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Unique Slumber Party Games for Kids of All Ages

  • Oct 20, 2009
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Slumber parties, well great fun for the kids, can be a lot of work for you as the hosting adult. Not only do you have to make sure your house is presentable and child friendly, but you also have to prepare food and do some planning to keep everyone occupied.

Food is a big part of the night. You'll need to get plenty of snacks together for the evening. These can include pretzels, mozzarella sticks, cookies and chips. You'll also need drinks, but to keep the hyper-activity levels down you'll want to stick with those drinks that are low in sugar, such as water and milk. Juices often contain a fair amount of sugar, so you'll want to save those for the morning, along with things like toast, peanut butter and jelly, and pancake mix.

So, once you have your menu planned, it's time to move on to the entertainment. A few slumber party games can go a long way toward making your party a night to remember.

Friendship Bracelets

This is a great, low-key way to cement friendships and start off the night right. Get some embroidery thread in different colors, and show the kids how to make friendship bracelets. First, start off with six strings, about 10 inches long, for each bracelet. Second, tie a knot at one end and then group the strings two by two. Now you'll start braiding, making sure that one third of the way down you switch the pairings, so that you get a pattern. Switch again when you get another two-thirds of the way down. Finally, when you are almost all the way to the end of the threads, tie a know. And there you have it! Now all you have to do is have the kids pass the bracelet that they made to the child on their right, and everyone will get a token of friendship.

Stuffed Animals Game

This will require a little planning ahead. Ask each child (and their parents) to bring their favorite plush toy to the party. Make sure that you have a couple of extra teddy bears on hand, because you never know if someone will forget theirs. Take each child's stuffed animal, and put it in a large bin. Then each kid will be blindfolded and have 20 seconds to go through the bin and find their toy by touch. At the end of the game, celebrate their success with some milk and cookies. This is a great game because there are no losers!

Decorate Your Pillowcase

What could be a better activity for a slumber party then decorating a pillowcase? You'll need to gather some items for this one: plain white pillowcases, paint, stickers, glitter, and markers. Have each child decorate one of the cases in any theme they desire. This is a great arts and crafts project that really lets the imagination roam free, and it allows the kids to bring home a fun souvenir from the party!

Lullaby Game

Now it's time to calm the kids down so that they'll go to bed. The plushies they brought earlier for the bin game will make a great tool. Have all the kids put their stuffed animals to bed, and tell them that they need to sing a lullaby to their toys so that they go to sleep! You can have them sing alone, or together. When they get done singing, tell them that they have to be quiet now so that their plush toys can fall asleep. And there you go! Everyone's asleep and ready for another great day tomorrow, and your party's a success!

Post a comment Tags: slumber parties, slumber party, girls party, birthday party games, slumber party games, sleepover party, slumber games …

Games You Can Play at a Stuffed Animal Party

  • Sep 10, 2009
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For my soon to turn 6 year olds birthday this year, she decided that she wanted to have a stuffed animal party. A stuffed animal party basically means that all the little girls invited will bring their favorite plush toy so that they can all play with them together. This is a great theme, but in order to keep the young ones attention, I knew I would have to be very inventive when it comes to creating games in order to keep everyone happy.

We had ten girls invited as guests, and I knew that with those kinds of numbers it was quite possible that someone would forget their plush toy at home. So that is why I decided to have a couple extra stuffed animals and teddy bears on hand. And sure enough two girls forgot their toy. One of the girl's forget her favorite teddy bear in her mom's car, and the other had just lost her favorite plush dog at school. Luckily, my extras managed to head off the tears at the pass, and then we could get to the games. Here are some of the games we played, and hopefully they'll be able to help you if you want to create your own stuffed animal party.

The Stuffed Animals Treasure Hunt

This one I had to think ahead for, as before the party started I hid a teddy bear somewhere in our house. I then used post-it notes to write down some clues. The first post-it note I gave to my daughter's plush dog, Fluffy. This clue would lead them to the next and so on, until they (and their companion stuffed animals) finally found the teddy bear. But the game didn't end there. The teddy bear himself contained another clue. You see, I had gotten some teddy bear cookies (to continue the theme) and hidden them also. This was a great game and all of the girls had a lot of fun.

Pin the Tail on the Bunny

While not as inventive as the treasure hunt, this variation of pin the tail is a classic for a reason. My daughter had a big stuffed bunny she had gotten for Easter. Realizing this would be perfect, I turned the bunny around so it's back was to the girls, and made a tail out of Velcro and some bandanas. That way, the girl's could be blindfolded, and whoever got the tail in the right place would stick with the Velcro. We played in teams, and the team that won (by pinning the tail the most times) would get to be the first to take a picture in the bunny's lap. This kept the girl's busy, and the prize was benign enough that we didn't have any jealousy issues.

Stuffed Animals Fairy Tale

After stuffed animal crackers and cake, we had time for one last game. We turned their plush toys, every plush dog, stuffed cat, stuffed raccoon and teddy bear, into a character in a fairy tale. This really let them be creative, and I was careful to make sure that each little girl's plushie got an important role. Since everyone wanted to be princesses, I let everyone do that and then they had to work together to overcome obstacles and get to the palace in time for the queen's birthday. This imaginative game was a great success.

As you can see, everyone had a wonderful time and my daughter said this was the best birthday party she had ever had! And the best part, I was able to throw a great party without breaking my budget! My daughter decided that this was a good omen for her year six, and I have to agree. With a little bit of imagination, a stuffed animal party can be a great way for everyone to have a blast!

Post a comment Tags: plush toys, party games, kiddie party, plush animals, stuffed animals party

Toy Organizers for Every Room

  • Aug 27, 2009
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Do your children's rooms look like a disaster area? With all the toys kids own today, it's hard to keep everything in its place. You walk in to the room and there's a teddy bear on the floor, a plush dog on the bed, and a doll by the window. It's like a toy explosion, as kids play with their toys anywhere and everywhere. But believe it or not, there are ways to instill some order into the chaos with some easy toy organizers. Here are a few suggestions to keep your child's toys in their place!

Toy Hammock

This probably sounds unusual, as when we hear the word "hammock" we picture a comfortable place to rest on the beach of an exotic island. But a toy hammock is a great place to "rest" all your child's toys, and is interesting enough that your kid may actually enjoy putting their toys away. It's also a great space saver, allowing you to hang it anywhere that works, whether it is a corner of the room or between a couple of pieces of furniture. Regardless of where you put it, suddenly you have a place to drop toys in, allowing you to not have to trip over them every time you enter your son or daughter's bedroom.

Chain Gang

While not able to hold as many toys as the toy hammock, this nifty organizational gadget can allow you to save some major space. Toys can be hung on a chain, which you can put on any door or wall, whatever is most convenient for you. Hanging the toys behind a door can be an especially good idea, because that way the toys are "hidden" away, and the room looks much less cluttered. This is a great way to store those toys that are most often used!

Ceiling-Drop Organizer

Similar to the chain gang, a ceiling drop organizer is a big bag that can be hung anywhere and hold many more of your child's toys. This organizer can even make a great decorative touch, as the bags come in practically any color of the rainbow, which allows you to get one that matches the room. Throwing your child's stuffed plushies into these bags allows also for easy clean up. A good place for this type of organizer is by the bed or door, but you can put it wherever works best for you.

Spiral Hamper or Storage Bins

Now it's time to move on from the "suspended" storage items. A spiral hamper or storage bin is a great and more simple way to organize your child's stuffed toy animals without having to put nails into the wall. This way all your child's toys can be put in one place, or you can buy a couple smaller ones if you want a little more organization, such as stuffed animals in one bin and balls and other sports equipment in the other. Just make sure that the hamper you purchase is soft-sided, as this eliminates the dangers of sharp corners. A soft cloth hamper would be your best bet, or even a laundry hamper. Some of these come with transparent cloth, which would allow you and your child to spot that teddy bear they need much quicker.

Toy Box

If you're looking for something a little more classy, and you have a bigger budget, a toy box is another great option. You can often find one that matches the other furniture in your child's room, in fact, some bedroom furniture sets even come with their own. You can put this chest under a window, or at the end of the bed. Just make sure not to set anything else on the top of the chest, as this is one lid that is going to be opened and closed a lot.

So there you go! Toy organization is a snap with these five ideas. You don't have to put up with a chaos filled bedroom, and you can do it without breaking the bank either!

Post a comment Tags: toy organizers, toy organizer, bin toy organizer, toy organizer bins, toy storage organization, toys organizer, toy organization …

3 Tips For Organizing Toys

  • Aug 26, 2009
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If you have kids in your home, organizing toys is something you think about daily. And if your house is anything like mine, toys tend to take over almost every room in your home. At some point during the day, there are usually toys in the kitchen, family room and TV room all at the same time. Such is life with kids. So when it's time to clean up, I make sure that every one of those toys has a home to go to. All it takes is a little organization. Here are a few ideas to help you keep those toys organized in your home.

Contain the smaller items

Action figures, small toy cars, dress-up jewelry, and Barbie dolls and accessories are just some of the things that can be put in containers for easy small toy organization. If you can, stackable is the way to go here. Stackable containers give you more space and are easier to organize. Shoe boxes (plastic or cardboard) work well for these smaller items. You can even get the kids more interested in using the boxes if you let them personalize them. Get a sheet of stickers and let them go crazy on the box. Using different colored labels for the different boxes that the items go into can help kids who can't read yet put the right item in the right box.

Nets and shelves

Nets that stretch over corners can work well to hold lots of stuffed animals. If you'd rather display the stuffed animals so that you can see them, shelves are good way to go. Shelves also work well for putting away all of those containers you have of all the smaller toys. It also works well for those medium sized toys that are too small for the floor but too big to go much of anywhere else. Adjustable shelving (the kind that has brackets that screw into the wall) that can grow and change as your child grows and changes is the best investment. Many adjustable shelving units can be changed and modified into a computer desk for older children.

Getting rid of the old stuff

Because your child is sure to get more toys on his/her birthday and at special holidays, make sure that you schedule time to get rid of the old toys. Ideally, you want to get rid of toys that your child no longer plays with and has outgrown. If your child is old enough, have them participate in helping you get rid of the toys. If you will be donating the old toys, go through the toys with your child and explain that you are giving away his/her old toys so that a child that doesn't have toys can enjoy them. Also explaining that he/she will be getting new toys shortly can help ease the blow too.

Post a comment Tags: toy organizers, toy organizer, bin toy organizer, toy organizer bins, toy storage organization, toys organizer, toy organization …

How to Fix Stuffed Animals - Stitching in 3 Simple Steps

  • Aug 19, 2009
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Have you or your son or daughter ever had a favorite toy that's gotten a little worse for wear? With all the times your favorite plush toys get squeezed, dragged around, and played, with wear and tear takes an inevitable toll. Little rips can make your most beloved teddy bear look more like a Franken Bear, suitable only for Halloween. Luckily, this problem isn't as hopeless as you might think. There are a few steps you can take to fix almost any soft plush toy so that they are practically as good as new!

Step 1

Identifying the specific problem area (or areas) is your first step. The most common rips happen at the toy's stitches, which can include where the legs, arms, or head were sewn on to the body, which is what we are going to focus on. This is naturally the weakest point on a stuffed animals body, and when squeezed the stuffing puts pressure on these areas, causing the stitching to fail. These rips might not all be easy to fix, but they can mostly be approached in the same way.

Step 2

For the second step, you'll need to pick up supplies. There are some basic tools you'll need when the seams on a plush toy are unraveling: a needle and thread. The thread should match the stuffed animals fabric, or be as neutral or complementary in color as possible. Make sure the thread is tough too, otherwise you'll just have to do this again a couple of months down the road. Most needles you can get as part of a set, and that way you'll have needles in various sizes. This is important because a big teddy bear may require a thick, touch needle, while a small plush dog should have a small, delicate needle. Also, get a needle threader if you have trouble getting the thread through.

Step 3

For step three, learn what you need to do. Even an amateur sewer can stitch up a stuffed animal, it is not at all complicated. First, thread the needle with an arm's length of thread so that you make sure that you won't run out, as that complicates the sewing. Once the needle has been threaded, double the thread and tie a knot at the end. This way you'll have two rows of thread with a knot at the bottom away from the needle. Now it's time to start sewing. On one side of the split seam, push the needle through, and then push it across through the other side of the split seam. Pull so that the two sides come together, and then push the needle in again on the next part as you sew in a diagonal pattern. Keep doing this so that you stitch the ripped sides together. When you get to the end, have the needle go through the last stitch and wrap it around, so that the last stitch is strong. Then, tie a knot or two as close to the stitch as possible in order to make sure that no thread is showing. Finally, cut the thread.

So there you go, practically any stuffed animal can be fixed with a minimum of hassle. It only takes a couple of minutes of your time, and the purchase of a needle and thread is very inexpensive. Now you can think twice before throwing your favorite toys away!

Post a comment Tags: toys, plush animals, fixing stuffed animals, fixing teddy bears, how to fix stuffed animals

How to Choose a New Dog Or Puppy

  • Jul 24, 2009
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Too many people buy a new dog on impulse. Whether they are in the window of a pet store or a cardboard box in front of your local grocery, cute canine faces have been known to wither the decision-making abilities of otherwise sensible adults. This mother of all impulse buys is a mistake. After all, we're talking about a creature that will basically be a member of your family, often for a decade or longer. Thus, it's essential that you think through what you're looking for in your new canine companion well in advance.

Be aware that different breeds of dogs have vastly different temperaments. When purchasing your dog this should be just as much of a consideration as its appearance. For instance, some people like dogs that resemble wolves. They may be attracted to breeds such as the Siberian Husky or the Alaskan Malamute. If they purchase one of those breeds purely on the basis of looks, however, they may be disappointed to find that they are not as easy to train as the German Shepherd, another dog that retains some physical similarities to the wolf. Many Husky and Malamute buyers also purchase the dog with the notion of using them for protection -- only to learn that these breeds are typically quite shy and retiring.

Some people are taken with dog breeds because of how they are represented in movies or on television. But these portrayals can often be misleading. When Disney released its live-action version of "101 Dalmatians", we had a dozen of the spotted pooches in our kennel within six months. Most of them were brought in by the parents of children who had fallen in love with the dogs because of the movie. But what Disney didn't share with filmgoers was that Dalmatians are high-strung and often deaf -- two big surprises for owners hoping to replicate movie magic in their living rooms.

The key to choosing a new dog responsibly is research. Local bookstores and libraries are usually extensively stocked with titles about different breeds. Online quizzes can use your criteria to help you sort through breed options (though the results should never be taken as conclusive unless they confirm your other research). The American Kennel Club's website is also a great resource for learning the specific traits of the breeds that you're interested in.

These are the questions you should ask yourself before purchasing a new dog:

What type of breed do I find physically attractive? -- Do you want a small dog or a large dog? Do you want a stocky mastiff type or a slender greyhound type? Do you want prick ears, cropped ears, or flat ears? Do you want a dog with a short coat or a long coat? Should your dog have a short, round face or a long, pointy face?

What type of physical activity level do I prefer? -- Do you bike and want a dog that will jog along with you? Or would you rather have a dog that wants nothing more than to curl up next to you on the couch?

Is your dog going to live primarily indoors or outdoors? -- Certain breeds like Boxers, Dobermans, and Boston Terriers have very little coat and do not do well kept outside. You should know whether a breed has a problem with extreme temperatures before you buy.

What level of trainability do you desire? -- Certain hounds and terriers take great effort to train, although there are still plenty of owners who prefer them for their appearance and personality. By contrast, Herding, Sporting, and some Working breeds are usually easier to condition. This owes in large part to the genetic and historical backgrounds of these breeds. Dogs that were bred to work independently or in packs (such as terriers and sled-pulling breeds) have retained some of that independence throughout the years. Of course, trainability has to be defined by the task at hand. If you're looking for a dog to root out vermin or lead a fox hunt, terriers and hounds may be exactly what you're looking for.

How protective do you want the dog to be? -- Only a small percentage of dogs are suitable to be trained protection dogs. Some breeds will bark and make a lot of noise, but will back down when push comes to shove. If you are looking for an authentic protection dog, you should limit your search to the Working and Herding breeds -- and only some of those are qualified to do the job. Breeds such as the German Shepherd, Belgian Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Boxer, Bouvier, Bull Mastiff, Rottweiler, Pit Bull, and Doberman will do. These breeds can be wonderful guard dogs, but it is also important to train and socialize them so that they can remain good canine citizens while still offering you protection.

How friendly do you want your dog to be with other dogs and strangers? -- This can vary substantially between breeds. Gun dogs such as Retrievers and Spaniels have a good reputation for cordiality because they have been bred to work around other dogs and people. As a counterexample, Terriers are notorious for fighting with each other.

How much grooming do you want to be responsible for? -- Many long-coated breeds will need a monthly grooming appointment to keep their coats from getting matted. Many owners convince themselves that they can handle this responsibility on their own, but they often end up only grooming the top coat, while missing the many layers beneath. This allows mats to form against the skin and leaves the dog in real pain (and, sometimes, causes infection). The only way to prevent this matting is to keep up with proper grooming or to shave the coat down to a reasonable length.

If you are able to give definitive answers to each of these questions, you have successfully narrowed down your options and should be ready to choose your new dog.

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A Guide for Parents Looking for the Perfect Family Dog

  • Jul 23, 2009
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Most parents can probably expect to hear their child ask for a dog some time during their life. This can be a dreaded question, because there’s a good chance your child has no idea what’s involved in dog ownership. They don’t consider the time and money involved, like walking the dog every day, taking it to the vet, shedding, and other problems that can cause a mess in the house, and the need for a dog sitter when your family goes on trips. In fact, many parents soon find the dog to be their responsibility! Besides paying for its needs, they have to feed it, walk it, and use that pooper scooper every day!

But if you do decide to go forward with dog ownership, there are a couple of things that you’ll need to consider. First, you need to investigate the temperament and behavior of the dog you want to adopt. Remember, pets rarely come perfectly trained, especially if you plan on getting a puppy.

Let’s take the example of a Lab. This larger dog is extremely active, and it needs a family that’s just as high energy. The Lab is a great dog for outdoorsy types; if your family loves things like camping and hunting, then this dog would be a great match. Also a great match for the active family would be a Dalmatian. These animals were originally bred to be a working dog as carriage horses, and so they are agile with a lot of stamina. Another great match for the energetic family, and probably the most active dog around, is the Husky. Bred to race, these large, long-haired dogs are known for their athleticism. They are also stubborn without training, so before getting a Husky you need to make sure your family has the patience and dedication to train hard. On the other hand, if you do not have such an active family, then a smaller dog like the Chihuahua might be a better match. While these dogs can be wound up like any animal, they are certainly more mellow overall. They also crave attention and are territorial, which means they aren’t good dogs for families with small children.

These are just some examples of common traits for dog breeds. Carefully evaluate your lifestyle and the needs of the animal before making a decision. Some dog types are also less prone to health problems, which can cut down on your vet bills. So remember, there is a lot to consider when deciding if a dog is right for your family.

But if you decide a dog isn’t right for your household, there is a way to cut off any child tantrums before they start. Get them a plush dog! A plush dog is still cute, but there’s no shedding, barking, biting, cleanup, or vet bills. This could also be a great “in-between” stop before making the final decision on whether or not to get a real dog. Have your kids take care of their plush pet as if it were real, giving them a chance to get used to the idea of all the responsibilities that come with dog ownership. Get them into a routine where they “feed” the dog at specific meal times and give the stuffed toy and themselves regular exercise. They’ll either perform well and give you the confidence that they can handle a real dog, or they’ll realize that an animal would be too much work for them. Either way its win/win, and in the meantime, you get an adorable placeholder for the real thing.

Post a comment Tags: dogs, toy dogs, plush dogs, stuffed dogs, how to choose a dog

How to Clean Stuffed Animals Without Ruining Them

  • Jul 15, 2009
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If you have a special stuffed animal, whether it’s a much loved child’s toy or a perfect decoration for your living room, it’s a shame to watch it give in to the ravages of time. Dirt and dust are pervasive, impossible to stop annoyances, but it is possible to clean up your favorite dirty teddy bear! And you can do it without ruining the toy too. Water and teddy bears aren’t mutually exclusive. Whether the plush animal is only a little dusty, or extremely soiled, these tricks and tips will insure you never lose another stuffed animal to the ravages of dirt again.

“A Little Dusty”

Dust is unavoidable, and so cleaning some off before the plush animal’s status becomes code red is a good idea. This is actually quite easy, just get a damp cloth or duster to wipe way the accumulated dust. You can even use a disinfecting cloth to wipe away any unwanted germs. If just cleaning the surface isn’t enough for you, another great approach is to toss the plush toy into the dryer with a couple of scented dryer sheets. All you need to do is to set the temperature on high in order to kill germs, and let it go for 10 minutes. This way both their insides and outsides have been freshened up. You’ll feel like the toy is new again!

“I Need a Bath”

If your teddy bear ends up on the floor a lot, then it probably needs a better cleaning then the ones above. There are several options here. First, you can let the plush toy soak overnight with some softener and detergent, then throw them in the dryer for that fresh smell. Or, you can just simply throw them in the washing machine. To keep the toy safe, put it in a pillow case and knot the case closed. Then, so as not to damage the stuffed animal, set the washer on a gentle cycle with cold water, and always make sure you dry it on low. A low heat setting for a half and hour will be plenty for the toy, and then when you take them out, straighten the teddy bear in case any of its stuffing has shifted out of place.

“I Need a Miracle”

These toys have had a hard life. But even covered in dirt and unidentifiable gunk, there are ways to clean them. Those terrible stains don’t have to be irreversible. Whether they are beloved childhood toys or your favorite Valentine’s Day present from a loved one, miracles do happen. Make sure you get some carpet cleaner and a toothbrush. The toothbrush is a good size brush for delicate toys, as anything bigger could ruin them. This is especially good for spotting stains. Just squirt a little cleaner on the brush and gently scrub on the worst spots. Once you have done this, rinse the plush animal in cold water, until the water runs clear. Then you can put the stuffed toy in the dryer for 10 minutes. It will most likely not be completely dry, but that’s okay, as then you can let it air dry. Don’t forget to use a disinfecting cloth, which is especially important if its toy for a small child.

So as you can see, there are many ways to clean a stuffed animal. Even when it seems the toy may be beyond saving, don’t give up! If it’s important to you, it might just be worth a little elbow grease. You’ll be happy when your favorite toys are fresh, clean, and just like new again!

Post a comment Tags: teddy bears, plush animals, clean toys, clean stuffed animals, how to clean stuffed animals

Great Ways to Disinfect Your Children's Toys

  • Jul 13, 2009
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During the cold season parents know how easy it is for their children to catch colds, but they also need to be aware that the toys that their children play with can actually carry germs on them at any time during the year.

Parents need to know the right way to properly clean and disinfect the toys that their children play with to help keep down germs. They also need to take into consideration that some cleaning products may actually be unsafe to use on certain types of materials that your children's toys might be made out of. Also another point to mention is that some products can leave residue or a film on your children's toys that can be harmful for your children.

The best way to clean and disinfect your children's toys is to create your very own safe and multipurpose cleaner that can be used on all or your children's toys. Bleach is always a great way to kill germs and bacteria that build up on the toys that your children are playing with. Another great point that parents might not realize that once they have discovered the cleaner that they plan to use they can purchase a plastic spray bottle to aid them when cleaning their children's toys.

Another helpful tip is that when parents are mixing up their own multipurpose cleaner it may be important and very helpful if they create a large batch and store it away from their children in a large container that is clearly marked. This way all the parents will need to do is to fill up their spray bottle as the cleaner is needed. It might also be helpful to mention that parents need to empty their spray bottles into their storage container until it is needed again.

Cloth toys and any clothing that might be on your children's toys should not be cleaned with their multipurpose cleaner or with the bleach, because this may cause the cloth or clothing to become damaged. Toys should be cleaned daily by simply spraying the multipurpose cleaning solution directly onto the toys, then wiping them off with a clean cloth. The surface of all toys should be wiped carefully, being sure to get into each corner and crevice for proper cleaning.

Any tables or areas that your children may be playing with their toys on should also be cleaned, as well as any outside toys such as slides and swings. It is best to spray these larger surfaces and then to let them sit for a couple of minutes before wiping them down, which will give the multipurpose cleaner a chance to kill any bacteria and germs that are present on the toys. After the toys have been sprayed and wiped down, then parents should simply allow these large surfaces to air dry. This air drying method allows the cleaner or bleach to make enough contact with the surface over a much longer period of time.

When ever your children are finished playing with a particular toy or on a certain surface for the day, then parents need to be sure that they clean the area or toy properly. Parents may also collect smaller toys into a tub or bucket depending on the amount of toys and then immerse them into either a multipurpose cleaner or bleach instead of wiping each individual toy off. Deep cleaning and disinfecting techniques should always be done at least once a week and even more if there are multiple children in the household and if one of the children are sick.

Post a comment Tags: clean toys, clean stuffed animals

Father's Day Gifts for the Every Day Dad

  • Jul 11, 2009
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Another Father’s Day is right around the corner, and you need to find another great present for your own dad. No matter what you may think, you don’t actually need to spend all day scouring the web or you’re your local stores for the perfect gift. Finding the right present isn’t difficult, no matter what your budget. The trick is to keep in mind your dad’s personality and his likes and hobbies. Below we’ve paired some common father types with some great gifts that are assured to make this a truly special Father’s Day.

1. The Poker Dad

Is your dad one of those guys who is crazy about poker? If he is, then getting him a personalized playing card case is an inexpensive, yet still fancy way to support one of his favorite hobbies. This classy gift shows that you really do know him well, and he’ll look a professional player when he gets together with his buddies.

2. The Funny and Young Dad

If you have a young dad with a very young child, then stuffed animals are particularly appropriate, and still fun, gift. What better reminder of his adorable baby girl or boy at home? This can be an especially great idea for a dad who has to take business trips away from home, as it will make him not feel so alone. Use the toy as a metaphor. For example, get a stuffed tiger and tape a picture of the dad and the son onto the tiger’s paws with the message: "For my darling tigers." Remember you can do this with practically any animal. Perhaps he has a favorite dog or other pet, give him a great reminder!

3. The Outdoor Lover Dad

Is your dad the consummate outdoorsman? Perhaps he never misses a hiking, biking, or white water rafting trip. If so, then get him a multi-tool. A multi-tool is the perfect helper to any outdoorsman, it can include things like pliers, knives, bottle openers, or even more complicated equipment. This tool comes in a range of prices with many different uses, and your dad will simply find it indispensible out on the trail.

4. Singing in the Shower Dad

Our you one of those people who doesn’t need an alarm clock because dad will start humming his favorite tune regularly at 6 am? Then get him a shower radio! This waterproof system will allow him to start his day right, without subjecting the rest of the family to his booming vocal styling’s. He could also get a chance to listen to the morning’s news and weather without wasting any time in his routine.

5. Always Busy Dad

Sometimes it’s difficult for those hard workers to slow down. If your dad is one of those who’s in the office 80 hours a week, then a massage package would be the perfect incentive to get him to relax a little. Get him a gift certificate for one of those men’s packages at his local spa or salon, and he’ll finally have a chance to relax and get rid of some of that tension.

So there you go, no matter what your budget, getting a Father’s Day gift doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. Hopefully one of these ideas will work for your dad, but if none of these hobbies or personalities seem to fit your dad, just pay attention and you’ll be surprised what you can come up with to fit his life. Before you know it you’ll have the perfect present with which to show dad that he’s appreciated, and that fun is just around the corner!

Post a comment Tags: holidays, stuffed animals, father's day, father's day gifts, father's day gift baskets

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CorinaV
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