8 Gift-Giving Tips: What Do You Get for the Person Who Has Everything?

Have you ever tried to give a gift to someone but failed spectacularly? Maybe you thought hard about a gift but your recipient wound up hating it. Or maybe you crumbled under the pressure of picking a gift and ended up getting something completely lame. Never fear, The Jersey Momma has some new ideas for you!

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Winter Book List for Kids: 10 Fun Suggestions for Readers of All Ages

Winter is here and it's time to curl up with a good book! I've found some fun picks for kids this month, including a few last minute holiday titles. 

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Last Minute Gift Ideas for Sonic the Hedgehog Fans: Plus, Sonic's 30th Anniversary!

It's crunch time for holiday shopping! If you have any Sonic the Hedgehog fans at home (and believe me, I know some adults who are old-school Sonic fans), these are great gift choices.

Finding Ohana Debuts on Netflix This January

I'm always on the lookout for new shows to watch on Netflix, and I'm super excited to see Finding Ohana, which debuts in January of 2021. Hawaii is one of my favorite places on earth, so I can't wait to see all of the beautiful locations in this production, too. Finding Ohana looks like a film that the whole family will enjoy. Read on for more details!

Visit the American Express Platinum Winter Lights Experience for Drive-Through Holiday Fun!

Drive-through Holiday Light Shows are all the rage this season! If you're looking for a fun new option, check out the American Express Platinum Winter Lights Experience happening this month in Far Hills, New Jersey. Grab the whole family and get ready for some safe Winter fun. Read on for more details!

The Gingerbread Wonderland Exhibit at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum

What is Gingerbread Wonderland at The Frelinghuysen Arboretum? Well, have you ever wondered what it would be like if all of the gingerbread cookies got together during the holidays and had a big party?  I'm sure there would be dancing cookies and palace ballrooms and colorful characters.  I'm sure it would look a lot like The Frelinghuysen Arboretum's Gingerbread Wonderland!

**This post has been freshly updated for 2022!**

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Netflix's Mighty Express: A Mighty Christmas Delivers Holiday Cheer for All

Once the stockings are hung and the tree is decorated, help kids get into the holiday spirit even more as you all cuddle up on the sofa to watch a holiday-themed episode of Mighty Express! Available on Netflix December 5th, the 22-minute episode features characters from the newly released pre-school series from Spin Master, along with a special surprise appearance from Santa Claus! Read on for more details!

November Book Picks: Fun Reading Suggestions for Kids

My November book picks are here, and I have plenty of  fun book suggestions for kids this month! Some of these are also featured in my Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide 2020, so be sure to check that out, too! Did you miss last month's book choices? You can still see them here! 

Take a Magical Christmas Trip through Bethlehem, PA!

Looking for a fun, safe weekend getaway*? Or maybe you're looking to travel within your own state of Pennsylvania and you need some new ideas for holiday fun? Bethlehem, known as Christmas City, USA, sparkles with holiday magic. The 81-foot tall star of Bethlehem shines on a mountainside overlooking the city. As you enter Bethlehem, gorgeous decorations put you in the holiday spirit. Eight-hundred Christmas trees adorn the light posts. Moravian stars glitter from store fronts. Read on for more details!

*Please see important COVID-19 travel information about visiting Pennsylvania (in post) 

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Busby's Family Kitchen: Thanksgiving Box Samplers and More Delivered in NJ, NYC, LI and the 5 Boroughs!

Thanksgiving 2020 will certainly go down in the memory books as being "different," but different doesn't necessarily mean bad. Go easy on yourself this year and have Busby's Family Kitchen do the baking for you! They deliver to New Jersey, New York City, Long Island and the 5 boroughs. They have such a yummy selection of items that they can bring right to your door. Check out what I sampled and see for yourself!

The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide 2020: Toys, Games, Books, Dolls, Crafts and More!

If you need ideas for gifts this year (especially for the boys and girls who have everything), look no further! I've gathered over 99 gift ideas for kids (including teens/tweens), and organized them into convenient categories with numbered photos and links. The holidays will be a piece of cake! 

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Master LEGO Builders Compete at LEGOLAND Discovery Center New Jersey

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center New Jersey, located within American Dream in East Rutherford, held a live LEGO® build-off, known as Brick Factor, completing the search for their Master Model Builder (you can read more about the search in my previous post here). Read on to see some of the fantastic LEGO creations and see who was crowned MASTER MODEL BUILDER!

Hot New Toys for the Holiday Season: Fun Finds from The Toy Insider's Holiday of Play 2020

The Toy Insider's Holiday of Play (at Home) has come to a close, and I've chosen a few of my favorites to share with you today! Every year, Holiday of Play offers a sneak preview of what's to come this holiday season. It helps writers like me prepare gift guides and suggestions for holiday shopping. Get those lists ready, and stayed tuned for my Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide, coming this November!

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FLASHBACK! Hot Holiday Toys: My Favorite Picks from The Toy Insider's Holiday of Play 2019

The Toy Insider's Holiday of Play at Home is just a few days away, so I thought I'd flash back to all of my fun finds from their 2019 show. It's never too early to start thinking about those holiday gift lists! Stay tuned for all of my new finds for 2020, coming soon!

Christmas arrived in September at The Toy Insider! I received a fun sneak peek of some of the hottest new holiday toys, thanks to The Toy Insider's Holiday of Play, held at Current at Pier 59 in New York City. Take a look at some of my FAVORITES from the show, and see how The Toy Insider can help you with your entire holiday shopping list.

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Netflix Releases 2020 Holiday Line-Up: Netflix Here for the Holidays!

I'm here to bring you some early holiday cheer! Netflix just released their holiday line-up and it's chock full o' fun! Check out all of the merry movies, shows and series coming to Netflix over the next few months.

Fun Reading Suggestions for Kids: October Book List (and a Giveaway!)

Are you looking for some fun book suggestions for kids? I have a great book list this month, and a giveaway, too, so be sure to check the end of the post to see the awesome titles up for grabs!

NY WATERWAY RESTORES WEEKEND FERRY SERVICE FROM PORT IMPERIAL IN WEEHAWKEN AND FROM HOBOKEN

Hey, New Jersey! We're all in this together and this beautiful Fall season means it's time to get out there and enjoy life again. I'm proud to announce that my FAVORITE way to travel into New York City, NYWaterway, has resumed weekend service in Weehawken and Hoboken! Read on for more details.

Calling All LEGO Enthusiasts: Participate in The Ultimate LEGO Battle for a Dream Job in New Jersey!

Did you ever wish you could actually get paid to design and build LEGO creations? Have you ever envied those LEGO Master Builders that you see on TV and in documentaries? Well, now you have a chance to become one, too! Nope, I'm not joking. LEGOLAND Discovery Center New Jersey is looking for a Master LEGO Builder. Read on for more info!

10 Fun Educational Toys for Kids: Games for Remote Learning, Homeschooling and Classroom Picks!

There are so many educational games and toys on the market these days, it can be hard to choose! Whether your child is remote learning, homeschooled or simply looking for some fun learning games to play at home, I've got you covered! Take a look at some of my favorite picks this Fall! 

New Jersey SEA LIFE® Aquarium and LEGOLAND® Discovery Center New Jersey at American Dream Opening 6/15!

It's time to get excited because New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center New Jersey just announced opening plans for Summer, 2021! They'll have enhanced health and safety procedures in place at both attractions, so never fear. Take a look at their most recent press release, and scroll to the bottom for links to all of my posts about New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center!

**SEA LIFE New Jersey Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center New Jersey will officially open 6/15!

Fab Fit Fun Review and Promo Code - Get $10 Off!

You've probably seen ads for FabFitFun or watched influencers promoting their latest boxes on social media. I've always wondered what they were all about, too, because I love subscription boxes and everyone seemed to be talking about this one. Well, guess what?! I had a chance to try one out and I'm hooked. Read on to see what FabFitFun is all about and get a promo code for $10 off your own box! 

Healthy Snack Ideas: Kid Friendly Snacks using Plantains, Avocados and Pineapples

It's time to think outside the box for healthy snacking! Whether you're looking for after school snacks, on the go treats or something in between, these unique ideas for healthy snacks might just be what you're searching for!

Spin Master's MIGHTY EXPRESS Debuts on Netflix this September!

All aboard, Netflix fans! The company behind the award-winning series PAW Patrol® is bringing kids a new series called Mighty Express, and it debuts on September 22nd. If you're looking for a fresh, fun new show for your children to watch, be sure to tune in! Read on to see what it's all about!

Hersheypark Announces Expanded 2020 Seasonal Events: Hersheypark in the Dark and Christmas Candylane

Life is still sweet in Hershey, PA! Especially since Hersheypark just announced its expanded 2020 seasonal events. That means you can spend more days in the park this Fall for Hersheypark in the Dark, as well as their winter season, Christmas Candylane. Plus, this is the first time they'll be celebrating their seasonal events at their brand new expansion, Chocolatetown! Read on for more details and see what they're offering for season pass holders, too!

The Best FRESH Pineapple Snack Ideas for Kids: Easy Back to School Snacks

Searching for some fun snack ideas for fresh pineapples? I was amazed when I tried to find kid-friendly pineapple recipes, because most of them contained cream cheese (which some kids can be picky about) or called specifically for canned pineapple. Canned pineapple is okay, too, but I really wanted to come up with something fun for fresh pineapple. Truly, it's best eaten plain, and I think kids agree, but if you're hoping to jazz up your pineapple snacking a bit, check out what I came up with! They're perfect for lunch boxes, after school treats or snacking during remote learning sessions.

Night Zookeeper Review: Helping Kids with Writing Skills Online

Enhance Remote Learning (a.k.a. 'Virtual Learning') with Night Zookeeper! I'm here to give you a review of a fun learning platform called Night Zookeeper, where kids can run their own magical virtual zoo, and WRITE creatively about the animals and experiences they have there.

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5 Ways to Help Your Anxious Child: Books, Supplements and More for Anxiety in Children

If you’re looking for ways to help your anxious child, I might be able to help. Chances are you might have been googling anxiety in kids and you wound up on my page. Well, I am not a doctor. I can’t give you advice on how to cure anxiety or how to help kids with anxiety in any medical fashion. But I can tell you the things that have helped for my own child, especially when he was anxious about school.

New Squishmallows for the Holidays: Halloween and Christmas Lines Revealed

Squishmallows fans, unite! The Squishmallows Squad holiday lines have been revealed and they're SUPER CUTE, as always. I have some sneak peek pics from Toy Fair New York, as well as important info from Kellytoy about the upcoming holiday squads. Read on!

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LEGOLAND New York Update: Factory Adventure Ride Footage Revealed!

Turn those 2020 frowns upside down because LEGOLAND New York has some EXCITING news and amazing park details to get you PSYCHED for 2021!! Moving full steam ahead with construction for a 2021 grand opening, I have some brand-new animated ride footage to share of the LEGO® Factory Adventure ride – the only ride of its kind in the world – that will make its global debut when LEGOLAND New York Resort officially opens next year. Read on for more details!

Summer Book Suggestions for Kids: Great Summer Reading Ideas!

If you're looking for summer reading suggestions for kids, look no further! I've got some awesome book choices to share with you. Summer is the best time to grab a book and relax- even for kids! I love compiling ideas for summer reading (be sure to check out my list of book suggestions from last year), so here are my picks for 2019.

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CURSED Season 1 Now Streaming on Netflix- Check out the Cursed AR Experience

We could all use a good Netflix series, couldn't we? Cursed Season 1 is now streaming, and it's the perfect way to leave the "real" world behind. Read on for more info and to hear about the Cursed AR Experience!

Join Me for The DC Wonder Woman Virtual Run - Registration Now Open!

Calling all super heroes! Are you ready for some FUN? And I really mean it- good, safe, "I-am-looking-forward-to-this" fun, the kind we haven't seen since, oh, I don't know, early March?
And according to the press release, "The DC Wonder Woman Virtual Run offers a FUN activity for fans and families during this social distancing era."  Count me in! Read on for more info and see how you can join the fun, too.

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GIVEAWAY!! SCOOB! Arrives on 4K UHD Combo Pack, Blu-Ray and DVD - Win a Copy!

ZOINKS! Did you miss the at-home premiere of SCOOB! a few months ago? Or maybe you want to see it again? No worries! Now you can learn the origins of Mystery Inc. and prepare for adventure when “SCOOB!” arrives on 4K UHD Combo Pack, Blu-ray and DVD from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on July 21st.  Read all about the 4K UHD, Blu-Ray and DVD features, and enter to win your own copy of the movie below!

FLASHBACK: Hot Toys from Sweet Suite 2019: The Toy Insider's Biggest Night of Play

The Toy Insider's Sweet Suite promised to be the biggest night of play in New York City in 2019, and it certainly did not disappoint! Take a look at some of my favorite picks from Sweet Suite 2019, and stay tuned for details about Sweet Suite 2020, The Toy Insider's Biggest VIRTUAL Day of Play!!

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15+ Toys, Books and More for Summer Fun: Sensational Summer Must-Haves

Summer is here and that means we're going to need some fun toys, games, books, and essentials to keep those kids occupied and healthy for the next few months! I sampled 15 fun items that I'd love to share with you, and I've added all of the reasons why I think they're perfect for Summer.

Make Your Own Chalk Sand Art : DIY Tutorial

Looking for sand art supplies? I know, expensive right? Are you wondering if there is a better (or cheaper) way to make sand art for parties and fairs? Well, there is! A few years ago, The Jersey Momma's Boy had an "Art Party" for his fifth birthday (you can read all about that here).  I wanted to do sand art at the party, but all of the supplies were kind of costly (especially if you need a lot of sand in different colors). Imagine my excitement when I saw some DIY sand art ideas on Pinterest.  But making your own sand?  That couldn't really work, could it?  Indeed it can!  Read on!

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Father's Day Gift Guide: Gift Ideas for Every Dad

Father's Day gift ideas are a piece of cake with my handy dandy gift guide! I've gathered a few of my favorite items for dads right here on the blog, so check it out and find something special for the #1 man in your life.

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Must-Have Items for Summer: Toys, Essentials, Snacks and More!

Summer is almost here and this year I've been blown away by the awesome Summer products I've seen for the season. There are so many must-have items, I don't even know where to start! So I picked a few of my favorites for you to try out .

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Get Ready for a SCOOB! Movie Premiere Event! Scooby Doo is Inviting YOU!

Ruh-Roh!  Break out the popcorn and the chew toys, grab a comfy seat and get ready to connect with friends and family, because Scooby-Doo and the whole Mystery Inc. gang are bringing the party to your house! On Friday, May 15th,  everyone is invited to the Twitter #ScoobMovieNight premiere event, hosted by the big dog himself, to celebrate the release of the brand new, fully animated, full-length action adventure feature “SCOOB!” on Premium Video on Demand or Premium Digital Ownership. Read on for details!

Easy Pasta Primavera Recipe

I'm always in search of easy, healthy recipes. I'm a lazy cook and I hate chopping vegetables and preparing the meal. Don't get me wrong, I know it's important to eat healthy, I just dread putting effort into it (isn't that terrible of me?). Anyway, here's a simple recipe I found for those who are slowly trying to transition into a healthier lifestyle or for anyone who needs a quick, healthy meal that tastes good, too.  It's also a great meal to make for company.

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SCOOB! Debuts May 15th: Watch the New Trailer

Guess what, Scooby Doo fans? Your favorite mystery solving gang is back! SCOOB! hits home theaters this May, and I think it's the perfect family film to kick off the summer. Read on for more info about where to watch! Oh, and don't forget to view the trailer in the post, too!

Best Books for Kids: Chapter Books, Picture Books and More! - Plus, a Giveaway!

If you're looking some book suggestions for kids, look no further! I have a handful of new favorites to share with you here, including chapter books, picture books and even new series! Be sure to enter my book giveaway at the end of the post, too!

Take a FREE Arts Break with New Victory Theater: Homeschooling Resources and Fun Programs for Kids

As parents and teachers search for homeschooling resources during the COVID-19 crisis, it's wonderful to see authors, artists, illustrators (and more) stepping up to share their talent for the good of others. The amazing folks at New Victory Theater have created week long programs (for FREE!) to help kids at home during this difficult time. Take a look at their weekly line-up and add New Victory to your daily curriculum! And, hey, when this is all over with, I hope we can all go celebrate and see a show at New Victory when their new season begins again (they are currently closed through the summer😥).

*Note that I will try to keep this post updated with all of the latest Art Breaks being offered by New Victory, so keep checking back! Last update 5/20.

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New Squishmallows Jingle & Ringtone 'Hello We're the Squishmallows' - Watch Their New Video!

Just when the world could use a little sprinkle of joy, along come the Squishmallows with their new music video! Kellytoy has released a jingle and ringtone called 'Hello We're the Squishmallows,' and it's bound to put a smile on your face. Read on to learn how to download the ringtone, and be sure to watch the video, too!

LEGOLAND New York Reschedules Opening Date

Good things come to those who wait, or so the saying goes! And due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the grand opening of the much-anticipated LEGOLAND New York has been delayed. The theme park was due to open its gates in July of 2020, but the opening date has since been rescheduled. Read on for more info and see what you can do if you already purchased season passes.

Easter Gift Guide: Gift Ideas, Egg Fillers, Purchase Options

Ready or not, Easter is on its way! I know it might not be easy this year for the Easter Bunny to come up with ideas for Easter baskets, and some bunnies are really not even in the mood to celebrate. But if you have children at home, I urge you to do whatever you can to make this a special Easter and focus on the good! I've put together some small Easter basket ideas, complete with links and suggestions of where to buy items. I've also come up with some ideas for egg fillers, especially if you think you don't have any on hand!

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Free Daily Journal Printables: Homeschooling Resources

Getting kids to write in a journal can be a daunting task. It's often difficult for them to put thoughts into words or to come up with topics. Writing prompts help, but we often need a better way to kickstart our entries. I created these printable journal pages to help kids get their thoughts on paper each day.

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Let's Visit Dream Dinners in Flemington! A Jersey Momma Review

If you're looking for a review of Dream Dinners then you've come to the right place. I visited my local Dream Dinners in Flemington, New Jersey and I have so much to say about it! Never heard of Dream Dinners? You're in for a treat! If you're like me and constantly asking yourself, 'what am I going to make for dinner tonight?' then read on about this amazing experience!

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New & Noteworthy Toys from TFNY 2020: Toy Fair New York Round-Up

Toy Fair New York 2020 featured some of the most amazing toys for the upcoming year. I highlighted 20 of my favorites in last week's round-up post, but I thought I'd share a few more fun finds from TFNY! Check out some of these amazing new toys, and start making those wishlists for upcoming holidays, birthdays and events!

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New Squishmallows from Toy Fair New York 2020: Kellytoy Squishmallow Booth Tour TFNY

Squishmallows fans, rejoice! I got a sneak peek of the 2020 line of new Squishmallows coming soon from Kellytoy! These photos are all from Toy Fair New York. I do not know release dates/names/sizes but will update as soon as I hear anything.

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