When it comes holiday gifts, IKEA is a one-stop-shop, and really, who doesn’t need that in their life during the holidays? From toys and IKEA furniture to interior design decor, there’s a unique gift idea for everyone in your life. We’ve curated our top picks for Christmas gift ideas, you’ll find treasures for kids, foodies, plant lovers and more. Keep reading to see the list—Santa would approve. 

For Kids

JÄTTELIK Soft Dinosaur Toys

Whether your kiddo wants a triceratops, or is more of a brontosaurus kind of kid, this new line of dinosaur toys will be their new old best friend in no time. 

Comes in triceratops, velociraptor, brontosaurus and stegosaurus. $6/each

Play Kitchen

A love of food begins at an early age, especially if someone else in the family likes to cook. Get your little one set up with a kitchen space of his very own. This set comes with curtains, so from puppet shows to playing restaurant, the possibilities for pretend play are endless. We also love the chalkboard for writing down the daily specials!

Buy it here, $60.

DUKTIG Roll Set

And speaking of pretend play, these perfect little felt cinnamon rolls will hit the spot, especially when served hot out of the SPISIG play kitchen's oven! 

Buy them for $8 here

Pizza-Making Play Set

Complement his new kitchen with a soft pizza set. Kids can add toppings, toss and "eat" to their heart's desire. It comes with 24 pieces, including sauce, cheese, arugula, pepperoni and more.

Buy one here, $10.

MÅLA Framed Drawing Boards

IKEA

Go next-level with that refrigerator art and make it wall-worthy with framed drawing boards. Buy them here, $2.

Paper Roll Holder

For artists of any age, having paper at the ready is a must. We like this paper roll holder for its simple design and that kids as young as three can easily use it. 

Buy it here, $8.

Buy a roll of paper here, $4.

MÅLA Felt Tip Pen

IKEA

Refresh that supply of dried-out pens with this set of 24. Buy it here, $3.

Wacky Puzzle

A puzzle is a puzzle, but this one will throw you for a loop. Not only are the details teeny tiny, but the puzzle pieces come in different sizes. How's that for family night? Best for ages six and up, it comes with 23 large, 88 medium and 100 small pieces. 

Buy it here, $7.

Abacus

This brightly colored abacus will help your toddler learn her numbers and colors, plus it helps to develop fine motor skills. Recommended for kids ages 3 and up, it's a great looking toy that'll stand the test of time.

Grab it here, $10.

SOLBO Owl Lamp

Another way to help your kids find their way to dreamland is to set up a soothing night light. This adorable owl light is six inches tall, has an LED light, and can be used as room decor during daylight hours.

Buy one here, $17.

FLISAT Storage Bin

Get your kids involved in the clean up early in the game by making it fun. Not only is this storage bin equipped with wheels for easy moving, but its charming style will also feel like a toy in itself. 

Snag one here, $30.

URSKOG Panda Pillow

Because who doesn't need an adorable panda pillow? Dimensions are 20 x 20"

Buy it here, $10.

Paintable Masks

Do you need a party activity/favor? Are your kids in need of props for the play they're writing? IKEA can help you with that. These paintable masks come in human and dog form are waiting for your kids' creative minds. 

Buy it here, $5. 

LILLABO Battery-Operated Locomotive

The little engine that could is the latest addition to the LILLABOO train swag and is compatible with the wooden tracks IKEA has sold for years. 

Get one here for $8. 

UPPTÅG Cushion

For your vehicle-loving kid, this bright and cheery bus cushion is just the ticket. Dimensions are 18"x11."

Buy one here, $10.

SNUTTIG Stuffed Polar Bear

IKEA seems to manage to produce some of the snuggliest creatures around—from woodland foxes to petite pigs, and now they've introduced a polar bear into the mix. 

Buy it here, $15. 

PELARBOJ Table Lamp

Back-to-school desks just got brighter! Illuminate their study space or maybe just use it as a night light; either way, this pencil-like lamp will look sharp.

$25, get one here

LEKA Baby Gym

These colorful toys help baby develop hand and eye coordination. 

Buy it here, $30.

Velcro Tag Game

Finally, it’s okay for your kids to throw stuff at each other. This tag-like game is designed for two players and comes with two velcro vests and felt balls that kids can belt at one another. This could be the solution to all those sibling squabbles, amirite? Recommended for kids ages 6 and up.

Buy it here, $18.

For Foodies

BLANDA MATT Serving Bowl

A foodie can never have too many serving bowls! This 8" bamboo version is ideal for everything from salad to pasta.

Buy it here, $10.

PEPPRIG Microfiber Cloth

IKEA

Fun colors will brighten the home with this pack of dish clothes. 

Find yours here, $2 for a 3-pack.

Knife Sharpener

For the adult foodie at home, a knife sharpener is key. Although this might seem like a ho-hum gift, real cooks know that a sharp knife is a must. There are three slots for fine, medium or coarse sharpening.

Buy it here, $12.99.

For Design Aficionados

YLLEVAD Art Cards

IKEA

This pack of 6x4 cards is a perfect gift for a botanically-inclined relative or friend. 

Buy them here, $2 for 4. 

Red & White Swivel Chair

A gift for kids and design-savvy parents alike, this dome-shaped swivel chair gives kids a quiet place to chill and gives parents the gift of kids' furniture that doesn't look like kids' furniture. 

Buy it here, $70. 

For Plant Lovers

SJÄLSLIGT Decorative Cactus Set

IKEA

A decorative cactus set for the bookshelf, no watering required.

Buy them here. Set of 3, $15

INVÄNDIG Artificial Terrarium Dome

IKEA

For that spot where things just won't grow but you need a little chic greenery anyway.  

Get one here, $6.

Live Plant Set

A set of live snake plants is perfect for anyone with a green thumb. Each one comes in its own pastel-hued pot. 

Buy the set here, $7.

Ivory and Gold Watering Can

Say goodbye to ugly plastic watering cans and say hello to this chic one instead. We love the fact that it's made of galvanized metal to prevent rusting and that you can leave it out after your chores are done! 

Buy it here, $10. 

Fern & Flowers Decal

Bring the indoors in with this charming decal set that will appeal to kids and adults alike. 

Buy it here, $10.

SOCKER Indoor/Outdoor Greenhouse

The whole family can enjoy this indoor/outdoor greenhouse! Use it to start seedlings, grow herbs, or use as live decor. 

Buy it here, $20.

For Techies

MÖJLIGHET Headset & Tablet Holder

For more desktop organization, try this bold headset and tablet holder. It easily transports gadgets from one spot in the room to another. Recommended for kids ages 6 years and older.

Buy it here, $4.

MÖJLIGHET WiFi Bookshelf Speaker

This slim speaker offers a rich sound without taking up a lot of space. Stream music via WiFi capabilities, and what's even cooler, you can control each speaker individually, so you can stream music in one room while the kids listen to an audiobook in another. 

Buy a set here, $99 each. 

NORDMÄRKE Triple Charger

Your smart device command center will be chic when you upgrade to this triple charger station. Designed with cork and white trim, it's a minimalist look that means no more tangled cords. Works with Apple® iPhone 8 and Samsung® Galaxy S6 or newer models.

Buy it here, $40. 

—Gabby Cullen & Amber Guetebier

Images courtesy IKEA

Editor’s note: At the time of publication, all items were available for purchase. 

 

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Florida is bathed daily with the perfect soundtrack: the roll and fall of surf, from the Gulf to the Atlantic, on sand as white as snow and as warm as cinnamon. There’s a reason commenters on Trip Advisor regularly rank the 825 miles of Florida beaches among the best in the world. Read on to find out which beach best suits your Florida-loving family!

Start planning your beach vacay at VISITFLORIDA.com!

Siesta Key

Siesta Key, a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, is a regular on any roster of best beaches in America and is a family favorite for its broad swath of sand, gentle Gulf surf, and numerous amenities.

St. Pete Beach

The 28 miles of Pinellas County beaches can rival those anywhere in America. The names appear regularly on annual best beaches lists: Fort De Soto, St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, Caladesi Island. They are natural beauties backed by tall, slim pines, popular destinations framed by beachfront neighborhoods and resort hotels and island residences of migratory birds.

Amelia Island

Amelia Island is a family-friendly destination with a variety of resort accommodation options and adventures. Besides all the sand-castle building, wave-riding and kite-flying fun offered on the beach, kids will be excited to visit the Marine Welcome Center and Shrimping Museum and to take a fossil hunting tour with Amelia Island Shark Tooth Adventures. 

Lovers Key State Park

Lovers Key State Park, once a plot of land destined for condos, was gifted to the people of Florida. From the state park website: “Hop in a kayak or lounge under an umbrella on the shore. Explore serene canals and lagoons that are favorite grazing spots for manatee and shorebirds. You may see the calm, turquoise waters broken by a dolphin’s dorsal fin or by the strike of an osprey’s talons.”

 

Start planning your relaxing beach getaway at VISITFLORIDA.com!

Delray Beach

Delray Beach is a first-class resort destination and a diverse, vibrant community situated on the Atlantic Ocean. A small and intimate town with big-city sophistication, Delray Beach was voted Most Fun Small Town in America by Rand McNally and USA Today. Delray's Atlantic Avenue, which runs through the center of town from I-95 to the ocean, is the longest main street in Florida.

Grayton Beach

Grayton Beach State Park is a 400-acre sliver of paradise featuring white-sand beaches, a rare coastal dune lake, and a wealth of nature. Its nature trail winds through a salt marsh, steep dunes and a coastal forest thick with twisted scrub oaks and magnolias. You’ll find it snuggled against the emerald-hued waters of the Gulf in Northwest Florida’s South Walton.

No matter where you go in Florida, there’s plenty of family fun to be had. Enjoy one of the beaches above for the entirety of your vacation, or plan a road trip and catch as many of them as you can! Start planning your vacation at VISITFLORIDA.com.

 

It’s not every year that you parent during a pandemic. While some moments you’re eager to forget (like your baby’s epic up-the-back blowout during your latest Zoom call), other moments you want to bottle up and remember forever. Leave it to Artifact Uprising to memorialize the sweet, sour and unforgettable parenting moments of 2020. 

From eye-catching woodblock prints to layflat photo albums to send to Grandma, Artifact Uprising has a photo book and gift for every occasion. We’re huge fans of their high quality items that make personalised photo gifting—whether to a relative or yourself—easy peasy. Scroll down for our top picks.

Photo Calendars

Modern Wall Calendar

Artifact Uprising

Not your typical photo calendar, this one is a major mod upgrade.

Shop it here , $39

Brass Easel & Calendar

Artifact Uprising

Slip in a new card each month in this desktop favorite. 

Shop it here, $49

Wood Calendar

Artifact Uprising

Chic and simple, you can swap out each month and then use it to keep photos. Has a stand 

Shop it here, $25

Photo Display

Brass Easel & Prints

Artifact Uprising

There’s a reason this is one of Artifact Uprising’s bestsellers: it’s stylish and durable. This set includes the print. 

Shop it here. $55

 

Reclaimed Wood Quote Box

Artifact Uprising

This unique way to store photos can be blank or customize it with a meaningful quote. 

Shop it here, $65

Wooden Photo Ledge

Artifact Uprising

Display more than one image at a time and rotate them out on this minimalist photo ledge. 

Shop it here, $49

Brass & Wood Display Box

Artifact Uprising

Use these boxes to display and store up to 50 prints.

Shop it here.$55

 

Photo Books

Color Series Photo Book

Artifact Uprising

These vibrant color photo books come in 6 colors and 3 sizes. Make one for every trip or occasion! 

Shop them here, from $20 

Photo-Wrapped Hardcover Book

Artifact Uprising

This photobook style includes a dynamic cover image that wraps around to create the ultimate personalized photo collection.

Shop it here, $59

Baby Board Book

Artifact Uprising

Make your own durable board book for baby! So cute. 

Shop it here, $40

Instagram Friendly Books

Artifact Uprising

Zip your feed over to a little book in no time! No uploading required. 

Shop them here, from $15

Best Photo Cards

Bold Merry & Bright Holiday Cards

Artifact Uprising

Make a statement with this year's card, minus the glitter. 

Shop them here, from $1.25/card

To All That Will Be Card

Artifact Uprising

Remind your loved ones the best is yet to come as we enter into 2021. 

Shop them here, from $1.25 

Inner Circle Holiday Card

Artifact Uprising

Don't worry about shipping delays this year, just send a New Year's card instead.

Shop them here, from $1.25 

Simple Shapes Holiday Card

Artifact Uprising

A playful card for families and a reminder to enjoy the little things. 

Shop them here, from $1.25/card 

Best Photo Frames

Wooden Tabletop Frames

Artifact Uprising

These gorgeous frames can be used on the walls or on a table top. 

Shop them here, from $59

Gallery Frames

Artifact Uprising

Classic, classy frames in four different colors, includes matboard. 

Shop it here, from $69

Framed Canvas Print

Artifact Uprising

Take your photo and your walls to the next-level. 

Shop it here, $119 

Floating Frames

Artifact Uprising

Bring your favorite images to life with these modern, gallery-quality floating frames. 

Shop them here, from $79

 

Can’t decide? Pick up an Artifact Uprising gift card and let your favorite family create their own heirloom piece.

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Introduce your kids to unplugged creativity and drawing (without a pencil.) Etch A Sketch is reaching a major milestone this year, celebrating 60 years on Jul. 12, 2020. Etch A Sketch Day, observed annually, marks the day this toy was first sold.

Etch A Sketch Classic

This year, Etch A Sketch joined forces with other iconic names for a series of limited edition launches earlier this year, including the beloved MONOPOLY brand, space exploration leader NASA, heritage toy Rubik’s and comic book marvel Stan Lee. To mark the milestone anniversary, Spin Master is bringing back the limited-edition Etch A Sketch collaborations starting in July at Walmart and Walmart.com, while supplies last. 

Etch A Sketch Rubiks Cube

To further celebrate Etch A Sketch Day, the original red-framed Etch A Sketch will be 60% off at Walmart and Walmart.com for one day only on Jul. 12.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Etch A Sketch

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Your children are your world—but do they know that? They don’t have crystal balls, and they’re desperate to please you. After all, to them, you represent safety, guidance—and, hopefully, unconditional love. 

It doesn’t take much time to reinforce your child’s belief that you will always have their backs. A few simple words or meaningful gestures mean more than expensive toys or family trips to theme parks. Incorporate these practices into your daily routine, so that when you tuck them in at night, the last thing you’ll hear is, “I love you, too.” 

1. Send Them Off with a Smile. Think about the tragic events in recent history. When you reflect on wildfires and mass shootings, most of the victims affected started their days like any other. You never know, and you don’t want the last words you say to your beloved little one to come out in anger. Plus, if you part on a sour note, you’ll spend the day ruminating over what you could have done differently instead of working productively. Even if your second-grader exasperated you with a last-minute forgotten assignment, say, “I love you, and I hope you have a fabulous day,” as you part ways in the morning. 

2. Ask How Their Day Was. Do you complain that your children never talk to you? Have you checked your listening skills? Asking, “How was your day?” and genuinely listening to the response can move the conversation gently from everyday topics to more significant subject matter. Your children won’t confide in you that their friend offered them drugs or alcohol, for example, if you responded with a noncommittal, “uh-huh,” when they tried to tell you about a simple spelling test. 

3. Play with Them. Play helps children manage their emotions and fosters positive feelings so get down in the sandbox and help your child build a castle. Invent a crazy story with dolls and stuffed animals. 

4. Facilitate Friendships. As much as you enjoy being the center of your child’s world, they need healthy friendships. Take your kids to the park and encourage interaction with others. Coach them on how to manage stressful situations, such as asking a group of other children to play a game. Encourage empathy and inclusion toward those left out. 

5. Praise Appropriate Behavior. Punishing your children for wrongdoing never works as well as praising them for what they did right. If your little one reaches out to the child sitting alone on the sidelines, applaud them for showing compassion. If they pick up their toys without you asking first, compliment how tidy their room looks. 

6. Cook Dinner Together. Food nourishes both the body and the soul, so get in the kitchen together. Plus, showing your children how to prep healthy meals gives them a vital skill they’ll need later in life. What better way to show you care than to preserve their future selves? 

7. Read a Story. Children with parents who read with them tend to perform better academically. Plus, you can use the power of storytelling to celebrate qualities like diversity and acceptance. Nearly every tot sleeps more soundly when their parents’ voice lulls them to slumberland. 

8. Hold Their Hand. Once your child is old enough not to take off in a crowded market, you might resist holding their hand. After all, you don’t want to embarrass them. However, continuing to hold their hand reinforces their sense of security. 

9. Listen without Interrupting. Too often, we listen to respond, not to understand. If your angel comes home, spewing a veritable flood about their day, listen without interrupting. You can ask questions for clarification later—for the moment, share their enthusiasm. 

10. Introduce Them to New Things. Many psychologists theorize that children arrive in this world as a tabula rasa—and you, the parent, write the intro to their story. Let your children know they inhabit a vast world with tons of experiences to explore. Order a new dish at a restaurant and split it with them. Take them to the planetarium or a museum—explore this beautiful planet together. 

11. Spend Time in Nature. As a parent, you probably worry about how climate change will impact your children’s future. Research indicates that children who spend time in nature become better environmental stewards. Spend a sunny Saturday hiking at a nearby nature center. Tend to your garden side by side. 

12. Hang Their Art on the Fridge. Is your baby a budding young Picasso? Encourage their artistic endeavors by proudly displaying their works on your refrigerator. As they get older, have particularly creative pieces framed to hang in your living area. The world would be a drab place indeed without artists. 

13. Hug Them. Finally, even older children need a hug regardless of whether they resist showing it. When the occasion calls for it, give your child a hug to show them how proud you are of them. Put your arm around them while they cry on your shoulder. Let them know that your love is non-threatening and unconditional. 

 

 

Jennifer Landis is a mom, wife, freelance writer, and blogger. She enjoys long naps on the couch, sneaking spoonfuls of peanut butter when her kid's not looking, and binge watching Doctor Who while her kid's asleep.  She really does like her kid, though, she promises. Find her on Twitter @JenniferELandis.

We know you’ve got loads of great pictures accumulating in the cloud somewhere; now’s the time to get them off your computer and into the real world. Yes! A real family photo (or pillow, necklace or even sock) for the house—not just on your social media feed. So, whether you’re looking for the perfect holiday photo gifts for grandparents or something special to give your spouse, here are the most unique personalized photo gifts to give this holiday season.

Photo Collage Mosaic

AtelierMosaic on Etsy

Got tons of pictures to display—plus one you really want to stand out? Here's one of our favorite Christmas photo gifts. This mosaic takes 70 of your photos and uses them as a background behind one central picture (of your loved ones' face, for instance). The effect makes it looks like the arrangement creates another picture altogether. We're not sure how the artist does it, exactly, but the effect is sure to impress. You'll be staring at each photo to figure out how it works.

Cost: $93.50 for a digital file of the art; $136 and up for a photo print; $204 and up for a framed print.

Available on Etsy

Tinybeans Album

parent apps
Tinybeans

The Tinybeans platform offers parents a private space to to share photos, milestones and other moments with their children amongst family and friends in a private social network. The free modern family album app gives parents a happy space to enjoy their children's life stories with family. Effortlessly organize pics, videos & milestones, print cute keepsakes, and share with family in one safe space off social media. Parents can join for free, purchase premium subscriptions and photo books.

Available: tinybeans.com

Customized Family Figurines

Myminifam via Etsy

These little wooden dolls are pricey, but having carved and painted miniatures made to look like your brood? Priceless. 

Cost: $103 and up ($178.04 for a family of four).

Available on Etsy

 

Paint By Number Photo Art

miicreative.com

Take your photos and turn them into intricate paint-by-number projects. If you've got budding artists who are up for a challenge, this DIY project will make your photos all that much more special (because now they're paintings!). Just send in your photo, and MiiCreative artists will produce a paint-by-number canvas. The kit comes with one canvas, paints and paint brushes. Recommended for ages 8 & up. 

Cost: $37.99

Available at Miicreative

Make a Mermaid Pillow Even Better

InkedAndFoiled via Etsy

As if putting your photo on a pillow isn't cool enough, now you can print your photo onto reversible mermaid sequins! The pillows show a solid sequin color (choose from eight colors) when brushed one way and reveal your photo when brushed the other. Kids love them—but don't be surprised if you order a few for yourself, too. 

Cost: $28.99

Available on Etsy.  

Personalized Rubik's® Cube

Personalizationmall.com

This personalized puzzle lets you and your kids jumble up your family—then put the faces back together again. It's a photo and a game at the same time. The only problem we see is that you may spend a lot of time looking at a mixed-up version of yourselves—but there's a great reason to keep cranking that cube. 

Cost: $29.99

Available at Personalization Mall

Your Face On Socks!

My Photo Socks via Facebook

If you thought socks were a boring gift, think again. These brightly colored socks will keep your tootsies toasty and have your face (or your kids' or pets' faces) all over them. It's one of those things that's just weird enough to be cool. Ankle-length, crew-length or knee-high socks are available.

Cost: $19.95

Available at My Photo Socks.

Get in the Spirit! Your Photo on a Wine Label

CandiceCards via Etsy

Everyone knows it's nice to bring a bottle of wine to a party. Why not bring a bottle of wine WITH YOUR PICTURE ON IT? Or, better yet, forget the Christmas cards this year and just send out wine instead!  These personalized holiday-themed wine bottle labels say "Making spirits bright," and can be personalized with a picture and any other text you'd like. Each 8.5x11'' sheet holds 8, 2x4'' labels.

Cost: $14.70 and up. 

Available on Etsy

Stick-On Photo Tiles

Mixtiles via Facebook

Nobody likes nailing into walls. With these easy 8X8 photo squares, you can easily—and literally—stick photos on your walls without the need for any tools or hardware—and without ripping off any paint should you want to mix things up or take things down.

Cost: $11 per tile (free shipping on orders of three or more).

Available at Mixtiles

Smack Your Face on a Sticker!

Amazon

Your kids will get a kick out of these stickers which can be personalized with anyone's face. Slap 'em on notebooks, water bottles, lunch boxes—anywhere you want to say "This is my face!" They also work great to keep cups and toothbrushes easily identified so your kids keep their things theirs. The stickers are made of durable vinyl (not paper!) and are printed using waterproof ink that is dishwasher and microwave safe. 

Cost: $17.99.

Available on Amazon

Digital Photo Frame

Amazon

The perfect personalized photo gift for grandparents, this digital photo frame—which made "Oprah's Favorite Things" list in 2018—has unlimited storage and will let Nana and Pop see ever-changing pics of you and your kids without the need to navigate your social media pages. It's a win-win. Looking for a lower-cost option? Try the NIX Advance Digital Photo Frame, which was rated a "great bargain" by Tom's Guide. 

Cost: $299

Available on Amazon.com

Photo Locket

SilkPurseSowsEar via Etsy

Little Orphan Annie would have had an easier time finding her parents had she been given one of these photo lockets to remember them by. Two 45mm long and 35mm wide photos can fit inside this brass locket. The best part? The artist can transfer a photo directly onto the metal—meaning you won't' have to worry about doing it yourself or trying to figure out how to glue it onto the metal without ending up with a soggy paper mess. The transfer process even allows some of the metal to merge with the photo, leaving your locket with a vintage look. You also have the option of displaying only photographs, a message of your choice or a combination of both. 

Cost: $42 & up.

Available at Etsy

Photos That Spell L-O-V-E

Personalizationmall.com

If you want a romantic gift for your significant other, these classy photo letter blocks will look great on your mantle and are a unique way to show off your love story. 

Cost: $29.99

Available at Personalization Mall

Show Off Where You Live

Minted.com

If you love where you live, show it off in this state-shaped photo collage. Choose your state, the size you want and a style of frame (or no frame at all)—then Minted will put together a state map with three photos of your choice. 

Cost: $42 and up.

Available at Minted

Personalized Baby Blankets

Personalizationmall.com

Nobody can deny the cuteness factor of a baby's face ... on a blanket! This cozy polyester fleece blanket comes in various color palettes and can be a personalized gift idea with the baby's name, birthday (including exact time), weight and length. 

Cost: $35.99 and up. 

Available at Personalization Mall

On-Demand Photo Session

Photo by W A T A R I on Unsplash

Still don't have the perfect, card-ready photo of your fam for the holidays? This on-demand photo session is like Uber for photographers. Just find a location where you'd like to shoot, name your time slot, then click to book a free 30-minute photo session. In 3-5 business days, you'll get a gallery of your shots, then pay $15 for each pic you want to buy. 

For now, the company only works in the following cities: Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco Bay area and San Antonio. 

Cost: The photo session is free; then $15 per photo. 

Book at Shoott

Rustic Wood Photo

PrintedWoodPhoto via Etsy

We've seen a lot of photos printed on wood, but we really love how this Etsy artist does it. Photos are transferred just enough to display the picture but also let the natural patterns of the wood shine through—every printing is unique. Pictures can also include a mounted rope or hooks for hanging.

Cost: $28.78 & up.

Available on Etsy

Picture Puzzle

Turn your favorite family photo into one of our picks for personalized photo gifts that'll stick around for years to come. Choose a puzzle size ranging from 40 pieces to 1000 pieces, and wait 10 days—that's it! 

Cost: $38 & up

Available at Wentworth Puzzles

Keep It Simple With a Framed Photo

Keepsake

Whether you’re looking for a gift for your mom, your husband, or your best friend—everybody loves a nice, framed photo. This app (and website) lets you test out how various frames look with your photos before you buy. Plus, frames are handmade in the USA and start at $15. 

Cost: $15 and up.

Available at Keepsake Frames

—Melissa Heckscher

Editor’s Note: At the time of publication, all items were available for purchase. 

All images courtesy retailers. 

 

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What better gift for a Harry Potter fan than an actual piece of movie memorabilia? For the first time ever, fans can bring home stills from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Classic Stills has partnered with Warner Bros. to bring fans a collection of movie stills and on-set photography from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The collection will feature 26 images in all and only 100 prints will be available of each image, making it a truly unique piece of memorabilia for fans to own.

Each print comes hand-framed with a Certificate of Authenticity. The images are currently available to purchase with prices starting at $149.

New collections from the other Harry Potter films will continue to be released in the same order as the films.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Classic Stills

 

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Star Wars, Harry Potter & Toy Story: What’s New in Orlando Now

If your Harry Potter fans wish they could bring the magic of the Wizarding World home, then they will instantly fall in love with the new Pottery Barn Teen Fantastic Beasts Collection.

From a golden, Nagini-framed mirror to a cozy, chenille Phoenix throw, every incredible piece in this highly-detailed collection is completely enchanting. The items range in price from $14.50 to $308 and they are all available to shop now on Pottery Barn Teen. Here are a few of our favorites from the Fantastic Beasts Collection.

Fantastic Beasts Magical Spells Table Lamp

Homework will seem way more exciting when you're working under this mystical light.

$229

Wizarding World Nagini Mirror

You'll almost expect this gorgeous mirror to be enchanted.

$299

Fantastic Beasts Chenille Pheonix Throw

Have a Harry Potter movie marathon snuggled up under this cozy throw.

$69

Fantastic Beasts Art Nouveau Elevator Jewelry Holder

This jewelry holder is a gem in itself.

$139

Fantastic Beasts Newt Scamander Suitcase Shelf

This unique wall shelf is intricately detailed inside and out.

$199

Wizarding World Nagini Pillow Cover

Add a little magical sparkle to your bed with this sequined, velvet pillow.

$39.50

Fantastic Beasts Niffler Critter Beanbag

This furry Niffler is the perfect perch to enjoy reading about the Wizarding World again and again.

$179

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Pottery Barn Teen

 

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Google just revealed that Arantza Peña Popo is the 2019 Doodle for Google winner and the high school senior has dedicated her inspiring artwork to her mom.

Arantza was just three years old when she first started drawing and now her talents have earned her the winning title in this national competition, which thousands of students across the country enter each year. The person she most has to thank for her win, however, is her mom. “When I grow up, I hope to care for my mom as much as she cared for me my entire life,” Arantza wrote in the statement submitted with her artwork.

The winning doodle titled “Once you get it, give it back” was created for the contest’s annual theme, “When I grow up, I hope…” As Arantza describes it, the doodle depicts “a framed picture of my mother carrying me as a baby (a real picture in my house) and below the picture is me, caring for her when she’s older in the future.”

Arantza appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon as Fallon, who was one of the contest judges, revealed the winning entry. “I wanted to make it more personal to me, so I decided to make it about my mother,” Arantza explained to Fallon. “She’s made so many sacrifices for me, so I kind of wanted to show me paying it back in the future.”

photo: Google

Since her submission, Arantza has graduated as valedictorian of her class and will be attending the University of Southern California with the $30,000 scholarship that she has been awarded from Google. She hopes to write and illustrate comic books and graphic novels and clearly she’s off to a notable start. Her winning doodle was chosen from over 200,000 submissions.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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A photo of a framed letter encouraging breastfeeding moms to nurse in a Target in Texas has been shared widely across the internet earning tons of praise. It looks like that sign is about to become the norm as Target promises to roll out nursing rooms in more stores.

The sign posted in a Target in Weatherford, Texas was shared on Facebook by a Target customer and quickly went viral earning praise from moms across the country. The letter reads, “At Target, you are free to nurse wherever and whenever you like while you shop because we think #momsrock.”

The letter continues, “But, if you would like a comfy (or more private) spot to nurse or change a diaper, please ask our Fitting Room Attendant about our Nursing Room! A peaceful spot to take a break during your Target Run— and it’s even stocked with some free goodies to make you and baby’s time there even sweeter.”

For moms wishing this same service was provided at other Target locations, you might be in luck. A spokesperson for Target told Scary Mommy that more nursing rooms would soon become available for Target customers. “Our breastfeeding policy, which applies to all stores, is just one of the ways in which we support our guests. Guests who choose to breastfeed in public areas of the store are welcome to do so. And as we remodel stores across the country, we’ll be adding nursing spaces to make shopping at Target even easier for new moms.”

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Breastfeeding Mama Talk via Facebook

 

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