best kids christmas presents 2016
Christmas is a time of joy, love, and giving. It’s a season that brings families and friends together to celebrate and create unforgettable memories. One of the most exciting aspects of Christmas is undoubtedly the tradition of gift-giving. Parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles all strive to find the perfect present for the little ones in their lives. In 2016, there were numerous options for kids’ Christmas presents, but some stood out above the rest. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the best kids’ Christmas presents of 2016.
1. Hatchimals
Hatchimals were undoubtedly the hottest toy of 2016. These interactive furry creatures came in a variety of species and colors and were highly sought after by children everywhere. Their popularity was due to their unique hatching process, where children had to nurture and care for the egg until it hatched, revealing a surprise Hatchimal inside. The excitement of not knowing which creature would hatch only added to the appeal of this toy.
2. Nintendo NES Classic Edition
For the gaming enthusiasts, the Nintendo NES Classic Edition was a dream come true. This mini console featured 30 classic games from the 80s, including Super Mario Bros, Donkey Kong, and The Legend of Zelda. It was the perfect gift for both parents who wanted to relive their childhood memories and kids who wanted to experience the iconic games of the past.
3. LEGO Sets
LEGO has been a favorite among kids for decades, and 2016 was no exception. With the release of several new sets, including the highly popular LEGO Friends line, there was a set for every interest and age group. From building blocks to intricate sets, LEGO provided hours of creative play for children and adults alike.
4. Pie Face Showdown Game
The original Pie Face game was a hit in 2015, but in 2016, the Pie Face Showdown Game took the fun to a whole new level. This two-player game involved a race against the clock to see who could hit the button the fastest, causing the hand to slap a dollop of whipped cream in the opponent’s face. It was a messy, hilarious, and entertaining game that had kids and adults in stitches.
5. Shopkins
Another popular toy that had kids collecting and trading like crazy in 2016 was Shopkins. These tiny, colorful, and cute collectible figurines came in various categories, from food items to household objects. With their adorable faces and unique names, Shopkins quickly gained a massive fan base and became a must-have toy for children.
6. Nerf N-Strike Elite HyperFire Blaster
Nerf guns have been a staple in the toy market for years, and in 2016, the Nerf N-Strike Elite HyperFire Blaster was a top seller. This blaster boasted the fastest firing rate of any Nerf gun, shooting darts at a rate of five darts per second. With its impressive speed and accuracy, it was the ultimate toy for Nerf battles and outdoor play.
7. Disney’s Moana Toys
The release of Disney’s Moana in 2016 brought a wave of new merchandise, including a wide range of toys. From dolls to action figures, there was a Moana toy for every child who fell in love with the adventurous and brave Polynesian princess. The popularity of the movie also sparked an interest in Hawaiian and Polynesian culture, making these toys both fun and educational.
8. Razor Hovertrax 2.0 Hoverboard
Hoverboards were all the rage in 2016, and the Razor Hovertrax 2.0 was considered the best of the best. With its self-balancing technology and a top speed of 8 mph, it provided endless fun for kids (and adults) who wanted to cruise around the neighborhood in style. Its sleek design and ability to maneuver smoothly on various terrains made it a top choice for kids’ Christmas presents.
9. Barbie Dreamhouse
Barbie has been a beloved toy for generations, and in 2016, the Barbie Dreamhouse was the ultimate gift for any young Barbie fan. This three-story house featured interactive lights and sounds, a working elevator, and various rooms for Barbie and her friends to play in. It was a dream come true for any child who loved playing with dolls.
10. Paw Patrol Toys
Paw Patrol has been a popular cartoon series for kids since its debut in 2013, and in 2016, it dominated the toy market as well. From plush toys to action figures and playsets, there was a Paw Patrol toy for every fan. These toys not only provided hours of imaginative play but also helped children learn about teamwork, problem-solving, and helping others.
11. VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch
The VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch was a great gift for tech-savvy kids. It featured a touch screen, camera, and various educational games and activities, making it a fun and interactive way for kids to learn and play. It also had a durable design, making it the perfect accessory for kids who loved to play and explore outdoors.
12. Trolls Toys
The release of the animated movie Trolls in 2016 sparked a craze for these colorful and fun-loving creatures. From plush toys to collectible figures and playsets, there was a Trolls toy for every child who fell in love with the movie. These toys not only provided endless playtime but also reminded kids to always be happy and kind, just like the Trolls.
13. Little Live Pets Snuggles My Dream Puppy
For kids who wanted a pet but couldn’t have one, the Little Live Pets Snuggles My Dream Puppy was the perfect alternative. This interactive toy puppy could bark, move, and even fall asleep when you pet it. With its lifelike features and soft fur, it was the next best thing to having a real puppy.
14. Zoomer Chimp
Zoomer Chimp was another interactive toy that captured the hearts of kids in 2016. This chimp could perform tricks, follow commands, and even dance to music. With its lifelike movements and adorable personality, it was a great companion for kids who wanted a pet with a bit more personality.
15. Disney’s Frozen Toys
Although the movie was released in 2013, Frozen toys remained a top seller in 2016. With the release of the short film Frozen Fever and the highly anticipated sequel Frozen 2, the demand for Frozen toys continued to soar. From dolls to dress-up costumes, there was no shortage of merchandise for this beloved movie.
16. 3Doodler Start Essential Pen Set
For the creative and artistic kids, the 3Doodler Start Essential Pen Set was a great gift option. This 3D printing pen allowed kids to bring their drawings to life, making it a fun and unique way to express their creativity. It also used non-toxic and biodegradable materials, making it safe for kids to use.
17. FurReal Friends Torch, My Blazin’ Dragon
FurReal Friends has been a popular toy line for kids, and in 2016, the Torch, My Blazin’ Dragon was a hit. This interactive dragon featured over 50 sound and motion combinations, making it feel like a real pet. It also had a water mist feature, making it a fun and unique addition to any child’s collection.
18. Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage Playset
Hot Wheels has been a favorite toy for car enthusiasts for decades, and in 2016, the Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage Playset was a must-have for kids who loved racing and collecting cars. This four-level garage featured parking for over 90 cars, a spiral ramp, and a motorized elevator, providing endless hours of racing and imaginative play.
19. American Girl Dolls
American Girl Dolls have been a popular toy option for girls since their debut in 1986, and in 2016, they continued to be a top choice. With a variety of dolls to choose from, each with their own unique story and background, these dolls not only provided hours of playtime but also taught valuable lessons about history and diversity.
20. Little Tikes Cozy Coupe
The Little Tikes Cozy Coupe has been a classic toy for kids since its release in 1979, and it remains a top seller in 2016. With its durable design and simple yet fun features, it was the perfect toy car for toddlers to ride around in. It also encouraged imaginative play and outdoor activity, making it a favorite among parents as well.
In conclusion, 2016 was a year filled with exciting and popular toys for kids’ Christmas presents. From the highly sought after Hatchimals to classic toys like LEGO and Barbie, there was a gift for every child’s age, interest, and personality. These toys not only provided hours of fun and entertainment but also taught valuable lessons and encouraged creativity and imagination. As we look back on the best kids’ Christmas presents of 2016, we can’t help but wonder what new and exciting toys the future has in store for us.
thanksgiving art ideas for infants
Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks and celebrating with loved ones. It is also a time to reflect on the blessings and abundance in our lives. For infants, it may be their first Thanksgiving and a wonderful opportunity for parents and caregivers to introduce them to the holiday and create special memories. One way to do this is through arts and crafts activities that are not only fun but also help develop the child’s fine motor skills and creativity. In this article, we will explore some Thanksgiving art ideas for infants that are simple, enjoyable, and age-appropriate.
1. Handprint Turkey:
A handprint turkey is a classic Thanksgiving art project that is perfect for infants. It is a simple yet adorable way to capture the little one’s handprint and create a keepsake. To make this art piece, you will need some non-toxic washable paint in fall colors, white paper, and baby wipes. First, paint the infant’s hand with the desired color and gently press it on the paper to create a handprint. Repeat the process with different colors to create the turkey’s feathers. Then, using a brown marker, draw a turkey body and add a beak and eyes. This activity not only allows infants to explore different textures and colors but also helps them develop their hand-eye coordination.
2. Paper Plate Pumpkin:
Pumpkins are a staple of Thanksgiving, and this art project is perfect for infants to create their own pumpkin using a paper plate. For this activity, you will need a paper plate, orange paint, green construction paper, glue, and a black marker. Start by painting the paper plate with orange paint and let it dry. Then, cut out a stem shape from the green construction paper and glue it to the top of the plate. Lastly, use the black marker to draw a face on the pumpkin. This simple craft allows infants to practice their grasping skills while creating a festive decoration for the holiday.
3. Fall Tree:
Infants may not be able to create a full-fledged tree, but they can certainly contribute to making a fall tree by adding leaves. For this activity, you will need a large piece of paper, brown paint, and fall-colored tissue paper. Start by painting the infant’s hand with brown paint and gently press it on the paper to create the tree trunk. Then, cut out small squares of tissue paper in fall colors and let the infant stick them on the paper around the tree trunk to create a fall tree. This activity not only helps develop the child’s fine motor skills but also introduces them to the concept of seasons and nature.
4. Corn on the Cob:
Corn on the cob is a staple of Thanksgiving dinner, and this art project is a fun way to introduce infants to this traditional dish. For this activity, you will need a paper plate, yellow paint, green construction paper, and glue. Start by painting the paper plate with yellow paint and let it dry. Then, cut out thin strips of green construction paper and let the infant glue them on the top of the plate to create the corn husk. This activity is great for sensory development as infants can explore the textures and colors of the materials.
5. Turkey Feathers:
This art project is a fun way to create colorful turkey feathers using different materials. For this activity, you will need a cardboard cutout of a turkey, feathers in different colors, glue, and googly eyes. Start by gluing the feathers on the turkey’s body to create the feathers. Then, add the googly eyes and let the infant explore the different textures and colors of the feathers. This activity not only helps develop fine motor skills but also introduces infants to different textures and colors.
6. Leaf Collage:
Autumn leaves are a beautiful sight, and this art project allows infants to create their own leaf collage using real leaves. For this activity, you will need a large piece of paper, fall-colored leaves, glue, and markers. Start by taking the infant on a nature walk to collect leaves in different colors and shapes. Then, let the infant glue the leaves on the paper to create a collage. Lastly, use markers to draw stems and veins on the leaves. This activity encourages infants to explore the outdoors and create their own unique art piece.
7. Paper Bag Turkey:
A paper bag turkey is a fun and interactive art project that can also serve as a puppet for infants to play with. For this activity, you will need a paper bag, construction paper in fall colors, glue, and googly eyes. Start by cutting out feathers, a beak, and a wattle from the construction paper and let the infant glue them on the paper bag. Then, add the googly eyes and let the infant play with their new turkey puppet. This activity promotes imaginative play and allows infants to practice their grasping and gluing skills.
8. Thankful Handprint Wreath:
Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful, and this art project is a great way to teach infants about gratitude. For this activity, you will need a paper plate, fall-colored construction paper, glue, and markers. Start by cutting out the center of the paper plate to create a wreath shape. Then, help the infant trace and cut out their handprints on different colored construction paper. Let them glue the handprints around the wreath and use markers to write what they are thankful for on each handprint. This activity not only promotes fine motor skills but also teaches infants the value of gratitude.
9. Pumpkin Sponge Painting:
Sponge painting is a fun and mess-free way for infants to create art. For this activity, you will need a large piece of paper, orange paint, a pumpkin-shaped sponge, and green construction paper. Start by dipping the pumpkin-shaped sponge in the orange paint and let the infant press it on the paper to create a pumpkin shape. Then, cut out a stem shape from the green construction paper and let the infant glue it on top of the pumpkin. This activity helps develop hand-eye coordination and allows infants to explore different textures.
10. Handprint Cornucopia:
A cornucopia is a symbol of abundance and harvest, and this art project is a great way to introduce infants to this concept. For this activity, you will need a large piece of paper, brown paint, and fall-colored construction paper. Start by painting the infant’s hand with brown paint and gently press it on the paper to create the cornucopia shape. Then, let the infant cut out different fall-colored shapes from the construction paper and glue them on the paper to create the fruits and vegetables spilling out of the cornucopia. This activity allows infants to practice their cutting and gluing skills while creating a beautiful art piece.
In conclusion, these Thanksgiving art ideas for infants are a great way to celebrate the holiday and create special memories. They not only promote creativity and fine motor skills but also introduce infants to important concepts such as gratitude, nature, and seasons. So, this Thanksgiving, gather your little ones and have fun creating these simple and enjoyable art projects together. Happy Thanksgiving!