Time for a little update from me to you.

We always have so much fun stuff going on at KIWI, it’s good to give you all the “low down.”

We have updated our contests– you could win a 5-day/4-night trip for a family of four to the Bahamas! (Where do I sign up?!) Just head on over to enter.

Also, we have so many downloadable freebies, just for visiting our site. We have KIWI’s Top 25 Holiday Toys of 2007 (a little late, but always good for birthday gift ideas) and a free activity page and holiday entertaining tips from KIWI, Whole Foods Market and Healthy Child Healthy World. We also have the KIWI Special Report: What Moms Want– The Definitive Me-Time Study; KIWI Green College Report and our ever expanding KiwiKids Activities.

We update our Featured Articles and Recipes regularly. Right now we have two winter themed articles, Baby It’s Cold Outside and Keeping a Lid on Heating Bills. Our featured recipes are Quinoa Chopped Salad and Tofu and Cheese Quesadillas by Chef George Kyrtatas. These won’t be featured for long! We are updating the site soon, so more articles and recipes are coming.

Also, Happy New Year!

KIWI presents: A new blog series on “Positive Parenting” from June Grushka-Rosen.

Many believe that children and their innate ability to use their imagination go hand in hand. Unfortunately, more and more, a child’s gift to create imaginary places, invisible friends and to dream about the future is not always second nature. This can be compounded by parents who feel uncomfortable when children explore outside the boundaries of what they see as reality. However, the necessity to help prompt a child to grow his/her imagination is increasingly important, due to rising negative stimuli including the over-indulged child, as in the child that has everything done for them and is given to in excess with no boundaries or expectations from their parents. As well as the disadvantaged child, a child that has been deprived of basic needs that may include environmental factors that lead to a lack of nurturing needed to stimulate creative thinking

Imagination is essential as a foundation for problem solving. I have found that while working with preschoolers in an affluent community, in addition to gang affiliated teenagers from the inner-city, that a key component to a child or teen’s ability to thrive and move towards success, is their capacity to rely on their imagination to problem solve. It can be simply having tots who are needed to quietly move from one location to another imagine that they are a magnificent colorful butterfly with arms as wings, silently soaring magically from one place to the next. What a fun contribution to teach a child that is working on curbing their impulse to talk when it may not be appropriate.

It is also my experience that role playing with groups of teens has proven to stimulate their knack to use their imagination by “thinking out side the box” and enhancing their capability to problem solve. If a teen is given the opportunity to “play the part” of the parent or teacher or voice of authority, they often feel empowered by the chance to be heard. Creating an environment to help a teen use their creativity to solve problems and set their own limitations can be a powerful tool to impart upon them.

Nurturing these skills in children gives them perspective and resources to find hope when others my only see hopelessness. The gift of encouraging imaginative-play fosters one’s depth to look at life’s challenges expansively. Growing a child’s imagination can lead to raising a unique problem solver, bring a sparkle to routine activities and encourage children to see a world filled with endless possibilities!

Written by: June Grushka-Rosen, MEd., is a Life Coach, Educator and Psychotherapist
To contact - LifeCoachingYou@Verizon.net

Received a gift card for somewhere you don’t shop or would ever even consider stepping in? We all have faced this problem. What am I going to do with a $25 gift card to Outback Steakhouse? I am vegetarian! Why do I have a gift card to Toys R Us? My kid does not need anymore toys!

Well, worry no more. You can trade, swap, and sell your gift cards at Swapagift.com. You can pay your bills here, fund raise with this site, and exchange your unwanted card for Visa. Have a gift card that you simply do know what to do with? Can’t re-gift it? Head over to Swapagift and get a gift card you really want.

Can’t think of a gift card you want? Try selling them back at GiftCard Buy Back. (Who couldn’t use a little extra money?) Simply search their database for the gift cards you have, sell the cards and receive cash.

What do you do with your unwanted gift cards? Leave your answers in the comments!

We here at KIWI hope your holiday was wonderful! We have so much planned in 2008, so stay tuned.

What can you get someone at the last minute? Running around getting gifts for Bobby, Suzie, Aunt Lilly, Uncle Joey and Grandpa Ed, you have simply forgotten cousin Debbie. What to do? Gift cards are good way to give a thoughtful gift in a short amount of time. Here are some of KIWI’s recommendations for gift cards:

-A great way to give the gift of music without the bulk of CDs:
-Plenty of organic and natural options for the eco lover in your lot: Amazon.
-Target’s organic and eco conscience products options are growing: Target.
-Search for an local or organic restaurant, a dinner out is always appreciated: The Eat Well Guide.
-Let your loved ones buy whatever they want: Visa Gift Card.
-Nordstrom has a gift card for every occasion (a late Hanukkah gift, Christmas or Kwanzaa): Nordstrom

So hurry up and click away! Last minute gifts do not have to be bad gifts!

As kids, we all love toys we put together, like Legos and Build-a-Blocks and Lincoln Logs– all great toys. But as environmentally conscience parents, how do we choose the best imaginative gifts that are safe for our children and our environment?

Here is a toy that will satisfy your little builder and your eco-conscience. This Solar Lego-Style Helicopter is a must have for the little scientist in your family. It’s a great way to learn about reusable energy, solar power and building techniques– all tools for a innovative kid.

The building blocks are not compatible with other brands of building toys, but the rotor blade, panel and motor are compatible with Lego, K’Nex, Fischer Technik, Atco and Eitech.

Available at OutdoorGB, $28.93. Ages 4 & up.

Everyone loves a good pair of jeans. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a new pair of jeans. It’s like a birthday party for your legs. Well, anyway, sometimes it is hard to get your husband, brother, uncle or son to try something new. That’s why today’s gift is a wonderful ruse for the reluctant male.

Here’s the solution! Organic Levi’s. Yes, Levi’s. And the best part? They are from Target. These Levi Strauss Signature® Organic Slim Jeans - Tattered are one of the four organic options available. They are also an affordable $34.99 versus a lot of more expensive jeans that aren’t even organic. So if you have a Levi loving man who doesn’t want to try new things, this is a sneaky way to get him into organic. (And come on, you know best, right?)

Available at Target, $34.99.

It is the season of giving. So why not go all the way and give a gift that your little one will love and so will the environment? Changing the Present allows you to adopt a penguin, feed a hungry child, and much more. They want to “change the present, one gift at time.”

So for this holiday season, why not adopt a penguin in your loved ones name? Your gift to Adopt A Penguin will enable Defenders of Wildlife’s work with automakers and members of Congress to raise the standard fuel efficiency of cars and trucks. This gift will help save the penguins, among other animals.

Available at Changing the Present, $50.

Do you have a teen that loves to write? Maybe someone you know is going on a trip and needs a great journal to travel with? If that is the case, KIWI has just the journal gift for your loved ones.

These beautiful journals are Vintage Sari. They are handcrafted by Rajasthani artisans and filled with 100% heavyweight recycled cotton paper. Available in three color patterns: Merlot with Silver, Taupe with Floral Design and Purple with Floral Design. Sure to be a hit with the writer you know.

Available at Nubius Organics, $19.50

It’s almost winter time, but it has already snowed here on the East Coast. Sweaters, mittens, gloves, boots and scarves are an everyday need now. That is why today’s gift is perfect for the chilly weather.

This adorable sweater from Oeuf is well too cute for words. Seriously, just look at it! It has built in mittens! No more telling your tiny kittens that they may have no pie.

Made with 100% alpaca wool for warmth, and of course comfort, this sweater just cries HUG ME. And what a coincidence, that the name of this adorable– the Hug Me Sweater!

Available at Arte Bebe, $88.

Time for a little shameless self promotion. I have showed you clothes, toys, jewelry, chocolate, purses and shoes! Now it’s time to think about where you can get wonderful gift ideas, among a plethora of other information, all the time? KIWI Magazine of course.

Our magazine makes a wonderful present. Do you know any parents that need some recipe advice? How about some nutrition advice? Or maybe a fun craft to do on a rainy day? KIWI has it all. KIWI features the latest in everyday natural and organic style, geared towards helping moms and dads raise their families in the healthiest way possible.

Also, for a limited time, you will get the KIWI Best 25 Recipes of 2007 as a free download when you order a gift subscription. So a gift for a loved one and a gift for you. Can’t beat that, can you?

To subscribe, call 866-204-4704 or visit our website.

Today’s KIWI gift idea is for the little gamers in your family. Whether they play on the computer, the Play Station, or the Wii, this gift is the shirt that little boys and girls won’t absolutely hate getting. (Say goodbye to the “Aw, more clothes?” and say hello to “Yes! This is AWESOME!”)

The Longsleeve Joystick Jersey is 100% cotton and made in the USA. It is available from size 2T-4T (More sizes are available on Inky Dink’s site). Made by Inky Dink Tees, their designs have fun, crazy images like the Joystick Jersey, pirate themed and who could forget pink unicorns. Personally, I might have to buy this adorable longsleeve shirt for my video gamin’ nephew.

Available at Spunky Sprout, $32. (On sale for $28, right now!)

Know someone with a big sweet tooth? Vere Chocolate (pronounced very) is an excellent option for someone who loves decedent chocolates.

KIWI’s pick out of all their wonderful options? The Truffles. Enjoy Vere’s unusual and wonderful flavors: rich Cream, lush Cognac, bold Coffee and floral Earl Grey Tea. Yummmm! These chocolatiers start with sustainably grown, pesticide-free cocoa beans and sweeten them only enough to enhance their rich, distinctive flavor. Also the cream used in the truffles is all locally grown. My mouth is watering just thinking about these delicious truffles.

Available at Vere, 4 piece box (1.4 oz.) for $10 or 16 piece box (5.7 oz.) for $35.

Since our database was down this weekend, I didn’t get to share with you my recommendations for some great gifts. Today I am going to write about 3 great gifts, so it’s 3 gifts in 1 day! Woo!

Our first gift is so adorable. He is a Wee Ninja, master of the Stealth Hug, the Tickle Fists of Fury and the Sneak Snuggle. He is handmade in Chicago by Shawnimals. He stands about 9″ high and is a resident of Ninjatown, along with the Pocket Wee Ninjas and the Micro Plush Wee Ninjas. Quirky and cute!

Available at Shawnimals.com and Elsewares.com, $20-$22.

The next gift is the very definition of lovely. But, really it is! This is the definition necklace. Each pendant is printed on white and set in a silver bezel. It is made in Vermont by D-Licious and comes in definitions like lovely (pictured to the right), sauce, character, happiness, home, mine, balance, mate, kin, lucky, spoon and spirit.

Available at Elsewares.com and to find a store near you, check D-licious’s site, $90.

Today’s final gift is something for the All-American male. Designed by Turk + Taylor for their Autumn ‘07 collection, this shirt is sure to be a hit with any fashionable and red blooded American man (or woman!). The tee is a gingham patterned USA map on beautiful organic cotton.

Available at Turk + Taylor, $46.

Today’s gift is very unique. It is a pair of TOMS Shoes. I mentioned TOMS in my previous blog about Hanson. This shoe company is doing something to make a difference in the lives of children all over. So you need a great gift that will make you & the person you are buying them for feel absolutely wonderful, TOMS is the way to go.

Pictured to the left are a pair of TOMS shoes. I find this pair so adorable I can barely stand it (Mom? hint, hint ;)). Anyway, this pair in particular is the Gold Stripe Woven TOMS. This upper part of the shoe is woven fabric and the insole is soft leather. The sole has a textured bottom for traction. Plus every pair you buy, a pair of shoes goes to a child in need. Priced at $48, you are truly getting 2 pairs of shoes for the price of 1. And on top of scoring an awesome present, you are helping someone less fortunate. Truly a fitting shoe for the holiday season.

TOMS come in a variety of colors and patterns. They are available in Mens, Womens, and even Tiny TOMS.

Available at TOMS shoes, $28-$48.

Have an elegant party to attend? Or perhaps someone on your gift list is particularly hard to shop for. This handbag from World of Good is perfect for a night out or it is a wonderful gift idea! (I won’t tell if it happens to be a gift from you to you!)

The Square Deal Handbag is handmade from buffalo horn, beads and silk. It is made by men and women of the Nam Dinh province in Vietnam. This aesthetically pleasing purse is crafted under fair trade conditions. To top it off, some of the profits go to care for handicapped orphans in the community. This handbag is truly a gift that gives back, over and over.

So if you want your recipient’s face to shine as bright as the freshly fallen snow, the beautiful Square Deal Handbag is just the gift!

Available at World of Good for $39.95.

Today’s gift is something for the whole family. Who hates sitting at the dinner table filled with awkward silences? I know I do! I know my mom always says, “I don’t understand why our family cannot think of anything to say to one another!”

So, with this in mind, “The Box of Questions” from The Box Girls was brought to life. Tired of the same holiday conversations? Want to spice up the usual “How’s work?” and “How’s the kids?” questions some new ones?

On the last night of Hannukah, break out the “Hanukkah Box of Questions.” Each box contains 35 questions like “What miracle have you witnessed in your life?” and “How does your family make Hanukkah more meaningful and less materialistic?”.

The Box of Questions is available for lots of holidays. They have one for Christmas. With questions like, “What gifts do we give at Christmas that do not come in a box?” and “What is your favorite Christmas movie?”, these boxes are sure to keep awkward silences at bay and keep the cheerful conversations going.

Available for $19.95 at Spoon Sisters and  The Box Girls.

The Holiday Season in upon us, bringing with it joy, excitement…and intense anxiety for those of dealing with food allergies. The heightened risk of exposure at school parties and family gatherings gives the holiday season a different significance. While there is no substitute for vigilance, there are steps we can take to enjoy the holidays with a little less fear.

1. Always carry an epinephrine auto injector– every second counts during an allergic reaction.
2. When attending parties, tell your host ahead of time about your or your child’s food allergies and offer to bring safe food/desserts.Do not assume that a dish or dessert you or your child have eaten before (and been assured is safe) is okay to eat.
3. Many people spice up their regular recipes with new or special ingredients so be sure to ask about all the ingredients used to prepare the meal.
4. If you are unsure if the food that will be served is safe, give your child something to eat before going to the party and bring some safe snacks/treats he can eat while you’re there.
5. Identify your child by his specific food allergies. This can help prevent well-meaning friends and family from offering your child food to which he/she is allergic.
6. Have a food allergy conversation with family members, teachers and caregivers to remind them of the heightened risk at this time of year.

Best wishes for a wonderful Holiday Season full of love, happiness and health!

-Robin Davison, MPH, JD
Founder of STAT KIDS

Every Christmas Eve, my mom gives my sisters and I pajamas. When we were little, Santa Claus would stop by and drop off our pajamas himself! Today’s gift is something that will make all moms and dads (and me!) remember their first pair of holiday pajamas.

These timeless pajamas are a throwback to the days of wanting a Red Ryder BB gun! Available for ages 3 to 9, at Nubius Organics, these Under the Nile long johns make a perfect holiday present. And for only $29.00, they are practically a steal. Even better? Under the Nile apparel is made from 100% organic Egyptain cotton and produced under fair trade conditions.

This pajamas are so cute. I know I would have loved getting them from Santa Claus on Christmas Eve!

TruKid was born the day some of my kids got into my expensive wrinkle cream AGAIN and told me how much it stung. A sudden lightning bolt– it dawned on me that potent ingredients in my skincare might not be so good for my children’s young skin. I also came to realize that there are many products marketed towards babies but nothing for kids. This inspired me to create a skincare line for kids.

As a mother, my vision is to deliver healthy options for parents looking for natural solutions that will help teach their children proper hygiene and skincare. Like I always say, “What goes on a child’s skin is just as important as what goes in their tummies.” Adult consumers want to use products that are all natural and chemical free and they should be able to make the same choices when it comes to their kids.

During the process I discovered that 90% of personal care products on the market use potentially toxic ingredients. Many of which may be harmful, not only to adults, but to young children and their growing bodies. Knowing this, my goal became to create products that are truly natural. TruKid products are safe and free of harmful chemicals like parabens and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). After choosing only good-for-you ingredients, I was able to come up with friendly scents and easy to dispense bottles.

I feel by taking care of kids at the youngest age, we are teaching them how to take care of themselves as they grow. Through this process I have also come to notice that children have the “mine-all-mine” attitude with their own TruKid products, which in-turn keeps them out of my stuff. (Phew!)

TruKid includes 11 kid-friendly products, all of which are basics like Sunny Days Sunscreen, Bubbly Body Bar Soap, and Hero stick (a healing salve that can be used as a natural alternative for bruised knees or scraped elbows). The products are also conscientiously priced for the parent; prices average $9 -$16 per 3.5-4 ounce bottle.

Look for the “TruKid Smart Label™” seal of approval. This label ensures parents that the ingredients are free of harmful ingredients, natural, nontoxic and safe. Additionally, Trukid has also made a pledge with the Compact for Safe Cosmetics. This coalition’s goal is to protect consumers and workers by requiring the health & beauty industries to phase out chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects and other health issues, and replace them with safer alternatives.

-Jennifer Adam Bunkers
CEO of Trukid