You are here: Home / 2025 / Archives for April 2025

Archives for April 2025

Toys That Would Make Great Easter Gifts!

April 18, 2025 By Leave a Comment
The Best STEM Toys That Make Learning Feel Like Play!

Magnet Pyramid Glow//$41.99 on Amazon

Ignite your creativity with the TOSY Magnet Pyramid Glow, a groundbreaking shape-shifting toy capable of transforming into over 1 billion shapes. Featuring 243 rare earth magnets, this patent-pending design unlocks endless possibilities for building, experimenting, and relaxing. The Magnet Pyramid Glow stands out with its included UV flashlight, which amplifies the design of its holographic stickers, creating a mesmerizing glow for an unforgettable visual experience. Built with durable, high-quality plastic and smooth, rounded edges, it ensures safe, enjoyable play for all ages. Perfect for kids 6 and up, teens, and adults, it enhances brain activity, boosts dexterity, and fosters STEAM-based learning. Whether playing solo, sharing fun with friends, or gifting something unique, the Magnet Pyramid Glow offers an exciting fusion of creativity and innovation.

Magnet Pyramid Stone//$39.99 on Amazon

Discover limitless possibilities with the TOSY Magnet Pyramid Stone, a revolutionary shape-shifting toy designed to transform into over 1 billion shapes. Equipped with 243 rare earth magnets, this patent-pending design inspires endless creativity, from intricate builds to calming tactile play. The Magnet Pyramid Stone features a sleek holographic finish that adds an elegant touch to its durable, high-quality plastic construction. With smooth, rounded edges, it ensures a safe and seamless experience for users of all ages. Designed for kids 6 and up, teens, and adults, it promotes brain activity, enhances fine motor skills, and supports STEAM education. Whether as a fun activity, stress reliever, or thoughtful gift, the Magnet Pyramid Stone blends sophistication with imaginative play.

TOSY Magnet Cube 2×2 //$14.99 on Amazon

The TOSY Magnet Cube 2×2 is a unique and modern puzzle cube featuring 64 rare earth magnets for seamless, smooth movement and endless creative possibilities. Its innovative design allows for stress-relieving play and promotes focus and dexterity. Made from durable, safe materials, this cube is perfect for all ages, encouraging creativity and STEAM-based learning. Compact and fun, it’s an excellent choice for fidgeting, relaxing, or challenging your brain.

These are just so much fun!

PEEPS® EggMazing Egg Decorator + Egg-cessory Pack (Hey Buddy Hey Pal)

This next product is just great for decorating Easter eggs with the kids!

PEEPS® once again is a part of the EggMazing family with the new colors for the PEEPS® EggMazing Egg Decorator! Just like the other decorators, this bunny-shaped one holds and spins hard-boiled eggs while you use the included PEEPS® markers to decorate! New colors include the iconic PEEPS® Blue, PEEPS® Pink and PEEPS® Purple!

I love how easy this is to use and kids can be creative!

Another fun way to be creative! Photo Credit: SoCal City Kids.

BIZYBOO’s Easter Colorable Egg Busy Bag Scavenger Hunt (Vango Toys): These award-winning Hide ’N’ Seek Busy Bags are now colorable! They are the perfect mess-free, on-the-go, and low-fuss companion! Using both written and visual prompts found on an attached card, children will have a blast prodding and shifting the beads around, seeking out the Easter objects! Not only do they keep little ones engaged, but these bags also foster learning and motor skill development and encourage independence. Each set includes 2 busy bags and 6 bright markers, allowing little hands to color, decorate, and personalize their own Easter-themed characters. A perfect Easter egg-decorting alternative!
Available on Amazon in March (MSRP: $9.99; Ages 2+). My little reviewer had a blast coloring these!

So much fun!

PLAYMOBIL Rabbit Family: Take care of the furriest of friends with PLAYMOBIL’s Starter Pack Rabbit Family! With the included teacher and student figures, kids can engage these adorable class pets in endless classroom fun. Help the rabbits hop with excitement as they enjoy a yummy treat of carrots and grain, and care for them with the included accessories. This charming set is perfect for little animal lovers and makes a fantastic Easter-themed gift, bringing springtime fun and bunny-themed play to any basket!
Available on playmobil.com and Amazon (MSRP: $19.99; Ages 4-10).

Loveté Bows (Vango Toys)

I just love this next product!

Loveté inspires girls to express their creativity through stylish, hands-on fashion projects with unique hair bow tying sets. Each 3-pack set includes materials to craft three distinct bows using fashionable fabrics and embellishments, with themes like Prima Ballerina, Dark Academia, and Spring Fling. Perfect for girls’ nights, personal fashion, and gifting, including Easter baskets! Available in both multi-pack and single-pack options, these sets make a fun and creative Easter gift.
Available on Amazon and Walmart in March (MSRP: $19.99; Ages: 8+)

Mario Kart fun!

Mario Kart- Mario vs. Yoshi will be a hit!

  • Mario Kart™ – Mario vs. Yoshi
  • Carrera FIRST children’s beginner slot car racing track set
  • Official Mario Kart™ licensed product
  • Track length: 7.87-ft.
  • Cars included: Mario and Yoshi
  • Battery operated – Requires 4 Type “C” batteries(not included)
  • Recommended for ages 3 and up

I like that even young kids can play with this one! It’s sure to be a hit! You can also find on Amazon.com.

Aston Martin DB5 “James Bond” 007 Goldfinger

This next one is recommended for ages 10+.

Have a James Bond Fan? They will love this one!

Kit Features:

  • All new tooling
  • Innovative easy-click system allows for quick assembly without cement
  • Film-correct details include an extendable bulletproof shield for the rear window, a removable roof section over the passenger seat, and rotating number plates
  • Various detail pieces including the simulated tire slashers, machine guns, and battering rams can be built in the extended positions as seen in the film
  • Highly detailed interior features many separate components
  • Authentic water-slide decals and stickers to build 007’s car as seen in the film
  • Molded in silver, black, and clear with chrome plated parts and soft black tires
  • Film-correct details include an extendable bulletproof shield for the rear window, a removable roof section over the passenger seat, and rotating number plates.

Also available on Amazon.com!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples of the above products to facilitate this holiday post. Some images were provided.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Easter Books for the Kids!

April 17, 2025 By Leave a Comment
 HAP-PEA EASTER

Keith Baker’s holiday spin on the New York Times bestselling Peas continues this spring with HAP-PEA EASTER (on sale 2/2/25)! The weather is warming, and Keith’s peas couldn’t be more perfect to show off all the fun that comes with the holiday and spring season. 

From sprouting flowers and gentle showers to eggs decorated every which way, there’s plenty of excitement to be had on Easter with the peas! Don’t forget the ladybug seek-and-find hidden alongside a special Easter Bunny Pea on every page for readers to discover.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Keith Baker has written and illustrated many acclaimed picture books for young children, including the New York Times bestselling LMNO Peas, 1-2-3 Peas, Little Green Peas, Hap-pea All Year, LMNO Pea-quel, My Octopus Arms, and No Two Alike. He lives in Seattle.

New to the bestselling INDESTRUCTIBLES series

A fun way to teach babies about Easter traditions! The book is rip-proof and waterproof! Perfect for babies and toddlers! Easy to find at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/indestructibles-amy-pixton/1138678007

They also have a Passover book available!

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to facilitate this holiday book post.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Egg-citing Easter Basket Gift Goodies!

April 17, 2025 By Leave a Comment
Sweet Chaos Drizzles

Move over chocolate, drizzled popcorn is the new treat to give this Easter! Sweet Chaos offers mouthwatering flavors to tempt your loved one’s taste buds, such as Cold Stone Creamery Cake Batter and Peanut Butter! Sweet Chaos Drizzles are Gluten Free, made with Non-GMO popcorn, and have NO artificial colors or flavors. Handmade kettle corn made by real people. Non-GMO popcorn is popped in Coconut Oil, with just the right amount of Cane Sugar and Sea Salt, and then sprinkled with delectable drizzles! For Easter, the Cold Stone Creamery Cake Batter popcorn will be sold in individual bags at Dollar Tree stores. Learn more at https://sweetchaos.com/.  It’s so tasty!

Wiley Wallaby Fruitrageous & Sourrageous Drops

Wiley Wallaby offers a large variety of soft and chewy Fruitrageous and Sourrageous Drops that satisfy your craving for a fun treat! Less sugar, fat free and absolutely no dairy makes Wiley Wallaby the candy you feel better about tucking in Easter baskets, too. Wiley Wallaby Sourrageous Drops have a chewy red inside with a sour crunchy outside – keeping your taste buds on their toes! Fruitrageous Drops have a fruity licorice inside with a sweet candy shell on the outside. These two treats will be a fun addition to any Easter basket! Visit www.wileywallaby.com and Amazon.com.

Alter Eco Chocolate 

Chocolate is a must for any Easter Basket!

Alter Eco Chocolate – Their truffle thins melt in your mouth, while their dark chocolate bars (with flavors like Sea Salt and Super Blackout) offer a bold, guilt-free indulgence. And for a true Easter treat, their classic truffles…made with velvety, organic coconut oil instead of dairy, are a must-have for a sophisticated, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Plus, their commitment to regenerative farming and eco-friendly packaging makes them a sustainable choice for Easter gifting. I absolutely love the Truffle thins but the chocolate bar Brown Butter is my new favorite chocolate bar!

Good enough to eat but don’t!

This next one is perfect for the older kids and Moms too!

Delight Naturals offers a unique range of lip balm flavors, including their Easter bundle with flavors like Jelly Bean, Marshmallow Peep and Cadbury Creme Egg. These lip balms are made with clean, food-grade ingredients, in Idaho.

I personally like the Creme Egg! They are very affordable too! Only $3.99 each! Available on Amazon and Walmart.

Self Disclosure: I received free samples of the above items. Images were also provided.

Happy Easter!

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

Book of the Day! Celebrate Easter with Snoopy!

April 16, 2025 By Leave a Comment
IT’S THE EASTER BEAGLE, CHARLIE BROWN

Celebrate Easter with Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang in this oversized board book edition of the classic It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown. It’s almost Easter, and the Peanuts gang is getting ready to celebrate! Peppermint Patty wants to show Marcie how to color Easter eggs, but Linus says the Easter Beagle will bring colored eggs for everyone! Will the Easter Beagle really show up and shower everyone with eggs?

I grew up watching this on TV and loved it! I’m still the biggest Snoopy fan and just love this book!

Self Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

Spring Break Travel Essentials!

April 16, 2025 By Leave a Comment

We’re on Spring Break Friday! I can’t wait! Here are some of my travel Must-Haves!

Handzies Soap + Water Wipes

Get a ‘soap and water clean’ anytime, anywhere! Individually packaged and perfect for on-the-go, Handzies Soap + Water Wipes give you fresh, clean hands using only natural castile soap, water and essential oils. Say goodbye to harsh hand sanitizers, Handzies do not contain alcohol, BZK, triclosan, artificial perfumes or dyes. Gentle for use by the entire family! Ideal for keeping in your carry-on bag, laptop bag, purse or backpack while traveling this Spring. Find Handzies at http://handzies.com/ and on Amazon.com.

This next one will be a hit for all trips!

Whether your adventures take you around the world or close to home, the handy, compact KEEP>GOING First Aid Kit has 130 pieces of essential first aid supplies. From burn relief to bandages, your family will be ready for anything! TSA approved, the lightweight kit is packaged in an organized, stylish water & stain-resistant case for at home or on-the-go. Created by a mom of four for parents, travel and adventure loving families, the Keep Going First Aid Kit is an essential for the entire family. Four kits are available, including the SuperKit (270 pieces), Adult GoKit (130 pieces), GoKit (130 pieces), and MiniKit (60 pieces). A variety of new stylish, trendy patterns and colors are available. The kits can be found on the website https://www.keepgoingfirstaid.com/ and on Amazon.com. 

The Mini’s Collection from Stella Foods

Take the flavor everywhere with Stella Foods Mini’s Collection! The carefully crafted and curated low FODMAP spices are designed to bring back the full, rich flavors you love, without the hassle of hidden garlic or onions. Stella Foods ensures that those with and without food intolerances can savor every bite, thanks to their dedication to avoiding most common allergens. They can take the Mini’s Collection along while traveling, guaranteeing a delicious and flavorful safe experience both at home and away! Learn more at www.stella-foods.com. These are a favorite of mine and I now take them with me on any day trips!

Happy Spring!

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Images were also provided.

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

LEGENDARY PINK’S HOT DOGS OPENS NEW LOCATION AT L.A. ZOO

April 11, 2025 By Leave a Comment
Credit: The Los Angeles Zoo

Pink’s Hot Dogs, arguably one of the most iconic culinary institutions in Los Angeles, is set to open a new location at L.A.’s only zoo. The partnership between the Los Angeles Zoo and Pink’s will bring the world-famous hot dogs to the more than 1.5 million annual zoo visitors beginning Friday, April 11.

“The Los Angeles Zoo and Pink’s Hot Dogs are both deeply rooted in Los Angeles’s history and culture, and this partnership is one that I believe every Angeleno will enjoy,” said Denise Verret, CEO & zoo director, Los Angeles Zoo. “One of the greatest aspects of the Zoo is that we are uniquely L.A., and there is no better place for one of L.A.’s legendary eateries that has been a staple in our community for more than 85 years.”

Known for its long-enduring hot dog stand adorned with signed headshots of its famous visitors on the corner of LaBrea and Melrose in Hollywood, Pink’s Hot Dogs has been a Los Angeles favorite and landmark since 1939. The restaurant boasts a wide variety of hot dogs and hamburgers named after celebrities who have patronized the legendary establishment, including famous Los Angeles Zoo supporter Betty White, who had a commemorative hot dog named for her in 2010. The Zoo’s partnership with Pink’s Hot Dogs deepens the uniquely L.A. experiences for everyone who visits the Zoo.

“Pink’s Hot Dogs does not open locations just anywhere. The L.A. Zoo is a treasured institution in the Los Angeles community, and the marriage of our two brands is a perfect fit,” said Richard Pink, co-owner, Pink’s Hot Dogs. “Pink’s has been a supporter and partner to the Zoo for many years, and now we’ll be able to offer everyone who visits the Zoo items from our one-of-a-kind menu that’s made us famous.”

Opening adjacent to the Zoo’s new Cape Vulture Plaza, Pink’s new Zoo location will offer its staple menu items, including local favorites like Pink’s Famous Chili Dog, the Guadalajara Dog, and of course, the Betty White Dog. The new location will be open to Zoo visitors starting Friday, April 11, 2025.

About the Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is dedicated to providing exemplary animal care and wellbeing. As a trusted leader in local and global conservation efforts, the Los Angeles Zoo is saving wildlife and connecting Angelenos to the natural world by delivering diverse learning opportunities and creating unforgettable experiences. The lush 133-acre campus and its passionate and dedicated team welcomes all to be inspired by the Zoo’s vision to create a just and sustainable world where people and wildlife thrive, together. The Zoo is located on Zoo Drive in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Admission is $22 for adults and $17 for children ages 2 to 12. For information, call (323) 644-4200 or visit the L.A. Zoo website at www.lazoo.org.

About Pink’s Hot Dogs, Inc
A Hollywood landmark since 1939, this hot dog stand serves over 1200 hot dogs and 200 hamburgers a day. Pink’s was started in 1939 by Richard’s and Beverly’s parents, Paul and Betty Pink, with a pushcart they purchased for $50, which money they borrowed from Betty’s mother. The land on which the pushcart stood was leased by Paul and Betty for $15 per month. Hot dogs at that time were 10 cents and cokes were a nickel. Pinks attributes its longevity and its success to the tastiness of its hot dogs, which snap when you bite into them, its never ending hot dog menu combinations, its loyal long-term staff of over 24, many of whom have been with Pink’s for over ten years, its unique 1946 open kitchen curb side stand and relaxed dining room and patio seating, its Hollywood location and atmosphere, its appearances nationwide in movies and TV and its commitment to the community through its chili dogs for charity program. Pink’s is often referred to as “A Hollywood Legend Since 1939” but the Pink family likes to say “We are the little hot dog stand that could.” Visit www.pinkshollywood.com.

Credit: The Los Angeles Zoo.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

 Laguna Art Museum Honors Women’s Month with Bold Feminist Art Exhibition Exploring Gender & Power Sunday, March 30 – Sunday, July 13, 2025

April 11, 2025 By Leave a Comment
Image credit: Carole Caroompas, Heathcliff and the Femme Fatale Go on Tour: Souvenir, 1999, acrylic and found embroidery on canvas over panel, 32 x 30 inches. Courtesy of Cliff Benjamin and the Carole Caroompas Estate. Photo credit: Allison Stewart.

Laguna Art Museum is proud to present Carole Caroompas: Heathcliff and the Femme Fatale Go on Tour, a powerful exhibition showcasing a series of works created between 1997 and 2001 by the late feminist artist Carole Caroompas. The exhibition, guest curated by Rochelle Steiner, will be on view from Sunday, March 30 to Sunday, July 13, 2025, and offers an exploration of Caroompas’s most consistent theme: gender and power relations. This is seen here through her recasting of Heathcliff from Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights and other personae, including some stylized in her self-image.

“This exhibition offers a bold and thought-provoking narrative that invites viewers to engage with Caroompas’ unique approach to gender, identity and the dynamics of power,” said Julie Perlin Lee, Executive Director of Laguna Art Museum “Her fearless exploration of these themes will resonate deeply with those who appreciate the intersection of art and cultural critique.”

With a confident approach, Caroompas used a variety of materials and artistic methods, including painting, collage, embroidery and found imagery, to delve into themes of sexuality, identity and the subversion of traditional constructs. She merged influences from art history, rock music,  literature, film and advertising, creating a body of work that reflected and challenged societal norms. Known for her dynamic compositions and bold use of color, Caroompas utilized techniques often associated with “women’s work” or craft, including stitching and embroidery, bringing them directly into contemporary, feminist discourse.

“Carole Caroompas was a bold, groundbreaking artist whose work was ahead of its time,” said Rochelle Steiner, curator of the exhibition. “Her investigation led her to consider power—between individuals and within society—and to take a stance and propose alternatives that resonate well beyond her era.” 

Consistently throughout her career, Caroompas considered and subverted gender roles, power dynamics and the construction of identity. She did this at a time when opportunities for women artists were considerably more limited than they are now. Against this backdrop, her paintings were tough, noisy and radical.  

Carole Caroompas: Heathcliff and the Femme Fatale Go on Tour is organized by Laguna Art Museum and is guest curated by Rochelle Steiner.

On March 30 at 11 a.m., artist Cliff Benjamin, who leads the Carole Caroompas Estate, and exhibition guest curator Rochelle Steiner will engage in a conversation about the exhibition as a ticketed program. Benjamin and Steiner will discuss the Heathcliff series and her unique—and often challenging—approach to artmaking as part of the talk. Tickets will be available soon at lagunaartmuseum.org/event-calendar.

For more information about Carole Caroompas: Heathcliff and the Femme Fatale Go on Tour, visit lagunaartmuseum.org. To stay connected and learn about upcoming events, follow the museum on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Credit: Laguna Art Museum.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News

Epic Entertainment Group to Donate over $60,000 in Crayola Products to Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica Team to Inspire Creativity and Mental Wellness After Recent Wildfires, April 30th 

April 11, 2025 By Leave a Comment

 Epic Entertainment Group, a Los Angeles-based company renowned for crafting extraordinary live experiences, is proud to announce it will donate Crayola products valued at more than $60,000 and host a special creativity-focused afternoon for Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica designed to support mental wellness and inspire artistic expression among local youth and families impacted by recent wildfires. This uplifting event is scheduled for April 30th, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., at the Playground Club at Franklin Elementary School located at 2400 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403.

Charity Hill, Co-Founder of Epic Entertainment Group, shared, “As parents ourselves, Steve and I deeply understand the vital role that creative expression plays in emotional and mental well-being, especially during challenging times. Our hope is that this will offer a meaningful outlet and bring some joy and comfort to these families, especially the children.”

Epic Entertainment Group is donating over $60,000 worth of Crayola creativity kits, a significant contribution aimed at providing lasting inspiration and fostering artistic expression among those most affected. This generous donation reflects Epic’s commitment to uplifting its Southern California community through creativity and compassion. Each child will take home a Crayola creativity kit filled with engaging tools to spark imagination and support continued emotional healing through art, in addition to the hands-on activities at the event.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica expressed their appreciation for the partnership. CEO, Brynja Seagren stated, “The support from Epic Entertainment Group helps us continue providing essential resources to our community. When we encourage creativity, we nurture resilience and emotional strength, empowering kids to overcome hardships with confidence and imagination.”

The event promises an engaging hour of creative activities, fostering a sense of community and providing a supportive environment for children and families to explore and enjoy art as a therapeutic outlet.

Date: April 30, 2025

Time: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Location: Playground Club at Franklin Elementary School

Address: 2400 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403.

For more information about Epic Entertainment Group, visit EpicEntertainmentGroup.com and follow on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica, visit smbgc.org

Credit: Epic Entertainment Group.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News
« Previous Page
Next Page »