Since the Easter Bunny is magic, he can still hop from house to house this year, even in the pandemic. But since parents are merely human, and local stores really need your patronage, we’ve put together this shopping list to help you fill your kids’ baskets with fun, local gifts. Order online or by phone, and get your goodies shipped, delivered, or ready for curbside pickup. Read on to get your bunny game on.

Photo courtesy of Hammer and Jacks

Bright Shimmer Do-a-Dot Markers and Rainbow Activity Book

Get a fresh start to spring with a fresh set of classic do-a-dot markers. This set includes 5 shimmery colors for little artists to explore. Choose from a range of activity books to go along with it. Our favorite is the rainbow theme, or check out dinosaurs, monster trucks, and mermaids.

Markers, $17: hammerandjacks.com
Activity Book, $6 : hammerandjacks.com

Delivery notes: Delivery within Portland

Photo courtesy of Grasshopper

Blossom Bunny

For a timeless Easter surprise, tuck this ultra-soft plush bunny into your little one’s basket. Jellycat stuffies are known for their softness, and this sweet bunny’s floral-patterned fabric ears and feet are perfect for spring. Choose from pink, blue, or white.

Bunny, $22: grasshopperstore.com

Delivery notes: Curb pickup or free delivery

Photo courtesy of Finnegan’s Toys

Speckled Brown Baby Chick

Looking ready to roost in a backyard Portland coop, this stuffed plush chick is a refreshing departure from the usual sunny yellow fluff ball. Soft and cuddly, this is an affordable local choice to brighten up Easter morning.

Stuffed chick, $8: finneganstoys.com

Delivery notes: Shipping; limited delivery within Portland

Photo courtesy of Black Wagon Toys

Mindo Zen Brain Teaser Game

For older kids, this compact puzzle offers hours of learning-based play. Challenge them to recreate the pattern on one of 60 challenge cards, using double-sided tiles and a 4×4 grid. A great game to play alone or together.

Game, $15: blackwagon.com

Delivery notes: Free shipping

Photo courtesy of The Yo! Store

Unicorn Glitter Barrettes

Even though family brunch or a church service might be out of the question this year, you can still dress up! Give your glitter queen something to smile about with these lighthearted hairclips.

Barrettes, $9: yoportland.com

Delivery notes: Free shipping or local delivery

Photo courtesy of Grasshopper

Bunny Romper

Got a baby bunny in your house? Slip them into this sweet black and white romper for Easter breakfast and lounging around the house. Made of organic cotton, this playsuit is gentle on sensitive skin and the planet. Sizes 0-12 months.

Pajamas, $32: grasshopperstore.com

Delivery notes: Curb pickup or free delivery

Photo courtesy of Grasshopper

Carrot Rocket Puzzle

Active toddlers will love to stack and sort the magnetic wooden pieces to get the bunny in his carrot-shaped rocket. Then it’s 3, 2, 1 blastoff! Inspire imaginative play while building motor skills.

Puzzle, $30: grasshopperstore.com

Delivery notes: Curb pickup or free delivery

Photo courtesy of Hammer + Jacks

Bird Whistle

What better way to celebrate spring than with birdsong? This sweet-tuned little whistle is loud enough let your kids make some noise (maybe at 7:00 p.m. during Wheeler’s nightly cheer for first responders), but small enough to tuck in a drawer when it’s time for birds to rest.

Whistle, $4: hammerandjacks.com

Delivery notes: Delivery within Portland

Custom Easter Baskets

Support your local toy store and let the experts put a fun basket together for you! These stores offer custom Easter baskets.

Call or email Finnegans’ toys and describe your little ones’ age and interests, and they’ll put together a kit that includes one plush bunny plus a variety of other gifts, tailored to your kiddo. All you need is a basket and you’re set!

Online: finneganstoys.com

$50

Made You Look can work with your budget to assemble a customized Easter basket. Fill out the online order form and specify your child’s age, favorites, and dietary restrictions for candy. You can order just the fillings, or request a handwoven baskets from a local studio for $32.

Online: madeyoulookpdx.com

$40

—Melissa Poulin

Featured image: Ashley Edwards via Unsplash 

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The holidays aren’t the only time of year you can dress your kids in adorable seasonal pajamas. Trade in your reindeer and snowmen for hugs and kisses. Your kids will have visions of candy hearts dancing in their heads when you tuck your little ones in on February 14th.  

Check out these Valentine’s Day themed pajamas that are sure to make your heart swoon. 

Posh Peanut Queen of Hearts Pajamas

Valentine's Day Pajamas
Posh Peanut

Featuring hand-drawn pink hearts on a teal background, this design even comes in an adorable matching set for mom too! Sizing is available for infants through age 10, and the women's lounge wear set is available in XS-2XL.

Available at Posh Peanut, $11-$65.

Primary Rainbow Heart Pajamas

Primary

Primary features designs in sizes for the entire family. These fun rainbow heart pajamas are made from 100% combed cotton. 

Available at Primary, $16-$26.50. 

Pottery Barn Kids Heart Appliqué Nursery One Piece Pajama

Pottery Barn Kids

Turn around this one piece pajama to reveal a sweet surprise. Made of 100% cotton knit, these pajamas are available is sizes 0-3 months to 18-24 months. 

Available at Pottery Barn Kids, $39.50. 

Janie and Jack Forever Valentine Collection

From sweet footed PJs to quilted heart one-piece, you'll find something for the love of your life to wear this Valentine's Day. Newborn styles range from 0-24 months. Check out the entire collection (which includes much more than PJs) here

Available at Janie and Jack, $44

 

Heartbeat Organic Baby Sleep & Play Valentine's Day Pajamas

Burt's Bees Valentin's Day PJs
Burt's Bees

You'll have heart eyes when your baby wears these roomy fit zip front footie Valentine's Day pajamas. Featuring a slip free grip which is great for little ones on the move, these pjs will keep your little one's tootsies warm and snug. 

Available at Burt's Bees Baby, $13.95. 

Mori Hearts Zip-Up Sleep & Play One-Piece

Mori

Your little one will have sweet dreams when they wear these pajamas. Made from organic cotton 30% and 70% bamboo from viscose they feature a soft heart detail on the chest.

Available at Mori, $42.50.

Hanna Andersson Candy Hearts Pajamas

Hanna Andersson Valentine's Day PJs
Hanna Andersson

Wrap your entire family up in candy hearts with these adorable Valentine's Day pajamas. The long johns come in seamless, organic fabric and are available in a variety of prints.

Available at Hanna Andersson, $25-$50.

Valentine's Day Snug Fit Cotton PJs

Carters

Show your little ones how much they are loved with these sweet heart pajamas. Crafted with soft cotton, this comfy set s available in sizes for every member of your family. 

Available at Carter's, $12-$27.

Posh Peanut Rex Pajamas

Posh Peanut

This little dinosaur is going to roar their way into your heart this Valentine's Day. These Rex pajamas are adorned with an adorable dinosaur holding a heart along with a bow and arrow. Made of soft bamboo viscose these pajamas are available for baby as well as your big kid. 

Available at Posh Peanut, $34-$35.

Cat & Jack "Heart of Gold" Lap Shoulder Romper

Target

Roar! Tell the world your little one has a heart of gold with this sweet romper featuring gold shimmering lettering. This cozy pajama is made from a soft and breathable fabric blend.  

Available at Target, $7.99. 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

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Just in time for the most magical time of the year, Mini Boden’s Harry Potter collection is back to outfit young wizards from the playground to the holiday parties.

Earlier this year the first wave of the enchanting Mini Boden Harry Potter line debuted with some incredible pieces just in time to head back to school (or Hogwarts). Now the collection is debuting a second drop of items that will have you ready to hit the Yule Ball.

Yule Ball Party Dress

$75

Fawkes Superstitch T-shirt

$38

Hedwig Romper

$45

Harry Potter Faire Isle Sweater

$60

Harry Sequin Sweatshirt

$48

Wingdarium Leviosa Jumpsuit

$66

Protego Maxima Magical Cloak

$120

 

The items are available in sizes newborn to 16 ranging in price from $20 to $120. The entire line is available to shop online now.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Mini Boden

 

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Is your wardrobe ready for sunny days? It is now thanks to a brand new H&M and Sesame Street collab that will have you longing for a visit to your favorite neighborhood.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of Sesame Street, H&M is rolling out a brand new collection for kids featuring all of your favorite characters from Elmo to Cookie Monster. Not only are all the pieces in the collection adorable, but proceeds from the sales will support the Sesame Street Yellow Feather Fund to benefit children’s education. To celebrate the collab, H&M Loyalty Members will be invited to a series of kids’ events around the country where they can meet Sesame Street characters and learn about recycling through hands-on activities. Here are some of our favorite picks from the new collection.

Sequined Jersey Shirt

Can't decide who you love more, Elmo or Cookie? This sequined shirt lets you enjoy them both.

$14.99

Pile Hooded Sweatshirt

You can really embrace your muppet self in this furry hoodie featuring either Cookie Monster or Elmo's face. 

$19.99

Abby and Elmo Sweatshirt

It doesn't get much more sunny than Abby and Elmo under a rainbow. 

$17.99

Your pint-sized Cookie Monsters will love rolling around in this adorable romper and shirt set.

$24.99

 

Elmo Jersey Shirt

Little fans will love rocking this rock star Elmo look.

$14.99

Sesame Street Jersey Shirt

The whole gang is ready for fun on this cute tee.

$14.99

Sesame Street Tote

Carry along everything you need for your next Sesame Street-inspired adventure with this tote, you'll want to keep for yourself.

$29.99

The entire collection is only available for a limited time in stores and online so grab these pieces before they’re gone.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: H&M

 

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Want to raise an empathetic, problem-solving adult? Laugh at your kids’ jokes, experts suggest.

Dr. Emma Byrne, author of Swearing is Good for You: The Amazing Science of Bad Language, explained to Romper that kids as young as eight months old will attempt to make their parents and caregivers laugh. The best thing parents can do in return? Let out a good chuckle! Kids tell jokes and do funny things in an effort to make you happy, which means it comes from a place of pure altruism, not a place of just attention-seeking.

photo: Brooke Cagle via Unsplash 

Rewarding that behavior by laughing and showing enjoyment from their actions will therefore encourage your kids to be more empathetic as they grow older, Byrne explains. Basically your kids just want to make you happy by making you smile so when you smile and laugh in return, they are encouraged to continue doing things that make others feel good.

Byrne said the key here is “Showing that you appreciate their effort, that you recognize that they…are trying so hard to make you happy, to make you smile.”

Raising kids to be humorous has plenty of other benefits as well. Studies have linked having a sense of humor to higher emotional intelligence. Research has also shown that being funny can lead to positive perceptions by others and an increase in self-confidence. Laughter and humor have also been linked with stability in relationships and marriage.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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New York is taking strides to make sure moms get the help they need during pregnancy, childbirth and the post-partum period. Last spring the state launched a pilot program, extending Medicaid coverage to some doula services. And now the state Senate is taking steps to make sure these maternal health professionals are qualified.

According to Romper, New York Sen. Jessica Ramos sponsored a bill that would create doula certification. In a tweet, announcing the success of the bill (the Senate passed it unanimously) Ramos wrote, “We are investing in the prevention of maternal mortality and ensuring that all birth methods are safe.”

Ramos told Romper, “We want to ensure that doulas become part of the norm for maternal care and we want them included in the birth plan. By professionalizing, we will begin to see a burgeoning industry that will surely see a betterment for everyone involved.”

So what exactly will this bill do? When it takes effect (which is 90 days after Governor Cuomo signs it) the law will require doulas to seek professional certification before performing services during the prenatal, childbirth and post-partum periods. Certification would require doulas to pass an exam, provide proof of professional prep (via education), complete and application and pay a fee.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash 

 

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When it comes to picky eaters, parents will try almost anything to get some sustenance into their little ones. Whether it’s getting sneaky with veggies or all out-bribery, mom of one and actress Melissa Rauch has been there.

That’s why she’s partnered with House Foods on her very first book, “The Tales of Tofu.” The e-book is a combination of soy-based and kid-friendly recipes combined with a sweet story about a shy tube of tofu, and your kids are going to love it!

Told with beautiful colors and amazing artistry, main character Tofu and his fruit buddies are on a mission to gain confidence after being cast in the school play. Tasty and healthy recipes are interspersed through the story and reinforce the tale at every turn.

source: House Foods

Rauch tells Romper that she loves to introduce her own daughter to new things by storytelling and books, and wanted to share the magic with other families as well. It’s her hope that The Tales of Tofu will help reinforce the importance of family mealtime while encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

You can download the e-book for free by visiting House Foods.

––Karly Wood

 

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The littles zip across the playroom floor, swishing capes trailing behind them. They run, tumble, jump and whirl in an elaborate superhero-fueled scene. Whether they’re acting out the newest Marvel movie or are imagining their own scenario starring Spiderman, your kids are majorly into this kind of pretend play. And science says it’s okay.

When it comes to superhero play, science may actually say it’s more than okay. As it turns out, what seems like a simple good versus bad guy routine may benefit your pre-k kiddo in some pretty impressive ways.

photo: Porapak Apichodilok via Pexels

So what can superhero play do for your young child? According to a 2015 article on the subject, published in the journal Pastoral Care in Education, superhero play can help children improve language skills, social skills and problem-solving abilities. Beyond these developmental benefits, this type of pretend fantasy play can also help preschool-aged kids cope with fears.

Your preschooler doesn’t have the cognitive ability to process scary or uncertain situations in the same way that you do. Don’t worry, they will—just not right now. Superhero play allows the young child to take on a powerful role and basically defeat evil. This gives the child the chance to explore a new role and feel a sense of power.

Dr. Gene Beresin, executive director of the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Massachusetts General Hospital, told Romper, “They are beginning to appreciate that in many situations, they feel helpless, fearful, powerless, unable to overcome many obstacles. Many are afraid of the dark, monsters, being separated from parents, or harmed by ‘bad guys.’ They look for ominous creatures under their beds. They worry and fear about being helpless and weak in the face of adversity.”

Beresin sums up this powerful benefit, telling Romper, “By identifying with superheroes, they become strong, invincible, use superpowers, aggression, and other skills to protect themselves, and ally fears.”

—Erica Loop

 

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Baseball is back! After the snowiest February ever, spring is more than just a welcome season–it’s the bridge between “hope” and “eternal” when it comes to our beloved Mariners. And with the Sounders march to the MLS Cup underway, you know what you need to do: grab the kids and head to one of these kid-friendly sports bars to catch all the action. Scroll down to learn more!

Ballard Loft

Ballard Loft

Down at the southern end of Ballard Avenue lies this rocking sports joint which has a kid's menu, table activities and all the games, drinks and bar food our winter-escaping heart's desire. Oh, and happy hour is seven days a week. Minors welcome until 9 p.m., which is bedtime anyway. Batter up!

5105 Ballard Ave. N.W.
Seattle, Wa 98107
206-420-2737
Online: ballardloft.com

Chuck's Hop Shop

Joshua Huston

Kids and baseball go together like beer and baseball, so--transitive property!--kids and beer go together. Nowhere is this truer than at Chuck's Hop Shop which has close to 1000 beers to choose from and nearly that many kids and dogs in a giant cornucopia of fun. There are two locations: the Central District and Greenwood, so take your pick. Maybe both? That's called a Chuck's doubleheader.

2001 E. Union St. (Central District)
Seattle, Wa 98122
206-538-0743
Online: chuckscd.wordpress.com

656 N.W. 85th St. (Greenwood)
Seattle, Wa 98117
206-297-6212
Online:chucks85th.wordpress.com

Giddy Up Burgers

Katherine Compagno

Less than five years old, Giddy Up is already an institution in its Frelard neighborhood. To call it a sports bar, or a burger joint, or a kid-friendly restaurant somehow misses the point. It's more like a gigantic romper room filled with kids, suds, sports and burgers. And saddles, leather saddles everywhere. Yee-haw!

4600 Leary Way N.W.
Seattle, Wa 98107
206-782-2798
Online: giddyupburgers.com

Lowercase Brewing

Mee M. via Yelp

All the cool kids are going to Georgetown, but what about the under-aged minors? Be the hippest mom, dad, aunt or uncle and take 'em to Lowercase Brewing. They've got the games, award-winning beers and ciders and the kids are welcome to run around and play all day.

6235 Airport Way S.
Seattle, Wa 98108
206-258-4987
Online: lowercasebrewing.com

Madrona Arms

Madrona Arms

This place looks like a small town village football pub in England, and even though football here could mean Sounders or Seahawks, that's the essence of Madrona Arms. The whole family is welcome, with a kid's menu and smashing pub grub. Keep one eye on the Mariners, and the other on the Sounders, they've got plenty of screens.

1138 34th Ave.
Seattle, Wa 98122
206-739-5104
Online: madronaarms.com

The Park Public House

The Park Public House via Yelp

Great bar food, a rockin' kid's menu, 12s, Huskies and Cougs everywhere. This friendly Phinney Ridge neighborhood tavern is where everyone might not know your name, but they will—just as soon as you become a regular.

6114 Phinney Ave. N.
Seattle, Wa 98103
206-789-8187
Online: facebook.com/The.Park.Pub

The Ram

RAMSeattle

The Huskies are gone from March Madness--boo!--but that doesn't mean the whole family shouldn't wear purple and gold to The Ram, a rite of passage for students and parents visiting U-Dub. Be sure to check ahead for daily specials, but little kids can eat for as little as $1 with an adult meal purchase. Combine that with screens everywhere and...go Dawgs!

2650 N.E. University Village St. (University Village)
Seattle, Wa 98105
206-525-3565

401 N.E. Northgate Way, #1102 (Northgate Mall)
Seattle, Wa 98125
206-364-8000

31920 Gateway Center Blvd. S.
Federal Way, Wa 98003
206-878-6694

3001 Ruston Way
Tacoma, Wa 98402
253-756-7886

9020 Market Pl. N.E.
Lake Stevens, WA 98258
425-263-9117

10520 Quil Ceda Blvd.
Tulalip, WA 98271
360-653-7721

Online: theram.com

Reuben's Brews

Parentmap

Even in a city filled with breweries, walking into Reuben's always feel like an event. It's the go-to taproom for Sounders games, and they open early to make sure fans catch every minute of the action. With a rotating roster of food trucks, and discounts on dine-in deliveries, neither parents nor little ones need ever go hungry. Invite all the parents, order a Crikey and make your own party—you won't be the only ones.

5010 14th Ave. N.W.
Seattle, Wa 98107
206-784-2859
Online: reubensbrews.com

Rookies Sports Bar and Grill

Alex C. via Yelp

Some of the venues on this list are brewhouses with TV screens, or kid-friendly restaurants that also go sports crazy. Rookies is a sports bar, period, end of sentence. And they love kids! Put a Ken Griffey Jr. jersey on your wee one, pick out a vintage Edgar Martinez for yourself and head to Columbia City. With 14 flat screen TVs and happy hour Monday through Friday, you can't go wrong here. 

3820 S. Ferdinand St., #101
Seattle, Wa 91881
206-722-0301
Online: rookiesseattle.com

The Westy Roosevelt

The Westy

Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose, such is the nature of being a sports fan. Win or lose, shouldn't we be at The Westy Roosevelt, which has numerous beers on tap, craft cocktails and over 120 whiskies? Whether celebrating or commiserating, this is the place to be. All ages are welcome until 10 p.m., so stay for the extra innings.

1215 N.E. 65th St.
Seattle, Wa 98115
206-402-5518
Online: thewestyseattle.com

—Natalie Compagno

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You know you’ve brought your kid up right when they ask for a Target-themed kids birthday party! Event planner Chelsea Flint was able to make a lucky six-year-old’s dream come true recently when she curated a birthday party that would make the retailer proud.

The red-themed party had all the makings of a Target run: a real shopping cart, plenty of splurge-worthy products, a checkout lane and yes mamas––even a Starbucks. No detail was left untouched in this super fun soiree.

Guests felt right at home when it came to getting the party started. They could get to shopping, scanning and buying with pint-sized accessories, and of course, take a break for a coffee when needed! Flint used cupcakes to mimic the iconic frappucino and we gotta say––it looks delicious!

 

Perhaps the pièce de résistance was the real live shopping cart. Flint tells Romper that she had to visit five different Target locations before a manager graciously let her borrow one and we’re pretty sure the birthday girl was a happy one.

While this definitely isn’t a new idea––Emily Kern’s 3-year-old daughter held her own bullseye bash several years ago––it’s no less a great one. And let’s also not forget the proud mama who loved the retailer so much she made her own Target birth announcement.

Now, who’s ready for a Target run?

––Karly Wood

 

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