FAO Schwarz Hosts Child Ambassadors for Stop & Shop's Help Cure Childhood Cancer Campaign

This month, FAO Schwarz had the honor of hosting two lovely girls named Freja and Madison for a private tour and shopping experience. Both girls are patients at MSK Kids (Memorial Sloan Kettering's pediatric oncology program) and they're the ambassadors for Stop & Shop's Help Cure Childhood Cancer Campaign. Read on for more details about the program and how you can help.

Make Your Own Peeps Houses: More Fun with Peeps

Wondering what to do with Peeps besides eat them? Peeps houses are one of our favorite Spring projects! Check out how we made them in these easy steps!

The Hotel Hershey: 10 Things You Didn't Know

Is The Hotel Hershey too fancy for kids? Is it too upscale? Is it too expensive? As a self-proclaimed Hershey, PA expert, people ask me those questions all the time! If you haven't read my in-depth review of the Hershey resorts and attractions, please visit my Hershey Insider Page for answers to many of the common Hershey resort-area questions.  If you have an upcoming trip planned to The Hotel Hershey (or if you were thinking about planning one), I have some fun facts and tips for you in this post, as well!

Flashback to My Favorite Toys from The Toy Insider's Sweet Suite 22

The Toy Insider's Sweet Suite 2023 is happening this summer in New York City! Why not take a walk down memory lane and check out my favorite finds from 2022's Sweet Suite? 

If you follow my social channels you've probably seen me posting about Sweet Suite 22, the hottest toy show of the summer from The Toy Insider! This invite-only event took place in July at beautiful Pier 60 in New York City. There were tables and tables of famous toy companies (and smaller brands, too), featuring toys, collectibles, plushies, and so much more. I love sharing this day with you because I know you can bookmark all of these fun ideas for future birthdays, holidays and special gifts. And if you're a 'Kidult' like me, you can find a few things for yourself, too! Read on for my favorite picks!

Hershey's Chocolate World Celebrates 50 Years of Fun!

I am SO excited to announce Hershey's very SWEET news! This year (2023), Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction is celebrating its milestone 50th anniversary with a full roster of delicious experiences and events, plus an official 50th birthday celebration on June 30, 2023. This includes a sweet surprise for those celebrating their 50th birthday too, a chocolate parade, character meet and greets, and much more. I have all of the sweetest details for you, so read on to find out more!

Easy St. Patrick's Day Crafts: Paper Plate Rainbows

Here's an easy St. Patrick's Day craft you can make in a flash. There's not much to it, and chances are you already have all of the supplies on hand! We also used this craft as an easy craft activity at The Jersey Momma's Boy's 5th birthday party, which was an Art Party. You can read all about that here.

How to Make Rainbow Rice Sensory Bins

Sensory bins are one of the best things about childhood. They're a great way to promote creative play and independent discovery! There are some amazing ideas for sensory tables/bins all over Pinterest, and when The Jersey Momma's Boy was about 2 or 3, I would change up the sensory bins every few weeks for him. He's too old for them now, but he enjoyed playing with the rainbow rice for years. Because, well, let's face it, it's cool. Rainbow rice is perfect for St. Patrick's Day or any old time of year. And don't worry, it's not as hard to make as you think!

Hot New Toys for Spring and Summer: Fun Finds from The Play Date

I recently spent a day in New York City checking out some of the hottest new toys of the season. The Play Date was made possible by The Toy Association, The Toy Book and The Toy Insider (where I once served as a contributor for their Parent Panel!). As a mom, writer, former educator, and proud kidult, I take toys seriously! So I've gathered some of my favorites to share with you in a quick round-up. Stay tuned for my Easter Gift Guide, where I'll share all of my picks for the best baskets ever!!

St. Patrick's Day Crafts: Simple Shamrock Angels

Here's a quick and easy St. Patrick's Day craft that anyone can do. I used to make these paper shamrock angels (also called Leprechaun Angels!) in my classroom and they looked so cute 'flying' around the windows. They don't take much time and you don't need many supplies.

How to Make Rainbow Cupcakes: A DIY Tutorial

If  you're wondering how to make rainbow cupcakes, you've come to the right place! I've been experimenting with this for a while now and I think I've finally come up with the best combinations of colors and methods. It's not as hard as you think!

Madame Alexander Doll Company Celebrates 100th Anniversary with F.A.O. Schwarz

Can you remember the first doll you ever owned? Although I'm more of a stuffed animal collector, I do recall my favorite satiny ballerina doll made by Madame Alexander. I still have her meticulously tucked away in her original box (does this surprise you?). Now Madame Alexander is celebrating their 100th anniversary with the help of F.A.O. Schwarz in New York City, and YOU can be a part of the fun! 

Dr. Seuss Party Games for Read Across America: Easy Ring Toss

Each year I search for fun games to play during our Dr. Seuss Read Across America party. You might have read about my Yertle the Turtle Stacking Game, remember? This year I threw together a character ring toss. Draw or print out your images and then stick them on colored cones (I used clear packing tape). A few rings and you're good to go!

Readyland Makes Reading Magical with Expanded Library of Books Kids Can Talk To

The former teacher in me absolutely loves children's literature and I'll never pass up an opportunity to celebrate it. As I'm writing this, it's actually Read Across America Day, which is the perfect time for me to tell you about the latest book from Readyland. Readyland integrates "printed materials with smart speaker and voice assistant applications, transforming them into a new experience and evolving content into immersive, interactive audio experiences." If you're not sure what that means, read on and I'll tell you about the magic of Readyland books! This might be especially helpful if you have kids who are not crazy about reading (we call them 'reluctant readers.' Do you know one of those?). 

Winter Reading List: Book Picks for All Ages - Chapter Books, Picture Books and More

When I was teaching I used to display new book choices every month for my students, so consider these my special picks just for you! I know it can be challenging to find something that every kid loves (reluctant readers are especially tough), so hopefully, this post will give you some new reading ideas.