Warning to all parents, these fun Disney Storybooks might cause kids to stay up later!  Pictured here is an adorable Lakeside associate’s child who just couldn’t get enough of this book.  Debbie, the mom, purchased the book at Lakeside thinking “wow my kid loves mickey and this should be a fun learning experience for him too.”  Little did she know he would enjoy it so much that he couldn’t put the book or take-along tunes away! 

The 24-page book (9-1/2″ x 8-1/8″) is packed with stories and learning activities.  The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Take-Along Tunes is an interactive book with a music player that comes with 20 preloaded tunes.  The hardcover book has the lyrics for each song, along with colorful illustrations.  The player is shaped liked Mickey, complete with feet it can stand up on.  Kids can carry the music around, or stand the player up to listen to the classic songs including “If You’re Happy and You Know It…,” “Head, Shoulders…,” as well as “Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Diggity Dog,” which is featured in the show.

Enjoy and remember you have been warned!  Search kids books @ lakeside for more great books at unbelievable low prices!

With candy-colored clothes and hair like spun sugar, the Cute As a Cupcake Doll Set is a delectable gift for any girl.  Doll comes with 3 adorable outfits.  Keep the party going with the Giant Cupcake Pan.  Made of flexible silicone, this unique double-sided Cupcake Cake Pan Creates a treat that’s sure to impress.    The ribbed-edged bottom creates the illusion of a paper cupcake liner, while the design on the top adds extra pizazz.  If you want unique cupcakes, impress your friends with the Hello, Cupcake! Cookbook.  Now even the kitchen-challenged can make creative cupcakes that will wow the crowd.  The easy-to-follow techniques will show you how one-of-a-kind cupcake designs can be made using a zipper lock bag and everyday candies and snack items you can get at your local grocery store.  Store it all in the Triple Cupcake Carrier, takes 27 cupcakes anywhere and have them look like they did when they left your kitchen.  The lid locks tight to maintain freshness and the handle on top makes it easy to carry.  Yummy!

Why is planning your kids birthday party always so stressful?  It should be fun and you should enjoy the celebration of your child’s birth.  Here is some helpful tips to help be prepared and enjoy that special day.

• If possible try and start planning 4-6 weeks in advance so you don’t stress yourself out especially if ordering party favors on-line.
• Pick a theme.  Once you have the theme down you can base the whole party around it, including the favors, decorations and party games.
• Remember this is kids, they are not going to remember or worry if the house is cleaned and what type of napkins were used.  Focus on the fun games.
• Party times: I suggest 1-3 or 2-4, this way you do not need to feed the kids a meal, yes you need snacks but an entire meal is not necessary.

Involve your child and have fun, anyone else have ideas?

It’s that time again when kids rejoice and sing Alice Cooper’s 1972 hit, “School’s Out.”    In the spirit of music, don’t underestimate the importance of music for a child’s development because it is very important for math skills and their capacity to learn more.  Encourage kids to listen to and make music themselves and make music part of every day.  Music also helps with social skills, have the kids play together.  It helps with language skills, some kids can barely talk but can sing the ABC song.  Music can be a positive outlet when trying to switch to a different activity or managing behavior such as frustration.  Music is fun and a great way for your kids to express themselves.  Let the fun of summer begin, rock on!