Connect With Family in a Whole New Way This Season

by Jamie AderskiDecember 2, 2020

Family. We love the heck out of them, but they can be the toughest to shop for. If you’re stuck in an “I’ll just give them a fancy candle.” rut, you came to the right article. We’ve found a high-tech (but simple), wow (but affordable), gift that any parent, grandparent, even dog parent will adore. Read on for three reasons we love the Aura digital frame!

Enter “getgifting” at auraframes.com for 15% off. Expires 1/31/2021

Ultimate Storage & Sharing

Aura digital frames are beautifully designed WiFi frames that connect people worldwide through a delightfully simple photo sharing experience. Got a big family? No problem! Enjoy 10,000+ photos and invite as many people as you'd like through the Aura app with zero subscription fees. Even if you're scattered across the globe, you can stay connected through shared memories on your Aura frame. (We were thinking the same thing—there could not be a better time for this!)

Easy for All

Aura frames are super easy to set up and use (even for the technologically challenged). You can even add photos ahead of time, and like the magical elf you are, surprise someone special with personalized memories, and POOF!—they'll appear on the frame! Not to mention the super high-res, auto-brightness adjusting display means your photos always look their best, even that surprise-attack photo your kiddo took of you before you had coffee—no bueno.

With its interactive frame controls, you can change photos, view details, and share the love with the swipe of a finger. Save time with Aura's smart curation photo tools that help find your best photos, avoiding duplicates and blurry shots. Then choose your photos, and they'll appear on your frame like magic, wherever it is in the world. No memory cards required—just happy memories relived.

Gorgeous Design

Because why would you frame your loved ones in anything less? Aura makes gorgeous, living room-worthy frames that are the ultimate gift this holiday. No wonder it's a two-time favorite for Oprah, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes Magazine, was named Top Pick for Best Digital Frame in Wirecutter and more!

Each Aura frame is thoughtfully designed and meticulously crafted from materials like wood or stainless steel mesh, and the crystal clear screen resolution means your photos are museum level. (Disclaimer: not actually, but they'll look darn fine.) Finally, a screen that's display worthy in your home! Beyond convenient technology, Your Aura frame is sure to get a lot of "oohs" and "ahhs" and "Did you know my birthday is coming up?" from friends and family—take the hint.

The Aura app is compatible with iOs and Android.

Enter “getgifting” at auraframes.com for 15% off. Expires 1/31/2021

Get an Aura Frame here.

Carver

Enter “getgifting” at auraframes.com to save 15% on your purchase. Expires 1/31/2021

$199 BUY NOW

Sawyer

Enter “getgifting” at auraframes.com to save 15% on your purchase. Expires 1/31/2021

$299 BUY NOW

—Jamie Aderski

Williams Sonoma Launches Exclusive New Disney Collection

by Karly WoodSeptember 29, 2020

Mickey and his pals are here for your meal time. In a brand new collection, Williams Sonoma has just launched a lineup of mouse-inspired cook wear and accessories guaranteed to make your time spent in the kitchen more fun.

From spatulas and oven mitts, to aprons and cookie jars, the 18-piece Mickey Mouse collection is packed with the whimsy we all need. Keep scrolling to see our fave products!

Aprons

These adorable aprons are just as much fun as they are functional. They are made with a durable twill, have two large pockets for all your accessories and have an adjustable neck. Shop both Mickey and Minnie aprons for adults ($39.95) and kids ($24.95).

Mickey Mouse Impression Cookie Cutter Set

Williams Sonoma 21-piece stainless-steel cutters ($29.95) will take your cookie baking to the next level. The set comes with six Disney characters that include Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto in detailed impressions. You'll also get 12 icing bags, four decorating tips, plastic coupler and storage box.

Cookie Jar

Keep your cookies extra sweet in this cookie jar ($69.95). The stoneware jar comes with a super tight fitting lid and hand painted details for an extra special touch.

Flex Spatulas

These flexible nylon spatulas ($16.95) are all about the magic. They are safe up to 400°, dishwasher safe and won't scratch your pans.

Silicone Pancake Molds

Up your breakfast game with this set of four pancake molds ($16.95) that includes Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, a glove and bow. The silicone tabs make it safe to lift from your hot pan and each one is made with an innovative nonstick silicone design for perfect hotcakes every time.

Ice Molds

Who wants boring ice when you can have mouse-shaped instead? These Mickey ice molds ($21.95) are made with flexible BPA-free silicone and come in a set of two.

Water Bottle

You can choose from either Mickey or Minnie ($29.95) when it comes to these 17 oz. water bottles. They are made from double-walled stainless steel and will keep your drinks cold for up to eight hours.

Medium Spatulas

Whether you love Mickey or Minnie, there's a spatula ($16.95) for everyone! The silicone tool is BPA free, can withstand heats up to 600° and comes with a beachwood handle.

Le Creuset Mickey Mouse 90th Birthday Celebration Enameled Cast Iron Round Oven

Home chef's will love Le Creuset's special edition Mickey Dutch Oven ($265). The 4 1/2 quart enameled cast iron pot is dishwasher safe and can easily transfer from stove to oven.

Oven Mitts

Protect your paws with these adorable oven mitts ($39.95)! They are made with 100 percent cotton, are terry lines and even come with loops for handing.

––Karly Wood

BRIO Launches New Disney Trains for Your Little Conductor

New LeSportsac x Sesame Street Collab Is All About Fun

Starbucks Reveals Must-Have Holiday Gifts

by Jennifer SwartvagherSeptember 23, 2020

If you can believe it, this Friday officially marks 90 days until Christmas. While our celebrations may look different this year, Starbucks is here to help us plan our holiday lists with a preview of their must-have gifts. From perfectly pink cold cups to dazzling tumblers, this year’s assortment of Holiday merchandise is sure to delight everyone on your shopping list.

Glitter Pink Swirl Cold Cup (24 oz)

This double-walled cup keeps beverages cool. This cup retails for $18.95.

Pink Grid Cold Cup (24 oz)

This new Pink Grid Cold Cup features a grid-like texture in a beautiful pink hue. This cup retails for $19.95.

Iridescent Tumbler (20 oz)

This high gloss stainless steel tumbler reveals a rainbow of colors as the light hits it at different angles. This tumbler is available in company-operated stores only for $27.95.

Pearl Ombre Tumbler (8 oz)

This perfectly sized red and green ombre tumbler is the perfect way to bring holiday cheer. Price: $16.95

Purple Water Bottle (20 oz)

Starbucks new stainless-steel Purple Water Bottle is available in company-operated stores only for $24.95.

Luster Swirl Mug (12 oz)

Cozy up with a hot cup of coffee or tea with this ceramic mug, gleaming with a rainbow luster finish and swirl texture. This fun mug retails for $12.95.

Holiday-inspired Packaged Coffee

This year’s Starbucks Christmas Blend is inspired by the original 1984 recipe and has notes of herbs, baking spices, and a velvety rich chocolate finish that will fill your cup with festivity. Christmas Blend (also available in decaf), Holiday Blend, and Christmas Blend Espresso Roast are available this holiday season for $15.95 for a 1-pound bag.

Gift Cards

Pair Starbucks Christmas Blend or holiday drinkware with a gift card, which come in a variety of festive designs and can be loaded with amounts from $5 – $500. For those looking to exchange gifts virtually, an eGift card is the perfect way to show you’re thinking of them (you can even send a gift card via messaging platforms like iMessage).

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Starbucks

Panera Bread Launches First-Ever Unlimited Coffee Subscription Service

DIY Donut Kits from Dunkin’ Will Keep Your Kids Busy in the Kitchen

Le Creuset’s Mickey Mouse Set Is Perfect for Making Magic in the Kitchen

by Karly WoodSeptember 18, 2020

Whether you’re a novice chef or limp across the finish line after a day of cooking, Le Creuset’s 5-Piece Mickey Mouse Set is about to making cooking more magical.

The new set from the ultimate French cookware company has all you need to whip up a meal in style. It includes an enameled cast iron Round Dutch Oven with a stainless steel knob, two stoneware ramekins and a silicone trivet, all with a Mickey design!

Le Creuset’s signature cast iron products come with a lifetime warranty and make the perfect stovetop to oven to table cookware. They can easily become heirloom pieces, especially in a fun set like these!

You can purchase the set on lecreuset.com for $300, on sale from $450.

––Karly Wood

photos: Courtesy of Le Creuset

New Trader Joe’s Cookbook Has Recipes for All Your Fave Products

The Tiny Chef Releases New Picture Book

Should You Buy a Baby Food Maker?

by Eva Ingvarson CeriseAugust 29, 2020

Get the scoop on the pros and cons of a baby food maker, along with our top picks

Your baby is six months old. You’ve made it through the newborn stage, and maybe they’re sleeping through the night. It’s time for you to tackle another big milestone—solid foods. At this point, you’ll need to decide whether or not to buy pre-prepared purees or make homemade meals, and if you ask other parents if you need a baby food maker, be prepared to get some strong opinions, both for and against. But have no fear, we’ll help you with the answer. Read on to find out if a baby food maker is right for your family and which brands we recommend.

Why Some People Love Their Baby Food Maker

1. Making your own baby food is cheaper than buying store-bought baby food, and more environmentally friendly since there are fewer jars and pouches to throw away.

2. You can control exactly what your child is eating, making sure you give them a variety of nutrients and limit sugar, salt, and preservatives. You can cook up fruits, veggies, meat, and fish in your baby food maker, with any herbs and spices you like.

3. By pureeing foods that the rest of the family eats, you introduce your child at an early age to flavors they’ll be eating as they grow up.

4. Baby food makers are built with busy parents in mind. Some operate one-handed, and they have timers so you can set them to steam or blend and walk away until the food is ready to eat.

5. They have more longevity than you might think. You can use your baby food maker even if your child doesn’t eat baby food purees. Use it to steam veggies or make mashed potatoes or applesauce for your baby or the whole family. You can also use it to reheat chilled foods.

Why Some People Skip It

1. Buying, washing, chopping, steaming, pureeing, and storing baby food takes time, and not everybody has that. You also need to carve out time to clean the baby food maker and the reusable containers you store the food in, as well as plan out your menus and find baby food recipes.

2. Baby food makers are usually compact, but they’ll still take up space in your cupboards or on your countertop.

3. If you spend a lot of time outside your home on errands or adventures, you need to find a way to pack and refrigerate the foods you bring with you and heat them up when it’s time to eat. Store-bought foods are often shelf-stable and you can buy more as you’re out living your life.

4. If you already have a steamer and a blender or immersion blender, you can perform the same functions of a baby food maker, just with a bit more clean-up since baby food makers let you steam and blend in the same container.

Three Baby Food Makers We Love

BÉABA Babycook Baby Food Maker and Blender, $160
This powerhouse prepares up to 4.7 cups of food in 15 minutes or less, so you can bulk-cook or prepare food like soup or applesauce for the whole family. In addition to steaming and blending, you can defrost and reheat foods to a comfortable temperature for the baby. The unit can be used one-handed if you’re holding your baby, and it comes with a spatula, mixing lid/smoothie filter, and a recipe booklet. The Babycook Neo ($260) comes with a glass bowl and stainless steel basket and holds 5.2 cups of food.

Baby Brezza Glass Baby Food Maker, $173
The Baby Brezza has a 4-cup capacity and three modes: steam, blend, or steam automatically followed by blending. For convenience, you can steam and blend in the same glass bowl without any transferring.

Tommy Tippee Quick Food Baby Food Maker, $80
This compact, budget-friendly option lets you steam and blend up to 7 ounces of food in the same container for convenience. There’s also an included basket you can steam in if you want to remove the steaming liquid and blend up a chunkier puree for your child.

Make sure to capture all those adorable first-food moments—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

7 Easy Steps to a Plastic-Free Life

By Suzan Chiang

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

July 12, 2020

Photo: Kevin Jarrett on Unsplash

July, officially labeled “Plastic-Free July Month” is a great time to assess what you have around your house and decide just how many plastic items you have laying around. And while plastic is inevitable in our world, single-use plastics do not have to be.

During “Plastic-Free July Month,” let’s gather our kids and ask them what it means to have a cleaner world. Why? Because as adults, we eventually have to leave the world to our children, their children, and so forth. So why not get them talking about how to keep our planet clean?

Let’s start with the basics: Why is single-use plastic is so dreadful for our precious planet? To put it simply, single-use plastics are plastic products that can only be used once and then thrown away to end up in our pollution mainstream. Single-use plastics, when not disposed of properly, can lead to the eventual buildup of waste floating into our streets, into our beautiful oceans, and end up causing drastic pollution that will affect everyone’s health and well being.

Below are 7 easy steps you and your children can take to reduce single-use plastics and maybe eventually remove the need for them in the future.

1. Buy consciously. Think about how many times you’re going to use that product. If it’s a plastic sandwich bag, skip it and buy reusable bags such as ones made from silicone, cloth, or a stronger plastic that will last for many years. You can also use paper sandwich bags that will break down when wet and can be disposed into your recycling bin or compost bin.

2. Use natural materials. Natural materials and materials that are sustainable include bamboo, organic cotton, wood, and glass. Natural materials are a lot safer for children as they are usually manufactured without toxic by-products.

3. Bring your own lunch containers. There are tons of cool looking lunch containers for your kids. The best materials are stainless steel and glass.

4. Choose Reusable straws. Reusable straws are great for reducing plastic waste. Reusable straws can be stainless steel, glass, or made from bamboo.

5. Use Reusable water bottles. You can find reusable bottles almost anywhere. Pick some up made from stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free plastic.

6. Bring your own utensils. When packing lunch for your child, be sure to pack reusable utensils. They can easily put the used utensils back into their lunch bags/containers to bring home.

7. Look at brands and websites that offer sustainable products. Then, find easy and doable solutions for you and your family. You can find more ideas here.

Suzan Chiang

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I am a mom first and foremost. I might not be a supermom, but I am constantly learning and growing.Topics I stand with are parenting, the environment, and living a healthy and happy lifest‌yle. I work at an elementary school and I have 30 years experience in the health industry.

12 Plastic Straw Alternatives Your Kids Will Love

by Shahrzad WarkentinJuly 10, 2020

It’s 2020 and that means plastic straws are a big no-no. The good for the environment ban has encouraged parents to become more creative and that means eco-friendly straws are a must. Whether your kiddo prefers using this beverage accessory at home or in a restaurant, keep reading to see some great plastic straw alternatives that are easy on the pocketbook and the environment.

Save this list on Pinterest.

Boon Supply Reusable Straws

The silicone straws from Boon Supply make going green a cinch. The $16 pack of four is BPA free, FDA approved, comes with two size options and with a cute carrying case so you never have to leave home without them.

WonderSip Straws

Dishwasher-safe, leak proof, FDA-approved and BPA free, WonderSip straws are the next generation of plastic straw alternatives. The highly versatile and recyclable straws resist chemicals solvents, don't require a brush to clean and come in a one-piece design.

Hay! Straws

As the name implies, Hay! Straws are made from natural wheat stems and are 100 percent biodegradable. Unlike paper straws, they never get soggy, are minimally processed and non-GMO.

Biodegradable Paper Straws

While a paper version won't last all day, these colorful biodegradable paper straws are more friendly for the earth than their plastic counterparts. Made with BPA-free paper and food-safe ink, they are a fun alternative.

Sugarcane Straws

Leftover sugarcane fibers form the basis for anti-plastic Sugarcane Straws. The certified compostable product is 100 percent derived from plants, is reusable and doesn't give off any flavor.

Glass Straws

Before you get nervous, these glass straws are actually shatterproof! The durable and safe plastic alternative can be tossed into to the dishwasher, is free from toxins and a great eco-friendly option.

Stainless Steel

These stainless steel straws come with a pouch making them easy to tote around when you’re away from home. They also feature a silicone tip which makes them softer and more kid-friendly for those little ones that tend to chew on their straws.

Noodle Straws

Pasta, it's not just for dinner! Noodle Straws are organic, biodegradable and even edible. Dinner time just got interesting!

Reusable Plastic Straws

While these straws are made of plastic, they are reusable, dishwasher safe and BPA-free. Plus they come in colorful patterns that kids will love.

Bamboo Straws

Bamboo is a sustainable resource and it makes for some great, kid-friendly reusable straws.

Folding Straws

You’re already toting enough kid gear around, never mind adding a pack of reusable straws. These clever stainless steel straws fold down and fit into a tiny travel holder so that you don’t have to add much more to that already bulging bag.

Koffie Straws

These 100 percent non-stick silicone straws are dishwasher-safe and come with a free cleaning brush. They also work well with hot drinks if your kids like to sip their hot cocoa through a straw.

—Shahrzad Warkentin & Karly Wood

Featured photo: Amazon

13 Surprising Ways to Repurpose Old Toys

10 Clever Ways to Upcycle Your Old Baby Gear

17 Creative Upcycled Crafts for Kids

Father’s Day Gift Guide of Local Bay Area Goodies

by Kate LowethJune 18, 2020

This Father’s Day, let’s go beyond the usual funny t-shirt or tie and support some local Bay Area businesses. We’ve got gift for foodie dads, rad dads and dads who just want to relax (we hear you). Scroll through to find the perfect gift!

Grilling Essentials from Golden Gate Meat Company—San Francisco

grandpa and grandson grilling, father's day activities — iStock

Let Dad celebrate Father's Day with one of his favorite activities, grilling. Golden Gate Meat Company in San Francisco's Ferry Building has all the BBQ essentials you'll need like natural and organic burgers, sausages and ribs. Golden Gate Meat Company is a family-owned business that was founded in San Francisco in 1977 by the Offenbach family, whose company motto is “Service with quality, the old-fashioned way.”

Find out more here.

Local Love Gift Box

Local Love Gift Boxes provide a taste of the Oakland and East Bay food tours and experiences that are usually offered this time of year by Local Food Adventures. They are the perfect way to send your love anywhere in the world while also celebrating and supporting our local small business community. The box includes Black Mission Fig balsamic vinegar from Amphora Nueva, 1/2 cup jar of Oaktown Sweet Heat BBQ Rub from Oaktown Spice Shop and more. $99, shipping included.

Order yours here by June 15 for Father's Day delivery.

For the Dad Who Is Always in the Kitchen: Proclamation Goods

Proclamation Goods founded by Chris Burrage, former GM at Casper, and Tony Leo, former head designer at Pottery Barn, is a San Francisco-based start-up that creates intelligently designed kitchen essentials with conscience.

Proclamation Goods’ flagship product—The Proclamation Duo, a versatile and streamlined three-piece cookware “anti-set”—was developed in response to the excessive and toxic cookware found in so many of our homes. The Proclamation Duo encompasses the 7-quart stainless steel Hybrid Pot, the 12-inch Sidekick Skillet available in stainless or carbon steel to best suit your needs and style and a Lid that fits both. Each piece can be used on its own or hinged together to create a modern Dutch oven for a vast variety of cooking options.

Get your set here.

San Francisco Woodchart from Aldea Home

Our friends over at Aldea Home have a thoughtfully-curated list of dad-approved gifts and we especially love this San Francisco woodchart for all Bay Area dads. Display it in your office and show off your SF pride!

Recchiuti Confections's Whiskey Paring Collection—San Francisco

For the whiskey-sipping Dad, order Recchiuti Confections’ Whiskey Pairing Collection ($28 for 9 pieces). Like whiskey, chocolate is linked to the location where the beans are grown, creating diverse flavors that result in a balanced union. Each truffle in the collection has been selected to lead you through the tasting experience. When tasting, look for parallels in flavor and where the spirit and chocolate balance each other. The collection includes three pieces each of Kona Coffee, Honeycomb Malt, Fleur de Sel Caramel and pairing notes.

Tropical Sparkale from 21st Amendment Brewery

Treat Dad to this seasonal ale from local, Bay Area brewery 21st Amendment. A refreshing pop of island fruit and fizz with a crisp, tart pineapple flavor and sweet coconut finish, Tropical Sparkale brings a sense of relief and a reminder that we can still enjoy a "getaway" while at home.

Pick up your beer to go from their San Leandro location or search for your nearest supplier here.

Cheesemaking Kit from The Cheese School

The Cheese School has all you need to start a cheesemaking hobby from DIY Kits to wraps & cloths and apparel (for when you really want to get cheesy). Kits and more can be ordered on their website and ship via USPS. Support this Ghirardelli Square.

Brigadeiros from TinyB Chocolates

San Francisco-based chocolate company, TinyB Chocolate, and their famous Brigadeiros are an awesome option for Father's Day gifts. They offer 20+ Brigadeiro flavors and make for the perfect gift for special occasions as they come in boxes with 4-30 truffles ranging from $12-60. They also offer their gluten-free Brigadeiros as a chocolate spread ($13/8.5oz jar), perfect for topping with fruit or ice cream. Bonus: if you are a last-minute shopper, they guarantee two-day shipping!

—Kate Loweth

23 Unique Gift Ideas Perfect for Father’s Day

DIY Father’s Day Gifts for the Guy Who Has Everything

DIY Father’s Day Cards for the Special Guy in Your Life

Contigo Water Bottles Recalled Due to Potential Choking Hazard

by Jennifer SwartvagherFebruary 22, 2020

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced a recall for 5.7 million Contigo Kids Cleanable water bottles and replacement lids that were given to consumers as part of the August 2019 recall of this product. Only black colored spout base and spout cover models are included in this recall.

The water bottles come in three sizes (13 ounce, 14 ounce and 20 ounce) and four colors (solid color, graphics, stainless steel and stainless steel solid colors). The water bottles were sold individually as well as in two-packs and three-packs.Contigo is printed on the rim and along the front near the bottom of the bottle.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled water bottles and the replacement lids provided in the previous recall, take them away from children, and contact Contigo for a free water bottle. Consumers who received replacement lids in the previous recall should contact Contigo for the new water bottle.

Contigo has received a total of 427 reports of the spout detaching including 27 spouts found in children’s mouths.

These bottles were sold at Costco, Walmart, Target and other stores nationwide and online on various websites from April 2018 through February 7, 2020 for between $9 and $24.

Contigo toll-free at 888-262-0622 from 8 am to 5 pm ET Monday through Friday, or online at Contigo. Click on “Recalls” at the bottom of the page for more information.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

This Williams Sonoma Harry Potter Home Collection Is Right Up Our Diagon Alley

by Shahrzad WarkentinFebruary 10, 2020

With over a year left until the third installment of Fantastic Beasts hits theaters, we are in need for a fresh stash of Harry Potter goodies. Luckily, Williams Sonoma is constantly updating its collection! Here are a some of our favorite exclusive magical finds.

Harry Potter Cookie Baking Set

The 26-piece set includes eight stainless steel cookie cutters, 12 icing bags, one storage box, four decorating tips and a plastic coupler--everything you need to make sweet Hogwarts treats.

$24.95