<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>ShopAtHome &#187; family</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/tag/family/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.shopathome.com/blog</link>
	<description>ShopAtHome.com&#039;s Blog: the best place to learn about new coupons, deals, giveaways and so much more!</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:00:36 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1</generator>
		<item>
		<title>ShopAtHome.com&#8217;s Back To School Extra Cash Back Event</title>
		<link>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/shopathome-coms-back-to-school-extra-cash-back-event/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/shopathome-coms-back-to-school-extra-cash-back-event/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:38:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jaime</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[back to school]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[extra cash back]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopathome]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopping]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shopathome.com/blog/?p=2061</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Tweet Getting ready for Back to School, but don&#8217;t want to break the bank? School&#8217;s just around the corner, and ShopAtHome.com wants to help you save money on Back to School supplies, clothing, uniforms and more! Head over to our Back to School Extra Cash Back Event! From August 4th through August 18th, ShopAtHome.com will [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="height:66px; padding-top:2px; padding-bottom:2px; clear:both;" class="really_simple_share"><div style="float:left; width:100px; " class="really_simple_share_facebook_like"> 
				<iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopathome.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%2Fshopathome-coms-back-to-school-extra-cash-back-event%2F&amp;layout=box_count&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=100&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;send=false&amp;height=60" 
					scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100px; height:60px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe>
			</div><div style="float:left; width:90px; padding-left:10px;" class="really_simple_share_google1"> 
				<g:plusone size="tall" href="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/shopathome-coms-back-to-school-extra-cash-back-event/" ></g:plusone>
			</div><div style="float:left; width:110px; padding-left:10px;" class="really_simple_share_twitter"> 
				<a href="http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="vertical" 
					data-text="ShopAtHome.com&#8217;s Back To School Extra Cash Back Event" data-url="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/shopathome-coms-back-to-school-extra-cash-back-event/">Tweet</a> 
			</div></div>
		<div style="clear:both;"></div><p>Getting ready for Back to School, but don&#8217;t want to break the bank? School&#8217;s just around the corner, and ShopAtHome.com wants to help you save money on Back to School supplies, clothing, uniforms and more!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Head over to our <a title="Back to School Sale" href="http://www.shopathome.com/Cash-Back/Back-to-School.aspx" target="_blank">Back to School Extra Cash Back Event</a>!</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-2074  aligncenter" title="back-to-school" src="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/back-to-school.gif" alt="back-to-school" width="358" height="312" /></p>
<p>From August 4th through August 18th, ShopAtHome.com will be featuring over 30 top online stores, save on all your back to school essentials and earn as much as <strong>50% Extra Cash Back </strong>at more than 30 of your favorite stores!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Hurry – the <a title="Back to School Sale" href="http://www.shopathome.com/Cash-Back/Back-to-School.aspx" target="_blank">Back to School Extra Cash Back event</a> ends at midnight, August 18<sup>th</sup>!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/shopathome-coms-back-to-school-extra-cash-back-event/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Announcing ShopAtHome.com&#8217;s Mother&#8217;s Day Extra Cash Back Event!</title>
		<link>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/announcing-shopathome-coms-mothers-day-extra-cash-back-event/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/announcing-shopathome-coms-mothers-day-extra-cash-back-event/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:54:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jaime</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cash back]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[event]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[extra cash back]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mother's day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopathome]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopping]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shopathome.com/blog/?p=1748</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Tweet Whether you&#8217;re buying a gift for the amazing woman who raised you, the gorgeous one you&#8217;ve had children with or just a mom in your life who deserves a little something extra, ShopAtHome.com wants to help you make this Mother&#8217;s Day even better with our Mother&#8217;s Day Extra Cash Back Event! Now&#8217;s the time [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="height:66px; padding-top:2px; padding-bottom:2px; clear:both;" class="really_simple_share"><div style="float:left; width:100px; " class="really_simple_share_facebook_like"> 
				<iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopathome.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%2Fannouncing-shopathome-coms-mothers-day-extra-cash-back-event%2F&amp;layout=box_count&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=100&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;send=false&amp;height=60" 
					scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100px; height:60px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe>
			</div><div style="float:left; width:90px; padding-left:10px;" class="really_simple_share_google1"> 
				<g:plusone size="tall" href="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/announcing-shopathome-coms-mothers-day-extra-cash-back-event/" ></g:plusone>
			</div><div style="float:left; width:110px; padding-left:10px;" class="really_simple_share_twitter"> 
				<a href="http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="vertical" 
					data-text="Announcing ShopAtHome.com&#8217;s Mother&#8217;s Day Extra Cash Back Event!" data-url="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/announcing-shopathome-coms-mothers-day-extra-cash-back-event/">Tweet</a> 
			</div></div>
		<div style="clear:both;"></div><p>Whether you&#8217;re buying a gift for the amazing woman who raised you, the gorgeous one you&#8217;ve had children with or just a mom in your life who deserves a little something extra, ShopAtHome.com wants to help you make this Mother&#8217;s Day even better with our <a title="Mother's Day ECB" href="http://www.shopathome.com/Cash-Back/Mothers-Day-Gifts.aspx" target="_blank">Mother&#8217;s Day Extra Cash Back Event!</a></p>
<p>Now&#8217;s the time to shop and get all the <strong>gorgeous Mother&#8217;s Day Gifts</strong> she deserves&#8230; from flowers to fashion, chocolates to diamonds, we have  a little bit of everything!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Mother's Day ECB" href="http://www.shopathome.com/Cash-Back/Mothers-Day-Gifts.aspx" target="_blank"><img class="size-full wp-image-1759  aligncenter" title="banner-MothersDay-554x246-FB" src="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/banner-MothersDay-554x246-FB.gif" alt="banner-MothersDay-554x246-FB" width="384" height="170" /></a></p>
<p>Get up to 30% Cash Back just by shopping at <a title="Mother's Day ECB" href="http://www.shopathome.com/Cash-Back/Mothers-Day-Gifts.aspx" target="_blank">Mom&#8217;s favorite stores</a> &#8211; like HSN, Harry and David, Avon, ICE.com and many more &#8211; so you&#8217;ll be able to get her the gift she deserves without breaking the bank.</p>
<p>Saving money AND getting a great gift? Mom definitely will be proud!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Mother's Day ECB" href="http://www.shopathome.com/Cash-Back/Mothers-Day-Gifts.aspx" target="_blank"><strong>Head to our Mother&#8217;s Day Extra Cash Back Event right NOW and save!</strong></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/announcing-shopathome-coms-mothers-day-extra-cash-back-event/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Kate from TheShoppingMama: The Best Family Travel Gear</title>
		<link>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/kate-from-theshoppingmama-the-best-family-travel-gear/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/kate-from-theshoppingmama-the-best-family-travel-gear/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:15:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jaime</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[babies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[guest blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[guest post]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopathome]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[the shopping mama]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[travel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shopathome.com/blog/?p=1673</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Tweet With the Spring Break season in full swing and summer vacation a few short months away, it’s travel season. I can speak on this with some authority because I live a few miles from the beach and the tourists have invaded. So, for me, the travel season means traffic jams, crowded grocery stores, and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="height:66px; padding-top:2px; padding-bottom:2px; clear:both;" class="really_simple_share"><div style="float:left; width:100px; " class="really_simple_share_facebook_like"> 
				<iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopathome.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%2Fkate-from-theshoppingmama-the-best-family-travel-gear%2F&amp;layout=box_count&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=100&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;send=false&amp;height=60" 
					scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100px; height:60px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe>
			</div><div style="float:left; width:90px; padding-left:10px;" class="really_simple_share_google1"> 
				<g:plusone size="tall" href="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/kate-from-theshoppingmama-the-best-family-travel-gear/" ></g:plusone>
			</div><div style="float:left; width:110px; padding-left:10px;" class="really_simple_share_twitter"> 
				<a href="http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="vertical" 
					data-text="Kate from TheShoppingMama: The Best Family Travel Gear" data-url="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/kate-from-theshoppingmama-the-best-family-travel-gear/">Tweet</a> 
			</div></div>
		<div style="clear:both;"></div><p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">With the Spring Break season in full swing and summer vacation a few short months away, it’s travel season. I can speak on this with some authority because I live a few miles from the beach and the tourists have invaded. So, for me, the travel season means traffic jams, crowded grocery stores, and figuring clever ways to beat the heat and the crowds. Of course, traveling with kids comes with its own perils. Many of them, in fact, but there are some amazing products on there to help ease the pain a bit.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1675  aligncenter" title="maclaren volo" src="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/maclaren-volo-300x300.jpg" alt="maclaren volo" width="300" height="300" /></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">A great, lightweight stroller is an absolute must have for any family, but it’s never more important than when you’re traveling. My pick for an on the go stroller is the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3980792">Maclaren Volo</a></span>. It’s uber light at only 8.4 pounds, folds compactly and has a carry strap. Which I’ve actually used and it was a total lifesaver. $119 (at <a title="shop Babies R Us" href="http://www.shopathome.com/Coupons/babiesrus.com" target="_blank">Babies R Us</a>) might sound like a lot for a basic lightweight stroller, but if you’ve pushed a cheap knock off you know it’s worth it for the nice smooth ride and maneuverability. The generous storage basket is also great for all those souvenirs you pick up along the way!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-1674  aligncenter" title="EveryWear" src="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/EveryWear.jpg" alt="EveryWear" width="280" height="280" /></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">If your traveling with smaller toddlers or babies, a good <em>comfortable</em> baby carrier is a lifesaver. After all, if you wear your baby you can have your hands free to take all those vacay pics you’ll upload to your computer and never print.  One of my favorites is the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.giggle.com/p/26958/c/557/cl/577/EveryWear-Carrier.aspx?s=2&amp;keyword=577">lillebaby EveryWear Carrier</a></span> because it is so lightweight and can fold up to fit in your diaper bag when not in use. You can wear your child in 3 different positions (depending on their age) and use it with the hip carry up to 43 pounds. (As if you didn’t already feel like a Sherpa lugging everything but the kitchen sink on vacation.)  The EveryWear is available at <a title="shop Giggle.com" href="http://www.shopathome.com/Coupons/giggle.com" target="_blank">giggle.com</a> (5% cash back!) for $100.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1676  aligncenter" title="peapod" src="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/peapod-300x300.jpg" alt="peapod" width="217" height="217" /></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Whether you’re traveling to a beach house, hotel or staying with family, the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=534189&amp;cmSource=Search">PeaPod</a></span> is a genius product that may change your life. It will certainly change your sleep habits for the better, and as any sleep-deprived parent knows that is like finding the golden ticket. The PeaPod travel bed is like a mini little tent just for wee ones that folds up to fit into a tote smaller than a backpack. It comes with a blow up mattress that is actually quite cushy so it‘s the perfect place for tots to sleep when on the go. And at $89.95 at <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="shop One Step Ahead" href="http://www.shopathome.com/Coupons/onestepahead.com" target="_blank">One Step Ahead</a></span>, it’s cheaper than most travel cribs See, I told you it was genius!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">And, if you are traveling to the beach, I’m sorry but nothing says family beach vacay like the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/33381?feat=msr">LL Bean Tote</a></span>. These things have been around forever and there’s a reason. They’re awesome. And surprisingly affordable especially with <a title="shop LLBean" href="http://www.shopathome.com/Coupons/llbean.com" target="_blank">2% Cash Back from ShopAtHome.com</a>. (The Large Tote with Monogramming is $36.95.)</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">No matter where your travels take you, have fun! Yes, traveling with kids can be a challenge, but it’s also extremely rewarding.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Happy Shopping!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theshoppingmama.com" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://theshoppingmama.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/The-Shopping-Mama.jpg" alt="The Shopping Mama" /></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/kate-from-theshoppingmama-the-best-family-travel-gear/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Kate from TheShoppingMama.com: Celebrating St. Patrick&#8217;s Day with Kids</title>
		<link>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/kate-from-theshoppingmama-com-celebrating-st-patricks-day-with-kids/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/kate-from-theshoppingmama-com-celebrating-st-patricks-day-with-kids/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:00:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jaime</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[guest blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[guest post]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holiday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[st. patrick's day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[theshoppingmama]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shopathome.com/blog/?p=1465</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Tweet Irish or not, who can resist the fun that is St. Patrick’s Day? Between festive wear, shamrock crafts and kid-friendly reads there’s plenty of ways to spread green cheer with your little leprechaun. Green Gear No St. Patrick’s Day is complete without some green in your wardrobe &#8211; and this especially applies to kids. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="height:66px; padding-top:2px; padding-bottom:2px; clear:both;" class="really_simple_share"><div style="float:left; width:100px; " class="really_simple_share_facebook_like"> 
				<iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopathome.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%2Fkate-from-theshoppingmama-com-celebrating-st-patricks-day-with-kids%2F&amp;layout=box_count&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=100&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;send=false&amp;height=60" 
					scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100px; height:60px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe>
			</div><div style="float:left; width:90px; padding-left:10px;" class="really_simple_share_google1"> 
				<g:plusone size="tall" href="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/kate-from-theshoppingmama-com-celebrating-st-patricks-day-with-kids/" ></g:plusone>
			</div><div style="float:left; width:110px; padding-left:10px;" class="really_simple_share_twitter"> 
				<a href="http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="vertical" 
					data-text="Kate from TheShoppingMama.com: Celebrating St. Patrick&#8217;s Day with Kids" data-url="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/kate-from-theshoppingmama-com-celebrating-st-patricks-day-with-kids/">Tweet</a> 
			</div></div>
		<div style="clear:both;"></div><p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Irish or not, who can resist the fun that is St. Patrick’s Day? Between festive wear, shamrock crafts and kid-friendly reads there’s plenty of ways to spread green cheer with your little leprechaun.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Green Gear</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;"><img class="size-full wp-image-1476    aligncenter" title="daddys pot of gold shirt" src="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/daddys-pot-of-gold-shirt.jpg" alt="daddys pot of gold shirt" width="202" height="270" /></span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">No St. Patrick’s Day is complete without some green in your wardrobe &#8211; and this especially applies to kids. First stop for affordable holiday tees: Old Navy.  I love the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=54334&amp;vid=1&amp;pid=730298&amp;scid=730298012">Daddy’s Pot Of Gold</a></span> shirt for the wee lasses (it shimmers… everyone say “ooooh”) and the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=54335&amp;vid=1&amp;pid=733573&amp;scid=733573002">Mom’s Good Luck Charm</a></span> is perfect for every little one. At $7.50 a pop (plus 5% cash back from ShopAtHome) you can feel okay making this purchase even if your little one only wears it once or twice. If you insist on being more practical, a classic green polo or striped tee is perfect for the holiday.</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Get Crafty</span></strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Anyone who knows me will agree that I am a bit challenged in the craftiness department. I just don’t have that gene. But, with a little inspiration even I can engage the kids in a little arts and crafts project.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Here’s an easy one that you can do with little to no skill and very few supplies: cut a piece of green construction paper into the shape of a shamrock. (If you’re as lame as I am, you can even print out a shamrock shape to use as a guide.) Have your toddler find green items from magazines and catalogs &#8211; he’ll love ripping the magazine up and you’ll love that this doesn’t require having actual craft supplies on hand &#8211; and then glue them onto the shamrock. I freely admit, this will not wow the neighbor when it’s hanging on your fridge, but it will cost next to nothing and is fun. And, of course, if you have actual crafty things, have your toddler decorate his shamrock with green glitter, felt, tissue paper or pipe cleaners. You can even raid your kitchen for green goodies like Fruit Loops.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;"><img class="size-full wp-image-1477  aligncenter" title="shamrock cookie cutter" src="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/shamrock-cookie-cutter.jpg" alt="shamrock cookie cutter" width="173" height="173" /><br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Speaking of the kitchen, I prefer to eat my way through holidays so another great way to get your kids involved in St. Patrick’s Day is baking and decorating cookies. Grab an affordable shamrock cookie cutter, green food coloring, icing and sprinkles and you have an afternoon of messy fun with your kids. And, of course, all the fun that comes with eating your creations.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">There are lots of amazing resources for crafts with kids online so my <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">lame</span> festive ideas are just a jumping off point.</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Books o’ Fun</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;"><img class="size-full wp-image-1478  aligncenter" title="the luckiest st patricks day ever book" src="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/the-luckiest-st-patricks-day-ever-book.JPG" alt="the luckiest st patricks day ever book" width="185" height="232" /></span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">If your child is old enough to wonder why you’re suddenly celebrating all things green, there are a couple fun children’s books to consider adding to your library. And, as you know, the great thing about books is they’re relevant and fun to read year-round and regardless of the proximity to a holiday. <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Luckiest-St-Patricks-Day-Ever/Teddy-Slater/e/9780545039437/?pwb=1&amp;">The Luckiest St. Patrick’s Day Ever</a></span></em> tells the tale of the Leprechaun family celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a parade. The rhyming story and bright illustrations will delight preschoolers and young grade schoolers, in particular. Interactive, lift the flap books are always a hit, and <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Hooray-for-St-Patricks-Day/Joan-Holub/e/9780142300619/?pwb=1&amp;">Hooray For St. Patrick’s Day</a></span> is no exception as your child searches for the hidden leprechauns.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">I hope these ideas put a little spring in your step and get you in the St. Patty’s Day mood!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theshoppingmama.com" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p461/KeMLpics/TSM/TheShoppingMama.png" alt="The Shopping Mama" /></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/kate-from-theshoppingmama-com-celebrating-st-patricks-day-with-kids/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Make Trips More Affordable with Hertz Coupons</title>
		<link>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/make-trips-more-affordable-with-hertz-coupons/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/make-trips-more-affordable-with-hertz-coupons/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:15:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jaime</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[car rental]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[coupons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[discounts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hertz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopathome]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[travel]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shopathome.com/blog/?p=1287</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Tweet Transportation on vacation can sometimes be a hassle and an added stress to your plans that is unneeded. No longer will you have to worry about this problem.  Renting a car is now easier than ever and the options available are endless. Whether you want to live up the fast life with a sports [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="height:66px; padding-top:2px; padding-bottom:2px; clear:both;" class="really_simple_share"><div style="float:left; width:100px; " class="really_simple_share_facebook_like"> 
				<iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopathome.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%2Fmake-trips-more-affordable-with-hertz-coupons%2F&amp;layout=box_count&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=100&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;send=false&amp;height=60" 
					scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100px; height:60px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe>
			</div><div style="float:left; width:90px; padding-left:10px;" class="really_simple_share_google1"> 
				<g:plusone size="tall" href="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/make-trips-more-affordable-with-hertz-coupons/" ></g:plusone>
			</div><div style="float:left; width:110px; padding-left:10px;" class="really_simple_share_twitter"> 
				<a href="http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="vertical" 
					data-text="Make Trips More Affordable with Hertz Coupons" data-url="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/make-trips-more-affordable-with-hertz-coupons/">Tweet</a> 
			</div></div>
		<div style="clear:both;"></div><p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Transportation on vacation can sometimes be a hassle and an added stress to your plans that is unneeded. No longer will you have to worry about this problem.  Renting a car is now easier than ever and the options available are endless. Whether you want to live up the fast life with a sports car, plan on carrying around the family in a mini van, or are looking for more of an adventure with an Escape, there is the perfect car for you.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1288" title="hertz" src="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/hertz-300x239.jpg" alt="hertz" width="300" height="239" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Hertz offers a variety of cars that will fit into any lifestyle. The packages available will help you save money on your next car rental. Whether you are going to the beach to tan, to the mountains to ski, or to Europe for an Italian getaway, you can find the package that fits your needs. If you are traveling with your family, look into the Hertz Family Pack which will give you benefits such as a GPS system and a free child seat in your vehicle.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">The savings available are endless and using <a href="http://discounts.shopathome.com/Coupons-Hertz.discounts/25856/">Hertz Coupons</a> will help you save even more money on your next vacation.  These coupons are simple and easy to use. Simply go to ShopAtHome.com and type Hertz into the search bar to find the coupons you were looking for. Browse through the different coupons and find the one that will help you save the most money. After you have found the coupons you would like to use, click on the large green Shop Now button to be directed to the Hertz website.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Look around the Hertz website to find the different packages and cars available to you. If you are unsure of what car is best for you, look through their vehicle guide to get a better understanding of what they have to offer. Search through their collection of Green vehicles, Car/Convertibles, or SUV/Minivans to find the one that will fit you or your families needs. Once you have found the car that is right for you, simply continue onto check out to take advantage of the great <a href="http://discounts.shopathome.com/Coupons-Hertz.discounts/25856/">Hertz Coupons</a> you found earlier.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Saving money can be easy when using <a href="http://discounts.shopathome.com/Coupons-Hertz.discounts/25856/">Hertz Coupons</a>.  Searching through the Hertz website will also lead you to many packages and deals available to many places throughout the world. Don’t let the stress of finding transportation get you down, just head on over to Hertz to find the vehicle that is right for you!</span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/make-trips-more-affordable-with-hertz-coupons/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Build-A-Bear Coupons Make the Perfect Playdate!</title>
		<link>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/build-a-bear-coupons-make-the-perfect-playdate/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/build-a-bear-coupons-make-the-perfect-playdate/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 23:58:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jaime</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[build-a-bear]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopathome]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[toys]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shopathome.com/blog/?p=1198</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Tweet Finding something to do with your child that is fun to do in any type of weather is often hard to accomplish.  Children enjoy activities that are “hands on” and lets them be creative and have fun! Finding an activity that has all of those things combined can be difficult. The Build-A-Bear Workshop has [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="height:66px; padding-top:2px; padding-bottom:2px; clear:both;" class="really_simple_share"><div style="float:left; width:100px; " class="really_simple_share_facebook_like"> 
				<iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopathome.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%2Fbuild-a-bear-coupons-make-the-perfect-playdate%2F&amp;layout=box_count&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=100&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;send=false&amp;height=60" 
					scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100px; height:60px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe>
			</div><div style="float:left; width:90px; padding-left:10px;" class="really_simple_share_google1"> 
				<g:plusone size="tall" href="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/build-a-bear-coupons-make-the-perfect-playdate/" ></g:plusone>
			</div><div style="float:left; width:110px; padding-left:10px;" class="really_simple_share_twitter"> 
				<a href="http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="vertical" 
					data-text="Build-A-Bear Coupons Make the Perfect Playdate!" data-url="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/build-a-bear-coupons-make-the-perfect-playdate/">Tweet</a> 
			</div></div>
		<div style="clear:both;"></div><p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Finding something to do with your child that is fun to do in any type of weather is often hard to accomplish.  Children enjoy activities that are “hands on” and lets them be creative and have fun! Finding an activity that has all of those things combined can be difficult. The Build-A-Bear Workshop has all these qualities and is a child’s dream!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">The Build-A-Bear Workshop allows children to create the toy they want.  They no longer have to pick a toy that was made by someone else. At the Build-A-Bear Workshop, children can pick out the animal, the clothing, and create identification for the animal they created.  This Workshop allows children to personally create their favorite toy. Almost every person can remember their favorite toy growing up; let your children be able to personally create theirs.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-1199  aligncenter" title="build_bears2" src="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/build_bears2.jpg" alt="build_bears2" width="170" height="170" /></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Whether you are going to the Build-A-Bear Workshop for a play date, for a gift, or even for a birthday party, your children are sure to have fun! Creating anything that is unique and personal tends to be expensive. Being able to save money and still be able to give your children a special gift is possible when using <a href="http://discounts.shopathome.com/Coupons-Build_A_Bear_Workshop.discounts/25334/">Build-A-Bear Workshop Coupons</a>. Saving money will allow you to make multiple visits to the Workshop or be able to purchase multiple outfits for your child’s furry friends.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">The coupons that you are looking for are easier to find than you thought!  ShopAtHome.com has a variety of <a href="http://discounts.shopathome.com/Coupons-Build_A_Bear_Workshop.discounts/25334/">Build-A-Bear Workshop Coupons</a> to choose from. The coupons are easy to find when you go to the ShopAtHome.com website and search for Build-A-Bear Workshop.  Once you have landed on the Build-A-Bear Workshop page, search through the coupons to find the ones you were looking for. After you have found the coupons you want, click on the large green Shop Now button to be directed to the Build-A-Bear Workshop website.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Look through the website and play around! There are many items to look at and games to play! The different opportunities available to your children at this store are nearly endless. Don’t miss out on an opportunity like this because it is too expensive, take advantage of the <a href="http://discounts.shopathome.com/Coupons-Build_A_Bear_Workshop.discounts/25334/">Build-A-Bear Workshop Coupons</a> presented to you!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Give your child the chance to create a toy that is unique and personal to them! The Build-A-Bear Workshop provides the fun and experience your children want! So go have fun and create something truly special to them!</span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/build-a-bear-coupons-make-the-perfect-playdate/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Family Friendly Shopping with Piperlime Coupons</title>
		<link>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/family-friendly-shopping-with-piperlime-coupons/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/family-friendly-shopping-with-piperlime-coupons/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:08:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jaime</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clothing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[coupons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[discounts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[piperlime]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopathome]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopping]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shopathome.com/blog/?p=1142</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Tweet Who doesn’t love shopping at stores that are family friendly? There is no need to go from store to store while shopping for each family member’s needs…. it becomes so stressful and a waste of your day! Sometimes it is difficult to caravan the entire family to one store in the first place, not [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="height:66px; padding-top:2px; padding-bottom:2px; clear:both;" class="really_simple_share"><div style="float:left; width:100px; " class="really_simple_share_facebook_like"> 
				<iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopathome.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%2Ffamily-friendly-shopping-with-piperlime-coupons%2F&amp;layout=box_count&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=100&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;send=false&amp;height=60" 
					scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100px; height:60px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe>
			</div><div style="float:left; width:90px; padding-left:10px;" class="really_simple_share_google1"> 
				<g:plusone size="tall" href="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/family-friendly-shopping-with-piperlime-coupons/" ></g:plusone>
			</div><div style="float:left; width:110px; padding-left:10px;" class="really_simple_share_twitter"> 
				<a href="http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="vertical" 
					data-text="Family Friendly Shopping with Piperlime Coupons" data-url="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/family-friendly-shopping-with-piperlime-coupons/">Tweet</a> 
			</div></div>
		<div style="clear:both;"></div><p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;"> Who doesn’t love shopping at stores that are family friendly? There is no need to go from store to store while shopping for each family member’s needs…. it becomes so stressful and a waste of your day!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;"> Sometimes it is difficult to caravan the entire family to one store in the first place, not to mention the chaos that families routinely go through (kids getting tired, not being able to find everyone’s sizes, bathroom breaks every 10 minutes) while attempting to shop in ONE STORE. Usually days like those result in a failed trip to the mall. But, that&#8217;s where Piperlime comes in!</span></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1143" title="Pl_logo_small" src="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Pl_logo_small-300x77.jpg" alt="Pl_logo_small" width="300" height="77" /></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;"> Use <a href="http://discounts.shopathome.com/Coupons-Piperlime.discounts/7008/">Piperlime Coupons</a> to save on the brands your whole family loves; Calvin Klein, DKNY, Nine West and more. The best part about shopping at Piperlime.com is that it allows everyone to shop together, and no one ever has to leave the house. With Piperlime, you can find adorable Converse Chuck Taylors for a six year old boy, Kenneth Cole New York shoes for the man in your life and even a pair of 7 For All Mankind jeans and brand new Marc by Marc Jacobs bag for weekends! Get everything you need at a price you can&#8217;t resist with the help of  <a href="http://discounts.shopathome.com/Coupons-Piperlime.discounts/7008/">Piperlime Coupons</a> and ShopAtHome.com</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;"> Make your family&#8217;s shopping experience a successful one by going to Piperlime. Don’t forget to search for those great <a href="http://discounts.shopathome.com/Coupons-Piperlime.discounts/7008/">Piperlime Coupons</a> at ShopAtHome.com, to receive great discounts on the brands you love. So the next time you decide to do your family shopping, all you have to do is caravan the family to the computer, and not to the actual store!</span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/family-friendly-shopping-with-piperlime-coupons/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Keep Your Pet Healthy with 1800PetMeds Coupons</title>
		<link>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/keep-your-pet-healthy-with-1800petmeds-coupons/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/keep-your-pet-healthy-with-1800petmeds-coupons/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 27 Dec 2009 19:00:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jaime</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[1800petmeds]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[coupon codes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[coupons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopathome]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopping]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shopathome.com/blog/?p=962</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Tweet Have a furry one in your family? Is their health just as important to you as your own? Giving them the best treatment is very important and now easy to do.  Whether your pet suffers from joint pain, fleas and ticks or heartworm, you can find all their medicine in one place. Getting medication [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="height:66px; padding-top:2px; padding-bottom:2px; clear:both;" class="really_simple_share"><div style="float:left; width:100px; " class="really_simple_share_facebook_like"> 
				<iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopathome.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%2Fkeep-your-pet-healthy-with-1800petmeds-coupons%2F&amp;layout=box_count&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=100&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;send=false&amp;height=60" 
					scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100px; height:60px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe>
			</div><div style="float:left; width:90px; padding-left:10px;" class="really_simple_share_google1"> 
				<g:plusone size="tall" href="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/keep-your-pet-healthy-with-1800petmeds-coupons/" ></g:plusone>
			</div><div style="float:left; width:110px; padding-left:10px;" class="really_simple_share_twitter"> 
				<a href="http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="vertical" 
					data-text="Keep Your Pet Healthy with 1800PetMeds Coupons" data-url="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/keep-your-pet-healthy-with-1800petmeds-coupons/">Tweet</a> 
			</div></div>
		<div style="clear:both;"></div><p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Have a furry one in your family? Is their health just as important to you as your own? Giving them the best treatment is very important and now easy to do.  Whether your pet suffers from joint pain, fleas and ticks or heartworm, you can find all their medicine in one place.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Getting medication through a Vet can be costly and time consuming.  Using 1800PetMeds can save you the hassle of putting your pet through yet another dreaded Vet visit.  You will no longer have to drag and pull your pet through the doors of the Vet office to get another prescription. They can now continue to sleep and play peacefully in your home while you order their medicine online! <a href="http://discounts.shopathome.com/Coupons-1800PetMeds.discounts/1134/">1800PetMeds Coupons</a> will help to lower costs of the high-quality medicines that your beloved pet deserves. These coupons are easy to find when shopping through ShopAtHome.com.  Going to ShopAtHome.com and searching for 1800PetMeds will lead you to the coupons you&#8217;ve been waiting for.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://www.couponconnector.com/images/email_images/1800-petmeds/1248436941/2.jpg" alt="" width="221" height="248" /></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Once you have found the coupons you were searching for, press the green Shop Now button to start finding all the products you wanted!  Finding the best product for your pet is important and with <a href="http://discounts.shopathome.com/Coupons-1800PetMeds.discounts/1134/">1800PetMeds Coupon Codes</a>, they are now affordable! If you spend over $39 you can also enjoy the perks of free shipping.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">The Cash Back earned while shopping for your pet’s medications is like making money while you shop! Many of the <a href="http://discounts.shopathome.com/Coupons-1800PetMeds.discounts/1134/">1800PetMeds Coupons</a> may have promo codes. Do not forget to enter these in at the checkout once you have found all the products you were looking for.  Help yourself and your pet out by shopping through ShopAtHome.com and 1800PetMeds.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">When thinking of taking your pet to the Vet to get medication, think again. When thinking of the high prices for medication, think again. The medications your pet needs is now within the click of a mouse! Don&#8217;t waste any time; start shopping for all your pet medication needs today. The best part? You and your pet don’t even have to leave the house.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Happy Shopping!</span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/keep-your-pet-healthy-with-1800petmeds-coupons/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Kate from The Shopping Mama: Top Five Things to Consider When Holiday Shopping for Kids</title>
		<link>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/kate-from-the-shopping-mama-holiday-shopping-for-kids-5-things-to-consider/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/kate-from-the-shopping-mama-holiday-shopping-for-kids-5-things-to-consider/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:00:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jaime</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[guest blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[theshoppingmama]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.shopathome.com/blog/?p=491</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Tweet Before we get to the good stuff (i.e. shopping), I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself.  I’m Kate, a stay at home mom to two young kids and the proud wife of an Air Force pilot. When I’m not pretending to be a dinosaur with my son or helping my daughter learn [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="height:66px; padding-top:2px; padding-bottom:2px; clear:both;" class="really_simple_share"><div style="float:left; width:100px; " class="really_simple_share_facebook_like"> 
				<iframe src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopathome.com%2Fblog%2Findex.php%2Fkate-from-the-shopping-mama-holiday-shopping-for-kids-5-things-to-consider%2F&amp;layout=box_count&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=100&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;send=false&amp;height=60" 
					scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:100px; height:60px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe>
			</div><div style="float:left; width:90px; padding-left:10px;" class="really_simple_share_google1"> 
				<g:plusone size="tall" href="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/kate-from-the-shopping-mama-holiday-shopping-for-kids-5-things-to-consider/" ></g:plusone>
			</div><div style="float:left; width:110px; padding-left:10px;" class="really_simple_share_twitter"> 
				<a href="http://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="vertical" 
					data-text="Kate from The Shopping Mama: Top Five Things to Consider When Holiday Shopping for Kids" data-url="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/kate-from-the-shopping-mama-holiday-shopping-for-kids-5-things-to-consider/">Tweet</a> 
			</div></div>
		<div style="clear:both;"></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Before we get to the good stuff (i.e. shopping), I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself.  I’m Kate, a stay at home mom to two young kids and the proud wife of an Air Force pilot. When I’m not pretending to be a dinosaur with my son or helping my daughter learn to walk, I’m blogging about products, toys and services that make parents’ lives easier at <a href="http://www.theshoppingmama.com">The Shopping Mama.</a> I’m always posting new product reviews and offering amazing giveaways so stop by and visit.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">The holidays are rapidly approaching and you probably have a kiddo or two on your shopping list.  (And, because both my little ones have the misfortune of being born near the holidays, I have some major gift shopping and preparing to do.) Here are some suggestions to help you think outside the toy box when shopping for little ones this year.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;"><strong>1. Less is More</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;"><strong><img class="size-medium wp-image-495    aligncenter" title="Melissa and Doug  Letter Puzzle" src="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Melissa-and-Doug-Letter-Puzzle-300x300.jpg" alt="Melissa and Doug  Letter Puzzle" width="300" height="300" /></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">A toy doesn’t have to make noise, having flashing lights or dance to be a hit. I’m sure all parents can relate to the desire for games and toys that spark quiet play, but kids enjoy them, too.  Puzzles are a great option &#8211; they engage kids, are creative and there’s an enormous variety out there. I love Melissa and Doug puzzles and wooden play toys because they’re well made, colorful and help foster a little one’s imagination. You can find a great selection of <a href="http://www.target.com/Melissa-Doug-Toy-Toys/b/ref=sc_fe_l_2/182-9985102-5656841?ie=UTF8&amp;node=13024631">Melissa and Doug on Target.com</a>.</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;"><strong>2. Remember the Batteries</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">If you do get a toy that requires batteries &#8211; BUY the BATTERIES.  Seriously, if you want to see a kid cry, ask him to spend 20 minutes watching you struggle to cut, unscrew and pry a shiny new toy from a box and then tell him you don’t have the batteries to make it work.  Trust me, that’s not fun.   I’ve found that many toy boxes are not explicit about requiring batteries so read carefully to be sure to get them if they are necessary.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;"><strong>3. Get Creative</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img class="size-full wp-image-493  aligncenter" title="ArtJarLandofNod" src="http://www.shopathome.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ArtJarLandofNod.jpg" alt="ArtJarLandofNod" width="214" height="214" /><br />
</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">Put together a fun and personalized box of art supplies by decorating a clear kitchen storage container (unused!) or an old shoe box and fill it with markers, stickers, crayons and colored pencils.  If you’re not up for the challenge, <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/arts-and-crafts/toys-gifts/1">Land Of Nod</a> has an amazing selection of arts supplies and crafting projects . My favorites are <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/family.aspx?c=3144&amp;f=2936">I’m Not Bored Any More Art Jar</a>, <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/family.aspx?c=3144&amp;f=4896">In Stitches Embroidery Kit</a> and <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/family.aspx?c=3144&amp;f=6526">Make Your Own Flip Book Kit</a>.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;"><strong>4. Dress Up</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">I know, I know, you’re probably thinking, “Clothes? What kid wants clothes?” But, put a kid’s name on a shirt and it’s suddenly more than boring clothes. The same applies to something featuring a favorite TV character or, for older kids, a band or tween heartthrob.  I can tell you my son will love you forever if you get him a shirt with Nemo or his first initial on it. And I could go on and on about dress up clothes! A princess crown or superhero cape are relatively inexpensive and guarantee tons of fun.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">The most important thing to remember when buying clothes for any child is to check with the parents ahead of time to make sure you buy the right size.  You should also consider the season. We live in Florida, so a 6 month size sweater (no matter how beautiful) didn’t do us any good this past summer when my daughter was wearing that size</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;"><strong>5.  Age Appropriate</strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">When buying toys or games, pay attention to the suggested age.  We all think our own children are geniuses &#8211; and they are, of course &#8211; but a toy or game designed for an older age, skill level or milestone will do nothing but frustrate and bore a child. The folks designing and creating toys know what they’re doing so trust the guidelines and shop age and skill-level appropriate.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: small;">I realize my suggestions and tips are pretty toddler and baby-centric, but hey that’s my life.  <em>What are some things to remember when shopping for older kids?</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theshoppingmama.com" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter" src="http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p461/KeMLpics/TSM/TheShoppingMama.png" alt="The Shopping Mama" /></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.shopathome.com/blog/index.php/kate-from-the-shopping-mama-holiday-shopping-for-kids-5-things-to-consider/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

