Kellie Conrad

My 5-year-old little guy has big interests, so I pulled together the toys, gadgets, and fun finds he keeps asking for, plus a few gems I know he’ll get tons of use out of this Christmas.

This list holds all the sweet things my 8-year-old is into these days, from her favorite creative picks to the toys that make her light up. Each item is chosen with love to match her personality and make her holiday feel extra special.

These are the books that became a little piece of our year together. The ones my kids carried from room to room, asked for at bedtime, and got completely lost in. Watching them fall in love with these stories has been one of my favorite parts of motherhood. If you’re looking for books that spark imagination, cozy moments, and those quiet little memories you tuck away forever, these are the ones we’ll always cherish.

This list gathers our go-to small-town activities and nearby places perfect for quick adventures, family fun, and easy weekends. Everything here is close, convenient, and something we’ve personally enjoyed.