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Aiea playwright and author, aka “Da Pidgin Guerrilla,” Lee A. Tonouchi shares some Christmas gift ideas for da keiki!
1. When my childrens wuz small they used to use clay for make their own local-kine play food, cuz back then nevah have pre-made, wooden shave ice, malasadas, and Spam musubi toys like these. Even though my kids stay older now, when they saw me bring da Keiki Kaukau Play Food Set home, they immediately kapu-ed it. They said it’s da toy they always wanted. And here I thought we wuz going give this to somebody else for X-mas. Costs $35 and get ’em at Sugarcane in Kaimuki, Hopscotch at Ward Centre, Up & Riding in Kahala Mall and Hakubundo at Pearlridge. Also available at keikikaukau.com.
2. My cousin’s kids wuz fortunate for have American Book Award-winning author, Nora Okja Keller as their teacher before, but I wuz all surprise they never know that Nora’s one famous writer. However, these young people did know that Nora’s daughter, Tae Keller is one famous writer! I tink that wuz their way of saying, Eh Uncle, you OLD! Lol. This middle school novel is such one poignant and heartfelt read. So talented these Kellers. I picked up “The Science of Breakable Things” in hardback, but it’s now available in paperback for $7.99. In stock at Da Shop in Kaimuki. While you buying that, be sure for also pre-order Tae’s next book, “When You Trap a Tiger” set for come out January! taekeller.com
3. Ho, badness! These collectible cards feature Hawaiian weaponry as well as chiefs from Hawai’i’s history. Da Hawaiian Trading Cards Packs get some pretty mean artwork by Stephen Koa Kakaio on one side, then if you flip ’em ova you can read da corresponding historical lesson on da oddah side. So eju-ma-cational! Available at Na Mea Hawai’i at Ward Centre and Homegrown at Pearlridge. $12.50 per pack. kumucards.com.
4. Several years ago, Castle High School grad, Jolie Takazono and all her friends-es got togeddah with index cards and some pens and they made their own local card game featuring Pidgin, local celebrities and all kine local references. And now, tanks to one successful crowdfunding campaign, ULUS 2 ULUS card game is finally one real game that people who is NOT Jolie’s friends can purchase and play. This supa-fun party game stay recommended for ages 13 and up, probably cuz get couple few naughty words das why. $40 at ulus2ulus.com.
5. So cute these little plush keychain characters from your favorite Island Heritage children’s picture books. Get da octopus from “Tako Lends a Helping Hand,” one gecko from “10 Little Geckos,” da shark from “Maile the Mano,” and more! I not really sure if da turtles is from da “Baby Honu” books or from da “Limu the Blue Turtle” series. I tink they made ’em purposely ambiguous so can be for both books. Lol. I got these for $8.99 each at Target. And how’s this for one idea, if you like be super literary you could give da plushy AND da actual book too!
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