Kiran Dodeja Smith

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

  • Gift No. 20: Worx Toys

    Curiosity and kids go hand in hand. They want to know why, how, and where; if you have kids, you know the routine. Three fathers found themselves being asked these questions from their little boys in regards to their toys. So they created a toy to help their lads discover the inner workings of them. Worx Toys includes a line of toy vehicles that give kids ages 6-9 a clear look inside a race car, helicopter and fire truck. Both entertaining and educational, each is made of translucent plas...

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    Dec. 06, 2011 | Permalink

  • Gift No. 19: Figit Friends

    Interactive toys seem to be trending this holiday season, and one not to be missed is the Fijit Friend . Forecast to be one of 2011's hottest sellers, Fijit Friends are trend-setting toys that can interact to voice, dance and respond with over 150 built-in responses. Each of the four Fijit Friends have their own personalities and jokes. Your 6-plus-year-old gal can joke, chat or dance with her. A "home" button tells her which mode to be in; want her to dance? Simply turn on some music, and...

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    Dec. 05, 2011 | Permalink

  • Gift No. 18: Dainty Lions

    Adding a bit of bling or some excitement to your accessories is a snap with Dainty Lions . Though the bottlecap necklaces were a thing in the past, these up-and-coming accessories are sure to be a hit with little ladies age 3 and up. But girls of all ages can take a basic headband, hair tie, wristband, pendant or hair clip and snap in flowers, bling, buttons and more. Start with an interchangeable elastic headband, bobby pin or hair tie, which retail for a mere $1.50 and up. Then select butt...

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    Dec. 05, 2011 | Permalink

  • Gift No. 17: Connectagons

    Educational toys that are fun at the same time? It's a wrap. If your thinking is the same, you'll want to take note of Connectagons , brightly colored wooden circles that can be connected in any direction to create unique, free-form sculptures. Open the box and let your little ones age 4 and up make a connection both literally and mentally as they tap into their imaginations. Let them go wild creating. The wooden pieces, which are painted with non-toxic paint, also come in various sets -...

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    Dec. 04, 2011 | Permalink

  • Gift No. 16: Zibits

    Buzz off Hex bugs and Zhu Zhu Pets: There's a new robot on the block. And along with his friends, they're preparing to take over the world, one family room at a time. With the assistance of rapid development in the robotics industry, advanced technology is more attainable and cost effective. So what does this mean to you? One word: Zibits . The mini "Z-mote" controlled robots can race forward and turn at a 360 degree radius, all while emitting real robotic sounds. Kids all over are loving ...

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    Nov. 30, 2011 | Permalink

  • Gift No. 15: Trunki

    The celebrated Melissa & Doug company rolled out a new product to their extensive line this year that is attracting the attention of loads of little ones age 3-6. Trunki is a multi-functional toy that serves as luggage, a riding toy and rolling transport … perfect for little ones on the go! Tots can stuff it with their essentials, snap it up and let it sit. But what fun would that be? The carry-on-approved Trunki has integrated wheels so they can ride around that house or through the ...

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    Nov. 28, 2011 | Permalink

  • Gift No. 14: Rory's Story Cubes

    I'm not sure who Rory is, but his Story Cubes are quite the sensation. Even if you think you have enough games, this is one you need to add to your repertoire. Retailing for around $9.99, it's a small price to pay for the hours of entertainment you'll get. Rory's Story Cubes are simple: There are nine cubes, each with an image on every side. Simply roll the dice and let your imagination run wild. Play solitaire or grab a group for play; there are no rules -- simply create your own and rol...

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    Nov. 25, 2011 | Permalink

  • Gift No. 13: Nanoblocks

    Sure, Legos have been all the rage for years and years … but there's a new kid on the block, a really little one. The name is Nanoblocks . Remember it, because Nanoblocks are building in popularity this holiday season. The super small blocks (actually they are the world's smallest toy building blocks) allow creators to execute the finest details in a 3D work of art that fits in the palm of your hand. You truly need to see these to believe how cool they really are! With the help of inst...

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    Nov. 24, 2011 | Permalink

  • Gift No. 12: Monster High Dolls

    Vampires and such have been all the rage in recent times, but it’s not just movies or TV that are cashing in on the fantasy. Mattel seems to have hit the nail on the head with their launch of Monster High Dolls. Not to be compared with the pretty princesses, these cool ghouls are suited for 6-year-olds and up. And girls can’t seem to get enough of them. Ooozing with killer design, Monster High Dolls are styled in freakishly fabulous outfits and come with a cute, yet scary pet. Dracu...

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    Nov. 23, 2011 | Permalink

  • Gift No. 11: Vortex Marble Run

    Kids age 8 and up will light up with delight with the Vortex Glow-in-the-Dark Marble Run . Surely you've seen marble runs in the past -- but this one puts a twist on the traditional marble maze. Gather the family and start from scratch with 375 pieces, 3-D connectors and a wide variety of channels. How tall will you make it, and how will it connect? Turn off the lights and take in the glow-in-the-dark tracks; stimulate your senses with the cool sound effects and set the fun in motion with ...

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    Nov. 22, 2011 | Permalink
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