Great Gifts Archives - Page 4 of 11

2015 Holiday Gift Guide for …

December 10, 2015 By admin

If you’re looking for some holiday gift ideas the whole family can enjoy, today is your lucky day. Below I’ve rounded up some fun family gift ideas for globetrotting families to enjoy at home and away…

2015 Holiday Gift Guide for Globetrotting Families

2015 Holiday Gift Guide for Globetrotting Families

The Gift of Membership – If you’re looking for a gift that keeps on giving, a family membership to a favorite museum, amusement park, zoo or other cultural attraction is an awesome gift. Some museum memberships include reciprocal benefits where you can receive complimentary admission to hundreds of museums across the United States. Check out the North American Reciprocal Museum Association and the Association of Science-Technology Center’s Travel Passport Program for more details.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide for Globetrotting Families

Go See a Show – Save a date and take the whole clan to see their favorite artists perform on stage. From Frozen on Ice, Peppa Pig LIVE! and the Big Apple Circus to Sesame Street and Yo Gabba Gabba shows and musical concerts, there are dozens of family favorite events going on this winter. My top picks for families include the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring The Rockettes, Blue Man Group, Aladdin and The Lion King.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide for Globetrotting Families – A Duck Tour around Boston makes a great holiday gift.

Take the Family Sightseeing – A staycation or vacation makes a great holiday gift. Give your family the gift of go with a Go City Card valid for tourist attractions in 11 cities across the US or book a family fun sightseeing tour like The Ride in New York City, a Boston Duck Tour or a Carriage Ride around Charleston.

Family Friendly Travel Books – From travel inspired coffee table classics like Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel and Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World’s Most Amazing Places to trip planning guides and Lonely Planet Kids Activity Books, books are a great family gift idea.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide for Globetrotting Families

Culinary Gifts for All – Foodies of all ages will appreciate culinary gifts that offer tasty treats from near and far. Some ideas include the Peninsula Grill Ultimate Coconut Cake® from Charleston, South Carolina, Tessemae’s Chesapeake Mayo from Maryland, Norwegian Smoked Salmon, Trader Joe’s Chocolate Passport, The Everyday Eatalian gift box featuring products from Italy, a Great Lakes Food Club membership from Michigan or a Try The World foodie gift box subscription.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide for Globetrotting Families

Must Have Family Friendly Travel Accessories – I’m always bringing home leftovers from holiday celebrations and Igloo has a great selection of chic insulated totes (Trend, Maxcold and Stowe) that make nice holiday gifts for everyone on your list. I especially love that these bags fold up for storage and are leak-resistant making them great picks for road trips and plane rides. For junior travelers, the adorable bag tags and travel journals from Mudpuppy are sure to please. Other ideas for family friendly travel accessories include selfie sticks (I know, I know) and gift cards to make photo books showcasing your travels.

2015 Holiday Gift Guide for Globetrotting Families – Family friendly games are sure to please.

On The Go Games – Family friendly games are great to bring to holiday get togethers and the classics from Hasbro (think Twister, Operation, Jenga and my all-time favorite Monopoly) are perfect options. I also love travel friendly family games like Melissa & Doug Travel Hangman, Spot It, eeBoo’s Color Go Fish Cards which are great for little hands.

I received some review items at the Momtrends holiday event but all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Toys That Travel: Crayola …

November 24, 2015 By admin

Home or away for the upcoming holidays? Crayola’s Cling Creator will keep kids busy as they create their own holiday inspired window decorations perfect for decorating houses, hotel rooms and more. Read on for my Crayola Cling Creator review and enter to win one of your own along with a $50 gift card!

Toys That Travel: Crayola Cling Creator Review and Giveaway

As you know, we’re big fans of STEM inspired toys so I was excited to see that Crayola’s Cling Creator combines creativity with science lab techniques. My daughter got right to work setting up all the tubes, molds and instruments in the caddy which was perfect for keeping things organized.

Toys That Travel: Crayola Cling Creator Review and Giveaway

The kit contains everything you need to make colorful cling creations that stick to (and easily peel off from) windows, mirrors and other flat, smooth surfaces. You can use the molds or create new designs by making molds with the included clay. You can even add your own glitter to the designs if you’re feeling festive.

Toys That Travel: Crayola Cling Creator Review and Giveaway

The label says ages 8+ but my six-year old daughter was able follow the directions with some guidance. I mentally prepared for a mess but I was happily surprised to see how easy she was able to squeeze the correct ratio of color and firming solution into the labeled mixing pots and mix them in the kid-friendly mixing chamber.

Toys That Travel: Crayola Cling Creator Review and Giveaway

We were hoping to make some fall-inspired designs to bring along on a road-trip to grandma’s house for Thanksgiving but had some challenges perfecting our leaf and pumpkin molds out of the clay. I would definitely recommend younger kids stick with the enclosed molds, especially since the gel sets rather quickly. Also, if you are planning to mix colors, start with just a few drops of the dark color and add the lighter color until you get the shade you want.

Toys That Travel: Crayola Cling Creator Review and Giveaway

After 15 minutes, the gel solidifies and your window clings are ready to go. Volia!

Toys That Travel: Crayola Cling Creator Review and Giveaway

We ended up with an assortment of fun, colorful designs…

Toys That Travel: Crayola Cling Creator Review and Giveaway

The kit makes approximately 20 clings and refill packs are sold separately. If you and your kids love DIY crafty projects, the Crayola Cling Creator will make a great addition to your craft closet.

Ready to win a Crayola Cling Creator and a $50 gift card?

To enter please leave a blog post comment – Who do you know who would love this toy?

For additional entries, please leave separate comments for each of these four options:

Like Globetrotting Mommy on Facebook
Follow Globetrotting Mommy on Instagram
Like TravelMommy on Twitter
Subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy

This giveaway is open to US residents and will run until midnight EST Friday December 4, 2015.

If you’re looking for a Crayola inspired road trip, check out my review of the Crayola Experience in Easton, Pennsylvania.

Congratulations to Heather Johnson!!

I was not compensated for this post but the Crayola Cling Creator, gift card, information and additional gift pack have been provided by Crayola. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Staycation Ideas 103: STEM …

November 10, 2015 By admin

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that my family and I love to visit attractions that encourage learning experiences such as science museums, historical sights and kid-friendly attractions. Some of our favorite local spots include MoMath, the Liberty Science Center and the Long Island Children’s Museum.

Staycation Ideas 103: STEM Toys for Home and Away

With winter is on its way, I’m gearing up for some indoor staycation time and today I’m sharing some of my favorite STEM toys and activities that inspire Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education.

The Magic School Bus – My daughter has been obsessed with this science cartoon series since pre-school. Miss Frizzle and the gang teach young kids about science, astronomy, biology and more as they drive through space, the human body and other unexpected places. The Magic School Bus DVD Set makes a great gift for young scientists (also great for long plane rides) and the monthly Magic School Bus Science Club subscriptions are great for rainy days at home or away.

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Project Mc² Dolls encourage girls to experiment.

Project Mc² Dolls – This new doll line from MGA Entertainment is all about teaching girls that Smart Is The New Cool. Each of the four adorable doll sets include a real science experiment, fun accessories and stand. We tried the volcano experiment with the Adrienne Attoms doll and it was a big hit. Click here to see…
Magna-Tiles® – I love toys that encourage imaginative play and if they are a breeze to clean up, I love them even more. If you’re looking for a family friendly toy that will keep children of all ages engaged, Magna-Tiles are a really good option. They are also great to bring along on trips as there are no small pieces to lose or step on…

What are your favorite toys and activities that encourage STEM education?

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Bratz Dolls Encourage Girls to …

September 1, 2015 By admin

One of the best times of my life was spent studying abroad in Rome during my junior year of college. I have such great memories of visiting the famed sights, eating tons of gelato (pizza too!) and living among the locals. When I heard that Bratz was reintroducing a new doll collection featuring a group of five study abroad characters, I couldn’t wait to check them out with my daughter.

Bratz Dolls Encourage Girls to Travel the Globe with New Study Abroad Collection

When I took Raya, the study abroad Mexico doll, out of her box, my five-year old daughter was immediately drawn to all her fun accessories. Raya comes with two trendy outfits that can be mixed and matched, jewelry, hair accessories, a tote bag, cactus and piñata key ring along with a roller board suitcase with stickers for kids to decorate.

Bratz Dolls Encourage Girls to Travel the Globe with New Study Abroad Collection

Dolls have come a long way since I was a kid and I loved all the attention to details on the outfits as well as the great hair that doesn’t immediately get knotty. I also loved that these dolls will expose young girls to different cultures through play. I also hope these dolls will encourage young women to study overseas as study abroad is on the decline.

The Bratz Study Abroad collection features Raya and the following dolls (pictured above) who all come with two outfits, jewelry and suitcases:

Cloe is just back from China with a teapot and teacup, a ying yang purse, a fortune cookie key ring.

Jade came back from studying in Russia with nesting dolls and a fabergé egg key ring.

Sasha returned from Britain with Union Jack purse, teacup and scones and a bunny bodyguard key ring.

Yasmin is back from Brazil with colorful sunglasses and a pineapple key ring.

In addition to the new Study Abroad dolls, Bratz revamped their entire line with a new look and feel that embodies the interests, passions and personalities of the modern day girl. The core collections are available now at Target, Toys”R”Us and Walmart stores nationwide.

I think these would make a great back-to-school gift for any globetrotting girl.

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Back-to-School Must Haves for …

August 19, 2015 By admin

Depending on where you live, kids go back-to-school sometime between now and early September. I love stocking up on back-to-school supplies and I especially love when my daughter can use these items on our travels.

Here are my favorite Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away…

Back to school, kids, labels, Mabel's Labels, travel, must haves

Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – Mabel’s Labels

Personalized Labels – If you didn’t already order these for summer camp, now is the time to stock up. I pretty much label everything my daughter takes to school (and on trips) like food and drink containers, school supplies, shoes, coats, hats, etc. Mabel’s Labels are the only ones that survive my super hot dishwasher so they’re my top pick. The Stylish Scholars Combo in the quatrefoil pattern was my opportunity to update some of our old kiddie styles with a more sophisticated look for first grade.

Back to school, snacks, must haves, Earth's Best, Gogo Squeez, Travel, kids

Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – Portable Snacks

Easy to Serve Snacks – For lunch boxes and road trips, easy to serve snacks are a must have. Depending on the ages and taste preferences of your kids, I recommend squeezy fruit pouches like GoGo Squeez, individually wrapped multi-grain snacks from Ella’s Kitchen and dried fruit like Crispy Fruit from Crispy Green for exotic palates and Earth’s Best freeze dried fruit snacks for toddlers. I also keep snack bars, fruit leathers and nuts on hand at home and away.

Colored Pencils, eeBoo, Travel, Kids, Coloring, Activities, Back to School

Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – Colored Pencils

Non-Messy School Supplies – I love stocking up on school supplies knowing that the non-messy items will be great to also use on car or plane trips. This year my daughter is really into writing and coloring and I found the most gorgeous colored pencil sets from eeBoo featuring metallic, watercolor and fluorescent pencils. These are so nicely packaged (and affordable) you’ll want to get a set for everyone you know. Just add the Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book for older kids (and adults!) and you’ve got a great gift idea.

Back to school, Activity books, kids, travel, lonely planet, adventures

Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – Activity Books

Educational Activity Books – As an after school surprise, I like to leave an activity book out with scissors, markers and glue. When we travel, I like to just bring along activity books that include stickers like the new Lonely Planet Kids series that includes Adventures in Famous Places, Adventures in Noisy Places, Adventures in Smelly Places and other fun titles. These are a great way to teach elementary age school kids about history and geography while holding their interest with funny facts.

back to school, backpacks, must haves, kids, travel, school supplies

Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – backpack

Sturdy and Stylish Backpack – Backpacks are a must for school and traveling. Last year my daughter got a Backpack Jr. from Garnet Hill Kids and this year she has a more fashion forward Kayla backpack from Matilda Jane Clothing. I’ve previously written about the coolest backpacks for back to school if you need more inspiration. Be sure kids can open and close buckles and zippers on their own before school starts.

back to school, tablets, leap pad, fire hd6 kids edition, kids, travel, accessories

Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – tablets

Kid Friendly Tablets – Older kids bring their tablets to school but kids of all ages use them when traveling. My daughter loves the LeapPad3 when we travel by car and I love that she can use it without needing help so I can focus on driving. For plane rides and long trips, I’ll bring out our latest addition, the Amazon Fire HD 6 kids edition which comes in its own kid-proof case and is great for watching movies and shows, taking photos and videos and playing apps.

What are your favorite back-to-school must haves?

I received 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!

Globetrotting Girls Alert: The …

July 9, 2015 By admin

My daughter’s bedroom features a collection of dolls from around the world garnered from our travels, kind friends and family (thanks Uncle Burt!).

Land of Nod, Girls, Dolls, Dolls of the World, Around the world, Toys, Kids, Travel, Decor, International Dolls

Globetrotting Girls Alert: Land of Nod’s New Dolls of The World

If you’re looking for a super cute way to decorate your daughter’s bedroom or playroom, look no further than The Land of Nod’s new Dolls of the World series.

Land of Nod, Girls, Dolls, Dolls of the World, Around the world, Toys, Kids, Travel, Decor

Globetrotting Girls Alert: Land of Nod’s New Dolls of The World

The 13″ dolls feature traditional clothing and hairstyles from their native country and they are just adorable. Little ones will love seeing how people around the world play dress-up without flying international. The grouping includes five cultures: German, Spanish, Japanese, Russian and Dutch. Check them out:

Land of Nod, Girls, Dolls, Dolls of the World, Around the world, Toys, Kids, Travel, Decor, German, Germany, International Dolls

Globetrotting Girls Alert: Land of Nod’s New Dolls of The World

Land of Nod, Girls, Dolls, Dolls of the World, Around the world, Toys, Kids, Travel, Decor, Spain, Spanish, International Dolls

Globetrotting Girls Alert: Land of Nod’s New Dolls of The World

Land of Nod, Girls, Dolls, Dolls of the World, Around the world, Toys, Kids, Travel, Decor, Japan, Japanese, International Dolls

Globetrotting Girls Alert: Land of Nod’s New Dolls of The World

Land of Nod, Girls, Dolls, Dolls of the World, Around the world, Toys, Kids, Travel, Decor, Russia, Russian, International Dolls

Globetrotting Girls Alert: Land of Nod’s New Dolls of The World

Land of Nod, Girls, Dolls, Dolls of the World, Around the world, Toys, Kids, Travel, Decor, Dutch, Holland, International Dolls

Globetrotting Girls Alert: Land of Nod’s New Dolls of The World

I think these would be super cute for a nursery, bedroom or playroom. Which one is your favorite?

Be sure to follow my Pinterest Fun nursery and kids room ideas board for more decorating ideas and also check out my picks for a Safari themed nursery.

If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Globetrotting Kids Alert: …

June 11, 2015 By admin

Today I’m sharing some big Skylanders news sure to please young and old globetrotters…Skylanders SuperChargers is coming this fall and kids (and adults) will soon be able to explore and navigate the mountainous terrains, deep sea environments and big blue skies of Skylands with the vehicles-to-life feature.

Skylanders, SuperChargers, Starter Pack, Games, Kids, Vehicles, Toys, Travel

Globetrotting Kids Alert: Skylanders is Taking to Land, Sea and Air! (Photo Credit: Skylanders)

The new game features 20 vehicle designs and types (think race cars, motorcycles, boats, tanks, helicopters, jets, submarines and more) many of which feature moving parts. These new vehicles pair with twenty new SuperChargers – special Sklylanders who can interact with vehicle tricks, new moves and weapons. Of course, any Skylanders characters can drive the new vehicles allowing for endless imaginative play.

I got a sneak peek thanks to Momtrends and the graphics, new characters and vehicles looked great. Check them out…

Globetrotting Kids Alert: Skylanders is Taking to Land, Sea and Air! (Photo Credit: Skylanders)

After a delicious lunch, we moved on to a crafting project that fit with the new Skylanders SuperChargers’ vehicles – travel theme…DIY personalized luggage tags! They were super fun to make so if you’re interested, check out this DIY luggage tag tutorial.

Skylanders, SuperChargers, Starter Pack, Games, Kids, Vehicles, Toys, Travel, DIY Luggage Tag,

Globetrotting Kids Alert: Skylanders is Taking to Land, Sea and Air!

Skylanders SuperChargers will launch September 20^th (holiday wish list!) and will be available on all major consoles and iPad making it a great option to bring along on vacation. In addition, many hotels offer gaming consoles in their kids clubs or available to borrow so if you’re planning a vacation with your Skylanders’ fans, be sure to ask before you go.

Skylanders, SuperChargers, Starter Pack, Games, Kids, Vehicles, Toys, Globetrotting Mommy, Primetime Parenting

Globetrotting Kids Alert: Skylanders is Taking to Land, Sea and Air! (Photo Credit: Momtrends)

Here I am saying goodbye with my friend Esti at Primetime Parenting. Thanks again to Momtrends and Skylanders for a fun time.

This is a sponsored post. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

The Perfect Accessory for …

May 12, 2015 By admin

My daughter loves jewelry as much as the next girl but most of her treasured baubles fall into two categories – easy to break or too fancy for school. When we recently discovered the CHARM IT! collection of super adorable charms, bracelets and necklaces, we were both thrilled.

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The Perfect Accessory for Globetrotting Girls: CHARM IT! + Giveaway

In addition to being affordable at $5-6 a piece, the charms are rugged enough to wear every day but also dressy enough to wear for special occasions. Best of all, the charms are so cute and on trend with a fun mix of colorful pieces (some with glitter and acrylic stones) that connect to the bracelets and necklaces with easy to open clasps. Best of all, mini fashion designers can personalize their own necklaces and bracelets with hundreds of charms inspired by fashion, food, travel, animals, hobbies, sports, characters and more.

Since charm bracelets (and necklaces) are a great souvenir to remember favorite vacations, I asked my daughter to pick her favorite travel inspired charms and she chose a Yellow Taxi, Palm Tree, Pink Eiffel Tower, Pink Camera and the Love to Travel Suitcase. I surprised her with it on our recent trip to Miami and she attached the charms to the necklace with a bit of help. Look how cute it turned out…

The Perfect Accessory for Globetrotting Girls: CHARM IT! + Giveaway

I think CHARM IT! bracelets and necklaces are a great gift to remember a trip, celebrate a birthday or commemorate a special occasion. The charms can also be used as a reward for kids or to celebrate something special in their lives (lost tooth, good test score, first concert, etc.). If you’re looking for a personalized children’s gift that won’t break the bank, CHARM IT! bracelets and necklaces will not disappoint.

The Perfect Accessory for Globetrotting Girls: CHARM IT! + Giveaway

Do you have a mini-globetrotter? Enter to win the adorable CHARM IT! LOVE TO TRAVEL GIFT SET featuring an adjustable 7.5 inch bracelet, three glitzy charms and a rainbow keepsake box.

The Perfect Accessory for Globetrotting Girls: CHARM IT! + Giveaway

For additional entries, please leave separate comments for each of these four options:

Like Globetrotting Mommy on Facebook
Follow Globetrotting Mommy on Instagram
Like TravelMommy on Twitter
Subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy

This giveaway is open to US residents and will run until midnight EST Friday May 29, 2015.

Good luck!

Congratulations to Marilyn Nawara!

I was not compensated for this post but we did receive a necklace for review purposes. All opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 …

May 1, 2015 By admin

Mother’s day is coming up (May 10 in the United States) so don’t wait till the last minute to get your mom (wife or grandma) a great Mother’s Day present. Of course the best gifts are handmade so have your kiddo make a card or candy necklace to go along with one of these picks from my 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide.