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I've been trying to figure out a good gift for my little guys this year, and one area that they both seem to be gravitating to lately are Science Kits. Raines recently used his own money to buy this Make Your Own Thinking Putty Kit, which he was initially very excited about....but Thinking Putty, we learned, is a reallllly...
Hey there, builders and puzzlers and tinkers and creators, innovators and experimenters and thinkers - this is for you.  Below is our 2017 STEAM guide - all of our very favorite toys, books and games that promote critical thinking skills, creativity, and the celebration of curiosity.  Many of these toys have been very well-tested over the years, others just...
gifts for kids under 5
We're in the middle of a birthday marathon right now, with my own little turning 3 and both girls' friends having parties in the same weekend - since I've spent quite a bit of time researching kids' present ideas lately, I thought it was a great time for a post! I'm partial to simple, sweet designs and updated classics...
This post has been updated for 2021. My kiddos are in the process of transitioning to...big kids. It happened so fast. And while their playroom is still technically called a playroom, and their block sets are still getting used from time-to-time...the pull of video games is strong. Mike loved playing video games when he was growing up (still does, actually), so...
last minute costume ideas for moms
It's crunch time, mamas. Halloween is quickly approaching. If you've been wrapped up with...being a mama, do not fret. I've gathered a few easy, last-minute costume ideas for you and bebe that all ship Amazon Prime (they're selling quickly but I tried my best to find options in stock!) Last Minute Costume Ideas for Moms   1. Star Wars: Rey - Um,...
fall family movies
Recently, as the rain sets in here in the Northwest, I find myself wanting to curl up on the couch with the perfect family-friendly movie that we can all enjoy together. Meaning: not your typical cartoon. I mean, I love Moana and Zootopia but I want movies we haven't seen and heard 5 bazillion times...something special, heart-warming, funny...to both...
If you've spent any time in the virtual toy department of Amazon's Prime Day, I'll bet you have a headache. Me, too. But there are some really good buys in the STEM and STEAM categories, as well as some fun family games. (And if nothing else, pick up these Prismacolors.) 1. Telescope - my husband will be thrilled.  I'm super excited about...
THESE are the people I come from. My father, Bruce, (Far left, 1968) recently had his DNA tested. I don’t need to; I look at this photo, and I understand myself. Completely. Yes, that’s my mom on top of the board. Being held up by my dad, his brothers, cousins and friends like the goddess that she is. She’ll roll...
sprinkler Picky design-mom back again with summertime picks that won't upset your lovely backyard with ugly plastic red, blue and yellow. I don't mind red, blue and yellow but does every kid's toy have to be plastic and only in those colors? I think not. Thank goodness other people think the same and have created some truly lovely pieces for play,...

Game Night: It’s On

In a world where we center ourselves around phones and screens, a change of pace is always a good thing. Whether you love game night because it sparks great childhood memories, or you're just a downright competitive beast who welcomes any opportunity to win (no shame) the holidays are the perfect time to bring out some fun...AND a little (or a...