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Clifftord’s Heart-y Party
Cuddle up and listen to the Big Red Dog’s favorite Valentine’s Day books, make holiday cards and take a picture with the lovable pup.
When: Sat. 2/11, 3pm; Ages 3+; Free.
Where: The Scholastic Store, 557 Broadway (bet. Prince & Spring), 212-343-6166, scholastic.com.

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J&R Jr.
To celebrate the opening of the kid-centric branch of the electronics mecca (baby gear, toys, classes and other goodies), the store indulges in a two-day extravaganza with live music, magicians, balloon twisters and photo booths. Check the schedule for performances by Laurie Berkner, Dan Zanes, Kidz Bop and others.
When: Sat.-Sun., 2/11-2/12, Free.
Where: 1 Park Row, 2nd floor, jr.com.

See
The Red Balloon
Kids will be mesmerized by a screening of the classic children’s film. Afterward, they’ll make their own valentines in the form of hot-air balloon mobiles.
When: Sat. 2/11, 11am; Ages 4-10; Free.
Where: Poets House, 10 River Terrace, 212-431-7920, poetshouse.org.

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LRD (Little Red Dress)
A Valentine’s date with a baby bump can still be sexy — in time for Tuesday, pick up a festive red wrap dress with zigzag print or a pretty pink sleeveless belted sheath.
Where: Destination Maternity, 575 Madison Ave., destinationmaternity.com.

See
BAMkids Film Festival
The 14th annual fest brings 73 kid-friendly flicks from 26 countries — plus Q&As with filmmakers, music performances, puppet shows and snacks for little cinephiles. Check the schedule for times and age-appropriate picks.
When: Sat.-Sun., 2/4-2/5, $9/Kids, $12/Adults.
Where: BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, 718-636-4100, bam.org.

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Groundhog Day Celebration
It’s been a mild winter, but when will it end? Staten Island Chuck, the city’s weather-forecasting groundhog, makes his prediction this morning.
When: Thurs. 2/2, 6:30-9am (ceremony 7am); Free.
Where: Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, statenislandzoo.org.

Hear
Shine and the Moonbeams
Local kid-lovin’ NYC musicians infuse sweet songs with soul, R&B and rock.
When: Sat. 2/4, 11am; $20/Adults, $13/Kids.
Where: Leonard Nimoy Thalia at Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th St., symphonyspace.org.

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Show Your Lovey
For the month of February, book a one-hour family portrait session at PhotoOp for $100 (regularly $200) — they’ll donate 100-percent of the sitting fee to Baby Buggy, a nonprofit org dedicated to providing baby essentials to families in need. Kids are encouraged to bring their favorite “lovey” to the photo shoot.
When: Through 2/29; $100 sitting fee (additional cost for photos).
Where: PhotoOp, 442 Columbus Ave. at 81st St., 212-362-1911, photoopnyc.com.

Celebrity moms: They’re just like us. After searching for quality, eco-friendly baby products (or sending your assistant, nanny, other assistant, stylist and spiritual healer to do so) you’ve only found detergent that doesn’t really clean and body lotion that smells a little too eco for your taste.

One enterprising Hollywood mama, Jessica Alba, and former Healthy Child Healthy World CEO Christopher Gavigan have gotten together on a collection of safe baby products that actually work. The Honest Company features a range of diapers, wipes, skin care and household cleaners made from natural, non-toxic ingredients, prettily packaged and not-astronomically priced. The monthly delivery service lets you customize necessities (choose from stylish diapers printed with ice cream cones or stars, hand soap, sunscreen, healing balm, body oil and more) sent straight to your door. Sign up a favorite green mom-to-be as a great gift, or test it out with a free trial sample pack.

Or, just tell your assistant to report back.

Visit honest.com.

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35th Annual Three Kings Day Parade
Join El Museo del Barrio’s colorful celebration with camels, music, puppets and dancing in a procession through the streets of El Barrio in East Harlem.
When: Fri. 1/6, 10:30am-12pm; Free.
Where: 106th St. & Madison Ave. to 115th St. & Park Ave., elmuseo.org.

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Big Apple Circus
Catch acrobats, jugglers, trapeze flyers, animals and more in the final NYC weekend of Dream Big.
When: Through Sun., 1/8, $15-$95.
Where: Lincoln Center Plaza, bigapplecircus.org.

Hear
The Power of Eight
Hear multicultural music at Carnegie Hall, as musicians, instruments and cultures from around the globe (including Israel, Syria and Jordan) come together to promote peace.
When: Sun. 1/8, 8pm; All ages; $35-$85 (40% off for kids 12 and under).
Where: Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, 154 West 57th St. at 7th Ave., 212-247-7800, listenforlife.org.

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Polarn O. Pyret
The simple Swedish kiddie brand newly launched stateside is discounting its winter wear up to 50 percent off, in stores (UWS and Tribeca) and online.
Where: 200 Chambers St., 428 Columbus Ave., polarnopyretusa.com.

Let’s forget about trying to pass off a diaper bag as a Birkin, briefcase, or anything else. A diaper bag is what it is: a can’t-live-without-it carryall for wipes, bottles, books, pacifiers, snacks, spare onesies and everything else you need to get through a day (or an hour).

Embrace the “I’m with baby” look: Skip Hop’s diaper bag designs have gotten a 2012 makeover from Jonathan Adler, with his happy, graphic signature prints like cool waves, colorful chevron and urban black and white. With features like a strapping system that converts for a shoulder or stroller, and plenty of pockets to hold all the essentials, these bold, groovy bags mean you won’t mind looking like a mommy.

Adler’s next challenge: Retooling the bouncy chair?

Available at giggle.

Luckily your kids have been more nice than naughty this year. In the final push before the holidays come on full-force, you’ve decided to forgo armfuls of toys for that one great gift they’re sure to remember well into their teen years. For the ultimate splurge, try one of these:

Audi Mini Quattro: This toy car isn’t exactly a toy. The sleek little red or silver model for little ones (recommended for ages 1 to 3) comes with a horn mounted on the steering wheel and low-noise tires. Bonus points if there’s actually room in your apartment to ride around.

Pottery Barn All-In-1 Retro Kitchen: Future Top Chefs can whip up a New Year’s feast with this play stove, oven and fridge (recommended for ages 3+). Knobs turn, drawers open and a stainless steel sink makes for easy “cleanup.” This pink version may be more high-tech than your actual kitchen.

giggle Walking Elephant: An eco-friendly, wooden ride-on toy helps tots develop strength, balance and rhythmic skills. This play pachyderm rocks back and forth like a real moving elephant, which means your kid can play Jungle Book for hours. Plus, it’ll actually look cool in the living room.

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Alexander Doll Company Holiday Tree Trimming
Help decorate the doll factory’s tree at this annual event. Take a free tour of the historic workshop, enjoy snacks and get a discount on dolls and create-a-doll classes.
When: Sat. 12/17, 9am-5pm.
Where: Alexander Doll Company, 615 West 131st St., 6th floor, madamealexander.com.

Hear
Moey’s Family Concert
Get into the holiday spirit with festive tunes from Moey’s Music Party. Get ready for a bubble bonanza, pompons and interactive songs, plus all kids get a free copy of Moey’s new CD.
When: Sun. 12/18, 11am; $15 (kids under age 1 free).
Where: Museum of Motherhood, 401 East 84th St. bet. 1st Ave. & York, 877-711-6667, moeymusicparty.com.

See
Amahl and the Night Visitors
The Little Orchestra Society celebrates the 100th anniversary of composer Gian Carlo Menotti and the 60th anniversary of the beloved opera with a special holiday performance. Celebrate the color and excitement of Three Kings Day, with themes of hope, joy, kindness, love and generosity.
When: Sat. 12/17, 11am & 1pm; Ages 6-12; $15-$45.
Where: Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, 212-971-9500, littleorchestra.org.

ReadNew Pregnancy Workout Guidelines
A recent review of studies in Obstetrics and Gynecology gives pregnant women the green light to do vigorous cardio. Equinox weighs in on what it all means, and how much is too much.
Where: equinox.com.

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Brooklyn Lyceum Holiday Marketplace
Start crossing off your shopping list with more than 50 vendors, from holistic vegan soaps and colorful cartoons to vintage linens, whimsical French jewelry and Belgian waffles. Kids can get their picture taken with Santa and enjoy other holiday activities.
When: Sat.-Sun., 12/17-12/18, 11am-7pm.
Where: 227 4th Ave. at President St., Brooklyn, lyceummarkets.com.

You’ve pared down holiday gifting to a few basic principles: simple, chic, durable. No more play-with-it-for-an-hour toys, wear-it-once dresses and never-made-it-out-of-the-closet gadgets.

For presents with staying power, check out Swedish kiddie brand Polarn O. Pyret, which just opened two new shops in Tribeca and the Upper West Side. Ideal for newborns to age 11 (plus a few basics like leggings and pjs for Mom), the 35-year-old label focuses on simple Swede design tenets: Quality that lasts longer than a few wears and washes (a unisex approach means it can easily be passed on); eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, and all-weather duds that kids can layer in winter and peel off in summer. Be prepared for cool basic colors like navy and purple, fun graphic prints from carved masks to cars, and lots and lots of stripes.

Browse online, but your pint-sized shoppers won’t get antsy stopping by the stores filled with sweet rompers, graphic hoodies, cozy mittens and cheery button-downs — cool nooks, like train tables and seating sections featuring sustainable wood furnishings, will keep them entertained.

200 Chambers St. and 428 Columbus Ave., polarnopyretusa.com.

Visit
Santa’s Winter Garden
Head downtown to take a holiday photo with Santa, and meet his reindeer and Elves. Proceeds benefit the Brooke Jackman Foundation.
When: Fri. & Sat. 12/9-12/10 10am-7pm, Sun. 12/11 10am-5pm (Santa breaks from 1-2pm); All ages; $20 and up.
Where: WFC Winter Garden, 200 Vesey St. at West St., artsworldfinancialcenter.com.

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New York Family Camp Fair
Start making camp memories now: Check out more than 60 summer programs for ages 3 to 17. Experts from the American Camp Association will be on hand to answer questions and help direct families to the right choice.
When: Sun. 12/11, 12-3pm; Free.
Where: Ethical Culture Fieldston School, 33 Central Park West (bet. 63rd & 64th St.), newyorkfamilycamps.com.

Do
Holiday Extravaganza
Meet in front of the Greenpoint Y for a parade, followed by pancakes, kiddie crafts, and of course, Santa. Stay for an afternoon performance by PS 34 Children’s Choir.
When: Sat. 12/10, 11:30 parade, 12-2 brunch, 2pm chorus; Free.
Where: Greenpoint Y, 99 Messerole Ave. (Manhattan Ave./Lorimer St.), townsquareinc.com.

Hear
Suzi Shelton Band’s Rockin’ Holiday Party
This third annual event features holiday cheer and fun tunes from Suzi and kiddie-rocker friends like Kira Wiley, the Gumdrops and Baze and His Silly Friends. Plus catch the debut of Suzi’s new music video, Tomboy in a Dress.
When: Sun. 12/11, 11:30am; $12 (under 2 free).
Where: The Bell House, 149 7th St., Brooklyn, 718-643-6510, suzishelton.com.

Shop
Love and Care
Holiday gift alert: Stock up on gorgeous art and coffee-table books from publishers PQ Blackwell, Abrams and Chronicle Books at these temporary pop-up book shops with Meatpacking District and South Street Seaport locations. Add themes like interior design, travel, beauty, music and nature to your family’s library — at a discount.
When: Through 12/30, Mon.-Sun. 11am-8pm.
Where: 334 West 14th St. (corner of Ninth Ave. & Hudson) and 12 Fulton St., pqblackwell.com.

When it comes to dressing your baby bump, leggings can only take you so far. A few disposable duds work well in a pinch (as in, you’ll never wear them again after the 9 months are over) but you’re looking for clothes that will instantly transform you into one of those effortlessly put-together, only-in-New York pregnant women.

Hatch is a chic and comfy new maternity collection, born of a designing mom and founder of twobirds Bridesmaid. These wardrobe essentials — about a dozen key pieces that include a cozy Japanese cotton cardigan, simple striped dress and silk drawstring pants — are classics you can wear from before you’re actually showing through those first few months of post-pregnancy mayhem. Mix and match a wear-with-everything wrap with an extra-fine knit maxi dress, and you’ll achieve a mommy-to-be-style to take you through winter without a fashion mishap.

We don’t know how you do it.

Visit hatchcollection.com.