These toys and gift ideas for kids ages 6-9 include must-have items like the Bitzee Digital Pet and a Roblox gift card

It’s gift guide season, and today we’re tackling the elementary-age crowd (for younger kiddos, check out our preschoolers’ gift list and for the older crew our tween guide is a must-read). The 6-9 age group is so fun because they’re old enough to appreciate a thoughtful gift, yet still young enough to be wowed by the magic of it all. From the never-go-out-of-style gifts like LEGO sets to one of the hottest holiday toys of 2023, we’ve got a covetable selection of toys and gift ideas for kids ages 6-9 at a variety of budgets.

Air Hogs Zero Gravity Sprint

Air Hogs are a fun gift idea for kids ages 6 to 9

Zip, zoom, and drive this race car on any smooth surface, including the walls and ceiling. 

Air Hogs Zero Gravity Sprint ($35)—Buy it here.

LEGO City Ski & Climbing Center

the new LEGO ski set is a good gift idea for kids ages 6-9

This new set includes eight minifigs, a warming hut, skis, snowboards, and even a snowman! 

LEGO City Ski & Climbing Center ($119)—Buy it here.

LeapFrog® Magic Adventures™ Telescope

LeapFrog® Magic Adventures™ Telescope is a good gift idea for kids

The LeapFrog® Magic Adventures™ Telescope features up to 110x magnification and lets kids zoom in on the moon at night or nature during the day. Capture and save what you see, and explore out-of-this-world discoveries and more through 100+ NASA videos and images on the 2.4” screen.

LeapFrog® Magic Adventures™ Telescope—Buy it here. 

Miniverse Make It Mini Kitchen 

Miniverse toys are a good gift idea for kids ages 6 to 9

If your grade school kiddo hasn’t been swept up in Minverse madness yet, here’s the perfect introduction. The kitchen comes with the UV-light oven needed to ‘make’ their treats, and two bonus recipes and oven mitts are also included. 

Miniverse Make It Mini Kitchen ($40)—Buy it here

Fortune Teller Book Kit

Amazon

The paper fortune cookie tellers of our youth are back and better than ever. This book is filled with tear-out pages to fill in and fold up (in gender-inclusive designs!).

Fortune Teller Book Kit ($8)—Buy it here.

Marvel Avengers: Beyond Earth's Mightiest Action Figures

A new and improved set of Marvel’s most famous superheroes, including Captain America, Hulk, and Black Panther.

Marvel Avengers: Beyond Earth's Mightiest Action Figures ($25)—Buy them here

LilGadgets Untangled Pro Wireless Headphones

They’ll need a pair for school and for travel, and these wireless headphones have a built-in microphone and come in 10 different colors. 

LilGadgets Untangled Pro Wireless Headphones ($50)—Buy them here

Hess 2023 Police Truck & Cruiser

Hess Toy Truck

Two toys for the price of one? We're there. This super durable set both light up and make sounds (but not overly annoying ones, we swear), plus they're collector's items. Hurry, though. They will sell out; they do every year.)

Hess 2023 Police Truck & Cruiser ($42.99)—Buy Here!

5 Second Rule Relay

5 Second Relay game is a good gift idea for kids ages 6-9

A mash-up of Pass the Baton and 5-Second Rule, this fast-paced game is a great gift idea for kids ages eight and up.

5 Second Rule Relay ($19)—Buy it here. 

woom OFF 4 Bike

woom Bikes

woom Bikes are designed specifically for kids and their needs. The woom OFF 4 Bike is a 20" bike that provides off-road capacity in a kid-friendly lightweight frame. Also available in black.

woom OFF 4 Bike ($849.00)—Buy it here.

Bitzee Digital Pet

One of the coolest new toys we’ve seen in 2023, kids can pet, feed, and play with up to 15 3-D digital pets. The more they play, the faster they level up!

Bitzee Digital Pet ($25)—Buy it here. 

Pokemon Pikachu Train and Play

There are over 50 reactions to engage your budding trainer. Everyone's favorite Pokeman even moves his arms and his cheeks light up! 

Pokemon Pikachu Train and Play ($30)—Buy it here

Create Like Frida Self-Portrait Mirror Painting Kit

Creative kids will be inspired by the world’s most famous self-portrait artist with their own art set that includes three pre-printed and one blank decal. 

Create Like Frida Self-Portrait Mirror Painting Kit ($25)—Buy it here

Magic Treehouse Boxed Set

Encourage their love of reading with a set of this beloved book series that includes #1-28!

Magic Treehouse Boxed Set ($81)—Buy it here

Beast Lab: Shark Beast Creator

One of the hottest gift ideas for kids in 2023, little scientists can combine all the ingredients they need to create their very own beast. The sounds, lights, and mist actions give this kit an authentic lab vibe. 

Beast Lab: Shark Beast Creator ($70)—Buy it here.

Barbie's Dreamhouse for Nintendo Switch

This brand-new game isn’t just fun for Barbie lovers! Design gurus will enjoy picking wallpaper and decor to create the ultimate home for the iconic doll and her friends. 

Barbie's Dreamhouse for Nintendo Switch ($40)—Buy it here

Dig It Up! Ancient Artifacts

Indiana Jones doesn’t have anything on your curious kid. There are six molds that look like iconic historical items like the pyramids, a Viking helmet, and the Great Wall of China. Using excavating tools, kids will dig for treasures in each one. 

Dig It Up! Ancient Artifacts ($40)—Buy it here.

The Otero Kid's Sunglasses

Pair Eyewear

We love how Pair offers magnetic frames to customize your base frames, and we know kiddos will, too. Keep their sensitive eyes protected with a ton of color and lens options, so they can enjoy the sun in style.

The Otero Kid's Sunglasses (Starting at $60.00)—Buy Here!

Squishville 'What's Cookin'' Squad

Squismallows, but make them smaller. This collectible version of the cult-favorite stuffie includes all 12 members of the squad.

Squishville 'What's Cookin'' Squad ($35)—Buy them here. 

WishCraft Flower Power DIY Soaps Kit

There are enough supplies to make six different beautiful soaps. 

WishCraft Flower Power DIY Soaps Kit ($25)—Buy it here

Sharper Image Laser Tag Set

Bring the fun of laser tag home! With light-up vests and action sounds, it’s like they’re in the arena. 

Sharper Image Laser Tag Set ($30)—Buy it here

Rainbow High Color & Create Fashion Doll

Rainbow High dolls are a popular gift idea for kids ages six to nine

New in 2023, this doll comes with blank clothing and washable markers so kids can design different clothes on a whim.

Rainbow High Color & Create Fashion Doll ($30)—Buy it here.

TMNT Mutant Mayhem Figures

A perfect gift idea for your elementary school kid who loves Leo, Donnie, Raf, and Mikey. 

TMNT Mutant Mayhem Figures ($40)—Buy them here

VTech Turbo Edge Riders Rally Track Set

VTech Turbo Edge Racers are a new gift idea for kids ages 6 to 9

Speedsters can create their own course with over nine feet of starter track, and you can incorporate materials you find around the house to create obstacles, tunnels, and more. 

VTech Turbo Edge Riders Rally Track Set ($20)—Buy it here

ThinkFun Rollercoaster Challenge

This STEM game is perfect for kids ages six and up. It’s Half logic, half roller coaster engineering, and 100% fun. 

ThinkFun Rollercoaster Challenge ($30)—Buy it here

Crayola Wixels Animal Activity Kit

Crayola Wixels is a fun gift idea for kids ages 6 to 9

Kids can use the color map to create pixelated animal art or create their own designs. 

Crayola Wixels Animal Activity Kit ($15)—Buy it here

Pokemon Bulbasaur Plush

This adorable guy is perfect for kids who still love stuffies, but are ‘too old’ for traditional options like teddy bears. 

Pokemon Bulbasaur Plush ($30)—Buy it here. 

Dog-E

All of the fun of a pet without the cleanup! This interactive pup is ready for love and care and even comes with six games, like Fortune Teller and Ultimate Nose Boop.

Dog-E ($79)—Buy it here

​​Would You Rather? Box Set

Get your elementary school kids talking with three different sets of questions: Would You Rather? Family Edition, Would You Rather? Made You Think!, and Would You Rather? Christmas Edition. 

​​Would You Rather? Box Set ($17)—Buy it here

Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea

In the latest installment of Dav Pilkey’s popular elementary school series, Piggy is back! Who will stop him from attempting to put his diabolical plan into action? 

Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea ($9.50)—Buy it here. 

Iscream Neon Friendship Bracelet Tattoo Set

Kids can ‘gift’ their friends a friendship bracelet that pops with color and peels off easily. 

Iscream Neon Friendship Bracelet Tattoo Set ($7)—Buy them here

Kutsurogu Japanese Paper Shade Lamp 

For your budding interior designer, this unique lamp is just the ticket. It’s handmade and battery-operated, so there’s no cord to hide. 

Kutsurogu Japanese Paper Shade Lamp  ($62)—Buy it here.

Roblox Gift Card

Give them plenty of Robux this holiday season because you know they’re going to ask for them anyway.

Roblox Gift Card ($25)—Buy it here

Djeco Le Grand Dressing Room Paper Dolls

Djeco paper dolls are a good gift idea for kids ages 6 to 9

There are three dolls and over 110 items of clothing included in this sweet box set. 

Djeco Le Grand Dressing Room Paper Dolls ($18)—Buy them here. 

FlashCatch Light-Up Football

A light up football is a fun gift idea for kids ages 6 to 9

Kids don’t have to stop playing when the sun goes down with one of these LED-powered balls that lights up with every throw and catch. 

FlashCatch Light-Up Football ($35)—Buy it here

Fashion Plates Drawing Kit

Fashion plates are a fun gift idea for kids ages 6 to 9

The ‘90s called, but we’re not giving these back! As fun as ever, kids can design their own line of clothing with this kit that now includes a set of cool stickers. 

Fashion Plates Drawing Kit ($25)—Buy it here

Tech Deck 25th Anniversary Set

Tech Deck is a good gift idea for kids ages 6 to 9

The iconic mini skateboards get an anniversary makeover with this awesome limited edition collection. 

Tech Deck 25th Anniversary Set ($20)—Buy it here

Jellycat Amuseable Watermelon Bag

Fashionista alert! This super soft crossbody bag also comes in designs like toast, a cloud, a coffee cup, and a rainbow. 

Jellycat Amuseable Watermelon Bag ($30)—Buy it here

Harry Potter Magical Art Coloring Book

Muggles will enjoy bringing various scenes from the movies to life with this intricate book. 

Harry Potter Magical Art Coloring Book ($11)—Buy it here

Indoor Scooter Board

an indoor scooter board is a fun gift idea for kids ages 6 to 9

Let them move around even when the weather isn’t cooperating. Choose from four vibrant colors. 

Indoor Scooter Board ($34)—Buy it here. 

LEGO Dots Message Board

Budding tweens will love being able to express themselves! There are 531 pieces they can use to create their statements. 

LEGO Dots Message Board ($20)—Buy it here. 

Monopoly: The Super Mario Bros. Edition

Combine a classic board game with everyone’s favorite plumber brothers and what do you get? The ultimate family night. 

Monopoly: The Super Mario Bros. Edition ($17)—Buy it here

Brio Labyrinth

What we love about this version of the classic skills game is the extra wooden boards kids can swap out when they’ve mastered the first.

Brio Labyrinth ($60)—Buy it here

Foil Scratch Art Kit - Geometric Animals

Six silver and gold scratch cards reveal beautiful geometric animals. 

Foil Scratch Art Kit - Geometric Animals ($13)—Buy it here

Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

Images courtesy of retailers.

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

 

 

Anyone can pull off these hairstyles for moms

Let’s be honest, when is the last time you gave your hair the attention it deserves? In honor of a well-deserved mom’s night out, we’ve got cute and easy hairstyles that put the mom bun to shame, and if you invest a few extra minutes in one of these hairstyles for moms you won’t be sorry. From pretty ponies to beautiful braids, these easy hair do’s will get you up and at ’em to take on the day. Looking for kid’s styles? Check this out.

Half-Up Braid Rosette

half up bun is an easy hairstyle
Lynzy & Co

Sure, you've mastered the half-up ponytails, but why not add a twist? This simple style from Lynzy & Co. takes a basic braid and twists it into a bun for a style that is equal parts casual and dressy.

Pineapple Updo

a pineapple updo is an easy hairstyle for curly hair
SimplyBiancaAlexa

A fun, but easy hairstyle to keep your curly or natural hair up and out of the way is a pineapple updo like the one shown in this easy-to-follow YouTube tutorial from Bianca Alexa. All you need is a little moisturizer and a scrunchie, and you’ll have a perfect updo in minutes.

Easy Boho Braid

side braid is an easy hairstyle for moms
Lauren McBride

Great for day two hair, this easy boho braid from Lauren McBride is great for keeping hair out of your face. Great for curly, straight, thick, or thin hair, this French braid style starts at the crown of your head and hangs down the style in a super chic style.

Side Swept Updo

a swept-up bun is an easy mom hairstyle
What's Up Moms

Bypass the mom bun entirely with this lookalike style that packs a bigger punch! This look is created by doing a half pony, then using the remaining hair to sweep around the back. Finish off this look from What's Up Moms by adding an adorable scarf! This look is an easy transition from summer to fall. 

Related: Mom Buns That Are Actually Stylish

Topsy Turvy Braid

Missy Sue via YouTube

We all love a good braid but not everyone has the skills or time to make one happy on a busy morning. We love this topsy-turvy braid from Missy Sue even more because it pairs perfectly with a hat! Whether you're prepping for a weekend getaway or rocking the school morning, this easy "braid" adds style in a cinch.

Simple Sleek Ponytail

a sleek ponytail is a great hairstyle for moms
Alex Gaboury

Ponytails are some of the easiest styles to pull off, but why not turn your everyday 'do into something more stylish? It's as simple as making a low pony, then using a section of your hair to wrap around your ponytail to create this sleek look that couldn't be simpler. Have curly hair? No problem! This style looks equally fab when it's a little messy, too. To see how it's done in person, check out the full tutorial from Alex Gaboury.

Two-Minute Rope Braid

rope braid hairstyle for moms
The Freckled Fox

This side rope braid is pulled together in two minutes and is great for thick, long hair. While the end result is simply stunning, the steps to achieving this look is really quite simple. Emily from The Freckled Fox shows us how it's done in her YouTube tutorial. 

Twisted Low Pony

a twisted low pony is an easy hairstyle
Bebexo

When you're tired of your regular ponytail, there's no shame in dressing it up. This one-minute version looks classy and put together, without taking up precious moments of your hectic morning. Sectioned hair is pulled into a ponytail, then the sides are twisted and wrapped around to give a twisted look that's more than fit for school drop-offs (or Zoom calls). See how easy it is by watching this tutorial by Bebexo.

A Headband with Style

A Beautiful Mess

Headbands are a go-to on those just-can’t-get-it-together mom mornings, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress that look up a bit for a cute, compliment-worthy look. We love these easy headband hairstyle ideas from A Beautiful Mess that let you just get up and go without resorting to a baseball cap to hide your hair at school drop-off. All you need is a few bobby pins and a colorful wire headband or just a rolled-up scarf

 

Related: Bad Hair Days Be Gone! Hair Accessories We’ve Been Loving Lately

No Fuss Curls

SoCal Curls

Date nights and summer concerts are all about flowing tresses, but who has time for curlers or a curling iron to get those coveted beachy waves? Opt for a heatless curling rod headband, which gives you that look overnight. A total win for busy moms.

The Halo

Modeled by CurlGilrMomo, this easy hairstyle for natural hair looks like it takes serious effort, but it can, in fact, be done in just a few minutes. Besides giving your hair a beautiful updo, this look is a protective style, perfect for keeping your natural hair safe and healthy while it grows. Check out this fast and easy-to-follow video tutorial on YouTube to see how to get this effortless look.

Half Up

This tried-and-true style is probably one you’ve rocked before, but there are several easy ways you can jazz up the basic half-up hairdo, and make it a little more sophisticated. Something as simple as looping your hair a few times after pulling it back or using a unique clip to hold it in place can take this look to another level. For more half-up hairdos, check out our favorite easy looks here.

Twisted Ponytail

easy mom hairstyles
Shahrzad Warkentin

Ponytails are always an easy hair solution when you want to sweep your locks away from grabby baby hands. You can make this staple updo a lot more interesting by adding a twist. All you need are a few bobby pins. Simply pull your hair back into a high or low ponytail. Then separate a small section of your hair and wrap it around your hair tie. Secure the ends in place with a bobby pin or two.

Low Side Bun

This is an easy hairstyle that’s meant to look a little messy, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time perfecting those wayward strands if you have hair that’s hard to tame. Create a side part, and gather all your hair to the side in a low ponytail. Wrap your hair tie around and twist it while twisting your hair at the same time, and loop the band around one more time to create a loose messy bun. Use bobby pins to tuck in loose ends and give the bun more shape.

High Pony

a high ponytail is an easy hairstyle that isn't a mom bun
Erik Mclean via Unsplash

A high ponytail is an easy hairstyle that doesn't take much time at all and can be a lot of fun for moms. 

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


As I waved my firstborn son off to school on his 13th birthday, he flashed a grin before trodding through the snow to the bus stop. I spied through the window as the other kids greeted him on the corner. None of them wore jackets on the balmy 20-degree morning, although zero-degree Minnesota mornings still fail to motivate the middle school crowd to don a parka.

Watching the friendly banter unfold, I whispered a prayer, a plea, to God to wrap my son in holy arms and never let go.

Then I watched him go.

His long legs climbed onto the bus, his hands tucked in his hoodie pocket, hood covering his swath of long hair. It’s wild, watching a child grow. I never imagined it would be like this, like standing in front of the ocean day after day as the sun rises and sets over majestic waves, never knowing entirely what swims inside. I’ve learned motherhood is a tightrope, a thin line where ocean meets sand. If I’m extra careful, not too pushy, not too distracted, the ocean invites me in.

I love those moments; a story shared, a tidbit released about who said what in math class, or who is dating who. I try to play it cool, act causal without peppering my kid with the questions simmering on the tip of my tongue; Are you dating? Do you like anyone? Would you tell me if you did? Would I get to see their face? Have you ever kissed someone? What do you do all day? Please tell me everything!!! It burns not to blurt it out, demanding answers I know he’ll never release on command. So I hold them in, trying not to scare him away.

A year ago, he started sitting in the front seat of the car with me, finally old enough to graduate to shotgun, and I reveled in the side-by-side conversations. But within a few weeks, he started hopping in the back again, and I was confused.

“You always want to talk about stuff when I sit up there,” he said. “Too many questions, Mom.”

“I just want to know about your life!” I whined, and I watched a grin hit his lips in the rearview mirror. “Tell me something, child. I’ll take anything!”

When your kids are babies, you tell yourself you’ll be so fun and nice that they’ll listen to everything you say and be your best buddy forever. It’s a humbling role, lapping up drips and drops of information about the conversations and relationships your kid experiences every day that you don’t even know exist. Then suddenly, you’re asked for a ride to the movies, and you’re dropping them off with people you’ve never met before, stealing glances through the theater windows, and wondering if you’ve lost your damn mind to be leaving your child somewhere in public without you. Is that allowed? What are the rules? What would a parent say? Oh wait, I’m the parent. I’m supposed to know the rules. But can someone seriously tell me what the rules are here? I’m more of a rule-breaker than a follower, so this part of parenting is a struggle.

Uncertain if something terrible could happen, or worse, my kid might cause trouble left to his own devices, I considered sitting outside the theater in my car until the movie ended just in case he needed me.

He didn’t.

“Mom, my friends say you’re so strict. Why won’t you let me walk to the grocery store afterward? That’s where everyone is going,” he said when I picked him up. (I didn’t really sit in the parking lot the whole time. It seemed like a more significant time commitment than I wanted to make.)

“Wait, what? I’m the strict parent?” Shock and disbelief washed over me. Slight embarrassment that I suddenly wreaked of being “uncool” pricked at my ego, but then I realized I’d been given a compliment. “That is great! I thought I was slacking a little bit, but maybe I’m actually doing something right here,” I said more to myself than to my son.

He rolled his eyes and shifted dramatically in his seat in a display of frustration. “Mom, everyone else gets to go.”

I smiled back at him as I heard the one line I have learned throughout my thirteen years of experience that tells me I am on exactly the right track. “You can invite your friends over, but no loitering at Cub past dark.” Cue another eye roll.

Thirteen feels like a new ballgame, though. Like somehow I have passed into a different realm, an alternate universe where the sand is constantly shifting beneath my feet, and the waves roll without warning, then lay placid and low with no excuse or indication they will rise anytime soon. Then alas, a new wind blows, and the cycle begins again. It’s exhausting and terrifying and beautiful. I don’t know what each day will bring, what next year will be like, or who my son will become as he grows. But I’ll keep walking the line, peering through windows like a creepy stalker mom and biting my tongue. I’ll keep lighting up like a Christmas tree every time he walks in a room or flashes his gorgeous grin, rolling his eyes at me, saying, “Love you, Mom.”

Happy birthday, kiddo. Love you, too.

Now please come back and sit by me in the front seat. I’ll only ask a question…or two.

 

Photo: Guillaume de Germain via Unsplash

Krissy Dieruf is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She lives in Minnesota with her husband and three children, loves to sing and dance around the house and has a soft spot for rebels and crazy hair. 

Parenting is hard. If I had to go back and tell my pre-parent self anything about parenting it would be that it is so freaking hard. It’s also incredibly gross and unbelievably exhausting. I’ve been a parent for over 17 years and I’ve definitely had my share of “OMG did that really just happen?” parenting moments.

Here are my top three:

1. The time my entire family had a stomach virus.
One winter my oldest daughter (who was about 18 months old) started vomiting. I’ve been through several stages of parenting and the worst time to have a child vomit is when she’s a toddler. They always cry, vomit right where they may be standing, and get it all over every piece of clothing and strand of hair they may have, every time. By day two, my husband had begun to vomit as well. This of course sent him straight to bed moaning that he was going to die. I, of course, kept managing our little one, trying to keep her fever down as well as any fluids.

On day three I began get sick. I was violently ill and I had a very sick toddler. She would vomit, I would vomit right along with her and then I would clean it all up. By day four I decided that she needed to be seen by a doctor. It was Sunday so I was told to take her to the ER at our local children’s hospital. My husband was functional by this point and he drove us. My poor little baby was so hot with fever and so limp from dehydration I barely acknowledged my own sickness at this point. They took one look at her and pulled her into triage to give her an IV and get the fluids going. After what seemed like hours, our pediatrician found us. After checking on my improving baby she took a hard look at me. “Have you talked to your OB this week?” Um, no. Why?. “Well, you’re pregnant, have a fever, and I doubt you’ve eaten or drank much of anything for a few days.” Oh yeah, I thought. I’m pregnant. I truly and honestly had forgotten.

2. The time we got “The Lice.”
Yes, a case of lice is as awful as you can imagine. Yep, I never thought it could happen to me. I have three daughters with long hair. Enough said, right? After several weeks of constant laundry, combing, and crying I finally admitted defeat to the little jerks and dragged us all into one of those places that looks like a hair salon but is actually filled with lovely people picking dozens of bugs and eggs out of children’s hair at the cost of hundreds of dollars. It’s worth every cent. Take away? Hugs spread bugs (and little girls LOVE to hug each other). Also, keep your kids a little dirty because lice LOVE clean hair. It’s been several years and I still don’t have the emotional strength to rehash any more of this particular saga. Maybe someday…once the involuntary shivers at the sight of anything brown on my kids’ scalps stop.

3. The time my daughter threw up chicken nuggets in the car 30 minutes into a five-hour drive.
One weekend, my family decided to head to Washington, DC for a long weekend. We decided to leave Friday night hoping the kids would sleep for most of the trip. After my husband got home from work we packed the car, put the kids in pajamas, grabbed fast food for dinner, and got on the road. It quickly got dark as the kids happily munched on their dinners. Then we hit a part of the highway that winds around extreme curves. Now imagine my children in the back of my car, in the pitch dark (no lights on this highway) as the car rocks back and forth on these curves. Disaster. My youngest daughter quietly said, “Mommy…I don’t feel well” before enacting a scene from the exorcist all over herself, her beloved Elmo doll, her carseat, and the floor around her carseat.

My husband took the nearest exit which happened to be a rest area. I then spent the next twenty minutes cleaning up my kid, her items, and her entire side of the car with the very few napkins we happened to find in the glove compartment because this rest area was “green” and there was not one freaking paper towel or napkin in the entire place. Not one. I ended up washing Elmo off in the sink and then dried him under the hand dryer. I did the same with my daughter’s clothes since the back of the car was packed so tightly I couldn’t get to the suitcase with her spare clothes in it. I dumped her back into her carseat and we got back on the road. Oh…the smell. With every mile we traveled that night the smell of the vomit seemed to get stronger. Since it was February, opening the windows for any length of time froze us solid. My older kids gagged and whined. The baby slept soundly. We finally arrived at our hotel around midnight and neither my husband nor I wanted to even think about dealing with the residual vomit in the car. I’ll let you imagine what we faced (and smelled) in our car come morning. Our first stop on our lovely weekend away was a local grocery store to purchase Lysol wipes and air freshener. I also had to hunt down the hotel’s laundry room to deal with her vomit encrusted coat.

So there you have it. Parenting is messy, exhausting, and filled with unexpected mishaps. I’ve realized that finding a way to laugh through some of it is the best way to manage. In the end I think I’m stronger for it (at least my stomach is) and they are most definitely worth it.

 

I am a certified speech-language pathologist working with teenagers by day, a mother to three daughters (two teenagers and one almost teen) day and night, and a writer sharing my thoughts, fears, wishes, and experiences any spare moment I can find. I love my children, my husband, and the ocean. 

Finding yourself stuck at home with locks like Rapunzel? Whether your kiddos are looking a little raggedy, your hubby’s mane is a mess or your bangs are in sore need of a trim, there are plenty of ways to cut your hair at home when getting to your favorite hairstylist just can’t happen. We’ve found some of the easiest hair cutting tutorials that make the whole process less scary (hint: set up your computer in front of the mirror so you can easily follow along). Read on for the best video tutorials to show you how to cut your own hair.

P.S. If possible, we encourage you to buy a gift certificate for future at your local salon to help keep your go-to spots in business!

How to Layer Your Own Hair

Insider tip: our Editorial Director uses the above video to layer her own hair and she can attest it’s a great, easy method to cutting your own long hair with layers.

 

Simple Baby Hair Cut and Trim

How to Cut Hair with Clippers

 

Simple Trim

 

How to Trim Your Own Bangs

 

How to Give a Basic Mens Haircut

 

How to Cut Curly Hair

 

Supplies to Buy:

Equinox Professional Barber Scissors

Combs and Brushes

Hair spray bottle

Kids hair cut cape

––Karly Wood

 

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Prepping that back-to-school style isn’t just about the threads. A new haircut or hairstyle can be a great way to start the school year off on the right foot. From classic cuts to trendy styles, we’ve rounded up our favorite kids’ hairstyles and haircuts for kids to inspire your tykes (and you!) to update their tresses.

Kids’ Haircuts

Bangs

ys15 via Pixaby

If you've got a kid who can pull off bangs, go for it! You can trim them up in between cuts, and she'll stand out in a crowd. Be sure to snag a proper pair of scissors that are designed for trimming hair. 

Buzz Cut

Quite possibly the easiest haircut of all time, if you don't want to worry about styling anyone's hairdo before hurrying out the door, the buzz cut is your answer. Do you have the right trimmer

 

Curly Bob

Eye for Ebony

For curly haired-kiddos, this is a perfect length. It'll still have plenty of volume, and it won't be too hard to maintain. Be sure to use plenty of detangler or a leave-in conditioner when dealing with sensitive little heads. 

Mohawk

Imelda via Flickr

With shaved sides and long hair in the middle, a mohawk is a great way to make a statement on the first day. But, be warned, you'll need to be ready to style it every day, so this style is best for product-savvy parents. 

Textured

Amanda Urabe

This cut gives straight hair definition and is a great get-up-and-go do.

Layered

Amanda Kitano

Add a little flair to shoulder-length hair with some defining layers. This one might take a daily blow-out to maintain the style, so be sure you have a good hairdryer on hand. 

Side Bangs

Pixabay

Not all boy haircuts have to be short. Side bangs and layers make this longer look manageable. A little bit of gel to keep it contained, and he's ready to go! 

Side Shaved

Kelly Brook Chang

Rock this trendy look that’s both awesome and makes it easy to get hair done in the morning rush.

Ivy League Fade

djedj via pixaby

This classic look never goes out of style. The best part is it’s easy to maintain, and it looks great on all ages.

A-Line Bob

Claudia's Hair Story via Instagram

Frame her face with an A-line bob that leaves a little length so you can still rock a pony with adorable hair accessories when you need to mix it up.

Curly Fade

dthebarber13 via Instagram

Tame those curly tresses with a neat fade. The kids will score cuteness points for matching back-to-school hairdos like this duo. Don't forget the curl treatment before styling! 

Kids’ Hairstyles

Side Ponytail

istock

With Stranger Things being a huge hit out this summer, it's no wonder everything '80s is totally "in." In that vein, give the classic ponytail a makeover by switching to a side version! Be sure to stock up on plenty of scrunchies to complete the look. 

Natural Braids

Matthew Henry from Burst

Keep natural hair protected, out of the way and totally adorable with multiple braids and colorful bands.

Fauxhawk

Bryant Horowitz

With length on top and a little bit of product, you can easily rock a hawk without fully committing to the cut.

Fishtail Braid

Abella's Braids via Instagram

This simple braid gives you the unique look of a fishtail without the all the work. Check out easy-to-follow tutorials here.

Streak of Color

Claudia's Hair Story via Instagram

If your mini fashionista desperately wants her hair to match her outfit, why not meet halfway with just a streak or two. This hair chalk set comes with 10 different colors! 

Headband

Abella's Braids via Instagram

Hair accessories never go out of style, especially headbands that can be worn alone or with ponytails. We love all the different options you can find

Pineapple Updo

Pexels

Keep natural or curly hair up and out of the way with this fast and easy style. Just add moisturizer and pull it up with a scrunchie.

Panda Buns

Shahrzad Warkentin

This cute up-do is a great way to keep long hair out of the way. Simply make two high ponytails then twist them and wrap them into buns. Secure in place with hairbands or bobby pins.

 

Over the past few years Barbie has been taking on a whole new look––actually several new looks, including a wide range of body types, skin tones and hair styles. The new Barbie Fashionistas line for 2020 continues the trend of diversity and inclusion for one of the world’s most popular dolls.

The newest Barbie Fashionistas collection features a doll with the skin condition vitiligo, a doll with no hair, a doll with a darker skin tone that uses a gold prosthetic limb and Ken with long hair.

The Barbie design team worked closely with experts to ensure the accuracy of each doll. In 2019, they collaborated with then 12-year-old Jordan Reeves, who is working to build creative solutions that help kids with disabilities. They also consulted with a dermatologist to ensure vitiligo was properly represented.

Over the past five years Barbie has introduced more than 170 new looks in order to be more reflective of the world girls see around them. The effort to create a more diverse offering of Barbies has been a huge success. In 2019, over half of all dolls offered were diverse. Of the top ten Fashionista best sellers, seven were diverse, including the doll that uses a wheelchair.

The new Fashionistas collection will be released in two waves. The spring wave, which includes the doll with vitiligo and the Ken with rooted hair, is available now. The fall wave, which includes the doll with the prosthetic in a darker skin tone and the doll with no hair, will begin hitting store shelves in June. Several dolls from the previous line, including the doll with a wheelchair, are also being brought back for 2020 due to popular demand.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Mattel 

 

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photo: iStock

It was an evening I wish I could erase from my mind. My 13-year-old daughter Nori had been spiraling downwards for months. The possibility of drugs crossed my mind enough times that I had her drug tested, which she thankfully passed. She was morphing into someone I did not recognize or frankly even like and I didn’t know why. Grades were dropping while calls from her school became more frequent. Cute clothing she used to love was slowly being replaced with baggy hoodies and sweatpants. Her long, blond hair became a point of frustration for her where it had always been a source of fashion. The withdrawing from friends came first followed by what seemed to be a withdrawal from life itself.

None of our usual parenting tactics seemed to break through her new wall. The helplessness I felt as a parent forced me to question the way I was raising her. Was I doing it wrong? Had I ruined her in some way? I continually felt torn between wanting to wrap my arms around her as a shield from the everything causing all this pain and change or wanting to throat punch her for being the source of so much chaos and disarray in our family.

Finally, a break. Our oldest daughter came to us with news that Nori had confided in her something that needed to come out. That evening was one of the worst I have ever had. Nori’s pain was genuine and raw. Her dam had finally broken and everything came gushing out. I sat speechless as I heard Nori share things like she was born in the wrong body and was meant to be a male. How she was suffering from gender dysphoria and despised the way her body was changing as female bodies do. Binding her breasts was something she was already doing on a daily basis with duct tape. I had no words when Nori started lamenting on the need for starting testosterone injections. She had grown to hate the beautiful long hair she had always known and was ready to chop it all off.

I tried to hold myself together. Thoughts and feelings reeled through my head that evening. Tears were shed, yet numbness kept drying them up. I cycled through a myriad of emotions.

Anger. This can’t be real, it’s got to be a phase and I was angry at the amount of passion she was exhibiting during this performance. Anger that she was binding her breasts with duct tape without a second thought to the permanent damage she could cause. Angry at the disregard for all the upheaval she had been putting us through with her antics

Sadness. Whether or not this was a phase, her pain was real and I felt sad that my child hated herself with so much fervor when all I saw was a beautiful young woman. Sadness that coming to us first wasn’t something she felt she could do when I thought we were close enough for that.

Mourning. Suddenly and without any say or input from me, the daughter I had known for 13 years could quite possibly be gone forever and was being replaced with this new version of her that I hadn’t gotten to know yet. That evening there was a stranger in my daughter’s body. I didn’t recognize her and I mourned the daughter I had known.

Relief. I was immensely relieved to know that this change wasn’t due to drugs, pregnancy, or being raped. Crossing those off the list somehow made things a tad easier for me.

A year has passed since that bombshell. A year since our family changed forever. Life is a great deal different although still not without its challenges. Nori’s hair has since been chopped off. I don’t hate it. All her clothing and shoes now come from the boy’s department. I don’t hate that either. The kind-hearted child I gave birth to is still in there no matter what her exterior looks like.

Hormone therapy and breast binding is not something we are allowing at this time. There are battles worth fighting and while outward male/female appearance is not one of them, permanently altering my 14-year-old is a hard no.

Having strangers in public look at my child and refer to her as my son is something I will never get used to. I will love Nori no matter what her/his future choices are. I will always mourn the little girl I had for 13 years that suddenly wasn’t anymore and that is okay. Mourning who they were does not negate the love you have for your child as they currently are. Do not be ashamed of feeling like there was a death because in several ways there was. My relationship with Nori is surprisingly good, different then it used to be but good nonetheless. Creating a new normal comes with time and will change even the most unyielding soul.

This post originally appeared on Medium.

I am a mom to three, wife to one and a writer of many things

Unless you have been living a social media-free existence, you know that Candytopia has arrived in San Francisco and it is THE place to be. This immersive experience will bring you back to the Willy Wonka land of your childhood dreams and send you right into a sugar coma. We checked it out and think you should, too—here’s why!

The Scoop

Candytopia opened its San Francisco doors on September 6 after massive success in both Santa Monica and New York. The 16,000-square foot space is located on Market Street, right across from the Museum of Ice Cream. Scheduled to be in town through January 6, 2019, this pop-up candyland was tastefully curated by Hollywood Candy Queen Jackie Sorkin and realized by master fabricator Zac Hartog.

Tickets are available online and cost $34 for adults and $26 for children 4-12. Little ones 3 and under are free (no ticket needed). You choose a day and time for your ticket and entrances are staggered at 15-minute intervals to keep the crowds manageable. As you are welcomed into the exhibit, you are encouraged to touch the candy art as you wish. Licking is prohibited as you’ll get a mouthful of shellac.

Before you leave each room, make sure to crab the candy treat that is being given out. Pro tip: Bring a bag as there’s more free candy available than you and the kids can possibly eat while you walk through.

Traveling through the exhibit brings you from the Library (with the gummy bear-covered suit of armor) to the Art Gallery. Here you’ll find amazing portraits of iconic figures like Steve Jobs and the candy man himself, Willy Wonka. Pose next to the golden replicas of the Golden State Warriors’ winning trophies. Practice your best scream face and snap a pic in front of the depiction of Edvard Munch’s The Scream.

Want more info on the art? Peruse the Candy Facts card that is included with each art piece. Here you can find out how many gummy bears or jelly beans went into making the sculpture, how many hours it took to complete the creation and how many calories you would consume if you ate it!

A particularly fun spot for the kids to get rid of some of their candy-induced energy is in the Candy Wonderland room. Here you can swing from the ceiling and slide down a playhouse slide that’s sized just for little ones. Pop your head into the half spheres hanging from the ceiling for some auditory entertainment and rest for a bit on the candy-coated toadstools.

San Francisco Touches

Even if you have been to Candytopia in NYC or SoCal, this newest installation has a local flair that makes it unique. The Golden Gate Bridge see saw and the cable car installation are just a few of the spots you’ll want to check out.

Make sure you watch along the way for the opportunity to download the Candytopia app and have special photos sent to your phone (for free!). The Candytopia staffers are also more than willing to take that perfect shot for you so that you can include your whole gang in your Instagram story.

A Pool of Marshmallows

Perhaps the most fun for all ages is the pool of marshmallows that you can literally swim in. Don’t fear, these are foam replica marshmallows and not the sticky-sweet treats themselves. Take off your shoes and empty your pockets before you get in as it would be easy to lose your keys or cellphone in the fray. Staffers limit the number of people in the marshmallow pit to keep the crazy under control.

The Lowdown

Our verdict? Candytopia is a multi-sensory experience that kids of all ages (and parents, too) will thoroughly enjoy. There’s enough there (swings, slides, giant beach balls, CANDY TO EAT) to keep the wee ones busy and tons of interesting exhibits for the older crew. Follow these tips to make the most of your visit:

  1. Get your tickets now! Candytopia won’t be here forever and most weekends are already sold out.
  2. Strollers are not allowed to be used throughout the exhibit but you may park them inside while you go through.
  3. The only bathroom is located in the Art Gallery so use it then if you need to!
  4. You can only proceed through the exhibit in one direction so make the most of each room while you are there.
  5. Got long hair? Bring a brush as you will likely get a head full of confetti in the Rainbow Room (consider yourself warned).
  6. Arrive 15 minutes before your ticket time. It takes about an hour to make it through all of the rooms.
  7. The closest parking can be found at Jessie Square, 233 Stevenson Street. Walk through the alley towards the Contemporary Jewish Museum to get to Candytopia.

Candytopia
767 Market Street
San Francisco, CA
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Onlinecandytopia.com

—story and photos by Kate Loweth