You might not think there’s a holiday in between Labor Day and Halloween, but National Coffee Day is a thing—and its falls this year on Wed., Sep. 29. If you’re wondering where to get free coffee on this very special day, we’ve got a few places you can hit up to keep the caffeine flowing.
Here’s your official National Coffee Day celebration guide.
Starbucks
Bring in a clean, reusable cup and walk away with a free cup of Pike Place Roast up to 20oz.
Krispy Kreme
Reward Members can snag a free brewed coffee and doughnut of their choice and non-rewards members can receive a free brewed coffee. No purchase necessary!
It’s a big day for Peet’s! Customers can get a free coffee with the purchase of a 1/2 or 1 pound bag of coffee. You also a chance to win a $2,000 Peet’s Black Card in the Peet’s Coffee National Coffee Day Giveaway, plus 25% off freshly hand-roasted coffee beans, K-Cup Pods and espresso capsules at shops and on peets.com Sept. 25-Sept. 29.
Circle K
Text “FREE” to “31310” to receive a digital coupon for a free cup of coffee to use on Sept. 29.
You’ll get a free regular size brewed coffee with any bakery purchase over $2 at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
Where else can you get free coffee on National Coffee Day? That depends. Your local coffee shops or cafes may offer free coffee or discounts to celebrate the occasion; you can always check local Facebook pages or Instagram accounts for your favorite local roasters.
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.
Of the hundreds of pitches and sites we scroll through each week, there are just a handful of products that really catch our eye. And this week, we’re all about saving money thanks to our favorite Labor Day sales. Whether they’re kid-specific or broader picks that make our lives better (and brighter), these are the goods we’re raving about and putting into our shopping carts. The best news? All of these items give back to a good cause!
Play Maysie's Eco-Friendly Doll House
Adorable mini dollhouses settled in a vintage-inspired lunch box. All the furniture is attached to the lunch box and the accessories are magnetic!
Gel pen lovers will be thrilled over this multi-pack from Bright Stripes. And, each purchase benefits Art Feeds' International, a non-profit that strives to bring art lessons and supplies to kids in five different countries around the world.
Keds' Washable Double-Decker Rainbow Women Slip Ons
In honor of Women's Equality Day, Keds donated shoes to Artists for Humanity, as well as $10,000. The artists then created one-of-a-kind sneakers for purchase.
Right now the company behind this inspiring collection of stories is doubling their donations to our Better to Give partner, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), to help the IRC support families in Afghanistan and in crisis zones worldwide
This cozy throw from UGG is 40% off and we are pretty sure we’re going to buy two of them because we all know someone is going to steal it while we’re lounging with it on the couch.
Mini fashionistas will love this flower power fleece by Stella McCartney! Money-saving parents will love that it's $50 off thanks to the Saks Labor Day Sale. Here are the details and the chance to save even more money.
This playhouse is 59% off (Wayfair's Labor Day sale is next level with the savings) and while there are too many cute features to list, we can't get enough of that mailbox with flag and attached picnic bench. PS: This would make an adorable present for the holidays.
Your little T-Rex loves all things dino so give them something to stomp around in with these Jurassic-inspired sneakers. BTW—the whole site (yes, everything) is 50% off until Sep.6.
You can never have enough swaddles—even better when they come with adjustable fabric wings like this Delta set, guaranteeing a snug, comfy fit every time.
Sephora's sale is off-the-hook with products being marked down up to 50% through Sept. 19. It was hard, but if we had to pick one item, it would be this matte lipstick from Fenty Beauty by Rhianna (in fall-friendly spiced terracotta)—but don't delay, the colors were running out of stock as we typed this.
Tye dye is still going strong—if you haven’t tried it yet, grab this kit (42% off!) and get ready for some wearable art to enter your life. Bonus: 10% of this purchase gets donated to Olive Crest—non-profit that serves at-risk children and families.
This candle is filled with soy-wax (better for you!) and 40% off (better for your wallet!). With scents of fresh sea salt, you can just close your eyes and transport yourself back to the beach of your dreams.
Finding cool, statement earrings that don't weigh you down is like trying to find a lost paci in the middle of the night...until we discovered these pretty color-block earrings from Esh Jewelry Collection on Etsy that are "feather light." Etsy is running special LDW sales starting Sep. 2). Your ears will thank you.
Remember Creme Savers? The creamy swirled hard candy that you secretly loved to find in your grandparents’ treat dish? After a 10 year hiatus, two of the most popular flavors are back!
Back in the day, you could find this candy in multiple flavors, including tropical and dessert swirled blends. And Grandma’s house wasn’t the only place to enjoy it, since you could purchase whole bags or rolls at the store, as well as spinoffs like flavored yogurt and JELLO. Now you’ll be able to buy two of the top flavors once more: Strawberry & Creme and Orange & Creme.
Each piece is individually wrapped, as all proper hard candy should be. One taste of those fruit and creme swirls will likely bring on the nostalgia, big time. And like many good treats of the early 21st century, they’re sugar free.
Iconic Candy teamed up with Mars Wrigley to reformulate the original flavors and bring back Creme Savers. You can find them at Big Lots stores in 47 states starting in mid-September. No word on if we can look forward to other flavors…yet.
Now you can celebrate National Avocado Day the way it was meant to be celebrated: with free guacamole from Chipotle!
The burrito biz just announced it will be giving away guac with a digital-only promo code to U.S. and Canadian residents. Keep reading to see how to score your free side of the green stuff.
Come Jul. 31, just use code AVO2021 at digital checkout with an entrée purchase through the Chipotle app or Chipotle websites. You can use the code to snag a free topping or side of guacamole, once per transaction.
Make sure you log on to get the deal––it’s not available inside your local restaurant. Want another deal? You can also get a $0 delivery free when you order through the Chipotle app or website now through Aug. 1.
A new indoor playground for Seattle kids is always worth celebrating (hello, rainy day play spot!). When it doubles as an immersive experience where kids can explore real-world diversity, it’s even better. That’s why we’re excited to welcome Child Wonder the World to the Seattle playscape. Read on to learn about this mom-owned business that’s opening soon.
The Play Side
At Child Wonder the World, kids can explore cultures from around the globe in one place. From the moment they walk through the welcoming gate into the play area, they’ll be transported—no plane needed! As owner Giselle Fuerte explains, it's a place for kids to “explore the different ways people live their lives and experience the world.” It’s her hope that when kids play here they begin to “see and value the world as a diverse chorus of voices, perspectives and needs necessitating equal consideration.” Parents and caregivers will notice this ethos in every nook and cranny of the indoor playground.
The large windows and wall decals that frame the play area create an inviting environment for tots and big kids alike. Upon first glance, the space looks like others—with a playhouse, climbing structure, farm stand and more. But it’s the details that prove things aren’t necessarily what they seem. The painted playhouse is actually a West African Rammed Earth Home, and the oven just outside is similar to earthen (or clay) ovens used by cultures all over the globe. Even the play food is representative of staples from other cultures, like sardines, sushi and lentils. Look for the helpful sheets nearby that explain each purposeful element. Read them, then share the fascinating connections and facts you learn with your kids.
Cross over the bridge to get to a quieter place to play in the back. Tiny tables line the walls where kids can sit down with a good book, set in a far-off place. Or put on headphones to listen to music that’s anything but local. Little artists will happily sit and color at another table before heading over to play with the beautifully designed natural wood people set across the way. These stations are a chance for kids to experience different languages, rhythms and ideas from diverse cultures.
Fuerte also has plans to install a display case that will feature artifacts and everyday treasures from various countries. Like a small museum, what’s in the case will rotate, and everything you see will be respectfully curated thanks to the knowledge and guidance of people who are native to the country on display.
The Shop Side
In addition to the educational playspace, look for toys, games and clothes produced by makers from around the world (and some local too) on the store side. In fact, some of the books and playsets your kids will love in the play area may be available for purchase so you can continue your exploration at home. Whether your kiddo has a friend’s birthday party on the horizon or you’re looking for some new play clothes, items with a focus on the world beyond Seattle are sold here. Who knows, you may even find owner Fuerte’s book, The Lying Liar Called Racism on the shelves too.
Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase if you need to push pause on play. Café tables dot the play area perimeter and make this a great spot to catch up with friends (it’s been a long time, hasn’t it?) while the kids play.
Make It a Day
If it’s been a while since you’ve been to Burien, take time to explore the area before heading home. Lollipops is just a few storefronts away, and families can always count on fun in the sun at Seahurst Park, whether they’re exploring tide pools or the nature-themed playground. The Highline Heritage Museum (open Fridays through Sundays, from 1-5 p.m.) is another easy stop for families to make. And before you head home, you’ve got to grab a cookie (or two!) from Treat Cookies. The store opened in April of this year and has fans all over the city.
“Hey Shaq, what’s the weather today?” If you’ve ever wanted to mix up your Amazon Alexa experience, the company just dropped two new celebrity voices! Shaquille O’Neal and Melissa McCarthy are available now to tell you jokes, report on the forecast, or even do a little rap.
Following up on the hugely popular addition of Samuel L. Jackson’s voice, Amazon is offering the option to purchase two more instantly recognizable personalities at $4.99 each. Once you’ve bought one (or both) just say “Hey Shaq” or “Hey Melissa” to activate the option. If you need a little sneak preview, enjoy the following clips:
“We’re thrilled to add two new celebrity personalities to Alexa and had a great time working with Shaquille O’Neal and Melissa McCarthy on this project. We can’t wait to see what customers think,” said Toni Reid, vice president of Alexa Experience & Echo Devices.
Krispy Kreme is turning 84! To celebrate the donut maker, the company is offering a special day for one day only.
On Fri., Jul. 16, head to your local Krispy Kreme and you can snag a dozen BirthYAY donuts for just $1 when you purchase any dozen. The BirthYAY collection is an assortment of Original Glazed donuts with a special strawberry iced sprinkle donut.
photo: Krispy Kreme
This special deal is available in stores and online with promocode BIRTHYAY. Want to share all your donut deets? Don’t forget to use #KrispyKreme and tag@krispykreme on social media.
“Alexa, let’s read!” Now your favorite AI helper has one more trick up her sleeve: reading with your child. Amazon’s new Reading Sidekick might help shape the future of literacy and it’s available for families everywhere by Friday.
The Sidekick works on both the Amazon Kids-enabled Echo device or the Amazon Kids+ app on a tablet and supports hundreds of books, both physical and digital. Once your child says the prompt, Alexa will ask how much they want to read: a little, a lot or taking turns. From there, Alexa will either read most of the pages, let the child read most of the pages, or alternate paragraphs or pages.
To keep the fun going, Alexa will offer support, like “Way to stick with it!” or “Amazing job!” And if your child gets stuck on a word, she can fill in the blank, too. The product is designed to complement the time you spend reading with your children and to support independent reading.
You’ll need to purchase an Amazon Kids+ subscription to get started, which is $2.99 a month. But you can start with a one month free trial to make sure it’s a fit for your family. Reading Sidekick offers a wide range of books, from early readers to chapter books. It’s one more way to bring your favorite stories to life and develop an essential skill!
Target Deal Days are almost here! In addition to an extra day of sale extravaganza, the bullseye retailer is getting shoppers excited with an extra special deal that starts TODAY.
From Wed. Jun. 16 through Sat. Jun. 19 you can save 5% off Target digital gift cards! The offer is valid for a one-time only purchase, up to $500.
To access the deal, head to Target.com and save the offer to your account. You can use the code to get multiple gift cards, but just make sure they are all in one transaction!
Choose from delivery via email, text or mail and remember that the deal is only good on Target gift cards. Dining, entertainment and credit card based gift cards are not included. Shop on!
