Go old-school with baby's toys! These timeless picks aren't just free of annoying lights and songs (no batteries required!), they also offer a variety of learning experiences and ways to play. Oh, and did we mention? -- they're fun for baby!

By Elena Donovan Mauer for TheBump.com

© 2012 The Bump. All rights reserved.

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If you're in the final stages of pregnancy or you have a new baby, chances are you haven't had time to send out a family holiday card yet this year. Last year on Christmas Day I was 38-weeks pregnant with my 4th child, waddling around the house barefoot. Holiday cards were at the very bottom of my to-do list. Instead, I sent out a holiday card/birth announcement towards the end of January, after my baby made his arrival. If you're in the same boat I was last year, don't freak out about being the only one not sending out a holiday card mid-December. Save some cash by bundling the birth announcement and season's greeting all in one lovely mailing. Here are 7 birth announcements that double as holiday cards to inspire you! - By Emily Elling

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What do you want from Santa this year?They carefully craft their letters to Santa, and then slip the correspondence into the mailbox to the North Pole, hoping something very special will be waiting for them on Christmas morning in return. And they're not just wishing for a little more sleep (although, that would be nice); these moms need clones, clean minivans, and the seemingly-unattainable peace between parents and teenagers. Yes, even moms believe in Santa and are writing their own letters to the big guy in red this season. Even if it's been a couple of decades since your last letter up to the North Pole, what do you wish St. Nick would bring you for Christmas?

"If not an elf or a reindeer, how about giving me a clone? There seems to be so many clones of you all over the world; could you do the same for me and please clone me? I could be in many different places all at once, so I could get everything that needs to be done, well, done?" - Lyn Brooks, One Mother's Dear Santa

"Santa Claus, I bet your sleigh is

Writing a letter to Santa is the ultimate proof of his existence, isn't it? You don't even need to receive a response. The act of putting a stamp on an envelope and dropping it in an official government mailbox pretty much seals the deal that the big guy is up there somewhere in the North Pole checking his good and bad list and then checking it twice. Check out these 10 hilarious, handwritten letters that reveal a lot more than just what somebody wants for Christmas! - Monica Bielanko

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When my son told me, "Mom, did you know the word 'Christ' is in Christmas?" last Sunday after church, I realized we had a situation. Hey, I'm down with celebrating jolly old Saint Nick and the presents he brings my kids in spite of their questionable behavior, but it seemed as though our family lost sight of the real reason for the season. Whether your family is religious or not, we can all take this holiday season to reflect, give thanks, and remember the importance of family. Take a look at 7 ways my family is choosing to remember that Christmas isn't just about the presents: - By Lori Garcia

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High heeled shoes, strappy shoes, party shoes, itty bitty baby shoes - I'm obsessed with shoes. If you come over to my house, I have a large selection for each size range (0-3 months, 3-6 months, etc) that I can't bear to part with. Yes I know it sounds a little silly, but have you seen some of these baby shoes? Incredible amount of cute in such a teeny tiny package. It's just too much. With upcoming holiday parties, family photos and play dates, a new pair of shoes is a must. Patent Mary Janes, suede party shoes, mini boots and polka dot pretties are just some of the stylish footwear I've rounded up for your little princess. Now if I can just get these companies to make some of these styles in my own size I'll be all set! - By Nadia Carriere

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Every Christmas I give each of my children a new ornament to signify the year in review. The ornament reflects an interest or activity they took up over the past 12 months, or maybe it depicts a special place or event we attended together. My hope is that when they become adults and have their own tree to decorate, they will have a solid collection of personalized ornaments from their childhood to fill the branches of the tree. But out of all the ornaments I've given over the years, I have four favorites I cannot wait to unpack each holiday season. Yes, I'm talking about the "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments. Here I've rounded up my favorites, and am excited to share a few beauties with you, including my baby Paul's first ornament. - By Emily Elling

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