These Toys Are the Most Popular in Google Searches for Your Holiday Shopping Inspo

by Sarah ShebekNovember 7, 2021

Your kids are likely already making their lists and checking them twice for the upcoming holiday season. But if you need a little gifting inspo for your family, or for the nieces and nephews in your life, this data is sure to help! New research from Google Search insights revealed the most popular new and pre-owned toy brands, including one of our favorites at the top.

The most searched for toy and game brand? LEGO! The brickmakers popped up 76,360,000 times over the last year in Google results. That’s almost twice as much as the next most popular toy on the list, Barbie. The full top ten:

LEGO (76,360,000 searches)
Barbie (45,890,000)
Nintendo (38,930,000)
Funko Pop! (25,120,000)
Squishmallows (24,660,000)
Beyblade (21,870,000)
Playmobil (18,740,000)
Nerf (18,000,000)
My Little Pony (17,770,000)
UNO (17,720,000)

British classified service https://www.for-sale.co.uk/ also analyzed the top preowned toys of 2021, in case you’re looking to save a bit of cash. Not surprisingly, video game consoles ranked high on the list, with a few other traditionally pricey items.

Playstation 4
Nintendo Switch
Bikes
X Box One S
PS4 controller
Scooters
Nintendo Switch cames
X Box One controller
Playstation 5
Go Karts

No doubt most kids would love to receive one of these hot ticket items. But if you’re looking for a present that’s a bit more unique, check out one of our holiday gift guides! With ideas for babies all the way up to tweens, checking off lists has never been easier.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of cottonbro/Pexels

These Are the Hottest Toys for the Holidays, According to The Toy Insider

This Major Toy Store Just Might Be the Last One Left Standing & Here’s Why

Here’s How to Snag Disney+ for Just $1.99 & Catch Disney+ Day

by Karly WoodNovember 7, 2021

Set your clocks: Disney+ Day is almost here!

This Fri., Nov. 12 subscribers can finally snag access to new premieres from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and other brands for international markets. What are we most excited about? Finally being able to stream Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings!

Other premieres include:

Jungle Cruise will be available to all subscribers
New Disney+ Original movie Home Sweet Home Alone
All-new original series of shorts, Olaf Presents
Streaming debut of shorts including Frozen Fever, Feast , Paperman and Get A Horse!
Animated short film Ciao Alberto
A new short from The Simpsons
Five episodes from season 2 of The World According to Jeff Goldblum
A special on the origins and legacy Boba Fett
Marvel Cinematic Universe special

First, from today until Sun. Nov. 14, new and eligible returning subscribers can grab one month of Disney+ for $1.99 (then $7.99/mo.) so one needs to miss out on all the fun.

photo: Courtesy of Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution

Disney+ subscribers with a valid ticket or pass and theme park reservation on Nov. 12 will have access to special benefits across Disney theme parks, like entering the parks at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort 30 minutes before the parks open and complimentary Disney PhotoPass photo downloads taken at select locations.

As if all of that wasn’t enough, shopDisney is offering free shipping in the U.S. and Europe from Nov. 12 to Nov. 14 to subscribers of Disney+, in addition to new customizable products from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars. Finally, Disney Publishing Worldwide is offering select $0.99 eBooks today through Nov. 17.

Set your calendar for Nov. 12 to catch all the new streaming content!

––Karly Wood

2021 Holiday Shipping Deadlines for USPS, FedEx, UPS & More

Frosty, Rudolph & Friends Return to CBS This Holiday Season

How to Teach Your Kids to Save Money for Emergencies

By Denise Daniels

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

September 29, 2021

Photo: Greenlight

Most parents know a thing or two about saving money for emergencies. But with our kids, it may be hard for them to understand why we need to save for a rainy day. Right now we’re all spending a lot of time at home. Some of us are watching the news and some are answering tough questions about current events. Either way, we have a special opportunity to share the importance of saving for emergencies with our kids in a way that makes sense to them.

Put it in their world. The current economic climate provides a real-world example that can serve as a lesson-teacher for your kids. If they’re old enough, share how you or members of your community may be affected by losing work. Talk about how emergency savings can help them through tough times.

1. Set a budget. Saving isn’t always easy, especially when you have needs and wants that take up your monthly budget. Help your kids understand how to budget by putting a limit on when and where they can spend. For some families, kids can only use their money for gas. For others, they can spend anywhere. Setting a budget helps your kids get in the mindset of allocating their earnings and putting must-haves before nice-to-haves.

2. Make it visual. Kids learn by doing. As you show your kids that it’s important to save, also show them how. Work together to set savings goals or talk to them about a big-ticket item you’ve needed to save for. With the Greenlight app, kids can set their own goals and watch their progress bar advance as their savings grow.

3. Incentivize saving. Kids are more excited to save money when they have an incentive. Encourage them to continue putting money away for emergencies by matching them or setting your own interest rate for them. Greenlight parents are able to set a parent-paid interest rate so that saving more means earning more.

4. Monitor balances. Show your kids the importance of checking their balances. While it may not directly impact their emergency funds, this helps them form the habit of closely monitoring their spending so they can live within their means.

When we teach our kids about money at a young age, they’re able to form smart habits for life. The next time you run out of stay-at-home activities to keep the family busy, take some time to work with your kids on managing their money—it pays off in the long run.

Denise Daniels

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Denise Daniels,RN, MS and creator of the groundbreaking children’s brand The Moodsters is a Peabody award-winning journalist, author, and parenting and child-development expert dedicated to putting young children on the path to positive mental health. She created The Moodsters—five quirky little feelings detectives who solve the mysteries of emotions.

Faux Halloween Succulents Have Landed at Target & They’re Boo-tiful

by Karly WoodAugust 31, 2021

Who’s ready for some deadly decor? After navigating the hot summer, we are ready to welcome fall and these faux succulents from Target are just the ticket.

The Hyde and Eek! Boutique has just launched tons of ghoulish garnishes that start at just $5 that showcase spooky succulents and dreadful daisies. You can already start shopping the collection now at target.com.

Blood Succulent

24" Blood Succulents Venus Fly Trap with Black Planter

$35

Dreadful Daisy with White Skull

—Karly Wood

All photos courtesy of Target

43 Pumpkin Carving Designs That’ll Wow the Neighborhood

All the Cool Cats Are Buying These Halloween Pet Costumes

Everything You Need to Know about Disney’s New Genie Service

by Karly WoodAugust 20, 2021

You may have heard the rumors: Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort are no longer offering Fast Passes and we’re here to tell you: it’s true. But while the free service won’t be offered anymore, Disney is not leaving us hanging!

Coming this fall you’ll be able to access the new Disney Genie service! The digital service not only helps you create a fun-filled itinerary but it’s also complimentary (please, and thank you). Keep scrolling to find out all the details!

Disney’s video covered a ton of important details so let’s break it down. First, Disney Genie fits right into the My Disney Experience and Disneyland apps so you don’t need yet another app on your already cluttered phone. You’ll be able to indicate your must-ride attractions, fave food and interests that include your can’t miss character experiences.

Once you load in your deets, Disney Genie will help guide your day by suggesting ideal times to head to attractions, when to get on restaurant waiting lists and wait times. It will also adjust throughout the day as crowds ebb and flow. No more walking across the entire park to find out the princesses have gone on a lunch break!

photo: Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort

If you are still craving that front-of-the-line experience, guests will have the option to use the Disney Genie+ service and make up to two individual attraction selections to skip the line. Both of these are paid options.

Disney Genie+ service will be priced at $15 per ticket per day at Walt Disney World Resort and $20 per ticket per day at Disneyland Resort. This service gives you the chance to pick the next available time to arrive at certain attractions and experiences by using the Lightning Lane entrance. Like the old Max Pass, guests can only make one selection at a time, throughout the day. Additionally, you’ll also be able to access Disney parks-themed audio experiences and photo features like augmented reality lenses (Walt Disney World only) and unlimited Disney PhotoPass downloads from your day at Disneyland Resort.

For attractions not included in Disney Genie+ service, park goers will be able to schedule a time to arrive at up to two super popular = attractions each day using the Lightning Lane entrance. Depending on the park, attraction and day, the price will fluctuate for this service.

For more details on Disney Genie, visit DisneyWorld.com/DisneyGenie and Disneyland.com/DisneyGenie and stay tuned for the official launch date this fall.

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Disney Parks Blog

The Magic Is Back as Disneyland Announces New Annual Pass Program

Eek! After a Year Hiatus, Halloween Time at Disneyland Is Back

Museum Day Is Back & Here’s How You Can Get Free Tickets

by Sarah ShebekAugust 18, 2021

Museum Day is this weekend! The annual event offers free admission to museums across the country and celebrates our country’s diverse cultural experiences. There’s availability at loads of locations for you to grab your downloadable ticket, with participants in all 50 states.

Each ticket will grant the holder and one guest timed access to any participating museum on September 18. You can download one ticket per email address, so the whole family can enjoy, but note that you can only choose one museum for a free ticket. Some museums that offer free children’s admission will not require a kid’s ticket for this event, but you may want to contact your chosen spot in advance to be safe. Participating locations will have safety precautions in place to protect against the ongoing pandemic.

This is the 17th annual Museum Day and it’s particularly special, since many museums faced long closures due to COVID-19. The Smithsonian Magazine created the event to commit to access, equity and inclusion. You can see a full list of participating museums and get your downloadable ticket through the magazine’s website.

The event is sponsored by The Quaker Oats Company and the company is also running an instant win giveaway program through September 15. Participants can enter to win one of 100 Smithsonian Science kits per day! Plus there’s a grand prize for five lucky adults, who will each win a virtual Smithsonian Museum tour and private Q&A for up to 35 guests. Head to QuakerBacktoSchool.com to try your luck.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured photo: Michal Parzuchowski, Unsplash

Visit These Famous Museums from Your Couch

Can’t Visit Your Fave Museum? This Is the Next Best Thing

buybuy BABY’s Big-Deal Baby Sale Is Back with Over 1,000 Deals

by Karly WoodAugust 11, 2021

It’s time to stock up on baby supplies! buybuy BABY’s biggest Big-Deal Baby Sale is now live.

From Fri., Aug. 6 through Sun., Aug. 15, you can shop over 1,000 items on sale including big brands like Willow, Chicco, Graco DockATot and Britax. So what categories can you shop for big savings? Keep scrolling to see them all.

Tons of deals await on big ticket items that include:

Up to 20% off select strollers & travel systems
Up to 20% off select car seats
Up to 50% off select clothing & accessories
Up to 20% off select gear & travel
Up to 20% off select furniture, bedding & decor
Up to 30% off select monitors
Up to 20% off select feeding
Up to 25% off select toys

The sale runs from Aug. 6 through Aug. 15 and is available in-store and online at buybuybaby.com.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of buybuy BABY

The Best Baby Plates, Cups, Bowls & Utensils of 2021

The Best High Chairs: 17 Favorites

Totally Paw-some: Walmart Offers Sneak Peek of New PAW Patrol Film with Toy Purchase

by Sarah ShebekJuly 28, 2021

Attention PAW Patrol fans! Walmart has a win-win proposal: right now, you can pre-order select toys from the new movie and when you do, you’ll get special access to a virtual showcase, including a sneak peek at the upcoming film!

Multiple toys are eligible in this offer, including an action figure set, transforming movie vehicles and eight-piece role-play sets for your little fans. Prices start at $12.97 and all of the toys come with free shipping. Totally paw-some!

Once you’ve purchased, you’ll receive ticket instructions in your inbox within 24 hours. The virtual showcase features a preview of PAW Patrol: The Movie with an intro by a special guest from the film. It also promises other fun activities for the family! You can tune in on August 8 starting at 1 p.m. ET.

In case you missed it, the new PAW Patrol movie comes out in theaters on August 20. Check out our preview for a look at the trailer and character images!

––Sarah Shebek

All images courtesy of Walmart

Why Nickelodeon’s “PAW Patrol” Is Your Preschooler’s Favorite Show

3 Innovative New Toys That Prove PAW Patrol Rules

Under the Sea: Family Fun at the National Aquarium

by Ayren Jackson-CannadyMay 18, 2021

It’s no deep sea mystery that Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is one of the most popular destinations on the East Coast, with the National Aquarium topping the must-see lists of nearly every visitor. And for good reason—with over 20,000 underwater critters, puffin feedings, a 4D Immersion Theater, and more, the aquarium has something that floats everyone’s boat.

Editor’s Note: The aquarium is operating at reduced capacity. You can reserve a timed-entry ticket here. Masks are required for all guests over 2.

Ready, Set, Go!: The aquarium is smack dab in the middle of the Inner Harbor, so there’s no getting around the fact that nearly every day is buzzing with a crowd. But, don’t let that deter you—if you can, just pack up the kids and visit during the week (Monday-Thursday). Go before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m. for the best experience. If your mission is to make it through the whole museum you’ll want to reserve a few hours.

Getting there: You can take the MARC train to the aquarium. For DMV-ers start at Union Station and take either the Camden or Penn line to the Camden Yards or Penn Station MARC train stops respectively. Expect this to be a brisk one hour ride. It’s a one mile walk from the train station to the aquarium; if that’s more than you bargained for, grab a cab for a quick fare. Driving? Expect a 50 minute to one hour trip from D.C. and Northern Virginia.

Parking: While there is lots of street parking around we recommend the convenient parking one block opposite the aquarium at the Lockwood Place Garage. While it is a hefty $20.00 for the 4 hours with the aquarium validation, its worth not worrying about parking tickets or being towed.

What to see: Arrive before 11 a.m. to start the day off right at Blacktip Reef. The animals are just waking up and starting their day too! More of a night owl? A visit after 3 p.m. lets you experience the animals during a less busy time. A bright area can be found at the Dolphin Discovery area where staff works with the dolphins. Leave time to wander around the Jellies Invasion exhibit, a sweet, quiet spot to really enjoy their beauty.

Editor’s Note: The Dolphin Discovery area is currently closed, but you can purchase a private Dolphin Training Session here.

What to skip: If you have smaller kids, they may not be too interested in the guided tours. If you are interested note that they cost extra, and they do sell out quickly.

Possible lunch spots: No outside food, beverages, or gum are permitted. A grab and go cafe and a traditional sandwich and pizza style cafe are located in the building, but there are no sit down and order options available. Our recommendation? Bring a picnic. There are tables and benches (with a view of the harbor!) just outside the Aquarium.

Editor’s Note: Due to COVID, there are no on-site dining options.

Cost: The cost is definitely an investment for a family. Adults 12-64 are $39.95, children 3-12 are $24.95 and infants under 3 are free. Military discounts are available through base ticket offices.

The fine print on wheels: Are you ready to have your salt water bubble bursted? Strollers are NOT permitted in the aquarium. They do however offer the free use of front or back carriers for families with babies and tots.

National Aquarium
501 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD
410-576-3800
Online: aqua.org

—Sonya Gavankar

Photos courtesy of National Aquarium via Facebook

LEGO Movie World Is about to Open & Everything Is Awesome

by Erica LoopApril 29, 2021

Get ready for a whole new awesome experience this summer! LEGO Movie World is opening in the LEGOLAND California Resort on May 27—and it’s packed with brand-new rides, attractions, dining options, and so much more.

Fans of the film franchises can take a trip through a brick-filled world on a Triple Decker Flying Couch on Emmet’s Flying Adventure Riding. If that isn’t enough awesomeness for your mini builder, check out Unikitty’s Disco Drop and Queen Watevra’s Carousel.

photo courtesy of Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Along with the three new rides, park guests can visit the LEGO Movie-themed attractions: Emmet’s Super Suite, Benny’s Playship and Build Watevra You Wa’Na Build.

There’s no doubt your brick-building kiddos will work up an appetite walking around the awesome adventure-filled park. When the fam is ready to take a break from the rides and other attractions, check out the land’s premiere dining experience Everything is Ramen, savor the sweetness of Cloud Cuckoo Crepes or hydrate yourself at Benny’s Blaster Slushies.

Of course your littles can’t leave this LEGOLAND park without hitting the gift store. The Awesome Shop is packed with souvenirs galore, including plenty of The LEGO Movie T-shirts, mugs and other merch.

Visit the LEGOLAND California Resort website here for info on Annual Passes and online ticket purchase options.

—Erica Loop

This LEGO Kit Comes with a Teeny Tiny Baby Yoda & Love It, You Will

Celebrate Lucasfilm’s 50th B-day with a LEGO R2-D2 Build!

ML Interest Tag: ticket

These Toys Are the Most Popular in Google Searches for Your Holiday Shopping Inspo

Related reads

Here’s How to Snag Disney+ for Just $1.99 & Catch Disney+ Day

Related reads

How to Teach Your Kids to Save Money for Emergencies

By Denise Daniels

Denise Daniels

Related reads

Faux Halloween Succulents Have Landed at Target & They’re Boo-tiful

Blood Succulent

24" Blood Succulents Venus Fly Trap with Black Planter

Dreadful Daisy with White Skull

Kiss of Death Cloche

Dreadful Daisies with Medium Black Planter

Terrarium Small Yellow Face Plants

Related reads

Everything You Need to Know about Disney’s New Genie Service

Related reads

Museum Day Is Back & Here’s How You Can Get Free Tickets

Related reads

buybuy BABY’s Big-Deal Baby Sale Is Back with Over 1,000 Deals

Related reads

Totally Paw-some: Walmart Offers Sneak Peek of New PAW Patrol Film with Toy Purchase

Related reads

Under the Sea: Family Fun at the National Aquarium

Related reads

LEGO Movie World Is about to Open & Everything Is Awesome

Related reads