Great Video Games for Holiday Gifts!

If you ask my toddler what her favorite game to play with her daddy is, her answer is always “video games.” Although I was the first to place that Wii-Mote in her hand at two years old, it was my husband who has formed a bond over video games with her. They even take a trip to Game Stop once a month together to pick out a game to play. While other parents may scoff at the idea of a toddler playing video games, I actually think it’s a great idea. Not only does the Wii have games that can keep her active all winter long, but I think she is gaining great hand-eye coordination by playing video games. We set boundaries such as limiting game time and she can only play non-violent games, and so far, we are all enjoying game nights around the Wii!

Since she is only 3, my toddler needs simple, straight forward games that are easy to play, and that also include verbal directions since she can’t read yet. Cooking Mama has been a fun game that kids and adult have enjoyed the past few years, and just in time for the holiday season, Cooking Mama’s 2-Pack is available for Nintendo Wii and DS. I love that the game actually creates awareness of food for my sometimes-picky toddler. It is also fun and has a little bit of friendly competition when going head to head with another player or just the computer. Right now, this is my toddler’s favorite game and she always asks to play “mama cooking” as soon as her dad comes home from work!

Then again, according to my tot, you can’t have fun unless you are playing a Hello Kitty game. She skipped all the way home when she found a Hello Kitty Wii game at Game Stop a few weeks ago, and now for on the go fun, Hello Kitty Picnic with Sanrio Friends is available for Nintendo DS. There are 10 minigames which each get you an item to prepare for a picnic with Hello Kitty’s friends, as well as other items which you can decorate Hello Kitty’s home with.  If you have a Hello Kitty fanatic as I do, you will want to pick up a copy of this game!

Both games are available at Amazon, as well as anywhere else video games are sold.