Fun Toys for Creative Kids #GiftGuide

December 17, 2018 by 14 Comments

Looking for something fun to stimulate the mind of a creative child? These are a lot of fun, and we think your little Eisenstein will get a lot of play out of them.

imaginative play

One of our all time favorite toy companies, Schleich, has all sorts of new toys this year. That is in addition to the many amazing playsets and figures they already had- these don’t go out of style. For the child interested in dinosaurs, horses, farm life, sea life, Roman history, and so much more, these incredibly detailed figures are perfect for creative play and collecting.  The Schleich’s Wild Life range allows kids to walk through the wilds of the Savannah, take a safari, and see lions, zebras, and rhinoceros.  Individual animals are also available. Horse lovers will love Schleich’s Horse Club , which lets them take these majestic animals to tournaments and festivals, win best in show, feed and take care of them in stables, and more. Dinosaurs, sea life, Fairy wonderlands, and more are all available. Visit https://www.schleich-s.com/en/US/ to see what your child will enjoy.

girls toys

Kuroba, a new collectible that is a mix of Shopkins and BeyBlade, is newly available. Small and easy to put away, these toys are 16 different cube-shaped characters with funny, expressive faces and personalities. The toys are featured in a show on the Kuroba YouTube channel, where kids can watch the series of 1-4-minute shorts. The line includes a Training Pack to practice and enhance their skills, a Battle Pack for battle, and a Klash Arena playset to battle their Kuroba.  Find out more at https://playmatestoys.com/brands/kuroba/

hotwheels playset

Hot WheelsTM 50th Jumbo MegamatTM  is perfect for the car collector or enthusiast. This set comes with 2 HotWheels die cast cars, a foam mat with a city and roads that lets kids drive all over and go exploring without ruining your floors or tables, and is easily wiped clean. This is a special 50th anniversary playmat that comes with a collectible Hot Wheels poster. For ages 3+, $29.99.

family puzzles

For kids who like to make things fit or create, TCG has a beautiful line of puzzles for fans of any age. You can find all sorts of themes, from new hits like Fingerlings to classic skylines and everything in between. Kids or adults and whole families can get together and work on these. In addition, TCG has a puzzles and campaign to benefit the Autistic community, involving Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks Canada since 2016. For some autistic people, puzzles help calm and stimulate, so it is a wonderful fit. Prices range from $3.99 for a 200 piece puzzle to $7.99 for a 1,000 piece puzzle.

underwater camera

For older kids that like to capture life, or adults who are on the go, travelers, adventurers, or anyone who would like a virtually “accident proof” camera built for life, check out GoPro. The new HERO7 Silver camera is basically the best priced holiday gifting camera. It features all the high-quality 4K video and 12MP photo, as well as GPS, voice control, electronic image stabilization, and more.

tough camera

At $299, HERO7 Silver gives you performance at a doable price. It goes where you go, underwater, into mud runs, ziplining, downhill skiing- you name it. Videos and photos are detailed, and you can opt for ultra-long time lapse video in 4K, as well as slow-mo in 2x or short videos that are easy for sharing.The Short Clips feature captures 15 second clips- easy as that. You can zoom, get selfies, burst shots, use a timer, and so many more features. Did I mention that (of course) there is an app for that? If that’s a little too expensive for you, the $199, HERO7 White is another option that still gives you tons of options for less money.

 

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Portable North Pole Toys for the Holiday Season #GiftGuide

December 6, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Portable North Pole (PNP) brings the magic of Christmas to life with personalized video messages and calls directly from Santa to children young and old. Children (and parents) have sent more than 210 million videos globally since they started 10 years ago.

New for 2018 – the10th Anniversary of Portable North Pole- a line of adorable products, toys and plush dolls that lets kids live the magic of the season while encouraging good behavior:

  • NEW! Letters to Santa Kit: Take your personalized video to the next level using the Letters to Santa Kit, as the included video message reply will include your child’s hand-written letter. Each kit comes with stationary, envelopes, festive Christmas stickers and an officialNorth Pole post office stamp and ink pad. MSRP $12.99.
  • NEW! Twenty-Four Sleeps Until Santa Christmas Storybook:Kids count down the days of December with Santa! Every page offers the “Search and Find” game where kids hunt for Santa’s missing keys and a merry advent verse to read each day. Plus, the book can be personalized with a child’s photo and details. MSRP $12.99.
  • Do-Good Elf:Inspires learning about the true spirit of the holidays by encouraging kids to teach their elf the difference between naughty and nice.

The Do-Good Elf catches you doing GOOD vs. other elves that “spy” on you and report bad behavior back to Santa…

Comes with four (4) personalized videos where Santa checks in on the child teaching progress and more. MSRP $24.99.

  • Karamelli Santa’s Sweetest Baby Reindeer Plush and Okida Santa Playful Husky Puppy Plush: Children teach their cuddly baby pet about the spirit of Christmas. MSRP $12.99.

All toys will be available across North America at most Walmart locations and at Walmart.com this fall.

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The Flex Brush – Perfect Stocking Stuffer for Anyone with Hair #GiftGuide

November 28, 2018 by Leave a Comment

If you have tangles in your hair, if you think your hair is impossible, hard to manage, or just makes you crazy, you will want to know about the Flex Brush. It sounds too good to be true, but it really works. I used it on my partner’s wild and curly hair, and it not only sailed right on through his tangles and knots, but didn’t hurt him in the process.

If you have a child who HATES hair brushing time, this will save both of you. Your sanity, their tears, and a whole lot of time. The detangling spray is also fantastic. For that extra added “easy glide”, it really makes things that much easier.  For one of the first times, I was able to run my fingers through his hair.

detangling brush

World-renowned celebrity hair stylist Angelo David Pisacreta, owner of the elite Angelo David Salon in New York City, and hair-tool veteran Jacob Guttman, founder and CEO of Creative Pro Hair Tools, introduce The Flex Brush™—an all-purpose tool that safely detangles hair, massages the scalp and promotes health and hair growth. The brush’s versatility, combined with its flex technology, make it the most forgiving hair brush on the market.

 flex brush

The Flex Brush™, designed for both wet and dry hair, bends to follow the contours of your head, massaging your scalp and stimulating the production of natural oils. The brush has vents that allow heat to pass through it, so blow drying won’t damage the brush. For ultimate detangling, pair it with FlexDetangle Spray, a revolutionary leave-in conditioner that increases flexibility to minimize damage during styling and detangling. Here is what sets The FlexBrush™ apart from other brushes on the market:

 

  • It is the most versatile brush on the market, so whether your hair is curly, fine, delicate or thick—or if you have extensions or a sensitive scalp—The Flex Brush™ is your go-to hair tool.
  • The Flex Brush™ is made from all-natural rubber, and the coating has a soft-touch finish that’s comfortable and easy to grip.
  • The Flex Brush™ is vented and super lightweight, so it can be used while blow drying. Air can pass freely through the integrated vents, resulting in much faster drying times.
  • Thanks to its flexibility, The Flex Brush™ gives your scalp a soothing massage that increases the blood supply to your hair’s follicles. Increased circulation helps increase the flow of oxygen and nutrients that are essential for growing strong, healthy hair.
  • The Flex Brush™ is especially great for detangling children’s hair. Unlike traditional brushes, it flexes to avoid snagging on tough knots, so there’s no pain. Plus, you get damage-free detangling on all hair types, whether hair is wet or dry.

 best brush for kids

About The Flex Brush™

The Flex Brush™ is the creation of two of the most innovative minds in beauty: Angelo David, owner and creative director of the elite Angelo David Salon in New York City, and Jacob Guttman, founder and CEO of Creative Pro Hair Tools. While on the beach in Aruba, Angelo was disturbed watching people destroy their hair, as they yanked rigidbrushes through knots, tearing ends and destroying roots. He contacted Jacob and together they designed The Flex Brush™—an all-purpose tool that detangles safely, massages the scalp and promotes hair health and growth. It is designed for both wet and dry hair.

 

The Flex Brush™ comes in three variations:

The Flex Brush™ Petite Mixed Bristle for SRP $19.95

The Flex Brush™ XL Nylon Bristle for SRP $19.95

The Flex Brush™ XL Mixed Bristle for SRP $25.95

The Flex Detangle Spray is available in two sizes:

the 2 oz bottle for SRP $6.95

the 8 oz bottle for SRP $17.95

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Marketplace Africa – Eco Friendly Gifts That Give Back to the Community #GiftGuide

November 28, 2018 by 1 Comment

If you want to shop sustainably this year, support small business, or like to avoid big box stores, I’ve got a shop for you. If you just like unique and high quality products at a reasonable price- this is a shop you will love. Marketplace Africa has clothing, bath and body products (and I’m in love with some of these already), purses, bags,- really, gifts for everyone on your list. GREAT hostess gifting as well. Thoughtful gifts anyone would love to receive.

This online platform lets Africans can sell their one-of-a-kind handmade goods to the US, UK and entire global market.  Now customers seeking to purchase a unique gift this holiday season can feel good as they are buying directly from the source in Africa which in turn helps boost the economy. The site offers fabulous products in fashion, jewelry, handbags, body care, and select home décor items.

shop small

MarketPlaceAFRICA.com is an E-commerce platform created for African designers and entrepreneurs to tell their stories and sell their products directly to consumers everywhere, with no start-up costs. Business owners can stay focused on what they love to do most while expanding to international markets. They have a partnership with DHL, the leading global logistics experts in Africa,that lets these small businesses navigate international shipping regulations and meet the delivery time expectations of global customers. As you shop from African small businesses, you can select from familiar, safe payment methods, and have the products shipped to your home with confidence and security. It’s totally a win-win.

For more information on Marketplace Africa visit www.marketplaceafrica.com

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Gifts for the Active Men in Your Life #GiftGuide

November 28, 2018 by 18 Comments

If you are anything like us, you want to be active and outside as much as possible. Colder weather complicates things, but not to worry. You can get outdoors and enjoy your vitamin D year round, just bundle up a bit. Check out these functional and eco friendly cool-weather options we are loving right now- they would be perfect for the active men in your life this holiday season.

eco friendly clothing

Stopping off at Trader Joe’s on the way home- active wear that is great as any wear

The perfect slip on shoe for indoors or out, the Original Stegmann is not only comfortable, but also functional. They are great for camping, running errands, and everything in between. They have fantastic arch and toe support, so if you have aching feet, issues like Plantar Fasciitis, or a bad back, these might be worth considering. They have free shipping and exchanges, so nothing to lose. Made with a Tyrolian & Merino wool blend into a single piece, it is then paired with an anatomically contoured cork sole that is balanced for both arch and metatarsal support. These shoes have a gentle slope which helps reduce ankle and back pain as well. These shoes as a whole are designed for comfort, so if that’s your thing- and honestly, whose isn’t- check them out at https://www.stegmannusa.com . Prices vary.

A brand we have really fallen in love with over here is Mountain Khakis. Not only are the products soft and durable, but the environmentally friendly fabrics and practices have completely won us over.  Take for example the Rainmaker Jacket. It’s all sorts of wet-proof (rain, snow, mud, etc), and it’s strechy as well. It’s also warmer then some raincoats, without being swelteringly-sticky-hot like so many can be. A nice medium-to lightweight, and easily layered. It has a removable hood, with welded seams and snap-closed patch pockets.  It has a relaxed fit and hits about the hip area. Best part? The eco-friendliness of this jacket. Polyurethane is a greener alternative to the traditional raincoat’s vinyl. It’s also more durable and is better for the environment in long term care and use. Polyurethane does not require the chemicals used to soften vinyl in the manufacturing process, and is eventually biodegradable, where as PVC (vinyl) never breaks down, and is usually incinerated.  This leaches toxins into landfills and emits carcinogenic dioxin into the air. Any reason to choose PVC over PU? Not in my book. Check out https://www.mountainkhakis.com for your jacket, available in several colors, for $139.

Your new go-to sweatshirt will be the Poker Flats Pullover, which is soft and cuddly, perfect for chilly nights.  Named for the inspiring Teton National Park, this namesake sweatshirt is also inspiring. With it’s certified recycled fleece (which is made using sustainable REPREVE® technology) fabric, each garment reuses about 25 plastic bottles in it’s creation. Half zip, relaxed fit  with a high collar that can be folded down, it also has a snap chest pocket and thumb thumb loops. It comes in two shades- one is several shades of blues and greens, the other is a deep red with shades of grey. Get yours at https://www.mountainkhakis.com for $85

The Old Faithful Pants are just that. The most comfortable winter all-around pants we’ve found in ages, we find ourselves living in these. As in, I’ve had to peel them off my partner to wash them, he doesn’t want to part with them that long (like when you have to wrestle that dress or much loved t-shirt off your toddler, and you need to promise to put it right into the wash, they can have it right back- promise!) I jest, but not much. Known also as the “campfire pant”, these  pants are made with recycled sweaters. They are both sweatpants and pants, with a drawstring waistband as well as a zippered fly. Yes, multiple pockets. The ribbed waistband and cuffs at the ankles keep the pants where you want them, and comfortably so. (Are you seeing that the themes here are comfort and function? Because seriously so.) Thicker then most sweatpants, but not sweaty-thick- just warm. The legs are slim fit, which surprised and weirded us out for a hot second, but only about one. Got used to them in no time, and they have become, as mentioned, our very favorites. These come in “oatmeal and black”, but seem really more like light grey and dark grey to the novice eye. $90 at https://www.mountainkhakis.com

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6 Religious Gift Ideas for Special Occasions

June 1, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Christmas angel reading in a book telling a story on a background for a greeting card.

When celebrating an important religious milestone, like baptism, confirmation, First Communion or any other religious holiday, you have to think about an appropriate gift. A religious gift may be a great idea. However, you need to make sure that the gift you choose suits the person’s taste and personality. It is not enough to choose a rosary or a framed prayer. You should consider their preferences in order for the gift to be memorable.

One of the most important religious celebrations is the Confirmation of a child. It’s the moment every child is sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and straightened in his Christian life. Confirmation gifts for boys, for instance, range from books to wallets, from journals to picture frames. This article on TenGiftIdeas can help you find personalized religious gifts to offer for Confirmation.

  1. Keepsake Box

This religious gift is appropriate for several religious events in your life, like First Communion, Confirmation, Baptism and Christening. Therefore, this silver-plated keepsake box is perfect for anyone who has a religious celebration coming up. The box is simple and elegant, a perfect gift to be treasured for several years. The greatest part about this keepsake box is that you can fully customize it. Around the silver cross in the center, you can ask the manufacturer to engrave a religious text or your relative’s or friend’s name.

  1. Glass Photo Frame

This also makes a lovely faith-inspired gift. The frame features an amber fused glass cross, complementing the religious theme. You can frame an appropriate prayer according to the religious celebration or a confirmation or baptism photo. The best fit would be including your favorite Bible verse and develop your own graphic if you feel artsy.

  1. Glass Angel

Another popular religious gifts would be a glass angel decoration. This could work hand in hand with a Christmas celebration when you put up the Christmas tree. Furthermore, you could also offer a glass angel as a gift for a baptism celebration. The angel could be placed in the newborn’s room to keep him or her safe. Whenever looking at it, the pale amber glass angel ornament will remind your friend to count their blessings and be grateful for everything they have.

  1. Book of Prayers

Almost everyone has a Bible at home, so consider finding an appropriate book of prayers to offer as a gift. In case your friend or relative is a book lover, this will definitely be a perfect fit. Make sure the prayers and religious stories in the book are appropriate for the religious event you celebrate. The prayers should not only signify your love for them, but also your wish for love of Christ to grow. Learning more about the life of saints or the New Testament will help your friend nurture their gratitude and say a prayer. The best way to thank God for what you have is by reading about all the wonders that Jesus realized together with the 12 Apostles.

  1. Mother’s Love Angel Figurine

You can place this cute little figurine on your kid’s nightstand in order for them to remember that their mom is just like an angel, always there to protect them. We all think that mothers are angels without wings, present by our sides in moments of joy and fear. Therefore, this religious gift is the perfect fit especially if you want to show your love for your little one, teaching him or her about religion while preparing them for their First Confirmation. This could also be a great gift for your little godson or goddaughter. After Christening, you can offer this little angel figurine as a gift since a godmother is considered to be a spiritual mother.

  1. Confirmation Glass Picture Frame

If you do not only collect moments but also pictures, make sure you frame a picture from your son or daughter’s confirmation. They will be really happy to know that you have immortalized that special moment and kept it as a memory. Since a photo speaks a thousand words, this one will surely be a great gift. Besides the word “Confirmation”, you can ask the manufacturer to personalize the frame and to engrave the date and your kid’s name.

 

Finding the perfect religious gift for a religious celebration is easier now after seeing this list. You can find appropriate religious gifts for your dear ones, nurturing their love for Christ and making them count their blessings and feel grateful. Make sure you choose an appropriate gift that suits your friend’s or relative’s taste.

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Which Website Should You Buy Gifts From?

February 28, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Buying a gift for someone who is very important in your life can sometimes be a difficult challenge. You want to impress this person by buying them something they will not expect. On the other hand, you need to avoid going overboard by buying a gift that is too extravagant for the occasion in question. The large number of websites that sell gifts for various occasions can make the process of shopping for a gift very confusing. However, the amount of options that you have available to you should ensure that you are able to find the ideal gift for the person you are shopping for. Here is some advice you can use to locate the best website to do your gift shopping for that special someone.

 

  1. The inventory of the website should be the first thing you take a look at.

 

There are many people who paint themselves into a corner by waiting too long to buy a gift. They are then faced with the unpleasant task of shopping on websites that have a lackluster selection. They end up buying a gift that is something less than what they set out to find. You should never allow yourself to get into a situation like this. Do not settle for a website that does not provide you with a huge inventory and many items to choose from. Keep looking until you find a website that has an inventory that is up to your standards. This will give you a better chance of finding Easter baskets in the exact style you are looking for.

 

  1. Compare the prices of many different websites so you will be able to find the best deals.

 

You should never assume that the prices on most websites that sell gifts are basically the same. On the contrary, you can find some outstanding deals if you only take the time to look around. There are also websites that will have frequent sales that begin without warning. This is why it is always a good idea to search online regularly. You never know what types of sales are going to pop up. Spending some time looking for deals on gifts can save you a lot of money in the long run.

 

  1. Always find out the specific return policy of the site you are doing business with.

 

Return policies can vary greatly when it comes to websites. Therefore, you really need to be careful not to assume anything. The details of the return policy should always be clearly stated in the site. Call the site’s customer service number if you are not able to find any info about the return policy. Have all your questions answered before you make a purchase.

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Let the Night Shine with LightBoxArts

January 5, 2018 by 1 Comment

For those that find it hard to decorate, LightBoxArts makes it easy and affordable!! LightBoxArts is a 6×6 backlit cubes that allow you to easily swap out the artwork — choose from one of their adorable designs or custom make your own with your Instagram feed or Photo Stream library. Best of all, it’s only $24.99 for cube and artwork, and $12 for any additional artwork.

We all want a little more sparkle when December 31st rolls around. Ring in the New Year with LightBoxArts! Innovative, creative designs with the ability to insert and change out artwork to fit any season, LightBoxArts will make your New Year’s Eve party will shine. Show off your favorite Instagram photo, choose your favorite artwork, or perk yourself up with a happy message with these sturdy, MDF LED back-lit cubes!

The best is yet to come – make the season brighter with LightBoxArts.

  • Create custom artwork inserts with friendly user interface or choose from one of their own designs—over 200 in all!
  • Can connect to Photo Stream or Instagram library to make any image into a lightbox
  • Box size: 6 x 6
  • Easily interchange artwork for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter or any event
  • Available in an array of photos and lettering
  • Sturdy MDF LED back-lit cube
  • Affordable price of $24.99, or only $12 to just purchase artwork

Give your home a fresh start with the unique, customized decor from LightBoxArts! LightBoxArts is available at https://lightboxarts.com as well as over 600 gift stores.

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