Take a Peep at Santa's Stash

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. We hosted two family get-togethers back to back so we are just now winding down from the craziness. What now remains is a house begging to be scrubbed from top to bottom and, of course, the massive loot that Santa left for all of us under our tree! So, as I procrastinate on the cleaning part (ha!), I thought I'd share with you the highlights of what we received in our stockings this year:

Nate

Radio Flyer Pathfinder Wagon: Every little boy needs a red wagon and this one more than fits the bill. Large enough for him and a friend, it will be perfect for outdoor strolls come spring and summertime. Thanks, Nana!

Sprig Toys Recycling Truck: I love that this little truck is eco-friendly (made with European Sprigwood) and has a fully functioning flip cab. What better way to instill good habits early?

Green Toys Dump Truck: Another eco-friendly truck option, this one is made from recycled milk cartons! How cool? I loved the retro look and think it will attract many sandbox pals come summer.

Melissa & Doug Toolbox: Nate is a budding engineer and loves to figure out how things work. This wooden tool set, complete with washers, nuts and bolts, looks just like Daddy's and can help him work on his fine motor skills.

Fisher Price Sesame Street Giggle Microwave: This adorable microwave has a turntable and play food that really "cooks"! Nate loves to press the buttons to hear his favorite Sesame Stree characters and watch the food spin around. Thanks, Grandma!

Dance Time Brobee: Nate's favorite TV show is by far Yo Gabba Gabba. So, my mom couldn't resist buying him this dancing Brobee doll for Christmas. Nate smiles when he laughs and has been carrying him around. I wish he sang more than just one song but so far it's a hit! It will be a great companion to his Yo Gabba Gabba DVD.

Sandra Boynton Board Books: I fell in love with Sandra Boynton after coming across one of her children's board books in our church nursery. Her stories and rhyming prose are hilariously fun and her whimsical characters are engaging to both toddlers and adults. So, I purchased a few of them to add to our library, including Pajama Time, Barnyard Dance and The Belly Button Book.

Discovery Kids Play Tent: Nate is forever crawling through the space between the sofa and the wall, so I figured a play tunnel was in order. This indoor/outdoor play tent includes a small tent along with the tunnel, all at an affordable price. The quality does leave something to be desired but Nate doesn't seem to mind so neither do I.

Fisher Price Go Diego Go Talking Rescue Pack: Another one of Nate's favorite shows is Go Diego Go and he smiles everytime the Rescue Pack song comes on. This gift from Nate's Aunt Kim will encourage imaginary play and allow him to rescue animals as if he were Diego.

Leapfrog Tag Junior: I love educational toys and was so excited that Nate received this book pal as a gift from his aunt. Each Tag Junior books teaches toddlers and preschoolers a certain skill and you can download audio so that each time your book pal touches the page, the book comes to life. I am hoping this will get Nate more involved in our daily storytime.

Crayola Tadoodles: These "first markers" were a gift from one of Nate's older cousins. Specially shaped for toddler hands, Nate can now partake in the fun of arts and crafts. Supervised, of course.

Dr. Sears Nibble Tray: This adorable 3-pc. feeding tray from world-reknowned author and pediatrician, Dr. Sears, and Zak Designs is perfect for little nibblers. The "pineapple" tray has divided sections, which allow little ones to explore a variety of different food groups, while the "leaf" section is for dips and sauces. The BPA-free set also comes with a lid for convenient travel. I'm loving this new feeding line from Dr. Sears and hope to purchase more soon!

Rob

Guitar Hero: World Tour Guitar Kit for Nintendo Wii: My husband can now fulfill his inner rock star with this addicting video game from the Guitar Hero series. The music is something all generations would recognize and the whole family can enjoy. I've even tapped into my inner rock goddess a few times and it really is a blast! I can totally see us hosting some parties and pulling this out to break the ice.

Me

Julie and Julia book with 2 Julia Child cookbooks: I've been pining for this book for about a year now and I'm so happy that my mother-in-law remembered and blessed me with it for Christmas! I wanted to read it before I saw the film (no spoilers, please!). But she also bought me Volumes 1 & 2 of Mastering the Art of French Cooking so I can make some of the dishes myself. So thoughtful! I can't wait to cook along with Julie and Julia :)

Wool-blend Bell Sleeve Coat: I saw this coat at Old Navy and told my husband I just had to have it. The bell sleeves are trendy and the 3-button placket is sweet and stylish. The camel color I decided on will go with almost anything and it can be dressed up or down. Perfection!

Coach bag and wallet: My husband splurged a little this year and surprised me with a much-needed new purse from Coach, along with a little matching wallet. I can't find the exact picture but it's the signature canvas shoulder bag in khaki/mahogany. Loves it!

Aero Garden: I received one of these from family and had no idea they existed until now! You can plant herbs and flowers indoors with aeroponic technology - no dirt and no mess! It's idiot-proof design even tells you when it needs water or nutrients. Now that's my kind of garden!

Oggi Stainless Steel Water Bottle: My husband knows my New Years resolution is to get healthy and get fit so in honor of this goal and our gradual move to all things "green", he got me a beautiful BPA-free, stainless steel bottle courtesy of Oggi. It is a colorful pink with whimsical flower designs and it will be perfect to accompany me on my walks and jaunts.

Snuggie: Yes, I asked Santa for one of these fad items and he delivered! Well, actually my sister-in-law did but who cares...I got a Snuggie! Now, I can read a book or write my blog posts late at night without a frostbitten torso. No matter how much my husband may laugh, I think this is a great idea and can't wait to open that box. As a matter of fact, I think I will right now!


What did your family receive this holiday? Did you get everything on your list?


Photo credit: Saroja25 via Photobucket