Traveling with young kids from baby to age 8 or so can give you major anxiety. Take it from a mom who had the screaming child on the plane. Those days are long gone with these favorite go to items. Also, great for long car rides. Or just keeping them busy at a restaurant.
Everyone wants to buy baby toys but they're so little and hard to shop for. Here are some of the most loved baby toys I have found and how they help their development
Motherhood is beautiful, but it can also be overwhelming at times. These are the little helpers that make everyday life feel lighter — from products that save time to comforts that bring calm. Simple things that let me spend less energy stressing and more time soaking up the sweet moments with my babies.
Your kid comes home with a full water bottle every single day. You bought three already and none of them stuck. Meanwhile the classroom sink is right there and they just won't fill up. I finally cracked the code: put their name on it, make it look cool, pick one that doesn't leak in their backpack. These are the bottles, lunchbox gear, and school supplies that turned my daughter from a never-drinks-water kid into someone who refills twice before lunch. Grab these before back-to-school season cleans out the shelves.
These baby toys will help entertain your little one as they start getting more mobile. Perfect for the living room so that you can do the dishes or cook dinner really quick!
Is it too early to start planning Christmas shopping? Nope! We budget! Some of these are gifts we bought in past years that are still loved today. Others are wishes/possibilities to go under the tree this year
Everything a busy mom needs for a stress-free Halloween with kids: affordable costumes, easy decorations, trick-or-treat must-haves and party picks — all available in Canada, all mom-tested.
This list is a collection of small, everyday moments that somehow carry outsized emotional weight. None of these things are a big deal on their own, but when they show up, they can flip the mood of the entire day in seconds. Noticing these patterns doesn’t prevent them entirely, but it does make them easier to recognize, anticipate, and occasionally laugh about once the moment has passed.
This is not the Pinterest version in the expensive name brand diaper bag - this is the real life, tried and true, diaper bag for a mama of 2. (I just rhymed and I’m not sure if I like it? Anyways..)
As a business owner mum of a toddler life is a juggle. Balancing keeping my toddler entertained and the plates spinning at work is HARD! I’m also early years qualified, so here are my favourite toys, games and activities that help me engage his play and learning while juggling busy life and too many priorities.
Single moms deserve to be celebrated, by others and by themselves. This list covers gifts that actually land, whether you're shopping for the single mom in your life or finally treating yourself without the guilt. You'll find picks across four categories: Self-care, tech, glamour, and fitness, so there's something here for every kind of mom. Everything is personally chosen and tested where possible. Some links are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Know a single mom who deserves something special? Share this list. It costs nothing and might make her whole week.
My granddaughter (2 years old) always reminds me and everyone she can that she is a princess. Here we are together shopping online to set her up to live like a princess. This is her fairytale life of a princess.
Parenting is messy, exhausting, and the best thing ever. This is the stuff that actually helped us survive. Clothes that survive the washing machine, gear that doesn’t break after a week, and toys that keep them busy for 10 whole minutes. Tried by tired parents, approved by tiny humans.
From baby to toddler must haves to mom life favorites, these are the products we’ve actually tried and loved. Because motherhood is hard enough without guessing what’s worth the money! Real life mom finds, honest favorites, and things that get the job done!
Wrangling one kid is wild—wrangling two (or more)? Superpower status. These are the lifesavers, favorites, and must-haves that keep our little circus running smoothly.
11 things I quietly point new moms toward when they ask, 'What else does the baby actually need besides the basics?'
picked by a midwife, not an algorithm.
Say hello to the cutest fall lineup for your little ones! This collection is full of bright colors, fun patterns, and comfy layers that are perfect for back-to-school, pumpkin patch adventures, and everything in between.
From twirl-worthy dresses and cozy joggers to statement jackets and playful accessories — these picks keep things easy for parents and fun for kids. Everything is made to mix, match, and move with them as they explore the magic of fall.
Looking to fill those stockings with something extra special this year? This list is packed with fun, creative, and affordable goodies kids will actually get excited about — not just candy and socks! From sensory toys and mini games to cozy surprises, holiday crafts, and little treasures that spark imagination, these stocking stuffers are perfect for every age and personality.
Whether you’re shopping for toddlers, preschoolers, or big kids, you’ll find magical little gifts that make Christmas morning even more memorable. Think small size, big smiles — the kind of surprises they’ll talk about long after the wrapping paper’s gone.
Second time mom here! Currently around the 1/2way mark (yay summer in 3rd trimester) these are some things that are getting me thru, or helped with my first that im repeating now...also things im willing to purchase knowing its my last pregnancy (unless something major happens)
Looking for activities and toys for fun at home over summer break? This list has a variety of activities and some educational stuff too to minimize brain rot.
a little mix of tricks + treats — i always love adding fun halloween goodies (ghost bubbles, cute candy, toys) alongside things they’ll actually use like themed pajamas, fall books, or even toothbrushes 🧡
this list is full of things that feel festive but won’t end up in the trash by november 👻
As a homeschooling mom of 6 for the last 8 years, I have invested a whole lot of time and energy (and money!) trying solutions for my kids. This is a list of the winners that have truly been worth the investment for us!
Going “all natural” or unmedicated for Labor & Delivery? As a labor nurse and mom who’s had 1 unmedicated birth myself. Here are a few items/things I think help.
The things we reach for daily and that have been working well for our family for years now. Comfortable clothing basics, reliable drugstore finds, and simple meal prep helpers that make busy mornings easier and routines run more smoothly. Nothing complicated, just practical staples that hold up, get repurchased, and genuinely make everyday mom life simpler.
As a Jersey Shore native and mom of 3 under 8, I practically live at the beach but beaching with kids can be chaotic. Here's a list of my tried and true faves that make beaching w/ littles and actual enjoyable outing.
Things to do with your toddler!! Inside and outside without a screen! We have very limited screen time that isn't educational. So let's get creative and have some fun with our imaginations!!
Starting my 12th year in the classroom! I taught kindergarten for 7 years and I have been in first grade ever since! Here are some of my must haves for the classroom! From books to pens
I just had my first baby and know it can be super overwhelming to know what you need and don’t need for your baby! I’ve put together a list of items I couldn’t live without during the first 8 weeks!
Is your little one feeling under the weather? Check out my family's most recommended essentials that help ease their discomfort when they need it most!
Here’s a list of sensory toys and tools that can be beneficial for a wide range of children. Sensory toys are designed for or are used for engaging the main senses (touch, movement, sound, sight and oral) as well as supporting body awareness and balance. They can help children with focus, regulating emotions and calming their bodies. I am an OT and approve of these toys!
As a mom, I’m always looking for ways to keep my kiddo entertained without relying on screens. Over the years, I’ve found some amazing toys that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and good ole-fashioned fun. Whether you're looking for a birthday gift, a holiday surprise, or just something new to keep your little one engaged, these are my absolute favorite screen-free toys!
Gifts my girls have loved or are getting this year! Little Dilly is 6 now and these are some of her favorite things we've gotten her. I sorted them by type of activity too
I’m an occupational therapist and a mom, and I’ve seen firsthand the effects that screen time can have on kids’ behavior, attention, and regulation.
From an OT side, I understand that screens can easily overload a child’s developing brain because it can’t process all of the overstimulating input that a lot of shows have.
From a mom side, sometimes it’s nice to sit and have 10 minutes of quiet 🤪
This is a list of shows/movies that help balance both of those things! Just remember:
1. Look up screen time limits for your child’s age and stick to it!
2. Try and talk to your child about what’s happening on the screen when you can, keep it engaging (instead of staring blankly)
3. TURN OFF RULE: Shows that are easy to transition from when turned off (no tantrums when the TV is turned off) are usually low-stimulating! ✅
My 2.5 year old daughter LOVES crafts - and while I don't always love the mess than inevitably comes with it, I try to get her crafts that we can both enjoy! Of course, I love finding activities that are Disney themed, and these are some favorites that I've found lately!
I love Jellycats, my fiance and i collect them for us and for our 6 month old son. Some of these we already own. Some of them are on the dream jellycat list!! I feel like these stuffed animals are so perfectly cute and high quality at the same time which i L O V E !!!
Got displaced for 6 months and had to leave with basically clothes for the next 2-3 seasons of life. These are items I repurchased because I couldn’t live without them!
The gear, products and local lifesavers that got me through early motherhood in Vancouver. Rain ready essentials, hands free must haves, and the things I recommend to every new mom here. Tested by real Vancouver mom life.
If you've ever stood half-asleep at 2am stripping a crib down to the mattress, fumbling with fitted sheets while your baby screams — this is the system that finally ended that. I layer waterproof pads between sheets so I just peel off the top layer and the clean one is already there. Took me two kids to figure this out, so steal it now before your next midnight disaster.
Sensory Play That Actually Burns Energy: Boy Mom Picks — My boys don't do 'sit still' — so this list is built for movement! Crash pads, swings, fidgets, and heavy-work toys that burn energy, calm big feelings, and save my furniture (and my sanity). Everything here is boy-tested between school, work, and T-ball practice in our house!
Baby gear can be SO overwhelming. How to decide what are actual necessities & what are just gimmicks. I’ve tried lots & curated these lists to hopefully save other mama’s from trial & error!
Each parent has gone through many struggles dealing with minor and recurring health issues in kids like cold, flu etc and has tips and products that helped them. Here is a list from my experience.
Losing a tooth should feel magical, not like you scrambling at 11pm wondering where you put the dollar bills. If you're the parent who wants the whole Tooth Fairy thing to actually feel special — and maybe get a little teary-eyed doing it — I spent way too long putting together the perfect under-the-pillow setup so you don't have to.
Bath toys should be fun, not little mould factories. These are our favourite mould-free bath toys for kids made from non-toxic, sustainable materials that are designed to dry properly. Many are dishwasher safe, making them easy to clean and safer for everyday play. Some options are even educational to avoid that pesky parent guilt!
Encouraging imagination, movement, and hands-on fun, these screen-free toys and activities are perfect for keeping kids entertained and engaged without the tech. From sensory play to creative crafts, these picks spark curiosity and joy the old-fashioned way.
I love buying gifts for my kids that help them develop a talent or have a learning element, but my kids don’t even realize it because they are having fun. These are my favorite items that we have that help develop a talent or support learning. (I have 4 boys that I homeschool).
(#2 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 girl bunnies in your life.
As a mom who has watched her kids flourish in a Montessori environment, I have curated this list of the best games, toys and kits to help your kiddo learn and grow while having the most fun. This list is specific for 2-5 year olds, and they don't need to have any previous knowledge or understanding of Montessori. To them, this is just play, to us, as caregivers, its helping them build resiliency, creativity, and problem solving.
Optional costumes, peel-and-stick crafts, and calm party stations that keep the afternoon on the schedule—fun without glue disasters or sugar crashes running the room.
Simple, engaging toys that hold a toddler’s attention. This list focuses on easy, mess-free favorites that encourage play, curiosity, and independent time—perfect for at home or on the go.
I was placed on hospitalized bedrest for a month before having my twins. These were some of my favorite products and things to have to make the stay easier! Also great for general hospital bag items for a C-section mama!
If you’re wondering which Tonies are actually worth buying, these are the ones we reach for ALL the time! Some are definitely better than others lol, so I’m only adding the ones my toddler actually loves, listens to, and doesn’t get bored of after five minutes lol
If you’re looking for a screen-free way to spark your child’s imagination, Tonies and the Toniebox are a must-have. These adorable, hand-painted characters tell stories, sing songs, and teach lessons, perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and young kids. From classic character in favorites to bedtime lullabies, this list has the best Tonies characters, starter sets, and Toniebox accessories to make storytime magical at home or on the go.
These products helped me establish and keep my milk supply as an oversupplier. As a first time mom, I didn’t know what I was doing or where to begin, so I narrowed it down for you. I hope these products help you as much as they helped me.
Bingung cari kado yang pas untuk bayi baru lahir? Jangan khawatir! Daftar hadiah ini penuh dengan pilihan kado yang nggak cuma bikin bayi terlihat makin menggemaskan, tapi juga bikin mama happy. Mulai dari baju lucu, mainan edukatif, hingga perlengkapan yang bermanfaat, setiap kado dipilih khusus untuk kenyamanan dan keceriaan si kecil. Yuk, buat momen kelahiran makin spesial dengan kado-kado penuh cinta ini!
If you have a baby girl, check out this list for the cutest clothes that have we have found and love! I love finding clothes at great prices as she will grow out of it so fast, so I’m not someone that spends soo much money on an outfit for a one and done!
I’ve come across some heavy hitters while planning my son’s “J turns one with Frog and Toad” party! I loved the frog and toad books when I was growing up, and I love telling him their stories of friendship. Since he won’t remember this party, but I will… we default to the theme mama likes hunting for! 😂🪵🌲🎁🍄
A curated collection of 20 teething toys that combine safe materials, soothing textures, cooling relief, and engaging shapes to help babies (0-36 months) through teething. From wooden rings to silicone munchables, the right tool for every teething moment.
These are our tried and tested toys and gifts for toddlers, preschoolers and school starters. Our kids love them, and so have our 10+ nieces and nephews!
for the long drives that come with the holidays. the picks follow what an occupational therapist at fraser, the marcus autism center, leicestershire nhs and a uk special education group suggest for car trips: a to-go kit with headphones, sunglasses, something weighted and something to fidget or chew, snacks and water within reach, and a visual plan of the trip so the drive has a shape. plan for it to take longer than you think, and build in stops. i've flagged anything with lights or sound (: