Spent my entire third trimester reading carrier reviews and still ended up returning two that made my back scream after 20 minutes. If you're a new parent trying to figure out which carrier won't collect dust in the closet after month three, this is everything I landed on. Took me way too many tries so you can skip straight to the good stuff.
Becoming a mom for the first time is a joyous and life-changing experience. To help you navigate this new journey with confidence and ease, here’s a list of essential items every first-time mom should have♡
This list includes trusted resources that help kids grow in their faith in simple, meaningful ways. Everything here is practical, engaging, and rooted in the Bible, items I trust as a Children’s Pastor and confidently recommend for both church spaces and home use.
A practical collection of newborn, baby, and toddler must-haves that make everyday life easier. These are go-to essentials I personally use and recommend for comfort, care, and daily routines.
Level up Easter this year with gift ideas teen boys will actually want! Whether they’re into sports, comics, video games, or laid-back fashion (think PacSun + Hollister vibes), this board is packed with basket fillers, accessories, gear, and fun finds to make Easter exciting, no cheesy toys here. From cool shirts and sneakers to gaming accessories, sports gear, comics, and more, these ideas help you build Easter baskets teens will love. Swipe through for inspo!
Everything in this list had either made our daily routine easier, kept my toddler entertained, or helped make our home a little safer. These are the practical finds I'd happily recommend to any parent with an active little boy who is always moving and roaring.
I love to put my kids in loungewear sets, comfortable tees and shorts! Here are some affordable choices from Target, Walmart, Old Navy and Children’s Place!
Baby registry must-haves, newborn essentials, and top-rated baby products I personally use, love, and approve. These parenting game-changers are perfect for daily use and totally worth repurchasing.
Discover endless creativity with my top recommendations for DIY activities with kids! Dive into the world of imagination and exploration as you embark on exciting projects together. From crafting homemade slime and designing personalized tote bags to building birdhouses and creating miniature gardens, there's something for every little artist and engineer to enjoy. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple materials, these activities promise hours of fun and bonding time for the whole family. Unleash your creativity and make unforgettable memories with our curated list of DIY adventures for kids!
This list includes my favorite potty training essentials for toddlers that make the process easier for both kids and parents. After potty training three kids, these are the must-have potty training tools, books, rewards, and helpful products that actually worked for us!
Whether it's your first pregnancy and you're drowning in a sea of too many choices for everything pregnancy related, or you've been around the block and are looking for some new ideas, this is the list for you!! These are my tried and true top recommendations for all facets of pregnancy.
I'm a mom of 3 kiddos, and while they are close in age, they have different interests and likes. Whatever the likes- I try to find products, or activities that they can all enjoy. This list is a few items/toys that they enjoy individually and some they enjoy together.
Listen, I'm team “whatever works for you to corral those little ones" when it comes to traveling and using screens as a tool, but sometimes I need a break from the judgy looks in public. Feel me? These are my favorite screen-free travel toys that keep the kids busy for longer than .2 seconds!
Any kids birthday party can be overwhelming? Let me take care of the planning! This is a gender neutral, First Trip Around the Sun birthday party theme! How cute right? Everything is sun themed for the special occasion, no matter what it is I’ve got you covered!
Keeping an emergency pack with two young kids is a daunting task. In addition to copies of important documents and identification, this is what I keep in my Bug-out Bag. I'm not going to suggest a bag because you need to choose one that fits your body and one you can carry on your own. My list is based on my own experiences living in areas with Hurricanes and Flash Floods.
My first trimester almost took me out (not actually, but wow did it feel like it). There were days I genuinely wondered how I was supposed to survive it. These were the only things that gave me even a little bit of relief—and no, this is not one of those posts where I tell you to nibble on crackers and sip ginger tea and call it a day. These are things that ACTUALLY made a difference.
Here are some of the things my sweet girl loves. You might find toys, play clothes, princesses, cars, dinosaurs, plastic food etc. A toddlers world is vast and full of ever changing joys!
Every night was the same fight — my kids would clamp their mouths shut, run away, or cry through two minutes of brushing. I tried bribes, songs, timers, nothing worked. After way too many cavities and dentist lectures, I finally found brushes they actually want to use. If your bathroom sounds like a wrestling ring at 7pm, steal this list before your next dental appointment.
Your kid looks like a stuffed sausage in their winter coat and can barely buckle their own seatbelt. Meanwhile they're sweating at recess and freezing at pickup. I spent two winters buying and returning coats before landing on ones that actually keep kids warm, let them move, and don't make them look like they're wearing a sleeping bag. If you're done with the bulk, this is the list.
Want travel with young kids to go smoothly? Having a plan helps, as well as these travel items! I’ve been traveling with my children on long flights since they were infants, and now my oldest is 11, so I’m listing items that I have found helpful for both flights and long car rides.
Your baby’s first Christmas only happens once—make it magical! These are my top picks for toys that encourage play, development, and big first-year smiles. Perfect for parents, grandparents, and anyone looking for gifts that are both cute and useful.
These are items that I use almost every single day as a first time mom. I constantly find myself reaching for these! Moms.. am I missing anything else?!
Our house is FULL of Disney toys - and I wouldn't have it any other way! Here are some of our favorites (and some that Santa will hopefully be bringing this year, too!)
Everything that helps me with packing, prepping, storing, and surviving the school lunch marathon. These are the lunch containers that pass the leak test, the kid test, and the “did this survive the dishwasher?” test. Easy to clean, easy to pack, and used daily.
There’s nothing sweeter than watching your little one “cook,” “shop,” or “fix things” just like you. But the best part — all that pretending isn’t just play. It’s how kids build imagination, language, problem-solving skills, and confidence. Pretend play toys turn everyday moments into real learning.
Préparer son allaitement peut vite devenir stressant quand on ne sait pas par où commencer. Cette sélection regroupe des essentiels simples et efficaces pour accompagner les premières semaines en douceur, éviter les inconforts et gagner en sérénité au quotidien. Tu y trouveras des indispensables pensés pour le confort, l’organisation et le bien-être, afin de vivre une expérience d’allaitement plus apaisée et intuitive, à ton rythme. Que tu débutes ou que tu souhaites t’équiper avec des produits vraiment utiles, cette liste t’aide à faire des choix plus faciles et adaptés à ton quotidien de jeune maman.
A curated collection of awesome finds for the smallest (and sassiest) members of the family. From baby gear that actually makes life easier to toys, books, clothes, and gadgets that’ll keep your kiddos smiling—this list has all the stuff parents rave about and kids reach for. Whether you’re a new parent, seasoned pro, or cool aunt/uncle on a mission, welcome to your go-to guide for tiny human essentials.
I’ve had two babies in less than two years. I skipped out on some of these items the first time around but with my second baby, I knew I needed to splurge to make my life easier and postpartum more enjoyable. These are my MUST HAVES!
toys my daughter loved and helped her reach milestones during her first year of life. most of these toys saved me because they kept her occupied for so long so I could get chores done!
Tested by real kids! These are the toys, activities and screen-free boredom busters that actually keep little hands busy, encourage creativity and give parents a break. Great for quiet time, hands-on learning, sensory play, road trips, restaurants and everyday sanity savers.
Homework at our house happens at the kitchen table, not at some cute desk in a bedroom, so this is a station that packs itself up before dinner. Two elementary kids, one who cannot sit still and one who loses every pencil, and this is what finally made the four o'clock hour survivable. Most of it is under fifteen dollars. If you are in Rochester, Springdale, West Fargo, Watertown, or anywhere school just started, start with the cart and the timer.
Non-Candy Easter Basket Fillers for 2–3 Year Olds Non-candy Easter basket fillers for 2–3 year olds that are fun, useful, and not just sugar overload. A mix of bath toys, learning activities, spring play items, and practical little add-ins that toddlers will actually use
As a mom who tries to be more conscious of screen time, I'm always looking for new toys that will hold my 3 year olds attention for long periods of time! As a mom and former Pre-K teacher here are some of my favorites!
picked for a preschooler whose body is figuring out big feelings and big movements at the same time. sensory tools, gross motor stuff, and open-ended play that doesn't need a screen.
Craft supplies were scattered across every surface in my house — dried markers under the couch, glitter glued to the dog, sticker residue on the TV remote. If you're raising a tiny artist who leaves a creative crime scene in every room, this is the portable art setup that finally contained the chaos. Took me two kids and four years of stepping on crayons barefoot to figure this out.
As a mom who has exclusively pumped for her baby before I made a list of things that are my life so much easier as well as get the most milk out of me. I hope this helps you too.
As a mom myself, I’ve experienced a thing or (2) about keeping feral toddlers from getting into things they shouldn’t! Here’s a few of my recommendations for safety devices to have around the house & to keep in your car!
As an Occupational Therapy Doctoral student who has working with kids of all ages and abilities, here are some toy and tool recommendations I have for children with sensory needs that also promote creativity, learning, and other skills crucial for development.
These are the kid-approved, mom-tested things we use and love — from everyday must-haves to fun finds that actually hold up. I’ve got little ones, so I’m always looking for things that make life easier, keep them entertained, and survive real-life messes. You’ll find lunchbox gear, toys, clothes, and random gems I didn’t know I needed until I did. If it’s on this list, it’s something we use in our home (and probably reorder)
My second born had some medical issues and had appointments nearly every day for the first three months of his life. We were constantly on the move. These are some staples that made it possible to keep my sanity.
👶 A collection of the baby gear and mom-life essentials that actually made a difference during my first year of motherhood. From feeding to sleep and everything in between—these were true lifesavers.
This list contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. These have become my new obsession as a stuffed animal collector. I love how small they are and they have a great price point compared to similar items on the market.
Hauling five pounds of wet sand home in your trunk after every beach trip gets old fast. If you've ever dumped an entire sandbox onto your backseat or spent twenty minutes shaking out buckets in the parking lot, this list is for the parent who's done with that. Took me two summers of crunchy car seats to finally figure out the right gear — save yourself the headache before beach season peaks.
A roundup of the best toddler toys—all from Target! These are the fun, mess-proof, toddler-approved picks that keep little hands busy and little minds growing. From educational favorites to sensory play essentials and classic toys that never go out of style, this list has something for every curious, chaotic, adorable toddler stage. Perfect for gifts, playroom refreshes, or just keeping your little one entertained a little longer.
3 is a big year. They are growing before your eyes and need things to help challenge and entertain them. This are some of my homes favorites as well as what I use in my preschool classroom
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.
January was a cold one but thankfully we had lots of new gifts to keep us entertained! These are the 10 toys that were on repeat at our house with two boys ages 6 and 4👦🏻👦🏻
🎃Get your little ones ready for spooky season with the cutest Halloween costumes and outfits for kids ages 0 to 12! From adorable pumpkin onesies for babies to fun superhero and witch outfits for big kids, this board is packed with playful, comfy, and creative looks. Whether you're dressing up for trick-or-treating, school parties, or a Halloween photo shoot, these kid-friendly costumes and themed outfits are designed for fun and easy wear. Perfect for boys and girls!🎃 #KidsHalloweenLooks #HalloweenCostumesForKids #SpookySeasonStyle #TrickOrTreatReady #BabyToBigKidFashion
Apparel brands I love...and my baby too. Why we love them, what they have to offer, and what makes them stand out? A little bit of something for everyone that goes beyond OshKosh, Grandpa's, Carters, or GAP. Wide range in affordability and style...from Old Money and Vintage classics to Modern Neutrals or RAD Tye Dyes. We like it all.
Shopping for my baby girl is easily my favorite new pastime. She’s so fun to dress and shop for. I am not a fan of the generic and traditional “baby” clothes so it’s been a fun challenge finding more exciting options for her.
These are on repeat at our house a must have!
From educational toys to magnetic tiles, bubble guns, and fun activities, these are the toys my little one's actually play with every day. Some of these toys you can take for car rides, traveling, restaurants, or just keep at home.
ALL of the sets have occupied my kiddo for HOURS on end. We’ve used these to help with speech as well. AND barber set & doctor set in particular we would role play before appointments to calm his nerves. He’s my anxiety guy so he likes to know the sequence of events.
If you need ideas that the little man in your life will love, check out my gift guide for 6 year old boys! My little dude is 6 this year, and these are all things he really enjoys or items we plan on gifting him this year.
Here are the supplies I use for ages 4 - 12 to get them engaged in the process of puppet building. I like to show them simple designs that they can add their own ideas to. No hot glue required!
As a mom to a little girl I knew I had to do a tea for two theme! This list is also good for anyone who just wants a tea party theme in general for any party!
As a first time mom, I know how overwhelming it can be trying to put together a list of items that you think you might need for a baby. Knowing how many things are out there that aren’t needed and you may never use if you receive it, I’m here to give you my personal list of items that I’ve gotten for my baby and would recommend to my friends! I will try to continually add as things become more relevant and used in my household. Enjoy! 😊
Sometimes distance makes you miss him even more and Halloween is the perfect excuse to send a little spooky love. This GHOST-themed care package is all about saying “Hey boo, I miss you” with festive treats and cozy surprises that bring a smile to his face. Think ghost-inspired snacks, playful Halloween goodies, and practical dorm must-haves with a spooky twist—all wrapped up in a box that feels both fun and thoughtful. Whether he’s missing home, stressing over exams, or just needs a seasonal pick-me-up, this package is the perfect mix of ghostly charm and comfort.
As a mom of 3 i've learned, there are tons of toys out there, but they're not all created equal. Here's a list of the top toys my children truly loved and loved for multiple years! I'm sure your kiddo will love them too. You'll find that my list of toys will not only keep your kids entertained for many years, but the quality of the product will also last through those years of play!
At 6 months old, our little foodie is officially starting solids! Watching those curious eyes and messy first bites is pure joy. From sweet potatoes to avocado, it’s all new and exciting — and mostly ends up on the face! Here's to a whole new world of flavors, textures, and adorable food-covered smiles. Let the solid food adventure begin! These are some of our top items for a baby starting solids as a mom that's tried it so you don't have too!
Birth education & resources. As a first time mum I had no idea where to start, but with research, and recommendations here are resources that have helped me.
I love seeing other mom’s toy recommendations, especially when looking for gift ideas. Here is a list of the toys my one year old is currently loving that keep his attention for more than 5 seconds🤣
Toddler moms, please stop wasting money. I already tested everything for you. These are the products that actually help, actually get used, and actually make life easier. Your future self will thank you.
Something about summer and water, summer and sun, summer and relaxed days, am I right? Watermelon, fireflies, and campfires. Family cookouts, kayaking, and a few grand adventures. Here’s how we’re preparing as a family with littles!
Spring is right around the corner (hopefully)! I’ve been searching for clothes for my three kiddos to start building their closet for warmer weather ☀️🕶️
I tried allll the things early on in my breastfeeding journey as a just enougher and a baby who was born early and struggling to latch. These are all the things that helped me boost my supply, helped her latch and helped us have a successful breastfeeding journey! We are now 14 months in!
This list isn’t just the typical Pinterest must haves. It’s filled with real life recommendations I actually used as an 18 year old first time single mom. These are the products that truly made life easier for me and my baby, and I’m sharing them so other moms don’t have to waste time or money guessing what works.
Toddlers have very short attention spans, and sometimes it’s hard to keep them engaged. Luckily I’ve tried a bunch of toys so that you don’t have to! What’s important to me are toys that are also educational. If not educational, I want toys that are keeping my kiddo active and outdoors!
These open-ended toys have been total lifesavers in our house! They encourage creativity, independent play, and grow with your toddler — no batteries, just imagination. From wooden blocks to play sets and stacking toys, these picks are screen-free fun your little one will use again and again. Perfect for Montessori-style play, gift ideas, or toy rotation.