I'm not Oprah, but Here are my Favorite Things

Another day home with my master cougher so I thought I'd write an unusual blog post for me. These are items that I've purchased over the past couple of years that I really love as a mom of young kids. What would have made them even better is if I hadn't had to pay for them!

So I'm providing you with a list of these items. There is a caveat. Besides the books, the kids might not squeal with pleasure over these things. So if you need that affirmation, my list isn't for you. However, their parents will (might) be happy.

Books

1. The Gingerbread Girl

by Lisa Campbell Ernst
Run to get this book appropriate for preschool and up. It's our all time favorite.

2. The Piggy and Gerald Series

by Mo Willems

I dare you not to love these books. I double dare you. These books are good for preschoolers through first grade. 

3. Running Across America: A True Story of Dreams, Determination, and Heading for Home
McGillivray, Dave
The title says it all. Primary grades.

4. Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You
by Sonia Sotomayor
Also for primary grades. I read this to a class of first graders and they loved it. The book details people living with different challenges and describes them in a way appropriate for children. The kids loved it.

5. I Dissent
by Ruth Bader Ginsburg
We bought this for my daughter when she was in Kindergarten, but had I read it in advance I would have waited another year. The book is so awesome and inspiring.


Products

6. Natural Citronella Bracelets (not a specific brand)
This might be a weird gift for the holidays. However, my kids and I are mosquito magnets and use these all of the time during the summer and fall.

7. Trueocity Kids Toothbrush 4 Pack - Soft Contoured Bristles - Child Sized Brush Heads (3-10 year old) -
Yeah, if you get a kid toothbrushes for the holidays, they will probably hate you. However, their dentist will be happy.

8. Stainless Steel Lunch Box and Food Container set
and
LunchBots Medium Uno Stainless Steel Sandwich Container 

These items are a game changer for lunch and snacktime storage. They are also great to use as tupperware. 

9. CamelBak Eddy Kids BPA Free Water Bottle

Although it's annoying to have a water bottle that has parts to it, these hold up well in the dishwasher. Throw in some extra valves and straws. Good for ages 3 to 7. 

10. Mabel's Labels 

https://mabelslabels.com

Another game changer item. Buy stickers or a stamp with your kid's name on them. No more lost items. No more sewing in name tags. 

11. Ezy Dose Kids True Easy Syringe 2 TSP (10 ml) | Baby and Kids Liquid Medicine Dispenser | Infant Oral Syringe
Okay, I get it. This would be a really strange gift. However, little kids get sick. Some more than others. This product provides assurance that you are giving the correct amount of medicine

12. Physio Logic Fever-Bugz Stick-On Fever Indicator

Another weird one. But no kid likes their temperature taken. You just stick this puppy on their back, lift up their shirts, and you can see if they have a fever. I don't find the number to be all that accurate, but it helps me to determine whether or not to give my child a fever reducer. 

13. Munchkin Arm & Hammer Disposable Changing Pad - 30 Pack

When our kids were babies, we traveled on very long flights. These are very light weight and disposable, so it made our travel easier and a tad bit cleaner.

14. Paint with Water Books

This isn't a specific brand recommendation, but a type of coloring book that only requires the child to use water. It will keep them occupied for at least three minutes.

15. Sight Words Flash Cards

You need to know your "sight words" says every teacher ever. This is a great way to help out a little one to learn them. 

16. Dry Erase Workbooks

Remember when we were kids and you'd write in a workbook and then throw it away? Now there's dry-erase workbooks for kids to learn how to write letters, numbers, and more. You'll need to also buy dry-erase pens because there's no way that one pen is going to last more than a week. 

17. Crayola Washable Kids Paint, 10 Neon Paint Colors, 2oz Bottles, Gift

I'm not sure why these paints are better than any others, but I can tell you my kids love them. 

18. Microsocope for Kids or a Telescope for Kids

Schools are emphasizing science like crazy (STEM/STEAM). In addition, prior to school crushing their souls (not my school) kids still have a natural curiosity for life. These products enhance that curiosity. 

19. Sewing and Knitting Kits for Kids

Look what's back in vogue. Learning to sew and knit is all of the rage now, particularly since kids have such poor fine motor skills. Let them tack a crack at it. It might become a useful skill or a way to wind down from this crazy world. 

20. Disposable Children Placemats Stick-on Table

Admittedly, not great for the environment, but these are lifesavers if you are traveling and need to feed your kid in places that just aren't that clean. 

I hope this list was helpful. The cougher is napping, but I need to wake him up. Have a happy holiday season.