Travel’s Back! Here’s the Best Luggage for Kids on Amazon

by Karly WoodFebruary 28, 2022

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Looking forward to your big upcoming vaycay? Packing up the kids can be an unbearable task, but with our picks of adorable little luggage options, it doesn’t have to be! Before you head to the airport or start packing up the car, be sure to check out our roundup of adorable kids luggage, including everything from child-size duffles and suitcases, to backpacks that are perfect for little hands. Now you can focus on an awesome and memorable trip!

GURHODVO Unicorn Suitcase

$66 BUY NOW

Who doesn't love unicorns? This suitcase is bringing all the Lisa Frank vibes and we love it.

Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Rolling Luggage

$120 BUY NOW

For the little Harry Potter lover in your life, nothing is cooler than rolling this puppy through the airport on the way to Orlando.

Batman Rolling Suitcase

$98 BUY NOW

Holy cool suitcase, Batman! Bonus: it's not black, and you'll spot it from across the baggage claim.

Unicorn Kids Hard Shell Carry On Rolling Luggage & Backpack

$86 BUY NOW

Coordinated luggage never looked so cute! This adorable Unicorn Kids Hard Shell Carry On Rolling suitcase ($70) and backpack duo is lightweight and the perfect size for littles. The spinner suitcase makes for easy maneuvering and the telescoping handle means your kids can stow the matching backpack easily.

Rockland 2-Piece Camo Luggage Set

BUY NOW

This simple set of fabric travel bags is perfect for kids or even adults heading on a short trip. Coming in over 20 patterns (we think this camo one is adorbs for boys!), the Rockland 2-Piece set ($41) is great for budgets and comes with a detachable shoulder bag. Use the telescoping handle to keep the bag and suitcase together and make traveling a cinch.

best kids luggage Wildkin Overnighter Duffle Bag

Wildkin Kids Overnighter Duffel Bags

$40 BUY NOW

Wildkin's Overnighter Duffle Bag ($30) not only comes in tons of adorable designs like mermaids, unicorns, chevron prints and boho chic but it's functional too. The kid-sized duffle bag is ideal for weekend getaways, coming with a moisture resistant lining, easy carrying handles and an exterior pocket. Traveling never looked so cute!

American Tourister R2D2 Spinner Suitcase

$125 BUY NOW

This American Tourister Star Wars R2D2 spinner suitcase ($100) is so cool, we want to use it. The soft side spinning luggage is designed to fit most overhead compartments so it's ideal for kids. Each case comes with coordinated zipper pulls and amazing interior lining. Choose from your fave Star Wars characters, like C3PO, Darth Vader, BB8 and a Storm Trooper.

Stephen Joseph Girls Classic Rolling Luggage

$52 BUY NOW

Stephen Joseph's Classic Rolling Luggage comes in eight adorable prints and is perfect to use as a carry-on. It's colorful, whimsical and functional, coming with several exterior pockets, a telescoping handle and wheels.

––Karly Wood

Images by retailers

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A 40 Pound Mother Loaf of Cheese? Yes, Please!

by Erica LoopJanuary 24, 2022

February 13th is National Cheddar Day. Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) is celebrating this very special day with a limited-edition Cheddar Capsule collection—and it includes the 40-pound Tillamook Sharp Yellow Cheddar Mother Loaf.

Tillamook cheddar cheese products all start as 40-pound blocks. The cheese-makers than age the cheddar anywhere from 60 days to a full 10 years. After the cheddar reaches pure cheesy magnificence, it’s turned into a block, slices, shreds, or other Tillamook snacking products. Now you can buy the big block before it gets paired down into tinier bricks and other cheddar creations!

Along with the 40-pound Mother Loaf ($150), the Cheddar Capsule collection includes cheese-inspired thick cut crewneck ($25), party pants ($35), slices bag ($15), snacky koozy ($5), lucky cheddar playing cards ($10), fine cut hat ($35) and varsity t-shirts ($26-$28).

Nab your fave cheddar products from the capsule collection on the Tillamook website, starting Feb. 1 at 8 a.m. PST.

—Karly Wood

photos: Courtesy of Tillamook

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These LEGO Flowers Are the Perfect Alternative to a Valentine’s Day Bouquet

by Karly WoodJanuary 12, 2022

If you want to add a little beauty to your brick stash, you’ll love the LEGO Botanical collection. Not only does this gorgeous lineup make for great therapeutic afternoon of building, but it’s also the perfect way to say “I Love You” this Valentine’s Day.

With florals that won’t die, the LEGO Creator Flower Bouquet ($50) and LEGO Bonsai Tree ($40) are the gift that keeps on giving. Each set has over 700 pieces each and is geared more towards adults than kids.

The Creator Flower Bouquet comes with 756 pieces to construct a variety of flowers, including snapdragons, roses, poppies, asters, daisies, and different grasses. The set comes with elements that feature new shapes and colors to make that perfect petal shape, and each bud can be arranged in a vase to your liking.

Harness your inner zen with the 878 piece Bonsai Tree set. It comes with with a rectangular pot and a slatted wood-effect LEGO stand. If you look close enough, you may even spy the little frogs that make up each blossom piece.

Both sets are sold out on LEGO.com, however, you can use the site to check your local store inventory to snag your own set. You can also find both the bouquet and Bonsai tree on Amazon.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of LEGO

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Hit the Slopes! Quick Getaway from the Windy City to Wilmot Mountain

by Wendy AltschulerDecember 10, 2021

Chicago’s terrain is flat as far as the eye can see, making it tricky to use that ski gear collecting dust. The options to ski near Chicago are few and far between. But, in a little over an hour, you can hit mountainous slopes at one of the area’s best ski destinations. Read on to plan your winter family-friendly romp in the snow at Wilmot Mountain in Wisconsin.

But First, the Basics

Wisconsin’s Wilmot Mountain, part of Vail Resorts (yes, that Vail), is accessibly located halfway between Chicago and Milwaukee. If you or your kids have never skied, Wilmot's ski lessons will have you flying down the mountain in no time. Don’t worry about buying gear, Wilmot Mountain can set you up with high-quality skiing and snowboarding equipment, including helmets.

Priority is given to season passholders for the 2021-22 season, which begins Dec. 3. In addition, reservations are required, so plan early!

Here’s What’s to Expect

Wilmot has been around since circa 1938 but the entire resort recently experienced a facelift. Skiers and boarders can now enjoy upgraded towers and chairs, rope tows, an expanded terrain park, and beginner area conveyor lifts. Plus, the base lodge was upgraded to include up-to-date décor with extra seating and improved dining options. Families with small children will love the ski and snowboard school, which during non-COVID times includes an indoor playspace.

All About Equipment Rental

The experts in the rental shop will hook your family up with everything they need to be successful on the slopes. Skis and poles, as well as snowboards and boots, of varying sizes for adults and children, may be rented. We recommend helmet usage while out adventuring and the shop can rent them to you, as well.

Learn How to Ski

All ages can take group or private lessons to either start from scratch or get a refresher on skiing and snowboarding. This season, no more than 6 students will be allowed per group class, face coverings are required, a health screening will be completed upon arrival and all lessons will meet outdoors to allow for distancing.

Something for the Non-Skiers of the Group

Whether you choose to stay off of skis and boards or want to add something extra, snow tubing is also available. You'll find it just down the road from the skiing/snowboarding area. Dress warm—it’s windy—wear goggles for comfort and visibility, and prepare for a fun nighttime adventure on the 22-lane tubing area. The best part: you won’t have to drag the tube—or yourself—back up the hill. A conveyor belt will do that for you. Afterward, warm up in the tubing lodge and enjoy snacks and hot cocoa.

Reserve in Advance to Play

Lift tickets will not be available to purchase in-person for the 2020-21 season, reservations must be made online or via the call center. This will help keep skiers safe by minimizing lines at the ticket window. It is expected that because of limited capacity, lift tickets will be in high demand and will sell out. So, plan early!

Kids ages 4 and under are eligible for a free lift ticket. It is not necessary to make a reservation for them in advance, simply go to the resort ticket office and pick up a pass.

Good to Know

While lodging isn’t available at Wilmot Mountain, there are several nearby options, including Dragonfly Bed and Breakfast, Hampton Inn & Suites Kenosha, Candlewood Suites Kenosha, The Cove of Lake Geneva, and Best Western Plus Antioch Hotel and Suites.

So, what are you waiting for? Gear up, head out, and have an adventuresome time with your family this winter at Wilmot Mountain!

Find out more by visiting wilmotmountain.com.

— Wendy Altschuler

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Blippi Is Getting His Own Amazon Kids Show & Here’s a Sneak Peek

by Karly WoodNovember 11, 2021

It’s official: Blippi is coming to a treehouse near you! Amazon Kids+ is excited to share the first trailer for the brand new series, Blippi’s Treehouse.

The YouTube sensation has been racking up views for several years now (more than a billion views a month!) and is now starring in his first live-action original series. Blippi will be joined by his best friend Meekah and critters, Scratch and Patch. Keep scrolling to catch the colorful new sneak peak!

Young viewers can visit Blippi’s magical treehouse and see special guests, sing, dance, play and learn on each episode. The acclaimed guests so far include Jordin Sparks, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, Joan Barton, Blake Leeper and Evelyn Taft.

Geared towards kids three to six, the show will take everyone on adventurous field trips, meet new friends and more. Blippi’s Treehouse will stream exclusively on Amazon Kids+ in the US, Canada, UK and Germany beginning Dec. 1.

––Karly Wood

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The Titanic Has Finally Been Restored Thanks to This LEGO Set

by Karly WoodOctober 8, 2021

Most of us have only ever seen photos or documentaries about the RMS Titanic, but that’s about to change. The LEGO Group has just revealed one of the most authentic replicas of all time with its newest set.

The LEGO Titanic is one of the longest and largest sets so far, coming in at over four feet long! The 9,090-piece set comes together with a strikingly similar exterior to the real deal, not to mention eye-catching interior rooms.

Some of those spaces include the First-Class grand staircase, Dining Saloon and Engine Room, along with a stunning cross-sectional view. The ship actually “works” too: with an anchor that goes up and down and an adjustable tension line.

While a fun build for sure, this set is geared for adults 18 and older. The Titanic can be pre-ordered starting Nov. 1 for a purchase price of $630 at lego.com and your local LEGO store.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of LEGO

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11 San Diego Inspired Kids Costumes for Halloween

by Aimee Della BittaOctober 6, 2021

Halloween is right around the corner! Whether you’ll be going door-to-door in your neighborhood, hitting a low-key Halloween happening around town or having a cozy family party at home, we’ve got the perfect costume for your SoCal trick-or-treater. From a ray of sunshine to a party on the beach we’ve got 11 costumes that pay homage to San Diego and will delight your little one.

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Carmen Sandiego

Your little one instantly becomes everyone’s favorite red-coated, fedora-wearing super thief with this Carmen Sandiego costume! It's the perfect costume for any San Diego dweller. If your little pumpkins aren't familiar with this cool character, have them tune in to the popular Netflix animated series Carmen Sandiego to learn all about this "master thief who uses her skills for good."

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Surfer, Shark, Jellyfish & Deep Sea Diver

Go to the beach, find your costume-inspo! The best thing about this family costume is you can customize based on your crew— it works just as well with a lifeguard and no jellyfish. San Diegan beach lovers can ride the wave of compliments this quadruple threat costume will bring. It's super cute and easy to pull together too!

San Diego Padres Friar

The Padres may not make a run for the World Series this year but we still love them. Show your pride and for your home team this Halloween by grabbing this adorable Etsy find. The tutu back is crochet stretch and adjustable ribbon strap. The shop has plenty of other Padres gear if your team prefers.

Online: AngiegootsMakes

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Taco

Taco 'bout a costume that's almost good enough to eat. San Diego is famous for serving up some of the most delicious tacos in the country. Put your little cutie in a taco costume and watch the ensuing delight. No need to say gracias, we're happy to shell out this idea.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CG3MtXMHXKH/?hidecaption=true

Maverick from Top Gun

Top Gun 2's release date may be pushed back, but your little Maverick can still feel the need for speed this Halloween. Did you know Top Gun was filled right here in San Diego? Earn even more cred if you and your spouse make it a family affair and dress up as Goose and Charlie. Quick, go find that leather bomber jacket.

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LEGO Movie Characters

Everyone is awesome in these LEGO Movie character costumes. San Diego's beloved resort brings kiddos joy on the regular so show your love by dressing up your little one as their favorite colorful bricks. You can really rev up the fun factor of wearing these colorful costumes by donning them to attend LEGOLAND's Bricktacular Halloween event!

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In-N-Out Burger Costumes

Order up! In-N-Out fans are diehard, and this adorable family Halloween costume goes above and beyond. Everyone will recognize those little fries in the iconic fast-food chain's palm-tree-lined container, of course, accompanied by a burger and waitstaff who undoubtedly know all the secret menu items. Make it animal style, please.

Skateboarder

As we saw in the Olympics this past summer, San Diego breeds professional skateboarders. From legendary Tony Hawk to Keegan Palmer, pro skaters live and practice right here in our hometown. The skate culture has a SoCal vibe through and through. Your little shredder can show their love of the sport by suiting up in Vans SK8-HI shoes, Killer 187 knee and elbow pads, a Bones Brigade or Santa Cruz T-shirt and a Bell or Pro-Tec helmet. Bonus: this gear will outfit them long past Halloween on all of their skating adventures through San Diego's many skateparks.

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Avocado Toast

Did you know that San Diego is the avocado capital of the U.S.? Give a nod to this popular green fruit by dressing up as avocado toast! Everyone loves this yummy, albeit pricey San Diego-inspired breakfast!

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Dr. Seuss Characters

Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) lived in La Jolla for several decades and signs of his wacky, wonderful work abound throughout town. The author's wildly imaginative characters make us all spoiled for choice for the perfect Halloween costumes. Whether you opt for The Cat in the Hat, The Lorax or The Grinch, oh the places you'll go will be filled with fun!

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Sunshine

San Diego's love language is bright skies and sunshine so dressing your babe up as the star at the center of the Solar System seems fitting. This DYI costume is super easy to pull together, with this Etsy sunray headband, yellow leggings and a cozy bodysuit.

Online: Esty

––Beth Shea & Aimee Della Bitta

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Hit the Trail with These Hiking Boots Designed Just for Kids

by Kate LowethOctober 3, 2021

Get ready to head out on a hiking adventure with your family in the best gear around. We’ve gathered up our favorite hiking boots for kids who want to climb, jump in streams and rake in the miles. You’ll find easy-on boots for little ones and even a few short styles for those who want more of a hiking shoe than a boot.

Ridge Flex Waterproof Boot by KEEN

We pretty much love everything about this hiking boot from KEEN including the Bellows Flex technology that bends where other boots crack and weaken over time. You'll love the easy-on velcro top.

Get it here, $80

Merrell Kids Moab 2 Mid Waterproof

These protective hiking shoes from Merrell have waterproof construction with faux-leather uppers and breathable mesh panels. The pull tab at the heel make these easier to get on when you're ready to set out.

Get yours here, $70

Mt. Maddsen Hiking Boots by Timberland

These boots come with a TimberDry™ membrane made of 50% recycled plastic bottles that makes these kids' hiking boots completely waterproof. The extra grippy sole will keep your rock jumpers safe.

Get them here, $80

Columbia Youth Newton Ridge Leather Boot

This kids' trail shoe has an anti-slip grip to make boulder climbing and river crossing that much easier.

Get them here, $46+

Targhee Waterproof Shoe by KEEN

Sometimes you're just not going to be able to cajole your little one into a boot to go hiking. KEEN gets it and has this awesome low alternative that's both comfortable and waterproof.

Get it here, $70

Northside Monroe Low Junior Hiking Boot

The comfort of a sneaker with the sturdy build of a hiking boot, these are a favorite for kids who don't like the high-ride of standard hiking boots.

Get it here, $30+

Toddler Timberland 6-inch Field Boot

How cute will your little one look in these hiking boots from Timberland? You can even get the same style for you and be twins!

Get them here, $70

Snohomish Waterproof Hiking Boot by Northside

We love this option for rainy days when you want to hit the trail. The mid-height gives you extra support but you're still comfortable enough for a full day's adventure. It's waterproof so you don't have to worry about complaints about wet socks.

Get yours on Kohl's, $60

Featured image courtesy of Northside.

—Kate Loweth

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Hershey’s Is Dropping Holiday Chocolates & There’s an Ugly Christmas Sweater

by Karly WoodSeptember 15, 2021

Chocolate and the holidays are nearly synonymous, and Hershey’s is already gearing up for a sweet season. The company is bringing 13 NEW treats to fans everywhere, and we think we’ll need to try them all.

In addition to creative creations like Reese’s Peanut Brittle Flavored Cups (the first holiday flavor for the brand) and KIT KAT Gingerbread Cookie Flavored Miniatures, Hershey’s is also pairing up with Dr. Suess’s The Grinch to bring special kisses!

Ok, but are you really here for the magic that is the new Reese’s Ugly Sweater? The seasonal chocolate made with peanut butter creme can be likened to the regular Christmas tree PB candy, but in a much cooler packaging.

Speaking of peanut butter trees, you’ll also be able to grab a gift box of those, in addition to an 18-count Reese’s Peanut Butter yardstick!

You can head to the Hershey’s website to see all the new offerings hitting the shelves this season from your fave brands like Whoppers, York and KitKat.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Hershey’s

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Make a List, Check It Twice: Zulily Drops Top Toys for 2021

by Sarah ShebekSeptember 1, 2021

If you’re already making your holiday gift lists, another big retailer has dropped a Top Toys list to help you narrow it down! Zulily released its list this morning, with plenty of familiar brands making the cut. Read on for all the details!

An new model of an evergreen toy topped this year’s list. Barbie’s Three-In-One Dreamcamper cashes in on the increased popularity of family camping. Kids three and up can change the shape and functionality of the camper to create their own imaginative trips. The set is packed with features like sleeping bags and fishing gear and it’s retailing for $79.

Other toys in the top five:

PicassoTiles 101-Piece 3D Magnetic Building Tile Play Set by PicassoTiles: Design, build and let imaginations soar with this colorful, magnetic toy set that little ones will love. Suitable for ages 3 and up.

Fisher-Price® Giant Rock-a-Stack® Toy by Fisher-Price: Help strengthen and develop your little one’s fine motor and problem-solving skills with these stacked rings in bright colors. Suitable for babies 12 months and up.

Joybay Sky Blue Premium LED Swing Car by Joybay: Boasting vibrant hues and a dynamic design, this sweet ride-on just needs kiddos to turn the steering wheel from left to right to get racing. Able to be used indoors and out, this super quiet ride features light up LED wheels for a dazzling drive by display. Suitable for ages 3 and up.

LEGO® Marvel Studios The Guardians’ Ship by The LEGO Group: Transport kids into a universe of imaginative adventures with this rewarding model-making project, perfect for any fan of the Marvel Universe. Suitable for ages 14 and up.

For the rest of this year’s top toys, head over to Santa’s Workshop and start shopping! Zulily found that 71% of moms start buying their holiday gifts in advance. Shopping data from Zulily also revealed moms are stockpiling Christmas décor and other holiday items as early as July, so it’s never to soon to start checking off those lists.

—Sarah Shebek

Photos courtesy of Zulily/featured image courtesy of Thandy Yung/Unsplash

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GURHODVO Unicorn Suitcase

Harry Potter Hogwarts Express Rolling Luggage

Batman Rolling Suitcase

Unicorn Kids Hard Shell Carry On Rolling Luggage & Backpack

Rockland 2-Piece Camo Luggage Set

Wildkin Kids Overnighter Duffel Bags

American Tourister R2D2 Spinner Suitcase

Stephen Joseph Girls Classic Rolling Luggage

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But First, the Basics

Here’s What’s to Expect

All About Equipment Rental

Learn How to Ski

Something for the Non-Skiers of the Group

Reserve in Advance to Play

Good to Know

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Carmen Sandiego

Surfer, Shark, Jellyfish & Deep Sea Diver

San Diego Padres Friar

Taco

Maverick from Top Gun

LEGO Movie Characters

In-N-Out Burger Costumes

Skateboarder

Avocado Toast

Dr. Seuss Characters

Sunshine

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Ridge Flex Waterproof Boot by KEEN

Merrell Kids Moab 2 Mid Waterproof

Mt. Maddsen Hiking Boots by Timberland

Columbia Youth Newton Ridge Leather Boot

Targhee Waterproof Shoe by KEEN

Northside Monroe Low Junior Hiking Boot

Toddler Timberland 6-inch Field Boot

Snohomish Waterproof Hiking Boot by Northside

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