Kiran Dodeja Smith

Kiran Dodeja Smith is a freelance writer and mom of four children under the age of 8. Email her.

  • Gift No. 30: Waxing Poetic jewelry

    For the past few weeks, we've brought you 29 gift ideas for the littler ones in your life. We've suggested technological toys, building blocks and even flying fish. And now, dear moms, we've got something special just for you. So bookmark this page! Whether you're a mom-to-be or a mother of three, just thinking of having kids or a loving grandmother to many, all women can appreciate unique jewelry. Waxing Poetic is customizable keepsake jewelry made by Balinese crafters. One look, and w...

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    Dec. 28, 2011 | Permalink

  • Gift No. 29: Color Me Play House

    In today's day and age, toys are often all about technology. But sometimes there's no need to think outside the box. Discovery Kids Cardboard Color Me Play House is about as simple as it gets -- and as good as it gets, at the same time. The nearly 5-foot-tall and 3-feetwide house includes four windows, two doors, a mailbox and chimney, just like a real house. It's white cardboard finish is just begging for some creativity; fortunately, one look at this larger-than-life playhouse and kids a...

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    Dec. 28, 2011 | Permalink

  • Gift No. 28: Books to Bed

    Now here's a novel idea: pajamas that coordinate with well-known book titles. Most kids adore reading at bedtime, and parents appreciate the cuddle time just as much. With Books to Bed, kids can get just as excited about their sleepwear as they will the story to read. Famous titles such as "Fancy Nancy," "Goodnight Moon," "Dumpy" and "Pinkalicious" are depicted on long johns, short johns and nightgowns for little ones 12 months to size 14. Purchase the book and pajama combo or just the s...

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    Dec. 16, 2011 | Permalink

  • Gift No. 27: Smokey the Firetruck

    This whole boy thing is relatively new for me. After having three girls, I finally had a boy eight months ago. So the boy toys are newfound pleasures for me. (Ahem, and not in the way that you're thinking!) Smokey the Fire Truck joins the Matchbox "Stinky" line. An interactive toy, Smokey has two modes: truck mode and character mode. Truck mode is pretty self-explanatory, but cool features Smokey has include lights and sounds and a mouth that moves when he talks, sings or tells jokes. Tra...

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    Dec. 14, 2011 | Permalink

  • Gift No. 26: Christmas Classics DVD

    Christmas just wouldn't be the same without some of the much-loved classics most of us grew up with. Sure SpongeBob's Christmas DVD may be a hit for a bit -- but there's something nostalgic about the oldies but goodies. The Original Christmas Classics retails for $29.98 and will bring you hours of good, old-fashioned fun as you bond with your family watching "Frosty the Snowman," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" and "Frosty Returns." Just as your holiday t...

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    Dec. 13, 2011 | Permalink

  • Gift No. 25: Tumford the Terrible

    Lap up the latest book by Nancy Tillman, author and illustrator of the New York Times best-selling picture book "On the Night You Were Born." Tumford The Terrible is about a well-meaning but stubborn cat who seems to find mischief -- and seems to hide when it's time for an apology. Through a trail of muddy paw prints, broken dishes and spilled paint, little Tummy chooses to hide as opposed to apologizing for the accidents. But still, his owner's love remains. Melodic rhymes and eye-catc...

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    Dec. 12, 2011 | Permalink

  • Gift No. 24: Brilliant Creations Advanced Notebook

    Your little one can head to the front of the class with the help of the Brilliant Creations Advanced Notebook by VTech. If you've experienced any products by the innovative electronic learning toy geniuses at VTech, you're already familiar with the quality of their creations. This notebook is just one of the numerous hot items have been added to their product line this year and is sure to be a hit. Designed for 5-8-year-olds, the laptop is inspired by the real thing and desired by the ki...

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    Dec. 12, 2011 | Permalink

  • Gift No. 23: Air Swimmers

    Just when you thought you'd seen it all, a fish suddenly goes swimming across your living room. Yes, you read that right. Sure to be the most unique gift this holiday season, Air Swimmers are finding their way to the top of most 8+ year-old's lists. Powered by an infra-red remote control, the almost 6-foot-long clownfish and shark "swim" through the air with smooth, life-like motion. Simply fill your fish with helium, insert four AAA batteries and get ready to catch some attention -- no b...

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    Dec. 09, 2011 | Permalink

  • Gift No. 22: Cordoba Building Blocks

    Your baby's excitement will build when she sees these beautiful blocks. Catchy colors and patterns decorate this 16-piece set of Cordoba Building Blocks from HABA, which can be an ideal addition to an existing collection of blocks or a super starter set in itself. Sturdy and durable, these blocks are full of imagination and whimsy, and are ready to entertain your little one. A wood manufacturing company that is known for their high-quality baby and children's toys, HABA has spared no expe...

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    Dec. 08, 2011 | Permalink

  • Gift No. 21: Elenco Electronics Snap Circuits

    Does your budding electrician wish to understand how circuits work? It's a snap with today's great gift idea, the Elenco Electronics Snap Circuits SC-300. The exciting, hands-on introduction to electronics kit includes more than 60 color-coded, real circuit components that snap together to create working electronic circuits and devices. User friendly instructions allow your child to create and understand how circuits function in familiar, everyday devices. Large color illustrations and sim...

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    Dec. 07, 2011 | Permalink
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