Holidays

Active Sports Toys For Toddlers

December 20, 2019 by Stacy Craft Leave a Comment

8 of the best active sports toys for toddlers or preschoolers this Christmas.

Just when I thought I was getting this “Mom” thing down, my baby boy turned 2. He is a wild and curious boy that will scale 3 drawers to get to the kitchen counter for a banana.

And right after that, just like all the boy mamas that I know said, he will say “give me kiss mama” and just melt my heart.

If you have an active toddler in your house or if you have a grandbaby that meets this criteria and you want to help save the sanity of Mom and Dad, check out the best active sports toys for toddlers. These are perfect gifts for birthdays or Christmas.

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

Active Sports Toys For Toddlers

My favorite thing about these toys is that most if not all can actually be used indoor or outside. That is great because when you have a child that needs to be active and the weather is bad, this allows them to get exercise and their “wiggles” out while staying warm and dry inside.

Here are some of our favorite Active Sports Toys For Toddlers to use Indoors or Out:

Little Tikes Catch and Stick – This is actually under our Christmas tree for our 2 year old right now. So although we haven’t played with this one yet, I can’t get over how adorable it is. Playing catch is going to be so much fun!

VTech Smart Shots Sports Center – This toy is fun because it encourages the gross motor skills like placing a basketball in the basket or kicking the soccer ball in the goal. It also has lots of fun buttons and sounds that kids of this age love. The height of this toy is nice too because the kiddo can easily make the basketball into the net by placing it inside (and decrease frustration for the younger toddler).

Little Tikes Punt & Pass Set – A good set of soft toy balls is an essential for every toddler’s toy box.

Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball Goal – My little boy absolutely loves this. I will say that he does get frustrated sometimes if he is not making baskets but since it is adjustable, we can make it easier for him now and harder as he grows. I’ve been known to even drag it inside when the weather is bad and he wants to play.

Kid Bowling Set – This is also under our Christmas tree right now. My daughter had a princess version of this when she was younger. It is a fun activity to occupy little ones.

Little Tikes T Ball Set – So I am not brave enough to use this one inside but we have lots of fun playing with it outside!

Little Tikes Trampoline – My daughter received this as a gift when she was 2 years old and four years later now my 2 year old son is using this trampoline. And to be clear, the 6 year old still uses it too! I love toys that stand the test of time!

Fisher Price Think N Learn Smart Cycle – A friend of mine has this for her kids and it is always a hit. My kids love riding on it when we visit and it is a great way to burn off energy indoors. You can hook it up to a smart device or use it separately.

Also, just for clarity sake, this post was NOT sponsored by Little Tikes. It just so happens that we love a ton of their toys for Active Sports Toys for toddlers and preschoolers alike. What are your favorite toys for toddlers that have all the energy?

Men’s Stocking Stuffers Under $10

December 10, 2019 by Stacy Craft 4 Comments

Find 30+ men’s stocking stuffers under $10 for Christmas this year.

I don’t know about your house but at mine the stocking always gets the short end of the stick.

It is the forgotten little sock that gets shoved off until the last minute and then I am scrambling to figure out what to stuff in there that doesn’t seem last minute (even if it is).

And when I am stuffing a stocking, I want it to be economical and useful items. When I did a “stocking stuffer” search of a major retail store, all kinds of items that cost $30, $40 and $50+ popped up. Maybe when I win the lottery.

But for now, stockings mean small treats. So I created this list of men’s stocking stuffers under $10 to give you ideas of what to stick in your guy’s stocking this year.

Be sure to check out these Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Your kids too:

How To Fill the 1 Year Old’s Stocking

No Junk, Under $5 Stocking Stuffers for 3-5 Year Old Girls

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

Men’s Stocking Stuffers Under $10

Even though the stockings sometimes annoy me because it is just one more thing to shop for, really deep down I love them.

It is a fun opportunity to gift some small items that you might not want to wrap up under the tree but that are perfect as a part of a filled stocking.

Here are some of my favorite categories and items to put in my husband’s stocking.

Special Self Care

Shave Butter – I bought this for my husband’s stocking last year and again this year because he liked it so much! It makes a mundane, daily task a bit more luxurious.

Dollar Shave Club Subscription – Starting at $3.80 a month, you can keep your guy stocked up on razor cartridges. My husband and I have been a member since 2015 (we use the mid-range blades) and love it! The shave is great, the price is better and you never have to remember to pick up razors at the store! It is also super easy to adjust your delivery date if you run out quicker than you thought you would or if you need to slow down your deliveries a bit.

Duke Cannon Offensively Large Lip Balm – Nothing says manly lip balm like Duke Cannon! I love this because lip balm is such a functional stocking stuffer but Duke Cannon makes it a little more fun than just a regular tube of balm.

Bacon Floss – There is nothing to say about this but why not? Bacon makes everything better right? Even floss.

Coffee to Cocktails

Whiskey Chill Stones – My husband loves a good bourbon and these chill stones are perfect to make a nice drink without watering it down.

Home State Shot Glass – I love the state pride in these shot glasses from an Etsy Shop.

If You Can…Bring Me A Beer Socks – A fun gift for the beer lover

Broo – Craft Beer Soap -He will be asking “Am I in the shower or at the bar?”

Stainless Steel Can Cooler – A great way to keep his beer cool and the perfect stocking stuffer. If you want something a little more fun, you can always throw in a coozie from his favorite team.

Stainless Steel Straws – Save the planet and so much better than the paper variety!

Travel to Tech

RFID Wallet – Keep his personal info safe when travelling through the airport

RFID Phone Wallet – These are great for those that want just one thing in their pocket.

Gear Ties – These are great to organize charger cords or ear buds on the go.

Kindle Gift Card – Give him the gift of reading without having to haul physical books around on his travel.

Day Job

Business Card Holder – These are great for trade shows or sales people that need easy access to their cards.

Contingo Travel Coffee Mug – great for the commute or even at the office.

Working Hands Hand Cream – If your guy works with his hands, the winter weather can be horrible for the skin. Refresh his skin with this stocking stuffer hand cream made just for him.

Touch Screen Gloves – Keep hands warm and stay up to date on emails.

Funny Socks – the daily uniform can be boring, spice it up with some crazy socks. My daughter requested dinosaur socks for my husband’s birthday gift and of course Amazon had them!

Specialty Snacks and Spices

Cayenne Habanero Hot Sauce – A unique hot sauce is great for the spicy fan.

Whiskey Maple Smoke Rub – Does he love to grill? A new specialty rub is fun to try.

Mike’s Hot Honey – I don’t even really like brussel sprouts but I want them after seeing this hot honey on top.

Slice N Share Snickers – Bigger is better right? These are on sale right now and I think would be a hit in the stocking this year.

Bourbon Caramels – Combines a great cocktail and a sweet treat

Grass Fed Beef Jerky

More Stocking Ideas For Him

As much as I love never leaving my couch while shopping for Christmas, there are a few men’s stocking stuffers under $10 that are easier to get when you are out and about.

Mini Liquor Bottles
Specialty Beer – Our grocery store often has a mix and match your own 6 pack this time of year
Lottery Scratch Off Tickets
Breath Mints/Gum
Car Wash Gift Card
$5 or $10 Fast Food / Coffee Shop Gift Cards

Dollar Tree Gifts From Your Elf On The Shelf

December 8, 2019 by Stacy Craft Leave a Comment

Find cheap and fun treats from your Elf on the Shelf this year to make every evening just a little easier (on the elf of course).

We got a special surprise this year when our Elf on the Shelf arrived. She brought a friend this year for our toddler!

So now we have 2 crazy little elves running around our house every night.

Traditionally, our elf has not been a trouble maker but she does love to bring a few small treats throughout her time at our home every year.

Last year we shared lots of gifts under $5 for the elf to bring during the Christmas season. So this year, I thought I would share Dollar Tree gifts from your Elf on the Shelf.

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

Dollar Tree Gifts From Your Elf On The Shelf

There are so many cute little happy gifts that your elf can leave for just a buck. Dollar Tree gifts from your Elf on the Shelf are easy, cheap and will bring a smile to the face of your kiddo.

Here are some ideas on what your elf can grab on their next Dollar store run!

Our elves announced themselves this year with these cute paint with water books from the Dollar Tree.

Watercolors Christmas Book

Christmas Window Clings – My kids love these things. They spend a lot of time hanging and rearranging their scene.

Christmas Wack A Pack Balloons

Wooden Holiday Paint Set

Ceramic Painting Set

Color Your Own Christmas Tote

Christmas Playing Cards & Games

More Dollar Tree Christmas Treats

Dollar Tree gifts from your Elf on the Shelf span more than the 2 or 3 seasonal aisles. Here are some more ideas!

Red & Green Nail Polish

Candy Canes (Candy Cane Hunts are so fun)

Santa Hat

Cookie Mix to bake cookies

Christmas Stamps

Christmas Pencil

Stickers

Christmas Coloring Books

Character Toothbrush

Puzzles

Character Cup / Water Bottle

Don’t Miss Out On More Christmas Cheer

Holidays are the best & they don’t have to mean spending a ton of money! Here are some of our faves for Christmas!

Stocking Stuffers for Your 1 Year Old

Stocking Stuffers for 3-5 Year Old Girls

Merry Money – A Lesson for Kids in Learning and Giving

24 Book Christmas Advent Calendar Countdown

The Ultimate Frozen Gift Guide

November 2, 2018 by Stacy Craft 2 Comments

Do you want to build a snowman? If you have a Frozen obsessed little one you probably can’t count the number of times that you have heard that! Check out the ultimate Frozen gift guide for all things Anna, Elsa & Olaf!

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

When I set out to write the ultimate Frozen gift guide, I decided I would start with the Frozen things that my kids personally own and then move on to cool things I found online. Shock and a little embarrassment came when I discovered just how many Frozen products that we own.

My name is Stacy and my daughter is Frozen obsessed. There I said it. I thought we just liked Frozen but apparently we deserve a place in that obsessed category. Anna is the favorite in our house but Elsa certainly has made an appearance (and the rest of the gang).

And in honor of Frozen 2 being released on 11/22/19, I have updated this post to include all of the newest Frozen toys, clothes and stocking stuffers!

The Ultimate Frozen Gift Guide

Use the ultimate Frozen gift guide to find gifts for the kid that wants and needs everything Frozen. From Frozen toys to clothing to everyday essentials there is something for everyone! Pick out the perfect gift for a Frozen birthday party or a great Christmas present.

Frozen Footwear

Frozen Girls Light Up Tennis Shoes – Fun Fact: I swore I would never buy light up shoes. Never say never right? My daughter loves these and they are good quality.
Frozen Princess Socks – my little one loves to wear these on “Silly Sock” day at mother’s day out. We have the Anna ones of course but they also have an Elsa pair.
Frozen Boot Slippers – These are so cute. I can never keep socks on my kids in the winter. Maybe these would encourage them!

Frozen Crafts

Frozen Watercolors Paint Book – my daughter starting liking these types of books when she was 3-4. We have had lots of different characters and this Frozen one was entertaining for her. She loves to paint the coloring book pages and hang them on the fridge.
Frozen Aquabeads Refill – Did you have perler beads as a kid? The aquabeads remind of that in a slightly easier for the parent format. Fair warning, if these beads spill it is a mess! But it is fun and my daughter loved the Frozen theme. You will need a starter kit to go with this if you don’t already have one. And here is the Frozen II version!
Frozen Imagine Ink Book – Another childhood memory for me. These are such fun little books with the “magic” marker. The price point is great too!
Frozen Crayola Color Wonder – Coloring is one of my kid’s favorite activities. We love the color wonder products and this Frozen inspired set is no exception.
Frozen 2 Necklace Activity Set – This is the coolest toy at such a reasonable price. You string the beads, add your Frozen charm and wear your creation. Then just undo the clasp to make new creations over and over again.

Essentials

.Frozen Divided Zak Plates – the zak brand has the best kid plates in my humble opinion. They hold up in the dishwasher and still look new years later. Not to mention that they make meal time fun!
Frozen Thermos – My daughter takes this to school at least twice a week. We fill it with chicken nuggets, pizza, ABC’s & 123’s and even milk with cereal on the side.
Frozen Backpack – Make school a little more fun with this cute bag. We had a Frozen backpack last year for school and used it every day!
Frozen Nap Mat – these are the best! Lightly padded and with a built in pillow and soft blanket. My little one has been using this at mother’s day out for 2 years.
Frozen Child Luggage – we actually have just a princess version of this but my kids use these for overnight trips to grandma’s. They are the perfect size for a few outfits and your favorite stuffed animal.

Stocking Stuffers Under $10

The ultimate Frozen gift guide wouldn’t be complete without some inexpensive stocking stuffers! And don’t forget to grab a Frozen stocking too!

Frozen Book – A book is always a great stocking stuffer! Inexpensive, educational and fun!
Elsa Squishy Jewelry Bead Kit – This looks fun and is the perfect size for a stocking.
Frozen II Lipgloss Set
Elsa High Heels
Frozen 2 Sunglasses – Perfectly practical Stocking Stuffer.
Frozen 2 Uno Game – A classic game with your favorite Frozen II characters
Frozen 2 Rubbing Art
Da Bomb Frozen Bath Bomb
Frozen Reusable Sticker Play Scene
Frozen Color By Number – my 5 year old loves color by numbers!
Frozen Magic Ink Book – With Mess free marker – kids are happy and mom is too.
Frozen II Fizzy Charm Surprise – My daughter loves all types of surprise blind bags. This one makes a cute necklace.
Peel N Stick Frozen Puzzle – This is a cute mosaic style craft, perfect for a stocking.
Frozen Earrings
Frozen Nail Polish Set

Pretend & Imaginative Play

Frozen Hopper Ball – Toys that double as energy release agents always get an extra star! These are great for those super cold Frozen like days outside when you can’t get out. The kids can bounce inside with minimal damage to your stuff. We don’t own this but every time we go to our local children’s museum both of my kids love the hopper balls.
Frozen Lip Gloss & Nail Polish Set – My daughter was just using this nail polish last night. It is a cute set that allows your little girl to pretend she is her favorite princess.
Frozen Mirror & Lipstick – The mirror is a hit. Even my one year old son loves making it light up. It is a toy so the mirror is a stick on reflective which I like because my crazy baby would have a glass mirror broken in about 10 seconds.
Frozen Bath Bomb – Pretend your tub has turned into a Frozen wonderland. My little princess is obsessed with bath bombs. I think this would be a great stocking stuffer! And it is handmade in TX!
Anna & Elsa Cool Tunes Sing Along Boombox – My daughter has the older model of this item. She used to walk around singing “Let It Go” in the microphone at the top of her lungs. I like that it is portable and easy for a 2-3 year old to carry around.
Anna Coronation Costume – We have so many Anna dress up gowns. My little one was Anna for Halloween one year and still likes to dress up as her favorite princess.
Elsa Costume – This is on the Christmas list this year. Ya’ll this is going on a 3 year Frozen obsession. I can’t wait to see what happens next year when movie #2 releases. Check out how we organize our Princess dress collection here!

Toys

Frozen Small Doll Collection – My daughter got this for her birthday and loves using this set to play in slime and playdough. They are small, figurine type dolls that fit in the palm of an adult hand. As a mom, I like these because although they are small, they are not dinky. They are chunky little figurines and we haven’t had one break yet (despite the slime plunges that they take often).
Frozen Elsa Magnetic Doll – Dress Elsa up in tons of different ways. My daughter enjoys this quiet time activity while her brother is napping. And if you are more into Anna, she has a magnetic doll set too. This one does have quite a few small pieces, so keep that in mind if your little one still puts things in his/her mouth.
Anna Baby Doll– We have the set with Anna & Elsa.
Frozen Bowling Set – These little bowling sets are great for indoor fun on a rainy day.
Frozen Tent – Tents are just fun period.
Frozen Magnetic Activity Scene – This is another good travel toy. We have used this on car trips and plane rides.
Frozen Pie Face – the popular game with an Olaf twist.
Frozen Operation – A game that is fun through the ages. Did you have operation when you were younger?
Anna Barbie Type Doll – There is also an Elsa. My daughter likes to play with these in her doll house.

Educational Items

Anna Lego Set – Legos are on my 4 (almost 5) year old’s Christmas list this year. Since this is her favorite Princess, we may have to give it a try.
Frozen Look & Find – Your kids can never have too many books! Reading is so important and i love the look and find interaction that this one provides. If you want to see our Frozen Christmas books, check out our Christmas book advent calendar tradition.
Frozen Puzzle Set – We have this item in the Peppa Pig version. I cut the picture off the back, put the picture and the corresponding pieces into a ziplock bag and then store all the pieces in the wooden box. It makes it easy to keep the puzzles separated.
Olaf Play Doh Set – Play doh is a great way to encourage the imagination and sensory development of young kids. If your frozen obsession is a snowman, this is for you.
Frozen Matching Game – Challenge your child’s memory with this fun game featuring your favorite Frozen gang.

Frozen Clothing And Accessories

Anna Hat with Braids – This was another birthday gift from a friend. It always gets cute comments when we are out and is a fun way to “dress up” without actually wearing a costume out. It is all about compromises when it comes to little princesses isn’t it! There is an Elsa option too.
Frozen Panties – A practical gift that is still fun for the recipient is the best.
Long Sleeve Elsa Nightgown – No better way to sleep than in an Elsa gown.
Frozen Hair Clips – Cute clips that would be great to add on to a gift or a stocking stuffer.
Elsa Robe – This looks nice and warm for chilly winter mornings.
Gloves and Hat Combo – There are several different character choices. I love hats and gloves as a practical Christmas gift.

Target even has matching family Olaf pajamas that are really cute if you want to wear matching Frozen pjs on Christmas morning.

Ultimate Frozen Gifts

Frozen Castle Playset – My friend at work sent me me this when her granddaughters outgrew it. We have had it for a little over a year and it is still in great shape so I would say that it is a good quality item. If you are looking for a dollhouse at a lower price, this one is cute and less than $50. And here is the brand new Frozen 2 Dollhouse.
Frozen Bike – My 4 year old is in need of a new bike this year and she may just get this one for her Birthday! i think she would love the little doll sleigh on the back.
Frozen Jeep – My Dad and Stepmom bought my daughter a power wheels toy when she was 2. We still laugh at how now 2.5 years later, she can finally use it! We don’t own this Frozen version but it is very cool and would be super exciting to a Frozen fan.
Frozen Table, Chairs & Toy Organizer – I love this because it doubles as a gift for kid and parent. Kiddos love a table meant just for them. Use it for home picnics, to color or play. The toy organizer displays our favorite Frozen characters so maybe just maybe the kids will pick up their stuff off the ground and put it in the toy box? Wishful thinking?
Frozen Sofa – Ultimate doesn’t have to mean expensive! This is less than $40 and will be a favorite. My mother in law sent a vintage kids couch down for us recently and my kids go crazy for it and it doesn’t even have a Frozen princess or queen! Read the reviews, looks like this is best for small kids.
Olaf Snow Cone Maker – Do you want to build a ….. snow cone? Oh my gosh, I know some kids (and a hubby) that would love to have a snow cone maker at home. Especially one shaped like Olaf!
Frozen Ride on Sleigh – My daughter saw this on the computer screen and was losing it. “I want that!”
Olaf Inflatable – Wow your kids or grandkids with this Olaf inflatable. My kids go crazy for inflatables!
Frozen Ball Pit – A ball pit is every toddler’s dream!
Frozen 6V Quad ATV – This is a great ride on toy for kids as young as 18 Months. My 2 year old loves riding this toy (we have a different character for him but it is the same toy). The battery stays charged pretty well for lots of use before you have to recharge. It is small enough to ride in your house (things I said I’d never do) or outside in the driveway.

I hope the ultimate Frozen gift guide helps you to find the perfect present for your little Frozen fan. I am off to see if we can find some of our Frozen items to donate to make room for the new items that my baby girl is wanting for her birthday and Christmas this year.

And if you have any other little girls in your life that love the LOL Surprise dolls, check out this Ultimate LOL Doll Guide. Tons of LOL stuff to make your little one happy.

Healthy Foods for Halloween Candy Bowls

October 14, 2019 by Stacy Craft 5 Comments

Discover healthy foods for Halloween candy bowls to keep kids and parents happy.

Do you have 10 Halloween candy dishes like I do? My kids immediately expect me to fill them up with candy and goodies. And let’s be honest, I do fill them once or twice.

But after that, I want some kind of healthier option for our bowls.

It is amazing how much more fun a healthy snack is when it is displayed in a big witch bowl.

(Affiliate Links are used in this post. A small commission may be paid to me at no extra cost to you and that helps to support this page. Please see my disclosures page for additional information.)

Healthy Foods for Halloween Candy Bowls (or At Least Healthier)

Some of these options are healthier than others but I think they are all better than candy. And after Trick Or Treating we have about 200 lbs of candy lingering around it seems.

So if we can be just the tiniest bit healthier leading up to the big day, I will take it!

My kids will grab what is in the bowl so having a few options with less sugar or other wholesome ingredients is something that I am happy to do.

Non-Candy Snacks To Put in Halloween Candy Dish

I have linked to cute orange and black packages and ghosts and goblin shaped food. But my kids also just like when I stick stuff we already have in the pantry in the holiday bowls so you might want to try that too.