Our Favorite Indie Spots for Back-to-School Shopping

by Mimi O'ConnorOctober 10, 2021

There’s nothing like back-to-school shopping to get everyone excited about fall and getting back to class. This is what you’ll find at local NYC boutiques for back-to-school gear, clothes and more, for kids just starting school or those too cool for it. (i.e, your seven-year-old, etc.) Read on to send your kid to school in style!

Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store

An “everything but the kitchen sink” independent shop, Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store has many great backpacks at various price points (including State Bags, shown here, that have a compelling “Give Back” model). Plus, lunch boxes such as Yumboxes that make it really easy to pack lunch thanks to little compartments, as well as lots of Stainless Steel options too. To pack along with lunch, Blue Ribbon sells lunch box notes and to write thoughtful and fun messages for your kid. They also have several teaching games and tools, such as multiplication flashcards, sight word cards, games for learning about money, math, reading, and maps too!

232 5th Ave. Brooklyn
Park Slope
718-522-9848
Online: blueribbongeneralstore.com

CAMP

This year, CAMP has so many fun and unique products that would make any kid excited to hit the books again. With four shops between Manhattan and Brooklyn, it’s your one-stop back-to-school shop for play, media and merchandise that’s enriching and, of course, fun. Popular items include Ooly Left-Right Ergonomic Crayons, colorful EPIC everyday backpacks, corkboards, unicorn erasers, and CAMP's own signature duffle bag.

110 5th Ave
Flatiron
Online: camp.com

10 Columbus Circle
The Shops at Columbus Circle,
Columbus Circle
Midtown

20 Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards

1 Dekalb Ave.
City Point
Downtown Brooklyn

Smoochie Baby

Popular items for kids returning to school this year at Smoochie Baby include CarlijnQ Backpacks—an all-organic brand from the Netherlands—Old Soles Champsters high-tops, the Rowdy Sprout Frank Zappa tee, My Little Cozmo Dakota Sherpa Jacket and Fairwell sweats.

110 Berry St.
Williamsburg
718-384-3340
Online: smoochiebaby.com

Book Culture

Your local independent bookstore is also often a great place for distinctive writing materials. Book Culture, which has four locations sells pencils, pens and groovy notebooks, as well as stylish ways to tote them around, like pencil cases, backpacks and more.

26-09 Jackson Ave.
Long Island City
718-440-3120
Online: bookculture.com

536 W. 112th St.
Morningside Heights
2915 Broadway
Morningside Heights

Jane's Exchange

Not many second-hand kids' clothes shops remain, but Jane's Exchange, the largest and oldest children's and maternity Store in NYC, recently opened its second storefront in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Fashion-wise, new this season are fall corduroy pants, overalls, and overall pinafores. High-quality basics from Mini Boden, Hanna Andersen, Primary, Milo, Rock Your Kid are all the rage in shades of softer greys, browns, muted colors and animal prints. Plus, sneakers from Jordans to Vans are attracting kids of all ages.

191 East 3rd St.
East Village
212-677-0380
Online: janesexchange.com

443 7th Ave.
Park Slope
347-987-4192

Consignment4kids.com

Another option for scoring some gently-used (or even new!) kids' clothes is the new online kid's consignment shop Consignment4kids.com. The virtual secondhand shop was Started by an NYC mom (and Tinybeans contributor!) who wanted to give hardly-worn pieces another chance to shine, while also providing fellow parents some bargains, and the possibility of earning a few bucks. Consignment4kids.com is stocked with clothes and accessories for boys and girls from infant to age eight. Brands you'll find in the store include Jacadi, Pink Chicken and Polo Ralph Lauren, and items are priced to move! Pickup and dropoff can be arranged for a small fee, or you can mail in items. If your merch doesn't sell after 90 days Consignment4kids will donate the items for you to organizations like Room to Grow and Goodwill.

Online: consignment4kids.com

Grandma’s Place

Recently featured in Humans of New York, Grandma’s Place is your one-stop-shop for toys, games, and books—it’s a real neighborhood gem in Harlem. Many books and toys they sell have an ethnic focus, such as the books Tea Cakes for Tosh, Sulwe, Curls, and the coloring book Princess Planet. Outdoor, musical, and Melissa & Doug toys are also available.

84 W 120th St.
Harlem
212-360-6776
Online: grandmasplaceinharlem.com

Parachute Brooklyn

Parachute Brooklyn offers gently used modern and vintage clothing for kids ages 0-10. The boutique also carries a selection of new accessories as well as small-batch, one-of-a-kind pieces from local designers with a focus on upcycled materials. Big hits this fall include Parkland backpacks, socks from Happy Socks and Little Stocking Co., hair accessories from Chunks and Wunderkin Co., Umbrellas from Hipster Kid, and quilted jackets from SAJ. The shop’s selection of second-hand jackets and sweaters are among the top sellers this season.

151 Norman Ave.
718-383-0567
Greenpoint
Online: parachutebrooklyn.com

Babesta

It’s fashion-forward in this downtown NYC shop. Babesta’s newest collection of Rowdy Sprout T-shirts are in, and they're essential for making a style statement this fall. Tagless and made in LA, there's a Rowdy Sprout t-shirt for every music fan, big and little.

56 Warren St.
Tribeca
646-290-5508
Online: babesta.com

Two Kids and a Dog

A DUMBO destination for families with kids for, Two Kids and a Dog sells a mix of baby, kid and tween goods. Here’s where you’ll find a ton of toys, kids' clothing, shoes, scooters, birthday gifts and more—i.e., a well-curated inventory of a little bit of everything. Pick up your child’s high-quality essentials here, such as colorful water bottles from Eco vessel and Swell, backpacks from Herschel and Parkland, and lunch boxes from Yumbox and Omielife.

65 Pearl St.
DUMBO
646-342-4549
Online: twokidsandadog.com

Awesome Brooklyn

This one-of-a-kind gift shop carries everything from New York-themed mugs and baby gear, to swirly pastel chalk and Grow-Your-Own-Unicorn toy eggs. Staffers say all things organizing are hot for back-to-school, such as the Julie Mollo clutches shown here, whimsical “To-do” pads, feelings trackers, and general self-care goods.

617 Flatbush Ave.
(between Fenimore Street and Rutland Road)
Prospect Lefferts Gardens
718-928-7484
Online: awesomebrooklyn.com

main photo: Rowdy Sprout

—Rachel Sokol

Hey, Boo! Where to Find Halloween Fun in NYC

Top Seeds: The Best Apple Picking Near NYC

NYC’s Best Free Events for Kids & Families This Month

Best Costume Shops Your Little Portland Ghouls

by Katrina EmeryOctober 5, 2021

It’s Halloween time, and the little ghouls in your house are already changing their mind on costumes five times a week! Whether your tiny trick-or-treaters want to be a vampire or kitty, pirate or alien, keep up with their latest plan by browsing these stores across Portland. Bonus—you can keep it local and keep costs low, too! Read on for more great shops and stops.

The Lippman Company

This long-lasting store in SE Portland is your home base for all sorts of party supplies year-round. Come Halloween, it's costume central! They've got shelves on shelves of ready to wear costumes, along with makeup, wigs, accessories and more for a design-it-yourself look. As a bonus, you might come away with extra décor for your spooky front door.

50 SE Yamhill St.
Portland, OR
503-239-7007
Online: lippmancompany.com

The Village Merchants

A sweet secondhand store in SE Portland that is full of unique finds any time of the year. Check out the kids section upstairs for a selection of unique ready to wear costumes. Or for something more crafty you'll find bins overflowing with fabric, sequins, and other bits and bobs that you can use to create a masterpiece. And after the big night you can sell or trade things back to them!

It's the "Giving tree of stuff," as they say inside.

4035 SE Division St
Portland, OR
503-234-6343
Online: villagemerchants.net

Beanstalk

With two locations in the SE and NE, this shop is the place to go for families looking for cute options at affordable prices. Beanstalk offers a wide selection of costumes from newborn to 10 years. They have everything from those cute ladybug, pumpkin, lion, monkey and elephant costumes that are one or two piece cozy fleece to bigger kid costumes of princesses, fairies, ninjas, astronauts and pirates. Along with resale items, this cute shop offers locally made goods and new items including wings, tutus and wands. And don’t worry about fitting this into your busy weekend—Beanstalk is open seven days a week. You’ll also find plenty of stroller parking and play area for the little ones.

Fremont

3527 NE 15th Ave.

503-477-7776

Montavilla

8021 SE Stark Street

503-327-8506

Online: beanstalkchildrensresale.com

Hoot-N-Annie

This SW favorite consistently wins awards in parenting magazines for their top-notch selection, quality, and service. And now they've added a second location! Most costumes are under $10 and there’s a wide selection for infants and toddlers all the way up to youth 16.

6308 SW Capitol Hwy
Portland, OR
503-548-4668
or

7323 SW Barnes Rd
Portland, OR
971-888-5151
Online: hoot-n-annie.com

Piccolina

A Woodstock neighborhood gem, this consignment store has used and some even locally handmade costumes. You can bring outgrown costumes in to sell, trade or consign them while you shop for next year's batch. You’ll be amazed at the selection of quality used children’s goods in all categories, alongside sweet clothing finds from favorite brands like Hannah Andersson, Tea, Kickee Pants, Boden, and more.

4416 SE Woodstock Blvd
Portland, OR
503-914-1047
Online: piccolinaresale.com

Pinwheels

This cute resale shop in the Clinton neighborhood is bursting at the seams with kids’ Halloween costumes. You can buy, sell or trade here, too, but if you're stuck at home, don't worry: you can shop their Instagram feed! They regularly post new items, which you can purchase online for delivery. Easiest costume shopping ever!

2700 SE 26th Ave
Clinton
503-963-8548
Online: pinwheelsresale.com

Costume Swaps

The costume swap: because not only is it a great way to reduce costs, manage waste, and connect to your community, what else are you going to with that tiny pumpkin costume? Check out your community for informal costume swaps: places like your child's school, Buy Nothing Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and more are great places to start. Be sure your old Halloween costume is clean and free of stains and holes, ready to re-use.

If you can’t find one nearby, organize one of your own!

—Katrina Emery

RELATED STORIES

Amazing Corn Mazes Near Portland

Portland Kids: Explore Sauvie Island

50 Fall Activities for Children in Portland

Back-to-School Steals: 7 Consignment Shops for Fashion-Forward Kids

by Meghan Yudes MeyersAugust 12, 2021

It’s back to school time and in-person learning means it’s time to swap pajamas and sweats for a more presentable wardrobe. If you want your child to look fashion-forward without paying full price, it’s time to shop these resale shops that offer gently used garments for a fraction of retail. Scroll down to check out the top second hand spots in the DMV.

Lemon Lane

Shop this upscale consignment store for popular brands like Boden, Lily, Hanna and Tea. The items at this store are so gently used, it's hard to believe they aren't brand new! Follow them on Instagram and you can check out inventory without making a trip to the store.

Want to consign? Consigning is by appointment only, but if you have 20 items or less you can walk in on Wed. Lemon Lane offers a 50/50 split on consignments, but you can reap a 60% cut of sales if you choose a store credit for future purchases.

246 W. Broad St.
Falls Church, VA
703-300-0060
Online: lemonlaneconsignment.com

Bellies & Babies

Bellies & Babies prides itself in offering upscale maternity clothes and brand name children’s items. If you’re prego and in need of a nice maternity dress, you can save yourself the cash and rent one. And if you prefer to shop solo, kids can play in the outside play area with push toys or stay inside with the tented area decorated with books and toys.

Want to consign? Bellies & Babies accepts maternity clothes, children’s clothes (size newborn through age 8), popular baby gear, toys, and books. Your first time is by appointment only, but after that, you can conveniently “drop n run”. If you choose to be paid by check, you will receive 45% of what the item sold for (50% for high-end, non-clothing items). If you choose to be paid via store credit, you’ll receive 50% of the selling price.

1913 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Alexandria, VA 22301
703-518-8908
Online: belliesbabies.com

529 Kids Consign

If you have a little Beyoncé, Emma Watson or Tim Gunn in the making, then this is the place to outfit them. Trendy pieces abound, including baby Uggs, Hanna Anderson jammies and lots of sweet gifts for newborns. Plus, 529 offers up a well-curated maternity section. Sift through closely—you may be surprised by what you find (think: Burberry baby dresses, Ralph Lauren toddler suits, and Citizens for Humanity maternity jeans).

Want to consign? 529 offers a 60/40 split with consignors receiving 40% of the purchase price after a three month period. Sort through Junior's too-snug outfits, and if they're clean call to set up an appointment. If that baby Gap sweater doesn't sell, you have the option of reclaiming it or 529 will donate it to the Lupus Foundation.

122 S. Royal St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-567-4518

Online: 529kidsconsign.com

The Growing Years

The Growing Years is a kid-friendly store that will put your kiddo in a trance with their non-stop Disney movies. Have a more active child? They also have a play area to help your kids let out some energy. This consignment shop specializes in “gently-worn clothing and shoes at the most affordable prices”. Their inventory includes baby clothes, pre-teen clothes, maternity wear, and monogrammed jewelry and accessories. For your American Girl fanatic, you can also find American Girl outfits.

Want to consign? While some shops require a consignment fee, you won’t be charged one at The Growing Years. They accept gently-used children’s clothes from newborn to size 16, children’s shoes, and maternity wear. It’s by appointment only. You will receive 40% of the clothes’ selling price and 50% for larger products (e.g., strollers and Pack ‘N Plays). A limited number of toys are accepted, like small slides, kitchens, bicycles/tricycles, and wagons.

10303 Kensington Pkwy.
Kensington, MD 20895
301-933-1152
Online: growing-years.net

Once Upon a Child

Sure, this may be a national franchise, but this branch is one of the best we’ve scoped. It carries a ginormous selection of seasonal wear…all year long. So if you’re looking for a swimsuit in Dec. for that trip to Disney World, or need a sweater before the summer is out you can find it here without spending a fortune.

Want to consign? Not only do you not have to schedule an appointment, but you get paid up front (amounts vary). Just bring in your stuff, they'll make an offer and out you go! So no need to wait and hope your items sell before collecting some cash.

10030 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21042
410-418-4707
Online: onceuponachildellicottcity.com

Kid to Kid

You'll find high-quality brands that are gently used in this well organized space. This isn't your run-of-the-mill thrift shop experience; you're likely to forget that these duds are second hand because everything here is clean and tidy.

Want to consign? There is no need to make an appointment, walk-ins are welcome. Kid to Kid accepts freshly laundered children's clothing up to size 14, toys and infant equipment. Due to space constraints, all items that are not sold must be picked up within 24 hours of the end of the consignment period. All unsold items are donated.

11711 C Parklawn Dr.
Rockville, MD, 20852
240-242-3345
Online: kidtokid.com

Wear It Again, Kid

This West Virginia institution has grown to include two NOVA locations. You'll find each shop overflowing with clothes, books, toys and baby gear. It can be a challenge to sort through the sheer volume of options at these boutiques, but the deals you'll score are worth the hunt. You can find high-end garments here, but since they don't snub Big Box labels, you can nab a Cat & Jack outfit for a few bucks.

Want to consign? Consignments are accepted on a daily basis. There are no annual fees, drop off fees, listing fees, or pick up fees. You will receive 50% of sales on items sold. You can choose to pick up or donate items that do not sell.

311 W. Washington St.
Charles Town, WV 25414
304-725-7549

47E Catoctin Cir. SE
Leesburg, VA 20175
703-443-6888

145 E. Davis St.
Culpeper, VA 22701
540-321-4744
Online: wearitagainkid.com

—Meghan Yudes Meyers, Danielle Larkins and Hilary Riedemann

featured photo: iStock

RELATED STORIES:

Kids’ Online Consignment Shops Perfect for Back to School

The Hottest School Supplies on Amazon Right Now

Labels for Kids That’ll Keep You Organized All Year

These Trolls Succulents Are Gardening Goals

by Karly WoodApril 14, 2021

It’s no secret that people love succulents but when you combine them with whimsical trolls, magic happens! Small business owner of The Drunken Witch Co., Chyenne Rotsch has been collecting old school trolls for years, crafting them into works of art. When she shared her creation on Facebook, it received over 51,000 shares!

Rotsch tells Red Tricycle, “I randomly started buying second hand trolls from thrift and antique stores and wanted to create something different with them. My mom has a huge garden of succulents, so I decided to try some making some as planters with clippings of her plants to sell and they instantly became a hit.”

Rotsch shares just how she creates these one-of-kind treasures by “cleaning and removing their hair. This can be quite the process as vintage adhesive has a strong bond.” Then she drills a hole in their feet for drainage, adds a few pebbles, fills with coconut fiber soil and then a succulent clipping. For extra stability, you can also add a few pebbles on top.

“I think they are just so fun and bring back sweet memories of my childhood all while combining my passion for succulents and plants,” says Rotsch.

Rotsch isn’t currently selling her creations on her Etsy shop, but you can follow her instructions above to make your own. You can also shop The Drunken Witch Co. and pickup a few crystal trolls!

––Karly Wood

Now You Can Get an IRL Optimus Prime Robot

Your Fave Grove Co. Products Are Coming to a Target Near You

How to Raise Eco-Conscious Kids

By Aureal Ojeda

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

April 14, 2021

Photo: Aureal Ojeda

The statistics on how we’ve treated the planet up to this point are pretty bleak. Only 9 percent of the plastic ever produced has been recycled, and each year, 8 million tons of plastic pollute the ocean.

While the problem at hand is massive, it’s easy for kids to get involved because even the smallest sustainable action helps to make a collective difference. I’ve learned through experience with my own son that it’s best to keep it simple, focusing on the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Reduce

Children always gravitate to the newest and coolest toys, fashion or food, but the conspicuous consumption Americans are known for is not good for the planet. Instead, try and instill the belief that less is more and quality trumps quantity.

Reinforce reducing consumption and making smarter choices with a quick trip to the grocery store. Teach your kids how to choose items with the least amount of packaging, shop in the bulk foods section, avoid single-serving foods and bring cloth shopping bags to haul it all home in.

Your house is the ideal place to demonstrate energy and water-saving behaviors to your kids. By modeling turning off lights when you leave a room, turning off appliances not in use, unplugging appliances not often used and taking short showers, you’ll help instill an attitude of conservation early.

Reuse

Upcycling is definitely a trend these days, so it should be easy to get kids, tweens and teens on board. The goal is to show kids that not everything needs to be thrown away. Before throwing away a toy, or perhaps clothes, examine it to see if it can be fixed or mended. If it can, teach your child how to make the fix so they can learn important new skills. With clothes and toys that your child has outgrown, engage them in collecting everything and donating it to a charitable organization. Not only are they learning how to reuse, but they’re also learning the importance of philanthropy. When you do need new clothes for the kids, consider shopping at a local consignment store rather than the mall.

Single-serve plastic items are some of the most destructive consumer goods on the market, but you can cut down on your consumption by using refillables whenever possible. Invest in decorative refillable soap dispensers for the home and make sure everyone in the family has a reusable water bottle. Disposable paper products are also incredibly wasteful. Limit your use of paper towels, plates and napkins, opting for cloth and ceramic options instead.

Since it’s impossible to limit using all of these things, teach kids how to make the most of a product. If you do use paper products, use the cardboard tubes and boxes for art projects. When printing at home or coloring, make sure to teach kids to use both sides of the paper.

Recycle

Recycling materials that can be reused is key to sustainability. Have bins at home to collect glass, plastic and paper that can be recycled. If your community already recycles, it’s easy, but if not, consider working with your kids to start a recycling drive in your community. It’s also important to note that not all items are recyclable, even if they appear to be, and not all states and cities have the same recycling practices. To best understand your city’s recycling rules, I recommend checking your local government website.

In addition to recycling, point out to your kids which of their favorite products are made from recycled materials.

There’s no better time than Earth Day to show kids that creating a sustainable planet starts at the grass-roots level. By getting the next generation excited about keeping the Earth healthy for years to come, we’re ensuring many more Earth Days in the future.

feature image via iStock

Aureal Ojeda

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

My name is Aureal Ojeda, and I am the founder of Outwoken Tea, a zero-waste tea brand sourcing from small tea farms in developing countries. I continuously strive to bring awareness to how each of us can challenge ourselves to create better, conscious decisions to positively impact the environment.

4 Ways Parents Can Hit the Reset Button in the New Year

By Deanna Pope-Toth

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

April 12, 2021

Photo: STIL via Unsplash

Are you one of those people who makes a New Year’s resolution, stays at it for a couple weeks and fall off the bandwagon? Every day of the year could be a day to start a new routine, kick a bad habit or to start something you’ve always wanted. Despite these facts, the start of a New Year is a recurring date that reminds us we can make new goals and with the right help, we can follow through.

Here are some of my tips to help you get started off in the right direction in 2019. The clarity gained by hitting “reset” can have transformative effects to our minds, our health and our families.

De-clutter.

Clutter has a way of making us feel overwhelmed. So many people I know have a tendency to accumulate things. Is there really a point on hanging on to your child’s entire newborn wardrobe?

Pick a couple items that are really near to you and hang on to them. We tend to place tremendous value on things and fret letting go of them. The relief accompanied by purging things is clarifying. Here are some suggestions of what you can toss:

Ttoys not used in a really long time? Toss ’em—donate to second-hand store or try to reclaim some money by consigning them.
Food in your cupboards contributing to making you feel meh? Toss ’em±unopened dry goods can go to your local food bank.
Do you spend most days thinking, “I wish I looked great, but instead I feel meh? Donate your clothes and if you’re environmentally-conscious like me, thrift for new ones! You’ll save money and you won’t feel so bad getting light wear out of them and re-donating them for a fresh st‌yle.
If you’re holding on to lots of family heirlooms or memories, consider taking pictures of these items, filing them and donating the rest of the stuff. Letting go of some of the old things in our lives helps make way for the new.

Schedule a meeting—a very important meeting—with your partner.

Talk about what’s most important to you as a family. Set a family “mission statement” to discuss the most important feature of your family. Is it eating clean? Is it more quality time with family? Is it personal growth?

Define what your unique mission is and then work to achieve it. Is the piano lesson that your daughter dreads going to giving her life and meaning? Is it helping you achieve your mission statement? If the answer to these questions is no, then pull her out of it and explore something that gives meaning to the mission.

Don’t do things just because you think you ought to.

Read something that helps “reset” your mindset.

The self-help aisle at the book store might be something you’ve avoided for a while, yet there’s nothing like reading a book from start to finish to help reframe your perspective.

I think many would agree with me when I say the effect of reading a book is much more beneficial for self-improvement than just skimming random articles on the internet. (Check out goodreads.com for personalized suggestions about what books are up your alley.)

Incorporate small, daily affirmations or meditation.

As a parent, I’m (fairly) certain you’ve heard of The Little Engine Who Could: “I think I can, I think I can.” As a parent, you can either repeat the same words (without relating too much to a train) or you can be more specific.

Mantras are often really effective when we push out our negative self-talk with an affirmation. For example, sometimes I doubt myself as a parent, I’m too rigid, I’m not fun enough, my kids can’t just be kids and while sometimes realizations can help prompt change, sometimes these thoughts invade our space and prevent us from being the best we can be.

To counteract some of my “bad-parent” negative self-talk, I repeat to myself, “I’m an amazing parent,” “I am doing all that I can,” “My kids are so lucky to have me and my care for them.” Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

To be effective, set aside at least 10 minutes a day to sit quietly and boost yourself up with positive affirmations.

It’s time to set your New Year on fire and make this the best year yet with clarity, vision and purpose.

This post originally appeared on MomsCandidConversations.

Deanna Pope-Toth

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Hi, I'm Deanna. Mom and step-parent and I'm dedicated to positively contributing to the parenting community!

Kidz Bop Is Turning 20 & Dropped a New Album to Celebrate

by Karly WoodMarch 26, 2021

KIDZ BOP is the number one music brand for kids and its about to turn 20! In celebration of two decades of kid-centric cover songs, the brand is dropping a brand new album.

“KIDZ BOP All-Time Greatest Hits” is a collection of its most popular hits from the past 20 years, with a few new re-recorded versions of classic tracks. Did we mention its available today?

photo: Kidz Bop

So what tracks can your kiddos tune in to? The top 20 includes:

All Star
Get The Party Started
Sk8er Boi
Hey Ya!
Since U Been Gone
Beverly Hills
Umbrella
Party Like A Rockstar
I Gotta Feeling
Party In The USA
Firework
Call Me Maybe
Thrift Shop
Happy
Shake It Off
Uptown Funk
Can’t Stop The Feeling
Havana
Sucker
Old Town Road

Head to Kidz Bop to find all the places to stream, purchase and watch the newest album!

––Karly Wood

Sesame Workshop Wants to Introduce Your Kiddo to the ABC’s of Racial Literacy

LEGO Is Launching a New Space Shuttle Set That’s Out of This World

This Uber Driver Bought 30 Outfits for a Baby She Didn’t Know & Here’s Why

by Erica LoopOctober 29, 2019

New mom Nikki Ihus’s son John Henry was born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The condition, which can threaten lung development, required major surgery and left John Henry in the NICU.

As John Henry grew, Ihus needed to get the recovering baby new clothes. The mom called an Uber, got in the car and let loose with some much-needed venting (to the Uber driver)—but the story doesn’t end there.

The Uber driver, Belinda, didn’t let Ihus shop alone. Instead, she accompanied the mom into a consignment shop and bought nearly 30 outfits for John Henry.

Not only was Belinda’s uber-act of kindness pure awesomeness, but the driver struck up a friendship with Ihus and even made a special trip to the hospital to meet John Henry!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Courtesy of Nikki Ihus

These Kiddos Raised $125,000 for a Children’s Hospital, with a Lemonade Stand

This Pink Puppy Helps Kids to Overcome Obstacles

Wee Blessing Offers “Like New” Kids’ Clothes Subscription Service for a Fraction of the Price

by Erica LoopOctober 1, 2019

Wee Blessing is launching a subscription clothing service that you can finally afford. Forget about pricey designer duds, the “Like New” program features your kiddo’s fave labels at a fraction of the cost—with prices up to 95 percent off!

So how does this program work? Like other subscription services, you choose the number of items you want to receive. Each box comes with between six and 15 apparel picks hand-picked by Wee Blessing’s stylists from consignments stores and boutique outlets.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Wee Blessing (@weeblessing)

The mint-condition “Like New” items feature brands such as Nike, Justice and other top shops. Each apparel item costs roughly $4 and there’s no commitment to buy.

Alicia Werle, Founder, and CEO of Wee Blessing, said in a press release, “Our number one goal is to be a blessing to all busy parents by giving them time back to be with their families.” Werle added, “We’re finally bringing a personalized styling option to the market with quality pieces for people who normally can’t afford the luxury of a time-saving service. In fact, now it’s more affordable to be styled by Wee Blessing than it is to shop in stores.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Wee Blessing (@weeblessing)

Visit Wee Blessing’s website here for more information.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Wee Blessing via Instagram

The Spotted Zebra x Disney Collection Is Available On Amazon Right Now

Monica + Andy Just Launched a New Curated Collection of Nursery Gear

A SoCal Kid’s Snow Day: The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

by kate feltonMarch 4, 2019

Does the thought of a trip to the snow with your munchkins send shivers up your spine? Our SoCal beach babes are often not equipped for a day in the white stuff. Does anyone in your family really know how to put chains on the car? Not to mention that tiny tummies, windy roads, and long car trips are often a recipe for disaster. But…if you have ever wished you could step outside into a winter wonderland for an hour or two of snow ball fights and then wiggle your nose like Samantha and find yourself back in 75 degree Southern California sunshine, your wish has been answered. Almost. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers a fun and convenient way to take your little ones to see the snow. Stay for minutes or the whole day: mom and dad will enjoy the stunning panorama views, while the kiddos will marvel at scaling the mountainside at a good clip, passing from desert to frozen tundra over the course of ten minutes.

To the Tundra
A two-hour drive on the 10 will take you to the tramway. Once at the top, you enter Southern California’s version of an Alpine Lodge. The walk down to the snowy San Jacitinto park is a windy concrete pathway that can get icy. Wear good shoes and take it slow. A jogging stroller with rugged wheels might be a good choice if your tiny tot is still a little unsteady on his feet. Once you make it down the path you will find yourself in a little slice of winter paradise. Visitors are encouraged to bring sleds, discs, and snow shoes to take full advantage of the park. You can get up to the minute weather info and buy advance tickets on the website: www.pstramway.com.

The Early Bird Gets the Empty Tram
The sooner you arrive, the easier it is to park. As the lots close to the departure station fill up, cars are parked lower down the mountain and passengers are bussed up to the station. Being on the first tram is ideal. As it gets later in the day the lines for tickets and the tram get longer and longer. Plus, an early morning tram may only have a few passengers on it making for a much more comfortable ride to the top. Trams depart every fifteen to thirty minutes, depending on crowds, beginning at 8:00am on weekends and 10:00am on weekdays.

Baby, It’s Cold!
Bundle up! It may be warm and sunny at the bottom, but the change in temperature at the top can be a drop of up to 40 degrees. Ask other parents at school if they have snow gloves and gear you can borrow, or check local consignment shops. Here’s a link for some of the best kid’s resale and consignment in the area: Growing Kids: 5 Great LA Resale Stores. Most of the cold weather gear is hardly used. Remember, being in the snow with a cold, wet and cranky kiddo means nobody is having fun.

Mom, I’m Hungry
In the lodge there is a small café, The Pines, with snacks and pre-made sandwiches. They sell hot cocoa (made from packet) that, after a few hours in the cold, tastes heavenly in spite of its origins. There is also a more formal restaurant, The Peaks, in the lodge that even has a children’s menu.

Mini-Vacation Anyone?
You might want to make a weekend of it. Who wouldn’t want to tell their friends at school on Monday how they lounged at the pool on Saturday and built a snowman on Sunday? There are tons of family-friendly places to stay in the area along with a bunch of neat things to do. For more info on where to stay and what to do, check out, Kid Friendly Palm Springs. Make sure you go visit the giant Marilyn Monroe and give her toes a little tickle. On the way home, a quick stop at Hadley’s for their famous date shake and a little shopping at the Desert Hills Premium Outlets makes a Palm Springs weekend a win for everybody.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
1 Tram Way
Palm Springs, Ca 92262
Online: pstramway.com‎

— Kate Felton

Photo Credits: Kate Felton

Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store

CAMP

Smoochie Baby

Book Culture

Jane's Exchange

Consignment4kids.com

Grandma’s Place

Parachute Brooklyn

Babesta

Two Kids and a Dog

Awesome Brooklyn

Related reads

The Lippman Company

The Village Merchants

Beanstalk

Hoot-N-Annie

Piccolina

Pinwheels

Costume Swaps

Related reads

Lemon Lane

Bellies & Babies

529 Kids Consign

The Growing Years

Once Upon a Child

Kid to Kid

Wear It Again, Kid

Related reads

Related reads

Reduce

Reuse

Recycle

Aureal Ojeda

Related reads

De-clutter.

Schedule a meeting—a very important meeting—with your partner.

Read something that helps “reset” your mindset.

Incorporate small, daily affirmations or meditation.

Deanna Pope-Toth

Related reads

Related reads

Related reads

Related reads

Related reads