Do you ever wonder what happens to those crayons your kid gets for pre-dining entertainment at restaurants? Unfortunately, many get thrown into landfills—and the wax takes decades to decompose. In better news, the non-profit Crayon Collection is taking action to solve this problem.

Gently used crayons still have lots of life! So the Crayon Collection recruits restaurants to pair with local high-poverty Title I schools and Head Start centers. Each month, the recipient schools pick up the left over crayons from the restaurants to bolster classroom supplies. Schools that want to partner with a restaurant can email the non-profit to get started.

Crayons can also be redirected from schools and homes with plenty of supplies to schools in need. The Crayon Collection helps facilitate crayon drives around the country, which helps kids learn about eco-consciousness. You can also help out by collecting your gently used colors and donate them in your community.

Sheila Morovati, a first-generation Iranian American, is the president and founder of the Crayon Collection. She helped the organization set a Guinness World Record with the largest crayon donation in history—more than one million were donated to schools and Head Start Centers in Los Angeles. To learn more about the Crayon Collection and get more info on how you can be involved, visit crayoncollection.org.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Leisy Vidal, Unsplash

 

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Easter is early this year, and if you’re looking for unique treats for their Easter baskets, Etsy is your first and only stop. From personalized mason jars to carrot crayons and even a bunny bottom hot chocolate bomb, we’ve rounded up our favorite Easter gifts on Etsy for kids. Scroll down to see them all.

Mason Jar Tumbler 

Pick from four different colors and six bunny colors when you order these personalized plastic mason jar tumbler cups for kids.  

Buy it here, $7.

Easter Kinder Mini Eggs

A sweet bag of chocolate Easter eggs can have a personalized tag added too! 

Buy it here, $4.63.

Bunny Bath Bombs

These adorable Peep-shaped bath bombs in the shapes of bunnies will stand out in their Easter basket! 

Buy them here, $2.99 & up.

Butterfly Bombs

Your butterfly enthusiast will get six bombs and planting instructions in this sweet muslin bag. 

Buy it here, $9.95.

Carrot Crayons

How cute are these carrot crayons? Bright colors and an easy grip for little hands make this a perfect Easter basket filler for your tiniest bunnies. 

Buy them here, $14.50 & up.

Do Not Disturb Socks

For the gamer in your house, when they want to chill, these socks make a statement.

Buy them here, $13.20.

Easter Sensory Kits

Filled with interesting things like play dough, gems, eggs and carrots, these Easter sensory jars will keep kids busy. 

Buy it here, $8.99.

Bee Kind Wax Melts

This wax melt sample box is perfect for older kids. The packaging is adorable, and the melts come in six different scents. 

Buy it here, $12.

Bunny Bottom Hot Chocolate Bomb

Choose from dark or milk chocolate bunny bombs. Each one is filled with cocoa powder and marshmallows! 

Buy them here, $6.50.

Golden Easter Egg

These golden Easter eggs can be personalized and make a gift they’ll treasure for years. 

Buy them here, $7.22 each.

Hip Hop T-Shirt

How adorable is this t-shirt? ‘90s parents will especially appreciate the pun! Available in sizes 3 months - 8Y.

Buy it here, $18.

DIY Plush Animal Kit

Chose from 11 adorable color-your-own mini plushies, plus three markers, in this cute DIY kit. 

Buy it here, $9.99.

—Gabby Cullen

All images courtesy of Etsy

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Photo: via The Startup Squad

The future may be bright for these six amazing girlpreneurs but the present is pretty sunny as well. Their products are sold nationwide in stores such as Wal-Mart and Target and their stories are inspirational. Learn more about these girls below:

Coder Bunnyz

Samaira Mehta was only seven years old when she had her entrepreneurial light bulb moment. She invented Coder Bunnyz with a mission to teach kids, and kids-at-heart, how to code in a fun way. Coder Bunnyz combines the fun elements of a board game with the computer programming language and artificial intelligence of computers. To date, Samaira has done over 40 workshops with her Coder Bunnyz board game in Silicon Valley and has started a “Girls U Code” initiative for underrepresented girls. Samaira’s impressive startup journey also includes speaking engagements throughout Silicon Valley. What are her ambitious yet totally doable plans for her business? “Get all the billion kids in the world access to coding tools by 2030.”

Watch Her Video

Earrings by Emma

Emma has always had sensitive ears. Three years ago, when she couldn’t find hypoallergenic earrings to buy and wear, she decided to start her own jewelry line of non-allergic earrings. And Earrings by Emma was born! Today, 11-year-old Emma continues to design and sell stylish earrings with plastic posts, hooks, and locks that don’t irritate the ears. As a young entrepreneur, Emma’s also pretty insightful when it comes to advising fellow girlpreneurs: “Find a market that isn’t being served and serve it. Or, find a need or a problem that hasn’t been solved, and innovate a new product or solution.”

Watch Her Video

Goddess Food Factory

13-year-old Simone Bridges is a kid chef from Jacksonville, Florida who loves baking as much as she adores STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and mathematics). Her business, Goddess Food Factory, which she started when she was only 11 years old, sells baking kits. These kits teach kids how to convert measurements accurately and bake sweets perfectly with the help of the baking tools included. As a motivational speaker, Chef Simone encourages kids to take up baking and cooking and empowers them to appreciate the magic (aka STREAM) behind every culinary creation. She’s also a big entrepreneurial dreamer and planner; she wants to have her own branded cookware, chef apparel, and interactive online companion to her baking kits someday.

Watch Her Video

Ooh La Lemon

It all started with a lemonade stand! Best friends Katie Vonder Haar and Hailey Hertzman are two thirteen-year-olds from Louisville, Kentucky and the winners of the 2017 Lemonade Day National Youth Entrepreneur of the Year contest. And they’ve been bitten by the entrepreneurial bug ever since. They’ve branched out from their lemonade stand business and now sell trendy fruit-themed products (with lots of lemonade designs!) through their online website and pop-up shop. One of their bestselling products, the Lemontastic Leash set, was even included in the swag bag for the Emmy’s VIP party just this past September. The Today Show interviewed Katie and Hailey recently and asked what they’ve learned so far as young teen entrepreneurs: “We learned that a business plan is important because it prepares you for everything you need to know to make your business successful.”

Watch Her Video

Rose & Co. Candlemakers

“Because business is a girl’s game.” That’s the motto of Rose & Co. Candlemakers in New Jersey, owned and run by 11-year-old Rose. Rose started making candles when she was eight as a way to welcome new neighbors to her neighborhood, then went on to sell candles at one of her mom’s trunk shows. Eventually, she decided to have a candle sale at her home and now sells her soy wax candles at fairs, popup markets, and through their website. Rose & Co. Candlemakers makes natural soy wax, cotton wick, dye-free candles. Their annual scents include Rose, Lemon Verbena, and Vanilla Macadamia Nut Coffee, and they add seasonal scents throughout the year.

Watch Her Video

Zollipops

When Alina was seven years old, she was at the bank with her dad and a teller offered her a lollipop. She was immediately torn: She wanted to accept but had heard her parents say candy was bad for teeth. So, she asked her dad, “Why can’t we make a lollipop that’s good for your teeth?” In 2014, the first Zollipops® hit the shelves, and Alina became known as the “Lollipop Girl.” And the name? Alina’s little sister, Lola, tried to pronounce one of the teeth-friendly ingredients in the candy. She said “Zollipops,” and that’s what stuck. Alina is now 14, and in August 2018, she became the youngest person ever featured on the cover of Entrepreneur magazine. Zollipops are sold nationwide at Whole Foods, Kroger stores, Wal-Mart and Amazon.com. Through their One Million Smiles initiative, 10 percent of profits are given to schools and organizations to support oral health education.

Watch Her Video

One of these amazing girlpreneurs will be profiled in the second book in the The Startup Squad series to be released on May 5, 2020. To vote for your favorite, head over here before October 30th. Girls Mean Business!

This post originally appeared on The Startup Squad.

I've always built businesses, from a childhood gummy bear business to adult gigs at IMAX and Coupons.com. I founded The Startup Squad to help girls reach their potential and my book series, The Startup Squad, is published by Macmillan. I live in Silicon Valley with my wife and two daughters.

Candles may make your home warm and cozy, but it’s time to examine the brand you currently have on your mantle. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission recently recalled Sure Scents 2-1 Peaceful Stream/Moonlit Waves Candles for posing fire and burn hazards.

photo: CPSC.gov

The candle (pictured above) is exclusively sold at Dollar Tree and according to CPSC, “the candles’ high flames can ignite the surface of the wax or cause the glass to break, posing fire and burn hazards.”

If you have this specific product in your possession immediately stop using it. Then call Dollar Tree for a refund. They can be reached at 800-876-8697 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at dollartree.com. If you go to their website to seek your refund, scroll to the bottom of the page and under “Customer Service” select “Contact Us” and then “Company Questions & Answers.” Next click on “Product Recalls” in the left column for more info.

Currently about 142,740 units are in circulation with the recall announced December 2020. To learn more visit CPSC.gov.

—Erin Lem

 

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Bring the donut shop into your living room. After a successful 2019 launch, lifestyle brand Homesick announced it would once again team up with Dunkin’ to bring back limited-edition candles inspired by some of the brand’s beloved menu items. Original Blend Coffee and Old Fashioned Donuts scents are back by popular demand and come with a new candle personalization feature. 

Dunkin' X Homesick Candles

 

“When we first started working with Dunkin’ to create this collection, we immediately bonded over our shared passion for putting a smile on people’s faces. It was all the more fulfilling for us to see such a positive response to the lineup – between Old Fashioned and Original Blend selling out so quickly, and an influx of comments, DMs, and emails from our customers asking us to bring it back,” said Lauren Lamagna, Director of Product Development and Merchandising at Homesick. “Whether our customers are buying for themselves to relive a special Dunkin’ memory, or to give to friends and family customized with their go-to order, we’re excited to team up with Dunkin’ again to offer this meaningful gift for the holiday season.”

Homesick x Dunkin’ Collection candle fragrances include:

Original Blend: Dunkin’s signature blend coffee that has been keeping America running for 70 years. The combination of Original Blend Coffee and cream delivers a sweet scent to be enjoyed by all.

Old Fashioned: Indulge in the coziness of freshly baked Old Fashioned Donuts with the sweet but subtle scent of traditional warm spices that wrap you in nostalgia.

Packaged in Dunkin’s iconic pink and orange colors, the limited-edition collection is available beginning today, Nov. 23, at homesick.com/dunkin for $34. For an additional $15 you can add a personalized message on the jar to make it an extra special gift for your favorite Dunkin’ fan. 

Each candle is hand-poured in the U.S. with a soy wax blend and offers a generous burn time of 60 to 80 hours.

“In a year when everyone could use a little more cheer, Dunkin’ coffee and donuts and Homesick candles have both played a role in bringing people moments of comfort and joy. Our fans are as unique as their coffee orders and we wanted to bring back our collaboration with the fun new twist of personalization,” said Justin Unger, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Dunkin’ Brands. “After last year’s response, it was an easy decision to team up with Homesick again to bring back those fan-favorite fragrances and allow people nationwide to experience Dunkin’ at home.”

For more information visit www.homesick.com/dunkin.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Dunkin’

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Fall is right around the corner, that means we can start planning for Halloween fun. Crate & Barrel recently announced their fun and spooky offerings. There is even an exclusive collection with PATCH NYC which just launched. 

Created in partnership with design-duo Don Carney and John Ross of Boston-based PATCH NYC, this collection combines vintage Halloween ephemera, iconic motifs and textile patterns that bring an artistic edge to this year’s spookiest, festive decorations.

PATCH NYC Kooky Kitty Candle

PATCH NYC Kooky Kitty Bowl

This spooky kitty will look great displayed on the mantle, in the entryway or on your dining room table. It retails for $19.95.

 

Black Branch Wreath

Black Branch Wreath

These realistically detailed branches are dyed black and entwine in a creepy Halloween wreath. It retails for $59.95. 

 

PATCH NYC Batty Bat and Scary Skull Dish Towels, Set of 2

PATCH NYC Batty Bat and Scary Skull Dish Towels, Set of 2

These pumpkin colored dish towels provide the perfect backdrop for black and white portraits of a spooky skull and creepy bat.

Pumpkin Lanterns

Pumpkin Lanterns

Line your front porch with these friendly iron pumpkin lanterns which resemble smiling jack o’ lanterns. Fill with a wax or flameless pillar candle. These lanterns retail for $39.95 – $99.95 depending on size. 

Happy Haunting Banner

Happy Haunting Banner

Welcome trick-or-treaters to your home with this pair of Halloween banners. The Happy Haunting banner is a Crate and Barrel exclusive. It retails for $49.95.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Crate & Barrel

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Your go-to Easter egg decorating kit has gotten a major upgrade. Instead of the classic wax crayon and bunny stickers, now there are a slew of crazy-unique options out there, including unicorns, dinosaurs and even emojis. Take a peek at our favorites below, and grab them before they’re gone! 

Cute As a Bug Kit 

Besides the standard dye tablets, the Cute as a Bug Kit comes with 80 foam stickers, and 12 googly eyes, to make insects like bumblebees, ladybugs and more.

Buy one here, $3.

Emoji Kit

Happy, goofy, laughing. You can create these emoji eggs (among others) with the 100 stickers that come with this kit. There’s also six dye tablets, eight egg stands and one egg dipper.

Grab it here, $3.

Unicorn Eggs

This kit is pure magic, with a variety of different unicorns (we also spotted a special guest star, the llama!) from funny cartoons to embellished eyelashes and horns. 

Get yours here, $3.

Dinosaur Egg Decorating Kit 

Any din-obsessed kid will love making Easter eggs covered with her favorite prehistoric creatures. There are 12 dino egg wraps and five dye tablets! 

Grab the box here, $1.98.

—Gabby Cullen

 

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What’s your least favorite Halloween candy? Even though there’s so much chocolate and sugar-coated awesomeness to choose from, CandyStore.com combined 12 lists from the web and survey data from 40,000 of its customers to come up with the worst Halloween treat picks of the year.

So how does this mix of lists and survey data get to the bottom of the barrel when it comes to the worst Halloween candies? CandyStore.com weighted each best/worst list, giving each candy a different point value based on rank. The site then totaled the points and created their own 10 worst Halloween candies list!

photo: Sambeawesome via Pixabay

What candy took top honors as the worst? Oh-so-surprisingly, candy corn came in at number one. Last year’s number one, circus peanuts, fell to number two and peanut butter kisses (not cups!) was number three.

The rest of the list included (in order starting at number four), wax Coke bottles, Necco Wafers, Tootsie Rolls, Smarties, licorice, Good & Plenty and Bit-O-Honey.

If you’re curious what candies Americans actually like, CandyStore.com’s best 10 list includes (in order starting at one), Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Snickers, Twix, Kit Kat, M&Ms, Nerds, Butterfingers, Sour Patch Kids, Skittles and Hershey Bars.

—Erica Loop

 

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Nothing says Halloween quite like flickering candlelight and now, thanks to the return of Yankee Candle’s Halloween collection, you can make your candles even more spooktacular.

Featuring 40 new Halloween-themed accessories, the five collections include Boney Bunch, Halloween Friends, Bedazzled Skull, Spiderweb and Gold Ombré and have something for everyone. Here are a few of our favorite picks from the 2019 Yankee Candle Halloween collection.

Halloween Friends Collection Multi

These adorable Halloween pals are lined up and ready for some spooky fun.

$30

Halloween Friends Petey Pumpkin Jack O'Lantern

This mini jack o'lantern candle holder will light up your house all season long.

$22

Boney Bunch Circus Jar Candle Holder

This adorably creepy big top tent doubles as a holder for your favorite jar candle scent.

$35

Boney Bunch Ringmaster

This skeletal ringmaster will help your house smell cozy by doubling as an electric wax melt warmer.

$30

Bedazzled Skull Jar Candle Holder

Jazz up your jar candle with this sparkling skull.

$12

Bedazzled Skull Collection Hands

These bony fingers are happy to hold up your favorite scented candles.

$18

Spiderweb Jar Candle Holder

Accent your favorite candle jar with some spooky webbing.

$25

Gold Ombré Votive

This festive tea light holder is the perfect accent to take you from September all the way through Thanksgiving. 

$8

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Yankee Candle

 

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Can you see it? Summer is on the horizon! In honor of the warmest (and most fun) season of the year, Target has released its brand new line, Sun Squad to celebrate all that’s right with summer. Within its six new collections, you’ll find everything you need to take on the season, like charming coolers, fabulous floats and terrific tableware. Keep scrolling to see our top picks!

Day at the Water

Americana Webstrap 2-Person Portable Loveseat Chair

Lighten the load on your trip to the shore by carrying one less chair when you cart this fabulous Americana Webstrap 2-Person Loveseat ($35)! The lightweight steel frame is only six pounds but is able to hold up to 360.

2-In-1 Cooler Tote With Mesh Teal

Carry your chilled snacks and all your other accessories with one hand when it comes to this 2-in-1 Cooler Tote ($12). With a detachable cooler that opens by zipper, and a large tote on top, this two-fer folds flat when you're done for easy storage.

Pop Up Beach Shelter

With no assembly required and a set-up time of just one minute, there's no reason you shouldn't invest in this Pop Up Beach Shelter ($30) this summer. The 5-foot wide tent offers a UPF rating of 50+ and accommodates two adults comfortably.

Backyard Fun

Pineapple Kids' Golf Set

When it comes to summer, you'll be spending tons of time outside so you may want to update your outdoor toys with this adorable Pineapple Kids' Golf Set ($9). Perfect for left or right handers, the cute plastic set comes with three balls and all the clubs for your little Tiger Woods to perfect his or her swing.

Hamburger Grill Caddy

Summer is nearly synonymous with grilling and that's why you need this Hamburger Grill Caddy ($20) in your life. The open and shut case comes with salt and pepper shakers, in addition to ketchup and mustard bottles that fit perfectly in their designated spots. Fire up the grill!

Palm Leaf Picnic Blanket

Laying down the Palm Leaf Picnic Blanket ($20) will keep you safe from itchy grass this summer. This 72x60 blanket is machine washable and folds up into a carrying bag!

Americana

Americana Pool

Celebrate the 4th this year in style with the Americana Pool ($20) from Sun Squad. The festive vinyl pool measures 60 inches around and can hold up to 50 gallons of water––plenty of space to enjoy the hot weather, and maybe enjoy a fireworks show or two.

Citronella Wax Bucket Candles Americana

Keep bugs at bay and from messing with your party with this inexpensive back of Citronella Wax Bucket Candles ($7). The red, white and blue three pack of 4oz. candles have a burn time of roughly 10 hours and are made from paraffin wax.

4th of July Paper Lantern Flag Patterns

Celebrate in style! You can't go wrong with a 3-pack of 4th of July Paper Lantern Flag Patterns ($3) that measure 10x10 inches and come with fun and festive stars, strips and plaid patterns.

Summer Outdoor Fun

Striped Hammock

Sneak away for some alone time and relax in a Striped Hammock ($35) that is just as stylish as it is comfy. The weather-resistant swing holds up to 400 pounds and stores away in it's attached pouch until you can bring it out again next year.

Kids Ice Cream Chair

I scream, you scream, we all scream for this awesome Kids Ice Cream Chair ($15)! The 31-inch tall chair holds up to 125 pounds and even comes with its own carrying case. Perfect for bonfires or just relaxing in the summer sun.

6' Palm Print Beach Umbrella

There's no way to survive summer without some major shade so don't forget to pick up a 6' Palm Print Beach Umbrella ($20) on your next Target run. Your purchase comes with everything you need: a carrying bag, a UV-resistant umbrella that tilts and a corkscrew base.

 

Margarita Party

Plastic Palm Leaf Chip and Dip Serving Platter

Serve in style with this Plastic Palm Leaf Chip and Dip Serving Platter that's only $7! The BPA-free dishwasher and microwave-safe platter comes with a perfectly coordinated bowl. Chips and salsa, anyone?

Pineapple Shaped Beverage Dispenser

Whether you're whipping up a huge jug of lemonade or settling in for a post-bedtime adult soiree of margaritas, this 2 Gallon Plastic Pineapple Shaped Beverage Dispenser ($13) gets the job done. The 9x3" container is dishwasher safe and looks great on your party table.

10.4" Plastic Pineapple Dinner Plate

Oh, hello child-resistant Plastic Pineapple Dinner Plates ($2)! The adorable sweet 10.4" melamine plates are dishwasher safe and will survive those slippery little hands while you're dining al fresco this summer.

Fave Floats

Shooting Star Kiddo Float

Summer dreams are made with this Shooting Star Kiddo Float ($20). The kids-only inflatable holds up to 45 pounds and is packed with adorable colors.

Sweet Treat Sundae Lil' Canopy Float Pink

Baby never looked so sweet as he does in this Sundae Lil' Canopy Float Pink ($20). Made with a removable canopy, this float holds up to 40 pounds and will make sure junior doesn't miss any splashing action this year.

Giant Llama Pool Float

Don't worry mamas and papas, we didn't forget about you! You get to saddle up this summer on an amazing Giant Llama Pool Float ($20). Made with thick and sturdy plastic, this device holds up to 200 pounds and is our all-time fave pick of the summer.

––Karly Wood

All photos courtesy of Target.

 

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