Are you sure the Christmas and Hanukkah toys you're buying are really safe? They could be (or not), but experts are rightly saying to avoid the latest toy fad and pick up gifts that are geared to promoting healthy habits and social/personal skills.

Those toys be Leap are great -- especially the "Pen Computer" that could become a de-facto homework helper and language teacher for some kids.

But, that's a gift for older kids. What about younger ones? Try finding toys that promote creativity, imagination, manipulation, and change. A model car, without spinning wheels, for example, may not do the trick.