Watching your little one’s face as they unwrap a new holiday gift is a moment all parents look forward to. This year take some of the pressure off yourself and shop Oddbods. This brand new toy line based on the popular (and incredibly hilarious) animated kid’s series is sure to bring squeals of delight and a happy dance or two.

The seven Oddbods characters represent a diverse array of emotions and personalities—from feisty Fuse to sweetie pie Newt—and promote a message of celebrating uniqueness and individuality. And the new toy line includes push vehicles, a playhouse and even snuggly companions. Read on to see our top picks for the hottest new toys of the season, sure to bring a smile for the holidays.

Tinybeans reader can save 15% on their favorite Oddbods toys by using code 15ODDBEANS at checkout on Amazon!


Oddbods House Playset

This adorable little house is tricked out with all kinds of features in one compact playset: you’ll find four interior rooms, a backyard with a pool and a garden, and seven cute Oddbods figurines. The whole thing closes up with a carrying handle so it's easy to transport from playdate to porch and back again. Ages 3 and up.

$39.99 BUY NOW

Fuse’s Monster Truck

Let your little mischief-makers have fun with this push-and-play truck that launches missiles! It even comes with a little Fuse figurine that fits in the driver’s seat. Who will win the epic battle of missile vs. pizza vs. ice cream? Ages 3 and up.

$24.99 BUY NOW

Pogo’s Ice Cream Truck

We all scream for Pogo’s Ice Cream truck, or maybe we’ll scream with joy when it launches tiny ice cream blobs right from the top! Pair this with Fuse’s missile-launching Monster Truck and Zee’s Tractor for an epically adorable battle. Includes a Pogo figurine that fits in the vehicle. Ages 3 and up.

$24.99 BUY NOW

Zee’s Tractor

This toy vehicle is Green Oddbood Zee’s tractor, but it’s not just any tractor. It’s a pizza-launching tractor (because food fights are always fun!). Includes the Zee figurine that fits right in the driver’s seat. Ages 3 and up.

$24.99 BUY NOW

Oddbods Pogo Soft Stuffed Plush Toys

When it’s time to snuggle into bed, or maybe just cozy up on the couch to watch Oddbods episodes, the perfect companion is a plush Oddbodd. The loveable, unique stuffies double as a pillow, too. They stand around 12” tall and come in all seven characters: Bubbles, Jeff, Fuse, Newt, Pogo, Slick, and Zee.

$19.99 BUY NOW

Which Oddbod toy will you surprise the kids with this year? We love them all!

-Amber Guetebier

The beloved brand Hess recently announced the debut of a new member to its toy truck collection. The 2021 Cement Mixer is available now—and it’s the perfect plush for the truck-obsessed kiddo!

Available exclusively at HessToyTruck.com, the new Cement Mixer is more than your average variety of vehicle. This plush mixer is super-soft and cuddly, lights up and makes music.

photo courtesy of PR Newsfoto/Hess Toys

The 2021 Cement Mixer includes squeeze-activated flashing LED lights, an auto shutoff night light with a 15-minute timer and plays two sing-along songs (“Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes” and “The Alphabet Song”). Along with these fun features, the plush toy also has a silent mode, commemorative license plate and customizable keepsake driver’s license tag.

According to Hess, this soft toy truck is “safe for all ages.” It’s mixing drum and side exhaust pipes also make the plush easy for your younger tot to pick up and tote around. Order your own 2021 Cement Mixer plush for $29.99 directly from the Hess Toy Truck website. The truck comes with free standard shopping and Energizer batteries.

—Erica Loop

 

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Your little slugger can gear up and support their fave baseball team with the Cubcoats Sports Collection! These cute creations combine the comfy kids’ MLB sportswear with a new furry friend.

The two-in-one Cubcoats Sports Collection features fully functional hoodies, hidden inside team mascot toys. This means your baseball fanatic kiddo can support their fave team in a bear-y special way. Simply unzip the bear to reveal a team-branded hoodie. When your child is done wearing their team top, follow Cubcoats’ directions and roll the hoodie back into a bear.

Cuboats hoodies are officially licensed baseball apparel, with a line-up that includes your kiddo’s favorite major league team. Each plush toy/hoodie is made from soft-touch fleece and non-allergenic materials.

The hoodies are fully lined with a 60/40 cotton-polyester blend. Don’t worry if your child drips ketchup from their baseball park hot dog onto the hoodie or accidentally drops their bear on the way to a big game. These two-in-one bear/hoodie products are completely machine washable.

These zip-up hoodies retail for between $50 and $55, and are available in sizes 2T through kids 9-10, depending on the team. Some styles are sized up to 5-6 or 6-7. Visit the Cubcoats website for size availability and to order one for your youngest baseball fan.

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of Cubcoats

 

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Vivian Wynter

Vivian Wynter is a multi-hyphenate and mom to her toddler Luna. She spends her time as a beauty and lifestyle entrepreneur, content creator and entertainer.

What would it look like if the people we went to for help in our most vulnerable moments were never able to empathize with us and put themselves in our position? 

What if every time we went to our parents, medical professionals, teachers, bosses, and government entities to create a more fulfilled life, we were met with, “Okay. What do you want me to do about it?”  WOW! Talk about feeling frustrated and not seen.

So, how do we create and practice empathy?
Is it taught?
Is it fostered?
Is it too late for our teenage and adult children?
Is it too late for us?

Absolutely Not!

But, it is something to actively work on if you weren’t raised in an empathetic household, which applies to most people (count yourself extremely lucky if you were).

How can we expect others to empathize with our social, cultural, and economic situations if we neglect to empower those same sentiments in our future leaders and neighbors; the very ones we’ll need more and more as time goes on.

It can be a cold, hard world. Wouldn’t empathy and support from all make parenthood and life feel more worthwhile?

Now look y’all, I’m no parenting expert. I’m just a humble mom raised in the gracious south to an empathetic family and support system, who have always loved children. But, as a K-12 educator in all facets, former cheer coach, and communications and client service professional dealing with the public at-large for the last 17 years; I CAN tell you trends I’ve seen which give me a glimmer of hope that if every person committed to teaching and embracing empathy for all- this would be a pretty cool world.

Here’s What I Know For Sure- 

  1. Empathy has no gender; anyone and everyone can be empathetic.
  2. Selfishness is taught and learned through observation.  Empathy comes naturally to every human; nurture it and make it a normal part of everyday life.

I love people, peace, and bringing the two together.  Since childhood I’ve had this internal pull to ensure people feel seen, heard, and safe.  My personal love language is, “Acts of Service” a.k.a. HELP!!  So, becoming a Communications professional was a natural fit as it’s the study of psychology, sociology, and social and cultural contexts, which are the 4 pillars of our personal communication style.

To learn and practice empathy, we’ll need to begin within.  Yes y’all!  I’m talking about that ‘heart work’. These things may feel uncomfortable, but are necessary to be the best parents we can be to our babies!

So.. without further adieu, let’s get to it!


1

Breathe Like A Bear book

Breeeeathe Like A Bear

$13.49

Mindful moments for kids to feel calm, you can do anytime

BUY NOW

2

Dash Finds His Inner Peace

Dash Finds His Inner Peace

$9.99

This book gives the woosah we all need relaxation book for kids (and parents too)

BUY NOW

3

Social Skills Activities for Kids book

Builds social skills and interactions

$11

A quick, fun dose of conversation starters and social graces

BUY NOW

4

Joyin Doctors Pretend Play Kit

Play-Pretend, and care

$21.99

Fosters imagination, care and career possibilities in children

BUY NOW

5

Have you Filled a Bucket Today book

A great reminder of the little things in life

$7.79

Teaches gratitude, good welfare, and empathy in kids

BUY NOW

6

FurReal Friends Pax My Poopin Pup Plush Toy

PET DOG - Vivian Wynter

$43.24

Teaches empathy, care, and responsibility

BUY NOW

7

Andre The Best Big Brother book

Exemplifies sibling care

$5.99

Andre is a great example of how to care for a younger sibling

BUY NOW

8

Me and My Feelings book

A kid's guide to understanding feelings

$9.70

Teaches kids how to manage and express their big emotions

BUY NOW

9

Feelings and Emotions Flash Cards

Flashcards of emotions

$19.49 BUY NOW

Teaches kids the words they need to identify big emotions, and extend empathy.

 

Brita DeStefano

Dr. Brita is a pediatric physical therapist and mama of 2. She believes that milestones shouldn't be a mystery and enjoys giving parents peace of mind about their kid's development

I see these new mamas all the time – they’ve just left the pediatricians office and have been prescribed tummy time for their newborn. Along with making sure they’re fed, healthy and thriving, they’ve also been given yet another task to be checked off their daily list. How the heck does an overwhelmed and exhausted new mom fit yet another thing into her day? And what about if their baby hates tummy time? Forget it! As a pediatric physical therapist and mom of two, not only have I been there, done that, but it’s actually my job to help parents and babies become tummy time masters! I want tummy time to be peaceful and productive, not a dreaded task to check off your list. It breaks my heart to see families struggling with this important activity, especially knowing how essential tummy time is for building a foundation for healthy development. So, let me share some of my tricks of the trade. Check out my favorite gear that will help make tummy time a breeze.


1

Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror

Engage Baby's Curiosity

$12.99

As baby's vision develops they are highly motivated by faces - even their own! This soft sided mirror is fully baby-proof with contrasting colors. The bee and ladybug also encourage tactile exploration once baby starts reaching.

BUY NOW

2

Lay and Play Adventure Mat

Tummy Time On The Go

$59

Let's face it, some days are busier than others. If you're going to be out of the house all day you might wonder how to fit tummy time in while you're on the go. Enter the Lay and Play Adventure Mat! It is an easily packable play gym with a wipeable and washable mat that is perfect for doing tummy time just about anywhere!

BUY NOW

3

Wee Gallery Art Cards for Baby

Whimsical Entertainment

$15.99

These high quality black and white art cards are not only adorable, but they help develop your baby's vision while they do their tummy time. At birth, babies see best in black, white and red so these cute animals are sure to catch your little one's attention.

BUY NOW

4

Taf Toys 2 in 1 Tummy-Time Soft Baby Developmental Pillow

Give Baby a Boost

$24.95

Tummy time is hard work! Sometimes baby just needs a little boost. This tummy time pillow is great for those little ones who need some extra support under their chest. It has a smaller side for 0-3 months and larger pillow for 3+ months (I love gear that grows with baby!).

BUY NOW

5

Exercise Ball

Ball for Birthing AND Baby

$26.99

You know how many moms use birthing balls when they're in labor? Well don't get rid of it! Your baby might be one of the ones who prefers motion during tummy time. Bouncing or rocking your baby while on their tummy over the exercise ball can be a great way to soothe them and build their endurance for being on their belly.

BUY NOW

6

Teether Book Take-A-Long Toy

Sensory Exploration

$4.99

Engage all of baby's senses during tummy time with their very first book! This soft book has crinkly pages for auditory input, textured handle and corners for oral exploration, and bright colors for visual engagement.

BUY NOW

7

ABC & Me Plush Toy Wobble Set

Reach and Wobble

$20 BUY NOW

As your baby gets stronger on their tummy, they'll begin to shift their weight and practice reaching for toys. These little wobbly animals are great to encourage this phase of tummy time skills. They tip over and pop back up to promote repetition which is the key to learning!

Get ready for more adventures with Bingo and Rolly! Disney Junior has ordered a fifth season of Puppy Dog Pals. Season four of the series premieres Fri., Oct. 23 at 9:00 a.m. PT on Disney Channel and on DisneyNOW.

Puppy Dog Pals

The hit animated series centers on fun-loving pug puppy brothers Bingo and Rolly, whose thrill-seeking appetites take them on exhilarating adventures in their neighborhood and around the globe. Whether helping their owner Bob, exploring with their pal Keia or overseeing their own Puppy Playcare center, the pugs’ motto is that life is more exciting with your best friend by your side.

Season four of Puppy Dog Pals stars newcomer Elisha “EJ” Williams as quick-witted, problem solver Bingo; Gracen Newton (Child Support) as silly, energetic Rolly; Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants) as A.R.F.; and Jessica DiCicco (The Loud House) as Hissy. Harland Williams is the show’s creator, serves as consulting producer and voices the role of Bob, the pups’ devoted owner. Sean Coyle is executive producer and Michael Olson is co-executive producer/story editor for season four. The fifth season will be executive produced by Olson and Coyle will serve as consulting producer. The series is a production of Wild Canary in association with Disney Junior.

Extensions for the series include storybooks from Disney Press, DVDs from Walt Disney Studios and music releases on major streaming platforms from Walt Disney Records. Plush toys, costumes, accessories and apparel are available at the Disney store, shopDisney.com and retailers nationwide.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Disney Junior 

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Even if you haven’t put any thought into holiday shopping, chances are your kids are already formulating their wish lists. Online retailer Zulily just announced its first ever Top Toy List for 2020. This collection curated for kids of all ages will inspire parents as they get ready to check off items on their shopping list. 

gift

Preparing for holiday shopping is more important than ever. According to a new survey from Zulily and OnePoll, 7 in 10 moms feel pressure to make this holiday season great for their child due to the pandemic.

The inaugural list features the top 29 toys for families who want kids to…

  • Connect: The family that plays together, stays together. Eighty-six percent of moms say it’s important to them that families play together. With puzzles, easy crafts for kids, rock painting kits, books and STEAM playsets, the whole family can bond, build empathy and learn.
  • Move: With 63 percent of moms concerned their kids won’t get enough physical activity this winter, it’s time to bring on the energy burners! Get jumping and moving with these great finds that can work both indoors and out.
  • Imagine: Sixty-eight percent of respondents feel toys with screens have reduced how often children play using their imagination. By choosing toys that encourage free-form play, spark your little one’s creativity!

“Zulily is moms’ best kept secret for playtime essentials at great value; after all, since our first sale in 2010, we’ve sold tens of millions of toys – think about all of those memories made since then!” said Lindsay Reynolds, Zulily’s resident toy expert. “The holidays are all about connecting as a family – and, in light of the pandemic’s impacts on children and playtime, parents are searching for toys this year that get the family moving, imagining and bonding across generations. At Zulily we truly believe you can create special moments without spending a lot – that’s why I’m so excited to unveil our first-ever Top Toy List, all available in Santa’s Workshop, our dedicated shopping destination for all things holiday. And since our assortment changes every single day, moms can find inspiration and deals on toys, décor, and gifts throughout the holiday season!”

Zulily’s top toys will be just one part of the online retailer’s thousands of new products launched every day, all up to 70 percent off. But once a deal is gone, it’s gone, so shoppers need to tune in to see when their fun favorites are available again. For parents hoping to fill up a stocking with a specific brand, they can go to that brand’s page on Zulily.com and simply “heart” it to get notified when it will be back!

Some of the top toys for the season include:

Barbie Dream Closet & Doll by Barbie

Barbie Dream Closet & Doll by Barbie

The Barbie Dream Closet inspires kids to create endless looks and stories to go with them! The closet playset comes with five complete outfits, including accessories, for any occasion: two trendy day outfits, an evening look, a pediatrician outfit and a sporty scuba suit with mask and fins to invite kids to dream, pretend and play dress up. Suitable for ages 3 to 7 years.

     Hot Wheels Sky Crash Tower by Hot Wheels

Hot Wheels Sky Crash Tower by Hot Wheels

Brand new from one of the top brands every holiday season, the new Hot Wheels Sky Crash Tower allows kids to boost their vehicles up and up to the sky for a super-cool jump and the most epic mid-air crashes ever! With multiple track loops and a motorized booster, this tower offers hours of entertainment while promoting imagination and hands-on play. Suitable for ages 5 – 10.

LEGO® Harry Potter™ Set - Hogwarts™ Astronomy Tower by the LEGO Group

LEGO Harry Potter Set – Hogwarts Astronomy Tower by The LEGO Group

For Harry Potter fans both big and small, this thrill-packed build and play set encourages kids to build and create, unlocking all their magical potential in the tallest tower at Hogwarts. Suitable for kids 9+.

	  The Child 11" Plush by Mattel

The Child 11″ Plush by Mattel

Inspired by the Lucasfilm live-action series The Mandalorian, this sweet Star Wars plush toy gives kids a way to snuggle up with their favorite character – reminding them that the Force is always with them.

The full list can be found on the Zulily blog: Top 2020 Hottest Christmas & Holiday Toys.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Photos courtesy of Zulily/Featured photo: Jess Bailey on Unsplash

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Parents around the world know there is something magical about a new plush friend. The whimsical French toy line Les Déglingos, translated into English as “The Wackos” uses corduroy fabric to create a collection of beloved creatures. Now American families can find them at independent toy and specialty retail shops stateside thanks to importer TriAction Toys.

Les Déglingos

Big Simply Hippipos the Hippo in Tube is one of five animal characters that will soothe and enchant your little one. It may be hard to choose one among Flamingo, Ostrich, Tiger or Llama as each plush pal offers its own charm. One thing’s for certain, your child will cherish their new lovey from birth to freshman orientation.

Les Déglingos

“Les Déglingos was founded in early 2007 by Laurent Manceron in France,” explains TriAction Toys’ Chris Cofoni. “Laurent’s idea was to bring very innovative and funky designs to the market, steering away from the common pastel plush toys available at the time. He was the first designer to design plush using corduroy and the material’s success in the plush toy market has been imitated widely since.”

Les Déglingos

If you feel like you may have seen this toy before, it may be from one of its many cameo appearances on many movie sets and the TV series Modern Family.

Les Déglingos

This plush line is the perfect gift for baby showers, holidays and birthdays. The decorative “tube” packaging is just as appealing as the plush tucked inside. Artistic drawings of each animal face mimic their unique characters.

Les Déglingos are machine washable in cold/warm water and have no parts that present a choking hazard. Each product is tested to comply with European regulations (EN71), USA regulations (ASTM) and REACH (AZO for colorants in the fabrics). 

Look for these five corduroy pals, each priced at $19.99 and for age newborn+, in specialty stores now. 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of TriAction Toys

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Scooby dooby doo! The new animated feature Scoob! debuts digitally on May 15 and families can bring the excitement home with a new collection of toys, home goods, pet products and Scooby snacks. The collection launches exclusively at Walmart and Walmart.com this month just in time for the premiere.

From Basic Fun, Playmobil, Funko and more, the Scoob! toy collection includes: Scooby-Doo figurines ($ 2.99- $9.99), a Mystery Machine vehicle ($19.99) with lights and sounds, and huggable plush toys, even a new character from the movie called puppy Scooby ($7.99), Funko POP! Collectibles ($9.99) and more.

Scoob!

 

Home goods and fashion: With the giant Scooby cuddle pillow guarding them, as well as a colorful bedspread and soft throws, kids will sleep soundly at night ($9 – $30). Converse sneakers in adult and youth sizes feature classic Scooby and the gang sayings like “Ruh Roh” and “Zoinks” ($70 -$110).

Scoob!

 

Outdoor: As the weather heats up and families head into the backyard to play in the pool or sprinkler, kids can wrap up in a Scooby towel with hood ($10.98). For Scooby snacks and drinks on the go Igloo’s Playmate Elite cooler ($49.00) is the perfect size for family picnics.

Scoob!

 

Food: Scooby loves his Scooby snacks! A variety of snacks worthy of Scooby’s and Shaggy’s appetites include graham cracker sticks shaped like dog bones, fruit snacks and candy.

Scoob!

Pet Products: A BarkBox with Scooby chew toys, plush squeak toys, and dog snacks is available through Amazon.com and the BarkBox website (price varies). A Mystery Machine Pet Carrier from Buckle Down ($59.99) looks just like the Mystery Van!

Scoob!

Scoob! will be available for a 48-hour rental via Premium Video On Demand for $19.99, or premium digital ownership for $24.99, beginning on Fri., May 15.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy Warner Bros. Consumer Products 

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If your honey bunnies love rabbits—live, stuffed and ornamental ones—you can’t miss the quirky and unique Bunny Museum in Pasadena. Perfect for an Easter (or anytime) visit, the museum is a personal bunny collection turned Guinness World Record holder of a bunny heaven. If your crew thrives on uncovering hidden and unexpected gems in Los Angeles then hop no farther.

bunny-museum1

Step into Their Hutch
The museum is the personal collection of husband and wife Steve Lubanski and Candace Frazee. It began 20 years ago when Lubanski gave Frazee a stuffed bunny for Valentine’s Day in keeping with her nickname for him: “Honey Bunny.”  Since then they have given each other a bunny gift every day, which has amounted to a Guinness World Record collection of over 30,000 tokens of affection. Before you go, it’s good to know that The Bunny Museum is actually a “living museum,” which means that Frazee and Lubanski still live here and have opened up their Pasadena home to curious guests of all ages.

bummy museum 3

All Things Bunny
The first stop is the front room where your host, Candace will introduce you to the first two bunnies that started the collection. Their first live bunny, who is no longer with us, is also preserved and lovingly on display. Some young kids are fascinated by the keeping of a beloved pet, some are a little scared; so think about if this is something you want to point out to your little ones, or skip over.

Circle the room carefully and peek (but please don’t touch) into the multiple curios filled to the brim with glass bunny figurines. How many can you and your kids count?  As you step through the house you will encounter masks, plush toys, Easter candy sets, plates, cups, magnets and even bottles of wine in keeping with the bunny theme. While you peruse, your host will tell you about the couple’s bunny story and answer any questions you have.

bunny museum2

Hands On
It’s not all a hands-in-pockets place!  Little ones who like to touch will have a chance to interact once you are introduced to the museum’s three live bunnies: Jessica Doecent (yes, there’s a pun there), Shopper and Joker. The kids can grab their bunny money (see below) and feed the trio a snack. Then move outside to the backyard and add your own sidewalk chalk bunny to the collection. Finally, you’re at the Bunny Museum, so lose your inhibitions and hop down the bunny trail filled with bunny themed sculptures large and small.

bunny museum 6

Where to Hop
There is abundant street parking in the neighborhood. Museum visits are available every afternoon by appointment only, except on holidays when it is open to the public from 2 p.m.-7 p.m.

Adult admission is a suggested $5, and kids 4 and under only need to show up with “bunny money”: a bag of fruits or veggies to feed the live bunnies. Sign the guest list (you’re one of over 23,000) and leave any bags or coats in the bunny chest near the door.

bunny museum 4

Hours: Mon.-Sat. noon-6 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m.
Cost: Kids 4 & under are free; 5-12 $5; 13 & up $12

The Bunny Museum
2605 Lake Ave.
Altadena

Online: thebunnymuseum.com

What’s your favorite hidden, offbeat or unique museum in LA?  We’d love to hear about it in the comment section.

—written and photographed by LeTania Kirkland