| If you are a grandparent who is trying to come up with | | | | All kids are fascinated with ladybugs! A domed habitat |
| a child's gift that is both educational and fun at the | | | | offering 360 degree visibility fits right on a table top. |
| same time, what could be better than helping them to | | | | The child sends away to the manufacturer for ladybug |
| connect with the living, breathing, natural world? There | | | | larvae and receives about 15 to 20 of them along with |
| are several ecologically-friendly products available on | | | | special food. The larvae will form cocoons and after a |
| the market that will lure kids away from their computer | | | | period of about two weeks will emerge as beautiful |
| or TV screens and help them develop an appreciation | | | | ladybugs, all under the watchful vigilance and care of |
| for nature first-hand. | | | | the child. |
| --Living Ant Habitat | | | | -- Living Butterfly Habitat |
| We all remember ant farms from our childhood and | | | | A tabletop-sized butterfly tent is an affordable, space |
| they're as fascinating today as they were back then! | | | | conscious way for children to enjoy the thrill of raising |
| Today's designs, however, are a far cry from the | | | | their own butterflies indoors! Much like the ladybug |
| narrow artificial look from 30 years ago: a | | | | habitat, the child sends away for larvae and then |
| specially-created ant hill is placed under a clear plastic | | | | watches them grow over a period of weeks into |
| dome for easy viewing. The dome-shape of the | | | | amazing Painted Lady butterflies. |
| habitat more closely resembles a real ant hill, allowing | | | | Toys and other gifts are quickly discarded and |
| children to observe the creatures in a more natural | | | | forgotten, but the thrill of interacting with nature is |
| setting. | | | | unique and will be remembered for a long time. |
| -- Living Ladybug Habitat | | | | |