Parents @ Play: Gift Guide No. 3: Disney princesses and where they might live
Moana: Join Moana as she breaks the rules and sets sail on an epic adventure, singing "How Far I'll Go" along the way. (Armin Brott/TNS)
Frozen Elsa needs you to help bring back the Northern Lights and restore her powers. (Armin Brott/TNS)
The Fantastic Castle is definitely fantastic! Your princesses have to live somewhere, and why not in the wonderful world of knights and dragons? (Handout/TNS)
Elena of Avalor: Accompany yourself as you tell stories like Elena. If that doesn't work, there's the Magical Scepter of Light. (Armin Brott/TNS)
Belle Tea Party Set: Belle always finds a way to help the Beast, this time she gets Chip and Mrs. Potts to help out (Armin Brott/TNS)
Princesses are everywhere — you might even have one living in your house. Here are some of our big- and small-screen favorites that are sure to entertain throughout the winter and beyond.
–Disney Princess Belle Musical Tea Party Cart: (Jakks Pacific)
“Beauty and the Beast” is arguably one of Disney’s best films. Anyone who’s seen it — no matter how long ago — probably has vivid memories of at least one or two scenes or characters. And what could be more memorable than the night Belle has dinner with Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, Chip, and the other enchanted objects? Now your little one can join in the fun by having her very own tea party — and if you’re lucky, you’ll get invited. The cart is delightfully ornate and comes with a Mrs. Potts teapot, two cups (including Chip, of course), two spoons, and more. And with the push of a button, it plays “Be Our Guest.” It’s for ages 3+, although you’ll need to be there to assemble the cart and install the batteries. Available at most retailers for around $59. http://www.jakks.com
–Disney Princess Elena of Avalor’s Magical Scepter of Light and Storytime Guitar (Jakks Pacific)
Over the years, Disney’s princesses have become more bold, assertive (in a good way), capable, and adventurous. As the crown princess of Avalor, 16-year-old Elena (who is Disney’s first Latina princess) has all of those traits, along with a strong sense of protectiveness for her family and her realm. In addition to her wit and intelligence, Elena has a Magical Scepter of Light ($25), which has a number of mysterious powers. And now your little princess (or prince) can have one just like Elena’s, complete with magical (okay, battery-operated) lights and sounds. The Storytime Guitar ($35) plays three songs from the TV series, but kids can use it to create their own songs. Ages 3+. http://www.jakks.com
–Disney Princess Singing Moana and Friends (Jakks Pacific)
Like Elena, Moana is a bold, adventurous 16-year-old who’s committed to saving her family and her people. So she breaks a few rules and sets off on an epic adventure with her loyal friends, Pua the pig and Heihei the rooster. Your little one can get onboard and sail along with the intrepid trio, singing “How Far I’ll Go” all the way. Moana and the animals are for ages 3+ and retail for under $30, batteries included. http://www.jakks.com
Disney Frozen Northern Lights Elsa (Jakks Pacific)
Speaking of epic adventures, the Northern Lights are barely visible in the kingdom of Arendelle and in the new LEGO animated short, “Frozen Northern Lights,” Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, Sven have to restore them. It won’t be easy. Fortunately, they’ll get some help from a magical snowflake and your child. Elsa’s dress and the snowflake interact with each other, creating beautiful colors, lights, and sounds when you hold your hand over the snowflake. It’s for ages 3+. Comes with Elsa, the snowflake, and Elsa’s shoes — but no batteries — for around $30. http://www.jakks.com
The Fantastic Castle (Janod)
The princesses and heroines we talked about here have their own castles, but some of the characters in your child’s playroom might not be so lucky. Enter Janod’s Fantastic Castle, which truly is fantastic. It combines elements of puzzles, building, and imaginative play to encourage your child to immerse himself or herself in a world of knights and dragons. Comes with eight wooden knights, two horses, two dragons, a catapult, trees, tents, puzzle pieces (for the castle’s moat), and a sturdy case to pack it all up in. It’s for ages 4+ and retails for around $55. http://www.alexbrands.com/pa_brand/janod/
