Disney Is Celebrating Courage & Kindness with a Year of Princess Activities & More

by Erica LoopApril 29, 2021

Get ready for a year filled with Disney princesses! Disney recently announced the “Ultimate Princess Celebration”—and this year-long event includes everything from awesome activities to magical merch.

The princess-packed celebration is more than just an ode to Disney’s fab, fearless ladies. Disney’s imaginative event and the accompanying activities spotlight the theme of courage and kindness.

The celebration will start with the debut of Disney Publishing Worldwide’s new Tales of Courage and Kindness storybook. The 14 original stories featured in the book are told by the Disney Princesses and include artfully crafted illustrations. Fans can download the book for free through the end of August here.

Your littles can also check out dramatic readings of the stories by Mandy Moore (voice of Rapunzel from Disney’s Tangled), Auli’i Cravalho (voice of Moana from Disney’s Moana), Tamron Hall, Kelly Marie Tran (voice of Raya from Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon) and Anika Noni Rose (voice of Tiana from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog).

Celeb singer Brandy, who starred in The Wonderful World of Disney, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, will also debut a new song as part of the celebration’s launch. The song, “Starting Now,” is available May 21. If your princess fan just can’t wait, they can stream a curated playlist of fave Disney princess songs from Walt Disney Records here.

As if that’s not enough, in August the Disney Channel will premiere the video of Brandy’s song during a half-hour show— Disney Princess Remixed – An Ultimate Princess Celebration. If you miss the show’s debut, you can catch it streaming on Disney+.

Find princess-themed merch for this super-celebration at ShopDisney, score a sweet pair of sneakers from the Adidas Little Mermaid Collection ($96) from adidas.com, or get a Disney Princess Moana Lokai from Lokai.com ($1 of each purchase will go to Make-A-Wish).

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of Disney

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You Can Help Make a Child’s Dream Come True with Disney’s New License Plates

by Karly WoodMarch 30, 2021

Florida residents can now not only celebrate Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, but they can support Make-A-Wish, too. Disney has just announced the first-ever Walt Disney World Resort speciality license plate!

The “EARidescent” plate features the 50th anniversary castle logo on a royal blue background that is inspired by the color scheme of Cinderella Castle. For every purchase, 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish of Central and Northern Florida as they work to grant wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions.

photo: Disney Parks Blog

Starting now, Florida drivers can purchase a presale voucher for $25 (plus applicable fees) from their local County Tax Collector’s office, DMV or through the Orange County Tax Collector’s Office to get the special plate. In order for the plates to be printed, a minimum of 3,000 presale vouchers must be sold.

Since 1980, more than 140,000 Disney-inspired wishes have been granted and this special license plate is the perfect way to commemorate 50 years of magic. For more information about the Walt Disney World Resort specialty license plate, visit flhsmv.gov.

––Karly Wood

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by Karly WoodDecember 3, 2020

Disney’s final collection of it’s celebration of the company’s relationship with Make-A-Wish has landed! Get ready for Disney Parks Wishables: Magic Carpets of Aladdin series.

The new lineup is centered around the Magic Carpets of Aladdin Parks attraction. It’s available now at select Disney Parks around the world, the Disney store and online at shopDisney.com.

photo: Disney

The new Wishables are the final collection in a trio dedicated to Disney’s 40-year relationship with Make-A-Wish. It follows the Wishes Come True Blue color collection and a Mickey Mouse plush that unlocked donations to Make-A-Wish.

For each purchase of the Disney Parks Wishables: Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Disney will donate 100 percent of the purchase price to Make-A-Wish to grant more life-changing wishes.

––Karly Wood

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13 Creative Tooth Fairy Ideas for Parents

by Allison SutcliffeNovember 4, 2020

There are so many pressing questions for parents to answer when it comes to the tooth fairy and tradition. How much does she leave? What does the tooth fairy do with the teeth? Does she have a day job? We’ll leave the answers up to you, but if you’re looking for ways to add magic to this memorable moment in your kid’s life, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find your inspiration.

Shop in Fairyland

The Tooth Fairy is always looking for ways to make things more magical. Hold The Magic is all about inspiring magic and stories (no money required), with adorable tiny gifts that are Tooth Fairy approved. Each gift includes supplies for three Tooth Fairy visits and a gold bag that holds a miniature treasure, a tiny Tooth Fairy letter in a sparkly envelope and Fairy Dust.

Cost: $29.95 per kit

Online: holdthemagic.com

Leave a special token

A keepsake leave behind makes your sidekick’s encounter with the tooth fairy even more magical. In addition to the traditional cash stash she leaves, drop the tooth fairy’s own pressed penny coin as a extra treat. Parents can choose from two different finishes, and a hole punch location if you want to turn this keepsake into a wearable memory. Cost: $4.00 Find it on Etsy

Open the door to imagination

Fairy doors are all the rage, so why not install one for the Tooth Fairy to use? Hello Little Cloud’s fairy door has everything you need to create a magical experience for your sidekick. The included ladder, wand, fairy dust and key make it easy for your kiddo to prep for the tooth fairy’s arrival. And the poster strips that won’t damage your walls are just for you.

Cost: $30

Find it on Etsy

Leave behind cute clues

Your winter elf leaves messes. And your family’s leprechaun drops gold coins in the trap. So it only figures the tooth fairy would leave behind some trace too. We love these shimmery little footprints you can stick just about anywhere, if you’re looking to up your tooth fairy game. They come 10 to a pack.

Cost: $3.50

Find it on Etsy

Make money magic

Peter Pan fans know it takes a pinch of fairy dust to fly. Leave some behind on a dollar bill to really make your kid’s eyes light up. Find out how to turn make believe into reality at tenkidsandadog. We guarantee your kiddo won’t easily part with this special keepsake.

Hang it up

Help your Little know where the tooth fairy can find him with this hand-sewn door hanger designed by Pins and Seams. Each one has a little pouch, which means mom or dad doesn’t have to sneak in to find a pillow in the dark. And it doubles as an extra incentive for your kiddo to get up and at ‘em in the morning.

Cost: $12.50

Find it on Etsy

Make a wish

If your kids are anything like ours, they’re firm believers in the give/get exchange rate. So if they leave a tooth, they’ll expect something in return. When they wake up to find this fairy wand bracelet with a simple poem composed by the tooth fairy, they’ll know they’ve gotten the big end of the stick. Parents can go with the gold wand pictured, or customize their kid’s card by adding a name and charm of their choice.

Cost: $2.86

Find it on Etsy

Fold in special touches

Bypass the long raging debate about just how much parents should leave under the pillow, and focus on the presentation instead. A carefully crafted origami design tucked under a pillow is always more magical than a dollar bill stuffed into a pillow, no matter what the occasion. Try your hand at folding a heart, butterfly or how about a crane to leave in exchange for one clean, pearly white tooth.

Make her mark

Imagine waking up after losing your first tooth to find your tooth gone, a little something special left under your pillow and—look!—a stamp that magically appeared on your hand. If she wasn’t convinced before, she will be when she wakes up to find the tooth fairy’s signature stamp that appeared magically overnight. Thanks goodness for sound sleepers!

Cost: $12

Find it on Etsy

Make it official

If proof is what your little skeptic is looking for, make like a cashier and leave a receipt for him to find. Parents fill in the important details on this official looking document that includes a sweet reminder to brush, before silently slipping one under the pillow. Our favorite part? They can help you fill in those blank baby book dates when you finally get around to it.

Cost: $2.99 for a set of 10

Find it on Etsy

A noteworthy option

When your kid wakes up and finds a special pint sized note the tooth fairy left behind just for him, he’ll flip. And with this pack of 20 personalized letters it’s easy for you to make his day, even if you’re short on time. Need letters for more than one kiddo? No problem, there’s more than one series to choose from at this shop, which means they’ll be none the wiser.

Cost: $6

Find it on Etsy

Go big from the start

When that first tooth starts to wiggle, add this adorable kit to your Etsy cart. It includes tooth-themed trinkets and baubles for your kid to play with, as well as a jar of fairy dust, the tooth fairy rules and a simple note from the night visitor herself. It all comes in a drawstring bag so you can keep everything together. And parents can personalize the kit.

Cost: $10.78

Find it on Etsy

Give it glitz

Follow the lead of mom-blogger, Lisa Moore of Moore Minutes who suggests leaving gold coins, and some fairy dust to match, under your kiddo’s pillow. Call your bank ahead of time to find the golden Sacajawea or Presidential dollar coins and then stock up. Sure, they’re legal tender, but your gap-grinned kiddo may prefer to hold on to these special fairy coins.

—Allison Sutcliffe

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You Can Buy Sparkly Blue Crocs from This New Disney Collection

by Karly WoodOctober 23, 2020

Disney and Make-A-Wish have been bringing magic to children together for 40 years. To honor this special relationship, Disney has announced brand new products that will be launching over the next few months.

First on the list is the latest collection, Wishes Come True Blue. The colorful lineup is packed with items that include backpacks, apparel, Mickey and Minnie ears, face masks, Crocs, and jewelry.

The Wishes Come True Blue color collection is already available at select Disney Parks around the world, the Disney store and online at shopDisney.com. The collection starts at $12.99 and up.

For a item purchased from the Wishes Come True Blue Color Collection now through World Wish Day 2021 (Apr. 29, 2021) in the US, Canada and across Europe, Disney will donate 25 percent of the purchase price (up to US $500,000) to Make-A-Wish.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Disney

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Brickworld Hosts Anti-Racism Discussion During LEGO Fireworks Virtual Con

by Jennifer SwartvagherJune 26, 2020

If you are planning on attending the Brickworld LEGO Fireworks Virtual Con on Sat., Jun. 27 there is a new community discussion that was just added to the agenda from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. CT. “Building Our Voices” will facilitate participants building a representation of their voices while talking about their experiences with the group.The discussion will be moderated by LEGO influencer Ryan Linsner, who owns the Bricks and Minifigs LEGO store in Crest Hill, Illinois.

Brickworld is also holding a fundraiser for The Education Trust, a national nonprofit that works to close opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and those from low-income families. Donate here to help raise $1,000 by Jul. 19.

“Brickworld is pleased to continue to bring LEGO bricks to the world,” says producer Mark Larson. “Our virtual events allow global fans to learn new construction techniques, be inspired by massive buildings, participate in global games and remain #SaferAtHome!” Brickworld is also posting ongoing how-to demonstration videos so LEGO builders can improve their skills at home. Current postings include Building Round Part One and Building a Truss Bridge. Fans are encouraged to subscribe to the Brickworld YouTube channel to see the latest in alternative builds and other skills.

Tickets to the conference are $9, with $1 from each ticket donated to Brickworld’s longtime charity partner Make-A-Wish. Only 2,000 tickets will be offered worldwide, so early registration is encouraged at https://brickworld.com/brickworld-virtual-jun-27/.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Xavi Cabrera on Unsplash

Sign Up for a Race with the Virtual Running Club

by Jennifer SwartvagherJune 22, 2020

Looking to sign up for a 5k, 10K or half marathon? Maybe a virtual race is more your speed. The Virtual Running Club offers participants motivation and accountability through their online events.

The Virtual Running Club kicked off their first race back in 2013 with a Turkey Trot. Ryan Jenkins the club’s CMO said, “We’ve done dozens since then with some of the most popular being National Park anniversary races, moon landing anniversary races, and even a very well attended Solar Eclipse race. We recently held a Stay Home virtual race with over 20,000 participants, which we believe is the largest virtual race ever held.”

Participants will be sent a medal after they complete the race and report their times.

The Virtual Running Club is most proud of the amazing charities and partners they have worked with through the years including: the National Park Foundation, the Make a Wish Foundation, the Sesame Workshop, the Sierra Club, Wander Project and many more.

There are an assortment of registrations currently open including Super Grover’s Red Cape Race which is designed for participants of all abilities. The Virtual Running Club will donate $5 from each registration to The Sesame Workshop Yellow Feather Fund, which brings educational programs to children both in the U.S. and around the world.

Jenkins said, “Our runners have had a very positive impact on society and we’ll keep working to continue that.”

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Virtual Running Club

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Celebrate Independence Day Week with the Brickworld LEGO Fireworks Virtual Con

by Jennifer SwartvagherJune 10, 2020

Now that virtual conferences have become the norm, you don’t need to miss out on the experience. Chicago-based Brickworld LEGO Expo, which regularly hosts LEGO conventions throughout the Midwest, announces the Brickworld LEGO Fireworks Virtual Con on Sat., Jun. 27 from 11 a.m.to 5 p.m. CT. The Fireworks Virtual Con will present an online array of LEGO activities for all ages, featuring exhibits, presentations, builds, games and vendors in a suite of Zoom rooms, including interactions with popular LEGO Masters TV contestants and fan favorite displays like the Great Ball Contraption, and, of course, LEGO fireworks.

Tickets are $9, with $1 from each ticket donated to Brickworld’s longtime charity partner Make-A-Wish. Only 2,000 tickets will be offered worldwide, so early registration is encouraged at https://brickworld.com/brickworld-virtual-jun-27/. A $22, 3-show pass is available for June. You can also secure your tickets for Brickworld LEGO Halloween Virtual Con on Sat., Oct. 31, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT and Brickworld LEGO Holiday Virtual Con on Sat., Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT.

Scheduled events for the Brickworld LEGO Fireworks Virtual Con include:

LEGO Masters TV contestants in a kids challenge, also judged by expo attendees
LEGO Masters TV contestants building #WishesAreWaiting hope messages
LEGO fireworks by talented builders to celebrate Independence Day
Demonstration on how to build little LEGO critters
Advanced builder demos of spaceships and a DC landmark
LEGO interactive Escape Room and interactive robot Connect Four game
Elvendale live interactive building
Brethren of the Brick Seas Pirates World
Huge LEGO train layout with expert builder Monty’s Trains
Live character sketching with fan input by Bricks in the Middle’s Kevin Hinkle
Q&A with LEGO community manager Jan Beyer and LEGO product developers

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Rick Mason on Unsplash

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Brickworld Brings Bricks to the World with Four New Online LEGO Expos in 2020

by Jennifer SwartvagherMay 11, 2020

Brickworld regularly hosts LEGO conventions throughout the midwest. Back in April they debuted their first virtual expedition due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, Brickworld has announced four more virtual expos in 2020 for fans throughout the US and the world.

Brickworld Virtual Con Spring on Saturday, May 16, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. CT

Brickworld Virtual Con Fireworks on Saturday, Jun. 27, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. CT

Brickworld Virtual Con Halloween on Saturday, Oct. 31, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. CT

Brickworld Virtual Con Holiday on Saturday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. CT

Tickets are $9 per show, and $1 from each ticket will be donated to Brickworld’s longtime charity partner Make-A-Wish, along with Riley Children’s Hospital, Creations for Charity, and FIRST LEGO League. A four-show season pass is $27. Currently, only 2,000 tickets will be offered per show, so early registration is encouraged at Brickworld.

Using Zoom rooms, the Brickworld Virtual LEGO Expo on Saturday, May 16, 2020, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. CT, will allow participants to show their own creations to others as well as experts, including many “LEGO Masters” TV contestants, such as Boone and Mark, Jessica and Sam, Richard and Flynn, Germaine and Mel, Travis and Corey, Jessie and Kara, Aaron, Manny, and – spoiler! – winner Tyler and Amy.

Viewers can also participate in discussions with LEGO Community Manager Jan Beyer, Bricks in the Middle’s Kevin Hinkle, watch other tutorials and presentations, visit vendors to browse and purchase a variety of products, and join different display rooms, including the Great Ball Contraption, a Star Wars room, Guilds of Historica (one room with four different castle realms), a Smurf village and other fantasy settings.

“Following the amazing, sold-out success of our first virtual exposition in April, Brickworld is pleased to announce four more online LEGO expos for our loyal Midwest fans as well as our larger LEGO family around the US and, yes, the entire Brick-world,” says producer Mark Larson. “Our first foray online brought us eager participants from Canada, Germany, Sweden, Israel, Australia, Spain, Bulgaria, and from the mothership, Denmark. We are excited to welcome more kids, families and adult fans and their creations to our internet convention to receive feedback and encouragement, including over Halloween weekend, which will substitute for our annual weeklong Chicago convention.”

Brickworld is also posting ongoing how-to demonstration videos so LEGO builders can improve their skills at home. Current postings include Building Round Part One and Building a Truss Bridge. Fans are encouraged to subscribe to the Brickworld YouTube channel to see the latest in alternative builds and other skills.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Ken Suarez on Unsplash

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The Ultimate LA Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt for Kids

by Shannan RoussMay 10, 2020

Looking for new ways to entertain the kids outdoors? We’ve got a nature-meets-suburbs scavenger hunt just for Angelenos. Get ready for a social distancing-friendly walk around the block—and see how many of these critters, plants and objects you can spot along the way.

1. Make a Wish

Whether you consider them a weed or a wildflower, these plants are regulars on lawns around town. Kinds can search for the white fluffy blooms and wish away!

Fun fact: It takes one to two weeks for the yellow petals of a dandelion to evolve into the delicate wisps (actually seeds) that carry wishes.

2. Butterfly Effect

While the peak of butterfly season typically ends in March, you may still be able to spot some of these winged beauties this month.

Fun fact: Painted lady butterflies (with their graphic orange and black wings) migrate from the deserts of Mexico to the Pacific Northwest in spring.

3. Buzzing Around

Busy little honey bees can be seen circling flowers this time of year—just make sure kiddos keep a safe distance.

Fun fact: Lavender is a favorite of honeybees. (Of course, If you're bee-averse, you'll want to steer clear of the purple blooms.)

4. Getting Antsy

Little ones are experts at finding ants. And it's the perfect chance to make use of that magnifying glass.

Fun fact: Ants are one of the strongest creatures, able to lift 10 to 50 times their weight! That would be like a toddler lifting a horse.

5. Critter Connection

Keep an eye out for squirrels scurrying up trees, balance on power lines and darting across lawns—or even sunbathing in the park.

6. Think Pink

Bougainvillea's bold, fuchsia blooms are a commons sight in LA—and they make for a great photo op.

Fun fact: The largest bougainvillea was planted in 1902 and is still growing today in the city of Glendora in LA county.

7. Hoop Dreams

Live in the sprawling 'burbs? Count how many basketball hoops you see on your excursion.

8. Rock On

Chances are you'll spot one of these drought-tolerant "lawns" before you round the block. The low-water landscaping is quintessential LA.

9. Humming Along

According to the L.A. Nature Map (which lets you share your own pictures and sightings), hummingbirds abound around LA right now.

Fun fact: In addition to being able to hover mid-air and fly straight up and down, the amazing hummingbird can also fly backwards, .

10. Hi, Hydrant!

And you thought fire hydrants were red? Nope. Turns out LA's public hydrants are yellow, and you can find them every block or so.

Fun fact: Red hydrants are actually designated for private use and have much less water pressure than their yellow counterparts.

–Shannan Rouss

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Shop in Fairyland

Leave a special token

Open the door to imagination

Leave behind cute clues

Make money magic

Hang it up

Make a wish

Fold in special touches

Make her mark

Make it official

A noteworthy option

Go big from the start

Give it glitz

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