Little builders are eager to experiment with new materials to create playscapes and structures. Architecturally inclined kids will love these toys that emphasize construction and open-ended play. More

Give gifts that foster a child's love of music this holiday season. Here are some great choices for listening, making, learning, playing and doing. More

After unwrapping all the presents, when everything gets a little chaotic, it's reassuring to see our over-stimulated kids run outside to work out that anxious energy. When it's time to upgrade our winter outdoor toys, the Holidays are a great opportunity to bring in these new additions.

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We asked and you answered: what are the best gifts for toddlers? These are some of the first toys your child will ever have and it's sort of like going back to Toys 101: the Basics. Here are ten reader ideas for toys toddlers will love:

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If you're hosting a dinner party or having cocktails with friends, there's nothing like a pitcher to save you from running back and forth from the kitchen. Plus, whether you're making large batches of cocktails, or simply serving juice or water, a beautiful pitcher manages to make serving drinks feel stylish. The following 10 vessels will do the job and look great on anyone's table or bar cart. More

In a week, I'll be heading home for the holidays (SFO to EWR) for the first time in three years. I was inspired to put together this goodie bag of local favorites for friends and family (note: my budget will mean one item per loved one). The good thing about these is that you don't need to live in the Bay Area to enjoy — you can order them all online. Here's to a little taste of my adopted hometown and a happy holiday! More

When I saw this play kitchen in Sue & Graeme's Eclectic Victorian Townhouse it reminded me the one I had as a kid — a simple, classically styled set where I could get lost in a world of pretend cooking. I think I owe much of my love of all things nesting to that first pretend kitchen. Inspired by nostalgia, I found the source for this little kitchen and also rounded up a few others. More

From babies to toddlers, kids are fascinated with toys that move. There is no end of toy vehicles to chose from in the marketplace, and sometimes it can get overwhelming figuring out what to select for longevity and daily use. Here are some selections that we love and our children can't get enough of. More

Don't know what to get your friends this holiday? Well, if they drink at all (or even if they don't, but love those Cokes in the old-school bottles), they could probably use one of these bottle openers. I have one, but it seems that whenever I have a hankering for a cold one, I can never find the darn thing. Plus, using one of these beautiful, design-y bottle openers will make popping the top off your favorite beverage that much more satisfying. More

One thing I've noticed with my toddler and other pre-schoolers we know is that they love to imitate life and help out, even if the "helping" is pretend play. The child-size tools and toys we have in our home get a lot of use, and it's been great to role-play with him. It never ceases to amaze me how much young ones so happily copy parents in our sometimes mundane daily tasks (I know, just wait until they are older!).
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