• Home
  • About
  • As Seen On
  • PR | AD
  • Working Together
  • Event Calendar
    • MamaChallenge.com Calendar
    • Submit Your Event
  • Contact

mamachallenge | Real Solutions for Real Parents | Dallas Blog

Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

  • Featured on TV
  • For Moms
  • Food
  • Parenting
  • DFW
  • Travel
  • Tech
  • Health
  • Style
  • Giveaways

Hot Gifts for Big Kids

Yum

December 11, 2015 By Autumn Rose Reo 18 Comments

affiliate-links

Babies may be hard to buy holiday gifts for since they can’t tell you what they want, but it’s almost as hard to buy for the big kids because there are so many things to choose from! Here’s your lowdown on Eyeopener TV THE hot gifts for big kids this holiday season. 


Mattel // Barbie® Dreamhouse® 
Ages 3+
She’s reigned supreme for your decades so it’s no surprise that Barbie is still at the top of the must-have holiday gifts. And at three stories and seven rooms of endless fun, the Barbie Dreamhouse is still one of the most requested items from Santa. With all the luxe features including a working elevator, built in garage, a pool,and interactive accessories with realistic motion and sound, you’ll find this toy on our list, too.

Dynacraft // Barbie® Bike
Ages 4 to 8
Barbie is still a win with her house and this bicycle! Dynacraft’s Barbie® Bike, the last word in fashion-forward biking, brings a 16-inch pink and white BMX and LED light-up frame with sparkle and shine style to fans who believe no outfit is complete without a matching bike. The Barbie bike also has shimmering streamers, a removable handlebar bag and custom Barbie tread tires. An alloy quick release seat post and adjustable training wheels allow the bike to be easily customized to suit riders for comfort and safety.

Mattel // Monster High™ Boo York, Boo York Floatation Station Astranova
Ages 6+
The Monster High™ ghouls are heading to Boo York City in their first musical, where they meet their new ‘beast’ friend Astranova, who is out of this world! The newest ghoul comes complete with her own playset that offers “suspenseful” play and display. The Floatation Station features an interactive light show that flashes to the beat of girls’ own music, extending the fun into room décor.

Mattel // Hot Wheels® Ultimate Auto Garage
Ages 4+
Packed with mega action and big adventures with more than 35 spots to park your collection! Once you’ve loaded your cars take them on a variety of adventures, including a side-by-side race. The Ultimate Auto Garage, includes five Hot Wheels® vehicles and a helicopter to get the action started.


Garage

Matchbox // Treasure Truck
Ages 3+
A new rugged, large-scale truck equipped with a real working metal detector, the Treasure Truck raises the bar on exploration by taking the hunt below ground. Activate the truck by pushing the antenna down, which will emit a detection signal and once the truck is roving along a surface, the hunt is on! As the Treasure Truck detects metal, the detection signal will change, and the treasure is ready to be dug up! Grab the scoop and dig deep until the metal is found, using the sifter scoop to separate soil or sand so that only the treasure remains. When the hunt is over, simply raise the antenna to turn off until the next mission begins.

Nintendo // Yo-Kai Watch Bundle
Ages 3+
Nintendo has something for everyone, whether you’re a casual player or the most avid kind of gamer. Asa always Nintendo offers the best value for holiday shoppers with great bundles for both the Wii U home console and Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 2DS portable systems. One of the biggest games for the holidays is YO-KAI WATCH for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. The game is a huge cultural phenomenon in Japan and just launched in the United States.

Nintendo

Candy Craft // Chocolate Pen
Ages 4+
Draw one-of-a-kind delicious shapes made with real confectioners’ chocolate. Write messages that melt in your mouth. Fill special candy molds with an incredible level of detail and design. The Candy Craft Chocolate Pen Kit includes everything needed to make several artistic treats, including a half pound of premium confectioners’ chocolate in multiple colors, 50 candy molds, multiple pen tips, and gift bags specially made to share your custom candy creations.

HEXBUG® // HEXBUG® Scarab
Ages 3+
The HEXBUG® Scarab is an exceptionally high-speed, mechanical, beetle-like robotic bug that skitters around on six angled legs. The high energy micro robotic creature propels itself forwards and backwards, and is capable of popping from its back to its feet if placed upside down. The Scarab’s lifelike behavior is eerily mesmerizing to watch and interact with. Packed with advanced design and engineering, each Scarab has an inner body loaded with robotic intelligence, protected by a hard, transparent exoskeleton casing.

Crayola // Color Alive
Ages 4-10
A great stocking stuffer and available in several favorite characters, Crayola Color Alive changes coloring forever by blending traditional coloring with a virtual experience. With a special app and crayon, kids can take coloring to the next level and bring their creations to life. Each Color Alive book comes with 16 action coloring pages that can be brought to life with the Color alive app for iOS, Android, and Windows devices. Also included with each book are six crayons and a special color effects crayon.

Brick Builders Club // BrickSwag
Ages 5+
BrickSwag is the #1 membership for LEGO fans. Each month includes official LEGO kits to build and keep, exclusive t-shirt, Build magazine, Funky Fig trading cards, and more surprises. Readers receive 20% off their BrickSwag subscription with this exclusive promo code: FAM20. OFFER EXPIRES: 11/20/2015. 

Brickswag

 

 

For more ideas for holiday gifts, don’t miss: 

Holiday-2015

 

TopGiftsToddlers

 

More from mamachallenge.com

  • Holiday Gifts to Give: Hot Toys 2018Holiday Gifts to Give: Hot Toys 2018
  • Gift Guide: Hot Holiday Toys 2020Gift Guide: Hot Holiday Toys 2020
  • Make Your List: Holiday Hot List 2015Make Your List: Holiday Hot List 2015
  • Santa’s Toy Factory at the Parks at ArlingtonSanta’s Toy Factory at the Parks at Arlington
  • MamaChallenge Holiday Hot Toys 2016MamaChallenge Holiday Hot Toys 2016
  • The Best Places to Find + Post Garage SalesThe Best Places to Find + Post Garage Sales

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Parenting is hard. Who couldn't use a little help? You've come to the right place. Sign up for our e-newsletter and don't miss anything. Join mamachallenge on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram where we get through it together!
Autumn Rose Reo

About Autumn Rose Reo

Texas blogger, TV contributor, PR pro, and mother of two (including a son with a Congenital Heart Defect) , Autumn Rose Reo is always on the search for REAL SOLUTIONS for REAL PARENTS that REALLY WORK. From parenthood, things to do, reviews, style, recipes and more, she’s always cookin’ up something fun, resourceful and good to know! She’s frequently featured on TV sharing her solutions and in her spare time, she’s helping others promote their business with her own PR shop, The Reo Agency See what she’s burning, party she is planning, or what challenge she is taking on today.

Comments

  1. AvatarRobin Masshole mommy says

    December 11, 2015 at 3:04 pm

    These are great ideas. As my kids get older I am finding that they are harder and harder to buy for.

    Reply
  2. AvatarStacie @ Divine Lifestyle says

    December 11, 2015 at 3:24 pm

    I can’t even believe how far toys have come. It’s amazing to me to look at what the kids have these days and then look back at what I had. I certainly never had a doll as sassy as Monster High!

    Reply
  3. AvatarStacie says

    December 11, 2015 at 3:29 pm

    Barbie, Hotwheels and Matchbox have been favourites for ages. These are all great ideas.

    Reply
  4. AvatarJeanette says

    December 11, 2015 at 4:49 pm

    My son would LOVE the Hot Wheels Ultimate Auto Garage! He has SO many cars I think he could open his own Hot Wheels store!

    Reply
  5. AvatarMeagan says

    December 11, 2015 at 4:56 pm

    That race track looks like so much fun! I could see my son playing with it for hours.

    Reply
  6. AvatarJennifer Sikora says

    December 11, 2015 at 6:00 pm

    That chocolate pen loos so cool My daughter would love to check that out.

    Reply
  7. AvatarJeanine says

    December 11, 2015 at 6:32 pm

    My girls wanted the Barbie Dreamhouse but sadly the stores I was watching it at the price kept going up so quickly, I have to get another. But I hope to get it for them soon!

    Reply
  8. AvatarKathy says

    December 11, 2015 at 7:38 pm

    These are great gift options. I wanted to get my girls the Barbie Dreamhouse, but couldn’t this year. Hopefully we’ll be able to get that for them next year. I know they’d love it.

    Reply
  9. AvatarKelly Hutchinson says

    December 11, 2015 at 8:19 pm

    My son has been obsessed with Matchbox cars. He would love the Treasure Truck

    Reply
  10. AvatarLiz Mays says

    December 11, 2015 at 8:50 pm

    I think my son would have loved the new Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage. Those Hex Bugs are always a lot of fun too.

    Reply
  11. AvatarAnn Bacciaglia says

    December 11, 2015 at 8:50 pm

    This is a great list of cool gifts. My Son would love one of those HexBugs.

    Reply
  12. AvatarVera Sweeney says

    December 11, 2015 at 9:17 pm

    What a great list of gifts!! It seems as the kids get older it’s getting harder to figure out what it is that they want for Christmas.

    Reply
  13. AvatarShauna says

    December 11, 2015 at 9:30 pm

    We actually have a bike on my Baby Miss’ wish list, so I may have to check that one out. We love Monster High. Thanks for the great list

    Reply
  14. Avatardawn says

    December 12, 2015 at 8:15 am

    what cool gift ideas…i wish they had some of these when I was growing up. LOL.

    Reply
  15. AvatarOurFamilyWorld says

    December 12, 2015 at 10:22 am

    What cool toys! My nephew will flip out when he sees the Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage set.

    Reply
  16. AvatarJesica H says

    December 12, 2015 at 10:27 am

    I didnt know there was a brick builders club!!! I am so looking into this! I mean I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised, but how cool!

    Reply
  17. AvatarNancy @ Whispered Inspirations says

    December 12, 2015 at 11:00 am

    These definitely are the hottest gifts of the season! You are so pretty, just thought I’d say!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Meet this Mama: Autumn Rose Reo

Autumn Rose ReoGet REAL Solutions for REAL Parents that Work! From recipes, things to do, parenting tips (and fails) and how to cope with everything in between, she'll share all the best ways to take on your (mama) challenges... https://www.mamachallenge.com/about/

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Best Wine is Clean-Crafted: Directly Delivered

Save on Fun All Year Long! Code: MAMACHALLENGE

History of Christmas Traditions

Santa Cookie Ideas with MamaChallenge

SHOP MAMACHALLENGE!


More TV Segments Not To Miss

Hostess with the Mostest: Macaroni and Cheese Bar

Hostess with the Mostest: Macaroni and Cheese Bar

Fresh Start on Laundry: Managing the Load

Fresh Start on Laundry: Managing the Load

How to Tye Dye with Food Coloring

How to Tye Dye with Food Coloring

You’ll LOVE This!

logo
Food Advertisements by
MamaChallenge.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Pictures Say a 1000 Words

Fancy Schmancy. This month’s @torchystacos Taco Fancy Schmancy.

This month’s @torchystacos Taco of the Month is this beut: she’s full of eggs, smoked salmon, pickled onions, capers, chopped dill, and the herb cream cheese. And yes she’s fancy but oh so good and worth the splurge.

Paired with a side of queso and change out the chips for chicharrones with that white queso (and maybe a Paloma), and you’re golden. 

#torchytacos #salmon #tacos #paloma #fancy #torchys #dryjanuary #dill #salmon #dfweats #dallaseats
Who doesn’t like chocolate? But what if it’s Who doesn’t like chocolate?

But what if it’s truffles made with avocados past their prime? 🤢? Don’t knock it until you try it #recipeontheblog

Today on @wfaagmt I shared how to make the most of those leftovers and old vegetables and fruits! The kitchen smells so good with an apple tarte tartin, truffles, potato chips, broth, banana bread, and this cilantro green sauce! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Taken from @beardfoundation:

INGREDIENTS

1⁄4 cup red wine vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1⁄2 cup fresh cilantro stems (from 1 bunch of cilantro)
1⁄2 cup olive oil or neutral oil, such as organic canola or grapeseed
1⁄2 tsp ground cumin

DIRECTIONS

In a blender or the mixing cup of a small food processor or immersion blender, combine the vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper. Swirl a few times to dissolve the salt. Add the stems, olive oil, and cumin — puree. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

#wfaa #tv #recipe #goodmorningtexas #chocolatetruffles #dfwinfluencer #dallasblogger #eatwell #dfw #momblogger #healthylifestyle #wholefoodmethod
Kept and Queso may sound a lot alike, but I don’ Kept and Queso may sound a lot alike, but I don’t think that’s the way it work...🌯

Today was a busy one: getting ready for the week and getting prepped for a tv segment (tomorrow on @wfaagmt, so I had to call in for reinforcements. While I may be on the no-carb wagon, the rest of the fam wanted something different -  fresh, full of flavor and delivered fast...enter @savageburritos!

Made from the @unclejuliosmexican family, this ghost kitchen delivery service offers specialty burritos, bowls, salads, the holy trinity (queso, chips and salsa) and even dessert - all to your door! 

Find ‘em online and find out why you’ll go savage for more! And thanks @savageburritos for such great service! 

#savageburritos #savageburrito #unclejulios #texmex #dfweats #mamachallenge #dallasfood #dallasmoms #dallasinfluencer #dfwblogger
Nothing like trying to eat healthier and your kid Nothing like trying to eat healthier and your kid surprises you with an over-the-top hot cocoa in bed.

...But at least she put it in my @shopcarrieelle mugs.

I’m wondering if this was my first teat of 2021.
Hoping to make 2021 a lot brighter. ✨ Happy New Hoping to make 2021 a lot brighter. ✨

Happy New Year’s Y’all!

#ArlingtonTexas #ArlingtonTx #dfw #nye #lonestarnye
Consider 2021 the light at the end of the tunnel. Consider 2021 the light at the end of the tunnel.

We’ve been working to squeeze in all the celebrations this week before it’s time to work out all the tears, wine and carbs 2020 brought. 🍷 🥖 😭 

What’s your NYE plan? And most of all what’s your last cheat meal? 

#dfw #nye #newyears #covidchristmas2020 #dallasinfluencer #dfwblogger
The 80s are coming back in full force...but does m The 80s are coming back in full force...but does my visor match my mask? 😱

Actually my #OOTD is part of our equipment to take down aliens in London circa 1984 at @electricgamebox, the new immersive gaming experience @grandscapetx. Opening December 24, it’s the perfect way to spend some family time TOGETHER, hear a bada$@ soundtrack (hello, 80s!?!) and burn calories (don’t worry about those extra cookies!)

Before you go: 

🕹Have a team name ready

🕹Wear tennis shoes, no hats or hair bands, and comfortable clothes. 

🕹There’s a locker to put your bag in if you need to drop it off!

🕹Safety is #1: Masks are a must, no contact and you’re the only ones in your game room! 

🕹The experience is an hour so be ready to move bc you will! 

Swipe to see our score and family photo (emailed to you after your experience!)

Thanks for some pre-Christmas fun Electric Gamebox! (Partner)

#dallas #dfw #dfwinfluencer #dallasblogger #dallasmoms #dallastexas #electricgamebox #covidchristmas #2020 #openingsoon
❄️ I’m dreaming of a White Christmas... We ❄️ I’m dreaming of a White Christmas...

We normally head to the mountains at Christmas time, but this year we’re just happy to celebrate Christmas healthy and together with lots of wonderful trips around home including to the @gaylordtexan. So we broke from our matching plaid instead with this mom/daughter snowflake set from @shinestythreads. Most their stuff is exactly what you need to dominate the Christmas sweater game, our little bit of cheesy (cue “Let it Go...”) but came out too sweet not to share. (When they’re this age, you take it when you get it!)

Shinesty is the resource for all the holidays apparel and even does free returns! Save their page for when you need to be the talk of the party (online and in person.) 

🎄And for details about the @gaylordtexan Lonestar Christmas like this week’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Brunch, head to the blog (and remember the code REO gets you a discount on some of your activities!)

#shinesty #snow #dfw AD #gaylordchristmas #gaylordtexan #visitgrapevine #dallastexas #dfwinfluencer #dallasbloggers #matchingoutfits #snowdfw #somuchchristmas
One other thing came out of #2020 besides drive-th One other thing came out of #2020 besides drive-thru margaritas...I had time to enjoy wrapping my gifts! 

While we had a minor Santa disaster yesterday, I devised a mom save and moved on to the wrapping paper! I even made my Christmas tags with my @Cricut to match my white & silver snow theme! 

Do you theme your wrapping? What was this year?

You finally can get yours or stock up on accessories now at 50% off now with this link or download the LIKEtoKNOW.it shopping app to shop this pic via screenshot. http://liketk.it/34fvi #liketkit @liketoknow.it 
 #StayHomeWithLTK #LTKhome @liketoknow.it.family @liketoknow.it.home
...Hold your horses! 🐴✨🎄 I love celebrati ...Hold your horses! 🐴✨🎄

I love celebrating our holiday traditions, but this year we made a new one! I’ve always wanted to see Christmas lights by carriage ride and this year we made it happen by surprising the girls! 

We spent the night looking at beautiful houses, drinking hot chocolate under the blankets and hearing some of the best commentary from the girls!

🐴 There are several different carriage ride companies (we used Whitehaven Carriages) that drive through Deerfield and Highland Park with multiple types of carriages (there’s even a Cinderella) for varying prices starting around $175+. 

🐴While rides reserve quickly, you might be able to find some after the holidays! If not, put this in the calendar for next year because it’s a must do!

(I’ve shared some of it on Instastories!)

#dfw #highlandpark #dallasbloggers  #christmasdecor #horses #chriatmaslights #dallas #dfwevents #dallasinfluencer #dfwinfluencer #christmastradition
Just ONE more day! The countdown to Christmas may Just ONE more day!

The countdown to Christmas may be a week away, but @thecroods New Age is available by demand tomorrow! 

The kids have been so excited about this debut and have decorated for the occasion with their goodies from @dreamworks! 🎁 (Partner)

#CROODSNEWAGE #dreamworks #thecroods #giftideas #dfwinfluencers #dallassocialinfluencers #movie #fandango #momlife #sloth
🎶I’m dreaming of a white Christmas...🎶 . 🎶I’m dreaming of a white Christmas...🎶 

...to drink that is, The Dude style. Picking up last minute gifts, I took a brief break at @lockwooddistillingco. They have a great holiday cocktail list and if you’re lucky, you’ll find some awesome gift baskets under their Biggie & Snoop Christmas tree will make everyone happy for Christmas (twofer!)

Whatever you do, don’t leave without a bottle of the Bourbon Creme or Cinnamon Rum to make it through the holidays (who needs eggnog when you can drink this?)

#lockwooddistillingco #biglebowski #dfw #richardsontx #dallastx #holidaydrinks #dallasinfluencer #dfwblogger #whitechristmas #giftidea #biggie #snoop
#MomTruth: What are you buying and wrapping yourse #MomTruth: What are you buying and wrapping yourself to put under the tree and saying it’s from the kids? 🌲 

For me it was this crossbody from @bestofsevenshop. I love a beautiful big handbag (hello @louisvuitton!), but lately I’ve kept it to the essentials as we enjoyed all the holiday events safely, but I still wanted it to be cute! 

Best of Seven style is classic: full of pockets and zippers as well different styles that let you interchange colors to make it your own! “Keeping it your own” is their mission by celebrating diversity:
🌈 races
🌈religion
🌈genders
🌈sexual orientation
🌈Abilities and disabilities
🌈Ages

And you know I love a monogram! 

Today’s the last day to get 30% off and still get it personalized! Get the link in my profile!

#bestofseven #diversity #giftideas #dallasblogger #style #holidays #grinch #rainbow #dfwinfluencers #dallasmoms #covidchristmas
SO.MUCH.CHRISTMAS. 🎄🎁🎅🏼 It’s incred SO.MUCH.CHRISTMAS. 🎄🎁🎅🏼

It’s incredible how much you can do in 24 hours and how many photos you can take - 422 to be exact.

Have you been so busy you haven’t had time to do the Christmas stuff? Get in all the holiday fun with our guide to SO MUCH Christmas at the Gaylord Texan @gaylordtexan.

We even share how to save some money (use the code REO!)

Link to the guide is in the profile and #ontheblog.

#gaylordtexan #ChristmasatGaylordTexan #ilovechristmasmoviesWB #SoMuchChristmas #gaylordchristmas #dfw #visitgrapevine #christmas #dfwinfluencers #dallasinfluencer #travelblogger #traveltex #grapevinetx
Are you making a different kind of O Face because Are you making a different kind of O Face because your not sure if that box is gonna make it? O-NO! 😱

Deadlines start today fast and being in those long lines might be the worst part of Christmas. However, I shared some tips  on @wfaagmt on how you can avoid feeling like a Grinch when it comes to shipping. 🙌🏻

Here are some tips you might not know before you get in line: 

🎁 The big three all have pick up at your house, by going online and scheduling for pick up @ups, @usps.official and @fedex.

Did you know that several stores actually have shipping inside? 
🎁Some Ace Hardware stores @acehardware and local Eliott’s Hardware
🎁 @Staples - they have all the supplies for you to box it up (and I have a coupon in my Instastories!)
🎁 CVS ships UPS
🎁 Heading to those third party parcel stores can definitely save you some time.

Ship to Store is a huge way to get the item delivered quicker to you or to have sent. 
🎁 Get your @amazon sent to an Amazon Locker  or @wholefoods for shipping and pick up! 
🎁 @target - drive through pick up with the App 
🎁 @Walmart - just launched a new service called Walmart+ which is like Amazon Prime where you can get it. (Try it free now!) 

Last-minute shipping?
🎁 While you might not want to pay for those last-minute shipping services, if you use @rakuten you can save money on your purchase so then it still can be affordable for your budget. (I have already racked up a $600 cash back check just for using Rakuten - head to my profile to get a link to get $20 back when you use it! (It’s FREE!) 

@wfaagmt @wfaa #dfw #shipping #holiday #savemoney #dfwinfluencers #dallasinfluencers #dallas #giftideas #mamachallenge #giftguide #covidchristmas
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Pin This!

Visit Mama Challenge's profile on Pinterest.

Follow Along!

Tweets by @mamachallenge

Copyright MamaChallenge.com © 2021 · Hosting Provided by Servously · Privacy Policy