New York,
NY (November
10,
2005) --
Research findings suggest that today’s kids are less concerned with being part of the “in-crowd,” and instead are interested in academic achievement, expressing their individuality, and building relationships with their families.
That’s good news for parents and grandparents who can find the gifts kids really want this holiday season in the
Scholastic Kids Trend Report. Unveiled by Scholastic, the global children’s publishing and media company, the Scholastic Kids Trend Report and all gift suggestions are available at
www.scholastic.com/trendreport.
“Kids today think it’s cool to do well in school; they aren’t afraid to speak up; and they value diversity. Best of all, they actually like spending time with their family – reading, playing games and feeling connected to the important adults in their lives,” says Sara Sinek, Scholastic Kid Trend Spotter. “That news makes this holiday season a great opportunity for parents and grandparents to support their kids’ individuality and interest in learning and to spend time together.”
Gifts That Achieve Learning Success
According to the Yankelovich Youth Monitor, 85% of today’s students are worried about doing well in school. Here are some gift ideas that support school performance, yet are sure to provide lots of fun for kids.
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Read With Me DVD! - Families can cultivate a love of reading on their DVD players\! Read with Me DVD! builds vocabulary and story comprehension skills using classic storybooks on interactive DVDs and a wireless remote. Kids can experience a story in four ways – watch and listen, read the story on their own, learn new words or answer questions, or play fun games. Includes DVD of Where the Wild Things Are. (Ages 3-7, $34.99) Additional titles available. ($14.99 each)
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Brain Play - Kids will love to supplement learning in math, science, reading, language and keyboarding with the help of easy-to-follow and fun to play CD-ROMs. (Grades pre-K-1, 1-3, 4–6, $19.95 each)
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Inkspell by Cornelia Funke - This critically acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author once again captivates her audience with fantasy story that is truly magical. A wonderful fantasy adventure story for all those Harry Potter lovers. (Ages 9-12, $19.99)
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ABC/123 Wood Giraffe Puzzle - With these colorful blocks, children will love to learn the alphabet, numbers, shapes and colors all at once, while developing hand/eye coordination. (Ages 3+, $14.99)
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Scholastic Atlas of Earth - Non-fiction is a big trend for today’s kids, especially boys. This book is the ultimate guide to understanding the coolest planet. (Ages 7+, $17.99)
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My First Science Kit - With the tools included in this science kit, kids will soon be absorbed in creating crystals of all their favorite colors. This is a perfect introduction to science for young children. (Ages 4+, $19.95)
Gifts That Foster Individuality
According to the Yankelovich study, 75% of kids either say they “move to the beat of my own drum and don’t really care about what people think or say. “Below are some of the crafty holiday activities and gift ideas that will help children bring out their talents and develop skills they want to master and follow their personal interests.
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Klutz Quilting - Creation is the ultimate self-expression and kids will love to create toss pillows, sachets, floor pillows, wall hangings, table mats and cool shoulder bags! . (Ages 8+, $21.95)
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Klutz Room Lanterns - Kids can decorate their rooms their way with this fun interior decorating kit. Room Lanterns comes with a string of ten tiny lights, ready to plug in and get glowing. (Ages 12+, $19.95)
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Artist Studio - With finely crafted, beautifully polished wood and an adjustable canvas holder, this is a young artists dream. Two storage drawers hold supplies including six brushes, a wooden pallet, a canvas, 24 jumbo oil pastels, 30 colored pencils and 14 oil, acrylic and water colors. . (Ages 10+, $99.99)
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Electric Guitar - The perfect gift to bring out the musician in any child, this guitar is constructed of quality wood with a beautiful finish. It features a built-in amplifier and speakers to create rich sound for young musicians. (Ages 8+, $129.99)
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Queen Bee by Chynna Clugston - In the fast-growing graphic novel genre where comics come alive with rich stories, Queen Bee takes a funny but stinging look at the social hive of middle-school girls. (Ages 9-12, $8.99)
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Maya & Miguel Books and DVD’s - Kids will have double the fun with the newest book and DVD series featuring the famous twins from this hit PBS KIDS GO! series. Kids will identify with the patient and practical brother and the energetic and adventurous sister, and find the twins’ friends are a lot like their own friends. (Books: Ages 6+, $3.99; DVD’s: Ages 3+, $16.98)
Gifts That Bring Families Together
There are many ways families can come together and spend quality time with each other that are enriching, fun and memorable. A survey conducted by Woman’s Day magazine shows that moms choose to read to their children as an opportunity to spend more quality time together. Here are some truly family-friendly gifts that will keep families connected.
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Classic Books - Build the family library by giving children the gift of timeless classic tales including Peter Pan, Tom Sawyer, Black Beauty and more. Beautifully cloth-bound, this collectible series is sure to be a family heirloom. (All Ages, $19.90 each)
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Puppet Theater - Families will love putting on puppet shows together with this wonderful theater. Complete with curtains, chalkboard and dry erase board for special announcements. (Ages 3+, $119.99)
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Classic Board Games - These games will bring back nostalgic feelings for parents and grandparents, while creating cross-generational connections with kids. Special wooden collectors editions of the following classic games will be cherished for years to come.
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Clue – The classic game of Whodunit! (Ages 8+, $29.99)
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Scrabble – America’s favorite word game! (Ages 8+, $29.99)
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Monopoly – The world’s most popular board game! (Ages 8+, $29.99)
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Candy Land – A child’s first game! (Ages 3+, $14.99)
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Sorry – The game of sweet revenge! (Ages 6+, $29.99)
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Risk – The classic game of strategy! (Ages 10+, $35.99)
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Chutes and Ladders – The game of ups and downs! (Ages 3+, $14.99)
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Twister – The game that as players tied in knots! (Ages 6+, $29.99)
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Can You See What I See? The Night Before Christmas by Walter Wick - The Christmas event of the year from The New York Times bestselling book series. Share the spirit of this magical season with the family. (Ages All, $13.99)
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New York State of Mind by Billy Joel - Legendary performer Billy Joel’s bluesy ode to New York City, introduces children to the greatest city in the world. Parents will love the music, kids will love the beautiful illustrations. (Ages 4-8, $16.99)
For product samples or images, please contact Blayne Murphy at blmurphy@scholastic.com.
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