(cool) approved holiday guide 2012

www.coolprogeny.com

Believe

in joy.

(cool) APPROVED Holiday guide 2012

COver photo BY Laura Black, Laura Black styling BY Bridget Stickline, Wee Chic

What YOU’LL FIND inside our 2012 holiday guide! arti cles Perfect pint-sized holiday style Lose the crinoline. Here’s how to keep your kid stylish AND comfortable.

SUPER (COOL) RECOMMENDED READING The Children’s Bookstore in Roland Park shares their top holiday book picks for kids! ultimate kid-friendly cookie exchange 100% cute. 100% kid-friendly.

With tons of frosting on top.

Plus sprinkles. giving the gift of gratitude It’s more than just getting them to say thank you. How do you help your kids be thankful? give locally A list of Baltimore-based organizations that aim to help local families and kids. deck the halls with kid crafts GREAT ideas for kid-made gifts. No macaroni and glue.

We promise they’re things you’d love to get or gift!

nye around the world NYE Traditions from around the world and an uber adorable table set-up. We’re bringing the kid friendliness to your bash. holiday mocktails Grown-up drinks for the pintsized crowd. around town Fun holiday happenings all around Baltimore.

gift ideas for active little thinkers Have a little Einstein? {Who doesn’t?} These gifts are for them. for kid 2.0 Ideas your modern kiddo will love love love.

FOR the Boy Who’s always on the go The title sums it up, no?

FOR GIRLY GIRL FUN Gifts your twirly whirly girl will spin for. Literally.

www.coolprogeny.com

FOR KEEPING THEM BUSY Fun stuff that will keep the kiddos occupied for hours.

FOR BIG IMAGINATIONS Spark that creative energy with these finds!

FOR SURPRISING MOM Things moms really want.

Bunny slippers not included.

FOR DAD Surprising finds for the superhero in your kids’ life.

FOR SPOILING BABY Simply precious stuff we love.

FOR the whole family Sometimes you need a present for the whole gang.

sponsor deals We LOVE our sponsors, and several of them have deals offered throughout the guide.

Don’t miss steals from: Charm City Kids Club (31) Four Seasons Spa (50) Green Healthy Cleaning (51) Little Miss Pepper Designs (14) Soft and Cozy Baby (15)

we believe in

crazy joy

editor’s note Remember when you were a kid and unwrapped something unbelievable one holiday season? That completely uninhibited sparkle and squeal you let out? We do, too. Those are exactly the kind of gifts we’ve been scoping for our 2nd annual holiday guide.

Know what we found? Those gifts don’t come from the big box shops. We discovered the most exciting things from small businesses -- be them brick ‘n mortar shops around town or online gigs (think Etsy). When you get to our gift guide portion, you’ll know that the product comes from a Baltimore area business if there is a heart next to the description. EVERY product comes from a small business.

And because we love our readers so much, we’re GIVING AWAY items featured in the guide every day for twelve days, beginning on Monday, November 26th. Check www.coolprogeny.com daily for details.

Wishing you a season full of sparkles -- and crazy joy. Thank you for all of your (cool) support in 2012 and here’s to 2013!

Heather Heather Walsh, editor-in-chief

PS: Everything in this guide is hyperlinked to make it easy to connect you with area resources. Just hover over the name or website to link to it!

www.coolprogeny.com

Wha

perfect pint- sized holiday

style Written by Bridget Stickline Photography by Laura Black

So you are over organza and have finally admitted to yourself that you also hated crinolines as a child (they itch!)? Does your kiddo doth protest a starched collar to the point of tantrum? Then it might be time to rethink holiday attire for your wee ones in 2012.

No worries, you won’t end-up with bad holiday pictures. These looks will shine in front of the camera. That said, I will admit to a sneer to two from your mother-in-law… but that sneer was coming one way or another.

Purple Pride In Baltimore we love our purple but sometimes overlook it’s holiday appeal. Doing a switcheroo away from traditional holiday colors will not disappoint. Often in the top two favorite colors of every little princess, purples from lavender to rich grape are pure pleasure like this dotty dream from Splendid. Bring up the fun dial with a bling-y legging (Tea Collection here) and a metallic shoe.

Lose the khakis Jazz up the classic boy khakis-button-down-sweater-ensemble with a cheerful pant. The trick to pulling this off is to let the bright hue shine and keep the balance of the outfit tame like the Toobydoo combo coupled with an Appaman blazer (see left). Let’s face it, boys deserve some color in their lives too.

Embrace the Romper For the wee-ist among us this holiday season a festive romper is the bees knees (you would wear your PJ’s to Aunt Mildred’s brunch too if you could get away with it). Be on the lookout for a dressed up version like this sweater knit number in fun, rich colors

by EGG Baby. Lil’ Miss & Junior will appreciate the comfort and you will love that they are warm and cozy from their heads to their sweet little feet.

Cape-Town This one is simple, give the pretty red dress a pop with fresh outerwear. The Fall 2012 Ready-to-Wear runways were awash with this reinvented classic from favs Mui Mui, Valentino, Chloe, Hermes and more. So bring on the cape. It is sure to be a showstopper like this cozy knit cloak by Appaman (pictured on the previous page) Better Sweater There are some true crimes against humanity that come in the form of holiday sweaters. Let them die people! This simple cotton knit pullover by La Miniatura (from Project Runway winner, Jeffrey Sebelia) matches festive color, hip styling and the ace in the hole, comfort. Be sure to do the arm test on any sweater that you bring home. It’s an art to make a truly comfortable chunky knit. Nobody wants to see little Bobby when he’s itchy! Nobody.

Mis-Match You know it and they know it: your days of dressing them alike are numbered. Maybe you can buy yourself a bit more time by getting creative with your “matching”. Instead of going the straight up matching route, look for colors and fabrics that compliment like the Fore, Axel & Hudson polo romper and big brother patchwork Polo shown here. The less matchy approach will pay off with better photographs and Thing 2 won’t have to wear the exact same shirt when he grows into it two years later.

Shades of Greige Coined “gr-eige” by the who’s who of fashion in 2012, grey is the new neutral and it’s here to stay. Give classic styles a modern update in shades of grey like this charcoal wool dress coat by Mayoral or this dove grey, flowing dress by Isobella & Chloe. Finish your party girl’s seasonal look with bright, sparkling accessories.

super (cool)

recommended reading a mix of old and new favorites from the experts at The Children’s Bookstore Elementary Novels

Board Books

Early Readers

The Mitten

by Jan Brett

Mr Putter and Tabby Books Tuesdays at the Castle

by Cynthia Rylant

by Elizabeth Day George

Barnyard Dance

by Sandra Boynton

Frog and Toad

by Arnold Lobel

Snowy Day

by Ezra Jack Keats

Frances Books

by Russell Hoban

Picture Books

Chapter Books

Older Novels

If I Built a Car

by Chris Van Deusen

A-Z Mysteries

by Ron Roy

Splendors and Glooms

by Laura Amy Schlitz

Me... Jane

by Patrick McDonnell

Clementine Books

by Sara Pennypacker

Shadow on the Mountain

by Margi Preus

visit the children’s bookstore

City Dog, Country Frog

by Mo Willems & Jon Muth

more gift ideas page 34

Peter Nimble and the Fantastic Eyes

by Jonathan Auxier

at 737 Deepende Road in Roland Park or online.

PAGE

ultimate kid-friendly

Cookie Exchange Written by Heather Walsh â—? Styling by Laura Beynon â—? Photography by Cara Walen

Think cookie exchanges are just for adults? Think again. We had a kid-friendly bash that included cookie decorating, milk with fun straws and a hot chocolate bar. Frosting chaos?

Yes. But it was super fun candy-coated controlled chaos.

Pretty darn delicious, too.

{OK. We may have had wine for the adults.}

It doesn’t take much to throw a fam-friendly cookie exchange. Required ingredients: a few friends, cookies, frosting, candy and a wee bit of patience.

The party design? Think reinvented retro with ease.

We held our exchange on a Sunday afternoon and created two separate spaces: 1) kid-friendly cookie decorating table, and 2) adult-friendly cookie display table with hot chocolate bar. The cookie decorating table was simple: scrapbook paper “placemats” topped with white plates, plus all the candy fixings for decorating. The adult table? Effortless really. A mix-n-match of white and clear glass platters filled with cookies everyone brought.

After the requisite beginning-of-social-event mingling, the kids got right to work on the decorating. Dyed vanilla frosting in squeeze bottles made it easy for them to frost their own cookies. Then we let them have a free-for-all with the candy. Yeah, a fair share made it into little mouths rather than on to the cookies! And some kiddos just munched on the sugar cookies sans decoration.

Truthfully, the decorating took about 20 minutes. Followed it up with a mini milk or hot chocolate refreshment -- then let the pint sizers play while the adults catch up on conversation. That’s when we broke out the wine.

Each kid was provided with a take-home box they could fill with cookies from the cookie display table right before the left. An easy-peasy afternoon that’s low stress.

Perfect holiday get-together in our opinion!

cookie menu Nutella Salt Cookies ● Chewy Chocolate Gingerbreads ● Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars ● Snickerdoodles ● Peanut Butter Cookies EDITOR’S NOTE: We’ll be posting the cookie recipes on (cool) progeny throughout the month of Decembers. Love the printables designed by Laura at Cupcakes and Lemonade? They’ll be available on (cool) progeny on Monday, November 26th.

hostess checklist • Download Printables and Invitation (available at www.coolprogeny.com on November 26th!. Print!

• Send invitations out two weeks in advance. Don’t forget to ask what kind of cookies each family is bringing.

• Gather platters to set-up your cookie display.

• Find or purchase cookie decorating materials (frosting, candy, ready-made sugar cookies {yes! make it easy on yourself!}, squeeze bottles, paper plates, etc.

• Gather scrapbooking paper for “placemats.”

• Buy hot chocolate bar materials: hot chocolate, white chocolate chips, candy canes, etc.

• Find the holiday music!

• Set-up. And then enjoy the frosting.

give locally

GIVE THE GIFT OF

gratitude

Written by Katie Robinson â—? Photography by Laura Black

There’s nothing quite like watching the excitement with which kids open presents during the holidays. It’s an easy reminder of what it felt like when we were young and present opening just blew our minds. It seemed never ending! We felt so lucky and greedy and occasionally disappointed that not all of our dreams were fulfilled.

Now that we are adults (presumably), we find ourselves with a different hopeful anticipation. As children open gifts we hope that a) they’ll Like them; b) that they’ll remember to say thanks; and c) that they’ll pay ttention to one gift for at least 30 seconds before throwing it over For the next. So how do we teach a little gratitude and restraint this season when gluttony and ‘gimmes!’ seem to rule the day?

Have a “coded” Christmas or holiday present opening.

I’m stealing a page from my mother’s book here with this first thought. Every Christmas since my brother and I were old enough to grasp and tear, we have had to crack the codes on the packages. So that we won’t simply open, open, open without coming up for air, my mom (still) puts numbers or names on the presents. Sometimes it’s as simple as odds and evens. One year we had to use the almanac to determine what political party Presidents and Vice Presidents belonged to and therefore who each gift was for. This little trick simply slows us down and allows for some small focus on the person who is doing the opening. Only one person has the floor at a time. While not ensuring it, it makes it more likely that attention will be paid to other people’s presents.

Include kids in giving whenever possible!

For so many of us, if our child is invited to a birthday party, it’s easiest for us to simply purchase the gift and wrap it. Sometimes our Child doesn’t even know what “they” got their friend. If we distance our kids from the giving process, they won’t really get an idea of what it means or what’s involved in giving. There’s a lot of “work” that has to be done to give something to someone. There are steps that our kids sometimes never see. We have to think of the gift, then accumulate the things necessary to make or buy the gift. Then we have to make it look pretty. We also have to show some restraint by not buying a gift for ourselves at the same time.

There’s also a joy in giving that is different from receiving. By excluding our kids from the giving process, we exclude them from that other excitement. One way to include them in gift giving this holiday season is to have them make something for the other members of the family. They can draw a picture or make a small craft. If you want to take turns with your spouse to take them shopping to pick things for you and them, they could surprise you while being helped by another adult. Maybe you could volunteer to take your niece and nephew shopping for their parents. Then you could swap kids so that they could all be involved in the giving.

It doesn’t so much matter what they make or buy. The excitement is in the giving. The more you hype the giving (just as we talk up the receiving), the more jazzed they’ll be to see Daddy’s face when he opens the hat they picked out for him (even if it is an ugly hat). Having to reflect on what Daddy might like is another wonderful exercise in considering someone else’s ideas and tastes. Don’t let them miss out on the thanks they’ll receive and the anticipation that they’ll feel in having a generous secret. It’s just so exciting!

And just think of the things that you will end up cherishing because they were given to you by your kids: ugly hats, potholders, play-doh sculptures, a portrait of your family. Who knows what they’ll come up with if you give them the chance.

Giving back Depending on the ages of your children, you can focus on giving in a different way. As new toys and accoutrements threaten to engulf our houses this season, consider: • Asking your children to choose some of their older toys to donate to children in need.

• Donate some of their hard-earned allowance to a toy drive.

• Consider doing some volunteerism as a family, such as collecting canned goods or working at a food pantry or soup kitchen.

we

our sponsors

There are plenty of ways to give that don’t hinge upon shopping. The more and varied opportunities that your children have to give, the greater the chances that they’ll find some way of giving that they enjoy. And if they enjoy it, hopefully they’ll be more likely to continue doing it.

Birthday Parties Corporate Events Girls Night Out Bridal Showers

www.PaintedPaletteBaltimore.com info@PaintedPaletteBaltimore.com

give locally consider giving to one of these local charities that works to better the lives of families and kids in B’more! downtown baltimore family alliance www.dbfam.org/

kennedy krieger institute www.kennedykrieger.org/

Ronald mcdonald house www.rmhcbaltimore.org/

mt. washington pediatric hospital

living classrooms foundation

www.mwph.org/

www.livingclassrooms.org/

CASEY CARES

house of ruth

www.caseycaresfoundation.org/

www.hruth.org/

maryland family network

baltimore child abuse center

marylandfamilynetwork.org/

www.bcaci.org/

Baltimore’s boutique for the

naturally loved baby!

Specializing in Cloth Diapers, Baby Carriers, Breastfeeding and Maternity Supplies.

We rent breast pumps!

Strollers coming soon!

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915 West 36th Street Right on the Avenue in Hampden www.softandcozybaby.com • (410) 446-4525

Holiday

By: Jennifer Cooper

deck the halls with Written and Photographed by Caroline Urdaneta

kid crafts!

Holiday gifts for friends and families often take on a new meaning when they are crafted by kids. And when I say "new meaning" I mean that in a slightly funny way! I mean, have you ever seen a grandfather wearing a necktie decorated with neon puff-painted handprints? Now, I may be wrong about this, but I'm pretty sure he wouldn't wear that necktie if it hadn't been created by someone adorable (and age 3) that he loved!

But, here's a secret not many people realize: things made by kids don't have to always look like they belong in a pre-school classroom. In fact, kids artwork and crafts made by kids can often be super cool and surprisingly stylish.

The trick? Keep it simple! Simple shapes and simple designs are always the key to making gifts crafted by kids look stylish and modern. Using patterns in fabrics that are also in-trend (like stripes and triangles for example) will also keep the kids crafts looking cool and fun. But the main secret is to just not make the project too complicated. I always find that using simple shapes for a kids crafting project makes the outcome beautifully hip.

Take for example this simple ribbon covered hoop ornament. It's the perfect little holiday gift and your kids can make this (with your help) in just four easy steps. Would you like to learn how? Great! Let's get started!

you will n eed: Thin Gage Wire • Wire Cutter (adults only) • Thick Ribbon • Hot Glue and Hot Glue Gun (adults only) • Thin Ribbon (for hanging)

Step ONE Parents: cut a piece of thin-gage wire (you can find this type of wire in the jewelry section of the craft store) about 10 inches long. Twist the wire into a hoop. Older children can do the twisting part. My 5 year old daughter was able to do this part on her own, but she's pretty good with her hands so just go with your instinct because each child is different.

Step TWO Parents: Dab a little hot glue on the end of a piece of ribbon (about 10 inches long as well) and stick to the hoop, begin wrapping around.

Children: continue to wrap the ribbon around the hoop, around and around covering the wire. Add more ribbon if you run out (parents can repeat the beginning of step two for this) and smooth out the wrapping at the end if needed.

Step THREE Finish wrapping the ribbon and then (Parents) glue the end.

Step FOUR Tie a thin ribbon in a bow and you are done!

See? Making a simple kids craft for a holiday gift can not only be a family affair but it can also be really beautiful!

Remember to keep it simple and not worry to much about making it look perfect. In the end, the entire point of giving something made by your little one is that it was crafted by their hands and given with love.

Happy holiday gift making!

(Coo l) Gift ideas

gift certificates available

made by kids Eraser-stamped Holiday Napkins Cut a pink eraser into a triangle, have kids dab into fabric paint and on some napkins. Tie with a holiday ribbon and give!

Mod Art Ink Blot Prints Take a piece of paper, dab ink in the middle, fold and blot ink. Let dry then frame in simple frame.

Instant Mod Art!

Decorated Paper Table Runner Roll out butcher block paper, have kids paint with one simple color. Let dry, roll up and tie with ribbon. Give as a chic table runner!

Jar Rim Mod Art Dab the rims of cups into paint and stamp onto paper. Repeat with different colors. Let dry and frame: instant Mod-Dot Art!

Lace Doily Candles Have kids paint paper lace doilies with two colors (think: green and neon pink, for instance) Let dry, wrap around candles, tie with ribbon.Â

your moments...

the most priceless gift.

Cookie Cutter Clay Ornaments Roll out white molding clay (white looks the most modern) and have kids cut with cool cookie cutter shapes. Puncture hole to tie ribbon or hook. Bake to directions on package. www.modernlifeportraits.com • hello@modernlifeportraits.com

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‘tis the season to

BELIEVE

in pure, no-holds-bar,

JOY Laugh until It hurts

Photograph by Laura Black

MONUMENT LIGHTING FAMILY FESTIVAL December 6, 5–8:30 p.m.

Enjoy seasonal art activities, carols, cookies, cider, fireworks and free admission to Revealing the African Presence in Renaissance Europe

WINTER BREAK A"T ACTIVITIES December 21–23 & 26–January 1, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Warm up with a week of winter art activities—create something new each day!

WHAT WILL YOU DISCOVER? 600 N. CHARLES ST. BALTIMORE, MD 410-547-9000 X300, thewalters.org

Waltee illustration by Brian Ralph

FREE HOLIDAY FUN AT THE WA#$ERS A"T MUSEUM

Start 2013 with a toast!

Parents and kids alike will enjoy lifting up a glass of one of these non-alcoholic drinks to ring the new year.

a fun nye centerpiece?

A papier-mâché globe trimmed with flags!

New Year’s Eve

around the world Written by Jennifer Cooper ● Table Styling by Laura Beynon ● Photography by Kory Chase The first place to ring in 2013? Christmas Island. The last? America Samoa. Between that first stroke of midnight and the last, there’s a whole world celebrating.

Curious how other countries celebrate the New Year? We asked a few of our friends from around the world what they do and put together a list of traditions—from the quirky to traditional. We think it’d be fun to host a World's New Year's Eve party incorporating a few of these traditions from around the globe.

Australia Australians ring in the new year with fireworks and barbecues. While it’s winter up here, it’s summer down there. So celebrating New Year’s at the beach or aboard a boat in the Harbor isn’t uncommon.

Italy The Italians also celebrate with fireworks. You can find them in every grocery store leading up to January 1. On New Year’s Eve, a traditional meal of lentils with pork is served. And to bring good luck? Make sure you’re wearing red underware. The Italians believe it brings good luck.

Belgium Kids in Belgium write a New Year's letter. They're traditionally written to the godmother/godfather but can include parents and grandparents. Typically, the letters rhyme and tell the recipient how much they are loved and offer best wishes for the upcoming year. On New Years day the children visit their family and friends and read the letter aloud. They are then rewarded with money or a small gift.

Norway In Norway, the sky is lit with fireworks. They also serve rice pudding which has 1 almond in it. They divide it up among guests and it’s believed that the one who eats the almond has a lucky year ahead. continued...

Activities Include: Concert featuring popular kids band Milkshake!

Noontime ball-drop Create your own Party Hat & Noisemaker

December 31st 2012; 10:00am - 2:00pm Activities Free with Paid Admission 601 Light Street Baltimore MD 21230 w | ww.marylandsciencecenter.org

Spain In Spain it’s a tradition to eat 12 grapes at midnight. You must eat one at each stroke of the bell to bring good luck for the year ahead. In the north of Spain/South of France region they eat 13 desserts, representing Jesus and the 12 apostles.

Scotland On New Year's day, it’s important to have a first-footer. This is the first person to come into your home, and he or she must not come empty handed. They should have a purse with coal or better yet, a few coins in it.

Costa Rica Costa Ricans pack a bag or suitcase and hold it at midnight to make sure the coming year will bring travel. Instead of red underpants like the Italians, they wear yellow. They also kiss their loved ones at midnight.

Venezuela In Venezuela, they eat 12 grapes at midnight which symbolize each month of the new year. They also serve Pan de Jamon—a sweet yeasty bread filled with ham, butter, olives and raisins. And of course, it wouldn’t be a celebration without salsa dancing.

This New Year’s however you celebrate, wherever you celebrate, we wish you a very happy, healthy 2013!

Holiday mocktails Complied By Jennifer Cooper

BABY BELLINI WHAT YOU NEED: Chilled sparkling cider • 1-2 ounces peach nectar MIX IT UP: Pour peach nectar and sparkling cider into a tall flute. Give it a gentle swirl to combine.

ROY ROGER WHAT YOU NEED: 6-8 ounces cola • splash grenadine • maraschino cherry garnish MIX IT UP: Fill a glass with ice. Add cola and grenadine. Stir slightly. Garnish with a cherry.

WARM MILK PUNCH WHAT YOU NEED: 1 cup warm milk • 2 tsp sugar • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract • grated nutmeg MIX IT UP: Combine milk, sugar and vanilla extract. Pour into a mug. Top with grated nutmeg

Sorbet Fizz WHAT YOU NEED: 3 Tbsp Sorbet • Ginger Ale MIX IT UP: Place sorbet into a goblet. Fill goblet half way with ginger ale. Stir.

Start 2013 with a toast!

Parents and kids alike will enjoy lifting up a glass of one of these non-alcoholic drinks to ring the new year.

SHIRLEY TEMPLE WHAT YOU NEED: 1 part cherry juice • 3 parts ginger ale • maraschino cherry garnish MIX IT UP: Fill a glass with ice. Pour in cherry juice and ginger ale. Top with a cherry.

Photograph by Dave K. Cooper

NEW! Drop-in Play Space and Birthday Party location opening January 2013, near the Cross Street Market

-JWF -FBSO 1MBZ

Classes for newborns to age 3: t )FMMP #BCZ *OGBOU .BTTBHF t #BCZ (SPPWF t .PWFST 4IBLFST t .FTTZ .FTTJFS t 4UBZ 1MBZ

Downtown!

Locations: t $BOUPO t 'FMM T 1PJOU t 'FEFSBM )JMM and other city locations (FU UIF EFUBJMT $POUBDU ,JN ! &NBJM LKBDPCTPIO!KDD PSH 7JTJU XXX ECKDD PSH

with the Downtown Baltimore JCC “LIKE� us on Facebook: facebook.com/DBJCC

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

kid- friendly holiday happenings all around town Santa’s Workshop Kiddie Crusoe November 13th - December 21st Tues 10─11:30am; Wed 5:30─7pm; Fri 6:30─8pm Does your child love to do their own Holiday Shopping?

Bring them to Kiddie Crusoe where their elves will help them create a special surprise gift for a parent, grandparent, sibling, or friend! Best of all you can drop them off and do some shopping yourself! $18/session or $15/session for 3+ sessions MORE INFO

The Polar Express 4D Experience

National Aquarium Shows Daily When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of selfdiscovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. THE POLAR EXPRESS 4D Experience is based on the inspiring and beloved Caldecott Medal children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. MORE INFO

Kennedy Krieger’s Festival of Trees Maryland State Fairgrounds November 23 - November 25, 2012 Decorated trees galore, endless children’s activities and non-stop entertainment are just a few of the many reasons why Festival of Trees is Santa’s ultimate theme park. From Friday, Nov. 23 to Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, the Maryland State Fairgrounds will transform into a winter wonderland.

MORE INFO

Lights on 34th Street 34th Street, Hampden November 24 - December 31st, Nightly until 11:00 PM Baltimore tradition! Come see the lights on 34th Street. It’s 100% free. MORE INFO

Symphony of Lights Symphony Woods November 19, 2012 - January 6, 2013 Times vary Symphony of Lights is a spectacular display of 70 largerthan-life, animated and stationary light creations. It is a long-standing community tradition and a "must-see" during

the holiday season. Drive or walk thru at special designated times. MORE INFO

Holiday Festival of Trains and Toys B & O Railroad Museum November 23 - December 21, 2012 Celebrate the holiday season at Baltimore’s largest holiday display of toy and model train layouts.Weekend train rides and photo opportunities with Santa through December 23.

Weekend train rides and photo opportunities with Frosty the Snowman through December 30. All ages enjoy indoor train carousel rides and crafts at Santa's North Pole. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for donation to Toys for Tots through December 16 and receive 50% off admission. FREE with paid admission. MORE INFO

Power Plant Holiday Light Show Power Plant November 23rd - December 31st Shows Friday - Saturday at 6 PM, 7 PM, 8 PM, 9 PM; Thursdays beginning 12/13 at 6 PM, 7 PM, 8 PM One of the Waterfront’s most electrifying attractions – you won’t want to miss this year’s show featuring live flame effects reaching over 20 feet high, winter snow, fireworks at every show, and more! FREE MORE INFO

Completely New Holiday Train Garden Fire Museum of Maryland Saturdays, November 24th - December 29th 10 AM - 4 PM Enjoy a completely new holiday train garden at the Fire Museum of Maryland! “1950’s” O-Scale train plus 40 antique fire engines. MORE INFO

Jolly Express Aboard Miss Anne Watermark Cruises Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM Annapolis' favorite holiday activity makes its return for the 2012 season. Miss Anne is adorned in reindeer spirit and Captain Santa is at the helm during this cozy cruise of Spa Creek, lit up with dazzling lights for the holiday season. Enjoy holiday music while Santa takes you on a relaxing and enjoyable boat ride. MORE INFO

Celebrate Holiday History

Breakfast with Santa Local Family Center Y November 30, 2012 - December 2, 2012 Times Vary Santa will park his sleigh at your local Family Center Y Friday, November 30 through Sunday, December 2 for a FREE holiday breakfast hosted by the Y of Central Maryland. Children of all ages will enjoy a visit and pictures with Santa, as well as a variety of fun holiday activities. Space is limited, so please register at your local Family Center Y at least 48 hours in advance.

FREE MORE INFO

Merry Tuba Christmas Harborplace Ampitheater December 1, 2012 3:00 PM Over 200 festively-dressed tuba and euphonium player will capture the spirit of the holiday as they blend their unique styles, rhythms, and progressions for all to enjoy. FREE MORE INFO

Nov. 23 - Dec. 31

Holiday Festival of Trains & Toys B&O IN BALTIMORE

(410) 752-2490 | borail.org Baltimore’s largest

Model Railroad Exhibit

Weekend Train Rides with Santa & Frosty

ELLICOTT CITY STATION

(410) 461-1945 | ecborail.org Holiday Train Gardens:

Thomas the Tank Engine ™

LEGO™

MOUNT CLARE MUSEUM HOUSE (410) 837-3262 | mountclare.org Experience A Colonial Christmas Weekend B&O Train Rides to Mount Clare

Kwanza Family Day Creative Alliance December 1, 2012 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Dance, Drums & Activities in Honor of Kwanzaa with Sankofa Dance Theater! Drums sound out the voices of the past featuring Baba Jumoke's magnificent Dancing ChiWara Processional at 2pm. African dance class at 3:30pm. Closing Storytelling at 4:30pm. MORE INFO

Hands-On Holidays: Chanukah Rosenbloom JCC December 2, 2012 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM It’s a Chanukah Party! Celebrate with holiday songs, projects and a holiday related snack. Ages under 5.

MORE INFO

40th Annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade Medfielf-Hampden December 2, 2012 1:00 PM Presented in Medfield-Hampden beginning at Poly / Western High Schools and crossing Cold Spring Lane, continuing south on Falls Road to 36th Street, turning East on 36th Street, turning North on Chestnut Avenue and ending at 37th Street. MORE INFO

Abrakadoodle Holiday ArtShop Abrakadoodle December 2 & 8, 2012 Times Vary Head to Abrakadoodle's Annual Holiday Artshop! This "Make & Take" experience includes all supplies for your kids to create holiday treasures for family, friends

CP

teachers, and most of all, for the fun of creating Art to deck your halls! They'll create several take home projects, enjoy treats, music and face painting! Space is limited. MORE INFO

Menorah Making Charm City Kids Club December 6, 2012 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Make a menorah in celebration of Chanukah! RSVP by 12/4/12. MORE INFO

Monument Lighting Family Festival Walters Art Museum December 6, 2012 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM Celebrate the holiday season and the annual lighting of the Washington Monument at The Walters during this free, family-friendly event! Enjoy seasonal performances, music, refreshments, holiday films and special winter-inspired kids’ art activities! See the Washington Monument be set aglow, followed by fireworks for all to admire. Warm up at The Walters! MORE INFO

Tree Lighting and Caroling The Women’s Industrial Exchange December 6, 2012 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Join the Woman's Industrial Exchange and Kitchen for an annual Baltimore tradition. Shop in their gift store, warm up with a nice dinner in their cozy Kitchen, Christmas Carol up Charles Street and watch the annual tree lighting at the Washington Monument. MORE INFO

We will also have street performers, free roasted chestnuts, an s'mores offered by area restaurants. FREE MORE INFO

World Holiday Traditions National Aquarium December 7, 2012 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM The National Aquarium’s Cultural Series celebrates world holiday traditions on December 7 from 5PM to 9PM! This event will feature Nutcracker Ballet Vignettes performances, live holiday jazz and an exhibit of Nativity scenes from around the world. Kids can make holiday cards to send to our service men and women. Don’t miss an appearance by our mascot, Puffin, the Polar Express train conductor, and the jolly bearded man in red himself, Santa Claus! MORE INFO

Dollar Days & Holiday Craft Fair Baltimore Museum of Industry December 8, 2012 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Visit the museum for Downtown Dollar Days! Museum admission is $1.00! Plus, from 10:00 to 2:00 p.m. shop local craft vendors for the perfect holiday gifts. Be sure to bring the kids along to make a holiday ornament! MORE INFO

Baltimore Reads Holiday Fair Baltimore Museum of Industry December 8, 2012 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Head to the fourth annual Baltimore Reads Holiday Fair. As always, they'll have free food, free books and free gifts while supplies last--not to mention activities and a visit from Santa and his elves. MORE INFO

A Monumental Occasion Washington Monument December 6, 2012 5:30 PM Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts presents A Monumental Occasion - a classic Baltimore tradition featuring the official lighting of the Washington Monument, live music, fireworks and refreshments. FREE MORE INFO

Christmas Open House Weekend Ladew Gardens December 7,8 and 9, 2012 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM The circa 1747 Manor House is decorated in the theme of "A Magical Christmas" by volunteers and garden clubs in honor of the holiday season. Holiday arrangements, greens and gifts for sale. MORE INFO

The Nutcracker (for kids!)

Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall December 8, 2012 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Join the BSO and dancers from the Baltimore School for the Arts as excerpts from this holiday classic come to life. Treat the entire family to the timeless tale of the Nutcracker and delight in some of the season's most memorable melodies.

MORE INFO

Make Your Own Dreidel Weinberg Park Heights JCC December 9, 2012 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM Kids can make their own dreidel plate at this special clay workshop in the glaze studio. MORE INFO

Fire and Ice at Night

Whobilation

Downtown Towson December 7, 2012 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM View the ice sculptures located around downtown Towson!

Kiddie Crusoe December 21, 2012 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM December 21, 2012 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Santa Grinch will be coming down from Mount Crumpit to

visit Kiddie Crusoe. Kiddies can visit with Santa Grinch, take pictures with him, enjoy a holiday craft, a special reading of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, and have a Merry Grinch of a time. $10/ member or $12/child MORE INFO

Peace, Love and JCC Rosenbloom JCC December 25, 2012 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Get ready for some 60’s style family fun. Join us for games, entertainment, arts and crafts and a moonbounce! MORE INFO

Nicolo Whimsey Show Kiddie Crusoe December 29, 2012 7:00 PM Juggling! Fire! Musical Saw! Wild Woman Tug o’ War! A charming show full of improv, audience participation, live music, circus/vaudeville hi-jinks and double entendre jokes that work for kids and adults.

Join in for the big Parade Around The Patterson.

Wear a holiday hat & look your festive best! $12/ adults, $7/kids under 12 MORE INFO

Noontime New Year Superhero Spectacular Port Discovery December 31, 2012 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Countdown to the New Year at 12 noon at Port Discovery! Kids can get in on the excitement of New Year’s Eve before bedtime at their Annual Noontime New Year featuring Eric Energy.

Celebrate super heroes and super powers! Dress in your favorite costume. MORE INFO

Midnight Noon Maryland Science Center December 31, 2012 10 AM - 12:00 PM Ring in the New Year at the Maryland Science Center! Or should we say, Noon Year? Join us for our 5th annual New Year’s Eve celebration, Midnight Noon , where children can enjoy the ball drop before bed time. MORE INFO

view more happenings at coolproge ny.com

special offer: Gift a CCCK Class to a family member or friend and they receive a free year membership (a $99 value!)! Mention (cool) progeny when you call.

CHARM CITY

Themed Birthday Parties

Minishakers music class featuring music by Milkshake & other kids’ favorites

CLASSES

Redefining the Childhood Experience Charm City Kids Club is the ultimate destination for parents and children in Baltimore County. Charm City Kids Club provides children, birth through age nine, an educational and enriching experience in a child friendly, safe and clean environment. Sign up for a multitude of unique classes and camps, have a birthday party, role play in a pint sized town or come shop for latest children’s clothes, accessories and gifts not offered locally. Check our website for more details!

www.charmcitykidsclub.com 1500 Riderwood Avenue, Lutherville MD 21093 Become a fan of us on facebook!

• 410.337.2252

Camps

PLAY TOWN

Ages Birth - 9 Special Events For Expectant Moms, Parents and Families

Bring on the joy! (cool) APPROVED 2012 Holiday Gift Guide (they’ll love it! we promise!)

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ELECTRIC PAPER AIRPLANE conversion kit

by Power Up | Shananigans Toy Shop Now those paper airplanes can REALLY FLY! Just add power to any solid paper airplane design and watch it zoom. Rechargeable. $19.99 ♥

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MAGNATAB

by Kid-O | aMuse Toys Combines magnets with letter learning. Perfect for ages 3 and up. Best part? No writing on your wall.

Travel-friendly, too! $24.99 ♥

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Q&A a Day for Kids

by Betsy Franco | Trohv Start your child on a journaling path. Each day poses a fun question to answer. How fun will this be to look at in 5, 10, 15, 20 years? $16.95 ♥

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SIGNED SHAPE ART

by Joyce Hesselberth | Spur Designs The shape app we all love is now available as wall art! How many squares will your kiddo find in this print?

How about circles? Stimulates the mind and creativity! $28 ♥

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JEWISH HOLIDAY PUZZLE SET Jewish Museum of Maryland This set of four holiday puzzles provides great value, while celebrating positive play-habits and teaching children about four important Jewish holidays. $37.50 ♥

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LITTLE PASSPORTs SUBSCRIPTION Little Passports You’ve heard about the mail subscription art of the month kit (think Kiwi Crate, Green Kid Crafts or Babbaco) but what about a subscription that takes your 5-7 year old on a virtual trip around the world?

Might just give your kiddo the travel bug. $10.95/month

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SOLAR ROVER KIT

by Green Science | aMuse Toys As young engineers/environmental scientists build this cool rover, they learn how sunlight is converted to energy. Kids simply add an empty soda can to the parts provided. $19.99 ♥

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Body Magnet fun

by Janod | aMuse Toys Anatomy goes magnetic with this fun puzzle-like toy from Janod. ♥

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Build your own pinhole camera

by Ridley’s | Trohv Sure, digital photography is cool. But why not go vintage and get creative with a pinhole camera? $10 ♥

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morse code necklace COAT Jewelry | Sassanova Stylish Einstein? Give her a morse code sterling silver & cord necklace. Great for teens (& mom). $80 ♥

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kneebouncers online game subscription KneeBouncers.com The philosophy behind this Baltimore-based game company? Play with purpose. It’s fun and learning mixed into one neat package that grows with your child -- from baby through preschool-hood! $♥

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MEDIA GLOVES

by Roxy | Wee Chic Boutique Forget fingerless gloves! These colorful numbers for Roxy will let your iPhone addict text away in the cold -- with gloves on. $28 ♥

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Mighty Wallet Shananigans Toy Shop Completely indestructible and tres (cool). Lots of graphic patterns to choose from (Dad may even like this...) $15 ♥

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boogie Board aMuse Toys Perfect for holiday travel -- or leaving a love note in the morning. No messy white board. Endless creativity. $34.99 ♥

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iWoody - my first smart phone Donkey Products | Shananigans Toy Shop Too fun. Looks just like your smart phone but this one? It’s all about chalk. Call for price. ♥

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xyz BLOCKS

by Fred & Friends | Shananigans Toy Shop Sure, you could teach your kids Mandarin Chinese with Uncle Goose Blocks (which we love too), but don’t you think learning about ‘afro‘ and ‘donut’ is much more useful? Fun graphic design, too! ♥

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KIDLET CUSTOMIZED PLATE

by Bitsy Creations Cartoon your kid by creating a custom, one-of-a-kind plate that looks just like them. Added bonus? No more dinner time squabbling over the ‘blue’ plate. Melamine, too! $21.99 ♥

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GRIMACES NUTTY MEMORY GAME

by Djeco | Wee Chic Boutique Memory meets charades. Too much fun. Memorize the faces and then make them yourself! $24 ♥

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GLO NIGHTLIGHT

by Boon | Shananigans Toy Shop It’s the ULTIMATE night light! Changes colors and your mini-me can remove the glowing balls to take them bed. {Kinda like their own meteorite?} No worries about getting to hot! $84.99 ♥

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PLUSH ROBOT

by EBK Robots Who says tech needs to be all nuts and bolts? We love these colorful robots from EBK. Huggable AND made in environmentally sound ways. Plus they are created by three local (cool) moms/aunts. $30 ♥

yeah, he never does sit still.

busy little guys

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Cheap trick tee

by Chaser | Wee Chic Boutique We think this one kind of speaks for itself, right? SO much fun. $28 ♥

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PLUS PLUS BUILDING BLOCKS

by Plus Plus | aMuse Toys and Shananigan’s Toy Shop Think of this like the next-generation lego. Tons of building options! Yeah, girls would like it, too. $16.99 ♥

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DAVINCI BLOCK AIRcraft

by EDToy | aMuse Toys Children join magnetized DaVinci Blocks, click to preferred angles, and build an airplane with sweet abandon. $54.99 ♥

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DISCOVERY SPACE CENTER

by HaPe Toys | aMuse Toys Really, this out of this world. Pun intended. All the creative fuel your little astronaut will need. $129 ♥

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STAR GRAPHIC HOODIE

by Knuckleheads | Urban Baby Runway Tres cool. That’s all there is to say about that. Sizes through 6T. $55.99 ♥

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Animal Hands Temporary Tatoos Designed by Hector Serrano | aMuse Toys Remember using a marker to make a talking hand? This is the next level. Sharks and more! $5.99 ♥

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Remote control car

by Carrera RC | Shananigans Toy Shop You know what they say about German engineering -- this is autobahn version remote-controlled car.

Prices vary by model. ♥

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FUTURE PLANET

by Playmobil | Shananigans Toy Shop Retro-futuristic world of Future Planet combines great design with fantastic technology. SO cool. Prices vary per set. ♥

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R2 D2 BACK PACK Gorilla King Comics We can’t take credit for this find. Found it in City Paper’s gift guide. But we agree -- perfect for Star Wars Lovers. $49 ♥

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WOODEN TRAINS

By Brio | aMuse Toys and Shananigans Toy Shop Brio trains are BACK! Pictured is the Metro Railway Station ($74.99), but there are TONS of trains and tracks available. Time-tested toy. Still ridiculously (cool). ♥

she’s always twirling...

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MINI DOLL CARRIER

by Beco | Soft and Cozy Baby A pint-sized Beco baby carrier that’s perfect for dolls! We adore the modern prints, too! $29 ♥

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MESSAGE BRACELET

by Shains | Shananigans Toy Shop Let her design her own statement piece. A Shains starter pack includes a recycled Bracelet with 100 Elements including 75 letters, 10 numbers and 15 cool icons. $16 ♥

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RHINESTONE COSMETIC CASE

by Stoopher & Boots | Charm City Kids Club Every girl’s make-up bag needs a little bling. $24 ♥

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FUr-Trimmed Hooded Scarf

by Roxy | Wee Chic Boutique For the little diva in your life -- a fur-trimmed hooded scarf. Hollywood flare meets winter warmth! $40 ♥

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PLAY DATE AT THE MINI-SPA SparTea Know a little girl who likes to be just like mommy? Drop her and her BFF off for a day at Baltimore’s pink door spa for girls! They’ll enjoy a mani/pedi, pretend facial and massage, yoga, bracelet beading, strawberry lemonade in flutes and more! $120 ♥

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BRACELET MAKING KIT Loop De Doo | aMuse Toys Remember braiding friendship bracelets? This is that -- just next gen. Makes necklaces and belts, too!

Endless hours of jewelry making for winter break. $34.99

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HANDCRAFTED PERSONALIZED DOLL Sophie and Lili Crafted using fabrics that are boldly contemporary but timeless in their simplicity, these soft, huggable and washable dolls take playtime back-to-basics. Order an in stock doll or nab a gift certificate to have a handcrafted one-of-a-kind one made after the holidays! $35

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POCKET FASHION DESIGNER

by Schylling | aMuse Toys Your aspiring future Project Runway star will love these fashion plates! Pair them, trace them, color them in. It’s a pocket-sized fashion tracing kit that creates more than 300 high-style ensembles! $9.99 ♥

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COLORFUL SOCKS

by Happy Socks | Wee Chic Boutique Every mini fashionista needs colorful socks to keep her toes warm. We’re so excited that Happy Socks finally released a kids’ line! $12♥

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DOCTOR SET

by Corolle | aMuse Toys Every little mommy needs the perfect doctor set for her dolls. Time for {their} check-up! $29.99 ♥

Baltimore’s Neighborhood

Toy Store

www.aMuseToys.com s www.aMuseToysBlog.com Fells Point 1623 Thames Street 410.342.5000

Quarry Lake 2576 Quarry Lake Drive 410.415.0000

Store Hours 10am - 7pm 10am - 5pm

Mon - Sat Sunday

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soup should be seen and not heard

by Beth Brainard | Pleasure of Your Company Light-hearted fun helps teach kids -- and kids at heart -- all about manners and etiquette. $16.99 ♥

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No limit texas hold ‘em dreidel Jewish Museum of Maryland Take dreidel play to the next level and cross it with poker. Lots of amusement for those those eight crazy nights. $25 ♥

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MARBLE Maze

by Q-BA | Shananigans Toy Shop Marble maze + construction tour! Every dinosaur, robot, flower, fish, sun or tower is a working marble maze. Tons ‘o fun. Prices vary by set. ♥

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RIDE - ON BUMBLEBEE

by Prince Lionheart | Soft and Cozy Baby It moves in all directions -- even circles. Loveable, cushiony ride-on that’s as cute as it is durable. ♥

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PAPER PIPE ROBOTS

By Piperoid | Shananigans Toy Shop Made in Japan, we love these miniature rolls of paper that turn into a funky robot. $15.99 ♥

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TRANSLUCENT MAGnA-TILES

By Valtech | aMuse Toys Geometric shapes meet magnets. Tactile and colorful -- sized just right and easy to use, whether creating designs on a flat surface or building in 3-D! {Add a light table. PHENOMENAL!} $59.99 ♥

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FREESTYLE MINI LUGE

by Zipfy | aMuse Toys They say there will be LOTS of snow this winter. Doesn’t your mini-me need a (cool) mini luge? $39.99 ♥

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TRUNKI WITH ACCESsORIES

by Melissa and Doug | aMuse Toys Trunkis aren’t just for long journeys, they’re also perfect for sleepovers, trips to relatives’ houses, Summer camps or for toy storage at home. With an array of accessories, your kiddo can customize and create their very own design. $39.99 + Accessories and Stickers ♥

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CREATE A SHOP

by MakeDo | Shananigans Toy Shop Look what a cardboard box can become when you add a MakeDo Art Kit? Yeah, we think it’s pretty amazing, too. $20♥

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MINI KICK + CONVERSION KIT

by Kickboard USA | aMuse Toys Our FAVORITE scooter now comes with as a 3-in-one -- so your toddler can enjoy it as a ride-on, too!

Pure genuis. We love something that grows with your kid. $119 ♥

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Dinosaur Shadow Puppets

by Moulin Routy | Urban Baby Runway A simple toy that will keep them busy for hours. Perfect for LONG winter nights. $17.99 ♥

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FINGER PRINTING ART SET - BUGS Trohv Your kiddo can turn their fingerprints into colorful spiders and beetles and butterflies and more! $10.95 ♥

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STENZzLES

by Think Fun | Shananigans Toy Shop Pulls triple duty as a layering puzzle, game, and tropical stencils.

Adults like it, too! ♥

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Eye can art Kits

by Eye Can Art | aMuse Toys Sophisticated art projects with lots of room for creativity! Our favs? Wax drawing and collage print-making. $29.99 ♥

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POP ART TRASH CANS

by Local Kids! | HeARTwares Handmade by local youth as part of HeartWares summer job program. A trash can inspired by pop aesthetic. Too cool. $50 ♥

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TUBE TOYS

by Oscar Diaz Studios | Trohv An art project-turns-toy that uses the container. Brilliant! $16 ♥

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MALLOW CRUNCHIE AR The Mallow Bar NOT your typical treat bar. Artisan marshmallow crispy treats! Find a fun concoction from The Mar Bar. $3.50 ♥

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HANDMADE ALPHABET CRAYON BLOCKS ChildhoodStore Are they blocks or art? Your kiddo will adore this set of alphabet block soy/beeswax crayons. Endless fun! $8 ♥

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PASTA SET Hape Toys | aMuse Toys Inspire your mini-chef with eco-friendly pasta play set! $24.99 ♥

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PAJAMA -CLAD VON KATZ K ITTY Cotton Monster Hand made. Soft. Cozy Fleecy and so much attitude. Made from recycled materials. $68 ♥

don’t forget about

surprising mom

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personalized TRIPLE BIG LOVE NECKLACE Little Miss Pepper Designs Gorgeous, sweet and sentimental. We bet she cries. {Just saying!} Customize exclusively for her! {Don’t miss the deal on page 16 } $125.

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BUTTERED TOAST CHOCOLATE BAR

by B. T. McElrath | Ma Petite Shoes and Chocolate Entirely sinful in all the right ways. A bite-sized culinary excursion. Who doesn’t love chocolate? $5.50 ♥

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QUeen anne’s lace Scarf Red Prairie Press Light weight and a fun graphic print! A beautiful versatile jersey scarf that goes from playground to date night. $22 ♥

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Dammit doll

By Dammit Doll | Pleasure of Your Company A bit of a holiday giggle. Now instead of saying “what the fluff” when things get frustrating, mom can bang the dammit doll. We hear Betty White carries one. Ahhh.... stress relief. $13.50 ♥

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an ahhhh-mazing massage Four Seasons Baltimore Spa Want a renewed mom? Send her to the Four Seasons Baltimore for a massage. It’s life changing. We swear. $140 {See deal on the next page!] $130 and up ♥

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Night of Art and Wine Painted Palette Baltimore Treat mom and her girlfriends to a night of art lessons, laughs and wine. Painted Palette will come to her!

Price varies on number of guests. ♥

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Graphic print desk calendar

By Staci Lanham | Double Buttons Pretty and functional? Yes, please! These 6” by 7” self-standing desk calendars will dress up her desk AND keep dates at hand. Multiple designs available. $14 - $16 ♥

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ultimate cozy sweater

By New Sisters | Cupcake Who doesn’t need something warm to cozy up in? We adore this versatile sweater at Cupcake {and mom will, too}. $79 ♥

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Fleurie Drop Earrings

by Emma Villedrouni | Bijoux Inspired Jewels Want to splurge on something oh-so-delicate for mom? These are it. Simple, sunny, gorgeous. $1,300 ♥

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Farmer’s market tote Mother Made Baltimore Fun, durable farmer’s market totes made by a social enterprise that empowers area low income women through handmade creativity and business. Perfection. $20 ♥

give ! gi" of

relaxation

#$ holiday season.

special offer Visit the Spa and bring a new friend and receive a half-priced treatment. Visit the Spa and bring two new friends and receive a complimentary treatment.

Mention (cool) progeny when booking. Call 410.223.1440 to book your appointment.

Appointments are available from 8 am to 8:30 pm daily.

Complimentary parking available for all Spa guests.

200 International Drive | Baltimore | 410.223.1440 | www.fourseasons.com/baltimore/spa |

@FSBaltimore

cleaning services 443.457.0098

landscape services 443.216.YARD

helping families create

healthier living spaces

www.greenhealthycleaning.net

$20 Off

$25 Off

Any residential cleaning for new customers. Mention (cool) progeny when booking.

Any landscaping service for new customers. Mention (cool) progeny when booking.

Cannot be combined with any other offers.

Cannot be combined with any other offers.

HOLIDAY SPECIAL: $99 for 3 Man Hours of Cleaning.

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DESIGN AND MAKE YOUR OWN BANK NOTES

by Betsy Franco | Shananigans Toy Shop See, Dad really can print money in the basement.

We think he’ll get a kick out of this novelty! $14.99 ♥

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BYRON SHEEPSKIN INDOOR/OUTDOOR SLIPPER

by UGG | Cohen’s Clothiers Who says UGGs are just for the fashionistas in your life? These comfy slippers are perfect for Dad {and can go from house to pick up Saturday am coffee.} $140 ♥

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BIKE OLD FASHIONED GLASSES

by Vital Industries | Trohv Screen printed bike glasses. Too cool for school.

For real. $10.95/glass ♥

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WELDED STEEL HIBACHI GRILL Kotai Grill Got a grill guy in your life? Then he’ll love the Hibachinator -- a modern steel grill with an 8” by 24” removable grilling surface. Perfect for the discerning outdoor chef. $980 ♥

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A GOOD OLD FASHIONED SHAVE & HAIRCUT Quintessential Gentleman He’ll clean-up nicely at Quintessential Gentleman!

Their traditional grooming package includes a Haircut & Shampoo, Straight Razor Shave, Scalp Massage, Barber Facial & Shoe Shine. $110 ♥

BRIGHT HEADPHONES (TWO STYLES!)

by Urbanears | Trohv Whether he’s a full-on headphone kinda guy or likes a more discrete ear bud style, the Medis and Plattan headphones for Urbanears will keep him listening in style. An assortment of colors, including black. $50 - $60 ♥ climb to new heights Earth Treks Rock Climbing Give Dad a new adventure this holiday season and send him rock-climbing -- indoors, right in Timonium or Columbia! ♥ Stirling SILVER RAVENS CUFFLINKS Smyth Jewelers If the office environment doesn’t support jersey wearing on Fridays, your guy can still sport team spirit with these stirling silver cufflinks. $100 ♥ WHISKEY ROCKS AND TUMBLER SET

by Teraforma | Trohv Skip the ice and let Dad have his drink on the rocks -- literally! Whiskey Stones are made in Vermont from natural soapstone and won’t dilute the flavor of the whiskey like ice can. The tumblers? Mouth-blown and hand crafted. The ultimate gift for a discerning drinker. $60 ♥

10. date night dinner out Baltimore is a fabulous city for foodies. Here are some date night restaurants to ‘gift’ for dad (or mom, or both!).

PABU

KALI’s MEZZE RESTAURANT

Authentic Japanese Pub in Harbor East

Let ‘em get cozy over tapas in Fells Point.

CAFE Gia’s

MIGUEl’s COCINA Y canTINA

The best of the best Italian food in Little Italy!

Crazy good “Mexicana Nueva” food in Silo Point.

WOODBERRY KITCHEN

THE FOOD MARKET

Locally sourced. Amazingly delicious American-twist

Another Hampden gem. Serious comfort food.

spoil the newest little ones...

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CASHMERE BLEND COVERALL

by Lucky Jade | Wee Chic Boutique Nothing says cozy like super soft cashmere cotton blend! Keep baby warm and stylish in this crewneck long sleeve footless coverall. $78 ♥

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BRIGHT SWADDLE BLANKETS by aden + anais | Soft and Cozy Baby 100% cotton uber versatile swaddle blankets in bright hues. Simple adore. A ton of uses: burp cloth, tummy time blanket, nursing and stroller cover, change pad cover, etc. $49.95 ♥

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MOD ONESIE Charm City Babies Super (cool) modern art inspired onesie from Charm City Babies. Best part? When you buy one for the mini-me in your life, another one is donated to a local charity. $17 ♥

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PAPER BIRD MOBILE

by Djeco | Wee Chic Boutique Who needs ‘baby’ art in a nursery? This stunning modern mobile is an original paper creation by renowned Japanese artist and graphic designer Katsumi Komagata. Perfection. $40 ♥

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SPORTY KICKS Rileyroos Don’t ya just love when style meets function? Rileyroos shoes for babies and toddlers are our fav softsoled brand. With styles like Jordan (shown in Rockstar) and Sportie (shown in Strawberry Sundae), your littlest one will have the best shoe selection in the house. $34 ♥

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ART CARDS Wee Gallery | aMuse Toys Bold, whimsical, hand-painted originals that cater to a baby's visual strengths! The black and white images with repeating patterns captivate little ones (and let’s be honest, adults, too!) $14.99 ♥

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SOPHIE THE GIRAFFE BATH TOY Soft and Cozy Baby The iconic teething giraffe your baby loves comes as a bath toy, too! $17.50 ♥

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OWL BATH TOY STORAGE by 3 Sprouts | aMuse Toys Super cute bath toy storage that WON’T fall off the wall. (For real!) Fits tons of toys. $27 ♥

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Sakura and stripes burp cloth duo

by One Lucky Baby | Urban Baby Runway Mod prints combined with 6-ply premium quality cloth diaper make this a super burp cloth duo! $21.99 ♥ CUSTOM BABY NAME PAINTING

by Kacey Stafford | Fox Studio We love this handcrafted panting by local artist Kacey Stafford. Kind of invokes The Red Balloon, no?

Each is made to order in any color scheme on a wood panel -- no framing! framing needed! $45 - $65 ♥

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cuddly hottie

by Aroma Home | Pleasure of Your Company We just love this knitted hottie with a soft fleecy warm backing. Contains an easily removable lavender-scented pillow that can be microwaved. $32 ♥ A SATURDAY OF NO CHORES Green Healthy Cleaning (see pg for offer!)

Give everyone a break and have the experts clean one weekend. Family gets some bonding time -- and a goodfor-you-clean-house! $99 ♥

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house portrait

by Miranda Wulff Altschuler | House Love Shop A gift certificate to have a custom house portrait done?

Swoon! As seen on Apartment Therapy. Baltimore-based artist, too! $65 ♥

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CERTIFIKID GIFT CARD Certifikid Our area’s BEST daily deal site for families! A gift certificate lets the family choose which adventure to go on. $25 + ♥

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PEOPLES POPS & MILK AND COOKIES COOKBOOKS Trohv Forget French Kids Eat Everything. Frozen pops and cookies are where it’s at. $16.99 / $24.99 ♥

10. family memberships a family membership to one of these fav kid-friendly hot spots ensures you give the gift that gives all year! national aquarium www.aqua.org

charm city kids club www.charmcitykidsclub.com

irvine nature center www.explorenature.org

maryland zoo www.marylandzoo.org

maryland science center www.mdsci.org

6 7 8 9

GRATITUDE GIFT BASKET Mouth Party Caramels Whipped up in a Parkville kitchen, these caramels are to die for. Comes with Zeke’s Coffee espresso for Mom and Dad. Win-win. $60 AQUADOPT - ADOPT A DOLPHIN National Aquarium Adopt a dolphin the whole fam can visit all year! $50 ♥

port discovery children’s museum www.portdiscovery.org

B&O RAILROAD MUSEUM www.bandorailroad.org

Baltimore Museum of industry www.thebmi.org

FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION Modern Life Portraits | Cara Walen Photography | Laura Black Photography | The Wairehouse | Twist Photography Photos last forever. Give a gift certificate to a one of the local photogs we love. Ah, memories. ♥

REGINALD F. LEWIS MUSEUM

OGOBILD POD

by OGOSPORT | aMuse Toys All the materials to build a pod you can kick and throw.

Schweet. Inspires creativity, movement and play! $49 ♥

WALTERS ART MUSEUM

http://www.rflewismuseum.org/

AMERICAN VISIONARY ART MUSEUM http://www.avam.org/

http://thewalters.org/

wishing you a season full of sparkles and squeal-ly joY!

PS: Don’t miss 12 days of giveaways starting on november 26th!

www.coolprogeny.com