as a mom of a toddler, i have to say that i was not prepared (and still am not) for most of the things that come with being a toddler parent. but, that's why i'm here to share several things that have helped me through this stage so far!
If you're pulling your hair out trying to soothe your colicky baby, check out my list of advice and tips that may just help you and your baby find that much-needed peace. And remember, it gets easier!
Discover a treasure trove of must-have baby and toddler items that I highly recommend. From essentials to delightful extras, this Benable folder is your go-to guide for all things baby and toddler. Explore with confidence and make parenting a breeze!
I used to think being crunchie was weird…. Then I became a mom. Here are some of the things I've changed in our home since becoming a scrunchie mama, while keeping a the budget manageable.
Stockings are my favorite present to gift or receive for Christmas. It can be expensive or inexpensive items. The surprise is so fun! Here are some ideas for different age groups.
As a mom of four—including 4-year-old twins, one of whom is nonverbal and on the autism spectrum—I’ve tried a lot of sensory toys over the years. My sensory-seeking kiddo loves movement, textures, sounds, and anything that keeps his hands and mind busy. After experimenting with so many options, these are the toys that truly stood out for him.
What makes this list even more special is that my neurotypical children enjoy these toys just as much. They’re engaging, durable, and fun for all kids—not just those with sensory needs. Everything on this list has been tested in real life, in the chaos of a busy household, and has kept all four of my kids entertained, regulated, and happy.
These toys encourage exploration, support sensory needs, and offer calming or stimulating input depending on the moment. Most importantly, they’re items my children actually reach for on their own—again and again.
🎄 Christmas Gift Ideas for Young Boys 🎁
Looking for the best Christmas gifts for boys? This holiday gift guide is packed with fun, creative, and age-appropriate presents for sons, nephews, or grandsons! From cool toys to cozy essentials, these top Christmas gift ideas for boys make holiday shopping simple and exciting.
✨ Gift Categories:
Stocking Stuffers – Small, budget-friendly surprises that make Christmas morning special.
Accessories – Hats, watches, wallets, and fun add-ons he’ll love.
Toys & Tech – The latest toys, building sets, gadgets, and STEM gear.
Stuffed Animals – Soft plush friends for bedtime or adventures.
Activities – Craft kits, puzzles, and outdoor play ideas for active imaginations.
Bath & Body – Kid-friendly bath sets, fun soaps, and clean scents.
Clothing & Shoes – Cool outfits, comfy pajamas, slippers, and sporty styles.
Home – Room décor, bedding, and cozy accessories just for him.
Perfect for finding unique Christmas presents for boys ages 5–12 — everything you need to make his holiday unforgettable! 🌟
Exploring the world of complementary foods can be confusing! As a parent who has gone through this phase, I have collected products that really help, make things easier, and make mealtimes more enjoyable for your little one. From preparation to serving, these are the items that saved us.
No screens, no boredom — just cool gadgets, creative activities, and outdoor adventures for kids who love to build, explore, and imagine. This list is packed with fun, hands-on finds that keep kids curious, active, and entertained (without a game controller in sight).
Potty training can be messy, frustrating, and unpredictable, but the right tools make a HUGE difference! These must-have potty training products will help you ditch the diapers, reduce accidents, and keep the process as stress-free as possible.
Social media is great but there are sooo many items people will tell you to buy that you don't need. This list some things we personally cannot live without.
Sleep as a mom with little kids is hard to come by. I've found a few things along the way that have helped me get that much needed rest, or just made nighttime a little better.
This collection is all about bags that make little ones feel confident, excited, and ready for every moment of their day. I love how each piece blends fun designs with practical features — from school days to special occasions and family adventures. These are the bags that become part of their world, not just something they carry.
This is a list for the parents looking for some great toys to get for outdoor entertainment for the age groups of 1 month to 6 years of age. I highly suggest looking at this if you are having a hard time coming up with ideas for outdoor activities. If you are looking for more options just leave a comment below and I will help you find something more suitable to your kiddos needs. I hope you enjoy the spring and summer seasons!
Balancing Mom Life is such a challenge! these things help me get ahead where I can or just make life easier with cash back opportunities, good deals, tasks made easy etc.
As a first time mom I got HUNDREDS of recommendations, many contradicting each other. It's cliche, but every baby (and every mom) truly is different I'll compiled my faves and what worked for us!
Some of my most recommended toys that I utilize DAILY as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist to help support reaching developmental milestones and flourish in their skills!
Welcome to my must-have list for keeping toddlers entertained! As a mom of two little ones—a curious 1-year-old boy and a lively 3-year-old girl—I know how important it is to find activities and toys that truly engage and excite them. From interactive learning toys to creative play ideas, these handpicked items are perfect for busy toddlers. Dive in to discover fun ways to keep your little ones entertained and happy!
These things i personally bought for my new baby after having no idea what was available anymore and having to start fresh after 8 years! A couple of things i wish i had bought but still recommend
With the LONG winter coming soon, and with soon-to-be three toddler boys, we're always in need of new ways to use energy without bouncing off the walls or destroying things indoors. Our kiddos love to flip, climb, run, and jump. If you're looking for ways to optimize your home environment for free (and crazy) play this winter, I hope some of these ideas inspire you!
Calling all slime lovers! This is the ultimate destination for slime fun—whether you love glittery, glow-in-the-dark creations, soft and fluffy textures, do it yourself mix-ins, or surprise-packed slime adventures. From giant mega kits like Galaxy and Mermaid to squishy charms, fidget toys, and sensory delights, every kit and accessory is designed for hours of stretchy, squishy, gooey fun. Perfect for kids, teens, and anyone who loves a little messy magic, this collection has something for every slime obsession—collect, mix, and play your way to slime heaven!
Labor & Delivery is a big deal! These things are things that I felt made the experience even more beautiful and comfortable! I hope something on this list can help you or a woman in your life in some way!
I'm making this list as of 2 weeks postpartum and will continue to add to it over time!
These are all the things we use daily for our newborn. Aside from diapers, wipes, and clothes of course.. I feel like it'd be silly to add them to this list 😅
Are you looking for free worksheets for the classroom or homeschool? I have been a homeschool mom for 3 years so I know all about free worksheets. I created this list to help you find free worksheets for your kids and I hope you find it helpful.
I'm an early childhood teacher by trade and as technology becomes more prominent in our society, there is more of a need then ever with helping our young ones to make sure they are developing the skills they need, both mentally and physically. These are some recommendations I have used both in the classroom and at home with my own children.
My go-to picks for my baby’s wardrobe! Soft, breathable, and built to last through endless adventures. Uniqlo’s kids’ line makes it easy to dress my little one in comfy, stylish staples that actually hold up in the wash.
All the products us moms need to survive this crazy thing called motherhood, no matter what season you're in right now! I know for me there is always something new we're experiencing with the crazy kiddos, so I'm always on the hunt for products to make life easier. And I love sharing all these things with new moms to be for showers and postpartum gifts. Every mom needs new mom essentials! I would just love to be a tester for family products because I just love finding new awesome products to make slide easier.
I am on the hunt for Christmas presents for my large extended family this year that are eco-friendly, useful, and budget friendly as well! Most of these are under $100, use recycled or recyclable materials, and are things adults and kids will actually use. We're all watching our wallets, so I am looking more for practicality than just decorative things….although a little bit of luxury might sneak in! I've also added some things I really like for plastic free decorating, handmade gift ideas that aren't terrible (no cake in a cup, thank you!) and two sections for Christmas entertaining for small and large families. I really love Christmas, and hope you enjoy this collection! I'll be adding to it weekly, right up to the big day!
(#1 of 4 Easter Lists) Easter baskets are some of my favorite gifts to put together. It brings me so much joy. Here are some cute and fun basket stuffer ideas for the little bunnies in your life that they're sure to love.
I was desparate to get my baby to sleep through the night that I tried everything between having my 3 boys. My first two sons didn't sleep through the night until they were over a year old so with my third son, I was in dire need of sleep! Here is a list of stuff that helped my last son sleep through the night at 7 months old! I'm so glad I found them this time around to make life easier! Mama needs sleep too!
So I’ve based this recommendation list on what my kids really want this Christmas! I have 2 boys so you may notice it leans in that direction - but honestly I think these gift ideas are universal. I’m a girl and all these things are right up my street too!! So if you’re struggling for ideas this Christmas… I’ve got you!
Get ready to sleigh your holiday shopping with my 2025 Christmas Gift Guide! From trending tech gadgets, gifts for kids and teens, cozy home must haves to thoughtful personalized presents and stocking stuffers that wow, I've rounded up the best gifts for everyone on your list. Let's make this Christmas your most joyful (and stress-free) yet!
Just in the market for a little reward for a job well done after aceing a test, stocking stuffers, birthday gifts for the kid in school? Whatever the reason, here are some ideas- tested by my own children, & equally loved by the adults in their lives. (As well as a few actual adult gifts mixed in!)
Every mom deserves hot coffee. 🫶 These are my go-to toddler toys and activities that actually keep little hands busy — long enough for me to finish my latte before it goes cold.
🔥 Real mom-tested = real quiet time.
Spooky season is here! Which means it’s time to get a jump start on boo baskets because they are all the rage again. Here are some ideas to get you started for everybody in your life!
If you are in the same stage of life that I am in with 2 toddlers, the amount of toys you accumulate on birthdays and holidays can be very overwhelming! In my house, we have started to be more selective about what toys we have for a toddlers – often the criteria is: 1) they have to have more than 1 purpose (can be used in many ways to encourage creativity); 2) they have to promote development of a motor skill or cognitive/problem solving skill; 3) they have to be FUN so that my kids will actually play with them! Check out my list of favorite toddler toys below – each description states the age range I would use this and what it promotes developmentally speaking!
Race on over 🏍️
Is your child shifting into gear? Ready… Set… Go… to celebrate your babes turning another year older with this awesome Motocross themed birthday party!
The things I get to make my life as a SAHM easier to manage, as I pursue making my motherhood a career with goals and achievements just like any other job.
These items are some of the ones I used/use now on my sweet baby girls. There are also some similar items, and some good suggested ones as well. I have used them on both of my girls who have eczema and sensitive skin and I never had any issues so far. I am a minimalist, especially after my first daughter, we bought so many products that we never used or rarely used. We quickly adjusted with our second and only purchased the most important things to us and our baby girl. These are my recommends but in no way takes from the experience and excitement of a newborn baby. "As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases."
My sweet little six year old. This is kind of a working list for me - I constantly fall into the trap of not really keeping track of what I get everyone for Christmas. I feel like I am always shopping at the last minute because I over gifted one kid and under gifted the others.
This back-to-school list is made for stay-at-home moms who want smoother mornings, organized afternoons, and less chaos overall. Everything here is practical, mom-approved, and actually gets used.
Finding toys that reflect the full spectrum of human experiences has gotten so much easier in recent years, and it makes me ridiculously happy to see it! As a former teacher and now a parent, I know how powerful it is for kids to see themselves—and their friends—represented in the toys they play with. From dolls with cochlear implants, limb differences, and vitiligo to playsets that feature characters with disabilities, these toys help normalize diversity in a way that feels natural and joyful. Kids don’t just learn through books; they learn through play, and having options that reflect real people is such a game-changer.
What’s exciting is that these aren’t just niche products anymore—they’re showing up in mainstream toy aisles and big-name brands, making them easier to find than ever. Whether it’s a wheelchair for a favorite doll, a figurine with a visible disability, or a playset that includes a character with a mobility aid, these small details can make a huge impact. And honestly, I’m still discovering new ones right alongside you! If you’ve come across a favorite disability-inclusive toy, I’d love to hear about it. The more representation out there, the better!
Whether you are celebrating your mother, a grandmother, a mother-figure in your life, a mom-to-be, a dog/cat mom, or even yourself, here are some unique and thoughtful gifts for Mother's Day this year.
After having two babies and fully immersing myself into motherhood, these are my holy grail, 100% would buy again, need on hand baby items.
If I had to start over and was pregnant for the first time this list is exactly what I’d put on my registry! 💕
This list features some of our favorite screen-free toys that keep my kids entertained for hours! These fun and engaging products encourage creativity, imagination, and hands-on play—no screens needed!
Looking for the perfect gift to show your son how much he means to you? Whether he’s graduating, celebrating a birthday, starting a new chapter in life—or you just want to remind him how proud you are—these thoughtful gifts from Mom are guaranteed to make him feel loved and remembered. From engraved jewelry to keepsake items and everyday reminders of your bond, this list includes heartfelt, meaningful gifts for sons of all ages. Each item is carefully chosen for its emotional value and quality, so you’re not just giving a gift—you’re giving a message that lasts a lifetime.
These are the things that if you took them away from me today I would probably cry! This is my third child, and I’ve really honed in on the thing you need and don’t need and which brands I recommend!
I’m super cautious about what goes on my baby’s delicate skin—especially since I have eczema and know how sensitive skin can be. These are the products that have worked absolute miracles for our family!
Everything a new parent actually needs — all in one place. From sleepless nights to diaper blowouts and first feedings, this board has you covered with the essentials that make life with a newborn smoother. These are the tried-and-true products real parents swear by: baby gear, sleep aids, feeding tools, diapering musts, and sanity-saving gadgets. Whether you’re building your registry or just trying to survive the first few months, shop confidently with this curated list of parent-approved lifesavers.