This year at Hallmark Canada, they have expanded their line of recordable gifts to help families press pause and record special messages for loved ones. From recordable cards and picture frames to recordable storybooks and iPad apps, there are so many ways to personalize your Christmas wishes. One of my favourite Hallmark gift ideas is Jingle the Husky Pup with Storybook. As you or your child reads the story, Jingle will respond to select sentences as indicated in red font. And now, you can include Jingle's Magic Christmas Recordable Storybook which also works with Jingle the Interactive Story Buddy (2012 buddies or newer). You can also purchase a Jingle All the Way DVD for $9.95 for more interactive fun.

Mommy, can you buy me that toy?

How many times have you taken your kids to a toy store looking for gifts for their friends and all they want to buy are toys for themselves? It happens to me all the time and it drives me bonkers! They act as though they have never seen a toy in their life. That's when the mom guilt sets in. Have I totally spoiled my children? Or have I failed to teach them about the concept of money and that it doesn't actually grow on trees? Teaching young children about money is undeniably a life skill that has been overlooked in our household. Until now.

Learning Money with Leo 

Learning Money with Leo is an iPad app that has been designed with the input of early childhood education experts and parents. It features a variety of kid-friendly and interactive games to teach your children about earning, saving, and spending money. As your child plays each game, he or she can earn coins, which can be used to buy stickers for his or her very own virtual sticker book. Available for FREE from iTunes in both English and French, the purpose of this app is to:

• Provide kids with an introduction to the concepts and value of money
• Teach kids about earning, saving and spending money
• Help kids develop a foundation of basic money skills that they can build upon as they get older