Mama does not like bugs! But my little nephew is obssessed with them so I’ll allow fake ones in my presence. But to him, the more life-like the better, I mean who wants a bug that’s not going to move?! If you’ve got little ones that love BUGS, add Mama’s picks for buggin’ out to your holiday shopping list!
- Hexbugs — these little bugs are flying out of stores so fast, you’ll be lucky to get one before the holidays. Hexbugs are robotic insects that react to touch and sound. Each insect in the Hexbug Collection takes on the personality of the type of insect it is: the Original Hexbug (looks like a beetle) will change direction in reaction to loud sounds or touching a wall; the Inchworm is remote controlled by you and has full-range motion; the Crab will run and hide in reaction to loud sounds or bright light; the Ant will race forward until it hits something then it will race backward; and the Nano (looks like a rolly-poly bug) flips itself over. So fun and a great stocking stuffer for your bug lover! Available at Hexbug.com, $9.99 and up.
- Insect Lore’s Live Butterfly Garden — this kit allows kids to raise their own painted lady butterflies. The kit comes complete with the butterfly habitat and a certificated to send in for your butterfly larvae and special food. It’s a great project and learning lesson for kids about metamorphosis. Once they butterflies hatch, it’s safe to release them. Available at NaturePavillion.com, $19.99.
- Uncle Milton’s Ant Farm Gel Colony — this is not one of the old school ant farms! This ant farm requires no food or water, the ants dig and live in a nutrient-rich gel. Great for kids to watch and learn about ants and great for parents — no mess and no maintenance! Available at Amazon.com, $19.99.
- Brain Noodles Bug Kit — why not make your own bugs? This arts & crafts kit comes with 12 assorted Brain Noodles (over-sized, fuzzy pipe cleaners) in insect colors like yellow, black, red orange and zebra-striped and instructions to make a zillion different bugs. It’s a great project for imagination play. Available at GrowingTreeToys.com, $14.95.
Now tell Mama, what’s your favorite type of BUG? Mama’s quite fond of ladybugs – they are quite polite!
I got five Hexbug ants for my kids and they totally love them. Great toys for pets as well.