Parenting Archives - Page 13 of 15

November 13, 2018 by

Check out these terrific NAPPA Award-winning educational apps.

LetterSchool – Spelling Words!

LetterSchool is a fun and educational App with a wonderful mission — teaching the world to read and write while having fun. The App includes educational games for young children learning to read to work on sight words with endings such as -ab, -et, -at and -ut to increasingly more challenging endings such as -ock, -eed, -ish, etc. The program’s challenges increase with the child. $9.99, ages: 2 – 8.

Kidomi

Kidomi is an app that combines fun and learning. Featuring hundreds of puzzles to solve, adventures to read, inventions to build, creations to make and games to play from the top global content creators that kids know and love including Toca Boca, Crayola, Sago Sago, Highlights for Children and more. New activities are added every day. $7.99 monthly or $59.99 annually, ages 3-8

Connected Kids

Connected Kids is an online, self-directed study course that guides parents and educators to create and deliver mindfulness and meditations techniques that help kids and teens reduce anxiety and stress. Created by Lorraine E. Murray, author of “Calm Kids: Help Children Relax with Mindful Activities,” this program has been empowering adults to teach their kids and teens with mindful skills since 2003. A great way for adults to practice what they are teaching and for the whole family to learn these important skills. $230 for the course. For the entire family

October 30, 2018 by

Looking for a gift focused on healthy living? We got some great ideas for you!

OttLite Wellness Series Glow Lamp

The OttLite Wellness Series Glow Lamp is designed with eye health in mind. Part of OttLite Technologies, Inc.’s healthy lighting options, the sleek lamp is designed to mimic natural daylight and reduce eye fatigue. The touch button offers three levels of light from soft to medium to bright. A good option for a homework nook or home office. $89.99.

Thermal-Aid Zoo

These little guys are an adorable solution to providing heating and cooling comfort for kids. Thermal-Aid Zoo comes in a variety of cute and versatile animals to select from. The hippo, monkey, bear, koala, rabbit or elephant can be thrown into the freezer or the microwave to alleviate minor injuries. Animals are 100% natural cotton on the outside and the inside is made of specifically engineered corn, to help eliminate potential odor or mold that most natural therapeutic packs get. Animals are washable, allowing repeated use. $19.95, ages 3+

Thermal -Aid Heating and Cooling Pack

Good for relieving back and neck pain or sports injuries. The Thermal-Aid Heating and Cooling Packs are available in various sizes and shapes to correspond with the specific body part that is affected. Made of 100% natural cotton on the outside, and specifically engineered corn on the inside. The packs are washable, allowing frequent use. Sizes include small, medium and large sectional pad, small pillow shape, tube shape and eye mask shape intended for headache pain. $36.95-49.95.

Thermal-Aid Headache Relief System

The Thermal-Aid Headache Relief System is a natural system that helps relieve migraine and muscle tension headaches. Kit includes a topical analgesic, Headache Relief Cream, that is applied directly to forehead, as well as a Cold Press Eye Pack that blocks light and applies subtle pressure to ease forehead and temple tension. $19.95.

Bundle of Dreams

Parents, Kyle & Courtney Minarsky designed Bundle of Dreams for their own daughter. The eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, breathable mattresses come with an organic cotton cover with an eco-friendly water repellent overlay which is removable and machine washable. Their core material is a new blend of polyester called Bundle Fiber, providing comfort and no VOC’s. $199; ages Birth +

#Holidays #Gifts #PlayLearnConnect #Parenting #HealthyLiving

October 29, 2018 by Liorah Goldsmith

Now that our kids are back in school for a few months, the disorganization is beginning to settle in. So we thought, let’s gather some simple and practical tools to get back on track. We all know when your kids have an organized homework area and backpack, we’re all so much happier and less stressed!

Make a List

By creating checklists reminding your child what to bring with them and by helping them create to-do lists that break down their assignments for the week, we provide a terrific tool for our kids to easily tackle the stress of assignments. Psychology Today shows that making lists can even increase creativity and reduce anxiety. Making lists is a great first step to helping your child get organized.

Make sure your child has a designated study space

Learning does not stop in the classroom. Numerous studies have found that completing assignments in a study space that is consistent is crucial for maximum learning and information retention. Giving your child the freedom of personalizing their study space can make for a fun activity, and having the space can help keep them focused. Healthy learning habits begin at home, and creating an area where your child feels comfortable and productive is a perfect place to begin.

Keep a Planner

One of the best ways to stay organized in school is by keeping a planner. Studies have shown that keeping planners can even improve focus and memory. Writing down notes, assignments, and events all in one place can help your child easily navigate through their tasks. A way to get your child excited about using planners is by having them write down not just their assignments and tasks, but also the things they are excited for. Having a defined spot for keeping goals and assignments in check is a great way to help your child get organized.

Make Labels

Spending ample time searching for the right materials at home and school can be frustrating. By creating labels on drawers, backpacks, and other school related items, your child will have a much easier time finding the exact materials they need to be productive. Also, putting your child’s name on the things they take to school is crucial for making sure they come home with the same amount of materials they had when they left the house. One of our 2018 NAPPA Award winners are these great label packs from Mabel’s Labels.

Have them make their bed in the mornings

Making your bed is such a seemingly insignificant task that many of us feel isn’t worth doing. By completing this simple task in the morning though, it can motivate your child throughout the day. According to Navy Seal Vice Admiral William McRaven, having your child make their bed can give them a sense of accomplishment early in the morning, therefore stimulating them to complete more daily tasks and to stay organized. Also, coming home to a freshly made bed and clean room sets the tone for organization in other aspects of their life.

Help your child pack their backpack the night before

If you’re like us, you know the stress of rushing out for work while trying to help your child get ready for school. Preparing as much as you can the night before, whether it be a lunchbox, a backpack, or outfits for your little ones, will help decrease the amount of morning stress put on you and your family. Also, it helps your child be more prepared and organized throughout the day. It is much easier to remember every item needed for school when prepared the night before, so your child will not have to worry about missing anything during their day at school.

October 29, 2018 by Liorah Goldsmith

Bake sales are always fun school fundraisers, but those of us who have kids with allergies have to be a little more careful about what they can munch on at one of these food-filled events. Here at NAPPA, we’ve made the struggle a little easier by collecting recipes that are either nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, or all four! We hope you enjoy creating and selling these recipes that will help satisfy the tastebuds of kids with and without allergies.

Nut-Free=NF
Gluten-Free=GF
Dairy-Free=DF
Egg-Free=EF

Gluten Free Vegan Lemon Squares (GF, DF, EF)

Lemon squares are a classic bright treat perfect for any bake sale. Appealing to those with dairy, egg, and gluten allergies, these lemon squares are sure to be a big hit!

Recipe Here

7 Layer Magic Bars Without Nuts (NF)

These 7 Layer Magic Bars are sure to create a line at your child’s next school bake sale! Nut-free, fun to make, and extremely delicious, you’ll want to make a batch of these for yourself.

Recipe Here

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Swirl Fudge Brownies (GF, NF)

Perfect for fall, this pumpkin-brownie mashup is an impressive dish to take to any event. Deceptively easy and extremely delicious, this classic treat will be a showstopper at your child’s next bake sale.

Recipe Here

Gluten Free Sandwich Cookies (GF, NF)

Traditional sandwich cookies are so preschool. These delicious, fun, and adorable gluten free cookies are a great bake sale treat that everyone can enjoy.

Recipe Here

Gluten Free Vegan Lemon Cupcakes (GF, DF, EF)

Sweet and tangy, lemon cupcakes give a great citrusy twist to the classic dessert. Nobody will miss the dairy, eggs, or gluten in this allergy-friendly recipe!

Recipe Here

Healthier Chocolate & Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats (GF, DF, EF)

Rice Krispies treats are an easy-to-make favorite at any bake sale. Made healthier with the use of peanut butter, and made extra delicious with the use of chocolate, these treats are perfect for those with dairy, egg or gluten allergies.

Recipe Here

Mini Cinnamon Rolls on a Stick (NF)

These cinnamon rolls are gooey and delicious treats made so much more fun when put on a stick. Adorable and portable, these nut-free cinnamon rolls will be the star of any event!

Recipe Here

Vegan Berry Pop Tarts (DF, EF, NF)

Healthier and tastier than store-bought toaster pastries, these vegan berry pop tarts will have everyone wanting more. Sweet, allergy-friendly, and mess-free to eat, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t make these sooner.

Recipe Here

Vegan Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies (GF, DF, EF)

Chocolate chip cookies are a classic bake sale treat that many gluten-sensitive kids can’t enjoy. These gluten free chocolate chip cookies are just as delicious as the original, so they’re sure to wow at your child’s next school bake sale.

Recipe Here

Mini Banana Bread Loaves (NF)

Banana bread is a delectable baked good, and these miniature banana bread loaves make them perfect for bringing to your child’s next school bake sale. Nut-free and delicious, you’re sure to impress with these yummy little loaves!

Recipe Here

Gluten-Free Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes (GF, DF, EF, NF)

Everyone loves cupcakes no matter the occasion. Rich and easy to make, don’t be surprised if people line up for these cupcakes before the bake sale even begins.

Recipe Here

Vegan Toffee Bars (DF, EF)

After tasting one bite of these indulgent dairy-free and egg-free toffee bars, you won’t believe how simple they are to make. Healthier than most bake sale treats, you can feel good about sending your child to their next bake sale with a big batch of this incredible dessert.

Recipe Here

October 11, 2018 by

Get ready for some chomping, stomping and roaring fun with these latest NAPPA Award winners!

Jurassic World Thrash ‘n Throw Tyrannosaurus Rex™ Figure

Right out of Isla Nublar comes Mattel’s Jurassic World Thrash ‘N Throw Tyrannosaurus Rex. Authentic design and cool sound effects like chomping, stomping, an impressive roar and a HUGE bite. Use her tail activation to open her mouth, pick up other human and dinosaur action figures then thrash and throw them across the room just like in epic scenes from the movies. Great for building imagination and story telling skills. $39.99, ages: 4+

Jurassic World Chomp ‘n Roar Mask Velociraptor “Blue”

Get ready to welcome fan favorite, Velociraptor Blue – from Jurassic World, to your home. Great for hours of role-playing and story telling. The Chomp ‘N Roar Mask features realistic details like skin texture and color and teeth and eyes that move to focus on prey. When the electronic mask’s jaw opens to varying degrees, there are three levels of sound effects that really make the mask ROAR into action. $34.99, ages 6+

LEGO Juniors JURASSIC WORLD T. Rex Breakout

This thrilling LEGO Juniors Jurassic World T. Rex Breakout set features a posable, buildable T. Rex with opening mouth, two Starter Brick bases with gate, breakable fence and wall element, small science station and a truck with Starter Brick chassis. Includes Claire, guard and scientist minifigures, a T. Rex figure and a baby dinosaur figure. Great for building imagination and story telling skills. $49.99, ages 4 to 7

LEGO DUPLO Jurassic World Gentle Giants Petting Zoo

Little dinosaur fans will love to create endless adventures with the LEGO DUPLO Jurassic World Gentle Giants Petting Zoo set. Great for developing fine motor skills, imagination and story telling skills. Kids can create lots of stories as they build the baby dinosaur enclosure and help Gray Mitchell use his camera to snap pictures of the baby Triceratops as he stands on the swinging bridge, or the Diplodocus as he eats the vegetation. Includes a LEGO DUPLO Gray Mitchell figure plus two baby dinosaur figures. $19.99, ages: 2 to 4

October 11, 2018 by Makenna Sievertson

PLAZA DE LA FAMILIA AT DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – Plaza de la Familia, a limited-time festivity at Paradise Gardens, celebrates Disney•Pixar’s Academy Award®-winning film “Coco” and the everlasting bonds of family. Guests visiting Plaza de la Familia will enjoy an immersive celebration that includes live entertainment with storytelling, folklórico dancers and mariachi musicians, delicious Mexican fare and interactive experiences such as the new craft where guests make colorful masks like the ones seen in the “Coco” film. This celebration runs from Sept. 7 through Nov. 4, 2018 at Disney California Adventure Park. (Joshua Sudock/ Disneyland)

If you’re looking for another excuse to take your kids back to Disneyland and California Adventure, you’re in luck. Disney has unveiled its newest fall attraction, Plaza de la Familia, a Día de los Muertos and “Coco” inspired celebration.

From September 7 through November 4, guests at both parks can enjoy festivities centered around the eternal bond of family. Enter the immersive world and enjoy traditional food offerings like Día de los Muertos Pan de Muerto, dance along with the mariachi band, and learn folklórico. You may catch yourself singing along to “Remember Me,” as you follow Miguel’s journey back to the Land of the Dead in A Musical Celebration of Coco.

You can also take a peek behind the scenes of the making of the film in the enchanting art exhibition, The World of Coco. Look through the eyes of an animator and rediscover your favorite characters by learning about the people and places that inspired Disney•Pixar’s Academy Award-winning film. Don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the “Árbol de la Vida,” or Tree of Life before you leave.

Can’t get enough “Coco?” Keep your eyes peeled in Cars Land and see if you can find Ramone’s “ofrenda” tribute to Doc Hudson. In Frontierland, try to count how many “cavaleras,” or sugar skulls, you can find.

For more information about Plaza de la Familia or any other Disney attractions, visit their website.

October 10, 2018 by Liorah Goldsmith

Halloween is almost here! With so many creepy recipes that are easy and fun to make, Halloween is the perfect time of year to get creative in the kitchen. Everyone will be goblin up these delicious dishes. Bone appetit!

Halloween Swirl Cream Cheese Brownies

Brownies are a universal favorite. When combined with a decadent cream cheese mixture and turned orange for Halloween, you really can’t go wrong. Ooey, gooey, spooky and delicious.

Recipe Here

Creepy Witch Finger Cookies

These creepy witch fingers are tastier than they look, so be sure to conjure them up for your next Halloween party.

Recipe Here

Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats

These rice krispie treats are gourd-geous desserts that taste just as delicious as they look. Great for kids and adults.

Recipe Here

Halloween Mummy Dogs

A delicious savory snack, these Halloween mummy dogs could not be easier to make. Cute and delicious, this party snack will give your kids a delectable treat to die for.

Recipe Here

Easy Mini Donut Spiders

Fun, yummy, and a great kid-friendly activity, these mini spider donuts will be a big hit at your next Halloween party. Have all the kids join in to create their own creepy dessert so they don’t have to bug you to make more!

Recipe Here

Frozen Boo-Nana Pops

The words chocolate and banana go together like peas in a pod. When turned into ghostly Halloween treats, this classic combo makes for a healthier Halloween dessert to die for.

Recipe Here

Deliciously Rotten Deviled Eggs

These deviled eggs may look rotten, but one bite of this impressive dish will take you straight to heaven.

Recipe Here

5-Ingredient Halloween Oreo Truffles

More of a treat than a trick, these truffles will wow your guests and your taste buds. Shapes ranging from bats to monsters, this recipe offers so many ways to make your favorite creepy creature a die-lectable party snack.

Recipe Here

October 1, 2018 by

Young inventors take note! Registration is now open for ChiTAG’s 12th Annual Young Inventor Challenge (YIC). The annual competition provides an opportunity for children ages six to 18 to present original toy and game inventions to industry professionals, the media, and consumers. The deadline for online submissions is October 31, 2018.

Hosted by the Chicago Toy & Game Group, the goal of the Young Inventors Challenge is to inspire creativity and innovation and to provide mentorship to students in the process. All entrants will receive scores and written feedback from seasoned product development, acquisition, innovation and marketing professionals following the event. Prizes total $10,000 in scholarships plus the possibility of having a submitted idea developed and distributed in partnership with leading brands. Past winners and finalists have gone on to enter licensing and distribution details with brands including Pressman, PlayMonster and Target.

To enter, hopefuls are required to provide a brief toy or game project description, prototype, photos and a pitch video. Judging is split into two categories, Junior (ages 6-10) and Senior (ages 11-18). One Junior and one Senior Winner will be selected in each of the following categories:

Most Creative Concept – Sponsored by PlayMonster
Best Ride-On or Wheeled Concept – Sponsored by Razor
Best Game Concept – Sponsored by Spin Master
Best Playful Learning Concept – Sponsored by Lego
Most Marketable – Sponsored by Pressman and Target
Best Presentation – Sponsored by The Genius of Play™, an initiative by The Toy Association

Winners will be announced, and prizes awarded at 2:30pm on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at ChiTAG Toy & Game Fair in Chicago at Navy Pier following online and in-person judging. Thanks to the addition of video participation in 2017, entrants need not attend ChiTAG to be eligible to win.

“The Young Inventors Challenge is an opportunity for kids to ignite their imagination and creativity,” said Alicia Alexander, director of the Young Inventor Challenge. “It also provides a very real chance to get a head-start in the toy and game industry, with some entries being developed and distributed by top toy and game manufacturers.”

The judges and mentors for the Young Inventors Challenge represent a collective of nearly 50 professionals who have volunteered their time to foster the next generation. The panel includesTony Serebriany, director of new product development & inventor relations at USAOPOLY, Erik Hansen, direction & invention officer LEGO System A/S, and Nick Metzler, a former YIC winner now working for Spin Master.

To learn more and register for the Young Inventor Challenge visit www.chitag.com/yic. For more information about ChiTAG Week November 17-18, 2018, visit www.chitag.com or follow @ChiTAGWeek on social media.

October 1, 2018 by

Surprises are so much fun! And we have the newest collectables that your kids will love!

Disney Doorables

Behind every door, a surprise is in store. The Disney Doorables Multi Peek pack includes 5, 6, or 7 favorite Disney characters — including Frozen, Monsters Inc., Tangled, Moana, and many more. $29.99 (mega set), ages 3+, https://www.disneydoorables.com/

Hairdorables

These new surprise dolls combine fun, fashion and colorful hair. Every package is a surprise – pull, peel, and reveal 11 accessories that unwrap the unique style of the of the Hairdorables girl hidden inside. $12.99, ages 3+, justplayproducts.com/

Pikmi Pops

Super soft and fluffy, it includes a jumbo reversible plush and 1-2 medium exclusive reversible scented plush. The Super Flip also comes with 8 different fun surprises like badges, gel pens, stickers, charms and more. $44.99, ages 4+, https://www.moosetoys.com/

Treasure X

Combines classic “you dig it” play with the trends of collectable action figures and “extreme” unboxing. With 10 levels of discovery. Pack includes a treasure map, X-Marks coin, X-Cavator digging tool, a buildable figure embedded in “stone,” and a treasure chest. $9.99, ages 5+, https://www.moosetoys.com/

Smooshy Mushy Babies

A magic baby bottle with a disappearing reveal. Pop the top to find out who the stork brought you. Tons to collect. $14.99; ages 5+, http://smooshymushy.us

Boxy Girls

Four fashion dolls to collect – Willa, Brooklyn, Nomi and Riley, each of which come with four online shipping boxes full of fashion surprises just waiting to be unboxed. $14.99, ages 6+, http://boxygirls.com/

Hatchimals CollEGGtibles

With the all new Hatch Friends Forever! You will hatch and discover Best Friends – two characters from separate eggs, who come together to form special poses. Piggybacks, whispering secrets, Hatch-fives and more. For the first time, you can also hatch twins – two Hatchimals from one egg. $2.99-19.99, ages 5-8, Hatchimals CollEGGtibles

#PlayLearnConnect #NAPPAAwards #Win

September 17, 2018 by

We have some great new NAPPA winners that are all about enhancing your child’s creativity. #PlayLearnConnect

Etch A Sketch Classic

For more than 50 years, children and adults alike have been discovering the magical world of creativity and pencil-free drawing with classic Etch A Sketch. The iconic frame, easy-to-use knobs, classic magic screen and shake-to-erase feature — not to mention the endless hours of fun it provides — have made it popular all around the world! Sketch, erase, and sketch again with Etch A Sketch.
$14.99; ages 3+; http://etchasketch.com/

Sharingland Cardboard Playhouses

We’ve all seen it happen. We buy a gift for our kids, wrap it perfectly and as soon as our kids unwrap the gift, it’s the box they love the most. To capture preschoolers’ great sense of imagination, Sharingland has come up with clever idea–pop-up playhouses made from cardboard. All five of Sharingland’s cardboard playhouse models are sturdy and unique in design. And they all come ready-to-play. Select from Grand Palace, The Epic Castle, Space Odyssey, Ancestral Teepee or Windmill Farm. Made of 80% recycled and 100% recyclable materials. Great for promoting creativity and imagination.
$99; Ages 3+: http://sharingland.com/

JigglyDoos™ Party House Playset

Meet the JigglyDoos™, cute little animal friends that live in a whimsical world where everything wiggles. They love to jiggle, wiggle and roll. JigglyDoos™ are soft, squishy, and jiggly and come in so many adorable colors and shapes and they are having a party at the ultimate party house. Includes bouncing dance floor and music. At the push of a button, kids can hear music and see the JigglyDoos dance and bounce around. Additionally, kids can launch the JigglyDoos off the diving board onto the bouncing dance floor, ride up and down the spiral elevator, hang out on the swinging chair, or even end the party by hitting the piñata for some fun treats . Playset includes one exclusive JigglyDoo friend. Promotes creative play & imagination.
$19.99; For Ages: 4+; http://www.jakks.com/

Tiny Toes

Tiny Toes are teenie, tiny interactive dolls that come to life in the palm of your hand! Each doll has seven highly responsive sensors that react to touch, motion or light. Each doll blows kisses, plays peek-a-boo, burps and more, all while sitting in the palm of your hand! Kids can collect all three Tiny Toes dolls in the Animal Love assortment including Giggling Gabby, Ticklish Tess and Laughing Luna. So cute…so tiny….Tiny Toes!
$14.99 each: For Ages: 4+; https://playmatestoys.com/

Crayola Ultimate Light Board

With the Crayola Ultimate Light Board, kids can use light and dark to show off their creativity in a big, bold way. Kids can use vibrant Mini Gel Fx Markers directly on the light board surface and watch their designs shine. Turning off the lights, kids can elevate their designs using the bright LED lights in the board’s frame to see their artwork glow. Removing the back panel allows for easy tracing directly on the surface and the screen wipes clean for unlimited creativity.
$24.99; For Ages: 6+; http://shop.crayola.com/toys-and-activities/toys/ultimate-light-board-

Get creative with #NAPPAAwards #PlayLearnConnect