Stuff We Love...Our Editors' Latest Obsessions

Love It, Bunches

The Brady Bunch Complete Series with Shag Carpet Cover

We're always looking for a new addition to Family Movie Night (as well as an excuse to use the popcorn maker) and this one's our new favorite. Reminiscent of days past for the adults and packed with entertaining, innocent fun for toddlers all the way to teenagers, "The Brady Bunch - The Complete Series" is something the whole family can enjoy. This particular set, complete with its shag carpet cover, includes all 117 episodes from 1969-1974, A Very Brady Christmas, The Brady 500 and a 2 part episode of The Brady Kids cartoon.  With hours of viewing entertainment, this baby's even perfect for a cross-country road trip with nary a peep from the back seat. Available at amazon.com.

Pop Til You Drop!

Waring Pro Popcorn Maker

As self-confessed popcorn addicts, we gladly chaperoned multiple screenings of UP (or any kids' movie) just for the theater popcorn fix.  We love family movie night at home, but the microwave, Jiffy Pop, Air Popper, and other various popcorn mechanisms we tried failed to complete the true essence of the movie watching, popcorn eating experience. Movie nights, play dates and afternoon snacks took a 180 with the arrival of our Waring Pro Popcorn Maker.  With a built in fun factor, it's simple enough for the kids to use (with supervision), and a ten minute turnaround time from warm up to popped that has us enjoying fresh, movie style popcorn even before the previews hav ended. Available at amazon.com or Sur La Table.

 Rub a Dub Dub, Organization in the Tub!

Shanda! Bath Toy Organizer

Who says tidy can't be fun? The brainchild of Shanda Toys and winner of the Dr. Toy 2009 Best Play and Learn Award, this playful pal does double duty as a bath toy organizer and bath time entertainer. Multi-colored and sporting a  big smile, we found Shanda! to be a welcome friend to even the most fearsome at bath time. With suction cups that allow her to easily adhere to the bathtub wall, a pouch that holds tons of toys (thus leaving the bathtub neat and organized during non-bathing hours) and a kid-friendly release that sends said toys tumbling into the water, we give our latest find a big thumbs up. Available at www.shandatoys.com.

Rising Temperatures

Exergen Temporal Scanner

We all know the drill. Fussy, sick child. Worried, stressed out parent. The call to the pediatrician with the following information. Name, date, of birth, symptoms and temperature, preferably an accurate one. An armpit reading fluctuates in accuracy and the thought of a rectal reading strikes a chord of panic in even the most stoic of parents. Fast forward to  the Exergen Temporal Scanner, one of our must haves for every parent's medicine cabinet. This non-invasive gem of an invention is so fast and easy, it can even be used without waking your child. All it takes is a two second swipe across the forehead to determine whether or not your child has a temperature. For you skeptics out there, according to a Harvard Medical School study, the Exergen TemporalScanner Temporal Artery Thermometer is even more accurate than ear thermometers. In fact, The Hospital for Sick Children Study found it is  comparable in accuracy to the rectal thermometer. Available at most drugstores, Babies and Toys R Us, Target, WalMart, Costco and amazon.com.

Buy One, Give One

Tiny TOM's Pink Camo

We love a fab shoe find and this one’s a “feel good” in more ways than one.  Cute, comfy and benevolent, for every pair you purchase, TOM'S will give a pair of shoes to a child in need.  In sizes ranging from Pre-Walker Tiny TOM’S all the way up to Women’s and Men’s, you can stock up on shoes for the whole family.  Available at www.tomsshoes.com

Swaddling Simplified

Kiddopotamus Luxe Velboa Swaddling Blanket

With your firstborn, you won't marvel at the effortless swaddling ability of the hospital nurse until you arrive home and attempt it yourself.  For some of us, that perfectly bundled, tightly wrapped like a burrito in less than 30 seconds trick isn't quite as easily replicated. Wrapping, unwrapping, picking up your baby to re-wrap, stopping mid-point to Google and follow the "How to Swaddle" instructions (again) somewhat negates the soothing, calming effect of the swaddle. While mastering the swaddle is possible for most, both experts and swaddle-challenged parents  alike will love the Kiddopotamus Luxe Velboa Swaddling Blanket. This handy little jewel is soft, cozy, comforting, easily washable, comes in multiple colors and sizes and best of all, it has Velcro and is easy to use. Described by parents as "the best swaddle blanket ever" and "can't live without it", this is tops on our list for must have baby items. Available at Babies R Us. 

Go Ahead, Write on the Walls

Crayola Washable Crayons

Your two year old with a crayon and freshly painted walls can safely cohabit with this stroke of artistic genius. Vibrant colors in a truly washable formula are easily removed from walls with warm water and a sponge. Available at Target.