Looking to pick out the perfect baby gift? There’s no shortage of adorable items to choose from. But if you’re angling for something upscale that really makes an impact at that baby shower, first birthday, or holiday, these splurgy keepsake baby gifts are ones that mom and her babe will cherish.
Savor Baby Edition Keepsake Box
What parent doesn’t want a better way to keep track of baby’s sweetest memories? Savor’s Baby Edition Keepsake Box is an organizing system that keeps everything protected and easily accessible with the help of nine drawers, eight vertical files for cherished paper artifacts like sonograms, letters, and birth announcements, and 50+ illustrated labels. Parents can keep track of the first four years of their child’s life, from the hospital blanket to baby’s first tooth to that first haircut, along with other treasured items.
Personalized Woodland Nursery Pillow This comfy cotton pillow sprinkles the details of baby’s arrival amid a whimsical mix of plants, mushrooms, and woodland critters like deer, squirrels, and bunnies. If you don’t know all the details of your giftee’s birth (date, weight, length, birthplace, and time of birth), no sweat—those spaces can be filled in with additional illustrations. It’s the perfect addition to storytime in any nursery.
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Padova Bubble Blower
You can practically hear children’s laughter on a summer day upon unboxing this darling silver bubble wand. A wonderful baby shower gift, the design has a signature Elsa Peretti design and can be engraved for personalization.
Butterscotch Blankees Metallic Classic Monogram Stroller Blanket For a gift that baby will use day after day, this super-soft and cozy blanket comes in nearly 30 different colors to match all tastes. Take it from the nursery to the stroller to the car and beyond for constant comfort on all those baby-led adventures. Personalize it with a monogram and send it soon after baby’s arrival.
Vera Wang Wedgwood Infinity Baby Piggy Bank
Baby’s first bank should be precious and timeless, and what’s more timeless than a piggy? This sweet treasury by acclaimed designer Vera Wang fits the bill with its simple yet sculptural silhouette and an infinity detail around the waist. Like all of her creations, the Infinity Baby Piggy Bank is a classic for contemporary tastes.
Artifact Uprising Baby Book | The Story of You From picking baby’s name to favorite books and songs, this baby book prompts parents to write down every important detail. With 100 pages to fill and nearly 50 spots for family photos, it’s a highly interactive photo journal that aptly documents a child’s life to be thumbed through and pored over for years to come. And it fits many family structures, including single parents, adopted children, and same-sex parents.
Michael Aram Bunny Cup with Spoon Set
Handcrafted by American artist Michael Aram, this cup and spoon set calls upon the wonder and innocence of childhood with subtle whimsy and elegance. Made of stainless steel and silver-plated metal, this sweet set will stand the test of time, and, like children themselves, no two are exactly alike because they’re made by hand.
Beadifulbaby Engravable Silver Baby Bangle Bracelet
A gift of jewelry will always be remembered, especially a child’s first bracelet as a permanent record of that unimaginably tiny wrist. This lovely, high-polished sterling silver rhodium bracelet is made in the USA and can be personalized with a little one’s initials or full name. While this piece of jewelry cannot grow with baby, it makes for a darling gift that can be passed down to future generations.
Write to Me | Baby – First Year of You Journal
Inspire any new parent to notice the little things with the gift of this beautiful First Year of You journal. There’s plenty of room for taking note of moments both big and small, with cues to include milestones like first steps, first Christmas and first haircut. The natural linen, gender-neutral design with gold embossing is fitting for just about any family and it’s all made with forest-free paper.
Reed & Barton Jungle Parade Silverplate Photo Frame A classic silver frame gets a colorful upgrade with Reed & Barton’s Jungle Parade. This adorable 4×6 picture holder would look positively sweet in any boy or girl’s nursery, and it can be used to display a family photo from your latest adventures. To up the gift factor, personalize it for an extra $9.95.
—Taylor Clifton, Whitney C. Harris, & Jessica Payne
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.
Check out these 13 tidbits of Seattle trivia that even the savviest Seattleite might be surprised to learn
Are you raising a kiddo whose cute, scholarly nose is always stuck in a weird-but-true book? Or are you someone who can’t wait to share your cerebral, oddball trivia knowledge with your awestruck crew? If this speaks to you and your fam, you won’t be disappointed with this kooky list of fun facts about Seattle! Check out these 13 tidbits of trivia about our Emerald (or shall we say Eclectic!) City that even the savviest Seattleite might be surprised to learn.
Sure, Seattle has the super iconic Space Needle and many other landmarks of note, but if you ask any local, another great symbol that signifies the Emerald City is the giant pink elephant sign at the Elephant Car Wash on Battery Street at Denny Way. The car wash’s large sign is neon pink, rotating, and showcases a huge, happy pink elephant, hosing itself off with its trunk. It is so well known in the area that it has appeared throughout pop culture in movies, music videos, and ads and has even attracted visits from many celebrities. In fact, some claim this quirky car wash sign is the most photographed landmark in Seattle! Elephant Car Washes, originally founded by brothers Eldon, Dean, and Archie Anderson, have been the place to give your car a bath since 1951.
But did you know…while other Elephant Car Washes are still conducting business around the area, sadly the iconic Battery Street location has had to close in the past year?Luckily, these novel signs will get new life. The larger sign is set to relocate to the Museum of History & Industry, while the smaller elephant sign will be refurbed and installed at a public plaza a couple of blocks away from the original location. So the sweet, pillbox-attired elephant will live on!
You know what else…Wonder why did the founders choose an elephant theme? Because it is said that brother and co-founder, Archie, thought an elephant would be a perfect mascot because its anatomy includes its own functional water hose. Trunk-tastic!
The Giant Shoe Museum
Alaina Weimer
There are not many books quite as fascinating to a kid as The Guinness Book Of World Records. Pouring over unbelievable facts is a quintessential part of being a curious kid. Luckily for our community, Seattle has its very own Ripley’s-esque museum hidden in the depths of Pike Place Market. It’s the Giant Shoe Museum. Located in the Down Under level of the Market, this quaint museum-like display takes up a portion of the Old Seattle Paperworks store. This entertaining array of truly enormous footgear showcases part of a collection by Danny Eskenazi, who became a large-shoe connoisseur after his grandfather had once owned a shoe (that still remains at large) worn by the tallest person in recorded history, Robert Wadlow.
But did you know…for only a few quarters (50 cents!), you can show your family the whole collection of the world’s largest giant shoes? Various gargantuan styles are represented, such as hi-tops, boots, and old-timey shoes, including another size 37 brogue shoe worn by Robert Wadlow. So unusual and fun, you won’t want to miss this toe-tally awesome little gem.
You know what else…A reward of $1000 still stands if you can locate that original Robert Wadlow wingtip shoe that inspired Danny’s collection!
The Ballard Locks
The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, locally known as the Ballard Locks, is a really interesting piece of Seattle history. As many city dwellers know, it is located between Seattle’s popular Ballard and Magnolia neighborhoods, and is used to carry boat traffic (traditionally logging and fishing vessels) from Puget Sound into Salmon Bay, then on into Lake Union and Lake Washington. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, sees more than a million curious visitors every year, and has more boat traffic than any other locks in the U.S.!
But did you know…that the construction of the Locks changed the whole typography of the area by lowering the water level of both Lake Union and Lake Washington by over 8 feet? That actually added many miles' worth of waterfront land, but it also rerouted and reversed the flow of the rivers, left some piers in Salmon Bay out of the water, and disrupted the original salmon runs. Due to this, a salmon ladder at the Locks was reintroduced in 1976 to help the salmon out. You can watch the salmon in the Locks’ 21-step fish ladder from July to mid-August at peak spawning time.
You know what else…the U.S. Navy originally planned to build a shipyard in this canal between Lake Washington and the Sound, but because of the delays in planning, that shipyard was instead built where it is today—across the Sound in Bremerton, Washington.
The Space Needle
Alaina Weimer
Sure, if you and your family have been up the Needle then you know a thing or two about this iconic symbol of Seattle. For instance, you might be aware that it was constructed for the 1962 World’s Fair; that its space design concept was first drawn on a napkin; and that it stands 605 feet tall.
But did you know...that if you were to ride up the elevator (which takes 43 seconds) in a snowstorm, it would look like the snow was falling up? That’s because the speed of the elevator at 10 m.p.h. is faster than the speed at which a snowflake falls at 3 m.p.h. Cool! Also, your little ones might be excited to know that if you were to walk up the Space Needle, there are exactly 848 steps in the main stairwell. Just FYI…because, you know they will ask!
You know what else...the Needle is built to withstand winds of up to 200 m.p.h. in case that question ever crossed your mind.
Mt. Rainier
As the symbol of our state and the recipient of our unending adoration, Mt. Rainier (originally called Tacoma or Tahoma) has a special place in the heart of any Seattleite. But how much do you really know about this magical mound? We know our favorite volcano stands 14,411 feet tall and that it is the highest mountain in the Cascades.
But did you know... that Mt. Rainier has 25 named glaciers, the most of any mountain in the lower 48? The biggest one is called Emmons Glacier, a 4-mile behemoth that also happens to be the largest glacier in the contiguous United States. Now that’s a big ice rink! But there is also something unique about the glaciers on Mt. Rainier we bet you didn't know. Did you know that Mt. Rainier’s ice is home to iceworms? These iceworms are the only type of worm to live their entire lives on the ice. These small creepy-crawlies are exclusively found in the glaciers of Washington, Alaska, Oregon, and British Columbia.
You know what else...Underneath the ice cap of Rainier are ice caves made from ice, rock, and steam. They are being studied for their likeness to the conditions on other planets in our solar system like Mars.
Pike Place Market
Guess what? The famous Pike Place Market wasn’t created to showcase the fish throwers or to scare the heck out of little kids with a lurching Monkfish. It actually started due to overpriced onions in the early 1900s. The price of produce had skyrocketed, so our city and residents proposed a public market, where food could be bought directly from farmers (keep it local!). So in 1907, Pike Place Market was formed and has been operating ever since. It is now the oldest operating farmer’s market in America.
But did you know... the bronze piggy bank that stands in the middle of the market is named Rachel? She weighs 550 pounds and was named after a real 750-pound pig who won the 1985 Island County Fair. What a ham!
You know what else…the Market’s famous fish tossing came about because back in the day, the fishmongers got tired of trekking out to the fish table each time a customer ordered a fish. They realized it was just easier to chuck the fish over the counter instead. Hence the “flying fish” still sailing through the air today!
Emerald City
Alaina Weimer
We all know Seattle's brilliant nickname: the Emerald City. But where did it come from? Well, the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau ran a competition to come up with a slogan for an advertising campaign. Sarah Sterling-Franklin (from California) won the contest and came up with the slogan, “Seattle, the Emerald City. Seattle is the jewel of the Northwest, the queen of the Evergreen State, the many-faceted city of space, elegance, magic and beauty." And it has stuck ever since.
But did you know... it wasn’t Seattle’s first fun moniker? Its first common nickname was actually “Queen City.” This name was given to the city in 1869 by a Portland real estate company who used it in a pamphlet saying it was the “Future Queen City of the Pacific.” That nickname stuck until 1982.
You know what else… Other Seattle nicknames include Rain City and Coffee Capital of the World (for obvious reasons!) and also Jet City, due to Boeing’s proximity!
Sunglasses
We all know how Seattle gets a lot of drizzly and overcast days. There's no disputing that.
But did you know... the people in Seattle buy the most sunglasses per capita, more than any other U.S. city? It sounds strange, but some of the reasons that contribute to this phenomenon include the need for protection against sun glare off wet roads; the unique PNW lighting that causes brightness even when it's overcast; our preference for outside and water activities that might require eye protection; and the fact we may forget our sunglasses when we leave the house, so we are left to purchase another pair. Something to think about stashing in that stroller when taking Junior out for a walk.
You know what else… Seattle has about 71 total sunny days a year, meaning there are only just over 70 days annually where the cloud coverage is 30 percent and under.
Fremont Troll
Alaina Weimer
Did you know that Seattle has a big ole troll living under one of its bridges? In the community of Fremont, located under the Aurora Bridge on N. 36th Street and Troll Avenue N., is an 18-foot-tall, 30-year-old concrete troll just lying in wait to meet your acquaintance.
But did you know...Fremont's famous troll was born thanks to a 1990 art competition intended to revamp the area under the bridge. Artist Steve Badanes led the team that made this Billy Goat’s Gruff-inspired sculpture into a local masterpiece. If you can find the troll, look under his hand. He is doing more than just lurking. He is crushing a Volkswagen Beetle under his grasp. So many quirky things to love about this guy. Also, check out his uncovered eye. It’s made of metal and shiny. So delightfully sinister!
You know what else… that shiny metal eye of his is more than actually meets the eye. It’s made up of a Volkswagen Beetle hubcap!
Floating Bridges
Have you driven on a floating bridge? If you have ever piled the kids in the car and gone from Medina to Seattle, then you have. The bridge that connects these two areas and runs across Lake Washington is actually called the Governor Albert D. Rosellini Bridge at Evergreen Point. It’s not the only one of its kind in this area, either. When you travel on the Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge on I-90 from Seattle to Mercer Island, that bridge floats too.
But did you know...that if you drive either of these floating expanses you will be on the world’s first and second longest floating bridges (one of which actually sank during reconstruction in 1990, eek!)? Who knew? Now that is something we know your kiddos will flip over!
You know what else…The real reason behind these unique bridges over Lake Washington is that the lake is deep and the lake bed is way too soft to support a conventional bridge. That's why ours need to float!
Seattle Underground
Kate Loweth
Any local should know that Seattle was rebuilt on top of a city that was destroyed by the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. But if you have yet to hear this story, you're in for an unusual ride. This city-built-on-a-city gives birth to the very famous Seattle Underground, a network of underground passageways and basements in Pioneer Square that used to be at ground level before the fire. Instead of revamping the city where it originally was, the streets were regraded and elevated one to two stories higher (about 22 feet). That means Seattle sits right on top of the old city. The businesses underneath eventually fell into disuse, but certain sections have now become a major tourist attraction. You can still walk over some of the pavement lights that were used to light up the underground sidewalks below.
But did you know... one of the reasons for building the streets higher up was that it kept the sewers that drained into Elliot Bay from backing up at high tide? Thankfully, because of this, our ‘new’ Seattle is far less stinky than it could have been!
You know what else… The Great Seattle Fire that destroyed the original city all started when a cabinetmaker forgot about glue he was heating up over a fire. When it boiled over, it caught fire, started spreading rapidly (because of turpentine on the floor), and soon ignited the whole block.
Duwamps
If you ask a local they'll tell you Seattle is named after Chief Sealth, a leading figure of the Suquamish and Duwamish. And they wouldn't be wrong.
But did you know... Seattle was first known as Duwamps? Say what now? It’s true. A group of travelers known as the Denny Party came to claim land on what is now Alki Point (formerly and funnily named New York Alki). After a hard winter, most of the Denny Party relocated across Elliot Bay to claim more land at the site of present-day Pioneer Square, which they promptly named Duwamps. After these two settlements competed for dominance, New York Alki was eventually abandoned and everyone moved across the bay. After that, Duwamps' name was changed to “Seattle” to honor the very accommodating and welcoming Chief Sealth of the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes.
You know what else… The name “Seattle” was used in print for the very first time in 1852.
Seattle's Geography
Seattle Municipal Archives
Every Seattleite knows how hilly it can be (clutch drivers beware!). All these hills in our community are a result of glaciation. Glaciers moving south first dug out our terrain, but when they receded, huge mounds of rock debris were left in their path. These rock hills are thought to be what is now First Hill, Yesler Terrace, Cherry Hill, Denny Regrade, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne Hill, and Beacon Hill.
But did you know... that Denny Regrade was originally a big hill, too? This particular hill was removed and regraded in the years between 1898 and 1930. Regrading started on First Avenue in 1897 and 1899. Then years later, the hill was sluiced right into Elliot Bay. The last pieces of the left-over hill were finally removed by steam shovels in 1929 and 1930.
You know what else… some of the earth dug up from these regrades was used to build Harbor Island out in Elliot Bay. It was once considered the largest human-made island in the world.
Are you and your kiddos ready to root, root, root for the home team? Get ready, it’s Mari-time! The Seattle Mariners’ season is in full swing, and 2022 is going to be the best year yet. And not just because T-Mobile Park, home of the Mariners, has more perks than ever before to keep little leaguers entertained. Since you don’t want to make an “error” and miss any kid-friendly activities, photo ops or budget-friendly foodie deals, here are all the reasons visiting T-Mobile Park with kids should be on your list this summer.
1. There's a Free Mariner's Kids Club
Alaina Weimer
Since you’re probably going to make a day (or night) of it, it's best to get to T-Mobile Park a little early to hit all the kiddo hot spots.Make sure to sign your young ones up for the free Mariners Kids Club prior to the game. Kids 14 and under can join for free, and membership includes a free Kids Club t-shirt, a membership badge with lanyard, one free ticket to a 2022 Mariners home game, 10% Team Store discount on hats and apparel and a monthly digital newsletter. It also gives your little ballers access to opportunities such as chances to play catch in the outfield, as well as numerous other pre-game events and special activities. You will also get notice of all the up and coming game day events. Swing by the Kids Club kiosk near Section 191 on the Main Level to sign up or check in to pick up your swag.
Insider tip: If you have signed up a kid or two in the Kids Club in a past season, make sure and re-enroll to get the 2022 benefits, as prior year memberships don’t roll over.
2. Kids Can Meet the Moose
T-Mobile Park, MLB/Mariners Online
Next, swing, batter batter, swing on by the Moose’s Den right across from the kiosk on the Main Level at Section 191. Kids can make the Moose’s acquaintance at every game—don’t forget to snap that photo. You'll find the Mariner Moose is his Den 90 minutes to 30 minutes before the first pitch, and then catch him back for more photo ops during the 2nd, 3rd, 7th and 8th innings. It’s a moose—errr—we mean a must!
3. Kids Love the Kids Clubhouse Shop
Alaina Weimer
After meeting the Moose, mosey on over to the Kids Clubhouse retail shop to take advantage of that 10% Kids Club discount (good for hats and apparel) in case you need a little extra Mariners spirit. This shop is located just down from the Moose’s Den and has everything a little leaguer might need to be decked out and ready for the game. Oodles of hats, shirts, hoodies, baseballs, souvenir bats, cards, stuffies, stickers...everything a true fan needs. You can't strike out on super cool Mariners swag here.
4. The New & Improved Value Food Menu
Kristina Moy
You know there will be munchies involved when it comes to baseball. And this season, it's easier than ever to nosh without busting the piggy bank at T-Mobile Park. The Mariners and their foodie partner Sodexo Live! are now offering a Value Menu. Items such as popcorn, bottled water, hot dogs, soft drinks, nachos, Red Vines and peanuts are all priced at $3 and are available at Rolling Roof concession stands around the ballpark, as well as at High Cheese Pizza in Section 329.
T-Mobile Park has also partnered with Coca-Cola this year, so all Coke products will now be at the stadium. And don’t forget…all Coke 16 oz. and 32 oz. fountain drinks at the park come with free refills (maybe don't tell the kids). Fan-facing soda fountains are located throughout the stadium so your kiddos can fill up as much as their little hearts' desire.
Good to know: Parents and adults, you haven’t been left out to dry either. The Value Beers program has also been expanded to include 13 different beverage options (priced at $5 and $6) available at various locations around the ballpark, if that’s your jam. Options include local craft beers, as well as other national brands, Vizzy seltzers, spiked Arnold Palmers and NA Athletic IPA. Local wines from Chateau St. Michelle are also available throughout the Park. Feeling posh during the pitches? Stop by The Chateau by Chateau St. Michelle wine bar in Section 126 for a stylish sip.
Nine innings (or more!) makes for quite the day, and with an attention span that’s faster than a Mariner's fast ball, your tiny teammates may need to get some wiggles out. Head back over towards the Moose’s Den in center field on the Main Level and hit up the Mariner’s Kids Playfield. Your kids will have a blast playing on the tunnels, climbing structures, slides, tubes, you name it. Get on in there and let that little slugger get moving. It’s a great park-in-the-Park pit stop to burn some energy if your crew gets antsy in their seats.
6. Tons of Gourmet, Kid-Approved Eats
T-Mobile Park
If you and your tiny team are feeling adventurous, try out some of the new-for-2022 menu offerings at Marination, Catch, Pure Acai, Salt & Straw, Fuku, Edgar’s Cantina and Holy Smoke BBQ.And you can leave the guess work at home. We talked with each vendor and got the nitty gritty on what the best selections are for tiny tummies.
Marination, located near Section 119 on the Main Level, has Hawaiian-Korean fusion dishes you will want to say ‘aloha’ to. Kiddo favorite: the Huli Huli Chicken Luau Plate. It comes with a kid-beloved mac and cheese side, plus slaw and rice. Does the Ohana wanna get crazy? They’ve got SPAM Musubi, too!
For your little fish lovers, Catch by Just Poke and is located near Section 132. It’s a great healthy option. Kiddo favorite: the Hawaiian Ahi Poke Bowl. Ahi tuna over rice, with avocado, onions, edamame and seaweed salad.
Got a chicken tender lover? Check out Fuku in the T-Mobile ‘Pen. Fuku is the fried chicken spin-off of the Momofuku Noodle Bar restaurants. Kid favorite: the chicken strips and fries. They come with a jalapeño seasoning, but you can order it without if your kiddo leans toward the mild side rather than the wild side.
Edgar’s Cantina, another fan favorite, is located in the ‘Pen, as well as Section 216. It’s been updated by the new T-Mobile Park Executive Chef. Kid favorite: the brisket quesadilla. It's got lots of flavor. Plus who doesn’t love a good ‘dilla? Psst... ask about their edible grasshoppers. Your kids will flip.
Holy Smoke BBQ has also been updated, too! Check them out near Section 105 on the Main Level or 313 on the View Level. Kid favorite: the Holy Moly loaded chips, which is Kettle chips topped with pulled pork, cheese and, of course, BBQ sauce. Or for the traditionalist, they also have Beecher’s Mac and Cheese with pulled pork.
7. Delish Sweet Tooth Finds
T-Mobile Park
Let’s talk dessert, shall we? While Dippin’ Dots is always a hit, you absolutely won’t want to miss the special new ice cream flavor at Salt & Straw. It’s a must-try. Check out their matcha ice cream with toffee-brittle mealworms and chocolate crickets. Yep, you heard us. What kid wouldn’t wanna give this buggy concoction a try? And, yes, it is scrumptious.
Located near Section 132 and also in Section 328, Pure Acai is Just Poke’s sister chain that offers frozen acais and fresh fruit. Kid favorite: Nutella Toast. Nutella is spread on multigrain toast and then topped with banana coconut and granola. You will want to get your mitts on this goodness.
Wanna take you teeny fanatics through the history of baseball? Then work in time during your visit to stop by the Mariners Hall Of Fame, by Sections 135-141, along the third base line on the Main Concourse. Created back in 1997 to honor players, employees and influential contributors to the history of the Mariners franchise, the Hall of Fame might be just the ticket for old-timey entertainment while kicking it at the Park. It features the history of baseball in the PNW, from the 1800s forward and has fun, interactive activities for kiddos of all ages. It’s open during all home games so you can build your crew’s baseball brains any time you visit.
9. Save Money with Value Home Games
Alaina Weimer
Who says you can’t hit the ballpark on a budget anymore? Yes, you can! In addition to the value food and drinks menu, there are also several value games on the 2022 schedule. Bleacher and View Level seats are just $10, Main Level seats go for $20 and Terrace Club seats are only $30 at these special games. Mark your calendars for the June Value Home Games against the Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Angels on the 13th, 14th and 16. Now that is a swing and a hit!
10. There's a Top Level Kids Corner
Alaina Weimer
If the rain stays at bay, pop fly on up to the View Level (Level 300, above the Home Plate entrance) for the bonus children’s activities (weather permitting). Up there you will find good old fashioned baseball fun to be had. Try out the hitting tees, the throwing accuracy, timed base running, kid-sized baseball diamond and great photo ops for the whole fam. Don’t forget to check out the views from up there on a clear day. You can glimpse the Sound, the Olympic Mountains and the Seattle skyline.
Especially for Parents
Alaina Weimer
Don’t forget to get to know the rules surrounding bags and strollers before heading to the ballpark. While most large-sized bags are not allowed through security, single compartment diaper bags (with kiddo present) are. So make sure and bring along the appropriate kind of bag. Any other bags that come into the stadium must be clear or a small clutch.
Strollers are also permitted, but keep in mind you will need to check it into Guest Services (Sections 128 and 329) during the game. Outside food (wrapped, bagged or in a container) is allowed in the park, as is bottled water, if the seal isn’t broken. Vendors outside the stadium also sell munchies that can be brought into the game.
If you've got a baby with you, you can count on diaper changing tables in most ballpark restrooms, and nursing moms can find a private Nursing Lounge at Section 128.
Good to know: Be sure to check out the Mariner’s Promotional Calendar for an extra-memorable visit to the ballpark. Events like Star Wars Fireworks Night, AANHPI Heritage Night, the Mariner’s Juneteenth and Pride Celebrations and a chance for kids to run the bases post-game (the next one is scheduled for July 3, 2022) are tons of fun.
T-Mobile Park
1250 1st Ave. S.
Seattle, WA Online:mlb.com/mariners
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We have to admit, shopping for a birthday gift for a five-year-old might just be our favorite. They totally appreciate the gifts they receive and bonus, they are able to play with them on their own. We polled our parent-editors for their top picks and you’ll find building toys, books about the world around you and even a sweet treat that turns into a garden activity.
Help your child build a piggy bank, train and more. The kit includes smooth pine pieces, a lightweight hammer, nails, glue, a ruler and a guide with instructions for all the projects you can make.
Easy-to-follow instructions and easy-to-use modeling clay allows little ones to manipulate shapes into farm animals or wherever their imagination takes them.
Will this require a bit of extra work (like sourcing six mini cake pans?) Yes. But for a kid who loves baking and bright surprises, it'll be beyond worth it.
For blossoming readers, a special place to call their own is in order. This dangling nook can be hung indoors or out and comes in a variety of color combos.
Get the kids carrying their own water and gear from a young age (you won't regret it). This backpack is the perfect size for a weekend hike and they can stash all their "treasures" in the zippered compartment so you don't come home with a pocket full of rocks.
When her big brother, who is seven years old and autistic, lost his first tooth, she asked us to write a letter to the tooth fairy because she knew her brother would love a toy more than money. She made sure to check his pillow the next morning and show him what had arrived.
She has taken on the role of a special sister the most beautiful way. I don’t know how a five-year-old can accept such big things? Like how sometimes her wants and needs just must come second. Or third.
She doesn’t know about all the things we’ve had to miss out on because we were not able to take her brother, so we all stayed home. But my heart says that she wouldn’t mind. She always wants him with her anyway.
This little light came into our lives when we needed her most. When her big brother needed her, too.
She quickly took on the role of looking out for her brother, telling people when he can’t do things or when sounds are hurting his ears. Or when he just needs a break to sing himself a song.
As you can imagine, being relied on through toddlerhood is a lot. It continues to be a lot, but she navigates everything that comes her way with more grace and patience than I have most days.
Her brother doesn’t like it when she eats cheerios because of the smell. He cannot tolerate some of her favorite shows or toys because of the sound.
She has learned to bring him his headphones when he is overwhelmed, and rush through her morning cup of cereal. These are things I wish she didn’t have to do.
The majority of her first few years were spent in the car, shuffling her brother around to different specialists on his long journey to an autism diagnosis.
Then it was her turn for the doctors, specialists, and more waiting rooms. Her severe allergic reactions, ambulance rides, Epinephrine pens, glasses, patching, asthma…she continues to adapt. Nothing slows her down.
She is happy, independent, curious, and I love watching her learn and grow more each day. She asks questions (so many questions!), watches, listens, and takes it all in.
She encourages her brother through difficult food therapy and haircutting programs. “It’s okay, Wilson.” She whispers in the sweetest voice on earth. She takes his hand to show him when he doesn’t seem to listen.
She tells others matter-of-factly that her brother has autism. She looks up to him, admires him, and is so proud of him.
When she empties her piggy bank to get a toy at the store, she asks to pick one for him, too. How is so much kindness and love packed into that sweet little body?
She is not an autism expert, none of us are. She is learning to be a thoughtful, kind human who knows differences are good, beautiful and something to be proud of.
We’re so proud of her and the amazing person she is becoming.
Lauren is a proud mom of two adorable kids, her son Wilson and daughter Charlie. She is constantly learning from her children and loves to share their adventures from the world of autism on wilsonsclimb.com. Lauren shares her son's journey as one small piece in helping to spread autism awareness around the world.
Money is part of everyone’s life. You need money to purchase necessary items like groceries and clothing, and you need it to pay bills to survive. Some people are great at finances—others, not so much. That’s why you must teach your kids valuable lessons about money from a young age so they can adequately manage their finances well into adulthood.
You don’t want to risk allowing your child to learn inadequate money management from someone else, so that’s why you need to teach your kids about money. Financial skills are essential to navigate life, so here are some realistic ways to teach your kids about money so they’re set for the future.
Teach Them the Value of Money
First of all, you should teach your kids about the value of money. If you hand a young child a penny, nickel and dime, they’ll likely choose the larger coin, which is the nickel. However, the nickel is not the most valuable.
You can teach your children the names of coins and how much they’re worth. They’ll be able to recognize coins after repetition of showing and teaching them their values.
Talk Openly about Family Monetary Decisions
You shouldn’t have to hide monetary decisions from your children. If you’re paying bills or have a significant expense coming up, explain to your children that you have to save money for it and might have to budget, which means no more unnecessary items for a short amount of time.
Let them understand that things cost money and that their food, clothes, and toys don’t magically show up at your house. Ever since they were born, you’ve had to carefully save money to support them. Explain how you pay for things so they know how much everything costs.
Use a Clear Jar for Their Savings
Piggy banks are great ways for children to save money they get for birthdays, holidays, or if they find a coin on the sidewalk. They love putting their earnings into a piggy bank, but unless you dump all of the money out, they can’t visually see how much they have saved.
When kids can visually see their monetary growth, they’ll learn and grasp the concept of money even better. Each time they add to the jar, they can see the growth and be excited that they’re saving money!
Play Board Games That Involve Money
What’s more fun than a family game night? Games like Monopoly and The Game of Life teach valuable money skills. Although the money is fake, your children can learn what it’s like to spend money, be in debt, and invest their money.
Your kids can get a sense of how the world of money works. They can decide what they really need in life, which leads to better spending habits in the future.
Talk about Spending, Saving and Giving
When your child earns money, create three different envelopes for them—one for spending, saving, and giving. Part of teaching them about money is teaching them how to organize their money.
Each time they receive money, have them split it into either equal parts or an agreed percentage for each category. Then, they can choose what to do with the funds in each category. For example, if they have a friend in need, they can use the “giving” money for their friend.
Let Them Pay for Something They Want
Kids always want things, whether it be a new video game or a dollhouse. These items aren’t something they need, so if they want it, allow them to save up and pay for it themselves. They’ll soon realize that it takes a lot of saving to pay for an item.
If they want the item badly enough, they will take the time to save their money, especially if you refuse to give in and purchase it for them.
Encourage Teens to Get a Job
There are plenty of opportunities for teenagers to get a job. As your children get to that age, they can begin doing more work. They will further understand that it takes hard work to earn a small amount of money and appreciate how much you work to make money for everyday expenses.
Start with a small job, like babysitting or mowing lawns. Ask around the neighborhood what kinds of work people have that they can regularly pay your teen money to do. If you have older teenagers, help them search for a part-time job.
Use Everyday Context to Teach
Money is involved in everyday life. You likely spend money every day, whether it’s for groceries, spending at a restaurant, paying bills, and even for taxes. Each time you pull out cash or your credit or debit card, it’s a prime opportunity to teach your kids about money.
Let them help you count out money for a purchase, or have them help you fill out a form online when you make an online purchase. Additionally, teach them about checks and how to write them. The more often they can participate in spending, the more skills you’ll instill into them.
It’s Never Too Early to Teach Kids about Money
You’re better off being realistic about money with your children from a young age than have them grow up and be misinformed about the world of money. Help them make wise financial decisions so you can be confident in their future money habits.
Kara Reynolds is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Momish Magazine. A mom of four and matriarch to her big blended family, Kara wants nothing more than to normalize differences in family structures. She enjoys peeing alone, pancakes, and pinot noir - but not at the same time.
Raising caring and kind kids in a day and age where just about anything can be ordered and delivered with the click of a button (or a command) is no easy feat. After all, Alexa might seem generous and all, but she’s not where kids need to look for parental guidance. To help you out, we listed a few tips and tricks that’ll help you turn materialistic tendencies into reflective mindfulness––(really!)—because the earlier you teach your kids to be less self-involved and more generous, the better. Keep reading to see them all.
1. Volunteer. Volunteering teaches your kids that giving to others is an act rather than a concept. There are plenty of actions kids can take to aid in causes such as eliminating world hunger. We even have 12 ways kids can give back without leaving the house. There is always a way to be generous that will improve the lives of others.
2. Read books/watch films that teach kids about other people's experiences. Use bedtime stories to make your kids more aware of the plight of fellow humans. These 11 books will teach kids compassion and empathy while inspiring them to change the world for the better.
3. Share stories about the generosity your family has been shown.This theory suggests that you can teach children to give by telling them how much your family has been given. Explain how the generosity of others has helped you, or how someone's generous spirit has helped your child. Doing so will instill a desire to pay it forward.
4. Write it down. When you record daily gratitude, kids will learn to look for it everywhere, and in turn, share it with others. UC Berkeley's Greater Good magazine suggests having kids "think about three instances from their day—a person, an experience, an event—for which they feel thankful. Tell them to write about the details of what happened and who was involved."
5. Be generous with your words/kindness/good deeds daily. Every parent knows, our kids imitate our actions. So let them see you help their teacher in the classroom, ask your grocery checker how their day is going, buy the coffee for the person in front of you in line ... there are so many ways to be generous with your spirit––and your kids will grow up wanting to do the same.
6. Set the tone and lead by example. Kids also study their parents closely to see how mom and dad cope with not getting what they want. Take disappointments and setbacks in stride and be the model of a good example by buying less non-essential items. Shift the focus from material possessions to intangible forms of fulfillment. If you fuss at not getting what you want, or you always have to be on to the next purchase instead of enjoying what you have, that attitude will trickle down to your kids.
7. Broaden their perspective of the world. Parents tend to protect their young kids in a bubble … and rightly so to an extent. But we can get them beyond their limited perspective by teaching them about people in need, and get them involved by donating time or goods to others. Make soup to deliver to an elderly neighbor. Have them select toys and books they no longer use to donate to kids in shelters. Take a new teddy bear to the local children’s hospital for a suffering child, make no-sew blankets for the homeless. No act of charity is too small.
8. Just say NO, and don’t back down. Prep your kids in the car before a trip to Target or your shopping destination that you will not be buying them ANY toys or trinkets. Even if they clutch that dollar section gizmo in the cart the entire time, they must put it back before checkout time … tantrum or not. When kids know you stand by your word and you front-load them with this information before your outings, it will help to stop begging and pleading on the fly.
9. Or … hit the pause button on purchases. If there’s something your kid really wants that will benefit them, then try delayed gratification––a practice that has been proven to make people more successful overall in life. Read about The Marshmallow Experiment conducted on kids in relation to delayed gratificationhere. Some purchases like a new bicycle or a great book could provide life-changing experiences for kids, but if they’re able to wait to buy these items, even for a short amount of time, the payoff will be greater, and they’ll also learn a valuable life skill.
10. Ask: “Is it a need or a want?” When your kiddo is having a “gimme” moment, ask him if he “needs” the item in questions or if he “wants” it? He’ll most likely instantly know the difference if you explain that you “need” something to survive. If the item is a want, and you’re okay with buying it, consider saving it for the next holiday gift or having your kid spend their piggy bank money to purchase it.
11. Help kids realize the “rush” of getting new stuff is short-lived. It’s an epidemic among humans to want more and to experience the temporary excitement of buying new items. But, buying too much stuff doesn’t lead to long-term happiness—in fact, it may have the opposite effect, as clutter and keeping up with the Joneses lead to an endless purchase cycle. Give your kid examples of things they’ve bought that are now relegated to a dark corner of the closet or lost under their bed. A light bulb might go on in their head the next time you mention this during one of their “gimme” moments.
12. Spend more time than money on your kids. Prioritize love, laughter and shared positive experiences over acquiring belongings. It’s a fact that family vacations can boost a child’s happiness; consider putting the money you’d spend on frivolous purchases into a vacation fund jar instead. If traveling is a stretch, you can also opt for tickets to a concert or play or a trip to get ice cream.
13. Teach kids to split their piggy bank savings in three ways. Find a three-way piggy bank that has compartments labeled: save, spend and share. When your kids earn chore money or receive birthday or holiday gift money, have them divide it––however it’s fairly agreed upon between parent and kiddo––into the save, spend and share categories. This allows them to be generous with their own “share” money to give to a cause that moves them (ie: buying dog food for shelter animals) or any way they want to help others. Saving money will teach them goal-setting and the value of a dollar, and the money they have left to spend will mean more to them after this division.
14. Monitor, limit and explain media exposure. Kids are bombarded by advertisements from morning to night. YouTube videos of kids reviewing the latest “must-have” toys, TV commercials, pop-up ads online, social media ads, even branding by sponsors of school-related events. Explain to your kids that ads serve the sole purpose of making you want to buy things, and then don’t let them fall into that trap. Fast forward/skip commercials when possible too.
15. Make thank you cards a habit. Handwritten thank you notes have become a lost art, which is unfortunate. When kids take a few minutes to reflect upon and acknowledge the kind deed of someone selecting, buying, wrapping and giving them a gift––it teaches them the full circle process of being both a giver and a gracious recipient. It’s hard for a ‘gimme’ attitude to co-exist with a child who has learned to be gracious. You can discover creative ways to say thank you by clicking here.
Having a baby in the house means lots of baby wipes and a whole lot of empty boxes. Instead of tossing them, turn your trash into treasure with this upcycle idea. From clever storage to sensory toys, you’ll find lots of ingenious ways to repurpose those baby wipes containers.
This piggy bank requires minimal crafting supplies and can be used in multiple ways. Older kids can store their money in it, and younger kids can work on counting and fine motor skills. Use plastic coins or plastic bottle caps as money and show your little one how to place each coin in the opening. Get more details on how to create this clever piggy at Sunny Day Family.
Crafty folks will love to keep knitting products neat and tidy in these containers. Whether you decide to go glam by repainting and decorating it, or just use as is, when you thread the raw end through the top hole, your yarn slides out with no snags. See the easy way to pull this off at DIY Inspired.
First Aid Kit
Create a first aid kit for the car or to bring on vacation! It's the perfect size to hold adhesive bandages, antiseptics, pain reducers, and more.
Nail Polish Storage
Keep those nail polish bottles organized and upright by storing in a baby wipe box. The hard-shelled container makes it easy to tote your beauty products and will prevent a mess should one of the bottles break or open.
Save up plastic bottle caps and mark each with a letter of the alphabet. Then feed the "alphabet monster." You can also sort by color or use different objects and sort by shape. Get the tutorial from I Can Teach My Child.
Whether you're organizing daily meds or just want to get that medicine cabinet cleaned up, a wipes container gets the job done. Kelli's Kitchen beautified her container by priming and painting, and then adding ribbon for extra pizazz. The result? A cute box that keeps your medication neat and out of kids' sight. Check out Kelli's Kitchen for more creative ways to use wipes containers.
If you have plastic bags cluttering up your cupboards, try this tip from the Thriftiness Mess. Pop those bags in a wipes container with one coming out the top like in a tissue box. It'll be easy to grab one when you need it for wet clothes, spare snacks or stinky diapers.
If baby has an older sibling, you know that LEGOs end up in every nook and cranny you could possibly imagine (or not even imagine). Help keep these little blocks contained, and out of the reach of your baby, with this storage box that doubles as a creation station. We love this for long car rides. Blogger kv.barn shows you how to make it.
This faux laptop is easy to make and won’t expose your tiny tots to any actual screen time but will still allow them to type away just like Mom and Dad. Get the scoop on how to build it at She Wears Flowers.
Two things that excite babies: pictures of themselves and opening and closing things. This wipe box turned toy accomplishes both. The I Can Teach My Child Blog has turned the box top into a mini house with functional windows and doors that reveal pictures of baby and family members.
As your baby grows, so does the amount of stuff you have lying around the playroom. To keep those art supplies organized, create these cute craft boxes. They're the perfect size for storing pencils, crayons and markers. Find the tutorial from Sweet Shoppe Designs, (scroll down a bit).
Introduce Math Skills
Mrs. Karen's Preschool Ideas
This fun way to teach numbers is great for older siblings. Turn the tops of wipes boxes into game show-esque revealing windows and you have yourself a way to introduce the concept of counting. For smaller tots, pictures of animals or items of different textures would also work well. Mrs. Karen’s Preschool Ideas shows you how.
Celebrities all over the world are reaching out in any way they can to help during the coronavirus pandemic. Some are live streaming free concerts while others are reading bedtime stories to entertain kids stuck at home while schools are closed. Celebrities are also making charitable donations to those in need.
Country music star, Brad Paisley and his wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley own a free grocery store in Nashville, Tennessee. Currently, they are utilizing their volunteer delivery service to deliver a week’s worth of groceries to elderly residents in specific neighborhoods.
Singer, Ciara and her husband, NFL star, Russell Wilson have donated $1 million to Food Lifeline, a food bank in their community in Seattle Washington.
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are donating $1 million to be split between Feeding America and Food Banks Canada. On Twitter, Reynolds said, “Take care of your bodies and hearts. Leave room for joy. Call someone who’s isolated and might need connection.”
Lady Gaga’s beauty brand, Haus Laboratories is supporting the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and the Food Bank for New York City. In a statement on Twitter they said, ” We believe this is a time to choose compassion over fear. Just like our fearless leader, Lady Gaga, we know we will get through this together if we remember to continue to lead with kindness.”
Actors Jennifer Garner and Amy Adams partnered to launch Save With Stories. This organization asks for donations to raise money for Save the Children and No Kid Hungry. On Instagram Garner wrote, “These funds will help us make sure that families know how to find meals when schools are closed, support mobile meal trucks, food banks and other community feeding programs, provide educational toys, books and worksheets, and support out-of-school-time programs to help kids make up for lost time in the classroom.”
Jusitn Timberlake is donating to Mid-South Food Bank in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. This organizations helping people assemble and deliver nonperishable food in the Mid-South.
Country singer, Dierks Bentley announced he will be temporarily closing his Nashville bar, Whiskey Row Nashville along with his plans to give each of his 90 hourly employees $1000 to help in the short run. He encouraged other business owners to help out their employees as well during this time of uncertainty.
On Instagram, Kristen Bell shared that her family recently contributed a total of $150,007.96 to No Kid Hungry. In her post she explained, “The reason the number is odd, is because when my kids overheard me making the donation, they asked if they could also donate the money from their piggy bank,” she explained. “I couldn’t have been prouder to add that extra, and important 7 dollars and 96 cents.”
Little by little, we decided to start teaching our son the real value of things. Now, in his five short years of age, he considers it important to have some money in his small piggy bank to be able to help Santa Claus at Christmas, because in his opinion, it’s not fair that Santa should do all the work by himself.
Here are some of the things we’ve done that have shown the most promise so far.
1. Needs vs. Wants: One of the first things we tried to teach our child was about the difference between something he needs vs something he wants. This is fundamental to establishing the concept of value.
Yes, he may want the latest Playstation 4 video game, but it’s not something he needs. He needs clothes on his back, a roof over his head, food and water. He doesn’t absolutely need the latest gadget, that fill-in-the-blank item in the grocery store.
These are just a few examples but there are so many more ways you can show your child the difference between a want and a need so that he begins to understand and distinguish between the two.
2. Giving Him Money vs Paying for Work: Once he starts to understand the difference between wants and needs, you can build on this by introducing concepts around the value of a dollar. Now, many parents are split on whether to give their kids an allowance or pay them for some form of work. There’s no right or wrong answer as that’s a personal decision.
Pay for Performance: For us, we started giving our son opportunities to do help us out with some simple and basic chores around the house in exchange for money. This could be as simple as him helping us take out the garbage or decluttering certain rooms, to him helping us with DIY projects, such as painting. As your child grows and matures, you can widen the scope of tasks he can potentially do and assign different dollar amounts, such as shoveling the entire driveway or washing a few plates.
Allowance: There’s also nothing wrong with giving your child an allowance. Your child’s friends may receive some form of allowance and it can be a positive tool. It’s a good way for them to learn financial responsibility, as they learn how to manage money and hopefully save some of it as well. Giving them a sense of ownership over their own money is important. That said, there should be clear rules and guidelines that your child should follow:
First and foremost, set a reasonable amount that’s age-appropriate. Again, this depends on individual circumstances, most notably the child’s age, your financial circumstances, and what dollar amounts you feel comfortable giving your child
From that baseline dollar amount, you should discuss ground rules for how often you will be giving it to him or her, as well as any potential increases.
Even better, put it in writing. It could be something as simple as a one-paragraph statement on a piece of paper that spells out how much and how often your child will receive their allowance. If applicable, try to ask your child to commit to saving a certain percentage of it, or even itemizing it (depending on how large the allowance is) so that they can break down how much will be spent on school supplies, donations vs the latest toys.
Again, there’s no right or wrong answer here, an allowance or a pay for play system. We chose the latter and paid our son varying amounts depending on the difficulty of the job and how long it would take to complete. We feel that by making him work for something, he has a better sense of the value of money.
3. Pay in Cash: Along the same lines, we always paid him in cash, and never a debit or credit card. First and foremost, he’s too young for plastic so it was an easy decision from that standpoint. Also, a recent MIT study cited in Forbes confirms the psychological effect that spending money with cards vs cash has on individuals. By giving him actual dollars, your child physically counts the dollar amounts and connects them with item amounts in a much more tangible way. Cash is finite vs cards which seem infinite to many people.
4. ATM Machines: My kid used to think that the ATM is a magical money machine! Mommy simply goes to the ATM and out comes money. He didn’t understand the relationship between working for a salary that is then paid to me, and withdrawn via the bank ATM machine.
Now this one is age-dependent and he’s, arguably, too young for a bank account but he has a piggy bank. Once this piggy bank is full, and he gets just a bit older, we’ll take him to the bank to open up a small savings account in his own name. He will physically count the amount of money he will deposit, see it displayed in actual numbers on a receipt and printed on screen for him. Only then will he start to draw connections between the intangible world of plastic and bank statements vs actual cash. We’ll eventually progress to the concept of interest but for now, he’s only five! Too soon.
5. Leading By Example: At the end of the day, kids mimic what they see, be it from you, their siblings, teachers or other children. If you save money yourself and your child observes your saving habits, he will naturally begin to understand and emulate your ways. Perhaps you can have your own money jar that you fill up with loose change. Or maybe learn to point out things that you need for yourself and the house vs things that you may be buying simply because you want them.
We may want children to do as we say, but more often than not, they do as we do. Let’s all start setting great examples for our children.
