Just for Kids Archives - Page 12 of 18

Top 10 Must-Haves for a Beach …

August 19, 2014 By admin

We’re heading off on a tropical vacation later this month and I can’t wait. There’s a spa for me, shaded cabanas for my husband, a kids zone for my daughter and a white sand beach for all of us. If you haven’t had your fill of fun in the sun this summer, today I’m sharing my top 10 must haves for a beach getaway with kids…

1) Sunscreen is a must for grown-ups and kids and The Honest Co. makes a great family friendly version. If you’ve got a girly girl in your group, Glitter Tots’ Sparkle Screen is my daughter’s favorite. When she asks for more “skin glitter,” I’m always happy to oblige.

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Top 10 Must-Haves for a Beach Getaway with Kids

2) On those days when its chilly coming out of the ocean or pool, I recommend hooded towels for kids. Some of my favorites are from The Company Store, Pottery Barn Kids and Carters.

3) A cute bathing suit is a must have. For moms, Miraclesuit makes some a stylish options that don’t scream “mom.” For fathers and sons who want to be matchy matchy, I am loving the Tom & Teddy line.

Top 10 Must-Haves for a Beach Getaway with Kids

4) Hats and sunglasses for the whole family are a must. Flap Happy offers a great hat selection for babies and toddlers and I highly recommend their swim hat and floppy hats with the chin tie. Target also has a great selection of sun hats for the whole family.

5) Beach toys can be as simple as a plastic container or as complex as a fancy kite. You can’t go wrong with Melissa & Doug products and the Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Speck Seahorse Sand Ice Cream Set and Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Seaside Sidekicks Sand Baking Set are always popular with my daughter and her friends.

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Top 10 Must-Haves for a Beach Getaway with Kids

6) For those who haven’t fully mastered the art of swimming, bring along some accessories. For toddlers, I recommend taking along a Stearns Kids Puddle Jumper Life Jacket Vest (one of the few coast guard approved devices) while a backpack type floatation device like the Water Gear Back Float 4-Color Split Back Float is better for new swimmers who want to do more than just doggie paddle. Kickboards are also fun..

7) You’ll need some cute beach bags to carry all your stuff. For kids, I adore the Trunki PaddlePak waterproof backpacks that come in a variety of colors and sizes. They are the perfect size and kids will love the secret compartments and extras like a special tag to hang sunglasses. I also love this Stephen Joseph Mermaid Beach Tote above because the back is made of mesh so the sand stays at the beach. It comes with beach toys and is also available in a cute Shark version.

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Top 10 Must-Haves for a Beach Getaway with Kids

8) Picnics at the beach are great family fun but you want to be careful your food stays nice and cool. I took a PackIt Freezable Picnic Bag to the beach on a super hot day and it did not disappoint. You freeze it overnight and stays cool for up to 10 hours. The Picnic Bag is a great size for a small family but you could also use it for baby bottles/food, drinks and anything else you want to keep cool. They also make lunch bags, shopping bags, wine bags and more which are great for summer or if you live in a warm climate.

9) Cover ups are a must for the whole family. I love the cool cotton kurtas and dresses for kids and adults from Roberta Roller Rabbit. Rash guards are also great for keeping active kids protected when they’re swimming and building sand castles.

10) Nobody wants to bring sand home so don’t forget this trick… Put some baby powder in an old sock and the sand will magically disappear when you wipe the sock across your skin. You’re welcome.

I hope you enjoy your last few trips to the beach…

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Back-To-School Giveaway …

August 7, 2014 By admin

I’m super excited to join some of my favorite bloggers for a Back-to-School Giveaway! If you’ve got kids you’re definitely going to want to enter.

It’s time to get ready to head back to school and a group of us got together to share some of our favorite products that make that first day a little easier for both parents and students.

Read on and enter below to win everything on the list…

Now to introduce you to the awesome bloggers hosting this giveaway! Stop by and visit them to say thanks! Destiny of Suburban Wife, City Life, Courtney & Julie of The Chirping Moms, Lyla of Globetrotting Mommy, Kris of My Strange Family, Elizabeth of MommieDe, Esti of Primetime Parenting, Lynda of Main Street Mama and Jessica of Peekababy.

Here’s a breakdown and brief description of the amazing giveaway items…

$50 Stride Rite Gift Card

“A century of quality crafted footwear, designed specifically for kids.” Nothing says Back to School like a new pair of shoes and Stride Rite knows what little feet need.

$100 RUUM Gift Card

American’s Kids Ware ranging from birth to size 14Y this company will have you wishing picture day was everyday. The clothes are casual and stylish with quality at it’s finest.

Mabel’s Labels – choice of Stylish Scholars Combo or Ultimate Back to School Combo

A waterproof, dishwasher safe and microwave safe set of labels to put on anything you don’t want to risk losing. Their slogan is “Labels for the stuff kids lose.” To read a full review please visit Suburban Wife, City Life.

Vamousse – bottle of Lice Prevention and Lice Treatment

No one likes to talk about these unwanted visitors, but it’s best to be prepared and Vamousse helps to take care of both. These products are non-toxic and pesticide free. Killing the lice in as little at 15 minutes. A great secret weapon to have on hand.

BubbleBum – an inflatable car booster seat

This booster seat is the perfect item to have on hand when your child is going to someone else’s house after school or you’re picking up another child for a play-date after school. It meets all US safety testing standards and is appropriate for ages 4-11. To read a full review please visit Globetrotting Mommy.

Spbang – three reusable snack bags

This mom invented, made in the USA, lead free, phthalate free, bpa free and food safe bags are going to make packing lunches so easy. To read a full review please visit MommieDE.

Little MissMatched – backpack of your choice

A new backpack is much more than a place to hold your school supplies, but an expression of your child. These super fun bubble backpacks are not only stylish, but also so roomy!

Peppercorn Kids – $25 Gift Card

Whether you wear a uniform or everyday clothes allowing your child to accessorize shows their personality and fashion sense. Adorable hats, ties and bow ties for the little man of the house or a fun hair accessory or necklace for the little lady.

Skip-Hop – choice of zoo backpack and insulated lunch bag

Skip-Hop has been creating these adorable animal backpacks for years, and they have some new animals they’ve added to the family. Watching as your little one walks into the classroom is a little easier when they are wearing something so cute and functional. The insulated lunch bag is easy to wipe clean and perfect for on the go.

Sneakz Organic – case (12) of Chocolate Milkshake

If you have a picky eater, who loves to drink chocolate milk then you are set! Sneakz Organic combines 4 veggies into a delicious chocolate milkshake making you feel like a sneaky parent!

HABA USA – choice of Wildlife Mini Backpack

Perfect backpack for both school and exploring. A roomy inside with adjustable straps and chest strap there’s no worry for your little one sliding this off before getting to class.

Wall Pops – Learn to Write Chalkboard

You always say don’t write on the wall, but with this we encourage your child to! Wall Pops are easily repositionable and removable.

Raffi – Love Bug CD

Raffi has long been a passionate advocate for children and a sustainable world for today’s youth. ‘Love Bug’ resounds with Child Honouring principles and affirms Raffi’s place as the legendary children’s artist we all know him to be.

We are so grateful to all of the sponsors who are helping to support this giveaway with over $450 worth of products. This giveaway will run till Friday, August 15th at 11:59pm.

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Globetrotting Mommy: Coolest …

July 28, 2014 By admin

It’s time for back-to-school shopping and today I’m sharing my picks for the coolest backpacks. I was at a Momtrends Back-to-School event last week and learned that the hot fall colors are…..cobalt, orange and berry. Read on if your tots are starting Kindergarden like mine, college kids backpacking through Europe or anywhere in between…

Blue has always been my favorite color so I’m loving these cobalt backpacks for boys.

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Globetrotting Mommy: Coolest Backpacks for Back to School

The Hanna Anderson Monster, L.L. Bean Shark, LeSportsac Stripes and Hannah Anderson Airplanes are all fun backpack designs for young boys.

There is no shortage of adorable backpacks for young girls this fall…

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Globetrotting Mommy: Coolest Backpacks for Back to School

The Lands End Purple Dot, LeSportsac LeFlower, Itzy Ritzy Owl and Pottery Barn Mackenzie designs are great choices.

Older girls can get in on the berry trend with these stylish picks…

Globetrotting Mommy: Coolest Backpacks for Back to School

This JWorld Dexter berry and blue print backpack from Target is stylish and sophisticated. Fjallraven backpacks from Sweden are all the rage here in NYC and this pink on pink version will stand out from the crowd. Vera Bradley is showcasing some awesome prints this fall and I just love this berry leopard spots backpack. Lastly, this orchid JWorld Collis backpack from Target is casual and comfy.

Older boys will find fun patterns and styles to choose from like…

Globetrotting Mommy: Coolest Backpacks for Back to School

Green and Navy stripes at Pottery Barn Kids, orange and navy Herschel Supply Co. color block at J. Crew, tech prints at Lands’ End and classic solids at Jansport.

Tween and teen girls will adore these stylish options…

Globetrotting Mommy: Coolest Backpacks for Back to School

Camouflage is still going strong and I love the hot pink trim on this Gap backpack. Vera Bradley’s Orange and Berry Ziggy Zags backpack is so fun and on trend especially with coordinating accessories like bracelets, wallets, phone covers and lunch boxes. Orange is the new black and this Jansport off-trail backpack at Madewell is bright and bold. And for the fashionista who loves metallics, check out this rose gold foil snake backpack from LeSportsac.

Did you buy your back-to-school backpacks yet?

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Fun Food Friday: Amazing Ice …

July 25, 2014 By admin

Did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month? Who comes up with this stuff? Move over Mister Softee because I’m about to share my top 5 picks for amazing ice cream in NYC’s East Village.

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Fun Food Friday: Amazing Ice Cream Cones in NYC’s East Village

These family friendly frozen treats will please adult and kiddie palates so plan to treat the whole family.

Sundaes and Cones (95 East 10th Street)

This ice cream parlor is around the corner from my apartment and I can still remember indulging in a lot of pregnancy ice cream cravings back in the summer of 2009. They have some traditional flavors but you’ll want to try the more exotic options like taro, black sesame, Thai tea, wasabi, corn and more. Everything is homemade and delicious.

Davey’s Ice Cream (137 1st Avenue)

This new ice cream shop features handmade classics like Mexican Vanilla, Chocolate Chocolate, Strong Coffee, Cookies & Cream, Peppermint Chip and Roasted Pistachio but you will also want to check out their seasonal flavors like Ultra Babka featuring extra chocolatey cinnamon babka from Moishe’s Bake Shop and Brunch featuring chunks of maple cinnamon brioche french toast and slabs of coffee glazed bacon. OMG!

Big Gay Ice Cream Cone (125 East 7th Street)

This East Village outpost is known for their over the top signature cones like the Salty Pimp (vanilla ice cream, dulce de leche and sea salt topped dipped in chocolate), Bea Arthur (vanilla ice cream topped with dulce de leche and crushed vanilla waffers), Cococone (vanilla ice cream topped with toasted curried coconut) and American Globs (vanilla ice cream, pretzels and sea salt dipped in chocolate). Yum!

Momofuku Milk Bar (251 East 13th Street)

Do you remember how the milk at the bottom of your cereal bowl tasted when you were a kid? Well, imagine that flavor as soft-serve ice cream and you’ve got Cereal Milk Soft Serve. It’s definitely on the sweet side and not for everyone but kids seem to like it.

Dessert Club, Chikalicious (203 East 10th Street)

Imagine a yummy soft-serve vanilla ice cream served in an eclair! Yes, its the Eclair Soft Serve Cone and it is also available as in a sandwich version topped with hot fudge. May as well skip brunch and just have this.

If you’re based in NYC or if you’re heading to the Big Apple this summer, you’ll want to check these out. Let me know which are your favorites.

Staycation Ideas 101: Juggle …

July 8, 2014 By admin

Traveling with kids can be tough but sometimes you can have just as much fun at home (without packing or jet lag) when you take a staycation! If your kids are home this summer, plan some day trips and explore your hometown like a tourist or just head out to your backyard or nearest playground and bring out some new summer toys!

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Globetrotting Mommy Staycation Ideas: Juggle Bubbles

Kids of all ages love bubbles but when I heard about Juggle Bubbles…bubbles you can touch and hold in your hands…I was intrigued. The box arrived and when I showed my four-year old, she immediately squealed with joy and told me how much she had wanted these. I thought I was surprising her with something new but apparently she had already seen the commercial…

Juggle Bubbles were a huge hit! The kit includes a bubble blower, a bubble tray, bubble solution and a pair of magic gloves. It takes a bit to master the blowing technique and figure out the ideal medium-ish size but once we did, voila…

Globetrotting Mommy Staycation Ideas: Juggle Bubbles

When you’re wearing the special stretchy gloves, you can gently touch, bounce and hold the bubbles. The box says ages 5+ but younger kids could definitely play along if a grown up handled the blowing. You’ll want to use these on a not too windy day for best results. I think they’d be just as fun on the beach or at a picnic as they were in the park. And here’s a tip, if you have a hard to photograph child, these are a great distraction and you’ll be sure to get a lot of smiling action shots.

I think Juggle Bubbles would be a great surprise to pack on your adventures near or far. I also think they’d make a great gift for kids of all ages.

I was not compensated for this post but I did receive Juggle Bubbles for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

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Global Inspired Gift Idea for …

July 3, 2014 By admin

Tired of giving the same old baby gifts all the time? If you’re looking for a fun, globally inspired gift idea for babies born in 2014, you’ll want to check out Jade Stars: The Great Race book and gifts.

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Global Inspired Gift Idea for Babies born in 2014: Jade Stars: The Great Race

We’ve all heard that this is the Year of the Horse according to the Chinese Zodiac, but do you know the story of how these zodiacs came to be? This colorful book features modern cartoon illustrations of the 12 Chinese Zodiacs making it a great learning tool to teach young children about the various animals as well as colors.

My daughter and I had the chance to review this book firsthand. As the story unfolds, we learn that the Jade Emperor has organized a Great Race and all his favorite animals must compete against each other to earn their place in the lunar calendar. Its a cute tale that teaches kids about personality traits, strengths and weaknesses as well as working as partners. My four-year old daughter picked up on the lessons about teamwork and I learned a story I never knew before.

Since books are a great baby gift, I think this would be a fun unisex baby shower or baby gift for any globetrotting baby born in 2014. The books are sold individually along with matching plush animals and other gifts. The Year of the Horse Plush Limited edition is the first to be released. Cute, right?

Global Inspired Gift Idea for Babies born in 2014: Jade Stars: The Great Race

Check out the entire collection at Mini Magellan.

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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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Spotlight on NYC: Sail Away on …

June 25, 2014 By admin

Summer is here and there’s no better way to see New York City’s sights than by sea. Circle Line cruises have always been a favorite for tourists and locals alike but if you’ve got kids, you’ll want to check out Circle Line’s Kids Cruises.

I took my husband, my daughter and my broken foot on the Summer Sizzling Radio Disney Dance Party cruise last weekend and we had a fabulous time. These Circle Line Kids Cruises, available on select Saturday mornings now through October, offer a kid-friendly version of the classic sightseeing cruise with special guests and fun kids activities.

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Spotlight on NYC: Sail Away on Circle Line Kids Cruises

The 75-minute cruise departs from Circle Line’s Pier 83 at 42nd street. Depending on the cruise theme, there are entertainers on the main floor and activities like face painting, magic shows and balloon twisters upstairs. On our cruise, the Radio Disney team led dance contests (think freeze dance, etc.) and giveaways. You’ll want to be upstairs to get the best views but don’t rush to take photos of the Statue of Liberty when you first see her, you’ll get a better view with fewer crowds as the boat circles back around. You’re welcome.

Spotlight on NYC: Sail Away on Circle Line Kids Cruises

The weather was spectacular, the sights were gorgeous, the sky was blue and the Annie soundtrack was playing in the background. It was a classic NYC moment and it was great being able to share an experience from my childhood with my little daughter. Here’s what you missed:

Spotlight on NYC: Sail Away on Circle Line Kids Cruises

It was so much fun. Here are the themes and dates for upcoming Kid Cruises:

July 12 – Liberty Day with Maddie from the WNBA team New York & Baze and His Silly Friends

July 26 – Star Wars Rebels Party

August 9 – Pirate and Princess Party: The Power of Doing Good

August 23 – Baze and His Silly Friends & the Berenstain Bears

October 25 – Halloween Ball Kids Costume Cruise

Here’s what you need to know:

Tickets cost $29 for adults and $20 for kids ages 3-12.

Boarding starts at 9:15 am and the cruise departs at 10 am. Food and drinks are available for purchase and there is a dedicated stroller parking area. The main deck is completely handicapped accessible and the crew were helpful with boarding. If you’re wondering how I got upstairs, I hopped up and down on my good foot.

If you’re driving, there is a parking lot right at the terminal ($35 for the day) which is worth it if you’re going to explore the nearby kid-friendly attractions, parks and restaurants like the Intrepid Museum, North River Lobster Company, and Lucky Strike Bowling.

To see the entire schedule of Circle Line Cruises visit http://www.circleline42.com/.

We headed over to a nearby pier afterwards which had a cute interactive water playground, grassy spots and scenic views. I’m always amazed to discover these hidden spots.

Spotlight on NYC: Sail Away on Circle Line Kids Cruises

Bon voyage…

I received complimentary tickets for review purposes but all opinions are my own.

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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.

Top 10 Family Friendly Things …

May 28, 2014 By admin

Following up on the Spotlight on Hershey, Pennsylvania – The Sweetest Place on Earth post, here are Globetrotting Mommy’s Top 10 Family Friendly Things to do in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

1) Visit Hersheypark. No visit to Hershey is complete without a trip to this famed amusement park. More than 65 kiddie rides, amazing roller coasters and water park attractions await visitors of all ages.