17 “Secret” Costco Hacks & Membership Perks You Need to Know About

by Shahrzad WarkentinOctober 15, 2023

Find out the best Costco hours to shop to whether or not you really need Costco coupons, these hacks will make your shopping experience even better

If you have a Costco membership, then you already know all about the joys of shopping for steals while sampling the goods. What you might not be aware of, however, are the secret tips to navigating your favorite shopping destination, and the extra “hidden” ways you can use that membership to earn even more. Here are some of the best Costco hacks and tips to save you money.

You Can Get Curbside Pick Up

Due to COVID, Costco is now offering curbside pickup on selected items for members. Most of it is electronics and jewelry, but it's still a nice perk.

Get Immunizations

Cross two errands off your list when you make an appointment at the Costco pharmacy for annual immunizations. You can get a flu vaccine for the whole family and other important milestone immunizations. The pharmacy accepts all major insurances.

Know Your Price Codes

Did you know there are all sorts of little tips and tricks when it comes to figuring out those price codes? Yup, there's a system. Think asterisk = seasonal and 97 cents means a markdown, etc. There are more, according to Wallet Hacks!

Shop without a Membership

a Cool costco hack is that Instacart delivers — Instacart

Want the perks of shopping at Costco without the cost of a membership? There's an easy way to make it happen. If you don't mind using Instacart, simply fire up the app and place your Costco order, no membership is needed. Of course, with a $5.99 delivery fee, it still isn't completely free, but you're also gaining the convenience of shopping from home—although you won't get to nibble on all those samples.

Save on Gift Cards

It’s nearly impossible to get gift cards on sale since you are essentially just trading in cash for a card of the same value. At Costco, however, you can purchase a pack of gift cards to various retailers at a discounted rate.

Ditch the Coupon Book

Forgot your coupon book? No worries. Nowadays, according to Wallet Hacks, there are no barcodes and the savings are automatically applied to your bill. The book is just your monthly list of deals and savings.

Skip the Food Court Line

skipping the food court line is a great costco hack — Pixabay

After navigating your way through Costco and the enormous checkout line with kids in tow, the last thing you want to do is wait in another line to grab lunch, especially if your tots are hangry. Luckily there's a ridiculously simple way to skip the food court line. While you're checking out, place your order and pay, then all you have to do is show your receipt and grab your food at the pick-up area.

Spend Less on Prescriptions

With this Costco hack, Costco’s prescription program, members are offered deep discounts on their prescription medications without insurance coverage.

See a Double Feature

A trip to the movies for a family can get pretty pricey, but at Costco, you can purchase a 10-pack of movie tickets for a discounted price and they never expire. With the money you’ll save, that overpriced popcorn and drinks won’t be quite so bad.

The Best Time to Shop

costco hacks — The Krazy Coupon Lady via YouTube

Love Costco's prices, but not the crowds? Beat the lines and packed aisles by shopping on the best day and time. According to Business Insider, try to bypass the weekends and shop on weekdays if possible. It's also best to avoid evenings, so load up your tots and hit Costco early or mid-morning.

You'll Never Overspend

costco hacks save you money — Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash

While we can't guarantee you won't buy one too many bottles of Kirkland wine, you definitely won't get charged for more than what you take home thanks to the one thing Costco employees always do before you leave the store. As it turns out checking that receipt and drawing that smiley face has nothing to do with making sure you're not stealing. Instead, Costco does this to ensure that you haven't been double charged for any items.

Another way Costco makes sure you won't overspend is with its 30-day price adjustment policy. According to Eat This, Not That!, if an item goes on sale within 30 days of when you purchased it, Costco will pay you the difference, no receipt needed.

Save Money on Your Next Car

No one likes car shopping, but when you use your Costco membership, you might actually have some fun. The Costco Auto Program works with thousands of pre-owned car dealerships to negotiate low prices for you, so you don’t have to sweat the haggling.

Make Sure You're Scoring a Deal

one costco hack is to look for discounts — JJ Ying via Unsplash

Want to make sure you're getting the best deal possible? According to Eat This, Not That! you'll know a Costco item has been discounted if the price ends in $0.97. If the price tag also has an asterisk, then it won't be restocked.

Family Vacation on a Budget

Disney facts and Disney trivia for kids — Youn Choo via Unsplash

Want to see the world? This Costco hack can help you do it for less. With Costco Travel your membership can get you deals on theme park tickets, airplane tickets, car rentals, hotels, and cruises. We're talking up to 30% off hotels both in the U.S. and abroad as well as package deals on family-friendly vacations like Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Package with Walt Disney World tickets.

Get Checks for Less

affordable checks are a costco hack — Rawpixel via Unsplash

Even in the age of digital payments, there are still those few moments when a check is required, and Costco will print you a pack of checks for less than your bank charges.

Get Tech Help for Free

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to figure out why your WiFi is out or Netflix isn’t loading. Costco offers free technical support for any televisions, computers, tablets, appliances, and more purchased in-store and online. No warranties or extra fees are required.

Shop Costco Next

Two women shopping online — Microsoft Edge via Unsplash

Costco Next is an online way to shop from Costco's most trusted suppliers and you'll get to choose from a wide range of exclusive items that are often low in stock. Costco Next allows you to purchase directly from the suppliers' site while still enjoying your Costco membership values.

Additional reporting by Taylor Clifton

It Now Costs Over $300,000 to Raise a Child, According to New Estimates

by Shahrzad WarkentinAugust 22, 2022

And that doesn’t include college

New estimates show that inflation isn’t just jacking up the cost of groceries and gasoline, but childrearing, too. The cost to raise a child for a two-parent, married family with two kids on a middle income? Over $310,000.

The Brookings Institution‘s estimate addresses children born in 2015 and spans all the costs through the age of 17. And spoiler alert: it doesn’t include any costs for sending your kids to college.

That $310K price tag has jumped $80,000 from 2017, which equals out to be over $18K per year. Expenses that fit into the increase are plentiful and include child care, healthcare, housing, food clothing, haircuts, diapers and other must-haves like sports and lessons.

So how did experts arrive at that number? It came down to using an average inflation rate of 2.23% (2015-2020), plus another 1.77% for the last two years. Thank you, recession!

“The new estimate only crunches numbers for middle-income, married parents, and doesn’t include projections for single parent households, or consider how race factors into cost challenges” reports The Hill. The cost for those family dynamics are even more bleak.

“Rising expenses for raising a family could disproportionately affect lower-income families. For a single parent earning $20,000 or $30,000 a year, shelling out the extra funds for a child might be difficult,” says said Dr. Isabel Sawhill, a senior fellow at Brookings.

For Black families, the Opportunity & Inclusive Growth Institute found that “that Black households are more exposed to inflation fluctuations than White households.” The Wall Street Journals says that “can make it difficult for households to determine how much the money they earn will buy.”

At the end of the day, no one enters parenthood thinking they are going to get off cheap. But for the next generation, we’re betting they’ll think long and hard about opening the purse strings before having kids.

10 Local Father’s Day Gifts to Wow Dad

by Hannah JudgeMay 30, 2022

Dad isn’t always an easy guy to shop for. Maybe he’s a grill guy like they say on television or a mechanic who spends his weekends at Home Depot or maybe he’s a writer who needs nothing more than a paper and a pencil to be satisfied. Regardless of the kind of guy your husband or father is, we’ve got some gift ideas that are sure to make him smile. Start Father’s Day off with one of these awesome present ideas!

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A post shared by Tanner Goods (@tannergoods)

Tanner Goods

Upgrade Dad’s style with the Tanner Goods look. Tanner Goods, a Portland-based company that strives to combine sleek, rugged style with the vibes of the Pacific Northwest, offers a range of awesome wallets, belts, bags, and other accessories! They effortlessly make everyday items a staple of an outfit. Style Dad up this Father’s Day with goods from none other than Tanner Goods!

Online at: tannergoods.com

Jacobsen Salt

If the man in your life spends his afternoons, evenings, and weekends bent over a cookbook or your kitchen’s stove, then he needs this little bit of extra zing! Jacobsen Salt is far and away the best salt in the game. Founded in 2011, Jacobsen began harvesting its salts in Netarts Bay, which is just an hour and a half drive from Portland! (Pro tip: If you want to add an adventure to the gift-giving experience, head to Netarts and visit Jacobsen’s gift shop where you can see how they make their delicious salt!). They’ve expanded their offerings from standard sea salts to infused salts, herbal and spice blends, rubs, and more! Head online now to pick out the perfect salt for your guy.

Phone: (503) 719-4973
Email: hello@jacobsensalt.com
Online at: jacobsensalt.com

Stumptown Coffee Subscription

Get Dad the gift that keeps giving, in replenishments and in energy! What better way to keep dad fueled for life than with this local Portland roaster? Stumptown is a staple of this city’s coffee community and will satisfy any coffee lover’s palate without a doubt. Choose your roast, quantity, and subscription duration, then sit back and wait for the beans to roll in. You can choose the frequency of deliveries, depending on how much the man drinks coffee, in addition to choosing the blend and quantity. Subscriptions are billed automatically and can be canceled or placed on hold at any time!

Phone: (855) 711-3385
Online at: stumptowncoffee.com

Olympia Provisions

Set Dad up for a grill-centered weekend when you purchase Olympia Provisions’ signature Sausage Fest! They’ll set him up to feast for days, as each box includes twelve ounces of Bratwurst, Frankfurter, Smoked Kielbasa (this one is great), Italian Sausage, and Kasekrainer. Want something that’s more than just a one-hit-wonder? Sign him up for the Olympia Postal Provisions Club and receive monthly deliveries of alternating signature sausage selections! This subscription-based service makes it easier than ever to eat like a king. Whichever you pick, Dad will be incredibly satisfied by any of Olympia’s delectable offerings.

Phone: (503) 894-8275
Email: info@olympiaprovisions.com

Olympia Provisions SE:
107 SE Washington St.,
Portland, OR
Olympia Provisions Public House:
3384 SE Division St.,
Portland, OR
Online at: olympiaprovisions.com

Portland Axe Throwing

“Be A Man!” this Father’s Day by having a beer and throwing an axe at a target. Portland’s axe-throwing pastime has swept the city in the last few years and drawn the attention of lumberjacks and non-lumberjacks alike! You can book hour, hour and a half, and two hour sessions for him and the family or friends. Portland Axe Throwing is located at Stormbreaker Brewing at St. Johns, and don’t worry! They have trained axe throwing professionals there to train and guide you through the entire awesome experience.

StormBreaker Brewing St. Johns:
8409 N Lombard St.,
Portland, OR
Phone: (503) 212-0803
Online at: portlandaxethrowing.net

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A post shared by Poler Portland (@polerportland)

Poler

If you don’t already know, Poler is the coolest camping gear you can find. Born and bred in Portland, Poler offers outdoor wear that seamlessly blends the Portland hipster aesthetics with the necessities of camping. Get Dad a poncho for cold nights around the campfire, or even better, a tent with awesome designs when he sleeps out in the rough. They offer awesome accessories and apparel that are sure to make Dad feel like he is twenty and cool, all over again. Visit in person or shop online now to hook Dad up this Father’s Day!

Poler Flagship Store:
3557 SE Hawthorne Blvd.,
Portland, OR
Phone: (503) 894-9153
Online at: poler.com

Will Leather Goods

Spice up Dad’s wallet and/or bag game with Will Leather Goods. This Eugene, Oregon based company has spread its wings worldwide, but proudly claims the Pacific Northwest as its inspiration. At Will Leather, they aim to create a globe’s-worth of travel in one single product: the aged look is their mantra and boy do they do it well! Swap Dad’s cards out of whatever bifold he has now and slip them into a beautifully, sustainably crafted leather wallet from Will’s!

Email: willservice@willleathergoods.com
Online at: willleathergoods.com/

Westward Whiskey

Let’s be honest – is it really Father’s Day without a bit of whiskey? Expand Dad’s liquor cabinet with Westward Whiskey’s range of kits. They offer a slew of options from Old Fashioned cocktail kits to Hot Toddy kits, and collection options if you want to set Dad up for a while. Visit their tasting room or head online to find something that is sure to knock his socks off!

PDX Tasting Room:
65 SE Washington St.,
Portland, OR
Phone: (503) 235-3174
Online at: westwardwhiskey.com

Photo via Portland Razor Co.

Straight Razor or Shaving Upgrade from Portland Razor Co.

If the dad in your life likes a clean shave, invest in a high-quality straight razor and strop for him. Portland Razor Co. offers hand-crafted straight razors that can be sharpened on a leather strop, for the most precise shave around. Best part? These razors are handmade in Portland and built to last a lifetime. Here are some awesome reasons to consider straight shaving. If a straight blade isn’t your thing, consider the ultimate self-care upgrade, with a pre-shave conditioner and aftershave tonic. Made-to-order items ship in 2-4 weeks, so while you may not get your razor in time for the official day, it’ll be well worth the wait! .

Portland Razor Co.
971-266-8864
info@portlandrazorco.com
Online: portlandrazorco.com

Photo via Orox Leather

Leather Tray in Mahogany from Orox Leather

Help him keep his keys, phone, and wallet in one handy location with this beautiful handmade leather accessory tray with copper rivet details. Orox Leather is a Portland gem, an artisan business that started in a garage, working the street-fair circuit, before growing into an established, respected brick-and-mortar retail business. They’ve been producing high-quality leather goods (bags, journals, briefcases, and aprons, to name just a few) in their downtown workshop since 2012, and descend from four generations of leather makers, beginning in Oaxaca, Mexico. (“Orox” is a combination Oaxaca and Oregon.) Orders can be placed online, shipping is free and complimentary monogramming is available as well.

Orox Leather
450 NW Couch St.
503-954-2593
hello@oroxleather.com
Online: oroxleather.com

—Hannah Judge

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16 Ways to Shop Smart & Save Money on Groceries

by Kaitlyn KirbyApril 8, 2022

With rising food prices, there’s no doubt you’ve been trying to think of ways to shop smart when you head to the grocery store. If you’re determined to lower your bottom line, you’ll be glad to know there are plenty of ways to keep your wallet just as full as your cart—from using coupons to downloading grocery savings apps and more. Keep scrolling to find our savvy list of hacks on how to shop smart the next time you’re cruising the aisles.

Shop online and do drive-thru pick-up. You might balk at the fee some grocery stores charge to bring the groceries to your car but consider the money you'll save by not wandering the aisles with kids who'll no doubt beg for every snack in sight?

Plan your meals.
To avoid over-buying on your next grocery run, plan your meals. Write out the days of the week and under each heading, choose what you’ll be eating and what ingredients you need so you can streamline (and save on!) your trip. Recovering Spender author and financial life coach Lauren Greutman puts things into perspective. "If we spend $25 on pizza every week, we're forking out an extra $1300 a year on takeout!"

Shop in stores where you know the layout. Quick trips to the grocery store can turn into a free-for-all if you don't know where everything is, especially when you are tired or in a hurry.

Stay away from pre-chopped veggies.
You may be tempted to reach for those containers of ready-chopped onions, celery, and carrots, but they also come with a higher price tag. According to consumerreports.org, you'll be paying almost double for that pre-prepped status. Instead, shop smart and opt for buying the entire vegetable and set aside time for chopping.

Start using the Flashfood App.
This app has partnered with grocery stores all over the country in hopes of eliminating food waste, plus, users can save up to $108 a month. How does it work? Download the app, and then search for a grocery location near you. Then you can choose and purchase discounted food items—you know, the items that have "just" reached their best buy date, and pick them up at designated Flashfood Zones in the store.

shop smart and go to the store late — Pexels

Shop during the quiet hours.
When the store is crowded with busy, tired folks and crying babies, all you want to do is get your shopping done. There's little chance of you taking the time to price compare or search for bargains. Instead, hit the aisles when fewer customers are around, and you'll feel less stressed to get a move on. Want to know what hours to avoid? The Time Use Institute states that the busiest hours of the day are 4 p.m.-5 p.m. on weekdays, and from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m or so on the weekends.

Go meatless.
If you’re shopping on a budget, consider adding Meatless Monday (or Tuesday or Wednesday) to your weekly meal rotation. You’ll save on one of the most expensive staples on your grocery list and you’re guaranteed to get in all of your greens! A study published in the Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition found that vegetarians save up to $750 a year by going meatless.

Become a coupon clipper.
We’re not saying you need to audition for the next season of Extreme Couponing, but before you head to the store, do a quick online search for any coupons that will apply to the items on your grocery list. You’ll also want to check if your grocery store has its app. Many stores like Target and Kroger have their app with additional digital coupons you can use.

Download cashback apps.
As you’re looking for coupons on the items on your grocery list, take a few minutes to download cashback apps like Ibotta and Checkout 51. These apps allow you to earn a percentage or dollar amount back on certain items after you upload a photo of your receipt. And while they may be small amounts at first (25 cents back on any item, for instance), they add up quickly!

lady buying generic labels to shop smart — iStock

Buy generic.
You probably have a few brands that you’ve used for years, but when it comes to everyday items like salt or flour, you can make your wallet a little happier by buying generic.

Look up or down.
Did you know that supermarkets often stock the priciest items at eye level? When you’re looking to shop smart and find the best deals, remind yourself to look on those top and bottom shelves.

Buy in bulk.
If cheese is on your list, spring for a block. Grated cheddar is almost always more expensive. And, when a family staple, like chicken noodle soup, goes on sale 10 for $10, go ahead and load up! If you don't have room in the pantry, ask a store associate if you can still get the discounted price.

Don’t shop while hungry.
Heading to the store on an empty stomach? Do your budget a favor and eat first. Grocery shopping while hungry can lead you to buy much more than you need and make impulse purchases. Like Paco Underhill, author of Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping says, "more than 60% of what we buy wasn’t on our list."

shop smart and send the frugal person to the store — Pixaby

Send the most economic partner to the store. If one partner is more likely to use coupons, look for bargains or attempt to spend the absolute minimum amount possible, consider having that partner tackle the big shopping trips (quick weeknight trips don't count—those are anyone's game!).

Buy frozen vegetables and fruit.
Depending on what’s in season, you can save a few bucks by buying your vegetables in the freezer section. Certain grocery stores like Trader Joe’s often have frozen veggies and fruit for under $2 so you can stock up!

Find bargains online.
In the days of Amazon Fresh and other online retailers, you can easily find food at bargain prices—you just have to know where to look. consumereports.org suggests buying the following non-perishable items online to save your hard-earned dollars: snack bars, coffee, baby food, pasta and more.

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DC’s Top 10 Free Things to Do This Summer

by Meghan Yudes MeyersJuly 13, 2021

Give your wallet a much needed day off with these 10 fun activities in and nearby the District that won’t cost you a single dime. From smelling the roses to traveling back in time, there’s something for every frugal family member.

1. Sit Front Row

All summer long., REACH will be hosting a number of films, event and performances on the outdoor Millennium Stage and the price for admission is, you guessed it, free! There's opera, jazz, Indigenous dance...basically anything you can think of. For the perfect picnic, use the money you saved on tickets for a cool glass of wine and some nibbles at Victura Park.

2700 F St. NW
Foggy Bottom
Activity details.

2. Catch a Flight

Pint-size aviation buffs will love hanging out at Gravelly Point Park, which is conveniently situated just off of the George Washington Parkway. It's there where they're able to watch planes take off (right above their heads!) from Reagan National Airport. Pack a picnic or bring popcorn to make plane watching a serious spectator sport.

George Washington Pkwy.
Arlington, VA
Online: virginia.org

3. Smell the Roses

DC has a number of public gardens and parks that won't cost you a dime to visit. One of our absolute favorite's is Bishop's Garden at the National Cathedral. It's stocked with beautiful roses, fun exploring pathways, a tiny pond with goldfish and frogs, a shady stone gazebo, and a big open lawn to run around in or spread a picnic blanket on.

Massachusetts and Wisconsin Aves. NW
Woodley Park
Activity details.

4. Meet a Working Artist

Stroll the halls of the Torpedo Factory, a former munitions factory turned art space. Creative kiddos get a sneak peek at any one of the 82 artists with working studios in the Factory. From painting to ceramics and fiber to printmaking, the creative types love to chat with families about their gigs. Bonus: There are elevators and wide hallways, making this ideal for strollers.

105 N. Union St.
Alexandria, VA
Online: torpedofactory.org

5. Spend a Day at a Museum

One of the biggest perks about living in the District is that many of the museums are federal institutions, which means admission is free. This includes the National Gallery of Art, Planet Word and the Smithsonian's museums (think: the kid-approved National Air and Space museum). Find one that the whole family will enjoy and go explore.

Editor's Note: Check your favorite museum's website prior to visiting; many are now requiring timed entry tickets.

6. Up Your Insta Game

If you're looking for a cool backdrop to snap kiddo's next pics for grandma, look no further than DC's outdoor art scene. Not sure where to start? We rounded up some of the boldest murals here. Bring a camera and some snacks for the littles, but leave your wallet at home; there are no down payments or studio fees involved with these sittings.

Activity details.

7. Hang with the Animals

Bring a stroller and lace up your sneakers to walk the 163-acre animal park. Home to popular exhibits such as the panda house, there are plenty of lesser-known must-see stops. For instance, there’s the Kids’ Farm, where llamas and cows are neighbors with rare breeds like San Clemente Island goats and Ossabaw Island hogs. Educational programs are available throughout the day and include Amazon fish feeding, elephant training and meetings with panda or ape keepers.

Editor's note: The zoo is still free, but you must have a timed-entry ticket upon arrival. Get them here.

3001 Connecticut Ave. NW
Woodley Park
Online: nationalzoo.si.edu

8. Travel Back in Time

Go back in time without spending a dime at this Fairfax County park. Dating back to 1726, the park imitates a 1920s through 1950s farm, including agricultural process, rural community life and landscape. In the Kidwell Farm area, check out horses, chickens, rabbits, sheep, goats, cows, pigs and their babies. Then, help a farmer milk a cow. Wagon and carousel rides are available seasonally for a small charge. In the Antique Equipment Shed, visitors can look at horse-drawn carriages and early farm equipment from 1900.

2739 West Ox Rd.
Herndon, VA
Online: fairfaxcounty.gov

9. Stalk the Stars

Rock Creek Park is home to the only planetarium operated by the National Park Service, and it's free. On Wed., Sat. and Sun. nights, the image of the night sky is projected onto a large, dome-shaped ceiling. You'll hear more than one "coooool" coming from the kiddie corner.

Editor's note: Ms. Seymour, the planetarium projector, is currently out-of-service. We will update this story when Ms. Seymour is working again!

5200 Glover Rd. NW
Rock Creek Park
Online: nps.gov

Cool Your Jets

Many of the District's spray pads and splash parks are completely free (check out our ultimate guide here). For a park experience that feels worthy of an entrance fee, Head to Our Special Harbor Spray Park in Franconia, VA. There are boats to climb, bubblers and even a beach.

6601 Telegraph Rd.
Franconia, VA
Online: fairfaxcounty.gov

—Meghan Yudes Meyers and Ayren Jackson-Cannady

featured photo: iStock

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Advent Calendars Just Got Awesome with Disney & Marvel Super Heroes

by Sarah ShebekJuly 7, 2021

Believe it or not, we’re over halfway to Christmas! And if you’re mentally starting to prepare in advance, Igloo Books just launched three awesome advent calendars that your kids will love. The Disney calendar, the Disney Princess calendar and the Marvel Super Heroes calendar each feature 24 books and they’re available to pre-order now.

When you’re ready to unveil for the holiday season, you’ll open a large fold-out wallet that contains two dozen paperback storybooks featuring beloved characters. Each book is wrapped in a recyclable paper sleeve and stored in a number pocket. The Disney Advent Calendar features stories from both Disney and Pixar. Disney Princess and Marvel have a collection of stories from each franchise.

Previous versions of the calendar boast more than 1,700 five-star reviews on Amazon. The reading age is listed at three years and up so the whole family can get in on the fun. The calendars are retailing online for $25.49, so a little more than one dollar per story for a whole month of fun.

Last year the Disney Advent Calendar reached #1 on Amazon’s Christmas Books list in Fall 2020, so you’ll want to preorder soon! And if you need a few more ideas for advent calendar fun, may we suggest the Harry Potter version?

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Igloo Books

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Lauren Conrad’s Little Co. Gets an Adorable Fall Update

by Karly WoodSeptember 21, 2020

Little Co. by Lauren Conrad has released a new fall collection at Kohls.com, and you’re going to want one of everything! The autumn-toned lineup is made from 100 percent cotton and is great for mixing and matching.

With plenty of gender neutral options, Little Co. is also easy on the wallet with most items coming in under $20. If you’re looking for a fall refresh for your kiddos wardrobe, keep scrolling to see some of our fave picks.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Kohl’s

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Disney Storybook Collection Advent Calendars Return for 2020

by Jennifer SwartvagherAugust 19, 2020

It’s never too early to start thinking about the holidays. Igloo Books US, a division of Bonnier Books UK, is excited to announce the launch of their new Storybook Advent Calendars for 2020. These include three different versions: Disney – featuring tales from Disney and Pixar including Dumbo’s Snowy Day and Toy Story, a dedicated version for Disney’s Frozen (which includes content from Frozen 2), and Marvel Super Heroes.

Disney Storybook Collection Advent Calendars

The product comes as an over-sized paper-over-board wallet, which is tied together with a ribbon. Inside are twenty-four paperback books which include beloved Disney, Pixar, or Marvel characters. As an additional surprise element, the books inside are individually wrapped in recyclable paper sleeves to be opened every day leading up to Christmas, December 24th being the last day. The Disney Advent Calendar includes festive stories from both Disney and Pixar, while Frozen and Marvel contain a collection of stories from each franchise.

Paul Gregory, CEO of Igloo Books, said: “Disney’s Advent Calendar has been our best-selling product for the last two years now. This large format, high quality, gift collection and the 24 individually wrapped books, featuring many of Disney, Pixar and Marvel’s magical stories, is a perfect book-a-day December treat as children countdown towards the big day. Plus, the books can continue to be read and enjoyed for months and years afterwards.”

You can pre-order the new calendars on Amazon with a release date of Oct. 6.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Igloo Books US

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I’m a White Mother & This Is Why I Stand with Black Lives Matter

By Jenni Dawn

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

June 9, 2020

Photo: istock

This isn’t a post about entertaining my son with a new and clever idea. This is a post about why I believe Black Lives Matter, and why our children should learn the same. For a few days I grappled with something to share, then I realized that my learned behavior might be relatable. I’m a forty-year-old white woman, raised in a middle-to-upper class environment. Regardless of my personal circumstances, my privileges, my mother and father succeeded in providing a home for me based on acceptance and love. Now I’m realizing why that matters so much.

One day, when I was younger, we were driving into the city from Long Island to attend a Broadway show. I loved Broadway. We parked our car in the usual parking garage and walked to our favorite restaurant around the corner to dine beforehand. It was our tradition. We passed a homeless person, a black man, sitting on the street. It might have been my first recollection of a homeless man. I remember staring, and I can still see him now as I write this. He wore a blue sweater and looked so tired. I was maybe six or seven. We walked passed him and then my dad stopped, took out his wallet (I use the same wallet today since he passed away just two weeks before my only son was born). He took out a hundred dollar bill and turned around to walk back to the man. My eyes popped. Then my mom said, “Wait!” She suggested smaller bills to make it easier for him to use and retrieved them from her wallet. She remembers this story too. She also remembers that I asked why they gave that homeless man money. She said that my dad answered me without hesitation, “He is no different from me.”

My lessons began early. To give. To not judge. To see no difference in people. But there is frankly so much noise, different opinions, down to the car radio playing the news to school in the mornings. Stuff can get through the cracks. I’m looking at it all.

Later in life, I moved into my first Hollywood apartment at twenty-two. Dad, of course, was right by my side to help. Financially, and physically. Always was. I acknowledge how easy it was for me in those regards. I don’t deny it. I also admit my shortcomings. For instance, I was just moved in, the truck was emptied, and I was walking back through the courtyard. A young black man was coming out of the apartment right next to mine locking his door. I hadn’t seen him yet. He was black and I was dumbfounded. Was this a good building I thought? I was so green. I think back to that thought and I hate that my instinct was troubled. Even with my good examples, something sunk in to judge him in that moment.

The neighbor gave a sweet hello and I was shy (I’m not usually shy) and barely answered. As I stepped into my tiny apartment, I was about to tell my dad… when he said, “Oh honey, I met Ramsey your neighbor. Really sweet guy, music producer. He said he’d invite you over this weekend for a dinner he’s having, to meet people. Isn’t that great?” It was great. It was even greater that my dad said that. Perhaps being born in 1936 he saw it all. So he learned to live by example, without fear. I went to that dinner, and Ramsey became my first friend in Los Angeles.

We all have work to do, parents especially. We are supposed to know right from wrong. Racism is wrong! Anyone who thinks otherwise isn’t someone I want in my son’s life as far as that can be controlled. Beyond that, I have to give him the tools to know the difference. I want to raise a good human. I want to be the example. I want to answer his questions and discuss openly why BLACK LIVES MATTER to me. My child’s beliefs can start with me.

My son was born in New Orleans in 2015. A fate I now treasure. His history will be filled with a culture that I adore and openness from the beginning. His first doctor, doula, nurse, playgroup friend, were all black. I’m so thankful for that. I wish I didn’t have to see it like that, that’s the hard truth. I now understand that the communities we choose and continue to live in will support our family’s experience with race and racism.

We need to model good behavior for our children. Racism isn’t good behavior. That is what I realized this morning. It begins with us. This will help break the cycle that is hurting millions today. I’m hurting too. My son saw me in tears the other day. I couldn’t share what happened to George Floyd yet, he’s only four. All I said is, “One day son, I’ll tell you about a man. His name is George Floyd.”

Jenni Dawn

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Jenni Dawn lives just outside of Los Angeles with her husband, newly rescued dog, and four year old son. She has a background in everything Entertainment, so it makes perfect sense to cover how to entertain family at home. Jenni's also a Cancer survivor with a passion for spreading hope and prevention advocacy.

9 Awesome LEGO Table Storage Ideas

by Gabby CullenMay 7, 2020

As a parent, you’ve probably thought about investing in a LEGO table. Or several. After all, what could be better than a one-stop-shop to keep their bricks organized and their time occupied? Since there’s no time like the present to get organized, we found a ton of awesome options—even an IKEA table perfect for LEGO. Whether your home is minimalist chic or teeming with toys, there is a LEGO table with storage that’ll fit the bill. And your décor. See our top picks below.

IKEA Table

While this storage system isn't technically a table, all you'd need to do is glue a few base plates to the top of the unit. The colorful bins underneath make a perfect place to stash LEGO bricks, and you can easily buy two or three of these to create a whole LEGO wall!

Buy it here, $66.99.

Classic

It doesn't get any more classic than a rectangle shape with four LEGO base plates on top. We like the mesh net storage spot in the middle and the fact that there are six different sizes to choose from, depending on the space you have available.

Buy it here, $169.99.

Budget-Friendly

This 2-in-1 LEGO table is not only easy on the wallet, but it's perfect for first-time builders, as it's compatible with both regular bricks and DUPLO bricks as well. The chairs are included in the price, and you can put the smooth cover on when the kids are ready for crafts or snacks.

Buy it here, $44.32.

All-in-One

Melissa & Doug knows their play tables. This one has plenty of storage for toys, and the big play area is ideal for LEGO, trains, dollhouses or anything else your kid loves.

Buy it here, $124.99.

Clean Lines

If you prefer your kids' furniture to have clean lines, this LEGO table might be for you. Designed to be lower to the ground, this is a good fit for toddlers and preschool kids. The chic bins below also make for easy clean up and storage.

Buy it here, $95.95.

A Splurge

A little pricer than our other top picks, the big bins and bright primary colors caught our eye on this LEGO storage table. What a fun addition to the play room!

Buy it here, $217.99.

A Multi-Tasker

This play table does it all! Not only is it perfect for LEGO play, but it can also be a water table, a sand table and a regular craft table. Phew! We also love the fun colors that are perfect for younger kids.

Buy it here, $71.98.

On-the-Go

Who says LEGO tables have to stay put? For on-the-go LEGO storage fun, check out this cute table top option. The top lifts off to display separated spots for certain bricks, and the baseplate on top will keep the pieces where they need to be—on the table instead of on the ground.

Buy it here, $28.95.

A Roll-Up Mat

Who says your LEGO table needs to actually be a table? If you don't have room for one more thing at home, opt for a mat that rolls out when you need it and stashes away easily when you don't. Since this one doesn't come with storage capabilities, be sure to check out our creative LEGO organizing ideas here.

Buy it here, $28.99.

—Gabby Cullen with Felissa Allard

Editor’s Note: At the time of publication, all items were available for purchase/All images courtesy retailers

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