The days following Halloween mark a celebration of skeletal proportions: Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead
Celebrated throughout the Americas, Dia de los Muertos originated in Mexico, and kids will recognize the iconic sugar skull as a symbol. Your town or neighborhood may host a celebration, but not everyone knows the meaning behind it. Teach your kids about this uplifting celebration of life with these Day of the Dead facts.
Days & Day of the Dead Facts
Amber Guetebier
The Day of the Dead holiday is actually two days, held consecutively: Nov. 1 is marked as a day to honor lost children, as well as any lost or forgotten souls. Nov. 2, Day of the Dead official, honors all lost ancestors and loved ones. The week preceding (and sometimes longer) is spent in preparation for the big night which often culminates in a procession to the town cemetery or a central place where altars have been erected. Families gather together and spend hours making floral arrangements, baking food and sweets for the dead, and decorating. Altars are built at home, on graves, and in many community parks and schoolyards. It's no accident that this all takes place during the time of year when nights grow longer. It is believed that during these two days, the veil between the world of the living and dead is thinner and so it's easier for the dead to arrive. Not unlike the original story behind Halloween.
Day of the Dead Facts: A Dead Man’s Party
The idea is not as somber as it may at first sound: in fact, many believe the dead would be insulted by sadness! The tradition of celebrating the life of those who have died is invoked with colorful costumes and masks, parades, parties, and more. At the center of it all is the ofrenda, or offering to the dead. The altars can be simple or elaborate (usually more elaborate) but almost always contain flowers, favorite foods of the dead, including the traditional pan de muerto, photographs, and small relics or objects of the dead (a favorite necklace or pen, for example), sugar skulls and candles.
Here's an interesting Day of the Dead fact: Sugar skulls, in spite of how delicious they look, are generally not consumed (more than one toddler has tried them). Made from a mixture of meringue/powdered egg whites, white sugar, and a little bit of water, they are formed into the shapes of skulls by hand. You can also buy awesome molds (and all the supplies you need, plus great tutorials) here.
How to Make an Ofrenda for Dia de los Muertos
You can make your own family altar with the kids. Gather up a picture or pictures of someone you have lost, and place them on a table or shelf. Have the kids help you arrange some flowers, or head out into the yard or a park to find a few things for the offering: acorns, beautiful leaves, and a pretty stone. Make some cookies and leave one for your loved one. Light a candle. It's an easy and beautiful way to remember someone and teach your kids the story behind Day of the Dead.
All photos by the author were taken during Day of the Dead in Michoacán, Mexico.
We have all the deets on the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
It’s that special time of year when the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale rolls out the savings, and our credit cards see some extra miles and points. The 2023 sale is no joke. There are a ton of goodies (seriously, over 60 pages of them) to choose from. But, out of the hundreds of products available on the site, here are the pieces that really caught our eye and would help make things a little easier, more fun and extra luxurious—’cause you deserve it.
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.
Celebrate the fall-idays with a family leaf-peeping excursion to find fall colors around Boston
Cooler mornings and changing leaves can only mean one thing in Boston. Fall is here. And while that means a trip to the pumpkin patch and a run through the corn maze, before sitting down to enjoy a hot cup of cider and a mini donut for most families, it’s also a great time to see the city awash in ever-changing shades of red, orange and gold. There’s a reason New England is a destination for leaf-peepers from all around. The whole state puts on a serious technicolor show—but these are our favorite places to find fall colors around Boston.
When it comes to places to find fall colors around Boston, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Public Garden. Families can count on the first botanical garden in the country to be bursting with color in fall, thanks in part to the diverse tree and plant-life you’ll find here. The Japanese Maples with their brilliant reds are hard to miss and the chance to spot wildlife on the pond is another draw for families.
If you want to get away from the city, just a bit, head to this urban sanctuary in Mattapan. Its gentle trails and inviting boardwalks through wetlands and meadows are just the right speed for tots and big kids. Our suggestion? Bring your binoculars to see if you can spot any of the 150 different species of birds that call the Sanctuary home.
While there’s never a bad time to visit Boston Common, fall is definitely the right season. Is it any wonder the city’s oldest trees put on a brilliant autumn show. Maples, Oaks and Chestnut trees are dressed in their vibrant best and your kiddos are sure to find plenty of leaves to take home for their next art project on the open lawns and walkways.
An Emerald Necklace highlight, The Fens is an easy spot to spy the best colors of the season and snap a few post-worthy photos too. When you’re done drinking in the color, make a playground pit stop with your leaf-peeping crew.
From the Fens, head toward the Charles River to find more red, orange and golden hued leaves. Set against the water, this open walking space is great for parents pushing strollers and toddlers who need to run. Just remember to bundle up your kiddos as it can get a bit breezy along the waterfront in fall.
With 16 miles of tree-lined trails families can easily spend the day at this nearby nature preserve. You’ll find all the colors of fall here, plus lots of wildlife too—including migrating hawks and turtles and bullfrogs in any of the four different ponds that dot the property. If your kiddos are up to it, make your way up the 1.5 mile trail to Noanet Peak. The view on a sunny fall day is totally worth it!
Good to know: There’s a $6 parking fee for non-Trustees members.
Insider tip: Get farm-fresh fixings for dinner when you hit the nearby Powisett Farm Store on your way home. It’s open Thursdays through Saturdays.
On the west end of the Emerald Necklace is Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum, a living museum, and a sure-fire spot to find fall fully blooming. Although kids’ learning packs aren’t currently available, there are still plenty of ways kids can have fun (and learn something too!) during a visit. And a trip up Peter’s Hill is always a treat, especially when an abundance of color below awaits you at the top.
Insider tip: If you want to learn more about the plant-life around you, download the Arboretum’s mobile app, Expeditions.
Head out of the city a ways to find miles of trails and lots of colorful trees at Blue Hills Reservation. Park at the Houghton’s Pond parking lot (it’s free) and then make your way to the Skyline trail to take it all in. The views from the top of Great Blue Hill are unbeatable this time of year, and it’s slight elevation gain makes it accessible to even the tiniest trail trekkers.
It’s always a good time to show a new mom or mom-to-be how amazing and beloved she is. And a gift that celebrates her new role is always appreciated. Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, baby shower, Mother’s Day or the first time you meet her little one, you’ll find the right gift below.
A pre-packed birth bag to bring to the hospital is a true luxury. Choose from bags in three sizes (minimalist, happy medium and fully prepared) or special gifts for surrogates and parenting expecting through IVF. Designed by two moms who get it, these bags include must-haves like grippy socks, a massage ball, phone charger, dry shampoo and more items to make you say, "Wow, I wouldn't have thought of that!"
These beautiful pieces of art are printed to order from watercolor paintings by Sally King McBride, a New York City-based artist, illustrator and mom of two. Choose an alphabet print, a child's name or a monogram in a variety of themes, from woodland and animals to flowers and dessert. If you're unsure of what to get, purchase a gift card and let the recipient choose. This is elevated artwork that becomes the centerpiece of your nursery and will look just as stylish in your child's room as they grow up.
This gorgeous, made-to-order book reveals a baby's astrological birth chart, mapping the stars and planets at the exact moment of birth. It provides more than 70 pages of horoscope analysis, revealing insights about a child's personality and what their future may hold.
Bracelets for a new mom and her child, because moms love their babies to the moon and back. The bracelets in this delicate duo are available in three sizes (baby, child and adult), so you can choose who gets the star and the moon, and you can even buy additional bracelets for older kids, aunts and grandparents to make it a family affair. It comes in four metals: 14k yellow gold, 14k white gold, 14k rose gold, and silver.
Available at starlingjewelry.com, $90 for the silver set of two bracelets; $340 for each of the three gold varieties.
If you're looking for a fun, inexpensive gift for a mom who's far away, this is what you want. Brightbox has an amazing collection of curated gift boxes with thoughtful presents at a very reasonable price: $15. In the New Momma box, moms receive a pretty compass necklace, fuzzy baby socks, a drool bib and two stroopwafel cookies. You choose a card from a ton of well-designed options and add a personal message. There's also an option to include more items, like gift cards, snacks and hair scrunchies, at an additional cost.
Whether she's a proud mama, mama bird, mama bear, super mom or mamacita, you'll find the perfect t-shirt for her at the Bee & the Fox. The brand's Motherlode Collection has cool, vintage-looking, high-quality t-shirts and sweatshirts with a variety of sayings. And if you want to get matchy, they have onesies emblazoned with Baby Bear and Baby Bird.
This elegant and meaningful memento comes in silver, rose gold, white gold or yellow gold. It's available in three different lengths and can also be engraved for an even more personal touch.
This interview journal lets moms tell their story so kids can discover everything about them, from childhood memories and beloved relatives to their best advice. New moms have years to jot down their information before kids are old enough to read the journal, so there's no pressure on busy new moms to do "homework." But it's a story new moms will enjoy telling and kids will love to read.
The Dew you skincare bundle from Belli Skincare combines a moisturizing body lotion with a belly oil for warding off stretch marks. The Belli line is safe for use during pregnancy and while nursing and is scented with essential oils.
Literally a gift that keeps on giving, this unique gift combines 14 days of presents, like an advent calendar just for mom. Inside, you'll find beautiful gifts to make a new mom (or mom-to-be) smile: a gold-plated necklace inscribed "mama," a nursing cover, swaddle blanket, baby hat and matching headband for mom, milestone stickers, foot cream, bath bomb and more.
A birth flower necklace is a beautiful twist on the trend of birthstone jewelry. These delicate discs are made with gold filled, rose gold filled or sterling silver, and the design is hand-drawn, hand-cut and stamped. It's elegant on its own or stacked with other special birthdays.
Any new mom would love these robe and swaddle sets from Audrey & Bear. They come with a robe for mom, plus a personalized hat or headband, swaddle blanket and no-scratch mittens. They're available in a number of beautiful colors and prints, with robes fitting women in size 2 to 32, in standard and tall sizes.
Give a new mom a laugh and a nice mug that keeps her coffee hot and water cold, thanks to the stainless steel construction and double-wall vacuum insulation. It's unbreakable and holds 12 ounces of mom's favorite drink. It comes in other sizes and with different sayings.
This workout program is specifically designed for pregnant and new moms, from trimester-specific workout regiments that ward off low back pain and build stamina for childbirth to movements that heal diastatis recti and help women maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Wear baby's first initial as a 14-carat ring. If you have more kids, it makes a dramatic and beautiful ring stack. Choose from rose gold, yellow gold or white gold.
This kit from Keababies makes it easy to preserve a child's tiny little toes and fingers forever. The kit comes with clay you insert into the frame and then gently press your child's hand and foot into. Pop two photos in the photo spots and your keepsake is done.
This colorful holiday is all about excess. But while we love all the buttery, sugary, deep-fried goodness that this epic celebration is known for, we aren’t huge fans of all the cheap, wasteful junk that passes as decorations this time of year. So we committed to making a Mardi Gras mask from things we already had around the house. From old costume jewelry, we haven’t worn in years to craft paints on the verge of drying up to a handful of colorful feathers, we pulled together a magical mask without making more waste. Party on!
What You'll Need
1. Creativity: All these materials are optional, and we recommend just looking through what's in your recycling bin, craft area and jewelry box for any items that will work. We used the following.
2. A sheet of yellow foam paper for the mask base. We were out of yellow paint, so this was the solution! Before we stumbled on this at the bottom of the craft box, we had sliced a rectangle of cardboard off the box that held the garbage bags.
3. Paint, markers or glitter glue. Traditional Mardi Gras colors are yellow, green and purple, but we promise, any colorful outfit will be welcome on Mardi Gras.
5. Feathers and glue.
6. 3-4 rubber bands connected into a daisy chain.
7. An old beaded necklace that we deconstructed.
Other suggestions: Colorful cereal, macaroni or other pasta, beans, glitter, googley eyes, sequins or gems.
What to Do
1. Cut a mask shape out of your base. Leave a little extra space up top to hold plenty of feathers or other decorations.
2. Draw a simple diamond pattern. If you have paint, outline a simple diamond pattern (a traditional Mardi Gras motif) and have your child paint it in.
3. Decorate! Now that you have a simple, Mardi Gras-themed based, just go nuts! We used two layers of feathers for the top, then decorated with beads.
4. Use a hole punch or scissors to make two holes for the rubber band.
When it comes to gifts, we’ve all heard the expression “it’s the thought that counts.” But sometimes the thought you want to send is ‘I love you so much I broke my wallet for you.’ The good news is that Amazon has you covered. Read on for a list of Amazon’s most ridiculously expensive luxury items.
Gold-Infused Toothpaste
Amazon.com
Up first is an expensive item for people who want to give a ridiculous gift on a budget. This luxury toothpaste will set you back $70 because it has actual gold flecks in the paste. If you don’t feel right sending gold down the drain, you can always put the tube in a frame and call it art.
Swarovski Crystal Ducks
Amazon.com
Give your loved one a set of crystal ducks to convince them that like birds of a feather, you should flock together. These waterfowl can be yours for $1,498. But these ducks won’t fly to you for free: you still need to pay $14.99 for shipping.
This 1924 Mark Saint Gaudens Twenty Dollar is a rare find. Designed by President Theodore Roosevelt, the Double Eagle is one of two designs he was able to complete before his death and is considered to be one of the most beautiful coins ever minted by the U.S. Mint. Get your own for only $2,799.
Luxury Gold Toilet
Amazon.com
They say a man’s house is his castle, and what better gift to give the king in your life than a gold (colored) porcelain throne? Though, at $5,088, this neoclassical toilet better clean itself.
Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Amazon.com
Sometimes you want to buy that special someone an incredible piece of jewelry, but you can’t face another trip to the mall. Not to worry, Amazon is there to help you out. This whopping 7-carat bracelet can be yours and delivered right to your door for only $10,999.
Amazon.com
This one-of-a-kind signed letter from Voltaire and was written just weeks before his death in 1778 from Paris. The letter is written in beautiful script and in French and would make a thoughtful gift! Who doesn't need a famous signed letter hanging in their home?
Achieve epistolary excellence for the sale price of $20,000.
Sure you can buy cheap posters anywhere, but when you could bring home a mint condition 1966 Grateful Dead concert poster, why would you get anything else? This poster holds great significance, being the first time the Grateful Dead are associated with a skull symbol and is one of the hardest to find for Dead Head collectors.
It comes at a groovy price of $27,500— plus $4.50 for shipping if you can swing it.
Franck Muller Men’s Watch
Amazon.com
True collectors know a watch is more than just about telling time—it's about making a statement! If you're looking to spoil a certain someone this year, then look no further than this gorgeous Frank Muller Vanguard Seven Days Skeleton Color Dream watch. The automatic self-wind mechanism and water-resistant features make this a timeless—yup, we went there—accessory.
Everyone knows that love is priceless, but sometimes you want to stun your fiance-to-be. With a diamond weighing in at over five carats, you better propose on a cloudy day or this eye candy may blind your future spouse.
You can’t buy love, but if you have $65,900, you can buy this diamond ring.
Mordecai Brown Signed Baseball
Amazon.com
Own a piece of baseball’s “dead-ball era,” signed by Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown.
Run, don't walk—because this Mickey Mantle autographed baseball card is only $363,640. This set is 100% certified-authentic and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from James Spence Authentication so you won't strike out.
While finally getting to snuggle your baby may be gift enough, many new moms revel in getting a push present too! These gifts don’t just mark the special day but also recognize the hard emotional and physical work involved in birthing a baby. Read on to discover some inspo for great push presents.
Baby Jogger
A Splurge Is there something the new mom really wanted but didn't get at her baby shower? Now is the time to give her that coveted item. Strollers and diaper bags are great choices you can use right away. A Baby Jogger City Select 2 is a sought-after stroller because of its versatility, including the ability to grow with a family to two and even three children. And the new mom will probably be using her diaper bag for at least a couple of years, so it makes sense to start off with one that she loves and that will last. Check out our guide to stylish and functional diaper bags.
Names for Good
Jewelry Personalized jewelry is among the most popular push presents for good reason. Necklaces from Nokona can be personalized with birthstones and initials. Necklaces from Tiny Tags can be personalized with names, birthdates, birthstones and more. Other moms opt for a necklace with their child's birth flower like these from Glazd Jewels or an ode to their child's name, such as an arrow necklace for a baby named Hunter. Or, a bracelet from Names for Good (above) with the baby's name makes a great push present. Even better, get a set including the baby's birthdate and a Mama bracelet!
Forbidden Foods It's no surprise moms are hungry after spending hours working to bring a new life into the world. Add in that mom may have spent the last nine months avoiding her favorite foods, like soft cheeses, sushi and anything with caffeine, and it becomes clear that a feast of her favorites makes a great push present. Send a box of Wisconsin Cheese full of delicacies she couldn't have while pregnant. Luxe tea from Tea Runners is also a good choice, especially if you choose a flavor that will give her a caffeine boost to help her function after late nights with a newborn. If she's still avoiding alcohol, toast to a job well done with Mingle mocktails so the new Mom can celebrate her new baby without thinking about whether it's safe to take a drink.
Make Her Life Easier A pair of upscale wireless earbuds like these from Sony are a worthy splurge. No wires for baby to pull on, and extreme noise cancellation works to block out distractions whenever the new mom manages to get some alone time. Add on a BioLite Charge back-up battery so that even when mom is too tired to plug in her phone she can keep scrolling. Or, go low-tech and get her a Yeti tumbler that will help keep her well hydrated throughout the day. New moms also spend a lot of time holding their newborn with one hand. A Kindle Paperwhite will allow mom to read during all of those hours she is blissfully trapped under her baby. Adjustable warm light and dark mode mean that she can flip pages without disturbing her little one's nap. If mom prefers to watch TV, a new 4K Alexa-enabled Firestick is a great choice. Mom just needs to ask Alexa to turn on her favorite show or she can use the Alexa built into the included remote.
Cozy Comfort After having a new baby, day can become indistinguishable from night. A Bearaby knitted weighted blanket is the perfect gift for new moms to make the most of the time they have to sleep. These blankets are incredibly soft and just heavy enough to provide enough weight to help people get to sleep faster and sleep more deeply. They even come in luxe fabrics like velvet. Or, try a Verve Culture Moroccan blanket that's big enough (and soft enough) for the entire family to snuggle under. Since new moms spend a lot of time at home, a pair of Dooey's house loafers keep her comfy at home without looking frumpy.
KYTEbaby
Mommy & Me Outfits Let her revel in her new role with matching mommy-and-me clothes. A KYTEbaby lounge dress is comfy enough to sleep in whenever mom is lucky enough to get some Zzz's but cute enough to wear out for a quick errand or walk around the block. Get a matching romper for baby for impromptu, Insta-worthy photoshoots.
Help Her Glow Level up her skincare and beauty game by splurging on skincare products made with truffles. Truffoire luxe skincare will make her feel like she has had a trip to the spa, even when she hasn't left the house in days. Or, give her a way to quickly look her best when company arrives with lip tints from Eleve Cosmetics. Tired eyes? Give her the gift of looking not as exhausted as she feels with Holos, a serum made with soothing aloe vera and cucumber. Add an Oura Hydroglove so she can quickly exfoliate and go!
Get It Together A new baby comes with a lot of responsibility. Mom now needs to juggle feedings, diaper changes and somehow fit in sleep, showers and meals. A Skylight Calendar helps keep a new mom organized. She will love being able to integrate the family calendar, color-code tasks, access her shopping list and even display photos of her new bundle of joy. A Fitbit watch tracks both sleep and steps. Best of all, she can read her texts and and answer calls right from her wrist on some Fitbit models, meaning she can continue to stay in touch without putting down her newborn.
So long, fidget spinners! Popits are the new rage in fidget toys and our kids cannot get enough of them. Pros: they are quiet and don’t cause a mess (we’re talking about you, slime). Cons: there are literally hundreds of these colorful toys and some of them are massive.
Dining with princesses is so last year. Now it’s time to get in tune with your darker side and feast off of Disney’s newest dinnerware.
The Disney Villain 16-piece Dinnerware Set has the worst of the worst: Maleficent, the Evil Queen from Snow White, Jafar and Ursula. With bright colors and gold trim, this surprisingly fancy set is a must for your dinnerware collection.
The set is themed after each villain’s signature film. Ursula’s set is blue with an enchanted necklace, Maleficent’s is purple with horns, Jafar’s is yellow with the Cave of Wonders and the Evil Queen’s is red with the Magic Mirror.
Each set includes four 11-inch dinner plates, four 8-inch salad plates, four 7-inch bowls, and four 11-ounce mugs. You can find it at Walmart for $119.99.
June is Pride Month and The Walt Disney Company is gearing up with the most colorful collection of Pride merchandise ever! Beginning May 3, you can shop all the rainbow apparel, accessories, plush dolls and more.
New this year, fans can also shop Pride-themed Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar characters! Like years past, Disney will be donating funds to organizations that support LGBTQ+ communities in celebration of the new collection and Pride Month. Keep scrolling to see some of our fave products!
Rainbow Marvel Collection
Shop two Marvel and Avengers T-shirt for adults in this year's collection.
These Darth Vader and Rebel Alliance shirts are beyond cool but you'll have to travel to Walt Disney World Resort to snag 'em. But fear not, you can shop plenty of other Star Wars Pride styles at shopdisney.com.
Rainbow Disney Collection Mickey Mouse Zip-Up Hoodie
You can shop tons of Disney Pride products at shopDisney.com, select Disney stores and Disney Parks, Amazon, BoxLunch, Funko, Kohl’s and Torrid. Keep an eye out for more products coming throughout May and June.
