Sure Santa knows what to get for all the good boys and girls, but a gift for Mrs. Claus will often leave him baffled. So we’re here to help with great gift ideas for all the Moms and Dads who made the Nice List this year.

for mom

	Diaper & Wipes Caddy by JJ Cole. Designed to corral the odds and ends of a diaper changing table, this convenient caddy is easy to move from room to room, and the chic styling means it won’t stick out in more sophisticated settings. Four colors available for $29 with free shipping at amazon.com.
	“Keep Calm and Carry On” Inspirational Book. Discovered on a poster created by the British Ministry of Information for British soldiers before World War II, the slogan still manages to strike a chord in our current difficult times. This gift-worthy book is packed full of motivational quotes, proverbs and mantras. $9 at amazon.com.
	Sweet Peppermint Shower Infusers. Heaven knows most moms can’t find time for a long, tranquil bath, but it takes no extra time to indulge with these essential-oil packed tablets. Simply wet one and place in the shower. Activated by water, the tablets release an intoxicating and invigorating aroma of pure Sweet Peppermint Essential Oil that will help you de-stress. $36 and use code “MommyTimes” for free shipping (exp 12/15/09) at bathbybettijo.com.
	Cake Society Satchel by Petunia Picklebottom . Featuring a fuzzy, vintage-style, cut-velvet fabric, we have never seen such an elegant diaper bag, but don’t let its luxe charm fool you. This bag is a picture of functionality with pockets galore and a plush, fold-out changing pad. Available in four colors for $325 at shop.petunia.com.

for dad

	Camo Marshmallow Blaster. Remember as a kid on Christmas morning, it was such a thrill to open gifts and play with all your new toys; much more fun than the boring stuff you get as a grown-up. Dad will feel like a kid again when he unwraps this marshmallow gun. Get at least two so your family can have an all-out marshmallow war on Christmas afternoon. (Don’t forget the marshmallows!) $28 at marshmallowville.com.
	Shoot-A-Loop Marble Game. Popular during the Depression, this traditional tin game involves shooting a marble around the loop to gain a high score. A game that the whole family will truly enjoy — despite Mom and Dad’s best efforts, our two year old usually wins! $20 at amazon.com.
	Lego Cuff Links. Help Dad liven things up at the office with these colorful cuff links that will remind him of his childhood obsession with this classic toy. $13 at etsy.com.
	Sanuk Donny Sidewalk Surfers. Comfy and light, these “not-a-shoes” offer the benefits of flip flops, with the security and protection of a shoe — just right for frostier weather. A bit skeptical at first, our Dad reviewer now wears them every day. Available in several colors and styles for $55 at sanuk.com.

There is certainly no shortage of toys, yet it can be so hard to find the kind of unique, fun toys that your little one will love and you won’t mind having around. We’ve got a dozen great gift ideas — a good mix of classic and modern options — sure to please all the little elves at your house.

for brother

	Solar System Ball. Why would you want to hold the world in your hands when you can hold the whole solar system? This cute and educational version of the classic, rubber playground ball is destined to be a favorite. $9 at oompa.com.
	Classic ABC Blocks. No toy box is complete without ABC blocks. We love this heirloom quality set made in Vermont from solid maple and printed with numbers, letters and pictures in non-toxic inks. $50 (and worth every penny) at nicoandzoe.com.
	Noah’s Ark from Tier Toys. Rain or shine, this Noah’s Ark is bound to captivate your little one’s imagination. Twelve stackable layers easily come apart revealing 22 pairs of animal figures. When the fun has sailed, everything fits back together for self-contained storage. $50 at amazon.com.
	Art Time Easel from Ecotots. This wooden easel is every bit as much a masterpiece as the creations it will soon hold. The real beauty — it’s constructed of just three pieces and assembles in minutes with no tools or hardware required. Available in four colors for $150 with free shipping at fawnandforest.com.

for sister

	Kaleidoscope Blocks from Haba. Wooden building blocks are much more fun with these colorful, sparkly accents. Your child will also be fascinated by the view of the world through these plastic prisms. $38 at amazon.com.
	Tea Set from Green Toys. Green tea anyone? It’s hard to believe this darling set is made from recycled milk jugs. Unbreakable, food safe and perfect for real or imaginary tea parties. $18 at amazon.com.
	70th Anniversary Madeline Doll. It’s hard to believe that Madeline is 70 years old — she certainly doesn’t look it. Despite the vast age difference, though, your little one is sure to love this adorable doll and the award-winning story that inspired her. $30 at kidspreferred.com.
	Belle Fairy Castle from Le Toy Van. If your little princess is anything like mine, than no ordinary doll house will do for her toys — they need a castle. This four-story palace looks like something straight out of a fairy tale and is exactly what every little girl dreams of. $165 at amazon.com.

for baby

	Hoots the Owl Zadyball. This adorable owl will squeak with delight when your little one gives him a hug. Dreamed up and sewn with love by a mom in Arizona, a Zadyball is the perfect first toy for baby. $20 at etsy.com.
	Eternal Layette from Tea. Inspired by the serenity of a sleeping newborn, the soft colors and simple designs are soothing and luxurious. Every exquisite piece in this collection is made from the finest pima cotton to be ultra soft on baby’s brand new skin. Sold separately and in gift sets from $20 at teacollection.com.
	Knitted Vegetable Rattles. This yummy set is hand knit for a soft, engaging texture. Your baby will be the first one on the block to love her veggies! $45 at oompa.com.
	Nubbi Fabric Ball from Haba. He may be a little too young for catch, but baby will still have a ball with this squishy toy featuring a rattle and rustling foil. $18 at amazon.com.

As if parents needed one more thing to worry about, this year we have to add Swine Flu to the list. The 2009 H1N1 Type A Influenza Virus (the official name for Swine Flu) is supposed to be particularly severe, but unfortunately the symptoms are like regular flu symptoms, which means you and your doctor won’t know, just based on symptoms, if it’s Swine Flu.

The regular, seasonal flu is already easily confused with a cold. So along with stocking up on antibacterial gel, you might want to brush up on the distinctions between a flu and cold with following chart.

Comparing the Symptoms

Is it Serious?

If your little one has the flu, watch for the following symptoms that signal a child needs urgent medical attention:

• Have fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Have bluish or gray skin color
• Are not drinking enough fluid
• Are not waking up or not interacting
• Have severe or persistent vomiting
• Are so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Have flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and a worse cough
• Have fever with a rash
• Have a fever and then have a seizure or sudden mental or behavioral change.

Adults with the flu and experiencing any of the following symptoms should seek urgent medical help:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that improve, but then come back with worsening fever or cough

Trick out your Halloween dinner table with some of these spooky treats. It’s probably the only way to get something healthy into the bellies of your little goblins.

	APPLE BITES These toothsome treats are a fun and healthy break from Halloween sweets. Just quarter and core an apple, cut a wedge from the skin side of each quarter, and then press slivered almonds in place for teeth. If you’re not going to serve them right away, baste the apples with orange juice to keep them from browning.
	EDIBLE EYEBALLS Set out a platter of these creepy peepers, and your party guests are bound to do a double take. Simply slice carrots into 1-inch-thick chunks, top each with a blob of cream cheese and one half of a pitted black olive, and they’re ready to serve.
	GHOST TOAST Looking for a treat that truly embodies the spirit of Halloween? Try serving some of these flavorful phantoms. For each, toast a slice of white bread and then cut a ghost shape from it. You can do this freehand using a knife, or you can use a gingerbread-girl cookie cutter. When the cutouts have cooled, spread on a generous coating of whipped cream cheese. For eyes and mouths, add raisins.
	ENGLISH MUMMIES These yummy mummy pizzas make a quick and fun Halloween lunch or dinner. To create one, first spread a tablespoon of pizza sauce onto half of an English muffin (toast it first, if you like). Set olive slices in place for eyes and add round slices of green onion or bits of red or green pepper for pupils. Lay strips of cheese (we used a pulled-apart cheese stick) across the muffin for the mummy’s wrappings. Bake at 350° until the cheese is melted and the muffin is toasty, about 10 minutes.
	MELON BRAIN Created from nothing more than a small, round seedless watermelon, this spooky cerebral creation is bound to turn heads. First, use a vegetable peeler to remove the entire green rind, exposing the inner white rind. Then slice off the bottom of the melon to make a flat base that will keep it from rolling. With a toothpick, outline squiggly furrows that resemble the folded surface of a brain. Finally, carve narrow channels along the tracings with a sharp paring knife (a parent’s job) to expose the pink fruit beneath the rind.

For more creepy cuisine visit FamilyFun.com.

When a kid wakes up crying late at night, you might think it is a bad dream. I know I did. Shortly after we potty trained my oldest daughter, she awoke upset, in tears and completely inconsolable. I picked her up and brought her into my bed. (Big mistake.) As I snuggled and tried to soothe her, suddenly she peed all over me and my bed!

Frustrated and shocked, I changed her into fresh pajamas, laid her back in her dry bed and then went to deal with my now soaked sheets. As my husband and I remade our bed, we wondered aloud if perhaps that was the source of the tears — she needed to go to the bathroom. We theorized that being new to potty training, in her sleepy state she must have had trouble connecting that uncomfortable, “I have to go” feeling to what it really meant (go to the bathroom), and instead got incredibly upset at this discomfort that interrupted her slumber.

So a few nights later when she again woke up in tears, we rushed her to the toilet. She went number one, and we laid her back in bed. End of story. No rocking or singing needed, and more importantly, no pee everywhere.

I figured this strange behavior was unique to my Attalie, but a few nights ago as I was relaxing on the couch with my Halloween edition of Martha Stewart Living, I heard some whimpering and Piper appeared in the hallway completely, upset and throwing herself about in a fit. The light bulb went on — she too is newly potty trained. I picked her up and rushed her to the bathroom, calmly trying to explain to her sleep-walking mind that she just needed to go potty. I sat her on the toilet and she instantly started going. Aha! I was right. As I was silently (an prematurely) congratulating myself, unfortunately her temper fit continued, and her flailing about caused urine to spray all over me and the bathroom. An improvement over my previous wet bed, but still incredibly unpleasant.

I showered off and cleaned the bathroom, and started wondering if this was normal behavior. I’d never heard of anything like this, but perhaps it is one of those odd things that all kids do and parents just don’t think to talk about. Or maybe my kids are just strange?

Regardless, I thought I’d mention it as a warning to other unsuspecting parents: if a potty-trained child wakes up crying, do NOT let them in your bed. Get them to a bathroom, quick!

Surprisingly children actually love a good, spooky tale every now and then. With Halloween just a few weeks away, now is the perfect time. Here are some of our favorite Halloween books:

	Pumpkin Pumpkin. This beautifully-illustrated book contains minimal words and is great for new readers (or parents wanting to hurry along bedtime). It begins with a little boy planting a seed that eventually sprouts and turns into a big pumpkin.
	The Ghost Family Meets Its Match. A personal favorite, this spellbinding story chronicles the history of a large house built in the 1880s. Left empty by an African explorer, a family of ghosts moves in. The ghost family scares off would-be buyers for decades, but in the 1980s a family moves in that strangely isn’t repelled by all the ghosts’ nasty tricks. Perhaps they have a secret of their own?
	One Witch. A wicked counting story that follows a witch as she prepares an “oozing stew” for all her Halloween guests (including you!) Your little one will enjoy the fascinating, yet creepy illustrations.
	The Witches’ Supermarket. An intriguing story about a little girl who stumbles into a secret grocery store just for witches. Luckily it’s Halloween and she’s dressed as a witch. The detailed illustrations of the supermarket — the produce section is stocked with “poison apples” and “goatweed” — are fun to read for kids and adults alike.
	Trick or Treat? Board Book. Perfect for even the youngest trick or treaters, this life-the-flap book is filled with all the spooky favorites: a pumpkin, bat, spider and owl. On my daughter’s favorite page the flap reveals two children in their Halloween masks.