10 Splurge-Worthy Keepsake Baby Gifts

by Whitney C. HarrisOctober 24, 2023

Looking to pick out the perfect baby gift? There’s no shortage of adorable items to choose from. But if you’re angling for something upscale that really makes an impact at that baby shower, first birthday, or holiday, these splurgy keepsake baby gifts are ones that mom and her babe will cherish.

Savor Baby Edition Keepsake Box
What parent doesn’t want a better way to keep track of baby’s sweetest memories? Savor’s Baby Edition Keepsake Box is an organizing system that keeps everything protected and easily accessible with the help of nine drawers, eight vertical files for cherished paper artifacts like sonograms, letters, and birth announcements, and 50+ illustrated labels. Parents can keep track of the first four years of their child’s life, from the hospital blanket to baby’s first tooth to that first haircut, along with other treasured items.

Savor Baby Edition Keepsake Box ($54.99)—Buy Here!

Uncommon Goods' personalized woodland nursery pillow is one of our splurge-worthy baby keepsake gifts

Personalized Woodland Nursery Pillow
This comfy cotton pillow sprinkles the details of baby’s arrival amid a whimsical mix of plants, mushrooms, and woodland critters like deer, squirrels, and bunnies. If you don’t know all the details of your giftee’s birth (date, weight, length, birthplace, and time of birth), no sweat—those spaces can be filled in with additional illustrations. It’s the perfect addition to storytime in any nursery.

Personalized Woodland Nursery Pillow ($120.00)—Buy Here!

The Elsa Peretti bubble blower from Tiffany & Co. is one of our splurge-worthy keepsake baby gifts

Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Padova Bubble Blower
You can practically hear children’s laughter on a summer day upon unboxing this darling silver bubble wand. A wonderful baby shower gift, the design has a signature Elsa Peretti design and can be engraved for personalization.

Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Padova Bubble Blower ($150.00)—Buy Here!

Butterscotch Blankees Metallic Classic Monogram Stroller Blanket
For a gift that baby will use day after day, this super-soft and cozy blanket comes in nearly 30 different colors to match all tastes. Take it from the nursery to the stroller to the car and beyond for constant comfort on all those baby-led adventures. Personalize it with a monogram and send it soon after baby’s arrival.

Butterscotch Blankees Metallic Classic Monogram Stroller Blanket ($95.00)—Buy Here!

vera wang wedgwood piggy bank is one of our splurge-worthy keepsake baby gifts

Vera Wang Wedgwood Infinity Baby Piggy Bank
Baby’s first bank should be precious and timeless, and what’s more timeless than a piggy? This sweet treasury by acclaimed designer Vera Wang fits the bill with its simple yet sculptural silhouette and an infinity detail around the waist. Like all of her creations, the Infinity Baby Piggy Bank is a classic for contemporary tastes.

Vera Wang Wedgwood Infinity Baby Piggy Bank ($100.00)—Buy Here!

Artifact Uprising Baby Book | The Story of You
From picking baby’s name to favorite books and songs, this baby book prompts parents to write down every important detail. With 100 pages to fill and nearly 50 spots for family photos, it’s a highly interactive photo journal that aptly documents a child’s life to be thumbed through and pored over for years to come. And it fits many family structures, including single parents, adopted children, and same-sex parents.

Artifact Uprising Baby Book | The Story of You ($99.00)—Buy Here!

Michael Aram Bunny Cup with Spoon Set
Handcrafted by American artist Michael Aram, this cup and spoon set calls upon the wonder and innocence of childhood with subtle whimsy and elegance. Made of stainless steel and silver-plated metal, this sweet set will stand the test of time, and, like children themselves, no two are exactly alike because they’re made by hand.

Michael Aram Bunny Cup with Spoon Set ($105.00)—Buy Here!

Beadifulbaby Engravable Silver Baby Bangle Bracelet
A gift of jewelry will always be remembered, especially a child’s first bracelet as a permanent record of that unimaginably tiny wrist. This lovely, high-polished sterling silver rhodium bracelet is made in the USA and can be personalized with a little one’s initials or full name. While this piece of jewelry cannot grow with baby, it makes for a darling gift that can be passed down to future generations.

Beadifulbaby Engravable Silver Baby Bangle Bracelet ($210.00)—Buy Here!

Write to Me | Baby – First Year of You Journal
Inspire any new parent to notice the little things with the gift of this beautiful First Year of You journal. There’s plenty of room for taking note of moments both big and small, with cues to include milestones like first steps, first Christmas and first haircut. The natural linen, gender-neutral design with gold embossing is fitting for just about any family and it’s all made with forest-free paper.

Write to Me | Baby – First Year of You Journal (66.95)—Buy Here!

Reed & Barton Jungle Parade Silverplate Photo Frame
A classic silver frame gets a colorful upgrade with Reed & Barton’s Jungle Parade. This adorable 4×6 picture holder would look positively sweet in any boy or girl’s nursery, and it can be used to display a family photo from your latest adventures. To up the gift factor, personalize it for an extra $9.95.

Reed & Barton Jungle Parade Silverplate Photo Frame ($65.oo)—Buy Here!

—Taylor Clifton, Whitney C. Harris, & Jessica Payne

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

75+ Ways to Be Kinder, Starting Now

by Amber GuetebierFebruary 27, 2023

Acts of kindness can be small gestures or big efforts, and they’re all important

Kids are naturally compassionate, so why not take a few minutes today (and every day) to foster that inherent kindness? From simple gestures like giving up your seat on the bus to giving your kids’ teacher a “just because” gift, we’ve found over 75 simple acts of kindness that’ll allow you and the kids to pay it forward.

1. Offer to pick up groceries for an at-risk or elderly neighbor.

2. Compliment a stranger.

3. Collect your child’s old books that they no longer read and donate them to a children’s center, shelter, or local library.

4. Pay the bridge toll of the person behind you.

5. Bring flowers to a coworker or friend.

6. Carry someone’s groceries to their car for them.

7. Send a friend a positive text.

8. Ask a stranger how they are feeling today, and actually listen to the answer.

9. Bake cookies and deliver them to the local fire or police station.

10. Leave a big tip for a server or delivery person.

11. Make sandwiches and distribute them to the homeless in your neighborhood.

12. Help a senior cross the street.

13. Give up your seat on the bus.

14. Deliver a meal or a potted plant to a random neighbor.

15. Make a kindness calendar with the kids!

16. Donate dog or cat food to the local animal shelter (call to ask them what brands they need). Many shelters want and need old blankets and towels as well.

17. Send a postcard to someone you love, even if they live nearby (or in the same house!).

18. Make a donation of a birthday box to a local food shelter: include items like cake mixes, frosting, candles, balloons, and party hats.

19. If it’s a hot day, hand out cold bottles of water.

20. If it’s raining, share your umbrella for a few blocks.

21. Make kindness cards from drawings and paintings of kids’ art. Drop a few by the nearest senior center and ask if they can use them for anyone who needs a bit of cheer.

22. Pick up trash off the street.

23. Call an old friend or relative.

24. Thank a teacher.

25. Host a bake sale to end child hunger.

26. Spring for coffee and donuts for your co-workers.

27. Head to the park with some chalk and write sweet messages to the world.

28. Make a thank you card for the postal worker who delivers your mail.

29. Give thanks for everyday things, not just big acts or gifts. “Thank you for making me laugh today,” or “Thank you for helping me figure out that math problem,” or even simply, “Thank you for loving me.”

30. Smile at 10 people.

31. Slip a note complimenting someone’s parking on the windshield of their car.

32. Distribute random hugs.

33. Buy a cup of coffee for the person behind you in line at the coffee shop.

34. Make a friendship bracelet and give it to a new friend.

35. Compliment someone sitting near you.

36. Share your toys.

37. Leave your change in a vending machine after you buy something.

38. Paint a picture for a neighbor you don’t know that well.

39. Play with someone new on the playground today.

40. Call a friend or relative, and tell a joke.

41. Leave a positive note on a bulletin board.

42. Read a book with a child.

43. Rake leaves, shovel snow, or do a little yardwork/weeding for your neighbor.

44. Take out your neighbor’s trash for them.

45. Start a Little Free Library.

building a free little library is an act of kindness — iStock

46. Walk a neighbor’s dog.

47. Put a post-it note with a positive message like, “Today will be awesome” on a random door.

48. Offer to run an errand for someone.

49. Hide a few toys or Matchbox cars in the sand at the playground.

50. Leave a sweet note in your spouse or partner’s wallet.

51. Leave a dish of fresh water out for neighborhood dogs in front of your house or business.

52. Use sidewalk chalk to say hello to a neighbor.

53. Give your child’s teacher $5 toward classroom expenses or help to pay for a field trip.

54. Write a letter to the first person that pops into your mind (and don’t forget to send it!)

55. Help another kid with his homework.

56. Buy a spare umbrella and find someone who needs it.

57. Get some silly glasses and wear them until you make someone laugh.

58. Do something to make your hometown more awesome.

59. Let a stranger go ahead of you in line.

60. Look in the mirror and give yourself a compliment.

61. Consider the flash mob.

62. Do something nice for yourself.

63. Hold the door open for someone.

64. Add extra time to your meter for the next person.

65. Gather up gently used clothing and donate via ThredUp using their Donation Clean Out Kit.

66. Starting today, thank someone once a week for a year. You can send a thank-you via mail, email, text, phone, or in person. Make a little list of thank-yous and revisit them in 52 weeks.

67. Sit with someone new at lunch.

68. Ask a kid you don’t usually play with to play with you at recess.

69. Find a story or post you like, and let the writer know it meant something to you.

70. Be patient while waiting in line.

71. Leave a glowing review for a business or employee who helped you or your kids.

72. Give someone the benefit of the doubt.

73. Be a courteous and kind driver.

74. Be kind to urban animals and wildlife: do not chase pigeons or throw coins in a fountain where fish live.

75. Leave a note of kindness in the pocket of a coat in a clothing store, like “You look great in this!” or “You are more important than you could ever know.”

76. Order a new book from our list of diverse books for kids, and have it sent to a friend.

77. Send a friend or relative a sweet surprise from Sugarwish.

78. Wave hi to someone you don’t know!

79. Ask a friend if they need any help: could you walk their dog or drop off a book to read?

Want more? Check out the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation’s idea page.

—with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton

The Best Camping Games to Try This Summer

by Kate LowethMay 18, 2022

With summer on its way in and camping trips on the horizon, you’ll want to have this list of camping games for kids in your back pocket. Family camping trips are the perfect time to unplug and try out these outdoor games, flashlight activities and just plain old-school fun. Which one will be your family’s new favorite?

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1. Nature Tic Tac Toe
We love this option as you can gather all the pieces right at your campsite. With four sticks and two sets of markers (think leaves and rocks) you'll be on your way to playing this game that's good for even the youngest campers.

2. Hide and Go Seek
There are tons of great hiding spots when you are camping so this is a natural option for a camping game. Make sure the kids know what boundaries they need to keep and choose a way to call them in like a whistle if you need to end the game early. With little ones, pair up the hiders and make them hide together.

3. Capture the Flag
If you have a slew of kids with you, capture the flag is fun for a group. Divide the kids up into two teams and use two bandanas for flags that you set at opposite ends of the campsite. the winning team is the one that retrieves the opposing team's flag and brings it back to their home base.

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4. Nature Bingo
Put the kids to work finding all the cool nature items in your campsite.

5. 20 Questions
This is a fun game to use especially when going on a hike. Kids will have to use their keen observational skills and language to guess the target object. One child chooses a specific object they see along the way and the guessers get to question things like size, color and shape with yes or no questions. The winner gets to be the next one to choose an object.

6. Camping Trip
We love this game for when everyone's sitting around the fire. The first person starts it off with "I'm going on a camping trip and I'm going to bring" and they say what they're going to bring. The next person repeats the phrase "I'm going on a camping trip and I'm going to bring" and they have to choose an item to bring that starts with the next letter in the alphabet. So if the first person is bringing a tent, then the second person has to bring something that starts with the letter "u" like a ukulele.

7. Glow Bracelet Ring Toss
Find a stick and bury it in the dirt so that it is sticking up straight. Pass out equal numbers of glow bracelets to each person. Try your luck at throwing the glow bracelet onto the stick!

8. Squirt Gun Races
Line up a row of plastic cups on the edge of a log or picnic table. With two teams, race to see which team can squirt the cups off the table first.

9. Orange Chin Relay Race
With two teams, line up and pass an orange under your chin down the line without using your hands. If the orange drops you need to start over. First team to move the orange to the end wins!

Kids playing camping games on family camping trip — istock

10. Night Vision
This is a great game to teach kids about how animals see at night. On a designated path, have a few older kids or parents hide in spots where they will be pretty camouflaged but still visible if people look closely enough. Have the "lookers" walk along the path and silently try to find the hiders. The next morning you can have the hiders go back to their spots to show the lookers where they were hiding in plain sight.

11. A Killer Wink
This is a perfect campfire game with a group. One person is designated "it" and leaves the circle to go off where they cannot hear. The remaining group chooses a killer. The person who is "it" returns to the circle and tries to figure out who the killer is. The players look around the circle making eye contact with each other. If the killer winks at you, you have to make dramatic noises and fall over like you've died. When the person who is "it" guesses who the killer is, they get to become the next killer and a new "it" is chosen.

12. Flashlight Charades
This is just like your traditional charades but by the light of the flashlight. Put a bunch of animal names on pieces of paper into a bucket. When it's your turn you select a paper and have to act out that animal using the light of a flashlight. Find more ideas for flashlight games here.

13. Nature Alphabet Hunt
A great way to help kids who are learning their letters is to go on a campground alphabet hunt where you look for items that start with each letter of the alphabet.

14. Mosquito Bites
At the beginning of the camping trip give each kid a certain number of red stickers. If they are caught saying designated words like "campfire" or "tent" then they have to turn over one of their red dots to the person who calls them out. The one left with the most mosquito bites at the end is the winner!

15. Rock Tower Challenge
Pair up and see which team can make the tallest stacked rock tower using rocks found in the campsite.

Create a Baby Shadow Box — DIY Your Newborn Keepsakes into Art

by Julie SegussMarch 1, 2022

These baby shadow box ideas are simple to make

A newborn shadow box is a beautiful way to display baby treasures like the hospital ID bracelet, birth announcement, going-home outfit, and first teeny hat. A baby shadow box is quick to DIY (just three steps!) and makes a special addition to your nursery. You’ll never forget the details of the amazing day you met your babe.

Step 1: Gather Your Keepsakes

First, decide what to display. You could include a sonogram, baby's first photo, hospital ID bracelet, hospital hat, first socks or booties, baby's going-home outfit, the first pacifier, birth announcement, tiny footprints, crib shoes, or a piece of a beloved swaddling blanket. We love what Alli from Taking Care of Monkey Business included in hers (see above).

Step 2: Buy the Supplies

Head to your favorite craft store (or open Amazon) to pick up items for your keepsake shadow box. First, you'll need the shadow box itself. We like the Studio Decor 4-Way Adjustable Shadow Box because it's flexible in depth so it can accommodate larger items like crib shoes or lovies. It's also sized well for this project at 12 inches square.

You may also want to include small wooden letters for your baby's initials. To add color or a pattern, use scrapbooking paper for your background.

And finally, you'll need something to hold your keepsakes in place inside the shadow box. Try a few pretty pearlized pins or mini clothespins so you don't have to cover your keepsakes in glue. Visit the Or So She Says blog to see how Aimee put her shadow boxes together.

Make sure to capture all the giggles—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

Ashley Graham Just Had Twins & We Are in Full Mom-Crush Mode

by Tinybeans TeamJanuary 7, 2022

If you thought you’d never have anything in common with a supermodel, you were wrong. Ashley Graham confirmed her second pregnancy in July 2021—a little over a year after welcoming her first child—and now, Graham and husband Justin Ervin are a proud family of five!

Twin boys—whose names have yet to be released—joined big brother Isaac Ervin on Jan. 7 during a home delivery after Graham shared in a Jan. 6 TikTok video that she “was supposed to give birth 5 days ago.” Throughout her pregnancy, she posted about her birth plan, cravings and even stretch marks.

Known for keeping it real, this wasn’t the first time she’s used her status to draw attention to unrealistic expectations put on women after pregnancy. “I think the postpartum snapback is really B.S.,” Graham said. “I think it’s an unattainable reality for most women and it’s been an unattainable reality for myself.” Girl, preach.

And if you didn’t already love this supermodel for focusing on body positivity and blasting unrealistic expectations on new moms, you can start braiding your friendship bracelet now. She offered up advice to the universe on how to interact with pregnant and new moms in an interview with E! News, “You feel bombarded by unsolicited advice a bit, so I think the best thing to do when talking to anyone who’s pregnant or has just had a baby is, like, make sure they want the advice before you give it.”

You likely didn’t know that this supermodel is who we all wish would move in next door—we didn’t! Graham is exactly the type of girlfriend we all need to navigate the confusing but precious days of pregnancy and early motherhood.

Congrats and welcome to the world, sweet baby!

––Shelley Massey

Featured image: Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic

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13 Ridiculously Expensive Gifts You Can Buy on Amazon This Christmas

by Teresa DouglasDecember 8, 2021

When it comes to gifts, we’ve all heard the expression “it’s the thought that counts.” But sometimes the thought you want to send is ‘I love you so much I broke my wallet for you.’ The good news is that Amazon has you covered. Read on for a list of Amazon’s most ridiculously expensive luxury items.

Gold-Infused Toothpaste

Up first is an expensive item for people who want to give a ridiculous gift on a budget. This luxury toothpaste will set you back $70 because it has actual gold flecks in the paste. If you don’t feel right sending gold down the drain, you can always put the tube in a frame and call it art.

Swarovski Crystal Ducks

Give your loved one a set of crystal ducks to convince them that like birds of a feather, you should flock together. These waterfowl can be yours for $1,498. But these ducks won’t fly to you for free: you still need to pay $14.99 for shipping.

Autographed Keith Richards Guitar

If you’re looking for the perfect piece to add to your guitar collection, this guitar autographed by Keith Richards is the ideal addition at a cool $2,750. The signed instrument comes with a certificate of authenticity, so you know it’s the real deal.

Mark Saint Gaudens Twenty Dollar

This 1924 Mark Saint Gaudens Twenty Dollar is a rare find. Designed by President Theodore Roosevelt, the Double Eagle is one of two designs he was able to complete before his death and is considered to be one of the most beautiful coins ever minted by the U.S. Mint. Get your own for only $2,799.

Luxury Gold Toilet

They say a man’s house is his castle, and what better gift to give the king in your life than a gold (colored) porcelain throne? Though, at $5,088, this neoclassical toilet better clean itself.

Diamond Tennis Bracelet

Sometimes you want to buy that special someone an incredible piece of jewelry, but you can’t face another trip to the mall. Not to worry, Amazon is there to help you out. This whopping 7-carat bracelet can be yours and delivered right to your door for only $10,999.

This one-of-a-kind signed letter from Voltaire and was written just weeks before his death in 1778 from Paris. The letter is written in beautiful script and in French and would make a thoughtful gift! Who doesn't need a famous signed letter hanging in their home?

Achieve epistolary excellence for the sale price of $20,000.

Feineshi Cast Copper Horse Sculpture

Surprise the horse lover in your life with this exquisite bronze sculpture. At $26,633.64, it’s still less expensive than buying your loved one a herd of their own. Bonus: no mucking out a stall necessary!

Grateful Dead 1966 Concert Poster

Sure you can buy cheap posters anywhere, but when you could bring home a mint condition 1966 Grateful Dead concert poster, why would you get anything else? This poster holds great significance, being the first time the Grateful Dead are associated with a skull symbol and is one of the hardest to find for Dead Head collectors.

It comes at a groovy price of $27,500— plus $4.50 for shipping if you can swing it.

Franck Muller Men’s Watch

True collectors know a watch is more than just about telling time—it's about making a statement! If you're looking to spoil a certain someone this year, then look no further than this gorgeous Frank Muller Vanguard Seven Days Skeleton Color Dream watch. The automatic self-wind mechanism and water-resistant features make this a timeless—yup, we went there—accessory.

With a $45,000 price tag, this thing should be able to act like Cher and turn back time.

Tigrani Sterling Silver Chess Pieces

Blaise Pascal once called chess “the gymnasium of the mind.” And this holiday season, you can wrap up these delicately sculpted silver and bronze chess pieces for the mental athlete on your gift list. At $45,000, your wallet is going to get a workout, too. The chessboard is sold separately.

White Gold Diamond Ring

Everyone knows that love is priceless, but sometimes you want to stun your fiance-to-be. With a diamond weighing in at over five carats, you better propose on a cloudy day or this eye candy may blind your future spouse.

You can’t buy love, but if you have $65,900, you can buy this diamond ring.

Mordecai Brown Signed Baseball

Own a piece of baseball’s “dead-ball era,” signed by Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown.

Yes, at $267,265.99, this signed baseball costs the same as an average home in Texas, but you’re buying memories here. Those don’t come cheap.

Mickey Mantle Baseball Cards

Run, don't walk—because this Mickey Mantle autographed baseball card is only $363,640. This set is 100% certified-authentic and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from James Spence Authentication so you won't strike out.

—Teresa Douglas & Karly Wood

Featured photo: Unsplash

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13 LEGO Sets That Will Delight LEGO Fans of All Ages

by Kate LowethNovember 15, 2021

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

If you have a LEGO fanatic on your shopping list, you’ll definitely want to check this out. We reviewed all the new LEGO sets for 2021 and picked out our favorites including LEGO DUPLO sets for toddlers, LEGO Star Wars for older kids and tons of super-cool LEGO sets for adults who never outgrew their love of all things LEGO (we totally get it). Be sure to scroll down and check out the interactive LEGO Super Mario sets as they top our list. Happy shopping!

LEGO® DUPLO®

LEGO® DUPLO® Parking Garage and Car Wash

$100 BUY NOW

This fun set is packed with activities for car-loving toddlers.

LEGO® DUPLO® Happy Childhood Moments

$100 BUY NOW

This set celebrates two big family events: Chinese New Year and the first day of kindergarten.

LEGO® DUPLO® Tower Crane & Construction

$130 BUY NOW

Build, zip around in vehicles and knock down some buildings with this set that toddlers will love.

LEGO® City

LEGO® City Wildlife Rescue Camp

$100 BUY NOW

Little builders can create a mobile lab and treehouse camp to help save animals with this fun set.

LEGO® DOTS

LEGO® DOTS Creative Designer Box

$32 BUY NOW

Little creators can build loads of different items to decorate their rooms with this creativity-packed set.

LEGO® Super Mario™

LEGO® Super Mario™ Adventures with Luigi Starter Course

$48 BUY NOW

Whether your kid is a gamer or a builder, they'll love this LEGO set that comes with pieces that work just like the Super Mario Brothers video game. As kids embark on a digital coin-collecting spree through the self-constructed course, Luigi's tiny LCD screen displays various reactions, while his speaker plays songs from the video game.

LEGO® Friends

LEGO® Friends Heartlake City Grand Hotel

$100 BUY NOW

This 3-story hotel has lots to explore from a parlor piano bar to a spa and penthouse.

LEGO® Creator

LEGO® Creator 3-in-1 Ferris Wheel

$80 BUY NOW

This set really delivers as it has three buildable options: a Ferris wheel, bumper cars and swing boat ride.

LEGO® Creator 3-in-1 Surfer Beach House

$40 BUY NOW

Build a surf shack, lighthouse and a pool house with this fun set that also comes with three sea animals – a dolphin, sea turtle and baby sea turtle.

LEGO® Harry Potter™

LEGO® Harry Potter™ Hogwarts™ Chamber of Secrets

$130 BUY NOW

Harry Potter fans will love building and displaying this set that comes with 11 minifigs and a posable Basilisk.

LEGO® Star Wars™

LEGO® Star Wars™ Attack of The Clones Yoda

$80 BUY NOW

Display this iconic character on your shelf after you build Yoda brick by brick.

LEGO® Star Wars™ Kylo Ren Shuttle Microfighter

$29 BUY NOW

This Star Wars set makes a fun stocking stuffer.

For Grown-Ups

LEGO® Volkswagen T2 Camper Van

$200 BUY NOW

Get ready to hit the road when you assemble this retro-fab set that lets you live out all your camper van dreams.

—Kate Loweth

Photos courtesy of LEGO. All items were available at the prices listed at time of publication.

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The Ultimate List of Push Presents for New Moms

by Jamie Davis SmithNovember 11, 2021

While finally getting to snuggle your baby may be gift enough, many new moms revel in getting a push present too! These gifts don’t just mark the special day but also recognize the hard emotional and physical work involved in birthing a baby. Read on to discover some inspo for great push presents.

A Splurge
Is there something the new mom really wanted but didn't get at her baby shower? Now is the time to give her that coveted item. Strollers and diaper bags are great choices you can use right away. A Baby Jogger City Select 2 is a sought-after stroller because of its versatility, including the ability to grow with a family to two and even three children. And the new mom will probably be using her diaper bag for at least a couple of years, so it makes sense to start off with one that she loves and that will last. Check out our guide to stylish and functional diaper bags.

Jewelry
Personalized jewelry is among the most popular push presents for good reason. Necklaces from Nokona can be personalized with birthstones and initials. Necklaces from Tiny Tags can be personalized with names, birthdates, birthstones and more. Other moms opt for a necklace with their child's birth flower like these from Glazd Jewels or an ode to their child's name, such as an arrow necklace for a baby named Hunter. Or, a bracelet from Names for Good (above) with the baby's name makes a great push present. Even better, get a set including the baby's birthdate and a Mama bracelet!

Bliss Out
Growing and birthing a baby is hard work! Give mama everything she needs to relax with a Purelis Lavender Spa gift basket and DW Home Lavender Chamomile candle.Then tell the new mom you will take care of the baby so she can enjoy her gift!

Forbidden Foods
It's no surprise moms are hungry after spending hours working to bring a new life into the world. Add in that mom may have spent the last nine months avoiding her favorite foods, like soft cheeses, sushi and anything with caffeine, and it becomes clear that a feast of her favorites makes a great push present. Send a box of Wisconsin Cheese full of delicacies she couldn't have while pregnant. Luxe tea from Tea Runners is also a good choice, especially if you choose a flavor that will give her a caffeine boost to help her function after late nights with a newborn. If she's still avoiding alcohol, toast to a job well done with Mingle mocktails so the new Mom can celebrate her new baby without thinking about whether it's safe to take a drink.

Make Her Life Easier
A pair of upscale wireless earbuds like these from Sony are a worthy splurge. No wires for baby to pull on, and extreme noise cancellation works to block out distractions whenever the new mom manages to get some alone time. Add on a BioLite Charge back-up battery so that even when mom is too tired to plug in her phone she can keep scrolling. Or, go low-tech and get her a Yeti tumbler that will help keep her well hydrated throughout the day. New moms also spend a lot of time holding their newborn with one hand. A Kindle Paperwhite will allow mom to read during all of those hours she is blissfully trapped under her baby. Adjustable warm light and dark mode mean that she can flip pages without disturbing her little one's nap. If mom prefers to watch TV, a new 4K Alexa-enabled Firestick is a great choice. Mom just needs to ask Alexa to turn on her favorite show or she can use the Alexa built into the included remote.

Cozy Comfort
After having a new baby, day can become indistinguishable from night. A Bearaby knitted weighted blanket is the perfect gift for new moms to make the most of the time they have to sleep. These blankets are incredibly soft and just heavy enough to provide enough weight to help people get to sleep faster and sleep more deeply. They even come in luxe fabrics like velvet. Or, try a Verve Culture Moroccan blanket that's big enough (and soft enough) for the entire family to snuggle under. Since new moms spend a lot of time at home, a pair of Dooey's house loafers keep her comfy at home without looking frumpy.

Mommy & Me Outfits
Let her revel in her new role with matching mommy-and-me clothes. A KYTEbaby lounge dress is comfy enough to sleep in whenever mom is lucky enough to get some Zzz's but cute enough to wear out for a quick errand or walk around the block. Get a matching romper for baby for impromptu, Insta-worthy photoshoots.

Help Her Glow
Level up her skincare and beauty game by splurging on skincare products made with truffles. Truffoire luxe skincare will make her feel like she has had a trip to the spa, even when she hasn't left the house in days. Or, give her a way to quickly look her best when company arrives with lip tints from Eleve Cosmetics. Tired eyes? Give her the gift of looking not as exhausted as she feels with Holos, a serum made with soothing aloe vera and cucumber. Add an Oura Hydroglove so she can quickly exfoliate and go!

Get It Together
A new baby comes with a lot of responsibility. Mom now needs to juggle feedings, diaper changes and somehow fit in sleep, showers and meals. A Skylight Calendar helps keep a new mom organized. She will love being able to integrate the family calendar, color-code tasks, access her shopping list and even display photos of her new bundle of joy. A Fitbit watch tracks both sleep and steps. Best of all, she can read her texts and and answer calls right from her wrist on some Fitbit models, meaning she can continue to stay in touch without putting down her newborn.

—Jamie Davis Smith

featured image: iStock

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Try these Innovative Ways to Preserve Baby Memories

by Jamie Davis SmithOctober 13, 2021

Looking to capture baby memories for your family? Try out these creative ways to preserve those special moments

Almost from the minute you learn you’re pregnant, you want to remember every detail. But babies grow quickly, and it can be easy to forget how things used to be. Here are six ways to capture what life with your child is like and preserve those special baby memories.

Photo Book
Creating a photo book ensures you can show your child what life was like when they were a baby, not just tell them! You are probably already taking tons of photos of your little one. Make it a point every year to print out some of those photos in an annual book. Tinybeans makes it easy to print a photo book using the photos you upload on the site. Choose a specific date, such as your child's birthday or Christmas, as the day you'll create your photo book so you don't miss a year. Find out more in our photo book FAQs.

Video Montage
Moving pictures also make great memory-keepers. You don't need to be a professional director to create a great family video. Use an app like 1SE to capture just one second a day to create a short video with a big punch at the end of baby's first year and beyond. The basic app is free, but the pro version allows you to capture longer snippets of video and add features like music. Otherwise, most phones contain basic video-editing software that will allow you to stitch together several short videos to create a great, moving memory capsule.

Letters
Even in the digital age, there is nothing quite like an old-fashioned handwritten letter. Notes from the heart in Mom and Dad's own handwriting will be treasured forever. A weekly letter to your child, even if it's short, will provide your child with warm memories of their childhood. Some parents choose to write letters to their child on their birthdays to highlight the previous year's major events and recap some of the day-to-day activities their child enjoyed that year. Some parents add letters on special occasions such as graduations. Collect your letters in a sturdy box and add photos or letters from siblings and other special people in your child's life. Or, wait until your child is 18 and collect the letters in a book.

Journal
Keeping a journal gives the same ultra-personal feel as handwritten letters but with the convenience of having all of your notes to your child bound together in one place. Some parents-to-be even start journals to their baby when they are still expecting. We love the Baby journal from Write to Me. If you think you might get writer's block, try a guided journal like Stories for My Child: A Mother's Memory Journal, shown above. These types of journals provide prompts to guide you through what to write.

Keepsake Box
There are things you will probably want to keep to help tell your baby's story. It might be a hospital bracelet, the front page of the newspaper from the day your baby was born, the first time they met their grandparents, an early drawing or a lock from their first haircut. After you designate a box as the place to store these keepsakes, make the items come to life for you (and, in the future, for your child), by writing a small note to go with each one. Over time, you may add another box or two to your collection. This is a great way to keep all of these small but important things together to ensure they don't get lost. That way, when you walk down memory lane, you will have some tangible reminders of those long-ago days and the special stories to go with them.

Email
A simple way you can preserve memories of your baby is to create an email account for them. Send an email to your child to read in the future describing the events of that day or week. Include milestones but also details about your day-to-day life as a family, their friends, and how you feel about watching them grow. Some parents give their child the password to their email account when they turn 18, but there is no rule saying you need to wait that long. Be sure you log into your child's account at least once a month to keep it active!

New Barbie Is Saving the Ocean, 1 Doll at a Time

by Karly WoodJune 11, 2021

Barbie continues to change the world! Mattel has just announced the first fashion doll made from recycled ocean-bound plastic, a big benchmark for the company achieving 100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic materials for all products and packaging by 2030.

Barbie Loves the Ocean is currently made up of three dolls with 90% recycled ocean-bound plastic bodies (excluding the doll head). In addition to Barbie and her pals, the lineup also includes a Beach Shack playset, beach themed playset, volleyball set and accessories also made from recycled plastic.

“This Barbie launch is another addition to Mattel’s growing portfolio of purpose-driven brands that inspire environmental consciousness with our consumer as a key focus,” said Richard Dickson, President and Chief Operating Officer, Mattel.

In addition to the new dolls and accessories, young viewers can catch Barbie’s new vlog, Barbie Shares How We Can All Protect the Planet on YouTube. The new episode focuses on the importance of protecting our planet and simple things kids can do that make a big impact.

photo: 4ocean

Barbie and 4ocean are also pairing up this summer! The two are launching a limited-edition 4ocean x Barbie bracelet coming in signature pink made that is made with post-consumer recycled materials and hand-assembled by artisans in Bali. When you purchase the $20 bracelet, 4ocean will contribute educational materials to educate young conservationists plus pull one pound of trash from oceans, rivers and coastlines.

You can shop the entire Barbie Loves the Ocean line at retailers nationwide and Barbie.com. Pick up your limited edition bracelet at 4ocean.com.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Mattel

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