Win a gorgeous toy for kids

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This alphabet block set from The Playing Mantis features original artwork by Kiwi artist John Witehira – plus a selection of numbers, math symbols, letters from the Maori alphabet and marauding gods.

Each set is handmade from sustainable wood and non-toxic, child-safe inks. You can buy them from awesome Kiwi toy store The Playing Mantis, which specialises in selling handmade, ethically manufactured, natural and organic toys.

We've got seven sets of the Uncle Goose Maori Alphabet Block Set from The Playing Mantis to give away! To enter, leave a comment below telling us what your favourite Christmas gift was when you were a kid ...

Comments

Cathy Agnew

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 05:51 PM

While I can't think of a specific gift I always remember getting little nibbly treats like nuts or a small box of roses chocolates or some candy canes. That was back when things like that were unusual.

alex

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 05:52 PM

I loved stockings... just the big surprise value... and chocolate!

I think, I mostly liked the wrapping paper, it used to annoy people around me. I would keep most of it, smooth it out and fold it and take it away and reuse it.

Erena Hodgkinson

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 05:58 PM

I remember having a crazy Christmas in our new house; the floor was still all concrete, but we crept up to see the tree in the morning and it was loaded up with a Soda Stream machine, a new bike, a Cabbage Patch Doll and other amazing stuff. I think the best gift wasn't so much the presents but the fact that my parents had made our Christmas so awesome despite the fact that we were in the process of house-building. Go Mum and Dad!

carole

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 05:59 PM

it was cut out dolls i was mad about them, and used to get one set every year from santa

Lavinia

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 06:12 PM

My fav Xmas present was my first Barbie Doll!!! I was 9 year old but still loved it to death!

Jacqui

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 06:20 PM

Best Christmas present ever was when I was six. My first pussy cat. A tiny little ball of white fluff with black spots that I named Snowy.

Tash Earley

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 06:22 PM

My favourite gift as a kid was an ice cream container of my nana's shortbread. I could never get enough of it. :) I
got this every year along with a few other bits from her but this was the BEST!!

Sandra R

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 06:23 PM

My favourite gift was a Bible from my grandmother. I still have it although it is falling apart. I still treasure this gift from over 40 years ago and could never part with it!

Frances Anderson

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 06:24 PM

The most special Christmas gift I remember receiving was a Siamese kitten.

Vivienne Donaldson

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 06:41 PM

Roller skates..had to try them out straight away, even tho it was the usual cool, rainy Dunedin xmas day :-)

Linley

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 06:43 PM

My walkey Talkey doll when I was 4-I still have it 60years later

Lyn Jarman

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 06:45 PM

Our dad made my sister and me a playhouse and also made some furniture to go in it

Tamzin Sheehan

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 06:55 PM

My favourite Christmas present was a book called Timothy and the Forrest Folk when I was about 6. It was glossy and had stunning pictures that took me to a magical world. I enjoyed it for years

gabrielle

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 07:01 PM

a can of peaches from very old and dotty step grangran, (my sister got a box of tissues, i must admit i was slightly envious)

Willow Johnson

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 07:06 PM

Every Christmas I'd get an apple, orange and a book of some sort from my mum. We'd get other toys too, but I love the tradition of the healthy food and the reading encouragement, which I plan to pass on to my daughter!

Genevieve Hancock
www.citywrigglers.co.nz

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 07:07 PM

A playhouse!

gabrielle connor

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 07:19 PM

a can of peaches from my dotty old grangran (my sister got a box of tissues and I must admit I was a little envious)

Megan

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 07:24 PM

one year i was given a camera that I'd been desperately hoping for but didn't think I would be allowed to have

Jay Bee

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 07:28 PM

a blackboard with a message from Santa on it!

carolyn abraham

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 08:14 PM

Having my kids come home for christmas the best present for a mother who hasnt seen her kids in a very long time

Denise S-W

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 08:18 PM

My mum's friend made my sister and I some really neat doll's house furnishings, cushions and quilt covers, for our tiny wooden furniture.

Mary Houston

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 08:51 PM

My most remembered Christmas gift was my first two wheeler bike my grandfather had restored for me.

Millie

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 09:14 PM

I loved getting anything arty - even just new crayons or pastels would make me grin from ear to ear!

Kath

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 09:19 PM

I adored getting dolls or anything to do with them - one year I got a pram - I jumped for joy for hours!!

Grant

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 09:21 PM

My dad gave me my very on sailing dinghy one year - I literally thought all my Christmases had come at once. I still have the boat - can't bear to part with it.

Eddie

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 09:23 PM

I loved getting Lego - my collection ended up being totally out of control. I used to spend hours on end playing building huge cities.

Annette Hynes

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 09:32 PM

As a kid i loved spinning tops, now i have 3 little boys and they love the one i had as a kid (our youngest is only 14 weeks so he's a little young to enjoy it yet!).

Stepanka

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 09:33 PM

my first bike - I remember it like it happened yesterday

Claire Willamson

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 09:34 PM

my dad refurbished an old raleigh twenty especially for me in my favourite colour, pink :)

Angela

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 09:48 PM

A black horse named Daffy, complete with a red halter

Nick

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 09:55 PM

Mine was given to me every year for longer than seems possible: the gift of Santa visiting our home and touching it with magic.

Deb Wilson

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 10:16 PM

A bike and roller skates.

lauren

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 10:44 PM

When I was really little it was always the box which held the most surprising adventures lol

Lee

Fri November 23, 2012 @ 11:58 PM

My mother made beautiful rag dolls for my two sisters and I, along with two complete outfits. They even had witches britches! Mum stayed up till the early hours making them unknown to us and what a wonderful surprise! They all looked different and suited our personalities . Thanks Mum !

Christine

Sat November 24, 2012 @ 06:39 AM

When I was ten I was absolutely thrilled to get a brand new shiny 2-wheeler cycle...but this was back in the sixties!

Mark

Sat November 24, 2012 @ 06:53 AM

A Super Soaker water gun. We used to have huge water fights with everybody particpating - lookout anybody who arrived while one was in progress...

Jacinda English

Sat November 24, 2012 @ 06:59 AM

Books were always very special. To own one, rather than get them from the library was amazing.

Sarah

Sat November 24, 2012 @ 07:36 AM

I still have fond memories of a coloured felt pen set in a tin. Now I am looking for one for my son for Christmas.

Gina

Sat November 24, 2012 @ 08:28 AM

When we were little, my sister and I always got a colouring book and paints set, in the stocking at the end of our bed. (We were allowed to open our stockings, but had to wait for the main presents downstairs)
Well we were on to it, every Christmas Eve, we asked if we could take a glass of water to bed, (couldn't paint without the water).
We blew it, we made too much noise, Dad came in and removed the light bulb, and took the handle off the inside of the door, (so we couldn't get more water or a torch)
We had ages to wait to get up after that, oh we were naughty.
Happy memories.

Alisa Muir
www.findingalisa.blogspot.co.nz

Sat November 24, 2012 @ 08:57 AM

I know it is a small thing but the year I got a skipit. I wanted one so very badly but I knew that we didn't have a lot of money so never asked for one. I understood our situation.

But on christmas morning I got one anyway. I was so excited.

Sez

Sat November 24, 2012 @ 08:59 AM

Miss Piggy. I still have her.

Jennifer Bargh
www.accentonflowers.co.nz

Sat November 24, 2012 @ 09:49 AM

Colouring books. Just loved books and drawing

Kate

Sat November 24, 2012 @ 09:50 AM

My Dad made me a jungle gym and i remember spending many hours over many years on that. Including the year we played circus and my little brother broke his arm after doing some feat that i had told him to do!

Vicky

Sat November 24, 2012 @ 10:22 AM

My Mum made my sister and I rag dolls for Christmas one year when we were little. She became my favourite doll for many years - earning pride of place in my bed a night. Now I am working on one for my niece this year.

awhi

Sat November 24, 2012 @ 11:39 AM

My favourite Christmas gift ever was a kite shaped like a monarch butterfly. When you pulled the string the wings would flap!

Chris

Sat November 24, 2012 @ 12:24 PM

A set of wooden cube blocks with different pictures on each side which you had to match or build things with.I still see a variation of these for sale today 60 years later.

DInk

Sat November 24, 2012 @ 04:19 PM

A double swing set my grandfather made out of metal poles welded together with inside out tyre swings. It lasted for year! Great surprise to come out to on Christmas morning!

Kes

Sat November 24, 2012 @ 05:36 PM

A nursing set. It was really flash for it's time and was a trolley with instruments on it. My Dad hid it behind the TV and I had to answer clues to find it. I had many a happy hour fixing up my family, wrapping them in bandages and feeding them 'pills' and injections.

Diane

Sat November 24, 2012 @ 06:09 PM

Christmas wasn't a really happy time when I was a child so my partner & I decided to make it as magical as possible for our children. Every christmas eve once our cherubs are tucked up in bed we drag in a tree & decorate the house from top to toe! Every year they wake up on christmas morning to a magical sparkly cavern, & it's wonderful to see their faces light up!!!!

Lisa

Sat November 24, 2012 @ 07:34 PM

My walkman! I remember my cousin coming over - she got a Madonna tape and I had my walkman, so we listened over and over with one earphone each!

leah c

Sat November 24, 2012 @ 07:39 PM

A trip to Aussie... was 10 years old and VERY excited.

Anita E

Sat November 24, 2012 @ 07:51 PM

When i awoke Christmas Day as a 4 year old and looked out the window and saw a swing in the backyard i truely felt like it was indeed Christmas. I marvelled at how Santa had managed to trek it all the way from the North Pole right into our yard. I now marvel at how my mother ( a single parent) managed to get it their without my seeing, and think she is wonderful. The swing is still there 30 years later and has been loved by my children as well.

Tara Gunn

Sun November 25, 2012 @ 07:39 AM

A big beautiful stuffed lion. Mum had created a jungle for him to hide in with grasses. Apparently my legs went a bit like jelly, I was so excited about it! Still have him:)

Whitney Affleck

Sun November 25, 2012 @ 10:16 AM

The left over boxes, such as the fridge box which was quickly made into a play house, dad cut out the doors and windows. I spent weeks in that box which was located behind the couches in the window bay...

Kate

Sun November 25, 2012 @ 10:39 AM

My parents gave me a black lab puppy when i was 10. My sisters all had awesome pressies and i had got a few books. Hours later I was feeling a little stink (as you do when you are a kid!) and a gorgeous fat puppy with a pink bow around its neck came waddling in. I cried!!

cathee

Sun November 25, 2012 @ 11:18 AM

it wasn't the gift it was the excitement of trying to find out where mum had hidden the presents and sneaking a look, it the memories of been to gether as family having traditions that have been passed down through generations , the laughter and the aroha.

Marilyn Nicklin
ww.bedandbreakfastbayofislands.co.nz

Sun November 25, 2012 @ 02:39 PM

Getting to the :magical" age when I am allowed to have my ears pierced...this christmas I was comming up to 16 and allowed to have my ears pierced AT LAST, So a little hand-written note in my santa sack to say I was now allowed to have my ears pierced AND some money to buy a pair of earings...my first ones and I NEVER forgot them!

Jacqui

Sun November 25, 2012 @ 03:58 PM

A Green Cruiser Bicycle

jereni

Sun November 25, 2012 @ 04:12 PM

a bike

Bonny
info@naturallyneem.co.nz

Sun November 25, 2012 @ 05:14 PM

its funny the main presents I remember from being a child - well was the present and christmas stockings themselves. i guess I love vessels, seem to always have plenty of baskets.

S Goodall

Sun November 25, 2012 @ 06:07 PM

my very first bike. My dad and I spent hours together with him teaching me to ride it and fix up all my cuts and bruises when I fell off

Rachel

Sun November 25, 2012 @ 08:03 PM

the badminton net was a very memorable Christmas present and it got used everyday in summer

it also spelt the beginning of the summer holidays when the badminton net went up every year thereafter:

I've definitely got to instil a love of badminton in my kids too!

Rachel

Sun November 25, 2012 @ 09:18 PM

Christmas was 11 days after I was diagnosed with aggressive bone cancer in my leg, and my parents gave me a boogie board and a tennis racquet. I can't think of a more perfect way of them saying 'trust us, you'll be fine' (and I was).

Maree

Sun November 25, 2012 @ 10:08 PM

My birthday is on Dec 15 so I always received an extra large 'both day's gift'. ged 5 it was a full size play pram, real wheels and all. By boxing day it had been transformed into a go-kart by my brother and cousin. Still hurts.

Stephanie L

Mon November 26, 2012 @ 08:15 AM

My Uncle Tony worked for Air New Zealand and when I was 6 he came home from Japan with treausures beyond belief for me and my sister. Japanese geisha dolls with interchangeable wigs, and a pair of Japanese silk pajamas each. For a while I carried my pj's around with me wherever we went, in a special lurex shoulder bag!!!

Kay

Mon November 26, 2012 @ 09:02 AM

My favourite gift was a pair of blue, orange, red and white striped rollerskates when I was 8! My big sister got some too and we thought we were in heaven! Well, we thought we were NZ's answer to Torvill and Dean!

We spent almost ALL Christmas Day skating up and down the footpath on our street and then every spare moment for years to come was spent the same way! I was lucky as I got to 'grow into' my sister's pair as I got older, too.

We learnt to hide coins in the foot of the skates, tell Mum we were going out skating for a bit, then dash down to the dairy and buy 50c mixes to scoff!!

Tania

Mon November 26, 2012 @ 09:13 AM

A soft to dog. I wanted a real dog but loved the toy one just as much.

Renee Rushton

Mon November 26, 2012 @ 09:35 AM

I loved getting my first bike! We lived semi-rurally so it became my new favourite pass-time to ride up and down my country road with my siblings and friends. So much fun!

Clair

Mon November 26, 2012 @ 09:47 AM

Waking up at dawn and just risking one eye to peep at the small pile of presents awaiting me at the side of the bed for later on Christmas morning. Jigsaws and paper dolls to cut out and dress were the favourite.

Abigail

Mon November 26, 2012 @ 10:21 AM

My mum made us these imaginative houses from several large fridge boxes connected together. I'm sure there were other store bought presents, but this homemade cardboard house with all its doors, windows and tunnels is what I remember!

Mel

Mon November 26, 2012 @ 11:00 AM

My first bike... lots of fun racing around everywhere!

Ariana Wakefield
www.abillionleaves.blogspot.com

Mon November 26, 2012 @ 11:12 AM

A stocking full of LOLLIES!

Vicki Olsen

Mon November 26, 2012 @ 03:56 PM

A cardboard shoe box filled to the brim with stationery items, art supplies and craft materials - I had so much fun making things!

Ellie

Mon November 26, 2012 @ 08:22 PM

Fluffits! (The fabric pens that fluff up when you dry your 'art' with a hairdryer). Many customised hand-me-downs followed.

Therese Tille

Mon November 26, 2012 @ 09:59 PM

It was a green teddy bear that my (now deceased) grandmother gave to me one Christmas many years ago, when I was seven years old. I used to take it everywhere with me, it never left my side! I just loved the bear and even to this day, that Christmas gift holds so many warm and happy memories for me.

I used to keep it by my window in the evenings, as there was a little three year old girl in the adjoining house who would only eat her supper if the teddy was there!

In the end, when I was moving overseas with my family some years later, I gave it to her. However, I will always remember that green bear, especially during Christmas and the beautiful woman who gave it to me.

That was truly the best Christmas present.

Anthea Read

Tue November 27, 2012 @ 07:09 AM

I always remember the excitement of pulling out small gifts from the stocking at the end of my bed, the stocking was made by my Grandmother so was extra special to me.

Jayne

Tue November 27, 2012 @ 08:08 AM

When my uncle come out from Canada because we had all really missed him. It was a wonderful family christmas!

Anna

Tue November 27, 2012 @ 10:35 AM

A set of pencils and notepaper from my Aunt. I loved it. That christmas we went overseas and because I treasured it so much I took the set on the plane with me - unfortunately I left it in the pouch of the chair in front. I cried for hours!

Vic

Tue November 27, 2012 @ 10:45 AM

When I was a kid, I was obsessed with Ancient Egypt. And reading. My Pop got me a toy that was the perfect marriage of the two - a pop up book with all sorts of facts and figures about Ancient Egypt. Pop-up pyramids, moving people...I loved it!

kere

Tue November 27, 2012 @ 01:39 PM

one year my koko had no money so he gave me a ice cream container full of fry bread, it was the best present ever. only one of the only gifts i remember.

Linda

Wed November 28, 2012 @ 06:36 AM

I remember getting a signet ring when I was about 8. It was akin to receiving a diamond, I was so excited. I took it to school to show everyone, gave it to a girl who was not swimming to mind while I went swimming and she lost it. I was devastated!

Megan

Wed November 28, 2012 @ 10:52 AM

I always remember playing Simon Says, for hours and hours and hours at a time. I never got very good at it. I have been trying to find one of these old games but no luck yet!

Hannah

Wed November 28, 2012 @ 11:51 AM

I can think of lots of wonderful toys (and books!) but now that I'm an adult I realise it was the tradition and ritual of the stocking, the chocolate coins and the orange in the toe of the stocking that were the best presents of all. They wove the real magic of Christmas. Can't wait to give my two young girls that special experience this year with their own stockings and continue the traditions.

hayley

Thu November 29, 2012 @ 07:55 PM

roller blades when i was 10years old :)

hazel

Thu November 29, 2012 @ 07:57 PM

a 2nd hand 14inc tv when i was 14years old...it was the first time i ever had my own room and getting a tv aswell made me feel so grownup.

Jean Britt

Fri November 30, 2012 @ 10:23 AM

The best Christmas present was small green radio which was shared with my two sisters. This gave us many hours of pleasure.

Marion

Fri November 30, 2012 @ 08:37 PM

I was given a packet of cornflower seeds by an aunt when i was about 7 years old. I felt so grown up having my own seeds, i don't think i ever got around to planting them, just took the packet out every so often to admire it.

bren

Fri November 30, 2012 @ 11:15 PM

loved my bride doll, still do

JoanneR

Sat December 01, 2012 @ 07:12 PM

A cabbage patch kid!

lisa
sundayhotpants.nocturne.net.nz/

Sat December 01, 2012 @ 07:12 PM

My favourite gift would have to be my Raleigh 20 bike - I thought I was so cool on that. It was a second hand bike but I was so enamoured of it I don't think I even noticed.

Trish

Sun December 02, 2012 @ 09:22 AM

My sister gave me a porcelain bowl covered in pink roses. As a 12 year old girl, it was the most beautiful thing I had ever owned and I still have it today1

Meagan

Fri December 07, 2012 @ 11:13 AM

The only gift I can remember is a doll with dark hair. Everyone else seemed to have dolls with blond hair.

Caroline

Sun December 09, 2012 @ 05:53 PM

My older sisters and I got a trampoline for Christmas when we were 11, 8 and 5 respectively. We were all half asleep in my bedroom on Christmas eve listening to some metal clanking outside and my oldest sister piped up 'that sounds like a trampoline', and it was!!!

vanessa

Sun December 09, 2012 @ 10:53 PM

Would have to be my cabbage patch doll. I had wanted one for so long, so it was pretty special to see one waiting from Santa for me on Christmas morning. I still have the lovely Alana Danielle, and my wee girl now plays with her.

sarina

Mon December 10, 2012 @ 06:22 PM

My first bike!

Mattie

Mon December 10, 2012 @ 06:22 PM

A dead mouse - my cat had dragged it in and left it under the Christmas tree with all the other presents. I felt terrible for the mouse but appreciated my cat's gesture.

lisa

Mon December 10, 2012 @ 07:15 PM

a jewelry box made by my Grandfather-with sliding necklace hangers, lot of sliding compartments, mirrors and music box.

Sarah

Mon December 10, 2012 @ 07:24 PM

Definitely the Christmas stocking made from a real Christmas patterned sock. The matching sock was inside the other with all the other little presents. I still wear the socks.

Elizabeth

Mon December 10, 2012 @ 07:59 PM

The year my dad made stilts for my brother, sister and me really sticks in my memory. We were the envy of all our neigbours who then pestered my dad to make more!

Jane

Mon December 10, 2012 @ 08:27 PM

It's a tie between the time I got a slinky and the time I got a little egg of slime...itwas gooey flyorescent green and awesome!

Monica

Mon December 10, 2012 @ 09:02 PM

A Hello Kitty supermarket, wish I still had it :(

Claire Underwood

Mon December 10, 2012 @ 09:22 PM

My Girl's World - until I cut all the hair off of it!

Andrea

Mon December 10, 2012 @ 10:15 PM

One year I received a small pile of lumber for Christmas which my step-dad helped me turn into an easel! It was the present I had my heart set on, and remember building it together very fondly

Mel

Mon December 10, 2012 @ 10:23 PM

I don't remember any particular gift, but without a doubt my favourite Christmas gift when I was a kid (and now) would have to be the tradition. Visiting my grandparents farm, preparing all the special food that only came out at Christmas - ham, turkey, pavlova, trifle etc etc - once dinner prepared, the present giving and opening - which with the excitement and reverence would take about 3 hours!! Every year the same - Magic!

Charlotte Phillips

Tue December 11, 2012 @ 02:20 AM

The best present I remember getting as a kid was a bike!!! Dad had restored one of those old bikes with the long banana(?) seat and it was painted metallic blue. Had so much fun on that!!!

Reena Kainamu

Tue December 11, 2012 @ 09:35 AM

I was 15 and the American programme MASH was the rage on television. For xmas that year I got an army satchel. Picked it up myself from Petticoat Lane in Auckland City as mum did not know where to get this. Wrapped it myself too. It was a great gift with compartments and pockets in army green.It was still exciting to open the pressie up on xmas day.

Kate

Tue December 11, 2012 @ 12:59 PM

My favourite 'gift' was priceless. My father decorated the pine tree tree where our treehouse was nestled, and on Christmas Day my sister & I awoke to find our gifts inside our very own Christmas Tree. It was magical - I can't remember the individual gifts but the concept will stay with me forever!

Kimberly

Tue December 11, 2012 @ 01:37 PM

My most treasured gift when i was about 8 was a Raleigh 20 bike. It had been an aunties, but grandad repainted it an awesome purple colour. I loved the independance having a bike gave me.

Kaz

Tue December 11, 2012 @ 01:45 PM

Jigsaw puzzles were all time favourites. I remember keeping them in a bag and all pieces were numbered for each puzzle.. One favourite was of draught horses in a very English scene - oh the sadness when a piece was discovered to be missing - but I still made that puzzle over and over.

Andree

Tue December 11, 2012 @ 02:55 PM

My favorite gift was a dolls crib that my dad made and my mum sewed all the bedding. It was so lovely!

Tracy

Tue December 11, 2012 @ 03:04 PM

Home made Christmas crackers were by far the best!

Mandy

Tue December 11, 2012 @ 09:22 PM

My son was born mid November and turned 6 weeks old on Christmas day. He spent the first 6 weeks barely sleeping and on Christmas day he slept beautifully amongst all the hustle and bustle of our family partying. What a wonderful gift!

Maxine
www.braintreedesign.co.nz

Wed December 12, 2012 @ 05:25 AM

A hand made doll house!

Asha

Mon December 17, 2012 @ 06:09 PM

I used to love the goodies in the Christmas stocking too, but my favourite Christmas presents would have to be my care bear(cuddling him always makes me feel better) which I got when I was 5 and I still have it, my dream catcher wind chime and my Rose quartz earrings.

Asha

Mon December 17, 2012 @ 06:11 PM

Ooh and I forgot the best present in the world ever was my beautiful son who was born xmas eve nearly 6 years ago <3

caroline wild

Mon December 17, 2012 @ 07:10 PM

The BIG round lollypop in my stocking!!! every christmas!

Sisyphia

Tue December 18, 2012 @ 12:17 AM

My favourite Christmas gift was a Raleigh 20 bike.

Oliver Lightfoot

Tue December 18, 2012 @ 10:54 PM

My memory of childhood presents are hazy but I remember the leatherman multi tool given to me in my teens still gets used in my mid thirties. Childhood toys get lost, practical things are the gifts that keep on giving. So I recommend something that can teach you or aid in life's are the best toys. They hold the greatest longevity. Building blocks and manipulative's where toys that I used thirty years ago and my three old still finds simple blocks, Lego fascinating today.

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