If you grew up playing with Fisher Price toys like I did, you’ll be happy (or maybe a bit stunned) to know that most of our favorties have been reissued as “classic vintage” toys for today’s kids. I suppose it’s pretty cool that we can purchase new versions of our old, beloved playthings that hold so many memories. For me, it was the Chatterbox Phone (rotary, of course. How old fashioned!) For my husband it was Retro Two Tune Television (with an actual dial on the set) which he nearly had a stroke over when he saw at Target and promtly bought it for our son…although it was him that played with it once we got home.

Wow, they really do make you feel old….(and I grew up in the 80’s!) Rotary phones and box TV sets (with dials) are just two of the many familiar things to us “old folks” that our kids will never be familiar with- unless they see them in antique shops. Sheesh. So I suppose I’m on the fence about these new classics. Or at least it will take me a while to warm up to the idea.

School is out for the summer and the kidlets are free to roam….and wear on your last nerve as they quickly become bored with their new-found freedom. So if you’re looking for cool projects to keep your kids occupied, here’s a great one. The Sunprint kit was designed by professors at UC-Berkeley and is a great way to generate your kidlet’s interest in science. Easy to use and offered at a price that won’t break the bank (just $7.50!)…now that’s my kind of project! Check it out at Kid O.

What do you get for a dad (or grandpa) who has everything, or a dad (or grandpa) who says he doesn’t want anything for Father’s Day? How about a wonderful one of a kind, sentimental, personalized gift in the form of a photobook!

They’re really simple to make at Shutterfly with your favorite digital photos, and will make a truly unique, heartfelt gift that any dad (or grandpa) will undoubtedly love.

12×12 Celebrate Him Memory Book

Appreciate your one of a kind dad with a heartfelt story, including sentiment starters and your favorite memories.

12×12 Father’s Day Memory Book

Personalize Dad’s book with a photo cover, padded photo cover or leather cover. It’s easy to create professionally bound books filled with photos. Choose from different cover options and personalize with his favorite photos.

Recognize Dad Greeting Cards

They even do greeting cards, too. Dad might say he doesn’t need anything, but you know better. Give him a personalized Father’s Day card with an award for “Best Dad Ever” or “One Coupon Good For…” Add a picture on the front and include your own greeting. Shutterfly will even mail the cards for you, if you’re short on time.

Shutterfly - 20% off Photo books, Canvas prints. Expires 6-5-08.

Happy Mother’s Day Eve! Yes, the day is tomorrow and hopefully you’ve found a special way to show Mom how much you care… and aren’t running around in a crazed panic right now because you’ve forgotten (poor Mom)! However, if that is the case- or if you’re just crafty and would like to make a really cool DIY gift that is great for any Mom- you’ve come to the right place.

This really great and simple DIY vintage picture frame bracelet would make an excellent gift for mom, grandma, or just about anyone else (including yourself). The idea comes courtesy of Maize Hutton, a Washington state-based artist whose website is full of cute DIY projects with instructions.

To make, just take an old wristwatch (that you own, picked up at a yard sale or on Ebay) and polish it up with a paste of baking soda and water. Then print up a picture of whomever you think Mom would like to look at all the time (a grandkid, perhaps?)- printing the little picture in black & white is a great touch that adds to the vintage feel. Then just pop off the back of the watch, cut the picture to fit, and replace the back. That’s it! Then just wrap it up pretty and you’re all set with a great personal gift.

If you know a mom who is a member of a book club, this very cool Book Club Organizer is the perfect Mother’s Day gift! Not only is there space for book lists, group contact information and notes on the current reading selection, but is also includes very hip rating stickers, book plates, book marks and even pockets for clippings of interesting book reviews.

$18.95 Book Club Organizer

If you love to read, why not go the extra mile and start your own book club this year? Enlist a few moms (or dads!) you know and gift them each with a Book Club Organizer. Happy reading!