Kids Christmas Guide 2021

 Jacob's turn! This list includes some of his personal favorites that have stood the test of time as well as some new things from this years wishlist. I'm stumped on stocking stuffers for him, so send them my way if you've got ideas! 

ONE // Jacob's favorite gift ever, his Nintendo Switch. Throw a few games in with it so they have something to play on their new favorite toy! 

TWO // We try to always gift a board game or two so we have something to play as a family as the day winds down. We'll be sticking close to home this year and not travelling with a newborn so we may gift a few! This Disney one based off their Jungle Cruise ride looks fun! Astro Trash is another favorite from last year!

THREE // Do your kids go through water bottles like mine does? Stainless steel is a must when I'm looking for water bottles. Jacob's due for a new one and I know he'll love the masks on this one as we are currently superhero obsessed. 

FOUR // Every kid needs a classic set of Walkie Talkies at some point during their childhood, right?

FIVE // Dad's favorite thing to do is take Jacob fishing and gear makes a great gift! A fishing pole and tackle box filled with accessories like bobbers and extra fishing line and your little fisherman is ready to go!  

SIX // A new Cat Kid Comic Club book (among Jacob's favorites!) is coming out just in time for the holidays. Grab the first one too if you don't already have it, and a blank comic book so your kids can dream up their own comics. 

SEVEN // I always, always, always gift new PJs and slippers for the cozy winter months. These dog slippers were too cute to resist and the Jammies are super soft. They work for boys or girls but I also love these glittery ones for girls! 

Happy shopping friends! 

Baby girl's first Christmas

 You know I've just been dying to write this post right? I can't believe I get to write my first gift guide for girls! First Christmases are a little challenging (or easy peasy depending on how you look at it) because baby probably doesn't actually need much and won't know what's going on. If you've got older kids you may need gifts to keep up appearances in the Santa department. Necessities and toys they can grow into are always winners in my book. 

ONE // TWO // THREE  // FOUR  // FIVE // SIX // SEVEN

EIGHT // NINE // TEN // ELEVEN // TWELVE // THIRTEEN

One // Sit-Me-Up Floor seat: Depending on how old baby is, this may fall into the "grow into" category. There are several different patterns to choose from and I love that it comes with attached toys. 

Two // Cat teether: Firmly in the necessities category as your little darling will be cutting teeth soon if she isn't already. Also comes in other versions: a green or khaki bear, a khaki dog, or a gray koala. 

Three // Koala Stacker: A cute wildlife take on a classic toy. I love that it's wood instead of plastic. 

Four // Fill and Dump Picnic Basket: It's actually quite amusing how long a simple fill and dump toy can entertain a baby. Gund makes several styles, but I love this little picnic basket with the cute food. 

Five // Wrist Rattles: Also comes in a Monkey and Elephant version. 

Six // Pre-spoons: Another necessity, perfect for little hands just starting to figure out this eating thing. 

Seven // Think Big, Little One: A board book to grow with your girl, full of empowering messages. 

Eight // Baby Animal Collection: We are huge fans of Cuddle and Kind and their dolls that are hand knit in Peru. Their pint size baby collection dolls are too cute for smaller hands. Each doll purchase provides meals for five kids in need. 

Nine // Rainbow Stacker: Also comes in a blue colorway. Made out of soft sillicone, it can serve as toy, teether, or shelf decoration. 

Ten // Bow Headbands: Just the perfect size for little heads. They come in a couple different colorways. 

Eleven // Swan Rocker: This will probably be one of Ray's birthday gifts in August, but if you have an older baby this would be such a sweet present under the tree with a huge bow. Also comes as a set with a stuffed animal. 

Twelve // Wool Hat: Also love this sweet gingham version from Target. Can't resist those cute poms on the top of a little head. Would look so cute with a little sweater like this one. 

Thirteen // Pull Toy Fox: A classic. Every baby needs a pull toy. 

Hope this round up gives you a few ideas and that you have fun putting together gifts for your little ones! Happy shopping friends, XO.

Easter Goodies

All right friends, this is your official warning that Easter comes early this year.  I swear this task gets harder and harder as our boy gets bigger and bigger and wants nothing but video games. I've been grabbing a few things here and there since the after Christmas sales... always planning ahead. I'm not 100% sure what's going into the eggs this year but I couldn't pass up those bunny shaped ones! 

There's a few staples that always end up in our baskets - a new pair of pajamas, a family game, a few sweets, and always a new book. We've tried to scale down the basket a bit this year after going hog wild in quarantine last year. Anyone feel me? Rounding up all of the goodies I am loving for baskets this year, some of which will find their way into Jacob's basket on Easter morning. What can I say? The Easter Bunny has good taste!

ONE // TWO // THREE  // FOUR  // FIVE //
SIX // SEVEN // EIGHT // NINE // TEN // ELEVEN // TWELVE 

One // PJs: These Amazon Pjs are amazing quality, come in all sizes from babies to big kids, and have tons of patterns and colors for both boys and girls. They're a home run for sure. 

Two // Mocassin slippers: How cozy do these look? The men in my family have worn this style for as long as I can remember, so I love dressing Jacob in them too. 

Three // Mix & Match Bath Bombs: I've yet to meet a kid who doesn't like bath bombs and these are our favorite because you can mix and match them to make "recipes" with different fruity smells. 

Four // Monogram Hat: Our favorite hat comes in a whole rainbow of colors and in baby to adult sizes. We have the camo version too!

Five // Pick Up Sticks: We always include a game in the basket, but our board game shelf is overflowing so I'm opting for this classic instead. It's much smaller and packaged similarly to the dominoes we got at Christmas. 

Six // Camping Lantern: Jacob's last camping lantern, a kids Coleman, melted. Yes, melted, when a can of bug spray spilled in our tub of supplies. He's been overdue for a new one and I like this slightly more grown up version. 

Seven // The World Needs Who You Were Made To Be: A book is another one of our staples. I love the sweet message of this new one from Joanna Gaines. Some of my other favorite picks are Cat & Bunny, Gaston, The Little Island, Marshmallow, and Lovely Beasts. 

Eight // Sugarfina Jelly Bean Bar: Every basket needs a little chocolate ;)

Nine // Tennis Racket: We recently started tennis lessons, so it felt like it was time for our own racket. We've been making a point to get outside more this year with 1,000 hours outside and tennis is great for outdoor exercise. 

Ten // Swim Trunks: We rarely include swim trunks in our basket because we always get new ones for spring break which is almost always BEFORE Easter, but these would be my pick! I know lots of people love them in baskets in anticipation for summer, we just happen to have summer year round. This sweet floral tankini would be my pick for girls and if you get the boys suit in the lilac stripe they'll match! If you need a good pair of swim goggles, we love these (boys) and these (girls) from Bling2o!

Eleven // Basket: We got ours at Nordstrom, (in the kids section, on an Easter display table - the brand is American Atelier) but it looks like it's sold out. I've linked it in case it comes back in stock, but I'm also loving this white one from Hearth & Hand. Something about that wooden handle is so sweet and timeless. 

Twelve // Bunny Eggs: I still have no idea what I'm going to put inside these, but I couldn't pass up the bunny shape. Boys are so hard! What are you putting in your kids eggs? G

Hope this round up gives you a few ideas and that you have fun putting together baskets for your little ones! Happy (almost) spring friends, XO.

2020 basket (5 years old)

2019 basket (4 years old)

2017 basket (2 years old)

Gift Guide for Kids

 Better late than never? This list is full of Jacob's personal favorites, as well as a few items off his wish list! Most of these are awesome for girls or boys. 

ONE. Who doesn't love a classic set of dominoes? Jacob has recently become interested in the night sky (thank you cub scouts!) and would love this set with moon phases instead of dots. 

TWO. The cutest little penny board for new skateboarders. I just love those little stripes underneath. 

THREE. Nintendo Switch. He's obsessed. Enough said. His favorite games are Mario games, if you're looking for some recommendations. He asked Santa for Super Mario Brothers All Stars. 

FOUR. Jacob's Sammy. Warmies are stuffed animals with lavender scented beads inside for a relaxing sleep. They can even be warmed up in the microwave for ultimate comfort. We just sent a polar bear one to our new nephew. 

FIVE. A classic trucker hat. Inspired by our summer travels to Washington. 

SIX. Magic Tree House books are our current bedtime read aloud. Jacob loves Jack and Annie's adventures and there are so many you'll probably age out of them before you run out of them. 

SEVEN. Am I the only one who's kids feet are growing at super speed? We love the bright colors and camo print on this pair of trainers. 

EIGHT. A little something to get kiddos playing outside. We gave Jacob THIS glow in the dark soccer ball for Easter and it was such a hit we're adding some goals to his equipment collection. 

Have you finished all your shopping or are you team last minute?? 

Quarantine Boredom Busters

What to do when there's nowhere to go? I'm rounding up all of the resources we've ordered or pulled out of storage to keep the kiddo occupied during this strange time of quarantine: 

Educational Picks

Sight word flash cards 

Egg carton veggie garden

Kiwi Crate subscription box

Primary journal

Bob books 

Star Wars workbook 

Mini Motor math activity set 

Butterfly kit 

Little Passports 

Mental Blox critical thinking game 

Volcano kit 

Habitat sticker pad 

Phonics game 

Arts and Crafts 

Frozen 2 Aquabeads

Jello Play edible block kit 

Tie Dye kit 

Sidewalk chalk

Hidden Pictures

Jello Play edible slime 

Pottery Paint set 

Dino Excavation set 

Paint by Sticker 

How to Draw Animals 

Read Alouds

Calendar Mysteries series

Critter Club series

Mercy Watson series

The Bad Guys series

Magic Tree House series

Nate the Great series

Little House series

Boxcar Children easy readers

Junie B. Jones series

For the Easter Basket

It's just about that time of year, time to fill up that festive Easter basket!! I know I always post this way far in advance but that's because I start stock piling so far in advance. I love to spread out purchases instead of buying all at once... just a little easier on the wallet. I honestly start right after Christmas, shopping the post holiday sales and keeping my eyes peeled all winter long for little goodies to stuff into eggs. 

There's a few staples that always end up in our baskets - a new pair of pajamas, a family game, a few sweets, and always a new book. We've always added a stuffed animal too but I think this may be the year we've outgrown that. Don't ask me about it - I am not ok. But also, I cannot handle one. more. stuffed. animal. in. my. house. Please tell me you understand?

Rounding up all of the goodies I am loving for baskets this year, some of which will find their way into Jacob's basket on Easter morning. What can I say? The Easter Bunny has good taste!

ONE // TWO // THREE +TRAVEL GAME  // FOUR +MARKERS // FIVE //
SIX +GUMMIES // SEVEN // EIGHT // NINE // TEN // ELEVEN // TWELVE +GOGGLES

One // Glo Pals: Bath toys have been in our baskets ever since the first year! Some Kindergartners may have switched over to showers already, but Jacob still loves playing in the tub and prefers a bath. 

Two // Light Up Soccer Ball: Perfect for night time parties or even camp-outs, the latter of which may be the reason this one will find it's way into Jacob's basket. 

Three // Lemonade Shake-up: I love including a game the whole family can play in the basket and Peaceable Kingdom has some of our favorites. We also love the travel games from Mudpuppy. The pieces come in a canvas pouch that doubles as the game board - perfect for passing time on airplanes. Last year we put Hoppy Floppy's Happy Hunt in Jacob's basket which we loved - it's great for fine motor skills in the toddler and preschool ages! 

Four // Narwhal Chalk: Anything that gets kids playing outside, am I right? When it comes to art supplies we're also big fans of Ooly markers, Jacob got their ice cream scented set last year! 

Five // Silicone Earpods: Designed just for kids, we love these on car trips so we aren't battling noise from the Nintendo/iPad/DVD player while trying to listen to the radio. 

Six // Bunny Bark Chocolate bar: Every basket needs a little sweetness. We try not to go overboard on the candy but this bar is too cute! We're also crushing hard on these dolphin gummies. 

Seven // Jabari Jumps: A book is another one of our staples. I love this one because it's all about confidence, being brave, and overcoming your fears - big themes for us this year! Some of my other favorite picks are Cat & Bunny, Gaston, The Little Island, Marshmallow, and Lovely Beasts. (Last year's pick!)

Eight // Wooden Surf Wagon: I love toys that can pull double duty. This car will fit in perfectly as decor in Jacob's surf themed room, and will also be fun to play with. There's also a little yellow camper that can be bought to attach to it as well. 

Nine // Rocket Construction Set: A fun STEM set for kiddos who love space, like mine! 

Ten // Copper Wire Basket: We got ours at Nordstrom, (in the kids section, on an Easter display table - the brand is American Atelier) but it looks like it's sold out. I've linked it in case it comes back in stock, but I'm also loving this white one from Hearth & Hand. You can find some other options here, here, and here. 

Eleven // Stripe Pajamas: A new set of pajamas goes in our basket every year! I love this bright set and the quality from J. Crew is among my favorite. These would be my pick for girls! 

Twelve // Swim Trunks: We rarely include swim trunks in our basket because we always get new ones for spring break which is almost always BEFORE Easter, but these would be my pick! I know lots of people love them in baskets in anticipation for summer, we just happen to have summer year round. This sweet ruffle trim suit would be my pick for girls. And if you need a good pair of swim goggles, we love these (boys) and these (girls) from Bling2o!

Hope this round up gives you a few ideas and that you have fun putting together baskets for your little ones! Happy spring friends, XO.

2019 basket (4 years old)

2017 basket (2 years old)

Gift Guide for Kindergarten Boys

I'm so excited to share with you this year's gift guide for little guys - aka. Jacob's wishlist. We're really trying to cut back on toys this year and zone in on things that he loves and will help him with his academic and athletic development. His big gift this year is going to be a desk for his room - for creating and exploring, and for homework! 

ONE. One of our on-going goals from Jacob is to get him outside more. He seems to have taken a liking to hockey and lacrosse, so we grabbed him a street hockey kit that he can use outside with Mom and Dad. We're still on the hunt for a good lacrosse kit for kids! 

TWO. We're just a teensy bit Star Wars obsessed over here and I kind of see these as a Barbie alternative. (I know I loved those at this age!) Perfect for pretend play. The set comes with six 12-inch dolls, featuring all the major characters.

THREE. Board games have been a huge hit over the last year, and this one looks like so much fun! Some of our other favorites are Candyland, Sorry!, Trouble, and Shark Bite.

FOUR. The Osmo is a tablet attachment (tablet not included) with learning games for kids that came highly recommended by several of my friends. We got the Genius starter kit to use with our iPad mini, and I love that there are additional games you can purchase - this makes future gift giving easy!

FIVE. Camping gear! We camp several times a year both with cubscouts and as a family. While we have most of the basic gear Jacob was pining for a headlamp like many of his friends had on our last trip. A sturdy water bottle is a must for hikes as well! Some other ideas are lanterns, mess kits, sleeping bags, and camp chairs.

SIX. The Instax Mini is a perfect size for little hands. Jacob is only into picture taking if he can see the photo afterwards, so I know he'll love being able to take his own photos and getting to see them print out right after.

SEVEN. Science kits are awesome for this age. Experimenting really gets those little brains working. Jacob saw this specific one at our school science night being raffled off. He didn't win it that night but he will find it under our tree Christmas morning!

EIGHT. We always pick up a few books to add to Jacob's collection each Christmas. Elephant and Piggie are a huge hit with the kindergarten set and always make Jacob laugh.

NINE. A sports Jersey and tickets to a game are one of our favorite "experience" gifts. Some of our others are fair tickets, museum or zoo passes, lessons for music or sports, or passes to local play places. We always like to pick some thing for Jacob to unwrap that represents the experience - we've done a mini stuffed tiger with zoo tickets for example, and a jersey is perfect because they can wear it to the game!

The best news is that every one of these gifts is available on Amazon with delivery before Christmas! (as of right now anyways.) Most of last years gift ideas are still perfect for this age too, check those out HERE. Can't wait to surprise little man on Christmas morning with some of these gifts - we also love to gift practical items like new shoes, winter wear, or pajamas. What do your little ones want for Christmas?

Easter Baskets for Little Guys

Well, one things for sure... 2019 seems to be stuck on permanent fast forward mode. It's almost Easter and that's really saying something because Easter is super late this year. I've rounded up some of our favorite Easter basket ideas in hopes that you find something perfect for your little guys. SO many Easter and Spring goodies are geared for girls with soft pastels and sweet bunnies and rainbows... so I always love finding hidden gems for boys! We've already had our Spring Break so Jacob has already received and used his swimsuit, cap and sunnies, but he'll have a few of these goodies in his Easter basket, along with little eggs filled with treats, dinosaurs, and army guys! We use a copper wire basket from Nordstrom (sadly not online, but we found it in the kids section on an easter display table last year) and because I know some of you will want to know... these cute bunny jammies are last year Gap and no longer sold. I may shed real tears when we outgrow them! 

Monogram Ball Cap // Sunglasses 

Sebastian the Lamb // Happy Hunt Game // Chalk // Bath Wash 

Space Umbrella // Swim Trunks // Chocolate Bunny

Flip Flops // Lovely Beasts // Easter Egg Bath Bomb 

Gift Guide for Little Guys

I'm so excited to share with you this year's gift guide for little guys - aka. Jacob's wishlist. We're really trying to cut back on toys this year and zone in on things that he loves and will help him with his preschool development. His big Santa gift this year is his RC monster truck which you can read more about HERE. 

ONE. (For the kid with a sense of humor) Jacob comes home from preschool almost every day with a joke that he thinks is hilarious. This book is full of fun new jokes to add to his repertoire. 

TWO. (For the kid who likes to pretend) These dragon wings are so fun with that spiky tail, but we also love this lumberjack set, superhero set, and fireman gear.

THREE. (For the kid who needs some fine motor help) I remember playing with Lite-Brite as a little girl and I know Jacob will like it too. It's awesome muscle work for little hands picking up those little pegs and placing them in the holes to make pictures.

FOUR. (For the kid who loves art) I love this classic wood easel mostly because it comes with a paper roll attached so I don't have to spend all day cleaning off dry erase marker. Replacement rolls are also available.

FIVE. (For the kid who wants to be a fireman) This two story house comes with firemen, a fire truck, helicopter, and accessories. Think dollhouse for boys.

SIX. (For the kid who loves to build) Jacob loves building with this duplo legos and I'm sure he'll continue to do so for quite some time.  The juniors line is one step up with smaller pieces and easy to put together sets. (also great for fine motor!)

SEVEN. (For the kid who's afraid of the dark) Those toddler/preschool years seem to come with their own set of challenges and fears. Jacob's recently found himself afraid of the dark, so we picked up this little owl that lets off a soft glow, projects stars, and even plays music or nature sounds.

EIGHT. (For the kid on the move) We reviewed the Huffy RC Monster Truck HERE and then promptly put it away as Jacob's big "Santa" gift. It can be used as a remote controlled car or kids can ride on it. Two toys in one!!

If you haven't figured it out yet - Jacob is all of these kids. He would be thrilled with these gifts and I know your little guys would be too! What do your little ones want for Christmas?

Gift Guide

It's always so much fun putting together a gift guide each year. Jacob's getting older and smarter and he loves learning new things. He still plays with some of last year's picks quite a bit, especially his micro mini scooter, his radio flyer tricycle, and his big train set. This year I searched high and low for educational toys that would challenge him. We also stocked up on some board games (we learned he likes those during the hurricane!), some warm clothes for our annual Michigan trip, books, and his big Santa gift - his tool work bench.

ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE // SIX // SEVEN // EIGHT // NINE // TEN // ELEVEN 

Less than two weeks until Christmas, and Hanukkah starts tonight! Happy shopping friends!!!

Easter Basket Goodies

I always love when a new holiday rolls around, especially now that we have Jacob to share in the fun. I love seeing the wonder in his eyes, and making those days magical for him. Easter is no exception. Truth be told, we go a little overboard come Easter. I blame our Easter basket which came about four sizes larger than I was expecting. I don't beat myself up too much, because I try to fill it with things he would need anyways. Instead of giving items to him as I purchase them, I save them up for a few months and then fill up the 'ol Easter basket. Here are some of the thing's we've gathered to fill his basket this year:

Something for bedtime: I almost always pick up a new pair of jammies for Jacob's basket. With summer quickly approaching I love to stock up on the shorties PJs from gap, old navy, carter's and gymboree. 

Something for mealtime: A friend introduced me to these Dinner Winner Plates. You fill each section with some food and then hide a small prize or treat at the end. Your child eats their way through the board (like a game) in order to get their treat at the end. Genius! 

Something practical: We've been trying for quite some time to teach/train Jacob to sleep in just a little bit later. We're not asking for a whole lot - we just want him to get up no earlier than 7 am. I've heard amazing things about the OK to Wake Clock, and we're excited to try it out. If there's one thing Jacob definitely understands, it's "green means go."

Something to read: Are all toddlers book lovers? Or just mine? We picked up "Oh my Oh my Oh Dinosaurs" for him as well as "Pete the Cat: Old MacDonald had a Farm."

Something for the pool: Jake is doing AH-MAZING at swim class now that he's moved up to the big boy class with coach and no more mommy and daddy. We've noticed that swimming down to the bottom of the pool to retrieve dive sticks and rings is one of his favorite parts of the class.I picked up these Jolly Jellyfish Sinkers, which I know he'll love using in our pool. 

Something for the beach: Besides chasing the waves, Jacob's favorite thing to do at the beach is have an adult build him a sand castle, and then stomp it to smithereens. With this brick and trowel set we'll be able to build even more elaborate castles for him to destroy. We also have the Seaside Baking Set, which is our favorite beach set, as well as the Clicker Crab pail and shovel. The entire Melissa and Doug beach line is durable and adorable. 

Something to eat: Besides his Easter eggs, which we'll fill with fruit snacks, puffs, goldfish, and other small treats, I picked up these Lindt mini frogs. Jacob loves anything chocolate and I know he'll get a kick out of the fact that they're frogs! Every Easter basket needs something sweet, even if your kiddo will have plenty of help eating it!

Something to watch: We have been waiting for forever (feels like it at least) for SING! to come out on video! It was the first movie little man saw in the theater and he LOVED it. We'll be watching this on repeat for months to come, which I am totally ok with. I can only take so much Polar Express which we have been watching on repeat since DECEMBER.

Hope this round up gives you a few ideas and that you have fun putting together baskets for your little ones! Happy spring friends, XO.

Stocking Stuffers: Toddler Boys

The stocking has to be my very favorite Christmas morning tradition. As a kid I loved sitting crowded on the couch with my siblings getting to open our stockings, full of all kinds of little treasures, before moving on to bigger presents. Now as a mommy I get so much joy out of picking small toys, snacks, and crafts for Jacob and seeing how much I can stuff in there before it overflows! Here are some of my favorite picks, most of which are already stuffed into Jacob's Stocking! 

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