Mattel recently announced the American Girl 2020 Girl of the Year—and this year, the doll is the first doll with hearing loss to receive the title!

So who is the 2020 Girl of the Year? The American Girl doll is Joss Kendrick and according to Mattel she is, “A  fierce athlete born with hearing loss and a passion for surfing and competitive cheer.”

Not only does Joss surf and cheer but she’s also an inspiration, encouraging girls to try new things, act as a team player and break stereotypes. To create this very special doll, American Girl teamed up with 17-year-old surf prodigy (and soon-to-be Olympic athlete) Caroline Marks, Women’s Deaf Shortboard champion Crystal DaSaliva, owners of Fury Athletics, Sara Jo Moen and Julie Peterson, Professor of English at Gallaudet University and a specialist in portrayals of deaf characters in adolescent literature Dr. Sharon Pajka, Ph.D., educational audiologist Jennifer Richardson, Au.D. and professional big wave surfer and co-founder of the Committee for Equity in Women’s Surfing, Bianca Valenti.

Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of American Girl, said in a press release, “American Girl has a rich legacy of creating timeless characters who encourage girls to reach for new heights and discover who they’re meant to be.” Cygielman continued, “We’re proud to welcome Joss Kendrick, whose stories are sure to instill confidence and character in girls who are learning to think about the possibilities in their own lives. Working with Olympic hopeful surfer Caroline Marks adds real-world inspiration about what can happen when you go ‘all in’ on your dreams.”

American Girl is partnering with the Hearing Loss Association of America in honor of Joss. The collab will include a $25,000 donation from American Girl to HLAA and support for the organization’s 2020 Walk4Hearing.

Joss is available in all American Girl retail locations and online at americangirl.com starting Dec. 31, 2019, for $98 (the price includes one Joss book too). You can also purchase the Joss-themed books from American Girl for $7.99 each. The doll comes with a swimsuit, hoodie, shorts and a removable hearing aid. Additional Joss products, such as a cheer backpack, competition shoes, slides and her English Bulldog, Murf the Surf Dog are also available. Look for a brand-new Volkswagen Surf Bus to go along with Joss next spring!

—Erica Loop

Photos: Courtesy of Mattel

 

 

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Why settle for a plain old hoodie when you can have one that turns into a toy? Cubcoats are the perfect jackets to don this holiday season when you need something to keep your kids entertained on the road.

Cubcoats are plush toys that turn into hoodies and vice versa, giving you one less thing to cart around and keeping your kids happy. All you have to do is take off your coat, fold and zip it right up into your kids’ favorite Frozen characters for something to play and cuddle with when you’re on the airplane to grandma’s or waiting in long lines while you shop.

photo: ShopDisney

Besides Frozen 2‘s Elsa, Anna and Olaf, Cubcoats comes in a variety of styles and characters including Spiderman, Mickey and Minnie, Darth Vader, a plethora of adorable animals and more.

photo: Nordstrom

Cubcoats are available at Nordstrom and ShopDisney. They range in price from $45 to $80, though many of them are currently on sale for as low as $31.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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The Grinch is back! Build-A-Bear Workshop recently announced the return of the beloved Dr. Seuss classic, BAB-style, as a special holiday online exclusive!

The toy retailer recently posted a pic of the green guy on Instagram with the caption, “The Grinch is back! Our jolly green friend is back online by popular demand and ready to spread holiday cheer to even the grouchiest names on your list (he hates it, you’ll love it!).”

Even though you can’t get this Christmas-y collection in stores, you can score your very own Grinch and Grinch-inspired accessories on buildabear.com.

This year’s picks include The Grinch Santa Suit with Sound Bundle for $52, The Grinch Santa Suit Gift Bundle (without sounds) for $45, Young Grinch for $12.50, The Grinch Deluxe Gift Bundle (Santa Grinch and Young Grinch) for $57.50, Happy Hugs Teddy #TeamGrinch Gift Set for $39, #TeamGrinch Hoodie (for your kiddo’s bear) for $8.50, The Grinch 6-in-1 Sayings sounds for $7 and The Grinch Feet for $7.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Build-A-Bear Workshop

 

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Is your wardrobe ready for sunny days? It is now thanks to a brand new H&M and Sesame Street collab that will have you longing for a visit to your favorite neighborhood.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Sesame Street, H&M is rolling out a brand new collection for kids featuring all of your favorite characters from Elmo to Cookie Monster. Not only are all the pieces in the collection adorable, but proceeds from the sales will support the Sesame Street Yellow Feather Fund to benefit children’s education. To celebrate the collab, H&M Loyalty Members will be invited to a series of kids’ events around the country where they can meet Sesame Street characters and learn about recycling through hands-on activities. Here are some of our favorite picks from the new collection.

Sequined Jersey Shirt

Can't decide who you love more, Elmo or Cookie? This sequined shirt lets you enjoy them both.

$14.99

Pile Hooded Sweatshirt

You can really embrace your muppet self in this furry hoodie featuring either Cookie Monster or Elmo's face. 

$19.99

Abby and Elmo Sweatshirt

It doesn't get much more sunny than Abby and Elmo under a rainbow. 

$17.99

Your pint-sized Cookie Monsters will love rolling around in this adorable romper and shirt set.

$24.99

 

Elmo Jersey Shirt

Little fans will love rocking this rock star Elmo look.

$14.99

Sesame Street Jersey Shirt

The whole gang is ready for fun on this cute tee.

$14.99

Sesame Street Tote

Carry along everything you need for your next Sesame Street-inspired adventure with this tote, you'll want to keep for yourself.

$29.99

The entire collection is only available for a limited time in stores and online so grab these pieces before they’re gone.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: H&M

 

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Your fave brand just launched a new line—and it’s all under $30! This awesome Crewcuts by J.Crew kids collection on Amazon, a.k.a. LOOK—for “League of Outstanding Kids”—is here and we’ve got some of the best spring fashions for your kiddo.

Scroll on for our favorite picks from the collection, all under $30!

Girls' Ruffle Hem Tank Dress

This sweet style is perfect for a spring day or a summer-time picnic. The 100 percent cotton dress sells on Amazon for $18. 

Boys' Long Sleeve Gingham Shirt

Whether your kiddo is dressing up for an Easter meal or just wants to look extra-dapper, this pick is perfect for the pint-sized set ($20).

Boys' Zip Front Hoodie

With plenty of cute colors and patterns, this hoodie ($25) will keep your tot warm on a chilly spring day—in a completely stylish way. 

Girls' Knit Shorts

The patterned heart pick is an ideal option for those warm summer days. And bonus, these sell for $15!

Boys' Long Sleeve Layer Tee

If you're looking for a mid-weather shirt ($16) that will keep your kiddo warm, without making them sweat, this layered style is it. 

Girls' Sequin Skirt

Add some sparkle to your kiddo's wardrobe with this sweet, shiny selection ($22). 

Girls' Cozy Leggings

Your little fashionista can keep warm on a chilly spring night in these cute patterned leggings ($18). 

 

Girls' Critter Hoodie

Kid or critter? This hoodie ($26) adds a playful style to your child's spring wardrobe. 

—Erica Loop

All photos: Courtesy of Amazon

 

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No matter how much your sweet baby adores you, there will inevitably come a time when your kid is utterly embarrassed by you. What’s the best thing to do when that moment comes? Embrace it. If possible, on a jumbo screen, like this awesome moment when a mom embarrassed her teen son.

In the midst of a timeout during a Maryland Terrapins and Loyola Greyhounds basketball game, the Fan Cam happened to find just the right mom to entertain the crowds. Mom Mandy Remmell was clearly ready to belt one out when Kelly Clarkson’s “Since You’ve Been Gone” began playing on the P.A. Much to her son’s horror, she uses her cellphone as a mic as she sings along to the song while the entire arena watches and cheers.

Remmell’s son might not have enjoyed the performance as he tried to hide in his hoodie, but she definitely gained one big fan. Kelly Clarkson spotted the video after it went viral on Twitter and applauded her amazing talents as a singer and mom.

Priceless.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: MintChipDesigns via Unsplash

 

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Whether you’re building your baby registry or looking to improve your little one’s bathing ritual, these handy baby-bath essentials, from toys to towels, will make your cutie’s bath routine a soothing, no-fuss affair. Read on for the 10 products you need for a better bath time.

1. Terrific Tub
There are a zillion baby bathtubs on the market, but the Shnuggle won us over for its smart design and aesthetic (like a miniature free-standing soaking tub—adorable!). Appropriate for baby’s first bath all the way up to 12 months, the Shnuggle holds baby securely in a reclined position from birth to six months and a safe sitting position from 6 to 12 months. A foam backrest and clever “bum bump” keeps baby comfy, while a compact design makes it easy to empty, clean (no mildew-collecting crevices!) and store.

Available at amazon.com, $38.

2. Rinse Aid
Help ensure shampoo sessions are tear-free with a nifty rinser. This cute whale-themed Moby Rinser from SKIP*HOP is a keeper thanks to an easy-grip handle, a cushy lip that forms to baby’s head to keep water where you want it, and interior ridges that channel the water away from baby’s eyes and ears.

Available at buybuybaby.com, $9.99.

3. Clever Cover
Make bath time safer by slipping this Moby Bath Spout Cover from SKIP*HOP over your tub faucet. The soft rubber protects baby from bumps and bruises, and it’s resistant to mold and mildew.

Available at buybuybaby.com, $12.99.

4. Super Suds
Formulated without questionable chemicals and fragrances, this gentle two-in-one shampoo and cleanser is full of natural and nourishing ingredients, such as aloe, chamomile, coconut oil and quinoa extract. It comes in four varieties: sweet orange vanilla, dreamy lavendar, apricot kiss and fragrance-free. Bonus: Mom and Dad can use it too.

Available at honest.com, $10.

5. Soft Scrub
Keep all of baby’s skin as soft as a baby’s bottom by adding the Fridababy DermaFrida SkinSoother into your bath routine. This multi-purpose tool can be used to brush away dry skin that causes itchiness, loosen and remove cradle cap, apply baby wash, or massage in baby lotion. Think of it as the Swiss army knife of baby bathing.

Available at target.com, $10.99.

6. Moisturizing Magic
Right after the bath, keep baby’s skin soft and hydrated with the Eczema Care Skin Protectant Cream from Babyganics. Safe for even ultra-sensitive skin, this cream spreads easily and creates a moisture barrier thanks to natural seed oils and colloidal oatmeal.

Available at target.com, $10.49.

7. Toy Time
When your baby is big enough to want to have some fun in the tub, toss in a few of these Marcus & Marcus silicone bath-toy squirters for long-lasting entertainment. They’re made of 100% non-toxic food-grade silicone (because: teething babies) and are made with a smart two-piece dishwasher-safe design that allows for easy cleaning (no mold!). Plus, they’re BPA- and phthalate-free.

Available at toysrus.com, $13.99 for three toys.

8. Wash and Dry
For getting your wee one squeaky clean, you can’t go wrong with Burt’s Bees Bee Essentials 3-pack washcloths. These terry cotton cloths are perfectly sized, oh-so-soft and 100% organic. Snag the matching, highly absorbent hoodie towel—also organic—to warm up your cutie post-wash.

Washcloths available at burtsbeesbaby.com, $5.95; hoodie towel available at burtsbeesbaby.com, $12.95.

9. Temperature Check
Everybody’s favorite bathtime friend, the rubber duckie, just got an amazing upgrade. This high-tech duckie from Newoink is a floating thermometer, clock, timer and baby bath toy all in one. You’ll be able to test the water temperature and stay on your bedtime schedule while your baby bonds with duckie.

Available at amazon.com, $18.99.

10. Take a Knee
Protect knees from hard flooring with this cushy Puj Pad Bath Kneeler. Quick-drying fabric and a non-slip backing make practical sense, while the herringbone pattern adds style.

Available at buybuybaby.com, $14.99.

What’s on your list of bath time essentials? Let us know in the comments.

— Suzanna Palmer

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In 1966, women didn’t run. At least, they didn’t run on record and they definitely didn’t compete in marathons. But Bobbi Gibb changed all that. Because she ran anyway! She broke the rules and made history, and now you can share her story with your own little marathoners with a recently-released, beautifully illustrated picture book. Read on to learn more about Bobbi and how to get your copy of The Girl Who Ran.

Girls Don’t Run?!?

When Bobbi Gibb saw the Boston Marathon, she knew it was a race she wanted to run. So she trained hard. But when the time came, and she applied for entry, she was denied. “Girls don’t run, girls can’t run,” they told her. So she proved them wrong. How? Well, she hid in the bushes a few yards from the starting line, pulled a black hoodie over her head so no one would recognize her, and after several hundred runners began the race she jumped in! And not only did Bobbi run the race, she finished it in 3 hours and 20 minutes, unofficially. That’s just one hour behind the winner and ahead of half the male runners. So it turns, out, she could run after all.

Yes, You Can!!!

That day changed history. Bobbi—who today is a runner, attorney, athlete, author, speaker, mother and scientist—defied the rules that said she couldn’t and paved the way for women athletes, and women everywhere, to change their own path. For kids from all ages and stage, this book tells the story in a relatable way, and will inspire kids to never, ever believe that you can’t. Always believe that you can!

The Girl Who Ran

Published recently by Compendium, this hardcover book—written by Frances Poletti and Kristina Yee, and illustrated by Susanna Chapman—tells the story from Bobbi’s perspective. Kids will learn that not only is it okay to defy the norm to do what is right, that when you do, others support you: Bobbi’s fellow runners cheered her on all the way. This book makes an excellent gift for children of ANY gender. They will find comfort, inspiration and a serious fire lit after reading it. The ultimate message: Oh, yes, you can! Check out the publisher’s interview with Bobbi Gibb below.

Get your copy here.
Hardcover, $16.95
Ages: 5-10 and up (we think it’s really all ages!)

Was there a time when you broke the rules to do the right thing? Tell us in a comment below! 

—Amber Guetebier

Back-to-school season is here which means finding cheap and free entertainment to get you through the last few weeks of summer break is a must. (Because who has money to spend on activities when you’ve got new shoes and clothes to buy along with a school supply list a mile long.) That’s why we rounded up six parks that are worthy of the drive to get to and are guaranteed to keep everyone in your crew busy for hours. Read on and get ready to plan a day (or two!) at the park.

Forest Park – Everett, Wa

Perhaps the prettiest park in the city of Everett is also the "funnest.” Surrounded by soft wood chips, the colorful and interactive playground at Forest Park is sectioned for big kids and little tykes. Older teens and adults will enjoy the basketball, tennis and street hockey courts as well as the baseball field. There is also a lot of green grass to spread out on for sunbathing or listening to one of the free music concerts if you’re lucky. To cool off, enjoy a well-shaded walk through the forest or bring your little rug rats to the water playground (open May-September). Another great feature during the summer months is the Animal Farm. Open daily (June 24-August 20, 2017), kids can get up close and personal with ponies, pigs, goats, rabbits and ducks. Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted.

802 E. Mukilteo Blvd.
Everett, Wa 98203
Online: everettwa.gov

photo: Kevin W. via Yelp

Pack a Lunch
All six of these destinations make for great picnics areas, with or without a table. Don’t worry about being too fancy either. Pack some sandwiches or some lunch meat and cheese sticks and let the Littles roll their own lunch.

Pack a Few Extra Supplies
You can never have too many wet wipes and paper towels on hand for whatever you kids might get into. Also, think about sunscreen, Band-Aids and anything that might spoil your day if you have to leave early.

Pack Extra Clothes
Living in Seattle is unpredictable and with most of these parks, there is a good chance you’ll get wet. Be sure to pack a towel and a hoodie (in case it gets chilly) and a change of clothes is always a good idea.

Does your family have a favorite park to visit during the summer months? Tell us in the comments below.  

— Jeffrey Totey