When it comes to trying to be creative in the kitchen these days, it’s always smart to have quick and easy family dinner ideas up your sleeve. That’s why we’ve collected dynamite dishes that take very little prep work and guarantee to satisfy the whole family. Even better? Some of these quick meal ideas call for the slow cooker!

If you need more easy family dinner ideas, check out our favorite sheet-pan recipes, easy recipes for when you’re burned out, one-pot dinner ideas, and chicken breast recipes everyone will love.

Cheesy Pasta

Cheese? Check. Pasta? Check. Sounds like a total kid-pleasing easy dinner. Throw some rotisserie chicken in at the end of this recipe from The Cozy Cook to make it a one-pot meal.

Easy Dinner Recipe for Cashew Chicken

We’re always looking for recipes that taste just like (better?) our favorite take-out items. This recipe for Cashew Chicken fits the bill, and it’s made in one skillet. Get the recipe from Modern Honey.

Shrimp Fried Rice

So maybe your kiddo hates peas. Or carrots. Or both. The good news is, this easy family dinner idea from The Cozy Cook is super adaptable, so you can throw in whatever the kids will actually eat.

Instant Pot Chicken Marsala

Chicken Marsala is one of the ultimate comfort foods. This easy dinner recipe from Easy Chicken Recipes uses an Instant Pot to get the meal done in under 30 minutes, so we’re huge fans.

Ground Beef Stroganoff

ground beef stroganoff is an easy dinner recipe
Chelsea's Messy Apron

Beef stroganoff is a classic pasta dish, and this ground beef version from Chelsea's Messy Apron comes together quickly. It's a meal that even picky eaters can get behind. Get the recipe here

Crock Pot Chicken from Heaven

crock pot chicken recipe
Stock the Crock

It's right there in the title. This chicken is a little bit of heaven. It's also convenient, delicious, and can be adapted for Paleo diets! Grab the recipe by clicking here.

Chicken Fajitas

chicken fajitas are an easy dinner recipe
Weelicious

One of the best easy family dinner ideas, it's perfect for picky eaters because they can build their own plates. Get the recipe from Weelicious

Ham and Swiss Pasta Roll Up

The View from Great Island

Ham and Swiss cheese nestled into pasta and baked to perfection? Yes, please! This surprisingly simple recipe can be made ahead of time and popped into the oven before dinner time. Get the recipe from The View from Great Island. 

Chicken Cordon Blue Sandwiches

You’ll be able to serve up warm, tangy sandwiches in no time with this 30-minute recipe for Chicken Cordon Blue from Sprinkles and the Smiths. Best of all, it can be made in an air fryer, which makes it (almost) healthy.

Sheet Pan Nachos

Sheet pan nachos are a good option for busy families because you can add what you want, divide it up into sections for picky eaters, and of course, they’re ready in under 30 minutes. Get the scoop from Maple + Mango.

Grilled Cheese with Apple and Jam

Garlic My Soul

Give your classic grilled cheese a major upgrade with two ingredients you probably have on hand: apples and jam! Get the tasty recipe here.

Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken

A bowl of honey garlic chicken made in a slow cooker
Hello Spoonful

This chicken recipe is a keeper when it comes to weeknight dinner recipes! It only has a few ingredients, so you can get this into the Crock Pot in the morning in less than ten minutes! Get the recipe here.

Instant Pot Chili

The Bearded Hiker

Love your Instant Pot? Then you'll love this weeknight dinner recipe! Just sauté your beef, add veggies, beans, and spices and the pressure cooker will do the rest. Click here for the recipe.

One-Pot Orecchiette, Sausage, and Broccoli Pasta

Chelsea's Messy Apron

The flavor of the sausage, parmesan cheese, and olive oil gives this dish all the seasoning it needs, which means there's no heavy sauce to make on the side. Get the recipe from Chelsea's Messy Apron

Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Bites

Catherine McCord from Weelicious

These meatloaf bites from our friend Catherine McCord of Weelicious are petite versions of your favorite comfort food. And you can bet they're perfect for kids' taste buds!

Hawaiian Barbecue Pizza

Kim's Cravings

With BBQ sauce, pineapple, and rotisserie chicken, this pizza couldn't be more simple. Get the kids in on the cooking to make dinnertime extra fun! Click here for the recipe.

Related: 18 Easy One-Pot Dinners Perfect for Busy Weeknights

One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

tomato basil pasta is an easy dinner idea
iStock

This pasta dish isn't too fancy, sports kid-friendly ingredients, and is sure to be a weeknight dinner recipe that you'll make again and again. Bonus: It only gets one pot dirty! Get the how-to here.

Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket

Bake Me Some Sugar

Everyone's favorite party app also makes a great dinner-in-a-pinch! And with just two ingredients and four steps, kids can help whip these up! Make your own with this recipe from Bake Me Some Sugar.

Fettuccine Alfredo

fettucine alfredo for 30 minute meals
Engin Akyurt via Unsplash

Creamy fettuccine Alfredo that's healthy, too? The secret to this recipe is sneaking spinach into the sauce and adding pre-cooked chicken. Get the recipe here.

Grilled Cheese Rollups

My Little Gourmet

Think outside the grilled cheese! These rollups have the classic taste kids love, with just a bit of a twist. And they only take 10 minutes to make! Find out how here.

Related: 31 Make Ahead Meals That Are Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Korean Beef Bowl

Ambs Loves Food

You can fulfill your Korean food cravings in 15-20 minutes with this beef bowl recipe. And you probably have the ingredient list in your pantry! Click here for the recipe.

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Fish

panko fish is tops for weeknight dinner recipes
iStock

Want to introduce the kiddos to fish? Try this mild white fish covered in a crunchy parmesan crust. The ingredients are simple, and the flavors are excellent! Get the recipe here. Or, if you want to try salmon, check out our family-friendly salmon recipes here. 

One-Pot Chicken and Rice

chicken and rice is an easy dinner recipe
Scrummy Lane

Is there anything more comforting than chicken and rice? We don't think so. This quick one-pot version from Scrummy Lane is one of our favorite easy family dinner ideas. 

Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki

crock pot chicken teriyaki is an easy dinner recipe
iStock

Fact: Kids love teriyaki. Another fact? This recipe from Our Little Acre uses the slow cooker and is super simple to make. What's not to love? 

 

 

When it comes time to plan your kids’ birthday bash, it’s enough to try and figure out the cake, the games, and the party favors. The last thing you need to worry about is the party theme. No worries. From the Taylor Swift birthday party ideas to the still-popular princess and Super Mario Bros. party themes, we’ve got the goods on the hottest kids’ birthday party ideas for 2024.

If you’re looking for seasonal birthday party ideas, check out our favorite outdoor birthday party ideas, our favorite summer birthday party ideas, and some of the best indoor birthday party ideas around.

Birthday Party Ideas Little Kids Will Love

A Unicorn Party

Unicorns are always a popular birthday party idea for kids, but in 2024, with Thelma the Unicorn heading to Netflix, we think they’ll be even bigger. Get some ethereal inspiration from San Diego’s Starry Eyed Events’ gorgeous Elegant Pastel Unicorn Soiree gallery (because, you know, unicorns don’t do parties. They do soirees).

Want to keep young unicorn lovers busy? Try this DIY unicorn horn headband that is an absolute must for your little guests.

Next-Level Princess Parties

a picture of a princess themed birthday party idea for kids
Mint Event Design

There are three secret ingredients to pulling off this party: tulle, gold glitter, and a princess cake. Skip on over to Mint Event Design to see more inspiring pictures. And check out our review of Cakest and other DIY baking kits. 

Messy Parties

iStock

Ditch the nice clothes and let your kids get messy! Our original messy art party uses squirt guns, mega-canvases, shaving cream, and paint-filled eggs to get kids' creative juices flowing. You can also throw a slime party (check out our favorite videos on making slime here), a DIY craft party or a mad scientist party complete with a potion-making station. 

Sleep-Under

Parents treat their children to a colorful evening birthday celebration
iStock

Instead of a sleepover, why not a sleep-under? Perfect for younger kids or kids who aren't ready to make the jump to a whole night, invite friends over around dinner time, and plan fun "nighttime" activities like karaoke, a dance party, glow-in-the-dark games, outdoor games you can play in the dark or even crafts. 

Sonic the Hedgehog Birthday Party

Does your little gamer love Sonic? Turns out, a lot of other people’s kiddos dig the feisty blue hedgehog, too. Since Sonic 3 hits theaters in 2024, we’re betting this kids’ birthday party idea will be everywhere this year. Find a plethora of Sonic birthday party supplies on Amazon.

Super Mario Bros. Party Theme

A picture of a super mario themed party, a good kids birthday party idea
Kara's Party Ideas

The new Super Mario Bros. movie is now streaming, and kids love it just as much as when it was in theaters. Since the classic Nintendo game never goes out of style, we think this birthday party idea will be even more popular in 2024. Get inspired with tons of ideas over at Kara's Party Ideas. 

Spa Party

iStock

Who wouldn't want to celebrate their birthday with a full spa treatment? Drop cucumber slices in water, offer cozy robes and slippers, and twirl their hair up in a towel for a day of pampering that includes manicures, pedicures, and facial masks.

Star Wars Birthday Party

DIY lightsabers, a droid-decorating station, and a Death Star piñata from Spaceships and Laser Beams.
Sweet Pea Parties

The Star Wars franchise may be decades old, but the force is still going strong thanks to The Mandalorian, Andor, Ashoka, and the Star Wars attractions at Disney parks. Young Jedi will love this party plan that includes DIY lightsabers, a droid-decorating station, and a Death Star piñata from Spaceships and Laser Beams.

Want something female-centric for your budding Rey? This Millennium Falcon party from Kara's Party Ideas will get your little girls ready for action.

Birthday Party Themes Big Kids Will Love

Taylor Swift Birthday Party

Gather round, swifties! Between her sold-out Eras tour and being Time’s Person of the Year, Taylor is hotter than ever. Expect her fans to want to celebrate with friendship bracelets, her songs on shuffle, and a lip sync contest.

Active Parties

Booking time at a ropes course, zipline, rock-climbing venue, trampoline park, or laser tag arena is a kids’ birthday party idea that’ll still be strong in 2024.  While most of these courses tend to be for children ages 8 and up, it can sometimes depend on kids’ comfort levels. It’s always good to let parents know in advance, usually a necessity because waivers need to be signed and grownups need to have some kind of activity alternative for kids who decide against it at the last minute (including the birthday kid) like a simple art or hands-on craft. Most places will have a party room for rent.

Video Game Truck Parties

a video game truck is a popular birthday party idea
iStock

If you have a game-obsessed kiddo at home, consider renting a video game truck to show up for a few hours. This birthday party idea has been popping up more in the last year or so, and we expect it to be even bigger this year. 

Related: 15 Birthday Party Favors for $5 or Less

Movie Theater Party

a picture of kids at the movies, a fun kids birthday party idea
iStock

With so many new family movies coming in 2024, a fun kids' birthday party idea we think will be extra popular is a movie theater party! Either look into options for renting out a theater or opt to purchase a row of seats for your kid and their friends. 

Glamping Parties

a fun birthday party idea for 2023 is at-home glamping

Okay, so maybe your child loves a good indoor fort or tent, but the Great Outdoors isn't an option for a party venue. A fun birthday party idea for 2024 is an at-home glamping party! Arrange for a glamping scavenger hunt, a hot dog charcuterie board, plenty of ingredients for s'mores, and even kid-friendly ghost stories

Escape Room Birthday

Focused kids look for a way out in quest room bunker at an escape room birthday party
iStock

If you're looking to entertain the always-hard-to-please teens and tweens or give younger kids a challenge, an escape room birthday party can provide hours of entertainment (and boost critical thinking skills). Either plan your celebration at a professionally crafted escape room game spot in your neighborhood or create a DIY escapist birthday party at home.

TikTok Birthday Party

This birthday party theme was huge in 2022, and we expect the trend to get even bigger this year. Play “name that TikToker,” try a (safe) TikTok challenge, do TikTok dances, and make a TikTok with your party guests. Click here for more ideas.

 

 

We know “Netflix and chill “doesn’t mean what it used to, thanks to life with littles, but when you’ve got the time to wind down after the kids are in bed, click off Disney+ and click on these adult shows on Netflix that are sure to keep you awake no matter how tired you are—at least through several episodes. From hilarious comedies to heart-pumping thrillers, here’s what we’re binge-watching on Netflix right now.

"The Brothers Sun"

Production still from The Brothers Sun, one of the best adult shows on Netflix

It's late. You're in bed. And you want a little action. But not that kind of action. Try hitting up the new series starring recently crowned Best Actress Michelle Yeoh. She plays the strong-willed mother of a family of gang members whose enemies have come a-knocking. There's a lot of choreographed fighting, fun quipping, and every shade of Yeoh on the acting spectrum. 

"Carol & the End of the World"

production still of Carol & the end of the world, one of the best adult shows on Netflix

From one of the brilliant writers for the criminally underappreciated campus comedy Community comes this miniseries about a 42-year-old accounting assistant who has absolutely no idea why the impending doom destined for Eearth means her quiet little life has to change. Like Carol in the mass of hedonistic chaos around her, this animated adult dramedy is a diamond in Netflix's digital rough.  

"Bridgerton"

Obsessed? Same. Now that you're done bingeing Queen Charlotte and eagerly anticipating the next installment of the period drama, why not work on a little refresh? While you wait for season 3 to hit the streamer (part 1: May 16; part 2: June 13), catch up on the first two seasons. Then get ready to learn more about Penelope Featherington and her longtime crush, world traveler Colin Bridgerton.

"Wednesday"

The Addams Family reruns you watched as a kid pale in comparison to this witty Tim Burton remake. The series stars Jenna Ortega as the brilliant and totally dark title character. Shipped off to Nevermore, a boarding school for outcasts, Wednesday finds herself in the middle of a mystery. Including nods to the original, with an updated ethos, this show is definitely worth a few hours of your time—okay, eight hours. Once you finish the first season, get ready for season 2 in April.

Related: Netflix Announces 'Wednesday' Will Return for Season 2

"Russian Doll"

A production still from Russian Doll, one of the best adult shows on Netflix

If you haven't caught on to this sci-fi/fantasy show that's absolutely bingeable, our only question is: Why not? Natasha Lyonne plays Nadia, doomed to repeat her 36th birthday over and over again until she gets it right, a la Groundhog Day, but with less humor and more mind-blowing plot twists. Sit down to two seasons; Netflix says a third is in the works now.

"Umbrella Academy"

a production still from The Umbrella Academy, one of the best adults shows on Netflix

Reuniting after their father's death, a group of estranged siblings sees their superpowers and a whole closet's worth of family secrets spill out. So far, the series has wrapped three seasons, with the upcoming fourth season said to be the final chapter. According to Ritu Arya, who plays Lila Pitts, season four will be the comic-book adaptation's best yet. So catch up now!

"Lupin"

a man walks briskly outside the Louvre in Paris, adult shows on netflix lupin

Forget the Ocean's. This French series will leave you wanting more after the first heart-pounding scene at the Louvre. A true gentleman thief, Assane Diop (Omar Sy) sets out to avenge his father who was unjustly imprisoned when Assane was a child. Taking cues from his favorite fictional criminal hero, Arsène Lupin, he steals from the rich and exposes the truth. Part three is now streaming.

"Beef"

a production still from Beef, one of the best adult shows on Netflix

Steven Yeun and Ali Wong star in this wild road-rage comedy that has more twists and turns than Mulholland Drive. They play Danny Cho, a contractor, and Amy Lau, a business owner, and their "beef" begins when the two engage in a near fender bender. The experience ends up burrowing its way into their lives in ways you would never imagine. You will just eat this one up.

"Derry Girls"

Set in 1990s Northern Ireland—Londonderry, to be exact—this hidden gem is set against a backdrop of political upheaval that's nearing its end. School friends Erin, Michelle, Clare, Orla, and James navigate their teenage years with wit and, well, not really wisdom, but maybe the wisdom of youth that's as hilarious as it gets. Creator Lisa McGee has earned lots of praise for this one. 

"Virgin River"

The perfect romantic-yet-not-too cheesy drama finished up its fifth season last year, with a sixth season on its way. While you wait, you can catch up on all the plaid-patterned action and learn about what Mel and Jack are up to in the small town of Virgin River. Should you need more rom-coms while you mom-mom, check out our list of shows like Virgin River.

"Kim’s Convenience"

If you haven't caught this CBC show on Netflix yet, sit down and stream it tonight. Set in Canada, it's the story of convenient-store-owning Korean immigrants and their first-generation adult kids living in Toronto. Based on a play by Ins Choi, its subtle humor balances out the show's more serious themes, meaning you'll laugh, cry, scream, and feel all the other feels. 

"Glitch"

Production still from Glitch

Guaranteed you have never heard of this chilling Aussie gem. About a group of dead people who claw their way back to life from six feet under, Glitch is a genre-blending series that will blow your mind. No, those who have risen are not zombies. And, no, they are not ghosts. But, yes, they are back for a reason. Their journeys to find out why will keep you hooked.

"The Diplomat"

Production still from The Diplomat

Politics are a dirty game. But on The Diplomat, they're also completely absurd, ridiculous, and gloriously silly. Keri Russell stars as the titular ambassador and handles every bonkers plot twist, from international crises to marital exploits with skill and grace. Bless her. Catch up on season 1 now, because the next chapter is on the way, most likely hitting the platform this year.

"Insecure"

Production still from Insecure

Don't have MAX? No biggie. Netflix now has every season of Insecure (and Girlfriends, for that matter) for your streaming pleasure. So when you're done watching Firefly Lane on repeat, treat your viewing queue to Issa Rae's hit comedy about a group of twenty-somethings navigating love, life, and friendship in Los Angeles. 

Related: 10 Hidden Gem TV Shows on Netflix

"The Witcher"

Follow the adventures of Geralt of Rivia, a riveting and well-built monster hunter for hire as he journeys toward his destiny in a fantasy-based world where people are often the scariest beasts of them all. And as if spending late nights with Henry Cavill weren't reason enough to hit play on the adventure series, knowing that eye candy Liam Hemsworth is joining the cast for season 4 certainly is.

"Emily In Paris"

emily in paris woman holding a microphone with lights in the background, adult shows on netflix

An ambitious 20-something lands her dream job as a marketing exec in Paris. And the City of Love does not disappoint with three seasons of romance and adventure finding Emily on every corner. Season 4 got a bit delayed due to the 2023 writers' strikes, but worry not, word is new episodes of Emily, her friends, her lovers, and her wildly inspirational fashion choices will be out this year.

"The Crown"

Can’t get enough of the royal family? This intriguing peek into the reign and romance of Queen Elizabeth II will more than satisfy. It certainly doesn't hurt that it stars the Oscar-winning Olivia Colman for part of the saga as Her Royal Highness, either. Creator Peter Morgan has finally finished his story, with all six seasons streaming on the platform now.

"Good Girls"

YouTube

What happens when a picture-perfect, stay-at-home mom breaks bad? Good Girls. Part Weeds, part Breaking Bad, this series is a dark but fun fantasy escape that will draw you in from the first episode. In a stroke of horrible prime time decision making, the network canceled the series ahead of season five, but that doesn't mean you won't thoroughly enjoy all four seasons streaming now.

"Griselda"

Okay, yes, Ozark is a lot of fun. But odds are, you've seen Jason Bateman and Laura Linney boss up as money-laundering pros in the Ozark Mountains. So, queue up this thriller with links to the cartel instead. It stars Sofia Vergara playing against type in a queenpin role that will have you doing a double take. Drugs, money, motherhood, talk about binge-worthy. Look for it on January 25.

"Cobra Kai"

Thirty years after Karate Kid, the feud between Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) is still going strong. A surprise hit series, Cobra Kai checks in on the rivals, now all grown up, and finds Johnny and Daniel raising a new class of karate masters in their own dojos. Catch up now because season six is on the burner for 2024. 

"Dead to Me"

This dark and twisty mystery about a grieving widow, played by the genius Christina Applegate, and her new best friend, the wonderful Linda Cardellini, will suck you in instantly and will not spit you out until the credits roll on the shocking end. Luckily (and, well, unfortunately), there are three complete seasons to keep you entertained.

"Escaping Twin Flames"

Ripping people off is as American as apple pie. LuLaRoe did it with patterned leggings, Bernie Madoff did it with a handshake, and cryptocurrency used Tom Brady. Twin Flames Universe, the online community at the focus of this 2023 Netflix docuseries, the lure is harmonious true love. And founders Jeff and Shaleia Divine swindled millions of their prey. 

Related: True Crime Docuseries Moms Can't Get Enough Of

"Ginny and Georgia"

a man hugs two children

In search of a fresh start, single mom Georgia moves her kids, Ginny and Austin, up north. Unfortunately, secrets from Georgia’s past come back to haunt them and threaten to make their new lives anything but perfect. As addictive as it is shocking at times, Ginny & Georgia is the gift that keeps on giving: Netflix has guaranteed that seasons 3 and 4 are on the way. 

"Workin’ Moms"

workin moms season six

The last and final season of this hilariously relatable mom-com was released in early 2023. As for the binge, we hope you can make it through all seven seasons without peeing your pants, tagging along with the working moms as they balance the impossible chaos of motherhood and returning to the office. If you've already seen the entire series, check out our picks for shows like Workin' Moms. 

"The Great British Baking Show"

Mouthwatering cake pops and canapes served up with some friendly competition make this series a must-watch for any home baker (or cookie-lover) looking for inspiration. If, however, you fear the yummy sponges on the screen may induce hunger pangs that send you straight to the kitchen for a snack, there's always the Emmy-nominated Selling Sunset to quell the late-night reality cravings. 

with additional reporting by DeAnna Janes

All photos courtesy of Netflix, unless noted.

 

These ideas will help your one-year-old’s birthday run smoothly

Even though your baby won’t remember their first birthday, it’s a major (and incredibly cute) milestone for parents—one that your kid will love to look back on when they’re older (be sure to save all the best pics in the Tinybeans app). You’ll probably choose the most adorable party outfit, soon to be covered in freshly baked (or bought!) smash cake. But with schedules to take into account and a lot of little personalities to cater to, how do you plan a party to remember that doesn’t end in disaster? Whether hosting a small gathering with family or a big blowout, these are the first birthday party ideas and tips that’ll ensure everyone has a great time—especially the birthday babe.

1. Respect the nap.

Happy, stress-free parties require a well-rested baby, so time the birthday bash around your baby’s naptime. While this may mean a different start time than Grandma expected, everybody (especially your child!) will have a better time if you work around the sleep schedule.

2. Create a quiet area.

Since parties with babies can mean tears and gleeful shrieks, setting up a secondary party area in another room or outside for guests to go to if they need a break from the festivities is a brilliant first birthday party idea. Set out non-electronic toys for babies who may feel overstimulated, and place chairs and snacks there for adults who want a spot for quiet conversation.

3. Designate photographers.

To ensure you capture the big moments and sweet snuggles with important folks, ask a few attendees to take charge of specific photo moments. That way you can focus on your child and guestsand end up in some of the photos, too! Take all the snapshots from the day and make them into a Tinybeans photo book to save your memories of the special day.

4. Choose a simple theme.

If planning a Pinterest-worthy party sounds too stressful, stick to a simple theme. Lifestyle guru and mother of two Camille Styles opted for a summer-themed party for her daughter’s first birthday and used hearts and the colors pink and orange to make the party look cohesive.

5. Or… skip the theme.

No, you don’t need a themed first birthday party. Promise. Instead, spend your money on fun first birthday activities your baby and guests will enjoy. Our favorite is the ball pit. Just buy an inexpensive kiddie pool and a lot of colorful plastic balls. Kids will love to play around in it, and you can set it up at home or in your backyard for your child to enjoy for years to come.

Related: Best Places to Hold a First Birthday Party

A picture of a baby with her big sister celebrating with a circus party, one of the cutest first birthday party ideas
iStock

6. Take photos before guests arrive.

One of our favorite ideas when planning parties for one-year-olds olds is to snap pictures before baby gets sleepy or cake-covered and when you and your family are more relaxed and focused. To ensure you get great photos, make or order a small smash cake before the big day and do a low-key photo shoot without any guests around. Baby will be all smiles, and no one flipping through the scrapbook will ever know that the picture was taken on a different day.

7. Weather permitting, opt for an outdoor venue.

A park or playground can be the perfect party spot; all you bring is the cake, balloons, favors, snacks, and a table. The mess will be minimal in the great outdoors, and younger guests will have lots of space to run around.

First birthday party tip: Arrive early to stake out a spot in the shade, and tell guests what color balloons or decorations you have so they know where to find you. If the weather isn’t cooperating and you need to move the party to your home, make extra room indoors by moving furniture out of the party room so little legs can crawl or walk around.

8. Put older kids in charge of games.

Delegate, delegate, delegate. Older kids, like cousins or friends’ children, usually love to be given responsibility at parties, and they’re really good at getting the younger ones’ attention. Put them in charge of party games, music-making, singing songs, and more. Chat with the older kids (and their parents) in advance to ask what they’re comfortable doing and create a plan.

a picture of a baby with a smash cupcake, a good first birthday party idea
free stocks via Unsplash

9. Use a cupcake for smashing.

Smash cakes are all the rage with the one-year-old crowd and their photo-taking families, and while we say smash away, a tiny confection or cupcake works just as well with much less mess. You may even be able to salvage your child’s outfit for future events if you go for a less messy, smaller cake.

10. Personalize the party.

Highlight a few of your baby’s favorite things over the past year (first word! favorite food! favorite stuffed animal!) and make a poster you display at the party. This first birthday party idea from Kara’s Party Ideas lets guests learn about your baby and is worth snapping a photo of for your child to revisit in a few years. Better yet, make it a yearly tradition.

11. Create a time capsule.

Asking your guests to write the guest of honor a short letter to be read years from now tops our list of sweet first birthday party ideas. To ward off writer’s block, offer suggestions for what to write, such as helpful advice, a memory of the party or first year, or wishes for the future. Store the letters in a marked container that reads “Do not open until you turn 21” (or whatever age you like). For guests who can’t make it, ask them to email your submissions—print them out, and file them away for a future date.

12. Make your party treats self-serve.

Set up everything from drinks to dessert in advance so you can tell guests to help themselves, leaving you to focus on your child and having fun. For younger guests, prep cut-up fruit, applesauce pouches, and cups of Cheerios or snack crackers. For adults, a charcuterie board, crudites, and antipasto are always popular nibbles.

13. Keep it short and sweet.

Little people get overstimulated quickly and can’t handle too much of a good thing. Limit your party to two hours or less so everyone can leave on a positive note.

Related: Celebrate Your Baby’s First Birthday Without a Party

Capture all the cutest (and messiest) moments from baby’s big day—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

There’s no doubt about it: kids are sponges when it comes to learning (and picking up on swear words, turns out). We’ve rounded up some fun facts for kids that will entertain and wow them (and you!). For those in search of trivia for teens, we’ve got you covered as well! Try to stump your kids at the dinner table or go all in for a family trivia night. In the mood for even more fun? Try out these hilarious jokes for kids, the best minute to win it games, and some selections from the 100+ movies every kid needs to see before they grow up.

Fun Facts for Kids About Space

fun facts for kids about space
NASA via Unsplash

1. The moon is very hot (224 degrees Fahrenheit, average) during the day but very cold (-243 degrees average) at night.

2. Venus spins clockwise. It’s the only planet that does!

3. One teaspoon of a neutron star would weigh six billion tons.

4. Sally Ride was the first American woman to fly in space, on June 18, 1983.

5. One million Earths could fit inside the sun!

6. Even in an airplane, a trip to Pluto would take about 800 years. 

7. Ham the Astrochimp was the first hominid in space, launched on Jan. 31, 1961. 

8. Neptune’s days are 16 hours long.

9. It takes eight minutes and 19 seconds for light to travel from the sun to Earth.

10. The footprints on the moon will be there for 100 million years. 

11. A neutron star can spin 600 times in one second. 

12. Jupiter is the fastest-spinning planet in the solar system (it only takes about 10 hours to complete a full rotation on its axis). 

13. Sound does not carry in space. 

14. The Earth's core is as hot as the surface of the sun. 

15. The very first animals in space were fruit flies...they were sent up in 1947 and recovered alive. 

16. In 2011, ten-year-old Kathryn Aurora Gray discovered a supernova (a star that has run out of energy, explodes and then collapses before it dies) that no one else had seen before. 

17. Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, has saltwater geysers that are 20x taller than Mt. Everest. 

18. Saturn's rings are made from trillions of chunks of orbiting ice. 

19. Alpha Centauri isn't a star, but a star system. It is 4.22 light years away. 

20. One day on Venus is almost 8 months on Earth. 

21. Jupiter's Great Red Spot is a storm that has been raging for over 200 years. 

22. There are more stars in the universe than grains of sand on Earth.  

Looking for more space facts? Check them out here

Facts for Kids About Food

find out about hot dogs with food trivia for kids
Unsplash

1. The world’s longest French fry is 34 inches long.  

2. Garlic bulbs are full of Vitamin C, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and more. It also has 17 amino acids.

3. On the South Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha, potatoes were once used as currency.

4. The strawberry is the only fruit that bears seeds on the outside.

5. According to Tori Avey, coffee became a popular drink in America after the Boston Tea Party of 1773: Making the switch from tea to coffee was considered a patriotic duty.

6. The double coconut palm produced the biggest seed in the world: 45 pounds.

7. Ice cream was once called “cream ice.”

8. Pound cake is so-called because the recipes once called for a pound of butter, a pound of sugar, a pound of eggs, and a pound of flour. 

9. Peanuts aren't nuts! (They're legumes.)

10. Carrots weren't always orange: they were once exclusively purple. 

11. Cherries are a member of the rose family (Rosaceae) as are quince, pears, plums, apples, peaches, and raspberries! 

12. Lima beans have an amazing ability to command wasps as a defense. If insects are eating the lima bean's leaves, the plant gives off a substance that acts as a signal to parasitic wasps to swoop in and destroy their enemy (i.e. the leaf-eating insects).

13. Apples float because they are one-quarter air! 

14. Ripe cranberries will bounce like a ball. (Go on, try it!). They also float. 

15. German chocolate cake is not from Germany. German is the last name of the man who invented a kind of baking chocolate (Sam German). 

16. Cilantro and coriander are considered to be the same. 

17. SPAM is a mash-up of the words "spice" and "ham."

Amazing Facts for Students About History

library where you can find fun facts for kids and trivia questions for kids
iStock

1. The Wright Brothers only flew together once (though both piloted the planes individually): on May 25, 1910, they took a six-minute flight piloted by Orville with Wilbur as his passenger.

2. Regardless of their size, naval tradition declares submarines to be called “boats” rather than “ships.”

3. Hedy Lamar was a famous Hollywood film actress who also invented what became modern-day Wi-Fi. 

4. Walt Disney started sketching regularly when he was just four years old.

5. Abraham Lincoln lost five separate elections before he became president of the U.S. (Never, ever, ever give up!)

6. Pablo Picasso entered art school around the age of 10. The Picasso Museum in Barcelona, Spain includes many “early works” from his childhood.

7. Frederick Douglass taught himself to read and write.

8. Before European contact (which caused populations to diminish rapidly ) California indigenous tribal groups spoke more than 200 unique dialects. 

9. Amelia Earhart first saw a plane at the age of 10 but didn't take an airplane ride until 1920 when she was 23 years old. 

10. Abe Lincoln was a professional wrestler long before he became the 16th President of the United States. 

11. After landing in Ireland after her first solo Atlantic flight, a farmer asked Amelia Earhart where she was from. When she said America, he almost didn't believe her! 

12. Frederick Douglass's birth name was Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey. When he married he chose the last name Douglass after the hero clan in Sir Walter Scott's famous poem, Lady of the Lake

13. Frida Kahlo created 143 paintings. Of these, 55 were self-portraits. 

14. Babe Ruth was the first baseball player to hit a home run in the All-Star game, at Chicago’s Comiskey Park in 1933.

15. The Olympics used to award gold medals for art

16. George Washington didn't chop down a cherry tree. 

Fun Facts for Kids About the Weather

fun facts for kids about lightening
Sean McAuliffe via Unsplash

1. Some tornadoes can be faster than Formula One race cars!

2. There are 2,000 thunderstorms on Earth every minute.

3. The wind is silent until it blows against something. 

4. There are ice caves in Iceland that have hot springs.

5. The fastest recorded raindrop was 18 mph! 

6. The US gets over 1200 tornadoes a year.

7. Lightning can strike twice.

8.  Clouds look white because they are reflecting sunlight from above them.

9. Yuma, Arizona gets over 4000 hours of sunshine a year, making it the sunniest place on Earth. The least sunny place is the South Pole, where the sun only shines on 182 days a year. (Which would you rather live in?) 

10. Rain contains vitamin B12. 

11. A bolt of lightning is five times hotter than the sun. 

12. A hurricane releases enough energy in one second to equal that of 10 atomic bombs. 

13. It can be too warm to snow, but never too cold. 

14. Tropical storms and hurricanes started getting "named" in 1953. 

15. You can tell the weather by counting a cricket's chirps! 

16. Worms wiggle up from the ground when a flood is coming. 

Animal Trivia for Kids

kids can learn about manatees with animal triva for kids.
NOAA via Unsplash

1. Many people believe that early mermaid sightings can be attributed to dehydration + manatees.

2. Sloths cannot shiver to stay warm, and so have difficulty maintaining their body temperature on rainy days.

3. In the wild, some reindeer travel more than 3000 miles in a single year.

4. Only half of the dolphin’s brain goes to sleep when asleep and the other half stays awake.

5. Other than humans, emperor penguins are the only warm-blooded animals to stay in Antarctica for the winter.

6. The biggest fossil of a spider was found in China. It is one inch long and 165 million years old.

7. The largest living animal is the blue whale, which can measure as much as 100 feet. 

8. Nearly 10% of all of a cat's bones are in its tail.

9. In the wintertime reindeer grow their facial hair long enough to cover their mouths, which protects their muzzles when grazing in the snow. Beard-os! 

10. Dolphins have been seen wrapping sea sponges around their long snouts to protect them from cuts while foraging for food.

11. Shrimp's hearts are in their heads. 

12. While pandas sometimes eat fish or small animals, 99% of their diet is bamboo. 

13. An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain. 

14. A fox uses its tail to communicate with other foxes. 

15. Dogs have wet noses because they secrete a thin layer of mucus, which helps dogs smell! 

16. The female hummingbird builds the world's smallest bird's nest (approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, around the size of a walnut!). She weaves it from spiderwebs which allows it to expand as the chicks grow. 

17. The largest land animal in Antarctica is an insect: the columbola (which looks like an earwig). Penguins are considered marine animals. 

18. There are 222 owl species in the world. Most are nocturnal, but a few are active during the daytime, such as the Barred Owl.

19. Sloths are strong swimmers, especially good at the backstroke. 

20. Sharks do not hunt humans or consider humans food. Shark incidents occur when sharks are hunting for seals, dolphins, or other "human-sized" prey. It's a case of mistaken identity!  

21. A koala's fingerprints are so similar to human fingerprints that they could taint a crime scene. 

22. The loudest animal in the world is the Pistol Shrimp. It can collapse its jaws so fast that creates a bubble that collapses and creates a sonic blast.

Get more fun facts about animals here.

Sports Trivia for Kids

Sports trivia for kids includes fun facts for kids about Babe Ruth
Wikimedia Commons

1. In 1962, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single NBA basketball game. No one has broken this record (not even Steph Curry!).

2. Babe Ruth began his career as a pitcher: Ruth was both a left-handed pitcher and a left-handed batter.

3. The record for the long jump is held by Mike Powell: 29 ft. + 4 inches. That’s like jumping the length of two minivans!

4. The most medals won for Olympic basketball (male or female) are both held by women: Teresa Edwards and Lisa Leslie with four gold medals each.

5. Wilma Rudolph (who set the world record in 1960 for 100, 200, and 4x100-meter relay) had polio, scarlet fever, and pneumonia as a child, leading doctors to believe she’d never walk again.

6. NFL Super Bowl referees also get Super Bowl rings. 

7. In 1919, Cleveland Indians pitcher Ray Caldwell was struck by lightning in the middle of the 9th inning. He kept playing! 

8. The 'G' on the Green Bay Packers helmet stands for "greatness" not Green Bay! 

9. Baseballs last an average of seven pitches. 

10. Manon Rheaume is the only woman to have played in an NHL game.

11. Golf is one of only two sports ever played on the moon. In 1971, Alan Shepard hit a ball with a six-iron while on the moon as part of the Apollo 14 mission. The other sport was a javelin toss, during the same visit. 

12. The shortest player in the National Hockey League (NHL) was goaltender Roy Waters who measured 5 ft. 3 in. tall.

13. The tallest player in the NHL is Zdeno Chara, who is 6 ft. 9 in. tall. 

Get more fun facts for kids about sports here.

Fun Facts for Kids About the Human Body

little girl in bookstore learning fun facts for kids and trivia for kids.
iStock

1. The nose can detect a trillion smells! 

2. One-quarter of your bones are in your feet. 

3. Human teeth are as strong as shark teeth! 

4. Your blood is as salty as the ocean. 

5. Not only does everyone have unique fingerprints, but humans also have unique tongue prints!

6. The average brain weighs about three pounds. A newborn brain weighs about 3/4 of a pound. 

7. Your nose and ears never stop growing. 

8. A human body contains almost 100 trillion cells. 

9. Fingernails can grow 4x faster than toenails. 

10. Eyelashes live for about 150 days before falling out. 

11. Humans are the only animals with chins. 

12. You can't breathe and swallow at the same time.  

 

 

 

These healthy Trader Joe’s products top our list for the new year

Whether you’re looking for a way to scale back on the junk, add some smarter snacks, or kick-start healthy habits in general, there are plenty of helpful options at your favorite neighborhood market. Fill up your cart in the fruit and veggie section and then add a few of our favorite healthy Trader Joe’s products to have at the ready. If you need some meal-prep help, check out our favorite Trader Joe’s meals you can make in 15 minutes or less.

Healthy Trader Joe’s Breakfast Products

Egg Wraps

Healthy Trader Joe's products like egg wraps will kickstart the new year.
Kate Loweth

We love these wraps as a breakfast burrito tortilla alternative or topped with fruit for a sweet crepe breakfast. Kids won't be able to tell the difference, we promise! Bonus: there's 4g of protein in each wrap. 

Peanut Butter Protein Granola

While you have to be careful when consuming granola since it’s normally high in sugar and fat, this peanut butter protein granola has 11 grams of protein per serving! Enjoy in small amounts atop yogurt for that extra protein serving your body is craving.

Organic Rolled Oats with Ancient Grains & Seeds

When it comes to a dense, nutritious breakfast, you can never go wrong with oatmeal. It packs a healthy portion of carbs and fiber, is rich in antioxidants, and can help lower your cholesterol and improve blood sugar control. Plus, it’s super tasty in homemade protein bars and in a smoothie, too!

Egg Bites

Trader Joe's

You love these little bites from Starbucks and now you can have them every day of the week at home. They come in a cheese, spinach, and kale flavor as well as bacon and cheese. Pop them in the microwave and serve with a dollop of salsa. 

Raisin Walnut Apple Bars

We love these little bars as they are packed with protein (10g per bar!) but they have the texture of a roll. Easy to eat on the go, these bars are packed with raisins, walnuts, and apples for a satisfying breakfast option. 

Healthy Trader Joe’s Snacks

Papdums

These lentil and chickpea crisps will be your new favorite snacks. One warning: You might just eat the whole bag in one sitting. They have a lovely light Indian flavor with the texture of Pringles. Great served with your favorite hummus. 

ABC Bars

We love these for kids' lunches as they have 4g of protein and taste great. The chocolatey dough enrobes the almond butter center and feels like a treat. 

Roasted Seaweed Snack

Roasted seaweed is a healthy Trader Joe's product you can put in lunches.

Crunchy, salty, and easy to pack in your kid's lunch. We love this seaweed snack to top ramen bowls. 

Dried Cranberries

These dried cranberries are perfect for snacking and are fortified with cranberry seed oil. They have 200mg of omega-3’s per serving and would be super tasty on a salad, in oatmeal, or enjoyed by the handful.

Veggie & Flax Seed Corn Tortilla Chips

You get the whole package with this bag of chips. Carrot, tomato, spinach, garlic, red beet, and onion plus lots of omega-3's are all found in this inexpensive and flavorful snack.

 

Healthy Trader Joe’s Add-Ins

Organic Acai Puree Packets

Acai is a superfood! These pre-made puree packets are loaded with antioxidants and are low in sugar (fruit is usually high in natural sugars). Perfect for that morning smoothie bowl.

Whole Flax Seed

add healthy Trader Joe's products like flax seed to your diet this year.

Flax seed is easy to add to your yogurt, homemade protein bars, and smoothies for a nice, nutty taste and texture. It's rich in omega-3s, fiber, and lignans, which block the effects of estrogen and could potentially help reduce the risk of hormone-associated cancers, such as breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate.

Organic Chia Seed

Trader Joe's chia seeds are a healthy item to add to your diet in 2023.

Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids (that help raise your "good cholesterol"), fiber, antioxidants, iron, and calcium. They also help with reducing inflammation and weight loss and are easy to make into overnight chia seed pudding. 

Healthy Trader Joe’s Beverages

Kefir & Cultured Milk

This kefir and cultured milk combo has 12 live and active cultures, packs a lot of protein, and is full of vitamin D. Kefir is a powerful probiotic, can improve bone health, and can aid with digestive problems.

Super Antioxidant Green Tea

Green tea is a must for healthy living: It helps regulate glucose levels, reduces bad cholesterol and high blood pressure, and might even help with aging and wrinkles.

Healthy Trader Joe’s Condiments

Almond Butter

Trader Joe’s salted and unsalted almond butter is great for protein: Each serving packs seven grams. The spread is great for baking or a la carte.

Organic Coconut Aminos Seasoning Sauce

Made with just coconut water, sap, and sea salt, Organic Coconut Aminos Seasoning Sauce is the perfect swap for sodium-laden soy sauce. The gluten-free, kosher sauce contains no soy, but 13 amino acids that make this product a must for stir-fries, fried rice, veggies, and more.

Everything but the Bagel Seasoning

 

Add flavor without all the carbs a tasty bagel usually brings when you use TJ’s coveted Everything but the Bagel Seasoning. The blend is made with poppy seeds, minced garlic and onion, sea salt flakes, and sesame seeds and is a great addition to anything! Try on hardboiled eggs, avo toast, and even your fave dinners.

Kerrygold Grass-Fed Butter

Kerrygold grass-fed butter is not only better for baking, but it also possesses properties that are anti-inflammatory and makes for an excellent Vitamin A source.

Sunflower Seed Butter

Sunflower butter is not only an alternative to peanuts, but is also an excellent source of protein, vitamin E, magnesium, and lots of other healthy fats. It's also great for kiddos who attend schools with a "no nut policy."

Healthy Trader Joe’s Lunch and Dinner Products

All-Natural Chicken Breasts

These pre-cooked chicken breasts are deliciously flavorful and a great option to have on hand for quesadillas, sandwiches, salads, or soups. Each chicken breast is individually wrapped. You can find these in the deli section. 

Beef Bulgogi

This frozen product is quickly topping our list of go-to items to have on hand when dinner needs to come together fast. Add some of the garlicky cabbage and serve this with rice for a filling meal. There's also a meatless option if that's your jam. 

Stir-Fried Garlicky Cabbage

Inspired by the Thai dish Galam Plee Pad Nam Pla, this simple stir-fry of cabbage, a whole lot of garlic, and fish sauce makes a tasty addition to your meal whether you have it as a side or mix it in with your stir-fry. 

Kettle Cooked Chicken Soup

chicken soup is one a healthy Trader Joe's products to add to your cart.

One of the most popular healthy Trader Joe's products, this soup is all the rage these days as a serving will really fill you up with a whopping 16g of protein. Plus, it's pretty delicious. 

Spicy Mexican-Style Riced Cauliflower

This little packet really packs a flavor punch and is a great addition to taco night. It has around 200 calories in the whole bag, which makes it an easy add-on to your weekly menu plan. 

Harvest Grains Blend

This hearty and healthy blend packs lots of protein and fiber. It's made up of orzo, garbanzo beans, red quinoa, and couscous that can easily be paired with meat to make a full meal.

Frozen Brown Rice & Rice Medley

Brown rice far surpasses its white rice cousin when it comes to nutritional value, but it takes forever to cook. This box of three frozen brown rice packets makes eating healthy a cinch––microwave for three minutes and enjoy perfectly cooked rice (and no rice cooker cleanup!). Try the Rice Medley when you want a little more texture.

Organic & Sprouted TriColor Quinoa

Quinoa is referred to as a superfood and is higher in fiber than most other grains. It also has tons of protein, is low on the glycemic index, and is gluten-free.

Colorful Carrot Coins

We love these as a potato alternative to that pork roast you plan to serve for dinner. Pop them in the air fryer to get the perfect blend of soft inside and crunchy outside. 

Steamed Lentils

Trader Joe's

Lentils are high in fiber and therefore lower your cholesterol and chances of heart disease. Toss into a soup and enjoy increased energy, stabilized blood sugar, and a healthy gut.

Riced Cauliflower Bowl

Cut the carbs by substituting cauliflower "rice" for its white counterpart. When you use this easy, pre-made version from Trader Joe's, you'll get all the benefits of cauliflower, like tons of fiber, cancer-fighting properties, improved blood pressure and kidney function, and anti-inflammatory nutrients.

Additional reporting by Karly Wood

Party favors that don’t end up in the trash are a huge win in our book

If you want to take your kid’s birthday party from fun to fantastic, the secret ingredient is creative party favor ideas for kids that won’t get tossed aside. Whether your little one digs sports, crafts, or princesses, there’s something just right for your celebration. We’ve found 21 amazing party favors for kids that are sure to put a smile on your guests’ faces. These affordable ideas include easy DIY options and a few that even double as party activities. Just add a birthday cake, and you’ll be ready to party in no time!

DIY Seed Bombs

DIY seed bombs are cute party favors for kids
One Little Project

Check out these DIY seed bombs from One Little Project. They will have your kids' thumbs turning green!

Bubble Gum Dispensers

bubble gum dispensers are a fun party favor for kids
Kelli Hall for Minted Julep

Bubble gum lovers will pop over these mini bubble gum dispensers. The tiny treat holders add a bright touch to any festivities and can be customized with gumballs that match your party decorations. Minted Julep will tell you how to make your own sweet rainbow-colored favors.

Personalized Sand Buckets

personalized sand buckets are a good party favor for kids
Canva

You can never have enough sand buckets, especially in the summer months! This is one of the easiest party favor ideas for kids we've seen because it only requires a few colorful buckets, a market, and, if you're feeling up to it, sunglasses, a shovel, or any other warm-weather accessories. 

Snack Bag

Catch My Party

Complete your camping party with a to-go bag of s'mores ingredients, like mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham crackers. Spotted at Catch My Party, this delicious snack bag adds a yummy touch to post-party goodbyes. Plus, snack bags like these make for an affordable kids' party favor option.

Related: Score Party Points with 11 Activities That Double as Favors

DIY Cup & Ball Game

Hello Wonderful

We love party favors that double as a party activity—and they're even better when they rely on stuff that you already have around the house. These affordable, fun cup and ball game party favors use paper towel rolls or toilet paper tubes that can be customized by your party guests. Check out all the step-by-step directions at Hello Wonderful.

Sweet Party Favor Box

Amy Perotti via Etsy

You'll win big points with this printable party favor box. Perfect for sports-loving kids, this treat box can be customized with your favorite take-home treat. Just add candy, gum, or bouncy balls. She shoots she scores!

Available from Etsy seller Amy Perotti, $3.

Tattoo Soap Bar

Gluesticks

Pass out a squeaky clean favor with these DIY Tattoo Soap Bars that are a solid choice for good, clean fun. This easy party favor can be customized with your kids' favorite temporary tattoos. Slide over to Gluesticks to learn how you can make your own.

Flower Seeds

Catch My Party

Seed packets like these eco-friendly favors are perfect for garden-themed parties or tea parties. You can pick up a batch of flower seeds for under a dollar each, and add your own custom labels. Grow on!

Mouse Candy Holder

Kathleen Ballas for Minted Julep

Nothing could be sweeter than a pastel mouse filled with your guests' favorite candies. These adorable felt mice are perfect take-home gifts for an animal lovers party. Find out all the DIY tips at Minted Julep.

Candy Kabobs

Catch My Party

Send your guests home with a stack of sweets. These eye-catching candy kabobs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Head on over to Catch My Party to find out how to make your own, and don't miss the money-saving DIY tips! Bonus: there might be a little candy leftover to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Related: What an Awesome 3-Year-Old Birthday Party Looks Like

Crayons + Clipboards

Something Turquoise

Kids love to color, so send guests home with these adorable coloring pages from Something Turquoise. Cleverly packaged with a set of crayons and a sturdy coloring surface, head over to the blog for the free printable and assembly instructions.

Minifig Snowglobe

Mini Eco

These LEGO Minifig snowglobes from Mini Eco are double the fun. They're a party activity and favor in one! Your master builders can put together a tiny scene with a few bricks and a Minifigure. Then you can follow Minieco's instructions and turn their creations into a winter wonderland.

Recycled Crayon Hearts

My Frugal Adventures

We heart these DIY crayons from My Frugal Adventures. Save broken or worn down crayon pieces and fill a heart-shaped mold with the colors of your choice. Make solid hearts or mix colors together to create swirling designs.

Flower Pens

Living Well Mom

How does your garden grow? With ballpoint pens and faux flowers! These adorable pens are so easy to make, Musings From a Stay at Home Mom turned this craft into a project for the whole family. Pair with a fun notepad or place them in a bouquet by the door for guests to take as they leave the party.

A New Book

Kayla Hernandez Photography

Charlotte’s Web, Harold and the Purple Crayon, the Olivia series, and more. Whether you decide to personalize a custom book or choose one of the classics, books make great favors and welcome additions to your guest’s libraries.

Related: How to Throw a Sensory-Inclusive Birthday Party for Neurodiverse Kids

Ballerina Bubbles

A Bubbly Life

Guests will burst with excitement over these bubbly favors. Upcycled baby food jars topped with figurines that reflect the party theme make this idea easy and customizable. Pop over to A Bubbly Life for the how-to and a bubble solution recipe.

Edible Play Dough

Momtastic

This favor from Momtastic breaks the mold. Packaged in personalized containers, this edible play dough is super easy to make and fun to play with. What a delicious idea!

Party Playlist

Catch My Party

Get ready to boogie with a mix of your tiny dancer’s favorite tunes. Choose a selection of kid-friendly hits and create your own labels for a playlist guests will be listening to on repeat. Head over to Catch My Party to see all the celebratory details.

Personalized Chalkboards

Maison de Pax

Earning an A for creativity, Rachel at Maison de Pax created personalized chalkboards for each guest at her son’s birthday party using pre-cut letters and chalkboard paint. Colorful chalk wrapped in twine were the perfect finishing touch.

Crazy Party Sunglasses

By Wilma

We adore this bright idea from By Wilma. Ordinary sunglasses get a high-fashion makeover with a little cardboard, glue and creativity. Get the camera ready! These shades make for adorable photo ops.

Related: How to Plan a Kid’s Birthday Party on a Budget

Superhero Capes

Susie Here Only

Custom capes are a super favor idea! Plan a little extra crafting time, and find instructions to make a custom set for your superheroes-in-training here. Psst! It’s not as hard as you think to make a few capes for your superhero and her sidekicks.

Wonderful Wands

Aesthetic Nest

Cast a spell on your party princesses with these affordable wands. We love that Aesthetic Nest's wands are both easy to make and full of magic. They make the perfect finishing touch for Frozen superfans.

—with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton and Lauren Hill 

 

 

 

Gabby’s Cat Friend Ship is a hot gift for three-year-olds this holiday season

The holidays for three-year-olds are pure magic. For parents, the festive season can also be a whirlwind of commitments and to-dos. So, if you’re looking for help to narrow down your gift list or need some inspiration for presents that encourage the little ones in your life to explore, stretch their imagination, and discover their own way to have fun, keep reading. From indoor forts to Paw Patrol playsets, these gifts for three-year-olds will keep things merry and bright. Wondering what to get the other kiddos in your life? Check out our guides for two-year-olds, preschoolers, and grade school kids!

Barbie Dreamhouse Playset

Barbie 2023 Dreamhouse is a good gift for a three year old

There's no Mojo Dojo Casa here! The 2023 version of the iconic dollhouse is the perfect mix of iconic and modern.

Barbie Dreamhouse Playset ($179)—Buy it here.

Matchbox Recycling Truck

Here’s to the hardworking everyday heroes! Kids will love pulling the lever to empty the bin, and the sounds make this fun toy more realistic.

Matchbox Recycling Truck ($32)—Buy it here.

Little Tikes Story Dream Machine Starter Set

Little Tikes Story Dream Machine

Kids can watch classic Little Golden Books like The Pokey Little Puppy on this nostalgic projector that’s easy to use, plays music, and can also be used as a night light and white noise machine. 

Little Tikes Story Dream Machine Starter Set ($90)—Buy it here.

Large Barn with Animals and Accessories

Future veterinarians can put their animal care-taking skills to the test with this barnyard play set from schleich®. Loaded with realistic farm accessories and animal figurines (like a cow, calf, piglet, cat, and dove), toddlers will love feeding the flock and fetching hay with a working winch.

Large Barn with Animals and Accessories ($99)—Buy it here.

Hape Little Chef Cooking & Steam Playset

Little ones can chop, dice, and saute with this pretend Dutch oven that makes real cooking noises, and with the help of a little water, steams up their “dinner.” 

Hape Little Chef Cooking & Steam Playset ($30)—Buy it here.

VTech Race and Discover Driver

VTech Racer

Speed-loving tots will get thrills behind the wheel of this interactive dashboard that lets them make phone calls, drive around different tracks, listen to traffic reports, and even head to the gas station to count how many gallons are needed to fill up.

VTech Race and Discover Driver ($38)—Buy it here. 

Melissa & Doug Barber Shop Playset

Fancy a shave and a haircut? Kids can get and give styling services, and there’s even an adjustable beard! 

Melissa & Doug Barber Shop Playset ($27)—Buy it here. 

LEGO Duplo 3-in-1 Treehouse

DUPLO Treehouse is a good gift for three year olds

Introducing young kids to the world of LEGO is always a good idea, and this new set is filled with pets, kids, grandparents, and lots of accessories for pretend play. 

LEGO Duplo 3-in-1 Treehouse ($90)—Buy it here. 

The Noggin Learning App

Noggin

Make screen time smarter with a kid-safe, ad-free app for ages 2-7. The Noggin Learning app is so easy, and it's the gift that keeps on giving. Build math, reading, wellness, social & emotional skills with 1000+ educational games, videos, and books starring your little one's favorite characters.

Get 50% Off an Annual Noggin Subscription or 60 Day FREE Trial—Get it Here.

Reel Big Catch Game

Reel Big Catch game

This simple but engaging beginner game helps toddlers learn about size measurement and turn-taking. 

Reel Big Catch Game ($25)—Buy it here.

Gabby's Dollhouse: Gabby Cat Friend Ship

The newest addition to the Gabby's Dollhouse world is this cute cruise ship that will attach to the original dollhouse. It comes with furniture and two friends! 

Gabby's Dollhouse: Gabby Cat Friend Ship ($41)—Buy it here.

Learning Resources Sorting Snacks Mini Fridge

Learning Resources Mini Fridge is a good gift for a three year old

With 30 mini snacks and activity cards, kids can learn about counting, matching, and other skills with this adorable set that also encourages creative play. 

Learning Resources Sorting Snacks Mini Fridge ($19)—Buy it here.

PlasmaCar

The PlasmaCar is a good gift for a three year old

Start them out young with this classic active toy that can be used inside or out.

PlasmaCar ($89)—Buy it here

Land of Dough Creativity Workshop

The glittery dough in this set is soft and smells sweet, and the birchwood tools included are designed with tiny hands in mind. 

Land of Dough Creativity Workshop ($25)—Buy it here.

Gonge River Stones

River stones are a good gift for a three year old

These can be anything from pretend river stones to an obstacle course, and the non-slip grip will leave parents at ease. 

Gonge River Stones ($68)—Buy them here. 

Lakeshore Learning Number Bots

Numberbots are a good gift for three year olds

With the turn of a wrist, these numbers turn into robots, adding an aspect of play to learning time. 

Lakeshore Learning Number Bots ($17)—Buy them here

DJECO Fox's Party Tea Set

They’re at the age where setting up high tea for their beloved stuffies is always fun. This adorable set has a cake too, and comes daintly arranged on a cheerful tray. 

DJECO Fox's Party Tea Set ($50)—Buy it here

Nailmatic Hollywood Polishes

Your glamour tot can have manicures galore with this kid-safe set of nail polish in sparkly colors. 

Nailmatic Hollywood Polishes ($34)—Buy it here

Rubble & Crew Backyard Construction Bark Yard Play Set

Kids will build to their heart’s content with their own version of Rubble’s construction crane tower. It also includes a bulldozer and molding sand to make bricks. 

Rubble & Crew Backyard Construction Bark Yard Play Set ($80)—Buy it here. 

VTech Storytime with Sunny

Sunny the talking lamp

This cheerful storyteller has over 300 activities and four different story cards that promise hours of interactive fun for little ones. 

VTech Storytime with Sunny ($45)—Buy it here

B.Toys Kitchen Sink Play Set

This real working sink includes dishes that turn color in warm water and other fun accessories.  

B.Toys Kitchen Sink Play Set ($20)—Buy it here.

Fisher-Price Blaze and the Monster Machines 4-Pack

Blaze and the Monster Machines toys are a good gift for a three year old

Get Blaze, Zeg, Crusher, and Stripes in this entire set of big trucks from the popular series on Nick. Jr. 

(Fisher-Price Blaze and the Monster Machines 4 Pack ($18) —Buy it here!

Meri Meri Heart Hair Slides

These shiny hair baubles are perfect for your diva kiddo. 

Meri Meri Heart Hair Slides ($15)—Buy them here

Crate & Kids Rocket Ship Playhouse

Send your kid on a mission for fun with this chic rocket ship playhouse. 

Crate & Kids Rocket Ship Playhouse ($200)—Buy it here

Play-Doh Kitchen Creations

Kids get five different Play-Doh colors and the "cake" actually rises in the oven. Kids will know when it's done when the timer rings. 

Play-Doh Kitchen Creations ($13)—Buy it here.

Tender Leaf Toys Wild Pine Train Set

Kids can send mini engines down the track past a fishing grizzly bear, a cozy cabin, and of course, a forest. 

 

Tender Leaf Toys Wild Pine Train Set ($120)—Buy it here. 

Ooly Happy Triangle Jumbo Crayons

The shape makes it easy for little hands to hold and the vibrant colors are enough to make anyone smile.

Ooly Happy Triangle Jumbo Crayons ($12)—Buy them here.

Little Adventures Alpine Coronation Costume

If your budding thespian doesn’t want to hang with Sven, Elsa, and Olaf, there are plenty of other characters to choose from. 

Little Adventures Alpine Coronation Costume ($40)—Buy it here. 

eeBoo Trucks and a Bus Memory Matching Game

Not only is this game a work of art, but it’s a fun game for young kids. Match up the different trucks including an ice cream truck, a robot supplies truck, and even a school bus. 

eeBoo Trucks and a Bus Memory Matching Game ($9)—Buy it here. 

3-in-1 Outdoor Convertible Wood Table 

This combo sand/water activity table has sunny-day vibes, and the chic striped umbrella offers extra protection for sensitive skin. 

3-in-1 Outdoor Convertible Wood Table ($124)—Buy it here. 

Pete the Cat: 5-Minute Bedtime Stories

Pet the Cat 5 minute stories is a good gift for three year olds

These 12 stories about the ever-popular feline protagonist are just long enough to capture the attention of busy toddlers.

Pete the Cat: 5-Minute Bedtime Stories ($3)—Buy it here.

Race Around the World Tracks Floor Puzzle

This 48-piece puzzle creates a race track around some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. 

Race Around the World Tracks Floor Puzzle ($23)—Buy it here.

LCD Writing Board

Portable and lightweight, this doodling board comes with its own stylus, kids can create and erase with the push of a button, and it comes in a wide variety of colors. 

LCD Writing Board ($19)—Buy it here.

Wild Ones Bean Bag Toss

A mini version of everyone’s favorite lawn game, kids get six bags to toss through a lion's and bear’s mouth. 

Wild Ones Bean Bag Toss ($55)—Buy it here.

Franklin Sports Foam Football

The soft material and the spiral grip make this a perfect beginner ball for little ones. 

Franklin Sports Foam Football ($10) —Buy it here.

Our Generation Lisa Doll

A perfect introduction to the world of 18-inch dolls, this one comes with cute sunglasses and removable slippers. 

Our Generation Lisa Doll ($26)—Buy it here.

VERBO Motorized Fire Truck

With siren sounds, a working water pump, lights, and a ladder, kids can save the day just like their local heroes. 

VERBO Motorized Fire Truck ($40)—Buy it here.

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You don’t have to do it all. Not only is that okay, but it’s healthy

You’ve got a fridge papered with to-do lists and an epic bookmark backlog of work-life balance articles. But, let’s be real: Something’s gotta give. And first on the chopping block should be that tired old trope that you, working mom, can have it all. Ya can’t. But there’s no shame in accepting this. Because you can easily kill it at this mom life/work life thing by ditching unnecessary stressors. Think of it as Marie Kondo-ing your life. Here are 13 ideas about what working moms give up to help them stay sane.

1) Scratch-made meals. every. single. night. 

While family dinner is great for kids, and we’re all gaga over the idealized concept of the home-cooked meal, we’re all about the cheats. Consider a healthy meal-delivery service, buy a bag of pre-made pasta and stir in some veggies, or get your takeout on.

2) Chasing a perfect 50/50 family/work split. 

Some weeks your family will need more attention. And others, you’ve got to play it like Sandberg and lean in at work. The trick (basic but effective) is communication—tell your partner if they need to step up and be honest with your boss about your sick kiddo at home.

3) Work happy hours. 

Sure, you can go big at important events like holiday parties. But watching Ben from IT perfect his “Friends in Low Places” game at karaoke every Friday night isn’t going to make a difference come annual review time. Kick it at home with a glass of wine or some family-friendly mocktails instead.

4) Being a DIY goddess. 

Bakesale? Store-bought cookies. Party favors? Etsy. Done and done. And even Halloween costumes can be hacked: hot glue, not sewing; hitting the thrift store, not the craft store. (But if DIY is your thing? By all means, keep it up, Martha!) 

5) That social-media addiction.

mom on her phone
iStock

Life’s little moments don’t all need Facebook documentation, and studies show that scrolling through endless feeds of life presented as perfect (when it never is) leads to a major self-doubt spiral. Designate a time to catch up—say 9-9:30 p.m. And if you still find yourself scrolling during the day, try switching your phone’s color settings to grayscale, which makes it a lot less appealing, or take your social apps off of your home screens so they’re more tedious to find.

6) Making it to every practice and every rehearsal.

Be there for your kids when it matters—at the big game or on opening night. But it’s perfectly fine to tag-team chauffeur duty with a mom-friend. And if your pal is a SAHM who picks up your slack during the week, let her kids hang out at your place some weekends to give her a break.

7) Saying “yes” to every friend invite.

Real talk: Friend time is one of the first things to go when you have littles. And while losing your social life completely is a no-no—consider re-evaluating your friendships. Prioritize those who infuse you with energy and joy. And cut out anyone who leaves you drained.

8) Doing everything for your kids.

Little guys can be more self-sufficient than we give them credit for! Assign them basic tasks like folding towels or watering plants. And, as they get older, graduate them to making their own simple lunches, dusting, and dishwasher duty.

9) Giving up your house to your children (and their stuff).

Toy creep—it’s a problem. When kid stuff is strewn all over the place, it means more picking up for you and dad. Limit their toys to a single room. Or, at least, designate toy-free zones like your bedroom and the primary bath.

10) Overcommitting.

Three birthday parties in one weekend? Just no. Keeping up with the scheduling of parties and playdates is hard enough, let alone the driving, hosting, baking, and present-buying (not to mention the, ahem, cost). Declining some invites = less stress and more family time.

11) Getting up with your kids every night.

When they holler “Mommmm,” it’s A-OK if dad comes to the rescue. And while an every-other-night deal with the hubs might be unrealistic, prioritize who does the calming based on what you each have on tap the next day.

12) That idea of the “perfect” work persona.

While setting boundaries might seem scary, you’ll find that your coworkers will come to respect them—whether it’s no meetings after five or no emails on weekends. Consistency is key. And if you’re hourly, let it be known (politely) that your hours are firm, and no, you can’t cover for your slacker co-worker who’s MIA again. Standing your ground—while otherwise crushing it at your job—is one way to reshape the workplace for working moms.

13) Stalling on switching jobs.

Despite giving it your best shot, sometimes your company just isn’t (and will never be) parent-friendly. In this case, it’s time to bust out the ole resume and start your job hunt. And don’t feel bad about it! Put out feelers with working-mom friends because they’ll have your back. And for part-time work, do a little research. There are great companies out there (like us at Alice’s Table!) that let you make your own schedules, or that offer benefits packages even to part-time workers (Starbucks, Whole Foods, Home Depot).

And as for what you should never give up—ever? “Me” time (even if you’ve got to schedule it in), “us” time (even if it’s just Netflix and chill), and time to breathe. You’ve got this!

Alice's Table is a new woman-founded company that throws flower-arranging workshops and teaches women how to host classes themselves so they can launch a creative career or side gig that's fun, flexible, and rewarding.

These Trader Joe’s appetizers are the easiest way to look like a gourmet chef in 15 minutes or less

Whether you are getting together with your family or having a mom’s night sans kids, you’ll definitely need some amazing appetizers to whip up this holiday season. Trader Joe’s has easy appetizers ready to go in their frozen section along with easy-to-make recipes from dips you can only find this time of year. These Trader Joe’s appetizers will save you tons of time during the holidays this year and will impress the pickiest of guests.

Mini Veggie Samosas

Mini veggie samosas are a popular Trader Joe's appetizer

A popular Trader Joe's appetizer, these two-bite samosas are filled with a curry-infused mixture of peas, carrots, potatoes, lentils, and onions. Wrapped in a flaky phyllo crust, the scent alone will have guests wandering toward the appetizer table. 

Fried Olive Bites

These tiny bites only come out at the holidays and they are filled with cheese for the perfect bite on your appetizer buffet. 

Brie en Croute

If you require an excuse to eat a brie en croute, we will give you one. This frozen Trader Joe's appetizer is only available during the holidays which means you have to grab at least one. 

Red Pepper, Cranberry & Walnut Dip

This seasonal dip is a new Trader Joe's appetizer in 2022.

Sweet, spicy, and tart, this seasonal dip from Trader Joe's will make a statement at holiday parties this year. Add it to your charcuterie board and pair it with a crostini or veggies! 

Related: Check Out These Trader Joe’s Frozen Foods with a Cult Following

Herbaceous Cheesy Bites

We love these flavorful bites that pack a nice crunch. These have just the right amount of spices to balance out the cheesy goodness. 

Chicken & Chimichurri Empanadas

Bake these up in your oven and serve with your favorite salsa and you will have some happy guests at your next family party. 

Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions

We love these any time of the year as they are easy to crisp up in your oven and are perfectly bite-sized. 

Crispy Vegetable Pouches

These only come out around the holidays and are a delicious, vegetable-forward option. 

Korean Pancakes

Trader Joe's

Perfect for brunch, these cinnamon-filled Korean pancakes are flaky, chewy and irresistible. Kids and adults will love each and every bite.

Find them in the freezer aisle.

Coconut Shrimp

These are a kid favorite and perfect when served with the Thai Sweet Ginger Sauce for dipping. 

Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons

These are great pan-fried or boiled and the kids will definitely gobble them up. 

Breaded Fried Ravioli

Breaded fried ravioli are a yummy Trader Joe's appetizer
Trader Joe's

You had us at "fried!" Kid-friendly and easy to whip up, these fried ravioli are made with semolina pasta, and five kinds of cheese that includes ricotta, mild Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Asiago and Parmesan.

Related: 16 Easy Trader Joe’s Recipes That Take 15 Minutes or Less

Kibbeh

Kibbeh is a Trader Joe's appetizer
Trader Joe's

Hearty and flavorful, this Kibbeh appetizer will become a family fave. Made with ground beef, onions and seasonings, these meatballs pair well with almost any dip.

Find for just $4.79 in the freezer section.

Chicken Soup Dumplings

While these are technically an appetizer, we see nothing wrong with whipping up the entire box for dinner! Each one of these chicken soup dumplings is made with chicken, onions, green onions and a flavorful broth and can be found in the freezer section.

Mini Quiche Duo

Mini Quiche Duo are a classic Trader Joe's appetizer

Perfect for brunch or lunch, this box of mini quiche duos includes both mushroom and Swiss cheese and bacon and sweet onion options. Bake until golden brown, and enjoy thoroughly.

Each box is just $3.99 in the freezer section.

Related: 20 Things from Trader Joe’s That Picky Eaters Will Love

Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Forget making your own spinach artichoke dip, and snag this frozen version instead! All it takes is a simple warm-up before you're enjoying it with tortilla chips. This is a nice change to the traditional onion dips you find at family get-togethers.

You can't beat the $2.99 price tag on this dip!