Looking for ways to show your Valentine/s some love? Whether you’re shopping for the perfect gift, looking for something to do together or need an idea for a special activity, we can help! Read on for gifts from local shops and makers, as well cooking and craft projects you can do together (or make as a surprise gift)! And if you’re looking to do some major candy purchases, we can help with our list of the best candy stores in NYC.
But First: Free Chocolate
GODIVA
Valentine’s Day is obviously a big deal at GODIVA. In celebration of the holiday the chocolatier will have two larger-than-life installations of its Gold Ballotin and Goldmark Heart boxes pop up in NYC on February 8 in Herald Square and February 9 in Flatiron Plaza. And yes, they will be giving away chocolate!
(We're guessing they'll be hard to miss but you can keep an eye on GODIVA’s official Instagram for the exact location.)
See "Bloom" in Times Square
iStock
Wander among fluctuating heart-shaped shadows cast by "Bloom", the winner of the 14th annual Love in Times Square Design Competition. From afar, Bloom resembles a pavilion — a circular roof supported by a series of interlocked red and white PVC pipes, but its appearance changes with your perspective, above, below, etc. Designed by architecture and urban design practice Habitat Workshop, "Bloom" is presented in partnership with The Museum of Arts and Design and will be on view in Duffy Square from February 9 to March 9.
Make an adorable Valentine's Love Shack with Taste Buds Kitchen, either in your home or at its culinary studio in Chelsea. The in-person workshop, recommended for kids ages 3 to 8 is on Feb. 13. Prices start at $79 for one child and caregiver. Click here to register. Another option: order up a Love Shack ($75) to pick up or be delivered for a $20 fee. Click here to buy.
Taste Buds is also offering an in-person class for kids and caregivers making Valentine's Day Pop-Tarts on Feb. 12. (Starting at $50)
Freshmade NYC
Angela Pham via Unsplash
Freshmade NYC is offering several Valentine's Day cooking projects to take part in live, via Zoom on Feb. 12 & 13. Make sweet or savory palmiers, heart-shaped bagels with berry cream cheese, or make an enjoy fondue together. Classes are $25.
If the ones you love are red velvet fans, get thee to a Milk Bar, stat! The American-style bakery from chef Christina Tosi with bakery locations all over NYC is serving up some very serious RV treats for Valentine's Day. Choose from red velvet cake, red velvet truffles and even red velvet soft serve!
Get a cake for $59, a dozen truffles for $29, or a combo pack for $84.
This 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Tackle Box ($28) is a chic collection that includes sour gummy triple hearts, cherry taffy, Valentine marshmallows, milk chocolate hearts and more. Pick it up at Dylan's Candy Bar in Hudson Yards, or order it online.
20 Hudson Yards. 4th fl. 34th St. between 10th and 11th Avenues Hudson Yards Online: dylanscandybar.com
Make a special something for mom or dad at The Painted Pot, where you can paint-your-own pottery or acrylic piece. (Pottery needs to be fired and picked up later, acrylic can be taken with you the day you craft.)
Cost for pieces and studio time is usually about $20-$30. Space is limited due to Covid-19 protocols, and you must book time in advance.
Still another option is The Painted Pot's art projects to go.
229 Smith St. Cobble Hill 718-222-0334 Online: paintedpot.com
200 7th Ave. Park Slope 718-768-8379
Family Art Project at Wave Hill: Love for Woodland Friends
Joshua Bright
Head to Wave Hill in the Bronx for crafting or birding. Family Art Project: Love for Woodland Friends
The art project celebrates the ways we care for each other by creating woodland-creature sock puppets. Kids can give a puppet as a heartwarming gift, or keep it to remind them of our local woodland friends.
For families with older kids, go on a guided birding excursion. Explore Wave Hill’s tranquil gardens and woodland with naturalist Gabriel Willow to observe birds in their winter habitat. Birders of all levels are welcome. Please (Bring your own binoculars. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult.)
Art Project: Sat. Feb. 12 & Sun., Feb. 13, 10 a.m. - Noon Free with admission to the grounds Wave Hill House 675 West 252nd St. Bronx Online:wavehill.org
Birding: Sun. Feb. 13, 9:30–11 a.m. $15, including admission to the grounds. Meet at Perkins Visitor Center
Get Moving
Zoom With Laurie Berkner
Laurie Berkner
Laurie Berkner is performing two special "Valentine's Day" LIVE Virtual Family Concerts on Sunday, February 13 at Noon and 5 p.m. Eastern Time. The shows will feature songs about love such as "A Hug From My Mama," "I Love You Daddy" and "My Family," along with some of her greatest hits, including "We Are The Dinosaurs," "Victor Vito," "Pig On Her Head" and "Rocketship Run." A family ticket grants admission to one or both livestreams.
Sometimes you need to make a statement and have it live on your living room furniture every single day. Just ask Alexandra Ferguson, who is all about the love (we’re partial to her ‘Love Lives Here’ pillow for sure), and has been designing recycled felt pillows featuring fun and sassy phrases using die-cut letters sewn in her Brooklyn warehouse for the last 12 year. To order, visit her website or her Etsy shop. Prices start at $64.
Anyone can grab roses from a corner bodega and arrive home with a smile and a stunning dozen, but Arranging Box curates fresh blooms and help you expertly style them. Make an arrangement for your beloved, or gift them the kit if that's up their alley. All kits come with fresh flowers, a flower recipe box and step-by-step designing tutorials created by the company’s founder, a savvy floral designer who pivoted to create this company during the pandemic. $59 and up.
Glitter Heart Slides From Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store
Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store
Maybe these are for your little valentine, maybe they are for you. Either way, they're fab. Pick some up ($14) at Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store in Brooklyn or online.
Nothing says forever like...forever. Catbird will zap (i.e., weld) a dainty bracelet on a wrist to be a constant reminder of love. (Of course, you can take them off if you really need to.) Get one for someone special, get a matching pair, etc. Prices start at $98. Minimum age is 10. Weldings are by appointment only a the Soho location.
253 Centre St. Soho 718-599-34576 Online: catbirdnyc.com
Can you love a cockroach? The Bronx Zoo says "yes!" and this Valentine’s Day you can name one of the Zoo’s Madagascar hissing cockroaches. The full package comes with roach beanie, a pair of roach socks, a printed certificate with your roach’s name and a very crawly Virtual Encounter with one—and a surprise animal guest too. From $15.
Moms are teachers, healers, chefs, doctors, sleep-consultants, chief story officers, entertainment executives, and food sources, and that’s usually just before noon. And above all else, moms are inventive. Like the moms in this story who are all are ground-breakers in the field of wellness. From chemical-free products to Black maternal health care to kids’ mental health, these amazing mompreneurs are here to heal the world, one kid, and one mama, at a time. Scroll on to see what they’ve invented.
Addressing the Disparity in Black Maternal Health: MaeHealth
Moved by the current racial and social climate and struck by the experiences of loved ones—primarily women of color—who have felt inadequately supported through their pregnancy experiences, Maya Hardigan, a Brooklyn-based mom of three, was moved to use her nearly two decades of experience in healthcare to found MaeHealth. With the goal of expanding access to pregnancy and postpartum resources for Black women who experience deep disparities in maternal health outcomes, she created this online destination to support pregnancy and postpartum health, providing symptom tracking and curated, culturally specific education and lifestyle resources for Mae mamas. A key goal of Mae's is to provide Black women access to local maternal health experts like doulas, who are known to improve pregnancy satisfaction and outcomes.
We already love mom-founded Mighty + Bright for their books and calendars that help support kids and families through tough times including divorce, cancer, and major change. During the pandemic, Mighty + Bright founder Sara Olsher was distressed by the lack of mental health resources for kids, especially amid a flurry of warnings from pediatric mental health organizations about a "national state of emergency for kids mental health." Olsher partnered with parenting educator Danielle Bettmann, and together they designed a 12-month "Kids Mental Health Skills at Home" program. Based on scientific research and backed by an impressive advisory board, the program is designed to create a positive foundation for kids' mental health. With a combination of a physical product delivered to your home every month and easy-to-follow parent support, Mighty + Bright has once again made it easy for families to build the necessary skills for handling life's toughest stuff.
It didn’t sit right with her when Melissa Bowley’s doctor told her that her postpartum bladder leakage just “came with the territory” of being a mom of two. Her doctor did not offer her wellness services or introduce her to pelvic floor therapy. And so, the Flourish Fund was born, the first-ever experiential baby registry where parents can register for support services and wellness items, from pregnancy to parenthood. New and expecting parents can register for services through a vetted network that includes lactation consultants, sleep consultants, pelvic floor therapy, and prenatal and postpartum yoga. There are also products that support wellness for baby and mama, including sleep machines, developmental toys, and more.
Guardian Lane sources counselors and therapists from around the world who take in-person therapeutic activities and turn them into self-guided videos so for families, children, and even school counselors, have access to coping mechanisms designed with children in mind. After leaving her first tech startup which she and her husband built, Guardian Lane founder Kristina Jones found herself reflecting on her childhood grief: Kristina was just seven years old when her father died, and she never received professional help to help her process this trauma. Kristina wrote a book, My Forever Guardian, about a group of young friends who help one another after the death of a loved one or a pet. While researching the book, she discovered that the kind of mental health services available for grieving families still involved in-person visits. She created Guardian Lane as a way to bring grief counseling and help directly into a child’s home. Guardian Lane started with grief counseling from the death of a loved one, but the platform will soon help children through other life experiences such as divorce, bullying, and the mental-health effects and stress of COVID in our children’s lives.
Developed by two moms, Stacey Graham and Brandi Vanderbeek, and their natural-born awareness of the germs and bacteria brought into the home, TAG (Together Against Germs™) is a biodegradable, disposable, and waterproof protective cover for the bottom of any bag. Designed to keep dirt and germs from the ground and surfaces, from public transportation to airports to restrooms, and even muddy fields, TAG is more relevant now in the time of COVID than ever. As Graham and Vanderbeek put it, “TAG is the accessory you never knew you needed for the problem you didn't know you had. Spread joy, not germs!” Sold in boxes of 10, the individually wrapped bags fit easily into a purse or pocket so you have it on the ready.
This mama-owned and operated new postpartum recovery subscription includes doctor-reviewed products and content designed to meet a women’s needs throughout the postpartum period, from birth recovery to hair loss. Think vitamins, recovery and energy tonics, scalp serum, body butter, nipple balm, and organic teas. Anya was founded by Jane Baecher, a mom of two who lived a rollercoaster postpartum journey while working at Rent the Runway, along with Ariana Saunders, a former senior leader of data and analytics for goop, One Kings Lane, and J. Crew. Their Chief Impact Officer is an Indian actress and new mom Freida Pinto, who leads social impact and advocacy for women’s postpartum health.
Founded by mom and inventor Davielle Jackson, Femi Secrets has become the most trusted, healthy, sustainable, and innovative source for feminine care. Davielle, the mother of a beautiful little girl, is on a mission to normalize period discussion and empower women to have real talk about their cycles and the products they use so they can make healthier, more informed decisions. Femi Secrets products include the Pretty Panty (a panty with a built-in linter), pads, liners, wipes, bath bombs, fibroid tea, and more. Davielle is a powerhouse unto herself, making entrepreneurial history by entering into Wal-Mart in a record period of six months. She is an award-winning entrepreneur, a two-time 43 North Startup Competition winner, author of Ready, Set, Go! and founder of “I am #1”, a not-for-profit dedicated to the success of young women.
Founded by mom Vanessa Dawson, Arber is the first-of-its-kind organic, non-toxic plant wellness company. Like so many of us, Dawson turned to gardening to cope with all of the stress of parenting in a pandemic. She was surprised at just how hard it was to find non-toxic, safe, organic products that she could use to ward off diseases and pests on her plants both indoors and out. She founded Arber to meet that need. Arber provides people-, pet-, and planet-safe products in concentrate form delivered right to you. Choose from products like fungicides, insecticides, and plant food, all designed to keep your plants, and you, healthy and happy.
Founded and owned by businesswoman, entrepreneur, and mom Zhena Muzyka, Magic Hour is a luxury tea brand that creates handmade, home-blended teas chosen to connect you to the world through tea ceremony. Muzyka, a former TV and radio host, is an intuitive herbalist, certified aromatherapist, a Level 3 Reiki Master, and the author of Life by the Cup: Inspiration for a Purpose-Filled Life. Drawing on her deep knowledge of herbal medicine and tea blending, each magical tea blend is curated to support mental and physical wellness, along with awareness and connection.
“I believe self-care is an art form like painting, poetry and dance,” says founder of SPARITUAL and mother of two, Shel Pink. SPARITUAL, a pioneering, sustainable, vegan beauty brand is based in the rituals of self-care, something we all know moms need more of. Pink is also the author of Slow Beauty and is an expert in finding those moments in which we can practice little self-care and wellness rituals. And, as Pink puts it, “When practiced over time, these small rituals add up to manifest results—not only feeling healthier and more joyful but in realizing true beauty and timeless aging.” The brand itself is committed to creating clean, non-toxic products for both individuals and spa professionals, and SPARITUAL’s is rooted in both the ancient and present healing traditions of the spa as self-care. Sign us up!
After having her third child, Michele Henry searched for skincare treatments that could support her changing skin, the shift in hormones, age, pregnancies, and life. And as much as she wanted to, as a busy mom, she couldn’t exactly fit multiple spa visits a week. It seemed no matter how much time, and money, she spent, nothing seemed to work. This is why she created FACE FOUNDRIÉ a walk-in spa and skincare service, which offers mini-facials, facial waxing, lash extensions, and an array of curated, custom skincare products. There are now locations throughout the country, and you can shop the products online.
As a childhood leukemia survivor and mother of three (including one with multiple learning disabilities), Tonya Harris has dedicated her life to helping parents learn how toxins in the home can affect their family’s health. In addition to Board certification and a Master's degree in holistic nutrition, she holds multiple certificates in the environmental health field. She created the Slightly Greener Method™ as a way of offering busy moms simple solutions to reduce toxins without turning their lifestyle upside-down. She is also the author of The Slightly Greener Method: Detoxifying Your Home Is Easier, Faster, and Less Expensive Than You Think.
Founder and mother, Narineh Bedrossian, created the ella+mila brand in 2014 out of necessity — she wasn't finding nail-care products that her daughters could safely use; everything was made with unpronounceable and harmful chemicals. Not only do they make nail care products, but they also now make makeup and body care products all made without parabens, phthalates, lanolin, formaldehyde, Xylene, Triphenyl Phosphate, and other toxic additives There’s more than 22o nail shades, and we’re betting you’ve seen them at Target, Ulta, Rite-Aid, CVS, Walgreens or on Amazon. Now you’ll know that ella+mia is mom-founded and has your family’s well-being at heart.
Keeping Kids Hydrated: Water Your Body, Water Your World
Amber Tamar Harris
As a parent of a two-year-old baby girl mom, Amber Tamar Harris found getting her to drink enough water a daily struggle. So she decided to write a book, Water Your Body, Water Your World, to help her own daughter, and other kids, understand the importance of water and why it is so beneficial. From taking a bath and brushing our teeth to sustaining life on the planet, when we celebrate water it puts kids in the mindfulness mindset from an early age: one sip at a time!
When Stephanie Boone's beloved dog, Luna, began suffering from devastating side-effects caused by pesticide poisoning caused by commonly prescribed monthly flea-and-tick medication and quarterly pest control services, Luna's vet recommended putting her down. In Stephanie's own words, "That was just not an option." Her research led her to the shocking discovering that Luna's story was not unique and that there were many common household and pet pesticides that were toxic. So, she founded Wondercide, making safe and effective pest protection for pets, humans, and homes. Six years later, on the day Luna passed away, Stephanie was invited to be on Shark Tank. Wondercide is now the leader in non-toxic pest protection, making products that 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. Once pet-parent, now busy mom, Stephanie's story will inspire us all!
When it came time for Kiley Taslitz Anderson to transition her first son from breastmilk to formula, her pediatrician recommended "any" probiotic. But what was the best one? It turns out, there really wasn't one: so she decided to help invent one herself. Jetson's probiotic for kids, Jettie offers clinically proven probiotic strains for kids and babies, in an easy-to-take, flavorless powder that can be mixed in with any food or drink. In addition, Jetson is now offering a new Gut Recovery for Kids which helps combat side-effects from antibiotics, including replenishing the good bacteria. replenish the good bacteria and combats uncomfortable side effects like nausea and diarrhea as a result of antibiotics.
When Krystn Keller discovered her son Elliot was born with severe eczema and over 50 allergies, she knew it would take special care to combat outbreaks. After all the recommended soaps failed to help, she decided to try making a gentler soap herself. Keller had no prior experience making soap, so she spent hours watching tutorials and experimenting in her own kitchen. After three months, she made the perfect batch. Soon after, Keller and her husband started Keller Works to help the scores of other people looking for hypoallergenic soap. Now, her Mobile, Alabama-based business serves people all over the country, employs local residents, and sells raw and refined products that include soaps, body butters, salves and essential oils.
When Arizona mom Cindy Trevizo took her kids to a restroom in a public park and found an empty soap dispenser, she’d had it. Tired of a lack of ways to keep kiddos hands clean, Cindy, a former elementary school teacher, and her husband, Gabe, set out to solve the problem. So, they invented Suds2Go, the first dual-purpose water bottle that allows you to both hydrate and wash your hands. The patented design includes a refillable container, a pump, and separate valves for drinking and rinsing to avoid contamination. Now you can have clean hands, wherever you are!
Jaime Cross worked in corporate banking for years but left to be home with her newborn son. Two years later, she couldn't staunch the desire to build an empire that had a worldwide impact and was powered by purpose. In response, she founded and launched MIG Living, a True Beauty movement focused on restorative products, health and wellness. In addition to her best-selling ritual cleansing bars, MIG Living sells oils, lotions bars, balms and even men's products.
Carolyn Harrington was thrilled to welcome her first baby girl into the family after having two boys. But when they discovered Maty was born with major heart defects and Harrington was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, she knew there had to be better options than modern medicine. So, she began researching natural ways of healing and found a new passion. She created Maty’s natural and organic whole food health alternatives in her own kitchen after researching natural and alternative health. She relied on old-time remedies and used ingredients from her own kitchen, turning them into health promoting agents. Now she sells complete lines of products for babies, kids and adults everywhere!
Kori Estrada was on a mission to eliminate scary chemicals found in everyday products like toothpaste from her home. When she had a hard time finding a natural replacement for her oral care products that she actually enjoyed and that worked, she and her husband, John Estrada, along with her brother, Dr. Derek Gatta DMD MS FACP started formulating oral care products backed by science and that were safe enough to eat. With main ingredient, hydroxyapatite, a natural mineral that makes up 90% of tooth enamel, RiseWell was on its way. Launched in May 2019, the company is now bringing to market "the safest and most effective oral care products."
Joy Elena's family has been in the mattress business for over 50 years. Taking her knowledge in the mattress industry, IT, marketing and PR she took a leap and created her own bed in a box brand, after giving up a prior venture doing the same thing back in 2003. The mom of two now runs Sleepenvie, a company that offers high-density foam mattresses with optimal structural support, which means mattress reliability and longevity. The end result is an amazing and comfortable mattress that lasts.
After having her first child, Carolyn Ellspermann became very conscious of the products and ingredients she used on her family. She shifted to using more organic, natural and clean products, but ended up avoiding bug spray all together because of the harsh aerosol chemicals. Natural products didn't bring the confidence that they were actually providing enough protection, especially when it came to Zika, West Nile and Lyme disease. In 2016, Ellspermann started to work on a new kind of insect repellent that was both safe and extremely effective at repelling disease-carrying insects, and Proven Insect Repellent was born. The safe products use Picardin as long-lasting and non-hazardous bug repellent that gives parents peace of mind and pesky bugs away from kids.
Online Destination For All Things Postpartum: Bodily
Bodily
After having her first child, Tovah Haim was startled to find the lack of information, poor products and the "taboo" nature surrounding birth and recovery. In response, she launched Bodily, a modern approach that supports women, partners and anyone else with resources, products and research to navigate the postpartum period. Currently, Bodily's shop carries Birth Boxes, breastfeeding supplies, belly support and mesh undies.
Becky and six-year-old daughter Lola Vandenbroek founded Girlpalooza as a safe way to play "dress up" with bath and beauty products. The two set out to create products free from harmful ingredients like parabens, mineral oils and talc. In addition, Girlpalooza products are vegan, come with empowering scents and messaging and a portion of each sale go towards charities that support young girls.
Two years ago, when mom of four and health coach Melissa Evans’ daughter came down with a sore throat, Melissa wished there was something she could provide to soothe her kiddo. That’s when she noticed there were no options that she felt comfortable with. Cough drops and lozenges posed a risk for choking and, for the most part, contained chemicals like artificial colors, flavors and ingredients. She then came up with the idea for a worry-free, healthier, effective and fun alternative for kids. Lolleez are available at Target, CVS, Stop & Shop, Kroger and on Amazon! Lolleez come in packs of 15 pops: Watermelon, Strawberry, Orange Mango and a Variety Pack for a suggested retail price of $6.99.
Jennifer Holland had her “aha!” moment at the doctor’s office with her young son. It led her to create Throat Scope—the world's first illuminated tongue depressor that lights up the entire throat and mouth. Her invention is not only popular, in 2017 it won silver at the Edison Awards in New York for her innovation. This mama always dreamed of inventing something that would make the world a better place and she’s achieved that goal: she’s on a mission to educate families on how to recognize the signs of oral cancer or detect a sore throat, strep throat, thrush, inflamed gums and tooth pain. The stay-at-home mom’s innovative product is now available in 140 countries.
Kat Schneider wanted to do the right thing for her health and her baby, so when she found out she was pregnant she started taking prenatal vitamins. That’s when she noticed that many supplements had questionable ingredients, and worse, the ones she was taking didn’t even list the ingredients. So she decided to found Ritual: subscription-based supplements delivered directly to your door, each month. They are all non-GMO, vegan, gluten and soy-free and all are designed exclusively for women, with clear ingredients lists so you always know what you are putting in your body.
We’re breaking down the pregnancy and baby trends that will make waves in 2022. As we enter the second year of the ’20s, a focus on mental, emotional and physical well-being is a dominant force across all industries, especially when it comes to expectant mothers and their babies. From calming childcare facilities and nurseries that spark creativity to low-intensity exercises that are ideal for moms-to-be, read on for the top trends you’ll see popping up in the bump and baby world this year.
Last year Japandi designs (a mix of Scandinavian and Japanese style) emerged in a big way, and the trend trackers at Etsy saw it coming. This year those same trend experts are using their search data to predict the next of-the-moment design choices. So, what trends will parents see everywhere as they search for nursery design inspiration? Let's start with going green! Bringing nature indoors started catching on in 2021, and it's continuing to gain steam this year. From Etsy's choice of emerald as the major hue for 2022 to Sherwin-Williams, Behr and Benjamin Moore all choosing various shades of green (specifically, Everygreen Fog, Breezeway and October Mist) as their color of the year, don't be surprised if the green paint chips at your local hardware store are out of stock.
By definition, trends don't stick around for long. But they do resurface and, inevitably, the old becomes new again. Vibrant, intricate floral and ancient Indian block prints are suddenly sprouting up everywhere. We love that you can easily incorporate this theme into your nursery with textiles and accessories. Another hard-to-miss trend for 2022 is curved furniture. A reason to add this gorgeous Stokke crib to your cart, perhaps? Lastly, designing a space that sparks creativity is more important than ever. So searches on Etsy for fairy items and mythical creatures are up as parents look to turn their kiddos' spaces into magical realms where they can emphasize make-believe and inspire imagination in their little ones.
Calming Classrooms
iStock
Making the transition back to classrooms and childcare facilities as relaxing and positive as possible for little ones is a theme we'll see grow in 2022. As kids reconnect with their community outside of their homes, a focus on calming spaces is at the forefront for educators. Pinterest reported that trending search terms include classrooms with nature, forest and sunshine themes, as well as eucalyptus decor. Think mini mediation lessons and nature walks during recess to round out this, hopefully long-lasting, trend.
Baby-naming trends have enduring effects (as every Jennifer born in the 80s, with three other Jennifers in their classroom, can attest!), and that's why it's so fun to highlight them every year.
So, what do names like Bear, Baby, Ziggy, Buddy, Gigi and Honey have in common? They're playful and fun—and will be highly popular in the year ahead. In addition to wanting more carefree and playful names, new parents are giving a nod to the National Parks they've visited recently by choosing names like Sequoia, Reef, Zephyr or Horizon. Our love of adventure and wanderlust for travel has also skyrocketed lately, causing names like Banyan, Capri, Bali and Dune to move up the popularity list. Get in on the trend with these 50 names inspired by travel and geography. There's something special about choosing a retro name that's equal parts cool and old-fashioned, and 2022 babies will benefit as a trend towards vintage names like Etta, Frank, Polly, Mae and Sally make a comeback.
Parties for Life’s Undercelebrated Moments
iStock
In bump and baby land, we're used to seeing parties thrown for big moments like baby showers and first birthdays. However, a welcome trend for 2022 is a shift to celebrating both the obvious milestones and honoring the magical mundane parts of life (parenthood has quite a few of those!). So get ready to throw an "altbash" for life's undercelebrated moments like "just paid off student loans" or "made it through baby's first meltdown" or one of these everyday victories. A reason to celebrate is right around the corner in the new year!
Physical/Mental Health Takes Priority
As we enter the third year of an international health crisis, it's no surprise that two out of three consumers are more conscious than ever of looking after their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. For expectant moms who are self-caring for two, the trend toward "flexercise" is a perfect option. Searches for daily stretches and walking in nature are up significantly on Pinterest as low-impact exercise and more mellow ways to move your body become important to everyone. From dancing in your bedroom while the baby sleeps to a morning stroller walk out in nature, a shift toward opting for your own low-key exercise routine is mom-approved.
Babymoons were always popular for new moms and will reach new heights in 2022. Travel will become a form of stress management, and there's no better time to do it than before your little one arrives. All-inclusive travel is also making a huge comeback as more and more people want to escape and not think of anything on their to-do list.
Wellness extends to spirituality too, it seems. The question "how to protect your energy" saw searches up by 60%, while searches for "how to raise your vibration" jumped by 145%.
Oh my goth! Yes, according to the data gurus at Pinterest, goth is making its way to the mainstream across all ages, including the 0- to 12-month set. Searches for goth baby clothes are up 120%—which means you may be seeing a few more skull and crossbones onesies in the coming year. There are a few adorable and subtle pieces, like this one, that might inspire you to dab your toe into the trend.
Going from the crib to a toddler bed; introducing solids; potty training—the list of milestones (and changes) in the first few years of your kiddo’s life seem endless. And making the leap from daycare to school is one of the biggest transitions of them all.
Which is why Concord Hill School stands out. This small, independent school located in Chevy Chase, just minutes from Friendship Heights, focuses entirely on early childhood education. Designed to give your children an incredibly positive educational foundation, they accept children from age 3 to grade 3, the most critical time of academic and cognitive development in kids.
Read on to find out why this school is the right choice for your family.
Small Classroom Size
The current enrollment of the entire school is just over 100 students with an average class size of 16 kids. That means your children will get the attention they deserve each and every day.
A Focus on the Early Learning Years
There is nothing on Earth that compares to a young child’s imagination or innate curiosity. CHS focuses on the early years as both a magical and incredible time in a young person’s life. Through project-based and experiential learning, CHS fosters all of the natural curiosity, wonder and creativity that goes along with the early years of education.
Learned Leadership Skills
Because of the age range from just 3 and ending at 3rd grade, there is a strong emphasis on developing leadership characteristics within each student, creating a strong foundation for the transition to upper elementary and beyond. Third graders at CHS lead the school-wide community meetings, manage the school store and act as guides and mentors for the younger learners. (And we can’t help but mention how cute it is to see 3rd graders in leadership roles!)
Experienced Dedicated Faculty
Concord Hill School has highly trained teachers who not only have extensive experience in early years education, but 82% of whom hold advanced level degrees.
Diversity
Concord Hill School’s increasingly diverse community currently is representative of over 20 countries. Diversity is celebrated in all facets of the school with a focus on Anti-Bias Education.
Parental Support
Because the school focuses on ages 3 to grade 3, helping parents navigate the early years of parenthood is a key component of the school’s philosophy. Throughout the school year, parents will find a variety of programs and sessions featuring educational experts, child psychologists and behavioral specialists, and school leadership.
4th Grade Outplacement
When it’s time to transition to the 4th grade, there is a tailored process in place to help find the right fit for each child. Led by the Head of School, families will have help navigating every step of the application and outplacement process. CHS students are highly sought after as inquisitive learners, capable leaders, and confident young people
Longevity
Founded in 1965, CHS has been a leader in Early Childhood Education in the DC metro area for more than 50 years.
In the US, the assumption from the day my child was born has felt like I’d either a) surrender years of costly education and hard work to her and my partner OR b) essentially pay a nanny to be a third parent so I can ignore our home life and burn myself out at work. Both are incredibly disempowering.
“But isn’t option A what you want, you Housewife?” No, because I’m not a Housewife.
“But isn’t option B what you want, you Career Woman?” No, because I’m not a Career Woman.
I’m a human being, with accomplishments, goals, dreams, and aspirations. I’m a child of a Head Start pre-K teacher. She and my father both worked hard to afford private elementary school, a choice they felt was best for me at the time. I got into Bard, Bennington, and most of the other fancy “alternative” colleges, but my family couldn’t afford to send me there. So instead I worked my butt off in high school to earn myself a full ride at a public liberal arts college in Florida. When I wanted to pursue grad school to learn more about technology and move out of Florida, I took out a massive student loan that crippled me financially for the next 12 years. I finally paid it off, partly by doubling my salary within five years through grit, determination, and a real need to get out of that hole on my own. (And by my own, it also included a heaping cup of white privilege and marrying a cis white male partner, which in so doing doubled my income yet again.) I do not want to throw all of that away.
I also do not want to ignore my child in favor of a job at which I am ultimately disposable, like all other “at-will” employees in this country. It is hard to describe how deeply I longed to have a child and hold her in my arms for years and years. The reality of parenthood is much harsher than the rosy image I had of it, sure, but I still cherish every moment and love her to the moon and back. Parenthood is an opportunity to me, not a burden. I’m not outsourcing one of the most joyful aspects of my life that I have planned and yearned for.
“Geez, you sound angry.” Yes, I am angry, as I should be. (Female anger is not something to be feared, by the way. Anger is an emotion like all of the others, and one that all mothers in this country are currently very much entitled to feel.)
Yet again we are dealing with a complete failure of our government to provide even a modicum of financial and emotional support for women. The underlying message? “Your life is not worth more than your output.” As Jill Filipovic wrote about much better than I could, “Free Female Labor is The Plan.”
When I heard about the “glass ceiling” in my 20s, I always imagined it was something that I would slowly rise up to and softly bump into. That has not been my experience. Instead it’s a heavy glass pane that gets slammed into your head, knocking you out, dizzying you. It’s been three years since my daugther was born and I’m still looking around in a daze and unsure of what the hell happened.
So what am I doing about all of this? Well, I started a community called Seattle Parents Club. It’s a free, open, and supportive space for parents of all genders and families of all shapes to join together online and off. We now have more than 60 wonderful members, and I hope you will join us if you live in the Seattle area.
I’m also doing my best to not go for option A or option B, but rather forge my own path away from both, towards Other, Not Pictured Here, etc… I want my daughter to see that the format of her life is not a few decades of achievements and infinite opportunities followed by a sudden narrowing of her choices, none of which fit. That’s not what any child should see when they look at the roadmap ahead of them. Watch this space, I suppose, in terms of what that “Other” really looks like. Again, I’m only human. I’m just figuring it out.
By the way, if this post seems hurried, it’s because it is. I formulated most of this in my head while taking a shower, as my husband rushed out the door to drop off our daughter at daycare. I’m writing and publishing these words in the approximately 15 minutes of free time I have between getting ready and starting work. Is that the ideal way our family’s mornings would be? No, but like I said, I’m still forging the path.
Heather Merrick lives in Seattle with her husband, daughter, and a tailless cat. She leads customer support teams for startups by day and manages the Seattle Parents Club by night (or, to be more accurate, very early in the mornings). She loves podcasts, gardening, photography, and toddler crafts.
We’ve all heard the expression, “The days are long but the years are short.” And that has never felt truer than when you realize your snuggly newborn has suddenly transformed into a toddler who’s holding your hand for a walk around the block. (Sniff, sniff.). Throughout the first year, your little one will go from one movement milestone to the next. Here’s what to expect, along with tips to foster curiosity and safe exploration of their exciting world.
Like any milestone, babies follow their own timetables. If you have any concerns about their development, talk to your pediatrician.
Is tummy time always a favorite activity? Nope. Most newborns prefer to be held, rather than doing this hard work. Tummy time helps build head, arm, and neck muscles that pave the way for more mobility. Seven weeks is a good time to try placing your baby on their tummy a couple times a day. They may only be able to keep their bobble head up for a few seconds, but they’ll build up to longer lengths of time. Don’t give up, even if you’re seeing some fussing. Distraction with a favorite toy in front helps shift their focus.
Let’s roll
All of that upper body strength building sets the scene for rolling, starting around four months. Going from front to back is more common than rolling from back to front at first, but rolling progression isn’t an exact science. One thing’s for sure: once they start, they won’t want to stop. Moving from one end of the living room to the other is fun for budding explorers. Keep a constant eye on your traveling baby and make sure childproofing is in place.
Sitting on top of the world
Anywhere from four months to eight months, you may see signs of your tot trying to sit. Good head control is important for sitting to be successful. You can support the gradual process by seating them upright on your lap often. When they’ve built up the strength to sit on their own, make sure it’s on a soft activity mat (not unattended on a couch or bed) and that you’re very close by to catch them should they topple back. This exciting new posture gives their favorite toys a whole new vantage point!
Cute crawling
Sitting unsupported (with the ability to independently move into and out of a seated position), rocking on all fours, and rolling are the major clues that crawling comes next. This movement milestone usually occurs between 7-10 months. Place their favorite toys just out of reach so they eagerly crawl to get to them. Some babies create their own unique “scoot” and work their way straight to walking (skipping crawling altogether!). It’s especially important that secure baby gates block the stairs.
Cruising (cool shades, optional)
The next step towards walking is pulling up, followed by cruising. Usually between 8-12 months, your busy baby will start using furniture and crib bars to stand tall and see their world. (Dressers, TV stands, and bookshelves should be securely mounted to the wall in case they want to use them as “props.”) They’ll also use furniture to support them as they shuffle around. The more opportunities you give babies to move (even if they’re unsteady and you’re in a constant state of panic—welcome to parenthood!), the better. You can walk with your baby, by holding onto both of their hands as they take little steps.
We’ve got a walker!
Alas, all that muscle strengthening, coordination, balance, and confidence building has led to walking. Many babies’ take their first steps around their first birthday (but it can happen earlier or later). It’ll start with a few wobbly steps and lots of wobbly falls. But the more practice, the more confidence and control. You’ll see your baby become able to walk in different directions, and even squat to pick something up and continue on their way! Indoors, your little one doesn’t need shoes. Walking around barefoot or in socks greatly supports healthy foot development. But if you’re heading outside on a walk, closed-toe, flexible shoes provide excellent support and protection.
How you can encourage exploration.
Boost resilience. Falls happen. Stay close by and provide reassurance after a fall that it’s okay and they can try again!
Add a new toy into the rotation. Push toys can help little ones work on standing and moving from place to place with some extra “help.”
Let them roam. You may be used to putting them in the stroller, swing, and activity center throughout the day. Try to minimize the use of those contraptions and give them lots of time to move about and work on their new skills.
Create new ways to explore. Who knew Tupperware and spatulas were so exciting? Put together a baby-safe (low) cabinet full of kitchen objects like plastic bowls and wooden spoons. Let them sort, stack, and bang.
Help them “help” you. While it’s not the most efficient way to get things done, opportunities to be helpful are wonderful for giving babies a sense of independence. Whether that’s sorting socks or cleaning up toys, little tasks go a long way.
Add a pet to the mix! Even though they’re little, babies and toddlers can learn from their parents how to care for and be kind to animals. They can help with getting supplies ready, joining you for walks, adding water to the dog bowl when it’s low and providing plenty of snuggles to your furry family member.
If you’ve birthed a baby past age 35, you’ve undoubtedly heard the super-flattering phrase “advanced maternal age.” (Don’t even get us started on the “geriatric pregnancy” label.) While these terms may not give you the warm fuzzies, we’re here to share the good stuff about taking on parenthood later on. Sure, it may come with a few extra fine lines here and there, but it has compelling benefits too. Read on to find out why being an older mom is the bomb.
iStock
1. You make the most of the moments. If you have more than a few years of adulthood under your belt, you’ve undoubtedly experienced the feeling of time passing more quickly. While the moments speeding by in a blur can be vexing, it also creates an acute appreciation of the preciousness of each moment. As an older mom, you tend to slow down and take it all in—to breathe in the baby smell, long and deep, to soak in those sweet smiles and linger over the crib long after baby’s fast asleep.
2. You take a relaxed approach. The awareness of time has another effect as an older mom: recognizing that milestones don’t need to be met in a rush. As an older mom, you will likely be more comfortable easing up on expectations. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and weaning a baby off of a bottle or potty training doesn’t have to happen overnight either.
3. Confidence comes more naturally. While having a baby in your later years may mean you do it with a few gray hairs, it also comes with an extra dose of mom-fidence. You’ve released that inevitable, youthful striving after an ever-elusive image of perfection and learned to be comfortable in your own skin. You pass on the hot-button topics (breast or bottle? Co-sleeping or not?) and settle into a routine that works for you and your baby—no explanation or apology needed.
Christy Blevins
4. You have to buy less baby stuff. If you jump on the baby train a few years after your friends and family, you may just experience a flood of hand-me-down baby clothes and gear. Many parents pack away totes of tiny jammies and stash bigger items, like a crib, stroller and highchair, away in the attic in case of a “surprise” baby scenario, but after a few years, they may be ready and willing to hand over the goods and regain their storage space. Brand new baby and a bigger wallet, what’s not to love?
5. You can skip the maternity section. That nugget about friends and family members setting aside tiny jammies just in case? Same goes for stretchy-topped jeans and nursing tops. Besides the obvious savings, shopping for maternity clothes in a friend’s closet is way more fun than hitting up your local store anyway.
6. You don’t sweat the small stuff. A blow-out as you’re walking out the door may set you back a few minutes, but it won’t throw your whole day out of whack. With age comes a honed ability to put things in their proper perspective. As an older mom, you may find you’re able to keep your cool when facing the everyday frustrations of life with a baby (think: nap strikes and messy meals). As you take things in stride, you and your mini-me will benefit from this more chilled-out parenting approach.
iStock
7. You’ve been around the block, and now you can show baby the way. Being an older mom often means you’ve had the time and opportunity to explore different paths—from career choices to hobbies—and have developed your personal interests and strengths. Those added experiences will inevitably inform your motherhood and allow you to pass on that wisdom to your child's benefit. Say hello to baby Einstein!
8. You’ve been there, done that. Having experienced a few years of adult life before baby’s arrival may help you freely focus on your baby without regret. Once you’ve checked the box next to some life goals—from career mile markers to travel aspirations—you’ll be better able to settle into the routine elements of motherhood without the FOMO that may have struck in your youth. In the same vein, if you’ve spent more than a few years with your partner during that time, your relationship will have had time to deepen and mature before baby makes three. A win-win!
9. Fewer stresses from finances. While this doesn’t apply across the board, studies show that women who enter motherhood later on often benefit from more financial stability than their younger counterparts. This is often the result of older moms having had the chance to spend additional years developing their careers and building up a comfortable savings. This extra cushion can allow you to take more time off from work, hire help or even embrace experiences, like international travel, that may have been out of reach in your younger years.
10. Gleaning from seasoned moms is a breeze. When you’re a young mom, getting advice from moms in your peer group can be tough, as everyone is navigating new waters. But when you experience motherhood for the first time a bit later in life, calling your crew to get the low-down on anything from sleep training to the best baby sunscreen will easily yield tried-and-true advice.
When the crisp air hits, there is nothing as sweet as bundling up for life’s greatest bundle…a baby! If you’re planning a fall baby shower, you might want to bring elements of autumn into your celebration. Earthy tones like lush greens, soft browns and burnt oranges set the tone for a rustic, fall-themed fete. Add whimsy by including woodland creatures or go modern with a bold mountain design. Scroll down for some of our favorite autumn baby shower invitations to help you start planning.
This winsome baby shower invite features a wood slice, a splash of greenery and a ring of adorably illustrated woodland characters. This rustic design can easily be edited to customize the look of your party. Bonus: For each purchase, a tree is planted.
Available online: $9.48 for an editable template from Etsy shop The Happy Cat Studio.
A sweet little bird and a whimsical toadstool flank the woodland creatures featured on this invite set. Want these sweet animals at the party? You can order a matching welcome sign and paper plates for a well-themed baby shower.
Get fall vibes with these seasonal sprigs of wildflowers designed by Vivian Yiwing. Yellows, greens and browns give this baby shower invitation a rustic, autumn feel perfect for your favorite Earthy mama. Add these clever diaper raffle tickets as an insert to your invitation set; guests help you stock up on diapers while one guest leaves with a fun prize!
Sleepy little animals snoozing under a simple cloud set the tone for this modern baby shower invite. You customize this design by choosing the background color (choices include green, blue, pink and purple).
This sweet wreath of woodland creatures gets the royal treatment with delicate gold foil overlays. For the ultimate wow effect, you can upgrade this baby shower invitation to include shimmering, pearlescent paper. Sparkle on with these forest animals!
What is just about as cute as a newborn baby? Wittle animals, obviously! This bear, bunny, duck and turtle are whimsically drawn in baby pinks, yellows, greens and grey. This invite feels cheeky, but modern!
For the first-time Mama Bear, this woodsy baby shower invitation promises exciting adventures ahead. It's the perfect invite for a gender-neutral baby shower, with soft greens, browns and a touch of gray.
Available online: From $6 for a customizable template from Etsy shop Come Together Boutique.
Hoot, hoot! A baby is on board. Featuring bears, deer, porcupines and more, this watercolor illustration features a soft, muted scene of woodland animals that works for boys, girls and gender-neutral celebrations.
Parenthood is a lot like climbing a mountain, but the view from the top makes it worth it! Celebrate embarking on one of life's greatest adventures with these line-drawn mountain peaks. Geographic patterns make a bold statement for a baby shower themed in vivid blues and greens.
Available online: $10 for a digital download from Etsy shop Invited Design Co.
Ah, sleep, one of the first things we come to terms with losing as we begin our journey into parenthood. For many moms-to-be, this often starts well before birth as pregnancy makes plenty of everyday tasks, including sleep, increasingly uncomfortable. Add a pandemic to the mix and you have the perfect recipe for sleepless nights.
I could have never imagined that I’d be pregnant amid a worldwide health crisis, but here we were equal parts over-the-moon and scared to bits. My husband and I are a pretty tech-savvy (and sleep-loving) pair, so a smart bassinet was something we were interested in early on. It just so happened that in the middle of my pregnancy, Happiest Baby (the company behind SNOO) had been in touch with an offer to try out their SNOO rental program and the rest (pun absolutely intended) is history!
SNOO was created by Dr. Harvey Karp, the renowned pediatrician who authored Happiest Baby on the Block & Happiest Toddler on the Block. In certain circles, he is referred to as “The Baby Whisperer” so we knew that the SNOO was something we wanted to try out.
We put our little bundle in the SNOO starting the first night we were home with her. I will say, seeing her jiggling in there was pretty funny, but before I knew it, she was out like a light. So I’ll go ahead and assume her favorite thing about it is the motion since she’s been quite the mover and shaker since her days in the womb. Here’s what I loved about the experience (for both my child and myself):
The rental aspect. This is a huge win in my opinion. These tiny humans already require so much stuff it’s ironic. For the amount of time they sleep in a bassinet vs how much space a bassinet takes up in your house, being able to use it for however long you need and not have yet another item to store, sell or hand down to someone else seems ideal. It’s one less thing to have to sort out and let’s face it, most people simply don’t have oodles of storage space. Another edge case, given that all babies are different, is if it doesn’t work for your baby it can be sent back early. Most other baby products you’re just going to have to take the L on if your little doesn’t like it or you end up not using it as much as you anticipated.
The rental includes a mattress, sheet and swaddles that are specifically designed to hook into the SNOO. You’ll likely want to purchase an extra sheet and swaddles because spit (and a host of other messes) happens.
The clip-in swaddles. Anyone who remembers the very beginning of their parenting journey likely recalls checking on their baby approximately a million times per night. Now, this won’t exactly eliminate all of your urges to check on the baby (who can resist stealing a few minutes to watch those sweet little faces sleep?), but it definitely does reduce the urges that are based on safety concerns in our experience. Safe sleep is a top priority for every parent, so the fact that the swaddles clip into the base giving your baby no way to accidentally roll over to an unsafe position that they can’t get out of gave us huge peace of mind. Our child has been extremely wiggly since day one, so this would have been a major concern of mine if not for the SNOO. Plus, in the early days, minimizing that startle reflex is key which is part and parcel of swaddling them.
The app. We liked that the SNOO app makes it easy to customize the motions & sounds to your child’s preferences as well as give you a visual of your baby’s sleep journey. Each day can be viewed with markers for time the SNOO is on and time the SNOO is on and actively calming the baby. The SNOO is responsive to cries and will cycle through 4 levels of both sound and motion, however, if it is on the top level for 2-3 minutes and the baby is still upset, it will turn off signaling that the baby needs your care.
I really liked the fact that I could visually see how well the baby had slept, for how long and how long feedings took in the middle of the night before putting her back to bed. It is frankly one less thing you have to be responsible for remembering or recording . . . so you can get back to bed, too!
The bassinet makes a noise similar to in the womb but you just might find that you start relying on the white noise also. In which case, you might be tempted to get our bonus favorite thing for your baby AND yourself…
The BFF: SNOOBear is a wonderful companion product that was introduced last year and is meant to help your baby transition from the SNOO into their crib. We found it especially useful for naps on the go. It plays the sounds your baby is used to from the bassinet so even if they’re not movin’ and groovin’ as they would be in the SNOO, the familiar sounds are comforting and help them drift off. Plus, they’re adorable which is just an added bonus. We’d use ours for impromptu naps while out and about or on walks—it happened to fit perfectly in the compartment below the stroller bassinet so the baby would still be alone (because some rules are definitely not meant to be broken)!
Overall, we’ve had a very positive experience with the SNOO. At about 3 months old, she’s largely sleeping for about 8-hour stretches each night (sometimes more). If she does start fussing sooner than that, we just let the bassinet do its thing and 9 times out of 10, she drifts back off to sleep. It’s made for a happy baby and possibly, even happier new parents. I can say without a doubt that if more babies come along for us, we will be renting a SNOO for them.
To learn more about the rental option, or to purchase a SNOO, head to HappiestBaby.com
—Jen Watro
Special thanks to Happiest Baby for sharing a SNOOBear & loaning us a SNOO bassinet to try out! All opinions expressed here are my own.
Will Tan France’s baby rock the French tuck like dad? We can’t say. What we can say is congratulations to Tan and his partner Rob, who welcomed home their new addition today!
Baby Ismail has made his debut on Instagram and according to France, he was born early on July 10. The beaming couple shared two photos with their son to mark the occasion. In the caption France wrote “We love him so, so much. Like fully obsessed.” Insert all the heart eyes!
France first shared that the couple was expecting in April, noting that they’d have the baby via “the most wonderful surrogate” and that Baby France was due in the summer. He noted “Something we’ve wanted for sooo many years. Our hearts are so full right now.”
The family resides in Salt Lake City, Utah and France stars as a stylist on the popular show Queer Eye with the rest of the Fab Five. His partner Rob is an illustrator and the couple has been together since 2007. We’re so excited for the new dads as they embark on the journey of parenthood!
