Kid-Tested, Parent-Approved: Going Green (Country)

Shop local and support Tulsa’s small businesses. Nancy Moore gives you some ideas about where to shop for the latest, coolest items for kids.

Nancy A. Moore

We are offering a preview of gifts that are sure to be hits this holiday season. With convenience in mind, look no further than right here in Tulsa’s Green Country for your holiday gifts. All of the following gifts earned the coveted five heart endorsement of being “A Must Have! We Loved It!” from our T-town reviewers. Read on to find out what makes these gifts so special.

Create Your Own Designer Dolly

Made by Seedling

Price: $35.00

Ages: 5 and up

Available at Kicks for Kids, 8191 S. Harvard Ave.

(918) 493-6465 and www.kicks4kidsshoes.com

Appropriately described by our parent reviewer as “creative, innovative and educational,” this kit comes with everything needed for children to make their own baby doll.

“We worked on the doll over a weekend,” our mom reviewer said. “It was so much fun to see the project come together. It was a fun mother-daughter project that my daughter will have for years to come.”

This cotton doll will truly become a one-of-a-kind treasure for the special child who receives it. The project encourages creative thought about what the doll will look like. It will take on a personality of its own when the face is added along with the hair and outfit chosen by your child. This innovative kit will engage your child in expressing his or her creative side in the making and decorating process. Kit contains – cotton dolly, embroidery thread, assorted fabrics, acrylic yarn, felt pieces, sewing needles and instructions. Other creative kits are available to choose from including a Design Your Own Yo-Yo. Contains wooden yo-yo, paintbrush and two colors of acrylic paint. (yo-yo price - $16.00)

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Zoobies

Price: $35.99

Ages: Preschool and Kinder

Available at Peek a Boo Baby, Renaissance Center

8283 S. Memorial Drive

(918) 298-0070

www.peekaboostores.com

A plush animal, pillow and blanket rolled into one! This popular little caterpillar, from The Very Hungry Caterpillar book, is soft and colorful, yet practical. The innovative polyester fiber stuffing is earth-friendly, made from recycled plastic bottles. The blanket is machine washable which makes cleaning easy and convenient.

“My daughter loves taking naps on the super-soft fleece blanket that comes with the caterpillar,” our mom reviewer said. “It is easy to pack inside the caterpillar and so soft for her to lay on during her pre-school naptime.” Great tucked in the car or bag to take on holiday travels. This gift has so many uses and is sure to be enjoyed by the lucky child who receives it.

Go-Go Owl Purse

By Stephen Joseph

Price: $18.00

Ages: 3 - 7

Available at Lazy Day Z, 91st & Memorial

(918) 461-0642

“My daughter loves owl accessories. This bag is the ideal size for her and it looks very girly,” our reviewer said. “She loves it!”

Your little one will look stylish carrying this popular owl tote. It is perfect for storing little goodies on the go. The shiny vinyl exterior will be easy to keep clean and helps to retain its shape. Shaped like an owl, it is decorated with the owl on the front and color-coordinated hearts on the back. Measures approximately 7” x 8.25” (not including strap). Coordinating accessories are also available. We love the matching owl clipboard for only $10! The clipboard has the owl pattern on both sides and replacement notepads are available.

Fivefinger Shoes by Vibram

Sizes starting at a 29 European

(12 Toddler) - up

Price range: $60 - $110

Available at Ascent Outdoor Apparel

1325 East 15th Street

(918) 794-0243

www.ascenttulsa.com

Kids (and some adults) love to run around barefoot, and with this shoe, they almost can. Its clever concept has caught on with kids and adults who want to be less confined in traditional shoes while keeping the soles of their feet protected. Described by our 10-year-old reviewer as “comfortable, colorful and cool” they were certainly a hit with her. She was quick to point out that “…they felt different when I first put them on, but it didn’t take long to get used to them.”

The thin, stretchy nylon has a clasp for a secure fit. This exceptional fit is combined with sturdy rubber treaded soles providing grip and protection. Our parent reviewer appreciated the forgiving exterior that hugged her daughter’s wide feet. With several styles and colors to choose from, you are sure to find the right one for your child. There are thin socks available, but you can wear them without. Our parent reviewer noted, “Taking care of these shoes couldn’t be easier. Machine washable and air dry.”

This article appears in the November 2011 issue of Tulsa Kids

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