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The Book Every Child Should Own (And How to Get a Free Copy )

December 4, 2016 · by Tiffany Merritt · 1 Comment

Friends this year a book was released by Barefoot Books that they called their most important publication since the company was founded over 24 years ago. That’s some seriously high praise for a book, so of course I needed to check out the title, called The Barefoot Book of Children, for myself. I am not exaggerating when I say that before I even got to the end of the book tears were flowing down my face because I was so very moved by the beauty displayed on the pages. In a world that keeps getting smaller but doesn’t always seem to be getting kinder, books for children that highlight diversity and inclusivity are sorely needed treasures, and this book does an exemplary job of making every child who reads it feel represented. 

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If you are struggling to find a quality book that can help you kickstart important conversations that children are quite curious about (such as matters of difference they observe), The Barefoot Book of Children is absolutely fantastic for this purpose, showcasing differences in appearances, beliefs and lifestyles, all while keeping children engaged but not forced in any particular directions so that questions can organically be brought forth based on what a child might notice and take interest in during a particular reading (the illustrations are so rich with content that you can get through MANY different readings and get new questions or comments from your child each time).

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Caryl Stern, the President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, has this to say about the book:

“The Barefoot Book of Children is a colorful and hopeful celebration of childhood. It takes its readers on a visual trek across the globe, where they discover that – despite our different clothes and home and languages – we are more alike than different. More than just an exploration of our commonalities, The Barefoot Book of Children is an affirmation of our inherent dignity as human beings.” 

The pages are colorful, inviting, and truly delightful to children and the adults reading with them. In short, I cannot say enough great things about this book and I believe it is worthy of shelf space in every single home.

The Barefoot Book of Children sells for $19.99 and in my opinion is worth more than twice that price, but right now (the month of December 2016) you can get a copy absolutely free with your purchase of $50 or more from Barefoot Books by using code WARMHEART at checkout. You could make your life super easy and just order 3 copies of the book and get a fourth copy free, or if you’d like some suggestions, please reach out to me at stuffparentsneed (at) gmail (dot) com as I would be delighted to help you put together a great set of books for a child or children on your shopping list. And if you happen to be reading this in 2017 or beyond but you sure would like to have a free copy of this book, reach out to me and we can figure out a way to get one in your hands!

Filed Under: My Favorite Finds, Parenting, Popular Post · Tagged: barefoot books, childrens books, The Barefoot Book of Children

Celebrating a Season of Kindness: Fun Topics for Discussion at the Holiday Table

November 22, 2016 · by Tiffany Merritt · 1 Comment

Thanks to La Petite Academy for partnering with me today to bring you helpful content. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Holiday family gatherings are something most people look forward to, but also something that some people feel quite nervous about, because topics of discussion can quickly become divisive. I feel as though this holiday season, worry and angst is so palpable  and opinions are so divided on issues that the thought of coming together during the holidays with folks who think differently might be a bit too much to handle.

Could I offer a suggestion? This is a perfect opportunity to focus on the children who will be at these gatherings and to ask them some great questions. In fact, we can ask the adults some of these same questions in order to focus more on getting to know each other better and sticking to topics that will be fun for everyone.

La Petite Academy has actually released an AWESOME free pdf that has so many great questions you can ask kids (or even adults) when you gather together with them. In a few days my nephew will be visiting our family, along with a girl who will become my new niece (hopefully next year!). I cannot wait to spend some quality time with both of them and engage in some really good talk that helps them feel included as also helps them feel important, because of course they are!

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You don’t have to save these great questions for a special event, either. Print them off and keep them on your dining room table, and then pick one or two questions for your entire family to answer over dinner together. If you don’t usually eat dinner together, now you’ve got the perfect excuse to gather around the table and get to know each other better.

By asking kids questions, we teach them important communication skills and help build their confidence as speakers and as listeners. And by including them in the conversations happening around them, we give them a sense of belonging. Should the conversations turn to more difficult subject matters, take a moment to prepare by reading this great article on talking about difficult subjects with your children. While you are on that page, note that La Petite Academy has a plethora of great parenting articles that can be helpful. They are definitely worth a look!

La Petite Academy is an early education program found all across the country, and it is completely unlike a traditional daycare setting, because a strong curriculum is in place, inspired by STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).  Each child is given opportunities to be a natural learner and to hone in on those important communication skills. Give La Petite Academy a close look if you are in need of an early education opportunity for your child, or share it if you know someone who is looking.

Have a beautiful Thanksgiving and a wonderful holiday season filled with great conversations!

 

Filed Under: Parenting · Tagged: holiday discussion ideas, holiday table topics, la petite academy

My Early Christmas Present: A Drinking Water Filtration System for My Home

November 16, 2016 · by Tiffany Merritt · 1 Comment

Affiliate links may be included at no cost to you. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

This year the item that has been at the tippy top of my gift wish list is a home drinking water filtration system. Yup, I’m one wild and crazy party animal over here, wanting to get down with some clean water all day and all night. Don’t be embarrassed if you can’t hang with someone who slays like me. It can be tough to keep up, I know.

So…yeah….I want clean water. And I want it BAD. We’ve had a filtering pitcher for a long while in our home and honestly, it’s just not working out that great. We leave it out on accident (then the water isn’t cold) or we forget to refill it (and it’s a smaller pitcher, so it’s needs to be refilled after every other use). And when we are just getting back from a grocery store trip, it gets the boot to make room for all the stuff that has just been purchased.

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It is time for a system that makes more sense for my family. We need filtered water on demand, as in, coming out of our faucet! Aquasana is a company that I researched quite a bit and really liked, and I was honestly relieved to see that with Aquasana, the price point for an under-the-sink drinking water filtration system is surprisingly affordable (it’s currently listed at $199).

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Aquasana sent us a 3 Stage Under Counter System to install in our kitchen. This system does NOT require a professional for installation, with one important caveat: if you have a granite counter-top, like we do, you may not already have a hole in place for a filtered water faucet. In this case, contact a granite company (I called the folks who installed our counters) and they will come out and drill a hole for you for a nominal fee. Do not ask your plumber to do this because you need someone who knows exactly what they are doing and has the right tools. Otherwise you are risking having your granite get cracked, and that is not good!

After we had the hole drilled, my husband was able to follow the instructions and get the system installed in about 45 minutes. Through reading the included materials, we were pleased to learn that it comes with a one year warranty. Anytime you purchase something like this it’s good to know that the company stands behind the product!
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How It Works

So how does this 3 stage system actually work? When you turn on your faucet, the water will flow from the pipe through the first filter of activated carbon. This steps get rid of A LOT of things that you don’t really want to drink. It is highly effective! Step 2 is an ion exchange filter. This stage catches some unwanted metals, as well as micro-pollutants that step 1 didn’t cover. Step 3 is a sub-micron filter that pretty much bats clean up and can catch particles and nasty components as small as .35 microns in size. These 3 filters, when working together, have been shown to reduce up to 97% of pesticides, VOCs, herbicides, lead, mercury and cysts that have been found in water. At the same time, important naturally occurring minerals are actually left in (calcium, magnesium and potassium). These results have been certified by both the National Public Health and Safety Organization and the American National Standards Institute.

Obviously filters are going to need to be replaced and if there was a workaround for this, I’d prefer that route because let’s face it, I need things to be EASY and I don’t like the idea of adding one more thing to remember and one more thing to buy to my list. But fortunately an alert light will display on the system to let you know when a filter is in need of replacement, so I don’t have to rely on myself to remember (because I wouldn’t remember, plain and simple).

I haven’t yet replaced a filter, of course, but it does look easy and doesn’t require any special tools. So when my filters come in the mail (because obviously I’ll be ordering online and NOT going to a store…just sayin’) I’ll be able to change them out on the spot. A filter is designed to last 6 months/500 gallons. A set of 3 replacement filters costs $64.99, but there is a discount offered if you sign up for automatic shipments every six months. It’s not exactly cheap, but I was already paying for charcoal filters for my water bottles, so I like this option better.

Can You Tell a Difference?
My husband and I each did blind taste tests on the other, where we put the filtered water in one glass and regular tap water in the other. We both correctly identified the filtered water because it most definitely did taste better. Success!

If you are tired of drinking water that doesn’t taste good, think about asking for Aquasana this year as a holiday gift. I’m absolutely thrilled with mine and am so glad I went for it.

Filed Under: My Favorite Finds · Tagged: best drinking water filtration system, best drinking water filtration systems, drinking water filtration systems home, drinking water filtration systems reviews, faucet water filtration systems, faucet water purification systems, home drinking water filtration system, home drinking water filtration systems, undersink drinking water filtration systems

How to Prepare for Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life

November 14, 2016 · by Tiffany Merritt · 2 Comments

I am a Netflix Stream Team member, and as such I receive complimentary streaming services. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

As you are probably aware, Netflix is releasing a follow-up of the much-loved show Gilmore Girls on November 25th, the day after Thanksgiving, which is the coziest day of the year, in my opinion. Perfect timing!

But are you one of the people who has never watched Gilmore Girls? No need to be embarrassed. I’ll let you in on a little secret: this time last year I’d never watched it, either. I remembered it vaguely from my college days, and at that time I just thought all that ultra-witty banter between a mother and daughter who were much more like besties than family to be weird and unrealistic.

But earlier this year I decided to give it another try, and I just loved it! It was funny, sweet, and even rough in some spots. But I’m so glad I gave it a second chance. If you have never watched it or if you dismissed it, you’ve got time to give it another go. I have some suggestions for you to get you ready for the new release. And if you are a total Gilmore Gal, I’ve even got some suggestions for you!

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  1. Watch or Re-watch Seasons 1-7

Has it been more than a year since you watched some episodes? Take the time to tune back in to some of your favorite episodes. If you starting from scratch, go ahead and get started! Unless you can take the next week off from work for this endeavor, you won’t be able to get through all 7 seasons in time, but honestly, that’s the great thing about Netflix Instant. The new show will be there when you are ready! 🙂

2. Dig a Little Deeper

Now that you know everything about seasons 1-7, dig a little deeper and learn what you don’t already know! Go online to find some great little known facts like these and these.

3. Gather Your Fellow Gilmore Girls

It would be a travesty to watch the new episodes all by yourself, so be sure to gather together your fellow fans and watch together. I LOVE these great ideas for how to throw the perfect viewing party!

4. Prepare Some Festive Food and Drink

A Gilmore Girls viewing is just not right if there aren’t yummy foods and drinks involved, and usually in copious amounts! Here are some great suggestions for themed drinks and the food you must have at hand.

5. Extra Credit: Get Your Read On

There are 369 books that are referenced or seen during seasons 1-7. If you want to truly channel your inner Rory, hit the books and start reading! Here’s the exhaustive list for you!

Filed Under: Fun Things To Do · Tagged: gilmore girls

The Best Tech Gifts Under $50

November 10, 2016 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

Affiliate links may be included at no cost to you. All thoughts and opinions on the best tech gifts under $50 are my own. 

If you have someone on your gift list between the ages of 12 and 40, then you have a 100% chance of having someone on your list who would love some sort of tech gift this year. I wanted to help make this a bit easier for you (and for your wallet) and show some of my very favorite finds that will be well-received. I either already own these things, myself, or would love to have them! Happy shopping!

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  1. Extra Phone Cords

I need approximately 20 of these because I seem to lose one every other week, even though I never go anywhere. They are the socks of the 21st century, I suppose. Anyone on your holiday list could use more of these, promise.

2. Netflix Gift Card

Did you know you could pay for a portion of your loved ones Netflix obsession subscription? Yes, indeed! Every dollar helps the techie you love binge with glee, commercial-free.

3. Wireless Headphones

It’s time to ditch the wires for good. I absolutely LOVE having wireless headphones during my workout time. Game-changer!

4. Phone Lenses

Everyone uses their phones now as their cameras, as well. Limelens can help take it up a notch by providing some specialty lenses. These are SO much fun to play around with and the price point is just right!

5. Amazon Echo Dot

These are so affordable and shockingly helpful. We ask our Echo each and every morning for a weather update and for a state of the world via flash briefings. I am hoping for one of these under the tree so that we can hear from Alexa in other rooms in our house, now!

6. Phone Holder for the Car

This is an absolute MUST have for folks. It removes the temptation to fiddle with your phone in the car. Hands-free is where it’s at, and it’s also MUCH safer for everyone!

7. Wireless Home Video Surveillance

We used to spend $36/month to have a home security system. This is a MUCH more affordable route and we use our Izon any time we are away and still have lots of peace of mind!

8. Key Finder

Where have you been all my life??? Probably the same place as my keys! 😉 Super cool and super useful gift!

9. Electric Toothbrush

Adding technology to a toothbrush might sound like overkill, but it’s AWESOME! You get a superior cleaning, plain and simple.

10. Ipad Keyboard Case

We LOVE this device! It protects the iPad just like a regular case, but it also turns it into a laptop thanks to the keyboard inside. What a nifty way to get some extra mileage out of your tablet!

Filed Under: My Favorite Finds · Tagged: best christmas gifts under 50 dollars, best electronic gifts under 50, best tech gifts under 50, christmas gifts under 50 dollars, electronic gifts under 50, tech gifts under 50, tech gifts under 50 dollars, top gifts under 50, top gifts under 50 dollars

Time to Mangia: Lessons to Learn from Italian Dinner Tables

November 9, 2016 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

Compensation was provided by Bertolli Frozen Meals. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Bertolli Frozen Meals.  #BertolliMangia

I think one of the things that we Americans tend to pride ourselves on is just how busy we are. Sure, we like to complain about it, but we also like to keep our to do lists out of control, because heaven forbid we lose the busy contest that we play with our friends every single day (at least I know I’m guilty of this on the regular).

But being so busy also means that stress is high and that the ability to focus and be present is quite tough. I’m often thinking one or two items ahead on my list, and that’s such a shame, because I’m missing out on some great opportunities to make memories just enjoy life. Dinner is a constant area of struggle for me, because I believe it’s important to eat good, nourishing food and it’s important to sit down as a family, but just the act of having to make the meal can take an hour of my day, and I can’t tell you how many times that has resulted in me eating my dinner alone and working through emails instead of being with my people at the table, where I should be.

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My husband and I were just talking about this quandary and the difficulty I have striking the balance between making the time for cooking and making the time for family. Fast food doesn’t have to be the crutch, after all. I can keep the meals very simple by pairing a yummy skillet meal with some fruit and a fresh salad. It can be all done in 15 minutes which helps me sit down at the table without nervously watching the clock. Instead, I can “mangia” with my favorite people on earth.

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“Mangia” is a direct way of saying, “Let’s eat!” in Italian. In addition to some awesome new vocabulary, Italians have a few other cool things to teach us busy Americans about how to come together at the dinner table as a family. For example, 84 percent of Italians eat at the table with family, compared to just 31 percent of Americans. Italians are also twice as likely to set the table before the meal, which in my opinion is a great ritual of setting intention.

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Yesterday I went to our nearest store and bought a table cloth for our table, which was a very simple gesture that immediately helped our lunch together feel more special. My youngest child set the table and I made a quick salad while stirring the Bertolli Classic Meal (Chicken Florentine & Farfalle) while it heated up on the stove for just 11 minutes. I also set some Parmesan cheese and some blueberries on the table. It was super easy, super delicious, and it was the best family meal we have had in quite some time.

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By focusing on fresh, simple ingredients and finding a great dish that came together quickly in my skillet, I was able to make meal prep not a burden and I made meal time something to be savored instead of rushed through. What a refreshing change! bertolli-2

If you’d like to eat like an Italian and have quick meals with real ingredients more frequently in your home, check out all the great varieties from which to choose. And if you want more inspiration on how to create a spirit of “mangia” in your home, check out these ideas.

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Filed Under: The Kitchen · Tagged: dinner, family dinner, italian meals

Kids Hair Salon Toys: My Top Picks

November 7, 2016 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

My 4-year-old absolutely loves to sit her daddy down on the floor and “make him handsome” by brushing out his hair, spraying it down with her little water bottle as she goes to keep it looking nice and smooth. It occurred to me as I watched her do this one day that she is in the height of her pretend play season of life, and that I could easily help support her imagination by providing a few key props. I set out on a quest for great kids hair salon toys and decided to put this list together since the search actually wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be! I hope it helps you as you look for great beauty shop toys!

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1. Beauty Salon Playset

American Plastic Toys sent us this play set last week and it has been played with every single day. There are a few other salon stations on the market but I prefer this particular one because it is simple in its overall design. The child isn’t supposed to get lost in the details of this particular set, but to use it as the backdrop for whatever her imagination creates. I’ve seen Layah get herself ready for the ball, open a dog grooming station, and experiment with new hair colors (in her mind!) by offering hair coloring services in her sink. She isn’t distracted by a particular theme put upon her by the salon ( as opposed to this set, which looks super cool at first glance, but is actually too limiting on the imagination), and so she just plays and plays and lets her play move organically.  I thought the cell phone was an odd inclusion in the set, but Layah seemed to know what to do with it! She takes appointment calls and asks her clients to “text her.” Ha! On the parent side of things, I can tell you that this takes about half an hour to assemble and there are a few tricky parts (be sure not to install the light switch backwards!).

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2. Cosmetology Doll

I recommend going straight to the mannequins used at cosmetology school for the ultimate in hair styling fun. I’m going to get something like this (there are many colors to choose from and prices seem to stay under $30, typically). These just have much more hair to play with than the toy hairdressing dolls you can find on the shelves of toy departments.

3. Toy Hairdressing Dolls (for Younger Children)

If you are shopping for a 2 or 3-year-old who might be overwhelmed by 29 inches of hair on a mannequin, there are a ton of toy hairdressing dolls from which to choose. You can go with a licensed character like a princess (Rapunzel, Elsa, Ariel) or Barbie, or you can stick to something more generic. Be sure to read reviews from previous purchasers to get a sense for how good the quality is before you buy.

4. Hair Stylist Apron

Love this smock that your child can wear while she works! The pockets to hold styling tools are very helpful. I wish it came in colors other than pink and purple, but so it goes.

5. Hair Cutting Cape

There are quite a few child-size hair cutting capes priced just under $10, and this one is my personal favorite. This can add to the fun when siblings are playing together or if your child is having a playdate. Even large stuffed animals can get this draped around them while the hair stylist works her magic!

6. Clip On Hair Extensions

Find some very easy clip on hair extensions that your little hair dresser can add to her dolls, herself and her friends. I really love the pop of color on these.

7. Spray Bottle

Every good hair stylist needs a great spray bottle. The last time I got my hair done the stylist used a misting bottle and I thought it was SO cool. I recommend going for this style (the price is under $10) but if you want to keep it as thrifty as possible, this one is pretty cute.

8. Neck Duster

After the pretend hair cut is finished, the stylist needs to use a neck duster to get all the stray hair clippings off her client’s face and neck. This one will do the trick and it’s priced right!

9. Clear Hair Ties

As your child creates awesome braids and styles, she will need some tools to hold those styles in place. Clear hair ties are the way to go, and I like this pack because it has a variety of sizes.

10. Sectioning Clips

Hair styling professionals use these as they work on hair, section by section. This is a great tool for your child to use to help her divvy out the work before her!

Filed Under: General · Tagged: beauty shop toys, beauty shop toys girls, girls hair salon toy, hair salon pretend play, hair salon toy set, hair salon toys girls, kids hair salon toy, kids hair salon toys, kids toy beauty salon, toy beauty shop kids, toy hair salon kids, toy hair salon playset, toy hair salon set

ROAR! The Best Dinosaur Gift Ideas for Toddlers and Preschoolers

November 4, 2016 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

Affiliate links for these cool dinosaur gifts may be included at no cost to you. 

Do you have a little one on your gift list who LOVES dinosaurs? Let me help you out with some fantastic gift ideas that you might not be able to find at your nearest big box store but that are easy to pick up online and that will be cause quite a roar of approval from the recipient!

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  1. Dinosaur Comb

Little ones are starting to learn about self care, including brushing their own hair. Make it fun with this cute fold-over comb!

2. Dinosaur Plush

There is no shortage of adorable plush dinosaurs, so take your pick from a variety of sizes, styles and price points. My top pick is this large T-Rex plush. It has great colors and kids will love the size!

3. Dinosaur Cooperative Board Game

This is a PERFECT way for older toddlers and preschoolers to be introduced to board games, because players actually work together to win! My kids love this game because it’s fun to race around the board trying to find all of the dinosaurs hidden before the volcano explodes. My youngest was fully able to participate at just 2 years old. Highly recommend!

4. Dinosaur Backpack

Amp up the fun level of day care or preschool with this backpack that will instantly transform your kid into a little dino!

5. Dinosaur Wall Mural

Wall stickers are such a cool way to dramatically change how a room looks with very little effort (or expense!). Check out this T-Rex busting through a room. Probably best suited for the more adventurous dino lover who isn’t easily scared. 🙂

6. Dinosaur Rap

This brand new singalong is SO fun! It comes with a CD to play on car trips and with a music video to watch and stomp along to. Toddlers and preschoolers need plenty of opportunities to MOVE, and that’s exactly what this book will help them do. It’s fantastic and will be well-loved!

7. Dinosaur Hooded Towel

Little ones can be hit or miss about bath time, but if you can turn them into a Bathasaurus then your odds go WAY up of them happily hopping into the tub so they can use this awesome hooded towel when clean up time is over! So cute!!!

8. Dinosaur Storage Box

The odds are good that your little dinosaur fan already has a bunch of dino figures to play with, so instead of getting more of those, go for something awesome to store them in (mom and dad will thank you for it!). How cool is this box?!

9. Dinosaur Hand Puppet

For the younger kids, hand puppets are a delightful toy during play time and even during story time to help hold attention and bring a story to life. I love the Pteranodon and the little T-Rex puppets offered by Barefoot Books.

10. Dinosaur Claws

Pretend Play is HUGE with this age range, so help them out with these cool Velociraptor claws! Love that price point, too!

11. Dinosaur Stamp Set

Arts and crafts can now include dinosaurs! This is an especially good gift if you are struggling to get your little one involved in art time. By including something s/he loves into the project, the odds of participating go up dramatically!

12. Dinosaur Board Book

Another great dinosaur book for the younger ones is I Dreamt I Was a Dinosaur. It has great vocabulary (lots of dino names!) and the pages can withstand those toddler hands!

13. Dinosaur Bubble Maker

Bubbles + dinosaurs = VERY happy kids! This idea is such a winner!

14. Dinosaur Excavation Kit

For the preschoolers, this is a great way to let them try out the world of paleontology. These kits are SO fun and quite reasonably priced, too.

15. Dinosaur Cookie Cutters

The perfect gift for the little chef or for the Play-Doh fan (my kids LOVE to use cookie cutters when playing with play-doh!).

16. Dinosaur Stickers

Stickers are well-loved by this age group. Peeling them off is excellent for their motor skills and pre-handwriting muscle development. Plus, these are super awesome!

17. Dinosaur Play Mat

This scene has everything a kid wants when creating a world for dinosaurs. Love the lava pit, especially! And parents will love that this gift can easily be rolled up and stored away when not in use.

18. Dinosaur Puzzle

What I love about this block puzzle set, besides the fact that it is so sturdy in its construction, is the fact that there are 6 puzzles in total, which ensures that your little one won’t get bored with this gift quickly. Great design and a great way to introduce your kid to the world of puzzles!

19. Dinosaur Knives

These are technically cheese spreaders, but I see them as great practice knives and practice spreaders. These are so useful in helping kids learn how to spread their own peanut butter or jelly and they can be quite fun when working with Play-Doh, too!

20. Dinosaur Glow-in-the-Dark

Love these stick-ons that can go on the walls, on the ceiling, or anywhere your child wants to stick them. They double as a little night light, of sorts, which can really help out at bedtime!

 

Have any other dinosaur gift ideas for toddlers or preschoolers? Let’s hear about it! Leave a comment with your gift suggestion.

Filed Under: My Favorite Finds · Tagged: best dinosaur gifts, cool dinosaur gifts, dinosaur gift ideas, dinosaur gift ideas kids, dinosaur gifts children, dinosaur gifts kids, dinosaurs toys toddlers, kids dinosaur gifts, top dinosaur toys, unique dinosaur gifts, unique dinosaur gifts kids

Trolls Toys: The Top Picks

November 3, 2016 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

Trolls is releasing in theaters tomorrow!!! My kids have been seeing previews for this fun new animated feature since early summer, so we are excited to be having a family movie theater date very soon.

One of the ways I like to build up the excitement for a new feature film is to pick up a few related toys. Hasbro sent along a few different items and I packed them up in the trunk of my car, unbeknownst to my kiddos, and took them on our fall family vacation last weekend to the Cherokee National Forest. We were able to get out in the woods ahead of our kids and hide some Trolls in the forest for them to find. Can you spy one in this shot? I snapped it just a second after my youngest spotted him and started toward her new friend!

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Y’all….that was some SERIOUS fun for all of us! The kids were already having a great time being out in nature, and about 10 minutes into our journey the first sighting occurred, and they went absolutely nuts. I very highly recommend doing something like this if you are able…what memories we made!

Ok, so let’s talk about the hot Trolls toys for the season. Kids are going to be so thrilled to see these cute items under the tree this year! The toy that is getting the most “tote around” time with my kids is definitely the Hug Time Poppy Doll. She’s 14 inches and comes with a bracelet for your child to wear that lights up and causes the doll to sing and talk. BIG hit!

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The Glitterific Guy Diamond Doll is usually played with at the same time, and these 2 dolls will be what the girls choose to take with them to the movies for the big viewing party. The key difference with this doll is that he doesn’t light up or talk. He does, however, come with some rockin’ sunglasses.

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If your kids are more into miniature figures, there is no shortage of great Trolls options! I highly suggest putting some Blind Bag Assortment packs in a stocking this year. There are 24 different Trolls figures and you won’t know which one you got until you open it.

You can also check out the Multi-Pack Assortments which each come with 4 Trolls figures. These are dressed to impress and have awesome hair, too!

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And to put all those mini figures in context, you need a play set. Check out Poppy’s Coronation Pod Playset so your kids can recreate the moment when Poppy becomes the queen, complete with a light-up spinning dance floor.

coronation-pod-2

 

If your kid likes softer toys, you’ll also find an assortment of plush options to love on, too.  Our favorite is Harper. Can’t wait to learn more about her story when we watch the movie; she seems like quite a character!

harper

Basically the Trolls toy options this year are seriously on point and available at a multitude of price ranges, from $2.99 up to $49.99. Which ones will your kids want?

trolls-6

Filed Under: My Favorite Finds · Tagged: best toys, gift ideas, trolls movie, trolls toys

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Grab your beverage of choice (mine is iced coffee) and let's hang out for a spell! I'm Tiffany, and I've rambunctious little girls and a fierce desire to share any tip and trick I can find to make lives with little ones a bit less hectic and a lot more fun. [Read more...]

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