Evidenced by our many, many blog posts on sales this week, holiday shopping is in full force. At the Goddard Riverside Community Book Fair this weekend, you can strike a seasonal balance between mass consumption and giving. Sponsored by the local publishing industry for over 20 years, the sale benefits the namesake community center. Shoppers can choose from thousands of brand-new donated tomes (including lots of children’s books), which are sold at half the normal cost. For the best deals, go on Sunday, when prices will be slashed down even more. Sat Nov, 21 10am–6pm, Sun Nov 22 11am–5pm. Goddard Riverside Community Center, 593 Columbus Ave at 88th St (212-873-6600, goddard.org).

Head to chic boutique Estella this Thursday, November 19, where SHirin Kids, best known for its line of artsy hand-screened tees, will show off its foray into dresses. Act now: The frocks are limited-edition. Fans of the eco-friendly line can also peruse the “Winter Wonderland” collection, which includes SHirin’s signature tops and onesies. Bonus: If you’re one of the first 50 shoppers, you’ll snag a free SHirin tote bag.

For more savings, return to Estella next month: From December 3 through the 24, the store will have its annual holiday sale, during which you can stock up on cute kiddie clothes for up to 50% off.

Why wait until spring to clean out your closets? This Saturday, Score! is hosting one of its pop-up swaps, where you can exchange your tired wares for new-to-you goods. Although not specifically aimed at families, there should be plenty of kids stuff: Score!’s received so many children’s items (clothes, DVDs, books, toys) in the past, there’s now a “Kiddie Corner.” And since it’s the season for giving, the $3 per person entry fee (kids under 11 are a suggested donation) will benefit City Harvest, and any leftover items will be distributed to nonprofits around the city. Sat, Nov 21 1-7pm. 3^rd Ward, 195 Morgan Ave at Stagg St, Brooklyn. RSVP at scoredatscore.com.

The Staten Island Zoo is offering a wild winter deal: Starting in November and continuing through the end of February, kids under age 14 get in free with a paying adult. If you decide to take advantage of the promotion on a cold or rainy day, check out one of the indoor exhibits, including the 13,500 square foot Reptile Wing, which houses more than 200 critters. If your youngster isn’t into North American rattlesnakes, Pythons or Anacondas, head to the African Savannah area (also indoors) to view rare Amur Leopards. Visit statenislandzoo.org for more info.

Even though our all-female staff doesn’t quite get this holiday tradition, we know that many families enjoy collecting Hess toy trucks. (Any of you dads care to explain?) The newest model hits the market this Friday, November 13, and it actually isn’t a truck; it’s a race car (the first car featured since Hess’s 1993 patrol car). For secret compartment fans, it features a door that opens to reveal a miniature race car inside. You can pick up the hot rod at any area Hess location for $25.

You may have already heard that the Pond at Bryant Park began welcoming ice-skaters today. But there’s more seasonal cheer to be had at the family-friendly greenspace: the holiday shops have opened as well. Peruse Popsicle-shaped bath soaps at Just Bubbly, games galore at The Games Place, bear-paw mittens at Bear Hands and Buddies and more. The kiosks will be open Mon-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat 10am-9pm and Sun 10am-6pm through January 3.

We’ve got iPhone apps on the brain (and in the mag) this month, and here’s another to add to our obsession. The classic kids’ magazine Highlights for Children is taking its popular feature, the Hidden Pictures Game, digital. Much like the original game, kids search for images embedded within illustrations. Unlike the analog version, however, the black-and-white pictures turn to color as each hidden item is uncovered, and a “hint” feature nudges players in the right direction. $1.99 buys a pack of eight puzzles. Let the obsession begin!