Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping at our favorite toy stores in Boston. Hint: They have great gift recs
The holiday countdown has begun! We know for many parents that means thinking about finding that perfect gift for family and friends, even while driving around to see holiday lights and heading out to find your tree. Sure, it’s always easy to shop online, local toy stores in Boston have some of the coolest gifts for kids in town. With everything from personalized recommendations to gorgeous gift wrapping and free local delivery, these independent toy stores make holiday shopping a breeze. Here’s where to shop small this year.
This "little shop with a big mission" was opened back in 2003 by children's book author, Peter H. Reynolds, the brilliant mind behind The Dot. The large blue bunny outside welcomes kids into the cozy shop that's not only got a great selection of toys, but books as well. As you can imagine, the authors who "hop" into the shop for book signings and readings are some of the best around. Find all sorts of unusual and interesting toys for everyone on your list (no matter what the occasion) when you stop in this store in Dedham.
Insider Tip: Gift wrapping is always free at this friendly store.
Let's just say you'd have to be crazy not to shop here. CouCou (pronounced “koo-koo”) is the French word used for the globally popular children’s game of Peek-a-boo. The store, located in the South End neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, offers a wide selection of uniquely curated products for ages 0-10, including clothes, toys, crafts, homewares and gifts, imported from around the globe.
Featuring shiny new things to spruce up your kiddo’s nest, Magpie Kids focuses on modern toys. It’s where you’ll find locally made toys, as well clothing and gift items from recognizable brands like Milkbarn, Angel Dear, and Plan Toys. Stop in to find that just-right gift, whether you're shopping for baby's arrival, baby's first birthday, or any other memorable milestones for your kids. Whatever they're into—arts and crafts, playing music, reading, or just making believe—they've got what you need here.
One of Boston's newer toy stores on the block, The Happy Journey was opened not too long ago by Lindsay Perrelli, an elementary school teacher and children's author. It’s everyone’s go-to spot for educational, high-quality toys, books, and games that Perrelli has personally selected. Stop by each season to browse the skillfully built displays that are as appealing to parents as they are to kids.
With eight Boston-area locations to choose from, you'll definitely find what you need at this super-cool toy store. Shop their online store where you can find gifts sorted by age and interest, as well as some super fun options like personalized surprise packs. With free shipping on orders over $50 and free gift wrap, this is a great option for those who want to check gift buying off their list, but haven't quite gotten around to it yet this year.
You can get tons of toys plus all the essential baby gear you need all under one roof at Magic Beans. They've been around since 2004, so they're totally up on all the hot toys and new products that you need. And did we mention they're parents, too? Takes one to know one when it comes to finding gifts and products your kids will actually use.
This toy shop is a community favorite and has called Jamaica Plain home for over 20 years. It is run by a local mom who is focused on building community and giving back. Don't worry—she also loves stocking the shelves with the coolest toys around. The oversized Alien Boingers that are hanging around outside the store set the tone for your shopping experience here. It's all about fun and finding that just-right toy, book, or game that will be played with time and time again.
Good to Know: There's free local deliveries of orders over $50 and free shipping on orders over $75.
Insider Tip: We can't get enough of the Boing's Kindness Club that encourage kids to perform random acts of kindness in their community for a small prize.
667 Centre St. Jamaica Plain, MA Online: boingtoys.com
8. Eureka! Puzzles
This toy store right in the heart of Coolidge Corner focuses on puzzles, board games, brain teasers, and STEM gifts for kids of all ages. Make shopping for kids easy on everyone in the family (we're looking at your grandparents) when you create a wish list for your kids. It's the best gift to give those who are doing the shopping. And if you're looking for something a little different to give this year? Why not try a personalized puzzle on Eureka's new puzzle press.
Parents-to-be know that Tadpole is the place to go for baby registries and all the gear you'll need to bring the little one home. They also have a ton of unique gifts for kids like including STEM toys, LEGO sets, puzzles, and more. It's a great spot to shop for the toddler in your life.
Got old toys? Mattel is here to give them a new lease on life.
The Mattel Playback program is all about recovering and reusing materials in Mattel toys and is a part of the company’s larger effort to reach 100 percent bio-based, recycled and recyclable plastic materials in all of its products and packaging by 2030. Starting out, the program will take Barbie, Matchbox and MEGA toys, with other brands becoming available for recycling in the future.
Participation is easy. First, pack up your Mattel toys that your kiddos have outgrown, then visit Mattel.com/PlayBack to print a free shipping label. Mail off to Mattel, where your box will be sorted ed by material type, processed and recycled.
If there are materials that cannot be recycled, Mattel PlayBack will convert them to energy or downcycle into other plastic products. The program is currently available in the United States and Canada, with France, Germany and the United Kingdom using a third-party partner to launch similar options.
“At Mattel, we are committed to managing the environmental impact of our products,” added Pamela Gill-Alabaster, Global Head of Sustainability, Mattel. “The Mattel PlayBack program helps parents and caregivers ensure that valuable materials stay in play, and out of landfills, with the aim to repurpose these materials as recycled content in new toys. It is one important step we’re taking to address the growing global waste challenge.
For more information on the Mattel PlayBack program, visit Mattel.com/PlayBack.
Where are the friendliest places to travel? Even though masks may hide smiles, plenty of places are still filled with friendly faces—and Expedia has ranked them for you, based on user experiences.
The travel pros at Expedia sorted through reviews to find the highest number of friendly-factor mentions. Associated words and linguistic connections such as “friendly, friendliest, amiable” landed some cities at the top of Expedia’s list.
Now that you’re ready to pack the family up and head out on your first getaway of the year, it’s time to pick a destination. If friendliness is an important factor, you have plenty of travel destinations to choose from. The top 10 friendliest cities, based on Expedia user reviews include:
Whitefish, Montana
Sister Bay, Wisconsin
Manitou Springs, Colorado
Easton, Maryland
Lihue, Hawaii
Sierra Vista, Arizona
Kennebunkport, Maine
Chincoteague, Virginia
Ogunquit, Maine
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Along with these friendly cities, other top 20 honors went to Carolina Beach, North Carolina, Kahului, Hawaii, Alamogordo, New Mexico, Manhattan, New York, Kapa’a, Hawaii, Bar Harbor, Maine, Grants Pass, Oregon, Deadwood, South Dakota, Hilo, Hawaii and Aspen, Colorado.
It’s a massive fear for any nanny: working while the parents are still in the house. But that’s what the pandemic has served up for most of us. Everyone within the same four walls. All the time. To say that I was extremely grateful to still have my new job is a fantastic understatement—but we (yes we: me, the parents, and the kids) were all about to undergo the biggest get-to-know-you test. Ever.
All I can do is all I can do.
The initial anxiety caught in my throat: every word, every choice I made with the kids was available to be observed. I’m confident in the work I do with children, but the thought of someone looking over my shoulder every minute made me unnecessarily question almost a decade of experience. (Why?!) Once I got past the feeling of trying to impress the parents by overtly demonstrating that I could do my job, what unfolded among us all has been a fresh lesson on something I preach as the most important thing for the parent/nanny relationship. Effective communication.
The silver lining to spending more time around your mom and dad bosses…is that you get to spend more time with your mom and dad bosses. Here’s what I mean. Pre-pandemic, the nanny and the parents are simply relay runners handing off the baton. We’re working towards the same goal, but we’re doing it separately. There’s not much time for real connection. For real teamwork.
Sure, we have our regularly scheduled check-ins to ensure we discuss what’s going on with the kids and if we need to adjust any schedules or address any behavioral issues. But the quality of time we had to connect as adults was limited. It’s the dedicated time that allows us to share how that tantrum the other day is still weighing on our hearts, or how a conversation with a friend is making us question everything lately. Over time that type of connection gets built, but with all of us in the same house, it blossomed much more quickly and deeply.
And it makes sense why.
We were IN IT. Together. In real-time. Especially with my mom boss, we sorted through the scientific guidelines and best practices to keep the kids and ourselves safe. We outfitted the house with spaces for the kids to learn and the parents to work. We set up new technology systems to make everything flow easier.
All while we each sorted through our own individual emotions after having all plans thrown out a window and our greatest fears challenged: will we and those we love be ok? You know, simple stuff.
So what did “effective communication” mean for us? It meant listening to each other. Like, REALLY LISTENING to feelings, fears, questions, and concerns. And what we discovered was that in so many ways, my mom boss and I have the same thought process.
The guilt that drives her to always know and feel the need to be a MOM (even when there’s someone there to help), that makes her feel like there’s always something more she could/should be doing, that doesn’t allow her to be “off” when she’s off.
As the nanny, I feel every single one of those things too.
I’m thinking and worrying about the kids when I’m not on the clock, I find it difficult to accept a break when given one because I worry I haven’t done enough to earn one. I’m constantly nervous that I’m not living up to expectations or what the kids need me to be.
The commonality here is that we’re both carrying an unnecessary burden that we’ve placed on ourselves. It’s only the voices in our heads that are telling us we aren’t enough. One person can’t do it all—obviously—that’s why we’re a team.
You know how in most sports movies the team is filled with talented players who all have something to offer, but they still keep coming up short? The inspirational montage that typically follows involves them spending time to get to know each other—both in practice and in real life. It’s the time spent understanding how each teammate thinks and feels that allows everyone to support and encourage them to be their best selves and helps the team gel and work as one.
The work-from-home experience of the pandemic has provided the opportunity for me and my parent bosses to have our team-building montage much sooner and more quickly than a pre-pandemic experience. But the question is, once things are “back to normal,” how do parents and caregivers continue to connect in this way?
In thinking about the eventual next new family I’ll be working with, there are few things that I’ll be prioritizing even more. The first is a special kind of “first day of work.” Instead of only having an extra 30-60 minutes to transition things at the beginning of my first day of work, I’m going to coordinate a family experience in which we’re all just spending time together and having fun. This could be a group outing to the zoo, an evening of playing board games, or sitting around a fire pit making s’mores. It’s important that we start our relationship off on a personal foot
The next thing I’m going to prioritize is quality time with my mom boss. Whether this is staying for an hour after she gets home to have a glass of wine together, or coordinating with dad so we can spend an afternoon away together. Life is too short for us to silently process through the same struggles alone.
If there’s anyone that can truly relate to my struggles in caring for kids, it’s their mom. If there’s anyone that can truly relate to her womanhood and raising kids, it’s me. And when we’re at that level of understanding, we can better support each other by reminding ourselves that: All I can do is all I can do.
For the past 11 years I’ve grown a career in the professional Nanny industry helping successful families thrive in the home and in the office by holding down the fort managing all things relative to their children.
My mission is to help others live a life of less stress and more joy by finding valuable products and resources for parents that help them achieve that very thing.
Grab your wand! No matter which house you were sorted into Harry Potter fans know the story of the Half-Blood Prince. Jan. 9 marks Severus Snape’s birthday and now you can celebrate by reading the entire Harry Potter series for free through the public library with the e-reading app, Libby by OverDrive.
Libby allows readers to borrow and read ebooks and audiobooks from your local public library for free. Access ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines from your library using your phone or tablet.
All that’s needed to read all seven wizarding world books is a public library card. If readers don’t have one, they can sign up for the Instant Digital Card with a phone number in less than 30 seconds.
Get your virtual wands ready. Each year, on Sept. 1 Harry Potter fans gather at London’s Kings Cross Sation at 11:00 a.m. to raise their wands to mark the Hogwarts Express’ departure from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters as it takes students to the fabled school of witchcraft and wizardry. The Class of 2020’s celebration has gone digital so more fans can join in than ever before.
The Wizarding World extends an open invitation to come together virtually and join the very first digital Back to Hogwarts. This completely free, atmospheric, virtual event has been developed to help keep everyone safe and to be enjoyed from the comfort of home.
Starting Aug. 29 fans can check out the Back to Hogwarts Hub on WizardingWorld.com, where they can join the Harry Potter Fan Club, get Sorted and ready themselves to celebrate with an incredible selection of content, including:
Hearing from some of the creative masterminds responsible for bringing the magic to life, (including genius wand choreographer Paul Harris, who will be demonstrating and teaching the art of Wand Combat)
Transporting themselves from the muggle-world into the magical one by listening to the Journeys to Hogwarts Soundscape – a Harry Potter immersive audio experience featuring all the sounds you’d hear on that iconic journey. Simply close your eyes and let your imagination roam!
A CineConcerts performance featuring orchestras from around the world playing memorable musical selections from each of the eight Harry Potter films at home
A sneak peek of the brand-new House of MinaLima on opening day, featuring Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima, plus exclusive Back to Hogwarts 2020 celebration artwork, which was created especially for the occasion and is also available as a limited-edition art print!
Going back to where the magic began with the celebrity readings of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (accessible exclusively for registered members of the Harry Potter Fan Club)
Plus, a host of Hogwarts-themed, inspiring craft ideas and creative tutorials for all ages
On Sept. 1 fans can join the very first virtual, Back to Hogwarts Livestream and experience the excitement of a fan celebration at Kings Cross, (including the countdown) without leaving the house! The livestream will feature a mass of surprises and fun, including appearances from special guests, including James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley) and Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy).
James Phelps said, “I’m so excited to be playing a part in the first ever digital Back to Hogwarts! 2020 has definitely been a strange year and it’s really important that we all do everything we can to keep safe, including staying home. I hope fans will join us and keep the celebrations virtual.”
Oliver Phelps added, “The Wizarding World fans are the greatest and getting the chance to share this special day with people all over the world is going to be brilliant. I’m really looking forward to everything this Digital Back to Hogwarts has in store and it’s a bonus that we can all do it from the sofa!”
In addition to familiar faces dropping by, there will be trivia games for fans to join in with, and even an appearance from the cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, before the fan countdown kicks off.
Additionally, fans can get even closer to the magic by submitting a snap of themselves to join the ‘Back to Hogwarts – Class of 2020’. Their photos will be added to a digital mosaic, which will grow throughout the day to bring the community to life. This is a chance for fans across the globe to show off their best cosplay, call out their House Pride or simply celebrate their fandom. Harry Potter Fan Club members will also receive a memento of the day too, as the mosaic will be available to them exclusively as a digital download to keep.
Fan submitted imagery will also be displayed inside Kings Cross station, giving participants a virtual presence there throughout the day! It will be available to view throughout the morning via the livestream and on social.
The digital event will kick off at 5:30 a.m. EST on Sept. 1 and fans can tune in live or following the event.
Your kids might not be heading into the Great Hall this fall but the new Harry Potter collection from H&M Kidswear will have them all sorted in time for school (or Zoom). Just launched this week, the new collection ranges in sizes from baby to big kid and we are loving them all. From jogger sets and sweatshirts to accessories including hats, scarves and shoes in House colors, you’ll find a wide range of items, all of which are cozy and comfortable. Scroll down for our top faves.
This printed t-shirt features icons from the different Houses arranged in a playful print, no sorting hat required. Ranges in sizes from 2T to 8/10yo. $9.99.
This metallic-print t-shirt in a soft cotton jersey fabric will let big kids tap into their magical side without feeling too costumey. Ranges in sizes 8/10 to 14yo (can we squeeze into that ourselves??). $7.99
This metallic print hoodie, which ranges in size 8/10-20 (14yo), is the perfect sweatshirt for fall, whether that entails solving riddles or rescuing your friends from the hands of mortal enemies. Or maybe just online class. $24.99
Are you still waiting on your letter from Hogwarts? Even mere muggles can be sorted into a house at the school for wizards. The Op has just announced that their new game, Harry Potter: House Cup Competition is available now.
It’s a new year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In Harry Potter: House Cup Competition board game use gained knowledge and magic to learn lessons and complete challenges. Players will play as their favorite Hogwarts House – Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff and send iconic characters like Harry Potter, Cedric Digory, Cho Chang and Draco Malfoy out on the game board. The player that earns the most points for their House will be named the House Cup Champion.
Harry Potter: House Cup Competition includes over 500 game components including a collectible House Cup Hourglass for point tallying – Game Board, 4 Common Room Player Boards, 12 Student Tokens, 36 Level Trackers, 18 Location Cards (4 starting, 10 middle, 4 ending), 40 Basic Lesson Cards, 27 Advanced Lesson Cards, 31 Easy Challenge Cards, 29 Hard Challenge Cards, 30 Knowledge Tokens, 25 Magic Tokens, 240 House Point Gems, 1 House Cup Hourglass Display, 1 First Player Token, 1 Round Tracker Token, 4 Reference Cards, and 1 Rulebook.
This game is suitable for players ages 11+ and retails for $49.99.
It’s the biggest Starbucks in the world, located smack dab in the middle of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, in the 35,000-square-foot former Crate and Barrel building. If you love coffee, you’ll want to pay your respects here, at Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago, a mecca of all things coffee, from coffee beans to coffee-infused cocktails. Even if your kids don’t yet appreciate a good cuppa Joe, they’ll love watching as coffee beans are sorted, roasted and then brewed via fancy, fiery contraptions. Settle in and enjoy an afternoon coffee date with your littles as they indulge in the wide range of over-the-top pastries.
Follow the coffee beans
As soon as you enter, expect to be overcome by the heady scent of coffee. Kids can watch as coffee beans are roasted, cooled and distributed throughout the roastery via a 56-foot tall, bronze-colored metal cask that extends from the top to the bottom floor. Ask your kids if they can hear the rainfall-like sound of the coffee beans as they journey through the cask.
The first floor is where you’ll find the quickest and most convenient coffee and pastry to-go bar. Take your pick from an assortment of Princi Bakery pastries, all artisanally-made with top-notch ingredients.
While the pastry menu will change with the seasons, kids who want to give coffee flavors a try will want to sample the classic Tiramisu, layered coffee-soaked, house-baked ladyfinger cookies sandwiched with mascarpone cream. Princi is also known for its cornetti, an Italian take on the croissant, filled with a variety of jams and creams. At the full bean scooping bar, you can take home Starbucks coffee beans.
Travel up to the second floor along the cool curved escalator—the first in the midwest!—to the Princi bakery. Everything is baked here, then delivered by a fascinating conveyor belt to the first and third floors. The second floor’s menu extends beyond pastries to Princi’s Italian-inspired breakfast and lunch sandwiches, pizzas and salads.
Seating is available throughout the roastery; highchairs are plentiful.
Coffee nerds unite!
The third floor is a coffee nerds dream, but even kids will enjoy watching moka brewed via seven different brewing methods, including the flame-powered siphon method brewing system. Parents will want to give a coffee flight a try here; kids will like the hot cocoa with extra whipped cream. (Warning: if your kids enjoy the fancy, fruity teas available at other Starbucks locations, they won’t find them here at the coffee-focused Roastery).
On the fourth floor, the bar, Arriviamo, serves not just coffee but also wine, beer, and signature cocktails. A fifth floor, rooftop terrace will open in the spring.
photo: Mural by Eulojio Ortega
It’s all in the details
Starbucks commissioned Chicago artist Eulojio Ortega to create a progressive mural that depicts the process that gets the beans into our venti-sized cups—including its planting, selection and processing. Take the stairs from the 1st to the 4th floor to watch the story unfold as Starbucks, with the help of Ortega, pays tribute to the dedicated farmers that keep us all caffeinated.
Look for the specially designed “Chicago” wall using Starbucks Reserve coffee cards. Each Starbucks Reserve coffee has its own unique card which is an original piece of art created by in-house designers and writers. You’ll find cards that represent Starbucks’ global Roasteries, including Milan, Shanghai, Tokyo, Seattle and New York.
Referred to as the “clackerboard” because of the sound it makes when in motion, the large board on the first floor alerts vistors to what’s brewing that day and any special events.
Plan a visit during off-hours
Lines here have been known to stretch out for more than three blocks and the massive space reached its 1,000-person capacity just 20 minutes after opening in November 2019. The rush starts late-morning, and the space can stay busy until close. Weekdays, early mornings, is the quietest time. The Starbucks Roastery Reserve Chicago is open 7 a.m.-11 p.m., seven days a week.
Nothing says hair metal like the sweet sound of baby coos. That might sound crazy, but when you hear one dad’s viral video of an AC/DC song made with nothing but baby sounds you’ll understand.
You’ve probably heard of the popular music collection Rockabye Baby, in which artists reimagine hit songs as lullabies. Dad, Matt MacMillan took the concept to new heights by recording his baby’s coos and editing them together to create a remix of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck.”
As MacMillan explains in a separate video, he spent an entire year recording all of the adorable baby sounds his son, Ryan, made. He sifted through all of the recordings and eliminated those without a tone. He then categorized and sorted the remaining 83 by pitch and then narrowed those down, by removing repeating sounds, to 21.
Using those final 21, he painstakingly edited together the final tune arranging each sound to match with the song’s notes. He also edited the visual elements of his son making the sounds in sync with the song. Altogether his hard work paid off in one incredible and adorable musical experience.