Holiday Gift Guide
Check out these educational, fun and functional gift ideas for the family. They will have your kids learning and laughing at the same time while looking stylish
Appreciate Loved Ones
Finding the perfect gift for any special occasion or holiday. Our guides feature recommendations for specific age groups, interests, and budgets, making it easy to find a gift that fits the needs of kids and parents alike.
Editor's Picks
Holiday Kid Guide
Still don’t know what to get the kids? We got you covered with this toy and game gift guide sure to light up your kids’...
Gifts for Pets
Holiday gift ideas for all those furry members of the family. West Paw Toys Pets-, people- and planet-minded toy and accessories manufacturer, West Paw, has...
Recent Articles
Holiday Gift Guide
Check out these educational, fun and functional gift ideas for the family. They will have your kids learning and laughing at the same time while looking stylish
Holiday Kid Guide
Still don’t know what to get the kids? We got you covered with this toy and game gift guide sure to light up your kids’ holidays. Create & Play Magnetic Monsters A monstrously good time awaits as kids create one-of-a-kind monsters by mixing & matching magnetic heads, arms, torsos and more. All 20 parts turn a full 360 degrees to bring these monsters to life. $29.99, ages 3-8, lakeshorelearning.com Superspace A life-sized modular magnetic play space set that connects like magic. Kids can create almost any structure they dream up and then play in their innovations. Packs away into a...
Holiday Gift Guide
(Photo Courtesy of Canva) Unwrap excitement this season with on-trend stocking stuffers and unique local finds for everyone on your list. FOR KIDS (Photo Courtesy of Red & Olive) Red & Olive Co. Stuffed Dolls Each doll created by stepmother-and-daughter team Lita Barreda and Destiny Conner has its own personality, from Sassy Cassy the cat to Stinky Reed the adventurous skunk. Designed in Newport Beach and hand-knitted by artisans in Peru, the 7-inch baby collection animals fit perfectly in the crook of tiny arms, while 22-inch dolls make the perfect friends for kids with big imaginations. $35-$98; redandoliveco.com (Photo Courtesy...
Holiday Gift Guide
For Kids Mickey Mouse Activity Bench Mickey Mouse is 92 years old this holiday season and what better way to celebrate than gifting your little one a piece from Delta Children’s licensed Mickey Mouse line. Bring home the fun-loving charm of Mickey Mouse and his friends Minnie, Donald Duck and Goofy with this bench. The Mickey Mouse Activity Bench design features a conversion from a storage bench into desk in a matter of seconds. An adorable addition to any little boy or girl’s playroom, this clever activity bench will have your child smiling from ear-to-ear when they see the colorful...
Gifts for Pets
Holiday gift ideas for all those furry members of the family. West Paw Toys Pets-, people- and planet-minded toy and accessories manufacturer, West Paw, has an extensive line of durable dog toys for all chew and snuggle levels. This year, the company also launched a line of holiday-themed toys to keep in the season’s spirit. Just one example is the Merry Monster, made with furry material, two embroidered eyes, a bright red nose, and stuffed with eco-friendly fiber fill and squeaker. The 7-inch super-soft dog toy is ready for your dog to pounce. All toys are handcrafted in the USA...
It’s Time to De-stress
Therapy Dough Let’s be honest: Parenting has gotten difficult this year. Staying at home all day with the kids can take a toll, but managing your stress doesn’t have to take a backseat. Uncommon Goods’ Therapy Dough is modeled after clay used by art therapists and is even infused with natural essential oils for stress relief. With the soothing scent of lavender or vibrant smell of orange, you can squeeze out your stress and have fun doing it. $15, uncommongoods.com Taboo's Kids vs. Parents Want to spend relaxing, quality time without screens? Check out Taboo’s Kids vs. Parents game,...
Gifts for Dad
West Coast Style IPA Beer Brewing Kit Dads with a taste for beer will be delighted by this kit that can turn any kitchen into a craft brewery ready to serve only the best IPA. This homemade beer contains 100 percent malt extract, specialty grains, high-quality yeast and aromatic Summit and Cascade hops sourced from Yakima Valley in Washington state. The kit includes simple equipment along with step-by-step instructions to ensure that within just two weeks the finished ale has a perfectly curated complex profile with citrus, floral and spicy notes. Now, dad can take his passion for beer to...
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Celestial Silk’s 25 Momme Silk Pillowcases Not only are silk pillowcases great for your hair and skin, they are at the height of luxury. Celestial Silk’s 25 Momme Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase will help your mom feel like a queen. The pillowcases regulate body temperature to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They are hypoallergenic and safe for all skin and hair types. They come with either a zipper enclosure or envelope style with a hidden flap. You can select from standard, queen and king sizes along with a variety of colors and prints. $34.99;...
Special Products for Special Kids
Myths for Little Yogis Megan Henderson wrote the book “Myths for Little Yogis — Shiva's Dance” to share what the wonders of yoga practice can do for everyone. Henderson’s passion for yoga accessibility stems from her work promoting the healing power of yoga to children with special needs. Yoga helped her own daughter, who has Down syndrome, develop enough strength and balance to begin crawling. The book is an introduction to an ancient Indian myth and source of the dancer’s pose in yoga. Your kids will be enthralled with the story of Shiva restoring balance to the universe all while...
The 2020 NAMM Show Hot Picks for Families
Fender American Acoustasonic Guitars On display at the 2020 National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show was Fender’s hybrid acoustic-electric guitar called the Acoustasonic. They come in two body styles, the single-cut Fender American Acoustasonic Telecaster, and double-cut Stratocaster — both offering a complete arsenal of convincing acoustic and electric tones in one smooth guitar. Both guitar styles come equipped with the standard, propriety Fender Acoustic Engine, which creates 10 different body style and tone wood combinations, along with a five-way switch to select sound pairs and the Mod knob that blends the voicing. The best feature, arguably, is that...
Daniel Barrett, Giving the Gift of Giving
[caption id="attachment_34213" align="aligncenter" width="338"] Photo courtesy of Kids Give to Kids[/caption] Anaheim-resident Daniel Barrett is creating a way kids can give to kids in need. Daniel Barrett (pictured above) remembers his rough childhood all too well. Fortunately, he learned a few things from it and he insists it doesn’t have to be that way for every kid. While he’s not trying to change the world, he is trying to change one thing for kids: the power of giving. His charity, Kids Give to Kids, is based on those life lessons as well as his time as a Toys for Tots...
The OC Holiday Gift Guide 2019
Your guide to holiday shopping at Orange County-based businesses. FOR KIDS Learn to Surf Let the pros teach your little ones how to surf the best waves with surf lessons at Newport Beach-based Learn to Surf. All surf instructors are either lifeguards or pro surfers ready to teach all ages and ability levels. Each session consists of a 30-minute sand demo followed by 1 1/2 hours in the water. Use of wetsuit and surfboard are included. Starting at $150 for a two-hour lesson for one surfer; learntosurfhb.com Tillys With an enormous list of name brands — from Adidas and Vans...
Must-Have Hot Items for Mom & Dad
Spill-free Snacks and Drinks While you are traveling and spending time in the car or at a daycare, Precidio Design has a new snack and drink container system that bring you the simplicity and ease your busy mornings need. Their new containers, Snack in a Box and Drink in a Box, are a spill-free way to have your favorite juices, fruits and snacks within arms reach of your child. The unique box-shaped containers are leak-free, reusable and have dual chambers—perfect for multiple snacks or a drink and snack combo when your child is grumpy. Not only do these containers make...
Father’s Day Gifts for Dad
Skin Care This affordable yet luxurious skin care line by Brickell Men Products steps in to make dad’s skin smooth and thrumming with vitality again—offering only the best of the best to the special man in your life. Brickell Men Products prides itself on using only the most natural and high-quality organic ingredients in its entire line of 73 products that range from skin care to body care and even hair and beard care. They also offer a variety of sets to fit every man’s needs, so you can find the best option possible for your needs. $13+, www.brickellmensproducts.com E.C....
Gifts for Mom
Moxxly Flow For moms who are breastfeeding, there is finally an easier way to pump on the go. The Moxxly Flow Accessory Kit is made especially with working moms in mind, allowing them to pump discreetly from any location. The smaller and more efficient sizing of the pump makes the entire process simpler. No more having to deal with bulky suction cups that slip, overly large bottles or having to run to the nearest bathroom every few hours. The flow kit is hands-free, discreet and lets you have a more comfortable breastfeeding experience. $79.99, www.moxxly.com Essential Oil Bracelet Mothers are...
Toys for All Needs
Playfoam Playfoam Pals Fantasy Friends has a surprise in every container. In each of these fun, colorful and squishy Playfoam pods, there lies a Fantasy Friend who is waiting for your child to be their best friend. Not only that, but the Playfoam that hides the Fantasy Friend can be used to shape and sculpt nests, beds, perches and anything else your child dreams up. The foam is three-toned and covered in eye-catching sparkles and it never dries out—letting the fun go on and on while your kid makes different shapes, animals, props and more out of this extremely versatile...
Rainy Day Fun
Rainy days as of late have made us search for fun things for the kids to do indoors. The kiddos can stay warm and dry at home while having a blast with these entertainment options. Beaker Creatures Whirling Wave Reactor Toys and books are all fun, but for a truly exciting reaction, Beaker Creatures’ brand-new Whirling Wave Reactor will have your children making their own creatures right in the comfort of home. For those parents whose kiddos are mad scientists in training, this is perfect for birthdays and special occasion gifts. This incredible and inventive Whirling Wave Reactor is virtually...
Fun Valentine’s Day Gifts
Heart-Styled Chewelry Perfect for kiddos who like to get their teeth into something, this new line of “chewelry” is where jewelry and teeth can safely cross roads. Made out of durable and non-toxic materials, chewelry gives children with tendencies to chew or fidget a wearable and stylish way to get their nerves out. This soft and flexible heart pendant is one of the most popular products this season, and it can be worn as a necklace or bracelet, allowing kiddos to self regulate whenever they need. $23.50, pattiandricky.com Step-By-Step DIY Cake Guides Baking with your kids is always fun, but...
Items for the Outdoors
Kijaro Kubie Streamline your next outdoor adventure with the Kijaro Kubie. The Kubie can be used as an insulated blanket or sleeping bag, folded into a pillow, used as a ground cover, turned into a shade canopy, be strung up as a hammock then folded into its compact carrying case for easy portability. Perfect for picnics, soccer games, backyard barbecues, hiking or just a breezy afternoon reading a book in the park. Outdoor adventures just got a whole lot better with the Kubie. $80, www.kijaro.com SPI LED Accessories This is for the night owls. Whether you love overnight camping trips...
Holiday Gift Guide 2018
Unique, trending and local — suggestions for everyone on your list For the Family 52 Essential Conversations Card Game A busy mom of three, Jenny Woo, of Irvine, wanted to create something to help maximize quality time with her children. She came up with a simple yet effective card game. Made up of questions in categories like compassion and responsibility (“What is a new responsibility that you want to have?”), the game works to open a family dialogue about important topics in a fun setting. $25, mindbrainparenting.org SafeSleeve Phone Cases Carlsbad-based SafeSleeve makes multi-functional anti-radiation phone cases for families concerned...
STEM Toys
Pendulonium STEM Challenge Let your child explore the fundamentals of physics without them ever knowing. The Pendulonium STEM Challenge from Learning Resources is an entirely kid-powered activity set that will develop early engineering, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Kids launch balls at goal cups using a three-piece adjustable pendulum that introduces them to early physics concepts like force and momentum. As your child masters each challenge, use the included activity book to increase the level of difficulty to encourage continued development. If only all physics classes could have been this fun when we were in school. $19.99, www.amazon.com Beaker Creatures Greetings...
Hot New Spooky Items for Halloween
DIY Halloween Costume Kits Calling all creators: Inspire budding innovators this season with these STEAM-focused Halloween Costume Kits from KiwiCo. Kids can choose to be a Glowing Horn Unicorn, a Chomping Mechanical Dinosaur, a Light-Up Alien Spaceship and so much more. Kits include everything your child needs to build a unique costume along with easy-to-follow illustrated instructions. We can’t all be Pinterest parents who design custom-costumes, but with these kits, it can be our little secret, wink-wink. $9.95-$44.95, kiwico.com Mini Maker Tube Unleash your creepy creativity and let your imagination run wild with this Mini Maker Halloween Tube that includes...
Back-to-School Items for Mom & Dad for Home, Office and More
Yanoda Memo Board Let’s face it: Back-to-school can get hectic. Make life simple and never forget another dance recital or PTA meeting with this gorgeous gold-framed Yanoda Memo Board. Featuring a calendar, notes and to-do section, there’s room for the whole family’s busy schedule, and the white board format makes it easy to erase and change items as needed. Best of all, Yanoda Memo Boards are made from recycled materials, which makes them a win for your family and the environment. That’s a no-brainer in our book. $49.98, vistaframes.com Jamber Mugs Say goodbye to burns and spills and start your...
Books to Toys and More for Going Back-to-School
Kudo Banz Looking for a way to motivate and cultivate your child’s best habits? Then look no further than Kudo Banz! Kudo Banz is an innovative behavior reward system similar to a sticker chart, only worn on your child’s wrist. Children earn “kudos” for good behavior, and can see their progress easily and frequently. With a tie-in story “The Adventures of Drago and George” and an augmented reality component compatible with smartphones, Kudo Banz will encourage and cultivate better behavior in no time. $29.99; age range: 3-10 years; kudobanz.com Highlights Big Fun Activity Books Is the “Summer Slide” kicking in?...
Toys That Teach
These new toys on the market stir the imagination and encourage learning with hours of entertainment. Code & Go Coding is an essential skill for emerging learners, but with learning about coding comes more time staring at a computer. The Code and Go Mouse Mania Board takes an analog approach to coding and gamifies STEM by having two to four players take on the role of mice searching for delicious wedges of cheese. In order to win players will have to string together coding cards to make their way around a maze, maximizing their exposure to coding and minimizing their...
SoCal Summer Must-Have Items
Comfy and summery items from local vendors and beyond. OC Girl Hello Kitty Tankini This adorable baby blue Tankini with seashell pattern features a Mermaid Hello Kitty on the chest with bow detail on the back. Comes in sizes 2T-6. $54; available online at Oneill.com, Sanrio.com and at select Sanrio stores and independent specialty retailers. OC Reusable Bag Stash your beach essentials, toys, or snacks while reppin’ your roots. This reusable handmade bag is water-resistant and is big enough to tote around your beach towel, sunscreen, sunglasses and more. Choose from two sizes and black or white ink. Made by...
Thinking Toys
These fun, interactive toys inspire creativity and imaginative play for all ages. Sculptapalooza Part Playfoam and part Michelangelo, Sculptapalooza will have you and your family laughing out loud as you race against the clock to complete sculpting challenges. Encouraging creativity and social skills, Sculptapalooza is an ideal game for artists both young and old alike! $19.99; age range: 2+ years; amazon.com Botley the Coding Robot Computer coding is a skill that will no doubt be essential as your child makes their way through their school years. Help prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow with Botley the Coding Robot. This...
Special Toys for Special Needs
These toys and products will stimulate and encourage the imaginations of all sizes and ages. Busy Barn Bright Basics Based on the nursery rhyme “Old MacDonald Had a Farm,” the Busy Barn expands on the busy board concept by incorporating eight different engaging activities. Not only does the Busy Barn encourage imaginative play, but also presents educational concepts like cause and effect, making it ideal for emerging learners. $24.99; age range: 2+ years; amazon.com Nurture Smart Mobile Not your standard mobile, the Nurture Smart Mobile is designed to be the “most advanced crib mobile ever created”. With multiple sound options...
Environmentally Safe Products
These safer versions of simple products will help you and your family to be more environmentally conscious, healthy and happy. Talking Telescope Does your child yearn to live among the stars? Encourage your own version of Elon Musk with this talking telescope, which contains twenty-four fascinating images and facts to encourage them to explore our galaxy and beyond. With this telescope it’ll only be a matter of time before they fire their own car into space… $49.99, educationalinsights.com Play and Learn: Compost Kit Want to teach your child about composting and the importance of buying biodegradable products? Nancy B’s Science...
Items to Keep Your Life Simple, Safe, and Spotless
Check out these new products on the market created to make your life simpler, safer and spic-and-span. On-the-Go Cup Kafe in the Box is a square-shaped cup will make you look stylish while reducing coffee or tea spills all over your car or gym bag. With a splash-proof lid and double wall insulation, you can take whatever hot drink you enjoy everywhere you go — and its BPA, BPS and Pthalate-free, so you will feel good about drinking from it. $15.99 (12 oz), $17.99 (16 oz), amazon.com Safe Earphones Protect your child’s eardrums while they’re listening to their music or...
Educational Toys
Want to get an edge on your child’s education? Follow our experts’ advice and make it all about play. TK2 SCOPE This award-winning microscope is a dual light, sturdy metal and plastic piece of tech designed for frustration-free science. Two LED light sources allow for both the viewing of large objects lit from above or the viewing of thinly sliced or translucent specimens lit from below. (Included manual guides through endless learning options.) $135, www.thamesandkosmos.com Build-Your-Own-Computer Piper flips screen time worries to give kids an active role in the tech they use. Kids assemble a handcrafted wooden box and screen...
Helpful Hairstyling Tools
Try these hair helpers to look polished, even if you’re in full holiday meltdown mode! Dyson Supersonic Blowouts are the bomb, but you don’t always have kid-free time (and during the busy holiday party season, it can be tough to score an appointment). This genius dryer can focus for speed drying or diffuse if you’re a curly girl. Magnetic attachments are simple to pop on and off and the whole process can be safely accomplished with one toddler wrapped around your leg. $399, www.dyson.com Pai-Shau A darling of the Fashion Week set, these silky concoctions can smooth even the most...
Holiday Gift Guide 2017
It's that time of year again and we present the 2017 Parenting OC Annual Holiday Gift Guide. We've got out-of-the-box stocking stuffers that prove that big things come in small packages, unique wheels and outdoor fun options for the whole family, dolls with an eye to giving and multicultural celebration, imagination starters and playkits, and tech savvy gifts for the gamer kid (of any age). We even remember Fido in this collection of present ideas you might not find in your average trip to the mall. Gift Guide Categories
Holiday Gift Guide 2017: Stocking Stuffers
Smithsonian Motorized 3D Puzzles Part puzzle, part wind-up marching toy, these Smithsonian Institute-inspired wild things will be a crowd pleaser for all ages. Dinos and endangered species available, fun fact and info cards included. $4, www.skullduggery.com HEROCLIP This mom-invented 3-in-1 clip, swivel, and hook can hang anything up to 50 lbs, anywhere. Whether you’re out in the wilderness, juggling a diaperbag in a questionable airport bathroom, or just trying to keep your gear (bunky, lovey, wipes bag) tethered to your stroller, this will help you hang in there. $19, www.myheroclip.com Ezra Arthur Notebook and Pocket Comb This Malbec leatherbound notebook...
Holiday Gift Guide 2017: Personalized Gifts
Basic Outfitters Create-a-Drawer This personalized drawer of essentials just brought the classic grandma socks-and-undies gift to the next level. Pick a set of stylish socks, underwear, undershirts and bonus wildcard item (we love the Christmas pug boxers and lumberjack longjohns) and refresh your wardrobe from the inside out. $60, www.basicoutfitters.com Formia Design A piece of jewelry has never been so precious as when it is created by preserving your own children’s artwork. Formia Design can transform a photo or children’s drawing (crayon, market, chalk or even Magnadoodle!) into precious metal keepsakes creating wearable art. Each item is handmade by Master...
Holiday Gift Guide 2017: Blocks
Goobi and Goobi Juniors Magnetic Construction Set These ingenious magnetic design tools let creators build 360 degrees of fun, and their little sibs get in on the fun without worries about choking/swallowing. The award-winning design even got a rare certification from Toy Safety Standards in the USA, for children one and up. $16-$139, www.goobi.com or www.amazon.com Lakeshore Learning Panda Village Block Set This stylish eco-harvested bamboo block set just might make its inhabitants’ bellies rumble. This panda-themed gift, complete with nine resident critters, is perfect for the builder and animal lover. $49, www.lakeshorelearning.com Buildr TAPE and PLATES Turn any surface...
Health and Business Goods for Moms
You stock your house with all the kids’ needs, attend to your own at the office with a few of our favorite biz goods. Vaya Tyffyn Elevate your lunchbreak with the Cadiilac (or Bentley or Rolls) of lunch boxes. The ingenius design is only enhanced by the copper finished stainless steel eco-vacuum vessels which keep food warm, or cold, for five hours. (You’ll never be tempted by el Pollo Loco bowls again!) $59, www.vayalife.com Samsonite Mobile Office Take your business for a spin with one of these mobile offices that let you put your hands on anything you need for...
Stylish Baby Accessories
When you need to go from chickies to chic, from baby to boardroom — these bags have your back. Itzy Ritzy Boss Backpack With chunky silver hardware and black leather trim, this heavy-duty bag with ergonomic straps will let you sling all you need for the day (from lap pillow to laptop) hands-free and in style. (Also so sturdy and indestructible, it makes an excellent carry-on!) $150, www.itzyritzy.com Lassig Glam Rosie The trendy Glam Rosie Bag stands out thanks to its unusual trapezoid shape and handle with rosé gold detailing. The smartest thing about this bag, other than how polished...
Hot Educational Toys
These educational toys make learning a blast! Smithsonian Mold & Paint Kits The education craft kits by Skullduggery combine creativity, discovery, and learning in one. Each kit includes everything needed to create a masterpiece and an Illustrated Educational Booklet. We love the Dolphin and Whale Kit for marine mammal fans, while the Space Kit launches imaginations as they recreate history. $15, www.skullduggery.com PLAYMOBIL Pharaoh’s Pyramid Spark a love of history, and let imagination unlock ancient secrets and mysteries. Uncover sneaky traps and hidden treasures throughout five chambers, climb to the top to explore the mummy’s tomb chamber, or remove the...
Staying Connected on the Go
To truly enjoy your newfound me-time, you might need to know you have a solid connection to the outside world (especially if you are new to the drop-the-kids-for-the-schoolday gig). Hum If driving carpool has taxed your nerves and your wifi signal, hum a little happy tune (or just pick up a Hum). This gadget turns your vehicle into a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 connected devices. The whole basketball team can be online at once – from tablets to gaming consoles. (That’s in addition to helpful vehicle diagnostics when you need them, from roadside assistance and HD calling.) www.Hum.com...
Back-to-School Shoes
Send your kid back to class in style with these sweet feet treats! Choo Choo Shoes Skip any sort of “confusion and delay” in getting out the door in the morning, your little conductor will always stay on track and remember where these train-themed shoes have been put away for the night. The soles even leave a track design for on the go play. (On-off switch for school!) $49, www.choochooshoes.com Keen Moxie Mary Jane If your girl’s got gumption, the Moxie Collection has her covered. Add stability to the classic ballet flat with the security of the Mary Jane strap....
Helpful Baby Items
One day you will fight the good fight against tech and screens…but for now, harness the power and make your life easier with these new baby helpers that keep you connected. Baby Brezza Baby Food Maker The “set it and forget it” of baby noshing, this device steams and auto-blends your choice of wholesome fresh organic foods into perfect puree. The three cup capacity makes a quick meal or stock up, with an included funnel and reusable baby feeding and storage pouches. $129, www.babybrezza.com Lansinoh Smart Pump This hi-tech double electric breastpump uses Bluetooth to connect to the Lansinoh Baby...
Go VR Gaming
Forget the stereotypes about video games being for lonely men in darkened basements. A new Anaheim Garden Walk arcade is out to dispel them all. Go VR Gaming, which opened in March, hopes to expose more people to the world of gaming and virtual reality. Its bright environment – complete with a large play area and couch – aims to make arcade playing a family-friendly experience. Since opening, customers have ranged from age seven (the minimum age required for headsets) to 83. Games include a job simulator, as well as some scary and sports-related machines. “Go VR Gaming is a...
Father’s Day Gift Guide
Dad Duds, from Tops to, ahem, Bottoms By Sascha Zuger Commission Long Sleeve Button Down Perfect for the active dad who wants to look good for the boardroom, but stay cool under pressure. This Qwick Oxford wicking shirt is perfect for summertime brunch or steamy date nights. $108, shop.lululemon.com HP Fjord Jacket and Dynamic Short Let Pop set sail in style with this high performance, ultralight watersport jacket that keeps him high and dry in even the saltiest of seas. Shore shorts also get a makeover thanks to uber-quick dry tech material for even the most avid kayaker, fisherman or...
Green Toys
These toys might be hot, but they won’t contribute to global warming. Natural materials and an eye toward eco-awareness are quickly overshadowed by the fun factor! Build-a-Bouquet (or Grown Your Own!) Those with little green thumbs will love the quick reward of seeing their own organic seeds blossom with this Indoor Gardening Kit. If pets or little sibs make indoor growing a tough prospect, let them build their own flower garden with interchangeable parts made of recycled milk jugs. $22-27, www.greentoys.com Hoot Owl Hoot! This game is made of recycled, natural dye materials and designed for a peaceful playdate. Players...
Sugar-Free Valentines
If you want to show the kids a little love, without the sugar buzz, try these sweet ways to show you care. Washable Heart Cushions These cushy hearts will soften anyone’s mood (they even come in a nice slate grey to match your tween or teen’s occasional stormy vibe!). Show you love your kiddo’s health, as well, as you can pop these right into the wash – great for kiddos of all ages who drool at night, or those with allergies who need to keep irritants out of the bedroom. $55, lorenacanals.us Paper Culture Wall Decals Surprise them Valentine’s morning...
Coding Toys
When tech is introduced in a way that enhances critical thinking, it can enhance education and create a comfort level with the world our kids are entering. Here are a few of our favorites to start them on the path. Cubetto Preschool to Kindergarten Cubetto is the only screen-less programming system, powered by a coding language made of colorful blocks that lets children three and up write their first computer programs. Kids use coding to guide a friendly wooden robot named Cubetto, through stories, challenges and illustrated maps by placing uniquely shaped hardwood blocks in different patterns on the control...
Holiday Gift Guide 2016
Activity Kits Kiss Naturals Kits Kids learn about what goes into lip balms when they mix beeswax, Shea butter and safflower oil to get the perfect formulation into a jar, or a twist-up tube. This all natural kids’ cosmetics line pulls back the curtain on what goes into beauty products like hair chalk, lip gloss and bath fizzies. $19, www.kissnaturals.com Personalize Your Riding Center This brand new, colorful playset includes rider, horses, numerous additional accessories. The riding school can be quickly and easily transformed into an open riding arena. And just like a real horse farm, it has troughs, saddle...
Happy Campers
Keep your kids safe and comfortable at their home away from home with these outdoorsy options. Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D The next best thing to sleeping on a bed at home, this 4 inches of cushion, self-inflating, no pump required sleeper is worth the effort for longer term camps and can ensure tweens and teens a great night rest. Once camp is done, it doubles as a spare bed back at home for sleepovers or hotel road trips, once sibs get too big to want to share. $179, www.thermarest.com Roll’N Go Airbed This cot sized thin airbed offers extra durability through...
The Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Go ahead, slip this in your tween’s backpack or under your partner’s pillow, you won’t mind having to drop hints if you score these great gifts! For the Beachin’ Mama Flawless Coconut Tanning Serum No need to fry that skin, get a glow on the go by visiting one of the spray salons near you (locator at fakebake.com) or pick up some DIY serum to make the most of baby’s naptime. $31, www.fakebake.com Maui Jim Kupuna These bronze beauties not only make you look great, they’ll help you see great. The gloss copper frames are classy and bend to avoid...
What’s in your Easter Basket?
Listen up, Peeps! Chocolate eggs and colorful jellybeans might sweeten the pot, but these adorable trinkets are completely sugar-free (and just might fit nicely into medium or large plastic eggs!). Bunny Slippers Toddler toes can race through the egg hunt on these adorable non-slip suede soles, approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association. $20, robeez.com Soapsox In a contest for cuteness, this cuddly ducky cleans up — and also has a slot for a bar of soap to help with little ones’ baths. $10, www.soapsoxkids.com Piggy Paint Their little piggies will cry “Wheee! Wheee! Wheee!” all the way to the...
The Art of the Heart
Help kids express their inner artist, and feelings, with these fun kits themed to the season. Foodstirs Valentine’s Kit How sweet is it to be loved by someone who ordered this chic kit by Sarah Michelle Gellar. Brownie heart pops are Pinterest-worthy, and tasty. $19.95, www.Foodstirs.com Mandala Expressions They might be too old for scrawled crayon roses, but these blossom-themed grown-up coloring books with Sargent Art pencils might be just the thing to de-stress tweens/tweens from their young love woes. $34.95, store.discovery.com Crystal Creation Kit Diamonds might be a girl’s best friend this time of year, but we loooooove STEM-activities...