Both Aldi’s beer and wine advent calendars will have the same price as last year
Is it October? Yes. Are we dreaming of Aldi’s wine and cheese advent calendars? Also yes.
The retailer has dropped the 2023 advent calendar collection, and there is definitely something for everyone this year. From global wines and the new Irish Cream Countdown, cozy home decor advent calendars, and pet treats, you’ll want to head to your nearest Aldi on Nov. 1 when the calendars all hit shelves.
Aldi Advent Calendars for Those with a Sophisticated Palate:
Aldi has plenty of holiday cheer to share this year. The Holiday Magic Wine Advent Calendar, in particular, has 24 unique labels and 16 wine varieties from eight countries of origin. Each label has a scannable QR code to learn more about the wine and to explore the region, varietal, and culture of the country.
Other calendars include:
Barissimo Coffee Advent Calendar ($14)
Beer Advent Calendar ($50; in select markets)
Emporium Selection Cheese Advent Calendar ($17)
This must-have calendar is packed with European Cheeses like Dutch Goudas, Red Leicester, and Double Gloucester.
Bay Island Hot Sauce Advent Calendar ($15)
Wicked Grove 12 Days of Cider ($20)
12 Day of Irish Cream Calendar ($30)
Holiday Magic 5 Days of Sweet Red Wine ($20)
Holiday Magic 5 Dayd of Dry Red Wine ($20)
Moser Roth Luxury Chocolate Advent Calendar ($16)
There's even an advent calendar for your pets! The Pure Being Dog Advent Calendar is just $8, and the Pure Being 12 Days of Cat Treats is just $6.
Aldi Advent Calendars for Some Much-Needed Self-Care:
When it comes to self-care this crazy holiday season, Aldi has your back. Choose from seasonal candle calendars and even fun puzzle advent calendars that'll give you a chance to relax.
Huntington Home Advent Calendar ($40)
Merry Moments Advent Calendar Garland ($13)
Mini Puzzle Advent Calendar ($10)
Advent Calendars for Kids:
Aldi's advent calendars for 2023 also offer several fun kids' advent calendars. Cool collectibles and chocolate await with this year's lineup.
Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Advent Calendar ($25)
Pokeman/Cocomelon Advent Calendar ($30)
Compound Kings Slime Advent Calendar ($17)
Moose Toys Bluey Advent Calendar ($20)
Zuri Mini Brands Advent Calendar ($30)
Choceur Kids Advent Calendar ($1.50)
As always, supplies are limited, and calendars are expected to sell out fast. Head to your local Aldi on November 1 to commence with the merry-making!
Sit back and relax with this amazingly simple recipe (it might be the easiest we’ve ever seen!), and add some kid-friendly flavor to your evening
We can’t think of much that our kids like better than chicken teriyaki! For the perfect family feast, try this Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki recipe from Kylee at Our Little Acre. If you’re looking for other amazing dinner ideas, check out our list of crock pot dinner recipes.
Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki Ingredients:
1 lb. chicken, cubed
1 cup chicken broth (optional; Kylee recommends skipping it)
1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 garlic cloves, minced
Preparation Method:
1. Combine chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, and garlic cloves in a large bowl.
2. Add chicken to the sauce, and mix.
3. Pour chicken mixture into crock-pot.
4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve over hot cooked rice and spoon on extra sauce if desired.
Sometimes, getting nutritious food into little ones can be a real challenge. Get your kids to eat fruit with these apple sandwiches courtesy of The Merry Thought. Layer in peanut butter, Nutella or any other preferred snack (you can even try granola, bananas, or cereal) for a healthy afternoon snack. Looking for other snacks? Check out these Ham Pizza Snacks, these grab-and-go Amazon snacks perfect for school lunches and the best picnic snacks for kids.
Ingredients for Apple Sandwiches:
Apples
Peanut Butter
Honey
Method:
1. Wash, slice, and core apples. To make the snacks more fun, use a cookie cutter for fun shapes.
2. Spread peanut butter, Nutella, or any ingredient of your choice on a slice, drizzle with honey, and top with another apple slice.
The popular retail store always has the cutest holiday decor, and this year’s Easter collection does not disappoint
You’ve (finally) taken the blow-up Santa down and the pinecone wreaths are safely stored in the basement. Now is the time to welcome spring! From adorable Easter egg wreaths to the cutest collection of bunnies, we’ve rounded up some of the cutest Easter decorations at Target you can get right now. When you’re done be sure to plan out your Easter egg hunts and decide how you want to decorate Easter eggs this year!
Threshold™ Woven Easter Bunny Figurine
This adorable Easter Bunny brings a little muted chic to the usual pastel offerings that are Easter decorations.
If you’re looking for some new Easter decorations from Target perfect for your front door, this Easter egg wreath is just what you’ve been looking for.
An absolute must when it comes to Easter decorations at Target is a fun garland. This one stars the Easter Bunny and will brighten up any mantle or door.
How cute is this little guy? There are other birds in the collection, including an Easter Bunny bird, and a gardener bird. We love the whimsical vibe they’ll bring to Easter this year!
Learn where to find discount LEGOLAND tickets and how to skip the lines for free
If you have a LEGO lover in your house, you need to plan your next family vacation in sunny Florida at LEGOLAND. You’ll enter a world filled with tradeable Minifigures, thrilling rides, and the best LEGO shopping in the world. So whether you want to find the best ticket price or the perfect LEGOLAND ride for a toddler, we’ve rounded up the top tips to plan the perfect family trip to LEGOLAND, Florida.
How to save money on your LEGOLAND Florida vacation.
Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Find Discount Tickets Start by choosing a time of year when LEGOLAND offers discount vacation packages. It's the perfect way to save on almost every part of your theme park getaway. And you can try your local big box store (Costco or Sam's Club) for the best prices if you just need tickets.
Brave Hurricane and Back-to-School Season LEGOLAND offers the best discounts in September. Yes, it is hurricane season, but the park also provides excellent inclement weather policies. If you choose to brave hurricane season after everyone is back in school, make sure you buy travel insurance in case of bad weather. September discounts include vacation packages with resort deals and meals.
Pro Tip:If you plan to combine your visit to LEGOLAND with other theme parks, such as Disney World or Universal, January is the best time for discount prices, cooler weather, and fewer crowds.
Pack a lunch (and snacks) Thankfully, LEGOLAND offers a generous food policy. But the rules are pretty specific. You are allowed soft-sided insulated bags no larger than 8.4' wide x 6" high x 6" deep. So lunch for your crew can stay within your budget. The Publix across the street has affordable food options for the whole family.
Top tips for making the most out of your LEGOLAND Florida visit
CHIP LITHERLAND for LEGOLAND Florida
Get the App Before you even pack for your trip, download the LEGOLAND app. It has an interactive map to aid in exploring the park, a height guide for rides, directions, and even a car finder to help track where you've parked. Most importantly, the app lets you track ride wait times in real-time so you can skip the lines for free. You won't need to pay for FastTrack tickets if you follow the ride wait times on the app. You can get in line when the wait is short. The app is a must-have if you are willing to stay flexible with your schedule.
Shopping Made Easy You don't need to worry about buying the 3000-piece LEGO set while in the park. Since you'll be able to browse the most extensive collection of LEGO products in the world, the park makes it easy to shop all day. You can purchase from any of the shops throughout LEGOLAND, and they will have your goodies waiting for you when you are ready to leave.
Timesaver Hack: Start at the Back Any seasoned theme park goer knows the lines by the entrance are often much longer just after the park opens. After you arrive and stop at the Height Check for an armband, walk straight to the back of the park to skip the early lines. Use the app to check wait times, too.
Pro Tip:If your kids missed the height mark this visit, you could stop at the Heigh Check Center for an armband. It makes ride choices so much easier.
Plan your day at LEGOLAND around the best rides.
Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Best rides for toddlers Start your day with the Grand Carousel, and when you plan how much time to spend on this ride, triple it. Your little one will ask to ride this double-decker carousel with moving LEGO horses and sensory-friendly sleighs at least five times. Then, take the DUPLO® train ride around the city, where LEGO characters are fishing and enjoying family time. These LEGOLAND rides are perfect for toddlers.
Best rides for big kids Experience a dark castle, a massive dragon, and indoor and outdoor roller coaster fun when you ride The Dragon. And no LEGOLAND trip would be complete without a ride on The Great LEGO Race. The high-speed rollercoaster features a 50-foot drop and a lot of fun for the thrillseeker in your crew. Remember to check out the view of the lake at the very top of the ride.
Pro Tip:LEGOLAND offers Parent Swapping when one child in your group doesn't meet the height requirement of a ride. Each parent gets a chance to ride; just ask.
Sensory-friendly options Don't forget the no-cost "Hero Pass" that allows you to skip lines or wait in quiet rooms equipped with noise-canceling headphones. In addition, the park stocks weighted blankets, squishy toys, and tables where kids can build with LEGO bricks. Finally, ask for one of the illustrated, step-by-step walkthroughs of rides and shows with loud noises, periods of darkness, bright lights, or other overwhelming or potentially frightening aspects.
Find the best hotels near LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND Florida
Where to stay You'll want to choose one of three LEGOLAND hotels or you'll have to drive a bit further each day to stay at an Orlando-based budget hotel option. Unlike Disney World or Universal, the local hotel and rental options are limited. However, the LEGOLAND hotel room rates and vacation packages are reasonable, especially during a discount period. The nearby major hotel chains might be the best option if you have hotel points.
Did you know? LEGOLAND Florida offers all-inclusive vacation packages. In other words, you don't have to plan anything other than how you get there. The packages include everything from meals and accommodations to nightly scavenger hunts with LEGO souvenirs and photo memory packages.
Plan Ahead: Trade Minifigures at LEGOLAND
LEGO
You can bring minifigs from home or build your own at the stop just inside the entrance of the park. Model Citizens (park staff) throughout LEGOLAND wear lanyards with tradable Minifigures. It's almost like a scavenger hunt that only ends when you stop trading.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort One LEGOLAND Way Winter Haven, FL Online:legoland.com
While everyone knows you can get something from Amazon delivered to your door, this year, go the extra mile and pick out a special present at one of LA’s best gift shops and deliver a thoughtful and unique present to that special someone
When it comes to holiday gift giving, you have many personalities to cover on your list—a picky kiddo who hates anything that’s not just the right shade of purple, your eccentric aunt who collects creepy clown figurines (#nojudgements), or that fantastic teacher for whom one gift doesn’t seem nearly enough. To help you find unexpected gifts that will make everyone feel special, we’ve curated a list of the very best shops in LA no matter what type of gift you’re looking for.
The Best Gifts Shops in Los Angeles for One-of-a-Kind Presents
Tesoro owner, Tara Riceberg, describes her store as "Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory meets little store around the corner." Filled with meticulously curated gifts that enhance people’s lives—whether they’re educational, purposeful, convenient or just plain old fun, Tesoro is one of our absolute favorite gift shops in the city. Handpicked selections include everything from unique books, imaginative games, and creative art kits to home décor, gadgets and stationery. Gift wrapping is available.
This Eagle Rock gem founded in 2010 by owner, Leanna Lin, is one of our go-to spots to find the perfect gift for any age. From wooden food trucks, unique books and collectible toys to Studio Ghibli knick-knacks, artist prints and stationery, the shop is a treasure trove of creative gifts. Be sure to check their website for special pop-ups and art events throughout the year as well.
Time Travel Mart is a time travel themed convenience store that sells humorous products from the past, present and future. Whether you’re in the market for some dinosaur eggs, a robot toupee or Wooly Mammoth Chunks, they have you covered. This place is great for some truly unusual stocking stuffers. Best of all, proceeds from the shop go to 826LA, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Los Angeles students with their creative writing skills.
On a mission to find a place that offered special, unique and affordable gifts, owners Tamara and Russell Houghten, founded Shout and About in in 2015. The couple prides themselves in stocking an ever-evolving selection of well-designed finds, including books and various novelties for kids, stationery, home goods, and jewelry. It’s the perfect spot for those not so easy to shop for folks on your list. Echo Park & Carlsbad Online:shoutandabout.com
5. Yolk
This independent design and gift store features an incredible selection of artisan designer goods, locally produced wares and individualistic kids’ fashions sourced from around the world. Whether you’re shopping for toys, candles, kitchen goodies, or children’s clothing, you can rest assured that your gift will be special.
3910 W. Sunset Blvd. Silver Lake Online:shopyolk.com
6. Burro
Burro is a one-stop shop for well-curated goods. This warm and welcoming space features items like kids’ clothing, adorable stationery, luxurious bath and body products, specialty books, home goods, jewelry, and the list goes on. It’s truly one of the best treasure troves for unique gifts in town. Venice & Santa Monica Online:burrogoods.com
The Best Toy Stores in Los Angeles for Kids at Heart
Family-owned and operated since 1945, LA’s oldest toy store, Kip’s Toyland, has long been a favorite of locals who are searching for the perfect toy. Owners, Don and Lily Kipper, and all their staff members are experts when it comes to toys, and there’s no better place to turn when you have zero clue what to get your littles. They prioritize having the hottest items in stock, as well as beloved oldie but goodie classic and retro toys. And to encourage kids to use their imaginations and interact with one another, Kip’s doesn’t sell any toys that plug in.
Original Farmer’s Market 6333 W. 3rd St, Suite 720 Los Angeles Online:kipstoyland.com
8. Miracle Mile Toys and Gifts
This magical neighborhood toy store focuses on classic toys and games that will stand the test of time. They carry a wide selection of offerings from special brands around the globe and offer fantastic customer service to find just the thing you’re looking for. Parents should note there are no returns, exchanges only.
This self-described “pop culture toy shop with a punk rock attitude” is total heaven for kiddos who are into Funko collectibles, Hello Kitty, Garbage Pail Kids, Naoshi artwork and Anime. With a knowledgeable and friendly staff that can help you find anything you’re looking for – boring gifts are a thing of the past.
4633 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles Online:wackola.com
Next time you find yourself at the Museum of Contemporary Art downtown, make sure to stop by the MOCA store for a fabulous array of unique items for art lovers. They have everything from art-inspired activity books, t-shirts and totes to home goods, skate decks and special edition MOCA Vans sneakers. And if you’re a museum member, you get 10% off your purchase! 250 S. Grand Ave. DTLA Online:mocastore.org
11. Academy Museum Store
Hands down, there’s no better place to find a gift for the film fan in your life. And if you’re thinking it’s going to be like the souvenir shops on Hollywood Blvd., think again. The Academy Museum Store features an impressive selection high-quality t-shirts and hoodies, hats, jewelry, art prints, cinema books, games, framed film posters, movie-related collectibles, and specialty Oscar gifts. Many items reflect current exhibitions on display at the museum, and some things are totally exclusive and one-of-a-kind to the store. It’s truly a cinephile’s paradise.
The LACMA Store at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art features incredibly cool art products, books, toys, exhibition catalogues, art prints, tote bags, t-shirts and much more. Every item in store is carefully chosen to represent current collections featured at the museum, as well as products that showcase Los Angeles’s unique culture and diversity. LACMA members receive a 10% discount on almost all purchases.
The Library Store is part of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles which supports the Los Angeles Public Library. There’s no better place to find a gift for the bibliophile in your life with a curated selection of books, totes, tees, games, plushies, stationery and all sorts of book-ish novelties.
As brick-and-mortar bookstores sadly continue to die out, The Last Bookstore in downtown LA continues to survive and thrive. Boasting the title of California’s largest used and new book and record store, it’s no wonder this is a swell spot for finding extra special gifts. With over 250,000 new and used books on two floors, a rare book annex, tens of thousands of vinyl records and graphic novels, and some super cool gallery shops on the mezzanine level, you’re sure to find something special. Plus, it’s just a super fun place to spend an afternoon exploring
LA’s premier Black woman-owned concept bookshop and creative space features an incredible array of curated books about and written by people of color – truly one of the best we’ve seen in the city. The vibe here is cool and cozy – a place you want to hang out and have great conversations. They have a fantastic variety of kids’ books, adult selections, t-shirts, puzzles, games, art prints and more.
This unique retail shop on La Brea caters to big fans of Japanese pop culture. With a fabulous variety of character goods, toys, apparel, accessories, art and one of the best Sanrio selections around, it’s the perfect shop to find something unexpected.
Located in Sawtelle’s Japantown, Giant Robot Store features a wide variety of products from around the world, including a mind-blowing selection of Asian pop culture products, fun housewares, stationery, t-shirts, art prints, comics, plushies and toy figures.
Anime is all the rage with kids at the moment, so there’s no better place to shop for gifts than Anime Station in Little Tokyo. With a wide selection of Anime items from the most popular TV shows and a great variety of authentically licensed goods—you’ll find everything from figures and plushies to clothing and accessories.
A woman-owned business started during the pandemic, Gone Bananas Bread Co. just opened their first retail shop in November at the Original Farmer’s Market. It’s truly some of the most to-die-for banana bread we’ve ever tasted and makes for an unexpected hostess or teacher gift this season. With heart-shaped breads lovingly baked in flavors like Chocolate Chip Banana, Nucking Futs, Bluenana Bread and more, what’s not to love? Also, a portion of their net profits go to charities, Baby2Baby and This is About Humanity.
Original Farmer’s Market 6333 W. 3rd St. Los Angeles Online:gonebananasbread.com
20. Helen’s Wines
If you’re gifting vino this season (we’ll give you our address), we love Helen’s Wine Shop. Started by Helen Johannsen inside Jon & Vinny’s restaurant in the Fairfax District in 2015, the shop focuses on naturally driven and organically farmed labels, small production vineyards, and winemakers with integrity. With a carefully curated selection of allocated items, limited releases, exceptional gems and new finds that are in constant rotation, plus their knowledgeable and friendly staff, it’s a great place to pick up a bottle for someone special—or yourself!
Find out what other amazing Amazon Prime benefits and features you could be using every day
Who doesn’t love Amazon Prime? While some stores may claim to have comparable deals, the benefits you’ll get with your Amazon Prime membership are pretty unparalleled. Two-hour grocery delivery, movies you can watch for free anytime, even subscription boxes for the kids—being a Prime member comes with some legit perks you just can’t get anywhere else. Whether you’re a long-time member or new to the awesomeness that is Amazon Prime, check out all the Amazon Prime benefits that you absolutely, positively NEED to know about.
If you have an Alexa-enabled device such as an Amazon Echo or Dot, you can order just by asking! This handy—or rather, hands-free—perk is only available to Prime members.
Babies need a lot of "stuff"—and any new parent knows how much all that stuff can add up. Amazon Prime members can save 20% on diapers, baby food (excluding formula) and more by subscribing via Amazon Family. Subscribe to five or more products arriving on the same recurring delivery day to the same address to score your 20% discount.
Whole Foods Grocery Delivery via Prime Now
Courtesy Whole Foods
Ever since Amazon bought Whole Foods in 2017, Prime members have enjoyed all sorts of perks when shopping in-store. Perhaps one of the most popular and best perks? Same-day grocery delivery from Whole Foods, courtesy of Amazon Prime Now. Orders over $35 qualify for free delivery and many cities offer delivery in as little as two hours.
Chock that Amazon Fire Kids Edition Tablet full of content by subscribing to Amazon Kids +. You'll get unlimited access to thousands of kid-friendly goodies that include games, shows, books, movies, TV shows, educational apps and premium kid’s skills for just $2.99 per month.
Another bonus? Amazon Kids+ is not just for the Kids Edition tablet. It works on compatible Amazon Fire tablets, Android, iOS, Fire TV, Kindle and Echo devices, too!
You'll also find easy-to-use parental controls that let you personalize screen time limits, set educational goals, filter age-appropriate content and even manage web browsing.
Whole Foods Sales & Deals Just for Prime Members
Courtesy Whole Foods
Amazon Prime members get an extra 10% off items marked with yellow signs at your local Whole Foods store. Shop blue sign deals to save even more, as these deals are exclusively just for Prime members.
Ready to save even more? If you have an Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, you can also get an additional five percent back on all your purchases at Whole Foods.
Prime Wardrobe
Courtesy of Amazon
Amazon understands that buying clothes online can be tricky: will it fit? How's the material feel? What's the color really look like? Prime Wardrobe is a try-before-you-buy service similar to StitchFix that allows you to choose the items you like, filling your box with up to three picks. You get a seven-day try-on period to decide what you do and don't like. Pay for what you want and send what you don't like back!
Getting your groceries delivered is great and all, but what about beer and wine? You can get beer and wine delivered via Prime Now in select cities. Prime members can get beer and wine delivered for free in two hours—but if you're really crunched for that bottle of bubbly for your weekend mimosas, pay $8 to get your booze delivered in under an hour.
The name pretty much says it all: stock your pantry with everyday household essentials and more with Prime Pantry. Prime members can get free delivery on all Prime Pantry orders over $25, or pay $5.99 for smaller orders.
First Reads & Prime Reading
Courtesy of Amazon
Exclusively for Prime members, Amazon First Reads allows you to choose from one of six early-access new Kindle titles each month, for free. You'll also have access to Amazon Original Stories, which are short reads you can download for free. With Prime Reading, Prime Members can also access over a thousand titles for free anytime on any device, from kids books to cookbooks and even select magazine titles, too.
Remember when Amazon only just sold books? Prime Book Box is Amazon's subscription book service that takes us all back to the early days of the now-massive online retailer—and it's only for Prime members. Each box contains either two hardcover books or four board books and boxes are available for kids ages 0 to 2 years, 3 to 5 years, 6 to 8 years and 9 to 12 years. Pick a delivery schedule to get books every one, two or three months and save up to 40 percent off of the list price on books hand-picked for your kiddos.
Stream the playlist of your dreams—or just ask Alexa to play that song your kid's been singing all day. Prime members can listen to a growing library of over 2 million hand-curated songs for free from Amazon Music. For an extra fee, upgrade your music experience to Amazon Music Unlimited to access Amazon's complete library of over 50 million songs. Not sure about upgrading? You can try Amazon Music Unlimited for free for 30 days.
The stellar streaming service is home to thousands of TV shows, movies and original programming for the whole fam—and it's all free. You can also purchase additional premium channels (for an extra charge) from third-party networks such as HBO, Starz, Showtime and Lifetime Movie Club. Prime members are typically eligible for a 30-day free trial, depending on the network. Check out all the Kids and Family picks included with Prime Video.
Amazon Prime members get unlimited storage with Prime Photos, which is great when trying to figure out where to keep all those digital photos and videos. Better still? Go ahead and bundle your best shots into photo books, turn them into holiday cards or even create wall art, right from Amazon Prints. Amazon Prime members can enjoy free delivery with Amazon Prints, too.
Your little gamer will flip for free games, courtesy of Prime. Prime Gaming is included with every Prime membership and entitles gamers to a selection of free games every month, free in-game content for popular titles and also includes a Prime-exclusive chat badge as you watch your favorite Twitch streams. Prime members just need to connect their Twitch account to get started.
Prime members can enjoy early access to Lightning Deals before anyone else. Just look for "Prime Early Access" on the product page.
Share Your Account with the Whole Fam
Courtesy of Amazon
Create an Amazon Household account to share select Prime benefits and digital content with other adults, teens or kids in your home. You can share the following Prime benefits with Amazon Household:
Who says you need a lot of space to have fun? Sometimes, the smallest areas can inspire the best (and biggest) memories. From closets-turned-playrooms to hidden reading nooks, these small play spaces make plenty of room for big imaginations.
Have you ever wondered what to do with that weird space where nothing seems to fit? This small play space from Katie Lane Interiors is the perfect way to use dead space in a home.
Not all under-the-stairs play spaces need to be sectioned off from the rest of the house—and this incredible, airy “playroom” from Joni of Lay Baby Lay shows that. Joni worked with RHBaby&Child to create this sweet and stylish spot in her family’s Georgia farmhouse, and needless to say, it works perfectly as a kids’ hangout area that’s integrated with the rest of the home.
Merrilee of Mer Mag knows a thing or two about DIY, so it’s no surprise that this sweet outdoor “book nook” is cute, functional and stylish. And, spoiler alert—it’s not nearly as hard to build as it seems!
The fact that these stairs are pretty to look at doesn’t hurt, but still—Elena Del Bucchia created one seriously cool play nook for kids. The pops of color and oversized green lamp give a fun and playful feel, while the cushions on the floor and tucked away play kitchen make the space seem cozy and inviting.
Most of us don't have a designated playroom. This is why sometimes all you need is a table or bench with storage and even a small table to carve out a space just for the kids.
This adorable playroom is just a creative use of space under the stairs. Momma Society designed a wild hideout for her son, complete with animal prints, shelves, a tiny desk, and a mini ball pit. If you like the ball pit, the step-by-step instructions are here.
As far as hidden reading nooks go, this one takes the cake. Architecture and design firm Síol Studios added this space inside a hide-away closet in a San Francisco home. The space is perfect for homework, curling up with a book, or playing an epic game of hiding and seek.
Before the full-size man cave comes the mini man cave—and if we’re being honest here, the latter is much cuter. This adorable play area is a little nook under the stairs, built by Katie and her husband of Two Bertis blog. It comes with a little door, mailbox, window and even a house number. What makes it all the more appealing is the fact that mom and dad said it was surprisingly low-cost to create.
It doesn't get any better than an indoor “tree” house. Sunshine on the Inside added extra play space by building a lofted playhouse. A creative way to add extra storage to a room, it’s perfect for little kids with big imaginations. Inspired by Ana White’s clubhouse bed design, click here for a free plan.
Jenny Brandt
In Sweden, this magical play nook is a walk-in closet. Märta created the whimsical hideaway for her niece and friends (a sign on the door says all “småfolk” are welcome). Märta hand-made the cozy cloud cushions, and since the “grass” carpet squares were a bit scratchy, she placed them on the ceiling (and glow-in-the-dark stars on the floor) for a silly, upside-down world. Head over to Dos Family for an insider's tour.
Give your little ones an extra special bookshelf to keep their favorite stories with easy reach and watch them get psyched for story time, every time. From adjustable designs to bookcase storage complete with a seat, these kids’ bookcases and reading nooks have it all.
Incredible Bookshelves for Kids: Monogrammed Bookcases
It doesn't get more personalized than having your name hold your favorite books. Whether you pick an initial or spell out the whole name—these plywood shelves can be left as is, or if you want, paint them a custom color when you get them home.
This tree-inspired bookcase is so very meta—books are made from trees and now a tree is holding up the books. Durable and functional—each bookshelf can hold 12-15 books, but it can also support your kid's ever-growing collections of rocks, fallen leaves, and pinecones.
Even little farmers like to pull up a good book and this handmade tractor certainly delivers. There is ample space for books and whatever else your agriculturist might need handy.
Sure a regular bookshelf is great but a cozy, little reading nook? Even better. This all-in-one piece provides a comfy spot to sit while keeping your favorite books within easy reach.
London's calling! This bookcase, re-imagined after the iconic English phone booth is both delightful and cheeky. Of course, if you want to take it to the next level, fill it with Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and your kid's Harry Potter collection.
If your vibe is more bohemian, then pick up this non-prickly cactus for your desert babe. Shelves vary in size which means those odd-shaped books will have a safe place to land.
The OG for floating, bendable shelves, this Kartell Bookworm never goes out of style. Curl it in a circle or have it trail along the wall, it can be modified to meet your ever-growing bookshelf needs.
If nothing will satisfy your little book lover until they can sit and (literally) surround themselves with their favorite tomes, then this DIY from Instructables is just for them. Inspired by the "Bibliochaise" that retails for $5,000, this one can be made for a tiny fraction of that cost.
shopDisney has dropped Halloween apparel, home goods, costumes and more for 2022.
It’s August so there’s no time like the present to start gearing up for Halloween! When it comes to costumes, the sooner you lock your kids into their decision the better (fingers crossed they end up circling back to where they started because they WILL change their minds).
You can get a jump on all things dress up thanks to shopDisney’s Halloween shop that is locked and loaded for the spooky season. In addition to festive Mickey ears and apparel, there are tons of new costumes hitting the site already. From Lightyear-inspired getups to Mirabel from Encanto, stop shopping costumes for baby, toddler, big kid and adaptive styles now.
Well, well, well! You'll have your own little boogeyman with this adorable costumes. It comes with a full jumpsuit and a separate headpiece that has a large opening so your little can easily see their way from house to house. Stay tuned––this costume is coming soon to shopDisney.
Lightyear's cutest robot cat is here for Halloween! Soft and comfy, this jumpsuit has a detachable tail, collar, Sox vinyl nametag and headpiece adorable ears and nose.
You've got your own little baby Yoda with this sweet costume. This set comes with a body suit, pram and separate headpiece to complete the look. Check back at shopDisney, this costume is coming soon.
Join the family Madrigal with this Mirabel costume. This authentic dress features scalloped edges, butterfly appliqués and all the bright colors Mirabel is known for. Green glasses not included!
Join Buzz as he blasts off to space! This Space ranger suit comes with a jumpsuit, built-out chest overlay, a Space Ranger hood, blank yellow name tag that kids can personalize, lower bodice muscle linking plus sleeve cuffs.
Move over, regular Thor. This mighty costume comes with a top, leggings, attached cap and of course the wined mask for the complete look Jane Foster rocks in the film.
Get ready for blastoff This Lightyear-inspired wheelchair cover set comes with spaceship art, plastic piping for stability and long hook and loop strips so that everything stays in place.
