Subscribe on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Note: This blog post accompanies Episode 713 of The Latina Mom Legacy, where we dive into the Top 10 Holiday Toy Picks for 2025 plus smart money-saving tips for savvy moms. Whether you’re hunting for bilingual toys, STEM gifts, or unique finds, you’ll get our expert-tested recommendations and insider hacks to make your holiday shopping easier and more affordable. ¡A disfrutar!
Ever wish your holiday shopping list felt a little less overwhelming (and a LOT more fun)? In this lively episode, Janny Perez and returning guest Monica share their can't-miss bilingual, multicultural, and techy toy picks straight from their hands-on experiences, including Toy Fair 2025. Get ready for must-have gifts, family game night inspiration, and clever ways to score deals this season. Plus, find out how to enter Janny's Día de Reyes Toy Giveaway!
Show Promos You Don't Want to Miss:
JOIN THE NEWSLETTER AND GET UPDATED FOR THE DIA DE REYES TOY GIVEAWAY HAPPENING IN JANUARY
Timestamps & What You’ll Discover
00:40 – Meet Monica & This Year's Toy Trends
Why Toy Fair feels like ages ago and what’s new in educational toys, STEAM, and screen-free play.
03:28 – Bilingual & Multicultural Toy Picks
Janny Perez introduces favorites like the VTech Dora Backpack, iPlay Baby Musical Turtle, and more — why bilingual play matters for littles.
04:23 – Techy, Interactive & STEAM Toys
Monica shares screen-free audio picks (Toniebox 2), coding robots (Cooper), and empowering STEAM Girls with Theodaora Stem Dolls. STEM learning can be fun!
08:44 – Toddler & Baby Favorites
Unique balance bikes, Bella Velio, sensory play picks, and how these toys help early motor, language, and creative skills blossom.
11:11 – Representation in Play
Why diverse dolls like STEAM Girls matter for building kids’ confidence and cultural awareness like El Chavo speaking doll
15:17 – Family Game Night Essentials
Find bilingual games for every age — Si Sabo Game Set, puzzles like Shashibo, and family board games that spark real conversation like Conoces rEalmente a tu familia?
21:00 – Smart Holiday Shopping: Saving Tips & Apps
How to track prices, score deals, and get refunds on price drops at your favorite stores.
22:27 – Bargain Shopping Picks
Learn about Zulily, Rue La La, RetailMeNot, and even Walgreens hacks for easy, discounted photo gifts.
Quick Takeaways
-
Screen-free play builds independence and language skills.
-
Representation in dolls and games fuels confidence and creativity.
-
Bilingual games make learning Spanish fun for the whole familia.
-
Don’t pay full price — use apps and insider tips to save BIG this season.
About Monica Encarnación
-
Bilingual educator and digital parenting expert.
-
Founder and creative force behind NYCTechMommy.com
-
CEO and founder of STEAMVENTURE Inc., developing hands-on Homeschool S.T.E.A.M. programs for kids and families in Southwest Florida.
-
Shares resources and insights on homeschooling and STEAM education at homeschoolsteamfest.com
About Janny Perez
-
Janny Perez is a passionate advocate for raising bilingual children and preserving Latino heritage.
-
She is the voice behind "The Latina Mom Legacy" podcast and the bilingual parenting educator behind Confident Bilingual Parenting .
-
She inspires parents with her own journey, moving beyond simply reading or singing to her child in Spanish. Janny knows that true bilingualism requires more than casual exposure, it demands intention, planning, and consistent strategies.
-
Through her story, Janny empowers families to overcome self-doubt and create new traditions grounded in mindful language learning, helping children thrive in both Spanish and their Latino culture.
- Follow on all social media platforms @milegasi or @thelatinamomlegacy
Viral Quotes from This Episode
From Janny Perez:
“If you don’t have to pay full price, why not? We all want to save a little bit of money here and there.”
“Representation matters so much...seeing dolls that are scientists, engineers, or mathematicians is a very cool way for kids to learn and play. I certainly didn’t have those growing up.”
From Monica:
“What I love is that this robot interacts with other Cooper robots, which makes it really fun. He’s also screen free so kids can go on coding adventures — without a tablet!”
“These STEAM Girls dolls are brilliant because each doll represents a different area of science, technology, engineering, art, or math. It’s a great way to empower girls to see themselves as leaders in all of these critical fields.”
Resources & Sources Mentioned in the Podcast
Top Stem, Tech, and Fun Toy Recommendations From Monica:
Toniebox 2 Screen-Free Audio Device
Bella Velio Early Rider Balance Bike
Top Bilingual & Multicultural Toy Recommendations From Janny:
VTech Dora Got Your Back Learning Backpack
EL Chavo del Ochod Speaking Doll
iPlay I Learn Baby Musical Turtle
Si Sabo My First Bilingual Game Set
Conoces Realmente a Tu Familia Game
Top Money Saving Apps & Websites
How You Can Support & Engage
-
Apply to Be a Guest – Share your bilingual parenting story!
-
Leave a Review – Apple Podcast or Spotify. Your feedback helps more families discover the show.
-
Join the Newsletter – La Lista at Milegasi.com. Get exclusive tips, printables, and updates!
- Interested in Sponsoring the Show? Reach an engaged bilingual parenting community. Contact us → Sponsorship info
Connect on Social Media
-
Instagram: @milegasi
-
Threads: @milegasi
-
Podcast Instagram: @thelatinamomlegacy
-
Pinterest: @milegasi
Final Thoughts
Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be stressful, with our curated picks and money-saving tips, you’ll feel empowered this holiday season. Choose toys and games that build language, creativity, and representation, and watch your kids thrive. Don’t forget: use those money-saving hacks so you can enjoy the season (and maybe treat yourself, too). ¡Feliz Navidad y felices fiestas!
If you’d like more holiday gift ideas or resources for bilingual families, be sure to check out our previous toy blog posts or type "toys" in the search bar.
Dejar un comentario