Holiday Must-Haves!

One Minute Christmas Tree

One Minute Christmas Tree delivers hand-selected, premium Christmas trees straight to your door—quickly, effortlessly, and with heart. Family-owned and rooted in tradition, the brand combines top-tier tree quality with a mission to spread holiday joy, including charitable donations to families in need.

Fun and easy to set this one up! And, it is also available on Amazon.com. They also have the best tree stands!

The Tree is super easy to put together and looks so festive! It’s also great for small places!

Clover Sonoma’s Eggnog is a must this holiday season!

Whether you are just celebrating with the family or having a bigger party, Eggnog is a must this holiday season! Clover Sonoma has you covered! I love their Eggnog because it is so rich and creamy! It truly is the best! Made with American Humane Certified™ milk from local California family farms, this creamy, subtly sweet eggnog is blended with premium ingredients including egg yolks, turmeric, nutmeg, and sugar. The production is so special that they install specialized nozzles on their filling machines just to handle the thicker consistency and those beloved nutmeg specks.

Clover Sonoma offers a library of fun recipes, including several cookie and eggnog mocktail recipes at https://cloversonoma.com/recipes/

Did you know that you can make a great Mocktail with their Eggnog? Well, I didn’t, but I received their Spiked Eggnog Merry Mocktail recipe to try for myself, and it is really good! I’m also planning to make their Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint cookie recipe that I also received! (See below!)

Another cool thing is that families can scan the QR code on Clover Sonoma products to explore a virtual farm, take a selfie with Clo the Cow, and discover fun surprises.

Self Disclosure: I received free products to facilitate this holiday featured post. Images of the One Minute Christmas Tree and the recipes were provided.

Gift Ideas from The Queen Mary for Everyone On Board Your List

Credit: The Queen Mary

Five unforgettable gift ideas for the history buff, entertainment lover, and “ship-ee” in your life.

It’s beginning to look a lot like ship-mas! Searching for the perfect gift for the history enthusiast or that hard-to-shop-for person on your holiday list? Look no further! The Queen Mary in Long Beach has something special for everyone. From exclusive memberships and overnight stays to Sunday brunch and one-of-a-kind keepsakes, here are five unique gift ideas that will leave a lasting impression long after the wrapping paper is gone

1. For the History Buff: Tours & Special Experiences

Give the gift of discovery with guided tours that reveal the ship’s legendary past, from her Art Deco splendor to her mysterious, ghostly tales. Whether it’s the Glory Days Tour or a Haunted Encounters experience, this is a gift that brings history to life aboard one of the most storied vessels in the world. Visit https://www.queenmary.com/guided-tours.htm

2. For the “Ship-ee” Who Has Everything: The Queen Mary Online Gift Shop

Surprise the Queen Mary fan in your life (or treat yourself!) with treasures from the new Queen Mary Online Gift Shop, featuring apparel, keepsakes, books, and souvenirs inspired by the ship’s storied legacy. And, for the person on your list who loves all things eerie and unexplained, Jackie’s Spirit Shoppe offers exclusive gifts inspired by the ship’s most famed spirits and haunted history.

3. For the Entertainment Lover: The Queen Mary Club Pass Membership

Give the gift of unforgettable experiences with a Queen Mary Club Pass Membership, the ultimate passport for anyone who loves history, entertainment, and adventure. From year-round admission for the member and a guest to discounted dining, member-only events, and exclusive perks, this gift unlocks a full year of discovery aboard Long Beach’s grand icon. Memberships start at just $149 and include access to 23+ exhibits, event invitations, savings across the ship’s restaurants, and more. Learn more at queenmary.com/qm-membership.htm.

4. For the Romantic (or the One Who Needs a Stay-cation): An Overnight Stay Aboard

Skip the socks and scented candles — give them something legendary. An overnight stay aboard the Queen Mary promises vintage elegance, harbor views, and an experience unlike any hotel on land. Whether it’s a romantic escape or a Long Beach stay-cation, this is a gift that turns history into an experience. Make a reservation today at https://www.queenmary.com/rooms–suites.htm

5. For the Foodie: Reservations to the Royal Sunday Brunch

Sometimes the best way to a loved one’s heart is through bottomless champagne. Treat the foodie (or brunch lover) in your life to Royal Sunday Brunch aboard the Queen Mary, served in the ship’s elegant Grand Salon, once the first-class dining room. With live music, an indulgent global menu, and an ambiance that drips with Art Deco charm, it’s a gift that’s as unforgettable as it is delicious. For a full list of dining options and to make a brunch reservation visit: https://www.queenmary.com/dine.htm

Whether you’re shopping for a history buff, an experience seeker, or someone who simply loves Long Beach’s most iconic landmark, the Queen Mary offers gifts as timeless as the ship herself. For more information on the Queen Mary visit http://queenmary.com, or connect with us on social @TheQueenMary.

Credit: The Queen Mary.

It’s Time for Stocking Stuffer Ideas!

Does someone on your gift shopping list love Beef Jerky? Old Trapper has you covered! They have a great variety, and it tastes so fresh! There’s Old Fashioned, Peppered, Teriyaki and even Hot Spicy! You may have to try them all to see which one is your favorite! I do like the Teriyaki one the best! You can find individual bags in the stores or you buy in bulk on their website.

Can be found on Amazon.com

Bootleg Bath is thrilled to introduce the Hanging Car Diffusers Collection. Available on Amazon, these high-quality car fresheners come beautifully packaged and ready for gifting, making them the perfect stocking stuffer this holiday season. They smell sooo good and are super easy to use!

They come in a variety of fragrances and handcrafted with a blend of natural and essential oils, the collection offers something for every scent preference. A fan favorite- Pistachio Salted Caramel, is often compared to the scent of the famous Brazilian Bum Bum Cream with its warm blend of pistachio, caramel, and vanilla.

This season’s limited-edition fragrance, Holiday Spiced Cider, layers red apple, nectar, berries, orange, cinnamon, amber, and musk to create an inviting aroma reminiscent of a crackling fire and warm apple cider. It is a cozy, nostalgic scent that captures the essence of the holidays.

Looking for glasses and sunglasses? I love the Reading glasses: poppy, blue light

Glasses and Sunglasses would make the perfect stocking stuffers!

And, GlassesShop.com has you covered! I like their glasses because there is such a variety to choose from in styles and they are comfortable to wear! They have some great deals right now too! The first pair free…it just may take you awhile to decide since they have so many to choose from! Another great deal is buy one get one free deal so don’t miss out!

I love these sunglasses: Baird, polarized, size med

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

It’s time for the Holiday Gift Guide #2

So much fun!

Tamagotchi Collections: The Quirky Tomagotchi Management Game (Kess | Ages 10+ | $29.99 | AmazonTarget, & KessCo): A group of Tamagotchi friends has crash-landed on Earth, and it’s up to you to take care of them! In this cozy, competitive game for 2–4 players, you’ll feed, play with, and clean up after 30 unique Tamagotchi characters while rolling dice to keep up with their needs. But be careful, let too many pile up, and chaos will follow in true Tamagotchi fashion! Capturing the charm, nostalgia, and playful spirit of the original keychain craze, Tamagotchi Collections brings everyone’s favorite digital pets to the tabletop. Perfect for families, friends, and collectors alike, it’s a fun and heartwarming way to reconnect with the Tamagotchi world—no batteries required.

Fun for all ages!

Giant D20 Foam Dice (Kess | Ages 6+ | $24.99 | AmazonBarnes & NobleTarget & KessCo): Add oversized fun to any game night with this six-inch foam die made for play, display, and pure geeky enjoyment. Crafted from soft, lightweight foam with a smooth finish, it’s safe to roll on any surface—indoors or outdoors—and just as fun to squeeze, toss, or bounce. Perfect for tabletop gaming, parties, or casual play at home, in the park, or at the beach, the Giant D20 brings a lighthearted twist to every roll. With its vibrant colors and larger-than-life size, it’s a playful gift for gamers, collectors, and anyone who loves to roll in style.

Great for older kids!

IQ Deluxe Circle (Smart Toys & Games | Ages 14+ | MSRP: $19.99 | Amazon & Specialty Toy Stores) Challenge your mind and put your problem-solving skills to the test with IQ Deluxe Circle, a sophisticated evolution of the SmartGames IQ Line. Perfect for teens and adults, this captivating single-player puzzle features 13 uniquely shaped, double-sided pieces made of ball-like elements. Match the puzzle layout in the challenge booklet and fit every piece onto the circular board with only one correct solution to win! Compact and portable, this puzzle is ideal for travel or on-the-go play, and its sleek design makes it a thoughtful gift for any puzzle lover.

A game for one person!

Cats and Boxes (Smart Toys & Games | Ages 7+ | MSRP: $19.99 | Amazon & Specialty Toys Stores) Help these playful cats find their favorite hiding spots with Cats and Boxes, the purr-fect puzzle game for kids and adults! Lift the boxes one move at a time, trying to place them over the cats. With 60 challenges ranging from easy to difficult, this single-player brain teaser provides hours of fun while building concentration, problem-solving, and deduction skills. Its compact, travel-friendly design with a portable game board and lid makes it easy to take the fun wherever you go.

Sooo cool!

PLAYMOBIL x MonsterHigh Frankie Stein(PLAYMOBIL | Ages 5-99 | MSRP $7.99 | Playmobil.com  & Amazon) Get ready to spark some fun! Frankie Stein is stitched together with Playmobil’s classic figure DNA, bringing her electrifying presence to life. Featuring articulated limbs and a bolt-styled handbag accessory, this set captures the patchwork perfection that makes Frankie an all-time Monster High favorite! There is also PLAYMOBIL x MonsterHigh Draculaura™ (PLAYMOBIL | Ages 5-99 | MSRP $7.99 |  Playmobil.com& Amazon) Gothic glam meets Playmobil charm! Draculaura enchants with her signature pink-and-black style, high-flying flair, and a frilly umbrella so she can take a walk in the sun. With Playmobil’s high-quality detailing, she’s ready to take her place in any spooktacular collection!

Miko Mini by Miko

Miko Mini (Miko | Ages 5+ | MSRP: $149 | Costco ($79.99), Amazon, Target): This award-winning, kidSAFE+ COPPA-certified and voice-activated robot is the ultimate high-tech gift for ages 5-10 this holiday season. Powered by deep learning AI, Miko Mini learns your child’s name, responds to their choices, and grows smarter everyday with stories, songs, games, and new monthly content. Parents will love its safety features, app-based controls, and progress tracking, while kids will be fully engaged with its jokes, dances, and friendly personality. 

Educational and fun!

The Magnetic Word Builder is an evidence-based educational tool designed to enhance foundational literacy skills in young learners, particularly those in grades K–3. Aligned with the science of reading, this versatile kit supports explicit, systematic instruction through structured routines that promote phonological awareness, orthographic mapping, and spelling proficiency. Each self-contained set includes over 75 high-quality magnetic tiles that feature essential phonics patterns such as digraphs, suffixes, and silent e, all organized within a durable, fully magnetized trifold board. The board also incorporates a writable dry-erase surface, allowing students to practice letter formation and spelling in a tactile, hands-on manner.

Designed for both classroom and one-on-one settings, the Magnetic Word Builder is adaptable to various learning styles and needs. Its multimodal approach facilitates differentiation, making it suitable for beginning readers as well as those requiring additional support. The kit includes a comprehensive teacher’s guide with routines and flexible teaching suggestions, ensuring effective integration into literacy curricula. Educators have praised the ReadBright program for its research-based pedagogy and classroom-tested strategies, noting its ability to engage students and foster independent reading skills. Prices vary, https://magneticwordbuilder.com/collections/all

Happy Holidays!

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

Make kids’ artwork the star of holiday cards

Photo Credit: Handwrytten.com

Walking into any store and seeing all the candy, decorations and other festive items will tell you the holiday season is right around the corner. And no matter how much we feel prepared going into the season or how much we swore up and down that we won’t forget Aunt Becky or Uncle Brad from our holiday card list, it just happens. Handwrytten has created a card sending service that will learn your handwriting and signature, AI that will help you write the card, and robots that will put the pen to paper and put on the stamp, so you never forget anyone again.  

Check it out at https://www.handwrytten.com/

Credit: Handwrytten.

It’s Time for the Holiday Gift Guide #1

Great for pretend play!

Goodyear Kids Car Engine Repair Kit (Red Toolbox | Ages 3+ | MSRP $49.99 | Costco): This mechanic set allows young minds to get hands-on with a variety of tools, providing a realistic experience of working on a car. Through imaginative play, children will learn how to fix, assemble, and take care of their “Vehicles,” all while developing essential cognitive and motor skills. Perfect way for children to explore their interest in cars and mechanics! Oh, what fun the kids will have with this fun kit!

I love this!

Get ready for tail-wagging excitement at the PLAYMOBIL Dog Park, where dogs can spin on the carousel, race through the slalom, or splash in a ball pool. This set features a shepherd dog with a movable prosthetic leg, celebrating inclusive play. With a belt-attached leash for hands-free fun, plus silicone barriers for customizing obstacle courses, it offers boundless imaginative activities every day that keep dogs and their owners happily engaged.

MSRP: $29.99, Age: 4+, Available on playmobil.com and Amazon

So much fun!

Sticki Rolluxe (Sky Castle Toys | Ages 5+ | MSRP $49.99 | Available on Amazon): Sticki Rolls took the world by storm in 2024 thanks to their uniqueness and trending friendship bracelets (thanks, Taylor Swift!) These incredibly innovative wearable, shareable sticker bracelets quickly revolutionized how kids collect, share and showcase their stickers. Sticki Rolluxe is the perfect all-in-one crafting and jewelry making kit – and it’s shaped like a handbag for storage and portability! Make your own necklaces and bracelets using the included beads and Sticki Rolls! Also comes with 3 Jumbo Stickies, which are trending on social, to decorate your wall!

Kids will have a blast with this game!

One More? (Ultra PRO Entertainment | Ages 8+ (Kids & Family Modes) | $26.99 | UltraPRO.com: A high-energy electronic buzzer game that puts players’ quick thinking and creativity to the test. Designed for 2-4 players, the game features over 300 topics and two gameplay modes—Kids & Family—keeping every round fresh and engaging. Players race against the interactive timer with flashing LEDs, buzzing in to name as many items as possible within a given category. Perfect for family game nights, parties, and gatherings, One More? delivers fast-paced fun and friendly competition in just 15-minute play sessions.

Perfect for sleepovers!

Loveté Girls Activity Night: Hair Charms(Vango Toys | MSRP $12.99 | Ages 8+ | Target) Girls’ night just got even more stylish with the Loveté Girls’ Activity Night: Shoe Charms Edition from Vango Toys! Designed for four friends, this set lets you customize your kicks with adorable shoe charms, cute laces, and fun transfer stickers. Switch up your style by swapping out shoelaces, adding charms to loops, and personalizing with easy-to-apply transfers. It’s the ultimate group DIY activity—where everyone walks away with totally unique, one-of-a-kind sneakers that show off their vibe. Perfect for a cozy night in, creating memories and matching looks with your besties!

Also Available: Loveté Girls Activity Night: Shoe Styling (Vango Toys | MSRP $12.99 | Ages 8+ | Target): Shoe charms are one of the hottest accessories for this year. The new Loveté Girls Activity Night: Shoe Styling kits are inspired by the viral “girls night,” tween & teen aesthetics and today’s fashion trends.Pick and pair your favorite charms, laces, and stickers to style your sneakers your way for a unique expression of style! Each Shoe Styling kit comes with everything needed for you and 3 friends to create one-of-a-kind shoes. With fashion-forward styles and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s the perfect activity for their next sleepover, birthday party or chill night in!

This one is a must!

PLAYMOBIL Carriage Ride (PLAYMOBIL | Ages 4-10 | MSRP $39.99 | Playmobil.com & Amazon) Take a seat in the elegant carriage where the prince and princess relax in the back while the coachman leads the journey. Adorn the horses’ harness with charming hearts before embarking on a romantic ride along a picturesque promenade. Hidden in the carriage is a gift box with a noble present for the royal couple. Enjoy enchanting storytelling with this magical PLAYMOBIL Carriage Ride set.

It’s fun to decorate!

Dragon EggMazing Egg Decorator (Hey Buddy Hey Pal | Ages 3+ | MSRP $27.99 | Available September on Amazon): This new, non-seasonal decorator is the perfect indoor activity and a great TV visual! This decorating kit allows you to create your own vibrant dragon eggs. Place one of the two included eggs into the machine and watch it spin as you use the colorful markers to “egg-pose” your egg’s cracks! When you’re done decorating, open your egg to reveal your collectible 3D printed dragons!

Also great as a stocking stuffer!

Sixes & Ones (Vango Toys | MSRP $12.99 | Ages 5+ | Target): A revival to the classic game of dice. This portable game includes six curated games all in one expandable rolling cup, transforming any surface into a play space, whether you’re beachside, at a coffee shop, or on a plane.  Designed for 2 or more players, it’s perfect for spontaneous fun at home or on the go. Ideal for game nights, holiday travel, and everyday fun!

Who loves Squirtle? He’s my favorite Pokemon!

Teknofun, a leader in high-quality licensed merchandise, is excited to announce its full product lineup for the 2025 holiday season. Featuring highly anticipated products from beloved Japanese intellectual properties, the new collection includes items from iconic franchises like Pokémon, Hello Kitty, Dragon Ball, One Piece and Monchhichi.

The new product line includes a wide range of collectibles and accessories perfect for gifting and for fans of all ages. Each item is designed with meticulous attention to detail to ensure authenticity and quality.

Featured Products:

  • Pokémon Light-up Scenes (UK): Brand new collection of light-up scene featuring your favorite Pokémon characters including Pikachu, Charmander and Bulbasaur.
  • Hello Kitty Alarm Clock (AUS): The cutest icon from Sanrio will make sure the kiddos are coming for breakfast on time.
  • One Piece Merry Light-up Alarm Clock (UK): Pay tribute to the early days of Luffy’s adventures with this Going Merry ship turned into a beautiful light-up scene alarm clock!.
  • Dragon Ball Decorative Lights (UK): From the original Dragon Ball with young Sangoku to the most recent adult characters of Dragon Ball Super, lit up your room with these beautiful decorative lights!
  • Monchhichi Handstrap Light-up (US, UK): A new series of light-up hand-strap celebrating this timeless classic.

Pricing and Availability: All new products are available for purchase through select retailers. Find the products availability by region below.

For the USA (Target, Gamestop, Amazon): USA CATALOG

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this holiday gift guide. Images and information were also provided.

2025 Holiday Gift Guide from the California Science Center

The California Science Center offers numerous gift options for family-friendly fun and learning throughout the year. Whether you are shopping for a science enthusiast, a curious explorer, or a future astronaut, there are plenty of wonderful gift options for all.

There are also many ways to participate in support of the California Science Center Foundation and create a personal gift that will inspire science learning for everyone.

Selected highlights include:

Gifts That Spark Curiosity:

Give a gift Membership to share the love of science learning with family and friends by enrolling them in a year of exploration and fun as Science Center Members. There are five different levels of gift membership available, beginning at $95 for a family. Among the many benefits on offer are invitations to Members-only exhibit viewings and movie screenings; IMAX Theater passes; discounted tickets to special exhibitions, attractions, and simulators; and discounted dining and shopping onsite. Further details on the different Membership levels can be found here.  

Gifts That Make a Difference:

Provide a summer camp scholarship for the California Science Center’s Hands-On Science Camp – an amazing way for kids to combine fun with the joy of learning.  Programs are built on age-appropriate concepts and hands-on activities from Pre-K through 8th grade. Campers can choose from over 25 weeklong classes ranging from chemistry to Earth science to astronomy and more. A gift of $460 makes it possible for a student to attend a week of Science Camp for free – in many cases, that’s more science learning than they receive all year in school.

Create a lasting tribute for someone special and join Team Endeavour by sponsoring one of Space Shuttle Endeavour’s thermal tiles in perpetuity, supporting the California Science Center Foundation’s efforts to build the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center – the future home of Endeavour in the world’s only display of an authentic, “ready-to-launch” space shuttle system. Gift levels start at $1,000 with convenient monthly payment options.

Gifts for Families:

The ExploraStore, located on the main floor of the Science Center, offers a wide range of gifts to suit every budget and every explorer. Some of the more popular items this year include a special collection of space and aviation-themed Snoopy and Peanuts merchandise that includes adult and youth apparel, an adorable Hello Kitty astronaut plushie, and other unique toys. The ExploraStore also offers the convenience to purchase items online here. All proceeds from the store go to support the California Science Center Foundation, a Non-Profit California Corporation.

Gifts for Everyone:

Gift certificates purchased at the box office or via telephone can be redeemed in person for purchases at the ExploraStore or at the box office for timed tickets to any of the following experiences:

IMAX THEATER TICKETS

Four movies are currently available in the IMAX® Theater: Antarctica 3D allows viewers to venture to the coldest, driest, and windiest place on earth; Superhuman Body 3D explores a world of medical marvels and the extraordinary ways our bodies work; Blue Whales 3D takes viewers on a journey to learn about the largest animal ever to have lived; and The Blue Angels,filmed for IMAX in 3D, reveals never-before-seen footage chronicling a year with the Navy’s elite Flight Demonstration Squadron.

ENDEAVOUR TOGETHER SIMULATOR

Climb aboard a state-of-the-art motion simulation experience and celebrate Space Shuttle Endeavour’s many contributions to the space program.

Credit: The California Science Center.

Looking for a Great Rainy Day Activity? Check out ColorFig!

This looks just like my pup, Ozzy!

Looking for a fun rainy day activity! How about painting? How about ready-to-paint Figments: 3D-printed characters with bold shapes, comfy to hold, and easy to color?

I recently received a Figment of my pup from ColorFig. I was amazed that it looked just like my pup! I had emailed a photo and quickly received a fun kit which included paint and paint brushes!

ColorFig is a new family-run studio turning imagination into 3D reality and adding a splash of color.

Founded and operated by their STEM-driven daughter and her brother, they design and 3D-print paint-ready figurines called Figments — creative kits that invite people to Print. Paint. Play.

Every ColorFig kit is made locally in Houston, using eco-friendly practices like using recycled and upcycled packaging (we even shred old boxes into our fill!)

Each Figment celebrates creativity, culture, and connection — from playful kid-friendly designs to artistic cultural icons.

The most amazing part of the whole process is you can customize and personalize these with your child’s name which makes an amazing stocking stuffer! 

I had fun over this rainy day weekend painting Ozzy!

finished product!
Paint kit is included!

You can see details about the figments and order your own at:

https://www.colorfig.com

Self Disclosure: I received a free sample to facilitate this post.