We love these baby shower favor ideas that’ll really make your celebration stand out

You’ve figured out the theme, decided on decor, and as far as games are concerned, you’re the reigning queen. But putting those finishing touches on the celebration you’re planning is where you can really wow your guests and the parents-to-be. Our suggestion? Try one of these adorable baby shower favors we can’t get enough of. From a floral favor bar to delicious treats, these creative favor ideas will not only impress your guests, it’ll make them feel appreciated, too. Make sure to put these baby shower favor ideas for a boy or a girl on your baby shower planning checklist.

Place Card Holder & Picture Frame

Party City

Write each guest's name on the included chalkboard insert to use this as a place card holder ($3.50). Then guests can use them as picture frames after the party.

Feathering the Nest Salt & Pepper Shakers

Foodie friends will especially love this fun and functional mini salt & pepper shaker shaped like baby birds. And baby shower planners will appreciate that it already comes in an adorable gift box, perfect for a gift table or to set alongside each person's plate at a dining table. 

Tea Light Holder

Set a blue or pink theme with tea light candleholders, like this one from Just Artifacts. It comes in two shades of pink or blue, as well as several other colors to match your color scheme. Add tea lights in your favorite scent to give your shower a warm glow and ambience.

"Watch Me Grow" Succulent

Bordon Specifics

A pint-sized, easy-to-maintain succulent is the perfect gift for guests to take home and enjoy. Add this adorable "Watch me grow" tag ($12.50+ for 25 tags) from Etsy shop Bordon Specifics for a low-cost party favor guests will be raving about.

Soap with a Customized Label

Mod Party

For a gender-neutral gift that guests can use after the big event, get these sweet-smelling soaps ($23 for 15 bars) from Etsy shop Mod Party. Leave them in a basket by the door for guests to take when they leave. You choose the color and text on the label to send off guests with a gift from your shower to their shower. 

Flower Favor Bar

Krista A. Jones for Style Me Pretty

A floral favor bar can be as extravagant as you like, and it serves as decor, activity and party favor all in one. Ask guests to arrange small bouquets while socializing at the party to bring home with them when they leave. Provide ribbons to wrap up their creations. Caitlin Kruse, brand and creative partnerships director at Glitter Guide, proves that fresh flowers offer a bang for your buck.

Gourmet Popcorn

Kayla Roca for Style Me Pretty

Ready to pop! This theme is perfect for baby showers and fun to weave through your entire baby fete. Add the label to bags of gourmet popcorn, and you have the perfect edible favor (and party snack) for your guests. We love how Style Me Pretty made it classy and fun.

She's Going to Pop Mini Champagne Bottles

Etsy shop Studio B Labels

If you prefer to pop with bubbly, these custom labels ($15+) from Etsy shop Studio B Labels dress up mini champagne bottles and add flair to your soiree. Label colors can be customized.

Baby-Shower-Themed Cookies

Amazon

Make cookies in the shape of a onesie, bib, rattle, baby bottle and old-fashioned baby carriage with this set of cookie cutters ($13). It comes with a recipe booklet, or make the mom-to-be's favorite treats.

"Sweet as Can Bee" Mini Honey Pots

Perfect for a tea party theme, your guests will be buzzing about these "sweet as can bee" mini honey pots ($4-$5) from BeauCoop. The ceramic beehive is decorated with bumblebees and features with a wooden honey dipper topped with a heart. Each item comes individually wrapped in a clear gift box topped with ribbon. 

Gimme S'more Trail Mix

Evermine Occasions

Outdoorsy types will love this trail mix, sweetened with mini marshmallows, chocolate candies and honey-flavored cereal. Evermine Occasions whipped this up for a woodland-themed baby shower, but the recipe can easily be adapted to the mom-to-be's cravings. Put out bowls of this tasty treat for guests to snack on during the shower, and give each guest a jar to take home.

The Perfect Shade of Polish

You can never have too many nail polishes, so send guests home with the perfect shade of pink or blue nail polish to use at their next mani or pedi. Wrap each bottle in one of these sweet labels (5+) from Etsy shop Recipe Box Designs; the tags come in a variety of colors to match your event.

Hair Ties

Sparkly elastic hair ties ($3) are a festive and practical reminder of a baby shower. Etsy shop Plum Polka Dot makes hair ties with messages to celebrate baby-to-be, in a variety of colors and patterns. The boy hair ties include an awesome mustache print. If the baby's gender is a surprise, go with "ready to pop" or "twinkle, twinkle, little star" messages.

Baby Bottle Mason Jars

Love Letter Photography via Fawn Over Baby

Turn a mason jar into a baby bottle favor for a fun favor (or a prize for your shower games). Fawn Over Baby filled hers with the dry ingredients of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies for a creative treat to be enjoyed post-shower.

Coffee Mugs

Frog Prince Paperie

Celebrate the coffee the new mom will need to stay up after all those sleepless nights with baby with a “Coffee and Cravings” shower theme, courtesy of Paula of Frog Prince Paperie. Her shower included custom coffee mugs that doubled as favors so guests could enjoy their favorite brew at home. You can choose matching mugs or a variety with funny messages or sweet sayings.

Mini "Sweetie Pie" Favors

Everyday Occasions by Jenny Steffens Hobick

These delectable (and homemade) pastries were whipped up for one lucky mom-to-be by Jenny Hobick of Everyday Occasions. Devour the delicious step-by-step photos and check out the surprisingly easy-as-pie recipe on the JSH Home Essentials blog. The "sweetie pie" label makes the perfect accompaniment.

—Lauren Hill & Aimee Della Bitta

 

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Just because you’re an adult it doesn’t mean your love of stuffies has to fall by the wayside, especially when it comes to getting something to snuggle up with on Valentine’s Day. Thankfully, Build-A-Bear has the market cornered when it comes to giving that special someone the perfect bear to say “I love you.”

Coined as “Build-A-Bear After Dark” in a hilarious post on the brand’s Facebook page, the collection is packed with both pre-stuffed and custom bears, bunnies, dogs and more that are styled in festive Valentine garb.

While you can definitely custom design your own plushie, Build-A-Bear has some great gift sets that have everything you need. We love the Teddy French Beret set that comes with an adorable outfit and bouquet, Pawelette Rosé over Roses set with wine glass and bottle of rosé and the Barkleigh Mixed Berry Seltzer set that comes in cute heart PJ’s and a can of seltzer (stuffed, of course).

Want to dress up your BAB? Choose from V-day options like heart pajamas, an “I want to take you out” T-shirt, a devil costume (rar!), an “I Love You” shirt and even a French Beret set.

Don’t forget the accessories! No bear is complete without a love eye mask or a red bouquet and red nail polish wristlet.

With Valentine’s Day approaching next week, you better be beary quick about getting your order in. Check out the Build-A-Bear website to see where you can get same-day delivery and even in-store pickup.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Build-A-Bear

 

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February 13th is National Cheddar Day. Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA) is celebrating this very special day with a limited-edition Cheddar Capsule collection—and it includes the 40-pound Tillamook Sharp Yellow Cheddar Mother Loaf.

Tillamook cheddar cheese products all start as 40-pound blocks. The cheese-makers than age the cheddar anywhere from 60 days to a full 10 years. After the cheddar reaches pure cheesy magnificence, it’s turned into a block, slices, shreds, or other Tillamook snacking products. Now you can buy the big block before it gets paired down into tinier bricks and other cheddar creations!

Along with the 40-pound Mother Loaf ($150), the Cheddar Capsule collection includes cheese-inspired thick cut crewneck ($25), party pants ($35), slices bag ($15), snacky koozy ($5), lucky cheddar playing cards ($10), fine cut hat ($35) and varsity t-shirts ($26-$28).

Nab your fave cheddar products from the capsule collection on the Tillamook website, starting Feb. 1 at 8 a.m. PST.

—Karly Wood

photos: Courtesy of Tillamook

 

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Organizing is made easy with Target’s Brighroom line of intuitive, simple and flexible storage solutions that are designed to be compatible with one another. Find the right place for all your things—and your people’s things—by mixing and matching your way to organizational nirvana. From drawers to decorative baskets, storage bins to desktop organization, Brightroom has a solution for your space. Keep reading for our favorite organizational tools that will get your 2022 off to the right start.


Plastic Bathroom Tray

$4 BUY NOW

Perfect for sorting and storing all of those tiny hairbands, hair clips, dental flossers and jars of pink and purple nail polish, Brightroom bathroom trays can be configured to work with your space and stuff. The best news? It works as beautifully for their drawers as for yours.


Bath Basket Crate

$8 BUY NOW

No matter how organized or tidy your house, there are always those things that just need a home at the end of the day. Meet the solution. Brightroom's basket crates are perfectly sized to slide on a shelf or in a cubby, and you can fill them with dog toys, crafts, hand towels and more.


Over the Door 26 Shelf Mesh Shoe Organizer

$26 BUY NOW

Say goodbye to the piles of shoes by your back door and hello to your new little friend. Whether it's your shoe collection or your kiddo's (why does every sport require a different shoe, anyway?), this is thebomb.com.


Pegboard Set

$35 BUY NOW

When paired with the 3 Tier Metal Utility Cart ($35), this Pegboard Set is capable of slaying any work-from-home or virtual-learning challenge you might face in 2022. Or, park it in your mudroom or laundry room, or store crafts in it for a versatile option (just in case the world goes back to normal anytime soon).


Small Space Wall Mounted Drying Rack

$35 BUY NOW

A tool for streamlining laundry? An out-of-the-way place to let your kids' artwork dry or to show off their latest pipe cleaner creations? Sign us up!


Twisted Open Checkered Weave Milk Crate

$17 BUY NOW

Whether your blankets, books or board games need a home, this textured basket with sturdy handles is just right.


Large Metal Underbed Bin

$12 BUY NOW

Hide your extra blankets under your bed, or make a new, efficient storage spot for your child's action figures, LEGO blocks or collection of slime with these long and low storage bins designed to be out-of-sight and out-of-mind.

—Shelley Massey

Editor’s Note: Prices and availability reflect the time of publication. Images courtesy of retailer.

 

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Valentine’s Day is often synonymous with candy (lots and lots of it), but there are only so many sweets a parent can handle. If you want to share the love with the kiddos this holiday without all the sugar, you’ve come to the right place. From family Valentine’s Day pajamas to a Love-a-Lot Care Bear, we’ve rounded up plenty of non-candy Valentine’s ideas for kids.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.



Little Sleepies Family PJ's

$32 & up BUY NOW

Settle in for a snuggle fest with Little Sleepies adorable new Valentine's Day prints that come in sizes from baby through adult. They come in gray, pink and blue and even offer accessories like headbands and swaddle blankets.


Love Lust Pouch

$32 BUY NOW

Great for pens, pencils or your tween's growing makeup collection, this double-sided bag brings style and function.

 


i heart art crayons

$15 BUY NOW

These heart-shaped crayons can be twisted into an oval shape, and it's really two crayons in one! They're also erasable, which will save your walls and your sanity.


Funboy's Clear Pink Heart Ball Pit

$99 BUY NOW

Dive into fun with this sweet ball pit. It inflates and deflates in under two minutes and can fit multiple kiddos. Balls are sold separately.


CreateOn's LOVE from The Very Hungry Caterpillar

$45 BUY NOW

This adorable storytelling set is compatible with all Magna-Tile sets.


Posh Peanut Queen Of Hearts Duvet Cover Set

$154 BUY NOW

Embrace Valentine's Day all year long with Posh Peanut's luxurious bedding collection. This duvet brings a reversible pattern and comes with a coordinating pillow case.


Care Bears: Love-A-Lot Bear

$10 BUY NOW

This special Valentine's Day Care Bear is all about sharing the love. The classic 14-inch plush is huggable beyond belief and comes with twin hearts on its belly.


Loulou Lollipop Bubble Silicone and Wood Teether

$25 BUY NOW

Made from beech wood conditioned with organic olive oil and beeswax, your teething tot will love to give this teether a chew. There's an additional ring of silicone beads that offers a softer experience. Plus, it doubles as a rattle!


Chance Basketballs

$29 BUY NOW

This Los Angeles-based company is all about updating the sporting goods industry through bold and vibrant products. Their colorful products focus on spreading positivity in sports and bringing communities together.


Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse!

$6 BUY NOW

This sweet addition to the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie book series, the story follows Mouse as he creates valentine's for his buddies, sharing what he loves about each of them.


Piggy Paint Kisses & Wishes Set

$15 BUY NOW

We love that all the nail polish is a non-toxic, water-based formula that’s free from chemicals like formaldehyde and phthalates.


Chasing Love T-Shirt

$13 BUY NOW

This fun love-themed Pac-Man shirt comes in five different colors and sizes ranging from youth small to adult extra-large.


Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty in Red

$15 BUY NOW

Everyone loves a little putty to pull! Gift this popular brand in Valentine’s Day-themed color.


Yogibo Bean Bag

$219 BUY NOW

Bean bags have never gone out of style, and Yogibo is the leader in comfy seating. Each style has zero pressure points for ultimate relaxation, and the cover is removable, washable and interchangeable.


Plus-Plus Puzzle by Number

$15 BUY NOW

Everyone’s favorite little building pieces are now a puzzle! Use the 250 pieces to create two different hearts and then put them on display.


Customized Reel Viewer

$15 & up BUY NOW

Give your kids a little bit of your childhood with a customized reel viewer. Simply pick the pictures you want to add to your own reel and let them click away.


Schleich's Rainbow Love Unicorn

$20 BUY NOW

This whimsical creature will bring hours of magical play time to your little ones.

 


Baby Jack & Co's Learning Lovey

$26 BUY NOW

This lovey is the only sensory tag blanket with sewn shut ribbon tags for added safety! Each one is made with durable, micro-polyester fabric and paired with a fleece textured backing that helps reduce anxiety and helps kids fall asleep peacefully.

––Gabby Cullen with Karly Wood

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We feel for your winter birthday babies: celebrating in the shadow of the holiday season is tough! We’ve rounded up eight party favor ideas for kids that promise to make their special day that much more special—and parents will appreciate that none of them include candy. Whether you’re looking for a magic wand or a DIY memory game to while away cozy winter days, we have the perfect party favor to wrap up your little one’s celebration. See them all below.

Bitty Bubble Jars

The Pretty Blog

These pint-sized glass jars from The Pretty Blog are the perfect size for bubbles—and the pipe cleaner bubble wands are genius! Adding a few drops of food coloring in winter shades of icy blues transforms an anytime-toy into an adorable seasonal favor.

Adorable Aprons

Lillian Hope Designs

For a group of budding chefs—or perhaps for a cookie decorating gathering—consider passing out aprons so that you don’t send home tiny bakers encrusted in frosting and sprinkles. While these aprons from Lillian Hope Designs are personalized with iron-on transfer paper, you could easily swap out guests’ names for a mixture of holiday symbols, snowflakes, snowmen ... you get the idea!

Wonderfully Easy Wands

Aesthetic Nest

For the Frozen fanatics who just can’t let it go, make their whimsical dreams come true by outfitting each and every guest with one of these Elsa wands from Aesthetic Nest. Using just a dowel rod, a few ribbons, and some snowflake ornaments, they’ll soon be turning everything into snow and ice.  

Party Pampering

Evermine

For older children who enjoy a little pampering, dole out these mini manicure kits from Evermine. The frosted bags are on-target for the season, and you can change up the packaging and nail polish colors for a more wintery look. You could even include tiny bottles of hand cream to protect little fingers in the dry cold!  

Make Your Own Memory

The Green Divas

Compact enough to slip into a backpack or purse, this pint-sized memory game from The Green Divas is perfect for airplane rides, doctor’s office waiting rooms, or restaurants. The options for images on each wooden coin are only limited by your local craft store’s stamp selection! Your special birthday kid will have a ton of fun making these games for his friends, too. 

Let It Snow

Minieco

Give your guests the double-whammy magic of a snow globe AND a LEGO miniature! These hand-held jars from Minieco will entrance little eyes for hours—both with their softly-falling glittery “snow” and the LEGO figurine inside. Let your child choose different figurines for her guests to choose from for themselves.

[rt_slide image=”1447962″ caption=”One%20Little%20Project” photo_url=”http://onelittleproject.com/birdseed-ornaments/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>One Little Project are sweet to look at and simple to make, and can easily hang from a tree limb so kids can watch feathered friends stop by for a snack.

photo: — Taylor Clifton & Katie Brown

 

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Whether you’re actually putting on real clothes and entertaining this year or just want to up your holiday decoration game, with a little creativity you can make over simple, affordable objects into masterpieces. From clever ideas for hostess gifts to decorations you’ll treasure, scroll on for some seriously awesome #dollarstoredecor!

A Farmhouse Window

The Savvy Sparrow

Amy at the Savvy Sparrow knows her way around a dollar store and this amazing farmhouse window is proof positive. It looks like the real thing! Find out how she did it over at thesavvysparrow.com.

An Upcycled Wreath

This genius wreath from Gina @aplayfilledlife  is not only dollar-store gold, it uses some unexpected items—like upcycled plastic caps.

A Customized Dollar Store Sign

Simple changes make all the difference. Jenni @Create and Celebrate is the queen of taking something basic like a dollar store holiday sign and adding just a few touches to make it her own.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CW18OWcpjHb/

Festive Candles

How cute are these decorated tall votive candles? Not only are they from dollar-store candles, we love how @cassi_mills displayed them with her bottle brush trees.

 

DIY Christmas Car Ornament

The Things She Makes

This too-cute Christmas ornament is a cinch to make and calls for just a few creative materials you can grab at the Dollar Store. (Hint: nail polish is involved!) Best of all, this decoration could double as a toy if your elves need to get some emergency playtime in. Get the how-to over at The Things She Makes.

Reindeer Party Balloons

A Subtle Revelry

On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer ... on to the Dollar Store! Make a balloon run and make your own ultra-creative holiday decorations that are sure to brighten up any party. Plus, your little ones can help give each balloon a smiling face! Learn more at A Subtle Revelry.

Snowmen Salt & Pepper Shakers

20 North Ora

Who knew an inexpensive pair of salt and pepper shakers could turn into super cute snowmen? With a little paint and a friendly face, these little Frosty wannabes are just the thing for a quick gift or table addition. Get the instructions (along with more snowman inspiration) at 20 North Ora.

HI-CHEW Holiday Garland

A Subtle Revelry

Need a last-minute gift or a little something special to add to your tree? A Subtle Revelry has just the thing: a totally sweet garland! Colorful cellophane, string, and some HI-CHEWs (or other fave candy), and you're all set. Learn more here.

Paper Plate Snowman Garland

Real Life, One Day at a Time

Greet your holiday guests with a cheerful snowman garland! It couldn't be easier to make since all you have to do is pick up some paper plates on the cheap. Then, enlist your holiday helpers to draw some smiling snowy faces and you're ready to go! Learn more at Real Life, One Day at a Time.

Handprint Oven Mitt

Trish Sutton

Customized oven gloves make the perfect hostess gift over the holiday period. Even better, you don't have to be particularly crafty, and you can still come up with a heartfelt homemade present. Head to Trish Sutton's blog for instructions and tips on the best dollar store gloves for the job. 

Paper Wrapped Candles Centerpiece

Today's Creative Life

These DIY paper wrapped candles will work as a gift as well as a dinner table centerpiece for any holiday get-together. Just customize the paper to your celebration, whether it's fall, winter or the new year. Pick up some winter wonderland gift wrap and dollar store sanctuary candles and head to Today's Creative Life for the details.

Personalized Candles

It's Always Autumn

Ever wondered how to personalize a simple ivory candle? Well, here's one way of doing it with just packing tape! Head to It's Always Autumn for the instructions, and you'll have everything you need to give a beautiful personalized holiday gift to friends and family.

Bottle Brush Ornaments

Little House of Four

Some metallic primer on the lid and top of a simple dollar store ornament and the effect is pure vintage. These snow globe ornaments make the perfect addition to a winter tree or would work well on a mantelpiece, depending on the size. Little House of Four has all the details.  

Animal Magnet Gifts

Emily Myers

A plastic dollar store hippo can get a festive magnet makeover and be put to use hanging holiday cards. Pick out more seasonal winter animals like deer or bears if you like, but we reckon even an upcycled dollar store dinosaur will be a welcome gift of gold. Sugar and Cloth has the instructions. 

Clever Cocoa Mix

A Few Shortcuts

The gift of hot cocoa mix is always going to be well received, but if it's packaged in these cute mason jar snow globes, you'll earn extra smiles. Pick up your packaging supplies at the dollar store and the cocoa mix at the grocery and head to A Few Shortcuts for the instructions.

Tiered Party Plates

Southern State of Mind

When you want to add a little seasonal flair to your party platters, some dollar store cake pans and candle holders can be crafted into a festive tiered appetizer tray. Get all the instructions at Southern State of Mind.

Pom Pom Stockings

Thistlewood Farms

Add some pizzazz to simple dollar store stockings with homemade pom poms! Head to Thistlewood Farms for the how-to and then deck the halls however you wish. If you have enough for every member of your party, they make clever silverware holders at the dinner table

—Emily Myers & Abigail Matsumoto

 

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You’re selecting nursery furniture, choosing the perfect name, and creating a baby registry, but what about you? Your body and your life are going through big changes, and you need new ways to take care of yourself. Read on to find out the best things that expectant moms can do for themselves as they wait for their bundle of joy to arrive.

iStock

1. Yoga
Taking a prenatal yoga class can do wonders for your aching muscles. If your body is struggling with the extra weight of your impending bundle of joy, squeezing in a yoga session even once a week can help keep you feeling lithe. Look for low-impact classes in person or online. 

2. Prenatal Massage
If it's in your budget, a prenatal massage can be one of the best things you do for yourself. Not only is a prenatal massage a welcome chance to focus on yourself for an hour or two, it's also a great way to leave stress behind. A good prenatal massage therapist will know how to work out your sore muscles in a way that's safe for you and baby.

3. Undies
Many pregnant women notice early on that their regular undies just aren't cutting it anymore. Hemp undies from WAMA are exceptionally breathable. They also have some give to accommodate a growing belly. If you find that you are leaking a little, Thinx underwear can be a lifesaver. They also work well for the postpartum stage. 

4. Relax...Just Do It
It's no secret that pregnant women are next-level tired a lot of the time. Since you can't add extra hours into the day to get more sleep, find ways to sneak some relaxation into your day. Decaf teas can help you unwind and bring some calm to the chaos of life when preparing for a new little one. Try a Vahdam Teas sampler pack of herbal teas to find a favorite flavor. LaRue 1680 has tea sets, including a Bridgerton Collection, for when you want to relax and feel fancy without leaving the house. A nice blanket for lying around is another great way to up your relaxation game. An Olive & Linen blanket makes couch time seem like an event. These blankets are made from premium Turkish cotton that truly works well for all seasons, as well as for snuggling with a baby! Light a candle from Sea Witch Botanicals. They're made with essential oils and plant-derived waxes instead of the plastic-based paraffin wax used in many candles. There are even unscented candles great for pregnant women sensitive to smells who still want the ambience of a candle-lit evening or bath.  

Chris Night via Unsplash

5. Safer Beauty
When growing a new life, many expectant moms start paying more attention to what's in their beauty products. Some don't like what they find when they start digging into the ingredients. Other pregnant people find that changing hormones mean they need to add to, or change, their normal beauty routine. It's common for pregnant women to find they no longer can tolerate the fragrance of their current products or that they suddenly need oil-free products. 

Costal Citizen is a fragrance-free, oil-free, no-rinse gentle cleansing water perfect for perking up skin when you are tired, which is probably all time time during pregnancy. Because Coastal Citizen is a no-rinse cleanser, it is a great option for expectant moms who need a quick refresh on-the-go. The Raw Beauty Company uses ingredients like cucumber fruit extract, green tea leaf extract, aloe leaf and other natural ingredients to create the super-moisturizers and derma-scrubs pregnant skin often needs. 

Spa Technologies uses nutrient-dense organic laminaria algae and other natural ingredients to moisturize, cleanse and revitalize skin. Pregnant women often need some extra TLC, and Spa Technologies delivers that extra punch to help them look and feel their best. Danielle Fishel of Boy Meets World fame created Be Free when she was pregnant and wanted to avoid harsh chemicals in her hair products. When other clean products left her hair looking dull, she took matters into her own hands. Be Free is the best of both worlds with natural ingredients that leave hair looking shiny and healthy.  

MyChelle Demaceuticals makes science-backed skin care products free of phthalates, parabens, petroleum, sulfates and artificial fragrances and colors. So the brand's line of moisturizers, masks and sun protection products are worth considering. Fragrance With Benefits is a great choice for expecting Moms who want to avoid the harsh chemicals in insect repellant. This perfume uses essential oils to help keep mosquitos and other critters away. TrapStix lip balm keeps lips moist with natural ingredients that are safer for pregnant women.

iStock

6. Comfy Feet
As every mom can tell you, pregnancy takes a toll on your feet. Even if you are lucky enough not to experience feet that grow while nurturing a new life, chances are your feet will still be very sore. Footnanny has you covered with their unscented mommy cream. This light cream is perfect for feet (and hands) that need a refresh at the end of the day. If you are experiencing more pain in your feet, you may need something stronger! Mineralgia was created by doctors to help relieve pain and stimulate circulation with plant-based, unscented ingredients. Achy feet can also be soothed by infrared therapy. Bright Health offers at-home relief for achy feet quickly. You probably want your feet to look good too! Nail polish without the harsh chemicals found in many products are a good idea when expecting. Check out SOPHi nail polish, which is free from harsh chemicals, making it safer for baby. When you can't just sit down and relax, you can take some steps to keep comfy. Compression socks, like those from Dr. Motion, can do wonders for feet prone to swelling.  

7. The Best Shoes
One way to not need to pamper your feet so much is to make sure you are wearing the comfiest shoes possible. But this doesn't mean that pregnant moms need to sacrifice style. Try All Birds Wool Loungers. These shoes slip on so you won't need to bend over to put them on. This is useful both when you have a growing belly and during postpartum when your hands may be too busy holding a baby to worry about tying your shoes. Plus, they are super-soft inside which is a treat for achy feet. Need something a little dressier? NYDJ now makes heels with a focus on comfort. These classic pumps have a cushioned insole with memory foam padding so you can still be ready for the office or a dressy event while taking care of your pregnancy feet. 

8. Pregnancy Pillow
Nearly every pregnant person has experienced sleepless nights. Maybe it's because of a growing belly. Or perhaps you have a party baby who likes to wiggle around all night long. It could be that common pregnancy symptoms like nausea and heartburn make it hard to get to sleep. There are a few ways to make this easier. A Boppy Total Body Pillow is a contoured pillow the length of your body that works wonders by giving you support where you need it. Another type of pillow that can work great for pregnancy aches is the Zoey Sleep Curve Pillow. The Zoey pillow has a unique design that allows users to remove or add more filling to make the pillow just right for you! The unique cut-out shape also has space to mold to the contours of your neck. This is especially useful for people who sleep on their side. This is important during pregnancy because doctors recommend that all pregnant people sleep on their sides

9. Comfy Clothes
Your clothes probably stopped feeling comfortable sometime in your first trimester. Splurging on some new clothes that give you breathing room and make you feel pretty is something only you can do for yourself! There are plenty of maternity clothes you will wear during your pregnancy, but grabbing some flexible clothing that you can wear when you don't feel like wearing stretchy pants can go a long way toward helping you feel your best. Look for a skirt with an adjustable waistband and that can be worn a bit longer or shorter like the NuNuNu World layered skirt or a zippered hoodie in a size up that you can wear as you go up and down in size.

10. Splurge for the Baby
Usually there are a couple of things on the baby registry that will make you very happy. Don't wait for someone else to make that purchase. Save your mental energy and get that special item you are not sure anyone else will get for you. A popular choice is a cute going-home or birth-announcement outfit. This one from Tenth & Pine that declares "Hello I'm new here!" will make you smile every time you imagine your new baby wearing it. Another good choice is a personalized necklace from Tiny Tags. Order a necklace with every member of the family's name and have it ready to wear as soon baby makes their grand appearance. 

11. Self-Care
Hydration is key to feeling good throughout pregnancy. A small thing like a new water bottle can help motivate you to keep drinking throughout the day. A cute Welly water bottle is a good choice.  Make it easy to get a full serving of fruits and veggies everyday to make sure your growing baby gets the nutrition they need and to help you feel your best. A Nutribullet Pro personal blender is an easy way to quickly whip up a smoothie a day. Add some yogurt or peanut butter for a protein boost. 

12. Combat Pregnancy Brain
Being pregnant may mean developing pregnancy brain and forgetting important tasks. That may sometimes mean forgetting to charge your phone. An Anker battery pack that is lightweight is a must-have addition to any pregnant person's bag. Being able to charge on the go, or even just while walking around the house, can be a lifesaver and let you keep talking or strolling. Better organization is also a must when you don't feel like you are operating at full capacity. Consider a 1Thrive organizational board with a customizable combination of chalkboards, whiteboards and corkboards in various sizes. This is a lifesaver for keeping track of doctor's appointments and your ever-growing to-do list that comes along with preparing for a new baby. Anything that keeps you organized in other parts of your life can be helpful too. A Bow & Spring jewelry box, for example, is helps you keep jewelry organized, visible and easy to access. 

—Jamie Davis Smith

featured image: iStock

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Stains: they are the hallmark of true parenting (and a sure result of a girls-night-in). While you might be able to let a few slide, some of them just could cost you the deposit on your apartment or incite a desire to replace your shag with something more, well, wipeable. We polled our editorial staff—who know a thing or two about stain removal—and got together their best tips. Scroll down for 18 simple ways to keep it clean.

security via Pixabay

1. Use boiling water for red wine: You might have heard the tried and true soda water/cold water rinse for red wine, but here’s a method our editors swear by—pour boiling water over the red wine stain and blot it up with a cloth (Note: do not blot it before without water).

2. Use lemon for sweat rings: Use lemon juice and water on sweat stains. Make a little potion and soak the area. Baking soda and water paste can help remove underarm stains on white clothing.

3. Use salt for red wine and grease stain: Pour salt on the stain to soak up any extra wine, then soak in cold water for 30 min. For blood, one hour in cold saltwater. Salt also helps absorb grease stains!

4. Use Shock It Clean. No, we don’t mean singing perfectly on-pitch to "Side to Side" and shocking the crowd. One of our editors turned us on to this product, and we are telling you that it removes every carpet stain ever. Including that weird pee stain you only just now noticed and can’t tell if it’s human or pet.  

5. Use white wine on red wine: Yes, you have to waste a little white wine, but that’s nothing compared to wasting a good Sangiovese (Yes, we realize this is the third wine stain hack. What?).

Tyler Nix via Unsplash

6. Use white vinegar to get out coffee stains: Try white vinegar on coffee stains (on clothing). Soak for at least 8 hrs.

7. Chalk works on oil: Liquid dish soap is the most effective treatment for oil stains, but a stick of chalk can help absorb it quickly. Use a paper towel to blot up as much oil as possible, then rub the chalk stick on it. Wash as soon as possible. 

8. One word: Oxiclean (That's one word, right?). Grass stains have met their match.

9. Use nail polish remover on paint: If you’ve got paint on the jeans you just couldn’t bring yourself to take off before touching up the walls, try shaving it off with a razor. Super stubborn paint stains from the people who painted before you can be combatted with nail polish remover and elbow grease.

10. Aluminum foil works wonder on rust: You can remove rust by lightly scrubbing with aluminum foil. Add a little white vinegar to really scrape off stubborn stuff.

Callum Hill via Unsplash

11. Lemons make your sink shine: Clean up the gunk and shine up the chrome of your faucets using lemons. You can use a half-lemon or a wedge to squeeze into narrow spots and it works great to get your stainless steel sink to gleam too.

12. Toothpaste will make your diamonds sparkle: Use toothpaste to polish your silver rings and get rid of those tarnished stains.

13. Take care with rubbing alcohol to get nail polish out of the carpet: If you spill nail polish on the carpet or floor, use a microfiber cloth to absorb as much as you can, then continue blotting with rubbing alcohol and microfiber cloth (Nail polish remover can damage hardwoods and other flooring surfaces, but you can try soaking the microfiber cloth in a bit of remover before washing).

14. Baking soda and white vinegar works on pet messes: To clean up poop, dog or otherwise, from the carpet you'll need white vinegar and baking soda. And a lot of paper towels. And probably gloves. Just let the paste fizz and blot, fizz and blot. It's like a mini-volcano of gross.

lightstargod via Pixabay

15. Cornstarch on a decorated dog: Kids got markers and/or paints and painted your dog? (No, oh, just wait...) If your pooch is light-colored, cornstarch can help lighten the fur back up.

16. Shout also works on pet messes: You can try your average carpet cleaner or "pet stain remover" but we found nothing takes care of the remains of the day like a laundry stain remover, i.e. extra-strength Shout.

17. Soda on garage grease stains. Pour a can of Coke on a greasy stain in your garage. (Diet Coke won't cut it, but you can always try.)

18. If all else fails: Give up (wear dark colors, or beige if you’re preventing spit-up stains; make sure your carpets are artfully swirly; put smocks on your kids every day).

 

—Edit Team

 

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