Thrifty and Thriving

Good Housekeeping has just come out with their list of the best toys of 2009. Check out the video below.

For a complete list, click here. Are any of these toys on your list this year?

So, you were able to get your hands on that toy everyone wants and can’t wait to see your kids open it on Christmas morning. Now you find out it may contain a harmful chemical. A lot of parents are finding this out today about Zsu Zsu Pets, which GoodGuide claims may contain high levels of antimony, a substance that can cause lung and heart problems. Find out more at Consumerist.com.

The maker of Zsu Zsu Pets insists the toy is safe and meets government safety standards. If you’ve already purchased this toy, do you take it back or wait to see if there are recalls?

Right now, jerseys for boys are $26.99. Select sweaters are also 50% off. Find out more.

I read today’s story about Zhu Zhu Pets and it always amazes me how people get worked up over certain toys. They look really cute, and my girls have mentioned that they want them. Then again, they want just about everything they see on TV. I don’t object to the idea of cute robotic hamsters, especially since we live in an apartment that doesn’t allow pets. But I just don’t see my kids interested in these things for more than five minutes. Once you get past the cute factor, what can you really do with it? Does anyone have suggestions out there for fun and practical gifts for kids?

Purchases must be of $30 or more. Use code 94476 at checkout through December 16. If you have a little person on your list who has a Build-A-Bear doll, this might give you a chance to surprise them with a new outfit or accessories, if accessories for a teddy bear sounds like a normal concept to you.

The whole store seemed like a weird idea to me at one time, but then I actually took my kids there and saw how much fun they had. The dolls they created are still among their favorite toys, and the best part is, they’re washable, which is really reassuring when you see just what a favorite stuffed animal goes through.

Are there toys and gifts for kids out there that you think are a good buy?

Use code GYMCLUB. Expires November 8. See what’s available.

Based on the comments from our earlier post, it seems like people will be giving out less candy this year — either from a desire to cut back on spending or because they don’t feel all of that candy is really good for kids. Is there such a thing as healthy candy? I’m not sure, but Necco is attempting to at least make their famous wafers all-natural. The good news is, you probably won’t be able to taste the purple cabbage and beet juice. Read more.

I have this argument with my daughters all of the time. If it’s only been on a couple of hours, and it’s not dirty, it doesn’t need to go in the hamper. Pajamas can be worn for a couple of nights – all you’re doing in them is sleeping!

I’m sure other parents go through the same thing. You want to be sure their clothes are clean, of course, but you also don’t want to wash the life out of them, forcing you to replace them earlier than necessary. Donna Freedman on MSN’s Smart Spending blog describes some of her rules for when it’s time to wash it. She suggests that by rewearing clothes that don’t desperately need to be washed you save money on soap, water, and new clothes. Read more.

When do you determine it’s time to wash it in your home?