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December 11, 2019 by NAPPA Awards Team

We love toys and games that mix fun and learning. Check out these NAPPA Award winners for great gift ideas this holiday season.

MiaoKids Smart Kit

Designed to complement various MiaoKids applications, such as MiaoKids Wonder Math, that assist young learners in developing foundational academic skills through an open world of play-based learning. $79, 2-8, www.heptagon-violet-4waj

PAW Patrol Learning Watch: Chase, Marshall, Skye

Interactive watches include four exciting games you can play to recognize patterns and identify animal tracks. It’s also a clock, timer, stopwatch and alarm. $14.99, 3-6, www.vtechkids.com

Our Precious Planet

The newest addition to the Celestial Buddies Galactic Gang—a large (9” diameter) detailed version of Earth designed to help start a conversation about climate change. $24.99, 3+, www.celestialbuddies.com

Just Add Sugar

Features multiple organic chemical experiments and art activities to inspire young artists and scientists. $24.95, 8+, www.griddlygames.com

Positronic

Features clever lyrics about science and how the world works, positive messages and an infectious rock beat. $9.99/digital, www.marshaandthepositrons.com

Smithsonian Mega Science Lab

Learn about volcanos, weather, outer space and more in this STEM kit. $34.99, 10+, www.nsi-intonline.com

681 Math Flash Cards Bundle Pack – Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division

Easy, smart and effective way to make learning math fun. $89.99, 5-12, www.thinktankscholar.com

CARNAVAL — French Learning Songs

From calypso and reggae to New Orleans brass and Latin rhythms, embark on a musical celebration. $14.99, www.whistlefritz.com

KidiBuzz G2

Send texts, voice messages, photos, drawings over Wi-Fi to a parent-approved contact list, check out pre-approved websites, make videos, explore 40 learning games and apps. $99.99, 4-9, www.vtechkids.com

Artie 3000

A coding/drawing robot that draws what kids have coded. $69.99, 7+, www.codewithartie.com

Turing Tumble

Players build mechanical computers powered by marbles to solve logic puzzles. $69.95, 8+, www.turingtumble.com

POWERUP Toys 2.0 Free Flight Electric Paper Airplane Conversion Kit

Transform your paper airplane into a soaring electric aircraft with more than 30 seconds of flight. $19.99, 8+, www.poweruptoys.com

Let’s Start Coding Code Rocket

A programmable circuit board in the shape of a hand-held rocket, complete with projects that teach kids coding. $44.99, 8+, www.letsstartcodingcom

Spanish For Kids: La Grain Colleccion

Cheerful collection of videos and music CDs with an irresistible mix of Latin rhythms introducing children to the Spanish language. $120.00, 2+, www.whistlefritz.com

My Epic Life Word Book

1000+ words every child needs to know, hilariously illustrated. $17.95, 4-7, www.mrswordsmith.com

Sir Dapp! App

This game show improves manners by teaching kids, in a fun way, to be polite and respectful. $3.99, 5-8, www.sirdapp.com

For more gift ideas, visit NAPPA Awards. #playlearnconnect #holidays #giftguide

December 10, 2019 by NAPPA Awards Team

A fun night of family games and laughter is the best way to spend time together during the holidays! Check out these NAPPA Award winners and bring the fun this holiday season.

Adventerra Games

We are excited for this environmentally-focused game series from Adventerra Games. There are four board games in the series including: Global Warming, PowerHaus, Recycle Rally and WaterGames. $24.95/each game, 7+, www.adventerragamesusa.com

ProjeX Projecting Game Arcade

Turn any room into an incredible gaming arcade. No need for a TV! Project crisp graphic images right onto any blank wall and enjoy real-life gaming, without the limitations of a screen. $49.99,6+, www.projexgame.com

Chickapig

Break your flock of Chickapigs free while dodging opponents, hay bales and an unruly pooping cow in this strategic board game created by Brian Calhoun and Dave Matthews. $25, 8+, www.chickapig.com

The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon Box of Lies Party Game

Challenge friends to the bluffing game of hilarious objects. $19.99, 10+, www.hasbrogaming.hasbro.com

Disney Villainous: Wicked to the Core

Discover your unique abilities while dealing twists of fate to your opponents. $24.99, www.ravensburger.us

King of the Ring

Can you be the Last Sumo Standing? Find out in this battle. $19.99, 6+, www.yulutoys.com[crosshead]

Mickey’s Snuggle Time

A calming game that’s perfect for bedtime, naptime or any quiet time. $24.99, 3+, www.amazon.com

Friends of a Feather

Add feathers to your bird each turn by drawing from the deck or trading away your unwanted ones to the nest. $19.99, 3+, www.ravensburger.us

Full Circle

Use spelling and critical thinking to inspire creativity and competition. $14.99, 8+, www.playmonster.com

Pick Me Up, Piggy!

Tell stories, remember where to find hidden farm friends, take turns and work cooperatively to win the game. $19.9, 3+, www.MindWare.com

Domino Maze

Thrills of a classic domino run with an added twist. $29.99, 8+, www.thinkfun.com

Catventures Game

Answer fun questions about cats and act out silly things they do. $24.00, 4+, www.petitcollage.com

My First Memory Game Ocean

Expand memory and object recognition skills while having fun. $9.99, 2+, www.tlji.com

SmartGames Smart Farmer

An engaging puzzle game where you help the Farmer separate the animals so they have their own areas on the farm. $22.99, 5+, www.smartgamesusa.com

Fish for Fish

Campers race against their friends to catch the most fish with their plastic “spear. $19.99, 4+, www.yulutoys.com

Invasion of the Cow Snatchers

Take control of your very own UFO to solve 60 magnetic challenges as you maneuver your way over and around farm obstacles. $29.99, 6+, www.thinkfun.com

Cheeky Butts

A hot potato style family game of spot and match. $14.99, 6+, www.bananagrams.com

Honeycombs Game

Connect your tiles by matching their symbols. Features three unique ways to play, each varying in speed and competitiveness. $19.99, 6+, www.honeycombsgame.com

KIC-Start – Kids in Conversation

A fun get-to-know-you card game with 150 conversation-starter questions great for kids and adults.
$19.95, www.contenderbrands.com

Our Family’s Race Across the U.S.A. Personalized Board Game

In a race across America’s coasts, move your piece along the colored tiles and cross the finish line first to win! $29.99, www.iseeme.com

Heads Talk Tails Walk

Can you hop like a frog while clucking like a chicken? Have a blast trying. $14.99, 3+, www.thinkfun.com

Orangutwang

How much can you hang before he goes twaaang? Take turns hanging fruit and jungle friends on the orangutan. $22.99, 4+, www.playmonster.com

Jabuka

Quickly twist letters and transform words in this clever and fast-paced game. $20, 8+, www.jabukagames.com

3UP 3DOWN

A fast-paced discard game with a surprising finish. $9.99, 7+, www.ok2win.com

BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE

A matching game with an explosive twist. $14.99, 8+, www.ok2win.com

For more holiday gift ideas, visit NAPPA Awards! #playlearnconnect

December 2, 2019 by

We know how special Baby’s first holiday season is and we have lots of award-winning toys to spark imagination and build creativity for the special little one in your life.

Dimpl

5 vibrant silicone bubbles in varying sizes and colors provide a sensory adventure. $12.95, 6+ months, www.fatbraintoyco.com

Learn & Groove Shakin’ Colors Maracas

Includes three play modes that introduce colors, numbers and music in English and Spanish. $14.99. 6+ Months, www.leapfrog.com

Violet the Fawn Cuddle + Kind Doll

A stylish, handcrafted doll with a big impact. Each doll provides 10 meals to children in need. $70, www.ca.cuddleandkind.com

Lovevery Play Gym

Thoughtfully designed by child development experts to provide years of learning fun. $140, Birth-2 years, www.loveverybaby.com

Lovevery Play Kits

An innovative early childhood subscription learning program delivering staged-based developmental toys to your door. Starting at $36/per month, Birth-24 months, www.lovevery.com

Lights & Stripes Zebra

Features upbeat music and playful sing-along songs. $14.9, Birth+, www.vtechkids.com

Whimsical Wheel High Chair Toy

Capture baby’s attention with spinning wheels, cascading beads and bright colors. $9.99, 6+ Months, www.target.com

Mirari myStorymaker

Create a story by pressing colorful icons from various sections such as “hero”, “adventure” and “happy ending.” $29.99, 12+ Months, www.amazon.com

Fisher Price Corn Popper Ride On

Forward and backward motion activates popping action. $24.99, 1-3, www.jakks.com

Mirari Pop! Pop! Piano

Flip the switch to go from piano tones to hearing fun sound effects. $29.99, 12+ Months, www.playmonster.com

Learn & Groove Dancing Panda

Shake, dance and spin around to the music while learning numbers and letters. $34.99, 9+ Months, www.leapfrog.com

Kleynimals Toy Keys

Innovative stainless steel toy keys that are eco-friendly, non-toxic and American-made. Can be personalized. $35.00, Birth+, www.kleynimals.com

Tiny Love Magical Tales Black & White Gymini Deluxe

A chic black & white design with adjustable arches and musical melodies support the 7 developmental stages. $47.99, Birth-12 Months, www.tinylove.com

Butterfly Counting Pal

Buttons play a variety of songs to teach colors and numbers. $17.99, Birth+, www.leapfrog.com

Do-Re-Mi Textured Tunes

Dance along to three fun melodies. $9.99, Birth+, www.sassybaby.com

My Peek-a-Boo LapPup

Learn rhymes, shapes, colors and numbers with Scout or Violet. $14.99, 6+ Months, www.leapfrog.com

Spin & Chew Ring Rattle

Easy to grab featuring a spinning ring and ball to stimulate senses. $6.99, Birth+, www.sassybaby.com

Scout’s Learning Lights Remote Deluxe

Hear more than 100 phrases, sounds and music while building fine motor skills. Includes Spanish, music and weather channels. $12.99, 6+ Months, www.leapfrog.com

For more holiday gift ideas, visit NAPPA Awards. #holidays #giftguide #playlearnconnect

November 26, 2019 by

As you gather together with your family, put on some great tunes and sing and dance together. Music is one of the best ways to connect.

Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Holidays: Songs and Stories That Celebrate Global Light

A wonderful new album of 13 songs and a collection of stories and facts about how people around the world celebrate various holidays. $13.99, $9 digital, www.hunktabunkta.com

Under the Tree

A unique and engaging compilation of holiday favorites, as well as new original winter songs. $10, www.staceypeasley.com

Run Along Home: Sing With Me

The whole family will want to sing and dance to these infectious and whimsical tunes by Tracy Newman. $14.99, www.RunAlongHome.com

Swamp Romp

Get ready for a Louisiana dance party with Cajun, Dixieland jazz, New Orleans R&B, brass band and Isleño original tunes. $10,www.johnetteandscott.com

Under the Big Umbrella by Brady Rymer and the Little Band that Could

A Vibrant album celebrating individuality and kindness. Inspired by and written with students, teachers and families and enriched by a handful of classic pop songs that underscore the message. $14, www.bradyrymer.com

Songs in the Shade of the Cashew and Coconut Trees: Lullabies and Nursery Rhyme from West Africa and the Caribbean

An enchanting collection of 23 songs that pays homage to the cultural heritage and multilingual communities of West Africa and the Caribbean. $16.95, www.thesecretmountain.com

Ditto Kiddo by Stephen Michael Schwartz

Nine original songs – always with a child’s perspective and a grown-up’s sensibilities. $12.98, www.stephenmichaelschwartz.com

A Cheerful Little Earful

A jazz album for kids by a charming real-life singing fairy featuring a fun collection of songs. $12.99, www.dianapanton.com

For more gift ideas, visit NAPPA Awards. #holidays #playlearnconnect

November 20, 2019 by

Kids learn and grow through play. This holiday season, give the gift of imagination with these fun friends.

Disney Junior Minnie Walk & Dance Unicorn Feature Plush

Press Minnie’s hand to see Penelope dance. Attach Minnie’s hand to Penelope’s back and watch them walk together. $39.99, 3+, www.JustPlayProducts.com

Blaire Doll

2019 Girl of the Year is a Chef-in-training who loves to gather everyone for dinner. Comes with paperback book. $140, 8+, www.americangirl.com

Pinkfong Baby Shark Song Puppets with Tempo Control

Move the mouth of your Baby Shark puppet to hear it “sing” the entire Baby Shark song. Available in 3 characters. $19.99, www.babyshark.wowwee.com

JoJo Siwa Singing JoJo Doll D.R.E.A.M.

Sporting her signature double bow, this 10-inch doll sings her newest hit song, “D.R.E.A.M.” $19.99, 6+, www.JustPlayProducts.com

Harry Potter Hedwig Interactive Creature

This owl makes 12 unique sounds and responds to sounds by turning her head. $19.99, 4+, www.jakks.com

Playdate Ariel

She is beautiful and 32-inches tall. Lightweight and easy to carry around. $59.99, 3+, www.jakks.com

Juno My Baby Elephant

With over 150 lifelike movements and sounds. $99.99, 5+, www.junomybabyelephant.com

#SNAPSTAR

Squad includes Lola, Aspen, Dawn, Yuki, Echo and Izzy. Use app to glam up your doll and share with friends on social. $14.47, 5+, www.snapstartworld.com

For more holiday gift ideas, visit NAPPA Awards. #holidaygifts #giftguide #playlearnconnect

November 19, 2019 by Christina Elston

A Sweet Southern Treat

Catarah Coleman, left, and Shoneji Robison Photo Courtesy: SOUTHERN GIRL DESSERTS

Our favorite foods often make us think of “home,” especially near the holidays. Catarah Coleman and Shoneji Robison both grew up in Florida. After moving to L.A., Coleman founded Southern Girl Desserts, head-quartered in Baldwin Hills, and was soon joined by Coleman. The two brought their childhood with them.

In their homes, “Thanksgiving is a smorgasbord of desserts,” Coleman says. This means overflowing tables of cakes, trifle, banana pudding, ambrosia – and sweet potato pie. These southern girls, like most southerners, have their own take on this classic. “Everyone does their sweet potato pie a little different,” Coleman says. “If you like sweet potato pie, you’re going to love this recipe. It’s really easy to make. It doesn’t take a lot of ingredients.”

Coleman recommends using foil to protect the edge of your pie crust when par baking, and says the crust shouldn’t be cooked all the way through and should still be warm when you fill it.

The sweet potatoes or yams (they can be used interchangeably) are boiled whole because it’s easier than peeling them first. “Once the yams are soft and have boiled all the way through, the skin literally peels off,” Coleman says. “That’s the best way to get your yams cooked and peeled really quickly.” Finish the pie while the yams are still warm so all the ingredients come together easily.

The finished pie will hold at room temperature for a day, 3-4 days cooled and refrigerated or 8-10 weeks frozen (well wrapped).

Southern Girl Desserts Sweet Potato Pie

4 medium size yams or sweet potatoes 1 stick butter, melted
1¼ cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons lemon juice
3 medium eggs
1 9-inch pie crust, your favorite recipe or ready made

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Fit your crust into a pie pan and par bake no more than 10 minutes, or according to package instructions.

Boil the yams or sweet potatoes (unpeeled) until soft (usually 30-45 minutes). When cool enough to handle, peel them. Whisk the yams together with the butter, sugar, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, vanilla and lemon juice.

Add three cups of this mixture to a separate bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Add 2 eggs and mix until smooth (approximately 3-5 minutes). Remove any stringy pieces of yam from the mixture and discard.

Beat the remaining egg with 2 teaspoons of water. Brush this over the par-baked crust. Mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon with the remaining ¼ cup of sugar and sprinkle this over the crust. Pour in the filling.

Bake the pie at 350 degrees for one hour. Allow to cool for one hour, then cut and serve.

November 19, 2019 by

Give the gift of imagination with these award-winning toys.

American Girl Bowling Alley

Fully functional doll-sized alley, complete with lights, bowling sounds and score-keeping. $150.00, 8+, www.americangirl.com

Topper Takes a Trip

Pick one of the five destinations and pack the suitcase and then get up and go. $17.95, 2+, www.MindWare.com

Gigantosaurus Roar & Stomp Giganto

Features six points of articulation. $29.99, 3+,www.jakks.com

Sweet Raspberry Home

Newest addition to the Calico Critters’ Village, perfectly matching the detail and design of the Red Roof Cozy Cottage and Red Roof Country Home. $24.95, 3+, www.calicocritters.com

Treasure Seekers Pirate Ship

Raise the anchor and search for hidden treasure. $39.99, 1.5+, www.vtechkids.com

Build & Play Treehouse

Each charming piece is molded with realistic textures and vibrant details, snapping together with ease for frustration-free building. $49.99, 3+, www.lakeshorelearning.com

KaBlocks Blast

Uses kinetic force rather than air power to blast soft foam blocks over 6 feet into the air. $39.95, 3+, www.MindWare.com

AirFort

Inflates in seconds with the switch of a household fan. Features a mesh divider preventing kid’s access to the fan, easy to take down and store. $49.95, 4+, www.airfort.com

Super Mario Bowser’s Castle Playset

The lift moves up/down, the fireballs spin left/right, and the cage bottom opens up. $39.99, 3+, www.jakks.com

Klikbot

Join the battle against evil and create action packed stop-motion movies. $12.99, 6+, www.zing.toys.

Baby Ferris Wheel

Includes three gondola doors and Toy Poodle baby Milo who is ready to play. $17.95, 2+, www.calicocritters.com

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Adventures Playset

Create your own Hot Dog Hills adventures. $34.99, 3+, www.JustPlayProducts.com

KidiGo Walkie Talkies

Keep in touch anywhere with these kid-safe, two-way radios. Include two-player games for real-time gaming between devices. $34.99, 4+, www.vtechkids.com

Large Horse Stable with House and Stable

Horse Club comes alive with this detailed play set. $129.99, 3+, www.schleich-s.com

DreamWorks Spirit Riding Free Spirit & Lucky Grooming Paddock

Features an upstairs loft to drop hay into the nursery corral and washing station to give Spirit a bath. $39.88, 3+, www.justplayproducts.com

For more holiday gift ideas, visit NAPPA Awards. #holidaygifts #giftguide #playlearnconnect

November 18, 2019 by

We are so excited for our 2019 NAPPA Award winners showcased in Bundle: Baby, Toddler & New Mom Gift Guide. We have the best products, all tested and evaluated. Flip the pages to find the perfect holiday gift including toys, accessories, books, strollers and other baby, toddler and new mom must-haves.

November 14, 2019 by

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet day at home during the winter holidays or taking a road trip, these award-winning sites can be a fun companion for fun and learning.

Sir Dapp! App

This game show improves manners by teaching kids, in a fun way, to be polite and respectful. Special holiday offer is $1.99 (from November 25-January 5), 5-8, www.sirdapp.com

Journey with Story – Children’s Storytelling Podcast

Hosted by children’s author and Scottish storyteller, Kathleen T. Pelley, who shares retellings of fairy tales and folktales, beloved classics, nonsense poems and a sprinkling of her own original tales, all with a distinctive Celtic flavor. Free, 3-10, www.journeywithstory.com

Pinna Audio Streaming

Ad-free audio streaming service curated exclusively for children, featuring podcast shows, stories and songs, as well as some of the best-known, award-winning kids’ podcasts, music and audiobooks from around the world. $7.99/month, $79.99/year, 3-12, www.pinna.fm

Samsung Kids

Features a huge library of games, videos and books featuring names like Peppa Pig, Dr. Panda, Toca Boca, Sesame Street, LEGO, Dr. Seuss, Thomas the Tank Engine and more, plus parental controls. only works on Samsung Galaxy devices. $4.99/month, 3-12, www.samsungkids.com

ArgoPrep: Online Test Prep | Prepare, Practice, Review

Offers online resources, tools and self-paced programs for K to 8 and various standardized exams such as the SAT and ACT. Free and paid subscriptions, 6+, www.argopreop.com

Video Poodle

Wholesome, fun, informational and ad-free video website made just for kids. Designed to engage, inspire and grow young minds. $10/year, 2-6, www.videopoodle.com

Study.com

Includes thousands of lessons across a variety of subjects, self-assessments and flashcards created by subject-matter experts. $39.99 to $59.99, grades 3-12 and college, www.study.com

FamilyAlbum

Simply and securely share family photos and videos with only the people you invite, featuring free and unlimited storage. Keeps memories organized and creates collages. Free, www.family-album.com

Let’s Read App

Gives parents, teachers, grandparents and other special friends and family an opportunity to record their voices reading children’s stories. Synchronizes your video/audio recordings with the app’s illustrations and text from an award-winning collection of picture books. Free, 4-7, www.letsreadapp.com

ABCmouse Mastering Math

Innovative, game-based adaptive early learning app that helps children build a strong understanding of number sense and operations. $9.99/month, $79.99/year, Preschool-2nd grade, www.ABCmouse.com

KidloLand Educational App

Discover 1000+ songs, nursery rhymes, games, stories and activities focusing on early learning, with no advertising. $4.99/month, $39.99/year, 1-7, www.kidloland.com

Tynker: Coding Games for Kids

A fun way to help children develop computational thinking and programming skills in a creative and intuitive way featuring interactive game-based courses. $120/year, $240/lifetime, 5-15, www.tynker.com

Dr. Panda Learn & Play

Learn numbers, letters, phonics and more through playing 30+ activities.$4.99/month, $29.99/year, 2-5, www.drpanda.com

Toca Kitchen Sushi

Your child becomes the chef of a busy seaside restaurant –slice up squid, asparagus, and candy canes, and roll it all up into a cone of seaweed. $3.99, 6-9, www.tocaboca.com

For more holiday gift ideas, visit NAPPA Awards. #holidaygifts #giftguide #playlearnconnect

November 14, 2019 by

We know you’re going to be out and about this holiday season and we have award-winning products for when you’re on-the-go.

b.box Insulated Food Jar

Keep food at the perfect temperature—warm for up to five hours or cold for up to seven hours. $24, www.bboxbaby.com

EVLA’s Baby Food Freezer Trays & Reusable Food Pouches Set

Keep home-made food ready to go with this set—silicone freezer tray and lid with 9 separate storage containers and 6 non-leak reusable food pouches. $35.99, 3+ Months, www.evlas.com

b.box Tritan Drink Bottle

Unique triangle shape bottle designed specifically for little hands. Easy push button pops open the lid for easy drinking and keeps straw tops clean when closed. $15, 2+, www.bboxbaby.com

Mamapod Baby Carrier

Innovative, sleek and ergonomic baby carrier that addresses common issues like back and shoulder support, child’s protection, comfort and breathability. $139 with support pole/$129 without pole, 4-36 Months (12-44lbs), www.mamapod.com

WutsupBaby Original Quinoa Cereal Pouches

Features naturally Occurring Omega 3,6,9 Protein, Iron, Magnesium, B2 in travel packs that make eating on-the-go convenient, fast & versatile. $10.97, 4+ months, www.wutsupbaby.com

Lullabuddy

Tiny, great sounding music player for newborns – comes pre-loaded with award-winning lullabies that soothe, calm, & relax both baby & you. $49.50, www.lullabuddy.com

Build-A-Straw Reusable Silicone Straws Starter Kit

Contains 4 sections—3 straight and 1 bendy—so you can create any straw height. Easy to clean and take anywhere. $9.99, 3+, www.bigbeelittlebee.com

Welly Bravery Badges Kids

Be ready for any adventure with this first aid kit — premium materials, playful designs and stackable and easy to organize tins. $6.99, www.getwelly.com

L.A. Baby’s Ultimate 9oz Stainless Steel Baby Bottle, Sippy Cup, Insulated Toddler Water Bottle All-in-1 Set

Convert to a baby bottle, sippy cup, toddler water bottle and travel bottle with all the interchangeable accessories included. $64.99, Birth+, www.lababycom.com

Eight-Panel My Play Portable Play Yard

Creating a safe play area in seconds, this lightweight, foldable play yard is ideal for home, park, beach or travel. $79.99, 6-24 Months, www.amazon.com

UPPAbaby MINU

One hand and one smooth motion is all it takes to fold this stylish stroller, weighing in at under 15 pounds. $399.99, 3 Months-50 lbs, www.uppababy.com

Stuck On You Mini Bento Box and Cooler Bag

Perfect for lunches, road trips and picnics and personalized for an extra touch of fun. $46.95, www.stuckonyou.us

For more holiday gift ideas, visit NAPPA Awards. #holidaygifts #giftguide #playlearnconnect