Terhific Recommendations on Nutcracker Ballet Related Items

 Sugar plum Fairy Calling

After visiting a museum, or going to an event, I like to ask the kids to search around the house for items that remind them of their experience. That way, the children get more out of the visit. After seeing the Nutcracker Ballet performance, the kids pulled out a few of our favorite Ballet books and toys. Here is a Terhific list of items that come with our highest recommendations.

1. The Nutcracker Ballet: A Book, Theater, and Paper Doll Fold-out Play Set (Foldout Play Set) (Christmas, Activity Book)

Pros: This package includes the Nutcracker book, paper dolls of the ballet characters and a theater in which the paper dolls can come alive. My daughter loves to set up the tree different scenes of the ballet in the theater. What I love the best is that the children can relive their experience of the live ballet show at home over and over again! Another nice feature is the pocket in which the paper dolls can be stored. Cons: It is best to keep the paper dolls out of toddlers' hands. They can break easily.

2. Nutcracker: The Motion Picture

Pros: This version of Nutcracker Ballet performance is brought to life by famous children's story writer, Maurice Sendak. The production is both exuberant and exciting! My kids have watched this movie over and over again, especially right before and after we go and see the live performances. Cons: Some of the characters can be scary for little children.

3. Wooden Nutcracker Doll

Pros: Last year, I bought our kids a Nutcracker. They thought that it was a great gift as we had just seen a live performance of the Nutcracker Ballet. This year, we have just rediscovered them from a box of Christmas decorations. Both kids were thrilled to find their wooden soldiers again! I love seasonal gifts, as they keep giving each year. Cons: The Nutcrackers are meant to be decorations rather than toys. Thus, little kids could easily break them.

4. European Wooden Nut Cracker Tool

Pros: When the children and I watch the Nutcracker Ballet Movie, we like to crack some nuts at the same time. This European nut cracker is kid friendly. I love encouraging the kids to be self sufficient and capable, this tool allows them to crack nuts all by themselves. I think that Montessori based schools could use one of these tools during the holiday season. Cons: Nothing at all.

5. Ballerina Music Box

Pros: I do not know any little girls who would not love to have a musical jewelry box. Watching a little girl putting away her treasures in this box, puts a smile on mom's face. This box also provides many compartments for little treasures. Cons: Eventually little girls grow out of these boxes.

I hope this list is helpful during the holiday season. What are you favorite Ballet toys and books?