Globetrotting Mommy

All things family, fun or just plain fabulous!

Great Holiday Gifts For Little …

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Finding holiday gifts for little kids can be tough so I’m sharing some unique ideas for every kid on your list. If you’re shopping for older kids, check out the Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Tweens and Teens…

Great Holiday Gifts for Little Kids

Tree of Light Book

This book shares an inspiring story about a mother (a tree) sending her child (a seedling) off on her own. The seed learns to find strength from within, forgive and, become flexible along the way. We can all use a reminder to remain flexible and be forgiving, especially this year. 

Dimpl Digits

Toddler toys need to really captivate kids’ attention and this colorful squishy bubble toy does just that. Kids can learn to count to ten in English AND Spanish, and moms will have some free time. Win, win!

Awesome Jokes That Every 6 Year Old Should Know!

This joke book series (versions for ages five – nine) is one of my personal gift-giving favorites. Kids never tire of telling jokes and these books guarantee they will always have plenty of material. Perfect for girls and boys.

Musical Jewelry Storage Box with Spinning Unicorn

For the girl who has everything, this musical jewelry box with a spinning unicorn will become a favorite spot for all her baubles and trinkets. Over unicorns? Check out the ballerina and superhero versions.

TWEE Sidewalk Chalk

Chalk is always an easy go-to kids gift but these gorgeous handmade chalks, shaped like macaroons, sushi, pizza, donuts, ice cream, jewels and more, are anything but ordinary.

Crayola Color Bath Dropz

These colored bath drops make tub time fun for kids of all ages. Drop one or more in the water and kids will be sure to stay and play for a while. Perfect for those kids who dread bathtime and also great for traveling.

Blockaroo Magnetic Foam Building Blocks

STEM gifts make great holiday gifts for little kids and these colorful magnetic foam blocks are a nice option. These blocks offer endless imaginative building with frustration-free stacking as they “magically” connect together. I love that these can also go in the tub and dishwasher.

Little Passports Gift Subscriptions Boxes

Subscription boxes are a great way to extend the holiday season. Little Passports is best known for their travel themed boxes (USA Edition for kids 7-12) but they also have Early Explorer for kids 3-5, Science Junior for kids 5-8 and Science Expeditions for kids 9+ versions as well.

Are you still shopping for the holidays? If you need more ideas, check out The Best Books for Little Travelers.

Note: This post contains affiliate links.

What’s better than …

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Looking to kick up your correspondence a notch?  Personalized stationery is step one and custom-designed address stamps are step two. Show off your home town pride with these customized state-shaped address stamps from Paper Pastries.

Globetrotting Mommy, Personalized Stationery, Address Stamps, Personalized, great gift, travel lover

Globetrotting Mommy – Personalized Stationery – State Shaped Return Address Stamps

Just select your state and Paper Pastries will design the return address stamp with hand lettering (script of print) making it one of a kind! I think these are a must-have for holiday cards and birthday invitations and they would also be a great gift for any globetrotting family. And, if you’re the crafty type, check out their fabulous selection of stamps and ink pads.

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Great Gifts for Travelers

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If you’re looking for gift ideas for the globetrotter in your life, you’ll love this post. My holiday gift guide is full of great gifts for travelers to enjoy at home and away…

Great Gifts for Travelers

TRAVEL MUST-HAVES:

Gifts for Travelers

Digital Luggage Scale – My number one travel accessory is this easy-to-use luggage scale. Stop guessing if your bag is under 50 pounds and say goodbye to extra baggage charges.

Packing Cubes – I am a huge fan of packing cubes, especially for families since each person can choose their color. Just group items or outfits in cubes and packing will be a breeze.

Hanging Toiletry Bag – I keep my toiletry bag packed so I can just grab and go. Zippered compartments are perfect for travel accessories and the hanging design keeps bathroom clutter to a minimum.

Travel Jewelry Organizer – Keep your jewels safe and never lose an earring again with these colorful jewelry boxes. The small size and compartments make this a great option for quick trips. And remember, never ever check your jewels in luggage!

Reusable Shopping Bags – These are so useful for shopping at home and away. They also double as road-trip snack bags, beach totes and laundry bags. Choose from solids, prints and metallic options – an easy gift for travelers.

Travel Adaptor – A must for every globetrotter. Keep your favorite electronics charged wherever you go. Pick a different color for everyone in your family.

Travel Sized Laundry Bag – For the traveler who has everything, this world map laundry bag is a fun gift. I love that it folds into a tiny travel pouch with a carabineer.

TRAVEL INSPIRED GIFTS FOR TRAVELERS:

Gifts for Travelers - Travel Inspired Gifts

Show Tickets and Personalized Shirt – For the Broadway fan on your list, a pair of tickets to an upcoming show and a personalized shirt to wear make a great gift. I used my Cricut Explore Air™ 2 machine to personalize a “So Fetch” shirt for a Mean Girls lover in sparkly pink.

Scratch Your Travels USA Map – Travelers will love highlighting their US adventures as they scratch off each state they visit. Add a frame and you’ve got a great family gift.

Travel Scarf – A travel scarf is always a good idea and this infinity version with a secret hidden zipper pocket is a great gift for travelers all ages. Choose from solids and patterns.

50 States, 5,000 Ideas – This comprehensive National Geographic book is full of sightseeing ideas in every state. A great gift option for families.

FOR TRAVEL LOVING FOODIES:

Gifts for Travel Loving Foodies. Great Gifts for Travelers

Bokksu – For the adventurous eater on your list, a Bokksu box filled with Japanese snacks and teas is sure to please. A great option for travel-loving families who like to try new foods. Choose from monthly subscriptions in two different sizes.

Custom Etched Map Glassware – For the coffee or hot cocoa drinker, wine aficionado and spirits lover on your list, I love Well Told Designs glassware etched with a favorite city, college town, airport, island, marathon route and more. Choose from pints, rocks, wine, mugs, mason jars, champagne flutes, etc. and you’ve got a great gift for everyone on your list.

Sitka Salmon Shares – For seafood lovers, gift a box of seasonal wild-caught seafood – straight from Southeast Alaska and the North Pacific! Sitka Salmon Shares, a community-supported fishery, supports sustainable fisheries and delivers the freshest catches from boat to doorstep. Use code SITKA25 to receive $25 off any 2020 Premium Sitka Seafood Share.

Trader Joe’s Chocolate Passport – Every holiday season Trader Joe’s brings out their cult favorites and their Chocolate Passport is a great option for every traveler on your list. Perfect for stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, etc.

BEST FAMILY ACTIVITIES FOR TRAVELING:

Great Gifts for Travelers. Best Family Activities for Traveling

Tenzi – I’m a huge fan of easy-to-pack family games and Tenzi is one of my favorites. This multi-dice game is easy to learn and fast to play. There are several variations which help keep boredom at bay. Add in the 77 Ways to Play The Add-on Card Set and you’re guaranteed hours of good fun.

Playing Cards – An oldie but goodie, playing cards are easy to bring along on any trip making them great gifts for travelers. From Go Fish and War to Canasta and Rummy, everyone on the trip will find something to play. Other options include Solitare and building card houses.

Match-O-Rama – From the makers of Telestrations, Match-O-Rama is a great game choice for multi-generational family trips. The better you know the players, the easier you can predict how others will answer. Or maybe not? Easy to learn, fast to play and sure to keep the whole family entertained.

Kodak Premium Puzzles – Puzzles are a great activity to bring along on a vacation. Choose from easy to hard (depending on the ages and patience levels) and the whole family can enjoy. Kodak has a lot of travel-themed options (Boston, Italy, Greece, US National Parks and more) perfect for travel-loving families.

Need more gifts for travelers and everyone else on your list? Check out my 2020 Tween and Teen Gift Guide and Great Gifts for Teens and Tweens from 2019 .

I received some of these items for review purposes but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Great Gifts for Tweens and …

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Do you have a tween or teen on your holiday gift list? I feel your pain. These not-little but not-yet adults can be tricky but lucky for you, I’m sharing my list of great gifts for tweens and teens. 

Great Gifts for Tweens and Teens

Gifts for Tween and Teen Girls

Gifts for Tween and Teen Girls

Frida Kahlo Puzzle – She’s an artist, activist, and feminist icon – no wonder so many young women are Frida Kahlo fans. eeBo always has fantastic gifts and this colorful puzzle is sure to please.

Hydro Flask – If your VSCO girl doesn’t already have one, this popular water bottle will be a sure winner. The bigger, the better and don’t forget the cute stickers!

Scrunchies – Now that they’re back, scrunchies are a must for all tween and teen girls. Grab this 60-piece set and you’ll have one to match every outfit.

Gifts For Teens and Tweens Who Have Everything

Gifts for Teens and Tweens Who Have Everything

Dollar Bill Animals in Origami – This book features instructions (start with easy!) for turning any dollar bill into animals like giraffe, shark, unicorn, etc. Throw in a couple of Hamiltons and you’re done. Perfect for road trips and plane rides too.

Spontuneous – The Song Game – We played this over Thanksgiving break with a mix of tweens, teens, parents and grandparents and it was a HUGE hit. We were laughing so hard as we tried to guess each other’s songs and move to the finish line. Great for family gatherings, sleepovers and game night.

Cinema Light Box – A fun light box is always a good idea. Tweens and teens can express themselves with 160 letters and symbols like emojis and holiday icons.

Faux Fur Throws – Teens and tweens will love cozying up for movie night with these super-soft throws. The neutral colors will blend perfectly with any den or bedroom.

Gifts for Travel Loving Teens and Tweens

Gifts for Travel Loving Teens and Tweens

Wireless Airpods – Airpods are a must-have for teens and tweens who love listening to music on chatting on the go. The learning curve is quick and the battery life is long, enough said.

Inflatable Snow Tube – For tweens and teens who live where it snows, these fun snow tubes are perfect. Choose from burger, donut, peppermint, taco, snowcone or pizza. Perfect for bringing along on a ski vacation…

Disney Mini Backpack – For Disney lovers, Loungefly has the cutest selection of mini backpacks around. My tween has been eyeing this Minnie Mouse Ears version, a classic for sure.

Gifts for Crafty Tweens and Teens

Gifts for Crafty Tweens and Teens

Make Your Own Glitter Face Masks – This DIY kit from Klutz includes everything kids need to make five face masks. The silicone brush makes it easy to apply the mix so it isn’t as messy as you think.

Tie-Dye Party Kit – Know a crafty kid who loves to throw a party? This tie-dye kit comes with supplies (14 fun colors!) and instructions for up to 36 projects. Perfect for sleepovers or family get-togethers.

Sew Your Own Unicorn Cake Pillow – Crafty girls will love learning how to sew a soft and sparkly unicorn cake pillow using techniques like whip stitching, basting and gathering. Materials are pre-cut for ease and there are tons of decorative options (think faux fur, metallic gold lamé, and iridescent pom-poms).

Check out my 2020 Gift Guide for Tweens and Teens for more ideas. Need gift ideas for the travelers on your list? Check out my Great Gifts for Travelers.

Happy shopping!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. I was provided with some items for review purposes but all opinions are my own.

Mom’s Night Out with …

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Back-to-school season means back to stressful, busy days and exhausted nights. Add in a dozen tours of NYC middle schools with my tween daughter and my head is ready to explode! Lucky for me, Momtrends came to my rescue with a much needed influencer event full of friends, fun and food.

The Momtrends annual Mom’s Night Out was hosted by Parents Magazine at their downtown office near Brookfield Place and One World Trade Center. There were four stations with interactive activities sponsored by Parents Magazine, Parents Latina, Clorox® and Baby Dove.

I started with the Clorox® DIY Snow Globe making station and it did not disappoint. How cute is my NYC themed Snow Globe?

Moms night out, mom, clorox
Making snow globes at Mom’s Night Out with Clorox.

There were plenty of Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes on hand to clean up the glue and snowy glitter that covered my hands. Whether I’m on the road or at home, there are so many times where a mess needs to be quickly cleaned up and I love the convenience of using Clorox ® Disinfecting Wipes. The fact that they kill 99% of germs is a big bonus for me since staying healthy is a big priority for busy moms. In addition to cleaning messes, the wipes are great for killing germs around my apartment, on airplanes and at hotels (doorknobs, handles, remote controls, yuck).

I spotted my blogger buddy Suburban Wife, City Life and we caught up (yay for no kids) while checking out the Parents Magazine and Parents Latina DIY Halloween stations.

Always a fun time with my blogger buddies.

These magazines are always filled with clever entertaining ideas, parenting tips, gift guides, recipes and more. The current issue has a lot of Halloween ideas and we got to make some cute and yummy treats like spider donuts and fruit kebabs (to offset all the candy!). Once we gobbled them up, we decorated our drinks with sprinkles and cute accessories. Voila!

Such simple ideas that really inspired us to make them at home.

Momtrends Mom's Night Out
Custom perfume bar was a big hit at Momtrends Mom’s Night Out

We moved on to the next Parents station – Alchemologie’s natural perfume bar. We sampled dozens of scents and learned about layering the fragrances to combine our custom perfumes. Such a fun treat.

Lastly, we hit the Baby Dove station where we decorated bath caddies and filled them with new mom essentials including Baby Dove’s Tip to Toe wash. Baby skin is so delicate yet they have a living protective layer of microflora, known as their microbiome. Baby Dove is uniquely made with prebiotic moisture and 100% skin-natural nutrients to gently nourish a baby’s microbiome making it a must-have for new moms.

It was a great night to connect with old friends and make some new ones. And a reminder of how important these nights our are to our well-being. I look forward to another one of these evenings soon.

Thanks again to Momtrends, Parents Magazine, Parents Latina, Clorox and Baby Dove for organizing a great Mom’s Night Out!

NOTE: This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own.

Back-to-School Favorites for …

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This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx.com. As always, all opinions are my own.

Back-to-School Favorites for Trendy Tweens

September is almost here and before I head off on one last vacation, I’m wrapping up all our back-to-school shopping. Today I’m sharing some favorite back-to-school favorites for trendy tweens with the help of Babblebox.

Stylish Back-to-School Backpack

Now that my daughter is entering fifth grade, she has very specific likes and dislikes when it comes to a backpack. Luckily, this shimmery pink Mermaid Flip Sequin Backpack from Justice has everything she needs to be comfortable and on-trend. Flipping sequins are super popular with the tween set but the sturdy construction (the top loop can hold 100 pounds!), roomy interior, and padded back straps won me over. The key chain loop is a must so kids can accessorize and the fuzzy pompom charm is super cute.

Start The School Year With a New Book

A new book always inspires my tween to curl up and get reading so I love to start off the school year with some new tales. She enjoyed reading Merci Suarez Changes Gears, a story about a Hispanic sixth-grade girl who deals with friendship drama, family relationships and the changes that come with Middle School. Since my daughter is close with her grandmas, she related Merci’s close-knit multigenerational family and their changing family dynamics. As an added bonus, my daughter picked up some Espanol as the book features Spanish words throughout.

Use the promotion code CANDLEWICK at checkout on www.candlewick.com for 25% off your book order (only valid to US purchases).

Safety First – First Aid Necessities From Me4Kidz

Medibuddy First Aid Kit: The adorable Medibuddy First Aid Kit is great for home and away. With 50 items (latex-free bandages, gauze, ointment, stickers and more) you will always be able to fix cuts, scrapes and blisters. I always travel with a first aid kit and you should too.

Little Buddy Antibacterial Wipes: Because life is messy, wipes should always be within reach. Little Buddy Antibacterial Wipes are perfect for cleaning dirty hands and faces as well as scrapped knees. They kill 99% of germs without stinging which is a win-win and this 32-count package is perfect for traveling.

Cool it buddy – Instant ice packs: Ice packs always seem to help most injuries so I always keep a few handy. Cool it Buddy – Instant ice packs are non-toxic and the convenient 2-pack is great for on-the-go travels as well as the playground.

Use code Babble2019 for 25% off Me4Kidz products now through 12/31/19.

Freezable Lunch Bags & Bento Container from PackIt

Keeping lunch items and snacks cool is a must and these freezable lunch boxes and snack bags from PackIt are game-changers.

Freezable Lunch Bag-Unicorn Sky – The original, bestselling lunch bag is roomier in all the right places. Just keep it folded in the freezer and you’ll always be ready to go.

Freezable Snack Bag-Spaceman – Designed for snacks, medicine and cosmetics, this small, collapsible bag is perfect for school, traveling and road trips. The tiny bag is so handy, you’ll be using it every day.

Mod Lunch Box-Mint – PackIt’s new customizable bento containers feature a modular system so you can keep your foods separate and fresh. Great for on-the-go tweens, the Mod Lunch Box has a leak-resistant lid and dividers and fits perfectly in the PackIt freezable bag.

Comfortable Scissors Make The Cut

My daughter’s school sends a list of classroom supplies but luckily she can choose her own scissors. These Kids Jellies Pointed Scissors from Westcott have squishy gel handles that makes cutting a breeze without getting tired fingers. They are designed for comfort and control (for lefties or righties) and easily cut through paper, photos, ribbon and yarn. Westcott is dedicated to supporting education and inspiring creative activities in the classroom and at home and these comfy scissors will get a lot of use this year.

Maglite® Solitaire LED and Mini Maglite® Pro LED – A Must for Every Backpack

Maglite® Solitare LED – Tweens love personalizing their backpacks with key chains, etc. and the adorable Solitaire® LED Flashlight by Maglite® is the must-have keychain flashlight for every girl’s bag (see backpack photo above). This tiny flashlight packs a punch with a beam throw of 50 yards. Plus, it will run nonstop for almost two hours on just one AAA battery (included). Best of all, it comes in an assortment of colors so tweens can pick their fave.

Mini Maglite® Pro LED Flashlight – The perfect compact flashlight for tweens and adults, this iconic flashlight has a powerful beam that can travel almost two football fields. Featuring spot to flood focusing, this flashlight is a perfect companion at home, on camping trips and at sporting events.

Discount Offer: Use code MAGBB15 (15% off online orders – Some restrictions apply. Outlet, seasonal shop and discounted items excluded. Cannot be combined with another offer or discounted item. U. S. Shipping addresses only. Promotion available for a limited time through September 15, 2019.)

Lunch Notes from MyWish4U

Tweens might be too old for mushy lunchbox notes but they will love finding these witty MyWish4U Notes in their lunchboxes. Each note contains witty jokes, fun riddles, wacky facts and other messages sure to get kids smiling. Each pack of tear-off lunch notes features 101 colorful, single-sided notes with blank backs for personalized messages or doodles. Affordable at just $4.99, the MyWish4U Notes are available in three versions at Target stores nationwide:

Facts & Funnies 2 – Featuring popular facts and funnies.

Riddles & Giggles 2 – Includes clever and funny riddles and jokes.

Wacky Facts & Laughs – Showcases wild and fascinating (and educational) facts to learn about our world.

Available nationwide now through September at all Target stores in the back-to-school section. Since you probably have a dozen Target runs planned before school starts, remember to throw some of these in your cart.

Hope you enjoyed reading about these must-have Back-to-School favorites for trendy tweens. Good luck to everyone on their first-day of school.

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Back-to-School Favorites for Trendy Tweens

All opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Awesome Gift Guide For Tweens …

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If you’ve got a tween on your holiday gift list, you probably need some help.  These not-little but not-big kids can be tricky but lucky for you, I’m sharing a Gift Guide for Tweens. 

Awesome Gift Guide for Tweens
Awesome Gift Guide for Tweens

Awesome Gift Guide For Tweens

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 – Tweens love instant film cameras and the newest Fuji Instax prints out larger square photos that are perfect for sharing with friends at sleepovers or capturing travel memories. The chic design and unisex pearly color options are great for guys and girls.

Fuzzy Slippers – Being cozy at home and away is a win for tweens so you can’t go wrong with these cute bunny slippers for the girls or navy Ugg Slippers for the boys. Pair them with a unicorn onesie and you’re all set.

Shockatato Party Game – Remember playing Hot Potato as a kid? This modern version has three shocking settings with and without music. Great for parties or family vacations.

Scratch Off World Map Poster – Globetrotting tweens can track their travels and plot their future vacations with this scratch-off world map.

Dear Evan Hansen: The Novel – This bestseller will be a hit with older tweens who have seen the Broadway show or who are hoping to see it.

Not Parent Approved – One of the most wished for card games on Amazon, this family friendly game was inspired by Cards Against Humanity. Perfect for travel or at home, this fun card game makes a great stocking stuffer for girls and boys.

Erin Condren Travel Petite Planner – For globetrotting tweens who love to organize and record details of their vacations, this travel journal will be a hit. There is plenty of room for packing lists, daily adventures and more plus colorful stickers.

Watermelon Ball – Tweens will love playing with this water-filled ball at home or on vacation. It looks and feels like a watermelon, doesn’t sink or float and can be used underwater and in a variety of pool games.

Reading Pillow With Arms – My daughter just got one of these husband pillows and she’s obsessed. Its a perfect cozy setting for books, iPads and movie watching.

Wreck This Journal – Tweens will love following the quirky destructive instructions in this fun-filled journal. Perfect for kids who like to draw outside the lines and think outside the box.

Hope you enjoyed this gift guide for tweens. Check out my 2020 Tween and Teen Gift Guide and Holiday Gift Guide for Kids Who Love Traveling for more ideas.

Must Have Back To School …

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September is fast approaching and that means shopping for back to school supplies. Today I’m sharing my favorite back to school supplies, clothes, snack picks and more ideas for September and beyond.

Must Have Back To School Supplies, Clothes, Snacks and More...

Must Have Back To School Supplies, Clothes, Snacks and More…

Back to School Supplies

Must Have Back To School Supplies, Clothes and Snacks

My daughter’s school sends a list of class supplies but luckily she can choose her own binders and folders. Since she’s into rainbows, she is super excited about the new Avery® and Amy Tangerine® Collection. Kids can choose from file folders and binders in rainbow patterns, black and white designs and other fun options.

Labeling school items is a must for kids of all ages and Mabel’s Labels are our go-to for fashionable and durable labels. Their latest designs include some of my daughter’s favorites like Hello Kitty, unicorns, rainbows, mermaids and emojis. I recommend the Ultimate Back to School Pack for every kid in your family (10% with the coupon code MOMTRENDS10).

If you are always printing out homework, travel itineraries and photos like me, you’ll be excited to hear about the new Epson ET-2750 wireless printer. This cartridge-free printer comes with a two-year supply of ink so kids can print away while saving money and the environment.  Win-win!

In the “hope you’ll never need this” school supply category, pesticide-free lice ridding products are a mom’s best friend. Vamousse’s 15-minute mousse treatment and shampoos will rid you and your family of any unwanted houseguests.

Back to School Clothes

Must Have Back To School Supplies, Clothes, Snacks and More...

Must Have Back To School Supplies, Clothes, Snacks and More…

New clothes are a must for the new school year and Tea Collection has launched a line inspired by the good old United States. The colorful clothes feature unique designs and high-quality fabrics that are comfortable and easy to wash. New this year, tween sizing goes up to 16. My daughter is excited to wear this cute chambray jumper, ruffled top and leggings inspired by New England.

Must Have Back To School Supplies, Clothes and Snacks

For kids who like to share their creativity and inspirational messages with the world, this Chalk of the Town t-shirt (chalk markers included) will be a hit for back to school. My daughter loves to design different shirts to match her outfits. Moms will love how easily the chalkboard erases with water.

Must Have Back To School Supplies, Clothes and Snacks

My daughter and her friends love to design their own T-shirts and I love to see their creative juices flowing. Buy some plain t-shirts, fabric markers and fabric paint and you have an easy after-school craft play date.

Check out my favorite summer and fall shoes for kids.

Back to School Snacks

School snacks are getting easier than ever with individually packed offerings in a variety of healthy treats.

Stonyfield Organic yogurt and smoothies come in a variety of packages making them easy options for lunch boxes and after-school snacks. Their new Snack Packs, Yogurt and Graham Crackers and Yogurt and Pretzels are a healthy option in convenient travel packs.

GoGo Squeez has been in my pantry since my daughter was a toddler. The portable, non-messy and deliciously flavored applesauce squeezies are perfect for school lunch, snacks and travel. Their newest offering, GoGo Squeez Blastz, is geared toward older kids with more “sophisticated” palates and comes in bold, mixed fruit flavors and larger serving sizes.

Larabars are a good all natural snack for the whole family and these mini versions are perfect for a sweet lunchbox treat. I also love that they don’t get crushed when they’ve been in my bag for a day or two.

Back to School Backpacks

A new backpack is a great way to get kids excited about back to school. Now that my daughter is entering fourth grade, she has very specific likes and dislikes.  Here are some of my favorite picks for 2018.

For girls who like to change their looks around, these reversible Chooze backpacks featuring fun patterns and designs are sure to please.

Justice is always a hit with girls and their back-to-school backpacks have something for everyone.  From flipping sequins, personalized styles, unicorns and ombre styles, girls will have a tough time picking just one.I also love this lightweight backpack covered in cactus and succulents.

Don’t forget to stock up on hanging squishies, keychains, toys and hand sanitizers. The more, the merrier!

News You Can Use For Parents

As we all know, today’s technology can feel a bit unsafe for kids and parents too. I attended a Back To School event hosted by Facebook and learned about their newly launched Digital Literacy Library and new Messenger Kids features and parental controls. While my daughter isn’t using Messenger Kids or Facebook yet, the Digital Literacy Library is full of information about online safety, privacy, sharing tips and other topics that I can start talking about now. Kids need to learn how to safely navigate with today’s tech and this is a great starting point for tweens and teens.

In addition, parents need to set good digital examples for children. This fall, several new tools that track time on various apps will certainly help everyone track their online time.

Are you ready for back to school?

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We were gifted some of these items from for review purposes. I attended the #MomTrendsSchool event and received a goody bag. As always, all opinions are my own. This post contains some affiliate links. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Globetrotting Mommy’s …

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If you didn’t finish your holiday shopping on Black Friday, you’re still in luck. I’ve rounded up some fun family gift ideas for globetrotting families to enjoy at home and away in this year’s holiday gift guide.

Globetrotting Mommy’s 2017 Holiday Gift Guide

Globetrotting Mommy’s 2017 Holiday Gift Guide

For the Foodie:

2017 holiday gift guide

For foodies and moms looking for creative ways to get their kids to try new things, Food Faces: 150 Feasts for the Eyes is full of fun inspiration.

For the Sun Worshiper:

2017 holiday gift guide

A fun pool float makes a great gift to use at home or on vacation. I love this colorful unicorn tube float but the pineapple and donut are super cute too.

For the Traveler

2017 holiday gift guide

Never confuse your luggage again with this customizable Head Case luggage cover.

For the Geography Buff:

2017 holiday gift guide

50 Cities of the U.S.A is gorgeous picture book filled with interesting facts and cool details about each city’s famous people, events, cuisine and landmarks.

For the Soon-to-be Mom:

2017 holiday gift guideYou know how pregnant ladies always measure their baby’s growth in terms of fruits and veggies? These clever PRODUCE tees (and cute gift sets) will be a hit with any soon-to-be mom.

For the Disney lover:

2017 holiday gift guide

Spread the holiday cheer and give loved ones Disney memories that will last a lifetime with the Gift of Disney Vacations. For the first time ever, guests can send a Disney gift card or full vacation packages. What a great family gift! Don’t miss these Disney World and Disney Cruise tips.

For the Family Vacation Photographer:

2017 holiday gift guide

The Read This If You Want To Take Great Photographs series has added places and people versions, making them all great gifts for the family photographer.

For NYC Lovers:

2017 holiday gift guide

Give the gift of navigational fashion and never get lost on the subway again. This adorable unisex Kids NYC All-Over-Map Tee from NYC Subway Line features an accurate subway map on the front and back. Such a great idea for any NYC loving kid and a cool way to teach kids how to navigate around town.

For doll lovers:

2017 holiday gift guide

The most wanted holiday gift for American Girl fans is the new Create Your Own doll. Girls can customize everything from skin color, eyes and hairstyles to outfits and accessories to create one very special doll. There are more than a million options so be sure to take your time during the selection process or better yet, give her a gift card to create her doll online or at the in-store kiosk.

For Super Busy Kids:

2017 holiday gift guide

Kids have super chaotic schedules so calendars are a great way to teach the elementary school set how to keep track of their activities and gym day. My daughter loves tracking her sleepovers and acting classes on her Kid’s Awesome Activity Calendar which includes stickers. And this Strong is the new Pretty wall calendar is an awesome way to for girls to welcome in 2018.

For Slime Loving Kids:

2017 holiday gift guide

I wasn’t expecting it to last so long but slime and Thinking Putty are still crazy popular. DIY slime and putty kits will definitely score big points with tweens and this glittery Elmer’s Frosty Slime Kit is perfect for the holidays. FYI, I got this kit at Staples which is a great spot for buying, wrapping (think holiday paper, gift bags, ribbons and bows) and shipping holiday gifts in just one trip, a nice bonus for busy moms.

For Bilingual Babies:

2017 holiday gift guide

Start them young with the First Words series from Lonely Planet Kids. Perfect for the whole family, First Words Spanish features 100 handy words to use while traveling (think eating, getting around and weather) as well as a pronunciation guide and colorful photos.

For Theatrical Kids:

2017 holiday gift guideFor the young Hamilton fan, I love these Hamitones crayons paired with a Hamilton coloring book. Add tickets to a kid-friendly show and you’re all set.

For the Chocolate Lover:

2017 holiday gift guideEvery holiday season Trader Joe’s brings out their cult favorites so be sure to stock up on the cutest chocolate gift for every traveler on your list, Trader Joe’s Chocolate Passport.

For the Whole Family:

2017 holiday gift guide

Last but certainly not least, one of the hottest family gifts this season is the Google Home Mini. At just $29 you should get a few since every family member will want it in his or her room. From singing songs and turning off lights to giving weather reports and helping with homework, this little dynamo is sure to make everyone’s life a little easier.

Check out this Tween and Teen Holiday Gift Guide for more ideas. Which Holiday Gift Guide item is your favorite?  Tell me below in the comments…

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Note: This post contains some affiliate links. I was gifted some of these items for review but all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Mom Life: Mom’s Night …

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Summer always has me running in a million directions and then back-to-school season arrives and I am oh so thrilled to have my daily routine again. Meet-the-teacher curriculum nights can be fun but what really makes moms happy is an adult night out full of great food and drinks, socializing and a little pampering. Am I right?

When Momtrends invited me to a Mom’s Night Out Event to mingle with fellow influencers, editors from some of my favorite Meredith Magazines like Parents, Family Fun, Fit Pregnancy and family-friendly brand reps, I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough.

The evening kicked off with a welcome from Parents editor-in-chief, Liz Vaccariello who remembered me from a South Africa press trip we attended together many moons ago. After sampling the gorgeous and tasty appetizers and wine from Willamsburg, VA (more about that later…), it was time for some pampering and mingling.

I had to start with the New Balance team who had masseuses on hand to massage our tired mom feet. I broke one of my toes just before school started and living in NYC, my recovery has taken forever so I was thrilled to get a little TLC. I’ve been forced to wear the ugliest medical shoe for the last few weeks so I was super excited to receive a pair of Fresh Foam Arishi New Balance sneakers (in chic gray) to wear post-recovery. I love the lightweight, (perfect for my travels) breathable styling and the ultra cushioning which will keep me comfortable as I run around New York City (drop-offs, pick-ups and after-school activities) and beyond.

The team from Swaddle Me knows moms never have enough time for pampering so they brought along the GlamSquad team to treat us to mini-makeovers (concealer and lip color go a long way!). With new smokey eyes, I learned about the newest Swaddle Me baby products which have come along way since my baby arrived almost eight years ago. The new, innovative SwaddleMe Kicksie is a legs-free swaddle perfect for warm weather while the new Swaddle Me Footsie is a legs-free swaddle with pajama-like footies which is perfect for cool weather. They’ve also launched three new gift sets (Essentials, Baby Bath and Little Lovey) which are perfect for any new baby and also make great holiday gifts.

My go-to lunch specialty is PB&J so I was happy to say hi to the Jif team and sample some of their new goodies and share how I inspire creativity with my daughter (by letting things get messy, of course!). I especially love their “Jif to go” minis which are great for traveling and school snacks. It’s impossible to learn or be creative when kids are hungry and the “Imagine If, With Jif” program plans to fuel the next generation and support families who want to make the world a better place. Submit your inspirational idea, now through October 20, and you could win up to $30,000 to make that dream a reality. Full details here.

Next, I headed over to the gorgeous nursery set-up where I tried my hand at DIY floral arranging. The Munchkin team was on hand to demonstrate the Munchkin Step Pail which features a childproof, self-sealing system to lock out odors. This is so crucial for NYC apartment-living where one stinky diaper can quickly invade your entire space. Best of all, with Munchkin’s Get a Pail, Give a Tree program, Munchkin will plant a tree for every diaper pail sold.  So awesome! We’ve had a slew of Munchkin products over the years but my current favorite is their Munchkin Miracle 360 Cup which looks like a cup but acts like a sippy making it great for kids of all ages.

Last but not least, I met with the Visit Williamsburg (Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg, Virginia) team to hear about their culinary offerings, family-friendly attractions, pampering spas, famed living history museum, outdoor adventures and more. My husband went to college in Williamsburg and spent many vacations there so it has definitely been on my radar for a family getaway so I was really excited to see how many varied attractions the area features. Check out this inspiration board that I personalized above with my favorite activities (spas, outdoor adventures, crafting, history and amusement parks, oh my!) and stay tuned as I share more details about my top picks in the region.

Thanks again to Momtrends for organizing a great Mom’s Night Out!

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Thanks to Meredith Corp., Jif, Munchkin, New Balance, Swaddle Me and Visit Williamsburg for sponsoring this post. I was compensated for attending this event and writing this post but all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

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