Best Book Gifts from Scholastic Top 100 Children's Literature Picks

Children's literature mogul Scholastic came out with a "bucket list" of must-read kids' books in its most recent issue of Parent & Child Magazine, says the Sun Times. Here's a look at the recommendations listed in their "100 Greatest Books for Kids."

* According to Scholastic Parent, they created the list to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the National Education Association's "Read Across America Day" on March 2. That day also commemorates the birthday of beloved children's author and illustrator Dr. Seuss (a.k.a. Theodore "Ted" Giesel). Read more

Best Black Friday Toy Picks from Parent Gurus

Written for Christmas, 2011, these were the top toy picks for last year. The good news is that for 2012, you'll be able to pick up good deals on these. Some are educational and some are just plain fun. With Black Friday this week, parenting gurus are exploring toys and creating shopping recommendations. It has asked kids to test and evaluate various toys. Parents look not just for low prices but also lots of educational bang for their toy-buying buck. Here are the top picks.

*My Keepon: A voice-activated, motion-sensitive interactive doll that looks like a baby chicken, it's also squishy-soft. This toy is popular with sixth graders of both genders. Read more

Cyber Monday: Make Online Shopping Work for You

Cyber Monday: the biggest online shopping event of the holiday season. After the post-Thanksgiving Black Friday shopping spree, we can enjoy the safer and more peaceful online shopping of Cyber Monday. But even online shopping can be challenging. Every store and merchandiser is vying for your shopping dollar. They ply you with coupons, free shipping and "great deals." How do you navigate the ocean of internet commerce? Here's your shopper's guide to Cyber Monday deals. Read more

Skips the Cellphone Apps, Games for Kids this Season

Popular items for the holiday shopping season are cellphone games and applications for children. Education and health experts say parents should skip all apps. Developmentally, they say, kids need unstructured, creative play, not games like those played on a tiny, digital screen. Here are facts about kids and cellphone apps. Cellphone apps are being used as the new "plug-in babysitter," too. All this digital interaction may hurting kids, not helping them. Read more

Teen Boys Gift-Giving Guide

Top 10 (plus a Few) Gift Ideas for Teenage Boys When I choose tags from a 'giving Tree', it's generally the teen boys who are left for last. And it's not because no one cares; it's just that they can be pretty intimidating to shop for! Here's a no-fail gift guide for teen boys that sure to please! read more