for parents and babies alike. Tiny Teethers is the mom-owned brand with unique solutions for your baby’s sore mouth including teething necklaces and pacifier clips. The former jewelry maker combines textures of silicone and natural wooden beads to craft each product. Each piece is just as eco-conscious as it is beautiful.
LilGadgets
With a max volume of 93db, LilGadgets headphones reduce outside noise so kids don’t have to crank up the volume. SoftTouch material allows for rugged durability. Comes with a SharePort so two children can share a device and every set of headphones has a built-in microphone - perfect for online learning. The Connect+ line comes in a variety of fun colors and prints including camo and donuts on the inner fabric. LilGadgets Untangled Pro is a wireless Bluetooth headphone that eliminates the need for wires giving children the freedom to roam around while wearing them. Kids can move up to 30 feet from the device. All LilGadgets products are CPSC toy compliant and meet the voluntary ASTM International Standards. www.lilgadgets. com, Amazon, Target.com and Walmart.com
Corso™ Modular Stroller
Sleek and stylish yet ready for adventure, the Corso™ Modular Stroller takes toddler travel to exciting new levels with an easyto-use, streamlined design for you and comfort options for your little one. One-hand, quick fold design is compact and self-standing Parent-facing and forward-facing strolling options. Multi-position reclining seat and adjustable footrest. Backrest pockets/pouches and storage basket with expandable bottle pockets. Adjustable FlexCore® rear suspension and large wheels with treaded EVA tires. 3-panel canopy with zip-open extension and flip-open mesh peek-a-boo panel. Removable and machine washable seat fabrics …. And more!
3-in-1 World Globe LED Constellation Map Night Light
States and nations are presented in great detail, and stars come alive at the flick of a switch. 1) Globe with detailed World Map & Constellation Guide. 2) Longlasting, replaceable LED Night Light. 3) Constellation Guide Book”. LEARN THE CONSTELLATIONS: This night globe with constellations Includes an illustrated star booklet. UL-CERTIFIED ILLUMINATED WORLD GLOBE IS SAFE FOR ALL KIDS: Rest assured! Our educational Earth globe for kids with illuminated map sits stable on a desk, tabletop or night stand. December 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
19
HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS Dowdle | Wooden Puzzles
Dowdle Wooden Puzzles are a great gift for the puzzle fanatic and lover of folk art. The Alpine Christmas or Festival of Trees puzzles would make for good old fashioned family time this holiday season. High quality giclée print that is mounted on wood. Featuring art by renowned folk artist Eric Dowdle, known for his gift of capturing the character and traditions of each place he visits.
E-scooters from Segway
Ride into the holidays with confidence knowing you have THE gift of the year from Segway! Miles of smiles await as recipients unwrap the ultimate in outdoor fun! This holiday season, Segway is bringing the fun of electric scooters to the entire family. From the Ninebot eKickScooter ES1L for the big kids/adults, to the Ninebot eKickScooter ZING E8 for the little ones in your life. With breakthrough designs and the best in innovative features, Segway eKickScooters lead the way for endless fun that’s easy to take on the go. This holiday season, adventure starts with Segway. Learn more on segway.com
Moon Spinner
Moon Spinner is a stunning lunar-themed brainteaser that is a wonder to behold. Six multi-colored circles are ingeniously connected to form crescent moon-shaped patterns. Each circle can be rotated to reposition different sections of the puzzle. Like many classic brainteasers, your goal is to scramble the various colored sections, and then figure out how to rotate them back to their starting positions. Moon Spinner is truly revolutionary in how the circles interact with each other. This unique, addictive challenge will leave puzzle enthusiasts over the moon!
Crossnet
Get ready for an innovative twist on Volleyball with CROSSNET’s 4 square game - great for indoor and outdoor! Sharpen your game while challenging family, roommates, and friends to a competitive game to 11, win by 2. Or, just enjoy a whole new way to stay entertained while getting exercise. With CROSSNET you’ve already won!
20
Our Kids Magazine | December 2020
Aeroflyt Ryzr
Get ready for outdoor fun with Aeroflyt Ryzr! Throw the Ryzr and watch it magically fly higher and higher. The cutting-edge design uses physics to create this unique playing experience. The rubber, lightweight material also stands up to any weather. Cutting-edge design uses physics to create this unique payoff. Rubber, lightweight material can stand up to any weather. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
Phlat Ball V3
The Phlat Ball V3 is a unique sports toy that transforms from a 9” flying disc to a 6” fun ball when thrown - it’s like a Frisbee ball. Its time-delay transformation adds a twist to the classic outdoor game of catch. If it lands on a sloped roof, it pops open and rolls right off - it’s not a flat ball for long! Throw a disc, catch a ball! Time-delay transformation adds to the fun. Packs flat for easy storage and travel. Colors may vary. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Designed to SHINE!
Read Aloud Rhymes for Any Size Heart by Joy Resor and illustrated by Lauren Connell. Open any page of Designed to SHINE! for a rhyme with art for your heart. Topics lead you and your loved ones into fun, laughter, and joy and onto the dance floor! You’ll receive ideas to pay attention in new ways, reminders about kindness, and so much more in this alphabetical treasure. This is a book, a guide and a gentle teacher all at once. It’s a book for you, your child, or your inner child about loving who we are to shine in the world. Topics include Attention, Balance, Change, Dance, Energy, Forgive, and Grateful. LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA
HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS Passback Junior Composite Football
he flat end of the Passback Football allows it to bounce right back to you. Throw the blunt end against a hard surface and it comes spiraling back! No need for expensive rebounder nets or throwing machines. Improve reaction time, hand-eye coordination, situational awareness, and agility while increasing body control, endurance, and stamina.
SlimyGloop SlimySand
Stretches like slime, but molds like sand. Fun way to express your creativity and display your creations before knocking it down and beginning again. Exciting sensory play as you smoosh, stretch, mold and impress ready-made SLIMYSAND. Creative way to relieve stress and improve fine motor skills for all ages.
GUND Baby My First Soft Guitar Lights and Sounds Musical Stuffed Plush Toy, 14” With each tap of the metallic
yellow star in the middle, LED lights dance inside to the rhythm of the music with five special sounds and light sequences. Pair with My First Soft Drum to start baby’s first band! Made from a soft, huggable material that meets famous GUND quality standards, this plush toy features surface-washable construction for easy cleaning. Appropriate for all ages.
Terra Kids Connectors Animals 45 pcs
Forage, saw, drill, join. With the Terra Kids-Connectors, many interesting animals can be constructed. The principle is simple and ingenious: gather wood outdoors to work with at home. Drill holes, insert connectors and connect to another piece of wood. The animals gradually come to life. The instructions contain many suggestions for other projects. Wooden twigs/branches are not included.
Carrera Go! Mario Kart 8
Fast-paced racing action on over 17-feet of track with realistic cars that reach scale speeds of 370-mph. Set features a loop, fly over, junction, and narrow section giving you exciting action all over the track. 1:43 scale slot car racing is an exciting two-player and group activity that friends and family can enjoy racing head-tohead together. Customize and expand your track with the use of expansion sets, accessories, and a wide selection of additional cars to create challenging new races. Everything you need in the box to start racing including cars, speed controllers, and track layout shown.
Leap Frog 100 Animals Book
Hold 100 animals in your hands with the touchsensitive pages of the 100 Animals Book™! Six double-sided, interactive pages feature animals from 12 habitats and environments. Kids have a natural curiosity about animals, and this book provides lots of opportunities for exploration with illustrations and photographs of animals from the desert, savanna, rain forest and more. Three modes teach about animal names, animal sounds and fun facts on each page. Available now at major retailers including Amazon, Walmart and Target
Tinkle Crinkle & Friends Activity Gym (Baby GUND)
Tinkle Crinkle is a fresh, energetic collection of plush baby toys. Contemporary prints on premium fabrics promote soft, safe and fun tactile play for even the youngest children. The award-winning Tinkle Crinkle & Friends Activity Gym encourages baby to interact with charming Tinkle Crinkle characters through eye-catching colors, vibrant patterns and stimulating sounds. Premium soft playmat includes five multisensory toys, fluffy tummy time cloud, and baby-safe sun mirror. Easy to set up in just two minutes. Available now at GUND.com
December 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
21
HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS Little Global Citizens’ Teaching
children about countries from around the world and their cultures. A regular subscription service, each box is filled with items from that country including authentic guides, crafts, screen-free activities (games and puzzles), language skills, recipes, story book and more! Countries are picked to highlight various cultural events relevant in that country. Free shipping. $39.95; www.little-global-citizens.com
Word Search by Goliath In WordSearch the race is on with this version of the classic hidden word puzzle - it turns a solitary activity into a fun group word game as players go on a word search. Rotate the specially designed circular board to reveal the word that the players will race to find on this turn. Everyone plays at once, and the first player to locate the word marks it with transparent colored tiles. The game includes 464 words to search for in 16 different puzzles and is good for years of fun. Players race to find hidden words - an instantly recognizable play pattern. No waiting - every player plays on every turn! Includes twists in the gameplay that allow players to remove tiles played by competitors Fun the whole family can enjoy with more than 460 words to search for in 16 different puzzles. 2-4 players, ages 7 and up. OwlCrate Jr.
Spark a lifetime love of reading with OwlCrate Jr.’s monthly subscription box for kids ages 8-12. What’s really cool about OwlCrate is that subscribers get more than just a book—they get a whole themed experience including 4-6 goodies, a hardcover book, at least one usable item or activity to encourage creativity, imagination and exploration, plus an exclusive letter from the author and a collectible monthly sticker. Each monthly box is curated for kids of all genders and the books are published within 45 days of ship date. The books are either standalone stories or the first in a new series. Past themes included Code Breakers, Bump in the Night, Rebels & Rulebreakers and more! Available for one time box, three or six month subscriptions. More information: https:// shop.owlcrate.com/collections/owlcrate-jr. $27.99 a month.
22
Our Kids Magazine | December 2020
SolarBots: 8-in-1 Solar Robot
by Thames and Kosmos Build unique robots that are powered by the sun — batteries not required! Using a compact solar panel, these cool little bots harness energy from the sun to power an electric motor to get moving. Build a drummer robot that marches along, beating a drum; an armadillo robot that does somersaults; a solar bug that crawls on six legs, and more! The 48-page, full-color manual guides solar power pioneers through model assembly and offers fun scientific facts about the real-life applications of solar technology. What solar-powered inventions will you dream up?
Dino Crunch by Goliath
This hungry Dino has an eggstraordinary appetite! Roll the die to choose which stolen egg to rescue. Carefully reach in and take out the egg, but watch out - you never know when this T-Rex will roar and leap out at you for a mighty CRUNCH! For 2-4 players, ages 4 & up.
Unstable Unicorns Card Game by TeeTurtle
Build a Unicorn Army. Betray Your Friends. Unicorns are Your Friends Now. Unstable Unicorns is a strategic card game that will destroy your friendships...but in a good way. The game was one of Kickstarter’s top 100 most backed projects of all time and has sold over a million copies worldwide. Unstable Unicorns won the 2019 People’s Choice Award for Toy of the Year. This highly giftable game takes 30–45 minutes to play and is for 2–8 players (recommended for ages 14+). The box contains 135 cards and a rule book and features a magnetic closure. This game is fully playable on its own, and any Unstable Unicorns expansion pack can be added to it.
LIKE US @ facebook.com/OurKidsMagazineSA
HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS
Season Greetings from
Be the first to hear about special offers and fun events for kids of all ages!
FOR ALL THE FUN DETAILS, VISIT ROLLINGOAKSMALL.COM/KIDX
ADVENTURE
AWAITS >
Our Kids Magazine
December 2020 | OurKidsMagazine.com
23
Generosity of space. Millions of twinkling lights and our soaring 48-foot Christmas tree. Hundreds of enhanced cleaning protocols. Boundless family-friendly holiday events, from tubing and ice skating to our brand-new I Love Christmas Movies™ immersive pop-up experience featuring ELF™, THE POLAR EXPRESS™, and more! November 13 – January 3 | ChristmasAtGaylordTexan.com ELF and all related characters and elements © & ™ New Line Productions, Inc. (s20) THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s20)