Give gifts kids will love
CHRISTMASPRESENT POSSIBILITIES RUN FROM HIGH-TECH TO HANDMADE ITEMS

BY BRANDY McDONNELL

Published: November 23, 2008

It’s a Christmas scenario all parents dread: After the effort and expense of shopping, their child gets more excited about the crumpled wrapping paper and empty box than the actual present.

Gabe McDonnell, who turns 2 Friday and is entertainment writer Brandy McDonnell’s son, opens a present. PHOTO BY DOUG HOKE THE OKLAHOMAN

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From high-tech stuffed animals to environmentally friendly tea sets, this holiday season offers many creative gift ideas for parents willing to look beyond the usual options.

Everyone loves a puppet show, and the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History in Norman carries hand-knitted finger puppets in a variety of species, from turtles to turkeys. All ages, $4.50.

The music of Oklahoma native Carrie Underwood, Johnny Cash and George Strait are converted into soothing lullabies in the "Hushabye Baby!” CD series. Infants; $16.98; www.hushabyebabymusic.com.

A colorful Muppet-like character named eebee helps tykes play and learn in the quirky ebee’s Adventures toy, book and DVD line, which includes a cute plush bowling set. Infants and toddlers; $17.95 to $38; Barnes and Noble and www.eebee. com.

This year’s Kohl’s Cares for Kids program includes books and plush toys featuring longtime favorite Curious George. The books and toys are $5 each, and net profits go to children’s health and education efforts. Ages 2-8; at Kohl’s stores.

An 18-inch-tall cloth Strawberry Shortcake doll complete with berry-scented hat is in this year’s catalog from the venerable Madame Alexander Doll Co. Ages 3 and older; $44.95; www.madamealexander. com.

Children can sip green tea or grow green beans with Green Toys’ plastic tea sets or indoor gardening sets made from recycled milk jugs. Ages 3 and older; $26; Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.

Glo-E Plush Animals are snuggly stuffed monkeys, puppies or teddy bears with seven-color shifting light shows inside. Ages 4-10; $21.99; www.glo-e.com.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art Discovery Packs include watercolors, a sketch pad and other supplies to help kids experiment in a variety of media. Ages 5-10; $25.

Learning Resources Weather Center includes a thermometer, barometer and hygrometer in a case, making it ideal for budding meteorologists. Ages 5 and older; $40.95, Science Museum Oklahoma.

California sculptor Peter Mayor developed Shapescapes building toys to get children creating. Ages 6 and older; $35; Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

Children can get a whiff of the celebrity life when they design their own fragrances with Scientific Explorer’s Perfumery. Ages 8 and older; $19.95; Science Museum Oklahoma.

"Star Wars” fans can turn their Ninetendo Wii remotes into a pair of light sabers for more lifelike gaming fun with the Thrustmaster: Glow Saber Duo Pack NW. Ages 8 and older; $34.99; www.amazon.com.

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