¡Hola a todos! As a proud Latina mom, the holiday season holds a special place in my heart. It's that time of the year when we come together as a familia to celebrate our rich traditions and create lasting memories. Can you hear the "Mi Burrito sabanero" song, followed by tamales, in anticipation of Santa, el niño Jesus or Los Reyes Magos? One of my favorite parts of the season is selecting the perfect toys that not only bring joy but also reflect our culture and values. Join me as I share my top holiday toy gift picks that embody the warmth, vibrancy, and educational spirit I hold dear as a Latina mom. Let's make this holiday unforgettable for our pequeños with gifts that speak to our heritage and nurture their young minds and hearts.
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Enter 12 Days of Toys for Navidad Giveaway
Tech Toys for 2023
SPECIFICATIONS:
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1.52" TFT Touchscreen
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5 Megapixel Camera with 8GB Storage Space
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Microphone & Speaker
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Make and receive phone calls
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Send and receive messages (including voice messages & emojis)
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Magnetic Charging
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Pedometer (G-sensor)
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Waterproof IP68 up to 2m
REASONS TO BUY: Easily stay in contact with your kids without giving them a cell phone.
REASONS TO AVOID: Expense when you factor in the monthly subscription.
WHY I LIKE IT AS A LATINA MOM: I grew up in a Latino home where playdates and sleepovers were never allowed. As a Latina mom living in the US, I'm still hesitant about these with my own child, but I am so happy I found a great solution. With the XGO3 or X6Play, your child can enjoy safe and playful activities, encouraging them to explore the real world, while you can still keep a close watch, no pun intended ;). Ok, so technically it's not a toy but it will become your family's favorite gadget this holiday season. This will be my daughter's main gift this Christmas as she's been driving us crazy for a cell phone.
I Recommend this for tweens (kids ages 8-12).
The smartwatch prioritizes safety and control, with no internet access, unwanted calls, or social media exposure. It features easy charging and parental control through the Xplora Parental App, which allows you to manage the watch and access the Activity Platform. Additionally, the X3Play or X6Play offers customizable options with a variety of color combinations for straps, loops, and frames. This is also a great alternative to that phone they've been driving you crazy about and with the School Mode for Distraction-Free Learning, you don't have to worry they'll be distracted in school.
LEARN MORE: https://shop.myxplora.com/
AVAILABLE AT: AMAZON
Miko 3: AI-Powered Smart Robot for Kids
SPECIFICATIONS:
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Solar-powered calculator
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Pretend cash register:
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30 pretend bills (6.25" x 2.625")
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40 plastic coins (.80" to .995")
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Pretend credit card
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Activity guide included
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Cha-ching sound on drawer opening
LeapFrog® Learning Friends® 100 Words Book™, LeapFrog® 100 Animals Book™, and LeapFrog® 100 Words About Places I Go™
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Tap to activate educational audio through a speaker
- Diverse content: Music, Fables, Biographies
- Independent engagement for kids
- Focus on stage-based child development
- Dimensions: 9.5" x 6.75" x 9.25"
- Weight: 2.83 pounds
REASONS TO BUY: Grows with your child.
REASONS TO AVOID: Needs Wifi Connectivity
WHY I LIKE IT AS A LATINA MOM:
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Microscope
SPECIFICATIONS:
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Science & exploration toys for kids
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GeoSafari Jr. Talking Kids Microscope
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Up-close images, Bindi Irwin's voice
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Talking microscope for preschoolers
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Real scientific toy, easy to use
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100+ facts & questions, 2 play modes
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Multilingual Audio: English, Spanish, French, German
REASONS TO BUY: Great Educational Toy
REASONS TO AVOID: May go through all the slides if used too often.
WHY I LIKE IT AS A LATINA MOM:
Creative Toys For 2023
Nug Lug
SPECIFICATIONS:
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Age: 3+
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179 pieces included
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Measurement: 9”x11” closed, 18” x 11” open
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1 NugLug system case with bamboo wrap
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1 double-sided magnetic whiteboard
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1 large interchangeable food-grade container
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2 small interchangeable food-grade containers
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Custom Young Artist Magnet Set, 144 pieces
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Magnetic blocks set, 8 pieces
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Magnetic tangram set: 7 wood shapes, 10 double-sided image cards
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3 double-sided dry-erase markers with eraser
REASONS TO BUY: Best on-the-go screen-free toy.
PopOhVer Deluxe Bake Shoppe Playset
SPECIFICATIONS:
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Award-winning playsets for imaginative, educational fun
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Quick setup on standard chairs, easy cleanup (*Chair not included)
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Encourages creativity, communication, counting, measuring, and more
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Lightweight, portable, ideal for travel and various occasions
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Includes 13 pieces: stove top, microwave, oven, plush food items, accessories.
REASONS TO BUY: Best for small spaces.
In Kidz Guatemala Kit
SPECIFICATIONS:
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Activity Book with stickers
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Memory Match Game
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Puzzle
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Clay (with basket weaving instructions)
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Jump Rope
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Soccer Ball
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Friendship Bracelet
REASONS TO BUY: Best for building cultural awareness
WHY I LOVE IT AS A LATINA MOM:
Okto Clay Succulents Art Set 3D
SPECIFICATIONS:
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Wooden Base
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Instructional Video QR Code & Tutorial
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Color Palettes Clay
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Tool
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Varnish
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Brush
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Inspirational Lettr
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Hanger
REASONS TO BUY: Best for tweens or teens that like crafts.
WHY I LOVE IT AS A LATINA MOM:
If you're looking to find a unique holiday "toy" for your crafty tween or teen, I highly recommend this one. They can unlock limitless creativity with Okto art kits, ranging from Flowers in Holland, Sunflowers, or even a Cat this Okto Succulents Passion Box is one of my favorites.
Craft unique succulent masterpieces using sensory art. Break free from routine with this adult (or teen) DIY craft and create stunning wall decor. I found this company when I went to Toy Fair 2023 and was blown away by such a cool concept. I love doing mommy and me projects and can see this in our future activities list. A bonus is that once you are done you can hang your beautiful work of art. Also makes for a great adult gift!
Dolls or Plush For 2023
Sesame Street Bilingual English Spanish Elmo Slide Plush
SPECIFICATIONS:
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Size: 14 inches
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Language Options: English and Spanish
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Interactive Features: Sings, sways, flaps arms, and glides
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Functions: Elmo Slide dance and Elmo Says game
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Material: Super-soft fabrics, 100% recycled polyester fill
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Mobility: Hidden wheels for sliding on smooth surfaces
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Age Recommendation: 2 years and up
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Battery Requirement: 4 x AA batteries (included
REASONS TO BUY:
Engages preschoolers with music, movement, and games.REASONS TO AVOID: Battery-operated; may require frequent battery replacements depending on use.
YumiAmi Soft Plush Doll and Board Books
SPECIFICATIONS:
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Girl Doll Height: 10.5 inches
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Plush, Huggable, and Durable Construction
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Unique Fabric Outfit, Detailed Printing, Embroidery
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Preschool Board Book: 12 Pages, Thick Laminated Pages
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Positive Messages on Diversity and Inclusion
REASONS TO BUY: Encourages literacy through play. Celebrates diversity.
REASONS TO AVOID: If your child doesn't like dolls.
AGES: I recommend this for 18 months to 4 years old.
WHY I LOVE IT AS A LATINA MOM:
Latinistas Dolls
SPECIFICATIONS:
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Size: 11.5-inch doll, removable outfit, accessories.
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Poseable with 5 points.
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Includes Accessories
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Interchangeable outfits (sold separately).
REASONS TO BUY:
Celebrates Latina culture. Teaches cultural familiarity.
REASONS TO AVOID: Limited appeal if a child dislikes dolls or fashion play.
AGES: I recommend this for 3 years to adults. (very collectible)
Available at Let’s Stick Together
SPECIFICATIONS:
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Contents: 300 pieces for Puzzle Face assembly.
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Instructions: Easy 1-2-3 step-by-step guide.
REASONS TO BUY:
Family Fun and Assemble and re-assemble for continuous enjoyment.
REASONS TO AVOID: Small Pieces: Potential choking hazard for young children. Complex: Might be challenging for very young kids.
AGES: I recommend this for 8 years to adults.
SPECIFICATIONS:
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Material: Wood, Paper, Plastic
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Theme: Educational
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Number of Players: 2-4
REASONS TO BUY: Fun family game with updated classics that plays in under 1 hour.
REASONS TO AVOID: Limited appeal if not interested in word-building games.
AGES: I recommend this for 8 years to adults.
Karina DeVaul
May 14, 2024
Great gift ideas! I hadn’t heard of some of these toys. Super cool!