Newsflash! Build-A-Bear is having a major Deck the Halls sale! Not only can you stock up on plenty of festive apparel for your cuddly pal, but the workshop has also launched tons of fun new friends!
To start, from now until New Year’s Eve, Build-a-Bear is dropping new bears every week. A recent sneak peek shows beary special designs that include baking cookies, Santa, poinsettia, Christmas and New year’s Even bears.
photos: Courtesy of Build-A-Bear
Plus, shipping only costs $6! So what kind of bears can you snag from this huge sale? Keep scrolling to see some of our faves!
Local businesses are the bedrock of communities throughout San Diego and they’ve weathered quite the storm recently. As we approach the gift-giving season, let’s remember our awesome local businesses and (look to them first) as we’re searching for the best Christmas gifts and Hanukkah gifts. We’ve rounded up a bunch of local shops to make your holiday shopping beneficial for both your recipients and small businesses in San Diego. Read on for our holiday gift guide.
A gift that helps build empathy and kindness? Yes, please! The San Diego-based, mom-founded business Little Renegades is a mindfulness company that offers tools for kids to learn more about themselves and empowers them to practice emotional regulation by tuning in to their feelings and surroundings. Since moms know what parents need, the products are simple and easy to use, and practical for busy schedules. Products include Activity Cards that are chunky and just right for little hands, as well as Mindful Journals that are 128 pages of prompts and space to record their feelings and the world around them.
These adorable digital downloads are also available for bedrooms or classrooms (a great add-on to a teacher's gift!).
Pangaea Outpost is a quintessential San Diego business, showcasing more than 70 local artists just blocks from Pacific Beach. Guests are immersed in a veritable shopping paradise filled with jewelry, apparel, kids' toys, crystals, decor, local art and local artisan creations, as well as plenty of imports from around the world. So whether you want to share a piece of San Diego with an out-of-town loved one, or you're looking for the cutest duds for your little beach lovers, stop by Pangaea Outpost and check those boxes off your list.
If you live in San Diego, you're familiar with Vuori Clothing and even know how to pronounce it ( "vee-OR-ee,"). They've mastered everyone's favorite jogger and have the softest performance apparel line that's perfect for a workout or a coffee run. It's true that now they're more of a nationwide success than a small-town shop, but they started in Encinitas and are focused on supporting the community they love. It's also a great spot to shop for all those hard-to-find men on your list.
We featured Maya's Cookies last year and we'd be remiss not to mention them again. After all, Santa isn't the only one who loves milk and cookies. Order a few gift sets from Maya's Cookies in San Diego and amaze all your sweet-loving friends and relatives. The award-winning, vegan shop ships nationwide so you can send a set to family you may not be able to see in person this year. Another reason we love supporting Maya's Cookies is their commitment to community engagement. They give back to San Diego youth and underserved communities, making shopping local extra sweet.
Husband and wife team Chad Anglin and Amy Paul own Pigment San Diego, located in the One Paseo shopping center in Del Mar. The store focused on supporting local artists from day one when the shop opened in 2007 as an art gallery to showcase local artists. With a heavy focus on the fundamentals of art and sound design, thoughtful merchandising followed. Slowly but surely, the store outgrew the first location and eventually moved two doors down to their current 3,000 square foot space. Entering the space today, you'll be struck by the beautiful aesthetic, and the color-coded merchandising is captivating. The wall of houseplants will make your green thumb come alive. So whether you grab a puzzle for your in-laws or a succulent (and the perfect planter) for your BFF, we guarantee that finding a gift for anyone and everyone on your list just got easier!
Whether you're looking for your own little sweet pea or other pint-sized recipients this newly-opened Alpine boutique serves the wee ones in your life. From onesies, cardigans, teething necklaces to sophisticated furniture you're sure to find a gift your recipient will love in Cradled Boutique.
The just-opened Tremont Collective is a 3,400 square foot outdoor venue in the heart of coastal Oceanside that is an ideal spot to grab a peppermint latte from Communal Coffee and get into the holiday spirit. From Brixton, which started in a garage in Oceanside and has since grown to a nationally beloved apparel shop, to AL FRESKO, a luxury outdoor experience company, the collective offers an opportunity to level up your gift-giving game and get something unique for loved ones.
One trip to Cedros Ave. in Solana Beach can solve all your holiday gift-buying dilemmas. The beach town's design district is brimming with artisan shops like Solo, which is meticulously curated and truly has something for everyone. From your three-month-old niece to your antique loving aunt, you can find a unique and often locally crafted gift at this neighborhood favorite.
We love supporting book stores (and budding book worms!) because nothing compares to the magic of cracking open the spine of a book so the story inside can spring to life in a young reader's imagination. If you want to gift books this season, check out our full roundup of the best independent bookstores for kids in San Diego. On our shop local list, we're highlighting The Library Shop because it not only has plenty of excellent books but a great assortment of other gifts, including apparel and jewelry.
Whether you're looking for a gift for a friend or want to share an experience with someone, Clay and Craft in Encinitas is worth exploring. The timeless and minimalist pottery is perfect for the "interior design" lover on your list. The "Best of San Diego" business also offers a dose of self-care by offering classes where you can spin and play with clay. Classes are available for both adults and children.
Do you have a 'lil or big skater on your list this year? The Bloom is an old-school pool board that's perfect for cruising around town and in bowls. It has a deep concave, wide platform, and a substantial nose + tail. It's ideal for all levels of riding and whoever is on it will feel like they're coasting on clouds with the softer and bigger wheels. Gift the board and then be sure to check out our list of best skateparks in San Diego—2022 will be full of new adventures.
Ugly sweaters are so last year. This holiday, dress up those feet with festive Christmas crocs!
Coming in two delightful styles that include rick rack patterns in red, white and green, these lined Crocs will keep your tootsies cozy all season. Each pair retails for $65 and sizing currently includes mens and womens options that pair perfectly with a few jolly Jibbitz.
Get ready to check off one item on your holiday to-do list! Our helpful elves scrolled through all of the awesome holiday card designs at Minted, Artifact Uprising and Shutterfly and picked out 15 of their favorites to help you pare down your selections. They found photo Christmas cards, Hanukkah cards, holiday birth announcements and a bunch of cards for those of you ready to celebrate the end of 2021 with a Happy New Year card instead. Snap your family photo and get these ordered!
Reading with your child is not only snuggly bonding time for you both, it builds your baby’s brain power, helps develop language and exposes your child to the world around them. There are books out there to engage every baby, and we’ll help you in your hunt by compiling baby-tested favorites in all the big categories, including touch-and-feel books, stories about animals, funny reads and classics every baby will treasure. Read on for the next additions to your bookshelves.
19 Classic Books All Babies and Toddlers Should Have A bookshelf packed with a mix of classics and new faves is the first step to raising a reader. Here, we’ve rounded up 19 storybooks that have mesmerized little ones for years, from tales about ravenous caterpillars to mischievous bunnies. You’ll probably remember a few from your own childhood.
Best STEM Books for Babies & Toddlers STEM—an acronym for the fields of science, technology, engineering and math—is one of the biggest buzzwords in education these days. With good reason, as learning these subjects can help students become better thinkers and problem-solvers. Here are our top picks for books that introduce STEM concepts to your future Einsteins.
14 Touch-and-Feel Books to Fill Baby’s Bookshelf The classic Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt has introduced generations of children to the world of touch-and-feel books. Now these books are more interactive and fun than ever. They mix the traditional elements of reading a picture book with touching, listening and even chewing!
11 Kids Books That Encourage Diversity & Inclusion There’s no shortage of good reading material out there, especially when it comes to promoting important values like kindness and acceptance. Fill your child’s library with books that encourage diversity and inclusion. Your baby’s first literary lesson can be that differences are okay. In fact, they’re what make us special.
10 Books All About Becoming a Big Sibling Looking to head off any early sibling rivalry? Introduce your child to the concept of a sibling with some of these books all about bringing a new baby home. They make becoming a big brother or sister seem like your family’s next big adventure.
Woof! Roar! Oink! 11 Animal-Themed Books Your Baby Will Love Your little one will love learning animal sounds while flipping through these stories packed with pictures of cute and cuddly animals. Here are 11 fantastic animal-themed books, from old favorites to soon-to-be classics, that will turn your animal lover into a bookworm.
Top Funny Books for Babies and Toddlers We’ve gathered up 16 funny tales guaranteed to make kids crack up, from stories that feature mixed-up animals to tales about the power of undies and magical poo (yes, poo). A few of these books also offer jokes to entertain parents reading the story.
Build Your Library! 25 Board Books Every Baby Needs Want to inspire your little sidekick to enjoy a lifetime of reading? Start building the library now. Discover 25 worth-reading beginner books, from gotta-have-’em classics like Goodnight Moon to newer, need-to-know titles like Hello, Bugs.
Best Holiday Books for Babies & Toddlers The build-up to the holidays is one of the best things about the season, and it feels even more exciting when you have little ones. A simple and fun way to get into the spirit with your kids is by reading holiday books with them. Whether you want to relive a classic or start a new tradition, here are some of our favorite Christmas and Hanukkah books for babies and toddlers.
Are you dreaming of snowy scenes, improbable romance, quaint small towns and cheesy but enjoyable dialogue? Then we’ve got the scoop for you! Hallmark has announced its annual Christmas in July event, featuring new movies and binge-worthy classics.
Starting the weekend of July 10, tune in to catch Crashing Through the Snow, starring Amy Acker and Warren Christie. Maggie (Acker) joins her ex-husband and his girlfriend Kate for a getaway to Aspen, Colorado. Before you wonder about the logistics of vacationing with an ex, don’t worry, love is still in the air. Maggie meets Kate’s brother (Christie) and we have to imagine sparks flying on the ski slopes.
Also on July 10, you can binge some of your favorite Hallmark Christmas selections from 2020, including Love, Lights, Hanukkah and A Tree Grows in Colorado. The following weekend, tune in for “Soap Sunday” because obviously Hallmark movies are exponentially better with soap opera stars. Keep an eye out for Cameron Mathison in The Christmas Club and Jesse Metcalfe in Christmas Next Door.
Finally, on July 24 and 25 you can start your countdown to the holiday in earnest with some of the greatest hits from Hallmark. Crown for Christmas,The Nine Lives of Christmas, and Christmas Under Wraps! Similar, but just different enough to keep you glued to the screen. Grab the wine, popcorn and enjoy some self care!
Since we’ll all be missing the annual Sheraton Gingerbread Village this year, why not create your own village (or decorate cookies) at home instead? It’s easy with to-go sugar cookie and gingerbread house kits, where local Seattle bakers have done all of the hard work, leaving you with the fun task of decorating. Read on to plan your frosting-filled, at-home adventure this winter.
Stroll the Gingerbread Candy Shoppe
White77 from Pixabay
KidsQuest's annual Gingerbread Workshop will be (you guessed it...) a bit different this year. Held at Bellevue Square on December 16-19, families will go on a candy journey through an old time, classic gingerbread candy shoppe. Along the way, kiddos get to pick out their favorite decorating sweets before grabbing a gingerbread house kit to decorate at home. Remember to reserve your gingerbread kit before heading over for this new twist on an old fave activity.
Cost: $50/non-members; $45/non-members; additional kits available for $45.
Bellevue Square 575 Bellevue Square Bellevue, WA 98004 Event details
Holiday Overload at Seatown Sweets
Seatown Sweets
In addition to their batch of classic Christmas cookie shapes (Santa, mittens, trees and stockings and the occasional ugly sweater), Seatown is one of the few bakeries that offers cookies appropriate for Hanukkah featuring stars, menorahs and dreidels too. Kits come one dozen “naked” vanilla sugar cookies, one tub of frostings, sprinkle packets and two colored frosting piping bags. There are three kits to choose from: Christmas Kit, Tacky Sweaters and Hanukkah.
Good to know: Please allow a minimum of two days for your order to be complete. Cookies can be picked up at the store or they can shipped to make it that much easier.
Cost: $25
12815 N.E. 124th St. Suite Q Kirkland, WA 98034 425-605-9537 Online: seatownsweets.com
Shine Bright on The Sweet Side
The Sweet Side
The Sweet Side is offering a nice mix of cookies in the shapes of Christmas trees, candy canes, snowflakes and even lightbulbs, all highlighted by a nice mix of sprinkles. It's up to you to find the time to decorate your box of 18 cookies with the four colors of icing and sprinkles to boot. Time to plan your wintery weekend project!
Good to know: Please allow a minimum of two days for your order to be complete. Cookies can be picked up at the store anytime between noon and 6 p.m., or they can be shipped to you.
Musang is more than a restaurant. It’s a community builder that offers a variety of classes throughout the year. This Christmas, they've got a couple classes to put on your radar: parol-making classes (which sound amazing) and Parent & Me cookie decorating classes offered a few times in December. Even if you can't make it to class (or they sell out) you can your kids can create a similar experience with their cookie kits at home (psst.. they also have parol making kits to go). Each kit has six cookies, three icing piping bags in red, green and white and sprinkles.
Good to know: Pick up your holiday cookie decorating kits on Sunday, December 13 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Or, book a spot at a Parent & Me Holiday Cookie Decorating class offered on the same day.
Cost: $25
2524 Beacon Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98144 206-708-6871 Event details
Gluten Free? Not a Problem with Nuflours
Nuflours
Why should everyone else have all the fun? Nuflours offers a build-your-own gingerbread house that is gluten free, plant-based and vegan. It comes with everything your family needs to build a basic house including candy for curb appeal. Who needs gluten when you can piece together this basic gingerbread house (complete with instructions) and pose gingerbread people in this festive scene? Let's get building!
Cost: $25
518 15th Ave. E. Seattle, WA 98112 206-395-4623 Online: nuflours.com
Become a Star with a Four Seasons Chef
Four Seasons Seattle
You may not be a world class pastry chef, but you can learn to decorate like one because this kit comes with something extra special: admittance to a virtual decorating class with the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle Pastry Chef, Danielle Grogan. At the end of the class, the chef will pick a holiday cookie champion for best design. When you sign up for this decorating class via Zoom, families will get a bunch of undecorated cookies and plenty of decorating supplies in the kit. Parents can order an add-on mimosa kit for $20 to add extra festivity to the experience.
Good to know: The class meets on December 13 at 11 a.m. Kits must be picked up ahead of time on December 11 or 12. Kits cannot be mailed.
Price: $30
99 Union St. Seattle, WA 98101 206-749-7000 Event details
Paint Your Cookies with KJ’s Bakery Cakery
KJs Bakery
Why frost when you can paint? KJ’s Bakery Cakery is offering “Paint Your Own” Cookie Kits where the design is actually printed on top of a frosted sugar cookie. All you need to do is color within the lines with edible paint. It couldn't get easier than ordering your kit that includes four frosted sugar cookies with a variety of Christmas pictures, a variety of edible paint and brushes. We're crushing hard on this simple decorating idea even toddlers can handle.
Cost: $15
204 Central Ave. N., #102 Kent, WA 98032 253-277-2516 Online: kjscakerybakery.com
Jenny’s Ugly Sweater Cookies
Jenny Cookies/Kelly Clare
These edible sweater cookies can be classy or ugly, dressed up or down depending on your preference. The best part? They don’t itch like your actual ugly sweater. Each kit contains eight sweater-shaped sugar cookies, butter cream icing in three colors (red, green and white) unfilled piping bags and sprinkles. You provide the creativity behind the obnoxious designs.
Good to know: Cookies can be picked up at the shop or sent to your home. And rumor has it that Jenny just might be popping up at her Jenny Cookies pop-up store at Alderwood Mall this year through December 31.
There are two major steps when creating a gingerbread house says Farm Kitchen Bakery. First, construct your house using royal icing and allow it to set for at least eight hours. Then, let your imagination go wild and decorate to your heart’s content. What could go wrong? Actually, this is one of those projects that even if it fails, it's still delicious. Order a kit and your fam will get hand-crafted house pieces, royal icing, pastry tubes and more than a pound of festive holiday candies.
Good to know: You can pick up your kit in person at the farm or they can ship one to you.
Cost: $32
24309 Port Gamble Rd. N.E. Poulsbo, WA 98370 360-297-6615 Online: farmkitchenbakery.com
With the holidays in full swing and the year coming to an end (and it’s been a year), what better way to treat yourself and loved ones than with some delicious holiday sweets with easy delivery. From gingerbread houses (either DIY or ready-to-eat) to festive cupcakes to holiday-themed grazing boards, we’ve scoured the Bay Area to bring you our picks. Check out the list to find one in your area—you’ll be supporting small businesses that’ve been definitely hit this year, and indulging in some holiday snacking for yourself or someone else. Happy ordering!
San Francisco
Batter Bakery
The boutique, small-batch bakery in San Francisco is owned by Jen Busy out of passion and love for bringing happiness to people through food. For the holidays, Batter Bakery has hand-decorated festive cookies starting at $3.50, classic gingerbread and chocolate peppermint cakes, and six-count cookie packs including holiday confetti and cherry ginger for $13. Our favorite is the cookie decorating kits that include cookies, royal icing and all the supplies. They come in a pack of six/$25 and 12/$45. Pick-up and delivery are available, with a local courier delivery fee of $18.
Elizabeth is a mom of two kiddos and the owner and founder of City Gal Bakes in San Francisco. Her sugar cookies with royal icing are not only beautiful but delicious. For the holidays, City Gal Bakes is offering cookie decorating kits with either a Winter or Christmas theme and comes with eight cookies, icing, sprinkles and instructions. They are also offering cookie platters and gifts in fun, festive shapes like gingerbread, stockings and Hanukkah.
Women-owned and run since 2009, Wholesome Bakery in San Francisco is 100% gluten-free and vegan, making treats that are allergen-friendly, sustainable, plant-based and high quality with no refined sugars. Try a 7 Layer Bar with almond crust, dark chocolate and house-made caramel, or their custom gift boxes with assorted sweet or savory goodies. For the holidays, check out the holiday gift box filled with marzipan truffles, sandwich cookies and a chocolate loaf. Holiday pies like sweet potato, pumpkin and pecan are also going to be available. Free delivery offered on orders more than $40 and a minimum of 48 hours is needed for delivery.
It all started when founder Christa Hill wanted to share her favorite cookies with friends at Dolores Park. Eight years and thousands of cookies later, she’s still at it, bringing smiles to her customers around San Francisco. In addition to her classic assortment, holiday cookies include snowflake shortbread, spicy gingerbread, chocolate mint and cinnamon-spiced snickerdoodle. A box of two dozen minis are $60 delivered within the city and comes packaged with colorful tissue, a festive bow and a handwritten message.
Owner and mom of two, Becca started XO Bakes as a way to bring joy to others through cookie decorating classes and homemade cookie treats. For the holidays, she is offering her fun cookie kits for $35 and includes 12 cookies, five icing bags, sprinkles, toothpicks for precise icing spreading and a tip sheet for design inspiration. It’s the perfect afternoon activity for the whole family and also makes a great gift! Delivery is contactless and runs $20 for Bernal Heights, Mission, Potrero, Nob Hill and parts of SOMA.
Hot cocoa bombs, DIY cookie kits and decadent holiday cakes are on the menu this holiday season at SF Proper. The spiced orange cake and lemon custard cake would be perfect additions to your holiday table. Sip on holiday craft cocktails made by the award-winning team, Bon Vivants. All cocktails are batched for two and are available for $20. Items are available for delivery and pickup.
Brie Grazing boards was started by a single mom with a love for making food look beautiful. Karla’s charcuterie and cheese boards are fully customizable (gluten-free, vegetarian options available), deliverable (if in the Tri-Valley), and gorgeous. With little details like decorative flowers, rose-shaped salami, mini honey dippers, sugared cranberries and themed decor, it really makes a great gift for anyone on your list including teachers, family and friends. Check out her Instagram for inspiration and contact information!
With fun names like Cloud 9, Pink Lemonade and Cocoa Crazy, this East Bay bakery founded by Eurdyce Manning is all about bringing out the playful side of food. December flavors include Candy Cane with peppermint ganache, Jack Frost with cream cheese icing and Holiday High Hat with jolly sprinkles. There is also a Stay at Home Cupcake Kit available that comes with six cupcakes (vanilla, chocolate, combination, gluten-free or vegan), sprinkles and buttercream frosting for fun at home. Delivery and pick-up are available in Oakland’s three locations.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar has awesome food for the whole family with locations in Newark and Cupertino. This year they have an amazing partnership with Habitat for Humanity during the holiday season. Order a DIY gingerbread house for take-out or delivery, complete with frosting and sweet decorations for $6.95 and 100% of the proceeds go to helping build a home in communities. It’s a great way to help families while enjoying time with the kiddos this year. How cool is that?
When that late-night cookie craving hits, look no further than Nox Cookie Bar. Serving warm cookies, treats and cold milk between the hours of 11:30 a.m - 2:30 a.m. (you read that right), take-out, and online delivery are available in San Jose and surrounding areas. Order holiday-themed sugar cookies in festive candy cane, Santa and snowflake shapes at $2.50 a cookie, or try a NoxBox for $8.50 with 12 small cookies for a great spontaneous snack or gift for friends this season.
Self-taught baker and working mom of two, Tara is the owner of Soiree Macarons in San Jose. This year she is offering her tasty two, five and 10 holiday macaron gift pack with a variety of holiday flavors including hot cocoa, gingerbread latte, white chocolate peppermint, pistachio pomegranate and dark chocolate bourbon. The five-pack is $12.50 and 10 pack is $25. Delivery is available throughout San Jose for $10. Check out her Instagram for updates and ordering information!
Located in San Mateo, Sibby’s Cupcakery has been around since 2004 serving delicious signature, seasonal and custom-themed cupcakes baked to order from scratch. The bakery is nut-free and offers gluten-free options that are just as delicious. For the holidays, Sibby’s is bringing flavors like gingerbread, coconut snowball and mint cookies and cream. Sampler boxes are $33 for a dozen minis and $48 for regular size and come in a gift-ready box with holiday ribbon. Delivery is available from San Francisco to Sunnyvale and pick-up is by appointment only. Check the website for hours.
A staple in the Burlingame area, Copenhagen Bakery has been open for over 40 years serving customers from all over the Bay Area. While they offer a wide variety of sweet and savory bakery items, the custom cakes are their specialty. Copenhagen does it up for the holidays, making intricate gingerbread houses that you can DIY or buy ready to be displayed (past years included Gingerbread Resort and Smurf Gingerbread House). They also offer themed cookies, cupcakes, fruitcake and stollen. Pick-up and delivery are available, call the bakery for more information.
Johnny Doughnuts in Marin makes artisanal donuts handcrafted with organic ingredients sourced locally. With a variety of flavors and styles from classic to raised to vegan and gluten-free, there is a donut for everyone. For the holidays, they are bringing back two seasonal favorites for a limited time through the end of the year. The Wildberry Bismark is a Hanukkah favorite and similar to a Sufganiyot, filled with wildberry jam and rolled in sugar. For apple lovers, check out the Apple Bismark filled with delicious apple pie filling. Delivery is available through Door Dash or Caviar.
With several locations across the Bay Area including Marin, Susie Cakes is known for beautifully delicious cakes, cupcakes, cookies and pies made from scratch using only the finest and freshest ingredients. For the holidays, Susie Cakes is bringing back their popular Crushed Candy Cane Cake as well as frosted sugar cookies and chocolate mint cupcakes. They will also be offering a cupcake kit that comes with a dozen cupcakes, festive buttercream frosting and sprinkles for $48. Pick-up and delivery are available at select bakeries so check the website for the closest one!
Family-owned since 2008, this bakery knows its sweet stuff. With three locations around the Bay Area including Santa Rosa and Napa, Sift Dessert Bar makes beautiful cupcakes, macarons, cakes, cuffles (cake and frosting blended together and dipped in chocolate) and other yummy treats. They have great holiday boxes that are delivered contactless and left on the porch with delivery notification in Santa Rosa, Cotati and Rohnert Park. Check out the Holiday Box with champagne marshmallows, chocolate cruffles and hot cocoa stir stick for $55, the Winter Box with a dozen assorted cookies and a Snowball Fight Game for the family for $49, or the Hanukkah Gift box with a surprise ball and chocolate coins for $56.
Reading these books with your child will get both of you to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you want to relive a holiday classic (like The Polar Express, The Night Before Christmas or How the Grinch Stole Christmas) or find a new festive read, you’ll find lots of great options in our favorite Hanukkah and Christmas books for babies and toddlers.
The Sweet Smell of Christmas by Patricia M. Scarry
Join Little Bear in smelling the wonderful smells associated with Christmas in this sweet, scented storybook. As you scratch and sniff apple pie, Christmas trees, hot chocolate and more, you and your child will share the Bear family's excitement about the upcoming holiday.
Show a child the magic of Hanukkah traditions and festivities with this sturdy board book designed with rounded corners and a padded cover for safety. Using real-life photos and simple language, this book shares the miracle of the oil, the lighting of menorah candles, the dreidel game, and the yummy treats of the holiday, from chocolate coins to latkes.
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson & Jane Chapman
Bear’s friends are determined to keep him from hibernating through the Christmas festivities this year. Mouse, Raven, Badger and more favorite characters from this book series take Bear to find a Christmas tree, help him decorate for the holidays, and enjoy spending time together. There’s even a visit from a certain special guest in a red suit.
Is there anything more exciting for a child than being welcomed aboard a train heading to the North Pole? We love this classic story that takes you on a mysterious and magical trip to the north. It’s a beautiful book for the holidays and sure to be a favorite among everyone in your home.
The 30th anniversary edition is available on amazon.com, $7.89.
Jonny Lambert's Ten Little Reindeer
Renowned artist Jonny Lambert lends his engaging style to this holiday-themed counting book. Count from ten reindeer down to one and then back to ten again by lifting the flaps to see the reindeer checking gifts, powering Santa's sleigh and having lots of fun along the way. The flaps and pages are sturdy for small hands and help kids develop fine motor skills, while the counting rhyme helps with number skills and language acquisition.
Pete the Cat's 12 Groovy Days of Christmas by Kimberly & James Dean
Pete the Cat is a very groovy guy who goes on lots of adventures, making friends and learning new things along the way. And he’s at it again in this holiday story, rockin’ around while he counts down the days until Christmas. Kids will love the fun rhyming and silly twist on the classic Christmas carol—and you’ll love their giggles.
It just doesn’t feel like the holidays without the Grinch! This Christmas classic is fun and heartwarming in pure Dr. Seuss style for you and your little Whos. It’s as much a part of the season as candy canes and mistletoe and brings with it a heartwarming message about the Christmas spirit.
With a retro-cool illustration for each letter of the alphabet and Hanukkah-themed items such as latkes, the menorah, and dreidels, this book is a fantastic and fun way to introduce your little ones to Hanukkah and the Festival of Lights.
Eric Carle's unique style in books—like The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Brown Bear Brown Bear, What Do You See?—is well known and well loved by little ones. Dream Snow has the same gorgeous illustrations and beautiful language, but with a holiday twist. In this story, an old farmer settles down for a nap on December 24th and dreams about a snowstorm. It’s available in board book format with lift-the-flap reveals or in hardcover with glossy flaps and music at the end.
Reading this whimsical holiday poem by Clement Clarke Moore is a time-honored tradition in many families. It's widely available and has been since it was first published in 1823! This oversized heirloom edition features a four-page gatefold and beautiful illustrations.
Olivia is one adorable little piglet who is pretty excited for Christmas. In this story, Olivia is busy with all things holiday—helping set up the tree, hanging stockings and watching her mom make dinner. The cute story and beautiful illustrations make this board book a great holiday tale for little ones.
Okay, this is cute. Elmo wants to know what a dreidel is, so he finds out by celebrating the first night of Hanukkah with friends. From learning Hanukkah songs to lighting the menorah, this book uses a classic and well-loved character to introduce toddlers to the traditions of the Jewish Festival of Lights.
The Llama Llama series of books is well-loved for good reason. The rhyming language and the super-cute story with an even cuter main character make all the Llama Llama stories both fun to read and listen to. In this Christmas tale, Llama Llama learns a heartwarming lesson just in time for the holidays.
Construction Site on Christmas Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker and AG Ford
If you have little ones who love Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site and Mighty, Mighty, Construction Site, this holiday book will bring them just as much construction joy! Characters like Excavator, Bulldozer, Crane, Dump Truck and Cement Mixer are sweet, and the illustrations are vibrant. Definitely a fun read for you and your child.
Your holiday cooking just got easier! We’ve gathered up the best Instant Pot recipes that you can make in a flash for Christmas parties, Hanukkah gatherings, and more. From Instant Pot appetizers to delicious desserts, we have everything you need for a festive (and fast!) holiday meal.
This instant pot dish from The Kitcheneer screams fall flavors. Picture this: short ribs that are fall-off-the-bone good, cooked with dee-lish pumpkin mash. Get the recipe here.
Where has this cheesecake been all our lives? With caramel, apples, creamy vanilla, and cinnamon whipped cream, this holiday dessert is full of flavor and super simple, too. Get the recipe from Tidbits.
Are you crazy for kugel? This Old Gal (a primo resource for Instant Pot recipes) has a version you'll love! The classic flavors are all there, but it's extra simple to pull off with your Instant Pot. Dig in and get the recipe here.
Looking for a great addition to your holiday party? This easy Instant Pot appetizer (courtesy of Meatloaf and Melodrama) uses frozen meatballs and a few other ingredients. Lip-smacking good! Get the recipe here.
We have your next favorite holiday dessert, courtesy of The Lean Green Bean. With festive spices, french bread, and a bit of chocolate and almond butter to top it off, this treat will disappear faster than you can make it. Get the recipe here.
Hooray for ham that's done in 7 minutes! Oh So Delicioso has the hookup, with a recipe that has a sweet pineapple glaze and oodles of flavor. Plus, it pairs great with any holiday side dish. Get the recipe here.
This ultra-yummy bread from Tidbits is the perfect accompaniment to any holiday meal. Bursting with cranberries and pecans, it's got an extra healthy whole wheat kick. Get the recipe here.
Scalloped potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, which is why you should bookmark this dish from Crunchy Creamy Sweet. It will amp up any holiday dinner and be a hit with kids and grownups alike. Get the recipe here.
Psst! Not only is this pumpkin cheesecake easy to whip up in your handy-dandy Instant Pot, it also sports a unique granola crust. Creamy, crunchy, and no work at all--head to The Wicked Noodle for the recipe.
Need a holiday appetizer ASAP? Lexi's Clean Kitchen has you covered, with no-fuss Instant Pot hard boiled eggs and a deviled egg recipe that'll wow your party guests. Get the recipe here.
Make your holidays even sweeter with this yummy breakfast from Imagelicious. With a gooey cinnamon center and a vanilla glaze, these treats are the best way to start the day or get an afternoon pick-me-up. Get the recipe here.
Want to change up your usual holiday mashed potatoes? Boulder Locavore has just the thing. Think sweet potatoes, bacon, and...well, do we really need to say more. Get the Instant Pot recipe here.
