Finally, a gorgeous day in New York. I am so excited for the long weekend and the official start of summertime. Memorial Day weekend automatically puts my family in summer mode and we can’t wait to get outside and run around and play.

I know the first toy Benjamin will pull out to play with in the backyard this weekend is his stomp rocket. This is his go-to outdoor toy. He loves to stomp (or jump!) on the launching base to send the foam darts up into the air. When Lisa and I were figuring out what to include in our new outdoor gifts category, the Slam Shot Rocket from ToySmith was top of my list. These rockets can fly up to 70 feet high and kids enjoy chasing them (almost) as much as launching them.

The Slam Shot Rocket is a great gift for boys and girls ages 6 and up. I promise, it will keep them entertained for hours…you may even want to buy two sets so the adults can get in on the action too.

Everyone loves ladybugs. They are the prettiest insect in the garden. But their beauty is more than skin deep. Gardeners and farmers love ladybugs because they eat aphids which destroy crops. Kids love ladybugs because they are colorful, gentle and easy to catch.

GIFT HERO loves the Remote Control Ladybug from KidGalaxy. The wings flap back and forth as the lady bug “flies” forward or spins around. The light-up lightining bug remote is perfect for small hands. This is fun for a picnic in the park, or your backyard. It is the ideal “first” remote control toy for ages 3 and up…and it is especially appealing to little girls for whom remote control toys aren’t often designed.

Nearly all cultures believe a ladybug is lucky. Bring some luck to a child on your list…or perhaps to her parents who will be lucky to find some quiet time while their daughter plays with her Remote Control Ladybug!

We are always adding new products to our site – so check back often for the latest new stuff. Just today we got in Quick Chess. We love this set because it comes with two completely different chess boards – one for beginners and one for more advanced players. It also comes with instructions so kids (and adults) can learn how to play.

My son Josh plays chess at his school and enjoys playing with his Dad at home too. Chess is fun, and it helps kids develop critical thinking skills. This chess set makes a perfect gift for a child 6 years or older,whether or not they have ever played chess.

To learn how to play chess, visit the United States Chess Federation website. Josh is a member of the Federation and receives Chess Life magazine for kids. He is trying to teach me, but so far I haven’t caught on!