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.

LISTEN
The Gingerbread Pirates
What: Kristin Kladstrup reads from her whimsical tale (ages 7 and under). Plus, crafts.
Why: Tots giggle when the cookies get sassy with Santa.
When: Sat., 10:30 a.m.
Where: Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main St., Watertown (617-972-6431). Participation is free.

SOAR
Sky Zone Boston Opens
What: Get airborne at the new indoor trampoline park.
Why: Shake off cabin fever with a round of 3-D dodgeball.
When: Tues.-Thurs., 3-8 p.m.; Fri., noon-11 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., noon-8 p.m.
Where: 91b Sprague St. (857-345-9693). Adults and children, $8-$18.

DAZZLE
ZooLights
What: Wander through the fairy tale-like setting and stop for a visit with Old Saint Nick.
Why: Who needs Rudolph when real reindeer are on the scene?
When: Thru Jan. 2. Daily, 5-9 p.m. Closed Dec. 25.
Where: Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., Stoneham (781-438-5100). Tickets online at zoonewengland.org. Adults and children, $5-$6; under 2, free.

Photos: Courtesy of Gifthero