Valentine’s Day Gifts for Boys (Or Any Kid!)

by Kate CartiaJanuary 18, 2023

Whether he’s rough and tumble, sweet and sensitive, or a combination of all four, these Valentine’s Day gifts for boys will bring a smile!

What is it about Valentine’s Day that makes finding gifts a little tricky? We have no problem with Christmas or birthdays. It’s so easy to snag presents (sometimes a little too easy!), but Valentine’s Day, especially for kids, is a bit of a challenge. We literally just finished the holidays, and it can be a struggle to find the motivation to do the heavy lifting when it comes to Cupid’s Birthday. Oh, and we’d also definitely like to skip too much candy. Feeling stuck looking for Valentine’s Day gifts for boys? We’ve got you!

We’ve taken care of the search for Valentine’s Day gifts for boys (and although they’re categorized as “boys”, any kiddo would love these!). There’s something for every little one on your list and for every budget. From toys to games to clothes and more, we’ve found some of the best V-Day goodies out there! So dig into your hidden stash of candy hearts and read on for the best ideas for your kids this Valentine’s Day.

KiwiCo Stereo Headphones Kit

Engineers of all ages will feel like rockstars while they build this pair of super cool headphones from KiwiCo!

KiwiCo Stereo Headphones Kit ($39.95)—Buy Now

Breakable Chocolate Heart

Two things kids love: breaking things and candy. This hollow Belgian chocolate heart from 1-800 Flowers is delivered with a wooden mallet and filled with the best Valentine's Day treats!

Breakable Chocolate Heart ($59.99)—Buy Now

Slumberkins Bigfoot Kin & Board Book Set

Slumberkins is a collection of new animal friends created by a therapist to help kids learn how to navigate their emotions. We love the uplifting and positive messages each Kin brings, and Bigfoot is here to promote self-esteem!

Slumberkins Bigfoot Kin & Board Book Set ($52.00)—Buy Now

Little Passports Valentine's Day Craft Bundle

Give your little one the gift of creativity with this set from Little Passports! They'll be able to create spinning bracelets and colorful suncatchers for up to 40 of their favorite Valentines!

Little Passports Valentine's Day Craft Bundle ($39.95)—Buy Now

monica + andy Special Delivery Embroidered Sweatshirt

For the kiddo who wears his heart on his sleeve—er, chest?—this cozy 100% organic cotton crewneck from monica + andy is perfect! Be sure to check out the monica + andy Valentine's Day Shop for matching goodies, too!

monica + andy Special Delivery Embroidered Sweatshirt ($34.00)—Buy Now

monica + andy Valentine's Day Shop

Connetix Rainbow Transport Pack 50 Piece

Connetix Rainbow Transport Pack gives your kiddo so many options for vehicle builds, allowing them to learn and play at the same time!

Connetix Rainbow Transport Pack 50 Piece ($75.00)—Buy Now

OLLY Kids Multi Gummy Worms

Sure, there's a ton of Valentine's Day candy floating around, but these Multi Gummy Worms from OLLY are fun and good for them. Add a bottle to their V-Day sweets stash and we bet they'll be just excited to get permission to have a daily Gummy Worm!

OLLY Kids Multi Gummy Worms ($13.99)—Buy Now

Gap x Frank Ape Teen Graphic T-Shirt

Artist Brandon Sines of New York designs that champion positivity, equality, and creativity, so this is the perfect tee for the season!

Gap x Frank Ape Teen Graphic T-Shirt ($9.97)—Buy Now

Rockets of Awesome Black Bomber Jacket

This bomber is the jacket they won't want to take off!

Rockets of Awesome Black Bomber Jacket ($45.00)—Buy Now

G-Shock BG169R-4E Watch

Casio's G-Shock is ultra-fun, ultra-durable, and, since comfort is a must for G-Shock, fits kids and tweens!

G-Shock BG169R-4E Watch ($67.79)—Buy Now

Bakery Bling Puppy Love Designer Cookie Kit

An adorable project complete with everything you need to make these darling puppy dog cookies!

Bakery Bling Puppy Love Designer Cookie Kit ($17.99)—Buy Now

Diamond Art Club Masked Vigilante

Diamond Art is like a combination of cross-stitch and paint-by-numbers—you simply apply colorful resin rhinestones to richly-pigmented canvas paintings. The result? Sparkly mosaic art that's super fun and ultra-soothing. Trust us. There are a ton of images to pick from, too!

Diamond Art Club Masked Vigilante ($34.99)—Buy Now

Babiators Blue Light Blocker Glasses

We're thrilled that blue light blocker sunglasses are trending with the younger kids, especially since they not only look cool; they also protect their developing eyes from damage caused by screens! This pair from Babiators is so much fun and one of our top picks!

Babiators Blue Light Blocker Glasses ($21.00)—Buy Now

The Sunday Collective Gingerbread Stripe Hoodie & Indigo Sweatpants

The Sunday Collective is one of our fave gender-neutral brands that’s ethically-made and sustainability-friendly. Their pieces are super easy to mix and match, so he's going to rock this awesome hoodie and cozy sweatpants together and separately!

The Sunday Collective Gingerbread Stripe Hoodie ($78.00)—Buy Now

The Sunday Collective Indigo Sweatpants ($72.00)—Buy Now

Peanuts Valentine's Day Plates

Serve up a fun Valentine's Day breakfast on these melamine plates featuring our favorite Peanuts characters!

Peanuts Valentine's Day Plates ($7.00/ea)—Buy Now

Two Sisters Spa Bubble Bath Bombs Superhero Set

With over 8K reviews giving these a 4.8 star rating, you can bet that the fruity scents and vegan, cruelty-free formulas of these bubble bath bombs are legit! Plus, each one dissolves away to reveal a sudsy superhero surprise.

Two Sisters Spa Bubble Bath Bombs Superhero Set ($29.99)—Buy Now

Hanna Andersson Fries For You Graphic Tee

Hanna Andersson gives us all our favorite pajamas, but their whole line is full of ultra-cool kiddo swag! Who doesn't love snacks? Fries are our true love, too.

Hanna Andersson Fries For You Graphic Tee ($32.00)—Buy Now

FAO Schwarz Plush Pug with Heart Boppers

Meet your kiddo's newest plush pal, complete with fun heart boppers!

FAO Schwarz Plush Pug with Heart Boppers ($14.99)—Buy Now

Rylee + Cru Surfin' Safari T-Shirt

They'll never want to take off this ultra-soft jersey tee in classic Rylee + Cru style that looks great with board shorts or jeans and a hoodie!

Rylee + Cru Surfin' Safari T-Shirt ($35.00)—Buy Now

Compartés Cereal Bowl Chocolate Bar

Handmade in LA, Compartés chocolate is gourmet while still being super fun! This Cereal Bowl Chocolate Bar is a kiddo's dream!

Compartés Cereal Bowl Chocolate Bar ($9.95)—Buy Now

The Ultimate Valentine's Joke Book For Kids

The Ultimate Valentine's Joke Book For Kids includes jokes, knock-knock jokes, funny illustrations, and a try not to laugh challenge for the whole family!

The Ultimate Valentine's Joke Book For Kids ($7.99)—Buy Now

Baker Buddy 35-Piece Kids Baking Set

This is the ultimate baking set for your youngest chef, complete with apron, and real kid-friendly tools!

Baker Buddy 35-Piece Kids Baking Set ($61.99)—Buy Now

Big Blanket Co Original Stretch 10'x10' Blanket

This viral blanket is a gift for the whole crew! Unbelievably soft, stretchy, breathable, and fun, Big Blanket Co's Original Stretch Blanket is the biggest out there at 10'x10'(!!!) and is perfect for movie night, forts, slumber parties, and major cuddling.

Big Blanket Co Original Stretch 10'x10' Blanket ($169.00)—Buy Now

Melissa & Doug Decorate-Your-Own Wooden Craft Kits Set

This monster truck and race car set is ready for your kiddo's personal touch using the included paints and stickers!

Melissa & Doug Decorate-Your-Own Wooden Craft Kits Set ($12.00)—Buy Now

The Don't Laugh Challenge Valentine's Day Edition

A book full of don't laugh challenges that also helps your kids learn new jokes, grow confidence, and developing new skills!

The Don't Laugh Challenge Valentine's Day Edition ($7.99)—Buy Now

Blowfish Malibu Kids Vepper Sneaker

Your kids need new shoes. We know they do. Kids always need new shoes. And these are fun enough to be a gift!

Blowfish Malibu Kids Vepper Sneaker ($15.48+)—Buy Now

SHASHIBO Shape Shifting Box Fidget Cube

This award-winning fidget cube contains 36 rare earth magnets that transforms it into over 70 shapes!

SHASHIBO Shape Shifting Box Fidget Cube ($25.00)—Buy Now

Imagine Meditation Kit For Kids

It's never too early to teach mindfulness, and this kit teaches them in a fun and engaging way that keeps them focused!

Imagine Meditation Kit For Kids ($24.99)—Buy Now

LOVE From the Very Hungry Caterpillar Magna-Tiles

Bring The Very Hungry Caterpillar to life with this limited-edition magna-tile set!

LOVE From the Very Hungry Caterpillar Magna-Tiles ($44.99)—Buy Now

Light-Up Dinosaur Cars

These rawr-some cars light up, make sounds, and even change direction when they run into something! Available in sets of 1-4 cars.

Light-Up Dinosaur Cars ($12.95+)—Buy Now

Kizik Kid's Anaheim Sneakers

We can't get enough of Kizik sneakers! They're entirely slip-on, so even the littlest littles can put them on and take them off (yes, really!). They also come in a ton of awesome colors. Oh, did we mention how incredibly comfortable, supportive, and lighter-than-air they are?

Kizik Kid's Anaheim Sneakers ($59.00+)—Buy Now

Space Train Set

We're loving this spin on the classic train set, especially with its included mini star projector!

Space Train Set ($32.99)—Buy Now

Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet

This drawing tablet not only allows kiddos to unleash their creativity, but can be registered for interactive educational apps! This is a gift the whole family can enjoy.

Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet ($53.95)—Buy Now

Bumpas Weighted Plush Toy

Give the gift of a hug with Bumpas! These weighted plush pals help to soothe anxiety and stress, ease tension, help with sleep, add a feeling of protection, and are also adorable (courtesy of the mind behind the hit Uglydolls). Each Bumpas has a personality and backstory, so you'll be able to snag the perfect one for your kiddo.

Bumpas Weighted Plush Toy ($45.00)—Buy Now

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.

18 Toddler Coats They’ll Actually Wear

by Kate CartiaNovember 2, 2022

Oh, the weather outside is frightful…luckily, these toddler coats make getting them ready a little less scary

First things first: the best toddler coat is the one they’ll put on and keep on. Toddlers are squirmy little creatures. They’re movers and shakers and they can’t stand being restricted. Winter gear typically makes having a full range of movement hard (think Randy in A Christmas Story), so we have to switch tactics and find toddler coats they won’t mind wearing, even if it means not being able to contort themselves into a pretzel as much as they’d like.

From rough-and-tumble to soft and sweet, these toddler coats are super cute and durable. We have layers for the dinosaur dedicated, we have outer space outerwear, and options for the chilly frilly lovers. And hey, there’s a good chance they’ll make getting your little ones ready to face the elements easier!

3-in-1 Jacket

Anything that multi-tasks is an immediate favorite of ours, and this 3-in-1 jacket fits the bill. The outer shell is specially coated for water-resistance, and the solid interior fleece liner zips out to become its own jacket! Available in four prints.

3-in-1 Jacket ($34.98) Here

Mon Coeur Puffer Jacket

Mon Coeur from Maisonette is a brand dedicated to putting the planet first. This jacket is made from up-cycled water bottles and recycled polyester. Plus, 1% of each item sold is donated to environmental restoration efforts!

Mon Coeur Puffer Jacket ($190) Here

Ruffle Puffer Jacket

Tiered ruffles and a water-resistant coating makes this an adorable holiday-ready option for little ones who love frills!

Ruffle Puffer Jacket ($59.96) Here

Rocket Rain Coat

If your season looks more wet than wintery, this warm rain coat from Cat & Jack is a blast! The webbed details will make your little astronaut feel on top of the world.

Rocket Rain Coat ($19) Here

Ombré Puffer Vest

If having their arms covered is just too much, this cheery puffer vest is the perfect answer!

Ombré Puffer Vest ($29.50) Here

The North Face Down Hooded Jacket

The North Face is known for handling the cold, so this recycled down-filled, fleece-lined, water-repellent jacket is an easy and cozy go-to all season!

The North Face Down Hooded Jacket ($119) Here

Buffalo Check Hooded Wool Jacket

Keep them warm and oh-so-sharp in this cozy wool hooded jacket! Also available in red!

Buffalo Check Hooded Wool Jacket ($49) Here

Two-Piece Snowsuit

If a coat just isn't going to cut it, this snowsuit set is sure to! Weather-resistant, water-resistant, and insulated, they'll stay cozy no matter what the weather has in store.

Two-Piece Snowsuit ($219) Here

Lightweight Goose Down Jacket

No kiddo wants to be weighed down, so this lightweight and packable goose down jacket is a terrific option! It also doesn't hurt that it's budget-friendly.

Lightweight Goose Down Jacket ($46.99) Here

Hook-and-Eye Coat

So you have yourself a little fashionista? This gender-neutral coat can be rocked from holiday parties to the playground.

Hook-and-Eye Coat ($28.99) Here

Bear Ears Puffer Jacket

We're suckers for anything with adorable details, so this puffer coat is high on our list! It's ideal for temps around 50ºF and comes in a ton of different colors.

Bear Ears Puffer Jacket ($23.99) Here

Dinosaur Hood Puffer Coat

Got a dino-driven kiddo? They'll love this rawr-some puffer, complete with spikes. It comes in five colors!

Dinosaur Hood Puffer Coat ($20.99) Here

Fur Hood Parka

Talk about cozy! This parka is fleece-lined with a removable hood for the days when they decide that a hood is the most annoying thing on earth after loving it the day before. You know how it goes.

Fur Hood Parka ($29.59) Here

Lightweight Water-Resistant Packable Hooded Puffer Coat

This one is the #1 Best-Seller in Boys' Down Jacket & Coats on Amazon!

Lightweight Water-Resistant Packable Hooded Puffer Coat ($40.20) Here

Double Flake Snow Set

We're loving this snow set for its warmth, but also because of Columbia's OUTGROWN™ System that allows you to extend the size up to 1.5"!

Double Flake Snow Set ($99) Here

Kitterwibbit II Jacket

Another dino-inspired layer (who can get enough dinosaur duds?), this one offers reflective detail and comes in four color combos!

Kitterwibbit II Jacket ($44.99) Here

Patagonia Synthetic Puffer Hoodie

Fair Trade Certified™ and high tear-strength, they'll wear this one all winter! Available in multiple colors.

Patagonia Synthetic Puffer Hoodie ($129) Here

Long Heavyweight Hooded Puffer Coat

For especially cold climates, this longer-length heavyweight coat will protect them right down to their little hands thanks to the thumb-holes!

Long Heavyweight Hooded Puffer Coat ($50.20) Here

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.

The 10 Best Local Toy Stores for Totally Unique Gifts

by Jeff ToteyOctober 26, 2022

Need a little help with your holiday shopping for kids? These local toy stores in Seattle are here to help

The holidays are right around the corner, and for many parents that means finding gifts for your kids. That’s no easy feat when there are so many amazing gifts for kids to choose from out there. That’s where our favorite Seattle toy stores come in. Not only do they have the toys your kids want, they’re staffed by folks who are in the know so you don’t have to be. If you’re still looking for that perfect gift, try one of these shops that offer all kinds of interesting and unusual toys, games, books, and more that you won’t find anywhere else.

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A post shared by Snapdoodle Toys and Games (@snapdoodletoys)

1. Snapdoodle Toys & Games

The original Snapdoodle Toys & Games opened in Kenmore back in 2008. Now this local toy shop that could has six different locations across the Seattle metropolitan area. Kids love visiting because of the play tables and trial games, and parents love the expert suggestions they get from staff when they need to find the perfect gift. For quick ideas you don't even have to head to the store to find, check out Snap Picks, curated gifts sorted by age. You'll find everything you need, from babies thorough big kids, including books, at this local favorite.

Good to Know: The Seattle location also has a kid's salon for the next time you need a haircut.

Locations in Seattle, Bellevue, Issaquah, Kenmore, Redmond & Totem Lake

Online: snapdoodletoys.com

2. Magic Mouse Toys

You'll find this whimsical shop in the heart of Pioneer Square. It's filled from floor to ceiling with so many colorful options, even parents will feel like a kid in a...well...toy store when they walk through the doors. You're bound to find that just-right gift for whoever is on your list with two floors of educational toys, games, puzzles, and dolls to choose from. And while they definitely carry your favorite toy brands, expect a few you haven't heard of yet. The store takes pride in the humorous, witty toys and books they carry that adults may appreciate more than their kids do. Once you've shopped 'til you've dropped, head outside to climb and jump around the Occidental Square playground.

603 1st Ave.
Seattle
Online: magicmousetoys.com

3. Clover Toys

Self-described as "Seattle’s Most Charming Toy Store," this Ballard shop is a favorite of little and big kids alike. Creaky wood floors and big front windows surround a slew of giftable toys, games, and costumes. Clover also boasts a bunch of pint-sized instruments and a large selection of natural items, including colorful stacking shapes from Wooden Wagon. Filled from floor to ceiling with unique products, and lots of local brands too, it's a great place to shop for kids no matter what the ocassion

Insider Tip: Want to make your shopping a bit easier? Order online and pick up in store when you've got time.

Good to Know: Clover Toys will be moving from their current location into the Ballard Blocks Building sometime in late November or early December of this year. But have no fear, both stores will be open as they make the transition so you can always find what you need.

5333 Ballard Ave. N.W.
Seattle
Online: clovertoys.com

4. Red Wagon Toys

This adorable little toy shop in Madison Park opened its doors back in 2009 and has been charming shoppers ever since. For parents its location is ideal. Because not only will you find the cutest toys around, including great brands you love, but the shop is close to play date favorites like Madison Park playground and the nearby beach on the shores of Lake Washington. Throw in a trip for ice cream at the Scoop Du Jour or a cookie from Madison Park Bakery and you've pretty much got a perfect shopping excursion planned.

4218B E. Madison St.
Seattle
Online: redwagonmadisonpark.com

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5. Curious Kidstuff

One of two local toy stores under the Calico Toy Shoppe brand, Curious Kidstuff has been a favorite with West Seattle families since it opened. Once you walk through the doors you'll realize why kids are always begging to visit again and again. Many toys are out to "test" and there's something new and exciting lurking around every corner. All toys, books, music, art supplies, and other fun stuff are non-violent and geared towards infants through tweens. You’ll find "green” toys as well as some toys that are still made out of wood and still just as much fun as you remember.

Insider Tip: Curious Kidstuff has great art classes for kids too. Sign up soon!

Good to Know: The other shop is on Bainbridge Island and it's just as cute. Be sure to stop in the next time you visit Winslow.

4740 California Ave. S.W.
Seattle
Online: curiouskidstuff.com

6. Blue Highway Games

If it’s a game, Blue Highway has it. Located on Queen Anne, this shop carries all kinds of games that are appropriate for families and kids. From thought-provoking strategy games to the silly, and from classics like Boggle and Bananagrams to new ones like A Fistful of Penguins and Click Clack Lumberjack, you’ll find them here. Psst...you'll also find lots of vintage and card games, too.

Good to Know: We love the kid and family game events held at the store. In addition to the Family Game Day (second Sunday of each month), kids will love the Preschool Game Hour held monthly that includes a story.

2203 Queen Anne Ave. N.
Seattle
Online: bluehighwaygames.com

7. BobaKhan Toys & Collectibles

Pronounced “Bo-ba-kaan,” this Everett store is named after Boba Fett from Star Wars and the evil Khan from Star Trek. While most kids won’t truly understand why they love this store so much, bigger kids (and parents) definitely will. Expect to find a selection of new toys, action figures, and pop culture icons in addition to vintage antique toys. So, while some may come in looking for toys to play with, others will be looking for obscure characters to collect. Psst...don’t be surprised if your kids end up dragging you out of the store to go home.

500 S.E. Everett Mall Way, Ste. A 1
Everett, WA
Online: bobakhan.com

8. Lakeshore

Popular in different parts of the country, the only Lakeshore store available in Washington state is located in Bellevue. Since 1954, Lakeshore’s goal has been the same: providing innovative education products "that spark young imaginations, instill a sense of wonder and foster a lifelong love of learning.” Their toys and games are designed for children as young as infants all the way up to 6th grade.

3924 Factoria Square Mall S.E.
Bellevue, WA
Online: lakeshorelearning.com

9. Archie McPhee

While you can shop Archie McPhee online, why would you want to? You’ll want to see the odd and strange finds up close and in person. Where else are you going to find the Nancy Pearl Librarian Action Figure, a Punching Nun puppet or The Crazy Cat Lady Game? Since 1983, Archie McPhee has proudly sold some of the weirdest stuff out there, and while younger kids may not "get it” you can be assured that your older kids will.

1300 N. 45th St.
Seattle
Online: archiemcpheeseattle.com

10. Math 'n' Stuff

Who would have thought a store dedicated to inspiring kids to love math would become a staple toy store for north end families? Whether you're looking for a LEGO set or an educational game or puzzle, this is your spot to find it. It's the place to go for brain teasers, building toys, and other fun items that make you go "hmmm..." The fact that it's just up the street from the Maple Leaf playground? Well, that's just a bonus.

8926 Roosevelt Way
Seattle
Online: mathnificent.com

Dad Calls Out the Ridiculousness of Girl Clothes in Viral TikTok

by Karly WoodOctober 20, 2022

“Girl clothes are the worst.”

Michael Vaughn is a “Great Value brand Seth Rogen,” a “Licensed Girl Dad,” and he’s tired of the annoying little girl clothes on the market. The TikToker, who goes by @world.shaker, did a stitch video last year with @ericasaystuff and answered the question: “tell me about the time you realized the over-sexualization of women starts incredible young.”

“It was 100% the clothes. I knew it was going to be bad but I didn’t know how bad,” says Vaughn. “Then we got a onesie for our daughter that said, ‘Sorry, boys, Dad says no dating.’ Sized for a newborn. I guess I’m wondering who they thought was gonna date our zero-month-old daughter.”

@world.shaker

#stitch with @ericasaysstuff #parenting #girldad #walmartsethrogen #babyclothes

♬ Emotional Piano Instrumental In E Minor – Tom Bailey Backing Tracks

“All the girl clothes are remarkably annoying for so many reasons…Why is everything hyper pink?…Why are the girl clothes smaller than boy clothes when they’re the same size?” Vaughn questions. “I don’t get why boys get normal shorts and my daughter gets shorts with an inseam of negative 2.”

Parents have long touted the issues with finding girls clothes that aren’t skin-tight and super short. Then add in school districts who unfairly penalize clothing like dresses and skirts, categorizing them as more “sexual” and “unprofessional” than pants, and we basically have no where left to turn––except the boys section.

@world.shaker

#stitch with @annethepa Boys 👏🏻are 👏🏻not 👏🏻bigger 👏🏻than 👏🏻girls 👏🏻 #parents #parenting #girlsclothing #sexism #misogynistic

♬ original sound – World Shaker

Naysayers will have parents believe that girls clothing is smaller and tighter because “boys are bigger than girls,” which is just false, says Vaughn in a follow up video. If you really think about it, girls clothes are designed to be form-fitting and not always built for play, while boys clothes are meant for comfort and function.

So if boys and girls are the same size, why then do clothing companies continue to market their clothing the way they do? And if girls clothing uses less fabric because they are smaller than the boy version, shouldn’t it be cheaper instead of more expensive (i.e., the dreaded pink tax), as so often is the case?

While there is much to be frustrated about, parents have a few options. We can continue to advocate for our kids when it comes to holding clothing companies accountable for their sizing and manufacturing processes and we can also shop gender neutral brands who put an emphasis on children, not boys and girls.

Check out some of our favorites that include Primary, nununu, Pact, and Monica + Andy.

10 Ways to Celebrate Hispanic & Latinx Businesses, Creators, & Designers

by Kate CartiaSeptember 28, 2022

Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to learn ways to support Hispanic and Latinx businesses and communities throughout the whole year.

National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15th though October 15th, celebrating the history, culture, and incredible contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans throughout history. It’s a great time to learn, to express appreciation, and an excellent chance to focus on ways to support the Hispanic and Latinx businesses and communities all year. Read on for our ideas to celebrate and support Hispanic and Latinx businesses, creators, and designers. These goodies are sure to inspire!

Just Ask! by Sonia Sotomayor

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and award-winning artist Raphael Lopez teamed up to create Just Ask!, a book about embracing the differences in others. Justice Sotomayor uses her experience being diagnosed with diabetes as a child to write about all kinds of challenges some kids face, and highlights the special powers those kiddos have, too! Children are taught that each unique quality is what makes our world vibrant, and that learning about each other through kindness and curiosity is the foundation for inclusion.

Just Ask! by Sonia Sotomayor ($10.99) Here

Dia de Muertos Calavera & Flower Wreath

Dia de Muertos originated in Mexico as a colorful celebration of loved ones who are no longer with us. This gorgeous wreath was designed by Mexican native Flavia Z Drago, who shares her heritage through this whole Dia de Muertos Collection!

Dia de Muertos Calavera & Flower Wreath ($20) Here

Dia de Muertos Collection Here

Gaby's Latin American Kitchen by Gaby Melian

Cover of the book Gaby's Latin American Kitchen

Celebrity Chef Gaby Melian brings your young cooks into her own kitchen in Gaby's Latin American Kitchen! Kid-tested and kid-approved recipes fill the pages along with fun personal stories from Gaby herself, as well as a Spanish glossary and beautiful images of her culinary creations. Cooking-obsessed kiddos will learn how to create delicious meals from breakfast to dessert, and are immersed in Latin American culture at the same time!

Gaby's Latin American Kitchen by Gaby Melian ($13.39) Here

Cafe La Llave Premium Blend Espresso

Cafe La Llave's story began 143 years ago when brothers Jose Maria and Ramon Gavina arrived in southern Cuba, where its coffee-bearing mountains became their home. They soon became well-known and well-loved by the community, and during the Cuban revolution, descendant Francisco Gavina and his family settled in Los Angeles. They've continued to create traditional Latin coffee using four generations of experience (which explains the almost 1,800 five-star Amazon reviews!).

Cafe La Llave Premium Blend Espresso 32oz Whole Bean 2 Pack ($37.98) Here

La Llave Collection Here

Casita Michi Hermosa aka 'Beautiful' Candle

Product image of white poured jar candle

Casita Michi celebrates Latinx heritage through its collection of artisan goods. Owned and operated by a first-generation daughter of Latinx immigrants, Casita Michi focuses on pride and love of her Latinx background. The Casita Michi collection offers hand-poured candles, and we're big fans of Hermosa aka Beautiful. Coconut, amber, and tonka notes make this one a fave. Make sure to take a look at the other yummy candles from Casita Michi to find the one that speaks to you! (Plus, Macy's VIP Sale is on, so it's okay if two of these beauties happen to be speaking to you!)

Casita Michi Hermosa aka Beautiful Candle ($22.50 with code: VIP) Here

Casita Michi Collection Here

TOMS X PRINTGONZALEZ Alpargata Leather Wrap

We already love TOMS for its commitment to donating 1/3 of its profits, and now this collaboration with Xicanx printmaker Daniel Gonzalez has us absolutely in love! These stunning designs Daniel has created uses the inspiration he's taken from Mesoamerican and Mexica art to create a different point of view of Dia de los Muertos. When you purchase any (or all!) of the three TOMS X PRINTGONZALEZ Alpargatas, TOMS is able to support organizations like Self Help Graphics & Art, which provides space, training, and capital for Chicano/a and Xicanx artists like Daniel!

TOMS X PRINTGONZALEZ Alpargata Leather Wrap ($69.95) Here

TOMS X PRINTGONZALEZ Collection Here

Project WE & Camila Rosa Graphic T-Shirt

Old Navy teamed up with the Fifteen Percent Pledge to create a collab to showcase diverse artists with the intention of gaining the visibility and equality they deserve! The incredibly talented artist Camila Rosa designed this gender-neutral tee for Project WE honoring the power of Latin women, and sporting this one shows your support of Camila Rosa and women like her. As a huge bonus, Old Navy is donating $500,000 through the Project WE series to the Fifteen Percent Pledge that supports the rise of Black creative entrepreneurs!

Project WE & Camila Rosa Graphic T-Shirt ($14.99) Here

Old Navy Latinx for the Family Collection Here

Hispanic Heritage Coloring Book

Amazon's recommendations to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month includes this coloring book that offers fun coloring pages that honor Hispanic culture!

Hispanic Heritage Coloring Book ($7.50) Here

Fillo's Walking Tamales

Product image of bags of Walking Tamales in a row

Brothers Antonio and Daniel have leaned into their Cuban and Panamanian roots by creating Fillo's, a clean-label brand featuring shelf-stable Latin staples. Walking Tamales don't require refrigeration (except for any open unused portions), so they're ready to go wherever you are! With sweet and savory options, there's a Walking Tamale for everyone.

Fillo's Walking Tamales Variety Pack ($17.99) Here

Fillo's Collection Here

Handcrafted Wooden Lazy Susan

Hispanic business Hasta la Raiz features incredible handmade items! This show-stopping lazy Susan is handmade in Mexico by local artisans. The print covers parota wood and is covered in resin, making it durable and sure to last!

Handcrafted Wooden Lazy Susan ($59) Here

Hasta la Raiz Collection Here

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Fall Family Photo Outfits: Our Guide to Picture Perfect Looks This Season

by Kate CartiaSeptember 14, 2022

If you’re like us, you’re eyeing the vivid leaves outside and thinking it’s been way too long since our families had an official photoshoot. The autumn atmosphere makes for the perfect (and super easy) stage for shots, and whether you’re hiring a professional or setting the timer on your phone, creating coordinated fall family photo outfits can be easier than you think: just leave it to us! We’ve put together a list of our fave looks for the most memorable photo collection yet – from ultra-matching to creative coordinating – so you can stress less and smile more. With these fall family photo outfits, there’s a style for your whole crew!

Harvest Plaid Collection

$35 BUY NOW

Fall plaid will never go out of style (not that we'd ever want it to!) and these coordinating pieces for the whole family have us ready for our close-ups! The warm gingerbread-vibey print couldn't be more perfect, and with options from button-downs to dresses, from adults to infants, you'll want to wear this print well beyond picture day!

Apple Jumper Set

$18 BUY NOW

Team Cider and Team Pumpkin Spice can come together and agree that this apple jumper set is beyond cute! With warm fall hues and the most adorable little tights, this one will easily pair with denim and solid sweaters for the rest of the family.

Flower Power Mini Dress

$108 BUY NOW

Fun, flattering, and fall-inspired, this gorgeous dress will pair with tights and tall boots, or ballet flats and a denim jacket. Either way, the vintage print and natural hues will be easy to coordinate with the rest of the fam! (TIP: Amp this piece up for a night on the town with a long duster vest and funky booties!)

Oversized Cotton-Twill Adult Overshirt

$43 BUY NOW

Oh, hello, seasonal layering! Photos or not, this lightweight shirt + jacket = shacket can be thrown over anything, from the floral mini dress to your favorite tee! We're also really digging the gender neutral aspect of this one, as well as the khaki and panther grey color options that can go with whatever the rest of the family wears!

Apple Picking Squad Graphic Tees

$6 BUY NOW

Make a day of it! These family tees are going to be a cute and comfy hit for photos, and using the orchard as a backdrop before an afternoon apple pick packs the day with fun. We also love the 2022 graphic, so we can make a new tradition of it all! Rock these with jeans, or elevate your look with a plaid shirt or a puffer vest and rugged boots.

Baby Flannel 3-Piece Set

$63 BUY NOW

We know. We can't stop swooning, either. Cozy and absolutely precious, this 3-piece set for the littlest ones match a whole collection from Gap that range from infant to adult sizes! And no, we can't get enough of the tee-tiny hooded flannel, either.

pregnant woman in chambray top and white jeans — Macy's

Maternity Chambray Top

$78 BUY NOW

Celebrate the last fall season before your family grows wearing this chambray maternity top! Chambray is oh-so-versatile: wear this one with faux leather maternity leggings, a maxi skirt, or use it as a lightweight layer over a tank top or under a cardigan!

Raglan Pumpkin Tee

$17 BUY NOW

Pumpkins and fall go together like...well, pumpkins and fall! We love the idea of pairing this little tee with a pair of corduroy pants and a knit beanie. Wrap the rest of the family in spicy orange and chocolate hues for a gorgeous autumnal palette.

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Inclusivity can be taught from a very young age and these companies are doing their part to make the toy landscape a diverse one. From a doll that looks like your child to one that teaches about their medical condition, diverse toys can make us feel valued as humans and show us that there’s a whole world beyond our front door.

Barbie Inspiring Women Series

Showcasing women who've made the world a better place through determination and fighting for justice and equal opportunity, Barbie's Inspiring Women Series includes change makers like Eleanor Roosevelt, Dr. Maya Angelou, and Hellen Keller. Now the collection has a new doll: civil rights activities and women's suffragette, Ida B. Wells.

Wells co-founded the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) which fight for freedom, justice, and equal opportunity to this day. Not only does the doll pay homage to this history-making woman, but Barbie has also partnered with Girls Write Now, a non-profit organization that removes gender, race, age, and poverty barriers to mentor future writers and leaders.

You can shop the entire collection here.

Teni and Tayo Creations

Teni and Tayo Creations are excited to share a piece of Africa with young children. Omobola Imoisili founded the brand after relocating to L.A. from Nigeria and wanting to give her small daughters something representative of their heritage while they attend school. Brand mascots Feyi Fay, a superhero fairy, and Captain Nosa, a Nigerian scientist, and superhero, encourage kids to do well in school and promote a love of learning in all the brand’s offerings. From STEM toys to books and apparel, there are diverse toys available for everyone.

Shop the collection here

ISH Dolls

ISH Dolls creates diverse toys and clothing that celebrate culture and the Hindu faith. Their colorful plush dolls are designed to bring joy to children of all backgrounds and to introduce them to the avatars found in Hindu culture. This mom-owned business launched at the height of the pandemic in May 2020 with its first plush, Baby Krishna, and followed up with his companions Rahda, Durga and Baby Lakshmi.

IG: @ISHDOLLS

Shop the collection here

Everyone Is Awesome LEGO Set

Everything—and everyone—is awesome! Inspired by the rainbow flag of the LGBTQIA+ community, LEGO's “Everyone is Awesome” 346-piece set features 11 unique monochrome figures with individual colors and hairstyles. Once completed, it’s the perfect size for a desk or window display, to bring a colorful pop to life every day.

Buy it here

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Qai Qai Doll from Serena Williams

Qai Qai is no ordinary doll; since appearing on social media alongside Serena Williams, Alexis Ohanian, and their daughter Olympia, Qai Qai has amassed thousands of followers of her own. According to Serena Williams, "When we first opened @RealQaiQai's account on Instagram two years ago, it was just supposed to be an inside joke, but we've come to realize that Qai Qai could be the beginning of a new kind of toy story, and one that we're excited to help bring to life so our daughter and millions of other children can see and play with more toys that look like them."

Get your Qai Qai here

Creatable World Deluxe Character Kit Customizable Doll

We love these dolls from Creatable World as they let kids change the doll's looks with wigs and clothing. Celebrate all of our differences!

Shop the collection here

Red & Olive

Your heart will melt at the cute offerings from Red & Olive. Not only are the knit ethical dolls adorable, but they also help support the artisans who handmake each one. Each fair trade doll is handmade by Peruvian artists, empowering them to provide for themselves and their families. The companion dolls come with either matching beanies or bows.

Shop the collection here

Little Biscuits Dress-Me Notepad

Part sketch pad, part paper dolls, kids can "dress up" the little people to look just like them or anything else they can imagine!

Shop the collection here

Modi Toys

Celebrate the culture and traditions of India with Modi Toys. This family-owned small business offers plush diverse toys and gift baskets that feature Baby Ganesh, Baby Krishna, and Baby Hanuman along with books that explain their history. You can even personalize the plush toys with a baby's name—the perfect gift for a new arrival.

Shop the collection here

The Little Feminist Book Club

Diversify your child's bookshelf with the help of The Little Feminist Books Club. When you select the 7-9 age group, you will get two paperbacks or one hardcover book each month, along with a hands-on activity that goes along with the book, a discussion card, and a parent letter explaining why the book was chosen.

Subscriptions start at $23/month. Get yours here.

Healthy Roots Doll Zoe

The Healthy Roots Doll Zoe is a life-like 18” doll with hair uniquely designed with curl power that allows it to be washed and styled, giving kids the chance to learn more about how to care for their curls by practicing on hers. The inspiration for Zoe came from Yelitsa Jean-Charles, a young woman—who like many others—never had a doll that looked like her growing up.

Kids can use real products and try out countless styles from puffs to box braids! Zoe learned to love her hair after she did the big chop with her mom. Together they learned how to love every single one of her curls. Now she’s here to help other girls learn to love their curls.

Zoe is available here

Worldgirls

Check out these dolls for girls on a mission to change the world. Inspired by their upbringing in Brooklyn, New York, twin sisters Laken and Carlissa King sought to create dolls that spark creativity and celebrate togetherness.

Worldgirls are 18-inch dolls representing girls from around the world who are chosen to attend the top-secret school, Worldgirls Hall. Each Worldgirl is assigned 1 of 5 traits: WARRIOR, HEALER, EXPLORER, REBEL, and SCHOLAR. The company created the traits so children could connect with the dolls' unique passions rather than their looks.

Shop the collection here

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The Fresh Dolls

When Dr. Lisa Williams, CEO & Founder of the only Black-owned major doll company, saw the psychological implications of the importance of your toy box no matter your race or ethnicity, she created the Positively Perfect Dolls for younger children. In recent years her company has created The Fresh Dolls featuring black and multicultural fashion dolls and accessories. The Fresh Dolls were intentionally created with fuller hips and thighs, and a more realistic waistline, with trendy fashion pieces. New this year is their Wakanda Forever superhero line!

Shop the collection here.

MyFamilyBuilders

If you’ve ever had the frustration of finding dolls that look like your family (or friends!), you’ll LOVE this. Multiracial families, same-sex families, single-parent families, and adoptive families can now construct dolls that capture the beautiful reality of their households. MyFamilyBuilders is a unique, educational wooden diverse toy that is stackable and magnetic to create the perfect doll.

Shop the collection here

Nostalgia on the Go: Play Maysie

Created by single adoptive mom Kayla Lupean, Play Maysie is a portable, customizable world in a case for the pint-sized bunch. Noted as “everything a dollhouse should be,” this diverse toy is a gender-neutral classic childhood favorite that is made for adventures. Play Maysie’s design was inspired by the nostalgia of vintage tin lunchboxes. It folds out on both sides to showcase interchangeable, magnetic rooms with fixed wooden furniture—built for frustration-free play, less mess and no more lost pieces! With an eye on teaching sustainability, each Play Maysie is made of eco-friendly, renewable materials for indoor and outdoor play either at home or on the go.

At the core of the company's mission, for every three Play Maysie cases purchased, they will donate another one to a child who is entering the foster care system. Their hope is, with an integral sense of ownership, foster youth can open their Play Maysie case at any time to create an experience where they feel safe, secure, and in control during a time where nearly everything in their world is unfamiliar.

Shop the collection here

Mouse Loves Pig's Melanin Magic Ribbon Wands

While you might be used to seeing ribbon wands in rainbow or pastel colors, the Melanin Magic Ribbon Wands are a celebration of melanin. Kids need to see all skin tones all together all on the same toy. Each ribbon deserves a place and the rainbow would look incomplete if it were missing one. These simple toys make a wonderful gross motor skills tool for dancing, twirling, jumping, and shaking. They also make a great conversation starter for kids. Purchasing one of these diverse toys support Brown Babes Rep Too, an organization dedicated to ensuring a diverse environment in small business advertising.

You can find them here

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Dolls with Autism, Dwarfism and Hearing Loss from Lottie Dolls

Lottie Dolls introduced a doll inspired by an autistic boy who loves astronomy. The diverse toy comes with an astronaut-in-training jumpsuit, companion dog, noise-reducing headphones, and sunglasses to reduce visual sensory overload.

Lottie Dolls offers dolls that highlight diversity, including the Mia doll, a wildlife photographer with a cochlear implant, and the Sinead doll, the world's first doll with dwarfism.

Shop the collection here.

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Custom Dolls from Kay Customz

Crystal Kaye is the artist behind Kay Customz. Not only are Crystal’s custom dolls cute, but they’re also inclusive. She goes beyond creating dolls in a few different skin tones, and makes dolls with freckles (and not just the traditional two or three that are meant to look cute but don’t really represent what a normal person looks like freckles), vitiligo and albinism.

Shop the collection here

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Build-a-Bear & Vermont Teddy Bear Company Amputee Bears

For kids with limb differences, Build-a-Bear and the Vermont Teddy Bear Company are there to create a bear with the same limb difference. Both offer customization that allows this treasured bear to match its owner.

Differently-Abled Dolls from Barbie's Fashionistas Line

Barbie now has a diverse toy line of dolls

The Barbie Fashionistas line, which already includes Barbie dolls with various body types and hairstyles, also offers two differently-abled dolls. The first doll is in a wheelchair and the second is fitted with a prosthetic leg. “As a brand, we can elevate the conversation around physical disabilities by including them into our fashion doll line to further showcase a multi-dimensional view of beauty and fashion,” Mattel said.

Shop the collection here.

Orijin Bees

To encourage their daughter's interest in African culture, two parents created this doll company with different shades of skin complexions and hair textures available. They even have a buy-one-gift-one program!

Shop the collection here

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Plastic Army Women from BMC Toys

Inspired by the letter from a six-year-old girl, the iconic green army men sold by BMC Toys now have an addition—women soldiers. They are available in four different military poses

Shop the collection here.

Audio and Braille Instructions from LEGO

LEGO believes brick building should be inclusive for everyone, which is why LEGO Audio and Braille instructions were introduced in 2019.

The idea was inspired by Matthew Shifrin who was born blind and loved to play with LEGO bricks. As a child, he had a friend, Lilya who would painstakingly write down all of the LEGO building steps so that he could upload the written directions into a system that translated them in a Braille reader. For the first time in his life, he was able to build LEGO sets entirely on his own.

When Lilya passed away, Shifrin decided he wanted to share his experience with others like him. A friend from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology introduced him to the Creative Play Lab at LEGO Group and his wonderful idea was developed into the LEGO Audio and Braille instruction. LEGO also has LEGO Braille bricks!

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American Girl Truly Me Dolls

With dozens and dozens of looks to choose from in the Truly Me collection, your child can bring home an American Girl doll who brings out exactly who they are. From singing to soccer to so much more, every child can find outfits and accessories to match their interests.

Kids can even have their dolls fitted with a prosthetic leg by the company A Step Ahead Prosthetics.

Lakeshore Learning's People with Differing Abilities

We all want our kids to be open-minded, but in order to understand other people's differences, it's important that kids see those differences first-hand—and talk about them. Lakeshore Learning's People with Differing Abilities include people with realistic details and adaptive equipment—from a girl in a wheelchair to a boy with leg braces. For younger kiddos, Lakeshore also has a "Soft and Safe" version of these diverse toys that feature children with various disabilities.

Shop the collection here.

Wonder Crew Boy Dolls

If you've got a superhero-loving kid who wants a doll—but not that kind of doll—Wonder Crew dolls are the perfect addition. The collection of boy dolls was designed to have the "adventure of an action figure with the emotional connection of the favorite stuffed animal." They're soft and perfect for cuddles, but they're also superheroes. What's even cooler? Each doll comes with two masks and capes: One for the doll and one for the kid who plays with it. Genius.

Shop the collection here

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Jerry the Bear Teaches Kids about Diabetes

By taking care of Jerry's diabetes, children gain hands-on practice with counting carbs, monitoring Jerry's blood sugar and dosing Jerry with insulin. Kids care for Jerry using the virtual diabetes tools and the digital pantry in the product's app.

Follow along with Jerry's journey to train for the All-Stars Games! All 21 interactive storybooks are paired with care tasks to reinforce important diabetes lessons. The curriculum is co-designed with doctors, educators and families to create educational content that kids love.

Learn more here.

Lammily Dolls with Realistic Proportions

Lammily Dolls are a diverse toy line — Lammily Dolls

Do you know what's not empowering? Dolls with body proportions that are impossible to have in real life. That's why the makers of Lammily Dolls decided to make a collection of dolls using proportions akin to the average 19-year-old American woman. That means everything from the hands, arms, and neck to the waist, legs, and feet are realistic. The makers hope that playing with "normal" dolls will help young girls see their own bodies more positively (because sadly, studies show girls start worrying about their looks by age five).

Shop the collection here.

Maru and Friends

Diversity is the name of the game when it comes to this line of dolls. Maru and Friends dolls are making a statement, and it’s one that’s long overdue. These dolls are more than just pretty playthings. Maru and Friends tell the tale of life as an immigrant. And your child can learn Maru’s story, as well as what it’s like for her friends to grow up in America.

Shop the collection here

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Handmade Keepsake Dolls from HarperIman

This line of dolls and accessories was created by Cynthia Watkins and Kathryn Burnett, a mother-daughter duo, in 2017. Different skin tones, sizes, and hair types are available and each doll is handmade with painstaking detail given to outfits with the ability to match a specific outfit if desired.

Get yours Shop the collection here.

I Never Forget a Face Memory Game

A memory game that is a diverse toy for kids

This award-winning game matches faces to countries. Twenty-four pairs of illustrated cards depict the happy faces of children from all over the world and make for a fun and educational memory game. At times challenging, the game helps sharpen recognition and memory skills. The back of the game box shows which country each child is from.

Buy it here

SunWorks Multicultural Construction Paper

Great for multicultural arts and crafts activities. This set includes 10 sheets of each of these five colors: Manila, Salmon, Light Brown, Brown and Dark Brown.

Buy it here

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