Show your faves how much you appreciate them with these gifts for coworkers
They get you through the day. Understand what you’re going through. On some days, they’re the best part of the job. Your coworkers are the glue that holds your workdays together. (We’d know. We have the best ones.) It’s the season for spoiling them, obviously. Afterall, they always remember you take oat milk in your lattes. But gifts for coworkers can be tricks. Well, unless you have our guide. Which you do.
Gifts for coworkers can range from ultra-professional to ‘we hang out on the weekends, too’ and everything in between. That doesn’t mean, though, that you’re stuck with another nice pen or a gift card (no shade to either, of course). We’ve rounded up some of the best office bestie, inspiring manager, keeps-it-all-straight admin assistant gifts out there that are sure to make them feel super appreciated. And, if you’re still shopping for your whole list, don’t miss our holiday gift guides that have everyone covered.
Work from Anywhere Kit by Pinch Provisions
This handy kit comes with a notepad and sticky flags, pen, phone/tablet stand, cord organizer, 2-in-1 charging cable, and more for working from home, vacations, or just to have on-hand in case.
CamelBak Cocktail Shaker & Tumbler Limited-Edition Set
CamelBak
Whether your high-stress job causes for the occasional relaxing cocktail, or the holiday libations deserve some special treatment, this sleek set from CamelBak delivers.
Find their comfort soulmate at Pajamagram. Featuring their customer favorite addictively soft micro velvet Tempting Touch Pajamas, this gift is complete with plush Cozy Escape Socks, a Scented Candle, and a cozy definition Tote Bag all inside a deluxe box.
They can sanitize their phone and other small, high-touch objects using UV-C light and charge their phone at the same time. It all only takes 10 minutes and germs don't stand a chance.
These four eggs are all perfectly weighted, ergonomically designed, and made from various earthly elements—each with its own set of natural properties. They're perfect for fidgeting (though they have way more benefits than just something for your hands to do) and helping you keep your focus, plus they're very cool to look at.
They'll never have to worry about forgetting to water these stunning succulents. Pick from three gorgeous designs that stand on a small copper wire tripod, or they can be added to a pot with filler (sold separately).
Everyone loves pretzels and waffles. This box is the perfect mix of gourmet soft pretzels and Liège Belgian waffles (which were both selected as Oprah’s Favorite Things in years past), plus artfully blended sauces, and gourmet toppings.
This coffee (or tea or hot cocoa or milk or candle...) warmer offers 6 timer settings, from 2 to 12 hours, plus it shuts off when it no longer detects the warmer is occupied. Available in multiple colors.
These beautiful little trees are perfect for adding some color to their desk (or home, of course). Since it comes with 12, they could use them in both, actually.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
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Cue the fireworks—it’s the season for red, white, and blue!
Get into the patriotic spirit by getting crafty with the kids. We’ve gathered up a bunch of easy, festive Fourth of July crafts that will give your Independence Day a little extra oomph. They’re super simple and you probably have a lot of stuff on hand already. From DIY noisemakers to star-spangled slime, and even 4th of July crafts for toddlers, scroll down to see them all!
A sweet and simple way to celebrate the Fourth of July. Kids can paint them in advance and hide them around your neighborhood for their friends to find.
One of the best use of pipe cleaners we’ve seen in a while, this is another easy and fun project to add to your list of Fourth of July crafts for kids!
Your kids will love the creative freedom of this Fourth of July craft and you’ll love the easy clean up. They can use the Q-tip to make fireworks with dots, lines, swirls, or anything they come up with.
This coffee filter craft is a simple and fun Fourth of July craft for your kids! Simply have them draw their firework design on the coffee filter, cut the edges, and spritz with water.
Gather up cups and rubber bands and in minutes you’ll be watching a fire-free backyard rocket-launch contest. We love that this is an interactive, fun activity that you can do before darkness falls. Check out the easy-peasy way to make your own rocket launchers at KiwiCo’s blog.
Expecting a crowd this Fourth of July? This delicious lollipop topiary dreamed up by Gluesticks is an easy, kid-friendly centerpiece sure to make any party pop. Don’t be surprised if they sample a few of the supplies as they work!
We love this paper chain from A Pumpkin and a Princess because it’s so easy to make with the little ones. Drape this 4th of July craft over your mantle or table for an extra festive touch.
Let freedom ring with these firecracker noisemakers. The project comes together in less than five minutes and is sure to have your whole crew celebrating in style. Grab a metal can, wrap it in a patriotic pattern from Paging Supermom, then get ready for serious noise.
America’s gal comes to life with this patriotic Fourth of July craft from Buggy and Buddy. Drama kings and queens will love getting the chance to dress up as the Statue of Liberty and parade around with a crown and torch.
This fun Fourth of July craft from Make and Takes will have everyone begging to sit at the kids' table. Leftover paper plates make the perfect canvas for this after-dinner activity.
Forgo the craft store and instead scavenge materials for this eco-friendly project directly from your recycling bin. Using basic tools and a little craft paint, Carissa at Creative Green Living transformed tin cans into a festive and functional wind chime for the backyard.
Maria of Kinder Craze created this awesome project to get her kindergarten class into the stars-and-stripes spirit. Your kids will love layering the red, white, and blue tissue paper to create their very own “stained glass” window, and this colorful Fourth of July craft doubles as great window décor for your celebration.
While the ’80s kid in us still mourns for real-deal sparklers (the fiery kind), the 21st-century parent in us is totally relieved that it’s no longer acceptable to send your kids out with fire sticks. That said, we’re thrilled to get our sparkler fix with a super cool craft like this sparkless sparkler from Merriment Design. Break out the chopsticks, ribbon, and party garland, then craft your way to the coolest, safest sparkler around.
We love a craft that does double duty, and these cute cupcake liner flowers from Fireflies and Mudpies do just that. They would make a really fun centerpiece for any backyard BBQ, and the kids will love that their Fourth of July crafts are taking center stage.
Hop aboard a tea tour, search for minifigs in a famous library, and find the wild deer of Phoenix Park
Arguably one of the most kid-friendly destinations in the world, Ireland offers families a low-key vacation full of history, castles, music, and endless outdoor beauty. The odds are if you’re flying in on an international flight from North America, you’ll be landing in Dublin. While you may have plans to go further afield as you explore the Emerald Isle, don’t discount Dublin for tons of family fun that is surprisingly affordable. We’ve highlighted our favorite things to do with kids in Dublin, Ireland, including many free and cheap things to do.
Amber Guetebier
1. Take a Vintage Tea Trip Around Dublin
A vintage double-decker bus that serves tea while you drive around seeing Dublin’s major cities? Yes, please! And in case you didn’t know, this isn’t just a cuppa: it’s a full tea with sandwiches, treats, scones, and more. They even have vegetarian and gluten-free options. Enjoy your sandwiches and treats along with tidbits of Irish history and local knowledge on an utterly charming alternative to a big tour bus. The restored vintage buses are decked out like Gran’s tea room in the best way possible. This is a great way to get some food in their bellies and get off their jetlagged feet while you get the lay of the land on your first day in Dublin. Spend a little more and get the VIP upstairs seats. While this tour is a little pricey, you do get a full Irish tea, a guided tour, and an unforgettable experience.
2. See The Book of Kells & Old Library at Trinity College
Located at Trinity College, the Book of Kells and Long Room Library is usually on every visitor’s must-see list. And for good reason: the 1200-year-old manuscript is a sight to behold, and the library itself is like a magical passage into another era. It is highly advisable that you make advance reservations for this exhibit. While adult tickets run around $20 USD per person, children have reduced admission, and kids five are free.
If you have older kids, consider combining your visit to see the library and Book of Kells with a guided walking tour of the Trinity College campus to learn about famous alumni and see some of the hallowed halls. Family tickets include two adults and two children ages 13-17. Kids under 12 are free when accompanying an adult. The rate is €65/family, which is currently around $70 (subject to exchange rate).
Whether you love books and libraries or you’re looking for a more affordable, less touristy alternative to the Long Room, don’t miss the spectacular Marsh’s Library. Established in the early eighteenth century, this magical gem is easy to miss from the street. But once you know, you know. Pass through an unobtrusive archway in a stone wall, and you’ll soon be immersed in room after room of gorgeously preserved library books. Admire the rotating displays of books from the collection and chat with the knowledgeable staff about the history of the library, which was established by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh in 1707. Kids will enjoy the scavenger hunt for a “book thief” in the guise of a LEGO minfigure. The hunt takes them around the library looking for cleverly hidden minifigs of famous Irish writers and scholars and other important figures associated with the library, including a mummy and Dracula author Bram Stoker. Admission is affordable at just €5 for adults and €3 for students and seniors. Tickets can also be combined with admission to the nearby St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Speaking of LEGO minifigs, there’s a LEGO store in Dublin where you can customize a minifig all your own. The process doesn’t take long, and there are special Irish-themed choices exclusive to that store. A minifig including customizing will set you back around $15, but it’s an easy way to entertain the kids and let them make a souvenir they won’t forget. Be sure to pick up a passport you can have stamped on your way out! You can keep the passport and have it stamped at LEGO stores around the world.
The store is located in the heart of Dublin on Grafton Street, where you’ll likely find yourself at some point. This is a pedestrian-friendly shopping area where you’re sure to hear live music thanks to the wide variety of buskers.
There is no shortage of impressive churches in Ireland, where stone masonry is an art form. But an 18th-century church that has been converted into a gorgeous restaurant, one that features lively music and traditional Irish dancing, is a truly one-of-a-kind experience. About a five-minute walk from Grafton Street, The Church is a cafe, bar, and restaurant and also happens to be the wedding venue for Guinness forefather Arthur Guinness and his wife Olivia Whitmore. Much of the original architecture is in place, including stained glass windows and a Renatus Harris-designed organ. Self-guided tours are available every day between 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., and music and dancing take place nearly every night between 6:30 and 7 p.m. You can make reservations, but the restaurant is huge so unless you have a very large group, you can walk in. Kids are welcome until 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, after which it becomes a 21 and up venue. Their website states that on Fridays and Saturdays kids are welcome until 5 p.m.
Pubs in Ireland, particularly during daylight and afternoon hours, welcome children. In the Temple Bar district, pubs often have traditional music throughout the day (and well into the evening). Generally speaking, pubs allow children to be there before 9 p.m., though some may request children leave earlier. Temple Bar does have a reputation as the rowdy, drinking neighborhood for the twentysomethings, but it’s perfectly kid-friendly during earlier hours and can be a lot of fun. We loved the Auld Dubliner.
Amber Guetebier
7. Take a Trek to the Dublin Zoo
Yes, it’s a zoo, and it may not be that different from the zoo in your hometown, but it’s also a zoo! And kids love zoos. One of the best parts about visiting a kid-centric spot like the Dublin Zoo is that the visiting crowds are full of locals, so you’re not only mingling with other tourists, but you’re also hanging out eating snacks by the meerkats with local Irish families. This zoo has wolves, tigers, and snow leopards among many other beautiful animals.
Phoenix Park has a slogan: “Where Dublin goes to breathe” and it’s easy to see why when you see it. One of Europe’s largest enclosed parks, it’s home to the Dublin Zoo, Victorian Flower Gardens, a marvelous playground and so much more. When you leave the Dublin Zoo, head for a walk toward Phoenix Monument, a giant obelisk (you can’t miss it) and keep an eye out for the famous deer herd.
The wild deer of Phoenix Park are a species of fallow deer, first introduced to Ireland in 1244 but brought to what is now Phoenix Park in 1662 to establish a Royal Deer Park for hunting. The deer are now protected with a population of approximately 600. Visitors should not feed the deer and should maintain a respectful distance of at least 50 meters (a little over 150 feet).
9. See the Bog Bodies at the National Museum of Ireland
The National Museum of Ireland is actually four museums, three of which are located in Dublin: Natural History, Archeology, and Decorative Arts & History. (The fourth is Country Life, located in Castlebar, County Mayo). While they are all fabulous, kids will likely enjoy the flora and fauna at the Natural History Museum, and the impressive artifacts and preserved bog bodies at the Archelogy Museum. Admission is free, so it’s easy to wander in and out of each one without pressure to see everything.
Dublin has no shortage of museums and cultural sites, so it’s easy to spend a week just trying to see them all. However, a true stand-out is EPIC, The Irish Emigration Museum. Full of interactive and fun exhibits, children and grown-ups alike will discover the lasting contributions and major impact on the world thanks to Irish emigrants. A visit here will help gain insight into the celebrated culture of Irish heritage around the world, and basically just why Ireland is so great!
Dublin, Ireland with kids is an easy place to visit and a hard place to leave. These are just a few of the amazing things you can do with kids in the city of Dublin.
Need something new to do in NYC this winter? Why not visit one of the city’s lesser known museums?
When these chillier months roll around, entertaining the kids can get a bit more challenging. Luckily, not only does New York have museums that attract crowds from around the globe (we’re looking at you Met, Guggenheim, MoMA, and Museum of Natural History) but it’s also home to some of the best unique kid-friendly museums around. Check out our list of the top under-the-radar museums in the city to explore. We promise these will make bearing the winter winds worth it.
1. Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling
Sugar Hill Children's Museum is specifically designed to foster creativity for young children ages 3-8. Developed by the Broadway Housing Communities, this museum's mission is to give kids the opportunity to both learn and express their own creativity through art and stories. Exhibits, reading nooks, and interactive storytelling all ensure your kids will get their creativity on. Whether you bring the kids for Saturday Story Hour (held weekly at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.) or you drop in for special events, like Toddler Time with Evan V on Feb. 18, you'll always find something engaging for the kids here.
What's New & Cool: Check out the sculpture collection from Melvin Van Peebles "Blue Room"—MVP.
Puerto Rican, Caribbean, and Latin American cultures are all around us in New York City, and El Museo del Barrio brings them together in one rich setting. The galleries are housed on a single floor, so your visit will be a quick, happy jaunt for the kids.
What's New & Cool: Kids will marvel at Reynier Leyva Novo's Methuselah, a digital exhibit that follows a monarch butterfly's 6,000-mile journey from Canada to Mexico.
1230 5th Ave. at E. 104 St. Upper East Side Online:elmuseo.org
3. Theodore Roosevelt Boyhood Home
Unbelievably, Teddy Roosevelt is the only U.S. president born in New York City. Although Roosevelt was regarded as a great nature lover and conservationist, he was an honest-to-goodness native New Yorker and was raised in a townhouse on E. 20 St. All tours through his boyhood home are guided. Kids will be able to explore Teddy’s taxidermy specimens (he was an avid bug collector), see his Rough Rider uniform, and the bullet-pierced eyeglass case that helped save his life during an assassination attempt.
What's New & Cool: Kids can earn a Junior Ranger Badge when they visit. Just print out the booklet before you head over.
Located in lower Manhattan, the National Museum of the American Indian could get lost in the shuffle of other go-to destinations like the Statue of Liberty and the Staten Island Ferry. However, this Smithsonian branch of Native American art and cultural artifacts is housed in the majestic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House (the rotunda itself is a “wow” moment). Featuring exhibitions, dance and music performances, children’s workshops, family programs, and film festivals, NMAI will turn your kids on to Native American cultures without boring them.
What's New & Cool: The photography exhibit Developing Stories: Native Photographers in the Field is worth the outing, and we have a feeling the same can be said for the upcoming show, Shelly Niro: 500 Year Itch, opening in late May.
Who doesn’t love a fire truck? Here’s a whole museum that celebrates those red machines and honors the men and women who fight fires with them. The New York Fire Museum is the perfect size for the smallest of museum-goers. It’s a short and sweet tour that traces the history of fire trucks from when they were bucket brigades and horse-drawn ladder wagons to the current motorized era.
What's New & Cool: The 9/11 Memorial Room is powerful.
If your kids ever complain that their room is too small, take ’em on a tour at the Tenement Museum. Kids get to step back in time and see a preserved tenement apartment from the early 1900s. In these tiny, two-room spaces, extended families were jammed in together and the young’uns typically slept on the floor. The best tour for kids is the Victoria Confino Tour. An actress portraying a young girl who moved to New York at the turn of the century tells her tale of survival as a new immigrant. This experience is best for kids ages 5 and up.
What's New & Cool: The Neighborhood Walking Tours are a great alternative, especially if you have younger kids who love stroller time or baby wearing.
103 Orchard St. Lower East Side Online:tenement.org
While the words “kids” and “serenity” seem on opposite ends of the stress spectrum, they come together in harmony at the Noguchi Museum. Dedicated to the sculptural works of Isamu Noguchi, the Queens museum is also devoted to including children and families in exploring the museum’s minimalistic artworks. On the first Saturday of each month, Open Studio invites families for kid-friendly tours and hands-on artmaking.
What's New & Cool: The In Praise of Caves exhibition will make kids feel at home...or at least start thinking about connecting modern living with the natural world.
Scout around some of old, old New York at the Museum at Eldridge Street on the Lower East Side. Housed within a 127-year-old synagogue, the Museum at Eldridge Street offers tours of the synagogue, during which visitors learn about the Jewish roots of the downtown neighborhood, which was once home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the world.
While you might think that this former private library of financier Pierpont Morgan may sound a bit stuffy and academic, the Morgan Library and Museum makes a huge effort to be inviting to families. Some of the current exhibitions celebrate kid-centric subject matter like The Little Prince: Taking Flight (leaving soon). In addition, the Morgan hosts a monthly Family First Saturday program usually that includes a storytime, tour, and other activities. And if all else fails, your kids will love riding up (and down and up again) in the museum’s glass elevator.
What's New & Cool: Uncommon Denominator: Nina Katchadourian at the Morgan opens February 10, 2023.
225 Madison Ave. at W. 36 St. Murray Hill Online:themorgan.org
10. The Louis Armstrong House Museum
In humble little Corona, a giant once lived. Jazz great Louis Armstrong set down roots in the Queens neighborhood in 1943 and made a home with his beloved wife, Lucille, for nearly four decades. A refuge from the world of nonstop touring and public demands, this modest home is now deemed a National Historic Landmark and a New York City landmark. Beyond the home's nondescript brick exterior, you and the kids will find a tricked-out set designer’s dream with mint-condition decor from earlier eras, including electric blue metal kitchen cabinets and a gold and marble bathroom with mirrored walls. Older kids will dig the fact that rap music and hip-hop evolved directly from Armstrong's music.
What's New & Cool: During the winter holidays, families can enjoy the Holiday House Tour for two weeks.
Filled with more than 30 interactive hands-on exhibits on its two floors, the Museum of Mathematics has achieved the remarkable feat of getting kids excited about numbers. While young visitors’ test scores won’t jump after one visit, those little brains will get an abstract thinking workout when they ride the square-wheeled trike, race a mini cart on the “Tracks of Galileo,” and boogie on the math square dance floor. Best of all? Your kids will equate math with fun.
What's New & Cool: With so many cool events at the museum, it's hard to pick just one. But we're fans of free museum days and the Math Discovery in the Museum programs.
11 E. 26 St. Madison Square Park Online:momath.org
Kids dig anything big—including buildings. At the Skyscraper Museum, you and your budding architects can explore what makes New York City famous: its skyscrapers. Children can check out photos, films, and models all dedicated to really tall buildings in their hometown.
What's New & Cool: The family programming here is what it's all about. And while we don't like to pick favorites, we're pretty excited for the upcoming Iggy Peck, Architect event coming up on February 25, 2023.
Find secret rooms behind bookcases, bedrooms with stained glass windows, armor, swords, and turrets to explore when you rent your very own castle
If you are looking to experience the royal treatment for your next family vacation, we’ve got the Airbnbs for you. These Airbnb castles have all the turrets, stained glass, and massive bedrooms of your fairytale dreams. Explore secret bedrooms behind bookcases and enjoy modern amenities like hot tubs and game rooms. These castles make the perfect vacation rental that the kids (and the parents) won’t soon forget!
Talk about a gorgeous location perched just above Lake George and the Adirondack mountains. You'll find knights' armor in the hallways and a Great Hall to satisfy all your ballroom dreams. They have two other castles bookable on the property so invite all the lords and ladies!
Located halfway between San Francisco and LA, this massive castle is the perfect destination for families visiting California. Each of the bedrooms has a private bath and you can send the kids to the hidden attic where they will want to play to day away. You access the attic via a secret bookcase door!
You'll have everything you need at this gorgeously-decorated castle that's perfect for your Philly adventure. With 8 bedrooms to choose from, everyone will have space to spread out and then gather in the massive central room. Kids will especially love the games they have available and you'll love gathering with extended family.
Everything is bigger in Texas and this castle is no exception. Spend the weekend in this 14,000 sq. ft. castle that's fit for a king (and queen!). Whether it's the majestic scenic view from the balcony, the oversized master bathroom, or a game room complete with a pool table and darts, you will feel like royalty. Check out the bubbling stream outside and then bust out the Oculus Quest VR system for some family game time.
The Castle at Lake Livingston Village—Livingston, TX
Airbnb
Bring the Princes and Princesses to get away from the big city and enjoy a relaxing, quaint guesthouse that will accommodate up to five guests. You can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and water skiing right from the neighborhood private boat ramp/dock. Enjoy the wooded outdoor atmosphere by the fire pit, providing an old-world and secluded feel.
This contemporary castle is located on 52 acres of private woods, perfect for exploring. There are no TVs here so you can expect the full off-the-grid-castle experience. There's even an art gallery in the castle's turret!
Step back in time and become royalty by staying at Knoxville's most unique estate, your very own castle only ten minutes from downtown. Surrounded by 300 acres of Ijams Nature Center, kids will love staying here. Modeled after a Scottish hunting lodge, secret passage, towers, swords, armor, and magic abound!
Treat your senses, your spirit, and your well-being at Aura. Enjoy the beauty of the Finger Lakes, go wine and beer tasting, eat farm-to-fork food, play and swim in Lake Cayuga, explore the Wells College campus and discover how wonderful this one-of-a-kind experience of sleeping in a church can be.
You'll never want to leave this 20,000+sq ft modern-day castle completed in 2018 with all the luxury amenities you seek (theater, spa, game rooms, ballroom, and MUCH MORE). Just an hour from Seattle, the castle overlooks the Stillaguamish River and the Stilly Valley. Kids will especially love the life-sized chess, arcade, and fire pit.
You'll love this renovated cathedral/castle as it's a great space for extended family to gather. There are five private bedrooms and a large gathering space and table for group meals. There's only a kitchenette so plan ahead for meals.
This castle is something the kids won't soon forget with a pond and expansive property to explore. The hot tub and fire pits will keep everyone outdoors and there's plenty of room for your whole crew to spend the night.
Please note, prices listed were valid at the time of publication but rates can fluctuate at different times of the year. If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.
This MLK Day, explore King’s impact and legacy with the kids
On January 16 we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Not only is it a day to remember one of our nation’s most revered individuals, but it’s also a time to reflect on how we can all lead our lives with love, respect, and kindness for our fellow humans. It’s also a prime opportunity for parents to explore Black history in Portland. If you’re looking for a way to make this day off from school a day on, Portland has a variety of events scheduled throughout the month to commemorate Dr. King and his legacy. It’s a wonderful time for families to engage, learn, and give back to their community.
courtesy JCWC
1. MLK Day of Restoration and Reflection
One of the ways your family can reflect on Dr. King's work is to volunteer with the Johnson Creek Watershed Council and help restore habitat at Foster Floodplain. Not only will it be an opportunity for families to reflect in conversation, but they'll also have a chance to engage in environmental justice during the two hour event. Please remember to bring water bottles and wear rain gear and clothes that won't mind a little mud. Gloves, tools, and light refreshments will be provided. All ages are welcome.
Date & Time: Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-noon
Foster Floodplain Natural Area 10602 S.E. Foster Rd. Portland Online:jcwc.org
2. MLK Day Clean Up
Teach your kids the value of giving back to their community by volunteering with SOLVE Oregon. The event kicks off at Irving Park in Northeast Portland where volunteers will head out to pick up litter along MLK Boulevard to prevent it from entering the city’s waterways. All ages are welcome. Please remember to sign up in advance for this event.
Date & Time: Jan.16, 10 a.m.-noon
Irving Park 3498 N.E. 7th Ave. Portland Online:solveoregon.org
Start off the weekend of MLK remembrance early by heading to the University of Portland for a range of activities. This year, the university is inviting you to join in their theme of “Who is Our Beloved Community?” and involve yourself and the family in honoring MLK’s civil rights accomplishments. You'll find the full list of events online.
Dates: Jan. 16 & 17
University of Portland 5000 N. Willamette Blvd. Portland Online:up.edu
4. Keep Alive the Dream
The World Arts Foundation's annual tribute to King is back in-person this year. This event has been recognized as the largest community cultural event of its kind in Oregon. The 2023 lineup is still TBD, but you and the family can get inspired by watching the Foundation's documentary on Oregon's African-American communities.
Make environmental justice the center of your Martin Luther King, Jr. Day activity with the kids. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. The folks at Urban Forestry will provide all the tools you need to make it a Day On with the kids.
Date & Time: Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
9360 N. Columbia Blvd. Portland Online:portland.gov
6. Visit a nearby National Park
Families can visit nearby national parks like Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens for free on MLK Day. No passes are needed to park or stay and explore the mountains and trails of these two gorgeous parks that are just a short drive from the city. Or if you're up for a bit of a drive you can head to Crater Lake and make it day.
7. Celebrate Kindness & Community
With the long weekend, why not take a trip to Olympia and celebrate MLK Day at one of the best children's museums in the Pacific Northwest. Children's book readings, poetry, stained glass art, and writing kindness letters to your neighbors and friends are all part of the way you can walk in the footsteps of Dr. King with your kids on the day off.
Date & Time: Jan. 16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Hands On Children's Museum 414 Jefferson St. N.E. Olympia, WA Online:hocm.org
Families with kids as young as 3 can participate in this community MLK Day event that's just over the bridge in Vancouver. Wear your best rain gear, and close-toed shoes, and head out to plant trees along Burnt Bridge Creek with the Watershed Alliance. You'll need to register in advance for this volunteer opportunity.
Run for justice by participating in the third annual “I Have A Dream” virtual race, benefiting the Equal Justice Initiative. Sign up for a 1-mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon, or a full marathon and run it wherever you are, whenever you want, and at your own pace. Not only does your registration fee includes a race medal and bib, but a portion of it will be donated to the Equal Justice Initiative, an organization “committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American Society.” Just remember to complete your “I Have a Dream” race anytime in January 2023.
Gingerbread houses. Kids love them, but unless you’re a master confectioner, sometimes this “delightful” holiday tradition can lead to frustration. This is why we’ve found game-changing gingerbread house ideas to make your task an easy one. From buying a gingerbread house kit to making a LEGO gingerbread house, these tips and tricks will help you make a gingerbread house. Keep reading to learn more.
Any architect will tell you it’s a good idea to first lay out the design of your house. Kids can decide what candy they want to use, and where, which will help prevent running short on supplies mid-project. Psst! This is a great way to indulge in your Pinterest habit!
2. Use Graham Crackers or Cookies in Place of Gingerbread
We know, you're a traditionalist. But trust us, using graham crackers is a lot less expensive, and it's a great way to practice your skills before you move on to the "real deal."
3. Make Something Else
Sommy Rhee
You don't have to stick with the house theme: get creative and consider something like a train or a plane, a grocery store or firehouse or even furniture! Gingerbread couch, anyone?
If you are still trying to get rid of the Halloween stash, this is as good as time as any. Twizzlers, Tootsie Rolls, Banana Laffy Taffy, Twix (wait, you have Twix left?) and other trick-or-treat classics all work well. Clean out your cupboards and use up pretzels, marshmallows, cinnamon sticks, cereal and any other food item you think could fit the bill.
Insider Tip: Pull out the peanut M&Ms and the Mike & Ikes in order to make a string of lights or two. Hungry Happenings will show you how to make it happen.
5. Buy a Kit
This might not seem like a big "hack" to you, but if you've ever been crazy enough to try to make gingerbread walls from scratch, you know you wish someone would have just told you to get the kit first. You don't have to stick to the kit-provided decor (see above re: Halloween candy), but having some basics and step-by-step instructions never hurt anyone. For something a little different this year, check out this amazing Oreo cookie house kit.
You will need that royal icing to make snowy rooftops and general designs, but relying on it to hold everything together can create a little mayhem. Try using a hot glue gun to make the key elements stick. We like this low-temp glue gun that is great for kids. As an added bonus, it dries way faster than the royal icing.
Here's a secret you might not realize: some of those elaborate gingerbread palaces have cardboard or styrofoam supports inside! Use empty cereal or tissue boxes and the hot glue trick above to ensure your base is the strongest it can be.
This is a great trick for giving a stained-glass window effect, and it's easy, too! Just cut the roll-ups to slightly larger than the window and use icing-glue or hot glue to hold them in place (before assembling). This will also hide that interior "structure" box we mentioned above.
Yes, you can cover your creations in all manner of goodies and gumdrops. But sometimes simple white piping and a few pieces of well-placed candy give the perfect "snow-covered cottage" look.
No one said a gingerbread house has to be huge to be amazing. A smaller house requires fewer supplies and is easier to hold together, which also means less frustration. You can make multiple small houses out of cookie bases, and line them up on a sideboard in the middle of a table for a festive centerpiece.
File this under “why didn’t we think of that?” Turn a classic sugar cone point side up, coat it in green frosting, and even dust it with powdered sugar “snow” for a woodsy outdoor scene.
If you don't want the sticky mess that a gingerbread house sometimes makes, why not make one out of LEGO? Using bricks you already have at home, use this how-to video from YouTube to make a gingerbread house that won't go bad.
Print out a mini-snap of your kids and make it so they are peeking out the window of your gingerbread house. Adds a fun personalized element and is super easy to execute.
14. Be Patient
Allison Sutcliffe
You can build your house in a day, but you won't be able to do it in 20 minutes. Make sure you allow for the time the glued pieces need to try: to each other and/or to the base structure. With royal icing, you need at least 30 minutes to be sure the glue has really set. Going too fast results in sliding sides and cracked walls, especially when you start adding the weight of the candy decorations too soon. But hopefully, with the hacks above, you'll find a workaround for any of your common gingerbread house-making problems.
Famous for its wine, Bordeaux, France might not immediately come to mind for its kid-friendly offerings. We’re here to say it is definitely somewhere you should take your kids when visiting France and we’ve got loads of things to do with kids in Bordeaux to get you started. You’ll find delicious eats, fountains to play in, and even an indoor surfing spot for those looking for an adrenaline rush. Our Bordeaux guide for families includes a fun hotel with huge rooms that is easily accessible via tram and an immersive art exhibit that will leave you awestruck.
Bonus: It is super easy to get to Bordeaux from the US via French bee’s train+air service that combines your train and air tickets. More on that below.
1. Visit Cap Sciences to become a gladiator for a day.
Kate Loweth
Cap Sciences should be your first stop for any trip to Bordeaux with kids, especially if you want them to get active and learn a little about science at the same time. We enjoyed the Gladiateur exhibit where you got to join gladiator school and learn what it was like to train and work as one of these feared fighters. The kids (and adults) also enjoyed the body and sport exhibit where you got to be a professional athete and show off your skills in VR. We’d recommend Cap Sciences for kids five and up.
2. Dine on farm-to-table cuisine at Casa Gaïa. To say this was one of the best meals we’ve ever had would not be an understatement. Highlighting products from the Gironde region, Casa Gaïa offered delicious food that was both simple and perfect. The kids in our group enjoyed the wood-fired pizza and colorful plates with falafel and roasted vegetables. Start the meal with one of their creative cocktails before you head to the comprehensive wine list.
3. Check out the immersive art at Les Bassins des Lumières.
Kate Loweth
There’s nothing quite like this immersive art experience that takes place inside a massive former submarine base that’s pretty impressive on its own. Featuring rotating digital art exhibits, the Les Bassins des Lumières is currently exhibiting Venise, La Sérénissime, where you can imagine yourself in the city of Venice with all of its architecture and religious art. Kids will love walking around and viewing the immersive art and imagining the days when submarines used to be built here.
4. Tour the city via electric train.
When your little crew has done enough walking for the day, head to the tourist office where you can hop aboard the white electric train for a 45-minute tour of the city with commentary.
5. Go indoor surfing at Wave Surf Café.
Kate Loweth
When the temps topped out at 110 degrees on our visit to Bordeaux, we had to get a little creative in the activity department. Enter the Wave Surf Café. Here you can book time for some “urban sliding,” a.k.a. boogie boarding and surfing with instruction. The teens and tweens in our group especially loved this activity. Those who wish to observe can enjoy the large seating area that includes a bar serving snacks, coffee, and alcoholic beverages.
6. Live out your food hall dreams at Les Halles de Bacalan.
Kate Loweth
Super close to the Cité du Vin, you’ll find this huge food hall that offers everything from cappuccinos to tapas to artisanal ice cream sandwiches. We snagged some spots at the counter and easily found something that everyone wanted to eat. If you walk through the whole property, you might even find the pinball machines that are the perfect kid distraction so you can enjoy your sangria at a slow pace.
7. Stroll the Jardin Public.
This lovely garden is a great spot to spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy some sandwiches in the sun. There’s even a small playground for the kiddies and a terrace with food/drinks for purchase. Walk a little farther and you’ll find number 8 below.
8. Learn about animals at Muséum Bordeaux Sciences et Nature.
Everyone loved our visit to the Muséum Bordeaux Sciences et Nature, especially since its air conditioning was at full blast on a very hot day. There was an exhibit that was full of taxidermied animals and skeletons, and one that showed all the creatures that make their homes on the nearby Aquitane coast. Little ones will love the special exhibit that’s designed just for them—Tous les bébés.
9. Go on a food tour. A great way to get to know a new city is on a food tour because you get a little bit of history, a little bit of geography, and lots of snacking in between. Our lively food tour with Do Eat Better started off with a three-course meal at a small bistro, and it was followed by wine tasting and stops to taste treats like canelés and dunes blanches—a cream puff that everyone loved.
10. Splash around in the Miroir d’Eau.
Kate Loweth
Summer evenings when the sun doesn’t go down until after 10 p.m. are made for visits to this water feature that’s right across from the Place de la Bourse. You’ll find kids and adults splashing in the water and enjoying the views of the Garonne River. Right down the street are a number of gelato shops (go for the apricot if they have it!).
11. Go thrift shopping.
Kate Loweth
The teens in our crew are always looking for a bargain and Bordeaux did not disappoint. We found our favorite French thrift shop Free’p’Star there, along with a number of other small thrift shops. Most only take cash so come prepared.
12. Admire Gothic architecture at the Basilique Saint-Michel.
All you really have to do is look for the massive column that sticks out above the Bordeaux skyline to find this gothic beauty. Visitors are welcome inside to check out the stained glass windows and to marvel at how they could have built such an amazing building so long ago. On the weekends you’ll find a market on the plaza just outside.
Where to Stay in Bordeaux with Kids
Kate Loweth
We set up our Bordeaux home base in the Chartrons neighborhood at Appart’City Confort Bordeaux Chartrons. This property had huge rooms with plentiful air conditioning and mini kitchens that families will love (see our room tour here). They offer a substantial breakfast buffet, and free coffee and cappuccinos are available any time of day. Washers/dryers were just off the lobby and the staff was more than willing to assist us with any requests that we had.
The property’s location is about 20 minutes outside of downtown via the public transportation system and you’ll like being in more of a neighborhood with a grocery store nearby. There’s a salad shop in the same building as the hotel and a pizza stand across the street (both are kid-recommended). For a true French bistro experience, head to L’Attablée which is also right across the street. The service and the food there were both top-notch.
How to Travel to Bordeaux with Kids: The French bee Train+Air Experience.
Kate Loweth
If you plan to fly into Paris and then make your way to Bordeaux, go for the French bee train+air experience. You are able to book both your air and train tickets together via the French bee website and you’ll get a lower rate on the train tickets in the process. Because your tickets are connected, you are covered in case of delay or cancelation of your air or train segments.
Kate Loweth
French bee is a low-cost airline that flies direct from SFO, LAX, and Newark (with Miami coming in December) to Paris Orly and we found the service to be friendly and accommodating to families. We especially loved being able to watch the plane’s external cameras during takeoff and landing. French bee lets you pay for only what you need with meals and checked baggage being add-on charges. And a mental note for when you’re feeling a little tropical: French bee also flies direct to Tahiti!
Here are your new favorite homemade Christmas ornaments!
Take your tree trimming to the next level! We’ve made a list of the best DIY Christmas ornaments for kids that are sure to bring on the holiday cheer without the cringe. From stained “glass” to popsicle stick creativity, these craft ideas for kids are the perfect way to deck the halls.
This adorable sled ornament only needs a few supplies (we love that candy cane-style twine!) and is a classic ornament you'll be proud to display for years. Get the how-to from Fireflies and Mudpies.
The hardest part about making this gorgeous ornament is setting up the template. You'll need an electric drill, nails and wood. After that, it'll come together easily. Alyssa and Carla will show you how it's done.
Let it snow! This cute craft from The Best Ideas for Kids is a fun way to spend an afternoon, and if you have a reasonably stocked craft drawer, you may even have the materials on hand. Let the kids go wild with their personalized snowflakes—who says snow can’t be colorful?
Who needs a stained glass window when your little artists can make their own melted bead ornaments? This idea, courtesy of One Little Project, is positively foolproof and oh-so-pretty. Round up some pony beads and cookie cutters, and you’re halfway there!
It’s an ornament! It’s a keepsake! It’s an adorable idea from Mama. Papa. Bubba. This craft is a cinch to make and a great way to get the kids to practice their writing. Plus, you’ll be able to look back at these letters for years to come!
Ready for a craft that’s crazy creative and pretty, too? These ornaments from Clumsy Crafter fit the bill! They use up your broken crayons, are super simple, and only take a few minutes to make.
Top off your tree with more trees! It’s easy with this craft from One Little Project. The fuss is minimal, and the kids will love getting creative with Popsicle sticks. And the result? Too cute!
These tree ornaments from Trisha Brink Design are cheerful, colorful, and beyond easy to make! All you need is Popsicle sticks, some glittery bling, and a few other materials to craft up a storm.
Paging Fun Mums has a great reason to go for a nature walk and collect some pinecones. With a quick coat of paint, some bling, and an artistic kiddo, you'll be able to jazz up your finds up and add them to your own tree at home.
Here’s the thing about these pretty ornaments from Aunt Peaches: they don’t require any special craftiness skills from you! And who couldn’t use a little more sparkle this holiday season?
Want to make your Christmas tree extra adorable? Just whip up a few of these ornaments from Mama. Papa. Bubba. Kids will love stirring up the gingerbread baking soda clay— not to mention the decorating!
Treat your young wizards to a truly creative ornament craft! Lemon Lime Adventures shows how to make fun and glittery potion ornaments that channel all your fave magical concoctions. Wicked!
Who wouldn’t go nuts over these peanut snowmen from Evermine Occasions? The best part is that they’re pretty simple to whip up—and perfect for those wishing for a snowy holiday.
Ah, here’s a classic for you—courtesy of Mommypotamus. If you made salt dough ornaments as a kid, there’s no time like the present to start the tradition with your own little elves.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this ornament’s awesomeness? Little fans of Big Hero 6 will love this idea from This Fairytale Life. And it’s off-the-charts easy to make, too!
Want to channel your inner Rudolph? Just take a cue from Little Bit Funky and add some reindeer thumbprint art to your tree! Best of all, these ornaments are super impressive but easy to make!
If your kids love bird-watching, then you’ve got to check out these ornaments from Saltwater-Kids. They’re perfect for all the feathered friends that visit your backyard—just hang them on a tree near a window and enjoy!
Start saving those toilet paper rolls! With this super simple idea from Craft Klatch, you can turn regular ol’ cardboard into sparkly recycled poinsettia ornaments.
‘Tis the season for a recycling craft! With the help of Fireflies and Mud Pies, you can turn an old jar lid into an oh-so-cute reindeer ornament. It’s a great way to upcycle materials!
This super creative and easy-to-personalize ornament will surely be a family favorite. A DIY snow globe ornament! Jennifer Perkins breaks down what you need and how to create yours step-by-step here.
Hide the dishes! 2020 was all about Minnie Mouse Main Attraction but Stitch is about to change all that in the new year.
Stitch Crashes Disney is the new continuity series to hit shopDisney, Disney store and Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort. Every third Saturday of each month the monthly collection that features plush and pins will release to fans of the OG film from 2002. Keep scrolling to see the collection so far!
Stitch Crashes Beauty & the Beast
In typical Stitch form, the lovable character will be crashing classic Disney Animated films all throughout the year. First up, Stitch can be found sneaking into Disney’s Beauty and the Beast 30th anniversary with merch that features the film’s iconic roses and stained-glass artwork.
Stitch Crashes Lady and the Tramp
Last month, Stitch went head to head with Beauty and the Beast, and this month, the naughty character is in all sorts of spaghetti trouble. Inspired by the sweet scene we all know from Lady and the Tramp, Stitch ($29) is covered in all things noodles this month.
Stitch is made with satin, has an embroidered foot patch and comes with a "pile" of spaghetti with a meatball on top of his head. For a limited time, you can shop this month's collection of a plush, pin ($25), Magic Band and an assortment of apparel.
Stitch Crashes The Lion King
Stitch is at it again! The mischievous creatures has now crashed The Lion King! This month, you'll find a Stitch plush covered in a tribal pattern with adorable bugs on his head.
Other items in this month's release include a customizable mug ($16.95), a jumbo pin ($24.99) and apparel items.
Wondering what’s coming in the next few months? Per shopDisney, it looks like Stitch will be crashing The Little Mermaid, Pinocchio and Aladdin!