Since 1946, Ten Thousand Villages has supported the work of artisans in over 30 countries including Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.  The company has grown to over 145 retail stores.  They continually strive to improve the lives of artisans in developing countries through the expansion of fair trade.  Most of its artisan partners use environmentally friendly processes, sustainable natural resources, and recycled materials for their products.

I was able to try out the Handmade Caterpillar and Butterfly Puzzle. Now, this is a tad too old for Will (who is 18 months old), but Madison (my 4 year old) seems to handle it pretty well. You can definitely tell this is a hand painted puzzle. It has the detail that you don’t normally see.  The butterfly puzzle has more pieces, but the bottom of the tray is also painted with a butterfly, so it makes it easier to figure out where the pieces go.  The catepillar is less pieces, so it is a tad easier to do.  As for materials,  this is painted albizia wood (and the paint is nontoxic).

Ten Thousand Villages has many other items to pick from also.  I focussed on the toys, but you there is really something for everyone there.  I found gifts for women, men, and even teachers!  If you are a looking for a one of a kind gift this Christmas, Ten Thousand Villages is your answer.

Another affordable toy out there on the markets this year can be purchased at Macy’s. At $14.99, Skoodlez makes a great toy for your kids or a grab bag, and can be given to kids 4 – 12. The stuffed animal has weighed down hands and feet, so you can easy pose them and hang them.  The cool part is that there is a coin handing around the stuffed animals neck.  You take the code off the coin and use that to access the online world.  On the site, children are challenged to create their own stories.  There are three different settings, so you can taylor it to your child’s age.  Beginner is from 4 – 6, medium is from 7 – 9, and advanced is 10 – 12.  When they finish their story, they can share them Skoodlez community.  They can also print them out.

This makes the perfect gift for the kid who has everything.  The Everday Skoodlez line includes fifteen animals:  hippo, cat, dog, mouse, duck, lion, tiger, leopard, panda, bear, zebra, giraffe, monkeys, and elephant.  There is also twenty four holiday ones.  They is definitely something here for everyone.

Build A Bear has outdone itself this year.  I though they had some of the cutest stuffed animals before this year.  However, with their introduction of Hal and Holly Moose, they have truly outdone themselves.  These have to be the cutest stuffed animals they have.  You can dress them in holiday gear or even street clothes.  You get the book about them for free if you buy both (otherwise, the book is $15.99).   The book lets us know that Hal is a dreamer who wants to fly with Santa’s reindeer.  Holly is a inventor who is always there to help her brother on all of his adventures.  Like all Build A Bears, these are a high quality stuffed animal that will stand the wear and tear of your children.

If you are looking for a great holiday gift for the kids who has everything, Hal and Holly Moose definitely fit the bill!

Madison can never remember Madagascar, so we call it “I like to move it, move it” in my house.  My kids love both of the Madagascar movies (heck, my husband and I love them too — the penguins are my personal favorite).  For us, it was a naturally progression to get the Wii game (since we have done this with several other movies we have seen).  The first thing I love is that it is rated E for Everyone.  Why is this important?  We have had kid’s games rated higher than that even though they are based on little kid movies.  If it rated any higher, Madison has a tendency to not be able to play it which is just too frustrating for everyone in this house.  The graphics do the characters justice too.  The main game is a single player game.  However, there are several minigames also, and those tended to be two players.  I love that this actually easy enough for a four year old to play (hot potato and musical chairs were a hit here) and still hard enough for adults.  You also are able to pick your favorite player to play with too be it Alex or Marty or even the penguins. Each character actually has their own unique abilities (Melman has healing powers), combat skills (Marty has a powerful kick), and special moves (Alex can zip down vines).  This is truly a fun game to play, and if you don’t have a wii, you are able to get this game on DS, PSP, XBox, Playstation and PS2 also.

As many of you know already, I love chocolate.  However, I love chocolate even better when it is helping out a create cause.  Ferrero (a chocolate company) and Share Our Strength (a hunger relief organization) have teamed together for the second year to do good.  As of right now, Ferrero has donated $150,000 to Share Our Strength and that want you to help them donate more.  All you need to do is go to the Share Something Sweet website and send an ecard to any of your friends and/or family.  They will donate an additional $1 per e-card sent up to $10,000.  Also, for every person who joing the Ferrero Facebook page, they will donate another $1 (up to $1,000).

Now, the Share Something Sweet site is actually pretty cool.  They have event news, product offers, and even a chocolate quiz (which I highly recommend that you take).  I found out I had a Ferrero Rocher® Chocolates Personality.

Let’s help fight childhood hunger and send a card to a loved one!  I know I am.