Toys & Play

Can you guess what it is?

Especially if you're traveling with a preschooler and baby.

What kind of packer are you?

How to have it be a great experience, for everyone.

In the Legoland vs Disneyland debate, I think there's one clear winner.

Everything I've learned traveling around Ireland with my family.

Just add paint and one secret ingredient that you probably have on hand.

We put in the work so you don’t have to.

I’ll never forget planning my first-ever kid birthday party as a mom … and falling down the rabbit hole of first birthday party ideas. At the time, we were reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar on repeat in our house, and I went all in: cookie versions of the caterpillar’s favorite snacks, an enviable balloon arch, a full soft-play and ball-pit setup, and, yes, overspending on just about everything.

For crawling, crashing, and the occasional 5-minute yoga session.

It helps them get their energy out.

Step aside, Jellycats, Squishmallows, and Labubus! The newest Gen Alpha obsession is the squeezable, squishable, stretchable sensory toy NeeDoh. The resulting frenzy has parents crowdsourcing the viral toy in Facebook groups and lining up outside stores to take advantage of restocks.A modern twist on the stress ball, NeeDohs are available in various malleable textures and shapes that are fun for sensory play and can also help calm stress and anxiety.

Kirsten = prairiecore. Samantha = heiress energy. Felicity = horse girl chic.

If you’re parenting a kid with autism, you already know that autism awareness isn’t something families think about just one day or one month a year. It’s everyday life. But April has special meaning. In the U.S., it’s Autism Acceptance Month, designed to promote inclusivity and understanding. And the good news? More spaces are starting to get it.

Plus, a beautiful IKEA makeover.

We see you, Brown Bear.

As we (finally!!!) head into the warmer months, many parents, myself included, are brainstorming all the ways kids can spend time outside. I’m leaning into one thing: The messier the play, the better. It usually means the kids are fully engaged in what they’re doing — and outdoors, which is a win. That’s exactly why I love the mud kitchen. It’s just a small setup, but it can offer hours of sensory play.

Bluey is here for real life!