Our Goodbye, Homework. Hello, Playtime: Backyard Toys Boutique opens Sunday, May 26, at 11AM ET.

By Brianna Lapolla, Staff Writer

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KidKraft “Everyday Heroes” Playset. The only thing better than seeing the little ones feverishly unwrap their presents? Watching them play in all their imaginative glory (and reliving your childhood holidays, of course).

The Get Gifty: Our Holiday Gift Shop Boutique is now open.

1. A Pinch of Lovely
Graphic designer Krystal has a knack for finding beauty in fashion, jewelry, and print materials.

2. Just Add Glam
Every post feels like it came from a high-fashion magazine shoot, meaning there’s no end to the inspiration (or incredibly amazing outfits).

3. Rockstar Diaries
This stylish mom (and her kids) are just too. darn. cute.

4. Made by Joel
Need inspiration for keeping the kids busy on snow days and weekends? These DIY crafts and projects should have the whole family covered.

Who are we missing? Tell us on Twitter @ruelala #bloggerswelove. 

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1. Random House Little Critter® Complete Collection
Yes, I was the kid who snuck books under my covers with a flashlight when it was past my bedtime, and these Mercer Mayer titles made an appearance more than once.

2. Dexton Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse Ride-On Car
I definitely would have been the coolest kid in school (or maybe the neighborhood) puttering around in this lifelike Mercedes.

3. Guidecraft All in One Play Kitchen
There’s a solid chance my cooking skills today would be much improved had my parents decided to let me have one of these – and an Easy-Bake Oven.

4. Zoobies® Corduroy™ Storytime Pal
What kid doesn’t love the story of Corduroy? And this blanket-that-doubles-as-a-stuffed-animal would have made story time (and naptime) a whole lot more fun.

5. Guidecraft Deluxe Art Center
My parents’ kitchen table still (to their dismay) bears marks of hours spent crafting, glue-gunning, and painting. With this all-in-one craft center, budding artists can draw, paint, and create to their hearts’ content – without making a mess all over the room.

Give the kids what they want in our Ready. Set. Toys: The Playroom’s Greatest Hits Boutique, open on Tuesday, October 30, at 11AM ET.

By Melissa Mann, Staff Writer

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Move over, Shark Week – it’s International Dinosaur Month, and we’re ready to celebrate.

Even eons later, the world’s still just as into dinosaurs as it was 251,000,000 years ago. In fact, there are countless ways to get the kids (and/or yourself) even more in touch with these beloved prehistoric pals, this side of the Stone Age.

1) Re-rent Jurassic Park. While the once-groundbreaking “special effects” may be lost on the Pixar generation, there’s no denying that that velociraptor scene (the one in the kitchen) was downright terrifying. They’ll respect it. We promise.

2) If a natural history museum is within reach, pack a lunch and spend a Saturday there. Larger-than-life skeletons will put the dino’s grandeur in full perspective.

3) Rotate dinosaur eggs into snack time. (The kids don’t have to know they’re healthy…)

4) Dress your little one as a dinosaur for Halloween. Millions-of-years-old reptiles always get more candy.

5) Archeologists in training can hone their skills by digging for dino bones online.

6) If this dinosaur expert doesn’t have all the kids’ questions (“Why are dinosaurs so big?”) answered, this video from National Geographic surely will.

7) Shop our Little Rue Celebrates International Dinosaur Month Boutique! It’s packed with dinosaur-inspired toys, books, and more, sure to keep any budding paleontologist blissfully occupied for hours.

Our Little Rue Celebrates International Dinosaur Month Boutique opens Wednesday, October 17, at 11AM ET.

By Sarah Stanley, Staff Writer

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We asked the youngsters of four Rue associates to dress their parents for a day at the office and teach us all that they could about style. Needless to say, it was quite an education.

Lesson #1: It’s okay to break out your party clothes on a Monday.
Maureen’s bright paisley dress doesn’t get as much wear as it deserves – at least according to Henry, age 6 3/4 – so the Rue stylist donned it for the normal workday. “It must have been infectious because I got tons of smiles,” she says. So why did Henry opt for more formal attire? “It has all my favorite colors,” he says. “I like that it has pink – because pink is for girls. I like that it has orange too. Orange is my favorite color.”

Lesson #2: Dress for an adventure.
When he learned he’d have to wear soccer shorts paired with dress shoes, Colin, our SVP of User Experience, was a bit skeptical (and we’re putting that lightly). What was son Jack (11) thinking? It’s simple. “If you’re going to play soccer after work, you don’t even have to change!” he explains. Whether you’re a sports aficionado or consider shopping your cardio, make sure to get on board by dressing for some spontaneous fun.

Lesson #3: You can never over-accessorize.
Here at Rue, we love a good statement necklace – but multiples? Our Copy Director, Rachel, thought she might be breaking some sartorial rules when Jack (8) layered on a beaded necklace and choker (not to mention a big woven gold bracelet and a few bangles for good measure). “The night before work he said ‘So will we finish tomorrow?,’” she laughs. “He wanted to add even more in the morning.” Jack, we say your choices would make Carrie Bradshaw oh-so-proud.

And don’t forget the waist. Jack explains, “Belts are my favorite item of clothing because they make my pants feel good.”

Lesson #4: Metallics are for daytime, too.
The world according to Sydney (3): “Girly, bedazzled and pink, of course,” says mom Robin, a User Experience Designer, so she was hardly surprised when Syd picked an outfit with a little bit of shine. “While I never would think to wear these shoes before because they were so in-your-face silver, Sydney gave me the confidence that I needed.”

We’ll be sure to study our notes and take all this into consideration when we get dressed in the morning. What’s the best style lesson your kids have taught you?

Rachel S., Copy Director
“I love Different Like Coco – it’s the story of Coco Chanel, with great illustrations, and an amazing lesson about being your own person, having confidence, and overcoming tough circumstances.”

Cheryl K., EVP Chief Member Advocate
“As a little girl, I loved the Madeline book.”

Graham K., Art Director
“My favorite book was Quick as a Cricket by Audrey Wood. It was all about individuality and feeling good about oneself. It follows a little boy (that I always thought was me) alongside a bunch of animals. My mom would read each page and act out the animals. She’d bellow: ‘I’m as large as a whale’ and in a high, squeaky voice she’d shout: ‘I’m as small as an ant.’ It always made me laugh.”

Lauren D., Lead Stylist
“I still have them all, they’re my favorite things. I love Mickey’s In The Night Kitchen.”

@JeffBrailsford, Rue Member
“My favorite has always been The Giving Tree. Classic.”

@Jacksontalent, Rue Member
“Tie between Philip Hall Likes me, I Reckon Maybe and Green Eggs and Ham and a little-known classic, The Three Matildas.”

@Mdfletch7836, Rue Member
“The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton! I always remember it! That and The Monster At The End Of This Book. Classics!”

@Jon_elle, Rue Member
“My favorite childhood book is Are You My Mother? Love it. Oh that and the Hungry Catepillar. Hmm, where are my copies?”

Download the Little Rue bookplate

Little Rue is coming soon. In the meantime, find more on Tumblr (thatssolittlerue.tumblr.com) and tell us: what’s your favorite childhood book?

By planes, trains, and automobiles — letting a kid pack a bag helps keep a trip fun (and a parent sane). Here’s a list of what’s in our kids’ bag, verified by one staffer’s 8-year-old for complete authenticity.

Once the bag is packed, visit the following Rue Local Picks for hands-on, family adventures (where adults can have fun, too):

Our Tiny Prints Boutique will open at 11AM ET on April 11, 2011.
Harvard Museum of Natural History launches on Rue Boston at 8AM ET on April 11, 2011.
Please Touch Museum launches on Rue Philadelphia at 8AM ET on April 11, 2011.
Yuen Lui Photography Studio launches on Rue Seattle at 8AM ET on April 11, 2011.
Create a Cook launches on Rue Boston at 8AM ET on April 12, 2011.

Down to earth
Contrary to what you may think, a vacation is great to take with kids. The key to making this happen: Choose a destination and accommodations that are age appropriate. The Breakers is such a classic, established hotel that doesn’t immediately scream “kid friendly,” but once we were there I was pleasantly surprised. The staff goes out of their way to ensure that people of every age feel comfortable and welcome. Extensive thought was put into creating an environment with a space for everyone to relax - alone or together.

Up in the air
When it comes to traveling with kids, certain carry-on items are a must. A few of mine: Hand sanitizers (you never quite feel like your hands get clean on an airplane, and they’re great for cleaning up after the kids), hand cream, a gentle face moisturizer, and lip balm (that both myself and the kids can use - it gets dry in the cabin, especially on long flights), and a variety of books. I also never check anything of real value to me. If I’d be sad and sorry to lose it, it stays with me in my carry-on luggage. This includes kids’ blankets and any other much-loved comforts.

Around the hotel
The Breakers offers so many fantastic choices for families. I love that they have both a family and adult-only swimming pool, a spa, fitness center, a kids’ club (for ages 3-12), a kids’ entertainment center, two golf courses, and an excellent array of restaurants for every mood and occasion. The Italian Restaurant has an adjacent, supervised kids’ play area so parents can truly enjoy a long meal while kids head off for safe fun without the logistics and expense of hiring a babysitter. Absolutely ideal!

At the end of the day
Our oceanfront rooms had amazing beach and ocean views. An entire wall was comprised of windows, with a waterview front and center. Nighttime was our favorite time of day, as the water was lit up and you could watch big fish come inland for feeding. Our whole experience was mesmerizing.

The Breakers Palm Beach Boutique opens Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 11AM ET.