Great Gifts Archives - Page 7 of 11

Happy National Sunglasses Day! …

June 27, 2014 By admin

Did you know that today is National Sunglasses Day? I’m sure you’re savvy about protecting your eyes when you’re out and about – sunglasses are awesome for hiding those sleep deprived eyes – but how good are you at protecting your kids’ eyes from those dangerous UV rays?

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Happy National Sunglasses Day! Cool shades for globetrotting Kids

I recently learned from The Vision Council that eyes can get sunburned just like skin and everyone (adults, kids and babies) should wear sunglasses with UV protection whenever they’re outside. That means in EVERY season and even when its not particularly sunny. I don’t know about you but that came as a big surprise to me. In addition, kids are more vulnerable to UV damage because of their larger pupils and clearer lenses and contrary to popular belief, sun hats do not protect their little eyes. Damage from UV rays can cause pain, redness, swollen eyes, blurred vision, temporary blindness, cataracts and even cancer so why risk it when sunglasses are so easy to wear?

Since UV rays can reflect off surfaces such as water, sand, snow and buildings, its super important for you and your kids to wear those sunglasses on vacation too.

Here are my top picks for cool sunglasses for girls:

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Happy National Sunglasses Day! Cool Shades for Globetrotting Girls

1) How adorable are these red Selima Optique for Crewcuts Heart Sunglasses? A bit of a splurge but at $55 but so adorbs!

2) These classic pink shades from Old Navy are perfect for toddlers.

3) I love these white Betsy Johnson Cat with flowers. Great for your little fashionista.

4) Some girls love pink and some love purple. These cute purple heart sunglasses are a steal at just $7.

And here are some cute sunglasses for boys:

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Happy National Sunglasses Day! Cool Shades for Globetrotting Boys

1) These classic red Junior Ray Bans are perfect at any age.

2) Aviator shades are very trendy this summer and this cute yellow version from the Gap is just $10. Also available in blue.

3) These blue Kidz Banz Adventure sunglasses feature a wrap around strap making them great for sports and the beach. They make a baby version too.

4) For bigger boys, these black shades from Old Navy are a steal at just $5.

To learn more about the effects of UV exposure on eyes at every age, read the latest report from The Vision Council.

Have a great weekend!

I was not compensated for this post and all opinions are my own. Although The Vision Council is a nonprofit organization, I was gifted a Sun Sade Swag bag.

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Kate Spade Surprise Sale: …

June 10, 2014 By admin

Attention globetrotting shoppers, the Kate Spade surprise sale is here and the theme is travel! Act fast to get some great globetrotter gear like totes, diaper bags, wristlets, wallets, make-up pouches, sun hats and more for up to 75% off…

Here are some of my favorite picks:

How cute is this Play Hooky canvas tote with leather trim?

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Kate Spade Surprise Sale: Travel Edition

Globetrotting moms will look tres chic with this Into The Wild Stevie Baby Bag. I also like Kate Spade’s Gingham Harmony Bag. These diaper bags are great for travel and would also make fabulous baby shower gifts.

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Kate Spade Surprise Sale: Travel Edition

This Par Avion Stripe Small Natalie cosmetics bag is a great choice for make-up and toiletries to keep you looking beautiful at home and on the road.

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Kate Spade Surprise Sale: Travel Edition

This Gingham Grainy Vinyl Chrissy is a fun cross-body bag that will go from day to night.

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Kate Spade Surprise Sale: Travel Edition

Bon voyage…

Father’s Day Gift Guide …

June 5, 2014 By admin

Still looking for a great Father’s Day gift? Here is my Father’s Day Gift Guide just in time for the June 15 celebrations. Just add in a homemade card from your kid and you’ll be all set.

Globetrotting Mommy Father’s Day Gift Guide

For the dad who has everything, this personalized I Love You Dad puzzle from Red Envelope is sure to please. Just give them an address or special location and they turn it into a keepsake 40-piece puzzle.

Globetrotting Mommy Father’s Day Gift Guide

For the dad who needs a back rub, try this cute Car Play Mat T-Shirt. Kids will love rolling cars all over his back and dad will enjoy a mini massage. Win, win!

Globetrotting Mommy Father’s Day Gift Guide

For the foodie dad, try Jeni’s Father’s Day Collection featuring four ice cream flavors every dad will love (think dark chocolate, ale, rosemary bar nuts and more).

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Globetrotting Mommy Father’s Day Gift Guide

Got a daddy who travels a lot for work? These private jet cuff links from Rotenier are just the ticket.

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Globetrotting Mommy Father’s Day Gift Guide

For the dad who’d rather be sailing, I love this Tossed Anchor silk/linen tie from Jonathan Adler.

Globetrotting Mommy Father’s Day Gift Guide

Globetrotting Kids: Artsy …

June 2, 2014 By admin

Travel postcards are a fun way to share your adventures near and far. If you’re looking for a great way to get your kids away from their iPads and engaged in their vacation surroundings, check out this Watercolor Postcards kit from a portable studio.

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Globetrotting Kids: Artsy Adventures in Postcards

The box set includes four tubes of watercolor paint, two brushes, a mixing tray, Strathmore postcards and an instruction booklet.

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Globetrotting Kids: Artsy Adventures in Postcards

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Globetrotting Kids: Artsy Adventures in Postcards

I think kids would love designing their own postcards to send to their friends and family back home. This would also be a fun activity to do on the plane ride home. I know a few adults who would love this too so I think it would make a great gift for anyone artsy.

If you’re feeling crafty, you could easily DIY your own travel postcard kit or get some extra postcards and the whole family can share one kit.

The Cutest Bookends for Little …

May 20, 2014 By admin

Story time is a favorite for kids of all ages. If you’re looking for a fun gift for literary loving jet setters, look no further than these airplane bookends from Maple Landmark. They’re made from locally sourced Vermont maple and pine and painted with non-toxic finishes. The wheels, propellers and figures are fixed so these are completely baby-proof.

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Globetrotting Mommy: The Cutest Bookends for Little Jet Setters

I think they’d be a nice addition to any baby nursery or playroom. Pair it with some favorite books and I think this would be a great baby shower gift or birthday present for any globetrotting kid.

Globetrotter Dining with …

May 12, 2014 By admin

If you’ve got a globetrotting tot, check out these adorable Disney It’s a Small World meal sets. Each three-part set includes a cup, bowl and plate that stack together to form a cute boy or girl from around the world. How cute would these be for your next play date?

Disney It’s a Small World India Girl Meal Set:

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Globetrotter Dining with Disney’s It’s a Small Word

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Globetrotter Dining with Disney’s It’s a Small Word

Disney’s It’s a Small World England Boy Meal Set:

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Globetrotter Dining with Disney’s It’s a Small Word

Disney’s It’s a Small World American Boy Meal Set:

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Globetrotter Dining with Disney’s It’s a Small Word

Disney’s It’s a Small World France Boy Meal Set:

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Globetrotter Dining with Disney’s It’s a Small Word

These would make a great birthday or baby shower gift. They’re so cute I think they’d be fun to include as decoration in a baby nursery or playroom.

Bon appetit!

Momtrends Trendy Travel Event …

May 9, 2014 By admin

Spring has sprung (finally!) and summer is around the corner. Before you plan that summer getaway, check out my report from the Momtrends Trendy Travel Event for the latest must haves in fashion, beauty, kids gear and more.

Moms are always in need of a little pampering so I was pretty excited that the event was held at Butterfly Studio Salon. My stylist Danielle gave me a very glam wavy summer beach style by twisting my hair around a curling iron in pieces rather than rolling sections. How cute do we look? Oh and thanks for being so petite Danielle, I even look like a tall super model next to you!

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Globetrotting Mommy Trendy Travel Momtrends Event

Once the mom bloggers were all dolled up, Butterfly Studio owner Kattia demonstrated some easy summer styles and shared a photo collage with some super chic ponytails. I’ve been trying these on my daughter all week and the upside-down pony has been the fave to date.

Next up was Luxury Travel Mom Kim-Marie Evans who shared travel trends and tips for memorable family vacations.

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Globetrotting Mommy Trendy Travel Momtrends Event

She recommended moms stop trying to plan every little detail and hand over the planning to travel agents and tour operators who can book special offerings and help with hard-to-plan trips. Traveling with a group is a great idea since you have other adults (and kids) to interact with and you can relax because someone else is handling the planning. She also suggested looking on VRBO for apartment rentals so you can experience your destination like a local. And if you really want to experience something different, she suggested trying out websites that connect you with locals offering up home cooked meals in their homes so travelers can enjoy an authentic travel experience.

Next we learned about the latest on-the-go gear with Britax. Whether you are traveling by car, air, train or foot, Britax has an array of gear and accessories to get you there safely and stylishly. If you’ve got little kids, the Britax Travel Cart puts a car seat on wheels and eliminates your need for a stroller in the airport. So smart! They also have an array of items to protect your car on those long car trips like Kick Mats and waterproof liners for carseats and strollers because accidents happen at home and away…

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Globetrotting Mommy Trendy Travel Momtrends Event

We got a sneak peek at the new BOB Revolution Pro jogging stroller which offers an adjustable handle and oversized wheels for rough terrain (think sand or snow). The 2-step fold and travel bag make it a great choice for moms who love to jog on vacation.

My daughter adores her pink Trunki suitcase, so I was excited to see Trunki’s new waterproof swim bags, PaddlePaks, designed to look like creatures from the sea.

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Globetrotting Mommy Trendy Travel Momtrends Event

The colorful backpacks (Pinch the Lobster, Inky the Octopus, Spike the Blow Fish, oh my) feature adjustable straps, a hook and a secret pocket on the tail fin. They are perfectly sized for little ones and my daughter has already packed hers with toys for the beach.

Speaking of the beach, Miraclesuit was next showing us their latest trends in swimwear and accessories (think sheer fabrics, rhinestones and fun prints).

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Globetrotting Mommy Trendy Travel Momtrends Event

Miraclesuit empowers women to feel good and look fabulous no matter your body type and we got to see a mini-fashion show with real moms who all looked amazing! I took home the stylish Net Work Jena suit, a chic off the shoulder suit with strategically placed mesh netting. Oh and yes, these suits make you look 10 pounds thinner without hitting the gym. Win, win!

Last but not least, summer calls for ice cream so Adirondack Creamery was on hand so we could sample their all natural, farm fresh flavors. Their ice cream is made with simple ingredients (no colors, additives, or preservatives) including hormone-free milk from the farms of the Hudson Valley. I especially loved the exotic Kulfi-Pistachio Cardamom and Caramel Apple. Lucky for me, I’ll be sampling some more flavors because I won the raffle prize for six pints! Be on the lookout for your ice cream tasting party invitation…

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Globetrotting Mommy Trendy Travel Momtrends Event

Thanks again to Momtrends for a fabulous night. Have a great weekend and Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms.

I was not compensated for this post but I did receive a gift bag. All opinions are my own.

Spotlight on Photography: …

May 7, 2014 By admin

If you follow me around on Instagram, you know I like to take pictures and you also know I went to some really fun NYC events last week. You can imagine how excited I was when Kristin from My Strange Family invited me to meet photographer Ali Smith, author of the Award-Winning book Momma Love; How the Mother Half Lives and hear her tips for taking better photos of kids. I can’t think of many things more challenging than taking photos of kids who never sit still so I’m sharing her tips in hopes that we will all get better at capturing those Kodak moments at home and away.

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Globetrotting Mommy Spotlight on Photography: Tips from the Experts with Ali Smith

1. Ban the word “cheese” from your photographic life.
You know that strained “picture face” that happens when kids (and grown ups) say “cheese?” Ali suggests thinking of something else to get people smiling. She told us about a woman who says “1,2,3, FART.” I’m saving that one but I did say “1,2,3, ELSA” to my daughter and her pals and that got them laughing.

2. Don’t get married to one result.
You know how you have the perfect photo in your head that you’re trying to get? Well, it turns out that’s a no-no for capturing those true moments. You’ll get much better photos if you can go with the flow even if that means your kids aren’t wearing the outfits you picked out. Also, don’t be afraid to capture some of their strange or unconventional expressions.

3. Look for the light.
This is a “rule” that is definitely meant to be broken. Maybe you want a little “motion blur” or a dim shot of a sleeping child. Look for areas in a room with natural light or a well lit outside space if you’re trying to capture a moving kid, especially on your camera phone.

4. Change your perspective
Getting down on your child’s level or taking pictures at unexpected angles are great ideas to try. Children don’t need to be looking at the camera to get good results. For a different perspective, shoot with a “shallow depth of field” by controlling the aperture/F-stop “open up” to a low F-Stop. This will give you those cool photos where the subject is in focus and the background is blurry. If you’re using a camera phone, try the BlurFX app to get this look.

5. Distract your subject.
Ask them about something they are interested in or point out flowers, airplanes, etc. What you want to capture is their reactions and the in between moments when you’re most likely to show who they really are.

6. Don’t let other parents interfere unless it’s REALLY helping
Sometimes parents jumping around like apes behind you is great, like when you’re taking photos of babies. But if adults are over directing the children to “behave,” “listen” or “smile,” try to discourage that. Also, if you’re shooting family photos, tell the adults to always look at the camera so that when the kids are ready, the grown-ups will be too.

7. Show the child the photo
Today’s kids are used to seeing their photos on the camera screen so let them take a peek. If they like what they see, they’ll want to take more photos.

I hope these tips will help you capture some amazing photos of your kids. If you still need a Mother’s Day gift idea, Ali’s book is full of amazing photos and stories of motherhood making it a great gift for any mom.

Ali was nice enough to take some photos of the bloggers (and kids) at the event too. Here’s my favorite shot she took of me.

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Globetrotting Mommy Spotlight on Photography: Tips for taking better photos of kids

Thanks again to Kristin, a great hostess who thought of everything including Sensible Sitters and Ella’s Kitchen snacks so the kiddies were in good hands. What are your favorite photography tips?

Top five Vacation or …

May 5, 2014 By admin

Looking to do something fun for Mother’s Day weekend at home or away? Act fast and book one of these five options.

For moms who love music:

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Globetrotting Mommy Mother’s Day Ideas: Tunes with Tina at Langham Place, Fifth Avenue

Mother’s Day Brunch is always a win but Tunes with Tina at NYC’s Langham Place, Fifth Avenue is a family friendly sing-along brunch that ensures mom will enjoy a civilized meal while the kiddies are entertained. Families can join in as Tina deVaron sings a mix of pop hits, Disney Classics and other family favorites. Chef David Vandenabeele’s menu features Belgian Waffles, Breakfast Pizzas, Quiches, Breakfast Sandwiches, Scotch Egg and more as well as a selection of desserts and sweets. So basically, mom can enjoy yummy brunch and a mimosa or two while the kiddies sing Let it Go to their heart’s delight. That’s a win-win in my book. Be sure to bring your video camera because Measure Lounge is a much better backdrop than your toy-filled living room.

If you’re looking for a family getaway filled with fun adventures and dancing, famed kids musician Moey is welcoming fans with a Mother’s Day Getaway Package at Vermont’s Wilberton Inn. The package includes a Saturday Night Family Disco Party, Farm Fresh Mother’s Day Brunch and a Mother’s Day Moey Concert. The inn features a mix of bed-and-breakfast rooms as well as cottages and a 14-bedroom mansion making this a great pick for family reunions. Rates start at $150 per night for Mother’s Day weekend so pack your princess dresses and boas and head on over.

For moms who love pampering:

Mom can retreat to the beach for some well-deserved R&R with the Girlfriend Getaway Package at the Grand Lucayan on Grand Bahama Island. The getaway includes a two-night stay in an Ocean View Room, daily breakfast at Willy Broadleaf, manicures and pedicures at the Senses Spa and poolside cocktails at Hammerheads Bar. I can’t think of a more relaxing way to spend Mother’s Day. Can you? Rates start at $211 per night (mention code GIRLS).

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Globetrotting Mommy Mother’s Day Ideas: theBalm Mom travel package at Stanford Court

Stanford Court in San Francisco is offering theBalm Mom travel package where moms will enjoy a visit to theBalm Cosmetics’ new flagship store located in the hip Mission District. Moms will be greeted with a glass of champagne before they enjoy a deluxe makeover complete with a recorded take-home iPad tutorial video demonstrating the step-by-step makeup application process. Moms will also receive eyebrow waxes and select products from theBalm’s cosmetic line, including customized 9-well eye shadow palettes from the “Eye Shadow Bar” and more. Aside from the pampering, guests will enjoy overnight accommodations at Stanford Court, complimentary breakfast for two at Aurea Lounge and town car transportation to and from the store. This sounds like a great mother/daughter getaway to me.

For moms who love getting crafty:

Make Meaning is one of my favorite spots to get crafty in NYC because they offer up so many different types of projects (soaps, ceramics, cookies, etc.). For Mother’s Day, four of their stores (Upper East and Upper West in NYC and Legacy Place Scottsdale Quarter in Arizona and Thousand Oaks in California) will be featuring Tea-Tin & Cookie Decorating sessions for kids of all ages. For just $35, moms and kids can personalize tea tins and decorate cookies with step-by-step personalized instruction. Once completed, you’ll select three teas for the tin making it a great gift for any mom or grandma.

If you still need a Mother’s Day present, check out my Mother’s Day Gift Guide.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide …

April 28, 2014 By admin

Mother’s day is coming up (May 11 in the United States) so don’t wait till the last minute to get your mom (or wife) a great Mother’s Day present. Of course the best gifts are handmade so have your kiddo make a card or necklace to go along with one of these picks from my Mother’s Day Gift Guide.