ML Interest Tag: kitchen-tools

The Best Holiday Gifts for Toddlers 18-24 Months

by Kate Cartia

Little ones can be tricky to buy for. Well, unless you have our guide to gifts for toddlers

They’re not babies, and they’re not quite little kids. Our 18-24 month littles are at a special age where they’re exploring everything, eager to learn, and ready for anything. So, if you’re having trouble coming up with presents for them, you’re not alone. We’ve rounded up some of the best gifts for toddlers this season to make your job as Santa much easier.

There are puzzles, sweet stuffies, and even enchanted silk scarves. Of course, there are also the classics like a play barn, a soft baby doll, their first tea set, and Mickey even makes an appearance. Combining well-known characters and some new friends, we made sure there’s something for every kiddo on our list. We’re pretty sure you won’t have to look further than this list to create a magical holiday. Read on for our picks for gifts for toddlers.

LeapFrog Build-a-Waffle Learning Set

LeapFrog

Their favorite breakfast will easily become their new favorite toy that teaches them colors, numbers, and following directions.

LeapFrog Build-a-Waffle Learning Set ($19.99)—Buy Here!

Playmobil Mickey & Minnie's Cloud Home

Playmobil

Mickey and Minnie spend their days playing on rainbows and riding on clouds in this adorable set.

Playmobil Mickey & Minnie's Cloud Home ($49.99)—Buy Here!

Spelling with 'Sesame Street' Zippy

Little Sleepies

Their favorite friends are all cozying up to their bedtime stories on these absolutely darling pajamas. They're created with Little Sleepies' famous Lunaluxe Bamboo.

Spelling with Sesame Street Zippy ($38.00)—Buy Here!

Learning Resources Deluxe Market Set

Learning Resources

Playing shop, identifying different foods, counting—there's so much to learn with this market set.

Learning Resources Deluxe Market Set ($34.99)—Buy Here!

CoComelon Peek-a-Boo JJ Plush

Target

JJ's 17 sounds and phrases add to the peek-a-boo fun.

CoComelon Peek-a-Boo JJ Plush ($24.99)—Buy Here!

Olli Ella Strolley

Mainsonette

It's a stroller and a trolley. Made of handwoven rattan, little ones just need to flip the lid and they can go from strolling their stuffed animals around to doing the shopping.

Olli Ella Strolley ($159.00)—Buy Here!

Mud Pie Tea Set

Mud Pie

This sweet 18 piece tea set made from recycled wheat straw that's perfect for the beach, the tub, or sandbox. 

Mud Pie Tea Set ($22.99)—Buy Here!

Dozy Dinkums Pip Doll

Olli Ella

It's your baby's first baby—squishy and soft enough for playing and cuddling. We're partial to Pip, but there are lots of Dozy Dinkums to choose from.

Dozy Dinkums Pip Doll ($50.00)—Buy Here!

Battat Classic Barn Playset

Battat

Complete with farmer, animals, and carry handle, they can tote this barn set anywhere.

Battat Classic Barn Playset ($24.99)—Buy Here!

Stapelstein Stepping Stones

Stapelstein

Stapelstein Stepping Stones are the original play 'stones'. They're soft, stackable, sturdy, and can be used in a ton of imaginary ways to get your little one's creativity flowing (plus, they're really convenient to use as seats, stools, or steps). Available in Original Rainbow or Pastel.

Stapelstein Stepping Stones ($189.00)—Buy Here!

LEGO DUPLO My First Number Train

Amazon

This starter DUPLO set pulls off a holiday gifting hat trick: It's a building toy, a vehicle (and we all know how much toddlers love pushing around anything on wheels), and it helps introduce them to numbers. 

DUPLO My First Number Train ($16.00)—Buy Here!

5-Star Little Climber by Lily & River

Etsy

The 5-Star Little Climber enhances your kiddo's motor skill development, balance control, creativity, and grows with them up to age 5.

5-Star Little Climber by Lily & River ($187.46)—Buy Here!

'"Slowly, Slowly, Slowly" Said the Sloth' by Eric Carle

Amazon

In the style that only Eric Clare can create, this book teaches kiddos to take their time.

"Slowly, Slowly, Slowly" Said the Sloth by Eric Carle ($8.49)—Buy Here!

Sarah's Silks Enchanted Mini Playsilks

Sarah's Silks

Sarah's Silks is all about open-ended play. Tactile toddlers will love the lightweight, floaty fabrication that lets them create and play for hours. These Mini Playsilks grow with them, long after they're done playing.

Sarah's Silks Enchanted Mini Playsilks ($14.00)—Buy Here!

Silicone Play Kitchen Set

the Cadenlane slicone play kitchen set in garden is one of the best gifts for toddlers in 2023
Caden Lane

The best thing about silicone toys? They're dishwasher-safe and quiet! We love a great kitchen set for open-ended imaginative play, especially when you're trying to get stuff done in the kitchen and your mini-me wants to join in.

Caden Lane Silicone Play Kitchen Set in Garden ($38.00)—Buy Here!

Flybar Play-Doh Ride-On Activity School Bus

Target

The Play-Doh Ride-On Activity School Bus includes 3 cans of Play-Doh, 10 numbers stamps, 6 shape cutters, and 1 roller. Just lift up the ride-on seat to reveal the play set.

Flybar Play-Doh Ride-On Activity School Bus ($49.99)—Buy Here!

Glo Pals Sensory Play Jar

Glo Pals

Just add water and watch the customizable and interactive sensory jar come to life.

Glo Pals Sensory Play Jar ($20.00)—Buy Here!

Cuddle + Kind Baby Koala

Odin Parker

This baby koala is so precious. Made from natural Peruvian cotton yarn, not only is it soft and collectible; it's heirloom-quality, so they'll have something to treasure for years.

Cuddle + Kind Baby Koala ($35.00)—Buy Here!

Little Tikes Rainbow Remix Music Player

Little Tikes

Your little one will love this cute vintage-style music player, complete with rainbow light show, music, and color call-outs (not to mention headphones).

Little Tikes Rainbow Remix Music Player ($14.99)—Buy Here!

Jumlys Montessori Puzzle

Jumlys

Ready to introduce colors and shapes? This 12-piece wooden peg puzzle is the perfect place to start.

Jumlys Montessori Puzzle ($14.99)—Buy Here!

Bricklettes Starter Set

Bricklettes

Remember those old-school bright cardboard bricks? They got an update with Bricklettes. They fit into your home's decor and the starter set of 10 is great for kiddos who have just started stacking.

Bricklettes Starter Set ($54.99)—Buy Here!

Woodpecker Game

Kidspace Museum Store

Have a toddler who's into bashing all the things? This hammer game is not only really darling, it's also ideal for active minis.

Woodpecker Game ($45.00)—Buy Here!

Green Toys Ferry Boat

Target

We love that this ferry boat is made of recycled milk jugs, and it's so easy to clean. It can even go in the dishwasher.

Green Toys Ferry Boat ($21.99)—Buy Here!

Matching Eggs 12pc Set

Coogam

How adorable is this set of color and shape matching eggs? The little egg holder is a winner, too.

Matching Eggs 12pc Set ($17.99)—Buy Here!

Wooden Baby Birdi Puzzle and Stacking Toy

Bella Luna Toys

This darling little learning toy is a great first puzzle, plus it's a lovely addition to nursery/bedroom decor.

Wooden Baby Birdi Puzzle and Stacking Toy ($16.00)—Buy Here!

 

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

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We Finally Got on the Vitamix Bandwagon

by Kate Cartia

We thought the Vitamix was just another blender. Whoops.

We’ll admit when we’re wrong. We’re not too proud to say we had the wrong idea. This is one of those times. Our shopping editor assumed the Vitamix was a regular blender that just happened to look better than a lot of others. Turns out, it’s one of our newest favorite kitchen tools and we’ve been missing out this whole time.

Vitamix

Vitamix is not playing around when it comes to blending. These are so far beyond waiting forever while a regular blender struggles to break down ice. The Vitamix lets you throw in whole and frozen ingredients and takes them on without missing a beat. It lets you skip the knife work and chop, grind, puree, and even juice to your heart’s content, fast.

Vitamix

Cooking for a crowd? No problem. You can actually fill the entire container and watch it pulverize your ingredients. Not enough? You can even add more of what you need through the lid plug opening while the machine is running. There’s no more starting and stopping—just gather your ingredients and take care of it all at one time. Sign. Us. Up.

Vitamix

Don’t let the controls fool you. They’re super user-friendly and let you easily manually adjust the blade speed, or just pick one of the automatic programs to do the work for you. The built-in timer makes sure you don’t overblend your creation, too. Or, for just a quick burst of power, use the pulse option to really customize whatever you’re making. The Vitamix can perform the same tasks as up to 11 household tools.

We figured that with all its features, the Vitamix would take a whole lot to get it clean. Nope. Add a drop or two of dish soap to warm water and blend at the highest speed for a 60 second self-clean that doesn’t require disassembling the whole machine. Now we’re kinda wondering why everything can’t be this easy to clean.

Vitamix

All of that is great, of course. But nothing is that great if it won’t last, right? Vitamix is definitely serious about their products holding up to anything you throw at it. They’ve already tested their products to their (literal) breaking point and they still offer a 10 year warranty. Your Vitamix isn’t going to be something that you burn out; you’re more likely to pass it down.

With multiple Vitamix options to choose from, you can definitely find one that fits your family. We’re talking:

  • Salad dressings
  • Hot soups
  • Baby food
  • Flours and dough
  • Nut butters
  • Frozen desserts
  • Batters
  • Dips and spreads

And more. You can even check out their Recipe page for major inspiration.

Vitamix

Everything you hear about Vitamix is true. This is a kitchen tool that’s hard to live without once you’ve used it. Say “see ya!” to mealtime boredom. The Vitamix is a game changer.

Shop Vitamix Here!

 

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

 

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Easy Blueberry Muffins That Take Less Than 20 Minutes

by Erin Lem

This easy blueberry muffin recipe is a favorite with our kids

For breakfast fare that never goes out of style look no further than this easy blueberry muffin recipe. Any home cook can whip up a batch of these classic blueberry muffins in about 10 minutes without any unusual ingredients or pro kitchen tools. The secret twist to this delectable eat? The streusel topping that adds a layer of cinnamon sugar goodness to this irresistible grab-and-go muffin.

Makes about 14 muffins

Ingredients:
2 Cups Flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups wild blueberries (Frozen are ok)
1/2 cup butter softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup milk

For the streusel top:
2 Tbs Flour
2 Tbs Sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tbs butter chilled

Method:
1. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. In a separate bowl beat butter and sugar until light. Beat in eggs and vanilla. You can either use an electric mixer or mix by hand with a wooden spoon.

3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternating with milk until combined.

4. Coat the blueberries lightly with flour then fold the blueberries into the mixture.

5. Spoon batter into greased or paper-lined muffin tins.

6. To make the streusel topping, combine the flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the butter until crumbly by using your fingers or a knife and fork. Sprinkle over muffins.

7. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

 

 

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22 of the Best Hanukkah Gifts of 2022

by Kate Cartia

It all starts December 18th. Are you ready? You will be with these 22 Hanukkah gift ideas for 2022

It’ll be here before we know it. Even though Hanukkah starts a little later this year, it’s still coming up fast somehow. Time with family, incredible food, and our favorite traditions are coming up and preparations are starting. As one of the happiest Jewish holidays of the year, we’re all too eager to get celebrations underway. That means we’re perusing our favorite websites to find the best Hanukkah gifts.

Whether you go really big during the Festival of Lights or stick with tradition and give small goodies, we’ve got some great ideas to help you celebrate. Some of our best loved sites have really knocked Hanukkah out of the park this year and we’re super excited to get wrapping. Well, maybe not actually wrapping, but definitely excited to give our nearest and dearest tokens of our affection and to add even more to look forward to! From keepsake jewelry, must-have kitchen tools, fun decor, and more, we’ve put together some fabulous gifts you can look forward to presenting to your family, hosts, teachers, and more! These are the best Hanukkah gifts of 2022!

GIR 5-Piece Ultimate Tool Set

Don't even think about starting all that cooking without the best tools. The GIR kitchen tools line is absolutely our #1 choice, and we're sure once you get your hands on them, you'll see why.

Get 15% off your GIR purchase with code TINY15 through 12/31/22!

GIR 5-Piece Ultimate Tool Set (GIR.co $50.95)—Buy Now

Brooklinen Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle

Brooklinen's best-selling Luxe Sateen Sheets are the ultimate bedroom upgrade for the new year! Buttery-smooth 480-count sheets are so luxurious, and this bundle includes Brooklinen's duvet cover and extra pillowcases!

Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle (Brooklinen starting at $231.41)—Buy Now

Eight Nights & Eight Lights Ivory LED Shadow Box

You can't have enough sparkle during the Festival of Lights, and this LED shadow box can be personalized with any name for a custom gift that'll be loved year after year.

Eight Nights & Eight Lights Ivory LED Shadow Box (Personalization Mall $$32.99)—Buy Now

Hanna Andersson Hanukkah Family Matching Pajamas

Nothing gets us quite like family pajamas, and Hanna Andersson leads the pack in adorable and comfy jammies that we love wearing all year.

Hanukkah Family Matching Pajamas (Hanna Andersson starting at $25.00)—Buy Now

Peju Cabernet Sauvignon

Pairing your beef brisket or cholent with Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent way to complement the flavors of both without overpowering either. This Napa Valley Cab from Peju has notes of blackberry, plum, vanilla, and tobacco. Bring a bottle to your Hanukkah gathering and leave one at home for yourself!

Peju Cabernet Sauvignon (Total Wine $54.97)—Buy Now

Chantal Vintage Tea Kettle

Warm, cozy, and comforting? A hot cup of tea, rich cocoa, deep French press coffee—no matter what the beverage of choice is, this sweet vintage-inspired tea kettle is perfect. Plus, the splatter pattern is a unique pop to add to the kitchen.

Chantal Vintage Tea Kettle (Target $59.99)—Buy Now

Nosh Menorah, Brass

This stunning menorah from Modern Mensch is inspired by the favorite bagel shape and is designed to leave out all year with or without candles!

Modern Mensch Nosh Menorah, Brass (Maisonette $200.00)—Buy Now

3D-Printed Twisted Caged Dreidel, Gold

We love how this dreidel combines tradition with a whimsical spin (pardon the pun!).

3D-Printed Twisted Caged Dreidel, Gold (Maisonette $130.00)—Buy Now

 

Dreidel Dreidel Dreidel Little Kids' Crewneck Fleece

The embroidery makes this one really special, and is a hand-me-down staple for sure!

Dreidel Dreidel Dreidel Little Kids' Crewneck Fleece (Maisonette $68.00)—Buy Now

Hanukkah Bracelet Set

Set of three beaded bracelets. The third can be personalized with any name, school, team, anything you want!

Hanukkah Bracelet Set (Maisonette $36.00)—Buy Now

Metukah Challah Platter

Chai Modern created this pretty platter in their design studio in South Africa. 

Metukah Challah Platter (Maisonette $110.00)—Buy Now

Dreidel Welcome Mat

This festive floor mat is our pick for the "Most Fun Hanukkah Floor Decor 2022".

Dreidel Welcome Mat (Bed Bath & Beyond $12.00)—Buy Now

Hanukkah Nutcracker

Nutcrackers are said to represent power, strength, good luck, and goodwill. They also protect your home and loved ones, so this Hanukkah-themed one is a fabulous gift!

Wooden Hanukkah Nutcracker with Menorah & Dreidel (Macy's $96.00)—Buy Now

Blue Garden 16 Piece Hand-painted Dinnerware Set

It doesn't get much more beautiful than this stunning dinnerware set that's perfect for traditional and non-traditional meals!

Blue Garden 16 Piece Hand-painted Dinnerware Set (Macy's $240.00)—Buy Now

Hanukkah-Theme Letterfolk Tile Mat

The Letterfolk Design of the Month Bundle + Tile Mat lets you swap out designs year-round depending on the season, your mood, and your decor!

Get 15% off your Letterfolk purchase with code TINY15 through 12/31/22!

Design of the Month Bundle + Tile Mat (Letterfolk $105.00)—Buy Now

Agate Serving Board

This is a stunning focal point for any table or countertop!

Agate Serving Board (Terrain $78.00)—Buy Now

Honey Cake & Latkes: Recipes from the Old World by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Survivors

Honey Cake & Latkes: Recipes from the Old World by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Survivors is a beautiful collection of heirloom recipes from Auschwitz-Birkenau survivors. But it's not only a cookbook; this is a moving account of each person who contributed and their recollections of pre-war life and post-liberation memories. All proceeds from the sale of this book go to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Foundation.

Honey Cake & Latkes: Recipes from the Old World by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Survivors (Amazon $34.99)—Buy Now

21-Piece Wooden Shabbat Set with Sliceable Challah Bread

This set from KidKraft encourages little ones to learn sacred traditions safely, and allows for open-ended play, too!

21-Piece Wooden Shabbat Set with Sliceable Challah Bread (Amazon $26.22)—Buy Now

Diamond Star of David Pendant in Sterling Silver

With 1/6 ct. t.w. of diamonds, this gorgeous pendant is just the glistening gift to honor the holiday.

Diamond Star of David Pendant in Sterling Silver (Zales $139.30)—Buy Now

Ask Bubbe

From the folks who brought you Mensch on a Bench, Ask Bubbe is the sweet grandmother version of a magic 8 ball, guaranteed to make you smil!

Ask Bubbe (Amazon $24.99)—Buy Now

Hanukkah Wine Gift

It really is all about the food and this wine + sweets combo from Harry & David has you covered!

Hanukkah Wine Gift (Harry & David/1-800 Flowers $129.99)—Buy Now

Happy Hanukkah Bouquet

Flowers are always thoughtful, and this beautiful design from 1-800 Flowers is the perfect bouquet for celebratory centerpieces!

Happy Hanukkah Bouquet (1-800 Flowers $69.99)—Buy Now

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

Images courtesy of retailers.

 

 

 

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How to Pet Proof Your Home

by Kenzie Kramer
Partner Content

Pet-proofing isn’t all that different from babyproofing. Everything in arms—err, paws reach can be dangerous. Your new dog or cat is small, curious and prone to sniff out excitement (and potentially trouble!) as they explore their new world. Read on for simple ways to prep your home and create a safe environment for your pet.

Take Inventory of Your Home

Go from room to room and look around for small objects that could easily be swallowed and find new places to store them. Make sure items like cleaning and laundry supplies, medicine, vitamins, cosmetics, tiny kids’ toys and game pieces, tools and office supplies are safely put away in high shelves, cabinets, bins and closets. Some people opt to install childproof latches for extra peace of mind. Strings, wires and cords are especially tempting and especially hazardous, so tuck them out of reach. Indoor plants need to be moved off the floor, too. And any cute home décor knick-knacks you love? Move them out for now. Don’t forget to do a yard scan, as some plants, flowers and lawn chemicals are toxic. In case of an emergency at your home, there are window stickers that alert firefighters that you have a pet.

 

Start With Some Crates & Safety Gates

Before allowing the free rein of the house, block off rooms with baby gates to keep your pet safely contained to a smaller area. This also makes it easier for you to keep a watchful eye when you’re multitasking. Playpens are great for creating a pets-only hangout zone away from anything that’s off-limits. But keep in mind, some puppies and kittens are so tiny they may be able to squeeze through the bars of a playpen. Ensure the sizing is right for your little pal. If you have a fireplace, put up a protective screen in front. When you have to leave the house, pets should go in their cozy crates with some favorite toys.

Know What’s Cooking In the Kitchen

Certain foods can be poisonous to animals, such as chocolate, grapes, onions and coffee. Keep all food properly stored. Be on the lookout for rogue twisty ties, plastic bags and any sharp objects or kitchen tools. Garbage bins (everywhere in the house!) should be inside a cabinet or covered with a latch that a pet can’t maneuver. Aside from hazardous foods, wrappers and packaging can also be serious threats.

Be Aware Of Potential Hiding Spots

From tiny nooks to holes behind cabinets, look for small spaces in your home that a pet could get into and seal them appropriately. Keep appliance doors firmly closed and always take a peek inside the washer and dryer to make sure it’s not a new nap spot! Cats are especially curious and may even curl up in a drawer.

Protect Your Furniture

Pets don’t know that your couch was a splurge or that the pretty dish on the coffee table is a memento from a trip. Protect your prized possessions by moving them out of areas they could be damaged. Waterproof blankets are a lifesaver for keeping couches, rugs and other nice furniture safe from accidents and nibbles. They’re easy to travel with as well.

Being a pet parent takes a lot of work (especially at the beginning!), but all the cuddles, snuggles and kisses certainly make it worth the effort.
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13 Fabulous Gifts for Budding Bakers & Chefs

by Karly Wood

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

Food-loving kids are full of zest and curiosity, just like the gifts they’re probably craving this holiday season. To keep that healthy love of cooking and baking on the rise, we’ve rounded up the best gift ideas for your little bakers and chefs. From modern kitchen playsets to virtual cookbooks, we’ve got the scoop on all things foodie this year.

Kidkraft Cookware & Coffee Set

$65.99 BUY NOW

No play kitchen is complete without a full set of cookware and an accompanying coffee maker. This 21-piece collection comes with everything your little gourmand needs to whip up play meals. Made with a real stainless steel look, you also won't mind this set sitting out in your real kitchen.

Melissa & Doug Slice and Toss Salad Play Food Set

$39.99 BUY NOW

You've got the cookware, now you just need some food! Promote healthy eating with this adorable slice and toss salad set from Melissa & Doug that comes with more than 50 pieces of wooden and felt play food. Coming with special tabs to make real crunching sounds when sliced, your kids will be salad savants before you know it.

Modern Chef Wooden Kitchen Playset

$500 BUY NOW

Even Joanna Gaines wouldn't mind whipping up a batch of cookies in this play kitchen. Small sous chefs can use the chalkboard to plan out the day's specials, then whip up delightful dishes using the play oven, stovetop, sink and more.

Montessori Cooking Together Kit

$100 BUY NOW

Want to raise a foodie from the start? This Montessori kit helps littles as young as 18 months old to start helping in the kitchen. Designed by educators, the set comes with food-safe, developmentally appropriate kitchen tools, illustrated recipe cards, food preparation activities and printed parent guide and online parent articles and videos to make spending time in the kitchen as fun as can be.

Hape Mix & Bake Blender

$30 BUY NOW

This sweet pretend blender makes the perfect addition to your foodie's collection. Each set comes with pretend flour and sugar packets, bowl and turnable blender.

TWEE Petite Macaron Sidewalk Chalk

$25 BUY NOW

Even budding bakers need a break from the kitchen! This handmade macaron sidewalk chalk is so detailed, they look like good enough to eat. When you order, you'll get a pack with pink, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple for maximum creativity.

Hedley & Bennett Kids Apron

$40 BUY NOW

Does your mini chef watch Kids Baking Championship? Then they'll recognize these aprons! Made with the same quality as the signature adult version, the double pocket, adjustable apron is machine washable and perfect for twinning.

Pampered Chef Hand Pie & Pocket Maker

$20 BUY NOW

For kids ready to take their cooking skills to the next level, this hand pie maker is key. Even the littlest hands can help whip up empanadas, turnovers, pierogi's and more!

Mickey and Minnie Mouse Baking Spatula Set

$26.99 BUY NOW

Oh boy! Whip up magical baked treats with this duo of silicone spatulas. The Mickey and Minnie-themed tools are lightweight and come with a hole for hanging.

The Complete Cookbook for Young Scientists

$15 BUY NOW

Not only will kids create some amazing baked goods with this book, but they'll learn the science behind HOW. Young scientists will learn what makes bread rise, why vegetables are green and so much more.

Make Your Own Churros Kit

$40 BUY NOW

Let your budding baker perfect their snack skills with this ready-to-make kit. Each one comes with a reusable piping bag and deep-fry thermometer, pre-made batter mix, toppings and chocolate.

Custom Recipe Binder

$21+ BUY NOW

Food artists need a place to store all their creations! With personalization options that include cover, material and option to add a name, this unique recipe binder will serve your cute chef for years to come.

Star Wars Cakelet Pan

$40 BUY NOW

Perfect for a galactic movie night, this fun cake pan comes with everything your need to make Yoda, Darth Vader, C-3PO, R2-D2, Chewbacca, a Stormtrooper and BB-8.

VR MasterChef Junior Virtual Reality Kids Cookbook

$65 BUY NOW

It's time to take cooking to the next level. This virtual reality set comes with everything you need to whip up recipes galore: 21 pieces, 30 recipes a 90-page book and more.

––Karly Wood

Editor’s Note: Prices and availability reflect the time of publication. Images courtesy of retailers.

If you purchase something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

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Outdoor Activities for Babies & Toddlers You Can Do Right Outside Your Home

by Whitney C. Harris

Whether your outside space is a balcony, sidewalk or grassy backyard, here are fun ideas for ways for kids to play when you can’t have playdates but need a break from being indoors. Go way beyond bubbles and sidewalk chalk with these easy DIY ideas for outdoor activities—some for sitters, some for crawlers, and some for walkers.

Dragon Pan via Unsplash

1. Rainbow Scavenger Hunt
Take your child around your yard or neighborhood and look for items that are the color of the rainbow. From a red stop sign to a yellow leaf to a purple flower, spotting items and learning color names can be a fun activity for you both. With younger babies, carry them to each item and let them explore its color and texture before moving on.

2. Treasure Hunt
Fill some bags, boxes or those plastic Easter eggs with kid-friendly treasures (like stickers or fuzzy pom poms) and then hide them in plain sight in your yard for your child to find. This also works great indoors. For crawlers, spread them out on a picnic blanket and let your child discover each one. 

Busy Toddler

3. The Coolest Play Boats
Ice cubes are a great way to stay cool on a hot summer day. And the colorful ice boats at Busy Toddler use food coloring to keep kids delighted and spark their imagination. These boats require some parent prep ahead of time, which you can do with your little ones watching or helping. Then let loose the boots in an outdoor water table, bucket or inflatable backyard pool. Kids can move them across the water and watch the colored cubes melt.

4. Mess-Free Painting
Giving a baby a paintbrush can mean a big, old mess—unless you let them paint with water. On a sunny day, hand your child a paintbrush and a small cup of water and let them paint the steps, driveway or a fence. You'll be surprised at how much kids love this simple task.

Fantastic Fun and Learning

5. Shaving Cream = Sensory Fun
We love this idea from Fantastic Fun and Learning. Put the shaving cream into a squirt bottle and mix in some food coloring, then let kids squeeze it onto contact paper and explore with their fingers. This activity is great for little ones learning to sit and crawlers who won’t go slip-sliding anywhere too fast. Just keep a close eye on them so they don’t try to taste the foam or smear it on their clothes.

6. The Cutest Nature Jam
When little ones bang on pots and pans indoors, it can be headache-inducing. So take all that noise and energy outside. Donna Bozzo, author of What the Fun?! 427 Simple Ways To Have Fantastic Family Fun Play, suggests pulling loud kitchen tools and utensils outdoors and letting your baby make music. Attach the makeshift instruments to a fence, tree or other stationary object so they don't disappear. Or, lay them down in the grass for a different kind of sound.

A Crafty Living

7. Guess Which Color
This splatter-paint art project from A Crafty Living is worth the mess it makes. Squirt some washable paint in large blobs on a big sheet of paper and then cover each with a cotton round (the paint blob should be slightly smaller than the cotton round). Strip your babe down to their diaper and help them smack each white round with their feet or a rubber mallet to discover which bold color will burst out. When you’re done, you’re left with a museum-worthy piece of modern art…and a happy baby in need of a bath.

5. Backyard Sensory Barn
Babies love to engage their senses, and this sandbox sensory play activity by Click Pray Love allows your mini-me to have all kinds of tactile adventures. Fill a , plastic container, plastic kiddie pool or other large, low container with sand or rice and some barn- or farm-themed toys. Watch as your child digs through the sand to discover hidden treasures. Switch out the farm theme for a dinosaur dig, car and truck rally, or seashells and sand dollars, whatever you have on hand and whatever your kid loves.

Whitney C. Harris

9. Mix Natural Sights and Sounds
All you need is a clear water bottle and a curious baby to make these DIY nature bottles from life coach and mother of four Leighann Marquiss. Help your child collect objects from your yard or a local park and place them in the bottle. Be on the lookout for dirt, grass, flowers, sand, stones, sticks, acorns and other small items that fit in the bottle. (As always, keep a close watch so baby doesn’t put their finds in their mouth.) Then seal the cap on the bottle and let your child turn and shake it to their heart’s content.

10. Nature Storytime
Take your favorite book outdoors to really bring the story to life. Choose a book with nature themes and point out the sun, wind, leaves or whatever you see when you read about it.

— Whitney C. Harris

RELATED STORIES:

Genius Ways to Beat the Heat With Baby

Your Bucket List for Baby’s First Summer

18 DIY Sensory Play Ideas for Baby

 

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My House Is a Disaster and I Couldn’t Love It More

By Courtney Myers

There’s a sort of beauty that comes with seeing things in hindsight, right? We notice tiny little things of importance and goodness and often tend to gloss over the not-so-great stuff. Recently, I’ve started approaching my role as a parent with such a perspective. I’m still very much in the thick of raising two toddlers under the age of four, but I’m already seeing how quickly time passes and if it makes any sense at all, I already miss these days, even while I’m living them.

I had such a realization this evening when I was picking up the house before the kids started their baths. I entered my bedroom and was immediately greeted by the tiny chair that my daughter had propped up against the door. She had been trying to reach the top of my dresser earlier, where I keep my necklaces. Then, I saw my son’s toy trucks strewn all over the floral carpet.

I thought the mess looked pretty manageable, all things considered, and then I noticed the baby food pouch that someone had stepped on. Pureed mangoes, peaches and (this is the fun part) beets were splashed all over the place, with one particularly purple stream hitting my stark white dust ruffle just so.

For a second, I just stood there and took it all in. Yes, it was a mess, and yes, I was more than a little irritated that they’d just left it and assumed I’d pick it all up like I always do. Still, it was golden hour, and the sun was pouring through the plantation shutters, and in that particularly beautiful light, I didn’t really even see the mess. I saw hours of play, joy and laughter.

I pictured my four-year-old daughter lugging that chair in from her tiny table in the kitchen, then stepping up on it to get a clandestine look at mama’s jewelry box. I pictured my son, sitting comfortably on the floor, playing quietly with his favorite toys. Then, I pictured my bedroom put back exactly the way it had been five years ago before babies were even a word on our breath.

I closed my eyes and saw my unruffled comforter, pulled tightly at the corners without a single wrinkle. My dresser always stayed dusted and wiped clean on the top and my necklaces were never tangled. I had my diffuser on the nightstand and every night I’d drip in some lavender essential oils and my husband and I would drift off into dreamland, not waking up in the middle of the night for anything, but actually indulging in eight hours of uninterrupted slumber. Yes, it was a sweet time back then, but right now is even sweeter.

Give me the messes and the memories. Give me the toy boxes crammed all the way to the top like a game of Tetris, with tops that won’t close and are about to fall off the hinges. Give me the sticky cupboard drawers with misplaced and mismatched kitchen tools  Give me baseboards with the paint nicked off from a plastic bike that really should be outdoors but is more fun inside.

Give me the chaos and the craziness, because these are hands-down the best years of my life and if I’m going to spend them in a tornado of toys, so be it.

It’s not in my nature to tolerate a mess. The younger version of me wouldn’t let the sunset on a sink full of dirty dishes, but here it is close to midnight and their cartoon plates and half-full milk cups are sitting waiting to be washed. I’ll get to them soon and one day this little house that we worked so hard to restore and decorate will look like a showroom again.

For now? It looks like a family actually lives here. And judging from the ten pictures of Crayon hearts that decorate and clutter up my refrigerator, it looks like we love here, too.

Hi, y'all! I'm Courtney. I'm a mama of two, married to my high-school sweetheart and making a life in the little town I grew up in. I'm a writer by trade, but a mama by heart. I love chocolate and I love family. Let's navigate this crazy, messy, blessed journey together! 

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