Your child can literally have the whole world in his hands. Hugg-a-Planet ($23) is a soft, ball-shaped globe that can help to teach your child geography. It’s safe for toddlers on up, since it’s soft and can’t hurt them like regular globes.

Surprise! Having kids reduces your blood pressure. According to a new study from Brigham Young University and California State University at Long Beach, mothers scored an average of 12 points lower than the childless women in systolic blood pressure (when the heart is contracting) and seven points lower in diastolic blood pressure (when the heart is in between beats).

“From Here to Maternity” peeks into the bedroom of an average married couple for a funny but frank look at pregnancy, birth and romance. How much work is pregnant sex? Who would win in a fight – your doctor or your midwife? This is an evening of sketches, songs and interpretive dance.

Get started on next year’s holiday shopping! Toy World’s Chanhassen location (West Village Center, 820 W. 78th St., Chanhassen) is closing at the end of the month. Now, save at least 30 percent on everything in the store.

Parents really have to teach kids not to believe everything they see in movies. A new study by the CDC found children’s movies continue to show characters engaging in unsafe behaviors, such as not wearing a seatbelt, life jacket or bike helmet. About half the scenes showed unsafe behavior and often, the behavior did not have consequences.

Resolve to spend some time on yourself this year – and your wardrobe. Start off 2010 with a new pair of jeans, a sweater or top, now up to 60 percent off at Hot Mama. The Aryn K blouse was originally $68 and is now $40.

It’s time to make zzzz’s a priority for teenagers. According to studies by James Gangwisch of Columbia University and London sleep expert Dr. Paul Gringras, teens with set bedtimes were far less likely to suffer from depression or harbor suicidal thoughts.

Remember the first time you tried Astronaut Ice Cream during your fifth grade trip to the science museum? Share the experience with your kids with a bar of the light-as-air treat ($3, from ThinkGeek).

Parents, grandparents and other caregivers of children ages 3-12 are invited to the Walker Art Center Saturday, Jan. 23 1-3 p.m. to learn ideas and strategies for bringing children to museums, engaging them with contemporary art and following up with activities at home.

The Giant Gummy Bear on a Stick ($10, Vat19) is 88 times larger than a standard gummy bear, at 4 inches tall (without stick), and weighs half a pound. It’s gluten-free and available in red cherry, blue raspberry, green apple, orange and pineapple flavors.