These amazing gingerbread houses will inspire you to get creative this year

Gingerbread season is here! While the candy-covered creations we make with our kids are what we’d call “shabby chic” at best (here are some gingerbread house hacks to help you this year), some folks take it to the next level. We’ve rounded up a village of amazing gingerbread houses that will make your jaw drop. 

Magical World of Gingerbread Houses

Disney World is known for displaying amazing gingerbread houses every year, and the Grand Floridian Resort tops the list of best places to spot them.

"12 Days of Gingerbread"

Omni Grove Park has amazing gingerbread houses
The Omni Grove Park Inn

The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville is famous for its annual Gingerbread House Competition. This year is the 31st anniversary, and starting on November 27th, all the submissions will be displayed throughout the resort. If you won't be in the area, be sure to check out their "12 Days of Gingerbread," where, from Dec 1. - Dec. 12, the top 12 finalists are presenting on Facebook and Instagram.

Sweet & Simple’s Clever House

British Columbia-based baker Sweet & Simple Kitchen’s beautiful use of powdered sugar and almond shingles has us dreaming of a cozy cabin somewhere.

Related: 13 Brilliant Hacks for the Perfect Gingerbread House

Two-Story Gingerbread House

amazing gingerbread houses
Fairmont San Francisco

The Fairmont in San Francisco is famous for its two-story gingerbread houses, which is a part of its annual holiday fun. You can even book a dining experience for up to eight guests inside the gingerbread house! The hotel officially kicks off the holiday fun on November 24th, 2023. 

A Retro Gingerbread Camper

amazing gingerbread houses
Jared Smith via Sugar & Cloth

We're totally crushing on this creation by Sugar & Cloth, complete with a Rice Krispy Christmas tree on top of the sweet retro camper. There are even step-by-step instructions if you’re feeling brave enough to attempt it yourself.

There’s No Place Like This Gingerbread House

amazing gingerbread houses
Fashion Island Hotel Newport Beach

Fashion Island Hotel Newport Beach created a jaw-dropping take on The Wizard of Oz, made with 400 pounds of gingerbread dough, 300 pounds of fondant, and 100 pounds of chocolate.

Haunted Gingerbread House

amazing gingerbread houses
Cookie Connection

Two of our favorite holidays collide in this spooky house from Cookie Connection. A candy-lined path leads up to a sweet mansion that’s crawling with ivy—would you dare to step inside?

White House

The White House always has amazing gingerbread houses
White House Historical Association

The White House gingerbread house is a tradition that’s been going on since the Carter administration. We think the 2019 house was pretty awesome because not only is the White House featured, but other important American landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and the Alamo are included too. 

Gingerbread Farm

amazing gingerbread houses
My Name Is Yeh

How cute is this farm setup from My Name Is Yeh? Complete with matcha trees, heart-shaped jolly rancher windows, and gingerbread ponies, it’s a farm you can really sink your teeth into. 

Related: How to Make a Gingerbread House…From Scratch

Boardwalk Concession Stand

amazing gingerbread houses
DisneyParks Blog

Disney doesn’t do anything halfway—including this life-size replica of a Jersey Shore Boardwalk concession stand at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, which has a grand total of 674 gingerbread shingles. We’ve only got one question: how do you keep the kiddos from nibbling on it as they walk by?

A Tea Party

Omni Grove Park Inn amazing gingerbread houses
The Omni Grove Park Inn

Here’s another winner from the Omni Grove Park Inn’s 2022 contest, but this time, it's the first-place winner in the teen category! 

Frozen Gingerbread Ice Castle

DisneyParks Blog

Frozen fans will appreciate this awesome gingerbread ice castle that popped up at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Florida. Anna, Elsa, and the rest of the gang are all ready to wave hello.

Valentine Gingerbread House

With Love and Confection

Here’s a cute idea—combine a couple of holidays for an extra special gingerbread house. This creation from With Love and Confection is super sweet down to the last detail, from the heart-shaped roof tiles to the glittery snowman in the front yard.

Land of Misfit Toys

amazing gingerbread houses
Gingerbread Exchange

This amazing gingerbread house combines an iconic building at the National Institutes of Health with everyone’s favorite reindeer and all of his friends. Watch out for the Abominable Snowman in the background!

Up Gingerbread House

Search Lawrence

This clever house looks just like the one featured in Pixar’s hit movie Up. From the “grass” made out of toasted coconut to the rice paper curtains, this house makes every detail count.

Nightmare Before Christmas

Waterbar

Waterbar's Executive Pastry Chef Erica Land spent over 100 hours creating this amazing rendition of Halloween Town from Tim Burton's classic film The Nightmare Before Christmas. It was three feet tall, and six feet wide, and included over 25 lbs. of gingerbread! 

These funny and spooky ghost stories for kids keep that eerie vibe going through the night

There’s nothing like telling ghost stories over a campfire or at a sleepover. Of course, we don’t want your little ones to be scared during this special bonding time, so we’ve rounded up 30 scary stories for kids that will leave your little ones laughing instead. Curious about other ways to keep the mood creepy but cute? Try out some DIY magic potions, or watch a few scary movies for kids 

Ghost Stories for Younger Kids

parents reading ghost stories for kids
iStock

Sneakers — Ready for a scary story about a pair of stinky shoes? This not-so-scary story is a great one to tell around the campfire.

The Ball Pit — While those pits full of plastic balls are some parents' worst enemies, this story isn't quite scary, but it has a spooky twist for kids to enjoy.

Dem Bones — A colorful skeleton band and the illustrated book teaches kids about anatomy, rhyme, and language through this traditional African-American spiritual song.

The Ghost of the Bloody Finger — With blood, fingers, and ghosts, you'd think this story is too much for the young camper. But rest assured—it's a great way to introduce scary stories to kiddos.

Tommy Knockers — The ghosts of California miners are featured in this story that has a twisted and silly ending.

Underpants — This ghost keeps haunting his former wife because he has an important message for her. But what happens when she's too afraid to talk with him?

Yellow Ribbon — Jane and Johnny fall in love, but Jane can't forget the feeling of a yellow ribbon around her neck. One day, she tells Johnny to untie the ribbon, and the kids won't believe what happens next.

Rap, Rap, RapA little old lady doesn't believe the rumors about her house being haunted. But then, one night, she hears a mysterious sound coming from downstairs. She follows the sound and what she finds is more silly than scary! Be sure to draw this one out with somewhat spooky sound effects. 

The Hairy Toe — What happens when an old woman finds a hairy toe in the woods and decides to eat it? You'll be surprised to find out, and we promise a laugh too.

The Lady with the Emerald Ring — This scary story has a happy ending when a woman returns from the dead because her husband has summoned her back.

The Open Window — A little girl tells a neighbor a spooky story, but the prank is on her.

The Pink Jellybean — How is a story about a pink candy haunted? You'd be surprised to find out about the spooky aspects of where this jelly bean lives.

Magic Castle — A curious woman decides to check out a magic castle at midnight, despite being warned to stay away. Yet she keeps going further and what she finds is a big surprise.

 

Related: Want to Hear a Ghost Story? Ask Alexa 

Scary Stories for Older Kids

bonfire is good for telling ghost stories for kids
Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

Cow's Head — This ghost story is a twist on the classic "Cinderella." Young Oksana is tasked by her evil stepmother to go into the woods and find food. She encounters a spirit in a cow's head, and the rest is up to you to read.

The Coffin — This tale is about a haunted coffin that chases a camper. But rest assured, it's defeated in the funniest of ways.

Thing at the End of the Bed — One day, an old man sees something spooky at the end of his bed. But he's surprised to discover what lies at his feet.

The Thirteenth Floor — This ghost story is a little bit scarier than the others on the list! Find out why most buildings don't have a 13th floor according to this tale of a Halloween party gone wrong. 

The Knife in the Grave — When two friends decide to make a bet about who is most scared, they learn a lesson about how fear is often just in your head.

The Shrunken Head — This story is more than a little eerie, so save it for the older kiddos!

Fifty-Cent Piece — A couple is traveling home in a carriage when they have to stop at a house for the night. Before leaving the next day, they're given a fifty-cent piece, and what happens afterward is a spooky tale that won't leave kids scared.

Ghost Ship of Captain Sandovate — A group of pirates learn a valuable lesson after they dehydrate their captain to death. After their ship sinks, it becomes haunted and the sailors end up needing water.

Golden Hand — When a man tries to marry a woman with a golden hand, he then decides to poison her to get the gold for himself. It works, but he learns a valuable lesson and pays a price in the process.

The Flying Dutchman — You might recognize the name from "The Pirates of the Caribbean," but there's a real story to be told. Word has it that this ghost ship has been unable to make port, doomed to sail the seas for eternity. 

The Purple Gorilla — Nothing sounds scarier than a huge purple gorilla that's hunting people. But in reality, this beast isn't that scary after all.

kids listening to ghost stories
iStock

The Wendigo - Originating from Native American legend, this scary story tells the tale of how a monstrous creature came to be in existence. 

The Guitar Player - This story is about a man who plays guitar and encounters a man who asks to play his guitar, but is it a man?

The White Cap - This one is a spooky story about a fearless girl who has an encounter with a ghost, but it does not end expectedly.

Blue Hands - Your kiddo will find this story freaky at the very least! Find out what happens to Jose when he meets a figure with glowing blue hands.

The Hitchhiker - A classic ghost story for kids about a mysterious girl who gets picked up late a night. This one is fun to embellish or make your own. 

Something Was Wrong - This ghost story about a man who doesn't know he's a ghost is suitable for older kids because a little bit of gore is included! 

 

 

There’s nothing like a family road trip to get everyone excited to check out another area of the country. For your next adventure, up your road trip game with a camper van rental from GoCamp. We checked out the “Airbnb of camper vans” for ourselves and would totally recommend it for your next family camping weekend, especially with fall camping on the horizon. It comes with all the gear you need, plus a comfy spot to sleep away from the bugs. You’re going to love it!

1. Your GoCamp van comes with everything you need.

Kate Loweth

Gone are the days of packing a car full of gear for your next camping trip. GoCamp vans come with literally everything you need to cook, wash dishes and enjoy the campfire. In addition to the sink, our van had a solar-charged Yeti cooler and all the cooking gear needed to make some mean camping tacos. Pots, pans, a camp stove with propane, a French press for the all-important coffee, and place settings for four people were all included. The van's owner even let us use some of his camp chairs. All we had to bring was our clothes, sleeping bags for the kids, some food, and some firewood. That's it! 

Related: Camping Gear That Does Everything (Except Pitch the Tent)

2. The interior is your mini kitchen on the road.

interior of a camper van
Kate Loweth

The main drag of the family road trip is arguably the constant dining out. The GoCamp vans save you the aggravation (and funds) that requires by bringing your kitchen with you. While all the rigs are set up slightly differently, our Sprinter van had a pump-powered sink where we could wash dishes and an indoor area if we needed to cook out of the elements. It also came with a folding table to set up a kitchen outdoors.  

Bedding for the lower mattress was provided and the kids in the upper bunk brought their sleeping bags to make it easy. Sleeping in the Sprinter van was actually quite comfortable, much better than the usual camping sleep that's for sure! 

3. A camper van will have you sleeping in style.

Kate Loweth

There's something about bringing your bed with you that makes traveling in a GoCamp camper van especially epic. The GoCamp fleet of camper vans is anything but cookie-cutter. Scroll through their available rigs and you'll find everything from old-school Volkswagen Vanagons to Mercedes Sprinter vans. Different sleeping arrangements appeal to different families with some offering interior sleeping quarters and some roof-top popups or tents. The Sprinter van offers the largest option with seating for five and sleeping quarters (via a double bunk) for four. 

4. No RV spot needed.

Kate Loweth

Perhaps our favorite aspect of the GoCamp camping experience is that you don't need to search high and low for those high-demand RV campsites. A traditional campsite is plenty large enough to fit your camper van, your kids, and the gear. This gives you the flexibility to book your campsites as you go or try your luck at a first-come-first-served campsite. 

5. More time for hiking.

kids walking through trees at Point Reyes
Kate Loweth

An additional bonus comes when you arrive at your campsite and don't have to spend time finding a (hopefully) flat area and setting up your tent. Your all-weather sleeping quarters will keep everyone warm and happy, and you'll have more time to spend exploring your campground. 

Related: 45 Ideas That’ll Make You a Campground Pro

6. The ride is a part of the adventure.

camper van next to a field
Kate Loweth

We loved tooling around the Northern California coast on our recent GoCamp adventure because the van was so fun to drive and easy to maneuver. No blind spots or special parking spots were needed, the van could take us anywhere we wanted to go. The kids especially loved that our van was named "Vanica Patrick" and they enjoyed talking about our new friend Vanica all weekend long. 

Related: 11 Reasons Why You Should Try RV Camping with Kids

7. GoCamp is ready to kick off your next road trip adventure.

two boys on a tree stump while family camping
Kate Loweth

Your GoCamp rental comes with 125 miles per day included in your rental (with additional miles incurring an additional charge). Rentals range from $105-250/night and are a minimum of three or four days depending on the season. Check the rent-a-van page for current availability and see if there's availability near you. 

GoCamp Camper Vans
Online: gocamp.com

Editor’s note: This rental was provided by GoCamp but the opinions belong to the author. 

Whether it’s a superhero hideout or a cool reading nook, outdoor forts bring magic and wonder to everyone in on the action. Even more, they make super summer projects for kids. We’ve found 15 outdoor forts for kids and the best part? You won’t need an engineering degree to pull it off. From tree forts and teepees to A-frames and twigs, here’s where you find out everything you need to know about how to build a fort.

Cardboard Box Fort

A cardboard box fort works just as well outside as inside (during the warm months), and we can't get over the toy bin and spyglass that have been added to the sides. 

A-Frame Playhouse Fort

A-Frame outdoor fort for kids
At Home With Ashley

A is for amazing! Whether you build this sturdy A-frame playhouse yourself or make it a woodworking project for kids, the end result is astonishing. We love the step-by-step over At Home With Ashley which includes all the supplies you’ll need. 

Easy No-Sew Fort

no-sew outdoor fort for kids
Raising Whasians

With a little bit of imagination, mama Christie over at Raising Whasians made this no-sew kids' outdoor fort. Throw in a flashlight, books and your little camper's favorite things, and you have a backyard oasis.

Stick Fort

How Wee Learn

This teepee fort is an inventive project that bigger kids can help to build. Grab books, snacks and other favorite items to make this fort extra sweet! We found the how-to over at How Wee Learn. 

Mid-Century Play Fort

Mid-Century outdoor fort for kids
A Beautiful House

Looking for a modern outdoor fort for kids? Then this is your playhouse. We love the creativity used over at A Beautiful Mess to build this sleek yellow play fort. It even has a swing set and a slide. 

A Homemade House

Babble Dabble Do

Kids can take fort design into their own hands with this amazing idea from Babble Dabble Do. They’ll love putting it together and painting it themselves. 

Keep It Simple

Clean Rachel Wolf

Bring the spirit of an indoor blanket fort outside with this easy-to-make version from Clean Rachel Wolf. After all, the less time you spend setting it up, the more time the kids will have to play.

Up in the Trees

DIY outdoor fort for kids
Hands On As We Grow

If you’ve got good trees in your backyard and DIY skills, then this tree fort from Hands On As We Grow might be the perfect fit for you. It’s the kind of fort that can be made in a weekend and added to as time goes on. 

A Cozy Teepee

Mama. Papa. Bubba.

Take a cue from Mama. Papa. Bubba. and craft this cute teepee in your backyard. With bamboo stakes, a king-sized sheet and clothespins, it’ll come together in five minutes. 

Just Hanging Around

hula hoop outdoor fort for kids
Ikat Bag

This fort from Ikat Bag just might be your kiddo’s new favorite hangout spot. You can pick up everything you’ll need to make it at the hardware store, and your cozy tent will be ready in no time. 

A-Frame Tent

Babble Dabble Do

Try out this A-frame tent from Babble Dabble Do, made with a convenient fort-building kit. The building process is a great way to teach kids about architecture, and the hangout area doesn’t hurt either. 

Twig Fort

use sticks to make an outdoor fort for kids
Little City Farm

How cool is this twig fort by Little City Farm? It’s a project for kids since you can get your whole crew involved in gradually finding the twigs and building this outdoor fort. 

Outdoor Reading Nook

Desde My Ventana

If you’ve got a little bookworm on your hands, encourage them to get outside by crafting a cute fort like this one from Desde My Ventana. With pillows, a stack of books, and a few snacks on hand, they’ll be set for the whole afternoon.

Space Rocket Fort

This last one is for all you DIY masters out there. It was a year in the making (see the YouTube video here), and you can find the instructions at Instructables

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When it comes to summer activities, it doesn’t get any more classic than the good old family camping trip! With some insider tips and a little pre-planning, you can wow your family with an adventure that they won’t forget. We’ve rounded up the best tips for food, camping games and camping hacks so you can rock the campground like a pro.

What to Eat

The best campfire food.

iSTock

From breakfast burritos to awesome dinner ideas, we've got the very best recipes for cooking over a campfire. Click here to see them all. 

And delicious grilling recipes.

istock

From grilled chicken recipes to kebobs, this roundup of food you can cook on the grill is perfect for your next camping trip. See the recipes here

 

Totally unique s'mores.

iStock

No camping trip with kids is complete until you've had s'mores over the campfire. Opt to go traditional or bring extra goodies to make an unforgettable concoction. Find our favorite unique s'mores recipes here

What to Do

Go on an outdoor scavenger hunt.

Shutterstock

There's no better place for a scavenger hunt than the woods. We've even got the perfect outdoor scavenger hunt printable, which you can download here

Play camping games.

istock

Did you know there's way more to camping games than just hide and go seek? Yup, we've got 18 unique games you can play in the woods with kids. See them all here. 

Set up a stargazing station

father and daughter stargazing
iStock

If you can find a clearing near your campsite, consider bringing tools to help you locate constellations and planets. Our guide to stargazing with kids will give you everything you need to get ready. 

Tell ghost stories.

iStock

We've got 25 not-so-scary ghost stories for kids that are perfect for telling around the campfire. See the entire list here

What to Bring

The ultimate camping checklist.

From what type of gear to pack to little things you might not think of, we've created the ultimate camping checklist. You can print it out by clicking here

A tent that fits your family's needs.

iStock

Whether you want a waterproof tent or if you're looking for luxury tents, we've rounded up the best camping tents for families. See them all here

Or, the RV you can rent instead.

Courtesy RV Share

Don't want to camp in a tent? RV's are making a comeback. Here are 11 reasons why you should consider an RV camping trip this year.

Camper vans are pretty rad, too!

Kate Loweth

Bring your sleeping quarters with you when you travel (in style!) in a camper van. We checked it out and it's totally kid-friendly (and parent-friendly too). Here's the full scoop

The gear that does everything but pitch the tent.

Kelty

You've got your checklist, you've picked your tent. What's next? The next-level gear that'll make it an unforgettable outdoor adventure. We've carefully curated all the best stuff for your next trip into the woods, see it all here.  

And the hacks that'll make your life easier.

Matador

Finally, we got camping pros to give us their top tips and tricks to make your trip the best it can be. See our top camping hacks by clicking here

—Gabby Cullen & Kate Loweth

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Looking to snag the perfect camping spot for summer? Now’s the time to book one of these campgrounds near Portland, Oregon before it’s too late

Camping season is almost here, and you don’t want to wait to reserve your favorite (or new) spots for the warm-weather season. If your family loves to spend late spring, summer and early fall in the great outdoors sleeping under a starry sky, scroll down and check out some of our picks for the most family-friendly places to pitch a tent. Then book your stay, before the openings are all snapped up.

1. Champoeg Park

https://www.instagram.com/p/CkQpDchtCiR/?hidecaption=true

Visit a bit of Oregon’s history all while enjoying the Willamette River’s scenic landscape. Champing was the site of Oregon’s first provisional government formed in 1843. The park features a visitor center, Newell House, and the Pioneer Mothers Log Cabin museum to explore the Oregon pioneer life. The campsite features showers and flush toilets. Bring your bikes. A four-mile bicycle trail winds through meadows and along the river bank.

8239 Champoeg Rd. NE
St. Paul, OR
Online: oregonstateparks.org

2. Eel Creek Campground

https://www.instagram.com/p/CQt2ZLzMeTq/?hidecaption=true

Located within a non-motorized section of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, this quiet campground has secluded sites and a peaceful vibe. Explore the nearby trails and the scenic dunes as you hike to the beach, or head out to nearby Eel Lake, or Umpqua Lighthouse State Park.

Lakeside, OR 
Online: fs.usda.gov

3. Stub Stewart State Park

https://www.instagram.com/p/CmKgo3kJ1D1/?hidecaption=true

Want to ease the family into tent camping in a safe and beautiful campground? Stub Stewart State Park features a variety of campgrounds that vary from rustic hike-in campsites to deluxe cabins with hot showers and flush toilets. Stub Stewart State Park features 1,800 acres of hills, forest, and streams along with 25 miles of trails. The trails are well-manicured and include signage that help pick the right trails for differing fitness levels. In addition to hiking trails this campground also features 6 miles of cross-country and free-ride mountain bike trails as well as equestrian trails.

L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
Buxton, OR
Online: stateparks.oregon.gov

4. KOA Astoria/ Warrenton/ Seaside

KOA, or Kampgrounds of America, has nearly 500 campgrounds across the United States. It has been around since 1962 and has been a household name for many campers over its history. KOA campgrounds feature a variety of different amenities that make it fun for the outdoor enthusiast as well as your pickiest child. The Astoria/ Warrenton/ Seaside campground features a year-round pool, mini golf, hot tub, and more. Sites available include everything from non-electric tent sites to deluxe cabins with full kitchens and private bathrooms. One of the most desired features of a KOA campground is the ability to easily book your next camping trip via the KOA app, website, or by phone. Prices are higher than traditional camp sites but there are the amenities to match it.

1100 N.W. Ridge Rd.
Hammond, OR
Online: koa.com

5. Fort Stevens State Park

https://www.instagram.com/p/ClUzLMWO5Hx/?hidecaption=true

The history-rich campground of Fort Steven State Park will please even the pickiest of campers with its wide-selection of available activities including freshwater lake swimming, fishing, canoeing, hiking trails, beach-combing, bicycle trails, and tours of the former military installation. Find a variety of camping options from rustic tent sites to deluxe cabins. The campsite also features flush toilets and hot showers.

100 Peter Iredale Rd.
Hammond, OR
Online: oregonstateparks.org

6. Beverly State Park

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJUbBq1DUhO/?hidecaption=true

Can’t decide whether you want to retreat to the ocean or to the forest? Don’t decide! Beverly State Park’s forest-sheltered campground is just steps away from the ocean. In addition to a great location poised to please any sandcastle-loving kiddos, there is also a children’s playground and hot showers sure to make everyone is happy. This is an incredibly popular campsite and will fill up fast. Plan ahead and make your reservations for this site early.

198 N.E. 123rd St.
Newport, OR
Online: oregonstateparks.org

7. Suttle Lake

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cme6TEGOXrF/?hidecaption=true

While the furthest from Portland on this list, Suttle Lake is reachable within a couple hours drive and is worth the trip! The Suttle Lake area features three campgrounds: Blue Bay, Link Creek, and South Shore. The beauty of the Deshutes National Forest can be enjoyed from any of the three campsites along with fishing, hiking, swimming, and more.

Located off Hwy 20 about 10 miles southeast of the Santiam Summit of the Cascades
Suttle Lake, OR
Online: thesuttlelodge.com

If you’ve started making your list and checking it twice, remember to add your fur babies! Since they’ve been our ride or die throughout the pandemic, our pets deserve some holiday love.

Target has every cat parent covered this year with a slew of new cat scratchers that will keep those kitty claws in check. Coming in at $40 and under, you can even afford to spoil your feline a little more than usual this holiday.


Toy Kingdom Holiday Train

$25 BUY NOW

Christmas Tree Multilevel Cat Scratcher

$30 BUY NOW

3 Pack Christmas Village

$40 BUY NOW

Santa's Sleigh

$35 BUY NOW

Classic Christmas Camper

$15 BUY NOW

Double Decker Cat Scratcher House

$17 BUY NOW

Present

$13 BUY NOW

––Karly Wood

 

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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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No matter how shiny the gift inside, time and time again kids want to play with the box. We’ve found 17 epic transformations of an ordinary cardboard box that will make you forget its humble past. From mini-golf to airplanes to castles, flip through our slideshow to get inspired.

Click here to save this list on Pinterest for tons of fun.

Indoor Golf for Preschoolers

Craftulate

Don’t let the rain or cold get in the way of your golf game. Just makeover a cardboard box to keep practicing your swing no matter the weather. Great for hand-eye coordination for the preschool set, it also can serve as a math lesson. Have the kiddos help keep track of their points as they score. Learn how to make one yourself over at Craftulate.

3D Nature Suncatcher

The Artful Parent

Dreaming of the outdoors? This 3D suncatcher from The Artful Parent is so cool no one will believe it was once a humble cardboard box. Plus, you’ll have as much fun gathering the materials for this project as you will making it. The stained-glass windows make it an elegant little lamp, too. 

The DIY Mailbox You Can Actually Do

Melissa Heckscher

Inspired by the postal service, this super cute (and super easy) cardboard mailbox can be used for pretend play and messaging the kids! Drop the occasional postcard or note in there to thrill them no end. With little more than paint and tape, you can transform a box you have hanging around the house in no time. Get the complete step-by-step here.

Add Up for Fun

Leslie Manlapig via Handmade Charlotte

We’d still love this cardboard cash register even if it wasn’t painted in a bright, cheery yellow. Besides the basic box, you’ll need hot glue, a calculator and a plastic tupperware container. Find out how to measure the space just right and how to get your drawer to slide in and out over at Handmade Charlotte.

Castle

Turn those boxes into a fairytale dream house when you stack them high and deck them out like a castle. 

On the Road Again

The Merry Thought

Check out this sweet camper. Perfect for unlimited vacations to wherever the kiddo’s imagination took them, this cardboard camper also makes a great rainy day activity. Head over to The Merry Thought for the tutorial.

Blast-off! Box

Kate’s Creative Space

If there’s a better material than cardboard to build a spaceship, we haven’t found it. Get inspired by the rocket spotted over at Kate’s Creative Space; the bright colors pop and side-positioned gadgets and gears are genius. The look on your mini-astronaut's face as she blasts off into space will totally be worth the time you spent haunting the local U-Haul for a big box. 

Cardboard, Ahoy!

Lorraine Teigland via ikat bag

From the queen of cardboard comes an arrrrg-uably awesome pirate ship. Probably one of the easier projects you’ll find over at ikat bag, your little mates will be able to help raise the mast and set sail! 

Mini Foosball

How creative is this? Turn your boxes into mini foosball games that you can play after school! 

Auto-Box

Christal Yuen

We bet Lightning McQueen would trade his whitewalls for one of these garages. Using a shoebox and paint, it’s easy to give your motor-revving, tire-screeching tyke a place to park all his special cars. Get the low-down here.

Suds-Free Washing Machine

Ooh La Wawa

Doing chores has never been this much fun! Don't be surprised if this DIY washing machine jump-starts your kid's love for cleanliness. To get the details on making this uber-cool cardboard creation, head over to Ooh La Wawa.

Make Your Own Maze

Heather Palatucci via A Happy Wanderer

Work on a range of skills with your kiddo (shape identification, predictions and gross motor) during an empty afternoon with a quick and easy ball maze like this one from A Happy Wanderer. This project takes about two items and maybe 20 minutes to complete. 

Perfect Puppet Theater

Kidoinfo

Ah, here is one classic box creation that every kid loves. This mom turned her son's puppet theatre into a lovely venue with some curtains, chalkboard paint and a pretty show sign. Head over to Kidoinfo to see how to make your own puppet theater.

Colorful Masks

Whether they're part of your all-cardboard Halloween costume or just fun masks for a backyard play, cardboard is a great medium for mask making. 

Kitschy Kid Kitchen

Merrilee Liddiard via Mer Mag Blog

Okay, so maybe you don’t have the time (or space) to create a full-sized play kitchen for your busy kids. How about an adorable doll-sized version? You probably receive the perfect-sized box from Amazon on the regular, so start collecting and when you’ve got the material you need, head to Mer Mag Blog for the tutorial.

Going Up?

Repeat Crafter Me

Here's an elevator with push buttons that’ll take your little one on an up and down ride. Mom-crafter Sarah made this tot-approved gadget with a few boxes, googly eyes and a brad tack. Get her DIY instructions over at her website Repeat Crafter Me.

For Which It Stands

ikat bag

Now, this is one store we wouldn’t mind spending forever in. From the back to front, this grocery stand is filled with clever details like windows, shelves and drawers that really make it a one-stop-shop. See the other (equally and amazingly detailed) side of the store at ikat bag

— Christal Yuen & Gabby Cullen

 

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If you’re already making your holiday gift lists, another big retailer has dropped a Top Toys list to help you narrow it down! Zulily released its list this morning, with plenty of familiar brands making the cut. Read on for all the details!

An new model of an evergreen toy topped this year’s list. Barbie’s Three-In-One Dreamcamper cashes in on the increased popularity of family camping. Kids three and up can change the shape and functionality of the camper to create their own imaginative trips. The set is packed with features like sleeping bags and fishing gear and it’s retailing for $79.

 

Other toys in the top five:

PicassoTiles 101-Piece 3D Magnetic Building Tile Play Set by PicassoTilesDesign, build and let imaginations soar with this colorful, magnetic toy set that little ones will love. Suitable for ages 3 and up.

Fisher-Price® Giant Rock-a-Stack® Toy by Fisher-PriceHelp strengthen and develop your little one’s fine motor and problem-solving skills with these stacked rings in bright colors. Suitable for babies 12 months and up.

Joybay Sky Blue Premium LED Swing Car by JoybayBoasting vibrant hues and a dynamic design, this sweet ride-on just needs kiddos to turn the steering wheel from left to right to get racing. Able to be used indoors and out, this super quiet ride features light up LED wheels for a dazzling drive by display. Suitable for ages 3 and up.

LEGO® Marvel Studios The Guardians’ Ship by The LEGO Group: Transport kids into a universe of imaginative adventures with this rewarding model-making project, perfect for any fan of the Marvel Universe. Suitable for ages 14 and up.

For the rest of this year’s top toys, head over to Santa’s Workshop and start shopping! Zulily found that 71% of moms start buying their holiday gifts in advance. Shopping data from Zulily also revealed moms are stockpiling Christmas décor and other holiday items as early as July, so it’s never to soon to start checking off those lists.

—Sarah Shebek

Photos courtesy of Zulily/featured image courtesy of Thandy Yung/Unsplash

 

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