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).

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.

Attention classic board game aficionados (and yes, we know you love playing them as much—if not more so—than your brood!): Candy Land is being revamped in honor of its upcoming 60th birthday. (Suddenly you feel young, huh?)

A sweetly simple game along the lines of Chutes and Ladders, it’s hard not to get addicted to its colorful charms as players race to get to King Candy’s castle. The updated version, dubbed Candy Land Sweet Celebration, ups the ante: The first one at the royal door wins a party (strictly imaginary of course. Good luck explaining that to Junior). Plus, players will be able to build a freestanding board with interlocking pieces, so the path can be varying lengths. The makers are also throwing in two new destinations–Captain Kidd Cone’s Ship, the SS Neapolitan, and the Chunky Chocolate Mountains) and 3D “Sweet Spots”—to heighten the vicarious sugar rush.

We have to say, in an era of healthy eating, it takes chutzpah to keep Candy Land, well, filled with candy. We’re so glad it didn’t become Fiberland!

Like free stuff? We do, too. Get some by heading to mymomshops.blogspot.com. In honor of the site’s  first anniversary,  they’re giving away cool products all week.

Check out the blog to win a diaper bag from Dante Beatrix, organic crib bedding from Lucky for Baby, a shopping spree to Arte Bebe and more!

You’re welcome.

Just in time for the holidays, Time Out Kids wants to GIVE you toys. We’re seeking submissions for our upcoming NYC’s Cutest Kid Gallery. Just for sending a picture of your adorable kid, you’ll automatically be entered to win an awesome, educational toy from LeapFrog Learning Moments.

To be included in the gallery, simply e-mail a photo of your little one (or ones) to kids@timeoutny.com, along with your full name and address, as well as your child’s first name and age by December 15, 2007. Besides the bragging rights that go along with having your kid’s photo in our online feature, you’ve got 10 chances to win one of the toys below!

Leapster Learning Game Systems
(ages 4-10; valued at $59.99)

Brightlings Exploration Stations
(ages 6 months-3 years; valued at $39.99)

Plus: Enter the LeapFrog Learning Moments content for a chance to win $25,000 toward college tuition. Find out more at leapfrog.com.

Keep reading for official contest rules. Read more »