There's just something about popping your own corn and seasoning it just to you liking. Our teenagers have LOVED this popper, which collapses down for tidy storing. YUMMY. (And here's some popcorn kernels.)
I CANNOT say enough about these gorgeous illustrated versions of the beloved Harry Potter series by artist Jim Kay. They are spectacular. Our youngest son just pours over them. You can get the boxed set of books 1-3 here, book 4 here, and book 5 just came out.
THE. GREATEST. TOY. We've amassed a mountain of these over time, and it may be the one plaything that hooks everyone from the youngest to the oldest child in fabulous, collaborative, creative play. Totally worth any parental foot pain. =) Here's a bigger set.
These blocks are the coolest! Might seem strange to buy a set of uniform wooden blocks, but the laser-cut precision of these babies makes the possibilities for huge, elaborate building projects a riot. We snagged a bucket of army guys, and our kids set up all sorts of cool fort battles. I've loved these things enough to buy several sets. (Here's a bigger set if you can swing it.)