Whether you’re stepping on a sea of toys or the kids’ closet is stuffed to the gills, it might be time to create a family storage plan. If that seems daunting, take a peek at some solutions that might just revolutionize your home. From garage storage ideas to kid cubby storage ideas, these are our favorite storage hacks that are both clever and easy to do. If you feel like tackling specific areas in your home, check out our pantry organization ideas and toy storage solutions!
Puzzles. They're great for building problem solving skills in kids, but when it comes to storage, they have parents scratching their heads. Luckily, Days With Grey has a simple solution you can easily re-create with your own puzzles.
Rise and shine! It's time to streamline that morning routine. We love this brilliant hack by Systems for Sensory Kids that makes the back-to-school morning routine as easy as 1-2-3! You'll need a container, cups, and labels (waterproof is best) to get your little learner ready for school.
Squeaky clean! As far as cool bathroom toy storage ideas go, this one's easy-peasy. Mama Shannon over at 8 Foot Six, upcycles a hanging fruit basket to organize tub toys (genius!), which leaves you more space for other things.
Waste no space! Help half-pints get ready quickly on school mornings with The Organized Mama's twist on storing kids' clothes: you can fold clothes for easy outfit picking and make more space when you use bins inside the drawers.
Help little cooks organize their play kitchen with this sweet toy storage idea. Hop over to Hello Baby Brown for her clever use of a tiered rack that keeps cookware and toy food off the floor and within easy reach of little hands.
We got this stuffed toy storage idea straight from the horse’s mouth. You’ll need to be a little handy to complete this project and can follow the step-by-step over at Shades of Blue Interiors. Your tots can have easy access to their favorite toys through the paracord and keep their rooms clean to boot.
Kiddos can’t get enough of dressing up, but finding ways to store all of the costumes and accessories in one place is almost impossible. Luckily, this DIY Dress-Up Storage Center from Old House to New Home is an awesome fix. This piece will require some legit construction, but the final product is totally worth it!
Try storing your favorite art supplies in mason jars. Remove the lids from these adorable glass containers, and add personalized labels to keep just about anything organized and easy to access.
If your kids love playing outside, you probably know the struggle of organizing all of their outdoor toys. These labeled metal buckets are as far as toy storage ideas go from Domestic Charm to keep all of their goodies together without bringing them into the house.
To keep everything at your family’s fingertips, get inspired by Hey Let’s Make Stuff’s incredible peg board. This is a cute way to make sure everything goes back where it belongs.
This hack from VanHook & Co. is here to save the day. This budget-friendly idea only requires a couple of $4 Ikea wastebaskets. All you have to do is secure the baskets to any wall or door, and you’ve just created a cool new storage system.
Your little ones have made your car their second home, and with that comes a whole lot of stuff. But that doesn’t have to mean the end of the organization in the mommy mobile. According to HAPPYnings, it’s all about shower caddies. That’s right, those funny things with the big pockets that you hang in your shower. It turns out, they’re a pretty fantastic organizational tool for everything from hair brushes to sunscreen and so much more.
If you’ve ever felt the pain of stepping on a stray LEGO, you know that proper toy storage is an absolute must. One of our favorite ways to store your little one’s toys is the Swoop Bag. This versatile bag lays flat and can be gathered up quickly to store the tiniest of toys. Of course, this is perfect for classic faves like LEGO, cars, train sets, and more.
Who doesn’t love play dough? But, storing all of those little canisters so your fam can play with any color, any time is just really complicated. Not anymore! Brilliant Mama Aimee Geroux has got you covered. Her idea to use a coffee carousel for play dough toy storage is a brilliant idea that is nothing short of pure genius.
Color-by-number printables are still considered cool coloring pages in our book
Time to stock up on some printer ink. We’ve rounded up super cool coloring pages and activity worksheets for kids. These free printable coloring pages include color by number, your fave Disney characters, dinosaur coloring pages, and so many more. If you’re looking for ways to keep the kids entertained at home, grab some crayons and check out these great printable activities.
This Tyrannosaurus is going fishing! Your budding paleontologist will love coloring the adorable dino. Click here to download the free printable from Super Coloring.
Angela Milnes from Craft Play Learn has the perfect boredom buster for the younger set. This stuffed animal inventory is a great way for kids to use their imaginations, practice writing and come up with stories for their stuffies. Get your printable version here.
Putting an educational twist on your coloring pages, Craft Play Learn's color puzzle matching page lets your preschooler match the word to the color. Download it here.
Go big—no REALLY big—with this supersized idea from Allison Murray from Dream a Little Bigger. With a little help from your local printer, you can get an extra-large coloring page that will keep the kids busy for hours! Check out all the details here.
If you're looking for a little coloring guidance, coloring by number is your best bet. Check out all these options (including this cute little bunny) at Super Coloring.
This activity is two-fold: first, kids have to connect the dots to show the image, and then they get to color it! Choose from dinosaurs like this triceratops or pick your favorite animal. All the printable choices are here.
This printable number puzzle will help kids learn how to count while putting the puzzle together. The best part: it's super simple to make. Check out Craft Play Learn for all the details.
A coloring page that also helps teach about morning routines? Yes, please! Mornings aren't always easy, and this helpful coloring page from Jen Kossovan at Mama Papa Bubba will surely help. Get your copy here.
A penguin piloting a helicopter? Definitely not something you see every day, but you can spark the kids' imagination by asking them to come up with the penguin's backstory as they color. Print the coloring page here.
Looking for the best hot chocolate in San Diego? Look no further than these editor (and kid!) approved spots that offer everything from classic cocoa to out of this world concoctions
While San Diego might not get freezing temperatures, any time the temperatures dip below 65 degrees call for hot chocolate. We’ve sipped our way through town to round up the sweet deets on where to get the best hot chocolate nearby. So bundle up your littles (even if it’s for a photo-op) and grab one of these must-have hot chocolates on your way to get a picture with Santa, on the way to see a beautiful holiday lights display, or even for the car ride when you’re looking for ways to play in the snow near San Diego.
Come for the hot chocolate with a housemade marshmallow, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce, and stay for the Nutella-Nuts French toast. The casual ambiance and excellent breakfast items make this local La Jolla spot a win.
Insider Tip: Check out their seasonal Peppermint Fudge-a-licious upgrade to their S&S hot chocolate.
If your group can't decide on just one decadent cup of cocoa, then try several at Morning Glory—the cute Little Italy bistro with a funky flair. There are five flavors to choose that will tantalize your taste buds: classic cocoa, caramel, strawberries and cream, orange and vanilla, or maple cinnamon.
With the Ghirardelli name on this cafe, you know you are walking into a chocolate paradise. Try the Decadent Drinking Chocolate for a chocolate lover's dream or, for an unseasonably warm winter's day, give the frozen hot chocolate a spin. Add a warm, decadent brownie and your sweet tooth will be more than satisfied.
Insider Tip: In addition to the Classic Hot Cocoa and Sea Salt Caramel Hot Cocoa, check out Ghirardelli's seasonal holiday flavor Peppermint Hot Cocoa.
Stop by this cute, casual spot and warm up your insides with their signature Mexican hot chocolate. Along with fresh Mexican pastries, they also sell local and Mexican art.
Order up a chocolate drink here (either hot, cold, or blended with dark, white, or Mexican chocolate) at this rustic La Mesa cafe. Located in a strip mall with plenty of parking, is a great place to grab a croissant. PS: Gluten-free pastries are also available here.
With a hip and friendly vibe, this is a sweet hot chocolate pit stop for the kiddos that adults will adore as well. They call their hot chocolate "PG-13" and, good to know, serve a peppermint version for the holidays. Additionally, you'll find house-baked croissants, scones, and buns. It gets crowded on weekends, so be prepared for a wait if you don't get here early.
Baba Coffee, in Carlsbad Village whips up a great hot chocolate (plus lattes, espressos, and mochas). And with live music on the weekends, this spot is a no-brainer for your Sat. or Sun. morning destination.
Good to Know: Rumor has it their avocado toast is delish.
This cozy chocolate shop, connected to Banyan Kitchen, will surely satisfy your hot chocolate cravings—whether you are in the mood for a quick cup of Chai chocolate or something more adventurous. Here, the hot chocolate is crafted from freshly made chocolate, spooned into a cup with steamed milk, and topped with a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Want to make your experience even more unique? Spice it up with cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg. PS: We recommend the caramel mocha for the grown-ups.
This cafe offers an authentic experience with Italian hot chocolate as well as the grown-up fave, affogato (espresso with gelato). Make it even sweeter by bringing home dessert with a nice selection of fresh pastries to share (or not).
Nibble is an organic vegan chocolate shop located in Old Town. After dinner, mosey the fam over for a hot chocolate dessert. Their cocoa, sourced from Peru and Brazil, is extra when combined with almond, coconut, or soy milk.
Touted as one of America’s best hot chocolates, Eclipse Chocolate Bar and Bistro knows a thing or two about satisfying a sweet tooth. Above all, little sippers will love the drinking chocolate that comes with two large square marshmallows.
Good to Know: They’re known for infusing chocolate with herbs and spices, so don’t be afraid to be a little daring.
Switch up your morning routine with these Cornbread Sausage Cheddar Bites. Featuring Eckrich® Cheddar Smoked Sausage Links, this recipe is sure to get your entire family to the breakfast table.
Check out the recipe from Eckrich® below to start baking.
Spray a mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Slice up Eckrich® Cheddar Links into 1-inch thick slices.
Combine cornbread mix with milk and egg.
Stir in cheese.
Scoop up filling and begin filling muffin tin.
Place sausage slices on top of cornbread batter.
Bake for about 7-9 minutes (until golden brown).
Tips to Stretch Your Dollar
To make sure your cheddar bites last longer, be sure to place a paper towel in your storage container to soak up excess moisture.
In need of more inspiration for your next family meal? Smithfield Foods’ large portfolio of products, including Smithfield® Bacon, Nathan’s Famous® Beef Franks and Eckrich® Smoked Sausage, can meet your household’s needs for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even snack time.
Shopping is an inevitability but the good news is in 2022 you’ve got choices. From beauty brands that are using untapped resources to make products to mom-invented clothing brands that are easy on children’s skin—ideal for kids with sensitive skin and sensory issues—and easy on the planet, there are even more ways to make little choices that make a big difference. Read on to learn about some eco-friendly brands you’ll feel great supporting.
Therapy Clean
What if cleaning actually changed your mood for the better? That's exactly what happens when you use Therapy Clean. Made with natural fragrances like juniper, lemon zest and eucalyptus, they are scientifically proven to improve your mood! Choose from dish soap, all-purpose, stainless steel, granite and stone, window and glass, wood and cabinet and even tub and tile cleaner. Therapy Clean products are plant based and contain no ammonia, pthalates, bleach or parabens. Additionally, each product is cruelty free and never tested on animals.
You're going to love these sustainable, eco-friendly, reusable food wrappers and snack bags that are perfect for lunchboxes. Gone are the single-use zip bags and in are the sandwich wraps that keep your kid's PB&J secure. We love that these provide a clean eating space for lunchtime. Their snack bags also come in cute designs like pineapples and panda bears so your kids know which ones belong to them. Making small steps to protect our planet is an easy way for you to show your kids how to be environmental stewards.
You're going to love the sleek and lightweight design of the Suga waterbottle from Brand Factory. It's made out of super sustainable sugarcane so you can feel good about adding it to your kid's backpack for school or outdoor adventures. Your coffee cup also got an upgrade from Brand Factory with the Moka coffee cup made from coffee grounds. Available in 12 and 16 oz. sizes and two colors: pebble and sand.
Cleancult is not a fan of single-use plastic, so the brand set out launch their products in the most eco-friendly packaging possible. The free-from-harsh-chemicals products are shipped in recyclable milk cartons that you can toss yourself or send back through the company's mail-back program. Cleancult is proud of its carbon neutral status, biodegradable ingredients and non-irritating formulas.
Developed by a mom and nurse who struggled to find clothing options for her children's sensitive skin and eczema, Crann Apparrel features all-natural fibers, GOTS Certified organic cotton, TENCEL™ lyocell, and hemp with no harmful chemicals or dyes. These clothing are ideal for any child but in particular for children who suffer from sensitive skin, eczema, and sensory issues. All clothing is produced in small batches and is shipped in 100% recycled mailers. Crann Apparel is part of the 1% For The Planet program and currently, offers joggers, sweatshirts, boxer briefs, t-shirts, with more to come!
This woman-owned, mom-founded brand makes high-quality, stunningly beautiful games and activity kits for families that reflect a deep commitment to the community, the planet, and people. The products teach compassion, curiosity, cooperation, inclusion, and respect and the brand promotes recycling and sustainability by choosing FSC®-certified products, vegetable-based inks, and minimal packaging.
Edify is a women-owned, online shop for ethical and sustainable clothing and accessories. All brands listed on Edify must meet their strict values criteriafor sustainability. Shop here for beautiful, unique products that support founder diversity, community impact, sustainable materials and more. Look for items like the Live More Organic Tee ($48) from The Soulshine Co., which is one our favorite small eco-friendly brands based in Los Angeles, CA.
Not only is Everyday Humans a Plastic Neutral Certified company, but they are also a 1% For The Planet Member, WOC/AAPI-owned, and they create some of our all-time favorite sun, skin, and body care products ever. Lately, we’ve been loving the Ease Up PHA Watery Oil Cleanser made with the ultimate upcycled awesomeness: Upcycled Green Fig Extract pressed from repurposed fig stones from food waste! There are tons of antioxidants in this discarded piece of the precious fig. Everyday Humans harnesses it and we are here for it.
Cleanyst is the easiest way to make your own products and save the planet at the same time. Once you purchase the mixing appliance and reusable bottles, you are helping to reduce carbon emissions and single-use plastic waste when you use the concentrate pouches shipped in minimal packaging. Cleanyst products are USDA Certified Biobased, Leaping Bunny Certified, 100% vegan and do not contain animal-derived ingredients. Currently, you can whip up your own shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, household cleaning products and laundry detergent with several fragrance options. Even better, the company's biobased pouches are fully recyclable through a mail-back program that is supported by TerraCycle and its Zero Waste Box program.
Sheets Laundry Club is saving the planet from plastic "one laundry sheet at a time." The company's products are simple and clean and all packaged without plastic! We especially love their signature patented Laundry detergent sheets: pre-measured, dehydrated sheets of detergent that dissolve instantly in the wash and make laundry so easy, the kids can help. Stock up on basics like eco-friendly dryer sheets, scent boosters and cleaning products for the home, each of which reduce your carbon footprint.
You're going to love this Black-owned, woman-owned business that offers nontoxic household cleaners delivered right to your door. April Sargies, founder of Cloth + Bristle, took her more than 25 years of experience in the professional cleaning industry and identified limited options within the market for products that were free of the toxins/chemicals that worked effectively on delicate and fine surfaces. This problem inspired Cloth + Bristle, and the renowned patent pending No. 001 all-purpose cleaning product. You can order up one-time delivery or get it sent to you on the regular via their subscription service.
Finding natural and sustainable beauty products that work just got easier. Cleo+Coco's products are made with plant-based ingredients that have been carefully vetted for quality, potency and safety. Shop cleansing bars, deoderants and dry shampoos/body powders that are safe, nontoxic and synthetic fragrance and filler free. When it come to packaging, Cleo+ Coco's deodorants come in 100% recyclable bottles with compostable refills powders.
Blueland is changing household cleaning with its efforts to eliminate single-use plastic packaging. The company has already diverted close to 2 billion single-use plastic bottles and is a B Proud Corporation Certified brand. You can find soaps, cleaning sprays, laundry and dish products that come in tablet or powder form and are mixed with household tap water that saves both money and space.
It doesn't have to cost a lot to get safe, effective cleaning products. Lemi Shine is made with plant-based ingredients, biodegradable formulas, powerful citric extracts and is free from bleach, ammonia, parabens, gluten and alcohol.
Hello Bello has delved into cleaning with its new plant-based line that comes with vibrant packaging, environmentally-friendly design and pleasant scents. Coming in three products that include a Glass Cleaner, Multi-Surface Cleaner and Wood and Floor Cleaner, each product comes in a reusable bottle and with interchangeable scent pods. The entire line is plant-based and made without synthetic fragrances or dyes, bleach, ammonia, MIT & BIT, gluten or phosphate. Plus, Hello Bello’s reusable bottles results in a 90% smaller carbon footprint and 80% plastic use reduction. The 3-Pack Cleaning Starter Kit is available in lemongrass sage and cucumber scenes and retails for $24.98, making it one of the most affordable sustainable cleaning lines.
Maxi-Cosi knows carrying the future means protecting your little one, and our planet. With the new PureCosi™ product line, they've developed children’s car seats that meet flammability standards through material and design choices, not with added chemicals. Now, you can get the Coral™ XP Infant Car Seat or the Mico XP Max Infant Car Seat with high-quality fabrics that are removable, washable and made without added fire retardant treatments. Plus Maxi-Cosi's cupholders are made without BPA, so your little one can snack happily in their Pria™ 85 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat!
Each&Every is bringing customers natural deodorants, fragrance and shampoo bars with ingredients that are all validated by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). The company's lineup of products are vegan, cruelty-free and made with plant-based packaging for deodorants. Tinybeans editors love the natural deodorants that come in 10 fragrance options, are made with just six base ingredients and contain no aluminum, parabens, synthetic fragrances, baking soda or gluten.
Did you know that the majority of fragrance products today use harmful chemicals? Grow Fragrance is different. They use a farm-to-table approach that relies on nature and what’s in season to inform the scents they create–– and they disclose every ingredient used in their products. The brand is a Certified B-Corporation, and are a part of the Leaping Bunny Program and 1% for the Planet initiatives. Grow Fragrance candles are the first-ever certified 100% plant-based, toxin-free candles. and are intentionally designed with sustainability in mind. Each insert is made from aluminum that can be recycled after use.
Grove Collaborative makes getting clean products into your home a breeze. The sustainable home and personal care service delivers a huge variety of sustainable and eco-friendly products to your home, with recurring deliveries as an option. Every product is B-corp certified and all orders are 100 percent plastic neutral. Choose from well-known brands that include Mrs. Meyer's, Seventh Generation, Stasher, method and Babyganics in addition to Grove's own sustainable lineup of products.
We love this option for traveling with your personal care items from Cadence. Meet Cadence, the first magnetic and refillable capsule made from recycled ocean-bound plastic that is designed to effortlessly move with you no matter where life takes you. Pack your vitamins in your purse or bring your favorite shampoo with you when you travel, Cadence is there for it all.
Botanical Origin is here for your laundry needs. The plant-based cleaning brand's formulas are sensitive, hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, that are free from dye and brighteners. Currently, the brand uses between 0-25 percent post consumer recycled plastic with a goal of 100 percent by 2022. You can currently shop two gorgeous fragrances for laundry detergent and softener, Fresh Jasmine & Wild Lavender and Orange Blossom & Citrus Leaves.
Wondercide is the leader in safe and effective pest protection for pets, families, and homes. All products are naturally derived, DEET free, have no harsh chemicals and are safe and effective. In addition, Wondercide is a Green America, gold-certified business for high standards in social and environmental impacts and all their products are made with biodegradable and recyclable packaging. Customers can shop tons of products that include flea and tick spray, skin and haircare for pets, mosquito repellants, indoor and outdoor pest control and more.
After struggling to find hair and beauty products to fit their needs, the Nayel family decided to create their own, and Bare + Bloom was born. Featuring natural ingredients, this eco-friendly skin and hair care line is handcrafted in small batches, and they've got something for every member of the family. New moms will love the nipple butter and the talc-free baby powder, dads will like the soothing shave butter, and kids will appreciate the overnight detangling hair cream. Prices are affordable, and they offer free shipping to 48 states.
Kizik gets that saving time is a top priority for parents and they've come out with two new shoe lines that both offer easy-on technology, Cairo and Madrid Eco Knit. Both are available in a variety of colors and allow the wearer to pop them on without bending down or breaking the heel. Best of all, both were designed using Kizik’s environmentally-friendly fabric made from 100% recycled plastic bottles and the 4-way stretch air mesh upper means it’s breathable so you don’t have to worry about sweaty feet.
Zazubean
Zazubean
Zazubean is a chocolate brand that stands for promoting an ethical and sustainable balance while striving to conserve biodiversity, foster the cycling of resources and making certain that their chocolate would never subject itself to any GMO's or non-organic modalities throughout the entire production process. The brand carries a collection of decadent, smooth, healthy chocolates with NO added sugar or 1/2 added sugar that are sure to hit your taste buds!
Bodhi Beverly Hills uses recycled cardboard for product cartons as well as glass containers for packaging to eliminate plastic waste. As a brand that is 100% Cruelty Free Vegan, Toxic and Made in the USA, the Natural Dream Beyond Peppermint Exfoliating Cleanser is the perfect wakeup to any morning routine. Bold and invigorating peppermint deeply cleanses the skin while using natural oils and extracts to gently exfoliate the face and body.
HOMMEFACE was created to give skincare solutions that are easy, simple, safe, but still effective. To reduce waste, their products come in “long-lasting volume” meaning their large bottle sizes enable the consumer to use the products without the need to frequently replenish them.
The Daily Skincare Trio Set is a 3-step skincare set for men that is made with no alcohol and only natural ingredients while providing healthy skin & a better shave experience. The set includes: Daily Face Wash, Herbal Spray Toner and Face Moisturizer. All products are vegan, natural, certified cruelty-free and include no parabens or SLS.
We love that Viviobarefoot is thinking about our planet. They just launched their shoe amnesty program which allows customers to return their footwear through reconditioning, re-commerce platform, ReVivo with the option to receive 20% off of a new pair of Vivobarefoot shoes or have a donation made on behalf to the LiveBarefoot Foundation, an in-house incubation that pioneers regeneration solutions for environmental and social problems.
Branch Basics
Getting rid of harmful chemicals and swapping for nontoxic cleaning alternatives just got easier. Branch Basics best-selling multi-purpose Concentrate makes cleaning simple with a nontoxic formula that is safe for families and can be mixed with water to make a variety of cleaners, including bathroom, all-purpose, hand soap and even laundry soap. Each product is human safe, plant and mineral-based, biodegradable, non-GMO, not tested on animals and free of harmful preservatives.
Style plus sustainability intersect with these bags from Handed By. Made of 70% recycled plastic, the bags aren't mass produced in factories, instead, the company collaborates with dedicated craftspeople to hand weave small-scale production runs and in doing so, forms long-term personal partnerships. We could totally see loading one of these up with your favorite snacks and taking it for a day at the beach.
Green Goo is all about using plants in their huge lineup of skincare, soaps, first aid, sanitizer, mama and baby and even animal care products. They are made with plant-based ingredients that are gentle, effective, cruelty-free, and sustainably sourced. All products are free from petrochemicals, parabens, phthalates and other dangerous additive. Because they are free from chemicals, many of their items can be used on multiple needs at once, which means less products crowding your medicine cabinets, and more non-toxic goodness.
A favorite when it comes to eco-friendly brands, Public Goods is your one-stop-shop for sustainable grocery, household, and personal care products. The marketplace's affordable and good for the planet products are eco-friendly and simply designed, in simple black and white. For an annual membership of $79, members get access to cruelty-free manufacturing, sustainable packaging, tons of vegetarian and vegan options, gluten free, no harmful chemicals, zero waste, biodegradable and compostable products.
Boob Design: A Nursing Collection You'll Wear Long After You're Done Feeding Baby
When you're a sleep-deprived new mom, 3 a.m. impulse buys of ill-fitting nursing clothes may seem like a good idea. But for styles that'll make you look and feel your best—and are kind to the environment—there's no better option than the nursing collection from Boob Design. They make garments with a purpose, meaning their designs are intentionally meant to be worn from bump to toddlerhood and beyond. All their styles are made of sustainable materials that are traceable from fiber to final garment and they only work with factories that respect their code of conduct. Plus, they're GOTS-certified (learn more about their sustainability code of ethics here). Bottom line: Boob Design knows what's best for the environment and for new moms. What more could you want? Online: boobdesign.com
Snapper Rock: Sustainable Swimwear Made from Recycled Products
In January of this year swimwear brand, Snapper Rock released Oceania, their first sustainable swimwear capsule collection made from recycled products. The reef-inspired collection features their signature UPF50+ technology and includes styles for parents and kids that range from bikinis to rash tops to board shorts, baby sets and more. According to Snapper Rock, “by selecting recycled materials, [they] can reduce the consumption of nonrenewable resources, such as oil and coal, reduce water and energy use, and help to clean up our beaches and oceans from discarded waste.” Sounds like a win-win to us. Online: snapperrock.com
Dyper: The Compostable Diaper
Dyper
In the past, if you wanted eco-friendly diapers, your only choice was cloth diapers...until now. Month-to-month subscription service, Dyper is giving parents another option for diapering with their chemical-free and totally compostable diapers. Durable, absorbent and free of all the chemicals, inks and phthalates you want nowhere near baby, Dyper’s goods are convenient (manage your deliveries using the website or mobile app) and affordable ($68/month). Running out of diapers? Rely on Dyper’s service that sends extra diapers within 4-24 hours. Plus, with each order of their compostable diapers, the company purchases carbon offsets on behalf of the customer.
Dyper has partnered with TerraCycle on ReDyper, a composting program where subscribers can opt-in and receive bags and a specially-designed box to send diapers out for compost. Subscribers can download a prepaid shipping label and all waste composted will be used in projects such as vegetation in highway medians.
Finnish-based brand Reima is no stranger to kids activewear. Expect bright, bold prints, non-toxic waterproof finishes and materials that include recycled polyester and biodegradable, mulesing-free wool. Their current winter collection includes fan favorites like the Silda Reflective Jacket that’s designed with reflective prints to keep your kiddo safe, Kinsei, a quick drying wool base layer that allows for less micro plastic shedding in washes, and the Nalle, a winter suit for baby designed using plastic bottles. Keep an eye out for Reima’s upcoming seasonal collections, which we’re guessing will be just as impressive as this winter’s one. Online: us.reima.com/
Apple Park: Whimsical Toys & Clothes for Baby & Kids
Apple Park
After having her firstborn 10 years ago, mom Angie Ting discovered that eco-friendly, organic and hypoallergenic toys and clothes for baby just weren’t widely available. Her disappointment led to the inception of Apple Park, which today is known for colorful and whimsical toys, clothes and accessories. Their newest Organic Farm Buddies collection, launching March 2020, starts at $11 with nothing over $37. Expect fun hippos, flamingos, zebras and more, all made with organic fibers and sustainable ingredients. Online: applepark.com
Luxury doesn’t equate to cruelty. At least that’s the way Rivers Eight sees things. Their luxe handbags and travel accessories are faux skin, and to the naked eye may get PETA riled up. But, rest assured the entire hand-crafted collection is cruelty-free and made right in L.A. A current fan favorite is this 3-in-1 bag, which is a fold-over belt bag, cross-body bag and clutch all in one. So go ahead and celebrate the animal kingdom with Rivers Eight, all without negatively impacting their population. Online: riverseight.com
Rothy’s: Put Your Best Foot Forward with These Kid Sneakers
Rothy’s has a cult following amongst women so it’s only natural that they’re just as popular with the pint-sized set. Check out their girls’ loafer line and their slip-on shoe that every kid can wear. The latter—tested out by active, busy kids—are washable and offered in 10 different colors and prints inspired by the bright colors of the 1970s. Both shoes feature a stretchy knit made out of recycled water bottles and are machine washable. Online: rothys.com.
There is one thing a family can never have too many of: bags! From totes to kid backpacks to duffles and adult-sized backpacks, Parkland is your go-to spot for functional bags with a punch of attitude and style. The exterior fabric of all bags is made from recycled water bottles (check out this cool video explaining the process here) and their mission is all about inspiring others to make sustainable choices. Now, that’s a brand (and mission!) we can get behind. Check out all of Parkland’s products, including their brand-new spring line, at parklandmfg.com.
It may be hard to grasp life without plastic, but we have an easy step to take to help get you closer to that goal. Choose Bee’s Wrap, an alternative to plastic bags, tupperware and saran wrap. Made of organic cotton, sustainably harvested beeswax, jojoba oil and tree resin, use them to wrap around veggies, cheese, fruit, snacks, sandwiches or really, any food products. They’re lightweight and reusable (clean by washing with cool water and light soap) for about a year. After you’re done, compost or use as a fire starter for your next camping trip. Multiple options available at beeswrap.com.
Kinder Birch: GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton Onesies
Kinder Birch, a new clothing company that debuted just this year, is disrupting the organic baby clothing space. Their styles are all GOTS certified Organic cotton and all printed with low impact dye. The patterns are whimsical, fun and playful, with the actual fabric thick enough to withstand rough and tumble play, while being oh-so-soft for baby's skin. Toddler PJs and more styles coming soon. Available at kinderbirch.com.
CrayonBlocks: 100% Biodegradable Beeswax Crayons (Created by a Dad!)
If Junior is into art, but you’re worried about what type of unsafe materials he’s coming into contact with, you’re not alone. The dad creator beyond CrayonBlock felt the exact same way when his son licked a crayon and realized his child was tasting paraffin. Thus, the idea of CrayonBlocks was born. This dad-created line of crayons is 100% biodegradable, paraffin- and chemical-free, certified organic beeswax with food grade colors that conform to the strictest of standards. Not only that, but the crayons also feature 8 edges and 8 corners making them easy to grip and draw. Available at crayonblocks.com for $13.99.
Recover Brands: Tees Made of Recycled Water Bottles
Every day—not just Earth Day—is a teachable moment to show your kids how to really care for Mother Earth. Remind her of this daily with a “Protect Our Parks” tee from Recover Brands. This brand makes their goods from recycled water bottles (check out the process here). Bonus: their apparel also comes in adult sizes, too! Available at recoverbrands.com for $18.
There are so many awesome companies that make going plastic-free easy and Stasher is one of our favorite eco-friendly brands. Their goods are all 100% pure platinum food-grade silicone that are easy to clean, reusable and non-toxic. We think Stasher bags stand out because you can not only store snacks for easy access (the bags are super easy to open and close for little hands), but you can also microwave, place in the oven, store in the freezer, boil on the stove and wash in the dishwasher. Versatile and functionality at its best. Available online at stasherbag.com.
Aldea Home + Baby: Eco-Friendly Furniture with a Conscious
Fans of modern, eco-friendly brands should check out the kid's collection and baby registry from San Francisco’s famed home goods store Aldea Home + Baby. The store prides itself on carrying only items from sustainable artisans and socially conscious design companies, so you can feel good about purchasing items that look this great. Not in the Bay Area? You can still get in on the goodness by shopping online at aldeahome.com.
Sustainable LEGO Bricks: Your Favorites Made Better
The LEGOs you know and love are in for some big changes. In an effort to create zero waste, the company is producing LEGO bricks made from plant-based materials, but you likely won’t notice at all. LEGO just announced in early 2018 that it has started production on sustainable blocks made with materials sourced from sugarcane. The plant-based polyethylene is softer but still durable. Despite these new changes, LEGO promises that builders won’t notice a difference in the look or feel of the bricks. Learn more here.
—Erin Lem, Shahrzad Warkentin, Eva Cerise and Karly Wood
If you’re wondering what moms are willing to do for their babies (both human and fur), the answer for this Canadian mother is… anything. While the title of this article pretty much sums up what went down, it’s something you really have to see to believe.
Cait Oakley from Saanich, British Columbia was breastfeeding her daughter Willow when she heard her pet goose, Franky, making an odd noise near their front door. When she looked out to see what was amiss, there was a massive bald eagle trying to carry Franky away. Cue the mother instinct, which kicked in big time for Oakley, who rushed out the door sans shirt while her baby was still latched on and saved the large waterbird from certain death.
It’s worth noting at this stage that Franky isn’t just any goose, she’s a TikTok sensation with almost 60,000 followers, because that just feels right for this story.
“I went to the front door with Willow latched on me, just thinking, I’ll take a peek out the window, and that’s when in that split second the eagle came down, and it was at my front door,” Oakley told TODAY Parents. “So I threw the door open. There was nowhere to put Willow down at that point. It was just a split-second reaction. I[‘ve] chased off (birds of) prey many many times—usually not with a baby.” Leave it to a mom to tell the story like it’s no big thing, just a natural part of her morning routine.
Oakley’s quick thinking saved sweet Franky, and the eagle dropped her mid-attack, likely from the shock of what was transpiring right before its eyes. The family’s doorbell camera caught the entire encounter, which her husband shared on TikTok, and we thank him profusely for doing so.
“It’s just that fight-or-flight response,” the mom-of-three told CBS. “This is mom life.”
Willow, now five-months-old, is the youngest of her three kids. She is also mom to Rome, two, and Ryder, eight, who likely already know what a badass their mom is before they saw her ward off a bird of prey whilst breastfeeding.
So, what does Oakley think of herself going viral half-naked? “I could have been naked and I’m like, ‘Whatever, I’m feeding my baby,’” she told TODAY. “That was a part of life.”
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day but we often run out of breakfast ideas and there’s no sweeter way to start off the day than with a donut! We’ve done the work for you and scouted the best donut shops in the Bay Area (a tough job that we’re happy to do). From classic flavors to wacky combinations, gigantic sizes to minis, there will be something on the menu for adventurous adults to safe-betting kids.
This San Francisco staple serves up classic flavors and familiar bites satisfying donut cravings at either their Polk St store (open 24/7) or their new Baker St location.If you want to see the eyes of your kiddos light up in wonder, order the novelty gigantic donut which comes in a handful of flavors such as glazed, crumbles and chocolate. It’s bigger than an adult head and if you eat the entire donut in under two minutes Bob’s Donut will give it to you for free and will list your name on their Hall of Fame page.
Husband and wife team Joyce and Paul decided to bring their love of donuts straight to the outer sunset neighborhood. Traditional donuts are served during the week but the flavors take on a new, fun and nutty twist on the weekends with PB&J, Nutty Monkey and Milky Way Under A Salt!
For an extra special outing, head to Pier 39 to see the wharf and grab a bucket of mini donuts sprinkled with sugar for you and the kids to share. As an added bonus, when the donuts are eaten up you can use the bucket as a sand toy. Win-win kids!
If your kids have fancy palettes and a taste for adventure, check out Dynamo Donut & Coffee. With flavors like Chocolate Rose, Passionfruit Milk Chocolate and Bitter Queen, your taste buds will be popping as will your blood sugar levels. Also, check out their kiosk in the Marina on the SF Bay Trail if trekking to the Mission isn’t an option.
You definitely don't want to leave this one off your list of the best donuts in the Bay Area. Mochill Mochidonut serves up the most gorgeously-delicious mochi donuts in the land. If you haven't tried one yet, they are so crunchy and light, you'll definitely have room for more than one. Kids crave the fruity pebbles while adults opt for refined flavors like matcha.
Rainbow Donuts Ι Berkeley Donuts and croissants are made constantly throughout the day which means Rainbow Donuts serves up some of the freshest donuts in town. The wildly popular unicorn donut is a crowd favorite for kids and adults alike and their savory breakfast sandwiches are also delicious!
Kingpin Donuts Ι Berkeley This donut shop has been around since the 1930s so it’s safe to say they’re doing something right. With classic flavors made the way grandma used to make donuts, this is a no-frills and yummy donut stop in the East Bay.
Do you ever walk into a donut shop and think you’d really love to take a bite of all of the flavors? Well, now you can! Donut Savant keeps the menu tiny—referring to the size of the donut only. With an entire menu of donut holes and minis you’ll be able to indulge in all your favorite flavors. What kid doesn’t love variety?
If organic vegan donuts are what you crave, this is the spot for you. Donut Farm has been serving up this delicious treat to Oaklanders for over 15 years and we know you'll love it. Try the Mexican hot chocolate, blueberry or a straight-up plain—you won't be disappointed.
Also serving at The Ferry Building on Tues., Thurs.-Sun.
Bun Appetit Donuts Ι Fremont Its not uncommon to find a line out the door because this donut spot is so hot but we promise it will be well worth the wait! The famed Everything donut filled with cream cheese sells out regularly so consider yourself lucky if you can get your hands on one. Verve coffee is also served here along with savory sandwiches and avocado toast.
Just opened, this spot offers mochi donuts and you're going to love them. Pre-order from their website to skip the line before you head over as they offer five weekly flavors (currently black sesame, churro, cookies & cream, matcha, pandan, milk chocolate and lilikoi) with two daily specials. Complete your sugar rush with a black sesame or ube soy latte for a super charged morning to run after the kids!
Royal Donuts Cafe| Burlingame Don't let the unassuming outside fool you—this neighborhood gem is a favorite with locals. Whether you're in the mood for bacon and pancakes or a chorizo burrito and half a dozen glazed donuts, Royal Donuts cafe has your family covered.
Self-proclaimed as the Bay Area’s wackiest donut shop, they serve up a menu of unconventional flavors that are too good to be true. Kids will be left speechless with flavors such as “Cereal Killer,” a glazed donut topped with fruity cereal flakes—a customer favorite; “Fung Shui,” a donut with green tea icing, chocolate chips and a vanilla drizzle; or “Nutter Cup,” a donut with Nutella icing and peanut butter and Butterfinger dust.
Another mom and pop donut shop, this San Jose spot is a favorite for those who like their donuts classic. The friendly owners pride themselves in remembering customers' favorite orders. You'll always feel welcomed when you visit. Pro tip: don't skip out on the cinnamon rolls.
Anyone who considers themselves a donut lover will love Stan's! Old-school donuts are where it's at when you head to Stan's Donuts as they've been in business since 1959. Stan and Tina Wittmayer and their nine children started this donut shop and it has remained within the family since. Kids love sitting at the counter with their long john and watching as they make the donuts and dunk them in glaze.
Don’t be surprised after your first visit if your kids start requesting Johnny Doughnuts in lieu of a birthday cake. Or heck, that goes for mom and dad, too! These donuts are lip smacking good and are made with local ingredients. Classic donuts with a twist, like the Orange Your Glad donut, or the homemade jam and custards that are filled into fluffy fried bread, will have your kids asking for more.
North Bay Location 1617 4th St. San Rafael, CA
Marin Country Mart 2257 Larkspur Landing Circle Larkspur, CA
San Francisco (Hayes Valley) Location 388 Fulton St. San Francisco, CA
The kids will flip for this spot's signature donut, the foot-shaped long john (it's quite tasty once you get past the foot factor). Other favorites include the sugar-covered donut holes and the big donut that is 10 inches across and makes the perfect birthday donut.
This 100% gluten free cafe bakery is super popular even among those without dietary restrictions because owner Heather Hardcastle uses techniques she learned at the Culinary Institute of America to master gluten-free breads, cookies, donuts and treats. Come for the donut and pick up lunch!
Whole Foods has a sugary secret, they have some of the best vegan donuts in the Bay Area! If foraging a trip to a specialty donut shop isn’t in the cards and tummies are growling, head to the nearest Whole Foods for a special treat. Your hungry gremlins will be none the wiser with vegan choices such as maple glazed, chocolate, crumble and more.
Ah, mornings. While days off of school and work can be cuddly and leisurely, weekdays can be the exact opposite. Avoid morning stress and the constant cries of “We’re late!” by giving your kids a morning routine they can follow. While nothing is going to be perfect, here are a few tips that are sure to help.
1. Set an Alarm
Setting a consistent bedtime each night is a precursor for success in the morning. To help kids establish a regular wake-up time, an alarm clock that they can use and set themselves is a thing of beauty. (Here are 18). If a blaring noise or music will just make your kid grumpy, consider a gradual-light alarm that slowly increases the light in the room for a more natural “waking up in the sunshine” feel.
2. Make a Chart
It can be as simple as a list on a piece of paper taped to their door or a magnetic routine chart in a place they'll pass every morning, but having a visual cue will help bleary-eyed kids remember what is next. Don’t underestimate how simple and straightforward it can be. Example:
Brush Teeth
Wash Hands
Wash Face
Put in Contact Lenses
Eat Breakfast
Grab Lunch
Find Boots
3. Make it Simple for Them to Stay Healthy & Hygienic
Good hygiene is important to every parent. Keep contact lenses and solution, washcloths, toothpaste refill, hair grooming supplies, hand soap refills, etc. on a shelf where kids can easily reach what they need.
Some products are inherently easier to keep clean and sanitary. For example, if your age-appropriate child wears contact lenses, single-use lenses like MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses mean your little one won’t need to clean lenses each night. You may be surprised to hear that 42% of children aged 5 to 19 have myopia¹, also known as nearsightedness. MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses not only correct vision immediately², but are the first and only soft contact lenses designed for myopia control and are FDA approved* to slow the progression of myopia in children, aged 8 to 12 at the initiation of treatment.³†
4. Get Things Ready the Night Before
Ever noticed how morning seems to go by really fast, especially when you’re trying to get to school (and work) on time? Don’t leave everything to those precious early minutes. Have your child help as you get things as grab-and-go as possible. Here are a few things you can do:
Pick out clothes the night before, including finding shoes.
Make lunches.
Pack homework into bags and backpacks and then leave near the door or another easy-to-see place.
Prep breakfast (overnight oatsanyone?) or have healthy grab-and-go options if possible.
Try doing this as part of your bedtime routine. Have the kids put on their pajamas and run around getting things ready or prompt them 15 minutes before bedtime.
5. Get Yourself Ready First
You may have heard this one before but we’re going to say it again. Get up 20 to 30 minutes before your kids need to wake, and take that time to get yourself ready. Whether that’s stretching, having coffee, spacing out, showering or just getting dressed, if you have a jumpstart on your own morning routine, you won’t be as stressed about theirs. And get your stuff ready the night before, too, if you can.
Indications and Important Safety Information.
Rx only
Results may vary.
ATTENTION: Reference the Patient Information Booklet for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information. *Indication: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal. Warnings: Problems with contact lenses could result in serious injury to the eye. Do not expose contact lenses to water while wearing them. Under certain circumstances MiSight® lenses optical design can cause reduced image contrast/ghosting/halo/glare in some patients that may cause difficulties with certain visually demanding tasks. Precautions: Daily wear single use only. Patient should always dispose when lenses are removed. No overnight wear. Patients should exercise extra care if performing potentially hazardous activities. Adverse events: Including but not limited to infection/inflammation/ulceration/abrasion of the cornea, other parts of the eye or eyelids. Some of these adverse reactions can cause permanent or temporary loss of vision. If you notice any of the stated in your child, immediately have your child remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional.
†Compared to a single vision 1 day lens over a 3 year period.
¹ Theophanous C, Modjtahedi BS, Batech M, Marlin DS, Luong TQ, Fong DS. Myopia prevalence and risk factors in children. Clin Ophthalmol. 2018;12:1581-1587. Published 2018 Aug 29. doi:10.2147/OPTH.S164641
² Rah MJ, et al. Vision specific quality of life of pediatric contact lens wearers. Optom Vis Sci2010;87(8):560-6.
³ Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight® lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019; 96(8):556-567.
Ryan Reynolds announced in December in an interview with The Hollywood Reporterthat he was taking some time off from work to stay home with his three daughters—James, 6, Inez, 5, and Betty, 2—with wife Blake Lively. He said that he wanted to create some space for his family during this busy season of life before his kids are “teenagers who loathe me.”
Well he’s changed his tune… a little. He joked on TODAY that he would be “taking the first movie that I can find” to get back to work.
Reynolds said in a video interview with LinkedIn‘s News Senior Editor at Large Jessi Hempel “The biggest thing for me… is that I don’t want to miss this time with my kids.” Parents of young kids everywhere know that staying home with them isn’t all sunshine and butterflies. But we also know that they don’t stay little forever, and Reynolds decided to opt-in on the privilege of being able to put work on the back burner to spend more time at home.
He also explained that he wants his kids to have some normalcy, too– including in their schedules. “For many years when my wife Blake would shoot a film, I would not shoot a film and I would be with the kids and vice versa,” he said. “So we would sort of trade-off. We never really worked at the same time. But always we were away. So the kids were away, too.”
And it appears it’s gone exactly how those of us in the know would expect. “Morning routine is just so unpredictable, there’s anxiety” he explained Monday on TODAY. “I lay awake at night and think ‘what’s going to happen to me in the morning, how’s this going to go down, are one of these children going to strike me?'”
Reynolds also addressed another phenomenon of staying-at-home. “I’m no less busy, I’m just home more.” Are we the only ones imagining Reynolds in yoga pants and a man bun, chasing a goal all day and instead just keeping the kids fed? And even though he jokes “It’s been hell, I’m going right back,” he also tapped into the universal truth that all parents know.
“It’s been great. I’m still busy but I get to be there for my kids in the morning and at night I get to put everyone to bed, so I love that.”
Whether you’re a busy parent with lots of activities on your plate or a teen with your own school schedule to think about, back-to-school season has definitely kicked everyone’s organizational skills into high gear once more. School nights may begin to feel hectic again—between the homework, planning for the next day, and trying to fit some rest in there somewhere.
However, you can form a regimen that gets these priorities down pat. Here are a few tips you can use to simplify your school nights so they run as smoothly as possible.
1. Establish Your Own Bedtime Routine
Having a bedtime routine can be more helpful than you think—especially when that routine includes an actual bedtime. Having a bedtime, no matter how old you are, can help you fall asleep faster and easier so you can get enough sleep each night. That means even after you tuck the kiddos in for the night, you might need your own bedtime and wind-down routine.
2. No Caffeine After School
This one might be a little tough to get used to at first, but it goes hand in hand with getting a good night’s rest. Although caffeine can be a great study aid and pick-me-up, having caffeine after 2:00 p.m. can make it more difficult to get to sleep come nightfall. It’s best to leave the coffee for the morning and stick to non-caffeinated beverages after school.
3. Make Lunches Ahead of Time
Part of simplifying your school nights is prepping for the morning so you don’t need to wake up at a ridiculous hour to be ready for the day ahead. One of the best ways to do this is to pack a lunch ahead of time so you can refrigerate it and grab it to go when the morning comes. This can also make it much easier to create nutritious, balanced dishes with protein, fruits, and vegetables.
4. Tackle Homework First Thing
Doing homework after a long day of school can sometimes feel like the biggest task in the world, but the task can feel even more looming when you leave it for the end of the night. If possible, it can be a great idea to use the momentum from the school day to tackle homework first thing so you have the rest of the night to enjoy family time. If your kiddos are still at the age where you need to help them with homework, you can encourage this even more as a habit they can take with them as they grow.
5. Pick Out the Next Day’s Clothes
Much like packing lunch the night before, picking your outfits and the kids’ outfits before bed can simplify the morning. In fact, it’s actually said to help you make more informed decisions when you choose your clothing at this time of day. This removes a step from your morning routine and helps the a.m. go more smoothly.
6. Leave the Shower for the Morning
You might be asking yourself, what can you leave out from your nighttime routine and actually let go for the morning? Well, your daily shower is definitely one of those things! Plenty of people shower in the morning, and it can even help you feel a bit more refreshed and awake. Even if you leave showering or bathtime for the kiddos at night, you can leave your showers for the morning to cut down on tasks for school nights.
7. Mimic Your Schedule on Weekends If Possible
Although the weekends are for fun and relaxation, it can never hurt to stick to a routine that works for you. Especially when it comes to things like bedtimes and evening routines, letting your kids go wild on the weekends can lead to difficult adjustments back on Monday. Try going with a relaxed but still reasonable schedule for weekends so your kids don’t get too thrown off their sleeping routines.
8. Give Yourself Some Downtime
No matter how many activities you can manage to pack into your evening routine, one of the most important things to give yourself, your kiddos, and your family is some downtime. Everyone needs rest, and if you’re looking to bring simplicity to your school nights, look no further than giving yourself a bit of downtime you all could enjoy. Bonus points if you can put the screens away and relax tech-free!
School nights don’t have to be stressful. In fact, when you get into a routine that you like and take the time to relax that you and your family deserve, you can create a great experience that lasts the whole school year and beyond.
Kara Reynolds is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Momish Magazine. A mom of four and matriarch to her big blended family, Kara wants nothing more than to normalize differences in family structures. She enjoys peeing alone, pancakes, and pinot noir - but not at the same time.
