Ziplining, a night food market, and indoor rock climbing all made the list
Looking for fun activities to do with your teens that aren’t total cringe or TikTok dances? We’re spilling the tea on some of the coolest experiences around LA—from teen-friendly stand-up shows and rad art exhibits to ziplining through the mountains and thrill-seeking theme parks. No matter what you choose, you’ll have an opportunity to reconnect and let loose with the people you love most.
The IRL Show at The Crow
Need a laugh break from all the teen angst at home? Every fourth Friday of the month, The Crow (a female-owned Santa Monica Comedy Collaborative) hosts a show just for teens. The IRL Show is a teen-friendly comedy show for ages 13 and up featuring comics from Comedy Central, HBO, and late-night. If you come early, The Crow orders pizza for everyone and kids even get a chance to hop on stage before the show to work out their own material and receive feedback from a rotating cast of pros.
Tickets: $10 with student ID, $15 general admission.
The Crow 2525 Michigan Ave., Unit F4 Santa Monica Online: crowcomedy.com
Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood
Pry your teen’s face away from their Nintendo Switch to experience the real deal. Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood is now open, fulfilling the Mario and Luigi dreams of kids (and adults) everywhere. If you’re willing to pay $40 for a Power-Up Band, you can participate in four interactive key challenges around the World that mimic Mario games. Once you earn three keys, you’re granted access to Bowser Jr.’s lair where you’ll take part in the ultimate boss battle. If you want to ride Mario Kart Bowser’s Challenge or dine at Toadstool Café, we highly recommend arriving to the park as early as possible as both book up quickly. Also, if you can swing it, the Universal Express tickets or Early Access tickets are worth the extra dough during this crowded time to guarantee entry into the World without stressing about reservations.
Tickets: 1-day general admission from $109, Universal Express from $199, Early Access from $20 in addition to the cost of regular admission.
If you have a teen who’s into Funko pop culture collectibles and accessories, the Funko store in Hollywood slaps. Whether you’re into Harry Potter and Marvel collectibles or Stranger Things and Star Wars are more your jam, Funko brings different fandoms together to unite in the spirit of fun. The Hollywood location features larger-than-life photo ops for the gram, immersive sets inspired by your favorite worlds and characters, and one of the best selections of Funko merch around. Admission to the store is free.
Funko Hollywood 6201 Hollywood Blvd., #100 Hollywood Online: funko.com
This special touring exhibition in DTLA invites guests to step inside a recreation of artist, Jean Michel Basquiat’s family home, art studio, and VIP room of New York’s Palladium nightclub which showcased two of his paintings. Over 200 rarely-shown pieces (paintings, drawings, and artifacts) are displayed throughout the space, providing a truly unique peek into the artist’s mind. The exhibition runs through July 31, 2023.
Tickets: Timed entry is $32 on weekdays, $35 on weekends, and children ages 3-13 are $25.
Jean Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure Exhibition The Grand LA 100 S. Grand St. DTLA Online: kingpleasure.basquiat.com
Lace your skates and hit up the legendary Moonlight Rollerway in Glendale for a groovy good time. Part of the LA scene for decades, this old-school roller rink has not only welcomed generation after generation of Angelenos but it’s also been a prized filming location for shows like Euphoria and The Goldbergs, as well as hosted a memorable performance by Lizzo, among others. Skate times vary depending on the day and lessons are available for young people on Saturdays.
Tickets: $19 per skater online and skate rental is available at the rink for $7.
If you haven’t been to 626 Nightmarket yet, uh hello, what are you waiting for? Inspired by the vibrant after-hours markets of Taiwan, 626 Nightmarket offers visitors a truly unique experience. Filled with indulgent food booths featuring items like deep-fried squid, potato swirls, and Hawaiian honeycombs, it’s a curious foodie paradise. There are also clothing, art, and gift vendors, as well as DJs, lasers, games, and gigantic baby bottles you can sip fruity drinks from (our personal fave). Most vendors accept Square, Venmo, or ApplePay, but be sure to have some cash on hand for those that don’t. Along with the market’s original location at the Santa Anita Racetrack, other markets are available around town too so be sure to check the site for dates.
Tickets: $5 online or $6 at the door. Parking is free
Every parent wants their child to soar beyond their wildest dreams, so take ‘em to iFly! Located at Universal Citywalk, iFly offers visitors a chance to experience the heart-pounding thrill of indoor skydiving. When you arrive, you’ll meet with a world-class flight instructor who will show you the ropes then you’ll put on your flight suit, step into the wind tunnel, and up, up, and away you go! Happy flying!
Cost: Different flight packages are available starting at $69 and up.
As the world’s first micro-amusement park, Two Bit Circus features 38,000 sq. ft of never-ending fun. From a Midway filled with games and classic coin-op machines to immersive story rooms, an arcade, a VR arena, and interactive gameshows, there’s truly something for everyone. With all this excitement, your teens will definitely work up an appetite, so be sure to stop by the Box Car for creative and delicious carny treats before you head home.
Tickets: Packages start at $35 depending on the number in your party and what activities you’d like to do.
Experience a mind-blowing new storytelling medium that combines the emotional power of cinematic storytelling with the thrill of theme park rides at Dreamscape, the ultimate destination for virtual reality entertainment. Guests suit up in their gear (light backpack, hand trackers, foot trackers, and VR headset) and are transported to fantastic worlds beyond their wildest imaginations, including DreamWorks Dragons Flight Academy, MIB: First Assignment, Alien Zoo, The Blu: Deep Rescue, and Curse of the Lost Pearl: A Magic Projector Adventure. Each experience lasts 10-14 min. and comfortable clothes (no flip-flops) are recommended.
Who doesn’t dig a good escape room? Hatch Escapes: Lab Rat takes place in a laboratory where giant rats are doing experiments on human beings – that means you! Unhinged Dr. Ratkenstein has tasked you with completing a series of tests and puzzles. If you succeed, he gets to write his dissertation. If you don’t, he puts you and your pals in the old chipper—and that doesn’t sound great. You have only one hour to escape from the lab – so better get crackin’!
Tickets: Start at $44 per person.
Hatch Escapes 1919 3rd Ave. Los Angeles Online: hatchescapes.com
Climb to new heights at Sender One LAX. As one of the city’s premier climbing destinations, Sender One offers a fantastic range of activities for tweens and teens at all experience levels. From the Sender City interactive climbing center where kids gear up with auto belay devices to scale tall buildings and crazy towers in the sky to learning bouldering and rope climbing (open to ages 14+) in the other areas of the gym, it’s a great workout, you gain self-confidence and most importantly, have tons of fun. If you want to boulder or rope climb on your own, the gym requires visitors to take the 1-hour class, Intro to Rope Climbing, first.
Cost: A youth day pass with rental gear (ages 6-13) is $34 and the Intro to Climbing Class & day pass (ages, 14+, rental gear included) is $39.
Does your teen feel the need, the need for speed? Check out K1 Speed for some of the best go-karting in SoCal. With locations in Burbank, Torrance, Irvine, and Anaheim, there’s bound to be a spot close to you. No reservations are necessary, just arrive and drive. Adult and junior electric karts are available, and the challenging indoor track is crazy fun. There’s also a restaurant on-site, as well as an arcade with billiards and air hockey. Closed-toed shoes are required to race and a helmet and headsock will be provided for you.
Sure, everyone loves Disneyland, but when you have a teen coaster fiend, Six Flags Magic Mountain may be more up their alley. With 20 world-class roller coasters – more than any other theme park on the planet, there’s much more thrill than chill here. From Wonder Woman Flight of Courage – the tallest and longest single rail coaster in the world to West Coast Racers – the world’s first single track quadruple launch racing coaster, Magic Mountain is really at the top of their game when it comes to the ultimate adrenaline rush.
Tickets: Single-day tickets start at $69.99 per person.
As the biggest water park in California, it’s no surprise Raging Waters is a fan fave during the summer. Less than an hour's drive from LA, Raging Waters features 50 world-class attractions for all ages, including Aqua Rocket – California’s hydromagnetic water coaster, a variety of tube and body slides, a lazy river, a one-million-gallon wave pool, and a 30,000 sq. ft. water playground. And coming this season, guests can check out the new Bombs Away, a pair of heart-pounding drop tubes where the floor drops out from under you, and one sends you flying straight down at 26 ft. per second while the other tube loops you around and around until you hit the water. Yikes, better you than us!
Tickets: Tickets start at $69 per person, but be sure to check their website for any promotions.
Raging Waters 111 Raging Waters Dr. San Dimas 909-802-2200 Online: ragingwaters.com
Craving some good quality time with your teen? There’s no better way to spend the day together than biking the Marvin Braude Bike Trail – the famous 22-mile paved bike path that runs from Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades through all the South Bay beach communities and harbors at Marina Del Rey and Redondo Beach Pier in Torrance. If you don’t have bikes of your own, there are plenty of affordable rental shops along the path in Santa Monica. There are also fantastic places to pull over and eat along the way, whether it’s Back on the Beach in Santa Monica, a cafe along the Venice Boardwalk, or one of the delicious dining spots on the Redondo Beach Pier.
Located just 75 miles from LA in the San Gabriel Mountains, Ziplines at Pacific Crest is ready to give your family a thrilling day to remember. With two zipline challenge courses, there’s something for every daredevil in your brood. The Canopy Tour offers heights of up to 300 ft. off the forest floor and lengths of over 1,500 ft. while the Mountain View Tour provides a totally unique zipline experience with the bonus of leaping off a tree platform in a controlled free-fall. There’s also the Quest Tour for people who have less time to spend, but still want a taste of ziplining, or the Ultimate All-Day Adventure which includes six hours of ziplining, rappelling, hiking, and lunch.
Tickets: Start at $94 per person depending on tour.
Ziplines at Pacific Crest 6014 Park Dr. Wrightwood Online: ziplinespc.com
Everything you need to know to start your eco-friendly lifestyle here in Los Angeles
This guide is a great starting point for anyone looking to live greener in LA. From zero-waste refill stations nearby to plant-forward dining, here are all the spots to shop and when you want to be eco-conscience in Los Angeles.
What Is a Zero-Waste Refill Station?
A zero-waste refill station is a place (sometimes you can find them a pop-up or at a farmer’s market) where you can buy household goods, like laundry detergent, soap, shampoo, cleaners and various household goods, as well as baby, pet and personal goods—almost anything!—and use your own packaging. Typically refills are sold by volume—your jar or container is weighed before getting filled (tare), then weighed again after it’s been filled up—the weight of the container is deducted from the total weight of the refill.
How to Shop at a Zero-Waste Refill Station
It may sound intimidating but shopping at a zero-waste refill station is easy. Simply bring whatever container you want to store your product, choose your product and get it filled up! The best part? If you don’t have a container, you can purchase a jar or container at the shop—and now you have a container that you can reuse once it’s empty. While living a 100% eco-friendly life would be amazing, this is a way to take step in the right eco-friendly direction.
Sustain LA: Sustain LA is a certified, woman-owned small business, and was the first zero waste refill station in LA dedicated to disrupting the concept of convenience. At this store, you can refill or find in bulk for your daily necessities—soaps, shampoos, conditioners, cleansers, plus ingredients to DIY. Bring your own refillable containers, or check out theirs when you’re there.
Otherwild Goods & Services: Otherwild Goods offers an array of refillable bulk home cleaning and personal care products plus lo-and-no-waste reuseables under the moniker Otherwild General. This queer-identified woman-owned store, design studio and event space is dedicated to producing goods made within an ethically-sourced supply chain.
Recontained: This shop’s mission is to create an easy alternative to the single-use plastic that is so dramatically overflowing in landfills, oceans and waterways. By offering everyday consumables in a fun and easy refill format, everyone can make better choices. They’ve partnered with USA-based labs to ensure tha their products are healthy, safe, cruelty free, and almost all (except for one—due to the use of beeswax) are fully vegan.
prostainable: Established in 2019, this female-owned and operated, “low waste store for your zero waste intentions,” began with a mission to divert 1 million single use bottles from the waste streams by allowing customers to bring in their own containers to refill household cleaners and self care products. Now with two locations, they are successfully exceeding what they set out to achieve.
The Well: This shop, located in Topanga, finds the most effective, low-waste, non-toxic, locally made, biodegradable and plant based products available. Everything from low waste tools and accessories plus an ever-changing selection of second-hand goods can be found here.
The Refill Shoppe: Not only can you shop in person, you can also get over 50 different (often custom-scentable) bath, body, home and cleaning products delivered right to your door with their innovative, zero-waste, refill pouches.
BYO Long Beach: BYO Long Beach started at the beginning of 2017 with the goal to inspire locals to reduce their trash consumption and focus on reusable alternatives. “Perfection is not the goal, but progress—we can’t all do everything, but everyone can do something.” Refill products are available either by the ounce or millimeter (essential oils) and can be filled in your own container, a new container, a free donated container, or a free paper bag. Just tare, fill up, and weigh!
Café Gratitude: Plant-based pioneer Café Gratitude has been delivering quality, farm-to-table meals to Angelenos since 2004. And while there's nothing better than dining in and ordering their "I am adorable" almond butter banana wrap for the kids, and the "I am nourished" bowl for yourself (a breakfast wrap that will have you coming back day-after-day), you can also get your vegan fix at home with their deliverable meals. Choose from 3-day or 6-day meals plans; free delivery is available within select areas of Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange County.
Gracias Madre: This no-brainer dining spot has won over vegans and non-vegans alike all over Los Angeles (and now has an outpost in Newport Beach for those south of the LA border). Our favorite weekend brunch go-tos? Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos with their signature margarita of course. And for the kids? The cinnamon oat pancakes or the french toast (of course).
Flower Burger: Unwilling to give up those those burger cravings but want to try swapping a meal or two every so often? Flower Burger serves up not only plant-based burgers that are satisfying to eat, the Italian-based brand also serves up Instagram-worthy burgers (picture burgers that have been rainbow-ized) utilizing 100% natural and vegan ingredients.
Monty’s Good Burger: Now with 5 locations, this diner-esque plant-based burger joint hits all the nostalgic feels for carnivores who care about the environment and want a mouthwatering burger. Their newest location, across from the Culver Steps, serves up their classics (don't forget to get the shake!) as well as their new-to-the-menu, Charlie's Chicken Sandwich.
Sage Plant-Based Bistro: Another favorite vegan spot to go, their extensive kid's menu will win over the under 12 set in no time—what's not to love about pancakes, burritos, french toast and grilled cheese sandwiches? For the parents, nothing beats their cauliflower wings or their tacos—you'll never miss an animal-based product here. And don't forget to order their vegan ice-cream—it's worth saving room for.
More than one of these ladies kicked a career to the curb to set up shop. Inspiration right this way…
It’s International Women’s Day on March 8, but shouldn’t every day be an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments and work of our female friends? In honor of the many enterprising ladies in town, we’re spotlighting some of our favorite women entrepreneurs running businesses in NYC. Take a look, then go spend in solidarity!
DA SPOT NYC
Da Spot
DA SPOT NYC, a unique fashion boutique in City Point, Brooklyn, not only features 25-plus independent creative brands by people of color but it also houses C.A.N.V.A.S. Art Gallery, featuring the work of local artists. Co-owner Michelle Cadore's goal is to create a unique space to amplify the voices of Black and POC creatives. “As native New Yorkers and Brooklynites like me and my partners liken running a business here to living our wildest dreams out loud. The other thing that drives me forward: Being able to support the local community," she says.
445 Albee Square West City Point Online:daspotnyc.com
Yu & Me Books
Lucy Yu is not even 30 yet, but she's opened NYC's first female-owned Asian American bookstore in Chinatown. The shop, which is also a cafe and bar debuted in late 2021. It highlights works by Asian authors and books that feature the stories of immigrants. Closed Mondays.
Cricket Azima is clearly always cooking up something (she's founder of Kids Food Festival, The Creative Kitchen and author of Everybody Eats Lunch & Everybody Can Cook) but her latest project is Cricket’s Candy Creations in Tribeca. Kids (and parents) can create and play with candy of all kinds (edible slime, candy jewelry, delicious fingerpaint, etc.), enjoy candy-themed films in the screening room, marvel at Wonka-esque installations and more. And of course, you can host a birthday party here or even go to camp.
We know it may be hard to believe, but some people say Kafi Dublin's Gooey On the Inside cookies rival a certain other cookie with a cult following in NYC. (Starts with an "L"...) Named for their distinct, some would argue ideal, texture, these cookies come in classic and creative flavors that include chocolate chip, s'mores and Cap'n Crunch peanut butter. (Or get a molten cookie in a jar. Yum.) Good to know: cookie Happy Hour runs from 4-6 p.m., when $5 cookies are $3.
Love cute, fashionable and distinct kids' clothes but not so into the cost (or trying to find them in the right size?) Check out Dopple, the creation of co-founder and CEO Chao Wang. This subscription service for stylish and affordable clothing for children, which offers pieces from brands such as Stella McCartney, Chloé, Bonpoint and Dôen, makes it easy to up your kid's look without going broke. You can also order a single "Dopple Drop", a cute starter outfit set for newborns (in various styles) as a gift for new parents.
Love Adorned is fine jewelry and lifestyle store (and experience) founded by Lori Leven. Head here for unique and vintage jewelry pieces, curated housewares, dried flowers, good-smelling stuff (soap, incense, candles), fun things for kids and more. Visit them in the Village or in Amagansett.
Run by local moms, Union Square Play offers classes, workshops and open play for members, while also serving as a place and forum for parents to connect. In addition to in-person events, they host many virtual meetups and new mom groups. The pandemic meant closing the original space; now you'll find them on 11th and a Lalo on Bond Street, where select classes are held.
At Babe of Brooklyn, the goal has always been to develop old-school all-natural grooming/beard-care products. “One of the greatest things for us are the people we have encountered along our journey. Being in NYC has fueled our outlook on how we approach the business and life by making sure we gain access to and provide quality products and making sure all things Babe of Brooklyn are genuine," says owner Tameka Allen
At Saskia, a jewelry studio in Industry City, every bead tells a story and every beaded necklace or bracelet (whether you make it using a DIY kit or purchase one that owner Saskia de Vries has created) is as unique as you are. “I love doing business in NYC for the same reason I always wanted to live here—the mix of cultures, the human interest, the appreciation for flair and color and the adoration of art in all forms," she says.
67 35th St. Industry City 718-369-2151 Online: shopsaskia.com
Awesome Brooklyn
At Awesome Brooklyn, a gift shop in Prospect Lefferts Gardens that opened in 2017, the specialty is gifts that are so awesome you’ll want them for yourself. Last year brought the introduction of Awesome Home store, located next door. Keep an eye on the Awesome Brooklyn Instagram for the latest products coming into the shop, and the creative window displays owner Vanessa Raptopoulos designs.
At Clever Alice, a Nolita shop that hosts multi-brand women’s designer sample sales, it’s always an adventure to browse the racks for dresses, jumpsuits and handbags. Owner Tamara Chaponot is curator in chief, sharing both bargains, fashion forecasts, and thoughts on sustainability.
When you stop in for coffee at one of the three Bean & Bean Coffee Roasters in NYC, you’re supporting a mother-daughter business that’s all about giving back. The goal of these two coffee sommeliers: To bridge the gender gap in the coffee world by supporting women farmers and helping out the environment by donating part of their profits towards helping injured sloths in coffee-producing countries.
Tucked in the West Village since 2015: A doughnut shop with a cult following that might stem from the fact that each hand-crafted pastry draws inspiration from food and cocktails. Best of all, it’s a team of three female employees who are creating these unique gourmet doughnuts, like The Everything and Lemon Love Letter. Co-founder and owner Leslie Polizzotto says that some people even drive into the city on weekends from Connecticut, New Jersey and Long Island to get a doughnut fix.
Since 2005, Let’s Dress Up has been the Upper East Side spot for fairytale-themed tea and birthday parties. Since COVID-19, this beloved space has kept is super safe, reopening with small format and private events as well as some virtual offerings. “The greatest thing for us is interacting with the kids, in person or on a screen, and hearing their excitement and laughter as they participate in one of our events," says co-owner Samantha Myers. "Even if it inevitably ends up with them waving a magic wand and pretending to turn me into a frog!”
Home chefs can now provide a ‘taste of home’ via WoodSpoon, a community-based marketplace that has been delivering home-cooked dishes to New Yorkers since its inception in January 2019. Co-founder and CMO Merav Kalish Rozengarten says some of the most popular items are comfort foods like delicious breads, pastas and soups "Like your grandma used to make. You can’t get that at a restaurant.”
They make sure to keep you sane, keep you heard, and keep you centered. They’re your crew, and we’ve got the gifts for mom friends right here!
Where would we be without our mom friends? No one understands us quite like them, and we know we can turn to them no matter what. Maybe we’ve known them forever; maybe they’re the mamas you connected with at the playground, in a Facebook group, or the school pickup line. No matter how they ended up in our lives, we’re so thankful that they’re there. That’s why we’re definitely making it a point to make a list of gifts for mom friends.
From jewelry lovers to those who really need a night to relax, we’ve put together a roundup of mom-ready goodies that we know they’ll love as much as you love them. We know that your friendship really is all the gift they need (trust us; you’re invaluable!), but it’s always nice to get to give a little something to the people who help keep us going all year long.
Pipette Radiant Glow Set
This 3-piece set will have her looking like she got 8 hours of sleep and wasn't up all night wrapping and hiding gifts! Featuring Pipette's Overnight Brightening Face Mask, Look Awake Eye Gel, and spa headband, you can't go wrong.
Whether you choose to capture one of your BFF memories together or opt to keep it family-centered, you can't go wrong with a professionally created portrait from Paint Your Life. Select the painting technique you'd like used (oil, charcoal, watercolor, and more!), choose an artist from Paint Your Life's team of talent, and upload the photo you’d like used. You can even upload multiple photos to be combined into one portrait!
Where would we be without coffee (or tea...or cocoa...)? This 15oz travel mug will be mom's new BFF! Available in 5 colors with personalized etching, too!
Stickers for your wall? Absolutely. VistaPrint's photo tiles let you hang pictures immediately with no hammer or nails needed! Available in 2 sizes and a canvas or metal option.
Thinking about a gift for a new mom? Gift them the Dreambaby® Oxford Carrier. It is ergonomically designed to provide an enjoyable baby-wearing experience. New and experienced moms alike will definitely appreciate the gift of comfort!
Comfort is key when you're a new mama, and the Mamalux Leakproof Lounge Dress delivers on that and SO much more. Removable and washable pads stay in place without a bra, is made of super-soft luxe bamboo fabric that's OEKO-TEX certified (meaning it's safe for mama and baby), offers generous pockets (it has pockets!), and is designed to be oh-so-flattering from postpartum and beyond. Dress it up, dress it down—we actually want one in every color!
A night off from cooking? How about a few nights off? We know that meal delivery services can be associated with premium pricing, and that's what makes EveryPlate different. Each meal costs less than $5, but without sacrificing quality! They've made minor tweaks and changes to make EveryPlate a little bit different, and those tiny changes allow for them to pass along major savings. Simple, delicious, easy meals. That's a real gift!
The Letterfolk Tile Mat took social media by storm (you've probably seen them on Insta!), and with literally unlimited design options (since you're the one designing it!), she can make exactly what she wants, over and over again!
The collab between Montreal company Deux par Deux and ifolet from Irene FOLET, this adorable set of waterproof canvas bags is created from recycled materials!
Midi skirts are in this season and layering is always on-trend, so we're absolutely obsessed with this set from Ingrid & Isabel! A tank dress that can be worn alone or paired with the chic boxy sweater. It's stretchy enough to handle pregnancy and body changes, so they can wear this for years to come!
Homesick candles are known for their "home" candles, so it's no surprise that the Winter Mantel fragrance—Fraser fir, holly berry, sugar—is absolutely divine!
If she hasn't treated herself to a silk pillowcase yet, this is the perfect time! It protects hair, skin, and stays cool to the touch. Plus, this one is machine-washable! Available in several colors and prints.
Brooklinen delivered with this beauty! 100% Turkish cotton and multiple color options make sure that mama feels pampered every single day. She deserves it!
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May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and New Yorkers are fortunate to live in a place that is home to so many thriving AAPI communities. So we’re taking a minute to spotlight some of our favorite Asian American and Pacific Islander businesses. These local entrepreneurs make being a parent in the city easier, more fun and more delicious (among many other things.) And of course, many owners are parents themselves. Want to support other NYC parents who run small businesses? We love these women-owned businesses in NYC, and these NYC Black-owned businesses and these parents are kind of our heroes.
At Nguyen Coffee Supply, it’s all about the experience of brewing a cup of coffee. This, the first specialty Vietnamese coffee company in the U.S., opened its doors in Fall 2018 and prides itself on importing and roasting single-origin Vietnamese coffee beans. Apparently, compared to Arabica beans, its Vietnamese Robusta has twice as much caffeine (without the jitters), 60 percent less sugar and up to 80 percent more anti-oxidants. Co-owner Sahra Nguyen encourages people to support the small businesses in the city. “Especially immigrant-owned mom-and-pop shops that may not be so social media savvy. We need diversity in businesses, experiences and culture so that our city remains the dynamic place we love.”
For the past decade, the Lo family (Jan, Derek and their mom Helen) has been designing stylish travel bags from their Dumbo studio. (During the pandemic, they pivoted to helping healthcare workers by donating almost 4,000 bags to those on the frontlines.) The company's timeless, thoughtfully designed bags are created with eco-friendly materials and plenty of organizational features and pockets to keep your trip as streamlined and seamless as possible.
Love cute, fashionable and distinct kids' clothes but not so into the cost (or trying to find them in the right size?) Check out Dopple, the creation of co-founder and CEO Chao Wang. This subscription service for stylish and affordable clothing for children, which offers pieces from brands such as Stella McCartney, Chloé, Bonpoint and Dôen, makes it easy to up your kid's look without going broke. You can also order a single "Dopple Drop", a cute starter outfit set for newborns (in various styles) as a gift for new parents. The latest rollout from the company is ReDopple, a peer-to-peer marketplace where users can buy or sell any of the 380 plus brands in Dopple’s inventory.
Yu & Me Books
Lucy Yu
Lucy Yu is not even 30 yet, but she's opened NYC's first female-owned Asian American bookstore in Chinatown. The shop, which is also a cafe and bar debuted in late 2021. It highlights works by Asian authors and books that feature the stories of immigrants. Closed Mondays.
At Korean K9 Rescue in Astoria, the mission is all about building awareness and compassion for dogs, especially those that are rescued from dog meat farms, high-kill shelters and puppy mills both here and abroad. Gina Bohler, executive director and founder started the organization in 2017. These days, New Yorkers in all five boroughs—and around the Tristate area—are happy adopters.
“We are so thankful to the NYC community for embracing our rescue organization and giving these homeless and mistreated dogs a second chance here,” she says. “We also have a Patreon page where you can get a sneak peek inside our facility in Bundang, South Korea, while supporting our rescue efforts monthly for just a few dollars.”
When Lin Chen, a second-generation Asian American, launched Pink Moon, an online beauty site in mid-2020, her focus was on curating exclusively female-founded, sustainable self-care, well-being and lifestyle brands. “Practicing self-care/love has positively changed my life and this is why I want to offer other women the opportunity to experience this, too,” she says. These days Chen runs her business from her office in Midtown East, with hopes of opening a flagship well-care and community site for women through every phase of life some day.
Rooted may have started out of Ryan Lee and Kay Kim’s apartment in Williamsburg in 2018, but it’s soaring now with a greenhouse in Florida, a Brooklyn team and a commitment to doing everything through a lens of sustainability. "We’re adamant about doing things as green as possible, even if it’s much harder, for the sake of our environment,” Kim says. The online nursery offers plant subscriptions, as well as one-off orders.
Jimmy Ly, co-owner of Madame Vo, a contemporary Vietnamese restaurant in the East Village that opened in 2017, began dreaming up his vision when he met ‘Madame’ Yen Vo and the two connected over their mutual love of Vietnamese food. A Queens native, Ly had grown up as his family’s designated sous chef for family gatherings, and later worked in his parent’s banh mi shop. Vo grew spent her youth eating traditional Vietnamese food in her native Houston. When Ly introduced Yen to his family’s cooking, the inspiration for Madame Vo was born—and, since then, the couple became the proud parents of two boys.
“Vietnamese food is more than just the national cuisine of Vietnam—it is a way of life and an integral part of the culture,” Ly says. “At Madame Vo, we strive to honor the tradition of Vietnamese food by providing New Yorkers with the familiar and nostalgic flavors of southern Vietnamese cooking. Whether you're ordering a savory Com Suon Nuong or a delicious bowl of The Madame Pho, you can rest assured that your meal has been made with the utmost care and best ingredients, following recipes that have been passed down through generations of the Ly and Vo families."
In 2019, Ryan Kim opened Kim’C Market, an e-commerce business based in the Brooklyn Navy Yard with the express goal of helping people stay healthy by providing healthy Korean foods and ingredients. “I was inspired to start Kim’C Market after my uncle passed away from cancer in 2018,” Kim says. “Having grown up without a father, I felt the need to be able to guide my late uncle’s children and ensure that the whole family would be able to have access to clean, healthy foods.”
“Whether you’ve been cooking with Korean ingredients your whole life or would like to dip your toes into the world of Korean cooking, our mission is to connect people with tasty, wholesome Korean and Asian ingredients and ship or deliver them fast to you. Food has an innate transformative power, from the nutrients inside it to the people who make it and the cultures which influence it, and it is our goal to make these clean ingredients accessible to all kitchens. To see how our products can be used not only in Korean cooking but your own cuisines, check out our cooking videos on YouTube.com.”
This family-owned and operated kids’ clothing line is known for its modern and thoughtfully crafted designs. Inspired by their own kids, the owners have over 18 years of experience in the fashion industry; they’re passionate about creating lasting, neutral unisex pieces that can be handed down again and again.
Founder Alex Zagami Ng comes from a long line of business owners. When she opened her shop in Little Italy, it quickly became a favorite for NYC locals and visitors alike. Ng curated a wonderful selection of toys, clothing and books, and also designed her own line. Find Piccoliny gear online (including a special collab with legendary dim sum spot Nom Wah Tea House, pictured above) or if you live in NYC, from these select retailers as well as Saks Fith Avenue in midtown Manhattan.
Little Moony is a designer daughter and master tailor mother team. The idea to launch a children’s clothing line was born out of an afternoon watching their niece/granddaughter play in a cute but comfortable dress (which mom had made!). From there, Little Moony has become known for comfortable, well-designed clothes that range from bright and colorful to calm and cool. There’s a brick-and-mortar store in the SOHO neighborhood of NYC, but you can purchase everything from onesies to dress and jogger pants from the website too.
Founder and CEO Eram Siddiqui launched Hudson and Bleecker when she couldn’t find stylish travel accessories. What started as a single shoe bag has expanded into a line of multi-functional, well-crafted travel accessories. Take a peek at the website, and you’ll find garment bags, cosmetic bags, packing cubes and more.
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Shopping for kids can be a struggle, especially when you’re trying to be creative and avoid the toy aisle for birthdays and other special occasions. But what if they could get something new and fun every month? That’s where a subscription box or service comes in. From celebrating women who’ve helped change our world to learning their way around the kitchen and exploring new worlds, scroll down to see our favorite subscription services for kids for any time of year.
Alltruists
Alltruists' subscription box isn't just an activity, it's a carefully curated program of at-home volunteer and giving projects. Using creativity and play, each eco-friendly box helps kids understand social and environmental topics and comes with conversation guides for parents, a donation experience, projects and empathy-building activities. Boxes include important topics like homelessness, clean water, bees and hunger.
We love this kit because it combines science with cooking! Each adventure kit is filled with a recipe, pre-measured dry ingredients and 2-3 STEAM-based projects that are all theme related. Uncover a new adventure and learning experience every time! In the Galaxy Donuts kit, you'll learn about the constellations and how to calculate the weight of planets.
Lovevery’s new Toddler Play Kits are an expansion of its highly praised subscription box service. Previously available for infants ages 0-12 months, Toddler Play Kits are designed for a child's second year of life. Expertly designed to foster brain development and help advance cognitive development, each Toddler Play Kit includes science-backed, sustainably produced play products and activities toddlers want and require for brain development, at exactly the right time. For parents, the Play Kits include need-to-know guidance in the form of The Play Guides—mini books that walk parents through the "how tos” of making the most of play time with their children, backed by all the research parents often don’t have the time to read. Unlike Baby Play Kits, which are shipped every other month, Toddler Play Kits ship every three months with fuller boxes.
Deliver some holiday cheer with a gift box from YearCheer! This fun subscription box offers holiday decorations and more that come right to your door. Targeted for kids ages 4-10, YearCheer's Halloween box came packed with fun like a haunted village to build and set up on your table, spider garland, spooky sounds noisemaker and more. There was even a ghost-shaped cookie cutter and instructions on how to create a boo box for your friends. Tying it all together was a favorite Halloween book, Room on the Broom. Available in single-month and longer subscriptions as well as non-recurring giftable options.
If your tween is obsessed with everything Claire's, this is the gift for them. Choose a one-time or monthly subscription and they'll get surprise glam delivered right to their door.
We Craft Box is an award-winning monthly kids craft kit for kids ages 3-9. With a themed story, 4-5 coordinating crafts, easy-to-follow photo directions, and all materials sent right to your door, the box can be shared between two children. You'll especially love the themed holiday boxes!
Get your three favorite Dr. Seuss™ & His Friends books for just $3, delivered right to your door. From The Cat in the Hat to P.D. Eastman's classic Are You My Mother? Dr. Seuss™ & His Friends offers sturdy, hardcover books they'll read again and again. Start out by building your welcome package of the first three books. After that, you'll get three books shipped to your door, each month. You’re in control: you can pause, skip, change shipping frequency or cancel anytime. You can even preview your three books online and add or replace books before they ship!
We love this subscription box for kids ages 5-9 and know you will too! You'll get a new science kit every month to learn about scientific topics like pressure, immiscible liquids, strength and jet propulsion. Download the AR app to get even more in-depth info on your project. Cancel your subscription at any time.
Want your kiddos to experience the ultimate joy of reading? The Just Right Reader subscription box combines entertainment and education in the perfect way. Kids will receive books specifically selected for them alongside items like superhero outfits, funny glasses, necklaces, laser reading pointers, reading finger buddies, stamps, stickers and more to get them amped up to read.
Little fashionistas will love Rowan's earring subscription box. Every month, littles will get a pair of nickel-free, hypoallergenic earrings designed in Brooklyn, NY with your choice of Gold Vermeil or Sterling Silver. In addition, every month your box comes with a thought-provoking mindfulness card to inspire conversation and a surprise accessory. You can also choose to upgrade your first box and snag a signature Rowan accessories bundle which includes an acrylic earring stand, satin travel pouch, journal, pen and a surprise extra pair of earrings while supplies last.
The brainchild of Bay Area Children's Theater Company, Play On! is an audio musical adventure kit for kids. There are two different boxes: Discover (0-5) and Adventure (5-10), and the boxes make it easier for BACT to share their award-winning programming with kids all over the U.S. during COVID and beyond. Every month, kids get everything they need to bring the magic of theater to their own homes; the most unique aspect is the audio elements that can be unlocked once the box arrives. Kids can use the materials to perform again and again. Opt for a single kit or a monthly subscription.
Cost: $40 for a single box, $120 for a year's subscription.
For the kiddos who love to lounge in the tub, this monthly subscription is a great gift idea. Each box contains goodies like waterproof books, bath bombs, activities, bath crayons and more. It's basically a bath party in a box!
What started as a family book club focused on literature about or from African countries has grown into a monthly book box that focuses on globally diverse books and learning materials for kids. Founder Bunmi Emenanjo says "Studies have shown that kids who are exposed to diverse cultures cultivate a global awareness that makes them more empathetic and compassionate. I firmly believe that such exposure leads them to not just accept cultures different from their own, but to celebrate them!"
There are four levels for different readers ranging from picture books to young adult novels. In addition to the books, subscribers will also get fact cards, a postcard, a culturally relevant souvenir and more. You can even purchase some of the previous month's boxes if they are available.
After she saw how travel (especially international) helps parents to empower their kids with cultural awareness, founder Dr. Zabina Bhasin—child psychiatrist and mom of two—came up with the idea for InKidZ. Focused on countries like Turkey, Guatemala or Australia, each box has been carefully curated by Bhasin and a few parent ambassadors (thing puzzles, jewelry, activity sheets, stickers, crayons and more), and each one strives to educate kids about various global cultures in a thought-provoking way. The “In the Know” cards are especially fun. Similar to trivia cards, they’re great for the car or family dinners. Topics range from how to speak in Turkish to knowing milestones made by iconic Black Americans.
Cost:Choose between bi-monthly ($49 for one kid, $59 for siblings) or annual ($270 for one kid, $300 for siblings, six boxes a year).
Founded by a Black CEO and father of six who sought to create nonfiction books covering topics that his kids were ready to discuss, A Kids Book About Box includes best-selling and popular titles like A Kids Book About Gratitude, A Kids Book About Racism, A Kids Book About Empathy, and A Kids Book About Belonging. Other books touch on subjects like bullying, creativity, disabilities, voting and more. Even better, A Kids Book About celebrates diverse authors who write stories influenced by their own experiences, which gives readers access to all kinds of voices.
Cost: Starting at $20/book, and monthly subscriptions start at $17
Baketivity boxes are sure to put a smile on your little baker's face! Each themed box comes with pre-measured ingredients, kid-friendly instructions, colorful lessons and games to play while your treats bake and a shopping list if you need to add anything extra. All the included ingredients are vacuum-packed fresh, and when you sign up for a subscription, your kiddo will get a Baketivity hat and apron! The newest kit is the limited-edition Positivity Cookie Kit Project, which aims to encourage conversations about diversity and equality, and there are tons of other baking kits, like whoopie pies, pull-apart cupcakes, muffins, cinnamon buns, cookies, cake pops and bagels. You can buy a one-time kit or subscribe to receive one on a monthly basis.
From the creative genius of Sago Mini comes the new Sago Mini Box subscription, a kit that creates hands-on experiences for kids ages 3-5. Every month, subscribers will receive a new box that encourages open-ended play and make and play activities that are easy to assemble. In addition to the box and three themed activities, kids will receive a letter from a Sago Mini character! Sago keeps sustainability at the forefront, with all paper materials constructed from recycled content or sourced from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC Certified).
Cost: $19 per month, or $15 per month when you subscribe annually
GIRLS CAN! CRATE is a new subscription box that celebrates the lives of women who've changed our world. From Bessie Coleman and Dr. Irene Uchida to Frida Kahlo, Marie Curie, Madam CJ Walker and Dorothea Lange, GIRLS CAN! CRATE celebrates the lives and stories of diverse women across race, profession and the world so that every girl who picks up a crate will see something of herself reflected in her GIRLS CAN! experience. Choose between two monthly offerings: the original GIRLS CAN! CRATE which includes a 20-page activity book, two or three STEAM activities, a collectible button, tote bag and tips for grown-ups related to the month's featured lady's trait; or the mini-mailer which is a smaller version of the original GIRLS CAN! CRATE. All aspects of the GIRLS CAN! experience, from start to finish, are curated by its all-female owned and operated company.
Cost: Crate subscriptions start at $35 per month. Mini-mailers start at $18.50 per month.
Little Global Citizens is a subscription box that looks to take children (ages 4-10) on a new adventure around the world every other month, focusing on the culture and the people of a new country. Each box brings to life a new country through carefully curated books, cultural activities in the form of games, puzzles and quizzes, interactive crafts, language and recipes for a themed dinner party night. The brand uses their Montessori Educator to curate each box. The founder of LGC, Akeelah Kuraishi, says that the ultimate mission of Little Global Citizen is to foster open-mindedness, compassion and global awareness.
Cost: $40 for a bi-monthly subscription; $50 if you want to add an additional set of craft and activity materials for a sibling.
Kids who love cooking and STEM learning will love this new subscription box from America’s Test Kitchen Kids. The Young Chefs’ Club box is jam-packed with kid-tested, kid-approved recipes, science experiments, creative items (think: DIY board games, tortilla warmers, special sprinkles) and more. Designed to inspire a new generation of empowered cooks, engaged eaters and curious experimenters, each box contains recipes that have been tested by over 5,000 kids in the US and received at least an 80% approval rating. Each month, kids will receive a box based on a theme, ranging from specific ingredients such as cheese or bread, to cooking techniques like cake decorating, to scientific subjects centered around texture or molecular gastronomy. The projects range from 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on the child's age and ability, and grocery lists are emailed before the boxes arrive. The Young Chefs Club is designed for kids ages 5 & up.
Good to know: Members get access to America’s Test Kitchen Kids' extensive digital library of recipes, experiments, videos, fun food trivia and more.
Cost: Starting at $20 per month for a 12-month subscription.
KiwiCo, a parent fave for STEM, STEAM, science and art subscription kits for kids, recently launched its Panda Crate line designed specifically for babies and toddlers. Made in partnership with researchers at Seattle Children’s Hospital, KiwiCo ensures that all the products and information delivered in its crates are perfectly suited for a child’s developing brain. Plus, a portion of every Panda Crate purchase is donated toward child development research. Designed to grow with baby's development, the Panda Line crates are broken up into five separate age bands–delivering an age and stage-appropriate crate every other month as baby grows over two years. Each crate in the subscription line is billed and delivered every three months, and you can easily adjust the timing or cancel anytime.
Cost: Starts at $15.50 per month for two year’s worth of Panda Crates (12 shipments).
Based on the world-renowned 0-3 Montessori curriculum, Monti Kids provides the only at-home Montessori toy program for babies and toddlers ranging in age from birth to 36 months. The subscription-based program was founded with the mission of helping parents support their babies during the most critical years of development. With a Monti Kids subscription, Montessori toy curriculum is delivered every three months with exactly the right learning materials needed at each developmental stage. Each Monti Kids box also includes guides for parents which consist of short videos and articles on how to introduce and use the materials with their baby–also great for caregivers and grandparents! Choose from eight different levels.
Good to know: Before your toys arrive, you’ll have access to the Monti Kids Learning Center, packed with instructional videos, research and tips.
You know and love Raddish because it takes the guesswork and stress out of teaching kids to cook. It also provides a bonding, interactive and tasty adventure for families to share. Each month features a new exciting theme, from "Edible Experiments" to "Ticket to Japan." Kits include a set of three laminated and illustrated recipe cards with easy-to-follow instructions and tips to develop safe and smart kitchen techniques. Kids also receive a kitchen tool, craft, experiment or foodie game, monthly collectibles in the form of Table Talk conversation starter cards and a colorful apron patch. And now, your preschooler can get in on the action, with the Cook + Play Kit. Kids can mix, mash and stir as they whip up 123 Blueberry Muffins, ABC Chips and Guac and Rainbow Pasta Salad while learning the alphabet, counting, colors, measuring and even setting the table.
Good to know: Raddish includes a digital and printed grocery checklist, but does not include the actual food. Raddish also has an expansive library of free content from bonus recipes to activities and playlists and offers dietary modifications for all recipes.
Izzy & Liv Brown Sugar Box for Little Girls & Tween Girls
Lifestyle brand Izzy & Liv recently launched a version of their Brown Sugar Box for kids and teens. Both the Kids Box (for ages 4-8) and Tweens Box (for ages 9-14) are similar to the adult boxes where even though the items will be a mystery until opened, everything included will equal a retail value of at least $100. The boxes are designed with African American girls in mind, with culturally inspired items featured in every box. You'll get at least one Izzy & Liv shirt and other sweet things made with the brown sugar girl in mind. Little girls might get school supplies, hair accessories and books, while tweens can expect to get beauty products, lunch totes and even pillow covers.
Cost: If you sign up now, you'll lock in a special $45 (plus shipping) quarterly rate. It'll go to $55 (plus shipping) soon.
Mail Order Mysteries are a tech-free creative experience that unfolds through a series of six weekly installments. The letters are personalized to kids from the characters in the stories. There are spies, pirates, knights, librarians, detectives, dragons and trolls, and when these characters ask for help with a top-secret mission, the kids become key characters themselves. One of their latest mysterious launches is the Case of the Missing Bigfoot, perfect for ages 9 & up, and is a classic whodunit set in an old mansion before a big dinner is about to begin. The lights go out, and when they come back on, the safe is open and empty. Uh oh. This box comes with everything to help solve the crime, including crime scene photos, suspect cards, notebooks, suspect board, interview transcripts and more.
Cost: $87 for a six-week subscription containing five letter mail envelopes and a final package.
Style knows no age, so why not encourage their love of fashion with Stitch Fix’s personal styling service for kids? Stitch Fix has recently been reinventing the shopping experience for adults as well as expanding. They now offer sizes 2T-14 for kids! Parents can easily manage their kids' profile, and they can work together to create a style profile and set up their delivery. Each Stitch Fix Kid box contains 8-12 pieces of clothing, shoes or accessories, which range in price from $10-$35. A stylist handpicks items based on the style profile. The best part? There’s no pressure to keep anything, and no subscription is required. Simply order Fixes when you like or schedule automatic deliveries. Easy-peasy!
Cost: $20 styling fee that is later applied toward anything purchased.
Kids have busy lives these days between school, sports, play dates and activities, but one important lesson they all need to learn is that kindness is key. KyndKits are a way to pair volunteering with the convenience of home delivery. KyndKits is a subscription box filled with new, customizable volunteer activities and acts of kindness delivered to your child’s door each month. These opportunities can range from making cards for Veterans to building care kits for the homeless. The projects support a variety of causes and include everything needed for a meaningful volunteer experience. KyndKit subscriptions are handled online, making sign up and subscription management easy. Packages range from single, one-person kits to large-group kits.
Cost: $19 for one project per month. Up to four KyndKits projects can be ordered per month.
So many toys, so little time. Imagine being able to borrow and return new toys, just like books at the library. Well, that’s what mom Christie Jacobs thought when she’d had enough with her kids playing on the iPads too much. With limited space, she didn’t want to keep buying new toys. Instead, she created ToyLibrary, a service that provides unlimited access to over 500 educational toys. "ToyLibrary lets you borrow and play with the newest toys, curated and selected by child development experts so parents always get the best toy for their child,” Jacobs said. "Parents enjoy an uncluttered house, great value and the convenience of free shipping straight to their door." Kids can play with the toys for a month, three months or 12 months, and then just return them in the pre-paid mailer.
Cost: $30 a month for two toys; $20 a month for six toys for three months; $12.50 a month for 24 toys for 12 months.
Little Feminist book club, which aims to teach kids about gender equality diversity and empathy, now has three age ranges (0-3, 3-7 and 7-9) for their popular book subscription service. Every month, one or two books are carefully hand-selected by a team of educators, librarians and parents, who then create discussion questions and a DIY activity to accompany them.
Pre-kids, you sported tired eyes like a badge of honor—they usually meant you’d been out late having fun night before. Now that you’re a parent, things have changed, and those dark circles and not-so-glowing skin could mean any number of things (sick kid, new baby, extra work, take your pick). Luckily, there are plenty of products that aim to help you look refreshed and bright-eyed, even if you didn’t get enough zzzs the night before. See our favorites below.
Liquid Green Oil, I-N
Rough day? I-N's Liquid Green facial oil is here to replenish. The lightweight product reduces redness, plumps and firms and gives you a radiant glow. The certified organic Intelli-Seed™ antioxidant oil helps to restore collagen and elastin production and is made of argan, blue tansy, açai and active essential oils. We love using this product both in the morning and night.
Female-owned skincare and beauty line Karuna has arrived! Available at Whole Foods Market, the three-collection lineup offers beauty products that act in synergy with the body, utilizing the four principles of Ayurveda practices, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Adaptogens and Clinical Science. We love the brand because of its 11 creamy and revitalizing products that are free from parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and SLS/SLES and come in at an affordable price of $5-23 each. Shop what appears to be made-for-mom options like "Wake Up Eye Cream," "Illuminate Face Oil" and a "Drench Sheet Mask."
Buy it here and at your local Whole Foods Market, $5+
Malie Coffee Fruit Mask
In order to make your skin look bright and shiny like you’ve had a great night of sleep, go straight to the source and try a product made with coffee fruit. With more antioxidant power than any other fruit, it’ll do all sorts of good things like battle dull skin, (the anti-bacterial factors in Quinic Acid & Trigonelline are key), smooth out wrinkles and help to fade hyper pigmentation. It’s got a strong scent, but it’s because it’s made with 70% organic ingredients, instead of chemicals like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, petrochemicals, mineral oil, and silicone, among others.
Speaking of youthful, glowing skin, we found a hidden gem of a product for glowing skin. Part of a four-step skin regimen from The Spa Dr., it ’s the last thing you’ll apply before moisturizer, morning or night. It’s got a diverse blend of organic ingredients full of antioxidants such as pomegranate and raspberry seed oils, which help to smooth wrinkles overall, which means it’s perfect for dark circles and under-the-eye bags. Called “liquid gold” by devotees, we love that it doesn’t leave an oily residue after use and that it totally hydrates the skin. .
Revitalite Professional Eyelid and Dark Circle Corrector
Revitalite Eyelid and Dark Circle Corrector from Dermelect has a metal applicator that’s cool to the touch, which immediately helps to soothe puffy, tired eyes. It’s also full of light diffusing pigments, which help to conceal, lighten and brighten dark circles, and finally, the emollient textures help to infuse skin with moisture, which leaves the eye area feeling well rested.
If you need serious under-eye coverage, Benefit's cult-classic concealer will do the trick. Simply swipe a small amount under eyes and softly blend outward. Boiing is offered in six colors, will stay on all day, and since you only need a tiny bit, will last you for months.
Did you know using cool tones helps to reduce the look of redness? Yup, on those days when it’s obvious you didn’t get enough sleep, swap out your go-to black eyeliner with this navy color from Osmosis and it’ll brighten the whites of your eyes.
Grace & Stella Anti-Wrinkle and Energizing Eye Masks.
These eye masks will perk you right up like you’ve had a full eight hours. Formulated with collagen, peptides and hyaluronic acids, they help to revitalize that delicate area around the eyes. It’s been suggested to put them on in the morning, before starting the day. They are also cruelty-free, vegan and made with zero parabens.
This cream battles under-eye issues in two ways: it’s full of peptides, collagen to boost skin growth (read: refreshed-looking skin), and it’s got light-diffusing minerals that provide a solution to dark circles and puffiness on the spot. It has virtually no scent (it’s fragrance free), is light the touch, and it’s a great price.
This natural product is made with evening primrose oil, white willow and jojoba oil, all things that help relieve the puffiness and inflammation that can occur under eyes when you haven’t slept enough, drank enough water, or gotten enough exercise (all things that make your skin look as tired as you feel!). It has a creamy texture, and you can even use it under concealer, to help with hydration and creasing.
Ahh, cucumber circles, it’s one of the first things you think about when thinking about classic eye treatments.Here’s the good news—we found an eye gel that’s cool to the touch, and full of antioxidants, which means it’s perfect for both as night time deep treatment and morning eye opener. Plus, All basq NYC products are safe for pregnant and nursing mamas, yay!
Sometimes, you just need a product that’ll work instantly. This under-eye treatment will brighten tired skin and de-puff skin. It’s also slightly tint, which helps to cover any dark areas.
Have a glass of antioxidants to “wine” down at night. This serum is perfect for overnight treatments—after even just a couple of hours, the compounds from various veggies and fruits (including Texas grapes!) help to shrink pores, and the clinically-test added peptides help to make under-eye circles appear lightened.
You drink coffee to wake up, why not add it to your beauty regimine, too? This exfoliating mask wakes skin up by fighting free radicals, increasing circulation and cleansing skin for a fresh feeling.
You know probiotics help your body on the inside, but did you know they can make you look better on the outside, too? Made with rose water unique organic cold pressed live probiotic kombucha cultures, it helps to minimize dark spots, and has anti-inflammatory ingredients too. You can use it all day long, so it’s a perfect refresher while you’re on the go. Best part? You can choose your natural scent. It comes in rose, lavender and jasmine.
Whether you prefer a perfect french press or regular ol’ drip, when it comes to the morning time, it’s really about getting some form of caffeine into your bloodstream ASAP. To make your early a.m. routine the best it can be, we’ve rounded up 14 of the best subscriptions that do practically everything except brew the coffee. From single-origin offerings to blind tastings, read on to find your new cuppa joe.
The Best of Coffee Tasting
Bean Box partners with small-batch, award-winning roasters throughout the U.S. Choose between the Coffee Tasting Subscription, which features four specialty roasts (1.8 oz. each) delivered once each month, or the Coffee Bag Subscription (12 oz.), delivered weekly, biweekly or monthly. The coffee is guaranteed fresh and comes with tasting notes, roaster profiles, roasting tips, and a treat. Bean Box also offers unique coffee gifts, including a World Coffee Tour Box and a Coffee and Chocolate Tasting Gift Box, as well as add-on purchases such as cold brew and gourmet chocolates.
Why You’ll Love It: Bean Box survives and thrives in the land of Seattle, so you know these folks are the real deal.
Cost: $16.50/mo for the Coffee Tasting Subscription, $24/mo for the Coffee Bag Subscription
Subscribe at BeanBox.com (Sign up now and start tasting for only $5!).
The Pro Selection
Courtesy of Lady Falcon Coffee Club
Lady Falcon Coffee Club was founded by master roaster Buffy Maguire. With over 30+ years of experience in a typically male-dominated industry, Maguire put in thousands of hours in her garage to perfect her skills. What started as a single coffee truck in Alamo Square in San Francisco, CA, has become a successful DTC online business with products launching in Nordstrom's this holiday season.
Why You'll Love It: This artisan coffee is unique to Maguire's skill and knowledge. She's traveled all over the world for her beans and has even added a rare cáscara tea (a superfood) to her repertoire.
Cost: The Fan-Club Coffee Subscription comes every 1, 2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks, starting at $34.50 & up. You can pick your two bags on your own or let them choose for you.
A Mistobox subscription means you'll get a coffee expert who personalizes your monthly coffee selection of over 605 coffees worldwide and to fit your specific taste buds. When you subscribe, you are supporting local farmers worldwide, with many brands also certified as fair trade.
Why You'll Love It: With cost options that start at $10.95 for 24 cups of coffee, this subscription is an affordable choice for still getting personalized coffee options.
Launched in 2018, Trade Coffee is uniting coffee lovers and top roasters to offer over 400 roasted to order blends. Take the company's coffee quiz to get matched with the best brew for your palette and enjoy tons of picks for both cold and hot brew.
Why You'll Love It: Coffee lovers will jump over the diversity Trade Coffee has to offer. Enjoy tons of unique options, while continuing to update your taste preferences so that you get the perfect roast that's meant for you.
Cost: Starting at $12.50 for two bags per order or one bag for $15-$22 for premium roast coffees. Subscriptions always get 15% off and free shipping!
LA-based and female-owned business, Copper Cow Coffee is officially on our radar. The sustainably sourced and all-natural brand is all about Vietnamese coffee––and they're darn good about it. Copper Cow has designed filters and coffee that are biodegradable, compostable and are just like traditional Vietnamese coffee and the Vietnamese phin. Enjoy your freshly made java at home or on the go, and if you're feeling it, you'll want to check out the company's Thai Iced Tea or Coffee and Tea Trio bundle!
Why You'll Love It: The single portion packets of both coffee and milk make enjoying your morning cup a breeze––a must for parents. Just add water!
Cost: Starting at $30 for 20 classic coffees and $37 for 20 coffees + 20 milks!
Verve Coffee is committed to seeing its product through, from "seed to cup" and when you buy their coffee, you're helping support the Farmlevel Initiative which impacts communities at the local and global level. The company pays farmers premiums for quality coffees using direct trade relationships which exceed Fair Trade minimums, so your morning cup of joe does more than just bring you joy. Originating in Santa Cruz, California, Verve Coffee not only produces and delivers coffee for free, but they also have several cafés!
Why You'll Love It: Coffee subscriptions from Verve allow you to pick out your roast, grind and frequency. They also have canned Nitro flash brew and on-the-go drip kits so you never have to leave your fave coffee at home.
Cost: Starting at $19.75 for one 12 oz bag, you decide the frequency!
This java startup might be based in Austin, Tx, but Atlas Coffee Club's goal is to take customers on a trip around the world—one cup at a time. Each month highlights a new country’s unique culture and coffee. From Tanzania to Burundi to Congo, you won't be disappointed. You’ll receive coffee from the chosen country in a bag design inspired by local textiles and landscapes, a postcard from each country, a card with coffee facts, tasting notes, and the recommended brewing method. For a true coffee connoisseur who thinks they’ve tried it all, you can't go wrong with this one!
Why You'll Love It: In addition to serving up a killer cuppa Joe, this subscription gives customers access to coffee gear giveaways, as well as other perks.
Cost: Select between two or four-week deliveries, and $9 half bags, $14 single bags or $28 double bags
Crema's motto is "life's too short for bad coffee." Each month (or however frequently you want your coffee), you'll get a bag of coffee from around the world—and you rate it. As you continue to try and rate different coffees, Crema will learn your preferred tastes and start sending you recommendations. With a system like that, it's almost impossible to have a bad cup of coffee.
Why You'll Love It: Not only does Crema give customers the option to give their coffee as a gift (via emailed gift card), but they also have a subscription service for offices. See you later K-cups!
Unlike most services that ship within 48 hours, Moustache roasts their beans and ships their coffee the same day. Each bag even comes with a "Start Drinking On" date on it to ensure you don't brew your coffee too soon after the roast. Moustache was started over the frustration of having to pay a premium for "two-week-old" coffee. Also, they will rarely send you the same coffee twice, which means you're guaranteed new and interesting coffee in every shipment.
Why You'll Love It: To support small businesses, Moustache Coffee Club will let you redeem your Starbucks gift cards on their website. They also offer a "try it for free" option; they'll send you one 2 oz. bag at no cost.
If you want to give your palate superpower-like abilities when it comes to telling where your coffee comes from, a subscription to Angel’s Cup is the answer. Each week, four new samples arrive at your doorstep; you can conduct blind coffee tastings and use the accompanying app (available on iTunes and Android) to make tasting notes and compare findings with the pros. If there’s a sample you don’t like, the 100% refund guarantee and no-cost return policy mean you’ll get your hard-earned cash back without any stress.
Why You’ll Love It: The same sample is never shipped twice, which means you’ll be able to taste upwards of 208 different roasts.
Cost: There are three subscription options: The Cupping Flight includes four 1 oz. samples for $10.99, The Black Box includes four 2.75oz samples for $22.99 and the All-Stars for $19.99 for one large bag.
Blue Bottle Coffee roasts your coffee to order and ships it to your home within 48 hours, so you know your morning cup will always be fresh. But that's not the best part. Blue Bottle lets customers try their coffee for free for the first time—all you need to cover is the cost of shipping. Choose from their famous coffee blends or espressos; it's completely on them. Now that's a win-win.
Why You'll Love It: In addition to their coffee and espresso selections, Blue Bottle also sells some pretty sweet products on their site, including a carafe for making cold brew at home. They also periodically offer events, classes, and seminars. Check their website to see what's brewing in your area.
Cost: A changing selection of their blends starts at $8 for whole beans; single-origin selections start at $9.50.
Not everyone wants their coffee delivered to their house ground—or even as a freshly roasted whole bean. Some coffee fanatics like to do the roasting themselves. Enter Roast Coffee Company, which delivers green, unroasted coffee beans in bags ranging from one to five pounds. You need a coffee roaster if you're going to go this route, but hey, if anything is going to take your coffee game to the next level, it's this.
Why You'll Love It: Not only is it pretty dang cool to roast and grind your coffee, you'll save tons of money cutting out the middleman (Also, Roast Coffee has great deals on roasted coffee, as well.).
Cost: $4.99 for a one-pound bag of unroasted coffee; $9.99 for a one-pound bag of roasted coffee.
If you want to try a new and exciting coffee but don’t know where to start, let Craft Coffee do the work. Get started on the website by choosing your normal store-bought beans from a list, and they’ll suggest one of their roasters as a comparable choice. Do you like Major Dickason’s from Peet’s? Try the Streetlight Blend! There’s an option to choose their famous three-coffee sampler (each month, the expert tasting panel evaluates over 50 coffees and each month, only three make their way to your door), which will give you 4 oz. of three similar roasts. There’s no commitment, you can choose your plan, and shipping is always free. Craft Coffee is also fierce about freshness. They roast their beans in Brooklyn and ship them off to you within 24-72 hours.
Why You’ll Love It: Craft Coffee has a price match guarantee, which means they’ll match the price of your grocery store beans to the penny.
Cost: 12 oz. bags start at $6.99, the three-coffee (4 oz. bags) sampler is $24.99.
Started by three guys who love java, Grady's recipe is a New Orleans-style cold brew made with coffee, chicory and spices. There are several ways to get your Grady’s. You can choose from a pour-and-store pouch, a bean bag can (DIY brew kit) or a bean bag single—whether you drink it straight, water it down or add milk is up to you.
Why You’ll Love It: You can do so much with a cold brew. Be sure to check out the online section with recipes for tasty eats like coffee cake, coffee popsicles, chocolate shakes and more. Yum!
Cost: Start with 12 ready-to-drink black coffees for $40, or save by ordering a 3, 6 or 12 month supply. Bonus: New York City residents can also order single servings or concentrate brew to be delivered for free.
Your kid needs a mask. Whether it’s a run to the grocery store, a bike ride, or thoughts about returning to school, it’s time to stock up on face masks for your kids and family.
The CDC agrees that cloth face masks are one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your family safe by slowing the spread of COVID-19. As we’ve learned, coronavirus is spread through droplets, so wearing a mask reduces your family’s risk.
What should you look for when shopping for kids masks?
Mosts parents agree a comfortable mask, with a breathable fabric, goes a long way in staying on your child’s face. The mask should be kid-sized, i.e smaller than an adult mask.
For additional guidelines, the CDC suggests kids’ masks that have multiple layers, fit snugly around the face, are secured with ties or ear loops, and are machine washable.
Tip: Order both the ear loop and a mask with ties. For long periods of time i.e. all-day wear, kids are more comfortable with the ties than the ear loop.
Many companies are stepping up and offering a variety of options to comply with guidelines, and in super creative ways. From organic cotton and breathable material, to Mickey Mouse and Paw Patrol, keep scrolling to see our favorite options for both kids face masks and adult face masks.
Bamboozle's masks are made with dishwasher safe bamboo fiber and are super cute. This set of masks feature a variety of animal themes including a cow, pig, lion, dog, fox and shark.
Mightly kids' face masks were recently named one of the "best sustainable, adjustable face masks for kids" by Forbes. The brand was founded by three moms who were tired of trying to find affordable sustainable clothes that their kids actually wanted to wear. Sold in 5-packs in a variety of fun colors and patterns, Mightly kids masks are made with three layers of luxurious rain fed 100% GOTS certified organic cotton in a fair trade certified factory. Comfortably tagless and snug fitting, to accommodate a variety of face shapes, they were designed for touch-sensitive kids and don't fall off of faces during play. They are some of the most comfortable masks we've tried and totally approved by an active boy with sensitivity to wearing masks.
Balaclavas are one of the easiest face coverings for kiddos to wear, and we love these from Baby Bala. Each three pack comes with bright colors, comfy ear loops and filters.
Carter’s has recently launched perfectly-sized face masks for kids. The cotton masks fits most kids ages two to 14, and while several of the colors are already sold out, Carter's will release new ones in July. In addition, the company created an illustrated guide for kids that aids parents in explaining the importance of wearing a mask. The “My Hero Mask” helps highlight our essential workers and anyone who wears a mask as an everyday hero, and is available for free with the purchase of any mask.
Made with a 3D design for easy breathability, these kids masks from Fenrici are moisture absorbing and sweat releasing. Each one comes with adjustable seamless elastic ear loops and a stretching, contoured shape, and is made with sustainable, biodegradable yarn, Acpocynum Viscose that is washable and reusable. Each purchase directs 5 percent of proceeds to Global Genes, the 501(c3) non-profit that supports the research and education for pediatric rare diseases, a community that is facing additional challenges during the covid-19 pandemic.
Nuzzle's masks are eco-friendly, washable, fully adjustable, and specially made for children. Each one is made with breathable cotton, adjustable elastic ear loops and is great for kids three and older.
Size: Kids
Price: $10.99 or 3 masks for $28 with code NUZZLESTHREE
Yoobi's reusable masks offer triple layer protection in adorable patterns. Each one comes with adjustable ear straps and are machine washable. For every Yoobi mask you purchase, a Yoobi item will be donated to a U.S. child in need.
Sometimes you just need a single-use mask and Just Play Children's Masks come in fun colors that make them fun to wear. These masks offer special licensed designs like Barbie, Hot Wheels, Paw Patrol, Blue’s Clues & You!, Batman and Harry Potter. Additionally, a donation will be made towards COVID-relief efforts for every box purchased of the licensed face masks.
Mouse Loves Pig is normally your go-to place for screen-free toys, but you can outfit your kiddos in masks, too! Even better, the shop is selling child and toy mask sets, so their favorite plushie can be safe, too. Each set comes with a reversible face mask for a child plus a small version that fits on their fave plush or doll. The adorable prints come in everything from polka dots, rainbows, space unicorns, dragonflies, butterflies, stars and more!
Size: One size, ideal for kids three to 10
Price: $14.99 for toy and mask set, $4.99 for plush-only mask, $24.99 for adult, child and plush trio set
To help little ones adjust to this new normal, Cubcoats has launched a line of “kid friendly” masks in playful designs resembling the characters they have come to know and love. Now your kids can transform themselves into Kali the kitty, Uki the Unicorn, Papo the Panda and Pimm the Puppy. Each mask is made of two layers of fabric, lined with 100% cotton and contain an inner pocket for filters.
Cubcoats has also just released transforming, two-in-one masks that double as loveable stuffys. Each one folds up into a wristlet that can be worn so you never lose one. t
Size: One size, best for kids four and older
Price: $12.99 for pack of two, $24.99 for pack of three of new Mask Buddies
King + Lola's masks are handmade and made with love in Atlanta, GA. Their kids camo mask is made with 100 percent cotton and is uber comfy and stylish. The black-owned business also donates 5 percent of every purchase directly to local charities.
Size: Kids small (age two to four), medium (age five to eight) and large (age nine to 12)
Adaptive fashion place, Patti + Ricky are now selling Ushood's Liteside UPF Sunshirt, a lightweight, breathable top that has a built-in, no-slip face covering. Perfect for kids with special needs, the extra fabric acts as a neck warmer and is easy to pull up as a face covering. The innovative shirt comes in 10 colors.
Little Medical School's Kids Face Covering Kit is not only a great option for role-playing, but the masks are actually wearable! Each box comes with an activity card and certificate, tape measure, stickers to decorate and two cloth masks.
Every Speakeasy Travel Supply Masks is handcrafted in Massachusetts with soft and breathable OEKO-TEX® certified woven cotton. They have have adjustable ears, are washable, reusable and have options that include standard two layer, three layer or 4 layer with Filter Pocket and Removable Nose Wire .
Maskela is not just a mask, it's a fashion statement. Choose from fancy options that include Japanese cotton, sequin, lace, silk, bridal, couture, metallic and more. They're made with a 3D convex shape, hidden pocket for filters and come with a storage pouch.
Poppy + Sage is a sustainable fashion brand with a focus on products from real communities that they have built authentic relationships with. The company's reusable masks made in Bali with 100% cotton with elastic straps and are machine washable.
Destira's athletic face masks are great for active kids, teens and adults. They are made with breathable, 100% premium cotton, over-head straps and are reusable and machine-washable. Each purchase will help send masks to Project Lemonade, a Portland-based non-profit that provides new, fashionable clothing, shoes, and supplies to youth in the foster care system, in addition to their Internship and Wish-granting programs.
Size: Child Small (3-6), Child Large (7-12), Teen/Adult
There are tons of options to choose from at Mamask. The company makes 100 percent cotton masks, sports masks and even holiday gifts sets. Masks are made with a copper fabric filter that has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and deodorizing benefits. To make it even more fun, kiddos can shop the variety of cute mask necklaces.
Paige Lauren's face masks are single layer and organically dyed. They're incredibly soft and with each purchase PL is donating proceeds to @wearFIGS Frontline Responders FUND.
Size: Adult, Child, Toddler & Mini (the small sizes of these masks are perfect for toddlers)
Our Head of Editorial tells us that this mask fits her 2 1/2 year old toddler son and he'll actually wear it for long stretches of time without complaining (for anyone who has tried to outfit a toddler with a mask knows this is a big deal). It's 100% double layer cotton with white silicone cord stops and elastic you can loosen or tighten around the ears. For the kids sizes there is no nose bridge casing or aluminum nose piece. Patterns are kid-friendly and playful (think fish, trucks and unicorns)
Size: kids (great for a toddler sized face). Also available in adult sizes.
These unique window masks are perfect for teachers, professionals and anyone who'd depend on reading lips. Each one is made of two layers of 100 percent quilting cotton, heavy gauge, durable vinyl, adjustable, soft ear loops and a nose wire for enhanced fit.
Don't let the name fool ya: this Seattle-based renowned corset maker Period Corsets is making some of the best masks money can buy. You'll find kids sizes, mommy-and-me and daddy-and-me styles and even Stuffy-and-Me designs in an array of fun cotton fabrics including mermaids, train-tracks and unicorn kitties! Handmade by a team of dedicated moms and women, shop here to support a local business and help families thrive while keeping your own loved ones safe.
Yes, your favorite tea company now makes masks! Shop the Aztec and Cherry Blossom patterns you know and love in masks that are triple-layered cotton with a PM2.5 filter and adjustable ear loop straps.
Made in San Francisco, CAMP's mask options range from whimsical pastels to funky patterns for both adults and kids. Choose from soft jersey styles that include both ties and ear loops, and even a matching mask and ringer tee bundle!
Two female-owned, small business brands, Tokki and size-inclusive fashion brand Gravitas New York, have come together to create stylish face masks for the entire family. Not only is one mask donated to a frontline worker for every one purchased, but we love the light, cotton styles that comes with and adjustable filter pocket, around-the-head bands and fun styles.
Size: Kids 2-6, kids 7-12, adult, adult petite and adult XL
Billie Blooms outfits the entire family with masks! Each non-medical cloth mask is reusable, washable and handmade in the USA. The fitted masks come with an inner pocket to add your own filter, are made with 100 percent cotton and 1/8" USA made latex-free elastic. When you purchase a masks, Billie Blooms will provide masks to Feeding America to help those in need.
Part scarf, part face mask, these uber comfy masks make a statement! Made with Covered Good signature material, they easily stay up around the nose (they include ear loops!) and can be worn as a stylish scarf when not inside.
Size: Small (toddler to pre-teen), medium (teens and women) and large (men and women)
Your every day mask, these everyday coverings from City Threads are reusable, washable and made from soft 100% cotton. The soft-knit masks are made with two layers of protection and are machine washable.
Size: XS (3T - 6), S (kids 7-12), L (Adult Large), XL(Adult X-Large) and XXL(Adult XX-Large)
Charis + Love's organic cotton masks are perfect for littles needing protection. The company also offers styles using antibacterial thread as well as lightweight, summer masks for adults.
Size: Toddlers (2-3 years), kids (4-8 years) and adult
The Elephant Organics have several mask options, including those with and without filter pockets. You'll love that they're made with 100 percent organic cotton interlock fabric exclusive of trims and are lead, phthalate and flame retardant free.
You'll get the best of the best with the Max7 mask. It's a liquid-repellent 7-layer reusable face mask with five layers for breathable protection and a cooling quick-dry inner layer. If also offers a particle filtration efficiency of up to 96%, adjustable ear straps and a moldable nose clip.
Enro's masks are fun and functional. Each one contains three layers, a built-in PM0.1 filter and an exclusive fabrication that's 40% more breathable than cotton. And bonus: they can withstand up to 100x machine washes without losing any of their efficacy!
Luminora's face masks offer three times the protection of traditional cotton mask. They are eco-friendly, offer UPF 50+ protection, are antimicrobial and are temperature regulating.
Mom-run company Happy Masks is one of the only businesses using a nanofiber membrane filter. It's been tested and found to block over 99.9 percent of particular matter (PM) for up to for 50 washes. The unique 3D design leaves space between the mask inner layer and the mouth and nostrils for ultimate comfort and also features an adjustable nose wire and ear straps
Bobo's double-layered premium face masks are super special. All 100 percent of proceeds will go to support Blessing In A Backpack to help raise awareness of childhood hunger. Each one comes with adjustable ear straps, with three color choices for kids and one for adults.
NiiceFace's masks made from 100% pure cotton and smart antibacterial fabric. Each one comes with a five layer PM2.5 filter, adjustable ear belts and a convertible aluminum nose-bridge. NiiceFace also uses the newest silver ion technique to resist and stop the growth of microorganisms.
Sock It To Me's dual-layered knit masks come with an outer material that leverages the natural properties of copper. Even better? You can buy a matching pair of socks!
Shawn Sargent's masks are breathable, stylish, and reusable, With over 40 designs for both kids and adults, everyone will enjoy this handmade face coverings that are made in Chicago. Each one is made with premium 100 percent tight-weave eco-friendly cotton that come in two and three-layer designs,
Grove Collaborative just released a new line kid-specific products for back to school including reusable masks. The triple-layered reusable face masks are from soft organic cotton with an antimicrobial coating. Each one lasts up to 40 washes and comes in packs of three with fun colors and patterns.
Silkberry baby is bringing their buttery soft fabric to the mask world Perfect for sensitive skin, the two-ply fabric is made from bamboo, is breathable, washable and reusable.
Female founded athletic brand, AVRE is now making face masks. Each one is knitted with fibers spun out of recycled PET bottles and comes with high-grade filters that offer high bacterial filtration levels and resistance. Even better, AVRE donates five masks to local organizations in need for every mask that is purchased.
Plover is now making masks for adults and kids. Each one is made with doubled organic cotton, behind-the-ear elastic and we metal nose bridges. Choose from six patterns for adults and two for kids.
Size: Kids and adults
Price: $25 for a set of 2 for kids, $35 for a set of 2 for adults
Rendall Co.'s masks are unique in that they feature and adjustable bungee cord (versus over the ear elastics) and tearaway velcro for safety. Each one has a protective dual layer, in breathable, washable cotton. The company offers adult and two kid sizes (ages 3-6 and 7-10).
Known for its water repellent aprons, BlueCut is now making masks with a micro-suede finish. They come with two layers of light-weight woven fabric, high-thread count protection and are washable, reusable and sustainable. The affordable masks can also be customized with embroidery and a name label.
Whether you're looking for disposable or cloth, adult or kid sizes, Kohl's has it all. Shop from a huge selection of polyester and cotton in basic patterns, solids and tons of sports themes.
Baby products and lifestyle brand green sprouts masks offer three layers of protection, including an activated carbon inside. Choose from lots of adorable prints for both kids and adults, and 10 percent of masks sold are donated to organizations in need or areas that are most affected by COVID-19.
Co.Protect is helping you get ready for the back to school season. The mask retailer is now making FDA certified single-use masks for kids in addition to their adult styles. Each one is made with a three layer Spunbond construction, making them sweat-free and breathable to feel light and comfortable. Fun kids styles include surfing, puppies and camo.
Maloja's three-layer reusable masks are made with a special Viraloff finish, an antimicrobial fabric treatment. The unique style completely covers your face and mouth, with elastic loops that affix around the neck and head for ultimate comfort.
Vistaprints mask lineup offers both custom and pre-fabbed masks. Each one offers a peplaceable filter system and advanced filtration that will block airborne contaminants. Kid and adult sizes come with3-dimensional chin structure, a nose bridge and adjustable straps.
Beloved by the Royals, La Coqueta is now making face masks for both kids and adults. Handmade in Spain, each mask has a reversible design with elastic ear loops. Currently you can choose from seven adorable patterns.
Size: Kids and adults
Cost: $9 for kids and $11.60 for adults. Free international shipping on orders over $193 or $25 for shipping to the U.S.
Honest's soft and reusable face masks are made with double layered 100% cotton cloth available in adjustable child and adult sizes. Each mask comes with adjustable silicone sliders on stretchy round elastic, bendable nose wire and a pocket for filters (each masks comes with five!). Choose from three patterns: Rose Blossom, Cactus & Pattern Play.
Size: Kids and adult
Cost: $22.99 for kids two-pack, $24.99 for adult two-pack with additional six and eight-pack options
In addition to regular cloth masks, Baby Jack & Co. is also whipping up "Smile Window Learning Lovey Masks." The window is made from breathable acrylic poly film, while the remaining is made of up breathable, micro-poly. All masks are machine washable, designed in the USA and 20 percent all sales will be donated to the Starlight Children's Foundation.
Size: Kids and adult
Cost: $9.95 for kids, $10.95 for adults. Adult and kid window masks are available for pre-order with shipment mid-August for $12.95 each.
Made with 100 percent combed cotton, Polkadot England's delicate-patterned masks make quite the accessory. Each masks comes with color coordinated elastic loops and is machine washable. A portion of proceeds from all masks sold will go to YouMomCares, a non-profit organization dedicated to children's mental wellness for the months of November and December.
Children's brand Janie and Jack are now using extra fabric to make masks for kids and adults. Sold in two packs, the cute and simple prints are sold in a pleated style with elastic ear loops. Additionally, for every pair of masks purchased through September 30th, Janie and Jack will donate $5.00 to Baby2Baby, a nonprofit which provides necessities for children in poverty.
West Point Home has just added face masks for kids and adults that are made with Silverbac, an antimicrobial technology. Made by Martex Health, customers can choose between two and three-layer options that include comfort loops elastics and fun, washable fabrics like rainbows and dinosaurs.
Piccolina's masks are made with 95 percent cotton and 5 percent spandex so you know they'll be comfy. The triple-layered masks offer a pocket for filters and come in five adorable prints. Additionally, 20 percent of proceeds from mask sales will go toward families in need via non-profit partner City Harvest, where seven pounds of food will be delivered to families in need.
Size: Kids and adults
Cost: $10 for 1 mask, $27 for 3, $42 for 5 or $80 for 10
Marie Chantal Children has introduced a limited lineup of masks made from leftover fabric prints from this year’s collection. The series includes masks for kids ages four to 10 and adults, and includes matching items that coordinate with dresses from this year's styles. A percentage of all masks sales will go to support "Together for Children," an association of non-profit NGO’s that work in the field of child welfare supporting children in Greece.
Accessory brand, Caraa, has just launched reusable and washable masks for kids and adults. Each one is made from dual-layer 100% cotton, with a nose bridge wire, adjustable ear loops and a filter pocket. The masks come in packs of five in gorgeous color palettes, and Caraa donates a pack to relief efforts for every bundle purchased.
Jaanuu, a medical apparel brand, is selling reusable antimicrobial masks for adults and kids. With an exterior fabric that is moisture-wicking, and breathable, the soft scrubs fabric is treated with Silvadur™ antimicrobial technology to ward off bacteria, mold and mildew. The interior fabric is lined in cotton or mesh that makes each on super comfortable for long wear.
Boomer Natural's 30-Day Nano Silver masks are good for 30 washes and come in an ultra-soft, 65 percent cotton/35 percent polyester blend. Each mask is made from three layers of tightly woven fabric with nano-silver technology. The triple layer construction filters the air and minimizes transmission germs.
Size: Kids and adult
Price: Kids sizes start at $7.70 and adult sizes start at $9.70 with subscribe and save options
Say hello to the first face mask made with zinc and created specifically for sensitive skin and eczema! Remedywear masks are made with TENCEL and an embedded zinc oxide. Each masks is machine washable, antibacterial, and antimicrobial. YoRo Naturals will will donate one mask to a professional caregiver, community program or schools in need for every two masks sold.
Ledbury, a shirting and menswear brand is now making masks! With sizes for men, women and kids, the brand is offering several styles that include cone, pleated and diamond with options for antibacterial fabric and adjustable straps.
Every mask you buy from Knours is handmade by Jennifer and Anne, two women whose small businesses have suffered during the pandemic. Each masks is triple-layered and made with 100 percent cotton that features a melt-blown, non-woven filter that is nonflammable and nonabsorbent.
BooginHead makes super comfy masks for kids and adults, and many matching options. They are made with two layers of fabric with a pocket for a filter, are BPA, PVC and phthalate-free, soft ear loops and come in a structured fit. The company also just released new adjustable masks, as well! In addition, BooginHead donates 10% of Mask profits to COVID-19 aid organizations local and nationwide.
Funkins doesn't just make masks, they make three unique styles! With beyond adorable prints that include ninjas and mermaids, shoppers can choose from pleated, comfort fit or a secure fit that comes with extra material and a nose bridge wire.They are made with lightweight material that is breathable and machine washable.
Stock up with Giftgowns mask bundles that offer men, women, unisex and kid styles! Each masks offers two layers of cotton, a filter pocket, is breathable and machine washable. With so many trendy patterns, there's a mask for the entire fam!
Rafi Nova's masks come in tons of options for all kinds of weather. The company's everyday essentials masks offer three layers of lightweight 100 percent cotton, that include a middle anti-bacterial layer. You'll also get a nose bridge, adjustable ear loops and an additional filter pocket. Teens and adults can also choose from the lightweight performance options, as well as kids styles in cute patterns, made from cotton.
Sizes: S-Child 4-6 years old, M-Child 6-12 years old, one size fits all for teen and adult
Price: Two-pack kids mask for $16, three-pack adult masks for $27
Nano Air Masks are made in America and filter more than 95% of airborne particles and contaminants. Lighter than a sheet of paper, these disposable masks are perfect for warm weather.
Amy Kuschel's collection of face masks include sizes ranging from mini to max. Each mask comes with fabric ties and a wired edge along the upper mask to contour to the nose. There are tons of family-friendly prints in simple and neutral colors.
Size: Mini XS/S-Kids 4+ and adults with petite faces, Standard S/M-Most adults, Max L/XL taller adults
OURA masks offer self-sterilizing technology that actually kills germs. Each one gives specialized protection from pathogens with lab tested antimicrobial effects. Coming in both junior and adult sizes, each masks comes with its own antimicrobial travel pouch to store when it's not in use.
MaskClub is the first subscription-based buy one, donate one online mask destination. As one of the top licensing companies with over 800+ licensed brands, your kiddos will love the styles that include Sesame Street, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Nickelodeon favorites like SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, JoJo Siwa, Blue’s Clues & You!, PAW Patrol, and more. The are double-ply, printed and sewn in the USA and for every mask purchase, the company will donate a medical grade mask to First Responders Children’s Foundation.
Size: Child and adult
Price: $9.99 subscription for one mask per month or $13.99 each
Disney face masks character-themed masks feature fan faves from Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars lines. Coming packs of four, each set includes unique designs, and all profits of mask sales in the U.S. will be donated to MedShare, up to $1 million until Sept. 30, 2020.
Size: Youth small and medium, Adult large and extra large
Price: $19.99 for pack of four
Available at shopdisney.com for preorder, with expected ship date of Aug. 26
Shoshanna
Shoshanna, the women’s ready-to-wear, evening wear and swimwear firm, has introduced Mommy and Me masks, hoping that the collection will make it easier for parents to get their children to wear them. The reusable mini masks are made from excess gingham fabric and are available in mint or navy.
Nickelodeon is producing iconic characters from its hit shows including SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, Blue’s Clues & You! and JoJo Siwa. All proceeds from the sales of Nickelodeon face masks will benefit Save the Children’s COVID-19 Global Response and will be redistributed to the region where the mask was purchased.
Size: Child and adult
Price: $18.95
Available at spongbobshop.com and other outlets later this summer
Old Navy
Old Navy is selling reusable cloth masks that come in packs of five for both adults and kids, and in assorted surprise patterns made with excess fabrics from other products as a way to sustainably source the materials. In addition to making affordable masks available for customers to buy, Old Navy is making a donation of 50,000 masks to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Target offers some of the most affordable mask options around. Adorable two-layer cotton kids masks start at $4 for a pack of two, and you can even pick up gorgeous patterned adult options for just $2. They come with elastic ear loops, pockets for filters and are machine washable.
ARLi sells child and adult masks that are washable, reusable, reversible and double lined. The high-quality, breathable supima cotton and soft ribbed cotton ear loops makes them comfortable, no one will mind wearing them.
These comfy and breathable T-shirt material masks are made from rayon/spandex jersey. They offer a snug fit that's also breathable for warm weather, and come in 35 different pattern choices! Additionally Bailey Blue is donating masks to local heroes in need.
Each Happy Mask is made from two layers of fabric with a filter pocket for added protection. You can currently choose from white or mustard, and when you purchase from Mochi Kids, the company will donate one mask for each one sold.
Joah Love has so many patterns, we lost count! Many styles offer reversible options and the company's adjustable ear straps make these a great option for the entire family. Described as a "T-shirt for your face," these coverings are made from the company's softest shirts and are guaranteed to be comfy.
Size: Kids (two to 6), Sm/Md (Older Kids, Tweens, Petite Adult Faces., M/L = Women & Men, XL= Fuller Faces/Men, Beards
Crayola is helping kids and teachers prepare for school. They are offering a 5-mask system that offers unique styles each day of the school week, so kids can choose a new, clean mask every day. Each kit comes with masks that are made with dual-layer fabric with a with 3-D face design, secure fit adjustable ear straps, nose clip and a laundry bag for easy washing.
Size: Kids and adults
Price: $29.99 for a pack of 5 for kids and $39.99 for a pack of 5 for adults
Nico Nico is whipping up super stylish masks with surplus fabric. Currently, the company is offering two styles of masks with elastic, adjustable ties and a side opening to insert filter.
Walmart's face masks include everything from cloth and disposable to balaclavas and bandanas. The cotton masks offer three layers of protection, are machine washable and come in tons of fun patterns. Many styles offer extra features, like adjustable ear loops, too!
String King offers both reusable 2-layer cotton masks as well as 3-layer disposable options. The simple reusable style is great for all occasions, with neutral color choices and comfortable ear loops. We also love the bulk order options that make buying for organizations or stocking up a breeze.
Choose from TechKnit or the Everyday masks for ultimate comfort and protection. The Everyday model has a new and improved design with five layers and a sewn-in filter.
Let your face breath with this option from Cilque that is made from 100 percent Mulberry silk. Each one has a double layer with an extra filter pocket and is reusable.
Christy Dawn now sells cotton and silk masks and they're all sustainable. Since the start of the pandemic, the company has upcycled over 40,000 yards of deadstock fabric and donated 200,000 masks to first responders and people in need. You can shop cotton and silk styles in pleated and contoured designs. Masks are reusable and washable.
Size: Adults
Cost: $22 for single silk mask, $30+ for cotton three packs
Autumn Adeigbo's colorful masks are all produced in the U.S. at sustainable, female-owned facilities. Each one provides global artisans with meaningful employment and fair wages. The black-owned business' masks are made from 100 percent cotton and are all made to order.
Maker of toy storage bags, Swoop Bag is now bringing you reusable, non-medical grade masks! Each one is made with adjustable soft jersey cotton ear loops, double layer 100% quilting cotton and lots of bright colors.
Size: Technically only for adults, but can fit kids as young as 10
Newly launched, woman and minority-owned mask business Olivian is changing the mask game. Not only are they offering bulk purchases of single use triple-layer masks, but a monthly subscription that goes up to 500 masks, too! Each one offers an adjustable nose piece and is made with soft, breathable fabric.
Size: Adult
Price: Monthly subscription starts at $20 per month, or $24.50 for a pack of 50
41 Winks masks have been tested with a respiratory therapist for a great fit, and each one is individually sewn with a reinforced top stitch all around. They offer adjustable elastic straps, adjustable plastic nose bridge three layers of protection. Each face mask purchased gives 5% to frontline workers and their families through the First Responders First fund.
Uniqlo's AIRism masks are already best sellers and offer a three tier structure. The first layer wicks away moisture, the second has a built in filter and the third uses AIRism Mesh to blocks UV rays.
Soliscia by Nufabrx is a must for hot weather. The reusable face mask is infused with shea butter to prevent “maskne” and moisturize dried out skin.It's made with soft ear loops, is machine washable and copper powered which deters bacterial growth.
Made in Europe with The Fold London's signature surplus fabric, these silk masks are perfect for long-term wear. Each one is lined with 100 percent cotton, has elastic ear loops and comes with an opening to insert a removable filter. For every set of masks sold, £15 will go directly to Smart Works charity, an organization that helps unemployed women get back to work.
Maternity Brand Emilia George is now offering three styles of masks. In addition to a 100 percent cotton version that comes with either elastic loops or ties, the company is also selling a 100 percent cupro version. This material is a a cotton by-product and one of the most sustainable and breathable fabrics. Masks come in a variety of colors, and Emilia George donates a portion of their inventory to daycare centers across the country that remain open for children of essential workers.
Boden's jersey-soft masks are a mystery in the making. When you order a pack, you get a surprise batch of patterns made from the end of fabric rolls, making these cozy face coverings eco-friendly! The stretchy masks offer a wire for a fitted nose and comfy ear loops.
In a matter of days, Pixels became the world's largest mask retailer. With over hundreds of thousands of designers and 3,000,000 options, you can literally find a design for everyone. Choose from styles featuring surrealism, abstract, sports, wildlife, florals, science fiction and more. The stylish designs are made from 100 percent polyester and hand-sewn in North Carolina. The masks come with two elastic ear loops and a built-in pocket for inserting an air filter.
If you're looking for a go-to set of face masks, these stretchable, form-fitting fabric from Lapcos are the ones. They provide 99.9% UV protection, a stretchable and slip-on material with a stable fit that won't irritate your nose and chin.
If you've been wanting to design your own mask, but aren't the seamstress, Walgreens is here to save the day. The retailers is now offering fully customizable masks that you can design with your own photo! The two-part masks are cotton on the inside and polyester on the outside, come with silicone fasteners and a pocket for filters.
Cariloha's bamboo masks are made from sustainable material that naturally repels toxins, allergens and odors. The comfy material makes long-term wear a breeze and each mask comes with adjustable ear loops and a nose clip.
Say goodbye to sweaty masks (and wrinkles) with Night's 100 percent silk option. Each one offers three layers of fabric, including silk and a disposable filter that resists bacteria, allergens, moisture and dust. Stylish colors include black, gunmetal, blush and champagne.
*Editor’s Note: According to the CDC, children under age 2, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance should not use a cloth face covering.
The baby industry is constantly evolving, and it’s because there are some amazing women at the helm. From vegan accessories and revolutionary feeding gear, to back-saving baby carriers, mom inventors are changing the face of what it means to manage the newborn and infant stage. Keep scrolling to see our favorite baby gear products that will have you saying, “oh baby!”
Skin-to-Skin Bonding: Bonsie
Mom of two and former clinical social worker, Anna Turcotte knows the benefits of skin-to-skin contact between babies and caregivers. With her experience, she set out to create babywear that encouraged skin-to-skin contact but also kept babies comfortable. Bonsie, a combination of "bonding" and "onesie" was born! Each onesie is made with double-layered flaps connected by an ultra-soft hook and loop fastener. Once the two flaps are open, baby's chest and belly are fully exposed for skin-to-skin connection. Parents can shop in sizes ranging from newborn to 9 months in comfy bamboo and cotton blends.
Safe Sleeping: Swaddle Sleeves by Two Baby Bears Co.
Umma Shekhani and her daughter loved swaddles, but when it came time to transition out of the original style, they weren't having much luck. All the options kept her too warm or offered just a little too much freedom. In a moment of desperation, Umma sketched and sewed the first version of Swaddle Sleeves, gently weighted sleeves that offer comfort. Since then, Swaddles Sleeves has expanded to even more products that include swaddle pods, sleep sacks, and footie pajamas. Products come with double zippers for quick changes and non-weighted "Mitten Sleeves" that can be worn when weighted sleeves aren't needed.
Healthynest: EWG-Verified Diapers, Cleaning, Skincare and More
Tonje Thilesen
Founded in the Fall of 2020 by Shazi Visram (she’s also the founder of Happy Family Organics and mom to a 10-year-old son and five-year-old daughter), Healthynest is the first brain-forward brand for expectant and new parents to navigate their baby’s developmental health. What does that mean exactly? To start, Healthynest pairs products with science-backed enrichment activities to help parents navigate raising kids starting from day one. So while you place an order for the first-ever EWG-Verified diaper, EWG-Verified cleaning system and EWG-Verified Skincare system, you can also learn how to introduce texture to babies or discover if your tap water is safe to drink thanks to Healthynest’s tutorials and videos.
As a mom of two, Sara Parant was frustrated with all the buttons, zippers and snaps that came on infant clothes. Realizing tons of other parents felt the same way, she set out to design a no-snap onesie that would change the way we dress and change babies. Peasy Co. grew and developed a full line of sustainable, progressive infant basics. The company provides comfort for babes and super quick diaper changes, using hypoallergenic, quick-trying, anti-microbial and breathable fabric.
Amber Thibaut grew up as the daughter of a Maui waterman, which connected her strongly to the island culture. Late one night while nursing her son, she realized the blanket she reached for held no special meaning or connection to Hawaii, which embodied arts, tradition and community. That night, Coco Moon was born. Now, Thibaut's brand specializes in buttery-soft baby goods that are all inspired by memories of a childhood in Hawaii. Parents can shop island-inspired quilts, security and throw blankets, swaddles and clothing with whimsical prints and the softest materials.
Taeler Horak was a first time mom and she already despised trying to snap baby clothes in the middle of the night. Armed with her great grandmother's sewing machine, she set out to make the first ankle to ankle zippered baby romper. When local moms began asking for custom orders, Horak knew she was on to something. After creating her own website, rebranding and a soft launch on Facebook, Zipease, LLC was born. The female-owned and run business now employs four more women who make the company's entire inventory in house.
After having her second child and returning to work, Krystal Nicole Duhaney struggled with her milk supply like many moms. As a Registered Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant she knew there were not enough resources for breastfeeding mothers and wanted to come up with a solution for low milk supply. Using her medical background, Duhaney came up with a milk-making cookie recipe and in November of 2015, Milky Mama was born! Today, Milky Mama's product line includes Lactation Cookies, Brownies, Emergency Brownies, Tropical Iced Tea, Lactation LeMOOnade, Lactation Smoothie Mix, and Herbal Supplements. In addition to offering products, the company also facilitates weekly Facebook chats and a lactation support group so women can come alongside each other in support.
Towards the end of her maternity leave, Becca Davidson's mom offered to watch her daughter once a week. Her mom was really looking forward to spending some quality time with her new granddaughter, but soon realized that because of some arthritis in her thumb, she wasn't able to press the red button hard enough to release the buckle on the carseat. After realizing that a federal regulation required 9 pounds of pressure to release the button for safety reasons, Davidson and her mom set out find a solution. As an Occupational Therapist, Davidson's mother created a tool using splint material, which used leverage to reduce the force needed to unbuckle, and UnbuckleMe was born!. The duo refined the design, ran a successful Kickstarter campaign, attended dozens of events, acquired patents and continues to spread awareness.
Susan Bortone's two kids were never good sleepers. They loved to snuggle and always wanted a soft toy to hold but Bortone never wanted to leave an unsafe toy in the crib, which meant they would wake often looking for their lovey. After trying every sleep trick in the book, she started sketching and making a protoype that combined the security of a sleep sack and a safe toy all in one. When her daughter tried it for the first time, shel slept through the night! Now, Snuggy Buddy is in production and taking pre-orders for the breathable sleep snack made from muslin with a weighted butterfly with soft plush wings stitched at chest level. In addition to providing a safe sleep experience, Snuggy Buddy is also partnering with a charity, donating fabric for them to make blankets for babies in need.
Beth Fynbo was tired of the "toddler toss," when littles keep throwing things on the floor or putting their mouth on germy restaurant tables. In response, she created the Busy Baby Mat, a food-grade silicone placemat that firmly sticks on just about any surface including shopping cart handles, floors and tables. The innovative silicone tethers attach to toys to keep them in arms reach and the placemat is perfect for eating, and even drawing on!
Bekah Marsden didn't love when her baby’s bibs or changing mats got stained and gross. As a mom, she set out to create a product that would stand the test of time and look stylish while doing it. That's when she came up with vegan leather bibs and changing mats for her site, Bek & Jet. The amazingly soft products can be easily wiped down after each use––no more stains!
Mom of three Dahlia Rizk was sick and tired of wrestling her kids in and out of coats when it came time to getting into the car seat. She imagined a time when zippers weren't in the middle of coats and then instant excitement came! Rizk applied for a patent and some time later, the world’s first and only car seat-safe winter coat was born. Her genius design means that car seat straps and harnessed go under the coats and not on top, and are crash tested. They passed the first time around! Buckle Me Baby Coats are evaluated by CPSTs, first responders, and EMTs too but her "biggest experts are the kids who love not having coats forced off and on them all the time and parents who love having one less thing to worry about!"
While on a family vacation, Carla Schneider’s infant son could not be consoled. When his pacifer wouldn't stay in his mouth, the mom grabbed the hotel sewing kit and sewed her son’s favorite stuffed toy to a pacifier. Instantly he was comforted, and this was the start of WubbaNub. Twenty years later Schneider still owns and operates the brand while remaining true to her original mission: "Comforting and soothing one baby at a time while raising funds and awareness surrounding illnesses that afflict newborns."
Tammy Rant and Sara Azadi created TushBaby out of complete necessity. Back and hip pain led them to question: was there a better way to carry their kids? When traditional carriers didn't work, the idea to create a strapless baby carrier was born. After pitching their idea on Shark Tank, Tushbaby has taken off, finding a market in the U.S., Europe and Asia. The memory-lined seat comes with extra storage for essentials, and is perfect for any caregivers, from mom and dad to grandparents!
Lisa Sutherland and Kiyah Duffy are moms with seven kids between them. Both women have Ph.D.’s in nutrition and a shared passion for food, creativity and an interest in helping little ones learn to feed themselves. They knew what parents could do to help kids succeed at mealtime and learn to love eating healthy foods but didn't see the right tools to help them do that. Kizingo spoons work with the way young children hold and use utensils, making it easier for them to bring the food from their plate to their mouth! Why is this important? Kids who can feed themselves are less likely to overeat and less likely to become picky eaters because they retain control over mealtime.
When Natalie Riley's daughter was young and riding in a stroller, inevitably, she would demand to be carried. Natalie always ended up carrying her daughter in one arm and pushing the empty set of wheels with the other. The same goes for hiking—Natalie found herself carrying her daughter in her arms with an empty baby transporter on her back. She needed a tiny baby carrier that she could carry in her pocket or use as a purse while her daughter is walking, and so Tady—a baby carrier that can support up to 60 lbs and easily converts into a diaper bag—was born.
Give your babe a leg up in the sleep department with Bumbershoots by Nana. These oh-so-soft sleep sacks are designed and hand sewn by Judy Carr (aka Nana), a grandmother who works out of her Maryland studio using patterns she has made and refined over time. Bumbershoots by Nana was born when her grandson was transitioning out of a swaddle and into a sleep sack. Judy noticed that even more expensive sacks seemed cheaply made and didn't wear well. In part due to her grandmotherly love, and in part due to her entrepreneurial spirit, Judy decided to fix that problem—her high-quality, reverse-lined sleep sacks are functional (they hold up extremely well to machine washes and everyday use) and fun (check out their designs here). Fun fact: Bumbershoots by Nana stocks multiples in each size, but is also able to produce 30 or so a week without assistance.
Lizzy Ellingson co-founded Blueprint Registry after experiencing her own frustrations with traditional wedding registries. She wanted a more fun, visual process—and it turns out she wasn't the only one. After having her first baby, she discovered that the baby registry world had the same problems and so she expanded Blueprint's platform into a baby registry with the goal of helping to educate new moms along the way. New parents can not only rest easy knowing Blueprint has the lowest credit card processing fee in the industry, but they can also shop from a visual blueprint of their nursery and add gifts from any retailer to their registry to fit their needs.
Julie Wilson and Amy Livingston founded Cheeky Chompers while on maternity leave after their first babies were born. They noticed a gap in the market for a teether that attached to a baby and that’s when the innovative Neckerchew was born! What’s a Neckerchew? It’s a highly absorbent, reversible cotton dribble bib with a silicone teether integrated right into the design. After the success of the Neckerchew, they went on to invent the Comfortchew, Chewy the attachable sensory hippo teether, the Cheeky Blanket, the organic MultiMuslin (it’s a nursing cover, stroller cover, teether, burp cloth, swaddle and blanket all in one) and the Muslin Comforter. These two mamas and their innovative thinking are streamlining the world of baby gear.
When TWELVElittle baby bags came on the scene, new moms everywhere sighed with relief. Stylish, practical (read: wipeable) diaper bags and accessories that feel designer-worthy without the outrageous price tag. Mom and designer Julia Min founded TWELVElittle to simplify and elevate new mom style. And she's succeeded! In addition to diaper bags and backpacks that you'll be toting around long after they are potty-trained, they also make backpacks for kids, smaller bags for storage (we love this striped bag trio) and the popular 12 LITTLE WONDERS dangles, inspired by the Chinese zodiac and made to customize any bag.
For any mom who has ever pumped for their nursing babes, you know how precious every drop can be. When her son Henry was born in 2008, Helen Anderson was working as an ER nurse and still breastfeeding. So she came up with a business, Milkies, and a product to help save time and make sure not a drop of the liquid gold was lost: Milk-Saver. The Milk-Saver collects the milk that leaks in between nursing or pumping (you know what we mean).
We’re pretty sure that Ayesha Curry doesn’t sleep. Not only is she a mother of two beautiful kiddos and wife of Golden State all-star Stephen Curry, but she also’s a cookbook author, hosts her own show on the Food Network, Ayesha’s Homemade, and is the co-founder of the recently launched Cheeky Baby. Partnered with Cheeky Kids, this line of reusable, high-quality plastic and silicone dinnerware products are designed just with little ones in mind. They help foster independence at meal-time with trainer and sippy cups, feeding spoons, traditional baby cutlery, and even a line of self-feeding cutlery; non-slip bowls and more, all with whimsical-but-chic patterns and animal characters. And if you need one more reason to love this woman, for every Cheeky Baby item purchased, a meal will be donated to a child in need through No Kid Hungry.
Catherine Merritt has been a long-time supporter of moms: she’s the genius behind MUMZY, the first and only crowdfunding platform for moms. Catherine sold MUMZY last year and is on to her newest venture, Finnbin. Co-founded with Shawn Bercuson (entrepreneur and superdad), Finnbin brings the Finnish tradition to the U.S. for the first time ever. What is a Finnbin? It’s a cardboard box full of newborn items, including bibs, bedding, clothing, a swaddle, bath essentials and more. The best part? The box can actually be used as baby’s first bed. Don’t believe us? The Finns have been doing this for more than 80 years! We love these self-contained boxes that pair down the clutter and focus on what you need for your new arrival, so you can focus on baby! “To play a role in providing the peace of mind to new parents is such an incredible feeling as an entrepreneur and a fellow mom,” says Catherine.
Maya Shalev, founder of Grabease is a problem solver. As a busy lawyer, mediator and mother of three, she experienced all of the typical frustrations of parenting, including watching her little one repeatedly not be able to hold on to the spoon when trying to self-feed. So, she invented a better product: grabease utensils ($14.95), available on Amazon. These adorable fork and spoon sets are squat enough that tiny hands can grasp and control with ease, plus they are safer than regular "toddler" flatware: the handle is ergonomically designed and there's a choke barrier. It comes in several colors (including dark gray, teal, orange and white), and you can even grab a handy carrying pouch that tucks into your diaper bag or purse. The best part? It helps them develop motor skills right before your eyes. BPA free. Grabease also recently launched a 2 in 1 silicone spoon + teether, a double-sided toothbrush that helps helps with baby and toddler oral care and an all-over bib that helps to make the dinner mess less stressful.
You love all the notes and stick-figure drawings, but it doesn’t take long for paper to take over your house. That’s why moms Karla “neatnick” the Losen and Jennifer organization queen” McAllister-Nevins got together and invented The Keepsake Box by Savor, designed to help you keep treasures and cull the chaos. There are two versions: The Library: Baby Keepsake Box and The Library: School Years Keepsake Box. Each box includes a handcrafted, book cloth case; pre-categorized labels; 9 drawers for tiny things and 8 vertical files (baby version) or 16 vertical files (school years); a birthday survey for yearly highlights and more. It’s like scrapbooking without the scrapbooking. Everything is contained, sleek and easy to browse through so you can walk down memory lane anytime. As an added bonus, they look cute on the shelf. Stop shoving those things in a bin and start organizing your treasures! Prices start at $69.95.