20 Real Moms: 20 Really Great Gifts Ideas
We all have heard the old adage that Mom knows best. This holiday before you begin your shopping, why not check in with real moms to see what they will be getting their kids.
As a mom of three, I love getting gift ideas from other real Moms. And even though I have finished our Christmas shopping (yeah me!), I found 2 really great gift ideas that I am going to snag before Christmas (a karaoke machine and the Big Top Cupcake Maker- our family fun nights will never be the same!) Check out really great gift ideas from real moms.
Do you have your own great gift ideas for your family? Leave a comment below or tell us on Facebook.
"While some parents see dollar signs when buying gifts for teenagers, I am fortunate to have two who don't see the need for expensive gifts. I bought both of my teenagers North Face Fleece Jackets for Christmas because that's all they wanted."
Tasha - mom of 2: ages 14 and 17
"This holiday season our family will be purchasing the Xbox Kinect. We have family time on the weekends, and we play video games, karaoke or just watch movies. We strive to make sure we include quality time with each other by doing fun things together. The Kinect will keep the family up and energetic and allow us to interact with each other. "
Tomica - mom of 7: ages 17, 16, 15, 13, 12, 2 and 10 months
"I am buying my family brand new fishing poles because our girls are fed up with their "kiddie poles" that bind and snag. Why buy gifts to plug the kids in when you can spend time with them instead?"
Rachael - mom of 4: ages 9, 8, 5, and 2
"I've purchased the Singing Machine Disco Lights Karaoke Machine for my son. He loves music, especially singing on a microphone! This will keep him busy for hours, give me some freedom (and some entertainment), and help build his singing confidence!"
Kathy - mom of 1: age 5
"This year I'm buying something they'll both enjoy – Mega Bloks. My almost three year old loves to build and those large plastic pieces are easy on her little hands, and my one year old loves doing anything his big sister is. No choking hazard plus endless building possibilities equals one perfect gift !"
Annette - mom of 2: ages 3 and 1
"This year my family will be getting a membership to the Springs Preserve in Las Vegas. It is a beautiful 180 acre park with many different activities throughout the year. It is only $60 for the basic family membership and the benefits are incredible!"
ShaRhonda - mom of 1: age 4
"I decided that this year the kids are getting an Android Tablet. My kids are constantly stealing my phone to play the android apps. Now they can play all the games they like so much without inconveniencing me!"
Jennifer - mom of 3: ages 9, 6, and 3
"This year I'm getting my three year old the one thing he keeps asking for over and over: the Thomas and Friends Misty Island Trackmaster Playset. I can't wait to see the look on his face when he opens it on Christmas morning!"
Robyn - mom of 2: ages 3 and 6 months
"Each of my kids are getting a Leapster Explorer, because it is an interactive, touch-screen video game that is educational and grows with age. My days of wiping sticky fingerprints from the iPad and explaining random texts/calls from my cell phone are almost over!"
Jennifer Bradford - mom of 2: ages: 4 and 2
"My oldest two children will be receiving the Leapster2 Learning System this Christmas. The system was affordable, the game content is educational and best of all I can track each child's progress on-line, which helps me keep track of their learning and get games that are appropriate for their age level."
Shiloh - mom of 3: ages 6, 5, and 1
"This year I am buying my family the Big Top Cupcake Maker. After months of my son "ewwwing" and "awwing" over the massive frosted treats advertised on the infomercials, I have to break down and buy one for him. As an added bonus, baking the colossal cupcakes will be a fun together-time activity for the whole family!"
Erica - mom of 1: age 9
"I am planning on buying the family an Air-Hockey Table this Christmas. Each child is able to play whether it be a rousing competitive game between the older kids or a fun game of toss-the-puck-in-the-slot for the little ones. It will make our family time extra special."
Rosemary - mom of 6: ages 14 to 2
"This year each of my kids are getting a favorite DVD or CD, then CASH! With times being so tough, cash is the easiest way to go. They can shop for what they need, or what they want. And no long lines for me!"
Linda - mom of 3: ages 22, 21 and 19
"I have chosen to buy my daughter a Barbie Video Girl Doll. It is the best of both worlds. This barbie doll also works as a video camera that she can upload the videos to our computer. She will be a little film star before we know it!"
Mandy - mom of 1: age 7
"With three children, ages 7,9 and 16, it is often difficult to find a gift that all will enjoy. Money is very tight this Christmas and we can only afford one gift. For this reason, my husband and I will be buying the Wii. All three kids will love this game."
Jennifer - mom of 3: ages 16, 9 and 7
"I am buying my family the Radio Flyer Grow 'N Go Lights 'N Sounds Toddler Bicycle so our children can ride with us. We love this bike because it comes with added features that allow the kids to play while they get some exercise! "
Rory - mom of 2: ages 3 and 1
"I'm buying my family the Lego Eiffel Tower because no matter what they say, men never outgrow Legos. The Lego Eiffel Tower stands nearly 4 feet tall complete and it's a challenging model, even for the most "worldly" teens."
Kristen - mom of 1: age 16.
"I'm buying my daughter a from KidKraft table and chair set. The beauty of a simple gift such as this is that it's something I know my daughter will love and will use everyday for years to come, whether it's for coloring, eating, or having tea parties."
Amy - mom of 1: age 21 months
"As a first time mom, I'm buying the My little seat, travel highchair. This year is all about the essentials. with an 8 month old, Christmas is a new thing, and I will definitely have many years to come where I'm asked to buy the popular toys, and get a long wish list for Santa. This seat is convenient for at home use as well as taking on your everyday trips. I'm buying this item because its simple, easy to use, and fits most chairs."
Chelsea - mom of 1: age: 8 months
Next:
Toys By Age
More from Aol Shopping:
Kinect - Find Out What All The Hype Is
Oprah's Favorite Things (and affordable alternatives)
Coolest Products of 2010
As a mom of three, I love getting gift ideas from other real Moms. And even though I have finished our Christmas shopping (yeah me!), I found 2 really great gift ideas that I am going to snag before Christmas (a karaoke machine and the Big Top Cupcake Maker- our family fun nights will never be the same!) Check out really great gift ideas from real moms.
Do you have your own great gift ideas for your family? Leave a comment below or tell us on Facebook.
"While some parents see dollar signs when buying gifts for teenagers, I am fortunate to have two who don't see the need for expensive gifts. I bought both of my teenagers North Face Fleece Jackets for Christmas because that's all they wanted."
Tasha - mom of 2: ages 14 and 17
"This holiday season our family will be purchasing the Xbox Kinect. We have family time on the weekends, and we play video games, karaoke or just watch movies. We strive to make sure we include quality time with each other by doing fun things together. The Kinect will keep the family up and energetic and allow us to interact with each other. "Tomica - mom of 7: ages 17, 16, 15, 13, 12, 2 and 10 months
"I am buying my family brand new fishing poles because our girls are fed up with their "kiddie poles" that bind and snag. Why buy gifts to plug the kids in when you can spend time with them instead?"
Rachael - mom of 4: ages 9, 8, 5, and 2
"I've purchased the Singing Machine Disco Lights Karaoke Machine for my son. He loves music, especially singing on a microphone! This will keep him busy for hours, give me some freedom (and some entertainment), and help build his singing confidence!"Kathy - mom of 1: age 5
"This year I'm buying something they'll both enjoy – Mega Bloks. My almost three year old loves to build and those large plastic pieces are easy on her little hands, and my one year old loves doing anything his big sister is. No choking hazard plus endless building possibilities equals one perfect gift !"
Annette - mom of 2: ages 3 and 1
"This year my family will be getting a membership to the Springs Preserve in Las Vegas. It is a beautiful 180 acre park with many different activities throughout the year. It is only $60 for the basic family membership and the benefits are incredible!"
ShaRhonda - mom of 1: age 4
Jennifer - mom of 3: ages 9, 6, and 3
"This year I'm getting my three year old the one thing he keeps asking for over and over: the Thomas and Friends Misty Island Trackmaster Playset. I can't wait to see the look on his face when he opens it on Christmas morning!"Robyn - mom of 2: ages 3 and 6 months
"Each of my kids are getting a Leapster Explorer, because it is an interactive, touch-screen video game that is educational and grows with age. My days of wiping sticky fingerprints from the iPad and explaining random texts/calls from my cell phone are almost over!"
Jennifer Bradford - mom of 2: ages: 4 and 2
"My oldest two children will be receiving the Leapster2 Learning System this Christmas. The system was affordable, the game content is educational and best of all I can track each child's progress on-line, which helps me keep track of their learning and get games that are appropriate for their age level."
Shiloh - mom of 3: ages 6, 5, and 1
"This year I am buying my family the Big Top Cupcake Maker. After months of my son "ewwwing" and "awwing" over the massive frosted treats advertised on the infomercials, I have to break down and buy one for him. As an added bonus, baking the colossal cupcakes will be a fun together-time activity for the whole family!"Erica - mom of 1: age 9
"I am planning on buying the family an Air-Hockey Table this Christmas. Each child is able to play whether it be a rousing competitive game between the older kids or a fun game of toss-the-puck-in-the-slot for the little ones. It will make our family time extra special."
Rosemary - mom of 6: ages 14 to 2
"This year each of my kids are getting a favorite DVD or CD, then CASH! With times being so tough, cash is the easiest way to go. They can shop for what they need, or what they want. And no long lines for me!"
Linda - mom of 3: ages 22, 21 and 19
"I have chosen to buy my daughter a Barbie Video Girl Doll. It is the best of both worlds. This barbie doll also works as a video camera that she can upload the videos to our computer. She will be a little film star before we know it!"
Mandy - mom of 1: age 7
"With three children, ages 7,9 and 16, it is often difficult to find a gift that all will enjoy. Money is very tight this Christmas and we can only afford one gift. For this reason, my husband and I will be buying the Wii. All three kids will love this game."
Jennifer - mom of 3: ages 16, 9 and 7
"I am buying my family the Radio Flyer Grow 'N Go Lights 'N Sounds Toddler Bicycle so our children can ride with us. We love this bike because it comes with added features that allow the kids to play while they get some exercise! "
Rory - mom of 2: ages 3 and 1
"I'm buying my family the Lego Eiffel Tower because no matter what they say, men never outgrow Legos. The Lego Eiffel Tower stands nearly 4 feet tall complete and it's a challenging model, even for the most "worldly" teens."Kristen - mom of 1: age 16.
"I'm buying my daughter a from KidKraft table and chair set. The beauty of a simple gift such as this is that it's something I know my daughter will love and will use everyday for years to come, whether it's for coloring, eating, or having tea parties."
Amy - mom of 1: age 21 months
"As a first time mom, I'm buying the My little seat, travel highchair. This year is all about the essentials. with an 8 month old, Christmas is a new thing, and I will definitely have many years to come where I'm asked to buy the popular toys, and get a long wish list for Santa. This seat is convenient for at home use as well as taking on your everyday trips. I'm buying this item because its simple, easy to use, and fits most chairs."
Chelsea - mom of 1: age: 8 months
"As a family living on one income, Christmas can truly be a challenging time if we get caught up in all the glamour of the holiday season. But this year, my family is concentrating on not what is important, but who is important. For us, that's the man of the house. This year, the girls and I are foregoing shopping for individual gifts, and doing something for their dad. He's always talking about the unlimited apps and games the iPod Touchoffers, and he's already downloaded iTunes in hopes that there is an iPod Touch under the Christmas tree. He works hard, so the girls and I can play hard. So this year, it's all about showing him how important he is to us girls."
L. Eleana - mom of 2: ages 3 and 7 months
Next:
Toys By Age
More from Aol Shopping:
Kinect - Find Out What All The Hype Is
Oprah's Favorite Things (and affordable alternatives)
Coolest Products of 2010
Comments page 1 of 1
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Laurie said 12-05-2010 @6:57AM
Lots of good ideas Http://www.couponcodesdiscounts.info for Moms of all ages.
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Toil said 12-05-2010 @6:57AM
Kinect??? You should get your kids the PS3 Move Bundle. Not only is PS Move a lot more fun, but the Playstation 3 has more (and better) games than X-Box 360.
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Mike said 12-05-2010 @7:55AM
Kathy wanted some "freedom" !!?? So she buys something to keep the child occupied!
replyTRY PARENTING!!!
Highest Rank
Twins Mom said 12-05-2010 @6:02PM
For those of you that took the time to say something negative about the Mom's that want a little time to get something done ... Shame on you! Clearly you do not have children, or have figured out how to be in 2, 3 or 4 places all at the same time. A child that is not occupied is a child that is doing something they should not be doing. So I guess it would have been better if these Mom's plant their kids in front of a TV instead of getting them an interactive activity? An unoccupied 5 year old boy can cause more damage than you can even imagine. Oh, and that can happen while you are going to the bathroom, washing the dishes, moving a load of laundry, cooking a meal, or just trying to read your mail. . So instead of being so negative, catch a clue and ask a Mom in your life if she would like to go pee uninterrupted for a change. We love our kids, and would not have our very busy lives any other way. Most of you have no right to be so judgmental of others cause until you walk a few "years" in our shoes, you really should keep your dribble to yourself!
Lowest Ranked
Dee said 12-05-2010 @1:54PM
Mike, your an ass, plain and simple.
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older guy said 12-06-2010 @2:53PM
Amen brother . She ain't much of a muttha .
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Lauren Forrest said 12-05-2010 @10:40AM
It's always good to teach children to be grateful - referring to the ideas of helping young ones bake cookies for those who have helped them. Older people really cheer up when you take them a plate full of cookies at random times throughout the year. It's nice to teach children to do thoughtful things. There are some other good things at Http://bit.ly/WashHands for teaching kids important necessities for everyday that will last them lifelong. Be sure to get the free activity books for the kids on the site's Free Stuff page.
replyLowest Rank
MommaKatD said 12-05-2010 @12:14PM
Sounds like "Kathy", the purchaser of the singing machine is hopeful her kiddo will be a budding American Idol (or other source of income for her to sell him to the music industry). Listening to a child bellow out singing "for hours" would drive me nuts, but she seems to want the little 5 year old to practice, practice, practice...make mommy some money honey!!
replyHighest Rank
Twins Mom said 12-11-2010 @3:03AM
For those of you that took the time to to say something negative about the Mom's that want a little time to get something done ... Shame on you! Clearly you do not have children, or have figured out how to be in 2, 3 or 4 places all at the same time. A child that is not occupied is a child that is doing something they should not be doing. So I guess it would have been better if these Mom's plant their kids in front of a TV instead of getting them an interactive activity? An unoccupied 5 year old boy can cause more damage than you can even imagine. Oh, and that can happen while you are going to the bathroom, washing the dishes, moving a load of laundry, cooking a meal, or just trying to read your mail. . So instead of being so negative, catch a clue and ask a Mom in your life if she would like to go pee uninterrupted for a change. We love our kids, and would not have our very busy lives any other way. Most of you have no right to be so judgmental of others cause until you walk a few "years" in our shoes, you really should keep your dribble to yourself!
Neutral
Gary Mayer said 12-05-2010 @12:32PM
I bought one of the first Karaoke machines, as did others I know; and, we all lost interest quickly. When I have a party, guests would rather play pool, listen to our jukebox or sing to our player piano. Oh, I forgot one....drink from our beer tapper. There's nothing like drawing your own tap beer from a quarter barrel (I use a standard, used refrigerator).
replyYou see I like party toys, but the Karaoke (or singing machine) is last on the list. It may be a big deal for youngsters - for a year or two.
Highest Rank
Robyn said 12-05-2010 @1:55PM
In re: The Singing Machine thing...
replyI was one of those "I'll NEVER let the TV baby sit my child mothers... Yeah - that changed. Especially when I wanted 10 minutes to myself just to go to the bathroom and take a fast shower or whatever. At least with the Singing Machine - the child is happy singing and Mom can hear the child (silence is not always golden, sometimes it's downright scarey) and know where he is in the house if she's got to do something in another room for a few moments. Also - if she chooses to encourage her son to sing - there is nothing wrong with that. Self confidence is probably the best weapon a child has when it comes to dealing with others.
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Gc said 12-05-2010 @3:11PM
I started this tradition with my kids and I've continued it with my grandchildren. Kids get overstimulated from Christmas day. I always bought a quiet, creative toy like coloring books, stickers, Crayola sets etc. thet they could play with by themselves. When they need calming down and are down right tired, this is the perfect gift. Even the older kids like quiet, creative activities.
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Jean Breslin said 12-07-2010 @7:14PM
I am a Mother of 3 and grandmother of 2 soon to be 3. I bought my grandaughter a karakoe machine. She is now 15 yrs old and has had it since she was 10 she still loves it and it is a hit with all her friends at parties. You njust have to buy it for the right age group. I looked at the new Xbox and was not impressed. It is not for the very young children it is more for teenagers and I have found listening to my own children that they are interested in the PS3 because of all it can do. My grandson who is 5 yrs old plays with the Wii and is pretty good at most of the games he has. He never plays unless they play as a family. He is also limited to TV time. My daughter and her husband are very strict in that respect. He has a playroom with legos and Thomas the train. He has tons of books and has been reading for a couple of years now. He also has an arts an craft center. Their pedatrican told them that TV causes poor attention too much stumuli due to all of the commericals. He recommended no TV for the 1st 2 yrs and then very limited and they have stuck with this.
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