Globetrotting Mommy

From Family Adventures to Girlfriend Getaways

2015 Holiday Gift Guide for …

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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

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. 

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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, Boston Duck Tour

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.  

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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, Igloo Coolers, Mudpuppy, luggage tags

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, Twister, Hangman, Holiday Gifts, Holiday

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.

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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!

Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 …

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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.

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Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Globetrotting Mommy’s 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide:

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Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

1) I Just Want to Pee Alone – This hysterical book is my go-to gift for new moms. I may or may not have read most of it hiding in my bathroom…There have since been two more versions but the original is my fave.

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Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

2) I’m a Cool Mom Sweatshirt – For the mom who wants to be cute and comfy, I think this Etsy sweatshirt is super fun.

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Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

3) Cartography USA Tray – For the foodie moms, this ceramic tray featuring a USA map is a fun idea. Serve up some cheese and crackers and teach your kids a little geography at the same time.  Win, win!

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Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

4) Deckopedia’s 50 Road Trip Games: Inside this cute box are 50 cards featuring so many fun games, you won’t hear “I’m bored” ever again!  I’ve had these in my bag for the last month and they have saved me from meltdowns on road trips, at the doctor’s office, in restaurants and many other places kids tend to get bored. The games range from toddler to teen making it a great option for moms with kids of any age.

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Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

5) Lush Cosmetics’ Flowers for Mom – Since relaxation time for mom is always a nice treat, this fun filled, yummy smelling assortment of bath treats from Lush Cosmetics is sure to please. I love that it comes in a cute floral scarf with a gift tag made of flower seeds to plant at home.

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Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

6) Your Child’s Artwork and Handwriting Necklace – This Etsy store turns cute kiddie doodles and signatures into necklaces (or earrings, brooches, bracelets and key chains). If you’ve got an artsy kid, this is a great option that moms (or grandmas) would definitely love.

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Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

7) Fashionable (and slimming!) swimwear from Miraclesuit and Magicsuit. Summer is coming and odds are your mom needs a new bathing suit and cover up. Splurge on some fabulous swimwear for her and she will be ready for St. Tropez or the kiddie pool. I got to test drive a Miraclesuit and coverup in Miami last week (thanks Momtrends!) and they were comfy, chic and oh so flattering.

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Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

8) Kings Road Redux Mugs – If your mom is dreaming of a trip to London, she’ll love these adorable mugs. Pair them with this Tea from Around The World Set and three months of pastries and you’re good to go.

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Globetrotting Mommy: 2015 Mother’s Day Gift Guide

9) Mommy and Me Photo Shoot – Since its important that Mom Stays in the Picture, I think a Mommy and Me Photo Shoot would make an awesome Mother’s Day gift.  Hire a professional or hand dad the good camera and head to the park. Here’s a tip I just learned from my daughter’s kindergarten teacher that works wonders for a natural smile…have kids say “Macaroni and Cheese.”

Happy Mother’s Day!!!!!!

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Globetrotting Mommy’s …

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Holiday shopping is in full swing. If you’re not done yet, check out my holiday gift guide for all the kids and parents on your list! Stay tuned for upcoming gift guides for the rest of the family and my picks for the best holiday toys.

Globetrotting Mommy’s 2104 Holiday Gift Guide for Kids and Parents

FOR THE KIDDOS:

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Globetrotting Mommy’s 2014 Holiday Gift Guide

For babes who have it all, the personalized books from I See Me are a great idea.  For babies, I especially love the durable board books and the personalized My Very Own Name book which comes with a stuffed lamb.

If you’re planning any road trips with little kids, the Curious George Complete Adventures Deluxe Book and CD Gift Set will keep them mesmerized for hours. 

I love coin collecting and I just stocked up on the State Series Quarters Collector Map and National Park Quarter Archive Map for my daughter.  These work for kids of all ages and I love that the insides feature large maps of the US making it a great way to teach geography too.

Big kids who love to text will love RUUM’s texting gloves in solids and stripes. These stylish and warm gloves are labeled for kids 8-14 but they fit me fine so you might want a pair for yourself too since they’re just $4.75…

FOR PARENTS:

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Globetrotting Mommy’s 2014 Holiday Gift Guide

For globetrotting moms dreaming of a winter getaway, the next best thing is a gift from Fake Bake. Book her an airbrush tanning appointment at a local salon or give her some self tanning lotions. The perfect way to beat those winter blues.

For new moms, these Tobago Scarves are oversized infinity scarfs (perfect for nursing) inspired by the colors and sights from the Caribbean island of Tobago. They’re super lightweight, easy to wash and pretty so can use them for years to come.

For dads, Lands’ End offers a great selection of cozy flannel pajamas in an array colorful plaids.  Since not all guys like PJ tops, I love that the pants and shirts are sold separately.

For the dad who wants to plan his next road trip, The New York Times 36 Hours: 150 Weekends in the USA & Canada is a great pick.

Have a great weekend!

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Some samples received, however all opinions are my own.  Special thanks to Momtrends for hosting me at their holiday event.

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Little Elliot, Big City …

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My daughter loves books and I’m always looking for new tales that amuse her and don’t bore me. Since we live in New York City, she especially loves books that feature Manhattan as the backdrop.  Little Elliot, Big City, the newest kids book set in The Big Apple, debuts today and we were excited to get a sneak peek!

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Great Books for Globetrotting Tots: Little Elliot, Big City Review

This cute tale is short and sweet with pretty illustrations and an easy to follow story line.  Basically, little Elliot the elephant is having a challenging time in the city until he befriends a mouse.  Working together, Elliot and the mouse make a great team and become good friends.  Its just the right kind of story for the preschool/elementary set who are learning about teamwork and sharing.

We read it on a trip to grandma’s house and my daughter loved pointing out how Elliot was riding the subway like we do and how he was passing the Flatiron building near our apartment. She also liked the other New York landmarks and the old school cars.

Little Elliot, Big City is the first in a three book series by Mike Curato. This is a great addition to my favorite New York City themed books for kids and I think it would make a great gift for any globetrotting babe.

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide …

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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.

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

For the spa loving mom:

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

Teleflora and SpaFinder Wellness have teamed up to offer beautiful mother’s day floral gift combos that include a SpaFinder gift card ($25, $50 or $100) so mom can choose from an array of spa services, beauty treatments or other premier wellness offerings available at any SpaFinder partner location worldwide.  Such a perfect choice for the mom who loves flowers and pampering spa treatments.

For the mom who loves pictures:

Mother's Day Gift Guide, Globetrotting Mommy, Gifts for Moms, Mother's Day Gifts

Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

I know they’re time consuming to make but there are few gifts moms enjoy more than a custom-made photo book.  Grab your computer and design your own keepsake photo book of your last family vacation or photos of you and your mom. I guarantee she’ll love it.  Shutterfly has a great selection of travel themed styles including more than 30 designs.

For the mom who loves to travel with her daughter:

Mother's Day Gift Guide, Globetrotting Mommy, Gifts for Mom

Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

I just finished reading We’ll Always Have Paris: A Mother/Daughter Memoir, a great memoir about a mom who travels around Europe each summer with her daughter.   If you’ve ever taken a getaway with your mom, you’ll both love reading this book. Read Jennifer Coburn’s guest post here.

For the jewelry loving mom:

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

These little mother and daughter necklaces are so adorable.  There are also cute mother and son necklace and key chain combos because boys like presents too.

For the mom who loves to explore the world:

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

These Cavallini Vintage Maps Postcards feature 18 assorted vintage map postcards packaged in a cute tin.

For the mom who loves her kitchen:

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

This Bloom Flower Utensil Set is super cute and useful.

For the mom who adores bath time:
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Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

From the majestic pine covered cliffs of the En-Vau Calanque to a swim in the azure sea below, few afternoons can rival a day spent in the Calanques. Hook mom up with this Calanques Marine Sur La Route Soap and a glass of perfectly chilled white from Chateau de Fontcreuse and she’ll be in heaven.  Just make sure to leave her alone for an hour or two.

 

For the mom who dreams of a Paris getaway:

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

Why not surprise your mom with tickets for a Parisian spring getaway! Not in the cards this year, these adorable Paris themed cookies may be the next best thing to springtime in Paris.

For the Jet Setter mom:

Jonathan Adler and Tumi have teamed up to offer an array of fun and stylish luggage.  I think any jet setting mom would love this Super Leger International Wheeled Satchel.

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Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Globetrotting Moms

Bon voyage!

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Adventure Awaits: Paddington …

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Do you remember Paddington Bear who was found in London’s Paddington Railway Station sitting on his suitcase? I always loved him and his adorable little blue coat and note “Please look after this bear. Thank you.” The talking teddy bear has been busy since I was a kid and his latest project is a worldwide collaboration with babyGap.

Globetrotting Mommy - Paddington Bear Collection at Baby Gap

Globetrotting Mommy – Paddington Bear Collection at Baby Gap

Available for a very limited time, the collection (sizes 0-24-months) is available at all babyGap stores as well as a special pop-up shop on Paddington Station in London and two in-store Paddington branded boutiques in Gap’s New York and Tokyo flagship stores. The Paddington Bear spring collection features some adorable rainy day outfits, comfy clothes and red, white and blue classics. Here are some of my favorites.

Globetrotting Mommy - Paddington Bear Collection at Baby Gap

Globetrotting Mommy – Paddington Bear Collection at Baby Gap

Globetrotting Mommy - Paddington Bear Collection at Baby Gap

Globetrotting Mommy – Paddington Bear Collection at Baby Gap

I think these would be adorable on any marmalade loving kids or teddy bears and would make great baby shower gifts. They’re selling the book too which is a great addition for any globetrotting baby’s library.signature

What does the fox say? Foxy …

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Does your kid dance around singing Ylvis’s What does the fox say? all the time or does it just seem that way? Did you know that the now famous comedy duo hails from Norway like Anna and Elsa? In case you can’t get that song out of your head, here are some cute and foxy gift ideas you may want to check out just in time for the holidays…

The book is coming out next week!  No lie, the What Does the Fox Say? book, is available for pre-order.

Globetrotting Mommy - What does the fox say?

Globetrotting Mommy – What does the fox say?

I love this cute fox pillow handmade in New York.

Globetrotting Mommy - What does the fox say?

Globetrotting Mommy – What does the fox say?

Shopping for a foxy lady, look no further than this Wildfox Couture Fox Trot sweater.

Globetrotting Mommy - What does the fox say?

Globetrotting Mommy – What does the fox say?

I’m a big fan of 3 Sprouts storage bins and the fox version will work for boys or girls.  These are adorable in a nursery or playroom and make a great baby shower gift too.

Globetrotting Mommy - What does the fox say?

Globetrotting Mommy – What does the fox say?

This handmade Mr. Fox rag doll from Etsy is made to order all the way from Portugal.  Choose the bow tie version if you’re shopping for a fancy pants kid.

Globetrotting Mommy - What does the fox say?

Globetrotting Mommy – What does the fox say?

Here’s hoping you don’t have that tune stuck in your head the whole day…

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Checking out Disney’s …

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On a recent trip to the Disney store (proceed with caution!) I spotted the cutest collection of internationally dressed dolls.  If you’re drawn to vibrant colors and lots of cuteness, you’re going to love Disney’s “It’s a Small World Collection,” seven new dolls inspired by the original Fantasyland attraction and one of the best-known Disney tunes.  I can remember “It’s a Small World” being one of my favorite Walt Disney World rides when I was young and that song brings those memories right back.

Globetrotting Mommy - It's a Small World Collection

Globetrotting Mommy – It’s a Small World Collection

The 16″ dolls feature traditional folk costumes, shoes and hairstyles and they are just adorable.  Each of the seven dolls (Hawaii, Holland, Kenya, Japan, France, India and England) sings in her native language and English.  Best of all, the recordings are made by children from around the world for authenticity.  I love how kids can learn about other cultures, fashions, languages and traditions through play and these dolls are great starters for all sorts of inspiring conversations.

Globetrotting Mommy - Disney Small World Dolls

Globetrotting Mommy – Disney Small World Dolls

Not into dolls? The youngest globetrotting boys and girls will enjoy the “It’s a Small World” Storybook and CD set.

Globetrotting Mommy - It's a Small World Storybook and CD Set

Globetrotting Mommy – It’s a Small World Storybook and CD Set

These would be great birthday, holiday or baby shower gifts.  I also love the idea of using the dolls as part of your nursery or playroom decor.

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Great gift ideas for Halloween …

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Here in the United States, Halloween is one of the biggest holidays around but did you know that a number of countries around the world also welcome the winter season with parties, costumes and sweet treats?

In Mexico, they celebrate El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with festivities and parades.  In Spain, they eat “Bones of the Holy” pastries.  In Holland, they celebrate Saint Martin’s Day by singing songs and eating sweets or tangerines.

If you’re looking for some non-candy Halloween gifts for kids, here are some of my favorite ideas:

How cute are these Trumpette Ghost Socks?

Globetrotting Mommy - Halloween Gift Ideas

Globetrotting Mommy – Halloween Gift Ideas

These limited edition Halloween pacifiers from MAM come in a reusable case that can be used in the microwave to sterilize pacifiers. So smart.

Globetrotting Mommy - Halloween Gift Ideas

Globetrotting Mommy – Halloween Gift Ideas

Kids of all ages will love these Uglydoll Universal Monsters available individually or in this adorably spooky set featuring Dracula, Frankenstein, The Bride, The Wolfman, The Creature from the Black Lagoon and The Mummy.

Globetrotting Mommy - Halloween gift ideas

Globetrotting Mommy – Halloween gift ideas

Girly girls will want to get their nails into the holiday season and this little ghouls piggy paint set is sure to please with glow-in-the-dark white, orange and black polishes.

Globetrotting Mommy - Halloween Gift Ideas

Globetrotting Mommy – Halloween Gift Ideas

Books are always a great gift idea and this Creepy Carrots tale is a fall favorite in my house.

How about a gift kids and parents will love?  Everyone loves Charlie Brown and this classic It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown DVD will keep the whole family entertained.

Happy Halloween season, wherever you’ll be celebrating!!

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Books Across America: Cool …

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Looking for a cool kids bookcase that will fit a zillion books and still manage to look sophisticated?  Look no more…this United States Bookcase by Ron Arad, is a stunning piece of art that will keep hundreds of books organized!

Globetrotting Mommy - Cool Kids Bookcase

Globetrotting Mommy – Cool Kids Bookcase

Kids can organize their books by state or coast while learning some geography along the way.  Move over Waldo, imagine… Where’s Madeline? Where’s Cinderella? Where’s Curious George? You get the picture.

I think this would be amazing in a nursery, kids room, playroom or living room.  For more book storage ideas, check out these 14 Mind-Blowing Bookcases For Little Bookworms from red tricycle.

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