Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to shower Mom with love, appreciation and gifts. This year, why not celebrate the mother figure in your life with a gift that’s good for mom and the world? Our list of eco-friendly gifts are guaranteed to make mom smile, plus they’re good for the community. Show the mom, grandma, aunt or other special person in your life how much she means to you with a sustainable product from a local Seattle shop this Mother’s Day.

Sukie's Candle Company

via instagram

A beautiful scented candle signals a serene moment even on the busiest of days. Seattle born and raised, Sukie turned her candle-making passion into a business in 2018. Today, Sukie’s Candle Co. produces non-toxic, vegan, eco-friendly candles with 40-plus hour burn times in exotic fragrance collections including citrus, fruity, floral and spice/woody. Sukie’s uses 100% pure soy wax, derived domestically from American farmers. Plus, all of her candles are infused with natural essential oils (phthalate-free!) and individually hand-poured in reusable glass containers. Shop online or visit a local retailer to purchase a little serenity for Mom. 

Online: sukiescandleco.com

bumble B design

via instagram

For over 20 years, woman-owned bumble B design has curated themed gift baskets, bags and boxes. Surprise Mom with a basket full of her favorite goodies collected by bumble B design. It will include high quality, eco-friendly products that are creatively packaged into gifts suited for every taste and interest. Choose from a variety of themes including Champagne Cheers, Seattle Snacker Basket or Chocolate Gratitude Box (featuring organic, Fair Trade certified, Fran’s Chocolates). Eco-friendly features include reusable drinkware and bags, locally-sourced products and recycled packaging whenever possible. bumble B design hand delivers to most Seattle locations, or you can pick up from its local gift studio. Shipping is available for gifts that don’t contain alcohol.

206-769-7675
Online: bumblebdesign.com

Eco Collective

via instagram

It’s always a good time for pampering! Eco Collective offers an extensive selection of sustainable self-care products that make the perfect gift for Mother's Day. This Seattle-based online shop offers skin care, bath and body, hair care and wellness products including sun care, facial masks and more. Eco Collective’s products are responsibly sourced, plastic-free and kind to people, animals and the planet. All packaging is recyclable, compostable or reusable to help reduce the company's carbon footprint. Take care of a special mom in your life while taking care of the planet.

Online: ecocollective.com

Fair Trade Winds

via instagram

Not sure what to get Mom, but want to find a special Mother's Day gift with a purpose? Look no further than Fair Trade Winds. From felt flowers to bird houses, jewelry to food products, you’ll find the perfect gift. Bonus: Fair Trade Winds has put together a Mother’s Day Gift Guide if you need some inspiration. Purchasing fair trade products supports positive change by emphasizing equality and sustainability, helping artisans, families and communities become self-sustaining. At Fair Trade Winds, a significant percentage of your purchase goes directly to the creators, all over the world. Check out their extensive online catalog or stop by their Ballard gift shop to find that just-right gift.

5329 Ballard Ave. N.W.
Seattle, WA 98107
206-743-8500
Online: fairtradewinds.net

Hours: Mon.–Thu., 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Glass Drinking Straws

Take a tasty treat up a notch with an eco-friendly glass drinking straw from a Granite Falls-based glass studio. This local Etsy shop handcrafts glass straws and carrying cases that aim to reduce plastic straw pollution and add a touch of fun to your iced coffee or seltzer. Choose from a plain straw or add a one-of-a-kind custom accent (coffee mug, animal, music note) to personalize it. Carrying cases are created from organic cotton and come in a wide variety of colors. Straws are dishwasher and microwave safe, and each purchase includes a cleaning brush. We'll drink to that.

Online: etsy.com/shop/DrinkingStrawsGlass

Girlfriend Collective

via instagram

Comfortable activewear can also be earth-friendly. Who knew? Seattle-based online retailer Girlfriend Collective’s clothing offers a high-end fit using sustainable, recycled materials. Vibrant colors, chic designs and ultimate comfort make Girlfriend Collective’s pieces a go-to part of any wardrobe. Tees, tanks, rompers, leggings and bras are made with cutting edge products like recycled polyester, recycled post-consumer bottles, ECONYL yarn (made from recycled fishing nets and other waste) and more. All packaging is 100-percent recycled and recyclable. From the raw materials sourced to create the pieces to the facilities producing the clothing, Girlfriend Collective values sustainability, fair trade and ethical labor practices, making it easy for you to do the same.

Online: girlfriendcollective.com

Terra Bella Flowers

Nothing says “I love you, Mom” like a classic, colorful bouquet of flowers. Select a distinctive floral arrangement from Seattle’s Terra Bella Flowers. This local florist specializes in custom floral designs, houseplants and botanicals and supports local and global growers who celebrate organic, sustainable growing methods and human equality. Terra Bella Flowers can create something beautiful to suit anyone’s preferences. Add on a little extra something (like a candle or chocolates) and include a gift with delivery. Located in the heart of the Greenwood/Phinney Ridge neighborhood, Terra Bella Flowers offers daily delivery throughout Greater Seattle and some Eastside neighborhoods to make it easy for busy families. 

7319 Greenwood Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98103
206-783-0205
Online: terrabellaflowers.com

Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed Sat. & Sun.

Metamorphic Gear

via instagram

For the outdoor enthusiast, consider one of Metamorphic Gear’s rugged, yet stylish totes, crafted with recycled sailing materials as a Mother's Day gift. Founder Lindsay Lawrence is a sailor and outdoorsman who wanted to design stylish and reliable eco-friendly products. Using his sailing experience, he recognized the durability of sail material and upcycled it into tote bags. Metamorphic Gear’s best-selling totes contain more than 90 percent upcycled materials with a truck tarp base, sailcloth top and climbing rope handles. One percent of every sale goes to support clean oceans. Retailers around the Puget Sound carry Metamorphic Gear totes so you can pick one up for Mom’s next outdoor adventure.

Online: metamorphicgear.com

Prairie Underground

Ecologically and ethically-conscious fashionistas love to fill their closet with Prairie Underground’s functional, contemporary designs. Since 2005, Prairie Underground has made sustainability a top priority, honoring social, environmental and economic resources and respecting human rights and the natural world. Hemp and organic cotton is incorporated in every collection of tops, pants, hoodies and outerwear. Limited production reduces waste and shifts the focus to uniqueness. All clothing is manufactured here in Seattle, supporting local garment production in an ethical manner. Shop online or make an appointment to shop at their local boutique. If you're not sure what mom wants, why not get a gift card?

940 S. Harney St.
Seattle, WA 98108
206-328-3514
Online: prairieunderground.com

Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (by appointment only)

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Feature image: iStock

Looking for ways to show your Valentine/s some love? Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift, looking for something to do together or need an idea for a special activity, we can help! Read on for gifts from local shops and makers, as well cooking and craft projects you can do together (or make as a surprise gift)! And if you’re looking to do some major candy purchases, we can help with our list of the best candy stores in NYC.

But First: Free Chocolate

GODIVA

Valentine’s Day is obviously a big deal at GODIVA. In celebration of the holiday the chocolatier will have two larger-than-life installations of its Gold Ballotin and Goldmark Heart boxes pop up in NYC on February 8 in Herald Square and February 9 in Flatiron Plaza. And yes, they will be giving away chocolate!

(We're guessing they'll be hard to miss but you can keep an eye on GODIVA’s official Instagram for the exact location.) 

See "Bloom" in Times Square

iStock

Wander among fluctuating heart-shaped shadows cast by "Bloom", the winner of the 14th annual Love in Times Square Design Competition. From afar, Bloom resembles a pavilion — a circular roof supported by a series of interlocked red and white PVC pipes, but its appearance changes with your perspective, above, below, etc. Designed by architecture and urban design practice Habitat Workshop, "Bloom" is presented in partnership with The Museum of Arts and Design and will be on view in Duffy Square from February 9 to March 9.

Feb. 9 - Mar. 9
46th & Broadway
Times Square
Online: timessquarenyc.org

Get Cooking

Taste Buds Kitchen

Taste Buds Kitchen

Make an adorable Valentine's Love Shack with Taste Buds Kitchen, either in your home or at its culinary studio in Chelsea. The in-person workshop, recommended for kids ages 3 to 8 is on Feb. 13. Prices start at $79 for one child and caregiver. Click here to register. Another option: order up a Love Shack ($75) to pick up or be delivered for a $20 fee. Click here to buy.

Taste Buds is also offering an in-person class for kids and caregivers making Valentine's Day Pop-Tarts on Feb. 12. (Starting at $50)

Freshmade NYC

Angela Pham via Unsplash

Freshmade NYC is offering several Valentine's Day cooking projects to take part in live, via Zoom on Feb. 12 & 13. Make sweet or savory palmiers, heart-shaped bagels with berry cream cheese, or make an enjoy fondue together. Classes are $25.

Click here for class details, dates & times

Dig In!

Milk Bar Red Velvet Cake & More

Milk Bar

If the ones you love are red velvet fans, get thee to a Milk Bar, stat! The American-style bakery from chef Christina Tosi with bakery locations all over NYC is serving up some very serious RV treats for Valentine's Day. Choose from red velvet cake, red velvet truffles and even red velvet soft serve! 

Get a cake for $59, a dozen truffles for $29, or a combo pack for $84. 

Online: milkbarstore.com

Dylan's Candy Bar Valentine Variety Tackle Box

Dylan's Candy Bar

This 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Tackle Box ($28) is a chic collection that includes sour gummy triple hearts, cherry taffy, Valentine marshmallows, milk chocolate hearts and more. Pick it up at Dylan's Candy Bar in Hudson Yards, or order it online.

20 Hudson Yards. 4th fl.
34th St. between 10th and 11th Avenues 
Hudson Yards
Online: dylanscandybar.com

Get Creative

Make a Gift at The Painted Pot

Chastity M. via Yelp

Make a special something for mom or dad at The Painted Pot, where you can paint-your-own pottery or acrylic piece. (Pottery needs to be fired and picked up later, acrylic can be taken with you the day you craft.) 

Cost for pieces and studio time is usually about $20-$30. Space is limited due to Covid-19 protocols, and you must book time in advance. 

Still another option is The Painted Pot's art projects to go. 

229 Smith St. 
Cobble Hill
718-222-0334
Online: paintedpot.com

200 7th Ave. 
Park Slope 
718-768-8379

Family Art Project at Wave Hill: Love for Woodland Friends

Joshua Bright

Head to Wave Hill in the Bronx for crafting or birding. Family Art Project: Love for Woodland Friends 

The art project celebrates the ways we care for each other by creating woodland-creature sock puppets. Kids can give a puppet as a heartwarming gift, or keep it to remind them of our local woodland friends. 

For families with older kids, go on a guided birding excursion. Explore Wave Hill’s tranquil gardens and woodland with naturalist Gabriel Willow to observe birds in their winter habitat. Birders of all levels are welcome. Please (Bring your own binoculars. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult.)

Art Project: Sat. Feb. 12 & Sun., Feb. 13, 10 a.m. - Noon
Free with admission to the grounds 
Wave Hill House
675 West 252nd St.
Bronx
Online:wavehill.org

Birding: Sun. Feb. 13, 9:30–11 a.m.
$15, including admission to the grounds.
Meet at Perkins Visitor Center

Get Moving

Zoom With Laurie Berkner

Laurie Berkner

Laurie Berkner is performing two special "Valentine's Day" LIVE Virtual Family Concerts on Sunday, February 13 at Noon and 5 p.m. Eastern Time. The shows will feature songs about love such as "A Hug From My Mama," "I Love You Daddy" and "My Family," along with some of her greatest hits, including "We Are The Dinosaurs," "Victor Vito," "Pig On Her Head" and "Rocketship Run."  A family ticket grants admission to one or both livestreams.

Tickets: $20
Online: live.laurieberkner.com

Get Comfy!

Love-ly Throw Pillows

Alexandra Ferguson

Sometimes you need to make a statement and have it live on your living room furniture every single day. Just ask Alexandra Ferguson, who is all about the love (we’re partial to her ‘Love Lives Here’ pillow for sure), and has been designing recycled felt pillows featuring fun and sassy phrases using die-cut letters sewn in her Brooklyn warehouse for the last 12 year. To order, visit her website or her Etsy shop. Prices start at $64.

Online: etsy.com/shop/alexandraferguson

Arranging Box DIY Flowers

Arranging Box

Anyone can grab roses from a corner bodega and arrive home with a smile and a stunning dozen, but Arranging Box curates fresh blooms and help you expertly style them. Make an arrangement for your beloved, or gift them the kit if that's up their alley. All kits come with fresh flowers, a flower recipe box and step-by-step designing tutorials created by the company’s founder, a savvy floral designer who pivoted to create this company during the pandemic. $59 and up.

Online: arrangingbox.com

Get Fancy 

Glitter Heart Slides From Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store

Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store

Maybe these are for your little valentine, maybe they are for you. Either way, they're fab. Pick some up ($14) at Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store in Brooklyn or online. 

Fifth Ave. 
Park Slope
232-522-9848
Online: blueribbongeneralstore.com

Get Zapped!

Forever Bracelets at Catbird

Catbird

Nothing says forever like...forever. Catbird will zap (i.e., weld) a dainty bracelet on a wrist to be a constant reminder of love. (Of course, you can take them off if you really need to.) Get one for someone special, get a matching pair, etc. Prices start at $98. Minimum age is 10. Weldings are by appointment only a the Soho location. 

253 Centre St. 
Soho
718-599-34576
Online: catbirdnyc.com

 

 

Get Weird!

Name a Bronx Zoo Cockroach

A little pinch of perfect

Can you love a cockroach? The Bronx Zoo says "yes!" and this Valentine’s Day you can name one of the Zoo’s Madagascar hissing cockroaches. The full package comes with roach beanie, a pair of roach socks, a printed certificate with your roach’s name and a very crawly Virtual Encounter with one—and a surprise animal guest too. From $15.

Online: bronxzoo.com

—Lambeth Hochwald & Mimi O’Connor

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The Easter Bunny can get by on an all-carrot diet, but we’re serving you up a whole lot more than that! Easter is celebrated April 4, and whether you prefer a formal Easter dine-in option, brunch on the river or takeout to enjoy in your cozy clothes, we have ideas for a memorable holiday meal. We even found some fun DIY dessert options! Reserve your spots, make your plans and have the hoppiest of Easters!

RESTAURANTS WITH DINE-IN, TAKEOUT & DELIVERY OPTIONS

RPM Seafood

RPM Seafood
Celebrate Easter with RPM Seafood while they serve up holiday specials, alongside their normal menu. If you prefer to celebrate at home, RPM Seafood is offering an Easter dinner package that includes Housemade Parker House Rolls, Lobster Ravioli, Black Pepper Glazed Ham, Strawberry Rhubarb Tart and more.

Apr. 4; 317 N. Clark, St., River North; RPM Seafood. More details

RPM Italian
Doors will open at noon on Easter Sunday for holiday specials like Braised Lamb Shank and Sweet Pea Raviolini, and more alongside the full menu. If you prefer to celebrate at home, RPM Italian is offering a three-course Easter dinner package that includes Fresh Housemade RicottaTuscan Kale and Spinach Salad, Spaghetti Carbonara, Crispy Heritage Chicken, Tiramisu and more.

Apr. 4; RPM Italian, 52 W. Illinois, Near North. More details.

RPM Steak
RPM Steak opens early at noon to serve holiday specials, alongside the regular menu. If you prefer to celebrate at home, RPM Steak is offering an Easter dinner package that includes a Spring Pea Salad, Roasted Beef Tenderloin, Roasted Asparagus, RPM Carrot Cake and more.

Apr. 4; RPM Steak, 66 W. Kinzie, Near North; More details

Easter in Spain at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba
Celebrate Easter in Spain, without the airline fees! This year, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba is offering Easter Brunch to Go that includes their Ba-Ba Bloody Marys and Sangria-To-Go. Or, you can dine-in for brunch starting at 9 a.m. or dinner, 3 p.m.-9 p.m. Their Easter Brunch To-Go package must be ordered by Apr. 3 at 5 p.m.

Apr. 4; Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba, 2024 N. Halsted, Lincoln Park. More details

Easter Brunch and Takeout at True Foods Kitchen
Join True Foods Kitchen Easter weekend for a celebration of spring, including a colorful, seasonal line-up of brunch and beverage options, Easter brunch available for dine-in, carryout or delivery at both the River North and Oak Brook locations.

Apr. 4; River North and Oakbrook locations. More details

Easter Brunch or Dinner at Summer House
Celebrate Easter with a brunch or dinner at Summer House & Stella Barra. If you prefer to celebrate at home, the restaurant is offering an Easter Brunch and Easter Dinner to-go that can be ordered for 2 or 4 people.

Apr. 4; Summer House & Stella Barra, 1954 N. Halsted, Lincoln Park. More details.  

RESTAURANTS WITH DEDICATED IN-PERSON BRUNCH

Brunch at Tavern on Rush
Tavern on Rush hasn't announced a bunny-specific brunch this year. However, they host an exceptional brunch every Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., that includes a raw bar, french toast, pancakes, brick oven pizza, and lots of different egg-centric options.

Apr. 4; Tavern on Rush, 1031 N. Rush St., Gold Coast. More details

TO-GO OR DELIVERY ONLY

Beatrix Market
Beatrix Market is offering mix-and-match holiday dishes to create a holiday menu at home, The a la carte menu includes Roasted Ham with Maple Glaze, Rosemary Brown Butter Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Baked Macaroni and Cheese, and Oh My! Caramel Pie. 

Order by Mar. 31 for Apr. 2 & 3 pickup; DePaul & Loop locations. More details for DePaul & Loop

The Best of Lettuce
Best of Lettuce Delivered allows you to enjoy your favorite dishes from multiple Lettuce Entertain You restaurants all at once! Participating restaurants are offering special Easter packages including RPM Italian, Summer House and more! These specials are available for pick-up or delivery to Chicago's Northern suburbs. Select bottles of wine and cocktail kits are also available.

Pick-up or delivery Apr. 4; 59 W. Hubbard for pick-up. More details

NATURE-THEMED DESTINATIONS

Morton Arboretum

Easter Brunch at Morton Arboretum
Enjoy the breathtaking views of Morton Arboretum's Meadow Lake while enjoying Easter with your loved ones. This event is first being offered to registrants of last year's cancelled Easter brunch. Should more seatings become available, Morton Arboretum will update their website. So, keep checking for availability!

Apr. 4; Morton Arboretum, Ginkgo Restaurant; 4300 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. More details

CRUISE THE WATERWAYS

Odyssey

Chicago River Cruise Aboard The Odyssey
Get out on the water this Easter for an exceptional celebration and brunch aboard Chicago’s most luxurious cruising vessel, Odyssey. You'll experience a 2-hour plated brunch cruise while soaking in Chicago's beautiful architecture.

Apr. 4; Odyssey, 455 N. Cityfront Plaza Drive. More details

BRUNCH WITH REAL BUNNIES

Brunch at Lambs Farm
Enjoy a plated meal at the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery and then make your way to the Bunny Patch to see live bunnies and take a socially distanced photo with the Easter Bunny. Kids will receive a goody bag and can pick a gift to take home.

Apr. 4; Lambs Farm, 14245 Rockland Rd., Libertyville. More details

COOKIE DECORATING

Summer House
Summer House is offering a Spring Cookie Decorating Kit that includes 5 spring-themed sugar cookies and ready-to-use royal icing piping bags and sprinkles.

Apr. 1-Apr. 4; Summer House, 1954 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park. More details

Beatrix
Pick up an Easter Cookie Decorating Kit that includes six Easter-themed cookies and four icings. The kit is available at all 4 Beatrix locations in River North, Streeterville, Fulton Market and Oak Brook.

Mar. 24-Apr. 1; 4 Beatrix locations. More details

— Maria Chambers

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Spring is nearly here and that can only mean one thing: it’s time to stock up on the Easter basket’s fave candy: PEEPS! But why toss in just simple marshmallow treats when you can dress them up, extreme makeover style?

The next time you’re out shopping, make sure to pick up a PEEPS Decorating Kit. Coming in bunny and chick options, each kit comes with five marshmallow, pre-made white icing and fun candy accessories to take your Peeps to the next level. You have your choice of sunglasses, a mustache, flip-flops, a bow tie and other cute candy pieces to make over your marshmallow friend. 

PEEPS Marshmallow Chick Decorating Kit

Available at Walgreens for $4.99. 

PEEPS Marshmallow Bunnies Decorating Kit

Available at orientaltrading.com, $5.99

—Karly Wood

Featured photo: 

 

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There are loads of sweet ways to show your family some love on Valentine’s Day, but we’re partial to sugar-laden sentiments! We gathered up a few of our favorite at-home kits for the ultimate Valens-DIY.  There’s an exploding cupcake, a magical unicorn cake and even a simple frost-your own cookie kit. Show your family how much they mean to you this Valentine’s Day weekend with one of these at-home sweet treat kits. All you need to add is love!

Make a Magical Cake

Caketime

Make Valentine's Day a Valens-DIY! Caketime is an all-the-time DIY cake decorating studio in Northern Virginia! You can come to this Chantilly shop for some masked fun, pick-up a to-go DIY kit or have cookies or a cake delivered. As a dedicated DIY shop, Caketime has a number of sweet projects to fill your Valentine's Day weekend, from a magical unicorn cake to a simple cupcake kit. Why buy just one? 

4300 Chantilly Shopping Center, Ste #1H
Chantilly, VA
703-657-0999
Online: caketimediy.com

Explode with Love (and Sprinkles!)

These EXPLOSIVE cupcakes aren't just for icing. You can fill them with sprinkles, too! Cut out the centers and let your kids add their favorite sprinkles, top with frosting and, you guessed it!, more sprinkles (or fancy DIY chocolate toppers). When you cut into these cupcakes, they spill their sweet contents out like a mini (edible) piñata! Each kit comes with 6 cupcakes and all you need to make these pint-sized cakes explode! Henry's Sweet Retreat in Bethesda also has DIY cookies in addition to these decorate-your-own cupcakes; all are available for curbside pick up or delivery.

4823 St. Elmo Ave.
Bethesda, MD
240-483-0485
Online: henryssweetretreat.com

Frost-a-Roo

Sprinkles

If you have three sweet little munchkins at home, or you and your partner have just one huggable, lovable tiny, this box of to-be-frosted chocolate chip cookies is meant for sharing! Three oversized cookies come with all you need to whip up the ultimate Valentine's treat. The Valentine's Frost-a-Roos also comes in a gluten-free version. Get ready to add shimmering sprinkles to these mega-sized treats. Frost-a-Roos are available for pick-up, delivery or can be shipped to you from Sprinkles in Georgetown. 

3015 M Street NW
Georgetown
202-450-1610
Online: sprinkles.com

Pipe Some Flowers

Buttercream Bakeshop

Pick up this DIY cookie kit at Buttercream Bakeshop on Feb. 13 or 14 (limited delivery is also available for DC residents on Feb. 14). Each kit includes 6 sugar cookies to frost with vanilla buttercream for at-home fun. Included in the kit are rosette tips so you can make pretty floral cookies and have some family-fun with piping. Don't forget the sprinkles! 

1250 9th St. NW
Mt Vernon Square
202-735-0102
Online: buttercream-bakeshop.square.site

DIY Your Own Box of Chocolates

Fran's Cake & Candy Supplies in Northern Virginia is a one-stop shop for those looking to up their baking game. You'll find fondants, sprinkles and cookie cutters galore here. They also have DIY kits to go; pick up this Valentine's Day Cupcake Kit that lets you create cupcakes that look like your favorite box of chocolates! Want some hand-holding while you frost your creations? Fran's is offering a Parent & Me class for Valentine's Day with special guest Dawn Alston, a former Food Networks competitor. 

10927 Main St.
Fairfax, VA
703-352-1471
Online: franscakeandcandy.com

Celebrate Your Kiddotine

Neighborhood Provisions

Make Valentine's Day sweeter this year with a Kiddotine Goody Box from Neighborhood Provisions. Each kit includes 2 sugar cookies and 2 cake pops your little sweetheart can hand paint with fondant. For larger families, order Neighborhood Provisions' cookie decorating kit, which includes 6 sugar cookies. DIY cookie kits are available for delivery on Feb. 13 or you can pick up your pre-ordered sweet treats at one of their five locations (listed below). 

Bluejacket
300 Tingey St. SE
Navy Yard
202-524 4862

Rustico Alexandria
827 Slaters Lane
Alexandria VA
703-224 5051

Rustico Arlington
4075 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA
571-384-1820

Red Apron Mosaic
8298 Glass Alley
Fairfax VA
703-676-3550

Owen’s Ordinary
11820 Trade St.
North Bethesda, MD
301-245-1226

Online: nrgprovisions.com

Choose Your Own Flavors

Mix-and-match your favorite cupcake flavors, icing colors and sprinkles for a vegan treat this Valentine's Day. Plant-based bakeshop Sticky Fingers is offering DIY cupcake kits, make-your-own brownie kits and a chocolate covered strawberry cupcake virtual baking class for the ultimate sugar rush this Valentine's Day weekend. Pre-order your sweet treats for curbside pick up. 

1370 Park Rd. NW
Columbia Heights
202-299-9700
Online: stickyfingersbakery.com

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

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Photo: Spokin

Allergy-friendly gingerbread houses mean holiday fun for everyone! The candy won’t last long but the memories from this sweet tradition will last forever. See our 15 top picks available in bakeries and stores, including 12 made in dedicated facilities! 

Dedicated Facility | Non-Dedicated Facility

1. A & J Bakery
Product: Gingerbread House Kit
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Wheat, Gluten, Sesame
Allergen Statement

2. Mo’Pweeze Bakery
Product: Gingerbread House Kit
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame, Mustard
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 8, Sesame, Mustard
Allergen Statement

3. Izzi B
Product: Gingerbread House “Do It Yourself” Kit
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: Some ingredients we purchase were processed in a plant that also processes tree nuts and soy under good manufacturing practices. Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Wheat, Casein, Gluten
Allergen Statement

4. Little GF Chefs
Product: Gingerbread Houses Kit
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Top 8, Sesame
Allergen Statement

5. Bakery Bling
Product: Pink Designer Gingerbread House
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Fish, Shellfish Contains: Egg, Soy, Wheat, Gluten
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut

6. Annie May’s Sweet Cafe
Product: Gingerbread House Kit
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None 

7. Sensitive Sweets
Product: Gingerbread House Kit
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Sesame
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut, Gluten
Allergen Statement

8. Karma Baker
Product: Gingerbread House Kit
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut (excluding coconut), Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Gluten
Contains: Coconut, Soy
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Milk, Egg, Wheat, Gluten
Allergen Statement

9. Manischewitz
Product: Do-It-Yourself Chanukah House Cookie Decorating Kit
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Fish, Shellfish
Contains: Soy, Wheat, Gluten
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut

10. Create a Treat
Product: Barbie Cookie Dreamhouse
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish
Contains: Wheat, Gluten
Precautionary label: May Contain: Milk, Egg, Soybean
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut
Allergen Statement

11. Whole Foods
Product: Gingerbread Chalet Pre Built
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish
Contains: Milk, Wheat, Gluten Precautionary label: Produced in a facility that also processes Eggs, Soy
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut
Allergen Statement

12. Create a Treat
Product: Pre-Built Gingerbread Mansion
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Soy
Contains: Milk, Egg, Wheat, Gluten
Precautionary label: May contain soybean.
Facility Dedicated Free From: Peanut, Tree Nut
Allergen Statement

NON-DEDICATED FACILITY

13. Pastry Base
Product: Gluten-Free Gingerbread Tiny House Village Baking Kit
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Top 8, Gluten
Contains: No Top 8
Precautionary label: None
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

14. Wilton
Product: Ready to Build Mini Village Gingerbread House Decorating Kit
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish
Contains: Wheat, Gluten
Precautionary label: Made in a facility that also processes: Egg, Milk, and Soy
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated

15. Target
Product: Wondershop Holiday Deluxe Gingerbread House Kit
Ingredients Do Not Contain: Peanut, Tree Nut, Milk, Egg, Soy, Fish, Shellfish
Contains: Wheat, Gluten
Precautionary label: Processed in a facility that also handles Egg, Milk, and Soy ingredients.
Facility Dedicated Free From: None stated
Allergen Statement

 

To learn more about our product guide process see our letter from our founder.   

This post originally appeared on Spokin.

Spokin is a modern platform and app connecting people managing food allergies to resources including food, restaurants, hotels and more. Users have personalized experiences based on allergies & location. With 55,000+ reviews across 79 countries, Spokin helps the allergy community share and connect. The Spokin iOS app is free on iTunes.

It’s time to get the kids prepped for Halloween. While the holiday may look different this year, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM,Inc. is helping families to stay connected to make the most of the day. From socially distanced trick-or-treating to no-contact gifting there are endless ways to celebrate. 

Harry & David Halloween Pear Decorating Kit ($34.99): A fun and creative new way to enjoy a fruit alternative as a Halloween treat, this unique and sweet Halloween Pear Decorating Kit comes complete with a sheet of food-safe stickers. Once completed these pears are perfect to use as Halloween décor. 

Harry & David Halloween Pear Decorating Kit

The Popcorn Factory Halloween Popcorn Ball Decorating Kit ($39.99): Play with your food! This kit includes everything you’ll need to fashion ghosts, goblins, witches, bats, pumpkins, monsters, spiders, bats or anything else your imagination can create using eight popcorn balls.

The Popcorn Factory Halloween Popcorn Ball Decorating Kit

Cheryl’s Cookies Halloween Cut-Out Cookie Decorating Kit ($49.99-$79.99): A delicious and fun gift idea! The cut-out cookie kit arrives with everything you need to create yummy buttercream frosted Cheryl’s treats at home – no baking necessary. The kit includes 24 unfrosted, cut-out cookies, a 1 lb. tub each of vanilla and orange icing and Halloween sprinkles. If you choose, you can add aprons and a spatula. 

Cheryl’s Cookies Halloween Cut-Out Cookie Decorating Kit

This year, Halloween activities for kids are definitely not cancelled!

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM

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