I can attest to the fact that I surf the net to read Holiday Gift Guides for gift ideas when I do my holiday shopping as it makes the mad shopping rush less stressful. So, I figured that you, my readers may appreciate some recommendations from me as well. So, here’s my 2008 Holiday Gift Guide for the Kids featuring toys of $25 and Under:

1. NMC Toys are a retailer of quality European and American Toys. Many of their toys have received awards and meet or exceed USA safety standards while some selected toys offer a lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer.

School Bus Puzzle $19.95 (Ages 3 and up) -  This 20 piece jigsaw puzzle is perfect for little hands. See the joy in your child’s face when they put it all together.

My 1st Blocks $23.99 (Ages 1 and Up) - 6 brightly colored blocks fit into this 8″ long wagon. Whimsical train design screen printed on the side of the wagon will sure fit into every child’s room.

2. Schylling - From Classic Preschool, Pretend Play, Tin Toys, Fun & Games, Music, Outdoor Toys, to Science and Construction, they have over twenty different product categories where you will find over 125 new products for 2008! Check out some of the coolest toys below:

Gone Fishing Game Wind Up $2.99 (Ages 3 and up) -One of my daughter’s favourite toy. Made of plastic. The objective is to catch as many fish as possible with your fishing pole.

Flower Fairy Dress Up Set $14.99 (ages 3 and up). For the adorable little angel in your life. The set comes in a plastic carrying bag and includes wings, headbands, wand and tutu.

3. ImagiPLAY is another of my favourite store as it sets itself apart from the rest through its motto, “Toys with Integrity.” By producing quality products that connect with nature, have eco-friendly sources, and hold educational value, ImagiPLAY works to benefit the earth we share and the people that inhabit it.

Dolphins and Turtles Puzzle $14.99 (ages 3 and up) - This 7pc hand-crafted, hand-painted Dolfins and Turtle puzzle stands up to brighten any room. Great intermediate puzzle. As beautiful to look at as it is fun to put together! Because the pieces are double-sided, this puzzle is equivalent to a 14pc puzzle, since you don’t know which side is up.

PuzzlePlay Sea Life $19.99 (ages 3 and up) - A playset and puzzle in one! Kids will engage in hours of imaginative play with these versatile 16 pieces of creatures of the sea.

4. Briarpatch has been an innovator in the development of games and puzzles for children of all ages since its inception in 1992. Today, with more than 275 awards received, Briarpatch maintains an inspiring, fun and educational product line and is a highly respected leader in the toy industry.

Sea Monsters Board Game $20.99 (Ages 5+) - Set sail for the New World across uncharted waters where players must navigate through typhoons, get blown off course, drift out to sea or worst, a Sea Monster may appear out of nowhere to wreck your ship! Absolute FUN!

Clothespins! Game $12.99 (Ages 5+) - Comes with 4 Game boards and 66 playing cards. This is a fast paced, strategy game where players score points by completing clotheslines of matching patterns or items of laundry.

5. Kobold Toys - First opened in Panama City, four years ago and have since built a reputation as a highly successful toy store that brings children the best educational toys available in the global market. With its online store, Kobold Toys have made shopping convenient for busy parents who appreciate the flavours of global toys.

It’s Time To Call 911 $7.95 - Featured in ABC News, Good Morning America and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, this is a great book that teaches your child about emergency situations, how to dial 911 and what to say to get help in an emergency.

Dancing Alligator $18.99 - Made of rubberwood, this brightly painted green alligator is sure to thrill your toddler as it makes a rhythmic click-clack sound while being pulled. Ideal for toddler of age 12-18 months.