Baby2Baby is continuing its year of giving with a new partnership with Bazzle Baby. The two organizations announced their partnership with Bazzle Baby committing to donating one bib for every purchase made online this season, with a minimum 3,500 pledged.
Baby2Baby has played a big part in COVID-19 efforts, having already distributed over 40 million basic essentials. The organization has assisted with diapers, formula, soap, shampoo, baby food and more to vulnerable children across the country.
The partnership started on Sun. Nov. 15 and will continue through New Year’s Eve. The Bazzle Baby x Baby2Baby partnership will coincide with Bazzle Baby’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales with purchases available on BazzleBaby.com and the Bazzle Baby Amazon storefront.
The Black Friday Sale will be offering 25 percent off BazzleBaby.com and the Bazzle Baby Amazon storefront, and will run from Nov. 22 to Nov. 29. Then you can grab 20 percent off with guaranteed free shipping and returns for the Cyber Monday Sale on Nov. 30.
Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide options for responsible outdoor recreation. Please remember to follow social distancing guidelines, wear masks when required and pack water, hand sanitizer and plenty of snacks when you head out. Public restrooms may not be available, and the majority of playgrounds are currently closed at all parks (at time of this story’s publication). Call your destination ahead of time to plan your visit to make sure you’re up to date on current information and guidelines. Stay safe and healthy!
If your kids like to live on the edge, they can try out these adrenaline pumping experiences. From the coastal waters of La Jolla to the Big Bear forest, these heart-racing activities are unique to SoCal. Some of these places are where Olympian and championship winners even got their start! Read on for the details.
Surf's Up! San Diego’s ocean waves are world-renowned surfing spots and people come from all over to surf them. It’s no wonder there’s an abundance of surf schools for kids. Most surf schools start around age 5 and have a swim test to pass before they’ll take them out. Kids will learn so much more than just how to surf; they’ll learn patience to wait for the right wave, taking turns, better balance, and coordination and it will boost their confidence when they catch their first wave. Some good surfing spots for kids with soft rolling breaks can be found at La Jolla Shores, Pacific Beach, Tourmaline Beach, Ocean Beach and Oceanside.
Minimum Age: 5 & up, may have to pass a swim test
Know Before You Go: Check the local surf reports before you head out to make sure the conditions are safe.
Born to skate? Boasting one of the best skate parks in the world, San Diego is renowned as a skate boarding hot spot! When the waves were flat, surfers turned to skate boarding in the streets, empty reservoirs, undeveloped housing tracts and empty swimming pools. Now there are over 10 well-developed skateparks all over San Diego for beginners to rippers. Some of them are where local and world legends even got their start...Hall of Famer Tony Hawk, first female Hall of Famer Patti McGee and Olympian Shaun White grew up skate boarding here. What a thrill to skate at the parks where all the pros learned to skate!
Minimum Age: comfortable on a skateboard
Know Before You Go: Check the park’s hours, cost (many are free) and skill level before you go; some are perfect for beginners while others are more advanced.
Parent’s Tip: The YMCA Krause Family Skatepark (aka Clairemont Skatepark) has a parent’s lounge outside where you can chill and watch your budding boarder.
YMCA Krause Family Skatepark 3401 Clairemont Dr. San Diego, CA 92117 858-246-6731 ymcas.org/skate-parks
Doo doo, doo doo doo doo! You can sing it if you want to while kayaking over them, but the Leopard Sharks that come to La Jolla Shores every summer are harmless to humans. They’re quite skittish of humans actually and frighten away easily. Maybe it’s their mama instinct, because most of them are pregnant and are there to incubate. For some extra excitement, from July-September you can rent a kayak, swim or even snorkel with them. Birch Aquarium offers 2 hour snorkeling tours or you can take a kayak tour from Hike Bike Kayak or Everyday California; which includes kayaking through the super cool sea caves!
Minimum Age: Kids must be at least six years old for a tandem kayak with an adult.
Fun Fact: Their “leopard” skin pattern is unique to each one, just like our fingerprints.
Birch Aquarium 2300 Expedition Way La Jolla, CA 92037 858-534-3474 aquarium.ucsd.edu
Hike Bike Kayak 2222 Avenida de la Playa La Jolla, CA 92037 858-551-9510 hikebikekayak.com
Everyday California 2262 Avenida de la Playa San Diego, CA 92037 858-454-6195 everydaycalifornia.com
Up, Up and Away! By far the most heart-pumping activity that anyone can do is to run and jump off a cliff. Literally! That’s what paragliding is all about, but you’ll be fully strapped into a tandem jumpseat with a highly experienced professional. You’ll soar through the wind above the beach at the Torrey Pines Gliderport and land in the same place where you launched from. No reservations are accepted because it depends on the wind conditions for the day when you call that morning to find out. Talk about excitement!
Minimum Age: They’ll take “any age” with a tandem instructor, but our guess is when you’re brave enough to let your child do it.
Know Before You Go: There’s an on-site restaurant, but you can also BYO food.
Insider’s Tip: Anyone is welcome to come hang out and watch the paragliders take off. There are some hiking trails nearby that you can explore while you’re waiting for the wind to be just right for a launch.
Torrey Pines Gliderport 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr. La Jolla, CA 92037 858-452-9858 flytorrey.com
Jumps & Pumps! Bike park heaven can be found at the brand new Sweetwater Bike Park that just opened Jan. 2020. It’s a large dirt park with several different zones to work on your skills, jumps or just take the flow trails down, like my boys kept doing over and over and over. There’s a large open space at the entrance that’s perfect for meeting friends or padding up. From there, you can view the map and choose which zone you want to ride in, but they all connect together easily with the large perimeter trail. The best part for little kids is the kid’s pump track located near the entrance. It’s a great place for littles to practice before they head out to the open tracks if they’re ready.
Minimum Age: As long as they can ride a bike, with or without training wheels
Know Before You Go: There are port-a-potties at the entrance, but no other services are nearby.
Insider’s Tip: It’s best to go weekday mornings when it’s less crowded. If your little kids want to do the flow trails, let the more advanced riders go down first so they’re not being held up.
Sweetwater Bike Park 6057 San Miguel Rd. Bonita, CA 91902 858-966-1331 sdparks.org
What's SUP?! Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is great fun for the whole family, and San Diego has lots of calm water that makes it easier for kids. There are many places where you can rent a SUP, but if you have your own, then you can launch where it’s less crowded. The best calm water spots for kids to SUP are at Mission Bay, Shelter Island and Harbor Island Marinas in Point Loma, in front of Liberty Station NTC Park in Point Loma, Tidelands Park in Coronado, Agua Hedionda Lagoon in Carlsbad, Oceanside Harbor, Lake San Marcos and Hodges Reservoir in Escondido.
Minimum Age: Make sure they can swim first, but I’ve seen parents baby wearing while on a SUP!
Know Before You Go: Stand up paddle boards are considered a vessel by the U.S. Coast Guard, so everyone will need to wear a life jacket when using them.
Insider’s Tip: The waters are most calm weekday early mornings just after sunrise or evenings at sunset, when there’s less boat traffic on the water.
All Aboard! If you’ve ever been on a boat, you’ve never been on a boat like The Patriot Jet Boat before. Feel the wind (and water!) in your hair while zipping around the San Diego Bay. The Patriot zooms up to 50 mph while doing spins and fast turns all to some rockin’ tunes blasting over the speakers. In between the thrills, you’ll enjoy a narrated tour of the Big Bay going all the way down to the Coronado Bridge and back to the Embarcadero. Water ponchos optional!
Minimum Age: 4 & up, must be 40” tall to ride with an adult
Insider’s Tip: Ponchos are provided
Flagship Cruises 990 North Harbor Dr. San Diego, CA 92101 619-234-4111 flagshipsd.com
Fly Like a Bird! Experience flying like never before! Try indoor skydiving at iFly for your next adrenaline rush. After a brief instruction, you’ll suit up and then have an experience like never before. For your first flight, the instructor will hold onto your suit to help you find your wing position as you spin inside the wind tunnel. On your second flight, you’ll have the option to fly all the way up to the top, with your instructor of course. Or try a STEM field trip to watch math and physics come to life inside the wind tunnel.
Minimum Age: 3 & up
Insider’s Tip: Anyone can go inside to hang out and watch the other fliers. Instructors often times show off their flips and tricks in between groups and that alone is worth it to go watch.
For SoCal parents looking to plan the perfect summer adventure for their kids, Big Bear Mountain Resort's basecamp area is open and offers a lineup of activities perfect for little explorers and thrill-seekers, including a 30-foot climbing wall, Euro Bungee trampoline, Quick Jump free fall, zip line, Summit Mining Co. and Grizzly Ridge Tube Park.
Additionally there's Scenic Sky Chair and hiking access to over 60 miles of scenic trails from the Snow Summit base area with options for all ages and abilities are open.
Whether you already have plans to be up in Big Bear for a few days or you are planning a day trip escape from the city, Big Bear Mountain Resort is the perfect family activity. The resort has also been quieter during the week days.
The Safari Park Flightline Safari is temporarily unavailable. Click here for status.
Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah! If soaring 130 feet above wild animals while suspended from a rope will give you a thrill, you’ll want to take a ride down the zip line at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. There are two zip lines next to each other, so you can go at the same time as your child and watch them squeal with excitement as they soar over the rhinos. Another fun place in San Diego to zip line is down the “Adrenaline Zone" at Belmont Park in Mission Beach. You’ll reach speeds of 15 mph down the short Zipline Tower, but each rider gets two rides.
Minimum Age at the Safari Park: kids aged 8-15 must be accompanied by a paid parent/guardian; kids aged 16-17 may zip line alone but must have a parent/guardian present at time of check-in
Minimum Age at Belmont Park: riders must be 46” tall and weight at least 50 lbs.
Safari Park 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd Escondido, CA 92027 619-718-3000 sdzsafaripark.org
Belmont Park 3146 Mission Blvd. Mission Beach 858-488-1549 belmontpark.com
Climb to the Top! Lace up your sneakers and head to Balboa Park for the quintessential San Diego activity! The Tower Climb at the Museum of Us reopened after a year long retrofitting project and it’s something every San Diegan and visitor alike should experience. The tower is a San Diego landmark and was built in 1915 for the Panama-California Exposition, so it’s a real treat to be able to climb inside and see the history. Half way up the 125 steps to the 8th story balcony, you’ll see the actual carillon keyboard that plays the songs broadcasted throughout Balboa Park every day at noon. Grab a bite to eat before or after your climb at nearby Panana 66, then stroll through the secret sculpture garden at the San Diego Museum of Art.
Minimum Age: 6 & up, but children must be able to climb on their own and cannot be carried
Insider’s Tip: Try to book your climb tour to meet the sunset for stunning views out to the ocean.
Tower Climb at the Museum of Us (formerly the Museum of Man) 1350 El Prado Balboa Park 619-239-2001 museumofus.org
If you need to pick up groceries, but don’t have time to go shopping, Target has the answer. Now Target has expanded their Order Pickup and Drive Up services to include fresh and frozen grocery items. The expanded services will roll out to stores in the Midwest, following successful pilots in the Twin Cities and Kansas City markets, making the enhanced services available in over 400 stores by the end of the month and more than 1,500 in time for the holiday season.
“The speed and convenience of our fulfillment options are unmatched across the country, and they’ve become even more critical for our guests searching for easy and safe ways to shop during the pandemic. By adding fresh grocery to the pickup services our guests already love, we’re giving them even more reasons to shop at Target,” says John Mulligan, Target’s chief operating officer. “During a time when even more people are looking for different ways to get the items they need, we’ll continue to invest in making Target the easiest and safest place to shop.”
The new availability includes 750 items across produce, dairy, bakery, meat and frozen products. Guests can now purchase the grocery items they need along with the staples they have already been ordering through Drive Up and Order Pickup. As always, these orders will be ready within a few hours.
Target’s Drive Up service is completely contactless, and the order is brought directly to your car in less than two minutes. Order Pickup and Drive Up are completely free and do not require a membership or a minimum order. RedCard holders and Target Circle member discounts and benefits apply to Drive Up and Order Pickup as well.
Spring has sprung, and while this one is certainly not typical, it’s still time to plant up! Good news: because gardening and hardware stores sell supplies for growing food (seeds, herbs, soil, etc.) they are open in the age of Coronavirus. We found gardening stores in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and beyond offering delivery and/or no-touch pickup. Many are still open for shopping, with safety precautions and social distancing in place. Whether you want to plant some window boxes with flowers with the kids, start some seeds or grow a victory garden—these NYC stores can help!
This longtime Manhattan nursery has recently received shipments of perennials, trees and shrubs and locally-grown annuals, but the veggies, seeds and herbs are flying out the door. (For the very latest in availability, click here. There’s no minimum, and Urban Garden Center delivers to all the boroughs, with delivery fees dependent on how far they are traveling. Delivery within Manhattan ranges from $15 to $35 and they are open Noon to 6 p.m. daily.
1640 Park Ave. at 116th Street East Harlem 646-872-3991 Online: urbangardennyc.com
Shannon Florist & Nursery
Shannon Florist & Nursery
This Kensington, Brooklyn florist across the street from Green-wood Cemetery creates arrangements for occasions of all kinds, but it also operates a large garden center, which is currently stocked with whatever you might be looking for: vegetable starts, seeds, annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs, as well as supplies and houseplants. You can shop in person, pick up curbside, or they'll deliver to the surrounding area for $35. Tip: if you go to the web site, you will get the page for the floral business. For the latest on what's in stock at the garden center, head to Facebook, where you'll find lists and photos of offerings, or Instagram.
3380 Fort Hamilton Pkwy. Kensington 347-956-2001 Online: shannonflorist.com
This Flushing, Queens nursery has been around since 1949, so it makes sense that the mantra here is: “Gardening is not cancelled!” The store is stocked with seeds, herbs, annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs (including dwarf fruit trees) and vegetable starts. Garden World also has a location on Long Island in Franklin Square. You can head to the store to shop, or arrange for delivery or curbside pickup. There’s a $50 minimum for delivery and they delivery throughout Queens.
46-20 Francis Lewis Blvd. Flushing 718-224-6789 Online: nygardenworld.com
While its storefronts are temporarily closed, this popular Manhattan resource for houseplants, flowers and yes, plants for the garden is offering touch-free delivery throughout NYC. (They’re even delivering to Yonkers and parts of New Jersey.) Order more than $100 online and delivery is free in Manhattan. You can stock up on soils and fertilizer to get your seeds and veggies going, or get flats of annuals, pre-made hanging baskets and more. Deliveries are scheduled Tuesday through Saturday. (Have some houseplants that aren’t doing so well? You can also do a virtual consult with a Plant Shed professional to get some advice on how to nurse your green friend back to health.)
This Staten Island garden center and landscaping business has been in business since 1928, so they've seen a lot. Its large outdoor nursery feels almost park-like, and you’re welcome to come by and browse (and shop) in person, with safe social distancing practices in place. The inventory of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs is extensive and impressive, and Wiesner Brothers also stocks everything you need for starting a vegetable garden, from seeds and seedlings to soil, fertilizer, etc. They are doing no-contact parking lot pickup as well: call with an order, pay over the phone, and arrange a time to pick it up; call when you arrive and staff will load merchandise into your car. They are open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.,Tuesday through Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday.
2402 Victory Blvd. Central Island 718-761-5141 Online: wiesnerbros.com
Williamsburg is lucky to be served by this friendly neighborhood hardware store and garden center. Crest has seeds, seed starting supplies, annuals and perennials, trees and houseplants in its 5,000 square foot garden area. (You can enjoy a virtual walk around it here. ) There’s no minimum, and delivery fees start. at $25. Crest delivers throughout Williamsburg and into Bed-Stuy, as well as lower Manhattan. Obviously, you can stock up on any supplies for projects around the house with Crest as well. They are open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
In business for 65 years, Kings County Nurseries is open for safe shopping—there's lot of space here—and is delivering as well. This large garden center has all you could need, including annuals, herbs, perennials, trees and shrubs, as well as seeds, vegetable starts and soil to get things growing. The nursery is allowing five shoppers in at a time, max two people per party. (But don't forget your mask or you can't get in!) They will also deliver to most of Brooklyn, but there is a minimum purchase of $150; curbside pickup is free, and lots of annuals, herbs and vegetables are in racks out front to shop from as well.
Vans is ensuring everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy their sneakers. The brand’s commitment to inclusion continues with the release of sensory-inclusive sneakers and clothing that feature calming colors, like blue and green and designs that focus on comfort and ease of wear. This new collection is available for adults, kids and toddlers.
Ahead of Autism Awareness Month in April, Vans is celebrating the uniqueness of all people. Designed specifically with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in mind, the ultra-comfortable footwear collection features sensory-inclusive elements including a calming color palette and designs that focus on the senses of touch, sign and sound.
According to a press release, in order to be more inclusive to sensory sensitivities, Vans worked with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards to create designs utilizing Vans ComfyCush technology.
The company will donate a minimum of $100,000 from the Autism Awareness Collection to the A.skate Foundation. This organization teaches skateboarding to children on the spectrum at no cost to the families, provides grants to children with autism for skateboarding gear as well as promotes awareness and educates families about the therapeutic benefits of skateboarding. The proceeds from this collection enables A.skate to teach 4,000 children with autism how to skateboard and further builds on the inclusive and creative culture of skateboarding.
The Vans Autism Awareness Collection is available online and in Vans retail locations.
Give your kids a unique Valentine’s Day treat they’re sure to love with a custom Sour Patch Kids mix.
If your tykes are fans of Sour Patch Kids, chances are they have a favorite flavor. Now you can create your own special mix and include only the colors that are your favorites thanks to a cool new feature on the confectioners website.
As Instagram user JunkFoodMom recently discovered, fans can create their own mixture from the eight flavors at Sourpatchkids.com. First you’ll choose the flavors you want to include. Want an entire box of Blue Raspberry? No problem. After that you can select a box size. Choose from two or five-pound personalized boxes or party bags. You can also get party favor bags or tins. If you choose a personalized box, the last step will be to add a name and place your order.
The cost ranges in price from $1.99 per treat bag (with a 20 bag minimum) to $44.99 for the five-pound personalized box. You can create your own custom Sour Patch Kids mix here.
If you still haven’t gotten all your holiday shopping in yet, you’re in luck. Free Shipping Day is here to save you some money on all those last minute gifts.
Sat. Dec. 14 is Free Shipping Day for 2019. This year over 1,000 online retailers are participating in the event which gives you free shipping guaranteed to arrive in time for Christmas. The annual event kicked off in 2008 with just a few hundred retailers, but it has since grown and includes dozens of your favorite places to shop.
The Free Shipping Day site has also has a massive coupon section that provides discount codes for popular retailers all year long. These are organized by category of item, making it easy to browse for deals on the items you already plan to purchase.
You can find the full list of retailers participating in the Free Shipping Day here. Many of of the free shipping deals require a minimum purchase and some of the companies listed are offering discount codes in lieu of free shipping so be sure to check the fine print.
We’ve rounded up a list of the top retailers for families:
The Christmas countdown is on—and Amazon wants to make your life easier! Prime members can pick from millions of would-be perfect presents that all qualify for same-day or one-delivery.
So you say you need your holiday gift on your doorstep by Christmas Eve? No problem––Amazon has you covered. If you’re not sure when you need to order or how long it will take to get your presents, we’ve got the master list.
photo: Courtesy of Business Wire
Maria Renz, Vice President, Global Delivery Experience at Amazon, said in a press release, of Amazon’s holiday delivery services, “Whether you’re a planner or a procrastinator, this season Prime members have more delivery options than ever before and we thank our team of customer-obsessed associates and drivers who are delivering smiles throughout the holidays.”
Amazon’s Christmas delivery dates include:
Dec. 14: Last day to order and get free delivery on orders over $25, free for all customers.
Dec. 18: Last day to order items eligible for Standard Shipping, free for Prime members.
Dec. 22: Last day to order tens of millions of items, free for Prime members.
Dec. 23: Last day to order more than 10 million items eligible for One-Day Delivery (coast to coast, free for Prime members with no minimum purchase).
Dec. 24: Last day to order millions of items eligible for Same-Day Delivery (free for Prime members in eligible areas on orders over $35, order by 9:30 a.m. local time).
Dec. 24: Last chance for free two-hour grocery delivery, reserved exclusively for Prime members in select cities. Order by 5 p.m. local time (3 p.m. in select locations) for Whole Foods Market and 8 p.m. local time for Amazon Fresh.
Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving dinner or waiting in line for Black Friday deals, to fuel that holiday spirit all month long Dunkin’ is offering $2 lattes and some other great rewards.
Now through the end of November, Dunkin’ fans can score a medium-sized latte, cappuccino or americano for just $2 every day from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. In addition to this joyful deal, you can also earn a $10 digital promo card when you purchase a minimum of $50 of Dunkin’ gift cards from Nov. 29 to Dec. 24 on the Dunkin’ site.
Using your Dunkin’ app will also get you some extra perks. Between Nov. 29 and Dec. 2, you can earn triple points on your food and drink purchases when you use the app. If you don’t have it yet, you’re in luck. It’s free to download the Dunkin’ app and sign up for the DD Rewards program.
Changes are coming to the way you pay for Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market delivery. The mega-Internet retailer recently announced free delivery for Prime members who currently use Amazon Fresh.
Current Amazon Fresh members have had to pay a $14.99 monthly fee for grocery delivery. With the recent change, you’ll see that fee drop to $0 (minimum order charges may apply)!
VP of Grocery Delivery, Stephanie Landry, said in a press release, “Grocery delivery is one of the fastest growing businesses at Amazon, and we think this will be one of the most-loved Prime benefits.”
So what happens if you aren’t already an Amazon Fresh customer? Prime members who live in one of the 2,000-plus eligible areas can request an invitation here. While that doesn’t guarantee you an immediate Amazon Fresh membership, the online retailer will alert you when you can start shopping.
Not only can Amazon Fresh members now score free delivery, but Prime members (in eligible cities) can now shop Whole Foods Market using the Amazon App, Prime Now app or via Amazon’s website.
