It’s no secret Trader Joe’s has a cult following. From heat and eat meals and fun florals, to unique products you can’t find anywhere else, it can be hard to know where to start as a TJ’s newbie.
Luckily, the grocer has revealed it’s 13th Annual Customer Choice Awards: the yearly rundown on fan faves that take the cake. Continuing in the pandemic tradition, many of the items are the same as last year, but that just goes to show you can always count on Trader’s for your go-to groceries. Keep reading to see who took home the prizes.
A winner for the last several years, this tasty frozen dish makes you a superstar at the stove. Kids and parents will love the saucy meal that pairs great with frozen rice that heats in three minutes.
Favorite Beverage: Non Dairy Oat Beverage
Honestly, we aren't sure how this product over-performed and beat out ginger beer and spiced apple cider, but now we've got to try it.
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When it comes to giving gifts for the holidays in 2021, you want to give Dad something he’ll treasure . . . and use. We asked our editors what they’re giving the papas in their life, from the practical to the personal. Read on to see the unique gifts for dads they’re gifting this year.
Keep your favorite beer cold, fresh and carbonated for up to two weeks with this pressurized growler. Not only does it look good on your counter, but you can choose your desired carbonation level for optimal refreshment.
Dad can take his gaming to another level when he jumps into VR with this set. He can also immerse himself in a concert or sporting event, get moving with a fitness program and travel all over the world. Be warned: the teens are going to want to borrow it, for sure.
Dad will love all the bells and whistles that come along with this ultra-durable hoodie like the sunglasses loop, bottle opener pocket and dry pocket. Plus, the style can't be beat.
This will be a fun puzzle for the family to put together over winter break. You can feel good about giving a gift from this women-owned family business that donates a portion of proceeds to marine conservation initiatives.
Get Dad geared up for grilling with this thermometer that he can monitor via an app. It comes with an apron that any dad would be proud to wear at the grill.
Yes, there's a smaller (less-expensive) option to get these treats shipped to your home, but take our advice and go big. With flavors like Pecan Pie and The Elvis, you're going to wish you gifted this to yourself.
With cooler weather right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about cozy clothes like sweaters, leggings, hats and coats. Finding clothing for kids (that they’ll actually wear) can be tricky, so we curated a list of new collections from some of our favorite places to shop. From must-have basics to splurge-worthy trends, keep reading to see our top picks for fall fashion for kids.
Tea Collection's Fall Line
Every collection from Tea Collection is inspired by another country or place, and this season it's Sweden. Think woodland animals, knitted sweaters, corduroy and more.
Janie and Jack is bringing all the fall vibes and we are totally here for it. Check out their sherpa-lined denim jacket that is perfect for fall and we love the buckle sweater for both boys and girls.
The clothing company that's got a cult following among girls in America just dropped new items for fall. Think plaid schoolgirl skirts, tie-dye hoodies, jumpsuits and more.
Kith Kids has collaborated with the iconic kids' brand to create a limited-edition capsule collection for fall 2021. From denim to overalls, sweatshirts, hats and even baby bibs, the line has all the classic look of OshKosh B'Gosh but with modern touches sprinkled throughout.
This line of fun graphic t-shirts celebrates Latinx Heritage Month, which kicked off on Sept. 15th. There are onesies, kids' shirts and even shirts for parents!
FabKids is one of our favorite clothing subscriptions for kids and their September collection is filled with cozy plaids, printed leggings, fun sneakers and more!
H&M has plenty of quality clothing for kids at great prices. Particularly in demand are jogger-style pants, and there are plenty to choose from. You can also get your kid geared up for winter with new coats, lined boots and padded vests.
Primary is a great place to snag kids' clothing that doesn't have words or loud graphics plastered all over it. We love the rainbow theme that is new for Fall 2021, as well as the dozens of color combos to choose from.
This brand-new inclusive line of kids' clothing from JCPenney has something for every shape, size, style and ability. Sizes range from 2T-22, the clothing is gender-neutral, has adaptive features like sensory-friendly seaming, hook and loop closures, hidden abdominal openings, magnetic zippers and no tags.
If your kid is uber-hip and loves clothing that sets them aside from the rest, you need to check out Nununu. You'll find prints like skulls, graffiti splashed across extremely on-trend clothing.
When it comes to movies for kids, there’s nothing like a few Disney movies to fit the bill. We sorted through dozens of expert reviews and popular opinions in order to curate this list of the top 17 Disney animated movies of all time, so if you’re looking for endearing storylines and characters your littles can look up to, look no further. Scroll down to find your next pick for family movie night!
Luca (2021)
Common Sense Media
Luca may look like an average boy. Even though he has two legs, two arms and all the other aesthetics of a human, he’s really a sea monster from another world that lies just below the surface of the ocean. Follow along as an unusual friendship develops along the Italian Riviera between a local human and a sea monster in this new original movie from Pixar.
The first Disney movie to feature a Black heroine, this fun and sometimes spooky film has a great message for kids about ambition, hard work and friendship. Tiana is a girl whose goal is to open the finest restaurant in New Orleans, and she is very clear about the fact she doesn't need a prince to be happy. Of course, she inadvertently finds one anyway when she meets Prince Naveen, who has been turned into a frog by an evil witch doctor. Naveen convinces Tiana to kiss him to break the spell—which backfires when it turns her into a frog as well. Adventures ensue as the duo journeys through the bayou in search of a spell to turn them back into humans.
If you've got kids who love video games, this is one way to switch up the screens and get them watching a movie instead. The story follows Ralph—a hulking brute who is tired of always being the bad guy in his video game and so sets out to prove he's not so bad after all. In his quest, he abandons his own game and hops through a variety of others—which causes some major trouble in the arcade world and threatens to wipe out everything. Through it all, of course, he learns important lessons about friendship.
Note: There are some scenes with guns and shooting (they take place in shooter-style video games), plus some potty humor ("butt" and "doody") that kids will likely love.
Rapunzel is no helpless maiden in this retelling of the famous fairy tale. This spunky modern heroine isn't afraid to stand up for herself, fight the bad guys, leap from towers and explore the big, wide world while searching for her true identity. There is mild violence—and the fact that Rapunzel has been kidnapped and manipulated by a witch who seeks only youth and beauty may be a bit heavy for kids who get it—but all in all, kids will love the action, music and romance in this sweet story that teaches kids to follow their dreams.
Disney's musical retelling of the age-old Hans Christian Anderson story follows the innocently rebellious Ariel, a mermaid princess who gives up her life in the ocean in an effort to be with a human prince. Of course, she must make a precarious deal with a devilishly evil sea witch to make it happen. With award-winning songs (the movie won an Oscar for Best Original Score and a Grammy for "Under the Sea") and a fair share of peril and action, the story will satisfy even kids who aren't into mermaids or princesses.
It's hard to believe that this is the first Disney movie of all time, as its story is as popular today as it was 83 years ago. The story of the "fairest of them all" and her plight to stay safe from the vain and wicked queen is a timeless one, though it does contain some dated concepts about women. There are some frightening moments, including when the queen orders her huntsman to kill Snow White and she must escape through a spooky enchanted forest (and, of course, there's that famous poisoned apple). But still, generations of kids have watched and loved this classic Disney film—and yours likely will, too.
Note: Since this film was made in the early 20th century, it depicts dated gender stereotypes that some people might find offensive (i.e. Snow White decides that the dwarfs must need a woman around to clean their house). As long as you can put that aside, this movie still belongs on your go-to list of classics.
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
This movie has a huge cult following and it's no surprise why. Pumpkin King Jack Skellington wants to spread Christmas cheers to children far and wide but will his efforts put Santa in jeopardy? You'll have to watch to find out!
Disney's second animated film still holds timeless lessons about honesty and love. Pinocchio is a wooden puppet who must learn to listen to his conscience and resist temptations (like skipping school) in order to become a "real boy." While all ends happily, there are some scary visuals—including a scene where droves of naughty little boys are turned into donkeys and carted away, as well as another scene where Pinocchio and his father are swallowed by a giant whale. Goodness and heroism prevail, of course, so kids should be sufficiently cheered by the movie's end.
Travel to the fantasy world of Kumandra, where humans and dragons live together in harmony. When evil arrived in the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. No, 500 years later, lone warrior Raya must track down the fabled last dragon to battle the evil that has once again returned to the land.
Parents will love the fact the main character in this film is a girl who doesn't need a prince to find her happily-ever-after. Littles will love the catchy songs, fun characters (Dwayne Johnson's Maui almost steals the show) and lighthearted peril as they watch Moana, the daughter of the village chief, on her quest to restore her island's vitality and return the heart of the ocean.
A. A. Milne's beloved classic stories come to beautiful life in this classic Disney film. Kids will learn sweet lessons about friendship and loyalty as they watch Pooh-bear bumble his way through the Hundred Acre Wood with his beloved pals. And, the fact there's no bad guys or scary parts means even the tiniest of Pooh-fans can get in on the fun.
Delve into deep questions like, "What makes you, YOU?" with this Pixar feature that takes you from the streets of New York City to The Great Before. Main character Joe Gardner (voiced by Jamie Foxx) teams up with a precocious soul to try and get back to Earth.
Cinderella may be the classic damsel in distress sort of fairy tale, but this kind cinder girl's journey toward happily-ever-after can actually be a great way to get your kids thinking about empathy and kindness (talking about how the stepsisters treat Cinderella, for one, is a good way to address the importance of kindness). Plus, who can forget those classic songs, including "A Dream is A Wish Your Heart Makes" and "Bippety Boppety Boo" There's a reason Cinderella has been Disney's most popular princess for 70 years now, so hop aboard the pumpkin-turned-carriage and let it take you away, too.
The Circle of Life takes center stage in this dramatic story about a lion who steps up to fulfill his destiny and save his pride. There are some scary moments—namely, the orchestrated death of young Simba's father by a stampede of wildebeests as well as a vicious lion-on-lion fight—but the movie is, in the end, an inspiring one filled with memorable music (Elton John wrote many of the songs) and important lessons of bravery and responsibility.
If you haven't already gotten your share of "Let It Go" or "Into the Unknown," now's as good a time as any. With (clearly) Broadway-caliber showstoppers and a storyline that's as fun for adults as it is for kids, it's clear to see why these two were record-breaking blockbusters. Both films emphasize the importance of friends and family, with the bond between sisters Elsa and Anna prioritized above all. Kids will love seeing the sisters each surmount their personal challenges while staying true to themselves. There are a few scary moments in both films, but most kids over five will be unequivocally entranced.
If you haven’t heard of Magic Spoon, you’re probably still embracing your childhood cereal with gusto. Well, it’s time to start adulting!
Known for its cult following, Magic Spoon is getting ready to kick off summer with some sweet new flavors. Say hello to Strawberry and Banana!
photo: Magic Spoon
So why do people obsess over this particular cereal? It’s practically guilt-free because its keto-friendly, offers high protein and is low carb. On top of all that, the unique flavor range is out of this world and we can’t get enough of the fun colorful boxes.
The brand new flavors drop today and you can snag a few boxes at magicspoon.com. Bundle up the savings and get four boxes for $39!
Miriam is a lifelong New Yorker who just moved to the 'burbs. She's obsessed with finding and sharing the best products and deals for moms & kids + home renovations and decor!
It’s amazing how small businesses adapted so well to quickly produce masks and improve them over a few months to make them really functional and cute! My own kids are now 2.5 and almost six and it took a lot of trial and error to find masks that both fit them well and that they want to wear.
Below are some of our favorites, as well as masks recommended by members of my Facebook deals group and NYC mom groups (you can find both groups here.
You can find my adult mask recommendations here. I also rounded up the best mask chains and lanyards here.
1
Rafi Nova
Masks in a range of fabrics and fun patterns from an ethical brand
$10
My two year old loves these masks and they fit her well. They are available in both organic and performance fabrics ranging from beautifully embroidered to camouflage print. The brand also sells a smile mask with a clear window and donates all profits from those masks to organizations that serve the deaf and hard of hearing. For 15% off your order, click below and use code MIRIAMC15.
Performance fabric with an effective and comfy fit from a small female-owned activewear brand
$15
These are my 5.5 year old's favorite mask (and the adult version is my favorite). They're made of a soft performance fabric that's especially great for outdoor activities or for when you need to wear a mask for extended periods. My 5.5 year old can wear one for hours in the heat without fussing or complaining. While they aren't adjustable and don't have a nose wire, they have an amazing close fit thanks to the rouched sides, smart shape and the give and stretch of the performance fabric. These masks also feature a hidden pocket between two layers for removable inserts (filter not included). For 15% off your purchase, click below and use code THEBESTBBY.
Athleta Girl Adjustable Made to Move Masks (three pack)
Great for active kids age 5+
$30
These masks are contoured and have soft adjustable ear loops, making them a great choice for active kids. While they are marketed to girls, they are a solid choice for any kid. They are recommended for age 5+ and have a hidden pocket for removable inserts (filter not included).
Comfy cotton spandex masks available in mommy and me styles (for even tiny faces)
$11
These simple yet comfortable masks are made by a mompreneur and available in little kid, kid and adult sizes. They feature a hidden filter pocket between the two layers of soft cotton spandex fabric. The little kid size is perfect for my 2.5 year old. For 15% off your purchase, click below and use code MIRIAM15.
This mask has a cult following among NYC moms thanks to the cute prints, soft fabric and smartly designed adjustable ear loops. The kid size fits my 2.5 year old and is too small on my 5.5. year old. They recently released a version with an infinity strap, which functions as a built in lanyard or chain to allow your child to keep his mask around his neck when he removes it. I wear the adult version but only on cooler days.
Many people have told me that this is their kids' favorite mask. It's also available in lots of fun prints, including winter/holiday prints and even a heart print that's perfect for Valentine's Day! Accordingly to my followers, the kid size generally fits ages 2-5 or 6, depending on the child's size.
These masks offer a great fit, thanks to their pleated design, soft ear loops and adjustable nose piece. They are designed for ages three to 14. While on the site, pick up peel and stick custom name labels for all your kid's clothing and gear, and iron on name labels for masks. For 10% off your label purchase, click below and use code BEST10 (discount not available on masks, stamps or sale items).
Back in our day, trick-or-treating meant hunting for full-sized candy bars with an empty pillowcase, an orange UNICEF box, and a coveted Ben Cooper plastic costume. Sure those masks had no ventilation and the coats our moms made us wear ruined the effect, but man, those were the (spooky) days. Here’s a look back at some of the best ensembles from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. Which one did you have?
We didn’t even know She-Hulk was a thing.
Jem from Jem and the Holograms.
“Show’s over, Synergy!”
Road Runner
Beep, beep! Can’t catch me!
A Popple
Remember these little guys? Did we ever figure out if they were teddy bears with tails?
Barbie Cowgirl
“I’m a Barbie girl, in a Barbie world.”
Wonder Woman
Even the Lasso of Truth won’t be able to save you from this trainwreck of a mask.
Princess Leia
The force was strong with this costume, but good luck fitting a cinnamon bun hairdo under that mask.
Pound Puppy
Who could resist those (pound) puppy dog eyes?
Cabbage Patch Kid
So that’s where cabbage patch kids came from!
He-Man
By the power of Greyskull! Now that we’re older, we have a deeper appreciation for built-in abs.
Glo Worm
Unfortunately, the costume didn’t come with that special inner glow.
Lisa Simpson
This was the costume if you had a pesky big brother and constantly felt like the smartest person in your family.
Chuck Norris
There was no tougher costume than the Karate Kommando himself.
Cornelius or Zira? Who knows, we could never tell them apart …
The Fonz
Frequently mistaken for Richard Nixon or Ronald Reagan by those answering the door.
Scooby-Doo
The irony was, you couldn’t fit ANY sandwiches in your mouth through that mask.
Morticia Addams
Were you Team Munsters or Team Addams Family?
The Hulk
Based on the Marvel comic, not to be confused with the Lou Ferrigno/Bill Bixby TV series.
If this post makes you feel all warm and fuzzy and nostalgic, we’re happy to report there is a cult following for vintage Ben Cooper costumes on eBay, so have at it. When your kid complains about how “itchy” their $90 Plush Minions costume is, you can break into a righteous “When I was a kid …” speech with the goods to back it up.
If you’ve been craving Milk Bar but aren’t planning a trip to New York City anytime soon, you can now satisfy that sweet tooth at Target! Coveted Milk Bar goodies are now being sold at your local bullseye retailer.
Chef Christina Tosi and her East village sweet shop are expanding the cult-following offerings to stores, starting with new Truffle Crumb Cakes. Found in the refrigerated aisle, the new treats are inspired by Milk Bar’s bakery Cake Truffles and supermarket desserts.
Truffle Crumble cakes currently come in Birthday, Chocolate Birthday and Chocolate Chip and retail for $2.99 for a pack of two.
You’ll also want to get your hands on Milk Bar’s Cookies, which currently come in Compost, Confetti and Cornflake Chocolate Chip Marshmallow. Cookies retail for $4.99 for a pack of eight,.
Chef Tosi shares, “That my mom, my aunts, my brothers and sisters can get a little nibble of the bakery at their nearby Target excites me to no end. Though most aren’t able to visit us at one of the shops, or are waiting for that special occasion to send a care package, we’re here for you, to give you a reason, an excuse to take a little moment to celebrate something, someone, to take a beat, to eat dessert.”
Milk Bar will be bringing new cookie flavors that include holiday exclusives in the next few months.
If you haven’t already discovered The Tiny Chef, let us introduce you to the world’s tiniest (and quite possibly, the most adorable) herbivore chef, who whips up teeny-tiny dishes and sings songs in his garden tree stump house. With a cult following that includes mom-celeb Kristen Bell, The Tiny Chef will be taking his show to the big leagues, as Nickelodeon recently gave the greenlight to move forward with a series for the network.
Miss Penny
Imagine Kids+Family, Tiny Chef Productions and Nickelodeon Animation Studio will collaborate to create more of the short-form stop-motion animation that fans love. The Tiny Team is quoted in Deadline as saying, “We cannot wait to tell The Tiny Chef this amazing news. Though we’re a little worried his tiny heart may burst with joy so we’ll make sure he’s sitting down. It’s been The Tiny Chef’s dream to have his own cooking show and now Nickelodeon is making that come true. This next chapter in The Chef’s journey will be so exciting and thrilling for all of us.”
The series will premiere on Nick’s preschool platforms in the U.S., as well as Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. channels internationally.
“C” is for cookie. And if that isn’t enough to make your little monster’s tummy rumble, along come “CCC” — chocolate chip cookies! Chicago does the indulgence justice, because we have kid-friendly bakeries and restaurants that make delicious, from-scratch versions of the treats—from cookies as big as your head to infused deliciousness. You’re never far from your next fix. Here is where we get ours.
Beatrix is the Beyonce of restaurants. It does it all, from breakfast to lunch, brunch to dessert. One of the best ways for families to experience Beatrix is via its coffee and pastry bar, which is a full-fledged bakery inside the restaurant. The selection offers an overwhelming array of muffins, breads, cakes, scones and more. Something Beatrix does exceptionally well is cookies, particularly the chocolate chunk cookie. These large, saucer-sized indulgences achieve the perfect middle ground of crispy along the exterior and soft in the center. Each bite of this thick cookie gives way to a pleasant doughy chew, brimming with fudge-y melted chocolate.
5 locations in River North, Streeterville, Loop, Fulton Market & Oak Brook; Online: beatrixrestaurants.com
Big.Fat.Cookie makes chocolate chip cookies so delicious looking, it's almost a shame to eat them. Almost. They are made in very small batches with an insane amount of attention to detail—they weigh each cookie and add individual chocolate chips to be sure they're made to perfection. You can find them at retail stores throughout the city or place an order for pickup at their location on Hooker. Pick-up days are Wed.-Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
A bakery that prides itself on classic American confections is bound to excel in the chocolate chip cookie department. Such is the case at Bake in Bucktown. This adorable, nostalgic Americana bakeshop peddles all the sweets that childhood dreams are made of, including exemplary chocolate chip cookies. Like the menu and motif at Bake, these cookies are pure classics, likely the closest you’ll come to mom-made cookies in Chicago, rich with notes of butter, sugar and smooth chocolate morsels.
Oh Carol, you temptress. Based in Highland Park, Carol’s Cookies has gotten a cult following for its football-sized cookies. (We're exaggerating a bit on the size—but barely.) With a big shipping business and wholesale business, Carol’s Cookies are not hard to come by, making it all too easy to binge on sugar and ruin appetites for dinner. The brown sugary chocolate chip cookies are the embodiment of indulgence, not only in sheer heft, but in the astounding richness compacted into every single nook and cranny.
Check website for retail locations & order online at carolscookies.com
Sweet Shot Cookies specializes in infused cookies and cookie cakes. Their homemade gooey-infused cookies can be filled with anything from marshmallow fluff to dark chocolate ganache—you name it, they infuse it. They can be ordered pre-filled or if you're a DIY'er, they can be delivered with a syringe of flavor so you can inject it yourself with as much filling as you'd like. Now, that is our kind of DIY!
Got a chocolate chip cookie pregnancy crave? Up at all hours tending to a newbie in the house? Insomnia has you covered. Most of their locations deliver until 1 a.m. so you can indulge your sweet tooth.
Defloured makes their chocolate chip cookies so mouth-wateringly amazing that you'd never know it's gluten-free. In fact, their entire menu is gluten-free. That's right, we didn't forget about the folks who steer clear of gluten, but want a cookie that isn't dry for once!