Being Savvy: Activities, things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Charleston, SC

ways to give thanks

by Nicole

As a preamble to Thanksgiving in a couple of weeks -- the holiday that is all about gratitude (well, gratitude and food, if we're being honest) -- why not share some simple ways of giving back with your children? Donate used toys and clothes to charity. You might have a donation pile collecting in your garage, but the key here is to get your child involved in the decisions about what they keep ... Read more >

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holiday help: great books to give as gifts

by Nicole

In the next few weeks, I'll be posting some of my favorite picks from Savvy Source's "Books, Toys and More" guide perfect for giving this holiday season. Whether you're a parent, a grandparent, or a big kid yourself, let us help you find some special items to share with the little people in your life! For the little princess... The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch This book is ... Read more >

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tuesday top five: toys we love

by Nicole

Preschool learning is all about play, which means toys are more than just mere amusement: they're the tools for exploring and enriching children's lives. The best toys bring kids and families together with plenty of room for adaptation and imagination. Here are five recommendations that will excite and inspire the little ones on your list. Smart Splash Fun Number Ducks Rubber duckies are ... Read more >

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great books to give, part two!

by Nicole

This is part two of our savvy gift guide to great books. ( Read part one here if you missed it!) I must have been in a sentimental mood when I choose these, because they're all kind of sweet. But it's the holiday season, after all. Why not indulge the tender, nostalgic bits just a little? Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes This book was a gift from my friend Christina a couple of years ... Read more >

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get creative! festive cards to make with kids

by Nicole

There are those that craft with their kids, and there are those who would rather get poked in the eye with a hot fork than put glue onto googly eyes for a little creativity. I happen to lean pretty far to the crafty side of things, and I'm convinced that even the sworn non-crafters among us can handle making these easy card ideas with kids. Seriously: keep it simple, and everyone can get in on ... Read more >

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still shopping? five more savvy toy picks for the kids on your list

by Nicole

I've just about finished my holiday shopping, and I'm earlier this year than I've ever been! If you're still searching for some great toys to wrap up for the children in your life this year, here is the second part of our holiday toy guide. ( See part one here , if you missed it!) Rand McNally Kids Illustrated U.S. Wall Map My husband is a geography geek, and he's determined that our children ... Read more >

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greening the holidays

by Nicole

Aaah, the colors of the holiday season: red, gold, silver, blue, and GREEN. As our awareness of the impact our consumption makes on the environment grows, everyone is looking for ways to be more eco-friendly. There are easy ways to green your holiday without taking away from the celebration of the season. In fact, you might find that reducing consumption pushes you toward new traditions that ... Read more >

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the gift of giving: how to share it with your kids

by Nicole

"It's better to give than to receive." Well, try telling that to a preschooler overwhelmed by toy catalogs and wish lists for the holidays. It's natural for children to be egocentric in the preschool years (and I know more than a few adults who struggle with it still!) but it's our job as parents to gently coax them away from the "Me Me Me!" stage and into a mindset where giving and sharing are ... Read more >

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give a gift of Charleston!

by Nicole

I don't know about you, but my kids have more than enough stuff. We've got old stuff, new stuff, even stuff to try and contain the stuff. While toys and books certainly have their place in holiday gift giving, I also like to give gifts that will keep giving throughout the year with enriching, fun experiences for the whole family. There are quite a number of options for giving the gift of ... Read more >

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let the holidays begin!

by Nicole

I know, I know. The turkey leftovers haven't cleared out of your refrigerator yet, but Thanksgiving already seems like history. It's December 1st, and that means that the month of holidays, gift-giving and celebration has begun. While this time of year can be stressful for the whole family, we can take a lesson from our kids in how to chill out and enjoy the party that December can become. You ... Read more >

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a guide to shopping local this holiday season

by Nicole

We parents are nothing if not consumers. Especially during the holiday season, our spending should be smart, on everything from toys for our kids, teacher gifts, and maybe even a little something for ourselves. It makes good sense given our current state of affairs to channel some of that money into the local economy. This week is "Buy Local Week" in Charleston, presented by Lowcountry Local ... Read more >

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