These decal sets contain over 20 decals and are available in Transportation or Jungle varieties.  They can be applied to any smooth surface and best of all, can be removed without damaging the item.  These colorful decals will pop on both plain walls (perfect for renters) and also complement a variety of brightly painted walls.

Take a Hike:

The weather in parts of the country is starting to turn brisk, but old man winter has not quite swept in yet. Get outside for a nice hike. No TV, no distractions, just the whole family enjoying quality time together. This time of year is especially wonderful. While autumn weather sometimes requires an extra layer, the gorgeous changing leaves more than make up for the rosy cheeks.

Bon Appétit:

Family cooking allows for quality time that is purpose driven. If you do not like to cook, why not follow the old adage that many hands make light work. Plus you may be surprised what delicious dishes your kids come up with. For younger kids, have them help you with the main course. Older kids and teens can be charged with appetizers/sides or the favorite…dessert! Need ideas, Lakeside.com has a variety of cookbooks perfect for whatever type of chef you are. A personal favorite, Delicious Treats Cookbooks, is full of creative and scrumptious sweets you can make right at home.

Family Game Night

A classic but favorite. For littler kids, the 4-1 Disney board game set is easy-to-learn and fun for ages 3 and up. Older kids will love 5 Second Rule. This game has a simple premise, just name 3 of something. But under the pressure of the clock, drawing a blank when trying to name 3 breeds or dogs, or saying a silly answer like ‘Justin Beiber’ for name 3 famous bald people is bound to happen!

1. On a plane or in a car, reading is a great quite activity kids can enjoy. However selection of the perfect book is key. Tossing a copy of A Tale of Two Cities to your 9 year old will likely lead to the worst of times. We recommend the 2012 Guinness World Records Book. It’s interesting and engaging, and could even be a fun family guessing game (how tall is the largest man?)
2. Can you believe how many travelers check plain black bags? It always seems that the pink ribbon you tie around the handle falls off or is not visible on the luggage belt. However traveling can be easier (and more fashionable) for your kids. The 2-Pc. Girls’ luggage sets come in fun patterns like Hearts, Peace and Butterflies that can’t be missed (assuming your luggage actually makes it to your destination city).
3. Entertainment on the road or at the grandparents’ house is often very limited. The trick to keeping kids well-behaved is offering them an entertaining toy that travels well. For kids 8+ we suggest Find It Brain Teaser Game. This game is the ultimate I spy cylinder with colorful beads and hidden items for your eagle-eyed kids to enjoy.

Wherever you are headed this holiday season, preparation is the key. A little planning will make the whole trip so much more enjoyable for you and your family.

In the industrial spirit of trains, now kids can create their favorite toy for themselves.  The Build a Working Wood Vehicle train kit allows kids to leverage a tool (screwdriver) to build their toy.  This kit includes solid pine pieces (with pre-drilled holes), a screwdriver, screws and instructions.  Click here to view kit

Build A Working Wood Vehicle Kits

If your child prefers the roads and fields to the rails, also offered are Tow Truck and Tractor vehicle kits.  All kits are $9.95/kit.

Check out this adorable little girl who like a lot of little girls loves ballet and ballerina items.  Brad, the proud papa works here and has no problems showing off pictures of his precious happy ballerina.  Problem is she wants to sleep in her costume too which really isn’t the most comfortable PJ’s to wear.  The problem is now solved and he wanted to share his solution with you all in case anyone else has run into this.  The item that saved the day is the Matching Girl & Doll Nightgown and even better yet both nightgowns are only $9.95!  Your little girl can dress her doll in a nightgown just like the one she’s wearing.  The gowns feature an image of ballet shoes in the center with ruffled trim on the sleeves and hem.   Sweet Dreams little Ballerinas everywhere!

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!