Saying thank you to a mail carrier is an easy and thoughtful way to share the holiday spirit with others
Through snow and rain, heat, and gloom of night, your local mail carriers deliver your letters and packages directly to your door (or at least your nearest mailbox). And, during the season of goodwill and cheer, they deserve major props. From mail carrier thank you cards to gifts for mail carriers, here are six ways to thank your mail carrier. The best part? All of these are easy for kids and fun, too (think baking cookies!).
Write a letter!
USPS
Even if you don't know your mail person by name, you can still address them in a general way, such as "Our Favorite Mailman" or "Our Faithful Carrier." A simple note that says how much you appreciate the hard work they do (extra cute if your kids can write it out) will go a long way in making your postal worker feel special. Put it in an envelope and use stickers instead of stamps. (After all, they love mail, right?) You can also nab this free, downloadable template if you need a little help!
As always, a thank you card is a lovely gesture. Let the kids draw a little picture or get creative or use a printable like this one to make a little note to attach to the flag of your mailbox. If you can afford it, add a $10 or $15 gift card for somewhere like Amazon or a nearby coffee shop in the envelope. Be sure and do something OBVIOUS to make it clear it's not a regular piece of mail.
Include a Gift Card
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If you can afford it, add a $10 or $15 gift card to somewhere like Target or a nearby coffee shop with the letter or the card. Be sure and do something obvious to make it clear it's not a regular piece of mail. Mail carriers are not legally allowed to accept single gifts valued at over $20 so keep that in mind.
A thoughtful gift (again, under $20) is another simple way to let them know you're thinking of them. Consider things like warm gloves, an insulated mug, cozy socks, or a new water bottle.
Bake Something Special
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Leave cookies in the box or on the doorstep with a clearly marked sign. Be sure to seal them in something, even a ziplock or paper bag decorated with stickers works, and attach a note that says thanks! It's a good idea to list the ingredients in case of allergies or food sensitivities.
Say It Out Loud
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Shout it out! If you're home when the mail comes, be sure to say, "Thank you!" Get the kids in the habit of saying it, too. You can always throw open a window and shout it out. A little gesture of kindness and gratitude like this can go a long way on a long day.
From newborn massages to facials for big kids, these local salons offer cute and creative Mommy & Me experiences and more
No doubt about it: Being a kid is hard work. After visiting all the indoor playgrounds, hitting all the neighborhood parks, and practicing their climbing skills on everything (including your furniture), it’s a wonder kids have any energy left at the end of the day. Sounds like a much-needed chill break is in order. Luckily, Chicago has several salons that not only welcome kids, but have special spa treatments for kids too. Whether you’re hosting a kid’s birthday party or introducing your little one to the benefits of a good mani/pedi, we’ve got one suggestion for you—get in on the action and make an appointment for yourself. You deserve it.
It’s never too early for self-care at Chicago’s premier infant wellness studio. Offering early childhood services which promote the development of motor, sensory, and cognitive skills and bonding with parents for infants from ages 2 weeks and up. Metta Baby offers sessions in water movement, infant massage, music, and play. Plus, their space is available for private playgroups, too.
Learn the art of infant massage in the comfort of your own home. Infant massage is a great way to not only promote wellness and relieve stress for your baby, but it is also a way to communicate without words. Adriana Liwsky, a Certified Educator of Infant Massage, will guide parents (yes, you too, dads) through learning the art of infant massage to help build a cherished relationship and nurturing bond with your baby. Added bonus: infant massage also relieves stress in grown-ups, too. Contact them to schedule an appointment.
This spa is a perfect spot for Mommy & Me nail services. Their Little Miss Bedazzled menu offers manicures, pedicures, and polish at great prices for little hands. Their space is also available for birthday parties that call for a little pampering.
The Spa-Palooza package at ASHA SalonSpa will give even the most stressed-out teen a break from homework and extra-curricular activities. Teens are treated to a full spa experience complete with a Teen Clean Facial, Reflexology Experience, and a session to create a signature perfume as unique as your child. Customized massages are also available. Younger children (10 & under) can make an appointment with a stylist complete with consultation, sensory-pleasing oils, and head & shoulder massage. Expectant mothers can also have their first "Mommy & Me” spa day with a soothing Hydrating Belly Treatment.
Gold Coast, Woodfield, Butterfield, or Rockford locations Online: ashasalonspa.com
Blo Blow Dry Bar
Sometimes you just want to be pampered, and Blo offers just that. Your mini sidekick can choose a fun hairstyle (mermaid braid, perhaps?) and you can get yourself a blowout to make it an official mommy-and-me day.
887 E. N. Milwaukee Vernon Hills, IL Online: blomedry.com
Milk & Honey
Milk & Honey offers fully customizable spa experiences using vegan or vegetarian, hyper-clean, natural products. Kids ages 5 and up can enjoy a mani/pedi and kids ages 12 and up may schedule facial services that help them achieve their skin goals. Products used during the services can also be purchased at checkout so you can bring the experience home.
This spot is the brainchild of Jenny Duranski, who worked as a nail technician for years when she got sick from the toxic fumes and chemicals and threw herself into becoming an expert on natural beauty and health products. Named after her daughter, Lena Rose is Chicago’s first Green beauty boutique and Green spa which focuses on non-toxic, vegan products and farm-to-facial services that are 100% safe for you. You can feel good about setting up a date for a mani/pedi with your child here.
4645 N. Rockwell St. Lincoln Square/North Center Online: lenarosebeauty.com
Lilies & Spikes
From first haircuts to prom-perfect make-up and brows, Lilies and Spikes has your pampering needs covered from head to toe. After ten years of salon ownership, the owners wanted to create a space that made kids feel special, and boy did they succeed. Here pampering kids is the focus, but hair and skin services are also available for mom and dad. Not only can kids express their individuality by adding special touches like hair chalk and feathers, but there are party packages designed to facilitate memorable birthday and spa experiences.
Teach your teens the importance of taking care of their skin with visits to the Oasis Face Bar in Lincoln Park. The Soothe Facial is perfect for t(w)eens who aren’t worrying about acne and includes a cryo massage, deep cleanse, exfoliating mask, and all of the relaxing benefits of a little pampering. For older teens and those who have concerns about acne, the Clear Facial is just for you. This treatment begins with a cryo massage and includes extractions and a mask that will pull out all the congestion and bacteria that causes acne. Oasis knows time is important, so all their standard services take only 30 minutes and maintain that "ahhh" feeling you get from a facial.
Is your Superhero or Princess looking for a new ‘do or to have their nails glammed up? OMG Spa in the South Loop is your spot. This full-service spa knows how to pamper kids and adults in their lives with high-quality products and a welcoming environment.
1620 S. Michigan Ave., Ste. 200 South Loop Online: omg-spa.com
The Peninsula Chicago is the perfect hotel for a decadent weekend of wellness, kids included. Step into kid-sized slippers and robes and head to the half-Olympic-sized swimming pool, and be sure to order some poolside snacks then head to the spa for a kid-focused mani/pedi.
Located in the Southport Corridor, this nail spa has just what you need to keep your kid's hands and feet looking fresh. With a selection of great colors, you can treat your child to a mani/pedi take a moment to catch up on their life, or just relax and recharge. Plus, their great location makes planning a whole Mommy and Me date possible with great shops and restaurants, and even a playground nearby.
Mix spa services, runway training, and glamour shots at this little-known photo studio. It doesn’t normally offer spa services, but if you book a photo party for eight guests (ages 4 & up), everyone is treated to updos and make-up. Rock stars and princesses can also get manicures, etiquette lessons, and design-your-own feather fans (a sassy prop if we ever saw one). Top things off with a fashion runway show, complete with fancy gowns and accessories. As a bonus, every guest leaves with a professional group photo.
Mireille Hamon has been beautifying Chicagoans for over 20 years and that includes teens as well. This full-service studio, offering everything from make-up to massages, offers a 45-minute Teen Facial which will include a deep cleansing, mild exfoliation, extraction (if needed), and soothing mask.
Did your sporty kid turn into a stinky kid? Kobi Kids, created right here in Chicago, offers safe products for kids to keep them feeling and smelling fresh no matter how hard they play. Making deodorants and body powders that are kid-friendly, gentle for sensitive skin, and light on fragrance for boys and girls. Their Gear Therapy Spray can help keep your car, closet, gym bag, and shoes from smelling like a locker room.
Looking for handmade, natural products to spoil your tweens and teens? Visit Mojo Spa Cosmetics and pick up some sweet-smelling products created with kids in mind. Bath fizzies, soaps that smell and look good enough to eat, lip balms, and so much more can be found here.
1468 N. Milwaukee Ave. Wicker Park Online: mojospa.com
Shop with complete confidence you're using products that are 100% safe for you and your family. This woman-owned boutique offers a wide selection of non-toxic and vegan products for you and your family. They are also a great resource for identifying the right products for you with years of expertise in natural beauty and care.
4645 N. Rockwell St. Lincoln Square/North Center Online: lenarosebeauty.com
Your kids aren’t the only ones who will love the last idea on the list
In anticipation of another school season, not to mention all the shopping that comes with it, these back-to-school ideas will help get kids in the headspace of a new school year. From chalk messages to lunch notes, and family dinners, these are our favorite back-to-school traditions to choose from to help make the new year feel special.
This article is sponsored by Kemps®, which has been delighting families with wholesome and delicious dairy products since 1914. Just in time for the new school year, Kemps® has recently introduced Kemps® Smooth Cottage Cheese—a healthy, convenient, and versatile snack that’s the perfect addition to your child’s lunchbox, and your fridge for after-school snacks.
1. Count it down. Make the first day of school something to look forward to by crafting a paper countdown chain. Each day, tear one link off the chain and ask the kiddos to name something they’re looking forward to about school.
2. Have a show-and-tell dinner on the first night.Family dinners are always important, but make it a back-to-school tradition to allow the kids to tell you everything about their first day, from the friends they haven’t seen over the summer to the classroom layout or what they had for lunch.
3. A day-one surprise.Celebrate the first day in style with a visit from the First Day of School Fairy. She can deliver a few back-to-school school supplies, along with an encouraging note for the new year. For more on this fun idea, visit Differentiated Kindergarten.
4. Make a family motto. To help your little ones start the new school year in the right mindset, come up with a short family motto. It’ll help remind everyone what’s important in tough moments throughout the year. Have the kids write it out and decorate it. Learn more about the importance of creating a family “coat of arms” here.
5. Customize something. You can order specialized pencils with their name or label their new water bottle, but allowing your kids to stake their claim on school gear can help them feel confident about heading back to school.
6. Make an awesome breakfast. You’ll be throwing cereal and milk at the kids soon enough, so why not whip up a fancy breakfast for their first day? It’ll keep your kids full, and make them look forward to getting up early!
8. Decorate your pad. Either let your kids help with the decor or surprise your school-aged sweeties with a decorated door when they wake up in the morning. Whatever you choose to do, it’s a great way to celebrate!
9. Draw a self-portrait.Let your little Einsteins create a version of themselves in a back-to-school outfit. It’s a great way to pass those last few summer days, and it’s a sure bet for getting kids excited about donning their new threads and heading to the classroom. See how Hands On As We Grow completed this fun activity.
10. Make a sundae bar. This sweet, simple back-to-school idea is sure to calm anyone’s jitters about heading back to school. Put your favorite toppings in jars and make them meaningful with labels encouraging the qualities you’d like to see demonstrated throughout the new year. Have your little scholar cover their ice cream in kindness, bravery, obedience, and happiness, and then top it off with sprinkles of love.
11. Celebrate School Year’s Eve. You celebrate New Year’s Eve, so why not do the same for School Year’s Eve? Get poppers or noisemakers, provide a few treats, and throw a little dance party. It’ll get your students excited for what’s to come, and it’s a great way to include some of the other fun ideas on this list. Looking for more inspiration? Check out the School Year’s Eve party guide over at 11 Cupcakes.
12. Interview your kids. Discover goals, fears, and questions about school by interviewing your little scholars before the first bell rings. It’s not very hard to come up with a list of questions, and whether you write down the answers or videotape your tykes, it’s a memory everyone will treasure for years to come.
13. Create a bucket list. You do it for summer, so why not make one for the school year? Whether they want to jump a reading level or two or try out for a new sport, when kids have goals, they succeed!
14. Take cool pictures. Everyone loves to document the first and last day of school. There are so many creative ways to commemorate the occasion—from chalkboards to t-shirts and more. You can find our favorite ideas here. For those simply wanting to share moments with friends and family without making it a public display, there are safe options like the Tinybeans app (you can learn more and download it here!), which puts parents in total control of who can see and interact with photos and videos.
15. Have a back-to-school dinner. Make a favorite meal that includes one of these delicious Disney Park treats and celebrate the start of another school year with an awesome dinner in their honor will always make your kids feel special.
16. Have a special activity for the end of the first day of school. Whether you take them to their favorite park to burn off that first-day anxiety, have a craft planned, or grab an ice cream and talk, it’s easy to make the first after-school afternoon unique.
17. Write a sidewalk chalk message. If there’s a sweeter first day of school tradition than a chalk message outside the front door, we haven’t found it. Go all out or keep it simple; either way, it’s an extra boost to help ease those first-day jitters. If your first day is distance learning, surprise the kids with a message they can see from the window or on a quick preschool start walk.
18. Give them a new book. Get your bookworms ready by gifting them a new book before school starts. Those required reading minutes will go faster when they’ve got the latest release in their favorite series. Plus, we’re pretty sure kids can never have too many books.
20. Top Ten. Much like late-night talk shows’ top ten lists, this one asks kids to list the top ten moments of their first day back in school.
21. Make a time capsule. Whether you choose to open it at the end of the school year or much later on in your kids’ school career, a time capsule is a great way to capture these special moments.
If we had our way, we’d declare Mother’s Day a weeklong holiday and put laundry, cooking, grocery shopping, and the general work-life juggling act on lockdown. But since we’re not in charge (and since our plan would result in total chaos), we’ve pulled together our favorite ideas for celebrating Mother’s Day in an epic way. Keep reading to find out what to do and where, below.
For the Outdoorsy Mom
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Take advantage of Atlanta's proximity to incredible hikes, bike paths, parks and playgrounds, and state parks to celebrate your mom who loves the great outdoors. If you're looking for a dramatic view (perhaps to match the drama the kiddos add to her life), check out Sawnee Mountain Indian Seats in Cumming, a roughly 4-mile trail that climbs over and around the sheer face of Sawnee Mountain, where you'll see breathtaking views of the distant Blue Ridge Mountains.
Gear Up: If you're thinking about making a weekend camping trip out of it, be sure to check out this camping gear before you go. It does basically everything except pitch the tent.
For the Foodie Mom
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Pull together some of these awesome picnic recipes or pick up food to go from one of these local restaurants that offer family meal deals and head to one of Atlanta's best picnic spots. Be sure and bring books, a frisbee, and sunscreen, because you'll want to stay here all day long. For in-restaurant dining, head to Park Tavern, Lazy Betty, Le Bilboquet, and South City Kitchen, who are all offering a special brunch.
Gear Up: For a more sophisticated basket, check out these awesome Mother's Day baskets that include everything from pretty paper goods and gourmet spreads to flower bouquets and bubbly—offered by Lucy's Market in Buckhead.
If you're planning a day for the mom who really appreciates a cleaned-up act with manners on display, you'll rejoice to know that the Ritz-Carlton Atlanta is offering cuisines from around the world featuring recipes from the chef's own mothers during brunch (Reservations required, limited seating available. Priced at $110 per guest, $48 per children ages 3 to 12; complimentary for children two and under; exclusive of tax and gratuity. Complimentary valet included.), you can snag afternoon tea at the Waldorf-Astoria Atlanta-Buckhead, or you can make reservations at the swanky Swan Coach House for indoor or outdoor dining.
Ritz-Carlton Atlanta 181 Peachtree St. NE 404-659-0400 Online:ritzcarlton.com
Waldorf-Astoria Atlanta Buckhead 3376 Peachtree Rd. NE 404-995-7500 Online:hilton.com
Swan Coach House 3130 Slaton Dr. NW 404-261-0636 Online:swancoachhouse.com
Gear Up: Your kids will make your mother proud if they look over these 14 table manners for kids of all ages before hitting any of these fancier spots on Mother's Day.
For the Artsy Mom
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With the Atlanta's world-class museums and galleries, you can spend a day checking out the Shaheen Collection of French Art at The High, perusing the newly opened Full Circle: Design without End exhibit at MODA, or simply strolling Castleberry Hill's Art District the Friday of Mother's Day weekend to see what's happening.
Castleberry Hill Art Stroll Start at 51 Elliott St. Online:castleberryhill.org
Gear Up: If you'd rather stay at home, set the backyard up for a mega outdoor art session and create some memories and Mother's Day keepsakes.
For Every Mom
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Whether you're treating her to lunch, an art stroll, or a day outside, every mom will feel special with a beautiful bouquet. And if there's no place your mom of honor would rather be than at the ball field, then don't deny her that pleasure. Just be sure to honor her with some flowers by Atlanta moms at the helm of Farmhouse Orchids, Meredith McClure Floral Design, or from Atlanta Flower Bar, where you can even gift her a special floral arranging class (with or without kiddos in tow).
Gear Up: Staying closer to home? Call some neighbors over and set up some mom olympics with these awesome back yard games that you don't have to do any prep for!
Looking for a fun and easy way to teach your kids about kindness? Consider joining the Kindness Rocks Project. This creative project has artists of all ages spreading happy thoughts by way of painted rocks. The idea is simple—paint something inspiring or cheerful on a rock and leave it for someone else to find. Don’t know where to start? Read on!
What's a rock got to do with kindness? Plenty, according to Megan Murphy, the Massachusetts woman who accidentally started the Kindness Rocks movement when she scribbled a few inspiring words on a rock and left it on a Cape Cod beach. Her Kindness Rocks Project has since gained worldwide attention, with inspirational, hash-tagged rocks popping up in at least seven countries and garnering millions of views on social media.
"The project isn’t about rocks per se, it’s about connection," Murphy said. "People find a rock, and they relate to the message on the rock. Then they connect with the fact that there is a human being on the other end of that rock, and they don't feel so alone." It can be as simple as scrawling "Hope" on a stone and tossing it on the sidewalk on your way to work, or as complex as painting an entire rock with Van Gogh's "Starry Night" and leaving your masterpiece up for grabs.
First, you should join a local rock-painting group. A quick Google or Facebook search of "kindness rocks" and your hometown will probably turn up something. If not, rev up the bandwagon and rock it on your own, like this altruistic seven-year-old from San Francisco.
- Smooth rocks (you can scavenge outside for them or you can find a whole bag at Home Depot or on Amazon)
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes
- Fine point paint pens (optional, but makes writing words way easier)
- clear spray-on sealer like Krylon for sealing rocks (parents should do this)
Step One: Prep Your Rock
Melissa Heckscher
Since rocks are porous, it's best to lay down a layer of paint to act as a primer and backdrop for your finished masterpiece. There's no need to paint the bottom of the rock (that just makes it harder to handle as it's drying.).
Step Two: Write Something (or Paint a Picture)
Melissa Heckscher
When the primer coat is completely dry, let your littles use a paint pen to write something on their rock. To help them come up with something, try asking them simple questions about kindness: What is kindness? What is a 'kind' thing to say? What message would make you happy to see on a rock? What could you hear someone else say that would make you feel special?
And, don't feel bound by words; painting cute or happy pictures works, too (Smiley faces and rainbows, anyone?)!
Step Three: Hashtag It!
Melissa Heckscher
Write a hashtag on your rock to help whoever finds it realize that they can share it with the world. Our favorite is #thekindnessrocksproject, but there are gobs of smaller groups out there for those who want to keep it local. Don't forget to check your social media channels to see if someone shared your rock!
Step Four: Seal It
Melissa Heckscher
Once your rock is dry, spread a layer of Mod Podge over it. This will keep the paint from chipping and will seal it against water. (Plus it will make your rock look shiny and awesome.)
Step Five: Leave Your Rock Somewhere to Be Found
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Let your kids scatter their well-wishes around your neighborhood, in a park, or on the sidewalk on their way to school—basically, anywhere the rocks can be found by someone else!
Tip: Don't hide your rock so well that it can't be easily found—and don't put it on private property where passersby will think it belongs to someone.
The pandemic has been hard, if not impossible, for everyone around the world. I have friends that lost young spouses, a grandparent whose health is just not the same after being in isolation and kids that are relearning how to make it through a day of in-person school.
I know that my family is lucky. But I had this nagging desire to do more for my kids that just wouldn’t go away. Throughout the day, I swing from wanting to give and do everything they ask in an effort to make up for lost time, to knowing that these acts of overindulgence will create a new set of problems. Saying yes non-stop is bad for the rules my husband and I tried so hard to put in place and we are getting on a path where the kids feel like it’s never enough. Truthfully, they seemed more content when we were more judicial with our yesses. You know when your kid is eating ice cream for breakfast and can’t sit still for five seconds that you’ve crossed the line when it comes to good parenting skills. It’s not that terrible, but it’s a slippery slope.
It then dawned on me that the perfect opportunity to indulge my feelings of wanting to show that we understood all that the kids have gone through the past year and mark a new beginning (albeit with guidelines from the CDC) would be at their birthday. This is a time when we make a big deal about being older, it’s a natural time to evaluate the new responsibilities they can take on and it is the perfect day to overindulge them. The more I thought about it, the more I decided that this year’s birthday would be a celebration like no other. Not in terms of the number of people invited or money spent, but the way that we celebrate.
The M&M & Pizza Methodology
Of course, the first place I went to for inspiration was Instagram. For me personally, it was a bust. I felt intimidated by the perfection of it all and started adding up the costs which gave me anxiety. Plus, the setup and clean-up sounded like a drag.
Then I remembered a story from Morgan Oliveira who told me that her mom, Denise Oliveira who is a High School English teacher, would order pizza for Morgan’s birthday parties when she was a kid. Before the pizza was served at the table, Denise would sneak into the pizza boxes and sprinkle M&M’s onto the pies. My first response was M&Ms and pizza? It didn’t sound so tasty, but apparently, it is extremely exciting for everyone. As kids, Morgan thought that it was the “birthday special” pizza pie made just for her. As an adult, it is one of her fondest memories from her childhood.
Focus on Your Child’s Personality & Likes
I loved this idea because it’s about making your kid feel special by understanding who they are and what they love. It wasn’t about big balloon displays or hiring a magician. So, I reached out to my friend Monique Banks who has been a party planner for decades. Currently, she and her daughter, Ariel Banks Baker, have a successful event planning company. Years ago, Monique had a children’s party studio, and the mother-daughter team just launched a new company called Blueprint. With over 3,000 kids’ parties under their belts, Monique and Ariel offer DIY downloadable plans with 27 themes that are fully customizable. hey confirmed my hunch about what kids really want, which is a day that makes them feel like they are the focus of the day.
It’s not about how big or fancy the party is, but rather if you are thinking about your child in a way that makes them feel special. What type of candy do they like to eat, what type of games do they like to play, do they have a favorite color? These are the things that make kids feel that they are having a magical experience. Monique and Ariel also let me in on a very important secret: The best parties have constant high-energy games where there a no winners and no losers.
Adults Need to Have Fun Too
The best part is that the adults get to have a good time too. Fewer worries about setting up and cleaning up mean that kids get more attention from their parents which is exactly what they are looking for on their birthdays. Kids know when parents are stressed and tired and it’s not the vibe that you want on a day that is supposed to be about them. Organizing games where kids are having the time of their lives is a gift for parents too. Seeing the little person that you love so much laughing and having a good time is the best present of all.
Lessons Beyond the Birthday
By creating a special day that includes everything my child loves most, makes them feel important. That came with a positive lesson for all of us. When you know how happy someone is because you are thoughtful and that effort makes them feel great, it is an important life lesson. I’m hoping that the kids will want to do things for their friends and family, not because they have to or because it is expected, but because they know that it will make the person feel terrific.
Even though we were stuck inside together for so many months, I had to make a special point of making fun family time and it never felt like it was enough. Being at home for more hours and days meant more laundry, more dirt, more dishes to wash, more schoolwork and homework, cooking more meals, and also juggling my own work. As so many of us know, it was a stressful time. This birthday, I hope, will mark a new beginning. I’m ready to celebrate! Responsibly, of course.
I'm a mom of two children, wife, and love my fur baby, traveling and playing UNO. My passion is discovering services and products by entrepreneurs, especially those that can cut down on some screen time and help our family create lasting memories together.
Oma and opa, grammy and papa, abuela and abuelo; no matter what they call them your child’s grandparents mean the world to them. Make Grandma and Grandpa feel special this year by giving a thoughtful and personal gift. Our curated guide is here to make sure they feel merry and bright, no matter where they (or you) are this year.
StoryMakery Custom Book
Storymakery
Kids can write Grandma and Grandpa into the plot and turn it all into a hardcover book.
Even if the grands aren't traditional knitters, this chic set comes with everything they need to make this classy blanket. You can customize the colors of the yarn, and it's suitable for beginners, too.
Upload a favorite photo, choose a painting medium (oil, acrylic, watercolor) and painting size, and prepare to be dazzled by the one-of-a-kind artwork you receive.
Add names or your family's motto around the edge of this We Are Family phrase for a perfect reminder that you're together, even when you are far apart.
Teema Towel's The Navy Noble
Teema Towels
This gorgeous "towel" is made of high-quality cotton and functions more like a small blanket, wrap or throw, perfect for a lightweight way to cut the chill.
Combine video chat time with story time! With a subscription you'll gain access to digital books to read in real time to a child on the call. Kids can even "flip the pages" as someone else reads to them.
At 2 a.m. on Sunday, November 1st, most Americans still turn the clocks back one hour as we end “daylight saving time.” For most of us, this kicks off a stretch of lost daylight and a new darkness that will define both ends of our days for the coming months. That change can translate into a frustrating or even saddening sense of loss—loss for the good weather, the time to exercise, or even just the time to get things done. And, for many people this year, the shorter, colder days mean it’s more challenging to gather safely outdoors with friends.
Here’s how to help your kids—and yourself—embrace the time change and move toward a new season with spirits a little more lifted.
Lean into the Darkness
Though there are some movements to end the practice of turning the clocks twice per year, there is really nothing we can do to change how daylight fades as we head towards winter. What we can control, however, is how we react to the darkness. So, if we want to thrive, we should try to just lean on in.
That said, we want to acknowledge that, for some, the time change can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression related to changes in seasons. The advice we’re about to offer is not a cure, so if you think you or your child might be experiencing SAD, we’d encourage you to seek help from a medical professional.
But if your family is simply feeling a little down, try making the darkness fun. To get started, consider what special objects or rituals you could add to your home routine to make the early darkness feel special or fun. Focus on what the Danish, who repeatedly ranks as the world’s happiest people in spite of their long winters, call hygge—the art of creating a cozy home environment. Bust out fuzzy blankets, light candles or build fires if you have a fireplace. Start to enjoy warm herbal tea or cocoa in the afternoons or evenings. Aromatherapy from essential oils like bergamot, lemon, lavender, or cedar can also boost your mood.
The early darkness can also offer delightful moments when you experience it outdoors. Use lanterns or flashlights to go outside to look, listen, and feel the darkness. Little kids rarely get to gaze at the night sky when days are longer, so, if you can get outside before bed, enjoy adding a step into your bedtime routine to say goodnight to the moon and stars.
You can even see the new, early darkness as an opportunity to teach kids a valuable lesson about embracing change. That is what inspired us to create our annual Fall Lantern Walk event. Eight years in, hundreds of thousands of Tinkergarten families have made homemade lanterns and gone out at dusk on the first night after we change clocks. We come together to celebrate nature’s seasonal shifts and we sing songs, walk and just enjoy the beauty of our lights against the darkness. Visit our site to sign up to walk and receive free lantern-making directions, how-to guides, and access to special, live events.
As a parent, every time we change the clocks, it not only throws us for a loop, but it knocks our kids’ schedules out of whack, too. One of the toughest parts of “falling back” is that kids wake up really early for a few days and are not ready for bedtime. Here are our tried and true tips to help make the transition a little smoother.
1. Start ahead. If you can, move bed-time 10-15 minutes earlier each night starting three or four days ahead of the end of Daylight Saving Time. If your family is like mine and rarely plans that far ahead, just find solace in the fact that bedtime should go back to the normal hour in a few days.
2. Limit blue light. Melatonin is a hormone the body releases to help us get ready to sleep. The blue light of screens tends to block the release of melatonin and even resets the body’s natural sleep rhythms, delaying bedtime. So, now more than ever, limit screen time for the hour before bed.
3. Enjoy the late bedtime for a few days. Some kids have no problem going to bed an hour earlier, but if yours are like ours, their little bodies need a few days to transition. So, rather than fight it during the days it takes to reset, enjoy the time with soothing activities like reading an extra few stories, listening to calming music or nature sounds, or making a cozy fort to cuddle in (more hygge!).
After 18 years as an educator, curriculum developer and school leader, Meghan has her dream gig—an entrepreneur/educator/mom who helps families everywhere, including hers, learn outside. Today, Meghan serves as co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of Tinkergarten, the national leader in outdoor play-based learning.
How does your family celebrate a lost tooth? Placing your little one’s tooth under their pillow to wait for a visit from the Tooth Fairy cam help promote good oral hygiene. This National Tooth Fairy Day, Delta Dental reminds families of the role the Tooth Fairy can play in teaching children about oral health.
A new survey from Delta Dental reveals that 80% of households with children receive visits from the Tooth Fairy, and these visits are motivated by a desire to give children something to be excited about, according to more than half of caregivers polled. In addition, 45% of caregivers report that having the Tooth Fairy visit gives them a reason to celebrate and 42% said it makes their child feel special.
Beyond celebrating a lost tooth, a visit from the Tooth Fairy instills good oral health habits in a positive way according to one third of respondents. Delta Dental has created a trove of oral health education materials centered on the Tooth Fairy. We encourage families to enjoy the resources, activities, and games together to learn more about oral health.
According to the Original Tooth Fairy Poll, the Tooth Fairy’s average cash gift increased 30 cents for a lost tooth, for a total of $4.03 per tooth.
Delta Dental has been analyzing the Tooth Fairy’s U.S. annual giving trends since 1998. The newly disclosed value of a lost tooth has more than tripled since its inception when the value of a lost tooth was $1.30, and now reaches its fourth highest payout in the history of the survey.
The Original Tooth Fairy Poll has typically mirrored the economy’s overall direction, tracking with the trends of Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500) for 15 of the past 18 years. Last year, a single lost tooth was valued at $3.70 and this year’s survey shows upward growth to $4.03, an increase of nearly 9%. Over the same time period, the S&P 500 also experienced growth, with a 22% increase, reaching its highest average since the inception of the Original Tooth Fairy survey.
“The Tooth Fairy is one of health care’s most powerful tools for teaching children about their oral health,” said Jennifer Elliott, Chief Marketing Officer, Delta Dental Plans Association. “By celebrating a lost tooth, children begin to learn the importance of their oral health in an engaging and fun way. At Delta Dental, we continue to provide tools for parents, families and communities to educate young Americans about the importance of their oral health and our 22nd year of this survey shows our dedication to keeping the Tooth Fairy an active part of oral health education.”
The Original Tooth Fairy Poll was conducted between December 30, 2019, and January 11, 2020, among a nationally representative sample of 1,000 parents of children ages 6-12.
For more information about the Delta Dental-sponsored survey and oral health tips for infants to pre-teen, visit Original Tooth Fairy Poll.
Everyone has a favorite Starburst flavor and many agree the pink ones reign supreme. Starburst announced the All Pink pack will move from a limited-edition product to a permanent offering. To celebrate, the brand has created limited-edition Starburst All Pink Self Care Kits ahead of International Self-Care Day on Jul. 24.
“Our Pink Starburst has been a fan favorite flavor for years and has led to the viral ‘I Am A Pink Starburst’ meme, which personifies feeling special and treating yourself, and others, accordingly,” said Justin Hollyn-Taub, Director, Fruit Snacks. “We’re thrilled to make Starburst All Pink a permanent offering in our brand portfolio to help ensure our fans feel as special as we think they are, every day of the year.”
The Starburst All Pink Self-Care Kits include everything needed to feel special, including a gratitude journal, succulent, yoga towel, jade roller, meditative coloring book, shower steamer, sleep mask, tumbler, and, of course, plenty of Pink Starburst.
Hollyn-Taub added, “We want to celebrate the positivity and empowering message All Pink has come to stand for over the years. We recognize that our day-to-day lives have changed quite a bit this year — and we want to use this as an opportunity to encourage our fans to practice self-care.
Fans can find Starburst All Pink at major retailers nationwide. Additionally, the Starburst All Pink Self-Care Kits are available now at www.StarburstAllPink.com for $0.99 on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last.
To learn more about the latest brand happenings, including additional All Pink Self-Care Kits for giveaway, follow @Starburst on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or join in on the conversation using #StarburstAllPink.
