14 Space-Saving Loft Beds That’ll Elevate Your Kids’ Room (Literally)

by Kate CartiaMay 10, 2023

Get your space back with a kids’ loft bed

Does your child’s bedroom look like a toy tornado blew through it? Are you tripping over piles of clothes and stepping on Legos? If you’re a parent with major space needs, you’re in the right place. We know firsthand the struggle of trying to fit all of your kids’ belongings into their bedroom while still leaving enough space for them to play and sleep comfortably. Loft beds are the answer to all of your space-saving problems. These “lofty” goals may seem impossible, but thanks to these clever kids loft beds, the dream can now be a reality.

So, whether you’re dealing with a small bedroom or just want to give your kiddo the coolest bed ever, keep reading. These fun sleep setups not only save precious floor space but also provide a fun and adventurous sleeping arrangement for your little ones. out our favorite kids loft bed setups below, and be prepared to take their room to brand new heights. We know parents will love these:

west elm mid century loft bed for kids — West Elm

Mid-Century Marvel

$1954 BUY NOW

This loft bed with desk hits all the right mid-century notes: from the classic wood color to the streamlined styling, we are pretty sure this piece will stick around long after the kids have moved on to their own abodes.

Urban Industrial

$200 BUY NOW

This workhorse not only delivers a spot to sleep, but the built-in shelving units also provide ample storage—whether your little one needs a spot for their dinosaur collection, books, or a place to display their sports awards.

Oeuf Perch Loft Bed

$1720 BUY NOW

Modern furniture maker, Oeuf, has done it again by applying their minimalist-yet-still-cool-for-kids look onto what can sometimes be a large and overwhelming structure in a room. Their "Perch" loft bed is as versatile a loft as the rest of them but with an eye for design thanks to its pared-down styling.

Little Seeds Monarch Hill Haven Twin Metal Loft Bed

$350 BUY NOW

If your kid is begging to upgrade their little kid's room to a full-fledged teenager's oasis, this twin loft bed delivers design-worthy results with on-trend metal accents against clean lines. Plenty of space abounds below the sleeping area whether for a full desk setup or cozy lounge.

best loft beds for kids donco kids full house — Zulily

Donco Kids Full House Low Loft Bed-Color

$785 BUY NOW

If you are and your kids still can't get enough of farmhouse chic, then install this rustic-inspired loft bed that also accommodates a full-size mattress—a nice perk for growing kids.

DHP Studio Loft Bunk Bed

$356 BUY NOW

Who could ever wake up on the wrong side of the bed that has a set of stairs welcoming you to start your day? This loft bed, ideal for active kids, also includes handy pockets for storybooks and toys—keeping all their favorites within easy reach.

best loft beds tiramisu best bunk bed — Amazon

Twin Loft Bed with Bench Seating

$387 BUY NOW

Do you have a Starbucks-loving teen? This convertible loft bed will make their mocha-frappucino dreams a reality thanks to this clever set-up that provides cafe-style seating underneath their sleeping quarters. Best part? If a playdate/study-sess goes late, the seating area can quickly transform into another bed, turning this loft into an instant bunk for sleepover fun.

Room & Board Chase Loft bed

$2499 BUY NOW

Some say a coat of paint is the easiest way to transform a room but they must not have seen this loft bed available in 16 different colors! Pop this loft bed into your kid's room for a much-appreciated splash without any of those rogue paint splatters.

loft beds for kids max and lily twin over twin loft bed

Max & Lily Twin over Twin Low Bunk Bed

$748 BUY NOW

Complete with guard rails, storage shelf, and stairs, this all-in-one loft bed has everything a kid could want with all the safety reassurances parents need so parents can sleep easily too.

Treehouse Loft Bed

$2500 BUY NOW

This adorable loft bed is designed to have the bed fit inside the classic house frame, surrounded by plenty of open windows and to be ladder accessible. This one is sure to be perfect for the adventurous kiddos.

Småstad

$649 BUY NOW

For the kid who needs it all—a desk, a wardrobe, a place to play, and a spot to sleep, then look no further than ultra-convenient Ikea whose loft bed provides all of that and then some without taking up a ton of floor space.

best loft beds for kids dorel living benson twin left bed — DHP/Amazon

Dorel Living Benson Twin Loft Bed

$159 BUY NOW

This fun, stylish, and functional design is made of sturdy wood construction. It's available in many different colors to easily fit into any new or existing decor. Enjoy simple and traditional design, perfect for small spaces.

DHP Junior Metal Loft Bed with Storage Steps and Blue Curtain Set

$380 BUY NOW

This loft bed is perfect to keep your little love's room nice and neat. The curtains create a private area (to hide things or to play!) and also has panels above the storage pockets to keep small toys and books neatly out of sight. Finally!

Twin-size Loft Bed with Desk and Reversible Ladder

$229 BUY NOW

Maximize space and functionality with this awesome design. The loft bed comes with a wooden desk and two corner shelves, perfect for the older child who needs a study area and lots of storage space.

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

17 Fascinating Facts about San Francisco That Every Kid Should Know

by Kate LowethMarch 6, 2023

Where can you find an albino alligator? What is the most crooked street in SF (hint: it’s not what you think!)?

If you’ve ever had a kid rattle off a million facts about seagulls, you know they are total sponges for any sort of trivia. These fun and weird facts about San Francisco will give the kids a little knowledge about the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco’s most famous ice cream sandwich, the iconic PIER 39 sea lions, and more. Share these over your next family dinner!

1. The average speed of a cable car is 9.5 mph. Better hold on tight!

2. Popular in Chinese cuisine, the fortune cookie was invented in San Francisco by the Japanese Hagiwara family at Golden Gate Park's Tea Garden. It's free to visit the Golden Gate Cookie Factory in SF but it will cost you 50 cents to take pictures!

3. The famous 1906 earthquake and the fire that followed destroyed much of San Francisco but Redwood trees helped salvage the city. Redwood trees take in a lot of water and have a low resin content. When the fire reached a building made of Redwood, it didn't burn as quickly because the resin is what makes wood flammable.

4. The sea lions moved into their home at PIER 39 after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. You can check them out via their webcam. How can you tell the difference between sea lions and seals? Sea lions have flaps for outer ears (while seals have none) and sea lions are far more vocal than their seal cousins.

5. The Golden Gate Bridge isn't really red (or golden for that matter). The official color is International Orange and it was not supposed to be the permanent color of the bridge. Suggestions of black and yellow stripes as well as candy cane red and white stripes were made by the U.S. military. But the architect Irving Morrow chose International Orange as it was able to be seen in the fog and contrasted nicely with the surrounding landscape.

6. Ghirardelli Chocolate was started by Domenico Ghirardelli in 1849 when he was selling chocolate and other goods to gold rush miners. He moved to San Francisco in 1852 to open his chocolate factory. Ghirardelli is the largest, continuously-operated chocolate producer in the U.S. There are three chocolate shops in Ghirardelli Square and you are always welcomed with a free piece of chocolate when you visit.

7. The San Francisco Municipal Railway has quite a collection of streetcars that run along Market Street. You can ride vintage streetcars from Portugal, England, Japan, Australia, Italy, and more!

8. Lombard Street is known as the most crooked street in San Francisco. It was designed in 1922 when it was determined that the street's 27% grade was too steep for cars and pedestrians. But did you know that there's another street in SF that should probably take the title for the most crooked street? Potrero Hill's Vermont Street between 20th and 22nd has even tighter curves than Lombard.

9. For an epic view of San Francisco and beyond, visitors often head to Twin Peaks. You can walk up the wooden stairs to the top of both peaks and see all the way to Marin. Did you know that the peaks have names? The north peak is "Eureka" and the south is "Noe."

10. Golden Gate Park stretches over 1,000 acres. It was designed by a 25-year-old civil engineer and the park's tallest monument is a 64-foot cross hidden somewhere behind Rainbow Falls, one of the park's two waterfalls.

11. While you are aware that Alcatraz holds a spot in history as the island prison to house Al Capone, do you know how Alcatraz got its name? The island of Alcatraz was first discovered in 1775 by Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala, who named it "La Isla de los Alcatraces," or the "Island of the Pelicans." It was later anglicized to "Alcatraz." It's actually believed that this name was meant for nearby Yerba Buena Island but maps of the day were less than accurate.

12. There used to be an aerial tram called the "Sky Tram" that passed over the Sutro Baths between the Cliff House and Point Lobos. It closed in 1965.

13. The iconic ice cream treat Its-Its were created in San Francisco. A scoop of ice cream sandwiched between two oatmeal cookies and dipped in chocolate, Its-Its come in many flavors and you can purchase them all at the Burlingame factory store.

14. Have you noticed that many San Francisco street names are stamped into the concrete (often with misspellings)? While it is largely believed that these came about after the 1906 earthquake to provide orientation when street signs were destroyed, the practice actually started in 1905 and street signs weren't common until the 1920s.

15. When the Bay Bridge opened in 1936, the toll was 65 cents.

16. Made popular by the opening credits of Full House, Alamo Square's Painted Ladies are Queen Anne Victorians designed to show off the wealth of the gold rush period with turrets, excessive windows, and decorated roof lines.

17. The most popular resident of the California Academy of Sciences is Claude, the albino alligator.

How to Create a Shared Bedroom for Kids No Matter the Space

by Andie HuberFebruary 18, 2023

These creative shared bedroom ideas are perfect for families, whether it’s for big kids, babies, or a combination of the two.

Anyone who lives in a home with more bodies than they have space for knows all too well that shared rooms are just part of the deal (and sometimes all that clutter). But it turns out, that designing a space that makes everyone feel cozy and comfortable (and is good-looking to boot) is possible, no matter who’s sharing the bedroom. Here are six tips for tackling shared bedrooms and how you can replicate the look in your own home.

Shared Room Tip #1: Stack up the Beds

bunk beds are good shared bedroom ideas — Amazon

This triple bunk takes advantage of high ceilings (its height is almost 6.5′ high so this would work best in a room with 9′ ceilings or higher) and is the ultimate space saver when it comes to shared bedroom ideas for those with more than two kids (or for those with one kid who has loads of cousins and sleepover friends). Best part? Costing less than $500—it won’t break the bank. For more bunk bed inspo, check out our round-up of bunk beds that will have everyone fighting for the top bunk.

Shared Room Tip #2: Divide the Room

shared bedroom ideas — courtesy Kim Cornelison

Private yet together. This bedroom cleverly splits the bedroom with a privacy wall, complete with handy sconces and built-in storage. The wrap-around wallpaper helps unify the space.

Shared Room Tip #3: Get Creative with Double-Duty Furniture

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If an entire wall build-out is out of the question, make double use of a headboard from both sides like this solution by Jennifer Wundrow Int. Design. It offers privacy much like the wall but is executed much less expensively. Bonus: Built-ins at the end of the bed provide extra storage space for books, a glass of water, and other bedtime must-needs.

Insider Tip: If you don’t have a headboard, you can add a bookcase and use it as the divider/headboard.

Shared Room Tip #4: Mirror the Furniture

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A post shared by Lauren Leonard (@laurenleonardinteriors)

The graphic nature of these IKEA beds (yes! IKEA) helps make this bedroom look modern and roomy thanks to the tight color palette and minimal bedding. A battenboard wall adds a nice bespoke touch to the room without overwhelming the space.

Shared Room Tip #5: Take Advantage of High Ceilings

Whether you have 9′ high ceilings and can fit a triple bunk bed in a room or have a loft-like space where a niche would work just right—utilizing otherwise wasted space, use high ceilings to your advantage when it comes to shared spaces.

Shared Room Tip #6: Make It Personal

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A post shared by decorist (@decoristofficial)

If you are decorating a shared space, make sure to personalize each space for each kid. So whether you have a big kid and a baby sharing a room, a brother and sister, or any combination you choose, make sure that each kid’s bed space reflects them—it could be a favorite color bedspread or even their initials over the bed. Whatever you do, it’ll make the room feel cozier and possibly, make them love sharing a room even more.

Reach New Heights: Portland Climbing Gyms for Kids

by Annette BenedettiDecember 20, 2022

Do your kids need to get some energy out? Bring them to a Portland climbing gym—STAT

Let’s be honest, during the long winter months it can be challenging to get kids outside, especially on the rainiest days. And while we love Portland’s many indoor playgrounds and play spots, and consider ourselves experts in the realm of creative places to play on a rainy day, sometimes it’s fun to mix it up a bit. So the next time your kids are climbing the walls at home, lean in and let them climb—somewhere else. These Portland indoor climbing gyms are waiting to help you and your little ones get your wiggles out this winter.

1. The Circuit

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXKGmoUPMju/?hidecaption=true

If you are nervous about your little ones scaling a wall with only a rope to keep them safe, bouldering, or climbing without ropes, is an activity that even toddlers and pre-schoolers can enjoy. The Circuit is a bouldering gym that boasts being home to the best kids' climbing space in Portland. They have kid-specific boulders that are designed with shorter climbers in mind. Even better, all of the walls were created to accommodate climbers of all ages, sizes, and ability levels.

If your child isn't in the mood to climb The Circuit also offers slacklining. Slacklines are similar to tight ropes but made of stretchy, flexible material. They provide hours of fun for your littles as they practice balancing and carefully placing one foot in front of the other without falling.

410 N.E. 17th Ave.
Portland

6050 S.W. Macadam Ave.
Portland

16255 S.W. Upper Boones Ferry Rd.
Tigard, OR
Online: thecircuitgym.com

2. Portland Rock Gym

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cge74vopK89/?hidecaption=true

Located in NE, the Portland Rock Gym provides hours and hours of thrills and chills as your young climbers scale walls speckled with colorful "rocks" guiding their path. This gym offers Kids Climb which is perfect for 8-to 11-year-olds and includes a staff member who assists your child as they begin climbing roped walls, bouldering, and using the auto-belays. There are also camps and clubs you can sign your kiddo up for if they fall in love with this daring sport. Sign your clan up for the monthly family package and enjoy climbing all winter long.

21 N.E. 12th Ave.
Portland
Online: portlandrockgym.com

3. Stoneworks Climbing Gym

https://www.instagram.com/p/CaGo2JPLA34/?hidecaption=true

Beaverton’s Stoneworks is designed to promote community and exudes "family-friendly." It boasts 34-foot climbing and lead walls, high-ball bouldering to 20 feet, top-out bouldering area, and auto belays. If you or your kids fall in love with climbing there are climbing lessons available, and Stoneworks offers fun kids' rock climbing programs that are guaranteed to keep your little ones engaged and interested. It is also home to one of the best junior climbing teams in the country that welcomes kids 9 to 19. Consider thinking ahead because Stoneworks also offers a variety of summer camps for kids aged 12 and under.

6775 S.W. 111th Ave.
Beaverton, OR
Online: belay.com

4. Movement Gym

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFcd2PSHctl/?hidecaption=true

This rock climbing gym recognizes that kids are natural-born climbers. Their walls are designed to accommodate all sizes and abilities and there are a variety of classes available for youth. From beginners to kids who are ready to compete, there is a program for everyone.

1405 N.W. 14th Ave.
Portland
Online: movementgyms.com

5. Source Climbing

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck_ttEXyRy-/?hidecaption=true

At Source Climbing, your kiddos can take classes to start off on the right foot with climbing. Ages 6-12 can take the youth intro class before moving up and really honing their skills. Kids ages 9+ can even join a recreational climbing team to explore competitive climbing in a safe environment. Also, don't forget to check out their summer camp options!

1118 Main St.
Vancouver, WA
Online: sourceclimbing.com

Incredible Bookcases for Kids That You Can Buy

by Gabby CullenAugust 26, 2022

Give your little ones an extra special bookshelf to keep their favorite stories with easy reach and watch them get psyched for story time, every time. From adjustable designs to bookcase storage complete with a seat, these kids’ bookcases and reading nooks have it all.

Incredible Bookshelves for Kids: Monogrammed Bookcases

best bookcases for kids — WardasManufacture via Etsy

It doesn't get more personalized than having your name hold your favorite books. Whether you pick an initial or spell out the whole name—these plywood shelves can be left as is, or if you want, paint them a custom color when you get them home.

To buy: WardasManufacture via Etsy, $365 per letter

Incredible Bookcases for Kids: Spruce Tree Bookcase

This tree-inspired bookcase is so very meta—books are made from trees and now a tree is holding up the books. Durable and functional—each bookshelf can hold 12-15 books, but it can also support your kid's ever-growing collections of rocks, fallen leaves, and pinecones.

To buy: West Elm, $229

Incredible Bookcases for Kids: Tractor Bookcase

cool bookshelves for kid's room — ImagineYourShelf via Etsy

Even little farmers like to pull up a good book and this handmade tractor certainly delivers. There is ample space for books and whatever else your agriculturist might need handy.

To buy: ImagineYourShelf via Etsy, $495

Incredible Bookshelves for Kids: All-in-One Book Nook

Sure a regular bookshelf is great but a cozy, little reading nook? Even better. This all-in-one piece provides a comfy spot to sit while keeping your favorite books within easy reach.

To buy: Amazon, $235

Incredible Bookcases for Kids: English Phone Booth

incredible bookcases for kid's room — Homary

London's calling! This bookcase, re-imagined after the iconic English phone booth is both delightful and cheeky. Of course, if you want to take it to the next level, fill it with Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and your kid's Harry Potter collection.

To buy: Homary, $240

Incredible Bookcases for Kids: Cactus Bookcase

bookshelves for kid's room — 2modern.com

If your vibe is more bohemian, then pick up this non-prickly cactus for your desert babe. Shelves vary in size which means those odd-shaped books will have a safe place to land.

To buy: 2modern.com, $400

Incredible Bookshelves for Kids: Dollhouse Bookcase

Keep favorite books and knickknacks safe at home with this house-within-a-house bookshelf.

To buy: Amazon, $480

Incredible Bookshelves for Kids: Floating Books

Showcase up to 30 of your favorite books while turning them into wall art with DehaDesign's inventive display solution.

To buy: DehaDesign via Etsy, $66

Incredible Bookshelves for Kids: Bookworm Shelf

The OG for floating, bendable shelves, this Kartell Bookworm never goes out of style. Curl it in a circle or have it trail along the wall, it can be modified to meet your ever-growing bookshelf needs.

To buy: Kartell, $1065

Incredible Bookshelves for Kids: DIY Book Chair

If nothing will satisfy your little book lover until they can sit and (literally) surround themselves with their favorite tomes, then this DIY from Instructables is just for them. Inspired by the "Bibliochaise" that retails for $5,000, this one can be made for a tiny fraction of that cost.

For more information, check out the book chair how-to on Instructables.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

13 Inspiring Homework Stations for Kids

by Jennifer Massoni PardiniAugust 15, 2022

There are so many great things about school. Kids make friends and learn all kinds of cool stuff, and you get to take care of business without having to worry about if they’re spending too much time online. If there’s one downside, it’s probably homework, and while the verdict is still out on how much good it really does, it’s probably going to make its way home at some point during the year. That’s why it’s important to dedicate somewhere to school and learning at home to help kids stay focused. These inspiring ideas go from grand loft bed-desk combinations to simple, small-space work station inspirations, and we think you’ll find one that’s just right for you.

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Moving Work Station

What started as a creative way to make a work station for kids during the pandemic holds up just as well for after-school work. Simply set them up in their spot of choice and roll their supplies over to them.

Lofted Look

Crate and Kids loft bed with space for a work station — Crate and Kids

If your kid’s room doesn’t seem to have space for a desk, Crate and Kids has a cool solution with their Kids Uptown Loft Bed Desk that can be attached to the interior or exterior rail of their Uptown Loft Bed for a cozy study cove (as can a matching shelf for book overflow). A Kathleen Wills design, this look is clean and contemporary, while wall space can shine with personal touches like artwork, maps, or memo boards to spur on study sessions.

Ergonomic Ease

IKEA’s FLISAT collection is designed for kids ages three all the way up to 12, so these pieces are meant to be versatile and customizable. They are also made of pine for a non-toxic study station. The legs on this FLISAT desk adjust to one of three heights to accommodate growing learners, while the top tilts for a fully ergonomic fit. It also conveniently holds a roll of drawing paper for artistic study breaks. If you want to round out the room with storage bins (on wheels!), a sweet book display, or a dollhouse-shaped wall shelf for books and other supplies, explore the entire collection.

Short and Sweet

Pottery Barn Kids Catalina Storage Desk — Pottery Barn Kids

Pottery Barn Kids’ Catalina Collection is a best-selling desk for good reason. The Catalina Storage Desk comes with three different hutch options, one of which comes with an outlet for easy charging capabilities. The oversized nob on the larger drawers also makes it easy for little hands to fully own and operate this space.

Make Space in the Kitchen Cabinet

Have you tried setting up study stations in their rooms, but the homework still ends up at the kitchen counter? Your kids, especially during early schooling, may just work better in a space where you can help them stay on task. So go with it and designate cabinet space for school and craft supplies. This design from Mullet Cabinet makes organization and storage a breeze, all in a separate section of the island so parents can still prep dinner and are present for any questions that might come up. Because it's a shared space, kids can also be responsible for setting up and cleaning up—and won’t waste any time hunting down that calculator.

Work Station with a View

You can get creative with the spot you dedicate for homework. We love how Design Improvised set up this station by a window (it’s important to take those mental pauses to gaze and regroup). With a portable cart that’s labeled and well-stocked with everything little learners would need, a chalkboard calendar for keeping easy track of assignments, and a desk to call their own, they also have everything they need to get to work.

A Crafty Corner

a crafty work station for kids — The Vintage Glitter House

We love this genius setup from The Vintage Glitter House—a painted pegboard offers a fun pop of color as well as lots of space to hang supplies and decorations. That way, your kiddo's pencils, paper, and craft supplies will all be in one spot.

Extra Book Nook

Good in the Simple Book Nook — Good Simple

This book set up from Good + Simple will help encourage reluctant readers and is an awesome addition to any study or work station. With sections for "currently reading" and "to read," it'll keep things organized while getting them excited about their next book.

(Closet) Office Space

Closet Work Station from Look Linger Lover — Look Linger Love

An extra closet becomes a fun "office" space for the kids over at Look Linger Love. Clear plastic bins keep supplies organized and in view, and any mess is easy to conceal by shutting the door. Tucked in a corner of the playroom, you can take a closer look and tour the rest of the adorable space here.

A Small Station

Any room in your abode can be the perfect study space with this portable homework station. Head over to The House of Smiths for the how-to.

Play School

school room from Playful Learnings — Playful Learning

Old-fashioned one-room schoolhouses served as inspiration for this adorable study space. Take a tour over at Playful Learning.

Hideaway Work Station

Fold-up work station for kids — Organized Mom

To help create a clutter-free zone in her daughter's room, the clever mom over at Organized Mom decided to mask the mess. With built-in shelving and a fold-up base, this DIY desk easily folds up when not in use.

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A post shared by Ellen Grasso & Sons (@ellengrassoandsons)

Homework Isle

This combination of study space and craft area is perfect for group projects. The custom-designed craft/work island by Ellen Grasso & Sons features convenient storage space for each seat; supplies can be neatly stored until needed.

There’s a Disney ‘Hocus Pocus’ Game to Play With Your Best Witches

by Karly WoodJuly 22, 2022

It’s been quite the year for Hocus Pocus news. Now that we are officially counting down the days until the second movie hits Disney+ this fall, we are more than ready to amp up the next few months with all things Sanderson sisters.

Thankfully, there’s a Ravensburger Disney Hocus Pocus: The Game. The fun and easy board game the whole family can play. Players work together to ruin the potions concocted by the legendary Sanderson sisters to save the lives of Salem’s children before the sun rises!

Players must work together to ruin the Sanderson Witches’ potion three times before the sun rises. Players hold a hand of ingredients of different types and colors and attempt to match all ingredient types or colors in the cauldron.

To play, each person asks a question about another players’ hand, like an ingredient type or color. Then they play a card into the cauldron and pick up three new cards. The goal is to stun the witches three times, which means you have cards all of one color or object in the cauldron. Everyone works together to stun the withes with their collective cards.

Fans of the movie will recognize favorite spells, appearances by characters like Binx the cat and Billy Butcherson, and for an extra bonus, the game box is designed to look like none other than “Book.” The game includes plenty of other creepy details you love about the film, but the fantastical illustrations are tame enough for even your youngest gamers.

Each box comes with one cauldron board, 50 Ingredient cards, a Witch board, 13 Spell cards, a Sun token, four trick tokens, a rulebook, and one Binx meeple. A cooperative game that an entire group wins or loses together, it can be played with two to six players, ages eight and up. The best part? You can play a round in just 30 minutes!

Don’t forget to tune into Disney+ come Sept, 30, when Hocus Pocus 2 finally drops.

Ravensburger Disney Hocus Pocus: A Cooperative Game of Magic and Mayhem

$24 BUY NOW

14 Scooters That Will Have You Cruising the Neighborhood

by Kate LowethApril 5, 2022

There’s nothing that motivates a little one for a walk around the neighborhood like a scooter. We’ve scouted out all the best three-wheeled scooters for little ones, scooters that convert to a tricycle and even electric scooters for when you want to up the power. Which one will be your family’s favorite?

Best Scooter That Ages Well: Razor A Scooter

Razor was the first to market in 2000 (maybe you even had one back in the day) and they've managed to stay a step (or a scoot ahead) of the competition throughout the years. Why? The scooter is aluminum, which makes it lightweight, yet durable. Handlebars can be adjusted easily, and while there's no assembly required when you open the box, the scooter does fold down for quick and easy carry and storage.

For ages 5+

Price: $50

Buy it here

For Blues Clues Fans: Blues Clues Swinging Blue Scooter

We love this too-cute scooter that comes with three wheels for extra stability. As the child leans in each direction, the scooter and Blue lean with the rider making the scooter a fun and interactive toy for children ages 3-7 years old.

Price: $45

Buy it here

Best Scooter for Toddlers and Beginners: Micro Kickboard Original

For those first learning to balance and ride on wheels, we suggest the original Micro Kickboard (tried and tested by our Editorial Director's toddler son who picked it up after just a handful of outings). We were impressed with the scooter's engineering: it's stable and easy to balance on without feeling flimsy, simple to steer and tough as nails (or as Mico Kickboard says, they're "virtually indestructible" and we'd have to agree). The design and quality of the scooter mean it'll still be in great condition year after year, which is the type of product we love investing in.

For kids ages 2 to 5 years.

Price: $80

Buy it here

Best Convertible Scooter: Swagtron 4-In-1 Scooter & Trike

It's a scooter! It's a bike! It's . . . both! Swagtron's K6 4-in-1 scooter has a simple-to-use modular design capable of switching between two- and three-wheeled versions of both a balance bike and stand-up kick scooter. It's perfect for growing with kids as their balance and skills increase. With the simple click of a button, the seat of the balance bike rotates to become the deck of a stand-up scooter. Use two rear wheels in either mode for greater stability or swap out for a single wheel. The single wheel features a heel brake for use in scooter mode, just like the big kids.

For kids ages 2 to 5 years.

Price: $40

Buy it here

Grows with You: Globber NL-205 Scooter

We love this two-wheeled option from Globber as it is easy to bring along to adventures. The handlebars easily fold down to pack in the trunk and they also extend to four different heights to grow with your child.

Ages: 8 and up

Price: $100

Buy it here

Easy to Control: Mongoose Expo

The Amazon reviews speak for themselves but the key element to this scooter is the big air-filled tires which provide some natural suspension to ride over multiple terrain options. The scooter also comes standard with hand brakes which are an added convenience not typically seen on standard kick scooters.

Price: $130

Buy it here

Best for Style and Comfort: McLaren MCS03

three kids riding scooters and balance bikes

Kids ages 9 and up will love the sleek styling of this upgraded scooter that doesn't have any little kid vibes at all. You can fold it in half for easy transportation and the kickstand helps it stay upright when you need a break. We especially appreciated the suspension system when going over bumps on the sidewalk.

Price: $229

Buy it here

Best Scooter That Even Parents Love: Svolta

When SVOLTA designed their scooters, they essentially made scooters they (adults) wanted to ride, but in kid sizes. They opted for premium materials, so the construction is solid and sturdy. The scooters ride smoothly and have a variety of added style details like matte satin finishes, champagne gold accents and lightning bolt patterns. They've got different scooters for little ones (the 2-in-1 sit and stand convertible), toddlers (3-wheel kick scooter) and bigger kids (2-wheel kick scooter) so you'll be able to find something that works for you.

For kids ages 2 and up

Prices: $93

But it here

Best Scooter for Any Age: Globber ULTIMUM Scooter

Tired of having to upgrade your kid's scooter as they grow? The ULTIMUM scooter from Globber solves this problem. Designed to be used from age 5 all the way up to adults, the scooter has a 6-height adjustable T-bar and adjustable steering angle control system. The extra-wide scooter deck supports up to 220 lbs. and comes with an anti-slip deck design. You'll love that the scooter folds down for easy carrying.

Ages 5 and up

Cost: $160

Buy one here

Best Wiggle Scooter: Yvolution Y Fliker

best scooters for kits, top toys for kids

Lots of kids are getting into this two-footed style that moves when they wiggle. This one was the first on the market and we love its ability to drift and have a controlled ride.

Ages 7 and up

Price: $100

Buy it here

Electric Scooters

SmooSat E9 Pro Electric Scooter

Your kids will love zipping around in this fun electric scooter with rainbow lights. You can feel good knowing that the speed is controllable by you. It folds up for easy transport and storage, and you can adjust the handlebar height as your kid grows.

Age: 8+

Buy it here

Best Powered Scooter: Segway Ninebot eKickScooter ZING E8

If you are looking to add a little power to your scooter, check out this option from Segway. The Ninebot eKickScooter ZING E8 has a max speed of 8 mph with 4 hours of charge time. There's a hand-operated brake plus a foot brake for easy stopping. It also comes in 10 mph and 12 mph models.

Ages 6-12

Required height 3’9”–4’9”

Cost: $199.99

Buy yours here

Flyer S533 eScooter

From our friends over at Radio Flyer comes this new eScooter on the block. With a top speed of 16mph and a 15.5 mile range, you can cruise to the grocery store and back. Designed for adults, the Flyer is available in gray, white and red. It even folds down for easy portability.

Price: $599

Buy it here

Best Powered Scooter for Tweens/Adults: Segway Ninebot KickScooter ES1L

You'll love the smooth ride from this Segway scooter that has won design awards and is a favorite of tweens, teens and grown ups. Whether you use it to commute or just to tool around the neighborhood, you'll love the front electronic, and rear foot brakes to keep you safe. Headlights make you stand out when the sun goes down and the max speed of 12.4 mph gets you where you need to go.

Age 14+

Max weight 220 lbs.

Cost: $299.99

But it here

—Kate Loweth

Featured photo: istock

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11 Laundry Room Design Hacks You Can Easily Re-Create

by Andie HuberMarch 8, 2022

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who enjoys laundry, but that doesn’t mean your laundry room has to look like a mess. Inspired by a few genius Dollar Tree laundry room hacks, we set out to find the best laundry room storage ideas the world has to offer. So whether your washer and dryer are in a closet, the garage, the basement, or conveniently located near your bedrooms, these clever laundry room decor ideas provide loads of storage solutions, will help you get and stay organized, and may even become your favorite room makeover, ever.

Best Laundry Room Hack: Platform Storage

best laundry design hacks — House of Turquoise

Perhaps one of our favorite design solutions, this DIY platform not only raises the laundry units so you can load them up easier without bending over and straining your back, but two clever built-in drawers provide additional storage space for surplus supplies like dryer sheets, extra rags or even a spot to hide all that found change from your family's pockets. Head over to House of Turquoise for details.

Best Laundry Room Hacks: Make It Pretty

best laundry hacks — Sam Kachmar Architects

Who says a laundry room needs to be white and boring? Sometimes a laundry room makeover needs just a wow factor like this pattern play. Treat your small space with some designer TLC with bold, graphic wallpaper.

Best Laundry Room Hack: Stacked Machines

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You might have all the laundry room ideas in the world, but if your vision doesn’t fit into your space, you’re going to have to compromise. A good way to maximize space is to go for a stacked washer and dryer combo. That way, you’ll still have room for that gorgeous farmhouse sink and built-in mud bench you’ve been dreaming about.

Best Laundry Room Hack: Maximize Awkward Spaces

best laundry room hacks — Hutchinson House

Just because laundry rooms are often awkward spaces that get overwhelmed by the (much-needed) appliances, doesn't mean you can't maximize the space. These shelves, hung perpendicularly to the machines, provide ample storage and take advantage of what would otherwise be a waste of space.

Adding knobs and hooks with a slim profile provides additional storage without eating into the space and making it feel more cramped. See more of this over at Hutchinson House.

Best Laundry Room Hack: Use Sliding Barn Doors

Whether you have a nook or a closet for a laundry room, lose the cheap, contractor-grade doors, and save precious floor space (and hide the units while you're at it) with mounted barn doors that slide open and close with little to no effort. No one will suspect such industrial workhorses are hiding behind such an architecturally interesting design.

Barn door hardware can easily be found online or at Home Depot. To determine if this installation will work for you, make sure there is ample wall space on one or both sides for the doors—so the barn doors can slide fully open—whether you have a set of doors that open in the middle of a single door, like the one pictured above from Geoff Chick.

Best Laundry Room Hack: Maximize Wall Space

best laundry room decor ideas — Sincerely Sara D.

Pegboards are fantastic organizing solutions for tools and desks, but they also make for great laundry room organization as well, like Sincerely Sara D shows above. You can use a single board or kit-out the entire wall in pegboard, which provides a wall of organizational and storage solutions that can change and grow to meet your needs.

Don't forget to paint the board the same color as your wall—it'll help the board to blend into the space, making it feel more cohesive and intentional.

Best Laundry Room Hack: Create a Folding Station

best laundry room decor idea — Vintage Revivals

Once you experience a handy folding station in the laundry room, you'll never want to unload the dryer and carry your laundry somewhere else to fold and sort. If you don't have the space for a stand-alone table, take advantage of the space right above the laundry units by installing your very own DIY table. This version from Vintage Revivals went one step further with its design-driven waterfall edge by attaching a tabletop to the wall; being supported by two legs would work just as well.

Don't have space right above the washer and dryer for a folding station? You can install a table that latches to the wall and folds down when you need it, tucking away neatly when you don't.

Best Laundry Room Hack: Install a Smart Shelf

That space behind the washer and dryer? It's just begging for a custom-shelf. This beauty provides ample storage for supplies you regularly use, freeing up space in the cabinets above for those items that you only need to access occasionally. And the best part? It only costs $12 to build.

If you measure the space and find that the measurements don't line up with off-the-shelf lumber, just pull the units out a few more inches to save yourself from making custom cuts. The Definery Co. shows you how it's done.

Best Laundry Room Hack: Take Advantage of Ceiling Space

Drying racks typically take up a lot of floor space, but this design takes advantage of that unused space found all over your ceiling. This rack we spotted over at George & Willy can be raised and lowered with a pulley system, keeping that air-dry only laundry up and out of the way. But the best part? Discovering there is an unexpected advantage to drying your clothes at such great heights—heat rises so your clothes will get the additional drying help thanks to the nature of science. How cool is that?

Best Laundry Room Hack: Hang Clothing Rods

In the scope of doing laundry, not much is more annoying than washing and drying button-downs and blouses just to have them end up in a wrinkled mess. This hanging rod takes advantage of the space between two cabinets and is installed close to the laundry unit, which means that you'll have hangers handy for when those precious shirts come out of the dryer. You may even be able to say goodbye to the dry cleaner, saving you more time and money in the long run. See more over at House Beautiful.

Best Laundry Room Hack: Install Ready-to-Assemble Storage

One of the easiest, smartest, and cheapest solutions for an instantly better-looking, functioning laundry room is an off-the-shelf cabinet procured from your favorite big box stores like IKEA or Home Depot. Simply measure the space and find the unit that fits within it. You can dress it up with moldings and the like to make it appear more built-in but it doesn't need to have those fancy details. Add a shelf above the laundry machines for easy access to laundry detergent and dryer sheets.

Snap Up These Andes Mints Christmas Trees Before They’re Gone

by Erica LoopDecember 13, 2021

The ever-popular after-dinner mint just got a Christmas-time upgrade. Andes Crème de Menthe trees are here—and they’re festive foodie fun for the whole family!

The iconic mint and chocolate candies don’t exactly scream, “It’s Christmas!” Like many other classic candies (think Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Hershey’s Kisses), Andes is dressing up its traditional treat in a cute candy Christmas costume.

photo: Amazon

Andes’ tiny trees feature two layers—a chocolate base and a minty coating on top. The mint layer features circle-shaped ornaments embedded in a holiday-themed tree design along with a big ole bow on top and a pile of presents underneath.

So where can you pick up a pack of these cute Christmas candies? Nab a 24-pack on Amazon for $32 and fill everyone’s Christmas stockings with minty delicious holiday cheer!

—Erica Loop

Target Is Selling Lime Green “Elf” Icees & the Holiday Season Just Got Tastier

Now You Can Play Candy Land with Real Chocolate & Candy Lovers Rejoice!

Get your space back with a kids’ loft bed

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Småstad

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Shared Room Tip #1: Stack up the Beds

Shared Room Tip #2: Divide the Room

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Shared Room Tip #4: Mirror the Furniture

Shared Room Tip #5: Take Advantage of High Ceilings

Shared Room Tip #6: Make It Personal

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Best Scooter That Ages Well: Razor A Scooter

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Easy to Control: Mongoose Expo

Best for Style and Comfort: McLaren MCS03

Best Scooter That Even Parents Love: Svolta

Best Scooter for Any Age: Globber ULTIMUM Scooter

Best Wiggle Scooter: Yvolution Y Fliker

Electric Scooters

SmooSat E9 Pro Electric Scooter

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Flyer S533 eScooter

Best Powered Scooter for Tweens/Adults: Segway Ninebot KickScooter ES1L

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