Raising a bookworm: Best kids books for your toddlers this Christmas

Christmas is an exciting time for kids because of all the new toys they receive, but if you want to give a gift that keeps on giving, consider wrapping up a few books. When you read to children from an early age, they begin to develop better vocabulary and reasoning skills and their attention spans and imaginations flourish. When you give a child a book, it's a gift that lasts a lifetime. Not only do they gain many wonderful skills from listening to and later, reading, books, but books can inspire children to accomplish great things, forge on through trials and believe that anything is possible.

Check out the suggestions that the St. Louis Children's Recreation Examiner has made for your Christmas gift giving this year.

Model train exhibit in St. Louis brings Christmas cheer

Model trains are fascinating any time of year, but there is something about a model train at Christmas time that conjures up warm childhood memories of decorated storefronts or the clickety clack of the engine coming round the Christmas tree.

If you'd like to share your warm memories, or your general fondness for trains with your children, there is a wonderful opportunity for you to do so through January 2nd. Jefferson Barracks Visitors Center is the site of... Read More

Best 2010 Christmas toys for St. Louis shoppers

When kids have favorite movie or tv characters, it seems the choices for toys are endless, but what about when you just want to find something that is fun, educational and won't be a quickly passing phase?

The St. Louis Children's Recreation Examiner has several gift ideas to make your holiday shopping easier this year.

Check out:

Best Christmas toys for kids: Toy reviews for your 2 to 3 year old child

Best Christmas toys for kids: Toy reviews for your 3 to 4 year old child

Best Christmas toys for kids: Top picks by LagoonaMagoo St. Louis and Illinois

and to find out what you might want to avoid:

Christmas in St. Louis: Should you buy these toys for your kids?

Happy shopping, everyone!

Where to get pictures with Santa in St. Louis, St. Charles and Illinois

Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus right down Santa Claus lane.... if your kiddos are eager as can be to see jolly ole St. Nick and tell him about all the toys they want for Christmas, he's making appearances all over town.

Put on your best clothes for photos and then check out any of these great Santa sighting spots in

St. Louis

Illinois

St. Charles