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.

SAVE
50 Percent off at Art Star
What: For $38 you get a $75 gift card to shop Art Star’s limited-edition merch, from scarves and stationery to hand-stitched baby bibs.
Why: You’ll also get a free Kurt Halsey necklace or print.
When: Offer expires Dec. 5.
Where: Score the deal here, and remember to sign up for DailyCandy Philly to be the first to know about upcoming Deals.

NOSH
Latkepalooza and Jewish Bakeoff
What: Chefs from some of the city’s best restaurants fry up the Hanukkah staple.
Why: Take a break from snacking with puppet making and story time.
When: Sun., 2-4 p.m.
Where: The Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St. Tickets at 215-446-3012 or online at gershmany.org. Adults, $15; children, $5; under 5, free.

DISCOVER
Peace Around the World
What: Interactive presentations on seven countries, plus face painting and balloon artists.
Why: Get the scoop on faraway lands without hopping time zones.
When: Sun., 1-4 p.m.
Where: Penn Museum, 3260 South St. (215-898-4001). Adults, $10; children, $6; under 6, free.

SHRINK
The Borrowers
What: Watch what happens when teeny Arrietty and her family are discovered under the floorboards (ages 5 and up).
Why: The diminutive girl is in for a big adventure.
When: Wed.-Jan. 30.
Where: Arden Theatre Company, 40 N. Second St. Tickets at 215-922-1122 or online at ardentheatre.org. Adults, $30-$32; teens, $20-$22; under 13, $16-$18.

Photos: Courtesy of Gifthero