Children can be tough critics. When it comes to choosing the perfect gifts for kids, you have to consider their current likes, dislikes, and distinct personalities which, let’s face it, change all the time. The key to finding the right gift is choosing something that the child can grow with. Sure, trendy toys are fun for a week or two, but after the newness has worn off, parents are left to deal with a forgotten piece of plastic. With the assortment of practical and fun gift options below to inspire your shopping list, don’t be surprised if 2015’s presents are still being used this time next year.

Booginhead Super Power Line of Kids’ Products

Getting your kids to eat broccoli and green beans just got a whole lot easier. The adorable superhero-inspired dinnerware collection from Booginhead is the perfect way to inspire your family to start off the new year right by eating healthy. The small plates, cups, bowls, and utensils are the perfect sizes for tiny hands too. Mix and match from an assortment of designs and colors to suit your child’s unique style.

Pley

You’ve rented movies for years, but now you can borrow toys for the kids thanks to an ingenious service from Pley. Choose an unlimited number of toys from name brands like Lego and Disney starting at $19.99 a month. Pley is not only great for fickle kids whose tastes in toys change every day; the plan will help reduce clutter in the house and cut down on environmental waste. Plus, Pley even claims you’ll spend $63 less on toys monthly. Now that’s a service we can get behind!

White Dove Innovations New & Improved My Tot Clock

This adorable invention is so brilliantly simple you won’t believe you didn’t think of it yourself. Inspired by a mom’s restless nights trying to teach her son when and how long to sleep, the newest version of the My Tot Clock plays lullabies, white noise, wakeup music and changes color so your little one knows when it’s time to be in and out of bed. Like the website states, it’s “perfect for those young enough to start learning a daily routine, but not old enough to be able to tell time.” Consider the restful nights of sleep you receive after buying this present for your child a gift for yourself!

Intex Jump-O-Lene Castle Inflatable Bouncer

Unless you live somewhere with sun, surf, and sand, chances are the weather where you are is cold. And when it’s cold, the kids spend most of their time inside. You need a toy that will both entertain the kids and not leave a big mess to clean up later. The Jump-O-Lene Castle Inflatable Bouncer from Intex is a safer alternative to an indoor trampoline. Your little one will spend hours jumping on the durable but soft floor of the bouncer that comes with extra-high sidewalls for extra protection. Warning: when your daughter falls asleep after playing on the Castle Bouncer for hours, you won’t know what to do with the extra time to yourself!

Lakeshore Learning Trace-N-Draw Projector and Young Scientist Chemistry Lab

Still have to get a few more children’s gifts before Christmas? Don’t worry; Lakeshore Learning has you covered. This site has every kind of toy imaginable for infants to 11-year-olds. Inspire your nephew to embrace his inner artist with the highly rated Trace-N-Draw Projector or encourage your daughter to experiment with the Young Scientist Chemistry Lab. Lakeshore Learning has toys ranging from $10 to $100, so no matter your budget you’re sure to find the perfect kids’ present.

The post 6 Presents that will Please Kids–and Parents! appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Santa, reindeer and elves. Lights, decorations and presents. It’s easy for children to get wrapped up in the hype of Christmas. Sometimes even us parents do. And it’s hard not to as the holiday continues to become more and more commercialized. We can’t even finish Thanksgiving before it all starts, after all.

But it’s important that children know this really isn’t what Christmas is about. Yes, it’s fun getting into the activities and memorable family time. As a parent, there’s something special about seeing the joy on your child’s face as they open the toy they were begging for; but that’s not what Christmas is about. It’s not just about receiving presents.

Christmas is about having the spirit of helping and being kind to others. It’s about being selfless and thinking of others who may be less fortunate or simply having a bad day. You could say it’s about all of us acting like Santa Claus.
So how do we teach our children about the spirit of Christmas without dampening their spirit?

In various ways we are taught to help one another and to love our neighbors. While we should help others throughout the year, during Christmas there’s even more need. As a family you could pick one or multiple days to volunteer at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen. You could also participate in or start your own food, clothing or supplies drive. Far too many people – children included – go hungry, cold or without basic necessities. By serving others together as a family you will teach your children to be grateful for what they have, because so many others are less fortunate.

While we all want to spoil our children and give them everything they asked for, minimize the number of gifts you give them. If you’re a big giver of gifts you may consider gradually cutting back to ease both of you into the new tradition. Consider giving them something they want (which can be from Santa Claus), something they need (which is likely something they didn’t ask for), something practical (maybe something for school or sports) and an educational gift (something they can learn from, either with current school studies or an item they can use with a hobby or potential hobby). You could also ask them to give up receiving a gift and donate that money to a charity of their choice, or taking some of their allowance and buying a gift to donate to Toys for Tots. Cutting back on the number of gifts you give and making them purposeful will slowly but surely teach them that Christmas is not all about the presents.

To spread the idea of giving throughout the year, you could ask your children to put aside a portion of their allowance and pick a charity to donate it to at the end of the year or to use it to do something nice for someone else who is less fortunate. Not only will this teach them the concept of helping and giving to others, this will also show them that they don’t have to spend every dime they have.

The spirit of the season also includes simple but meaningful intangibles such as kind gestures towards strangers. Encourage them to open and hold the door for others, to pick up something from the floor when someone has dropped something, letting someone go ahead of them in line somewhere, helping someone reach or carry something, and simply smiling and saying hello to someone when you pass by.

By no means am I suggesting doing away with the lights, decorations, treats and believing in reindeer that can fly. It’s all good fun and makes for fantastic family memories. Just remember at the end of the day that the true spirit of the season comes from the heart and is based on the idea of helping and giving to others.

 
About Jennifer Chung & Kinsights:
Jennifer Chung is a parenting expert and co-founder of Kinsights.com: part parenting community, part online health record. Kinsights provides parents with a safe place to seek answers to their questions while also helping them track their child’s health information. Organize your child’s growth and developmental milestones, immunizations, medications, allergies, and more.  Connect with Kinsights at https://kinsights.com to learn more and sign-up! You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@kinsights).

The post Teaching Our Children The Meaning of Christmas appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Stumped on what to get your man this Christmas? Boy do we have the ultimate shopping guide for you.  Ditch your standard stocking stuffers this year and give your man what he really wants: you!  But beware, as these gifts are by no means meant to be opened with the kids or in-laws around.  Otherwise things could get awkward. Like, really awkward.

Take the classic game of Truth or Dare to a whole new level with this racy edition that’s perfect for the bedroom.  With 50 pick-a-sticks each including one sexy truth and one dirty dare, you can expect for things to get pretty heated! After a few rounds, don’t be surprised if this game becomes your new guilty (or not so guilty) pleasure.  Remember to play responsibly!

If there is one item that needs to be in every couple’s nightstand, it’s lube. But I’m sure we don’t need to tell you that. Stock up this Christmas, because you never know what those snow days stuck in the house can bring, and it’s best to be prepared.

Is there anything sexier than seeing your man reading a book?  How about your man reading a detailed guidebook on how to satisfy you in the bedroom? Can’t think of anything?  Yeah, neither can we. Give the gift that keeps on giving, with titles like She Comes First and Kama Sutra: A Position a Day 365 Days a Year. Get back to us in a year and let us know how it’s coming (pun intended).

Eye masks and whips and handcuffs, oh my! Go 50 Shades of Gray on your man this Christmas with a fun and sexy intro to S&M.  Worried it might be too much? Here’s a helpful hint: tickle him with the whip (no harsh lashes), handcuff only one hand (let’s see how creative he can get), and really sharpen his senses with a playful eye mask.  There’s nothing like a little tantric foreplay, so let the games begin!

Sex games never get old, and for under $6, you can’t go wrong with Spicy Dice.  This is definitely a game to be played while the kids are away, since 1 of the 3 dice tells you where you will be “nibbling” your partner’s “nipples.”  You might end up in the car, in the backyard or on the couch.  Sex outside the box has never been more fun.

Lingerie is great and all, but we’ve got something a bit more seductive.  Bare (almost) all wearing just a pair of sexy nipple covers and your birthday suit.  If you’ve got a few burlesque moves up your sleeve, this would be the time to show ‘em off.  Shake what your momma gave you, girl.

If your foreplay takes place on flannel sheets, it’s time for an upgrade.  If you really want to set the mood in the boudoir, silk or satin sheets are the way to go.  It’s the perfect reminder that sex isn’t just about the orgasm, but also the romance and love between partners.

In light of recent movies like “Sex Tape” with Cameron Diaz, it’s undeniable that one of the sexiest toys for the bedroom isn’t a toy at all.  Head over to the nearest electronics store and buy yourself the most erotic technology out there: a video camera.  Nothing says “I’m ready to show you all I’ve got” like having your every move recorded and at your disposal for later inspiration or critique.  Just be careful not to make the foolish mistake of syncing it with every device in your household.  This footage is definitely not G rated. Just make sure you don’t send it to the “Cloud”! Feeling bold? Try a Go-Pro in High Definition.

The post Stocking Stuffers for Men on the Naughty List appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

One of the most challenging aspects of the holidays is finding the perfect gifts for your friends and family. With Christmas just around the corner, it’s now crunch time for millions of people scrambling for last-minute gift ideas. In addition, the right gift can help your loved ones reach their health and fitness goals for the coming year! Here are some of the best health and fitness products that can be great holiday gifts:

1.     Withings Smart Body Analyzer

http://www.withings.com/en/bodyanalyzer

A scale on steroids, the Smart Body Analyzer from Withings not only monitors weight but body composition, heart rate, and even air quality in your house. It integrates with a smartphone app that allows you to set weekly goals and provides tips and reminders.

2.     The GLO Bag: Ultimate Gym Locker Organizer

http://theglobag.com/products-page/glo-bags/ladies-bag-hot-pink/

A great gift for moms, the GLO bag is a handy organizer for all of her gym essentials like clothes, towels, shoes, and cosmetics. What’s more, it hangs neatly in gym lockers and can be carried like a regular backpack.

3.     Subscription Health or Snack Boxes

http://www.klutchclub.com/

http://www.bulubox.com/

http://naturebox.com/

Keep your friends and family on track to meet goals in 2014 with a subscription box service. Depending on which one you choose, these boxes contain a variety of health and/or snack products and are delivered every month. A large range of products for both men and women are available. 

4.     YurBuds Inspire Pro Earphones

http://yurbuds.com/products/in-the-ear/inspire-pro/

Earphones that continually fall out are just plain annoying while exercising or hitting the gym. These ones from YurBuds are guaranteed to stay in your ear. They also come with a three-button microphone so that you can skip tracks, make calls, and adjust the volume on the move.

5.     Men’s Under Armour Workout Shorts

http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/mens-ua-multiplier-10-shorts/pid1228558-002

Help keep Dad comfortable and looking good at the gym with a new pair of workout shorts. These shorts are ultimate exercise necessity for men because they are breathable, wick moisture, and allow for a wide range of motion.

With products like these, you can help keep your family and friends on track to meet their health and fitness goals in 2014!

The post Health and Fitness Gift Ideas for the Holidays appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

With the shortest holiday shopping season ever approaching –  only 25 days in between Thanksgiving and Christmas – now is as good a time as any to start getting ahead on your holiday shopping list.

One of my favorite ways to get ahead is by taking advantage of Cyber Monday: the Monday following Thanksgiving where online retailers offer exceptional bargains to persuade customers to shop their sites. And it offers more than just sales! Cyber Monday lets you to beat the long lines, hectic parking lots, and holiday crowds by shopping from home, work, or my favorite – from bed!

As a mother of three and founder of the popular daily deal site, STEALS.com, I’ve dedicated my life to finding the best deals for both myself as well as my customers. Here are some of my favorite and most-useful Cyber Monday shopping tips I’ve collected from over the years, to help you save time and money this holiday season:

Make a List: Avoid approaching Cyber Monday like a shopping spree. Even with deep discounts, it’s likely that you’ll make purchases outside of your regular budget. In order to prevent this, I make a list of must-have purchases ahead of time to prevent over shopping. Knowing what’s on sale and what you need to purchase this holiday season, will help you stick to your budget and reduce impulse purchases on items you don’t need.

Pre-Shop: A lot of retailers are really good at making a full priced item look like a bargain. To ensure that this doesn’t happen to you, browse through online stores over the holiday weekend to learn more about all the sales promotions and prices available. My favorite tip for finding the best sale is to sign up for your favorite retailer’s newsletter or email list weeks before the sales begin.  It’s a good way to learn about special sales and to get the scoop on prices for Cyber Monday before everyone else!

Know The Rules: Each Cyber Monday offer has different guidelines about when it starts and how many items are available. Read the sale rules ahead of time to know when sales are running or if a better sale is scheduled for later or earlier in the day. Being aware of the fine details ensures that you’ll be prepared for when each sale is going to start – you wouldn’t want to sleep through the sale and miss out on a fabulous deal!

Prepare to Shop Quickly: Unlike in-store shopping, online shopping does not guarantee that the items in your cart will be there when you’re ready to check out. If you spend too much time at each site, your desired item may already be sold out. One thing I’ve noticed while shopping on Cyber Monday over the years, is that items heavily discounted will go fast! Once you see an item you want, it’s time to check-out to ensure it doesn’t sell out.

Keep an Eye on Shipping Times: When shopping online, one of your considerations will be how you will receive your order. Since many flash sale sites don’t have the items in stock, it may take longer for some sites to ship than others.  Always be sure to look into the ‘cut off days’ to see how long it will take for the item to ship. And even after you learn about your estimated delivery date, make sure you still have some leeway in between then and your family gathering – added time can still be tacked on due to the high volume of the holidays.

But don’t stop here. There’s plenty more ways to save on Cyber Monday this year and beyond – the more prepared you are for the holiday, the better chance you have of saving some serious money.

Jana Francis is the founder and president of Steals.com, a network of daily deal sites offering limited-time, hard-to-find discounts on the best brands for baby, kids, women, and more, with next-day shipping and fanatical customer service year-round. She lives in Salt Lake City with her husband and three children. www.steals.com

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With Halloween under our belts and Christmas fast approaching (50 days to be exact), parents are staring one of their worst nightmares right in the face: holiday shopping. Want to skip the lines and ditch the early bird sales this year? If you’re new to online holiday shopping and not sure where to start your search, don’t worry… we’ve got you covered. Pour yourself a cup of tea, grab your favorite blanket and enjoy perusing AKA Mom Magazine’s ‘Top 10 Marketplaces’ from the comfort of your own living room (or bed—we won’t judge!)

1. New Egg: For all the nerds and techies in your life. It’s our favorite geeky paradise.

2. The Grommet: All the latest consumer goods at ridiculously low prices, plus free shipping on orders of $25. It’s a win-win!

3. Birchbox: In search of beauty gifts for a certain prima donna? Look no further.

4. Gilt: No need to feel guilty about shopping here! Get insider access to top designer labels for up to 60% off. You can thank us later.  

5. Uncommon Goods: The name speaks for itself: creatively designed merchandise at affordable prices. (P.S. this is where we learned that early candles were often eaten rather than burned). Don’t believe it? Check out the website for more fun facts associated with their merchandise.

6. One Kings Lane: The be-all and end-all of home décor marketplaces. From vintage pieces to modern finds for any home, we guarantee your online shopping cart will be overflowing. 

7. FireBox: Their most popular items include a pair of magical unicorn slippers, an underwater disco lightshow, a Star Wars Death Star cookie jar, and gourmet scented pencils properly labeled ‘Smencils’. We’re not kidding. And we aren’t sorry that we love it.  

8. Etsy: The ultimate site for all things vintage and handmade. Connect with artisan vendors from around the world whose craftsmanship goes into every unique piece, from handmade jewelry to homemade soaps, Etsy truly is the best online platform for one-of-a-kind gifts. 

9. Red Envelope: When it comes to finding the perfect present, Red Envelope has what you’re looking for. But don’t take our word for it, check it out today!

10. The Man Registry: Have an alcohol aficionado in your family? Or perhaps just a thirsty uncle who knows his way around a wet bar? Don’t we all? The Man Registry has personalized gifts from engraved beer pitchers to miniature whiskey barrels perfect for the man in your life.  

The post Don’t Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

The holiday season is a time for celebrating with loved ones, but family and friends aren’t always nearby. Although you may not be able to spend the holidays together in-person, there are still plenty of ways to show out-of-town loved ones you care. With a thoughtful approach, you can find easy ways to spread some holiday cheer, whether your nearest and dearest live across the street, across the country or even across the globe.

Create a holiday plan

First, get organized. Make a list of everyone you’d like to celebrate with this season and determine how you’d like to send your holiday wishes – a phone call, a heartfelt card or even a gift. If sending something in the mail, check recommended shipping dates to ensure items arrive in time. While some services can guarantee packages arrive by Christmas if shipped by Dec. 23, it’s best to avoid the holiday rush by getting gifts out the door at least a week in advance of the holidays. If you are sending presents to loved ones in the military overseas, you should get items in the mail by Dec. 10 for a Christmas arrival.

Get your gifting in gear

Do your shopping early to give yourself plenty of time to mail items to loved ones and make sure they are easily shippable. Packages that are damageable or perishable may not arrive in the condition you intended if not carefully packaged.

As you prepare to ship, wrap presents with holiday paper, protect them with cushioning material and place them in a sturdy box. Then, seal boxes securely with packaging tape to ensure nothing gets lost. There are even printed options, like EZ Start printed packaging tape from Duck brand, that can make packages stand out and add some festive flair. Available in seasonal prints like Holiday Ornaments and Peppermint, as well as several other designs perfect for personalizing gifts, these packaging tapes meet all postal regulations, and have Frustration Free technology that ensures you never lose the tape end.

From a large family? Having lots of loved ones out of town can make shipping costs skyrocket. To keep everyone’s expenses down, organize a gift exchange in which each family member is assigned one person to send a present. This way, all family members receive a gift, without incurring huge holiday bills.

Make every minute count

To make the most of the holiday season, try to get in the spirit early. A good start to holiday cheer is sending seasonal cards to friends and family. Want something unique? Try making your own personalized holiday greetings using a website like Shutterfly.

You can also build up to the big day by sending care packages for friends and family to enjoy throughout the season. Make batches of seasonal cookies or send Advent calendars for little ones. Don’t forget about loved ones in the Armed Forces. They may need holiday cheer the most, so send them care packages with a bit of home – favorite cookies, festive music and a card with special messages from family and friends.

See their holiday smiles

Even if you can’t be physically near loved ones during the holidays, technology has made it possible to at least see them. Use a free video chatting service like Skype on your computer or smartphone to say “hi” to friends and family during the holidays or even open gifts together. These technologies are easy to use and allow you to enjoy the smile on family and friends’ faces when they open the gifts you’ve lovingly selected for them.

Of course, the best way to see your loved ones during the holidays is to visit them. If driving, make sure your vehicle has plenty of gas, antifreeze and fresh oil. Air travel is fastest but has its own challenges. Make sure to leave extra time between when you need to arrive and when you depart, in case of travel delays due to inclement weather or overbooked flights. No matter how you travel, make sure to pack some tasty goodies to enjoy along the way.

The holidays are full of hustle and bustle, but with a bit of planning, it’s easy to spread cheer to all those you love this season.

The post Celebrate the season with loved ones near and far appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

By John Christmann

www.dadinthebox.com

It is a cold Sunday afternoon in December.  I am high on a ladder wrestling with a tangled mesh of long wire cords laced with thousands of tiny Christmas lights that probably won’t work.  The light strings are draped in long chains around my neck like a yoke. My fingers are numb.

My wife and kids look up at me expectantly from the ground. They look like ants. This is not fun, and I let my grumpy sentiments be known. My wife cups her hands around her mouth and yells up to me. “Bah Humbug,” she says.

I must confess, these are words I hear frequently as I prepare our house for the holidays.  In fact, I have already been compared to Scrooge so often that I am starting to imagine Jacob Marley in my doorknocker every time I enter the house.

Oh, I am not a miser like Scrooge, although I do buy all of our intermittent lights at the Dollar Store. But I often articulate a high degree of cynicism over the sprawling Christmas industrial complex which generates high voltage frenzy each year and then abruptly shuts down leaving me with a stack of bills, a dead tree in my living room, and the empty pit of January in my stomach.

The fact is, it’s a lot of work to maintain a festive atmosphere of joy, and the holidays are a time of stress for a lot of people.  Especially me, Ebenezer Scrooge. Bah Humbug.

I shout down from the ladder, “OK plug it in.” My son ceremoniously forces the cords together and I hunch forward atop my perch waiting for the explosion. It doesn’t come. 

I open one eye and look at the long expanse of crystal lights piercing the dusk. Below my family is huddled happily together in the cold, staring in wonderment at the simple beauty of neatly arrayed Christmas lights. In the faint glow, they look like ghosts. 

I feel like a new man, and I smile with a new found spirit of holiday optimism.  All of the tiny bulbs shine. God bless them . . . everyone.

The post Illuminating Spirits appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Mom Expert Vera Sweeney Shares Her Favorite Online Tools to Make Holiday Shopping Easy for the Whole Family

The holidays are a wonderful time of the year to take a break and spend time with close family and friends. That’s why it’s important to avoid getting caught up in all the  holiday  shopping mayhem and the stress that goes with it. In a recent TOTSY.com survey of nearly 2,200 moms, three out of four moms said they hated having to play NASCAR driver to find a spot in the mall parking lot for some last minute shopping to find the perfect gift! So it’s no surprise that online holiday shopping hit record sales at over $37 billion last year.

Here are some essential online resources from mother, wife, mom expert and founder of I’m Not Obsessed Media, Vera Sweeney:

1. Online wish lists are mom’s new best friend.

Moms are usually inundated with endless phone calls from aunts, uncles and grandparents asking what the kids want for the holidays. Luckily, technology is catching up and there are online wishlists that can help save you time. One of the best wishlists I have seen is offered for FREE by Tykoon.com.   Kids & parents select their most wanted items from the 100% kid-safe Tykoon Store. Links to wanted items can be sent directly to family members through the online and iOS app for easy purchase and delivery from Amazon.

2. Work the private sale sites.

Private sales sites have become a mainstay in the way moms shop because they offer fantastic Black Friday level discounts…ALL THE TIME. These limited time stores offer lower prices but can have longer shipping times so get started early. One site I use a lot around the holidays is TOTSY.com, which offers up to 90 percent off retail prices for products for kids and grown ups! They also give you access to great quality products and brands that can be hard to find at big box retailers for that unique and perfect holiday gift.

3. Bloggers just might be moms’ little helpers for the holidays.

Every year, it’s a struggle to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, along with the deals that will help you stretch your budget. Luckily, there are hundreds of bloggers already doing your homework for you! I love to gather up all the awesome products, deals, giveaways, discounts and contests I come across and share them online with readers of my blog, so come by and take a look at Lady and the Blog. Keep an eye out for my flash giveaways and contests where you can win great gifts and gift cards to help out with your Christmas budget.  

4. Online stores are a must if you want to save time and avoid lines…but look for ones that are truly special.

Sure, we all know most stores have online sales for Cyber Monday but there are so many amazing products that don’t get carried in mass retailers. Luckily you can find them online at specialty web retailers. One site I like is Oompa.com, that sells safe, quality and unique baby toys from around the world. Their ‘naturally brilliant’ selection includes brands like Green Toys, who produce a line of classic children’s toys constructed from recycled plastic and other environmentally friendly materials. 

 

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About Vera
Vera Sweeney, mom, blogger, social media influencer and New York resident, is the founder of LadyAndTheBlog.com. She is considered one of the top female digital influencers in today’s social media space. Her lifestyle and parenting brand helps busy women stay on top of the latest trends in fashion, food, family and travel. Some of Vera’s recent accolades include being named “Top 50 to follow in Social Media” by Restaurant Business Magazine (2012), Babble’s Top 50 to Follow (2010, 2011), and “Top 5 to Follow on Long Island (NY) by Newsday. She has been featured on media outlets including CBS News, Fox 5 News, E! Entertainment, Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine, The NY Post’s Page Six, and the Rachael Ray Magazine. Follow her on Twitter at @VeraSweeney and on Facebook at http://facebook.com/inomommy

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