Kids New York - December 07, 2009

Present Perfect

2009 Holiday Gift Guide

Behold great gifts at every price. Naughty tykes need not apply.

Big Gives
Speedy things come in large packages. The proof: Like-a-Bike (Kid O, 123 West 10th Street; 212-366-5436), a two-wheeler sans pedals that teaches kids to balance while buzzing around. Also a huge hit: Ray Ray dollhouse (Pomme, 81 Washington Street, DUMBO; 718-855-0623), a modern dwelling made of easy-to-assemble birch plywood slats.

Little Lessons
Send a proper message with Wiggens Learns His Manners at the Four Seasons Restaurant (Barnes & Noble, 1972 Broadway; 212-595-6859), a sweetly illustrated story about puppies learning table manners in all the right places. Or groom their motor skills with Touch and Learn Crocodile (MoMA Design and Book Store, 11 West 53rd Street; 212-708-9700), a toy with snaps, zippers, and strings to tie.

Creative Mediums
Get a whiff, wee artists: colored Smencils (Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue; 718-735-4400) come in mouthwatering scents (root beer, orange, cotton candy, grape). For shutterbugs, the Lego 3mp digital camera is made of the colorful blocks and has super-speedy zooming.

Now everyone can play nice.

HEAR
Peter & the Wolf
What: Isaac Mizrahi narrates Prokofiev’s classic tale with musical accompaniment by New Juilliard Ensemble.
Why: He spins a ripping yarn.
When: Thurs.-Dec. 14, 4 & 5:30 p.m.
Where: Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave., at 89th St. (212-423-3587).

HARK
The Christmas Revels
What: An 80-person show features everything from the Modern Brass Quartet to Irish Step dancers.
Why: Give a revel yell.
When: Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 & 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.
Where: Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, at 95th St. (212-864-5400).

TWIRL
The Nutcracker
What: An edited version of the ballet for sugar plums ages 3 and up.
Why: It’s perfect for short attention spans.
When: Thru Dec. 20. Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m., 1 & 3:30 p.m.
Where: Florence Gould Hall, 55 E. 59th St., b/t Madison & Park Aves. Tickets online at ticketmaster.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Kid O

  Arts and Crafts, Books, Educational