We’re here to celebrate the Big Guy himself (no, not Santa). Make his holiday merry with these gifts for dad

Whether they’re helping to put together new toys, busy in the kitchen playing host to the whole family, or making sure all the wrapping paper gets picked up, dads are just the greatest. Biological or not, these father figures keep our worlds spinning—but they’re also notoriously difficult to buy for. (Finding gifts for dad is no small feat!)

We made sure to put together a cool collection of worthy-for-our-hero gifts that go beyond the usual necktie or socks (not that there’s anything wrong with those!). From the grillmaster to the nostalgic, we’ve got every type of dad covered. He really is the best, so make sure he knows it with these gifts for dad below.

Knockaround Pacific Palisades Polarized Sunglasses

REI

With a cool retro look and FDA-approved impact-resistant lenses, there's no dad out there who wouldn't love protecting his eyes in style with these.

Knockaround Pacific Palisades Polarized Sunglasses ($32.00)—Buy Here!

Misunderstood Songs Game

Brass Monkey

A party game all about identifying songs–from the worst descriptions humanly possible? Sounds like it's right up dad's alley. 

Misunderstood Songs Game ($18.00)—Buy Here!

PARKIT Voyager Chair

PARKIT

This cooler-chair combo is brilliant. An insulated under-chair compartment, interchangeable cup holder, hands-free carrying, and 5 cool designs make this a gift he'll use all the time.

PARKIT Voyager Chair ($203.00)—But Here!

Tumbler Knife Sharpener

Tumbler

This viral (yes, viral! Just ask TikTok.) knife sharpener is like nothing we've ever seen before. Use the roller to slide the knife blade at two different labeled angles for the sharpest knives ever.

Tumbler Knife Sharpener ($129.00)—Buy Here!

Duke Cannon Handsome Man Travel Set

Bird in Hand

This kit has everything he needs for his next travel adventure. TSA-versions of the best Duke Cannon products, all tucked neatly in a clear travel bag.

Duke Cannon Handsome Man Travel Set ($36.99)—Buy Here!

Tetris Arcade in a Tin: Retro Handheld Tetris Game

Amazon

The Tetris Arcade in a Tin features an LCD screen and authentic arcade-style buttons, it's a retro game in the palm of his hand.

Tetris Arcade in a Tin: Retro Handheld Tetris Game ($29.99)—Buy Here!

Tinybeans

Tinybeans

Share joy. Connect generations. Do it all privately. Tinybeans is the photo sharing app that makes sharing your pictures with only the people you want to see them easy. You can easily and privately capture and organize your kiddo’s best moments and milestones in a single platform. Its intuitive interface, along with features like photobook creation and easy customization, make organizing and searching for memories a breeze. There's no better time of year to capture memories.

Tinybeans (Free!)—Get it Here!

The Leo Fender Guitar String Ring

The Leo Fender ring is a good gift for dads
Manly Bands

Black zirconium and silver Fender guitar string inlay make this ring the ultimate in style. Dad not really a music guy? No problem. Manly Bands also has a DC Collection, a Lord of the Rings Collection, and more, so you'll find the perfect match.

The Leo Fender Guitar String Ring ($595.00)—Buy Here!

SipScout Craft Whiskey Exploration Kit

The Crafty Cask

This set comes complete with 6 craft whiskey samples (enough for 2 people to share!), a printed guide, a video review of whiskey-tasting techniques, and more to create a whole experience at home.

SipScout Craft Whiskey Exploration Kit ($99.00)—Buy Here!

Dad's Customized Family Photo Book

Mixbook

Mixbook gives you a ton of templates to choose from and guides you through creating a customized book dad will love forever.

Dad's Customized Family Photo Book ($9.99+)—Buy Here!

HOKA Clifton 9

Zappos

HOKA's 9th edition of the Clifton sneaker is their lightest and most comfortable yet. It's perfect for everyday walking and running, and there's a reason HOKA is so popular; they've received the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance. They also last such a long time.

HOKA Clifton 9 ($144.95)—Buy Here!

hedley&bennett Essential Apron

hedley&bennett

The world-famous chef-approved hedley&bennett creates professional aprons for home chefs, too. This Bravo's Top Chef collab design is one of our faves, but there are so many to choose from.

hedley&bennett Essential Apron ($125.00)—Buy Here!

Phoenicia Diner Pancake Mix

Phoenicia Diner

Built in 1962 and moved to the Catskills in the early '80s, Phoenicia Diner is an icon. So it stands to reason that their famous pancake mix is going to be a welcome breakfast addition.

Phoenicia Diner Pancake Mix ($12.00)—Buy Here!

NFL 100 Greatest Moments

NFL 100 Greatest moments is a good gift for dads
Gild and Ash

For the football fanatic in your life, this collector's book will quickly become a prized possession, thanks to the storytelling and incredible photographs included.

NFL 100 Greatest Moments ($94.00)—Buy Here!

Stereoscope Coffee Subscription

Stereoscope Coffee

California-based Stereoscope Coffee creates a coffee subscription service with blends hand-picked by a Q-grader (consider them certified coffee experts) for a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly delivery of coffee that best represents Stereoscope. Roasted in L.A.

Stereoscope Coffee Subscription ($71.25+)—Buy Here!

Apple Watch Series 6

an apple watch is a good gift for dads
Apple

Give the gift of having everything he could possibly need in the palm of his hands—er, on his wrist. From keeping up with texts and calls to heart rate monitoring and reminders, Apple Watch does it all.

Apple Watch Series 6 ($241.28)—Buy Here!

Tom Bumble Candy Bar

Seven Sisters

Tom Bumble Candy Bars are a swirl of organic crunchy peanut butter, pure Madagascar vanilla, and organic sugar, wrapped up in fair-trade dark chocolate. This isn't your average candy bar.

Tom Bumble Candy Bar ($5.00)—Buy Here!

LEGO Natural History Museum Set

LEGO is a good gift for dads

With over 4,000 pieces, this LEGO set is perfect for any President/Lord Business-types out there (minus the Kraggle, of course). The roof comes off to reveal several exhibit rooms, there's an Apotsaurus fossil to put together, and several minifigures come with the set, too. 

LEGO Natural History Museum Set ($299.99)—Buy Here! 

 

Toadfish Non-Tipping Can Cooler

Toadfish

Unspillable? This can cooler from Toadfish is. It'll stick to any smooth surface and stay upright, on top of keeping beverages cold. Comes in 4 colors.

Toadfish Non-Tipping Can Cooler ($24.00)—Buy Here!

Fuego Box Hot Sauce Premium Collection

FOOD52

The folks over at Fuego Box have pledged to plant 5 trees for every crate sold, so you can feel extra good about gifting this selection of spicy blossom honey, Ghost Pepper–infused Himalayan pink salt, and three hot sauces: an everyday red, a punchy verde, and a very vinegary Carolina Reaper. 

Fuego Box Hot Sauce Premium Collection ($59.95)—Buy Here!

Apollo Thermal Capsule Phone Sleeve

Bespoke Post

Don't let him worry about an overheating phone ever again. NASA-derived tech that keeps your phone from overheating and keeps its battery from draining too quickly in the cold. It also case floats in water so it can be grabbed out of the pool fast, and it exceeds military-grade shock and impact protection when dropped.

Apollo Thermal Capsule Phone Sleeve ($30.00)—Buy Here!

Unbox Boardom Board Game Subscription

Unbox Boardom

Family Game Night won't ever be the same, thanks to this board game subscription box. Just choose the subscription plan you'd like to gift and give them something to look forward to with every delivery.

Unbox Boardom Board Game Subscription ($29.99+)—Buy Here!

Pelican Cooler Sling

The Pelican cooler sling is a good gift for dads
Amazon

The lightweight design with padded shoulder straps allows for ultimate portability and versatility with this cooler swing. It's also rugged enough to withstand whatever nature-lovers throw at it.

Pelican Cooler Sling ($173.47)—Buy Here!

Trilogy 3-Pack Socks by Stance

Bespoke Post

Using Stance's proprietary cotton blend, these iconic socks have a longer lifespan than your run-of-the-mill socks and offer light cushioning for a secure fit and oh-so-comfortable feel.

Trilogy 3-Pack Socks by Stance ($60.00)—Buy Here!

'Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama: A Memoir' by Bob Odenkirk

Amazon

It's possible you've only really fallen in love with Bob Odenkirk from his Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul days, but he's done so much over the years. Read all about it in this memoir. 

Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama: A Memoir by Bob Odenkirk ($21.15)—Buy Here!

Heim BBQ Signature Bacon Burnt Ends 2lbs

Gold Belly

Nothing can go wrong when you combine BBQ and bacon, and these melt-in-your-mouth Bacon Burnt Ends from Heim BBQ in Ft. Worth, TX are 2lbs (!!) of indulgent.

Heim BBQ Signature Bacon Burnt Ends 2lbs ($109.95)—Buy Here!

The Wes Anderson Collection: Bad Dads

Amazon

Curated by Spoke Art Gallery in San Francisco, this artwork inspired by the films of Wes Anderson ranges from paintings to sculptures to limited-edition screen prints from some of the director's most beloved films.

The Wes Anderson Collection: Bad Dads ($18.19)—Buy Here!

Vuori Steadfast Full Zip Hooded Jacket

a Vuori puffer jacket is a good gift for dads
Vuori

So versatile and filled with responsibly sourced down, this medium-weight jacket is flexible, weather-resistant, and comes in two sharp colors.

Vuori Steadfast Full Zip Hooded Jacket ($298.00)—Buy Here!

Cold Massage Roller Ball

this cold massage roller ball is a good gift for dads
Amazon

This roller ball rapidly reduces muscle fatigue and soreness, plus it stays cold for up to 6 hours after freezing.

Cold Massage Roller Ball ($19.99)—Buy Here!

ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven

ooni

Elevate outdoor cooking with this pizza oven from ooni. Perfect for any outdoor kitchen, it's hot in 15 minutes and your pizza is ready in 60 seconds.

ooni Koda 16 Gas Pizza Oven ($599.00)—Buy Here!

 

 

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

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

All images courtesy of retailers.

Plan your LEGOLAND vacation or catch one of the LEGO exhibits coming to a city near you

Your LEGO-obsessed kids break new ground with their creative builds every day. Now it’s your turn! Push the LEGO boundaries with innovative travel ideas your kids are gonna love. From LEGOLAND’s newest location and a tricked-out LEGO house to traveling exhibits that inspire and awe, we’ve got 13 places LEGO fans of all ages need to experience during their lifetime.

LEGOLAND | CA, FL & NY

LEGOLAND

The first stop on any Brick Head’s bucket list is the most LEGO-ist place of all. Full immersion is how it’s done at LEGOLAND Florida, LEGOLAND California, and the newest addition LEGOLAND New York. Rides, water parks, and plenty of brick-tastic builds to explore and participate in are what these theme parks are all about. Add in LEGO-themed hotels and you’ve got a not-to-miss 24/7 experience. 

Online: legoland.com

LEGOLAND - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Kristina Moy

If you really want to blow your little LEGO lover’s mind, head to LEGOLAND Dubai where you will find the biggest and best attractions from all other LEGOLAND theme parks from around the world. Let your kid's imagination soar in the six themed areas that cover everything from medieval dragons to underwater adventures. Experience over 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions, including LEGO models of the world's most iconic buildings inside the theme park’s first, fully covered MINILAND. Finish your visit off with a trip to the LEGOLAND Water Park where you can take on the Joker Soaker, build your very own LEGO raft, go on a splash safari or slip and slide your way down 20 different water slides and attractions. To learn more, check out our Insider's Guide to Dubai and Emirates’ abundance of family offerings.

Online: legoland.com/dubai

The LEGO House - Billund, Denmark

This totally original Denmark build brings new meaning to the phrase “brick house.” Constructed from over 25 million LEGO bricks, it commemorates the birth of a legend—LEGO (psst...Billund is LEGO's hometown!). Visitors can explore six Experience Zones when they make the pilgrimage, shop the LEGO store, bounce around the playgrounds, and explore the colorful rooftop spaces. Talk about house envy!

Online: legohouse.com/en-gb

LEGOLAND Holiday Village - Billund, Denmark

LEGOLAND Billund Resort

Book a sweet spot in Billund at the LEGOLAND Holiday Village to really blow your bitty brick lover's mind. Overnight in one of their Wilderness Barrels (think: Frodo's Hobbit House) surrounded by LEGO-built wild animals and decor. Or maybe you'd prefer a LEGO NINJAGO or Wild West-themed cabin for your night's stay? But if creature comforts are more your style, the Pirates' Inn Motel can't be beat. No matter which totally tricked out LEGO experience you choose, expect plenty of outdoor play space and family-friendly activities too!

Onlinelegoland.dk/legoland-holiday-village

BrickCon | Seattle, WA

Homan L. via Yelp

This is a LEGO celebration West Coasters won’t want to miss! It spans over two days in October and features thousands of models built by adult LEGO hobbyists. Each year offers a different theme that will surely leave lots of room for builders of all sizes to be inspired and create their own masterpieces in the expansive Building Zone. Brick Heads unite!

Online: brickcon.org

The Art of the Brick

Art of the Brick

Attorney-turned-LEGO artist, Nathan Sawaya, is taking his exquisite brick creations on the road, and families across the globe are invited to check it out. This unusual LEGO experience mixes fine art with bricks to create a playful, innovative experience that appeals to LEGO lovers of all ages. Just think of the inspiration you and your kids will find here! Check out the upcoming tour schedule to find out if the exhibition’s coming to your city.

Online: brickartist.com

FIRST LEGO League

nash1101 via flickr

If LEGO MINDSTORMS is your kid’s jam, being a participant or spectator at a FIRST LEGO League tourney is where you want to be. The name of the game here is STEM, challenging kids ages 4-16 to solve real-world problems and super cool missions. Three divisions help little learners develop their LEGO skills and build teamwork. 

Online: firstlegoleague.org/events

Brickfest Live!

And you thought your kid had a ton of LEGO. You don’t know the half of it until you’ve hit a Brickfest Live! event. Imagine a warehouse full of your favorite LEGO including new, rare and vintage sets. Plus photo ops, mosaic walls, a racing arena, mini golf (LEGO style), robotics and much more. A serious playground for LEGO fiends of any ages, find out if it’s headed your way this year.

Online: brickfestlive.com

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Jim Sulley/newscast

They’re touted as the “ultimate indoor LEGO playground” but your kids know them as that “place with all the LEGO bricks.” And they want to go there...like yesterday. Each location has its own twist, but families can always count on being able to build and test LEGO race cars, explore architectural wonders in Miniland and meet and greets with your favorite LEGO characters. To see what the buzz is about, check out one of the US locations.

Online: lego.com/en-us/attractions/discoverycenter

The AWESOME EXHIBITION

Kate Loweth

If you want to see LEGO build of your favorite local landmarks, watch for the AWESOME EXHIBITION to come to a city near you. Recently it had residence in Seattle where you could see everything from the Space Needle to a massive orca to the Back to the Future Delorean. The massive creations in this exhibition are going to awe LEGO fans of all ages and there are even interactive LEGO building stations where you can make your own LEGO creation. 

Online: awesomeexhibition.com

Additional reporting by Allison Sutcliffe & Kristina Moy

Seattle has an amazing Instagram community of uplifting, inspiring and awesome accounts. Here are some of our local favorites

Are you looking for Instagram inspiration? We tirelessly scrolled through our Instagram feed to bring you a round up Pacific Northwest influencers. These Seattle-area handles will be your go-to guides for things to do, where to play, where to eat in Seattle with kids, and where to book your next travel adventure. Get ready to meet your next Insta-bestie!

The Best Seattle-Based Instagram Accounts You Should Follow

1. @suitcasesinseattle

This PNW mama of two is an amazing resource for the best playgrounds, hikes and kid-friendly adventures Washington has to offer. She posts amazing photos of all the places her family explores and writes honest reviews. We love her positivity, inclusivity and feed full of incredibly bookmark-able material. Your next outing is a follow away!

2. @emmasedition

Emma is a Seattle content creator with a feed full of fashion, lifestyle and beautiful photography—and she’s expecting! Who doesn’t love adorable baby bump pics? Whether you’re looking for outfit ideas or a place to frolic in a field of towering sunflowers, Emma has you covered. Her account is, in a word, gorgeous!

 

3. @hangryforwhat

Honestly, you need Andrea’s tips for tasty eats in your daily feed! Her reels are so good you can practically taste and smell the food. Be warned though, this account comes with serious cravings. Find the best, most unique (and delicious) hidden gems here!

4. @pnw_wanderings

This awesome Pacific Northwest mama has great recommendations for things to do around Seattle with little ones. We love her tips and if you sneak on over to her curated account, @nicks_plate21, the feed is full of the cutest kids’ plates. If you’re like us and your child is a picky eater—this is the account for you. You’ll be making heart shaped waffles and bento boxes in no time.

5. @mamabearintheair

Krista is a mama of 3, and her account is all about navigating the friendly skies with kids—she loves adventures near and far. We love her travel tips and travel hacks. Book your next adventure with @mamabearintheair!

6. @bookoholicmom

Are you always on the look out for a good book? We have the perfect Instagram account for you to follow next. Sara has the best recommendations for picture books. Make room in your library (and feed) for colorful, wonderful, page-turning books.

7. @janetkimtv

Janet Kim is a TV reporter turned PR pro, and we love her feed. She juggles it all—kids, career and adventures. She makes planning outings a breeze with great tips, detailed itineraries and fun ideas for kids (and adults). We also love how kind she is—you’ll regularly see shoutouts on her stories to other amazing PNW mamas.

8. @thriftynwmom

Do you like easy recipes, shopping, travel, family fun and savings? We thought so. Because we do too! Follow along with these two thrifty moms. They have the best local guides insider tips.

9. @rollin.w.spinabifida 

Whitney is one of the most inspiring mamas we know. Her feed is filled with Malachi (her awesome and adorable son). She gives a glimpse into being a wife, caregiver and “medical mom.” And she’s an advocate for more equitable and inclusive communities for children with disabilities. From lifestyle content to travel and self-care, her feed is so good!

10. @embajkowska

Have you every scrolled through someone’s Instagram feed and had serious photo envy? Yep! Emilia is your photography role model. Her content is breathtaking. Her photos give a beautiful lens into motherhood, and we are here for it.

11. @kathryn_mueller

Editor’s Note: We can’t help but add our very own writer, Katheryn Mueller to this list—she brings so much fun and joy to Instagram while keeping it real. We love how she totally embraces the PNW lifestyle and we can’t get enough of her insider intel when it comes to hikes, wine content, and snow play with kids.

PS: Don’t forget to follow @tinybeanskids for more content crafted perfectly for you! 

When the forecast calls for snow, we can’t think of a better way to spend the day than planning a trip to learn to ski. From day trips to worth-the-drive weekend getaways, we’ve found the best mountains for every skill level. Enroll your budding skier in one of these ski schools (one is over 75 years old!) and soon they will be yelling “Pizza pie and French fries!” as they fly down the bunny hill. Read on to find the right mountain for you and your family.

Beginner Slopes

Bryce Resort

Mary Martha Aubry

About two hours from Washington, D.C., Bryce Resort in Bayse, VA is the perfect day-trip destination to teach the littles how to ski or to learn as an adult. Everything at Bryce is family-friendly, from their ski rental shop which opens directly to the Little Nip to the biergarten at the bottom of the mountain where mom and dad can take a load off in the Adirondack chairs while watching the littles take the magic carpet up the Bunny Hill and ski down. For a fun family run, take the whole crew up the quad lift and down Revenuer's Run and remember what you loved about skiing as a kid as you watch your littles make a pizza wedge and begin their own skiing journey! Speaking of pizza, enjoy a delicious pizza at the Copper Kettle for dinner before you take your final run down the hill.
 
Insider Tip: If you're skiing for the day, pack a bag with the kids pajamas for the ride home. It makes the transfer from car to bed that much easier, and after all that skiing, they'll be exhausted!
 
Bryce Resort 
1982 Fairway Dr., Bayse, VA
540-856-2121

The Omni Homestead Resort

About four hours outside DC, the Omni Homestead has something for everybody, even the non-skiers in your crew. Luxurious accommodations, gourmet food, and a world-class spa combined with excellent beginner terrain make for a ski weekend that's heavenly and still driving distance from the city. The Omni Homestead has uncrowded skiing terrain that is ideal for beginners, and their Sepp Kober Ski School maintains an experienced team of ski and snowboard instructors who offer private lessons for all levels.
 
Insider Tip: Enroll the kids in the resort's Adventure Kids program and enjoy a romantic date night! 
 
The Omni Homestead Resort
7696 Sam Snead Hwy, Hot Springs, VA
540-839-1766
 

Intermediate Skiers

 

Wisp Resort

Wisp Resort

For those of us who really want to get our tykes outdoors, Wisp is the place to be. There are full and half-day programs for the little ones that include lift tickets, instruction and equipment (which let’s face it is half the battle). At about 180 miles from the District and near Deep Creek Lake Wisp offers more than just bunny slopes and black diamonds. Swoosh down hills in snow tubes, take to the ice on skates and explore snowshoeing or just sight see with a sleigh ride.

Wisp Resort
296 Marsh Hill Rd., McHenry, MD
301-859-3159
Online: wispresort.com

Blue Knob All Seasons Resort

Laura Corredor

Blue Knob is the highest skiable mountain with the most challenging slopes in PA. Clocking in at just three hours from Washington, DC, you may want to spend the night. The mountain boasts the longest and sweetest rides for skiers and snowboarders. If you're not sure about downhill skiing, Blue Knob also offers groomed Nordic or cross-country skiing as well as snowshoeing and snow tubing.
 
Insider Tip: Their New Generation Academy offers children a full day or half day lesson while enjoying lunch with their parents.
 
Blue Knob All Seasons Resort
1424 Overland Pass, Claysburg, PA
814-239-5111
Online: blueknob.com
 

Worth-The-Drive Expert Slopes

Mount Sunapee Resort

Kenneth Aubry

If you're ready to expand your horizons and experience more challenging terrain, consider New Hampshire's Mount Sunapee. It's an 8 hour drive or a 3 hour flight. With over 1,500 feet of vertical drop, and views that make you feel like you're in heaven, Mount Sunapee is a spectacular spot for East Coast skiing. Mid-week skiing is the best of all, with wide open spaces, fresh snow, and loads of great runs to explore.
 
Insider Tip: Locals in-the-know go to Bob Skinner's for their rentals and gear. This place is chock-a-block with great skiing and snowboarding equipment.
 
Mount Sunapee Resort
1398 Route 103, Newbury, NH
603-763-3500

Stowe Mountain Resort

Andrea Lacross-Dickerson

Stowe is a 9 hour drive from the city or a 3 hour flight.

Insider Tip: The New England experience is complete when you arrive at this Stowe, Vermont resort. With 75 years of experience their ski school has the tiny tot instruction thing down pat. When the slopes have worn you out families can nestle in for a sleigh ride, catch a big one while ice fishing or whiz around on skates. Daily tea with cookies for the littles is also offered and parentals can warm up with hot cider and appetizers. 

Stowe Mountain Resort
5781 Mountain Rd., Stowe, VT
802-253-7355
Online: stowe.com

—Mary Martha Aubry

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Photo: Lansinoh

Whether you’re visiting family, going to the beach, or celebrating a holiday, traveling while breastfeeding has its own set of unique circumstances and potentials challenges. However, with a little planning and preparation, breastfeeding won’t put a roadblock in your travel plans.

When you are putting together your travel plans, think about how you will facilitate breastfeeding or pumping. If you’re flying, you can call ahead to the airport and airline to find out what breastfeeding/pumping accommodations are available to you in the airport and on the plane. Depending on the length of your flight you can also try timing your feeding and pumping session around your travel times so that you can limit the number of times you have to feed or pump while traveling. Since most breastfeeding infants can travel in their parent’s laps, this can help facilitate breastfeeding while inflight, and breastfeeding during takeoff and landing can help soothe baby and help them equalize the pressure in their ears. Pumping on a plane can be a bit tricky, but I’ve definitely known plenty of moms who’ve accomplished the task. Many planes now have electric plugs available, however, be sure to bring a battery back up for your pump just in case. You can also speak to the cabin crew once you’ve boarded and let them know that you’ll need to pump during the flight. Often, they are more than willing to do what they can to accommodate your needs. Whether your breastfeeding or pumping on a plane, remember that you’ll be in tight quarters. You may want to plan an outfit with multiple layers or bring a breastfeeding cover to help you feel more comfortable.

If your plans include a road trip, be sure to map it out prior to leaving. Take into account the baby’s usual feeding times and/or your usual pumping times so that you can find suitable places to stop along the way. Breastfeeding in the car can be a little tricky considering both you and baby need to stay buckled up for safety. Finding rest stops or other stopping places along the way is usually the best option. If you are pumping, and you plan on bottle feeding during your car trip, most breast pumps can either be run on batteries or you can get a car adapter to power the pump. Just make sure to bring an extra pumping set or two so that you have plenty of clean parts, especially important if you need to pump multiple times during the trip. Be prepared for your trip to take a little longer. With the potential stops needed for breastfeeding and diaper changes, you’ll want to add an hour or two to the length of your travel time. Setting this expectation early will help avoid disappointment and frustration later.

Safe storage of your breastmilk while traveling can easily be achieved using a cooler and ice. Try to avoid placing your breastmilk storage bags directly on the ice. You can either place them in a larger zipper bag or in a plastic food storage container and pack ice around it. Make sure to have plenty of ice in the cooler and add to it frequently. It’s best if the cooler doesn’t contain other items for your trip. Opening it less frequently will help maintain a colder temperature for your breastmilk. If you’re going to be taking expressed breastmilk with you on a flight, you are allowed to bring as much as you need to. However, the TSA does have specific guidelines about screening for breastmilk. So, be sure to visit their site and check out the latest information before traveling.

Packing your bags is always a huge part of any travel adventure. When your packing for a trip as a breastfeeding mom, there are a few things you should also keep in mind. In addition to your luggage for your family, pack a small breastfeeding bag that you can carry with you—allowing you easy access at any time. This bag should include a change of clothes for both you and baby, your pump with extra pump parts, nursing pads, milk storage bags, a nursing cover, and any other items you frequently use during breastfeeding or pumping. This is one time that you won’t be sorry that you overpacked, because it’s always better to be prepared.

No matter the destination of your travels, be sure to plan ahead for your breastfeeding needs, and to be patient with yourself. Things most likely won’t go exactly as planned. However, at the end of the day, you are on an adventure with the newest addition to your family and that’s worth the extra planning.

Molly currently serves as a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) with Lansinoh, a global leader in the breastfeeding market. Molly attended the University of Nebraska – Omaha and has her lactation certification from the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice.

Recent events have made it clear that we have more work to do to end racism. We know that racism is rooted in fear of the unknown and education and understanding are what we need to build up in order to knock down the walls of intolerance. As parents, we can do our part by teaching our children inclusiveness, to celebrate our diverse cultures and to embrace how we are different as well as recognize the things we have in common.

UNICEF has put out a call to talk to your kids about racism. One of their key recommendations is to celebrate diversity: “Try to find ways to introduce your child to diverse cultures and people from different races and ethnicities. Such positive interactions with other racial and social groups early on helps decrease prejudice and encourages more cross-group friendships. You can also bring the outside world into your home. Explore food from other cultures, read their stories, and watch their films.”

Wondering how you can help teach your kids about tolerance? These innovative companies have made it easy by putting together subscription boxes that will allow your children to explore the world through educational materials and fun activities delivered right to your doorstep.

1. eat2explore“I grew up cooking with my family in Malaysia,” said Rowena Scherer Founder & President, Chef, eat2explore. “Hands-on cooking and culture exploration is more important than ever in today’s world, and I’m hoping through cooking, kids can foster a love for food and cultures around the world.”

Eat2explore delivers the food of different countries (17 countries/regions like Italy, Mexico, Greece, etc.) straight to your kitchen table, exposing your aspiring chef (and you!) to different foods from around the world like arroz con pollo or beef shawarma. Kids will gain an understanding and an appreciation of different cuisines and cultures—all while providing the tools for families to cook and eat together. Once kids are finished exploring a country, they’ll love that they can track their “travels” with a sticker on their eat2explore passport and collect country flag pins. The boxes can be purchased one box at a time, or through a monthly subscription. The best part? The boxes do not include perishable products, so you can cook the meal when you have time.

2. GIRLS CAN! CRATE. “We created GIRLS CAN! CRATE to show girls how amazing they are, and we think introducing them to role models is an important part of that mission,” said Alison Shores, Operations Ace, Inspiration Curator, Co-Founder, GIRLS CAN! CRATE. “In choosing the people we feature, diversity is key, because we want all of the girls to be able to see themselves in the women we highlight. Our goal is to inspire girls to BE and DO anything by introducing them to fearless women who came before them and made the world better. It’s important for them to know…now it’s their turn.”

Inspire and empower girls (ages 5-10), with this monthly subscription box that introduces them to fearless women of history who made the world better. Each month, a new kit celebrates the life of a strong, diverse female role model such as Bessie Coleman, Marie Curie, Madame CJ Walker, Althea Gibson, Clara Barton, Mother Theresa, Ida B. Wells, Susan La Flesche Picotte and more. Crates include the GIRLS CAN! 20-page activity book with an original story celebrating a featured woman and other fun activities, 2-3 hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) activities with necessary supplies, a play prop, a collectible button, and more.

With every box purchased, GIRLS CAN! CRATE donates crates to families in need and nonprofit organizations working to empower girls. GIRLS CAN! CRATE is proud to be an all-women owned company—talk about girl power!

3. Little Global Citizens. “I have traveled the world with my husband, and now that we have two young boys it is important for us to instill a love for travel, adventure, and most importantly, a respect for all people,” said Akeelah Kuraishi CEO and Co-Founder, Little Global Citizens.

This kit helps children foster a genuine respect for others, and help them feel connected to people whose lifestyle, culture, language, food or family structure may be different from their own. Little Global Citizens is a subscription service (send one time, every two months or every other month for a year) that sends an expertly designed, education-based box to kids (aged 4 to 10) to bring a new country and its culture to life. Each box is filled with items from that country including authentic guides, crafts, screen-free activities (games and puzzles), language skills, recipes, a storybook, and more. Countries are picked to highlight various cultural events relevant to that country. Past boxes included China, India, Kenya, and Jamaica.

Allyson is a mom of two and has more than a decade of experience working in both television news and public relations. From national television shows to top newspapers, Allyson has worked around the world including a travel magazine in London, England, Phoenix TV and local hospital and healthcare association.

If you have a LEGO lover at home, a visit to the Discovery Science Center’s LEGO Travel Adventure exhibit is not a should-do, but a must-do. Those brightly colored stackable, linkable, lovable bricks are out in full force from now until May 10. With travel being the main theme, young creators can build vehicles of all shapes and sizes that will drive, float and fly through exotic terrains.

photo credit: Discovery Science Center Orange County

Welcome, Builders!
Let the kids loose on huge interactive displays where they can race hand made LEGO vehicles down ramps and through tunnels. First stop: building the car.  Second stop: racing.  Then kids can even snap and share photos of their creations at the designated booths located through out the exhibit.  Their work is now immortalized.

photo credit: Christina Montoya Fiedler

Learn from LEGO Master Builders
Just like Emmett in The LEGO Movie, a LEGO Master Builder can build anything and everything out of LEGOS. Dozens of these real life LEGO geniuses were hired to create lifelike recreations of great moments in travel history: panning during the Gold Rush, the building of the first Model T, the Wright Brothers flight at Kitty Hawk and others. Look closely and you might just spy a Storm Trooper skiing or SpongeBob flying a kite. The more you look the more you’ll find.

photo credit: Christina Montoya Fiedler

Play and Pretend
Before your LEGO experts sit down to create, have them suit-up as a pilot, ship captain, or race car driver to find inspiration for their vehicle. Afterwards, take advantage of some perfect photo ops like the kid-sized race car made from LEGOs and the minifigure cut outs.

photo credit: Christina Montoya Fiedler

Something for the Toddler Set
Little LEGO lovers are welcomed with special areas designated for smaller hands. A Duplo station (those larger LEGOS that don’t fit as easily in little mouths) is set up for pint-sized museum-goers. As is an oversize block building section.  What we like about this most is that it’s for littles only, so they’re not fighting for space with the big builders.

Beyond the Brick
If the kids ever leave the LEGo Adventure exhibit (and they might not) you can roam around the rest of the museum and check out other favorites like the eco-grocery store and the science of hockey displays.  If you leave enough time you can even check out the other new, limited time exhibit: National Geographic presents Earth Explorers.

photo credit: Christina Montoya Fiedler

You Fed the Mind, Now Feed the Body
The only food option inside the museum is Taco Bell. So if your family tends to live a more organic, less saturated kind of lifestyle, you may want to bring your own. One great eating option is to take a sunshine break and picnic at nearby Fisher Park.

There is currently limited parking ($4) due to construction. Finding parking across the street at the Main Place Mall is a good alternative.

The Lego Travel Adventure exhibit is open daily from January 17-May 10, 2015 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tickets are $16.95/adult, $12.95/kids 3-14 and kids under 2 are free.

Discovery Science Center
2500 N. Main St.
Santa Ana
Online: discoverycube.org/oc/

Here’s a tip: if you’ve got a Lego maniac, we’ve rounded up all the best ways to get your Lego on in LA, even after this exhibit is long gone.  What do you do to feed the imagination of your master builder?

Christina Montoya Fiedler