Corporate Logo on cookies: Promote your business now!

Everyone who owns a business is looking at Wall Street everyday, hoping that things will get better. In the meantime, sales for just about everyone are plummeting. You need to keep you head above water, and your name in your customer's minds.

What to do? Start sending your largest client gift baskets of cookies that have YOUR LOGO on them. This way, your name will be out front and center and when they need to make a purchase, your "sweet" name will pop in their head first.

You can't wait. You really need to start pushing full force right now. Start promoting. It's the only way you will survive this economy.

Shop The Gift Basket Store offers a variety of cookies that your corporate logo can be placed on. All it takes is an order and an email with a photo attached. It's that easy. We can have it turned around in a matter of days and shipped out to you.

Click on the above link and see the variety of corporate logo cookies that we offer.

Toys 'R Us Announces Hot Holiday Toys 2008

Toys"R"Us announced its 2008 Hot Toy list, which is a leading indicator of what will be pushed along the aisles of every store this holiday season.

There are 36 new toys on the list this year. After a review process, items on the list are organized by age from "Baby's First Christmas" to "Big Kids" and serve as a starting point to help parents, friends and family find the perfect gift for any child. From that group, the "Fabulous 15" were selected to represent the very best toys of the season. All items featured on the list are available at Toys"R"Us stores nationwide and at www.Toysrus.com/HotToys

"After a thorough evaluation of all new toy introductions throughout the year, and consultations with our global merchandising team in 34 countries, Toys"R"Us has the unique ability to provide our guests with THE ultimate list of items certain to bring big smiles to kids' faces - the Toys"R"Us Hot Toy list," said Karen Dodge, Senior Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer, Toys"R"Us, U.S. "With new toy shipments arriving in our stores daily, customers will have a better chance of finding the hottest toys, in stock, at Toys"R"Us than anywhere else."

THE TOYS"R"US "FABULOUS 15"
THE BEST OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Following are the Toys"R"Us "Fabulous 15," representing the best new toys of the holiday season (listed in alphabetical order):
50's Diner(TM) from Step2(R)
Bakubelt(TM) Action Kit from Spin Master(TM)
Circus Ring from Playmobil(R)
Classic Lights and Sounds Trike from Radio Flyer(R)
Girl Gourmet(TM) Cupcake Maker from JAKKS Pacific(R)
EyeClops(R) Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles from JAKKS Pacific(R)
FURREAL FRIENDS BISCUIT, MY LOVIN' PUP from Hasbro(R)
Imaginext(TM) Spike the Ultra Dinosaur from Fisher-Price(R)
Laugh & Learn(TM) Shop & Learn Walker from Fisher-Price(R)
Little Mommy(TM) Sweet As Me(TM) Baby Knows(TM) Dolls from Mattel(R)
Pink 8GB iPod(R) nano from Apple(R)
Pink Tag(TM) Reading System from LeapFrog(R)
Sesame Street(R) Elmo Live! from Fisher-Price(R)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars The Twilight from LEGO Systems, Inc.
Wii Fit(TM) from Nintendo(R)


THE TOYS"R"US 2008 HOT TOY LIST

From Baby's First Christmas to Big Kids, the Toys"R"Us Hot Toy list represents the top new toys for 2008 in each age group:
Baby's First Christmas
Candy Rock 'N Bounce Pony from Radio Flyer(R)
The classic Radio Flyer Rock 'N Bounce Pony received a makeover and now boasts a flashy design in pastel hues of pink and purple. This Toys"R"Us exclusive features a safety saddle to keep toddlers secure, which can be removed to accommodate an older child. The patented Rubber Bounce Suspension provides a safe, quiet ride, while the soft fabric body can be removed for easy cleaning. Riders can also hold onto the easy-grip for safe, fun riding. No batteries required. Ages 9 months to 3 years.
Crayola Beginnings(TM) Baby TaDoodles Rainbow Tower from Crayola(R)
With the TaDoodles Rainbow Tower, available only at Toys"R"Us, children can explore colors, lights and music by stacking and nesting the easy-to-grasp TaDoodles puppy, kitten and mouse characters on the musical base. These friendly faces combine to make new colors and music when one is placed on top of the other in this skill building toy. 3 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 6 months and up.
Laugh & Learn(TM) Fun with Friends(TM) Musical Table from Fisher-Price(R)
Encouraging baby's learning and play, this bilingual activity table offers interactive characters with light-up faces that have unique and expressive personalities. The set features an interactive "First Words" book, counting phone with detachable receiver and piano keys. The table has four modes of play in both English and Spanish that teach letters, numbers, opposites, shapes, colors, greetings, first words, songs and tunes. After baby stops engaging in one activity, another activity will light up to promote continued play. Also, the included laptop opens and closes for realistic role-play, while the legs of the table are detachable for younger-age floor play. 3 "AA" batteries required (included). Ages 6 months to 3 years.
Laugh & Learn(TM) Shop & Learn Walker from Fisher-Price(R)
This learning walker teaches baby through everyday play and will continue to entertain children even after they master walking through three interactive play modes. As the steady walker is put into motion, music and lights encourage continued movement and sing-along to the "ABCs" and other learning songs. The Shop & Learn Walker includes four grocery shape-and-sort items and three additional grocery items. Once a shape is placed into its corresponding sorter, the cart responds by stating the color and shape of that item, while activating sounds and dancing lights. The three modes of play are Learning, Music and Imagination, which teach baby about colors, shapes, counting, letters, opposites, textures and objects. 3 "AA" batteries required (included). Ages 9 months to 3 years.
13 months to 2 years
50's Diner(TM) from Step2(R)
Children can step back to yesteryear with this retro-themed diner that transports them behind the grill at a local hot spot from the 1950s. This classically styled kitchen features everything needed to prepare an imaginary meal and serve customers -- just like a real diner -- including an oven, grill, dishes, silverware, cups, spatula, ice cream scoop, sundae dishes, deep fryer, ketchup and mustard bottles, and a sink to clean the dishes. To help kids turn up the heat, the included griddle pan and coffee pot activate electronic sizzling and bubbling sounds when placed on the stove's front burner. Of course, there's ample seating for customers at a retro-style tabletop with a working jukebox that lets kids rock around the clock with three 50's-style tunes. 2 "AA" batteries and 4 "AAA" batteries required (not included). Ages 2 years and up.
Crayola Beginnings(TM) Scribble & Sing(TM) Art Station from Crayola(R)
Designed to captivate and spur toddler creativity, this Scribble & Sing Art Station offers toddlers a chance to experience color and sound, while discovering the joy of making a first mark with their favorite TaDoodles friends. The set comes complete with five TaDoodles markers, including orange bear, blue chipmunk, pink duck, yellow squirrel and green owl, each designed to fit in the palm of a child's hand. When a child places any of the five markers into the center circle, the Art Station recognizes the TaDoodles character color, activating unique songs and activities. Featuring 15 fun activities, kids can scribble to the sounds of music and lights for endless hours of imaginative play. 3 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 18 months and up.
Nick Jr.(TM) Wonder Pets(TM) This is Serious Ming-Ming from Fisher- Price(R)
Straight from Nick Jr.'s hit show, Wonder Pets, everyone's favorite character Ming Ming is here to sing and dance her way into the hearts and homes of kids everywhere. The 13-inch plush pet offers two modes of interactive play and brings all of the signature phrases, songs and dance moves from the show to life. Ming Ming can also answer the "Can Phone" upon hearing the "Can Phone" song, strike that signature pose and dance the "This is Serious" dance, all choreographed to the Wonder Pets' theme song. In the second mode, Ming Ming will take kids through some of her adventures, lead games and teach them how to do the dance. 4 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 18 months and up.
Sesame Street(R) Elmo Live! from Fisher-Price(R)
For the first time, Elmo seems to step out of the TV screen and into kids' living rooms with the help of animatronics. This lifelike version of everyone's favorite red monster opens and closes his mouth as he speaks, moves his arms, dances, crosses his legs, sits and stands as he tells stories and jokes. Children can activate their furry friend with a tickle or a squeeze of Elmo's foot, tummy, back or nose. 6 "AA" batteries required (included). Ages 18 months and up. Available at Toys"R"Us stores nationwide on October 14.
2-4 years
Barbie(R) & The Diamond Castle Princess Liana(TM) and Princess Alexa(R) Dolls from Mattel(R)
In the new Barbie & The Diamond Castle movie, Barbie and her pal Teresa star as two best friends, Princess Liana and Princess Alexa, on their journey to discover music, magic and the power of friendship. To bring home the wonder of the theatrical release, kids will have fun reenacting scenes from the film with this Barbie doll, featured as Princess Liana, who sings two songs from the movie and wears a mesmerizing glittery gown that magically transforms with the flip of a switch! Barbie's necklace also lights up when she sings. Pair her with the Teresa doll, featured as Princess Alexa, in a similar glamorous dress, to hear them perform beautiful duets. Each doll sold separately. 3 "LR44" button cell batteries required (included). Ages 3 and up.
Classic Lights and Sounds Trike from Radio Flyer(R)
A retro-inspired redesign of the classic tricycle, this three-wheeler with pink "mod" flair will have kids clamoring to go for a fun-filled ride. Little fashionistas can take a spin around the neighborhood to show off the trike's flashy design and cool "Ms. Flyer" license plate. Girls will learn to abide by the rules of the road, using the touch-button blinkers to show which direction they're headed next. This Toys"R"Us exclusive even has a working horn and buttons to activate fun tunes. 3 "AA" batteries required (included). Ages 18 months to 3 years.
Classic Train Table with Roundhouse from Imaginarium
All aboard for fun with this Toys"R"Us exclusive train table, featuring more than 100 pieces, that lets kids use their imagination as they ride the rails. This real wood table comes with everything needed to create a small city, including more than 23-feet of track, eight train cars, a fueling station, an airport tunnel, a working crane, a roundhouse with five opening doors, people, street signs, street lamps, trees, a truck, a helicopter and more. When any wooden train engine or train car featuring a magnet chugs over one of six different sections of the track, it comes to life with exciting train-themed movements, lights and sounds. The table also features two drawers, making cleanup a snap when playtime is over. 6 button cell batteries required (included) and 5 "AAA" batteries required (not included). Ages 3 and up.
Imaginext(TM) Spike the Ultra Dinosaur from Fisher-Price(R)
Stomping out of the prehistoric age, this 27-inch-tall, remote control dinosaur is ready to become a child's new best friend. Spike can walk, move his head, stand on his hind legs, open and close his mouth, blink and eat two boulders or a bone (all included) with a command from the remote control. Each button on the included remote features a symbol, making it easy for kids to use, even before they learn how to read. Spike also roars and growls like a real dinosaur. 3 "AA" batteries required (not included), and one rechargeable "9.6 volt" battery (included). Ages 3 to 10 years.
Little Mommy(TM) Sweet As Me(TM) Baby Knows(TM) Dolls from Mattel(R)
These three baby dolls really do know! When kids put the doll's hands to its eyes, it will recite the "ABCs" and play games. And, when the doll's hands are placed to its mouth, ears, toes or tummy, it'll name that body part in English and in Spanish. Featuring a choice of three dolls, including a blonde girl, brunette girl and blond boy, these interactive toys provide language development and fine motor skill-building, while kids emulate mom and dad through active role play. 3 "AA" batteries required (included). Each doll sold separately. Ages 2 and up.
Natural Wood Alphabet Blocks Wagon from Toys"R"Us
This natural wood alphabet block set, available exclusively at Toys"R"Us, is both fun and forest-friendly. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) seal of certification on the box indicates that wagon and blocks are crafted from replenishable materials that are chemical-free, ensuring safe and environmentally conscious play. This classic set of alphabet blocks, designed with a unique wood-burning technique, fit snugly into the wagon so kids can bring the joy of educational play with them wherever they go. No batteries required. Ages 2 and up.
V.Motion(TM) Active Learning System from Vtech(R)
Kids won't be parked in front of the TV any longer. Now, little learners can be put in motion while driving home lessons in math, reading, science, spelling and more! The V.Smile Motion TV Learning System is a kiddie gaming console that combines wireless, motion-activated play, web connectivity and educational gaming into a system that plugs directly into your television. The system gets kids engaged with games that include characters such as Scooby-Doo, Thomas the Tank Engine and Spider-Man, as well as new friends like Kung Fu Panda, Wall-E and Wonder Pets. Kids will love the wireless action-packed play that connects them with animated pals that guide them through age-appropriate skill levels and developmental activities. 3 "AAA" and 4 "AA" batteries required (included). Ages 3 to 7 years.
YO GABBA GABBA!(TM) Dance Time Brobee from Spin Master(TM)
Kids and fans of the Nick Jr. show YO GABBA GABBA! are sure to find this Dance Time Brobee doll tons of fun! Simply press Brobee's foot to get him moving and grooving, and he'll prompt children to dance along. This 13.5-inch tall interactive toy swings his arms around and shuffles his feet while doing the "Go Brobee" dance, a familiar step to fans of the show. Brobee also sings other familiar songs and says fun phrases from the show. 4 "AA" batteries required (included). Ages 2 and up.
5-7 years
30" designer series acoustic guitars from First Act Discovery(R)
Future pop stars can decide how they want to jam with their choice of five Designer Series Acoustic Guitars, available only at Toys"R"Us. These eye-catching instruments are made with natural wood, thin frets and low string action to help musicians achieve the highest quality sound. The guitars also come equipped with exclusive Learn-A-Chord Cards that teach beginners to groove as they strum their way to fame. Kids can choose from the pink Jeweled Rosette guitar bedazzled with style, the Lavender guitar with butterfly stenciling, the Army Stripes guitar with green and black print, the classic black Diamond Plate guitar or the blue Flame Bling guitar, all sure to be a hit with young musicians. No batteries required. Ages 7 and up.
Circus Ring from Playmobil(R)
Kids can join the circus without leaving home when they put together this deluxe set boasting more than 200 pieces. Featuring a circus ring, an adjustable big top tent, ticket booth, light-up arch, high wire, trapeze artists, ringmaster, popcorn salesman, a family of three and seating for 30, children have everything they need to create the greatest imaginary show ever. 2 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 5 and up.
FURREAL FRIENDS BISCUIT, MY LOVIN' PUP from Hasbro(R)
The most realistic interactive pet to join the FURREAL FRIENDS family, this plush dog will have kids eating out of its paw as soon as they see its range of tricks. Through voice recognition and animatronics, BISCUIT reacts just like a real golden retriever when children command it to "sit," "sit up and beg," "lie down," "give me a paw," "speak" or ask "do you want a treat?" BISCUIT responds by moving its head and ears, blinking its eyes, wagging its tail and barking. BISCUIT even comes with its very own dog treat - a bone it can "chomp." 6 "D" batteries required (not included). Ages 5 and up.
Disney(R) Hannah Montana Malibu Beach House from Play Along(R), a division of JAKKS Pacific(R)
Straight from everyone's favorite Disney Channel program Hannah Montana, this set is an exact replica of Hannah's real house on the show! The House includes iconic accessory pieces that are instantly recognizable, such as Hannah's unique leg table and the swing she sits on to write her music. The playset also features six different Hannah play areas, including a bedroom, kitchen, living room, closet, upstairs balcony and porch, and comes with a doll that is available exclusively at Toys"R"Us. The set includes more than 80 accessories and stickers to decorate and customize the house. No batteries required. Ages 5 to 7 years.
Disney(R) PIXAR U-COMMAND WALL-E from Thinkway Toys
This realistic 9-inch-tall, infrared-controlled version of WALL-E comes to life with animated motion, voice, sound and light effects as kids maneuver him forward, turn him in reverse or make him dance! They can command the easy-to-use joystick controller on this Toys"R"Us exclusive to choose from a menu of pre-selected actions, voice responses and light effects that enable over 1,000 action combos. It is easy to replicate the quirky characteristics of WALL-E by controlling his eyes and arms, turning his treads and even pressing a button to recreate signature WALL-E movie expressions. 7 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 6 and up.
Pink Tag(TM) Reading System from LeapFrog(R)
Little learners can enjoy reading in a whole new way when they use the Pink Tag Reading System. This educational tool, available in pink only at Toys"R"Us, looks like a pen and lets kids hear an entire story, individual words or play learning games when scrolling over the words or pictures in a story. Kids can choose from a 20-volume library that includes "The Little Engine That Could" and "Olivia," as well as a title available only at Toys"R"Us, the popular "Dora the Explorer: Dora Goes to School." Parents can share in their child's learning accomplishments by connecting the Tag Reading System to a computer. 2 "AAA" batteries required (not included). Ages 4 to 8 years.
Star Wars: Legacy Collection Millennium Falcon(TM) from Hasbro(R)
The fastest ship in the Star Wars galaxy roars to life in this 2 1/2-foot version featuring lights, sounds and even phrases directly from the original Star Wars trilogy. Piloted by the included 3 3/4-inch scale versions of Han Solo and Chewbacca, the Millennium Falcon is ready to take kids into light speed with smuggling compartments, pivoting gunner station and room for 16 additional figures. Kids can easily play inside the ship by removing the outer panels, where they can access the medical bay to treat wounded troops or place up to four action figures in the cockpit. 3 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 4 and up.
X-trek PRO(TM) Track Set from Silverlit(R) Electronics
Aspiring racecar drivers can test their skills on this 14.5-foot track set, built for speed and maneuverability. Kids can race the two included 1:60 scale cars using the included tri-band remote controls. Just like in a real race, the cars can enter the pit stop area for a quick recharge before getting back into gear. Kids can also remove the cars from the track between races to charge them from the remote. The set, available only at Toys"R"Us, also brings an extra level of control to R/C racing with a unique front wheel steering system. Kids looking to make a bigger and more challenging set can extend the track with any X-trek Pro track piece or set. 2 "1.2 V Ni-MH" batteries required (included) and 8 "AA" batteries required (not included). Ages 5 and up.
8-11 years
Bakubelt(TM) Action Kit from Spin Master(TM)
Bakugan Battle Brawlers(TM) is the latest craze among young boys, bringing a new component to trading card game play by adding plastic marbles (Bakugan Battle Brawlers) that "explode" to reveal mini-figures when they roll onto a metal Gate Card. Now, kids can prepare for Bakugan(TM) battle with the newest accessory, the Bakubelt Action Kit. This Toys"R"Us exclusive Action Kit features a Bakubelt, a Bakuclip(TM) that allows kids to reach for their Bakugan Battle Brawlers without ever taking their eyes off the game, two Bakugan Battle Brawlers (including one exclusive Deco Bakugan), two Gate Cards and two Ability Cards. No batteries required. Ages 5 and up.
EyeClops(R) Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles from JAKKS Pacific(R)
Powered by real night vision technology, Eye Clops Night Vision goggles allow kids to see up to 50-feet away in absolute darkness. The invisible infrared illumination lets young secret agents stay hidden, while giving them the advantage of seeing their opponents in a pitch-black night. Kids can go on special missions and perform night maneuvers in their own backyards with these goggles, which are fully adjustable and padded for comfort. The spyware comes equipped with a breakaway power cord attached to a counter-weighted battery pack to ensure the high-tech fun is safe for everyone. Requires 5 "AA" batteries (not included). Ages 8 and up.
Girl Gourmet(TM) Cupcake Maker from JAKKS Pacific(R)
Now girls can whip up homemade fun as they design their own cupcakes. Children just use the pre-measured spoon to add water to their favorite batter mix, stir, pour the mix into a cupcake cup, seal the creation in the microwaveable cupcake maker and cook for 30 seconds -- no baking involved! Once the cupcake cools, kids can place it on the Cupcake Froster and choose from one of four delectable flavors to top their cupcake with bakery-style frosting swirls. The set comes with everything needed to create four batches of cupcakes, including one microwave container; the Cupcake Froster; four cupcake mixes, including Red Velvet, Cinnamon Sugar, Chocolate and Yellow Vanilla; four frosting mixes, including Cream Cheese, Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry; sprinkles, mixing bowl, pre-measured spoon, four cupcake cups, cupcake cup holder and two recipe cards. Microwave not included. No batteries required. Ages 8 and up.
Nickelodeon(TM) iCarly Webcam from Imation(TM)
iCarly, the wildly popular sitcom on Nickelodeon(R), inspires tweens everywhere to participate in the first-ever scripted series to include original kid-created content. Carly and friends host regular webcasts, asking viewers to send in their own videos and pictures to air on TV or upload to www.icarly.com. Now, with the iCarly Webcam, kids can reach for the stars. The iCarly Webcam, which is available only at Toys"R"Us, combines photo and filming to let kids capture images of themselves or create video chats right on a computer screen. The digital accessory comes complete with additional software that will help tech-savvy tweens achieve their 15-minutes of fame, including a special Digital Diary and video- or photo-editing software to help kids create and share their digital designs. Computer not included. No batteries required. Ages 5 and up. Available in Toys"R"Us stores nationwide in October.
SCRABBLE(R) DESIGNER'S EDITION from Hasbro(R) Games
Tweens can get the word out with this new version of SCRABBLE, elegantly redesigned in pink hues and available only at Toys"R"Us. Offering the same classic crossword challenge, this new version features a pastel rotating gameboard, pearl-like letter tiles and an embroidered fabric pouch. Whether preparing for a girls' night in or a pink party, SCRABBLE DESIGNER'S EDITION still spells "F-U-N." No batteries required. Ages 8 and up. Available in Toys"R"Us stores nationwide in October.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars The Twilight from LEGO Systems, Inc.
Flying straight out of the first animated Star Wars adventure and available only at Toys"R"Us, the Twilight is a temperamental but powerful starship piloted by Anakin Skywalker during his adventures in The Clone Wars. This massive LEGO(R) model, with 862 pieces, features retractable landing gear that is activated by moving the wing, a flick missile, a side-mounted escape pod, moveable laser cannon turrets and four minifigures including Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka, Rotta the Hutt and R2-D2. No batteries required. Ages 9 and up.
U-Dance from Hasbro(R)
Now, kids and tweens everywhere can show off their dance moves to some of the hottest songs with the unique and innovative U-DANCE gaming system that can be played alone, or with friends, for a challenging arcade-style face off. Completely wireless and dance-mat-free, featuring motion-sensing technology, this system allows players to act as the controller using body movements and real dance moves, such as jumping, sliding, cross-overs and more. Dancers simply plug the console into a TV, attach the wireless Motion Tags to their feet and literally step into the game, using their body as the game controller. Movements are then mirrored by 'virtual footprints' on the TV screen. To play, dancers follow actual footprint icons as they appear on the TV to the beat of the music. The gaming system features three levels of game play for each song and popular dance music by hit artists, including Run It by Grammy-nominated pop artist Chris Brown, ABC by the Jackson 5 and Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) by M.V.P. featuring C + C Music Factory. 4 "AA" batteries (not included). Ages 8 and up. Available in Toys"R"Us stores nationwide on October 18.
Zillions(TM) Pink Touch Screen ATM from Summit
Kids will enjoy learning how to manage their money with this realistic, pink mini-version of a touch screen ATM, available exclusively in pink at Toys"R"Us. This hip new take on the classic piggy bank is equipped with advanced touch-screen technology that allows kids to access their "accounts" with a personalized pin number. The ATM is programmed to distinguish real money with its bill-reading and coin recognition system, helping young penny-savers track their earnings. 3 "AA" batteries required (included). Ages 8 and up.
Big Kids
iMod(TM) from Razor(R)
This sleek, motorized Eurostyle scooter, available only at Toys"R"Us, comes equipped with two full range speakers and a docking station that is compatible with all current versions of the Apple(R) iPod(R), so kids can cruise around the neighborhood as they listen to their favorite tunes. With its white exterior, the iMod is designed to match the classic, clean look of an iPod(R), while boasting 12" tires and over 10 miles of smooth cruising capability at speeds up to 15 mph on a single charge. The iMod also comes with an FM stereo so kids can tune into their favorite stations. Kids can lift the seat to reveal a special storage compartment. 2 rechargeable "12V Lead Acid" batteries required (included) and 4 "AA" batteries required (not included). Apple iPod not included. Weight limit 170 lbs. Ages 12 and up.
Pink 8GB iPod(R) nano from Apple(R)
The fourth generation iPod nano, available in pink, lets music lovers carry thousands of songs on the go with a stylish new design featuring a curved aluminum and glass enclosure. Users just plug the iPod nano into a Macintosh or Windows based computer through the USB port, connect to iTunes, load their favorite tunes or movies, and they're ready to rock. The new iPod nano lets users enjoy up to 24 hours of music playback or four hours of video playback in a single charge and is available in a wide variety of colors including pink, blue, silver and black. Users can even lightly shake the iPod nano to automatically shuffle their songs. 1 rechargeable "Lithium Ion" battery required (included). Available in Toys"R"Us stores nationwide on October 19.
Star Wars(R): The Force Unleashed(TM) from LucasArts(TM)
For the first time, videogame players can wield the full power of the Force! This entirely new chapter in the Star Wars Saga casts players as Darth Vader's "Secret Apprentice" and promises to unveil new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy. Set between the largely unexplored era between Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, players will assist Vader in his quest to rid the universe of Jedi - and face decisions that could change the course of their destiny. Using the newest videogame programming technology, environments and characters react exactly as they would in the real world, offering a new level of authenticity to the game play. Players can use the Force when they purchase the game on a variety of videogame consoles including the Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Nintendo DS and the PlayStation Portable. No batteries required. Rated "T" for "Teen."
Wii Fit(TM) from Nintendo(R)
The newest addition to the Wii gaming platform, Wii Fit takes fitness and fun to a whole new level. Players can create a dynamic, personalized workout regimen while practicing yoga, training muscles, aerobicizing or playing balance games. Users just step onto the included Wii balance board, where they can set up a personal profile and set goals, test their balance, track their progress and work out with a virtual trainer. With more than 40 fun activities and exercises to choose from, including pushups with side planks, jogging in place, heading soccer balls and swiveling their hips while hula- hooping, players will have fun as they get into shape with this unique system. The Wii Balance Board also works with additional games for added challenges. Wii console not included. 4 AA batteries required (included) Rated "E" for "Everyone."
About Toys"R"Us, Inc.
Toys"R"Us, Inc. is the world's leading dedicated toy and baby products retailer. Currently it sells merchandise through more than 1,500 stores, including 585 Toys"R"Us stores and 262 Babies"R"Us stores in the U.S., more than 693 international stores in 33 countries, which includes licensed and franchise stores, and through its Internet site at www.Toysrus.com
SOURCE Toys"R"Us, Inc.
http://www.toysrus.com

Halloween gifts for kids with food allergies

Let's face it, all kids love to trick or treat on Halloween. One of the problems is that more than 3 million American children have food allergies. Just one bite of some types of candy can be life-threatening. No amount of ghosts or scary ghouls pose such a scare as hidden peanuts, milk in a candy product, or all sorts of treats without ingredient labels, according to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network.

Unfortunately, about 100 Americans, usually children, die each year from food-induced allergic reaction, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.


Experts say eight foods are the most common food-allergy culprits: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat.

Parents of food-allergic children must read every candy label in their child's Halloween bag to ensure their child's safety, although labeling is getting better and society is more aware, peanut allergen-contamination of nonpeanut containing foods is still a possibility.

Always read the ingredients of a product when you purchase it (and ONLY purchase food items that label the ingredients).....read the label AGAIN when you put it away, and read it yet AGAIN when you serve it.

Although many children outgrow milk, egg, and wheat allergies, sensitivity to tree nuts or shellfish may be a lifelong issue.

Do you have a son or daughter, a grandchild or niece or newphew you would like to send a Halloween gift to? We carry two adorable singing black cat halloween gifts that do not have any food products at all.

We have the Spooky Little Black Cat: This Spooky Little Cat has prepared his own version of the pop hit "Spooky Little Cat Like You" for your listening pleasure this Halloween season.

Ghosts, ghouls and goblins alike will love this lively tune and this spooky kitty! Treat yourself or your favorite spooky little people to this Spooky Little Cat!
Singing/ moving light up 16" cat Sings Spooky little cat like you, yah, Spooky.

And we also have the We Will Haunt You Spooky CatSpooky the Halloween Ghost Cat arrives to sing "We will, we will haunt you…" for your entertainment this Halloween season.

Your favorite witches and ghosts of all ages will love Spooky's rendition of this former hit tune. For decoration or for the gift giving hit of the season, it's Spooky the Halloween Ghost Cat! Singing/ moving 16" Cat dressed up as a ghost Sings "We will, we will haunt you, haunt you…"

Don't delay, order one of this spooky singing cats today!

Quinceañera Party Favors

It's that magical time in a young girl's life when she turns 15. Help her plan the party she has always dreamed up. We can help.

Shop The Gift Basket Store has teamed up with Kate Aspen Shops to offer the most adorable yet sophisicated Quinceañera party favors you can find. Kate Aspen party favors are the leading party favors company in the USA today. The quality, attention to detail and their uniqueness enabled them to be the best selling party favors company in 2007. Let her party be fun and an event to remember, yet let it be classy and elegant.

Click our link above to see the best Quinceañera party favors around!

ShopTheGiftBasketStore.0.KateAspenShops.com

If you are planning a party, let Kate be the first name on the guest list. Kate Aspen that is!

Halloween Party Treats

It's that magical time of year when ghosts, goblins and witches start filling our minds. OK, reality check. It's also time to start planning Halloween parties. Whether you are planning an Adult Halloween Costume party, a kids Halloween party or even an in school party, you need to have some tasty halloween treats on hand. Many PTO homeroom moms have stocked up on these halloween favors in the past, and we think we know why. They are good! And they are a good value for the dollar:

Belgian Dipped Chocolate Marhmallows: A simply delightful Halloween treat, our clear acetate cylinder holds 5 Belgian Chocolate dipped & decorated gourmet marshmallows inside! Tied with matching ribbon!

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Wands: Crisp Bavarian Pretzel Rods dipped in your choice of fine Belgian Chocolates or creamy rich Caramel. They're decorated with Candy Confetti Bats, Punmpkins, & Ghosts! Choose from a mix of all chocolates and caramel, or caramel only, or a mix of chocolate, or dark chocolate, or milk chocolate, or white chocolate only.

Individually wrapped and heat sealed, these yummy treats are tied with a coordinating ribbon.

Halloween Cookie Favors Set: Sweeten up your Halloween celebration with a set of our Halloween Edible Image® Cookie Favors! These nine adorable and delicious sugar cookies are entirely edible and measure 2 3/4" in diameter and come individually bagged in clear cello with matching curling ribbon. Fun and festive, these treats can't be beat! Sugar Images Include: Pumpkin, Cat, Mummy, Witch, Ghost, Bat, Werewolf, Dracula and Frankenstein. You will receive one of each image in this 9 piece set.

Halloween Character Cookies: Devilishly delicious Character Cookies are a fun way to celebrate this spooky Holiday! Minimum of 12 cookies must be ordered. Our assortment includes Oreo® Jack 'o' Lanterns, Frankensteins and Spiders- PLUS Nutter Butter® Skulls. Each yummy Oreo® or Nutter Butter® is enrobed in Dark Chocolate or Confections and hand decorated to look like your favorite Halloween Character!

Cookies are individually wrapped in clear cello bags and heat sealed at both ends for freshness and quality.

Don't wait till it's too late! Place your orders today!!!! Visit: Shopthegiftbasketstore.com
Gifts & gift baskets for all occasions
Just pick, click and ship

Halloween Candy Treats and Halloween Cookies

It's one of our favorite holidays. Halloween. We all get dressed up in our fun costumes for work: The owner dresses as the accountant, our accountant comes dressed like our webmaster, our webmaster gets dressed up like our shipping manager, and I come dressed like a customer and everyone FINALLY treats me nice! Isn't Halloween wonderful?

Take a look at our wonderful Halloween Candy Gifts and Halloween Cookie Gifts. We know many of you need to start thinking about ordering a Halloween gift for a niece or nephew, or grandchild that lives far away. Treat that little goblin to the best candy gift in the world....because it comes from you! Don't delay, order yours today!

Plus, take a look at that adorable Halloween Teddy Bear! Don't leave him sitting on the shelf. Send him to your favorite grandchild or little kid today!

Smoked Salmon Gifts - Order Your's Today!

With the summer leaving us and the cool breeze of autumn swirling in, I start thinking ahead to all of the wonderful holidays that will soon be upon us. One of our favorite parts of the season is introducing some of our finest gifts and gift baskets to you. Although we offer over 1000 gifts, specializing in birthday gift baskets, spa gift baskets, cookie bouquets, whimsical lollipop bouquets and the like, one of our ultimate favorites has to be our smoked salmon gifts. We bring them proudly to you from the best smoked salmon seafood house in the world, Kasilof Fish Company. All products are Certified Kosher

Here's what they have to say......

"....Friends,

Pamper yourself and your loved ones with nature’s finest smoked salmon offered anywhere in the world. We can say this with confidence because we start with the best salmon available, that of the icy cold glacial stream-fed waters of Alaska, off Cape Kasilof in Alaska’s Cook Inlet. Throughout the harvest, particular attention is given to ensure that every fish is handled with great care, preserving its flavor and texture.

Whether it’s the firm and deep red Sockeye Salmon, or the rich, smooth King Salmon, none but the best are sent to our smokers. We carefully monitor the smoking process, enhancing the natural flavors of each fillet. By the time our salmon reaches your table, it has become a mouth-watering delicacy, rich with the flavors of alder wood and smoked in the time honored method of the Great Northwest. You can be sure that your selection of Kasilof products, whether for yourself or given as a gift, will be appreciated and remembered throughout the year.

I invite you to order the finest smoked seafood available. Enjoy every bite, and share the enjoyment with friends, family and business associates! ..."

You just have to try one of their products yourself. All items are naturally smoked, are fully cooked, and ready to serve. No refrigeration is needed until the package is opened. All items slow smoked with pur alder wood in Northwest style. Kof-K-Kosher. Inside each pouch you will find some oil. This is the natural oil from the salmon which we suggest you serve for additional flavor and moistness.

Send some to a friend or relative, and then order one for yourself. We highly recommend:

The King Fish Pack: You'll find the contents of this 3-foot, 3-dimensional package as good as the wrapping!
20 oz. Smoked Sockeye Salmon
5 oz. Smoked Trout
5 oz. Smoked Halibut
5 oz. Smoked Mussels

And their

Silver Salmon Pack: This beautiful gift is full of color and charm. Comes complete with fins, and is over two feet long
5 oz. Smoked Sockeye Salmon
5 oz. Smoked Trout
5 oz. Smoked Halibut
Carr's Crackers

What's Happening on College Campuses

Do you have a young adult in college? Do you know what's going on today on college campuses?

Yes, we all know that the kids are drinking shots of vodka, and etc, and I am NOT advocating that, but there are gangs of female thugs going around the campus of The University of Delaware and robbing students at gunpoint. They are so brazen that they will even enter house parties to pull off their heists.

And, this week at West Chester University, word has it that there have been not one, not two but three bomb threats on campus.

What's happening. What's going on. It's time that these colleges worry less about how much money they can drain out of middle class families and worry more about security. And I'm not talking about the student throwing up behind a tree. I'm talking about gangs and true criminals that are preying on our children. Your children.

We need to protect our college students, and I am not sure how.

Gift Baskets Make Great Deliveries

Do you need to quickly send a gift to an office worker, a relative or a friend that lives far away? Don't have time to go shopping from store to store to find a delightful delivery? Look no further.

Shop The Gift Basket Store has become America's leading online gift basket store that makes deliveries far and wide.

Simply visit our website and view our endless stream of gourmet gift baskets, college care packages, get well gift baskets, thank you giftbaskets, cookie bouquets, lollipop bouquets, chocolate candy gifts, Rice Krispie Treats, Halloween Candy Gifts and more. Simply pick, click and ship. It's that easy. And remember, don't just send a gift, send a memory. A delightful memory.

Shop The Gift Basket Store. The only gift baskets store you will ever need.

Don't forget to bookmark us!

send a giftbasket

Call in The National Guard & Bring Back The Marines

I'm not kidding. I'm not. Our country is in the middle of the war. And I'm not talking about Bush's war over in Iraq. I'm talking about Bush's war that he started here in the US. Crime is now running rampant. You think I'm kidding? Do you know any college students? Do you have any idea about how bad crime is on some of the best college campuses in the USA? It's bad, very bad. The poor are getting poorer, and they are getting desparate. As a result, there have been numerous hold ups of students in the last few weeks and school just started.

It's Bush's war because he closed his eyes while all of his buddies had their hands in the cookie jar at some of the top financial institutes in the USA. The investment bankers and portfolio managers bundled worthless packages. Ponzi schemes is more like it. Don't even get me going on the real estate crisis. And what's happening? The stock market is tumbling. The real estate market is depressed. Middle class Americans are taking a big hit. They are loosing jobs. If they are in retail, profits are down, way down. If middle class isn't spending, then the people on the lower economic rung are affected too, especially those in the manufacturing and service industry.

It's a circle, a vicious circle. And while most of those top level executives walked away with millions, all of us are left to suffer in this economy.

We had the national guard in during the riots of the 1960s. (OK, I know Kent State was a big disaster....), but we need the military guarding the citizens of the US.

So, dear President Bush, you did this. Your and your friends in higher power, and the lobbyists who wooed the congress, did this. Now, get us out of it. If you can't protect all of us, then for God's sake, at least protect our kids. Protect the future leaders who learned a dear lesson watching you destroy this country the last 8 years. Get protection on our college campuses now, and our high schools. Protect the kids. Let them walk without being held up at gun point.

And to anyone who thinks I'm kidding, well I've got one thing to say to you: OPEN YOUR EYES.

Is it Safe To Have Sex During Pregnancy?

Many expectant parents worry that sex can be harmful during pregnancy. They fear that intercourse could hurt the baby, or even cause miscarriage. Some are afraid that the baby somehow “knows” that sex is taking place. The partner sometimes worries that intercourse might cause discomfort or pain for the pregnant woman. Worries like this are common and completely normal, but most of them are unfounded.

If your pregnancy is considered to be high risk, you may need to be more cautious than other women. Your health care provider may advise you to avoid intercourse for all or part of your pregnancy.

The Changes of Pregnancy

Many women are not very interested in sex while they are pregnant. Exhaustion, raging hormones, tender breasts and self-consciousness about her growing girth can put a pregnant women's sex drive on hold. Take heart in the fact that most couples resume an active sex life sometime during the first year of their baby's life.

Many women find that pregnancy makes them want sex more than they did before they became pregnant. This sex drive is caused by hormonal changes. For some women, newfound voluptuousness can play a role in making them feel sexier than ever.

Positions that work before pregnancy and early in pregnancy can be uncomfortable or even unsafe at later stages of the baby's development. For example, a woman should avoid lying flat on her back after the fourth month of pregnancy, because the weight of the growing uterus puts pressure on major blood vessels. Fortunately, there are alternatives to the traditional missionary position, such as lying sideways or having the woman on top.

As for the baby, he or she has no idea what Mom and Dad are doing. The baby is well protected by a cushion of fluid in the womb and by the mom's abdomen.

Suggestions for You and Your Partner

If you're concerned, ask your health care provider if it's okay to have sex.
Talk to each other about your needs and concerns in an open and loving way. If you work together, you can probably figure out how to put a smile on each other's face.
Let mutual pleasure and comfort be your guide. If something doesn't feel physically or emotionally right to one of you, change what you're doing.

Keep your sense of humor.

To avoid sexually transmitted infections, have sex with only one person who doesn't have any other sexual partners and/or use a condom when having sex. Discuss HIV testing for you and your partner with your health care provider.
If the pregnancy is high risk or if you have any questions at all, ask for guidance from your health care provider.

After the baby is born, wait until after your postpartum checkup before you resume intercourse.

Newborn Baby Care In The Hospital

Every new mother is anxious about the health of their new baby, and often times confused by all the tests done at the hospital.


After your baby is born, a doctor or nurse will perform a series of tests to determine your baby’s physical condition. A routine evaluation, called the Apgar test, is used to identify whether your baby needs urgent medical care. After delivery, your baby will also be given a vitamin K shot, eye drops, and newborn screening tests. Your baby may also receive a hearing test and a hepatitis B vaccine.

What happens during an Apgar test?
During an Apgar test, your baby’s heart rate, breathing, reflex response, muscle tone, and skin coloration are measured. These five signs are evaluated at one minute after birth and at five minutes after birth. Each test is given a score between zero and two, and the five scores are added together to make up the Apgar score.

What does the Apgar score mean?
If your baby has an Apgar score of seven or more, he or she is probably in good physical condition. A baby rarely scores a perfect 10, because his or her skin color may be slightly blue until he or she warms up. A low Apgar score may indicate problems with your baby’s heart or lungs. It may also be the result of a difficult labor. Your baby may be in good physical condition, but have a low score immediately after birth. Premature babies may score low because of immature development in the womb. Keep in mind that your baby’s Apgar score does not predict his or her future health.

Why does my baby need a vitamin K shot?
Your baby will typically have low levels of vitamin K when he or she is born. Vitamin K is needed for blood clotting, so your baby will usually receive a vitamin K shot immediately after birth. This will help prevent a rare but serious bleeding problem known as hemorrhagic disease of the newborn.

Why does my baby need eye drops?
Your baby will receive antibiotic eye ointment or eye drops to prevent bacterial infections that he or she may pick up at birth.

What are newborn screening tests?
All newborns are screened for certain birth defects. With early detection, these conditions can be prevented or treated. Your baby’s heel will be pricked and a sample of blood taken to test for the following:

Phenylketonuria (PKU) – phenylalanine, a substance found in food, cannot be processed, and leads to a buildup in the brain that can cause mental retardation
Galactosemia – the sugar in milk cannot be converted into sugar used for energy, causing mental retardation, blindness, and death.
Sickle cell anemia – an inherited blood disease that can cause damage to organs, infections, and death.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia – missing hormones that can affect genital development and cause death.
Hypothyroidism – brain development and growth are hampered because of a hormone deficiency.
Why does a newborn need a hearing test?
Early treatment of hearing loss can prevent future speech and language problems. A small earphone or microphone will be placed in your baby’s ears to see how your baby’s brain responds to sounds. Your baby needs to be asleep for this test to be accurate. If your baby does not pass, it does not mean he or she is deaf, but the test will be repeated.

Why does a newborn need a hepatitis B vaccine?
The hepatitis B vaccine protects against the hepatitis B virus, which causes liver damage. The hepatitis B vaccine is a series of three shots. Your baby will usually receive the first shot after delivery, and the next two shots by 18 months of age.

High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

For more information about your pregnancy, visit our Informative Baby Links Page at Shop the Gift Basket Store

From The March of Dimes

High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
Chronic hypertension is high blood pressure that is diagnosed before pregnancy, or before the 20th week of pregnancy. This type of high blood pressure does not go away after delivery. Medical experts do not fully understand what causes chronic hypertension. Genes, diet and lifestyle may play a role.
Hypertension may narrow or tighten the blood vessels in the uterus that supply the baby with oxygen and nutrients. Hypertension during pregnancy can create severe risks for both mother and baby, including:

Health problems for the mother, such as heart attack and stroke
Slow fetal growth and low birthweight
Increased risk of preterm delivery
Placental abruption (separation of the placenta from the uterine wall during delivery; this can cause heaving bleeding and shock, placing both mother and baby in danger)
The good news is that with proper prenatal care, serious problems associated with chronic hypertension can usually be prevented. In fact, most women with high blood pressure have healthy pregnancies. However, about 1 in 4 develops a dangerous condition called preeclampsia.

What You Can Do Before Pregnancy
If you have hypertension, see your health care provider before trying to get pregnant. He or she can help you get your blood pressure under control before you're pregnant. Your provider can also check to be sure that the drugs you're taking are safe to use during pregnancy. He or she can tell you whether you need to change any of the drugs before becoming pregnant.

Here are some other things you can do before becoming pregnant:

Work with your provider to lower your blood pressure.
If losing weight will help control your blood pressure, use diet and exercise to help meet your weight-loss goals.
Take your blood pressure medicine as prescribed.
Quit smoking. Smoking damages blood vessel walls. It is especially dangerous for people with high blood pressure. Smoking also harms your baby.
What You Can Do During Pregnancy
To protect your health and the health of your baby during your pregnancy:

If you have high blood pressure, tell your health care provider early in your pregnancy.
Go to all your prenatal care visits.
If your provider tells you to, check your blood pressure and weight at home.
For More Information
Read the March of Dimes fact sheet High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy. The fact sheet includes information on preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome.

January 2007

Pregnancy: Everyone is happy, but you are depressed

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Depression During Pregnancy

Out of every 10 women who are pregnant, one or two have symptoms of major depression. Women who have been depressed before are at higher risk.
Depression is a serious medical condition. It poses risks for the woman and her baby. But a range of treatments are available. These include counseling, psychotherapy, support groups, therapy with light, and medications.

It is usually best for a team of health care professionals to work with a pregnant woman who is depressed or who has a history of depression. Team members include:

The provider who is caring for her during her pregnancy
A mental health professional
The provider who will take care of the baby after birth
Together, the team and the woman decide what is best for her and her baby. The team can connect her to support groups, help her consider counseling and psychotherapy, and assess the need for light therapy or medication.

Often a pregnant woman wonders whether antidepressant drugs, such as Zoloft and Prozac, will harm her baby or herself. There are no simple answers. Each woman and her health care providers must work together to make the best decision for her and her baby. The drugs used to treat depression have both risks and benefits.

IMPORTANT: If you are taking an antidepressant and find that you are pregnant, do not stop taking your medication without first talking to your health provider. Call him or her as soon as you discover that you are expecting. It may be unhealthy to stop taking an antidepressant suddenly.

What Is Depression?
Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood and thought. It affects the way a woman feels about herself and the way she thinks about things. This article addresses two types of depression:

Major depression: This serious illness interferes with a person's ability to work, study, sleep, eat and enjoy oneself. It may appear once in a person's life, but more often occurs several times.

Dysthymia: This is a less severe type of depression. Persons with this illness have long-term symptoms. They are able to conduct day-to-day activities, but they don't always function well or feel good. They may also have episodes of major depression.

Depression carries serious risks for the pregnant woman and her baby. These risks include:

Poor weight gain
Use of drugs or alcohol to self-medicate
Suicide
Depressed mothers are often less able to care for themselves or their children, or to bond with their children.

What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
A woman who is depressed feels sad or “blue” and has other symptoms that last for two weeks or longer. The other symptoms include the following:

Trouble sleeping
Sleeping too much
Lack of interest
Feelings of guilt
Loss of energy
Difficulty concentrating
Changes in appetite
Restlessness, agitation or slowed movement
Thoughts or ideas about suicide
Things other than depression can cause some of these symptoms. For instance, changes in appetite and trouble sleeping are common in pregnancy. Some medical conditions, such as anemia and hypothyroidism, can cause a pregnant woman to lack energy.

If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your health care provider. He or she will check to see what might be causing your symptoms. You need to be checked for depression if symptoms continue and interfere with your daily life and if your provider rules out other medical conditions.

Treatments
Depression can be treated in several ways. Support groups may help. Some women go to therapy or counseling with a mental health professional (such as a social worker psychotherapist or psychiatrist).

Some people suffer from a type of depression that comes on during the fall or winter, when there is less sunlight. This is called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This condition is treated with light therapy. In her home, the patient looks into a box with special light bulbs. To avoid injury to her eyes, she looks at the lights indirectly. Typically, the patient does this from 15 minutes to two hours every day. The health provider may recommend a different number of minutes over time.

Mental health professionals often talk with women about the risks and benefits of antidepressants.

Two Groups of Antidepressants
Most antidepressants can be categorized into one of two groups.

Group 1: Selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This group of drugs includes:

Prozac (fluoxetine)
Lexapro (escitalopram)
Zoloft (sertraline)
Celexa (citalopram)
Effexor (venlafaxine)
Paxil (paroxetine)
Cymbalta (duloxetine)
Group 2: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). This group of drugs includes:

Elavil (amitriptyline)
Tofranil (imipramine)
Pamelor (Aventyl, nortriptyline)
Like many drugs, antidepressants can have side effects. SSRIs usually have fewer side effects than TCAs. Women differ in the type and seriousness of the side effects that they have.

What Research Tells Us About Antidepressants
It's challenging to study and understand the risks of any drug given to pregnant women. During pregnancy, two patients—the mother and the fetus—are exposed to the drug. Medications that are safe for a woman are sometimes risky for a fetus. Because of this, researchers have not studied many drugs during pregnancy.

Medical experts get most of their information about antidepressants during pregnancy by:

Drawing on research about drugs that have been approved for women who aren't pregnant
Conducting studies on animals
Studying women who took antidepressants before they knew they were pregnant
Several drugs have been used for many years without any obvious signs of serious risk to the baby. But some researchers have reported that some antidepressants may have increased risks. SSRIs are a newer group of drugs than TCAs. Researchers are continuing to study them.

Research has clearly shown that women who are not pregnant and are depressed are very likely to become ill again if they stop taking their medications. But we have less information about whether this is also true for pregnant women.

Here are some other things that research has told us.

One study in 2006 found that pregnant women with major depression are very likely to become ill again during their pregnancy if they stop taking their medication. A depressed woman may have trouble taking care of herself during pregnancy. This could threaten the health of the fetus.
Many studies have found no link between antidepressants and serious malformations in newborns. But in 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about Paxil (paroxetine) based on several studies. The warning said that taking the drug during the first three months of pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects, particularly heart defects. Scientists do not yet know enough to draw a firm conclusion. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant avoid Paxil, if possible. Other types of treatment for depression may be a better choice.
Some babies born to mothers who are taking SSRI antidepressants show signs of “withdrawal.” For instance, they may have breathing or feeding problems. Their movements may be jerky. Some have seizures. Health providers who care for newborn babies are aware of these risks and can provide treatment. It's important for the baby's provider to know ahead of time that the mother has taken antidepressants during pregnancy.
Babies exposed to SSRIs in late pregnancy (after 20 weeks) may be more likely to have persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN). This rare, but serious, condition affects the lungs and blood vessels. Not enough studies have been done to know for certain if SSRIs cause the disorder. More research is needed.
Some researchers have studied children whose mothers took antidepressants. They have found no link to serious problems with language, behavior or intelligence.
Some studies have shown a link between antidepressants and premature delivery.
Choosing an Antidepressant
This decision is difficult because we don't know all the answers. No drug is entirely safe. A woman and her health care team must look at her case and carefully weigh:


The risks and benefits of various drugs
The risks and benefits of other types of treatment
The risk of untreated depression for the woman and her baby
St. John's Wort and Other Herbal Remedies
St. John's wort is an herb that some people use to treat depression. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine some research has shown that St. John's wort is useful for treating mild to moderate depression. Other studies have shown that it is does not help one type of major depression.

Herbal products, such as St. John's wort, vary in strength and quality from product to product. We need more research to help us know whether St. John's wort is useful and safe for treating depression in pregnant women.

IMPORTANT: We know very little about the effect of St. John's wort on the fetus. Do no take this herb or other herbal remedies without first speaking to your health provider.

Resources
The Organization of Teratology Information Services (OTIS), (866) 626-6847. Provides fact sheets on pregnancy and specific antidepressants, including Prozac and Zoloft.

Depression During and After Pregnancy, a resource for women, their families and friends, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

July 2007

Giving Birth: Labor Pains - Narcotics

For more information about pregancy and the birth of your baby, visit our Informative Baby Care Link at www.shopthegiftbasketstore.com

From The Mayo Clinic

Narcotics for Labor Pain
During labor, narcotics may be used to relieve pain and help you rest. These drugs affect the central nervous system, changing how you experience pain. Examples of these drugs include butorphanol (Stadol), meperidine (Demerol), fentanyl (Sublimaze) and nalbuphine (Nubain).
Narcotics are injected into a muscle in your thigh or buttocks. They may also be injected through an intravenous (IV) tube. In some cases, you may be able to control the dosage by pressing a button that injects some of the drug into the IV tube.

You should begin to feel some relief within 5-10 minutes after receiving the drug. The effect usually lasts 2-6 hours.

Advantages
Advantages include:

Narcotics reduce how you experience pain.
They help you rest.
They don't cause muscle weakness.
Drawbacks
Possible side effects include:

Sleepiness
Decreased memory of labor
Temporary breathing difficulties in mother and child
Narcotics are often used early in labor, sometimes before an epidural. If these drugs are used near delivery, they can cause breathing problems and slowed reflexes in the newborn. Sometimes, a baby who is having breathing problems due to these drugs must be treated with another drug to reverse the effects of the narcotic.

Giving Birth: Labor Pains - What is a Spinal Block?

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From The March of Dimes

Spinal Block for Labor Pain
With a spinal block (also called a spinal), the woman receives an injection in the lower back that numbs the lower body. The medication is given only once (as compared to an epidural). It begins to relieve pain almost immediately. Pain relief lasts only 1-2 hours. A spinal block is best suited for pain relief during delivery. Examples: A cesarean delivery or a vaginal delivery in which the health care provider uses instruments to help the baby out.
Advantages
Advantages include:

You have fast, complete pain relief from the chest on down.
You remain awake and alert throughout labor and delivery.
Drawbacks
Possible side effects include:

Decreased blood pressure. This can slow the baby's heart rate.
Lightheadedness and nausea (in rare cases).
Higher risk of spinal headache, compared with an epidural.
Loss of bladder control.
Sometimes a spinal is given along with an epidural. This provides you with immediate pain relief and the option of more medication if you need it.

For more information, read Coping with Labor Pain.

January 2007

Giving Birth: Labor Pains - Epidural Block

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From The March of Dimes:

Epidural Block
An epidural block (also called an epidural) is among the most effective methods of pain relief during labor. It has few side effects. The woman is given an injection in the lower back. This numbs her lower body. An epidural blocks pain from contractions while the woman is awake and alert. An epidural can also be used for a cesarean delivery. It usually has little or no effect on the baby.
An epidural is usually given by:

An anesthesiologist (a doctor who specializes in pain relief) or
A nurse anesthetist (a registered nurse with special training in pain relief).
Before giving you the injection, the doctor or nurse will numb your lower back with a local anesthetic. While you are sitting or lying on your side with your back curved outward, the doctor or nurse will insert the needle for the epidural. He or she will then pass a small flexible tube called a catheter through the needle. You will probably feel some pressure as the needle is inserted, but it usually isn't painful. The needle is then removed, leaving the tube in place so you can receive more medication as needed.

An epidural takes about 20 minutes to administer and another 20 minutes to take effect. Although an epidural block will make you more comfortable, you may still be aware of contractions. You also may feel your doctor's examinations as labor progresses.

The epidural may cause temporary numbness or heaviness or weakness in the legs. So you probably won't be able to walk around once the epidural takes effect. But there is an option called a “walking epidural.” It provides pain relief, but leaves you with enough strength in your leg muscles to walk during labor.

Advantages
Advantages include:

The epidural blocks pain in the lower body.
It can be used for several hours.
It does not slow labor very much.
You remain awake and alert.
Drawbacks
An epidural block has some disadvantages. One problem is that it may provide uneven pain relief, affecting one side of the body more than the other.

While complications or side effects from epidurals are rare, the following risks are possible:

Your blood pressure can drop during an epidural. This may slow your baby's heartbeat. To prevent this, you will receive extra fluids through an intravenous (IV) tube. You may also need to lie on your side to improve blood flow.
If you receive extra fluids, the risk of shivering increases. Even without an epidural, shivering can occur during labor and delivery. Covering up with a blanket often helps.
After delivery, you may be sore from the epidural injection. This usually lasts just a few days. An epidural should not cause long-term back pain.
You may get a bad headache. If not treated, this “spinal headache” may last for days. Fortunately, this rarely happens.
If an epidural is given late in labor or a lot of anesthetic is used, you may find it hard to push your baby through the birth canal. If this happens, the dosage of medication can be adjusted.
For more information, read Coping with Labor Pain.

The Shape of a Newborn Baby's Head

Please visit Shop The Gift Basket Store's New Born Baby Informative Links Page for more vital information about pregnancy and the birth of your newborn baby.


From the Mayo Clinic:

Baby's head shape: What's normal?
Many newborns have slightly lopsided heads. Sometimes a baby's head is molded unevenly while passing through the birth canal. In other cases, head shape changes after birth as a result of spending too much time in one position. Although your baby's head shape will probably even out on its own, you can help prevent flat spots — and detect more serious problems.

How position affects head shape
You'll notice two soft areas at the top of your baby's head where the skull bones haven't yet grown together. These spots, called fontanels, are designed to allow a baby's relatively large head to move through the narrow birth canal. They also accommodate your baby's rapidly growing brain during infancy. But because your baby's skull is malleable, too much time in one position can result in an uneven head shape well past the time when birth-related lopsidedness evens out. This is known as positional molding.

Positional molding is often most noticeable when you're looking at your baby's head from the top down. From that angle, the back of your baby's head may look flatter on one side than on the other. The cheekbone on the flat side may protrude, and the ear on the flat side may look pushed forward.

What you can do about it
Positional molding is most common in babies who spend most of their time on their backs in cribs, car seats or infant seats. Although this is the safest position for sleep, there's plenty you can to do to keep your baby's head from becoming flat or lopsided.

Change direction. Place your baby on his or her back to sleep, but alternate the direction your baby's head faces. Or place your baby's head near the foot of the crib one day, the head of the crib the next. Use varying positions in the car seat and other infant seats, too. You might also consider using a neck-positioning device — such as a specially designed wedge or U-shaped pad — while your baby sleeps. Never rest your baby's head on a pillow or other type of soft bedding.
Hold your baby. Holding your baby when he or she is awake will help relieve pressure on your baby's head from swings, carriers and infant seats.
Try tummy time. With close supervision, place your baby on his or her tummy to play. Make sure the surface is firm. If you must leave the room, bring your baby with you.
Get creative. Position your baby so that he or she will have to turn away from the flattened side of the head to look at you or to track movement or sound in the room. Move the crib occasionally to give your baby a new vantage point.

Varying a baby's head position is typically enough to prevent or treat flat spots. If the lopsidedness doesn't improve within a few months, your baby's doctor might prescribe a special headband or molded helmet to help shape your baby's head. These devices work by applying gentle but constant pressure in an effort to redirect skull growth.

Headbands and helmets are most effective when treatment begins by ages 3 to 6 months, when the skull is still malleable and the brain is growing rapidly. The headband or helmet is worn continuously during the treatment period — often up to 12 weeks — with time off only to clean the device and the skin underneath. Adjustments to the headband or helmet may be needed every one to two weeks. Correction may be possible for older babies, too, but the headband or helmet may need to be worn more than 12 weeks.

More serious causes
Rarely, two or more of the bony plates in a baby's head fuse prematurely. This rigidity pushes other parts of the head out of shape as the brain expands. This condition, known as craniosynostosis, is typically treated during infancy. To give the brain enough space to grow and develop, the fused bones must be surgically separated.

Keep it in perspective
If you spend too much time worrying about your baby's head shape, you may miss some of the fun of being a new parent. In a few short months, better head and neck control will help your baby keep pressure more evenly distributed on the skull. Until then, change your baby's position often — and check with your baby's doctor if you're concerned about your baby's head shape.

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By Mayo Clinic Staff
Jan. 12, 2008
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