These backpacks and suitcases will make you actually look forward to traveling with your kids

Traveling is fun, but traveling with kids? Let’s just say it isn’t always a dream come true. That’s why having luggage that works for you is a must. From versatile backpacks and lightweight carry-ons to large suitcases that pack tons of room for several kiddos, we’ve rounded up the best travel gear for parents. Keep scrolling to get prepped for your next family vacation!

Best Travel Backpacks & Accessories for Parents

The Getaway Bag from No Reception Club

$235 BUY NOW

If you’ve ever boarded an airplane with a baby, you know that the amount of stuff a small person needs is in inverse proportion to their size. Diapers, wipes, a change of clothes for all parties, snacks, a breast pump, and more and more and more—they all need to fit into your carry-on bag. That’s where No Reception Club comes in to save the day. The narrow shape makes it easy for any parent to carry and the stylish black exterior makes it more of an everything bag than a diaper bag. Our favorite feature is the flexible organization system with two “shelves” that velcro securely into the main compartment.


STM Goods Myth Backpack

$140 BUY NOW

Just because you're carting around diapers and burp cloths, doesn't mean you want to give up on style. We love this backpack because it has enough structure to protect your laptop plus space for snacks and an outfit change for both you and your kid. It also has our favorite feature: the luggage pass-through.


Able Carry Max Backpack

$278 BUY NOW

Looking to ditch the suitcase entirely? This bag is for you. Roll up your clothes and you can easily fit enough to get you and your tiny travel partner through a long weekend or more. We like this option for parents traveling solo with a kid because it keeps your hands free to push a stroller or tend to a little one.


Solo New York Parker Hybrid Backpack Tote

$83 BUY NOW

You only need one bag when traveling––this one! Solo New York’s hybrid backpack easily transforms into a tote bag with hideaway straps that will meet your complete itinerary needs. Our editors love the padded laptop compartment, ample interior pockets and a back panel that slides over your luggage handle to make those airport runs a breeze. The lightweight bag also comes with padded feet to protect the bottom while on the go and stylish gold hardware.


Vaschy Backpack

$44 BUY NOW

Not only does this backpack look super stylish, but it’s made with water-resistant polyester, has an interior spot for a laptop and five interior pockets for chargers, books, pens and more. There’s a secret side pocket to keep your phone, and there’s a clip in the front pocket that is perfect for keys. The pull cord on the interior lining adds extra protection from theft while traveling too.


Atlantic Daytrip Backpack

$90 BUY NOW

Available in coral orange and ocean blue, this adorable backpack will be your go-to carryon choice as it has just the right amount of pockets for all your gear and plenty of space to store those extra diapers and snacks you always need.


MinkeeBlue Nilah Tote

$135 BUY NOW

While not an official backpack, this tote does it all. Don’t schlep 3 bags through the airport when she can have just one that does it all! A Black + Woman-owned brand known for their bag with all the room you need to pack your necessities, the Minkeeblue Nilah tote offers zippered compartments that keep shoes and other essentials separate from other items, making it the perfect solution for working or traveling moms looking to make life easier.


Bee & Kin Tech Organizer

$55 BUY NOW

This sleek tech organizer keeps all your cords and electronics in one place! This would even fit perfectly in any of the backpacks above. The Bee & Kin Tech Organizer is perfect for traveling or while on the go for work. If you need help with keeping your things in one place, this is sure to do the trick!


Cincha Travel Belt

$36 BUY NOW

If you need help keeping your belongings together as you zip around the airport, then you’ll love this Travel Belt! All you has to do is neatly secure your personal bag to your carry-on or checked luggage handle!

Best Carry-On Bags for Parents

Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Hardside Spinner Luggage

$333 BUY NOW

Breeze through the airport with the sleek and durable Platinum Elite Carry-On Expandable Hardside Spinner fro Travelpro. This lightweight option makes it possible for littles to transport it themselves due to the exclusive PrecisionGlide™ System, made up of 8 MagnaTrac® self-aligning wheels. Plus, each one comes with extrenal USB A & C ports that can connect to your own power bank.


LEVEL8 Road Runner Carry-on

$180 BUY NOW

We love this 20" carry-on as it easily stores your laptop on the zip-down side so you don't have to carry it in your backpack. It also has plenty of room for 3-5 days worth of clothes. The hard shell will stand up to wear and tear and the spinner wheels made for a smooth ride through the airport. 


Rollink Flex 360 International 21

$249 BUY NOW

If you are short on space to store your luggage at home, this is the luggage for you. It collapses to 4 inches for east stowing under your bed. Plus, you'll love the seven color options.


Amazon Basics 21-Inch Hardside Spinner

$89 BUY NOW

Your luggage takes a beating no matter how expensive it is, so why not opt for a budget-worthy option that still gets the job done? Our editors love the no muss, no fuss luggage from Amazon Basics that bring simple yet functional style to your travels. This hybrid bag is large enough to carry what you need, but small enough to fit as a carry on when you don’t want to check luggage. It has internal organization, a front tilting pocket, spinner wheels and a two-level adjustable, ergonomic handle.


Traveler’s Choice New London II Hardside Expandable Spinner Luggage

$97 BUY NOW

The sleek look of this bag is just part of the draw but its functional features have us bringing it with us whenever we travel. Pack it with the expanders closed and you’ll have plenty of space to add on souvenirs to bring home. The zippers are super sturdy and will stand up to lots of use.

Best Checked Luggage for Parents

Atlantic Convertible Medium to Large Checked Expandable Hardside Spinner

$200 BUY NOW

You'll love the colorful options in this collection (Sunshine Yellow! Coral Orange! Ocean Blue!) and its ability to expand to fit all those souvenirs you just HAD to have. Two handle heights means the kids can take a turn pulling it.


Away Expandable Medium Suitcase

$345 BUY NOW

Away luggage is the crème de la crème when it comes to traveling. This particular suitcase checks all the boxes: nice medium size, water resistant exterior, expansion capabilities for up to an extra 1.75″ of space plus an internal compression system so you can squeeze in everything you need.


Herschel Heritage™ Hardshell Carry On Luggage

$225 BUY NOW

We love the split design of this luggage that has two same-sized compartments, perfect for opening on that luggage rack in your hotel room. It comes in carry-on and large carry-on (to accommodate international carry-on rules), as well as medium and large sizes for checked baggage.


Travelpro Crew Versapack 29″ Suitcase

$350 BUY NOW

Luggage has gone through a transformation over the years and that means no more crazy heavy bags that break your back before you even pack! This huge suitcase is one of our favorites because it only weighs eight pounds and is large enough to pack multiple people’s worth of clothes. It’s a spinner, has an adjustable handle and plenty of room to pack everything you need.


SwissTech Navigation Hard Side Check Luggage

$109 BUY NOW

This work horse of a suitcase packs a ton of bells and whistles. From a built-in lock and integrated interior pouches to the two-inch expandable zipper, you can stash all your gear for your vaycay and then some!

—additional reporting by Gabby Cullen & Karly Wood

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.

Let your Halloween door decorations do the spooking for you this year

It’s October—Halloween has officially arrived! Now is the time to get your house ready with your favorite Halloween inflatables and pumpkins (be sure to use one of our pumpkin stencil designs), but what about Halloween door decorations and front porch Halloween decorations? From rustic door panels, crow silhouettes, and even a witch who has a wrong turn, we’ve got 11 easy ideas to make your front entrance shine this Halloween. When you’re done with the decor, plan a movie night by picking one of the best Halloween movies on Netflix, and don’t forget the movie night snacks!

Monster Halloween Door

Would you believe us if we told you there’s no need for a kit when it comes to re-creating this monster Halloween door decoration? Just lots of poster board. We are so inspired by @liz.morrow’s gorgeous setup. For another idea, check out our monster door tutorial.

Pretty in Pink Halloween Door

 

Who says Halloween door decorations have to be scary? This adorable setup gives us just as many thrills as something a little more spooky might.

Halloween Door Panels

Amazon

These rustic signs are made from fabric that is weather-resistant, washable, and easy to put away to use in future years.

Get the look here

Spider Web Halloween Door

spider web halloween door decorations
Ashley & Hallman via Jane Can

This spider web door from Jane Can is too cute to spook! Grab yarn, Styrofoam balls, pom poms, and pipe cleaners to make this large spindly web and multi-legged spiders. 

Get the look here.

 

Related: 14 Genius (Almost) Homemade Halloween Decorations

Shadowy Silhouette Halloween Door

Wayfair

This shadowy silhouette is an easy one to fix up. Plus, there's no adhesive, and you can use it year after year.

Get the look here.  

Mummy Halloween Door Decorations

mummy Halloween door decorations
Carol Speake via Always The Holiday

Little ghosts will brave the walk to your front door when they see this welcoming mummy. A breeze to create with white streamers, black and yellow construction paper, and tape. 

Get the look here.

 

Witch Crash Halloween Door Wreath

Alison Faulkner via The Alison Show

Your little pretties will be bewitched by a crash-landing witch wreath! 

Get the look here.

Eyeball Door Wreath

Nicole & Candace via Crafty Sisters

All eyes are on the costumed guests! Add a little eerie to your door with an eyeball wreath like the one spotted over at Crafty Sisters

Get the look here

Related: DIY Halloween Decorations to Deck Your Haunted Halls

Moving Spiders

Delia Creates

Add a little creep factor with magnetic spiders (that you can move!) like these from Delia Creates.

Get the look here.  

Eek! Door Light

Settle this in next to a few spiders and cobwebs around your door, and it'll be a sweetly scary way to light up your front door on Halloween. 

Get the look here. 

Crows Flying Halloween Door

silhouette birds halloween door decorations
Idle Wife

There’s something eerie about swirling crows (thank you, Alfred Hitchcock), and we love the look spotted over at the Idle Wife.

Get the look here

 

Want to take the kids ice skating? These family-friendly outdoor ice skating rinks in Chicago are perfect for beginners

Sock skating on a wooden floor might be fun (have you ever tried it?), but there’s nothing like feeling the cool breeze on your face as you glide across a real ice rink. It’s time to lace up your skates for an essential winter activity. Keep reading to find great places to ice skate in Chicago. Many are free, some are new—and most offer loads of other activities in the same location. So after attempting a few figure eights (or, you know, just making it from one side of the rink to the other), you can cozy up with Santa or warm your bellies with a cup of hot cocoa.

best ice skating in chicago
Rosemont

 

1. Parkway Bank Park

In the wintertime, Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont offers skating in the park, where The Chicago Wolves ice rink takes center stage with the perfect ticket price: free! You're allowed to bring your own skates, but if you need to rent a pair, they're available on site for $8. Easy parking and plenty of dining options round out the seasonal fun. After untying your skates, head over to the Sugar Factory and warm up with over-the-top hot cocoas.

Between Nov. 18 and Jan. 1, make it a full day of wintry fun by visiting the Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field. You'll be treated to tubing, a holiday market, festive food and beverages, Santa's workshop, a train ride, and holiday crafts, all amongst an immersive display of more than one million holiday lights.

Dates: Nov. 19-Jan. 29

5501 Park Pl.
Rosemont
Online: rosemont.com

2. Millenium Park

Spectacular city skyline views will be your backdrop when you take a spin at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. Reservations are required for 90-minute skate sessions. Once again this year, the rink will offer free ice skating lessons on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 to 10 a.m. (Skate rentals are extra.)

Dates: Nov. 18-Mar. 5

201 E. Randolph St.
Loop
Online: chicago.gov

3. Maggie Daley Park

The Maggie Daley Park ice skating ribbon is one of the best spots in the city to skate a figure eight. Meanwhile, the railing that lines the loop is the perfect pick-me-up for wobbly skaters, young and old alike. Tickets are released on a rolling basis at 12 p.m. on select dates. Check their website for the release date schedule.

Pro Tip: A skate assist sled is available for use by skaters with physical disabilities and their companion skater.

Dates: Nov. 18-Mar. 5

337 E. Randolph St.
Loop
Online: maggiedaleypark.com

4. Winterland at Gallagher Way

New this year, the ice rink at Gallagher Way will be moved into Wrigley Field as part of their Winterland attractions. It's open for skating and bumper car riding. Admission into Winterland is $5. Skating is additional. Visit prior to Dec. 31 and shop Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, Chicago's take on a traditional German Christmas market. Shop, eat, enjoy free entertainment, shop some more, and even say "guten tag" to Santa Claus. Admission to Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville continues to be free.

To learn more about Christkindlmarket's two locations, read our review here.

Dates: Nov. 18-Jan. 8

3650 N. Clark St.
Wrigleyville
Online: gallagherway.com

5. Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic is Chicagoland's largest and longest-running lights festival featuring over a million twinkling LED lights, and it's best enjoyed on ice. Take the family to circle the skating rink on the East Mall.

Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 31

3300 Golf Rd.
Brookfield
Online: czs.org

6. Navy Pier

Although not outdoors, Navy Pier's Light Up the Lake ice rink provides all the holiday feels that make it worth mentioning. This indoor, temperature-controlled experience features a sprawling light garden of large-scale sculptures comprising more than 600,000 twinkling lights, a massive Alpine ice rink, authentic beer garden, kiddie train rides, Santa's Merry Main Street and gift market, and other family friendly and date-night activities.

Dates: Nov. 25-Jan. 7

500 E. Grand Ave.
Streeterville
Online: navypier.org

7. Watts Center at Watts Park

Double the fun! Watts Center boasts not one but two outdoor ice rinks. Tucked away in north suburban Glencoe, this gem offers figure skating lessons, ice hockey and recreational skating. When the conditions allow, you can also play on the sled hill. Check their calendar for themed skate sessions, like Glow Skate, Skate & Create, Holiday Skate, and more.

Dates: Nov. 25-Feb. 26

305 Randolph St.
Glencoe
Online: glencoeparkdistrict.com

8. Midway Plaisance

Feel the history in the air at Midway Plaisance ice skating rink, the original site of the world-famous Chicago's 1893 World's Fair. Skating is free and skates are available to rent. You can request sled-assisted skating, which allows people of all abilities to skate together, by calling 312-442-2194. Skate trainers are also available at the rink, first-come, first-served, for children new to skating.

While you're in Hyde Park, visit the Museum of Science & Industry's Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light and be enchanted by the trees and displays decorated to represent the rich multicultural heritage of Chicago.

1130 Midway Plaisance North
Hyde Park
Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

9. Peninsula Chicago

Located above Michigan Avenue, the Peninsula Sky Rink is the only hotel skating rink in the city, now in its 10th year. Surrounded by skyscrapers and the glow of twinkling lights, the synthetic rink is tucked into a winter wonderland with festive music and dazzling snowflake lighting. Warm your bellies on a selection of hotel beverages and snacks at the Chalet.

Skates are available to rent with proceeds donated to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Hephzibah Children's Association.

Dates: Nov. 25-Feb. 28

108 E. Superior St.
Near North Side
Online: peninsula.com

For up-to-date information on ice rinks operated by the Chicago Park District, check out their dedicated Skate in the Parks page. 

—additional reporting by Debra Flanagan

These Atlanta toy stores are the stuff of kid dreams. Stocked from floor to ceiling with the best gifts around, no matter what the occasion

Looking to get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping? Stop in to one of these local toy stores Atlanta kids and families can count on. Maybe it’s because they offer curated gifts with customer service that goes the extra mile. Or because no matter who you’re shopping for (or for what occasion) they’ve got STEM toys, puzzles, games, outdoor toys, and all the arts and crafts supplies you could dream of, plus a few more. The next time you need to find that just-right gift, these spots can take out the guess work.

Rhen's Nest Toy Shop

iStock

This small but mighty shop with a location in Ponce City Market is filled with engaging toys, books, puzzles, and more to provide unplugged play for all ages. We particularly love the books with book character dolls and stuffed animals—the perfect partnership. Parents will love the fact this cute store always stocks the hottest gifts—the ones your kids can't wait to unwrap, no matter what the occasion. No matter what you're looking for—from ride-ons to fidgets to puzzles—you can find it here. Don't forget to browse the novelties section filled with the oddest gifts in town.

Good to Know: Rhen's Nest offers free shipping on orders over $100.

Ponce City Market
675 Ponce De Leon Ave. N.E.
Atlanta 
Online: rhensnesttoyshop.com

Related: 12 Atlanta Black-Owned Businesses We Love

Seed Factory

This boutique Atlanta toy store opened in 2002 and has grown from "Sprout" to a complete Seed Factory over the years. It's your go-to spot for a curated selection of smart and sustainable children's gifts. In the toy area (they sell amazing kids' clothing too), shelves are lined with books, wooden toys, puzzles, and the softest stuffed animals around. Everything here has a vintage feel—no bells, whistles, or blinking lights in sight. What you will find are trusted brands like Begin Again, Elm + Otter, and Jellycat that engage kids' imaginations while they play.   

763 Trabert Ave. N.W., Suite D
Atlanta
Online: seedfactoryatlanta.com

Kazoo Toys

Kazoo Toys is a full-service toy store in Buckhead with a full selection of high-quality toys, games, puzzles, and creative playthings. Excellent, friendly customer service means that you will walk away with thoughtful gifts for everyone on your list, from the athletes to the scientists—and everyone in between.

3718 Roswell Rd.
Atlanta
Online: kazootoysatlanta.com

Related: Light Up the Holidays with Locally Made Gifts

Learning Express

Though there are multiple Learning Express stores, this locally owned operation has kept a focus on filling its shelves with well-thought-out toys, crafts, construction sets, and more. Organized by age and interest, shopping is a breeze—especially with informed associates and inventory that's been tried and approved before making its way to the shelves. 

Good to Know: Learning Express offers a gift registry, which takes the guesswork out of holiday shopping for grandparents and extended family.

4407 Roswell Rd. N.E.
Atlanta
Online: learningexpress.com/buckhead

Related: Asian American-Owned Businesses to Support in Atlanta

Treehouse Kid & Craft

At Treehouse Kid & Craft, you'll find shelves stuffed with unique, kindly-made products from all around the world that encourage critical thinking, problem solving, and imaginative play. Treehouse is fueled by a love of design and a focus on quality. It's our go-to spot to find art supplies and gift options with endless creativity. Splurge-worthy Art Pantry packs include everything kids need to set up an complete art station (from ages 1-12), and the Box of Happy makes a great small, custom gift for any kid on your list. 

533 W. Howard Ave., Suite A
Decatur, GA 
Online: treehousekidandcraft.com

Related: Atlanta Women-Owned Businesses You Should Know

Blabla Kids

Everyone's favorite cozy doll once had its own storefront in Atlanta, and it was filled with hand-knit dolls, decor, and baby clothes. These days, Atlanta families can find Blabla products at these local toy stores in Atlanta. Each is made with natural fibers, the softest cloth, and fair trade always. Blabla kids plants a tree for every doll sold.

Online: blablakids.com

Once you’re ready to hit the road for an overnight at Grandma’s house or somewhere more exotic, little ones will need a safe place to sleep. Be prepared with one of the best travel cribs available. Here are our top picks.

AeroMoov Instant Travel Crib

AeroMoov

This cute travel cot weighs less than 11 pounds and can be set up and taken down in a snap. It folds flat (less than 5 inches thick!) so it won't take up much space when stored. There's a breathable, see-through mesh exterior and a two-inch foam mattress for sleeping and playing on. Position the mattress at mid-level for younger babes, and then switch to the lower level for older babies and toddlers.

Available at amazon.com, $195.

4moms Breeze Plus

4moms

The 4moms Breeze Plus ($245) is designed to do it all and last for years. The Breeze comes complete with a bassinet, making it suitable to use from birth. Once your little one outgrows the bassinet, simply remove it to give baby a larger place to sleep and play. The Breeze comes with a unique changer that can be flipped onto the crib when baby needs a new diaper. The Breeze Plus also lives up to the hype of a very easy set-up. It takes one push to open and one pull to close, which is great for anyone who anticipates setting up a travel crib or play yard frequently. The Breeze also comes with a travel bag for easy transport. 

Nuna Sena Aire

Nuna

The Nuna Sena Aire ($379) is a sleek travel crib that's very easy to fold and unfold, making a great choice for trips where you need to set up and clean up quickly. This travel crib can be used from birth with the included bassinet that folds along with the main frame. Another useful feature is the adjustable mattress. This is great when setting down a sleeping baby or reaching in to get a baby up since the mattress can be positioned about mid-way up.The Sena Aire also makes a fun play yard at home or on-the-go. It has mesh on all sides so you can see inside from any angle. The Sena Aire comes complete with an organic sheet and travel bag. Need something even smaller? The Sena Aire also comes in mini ($200).

Regalo

Regalo

The Regalo My Portable Bassinet ($80) is a no-frills travel crib that is perfect for when space is at a premium. This travel crib is light and can fit into an average-size carry-on bag. Regalo achieves the impossible by giving baby a safe place to sleep while truly traveling light. Its small size also makes it a great choice for travel or small bedrooms.

DockATot

DockATot

The DockATot Deluxe+ ($175) is a space-saving ultra-light solution to providing a safe place for your tot to lounge on-the-go. This is the absolute lightest option for a travel crib because it does not have a frame. Instead, the DocATot Deluxe+ is a heavily padded nest suitable for babies up to eight months. There are endless options for covers to match any decor from pristine white to exotic leaves and chevron patterns. Add-ons include a travel bag for easy transport and a toy bar that transforms the DockATot into a place to play and practice tummy time. If your little one still loves the DockATot when they get bigger, check out the DockATot Grand, which is big enough for toddlers up to 36 months. 

Silver Cross Slumber

Silver Cross

Silver Cross is known for being the brand of choice for the British Royals when it comes to strollers. Now, the Slumber travel crib ($300) meets the same high standards, making it fit for heirs to the throne and commoners alike. The Slumber is ready to use from birth through the toddler years right out of the box. The included bassinet can be used until baby starts to roll over or push up. Once that happens, extending the life of the Slumber is easy! Just unzip the bassinet and you have a ready-made full-size crib complete with a padded frame. Even better, the Slumber can be used as a play yard during the day. One of the sides is a clever zip-up door that is left closed when your little one is asleep but can be opened when you want to give your toddler the independence to get in and out during the day. The Slumber is incredibly easy to use since it can be unfolded with one hand. As a bonus, it comes with its own weatherproof travel bag great for putting in the trunk or checking on a plane. 

—Jamie Davis Smith

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One of our editors, Kate Loweth, took Microsoft Edge, a browser loaded with built-in shopping tools, for a test run for her holiday shopping. Here’s what she found:

The holidays are expensive. There, I said it. As a mom with three kids in the tween and teen years, I know full well that it’s no longer about the number of toys under the tree but instead, it has morphed into them asking for high-priced electronics and gift cards.

Saving is at the top of my list this year as I’m not about to spend my whole paycheck to put loot under the tree. Lucky for me, Microsoft Edge gifted me $250 to try out their browser with my shopping. Here’s the 411 on how this browser seamlessly assisted with my holiday shopping and helped me save along the way. Trust me, you’ll want to make it part of your shopping routine all year long!

 P.S. Enter for your own chance to win $250 for your holiday shopping at the bottom of this article!

The Shopping Features Are There as Soon as You Download the Browser

Shopping via the Microsoft Edge browser is super easy and you know what you are buying is the best deal out there. I was looking for a Fitbit for my 10-year-old and was checking out options that were available at Target. When I navigated to the page for the Fitbit Ace 3, the price comparison feature showed me that there was a lower price available on another website. Turns out the savings was only 4 cents on eBay so I stuck with Target for my purchase. I was happy to know that no major discount was out there and I was getting it at a reasonable price. Gone are the days when you have to shop around to find the lowest price.

Am I Getting a Good Deal? Yes

Next up on my shopping list was Just Dance 2022 for the Nintendo Switch. Target had this at $49.99 but Microsoft Edge let me know that it was available for $29.83 on Amazon. Score! When I navigated over to Amazon to make my purchase, Microsoft Edge showed me that this price was pretty stable over the last 6 months and I was getting a good deal. Go me! Knowing the historical pricing data without having to check another website is a handy feature.

Original Price Price: $49.99

Price with Microsoft Edge: $29.83

Savings: $20.16

 

Expert-Approved

Making a big purchase? Reviews can offer insight into what is the best option for your needs. Microsoft Edge captures ratings and reviews from multiple sources and brings them to you without you having to navigate away from the item you are considering. Click, check out the review and feel comfortable with your order. It’s that easy.

It Finds the Deals for You

As a self-proclaimed coupon addict, I am well versed in the couponing world. I know all the websites to go to that gather up coupon codes. Microsoft Edge makes this whole process so much easier as it scours the web for all available coupons for you while you shop. Since it’s built in, you don’t have to add any connections.

My husband needs a new carry-on suitcase so I checked out Amazon for options. I found this one and Microsoft Edge told me there was a $10 coupon. Score! Clip and save.

Regular Price: $89.99

Price with Microsoft Edge: $79.99

Savings: $10

Checkout Is a Breeze

Last on my list was a “cozy but stylish” jacket for my 12-year-old son who wears almost the same size that I do (when did THAT happen?). I found this bomber jacket with a sherpa lining at Target that checked both boxes and was every tween’s favorite color, black. Because I had set up Microsoft Edge with all my shipping details the last time I shopped, it was ready to autofill when I checked out.

Savings: My time!

The real truth: Microsoft Edge makes shopping so much easier, which is key during this time when orders are being placed at lightning speed. I know that I’m getting the best deal for my purchases and the whole process is a breeze.

 

It’s the worst when the last flower on your bouquet finally bites the dust and you have to toss them all in the trash. Well, thanks to Love Pop, you can enjoy this bouquet all year long!

Disney’s Hocus Pocus Spellbinding Bouquet ($26) starts out as a card fit for the Sanderson sisters, then unfolds into a purple and orange “floral” centerpiece. Above the purple vase and amidst the black vines lie the Sandersons holding the Manual of Witchcraft and Alchemy next to a bottle of magical green life potion.

Once unfolded, The Hocus Pocus Spellbinding Bouquet measures 10.25 inches tall by 7.5 inches wide, making it the perfect size for your dining room table or your desk. Because it starts out as a card, shipping is also a breeze!

You can find this boo-tiful bouquet at lovepop.com.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of lovepop

 

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Are you a big time botanist? LEGO’s new set is for you!

A fresh addition to the LEGO Botanical Collection, the Bird of Paradise makes for the perfect relaxing activity plus a fabulous centerpiece. With repositional flowers and leaves, the building set is as close to a lifelike plant as you can get-no watering required.

Joining the collection alongside the LEGO Flower Bouquet and the LEGO Bonsai Tree, the Bird of Paradise measures 18 inches tall and sits in a five inch wide black flower pot. The set is geared for adults, or builders 18+ and contains 1173 pieces.

LEGO went above and beyond with this set that includes fun building elements like purple swords that make up the stamens. In the piece de resistance, the leaves even slightly sway when placed in a light breeze!

You can find the Bird of Paradise starting Aug. 1 at lego.com and local retailers for $99.99.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of LEGO

 

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Golly! These Mickey Mouse Corn Holders Are Gosh Darn Cute

Breakfast just got more fun! If you’re trying to get your kiddos excited about their morning meal, you need to sneak a peak at this kitchen toy.

The Animal Mini Waffle Maker ($38.95) whips up seven waffles or pancakes in a flash. It comes with a mold to create your own tigers, puppies, reindeer, cat and a bear that make mealtime a breeze.

photo: Waffle Wow via Amazon

The non-stick iron creates waffles or pancakes with the silver dollar-sized designs on both sides and cleans up quickly. You can snag the Animal Mini Waffle Maker on Amazon for $38.95.

Breakfast is served!

––Karly Wood

 

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Are you looking to upgrade your inflatable game? FUNBOY is here to take your summer to the next level.

Last year’s Cabana Dayclub was a huge hit, selling out in four days and amassing a 10,000 person waitlist. Now FUNBOY is bringing the coveted float back in 2021 and it’s been re-engineered for even more fun!

This year’s floating cabana measures almost 10 feet long and seven feet wide and is made with thicker materials, improved backrests and stronger seams. It come with a premium mesh carry bag, which makes transporting a breeze.

Made for four people, the Dayclub comes with dual mesh foot baths, center storage compartment, a water entry pad, side grab ropes, eight handles and a tether rope. The FUNBOY Cabana Dayclub is only available on funboy.com for $399. Don’t wait to snag this epic float, it’s bound to sell out like last year!

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of FUNBOY

 

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