Oma and opa, grammy and papa, abuela and abuelo; no matter what they call them your child’s grandparents mean the world to them. Make Grandma and Grandpa feel special this year by giving a thoughtful and personal gift. Our curated guide is here to make sure they feel merry and bright, no matter where they (or you) are this year.
StoryMakery Custom Book
Kids can write Grandma and Grandpa into the plot and turn it all into a hardcover book.
Even if the grands aren't traditional knitters, this chic set comes with everything they need to make this classy blanket. You can customize the colors of the yarn, and it's suitable for beginners, too.
Upload a favorite photo, choose a painting medium (oil, acrylic, watercolor) and painting size, and prepare to be dazzled by the one-of-a-kind artwork you receive.
Add names or your family's motto around the edge of this We Are Family phrase for a perfect reminder that you're together, even when you are far apart.
Teema Towel's The Navy Noble
Teema Towels
This gorgeous "towel" is made of high-quality cotton and functions more like a small blanket, wrap or throw, perfect for a lightweight way to cut the chill.
Combine video chat time with story time! With a subscription you'll gain access to digital books to read in real time to a child on the call. Kids can even "flip the pages" as someone else reads to them.
Your little ones will be so excited to tune in. Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD are spreading holiday cheer with new themed programming including festive episodes of DuckTales, Disney Fam Jam, Puppy Dog Pals and a one-hour special episode of Raven’s Home. The episodes will premiere Sat., Nov. 28 and continue airing throughout the month of December.
Additional highlights include the animated special The Snowy Day, based on the beloved children’s book by Ezra Jack Keats, and two Random Rings animated shorts featuring ZOMBIES 2 stars Chandler Kinney and Trevor Tordjman.
DisneyNOW will also present a collection of new and existing holiday-themed episodes, movies and short-form content beginning Fri., Nov. 27. Also included in DisneyNOW are holiday-themed levels of favorite games launching Tue., Dec. 1 and a new “Mickey’s Holiday Party” mini-game debuting each day throughout the month of December.
Saturday, November 28
Snowsnaps – “Gone to the Dogs” (Short-form)
Violet and Tomas challenge Kiki and Sami to a dogsled.
8:55 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Junior
Sunday November 29
“Put The Happy In The Holidays” Music Video
Disney Channel stars come together and sing “Put The Happy In The Holidays” a festive and upbeat holiday song to bring joy to kids and families around the world. The lively music video, filled with holiday cheer, will feature ZOMBIES 2 stars Meg Donnelly, Chandler Kinney and Trevor Tordjman plus Raven’s Home stars Navia Robinson, Sky Katz, Issac Ryan Brown and Sydney to the Max star Ruth Righi.
Airing on Disney Channel and DisneyMusicVEVO
Monday, November 30
Chuggington: Tales from the Rails – “Chugging Home for the Holidays”
Wilson, Koko, and Brewster visit San Locomota to experience Rosa’s holiday traditions.
8:15 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Junior and in DisneyNOW
Vampirina – “The Fright Before Christmas” / “Scared Snowman”
In the first story of the episode, Vampirina plans a spooky scare in the hopes of attracting Spooky Claus so that her family can enjoy a festive Transylvanian Christmas. Then, when the Abominable Snowman arrives at the Scare B&B after a big snowstorm, Vee and her friends help him overcome his fears.
Chris Sullivan (This Is Us) guest stars as Steve, the Abominable Snowman
11:00 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Junior and in DisneyNOW
DuckTales – “How Santa Stole Christmas!”
Scrooge teams up with his archrival, Santa Claus, to save Christmas, while Webby discovers the true history behind their infamous feud. *Hugh Bonneville (“Downton Abbey”) guest stars as Santa Claus.
7:00 p.m. ET/PT on Disney XD and in DisneyNOW
Friday, December 4
Puppy Dog Pals – “A Christmas Mission in Toyland” / “Nine Lights Tonight!”
In the first story, Auggie and Mo help recite their naptime Christmas story when the pages of their book go missing. In the second story, Bingo and Rolly go on a mission to help Santa and Mrs. Claus replace the lights on their friend’s Hanukkiah.
Henry Winkler (Happy Days) returns as Santa.
9:00 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and in DisneyNOW
The Snowy Day
Based on the award-winning book by Ezra Jack Keats. Peter goes on a magical, snowy walk to his Nana’s house to bring home their Christmas Eve dinner.
11:00 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
Piney: The Lonesome Pine
A cheerful girl grows a talking pine to be her Christmas tree, but when he’s accidentally removed from her grandfather’s Christmas tree farm, the family dog leads him on a journey across the countryside while the girl and her grandpa search to get them home before Christmas.
7:00 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Junior and in DisneyNOW
Disney Holiday Magic Quest
Virtually hosted by Raven-Symoné, features ZOMBIES 2 stars Milo Manheim, Kylee Russell, Ariel Martin and Pearce Joza competing in a high-stakes, holiday adventure inside Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort after dark. The stars will navigate a series of challenges and obstacles through iconic Disney attractions, including the Haunted Mansion and Cinderella Castle, in an attempt to restore the holiday magic that was stolen by famed Disney villains Maleficent and Evil Queen. As stars compete for the grand prize, proceeds will be donated to Toys for Tots, a nonprofit organization that delivers hope and the magic of the holidays to less fortunate children.
8:00 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and in DisneyNOW day after
Disney Fam Jam – “Jolly Holidance”
Ariel Martin and Trevor Tordjman host the family dance competition as two holiday-obsessed families dance it out to their favorite seasonal songs and become the “Disney Fam Jam” champions. Choreographer Phil Wright lends his expertise to help the Villalobos and Mucha families incorporate their creativity and holiday tradition into their routines.
8:45 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and in DisneyNOW
Saturday, December 5
Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir – “Chris Master”
Nino’s little brother transforms into Chris Master and sends giant toys out to wreak havoc throughout Paris, looking for Santa Claus.
8:00 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and in DisneyNOW
Sunday, December 6
Challenge Accepted! Disney Channel’s Epic Holiday Showdown
Centers around Santa and Mrs. Claus, played by Entertainment Tonight’s Kevin Frazier and Nischelle Turner, respectively, as they enlist the help of Disney Channel stars to save the holidays from Ebenezer Scrooge (Raven’s Home star Anneliese van der Pol). The stars will take on a series of zany holiday-themed challenges to lift her evil curse on Christmas. The special will include a performance by ZOMBIES 2 star Meg Donnelly with one lucky fan, and a show-stopping number by global pop group “Now United.” Also starring Milo Manheim, Chandler Kinney, Trevor Tordjman, Kylee Russell, Issac Ryan Brown, Navia Robinson, Sky Katz, Jason Maybaum, Mallory Mahoney, Raphael Alejandro, Will Buie Jr., Christian J. Simon, Ruth Righi, Ava Kolker and Ramon Reed.
7:00 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and in DisneyNOW day after
Monday, December 7
Oddbods – “The Festive Menace”
T’was the night before Christmas and trouble is brewing, Santa’s gone bad and it’s the Oddbods doing.
7:00 p.m. ET/PT on Disney XD and in DisneyNOW
Tuesday, December 8
Random Rings – “Cricket Pranks Chandler” (Short-form)
Cricket pretends to be Santa Claus and tells Chandler Kinney (Zombies 2) she’s on Santa’s naughty list, unless she mails Cricket a bunch of money.
Airing on Disney Channel and Disney Channel YouTube
Friday, December 11
Bluey – “Christmas Swim”
Bluey gets a new teddy for Christmas and introduces him to the whole family. But the family plays too rough with him and now he wants to go home. Until Frisky convinces him to stay.
10:30 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and in DisneyNOW
Disney Channel Holiday House Party
Features Disney Channel stars, remotely from their homes, delivering a holiday sketch comedy show for kids and families. Hosted by Miranda May (BUNK’D), the ensemble of comedic actors will deck the halls with a variety of wacky characters and hilarious sketches, including a Gen Z influencer take on a Charles Dickens classic, a Disney Wand ID fail and a High School Musical throwback. Starring are Raphael Alejandro, Suzi Barrett, Issac Ryan Brown, Kylie Cantrall, Scarlett Estevez, Kaylin Hayman, Ramon Reed, Trevor Tordjman, Ruby Rose Turner and Tobie Windham.
8:00 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and in DisneyNOW day after
Just Roll With It – “The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year”
When Rachel is put in charge of running Beatz 101’s charity Christmas telethon and the starring act’s props and costumes are mysteriously destroyed right before the show, Owen takes it upon himself to uncover the mystery of “who dunnit.”
8:25 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and in DisneyNOW
Monday, December 14
“Vampirina” – “New Century’s Eve” / “Bridget to the Brave”
In the first story of the episode, Vampirina and her family celebrate New Century’s Eve and learn that following their resolutions is harder than they thought. Then, Bridget finds a spell book in the attic and accidently casts a spell that makes her fearsome instead of fearless.
11:00 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Junior and in DisneyNOW
Tuesday, December 15
Random Rings “Tilly Tests Trevor” (Short-form)
Tilly is making her very own Christmas movie and wants to cast Trevor Tordjman (“Zombies 2”) as Santa Claus, but Gramma Alice challenges Trevor to prove he’s worthy of the role.
Airing on Disney Channel, and Disney Channel YouTube
Friday, December 18
Raven’s Home One-hour Holiday Episode – “Mad About Yuletide”
It’s Christmas Eve and the Baxter/Grayson family are trying to make the best of the holiday when a storm hits and disrupts their plans to celebrate together at a cabin on the lake. Snowed in at three different places – Raven and Chelsea are lost in a snow tunnel, dads Devon and Garrett are stuck at the cabin and the kids are home alone – they all must lean on each other to help keep their inner “Christmas Cray” alive!
8:00 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel and in DisneyNOW
Sunday, December 27
Fancy Nancy – “New Year’s Nancy” / “Nancy’s Gift to Grandpa”
In the first story of the episode, Nancy wants to stay up until midnight on New Year’s Eve, but finds that staying awake is harder than she thought. Then, to cheer up Grandpa on a wintry day, Nancy draws a masterpiece in chalk on the driveway.
Kal Penn and Aparna Nancherla (both from Disney’s Mira, Royal Detective) return as Mr. and Mrs. Singh. George Wendt (Cheers) returns as Nancy’s Grandpa.
12:00 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Junior and in DisneyNOW
The pandemic has ground many industries and sources of entertainment to a halt, and that includes movie theaters. If you’ve been missing the smell of buttered popcorn and action-packed flicks, your choice to return to the theater has arrived.
AMC Theatres is now allowing private rentals for up to a group of 20 people, and it won’t break the bank. Starting at $99, guests can select their movie, location and add-ons such as food, drink, microphone rental and additional time to gain access to the auditorium through the AMC website. While the specific movie and extras can add up, it’s more than doable to host your own private showing on a budget.
photo: iStock
When you select your movie, the site will show the cost for the film, which can range from $99 to $349 plus tax. Currently, AMC is hosting some classics that include Monsters Inc., Jurassic Park and The Nightmare Before Christmas in addition to newer films like The War on Grandpa. Newer films will cost more than an old fave.
All you have to do is fill out the Events Inquiry Form, wait a few days to be contacted, then head to the theater to enjoy your AMC Safe & Clean auditorium.
Halloween may look different this year, but you can still dress up and celebrate. You can even attend a virtual costume party singalong. Skinnamarink with Sharon & Randi! A Live, Virtual Concert is back by popular demand on Fri. Oct. 30 at 6:30 pm. ET.
Just as legendary musicians Sharon, Lois & Bram brought happiness to four generations of children and their grown-ups, Sharon Hampson and her daughter Randi are continuing to share the music of Sharon, Lois and Bram with yet another generation of families. Through this up-close-and-personal sing-along gathering, and like their first virtual concert, Live in your Living Room, they are planning a real family affair featuring Sharon and Randi, Randi’s sons Ethan and Elijah, their girlfriends Clare and Sofia, and Randi’s beau Jim.
At this Halloween Costume Party, viewers will be able to see each other’s costumes and sing along with each other and the performers. Conceived as a “by family, for family” experience, the show will include some spooky Halloween-themed songs for all ages, along with such well-loved Sharon, Lois & Bram favourites as “Grandpa’s Farm,” “Five Little Monkeys,” One Elephant,” “Tingalayo,” and, of course, “Skinnamarink.”
“We wanted to find a fun, safe way to celebrate Halloween with our audience. The idea of dressing up and singing seems like a perfect way to be together” says Sharon Hampson. “We are thrilled to have this chance to once again see the smiling faces of our guests singing along with favourite tunes, old and new.”
“The best thing about our first virtual family concert was getting to watch everyone singing along together from their homes. It really felt like we were all connected,” adds Randi Hampson. “We’re especially excited to see kids (and maybe adults) dressed up in their fun Halloween costumes!”
As an added bonus, Sharon and Randi will be looking for some audience input on the song choices. Early bird ticket purchasers will have a chance to select and introduce a song during the concert. And those who purchase tickets and attend this show will be entered in a contest for a chance to win a special Sharon, Lois & Bram prize package or a personal Zoom meeting with Sharon and Randi.
Static electricity is all around us, shocking your co-workers and bringing giggles to the hearts of many parents watching their kiddos slide at the playground. Now, you can use this power to control water with a super cool science experiment that requires only two supplies you already have at home. Read on to learn how to bend water with a simple black comb!
This one is great for any age, including toddlers, because it really requires very little. Just get the water in the faucet to a thin stream, more than trickle but the smallest amount you can get into a steady flow.
Comb your hair several times (note: your hair should be dry and relatively clean for max effectiveness). Comb vigorously! Comb everyone’s hair!
On the vertical, bring the comb toward the water (but don’t touch the water) and the electricity you just generated with the plastic comb and your hair should cause the water to bend toward the comb. You may need to try it a couple of times to get it to work.
Ooooo! Ahhhh!!! You’ve controlled water and defied gravity, if only for a second.
Parents and children alike have been looking forward to celebrities posting virtual story time videos. PBS KIDS has been hosting a popular ongoing “Read-Along” initiative that celebrates reading and togetherness at home.They just announced two new special story time sessions featuring Kristen Bell.
On Jun. 1, Kristen will read Goodnight, Daniel Tiger, based on the beloved Emmy-winning PBS KIDS series, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, the animated spinoff of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, from Fred Rogers Productions. Then, on Jun. 8, Kristen will read her brand-new children’s book (co-authored with Benjamin Hart), The World Needs More Purple People.
Each reading will be livestreamed simultaneously on PBS KIDS’ Facebook and YouTube channel and will remain available for viewing on demand on both platforms immediately following.
Mon., Jun. 1, 12 p.m. ET: Goodnight, Daniel Tiger
It’s almost time for Daniel Tiger to say goodnight, but there’s still so much to do! There’s play time and then bath time…and don’t forget tooth-brushing time! Finally, it’s time to get cozy under the covers for story time and a special goodnight song. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood fans will love winding down their busy day with their favorite friend before snuggling into their own beds to say goodnight!
Mon., Jun. 8, 12 p.m. ET: The World Needs More Purple People
What is a purple person? Great question. I mean, really great! Because purple people always ask really great questions. They bring their family, friends, and communities together, and they speak up for what’s right. They are kind and hardworking, and they love to laugh (especially at Grandpa’s funny noises)! A purple person is an everyday superhero! How do you become one? That’s the fun part! Penny Purple will lead you through the steps. Get ready to be silly, exercise your curiosity, use your voice, and be inspired.
To encourage family engagement and a love of reading during this challenging time, the ongoing PBS KIDS’ “Read-Along” series offers families a place to come together and read-along with fan-favorite books on YouTube and Facebook. Each PBS KIDS Read-Along also includes activity ideas and questions to help spark conversation. New PBS KIDS Read-Alongs with special guests will stream weekly all summer long. Additional readers will be announced soon!
A simple thank you goes a long way. Whether it’s your best friend, neighbor or your mom tribe, it’s so important to express appreciation to the people who make our lives better and brighter.
Show your family, friends and all the important people in your life how grateful you are for them with a sweet thank you from merci Chocolates. Known as Europe’s most famous gift-giving chocolate, the name literally translates to “thank you” making it a convenient, thoughtful way to express gratitude. merci offers a collection of eight unique flavors, including Creamy Chocolate, Coffee and Cream, Hazelnut-Almond, Hazelnut-Crème, Marzipan, Dark Cream, Dark Mousse and Praline-Crème.
Want to really make your merci Chocolates gift stand out? Personalize your own merci product cover! Choose your design, add a personal message, upload your photo and print it off for a thoughtful gift. It’s that easy! You can upload photos and create as many covers as you want.
merci Chocolates are available in grocery stores and retailers nationwide. Click here to find a store close to you on the merci website.
merci believes in spreading gratitude and showing appreciation every day. Saying merci with a sweet treat is a perfect way to express your gratitude. Send grandma and grandpa a message of love. Say “merci” to your kiddo’s teacher by sending chocolate and a personalized message. Or show some appreciation to your neighborhood postal worker or grocery clerk. For all those who deserve a heartfelt thank you, say thank you with merci Chocolates.
For Sherrie Neely, one of the hardest parts of social distancing is telling her daughter she can’t walk over to her grandparent’s house to visit. Six-year-old Kira Neely has a very close relationship with her grandparents, who live right across the street from her Nashville, Tennessee home. Kira and grandpa have come up with a fun way to stay connected.
Neely recently shared a sweet video on Facebook of her daughter having a dance-off with her grandfather, both in front of their respective homes. The duo are dancing to the Jackson Five song “ABC.” The clip shows the duo taking turns performing dance moves, watching each other from across the street.
She wrote, “This is the street that separates my house from my parent’s house, and is typically crossed multiple times throughout the day. Kira loves her “Papa” so much and they’ve now started daily “dance offs” since the virus is keeping them separated. My Dad is turning 81 years old next month and I’ve never seen him dance, but he’s really putting forth great effort and has some special moves!!!!”
Kira’s grandpa also likes sitting outside so he can watch Kira playing outside of her house.
It’s clear to see that these two have a very special relationship.
—Jennifer Swartvagher
Featured photo: Stone-Hall Photography, Other photos courtesy of Sherrie Neely
Picking a grandma’s name or a grandpa’s name is serious business. And there are tons of variations on grandparents’ nicknames. Coventry Direct surveyed over 5,000 Americans on what their grandparents are called—and we’ve got the scoop on the most common nicknames!
When it comes to good ol’ grandma, the number one nickname is none other than Nana. As for the rest, read on for the names rounding out the top 10.
The 10 most common names for grandma in the United States are:
Nana
Grammy/Grammie
Granny/Grannie
Nanny
Mamaw
Mawmaw
Mimi
Grandmother
Memaw
Abuela/Abuelita
What about grandpa? According to Coventry Direct’s survey, the top 10 include:
Papa
Pop/Pop-Pop
Pawpaw
Granddad
Papaw
Grampy
Poppy
Grandfather
Abuelo/Abuelito
Gramps
For the full list of top grandparent nicknames by state, visit Coventry Direct’s website here.
João Stanganelli, Jr.’s dolls are getting major props on social media—and for a very good reason. The grandpa from Brazil crochets inclusive dolls, including toys with vitiligo, cochlear implants and so much more.
So how did this grandfather get into the crocheted doll business? Stanganelli’s first crocheted project was a vitiligo doll for his granddaughter. The grandpa has had the skin condition, which results in the loss of pigment since he was in his 30’s. Wanting to give his granddaughter something to remember him by, Stanganelli crafted a doll with vitiligo patches.
The 64-year-old is semi-retired from the gastronomy industry and told Bored Panda, “I’m not yet retired, I still keep up my old work with food, but much less intensely. At the moment I spend 90% of my time with the dolls. I have many orders.”
He told Bored Panda, “My view of vitiligo seems to me to be very different from the general, I think it is necessary first that you have vitiligo, after this acceptance you choose what you want to do.” Stanganelli continued, “I still quote Benjamin Disraeli: ‘Life is too short to be small.’”
Along with vitiligo dolls, Stanganelli has also branched into other inclusive options. Not only are these dolls awesomely adorable, but they can help children understand, value and normalize the conditions Stanganelli crochets.