It happens every year. We vow to start holiday shopping in September. Next thing we know, we’re knee deep in turkey leftovers.

So we asked the pros at Gift Hero for a wish list any kid would love. And wouldn’t you know it? They saved the day.

Apple Park Organic Soft Blocks, $30
We’ve got a soft spot for the ecofriendly blocks you can mush, smash, and stack. Plus, when you jiggle, shake, or squeeze it, each block makes a different sound.

Green Toys Fire Truck, $25
This fire engine may look red, but it’s as green as they come: It’s made entirely of recycled milk containers.

Butterfly Alphabet Puzzle, $37
Your hungry caterpillar will fly across the room to interlock the colorful puzzle pieces, some with letters.

Zoob Jr. Express, $35
Building planes, trains, and automobiles is a snap with the easy-to-use construction set. Instructions for 28 vehicles are included or just let his imagination soar.

Recycled Cardboard Dollhouse, $30
Little designers (and bossy types) can decorate their dream houses with markers, stickers, and punch out furniture.

Zolo Blanko, $24
With this toy that is part construction set, part art project, kids can paint, draw on, and otherwise decorate plastic pieces and use them to build anything they want. It’s a blanko slate.

Find more gifts online at gifthero.com.

HEAR
Hanukkah Storytime
What: Laurel Snyder, author of Baxter, the Pig Who Wanted to Be Kosher, reads her silly tale.
Why: Pick out a few presents for your miniature Maccabi while there.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.
Where: Little Shop of Stories, 133a E. Court Sq., Decatur (404-373-6300). Participation is free.

SEARCH
Candy Cane Hunt
What: Roam the grounds of the historic house and look for scattered treats.
Why: Roasted marshmallows and cookie decorating sweeten the deal.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-noon.
Where: The Historic Mable House, 5239 Floyd Rd., Mableton (770-819-3285). Participation is free.

WALTZ
The Nutcracker
What: Feisty mice, swirling snowflakes, and a visit to the Land of the Sweets.
Why: The growing tree still gives you the shivers.
When: Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 2 & 7 p.m.; Sun., 1:30 & 5:30 p.m.
Where: Cobb Civic Center, Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, 548 S. Marietta Pkwy., Marietta. Tickets at 770-528-0881 or online at georgiaballet.tix.com. Adults, $21-$40; children, $15-$35.

Photo: Courtesy of Gifthero