Gift Guide 2021- 10 Year Old Boy Amazon Gift Guide

Today I bring you yet another gift guide!

An Amazon Gift Guide for 10-ish Year Old Boys!

Making these guides this year has helped Santa to stay on track and hopefully it's giving you a few new ideas, too!

Let's get to it!

1.  Just Between Us Mother/Son Journal - These journals look adorable and I'll be getting one for Eliza, too - the Mother/Daughter version.  I just know the kids will get a kick out of sharing little stories between just us.  I'm hoping it'll become a keepsake and something that I'll forever hold near and dear to my heart...especially as they continue to grow taller than me.  Cue the tears!

2.  Ring Toss Game - Henry played this game while at a restaurant in northern Michigan over the summer.  He loved it so much.  He would quickly finish eating so that he could continue to play.

3.  Candy Claw Machine - Henry and I have always loved making little contraptions out of cardboard.  We've attempted lots of little machines, so I know this will be right up his alley. 

4.  Newton's Cradle - I mean, who isn't fascinated by these?!  I'm sure this will adorn Henry's dresser ASAP!

5.  BEYBLADE - Henry was talking about this game a couple of years ago after seeing it on some commercials.  Let's hope Santa isn't too late on leaving this under the tree.  It looks like a lot of fun!

6.  Kids Against Maturity - Okay, so we already own this, but it's so much fun.  There are a few inappropriate cards in the pack - well, what our family would consider inappropriate - but other than that, it's completely safe and it'll have everyone laughing!

 

7.  Remote Control Boat - We live on a lake and Santa can see this being lots of fun from the shore!

8.  Slammo Game Set - This game looks like a blast and it seems like something that can be played indoors and outdoors!  WOOHOO!

9.  Catan Board Game - Henry is currently really interested in trading, Native Americans, social studies and tribes.  This game looks like something that'll go along with his newfound interests.  It also has amazing reviews!

10.  Trapped in a Video Game Book Series - We're almost done with the entire Harry Potter series and Henry is currently reading Percy Jackson, so he's in need of a new book series.  Once again, the reviews seem great on this set! 

11.   Harry Potter Fuse Bead Kit - Speaking of Harry Potter...  The last toys on this list include all-things-Harry-Potter.  Henry loves to craft and this bead set will be perfect for both Henry and Eliza.

12.  Harry Potter Clue Game - I mean, Clue and Harry Potter - win win.

13.  LEGO Harry Potter Homemade Village - It wouldn't be Christmas without some sort of LEGO set.  The kids received the the Harry Potter Hogwarts LEGO set last year and it was a blast to watch come together, but Jon did most of the work.  HA!  Here's hoping Henry and Eliza take over on this one!

14.  Harry Potter Wax Stamp Seal Kit - Lastly, Henry and Eliza are currently pen pals with some good friends of ours out in the state of Washington.  They've been writing to each other often and Harry Potter is always mentioned in the letters, so Santa figured this wax stamp seal kit will make it feel like their all living at Hogwarts!  ;)

YAY!  Another gift guide in the books!

Happy Shopping!

Thank you, as always, for reading along.

Marie :)

*This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a commission based on purchases.

Gift Guide 2021 - 8 Year Old Girl Amazon Gift Guide

Happy Monday, friends!

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I have another gift guide for all of you today!

Woo to the Hoo!

Today, I'm sharing with you a gift guide centered around what Santa has planned for Eliza, our 8 year old daughter.  Hopefully this guide can help with the 8-ish year old girl in your life!

Let's get to it!

1.   American Girl Truly Me Doll - Eliza has suddenly taken interest into American Girl this year.  She played with these dolls years ago, but she had abruptly stopped.  I'm fairly certain that having a little sister who also seems interested in dolls has something to do with her new found love of these dolls.  I've got to tell ya, it makes this Mama heart skip a beat.  With that said, these Truly Me Dolls and their cute little details are perfect for an older little girl.

2.  Hunter Boots - We love our Hunter Boots over here and we wear them all the time, even if it's not raining.  They're easy to slip on when gardening, running out the door in a hurry and rain boots give Jane the ability to maintain her independence by putting on her own shoes.  I love the quality of Hunter Boots and I'm eagerly awaiting when Jane can wear Henry and Eliza's green and bright pink pairs that once adorned their precious little piggies. 

3.  Barbie Dream Closet - Eliza has always loved playing with Barbies and this Barbie Dream Closet has her name written all over it!  Bonus - It comes with thirty pieces!

4.  LED Skateboard - I mean, a skateboard is one thing, but an LED skateboard is an entirely different level.  Okay, maybe not, BUT it has lights and Santa couldn't resist.

5.  Jewelry Box - A jewelry box will make any little girl happy.  Even if it's filled with paper bracelets and necklaces made out of tape.  Anyone else find homemade jewelry everywhere in their home?  Love it.

6.  Unicorn Squishy Kit - Okay, so this is something Santa never would've thought to gift, but thanks to YouTube and all the random videos that exist, Santa now knows all about Squishies.  There's a girl, a full grown woman actually, who collects hundreds of these and just talks about them.

Santa is 38 in elf years and knows about these...thanks, YouTube.  LOL!

7.  Pink Roller Skates - Eliza has been using my old rollerblades since summer and it's about time she get a pair of her own special roller skates...and look - they light up!

8.  Helmet, Knee Pads and Elbow Pads - This is self explanatory and 100% needed with all the wheels that have been listed thus far.  ;)

9.  Makeup Kit - Now while I don't allow Eliza to wear makeup to school, she sure does like being creative and giving makeovers.  The reviews mentioned that this kit is actually a pretty decent quality of makeup.  Guess we'll be finding out... 

10.  Gem Kit - I've been seeing these for the past year and Santa thought it time to give these gems a go.  Does anyone else have these?  I think I'm going to enjoy this craft just as much as the kids!

11.  Sewing Kit - This sewing kit looks adorable and I can just envision Eliza making these and then handing them out to her friends.  

12.  Magic Mixies Magical Misting Cauldron - Okay, so this is supposed to be a hot toy for the season.  Santa saw an influencer post about them way back at the beginning of October and said influencer told the world to buy one, so it was ordered immediately.  She mentioned that they'll be difficult to get and boy, if she wasn't right.  Santa won't even have this in toy storage until end of November.  I may not be an influencer, but if you want this, and it's in stock, be sure to add it the your cart ASAP!

13.  Bath Bombs - Bath bombs are so much fun and these little toys are the cutest ever!

14.  The Puffin in Bloom Collection: Classic Books - We've been looking at some new books for Eliza to read for quite some time now.  We're almost done with the Harry Potter series and these classic books will be perfect change of pace for our little dreamer.  

15.  Slime Kit - Lastly, slime.  If you know, you know.  I never thought so much of my adult life would involve slime, but here we are!  LOL!

Yay!  If you made it this far, thank you for your support!

Happy Shopping!

I'm joining in on the Monday fun and linking up with My Glittery Heart for Hello Monday.

*This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a commission based on purchases.

Gift Guide 2021 - 12 Tried and True Toddler Ride On Toys

Hey guys!  I'm here today to share with you a fun gift guide for the toddler in your life!

I present to you - tried and true ride on toddler toys!

We've owned or still own all of these items with the exception of the wiggle car.  The neighbor boys had these and the kids absolutely loved them!

I hope you enjoy this sweet list of ride on toys that I just know your favorite little toddler with love!

1.  Motorized Electric Kid Toy - Jane has one of these in pink.  It's incredibly easy to drive and does well on hardwood floors.  It lights up AND there's a remote that comes with it!  Make sure to have your phone ready to record the hilariousness of a toddler riding in one of these!

2.  PonyCycle Unicorn - We've had this toy for years now and the ten year olds still use it...okay, okay - and a few adults, who'll remain nameless, have enjoyed a ride or two, as well.  Haha! ;)

3.  Roller Coaster - This roller coaster has stood the test of time.  Ours was purchased in 2014 and it's still going strong!  We used it for indoor use the entire winter after it was first purchased and now it's an outdoor staple.

4.  Train Ride On - Here's another amazing Amazon find that had lasted longer than we had anticipated.  I do believe Eliza fell asleep on this as it was going around in circles at one point.  It's worth the money and totally worth the pictures of a sleeping slumped over toddler.  Haha!

5.  Power Wheels Jeep - As a little girl I always wanted one of these!  Now as a parent I live vicariously through my children and we've now owned three.  I mean, it allows me to sit and drink a cup of coffee while I watch the kids drive in circles in the front yard.  Worth. Every. Penny.  ;)

6.  John Deere Sit-N-Scoot - Henry had this toy as a little boy and he loved it!  Oh take me back to those precious days!

7.  Wiggle Car Ride - Like I said above, the neighbor boys had these and our kids loved and used them just as much as the boys next door!  

8.  Mickey and Friends Ride On - This is an easy scoot along toy that is perfect for indoor and outdoor use and one that doesn't take up too much space.

9.  Cozy Coupe - I feel like I don't even need to write anything here.  Cozy Coupe for life!

10.  Radio Flyer Scoot-About - The kids had one of these and I had just given it away around the time Jane was a baby and I really wish that I hadn't.  This is an incredibly easy scoot along toy and I'm sure it makes the little kids feel like the big kids.

11.  Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon - I've pulled the kids on countless wagon rides and I've never regretted a single one.  We've had our Radio Flyer for about ten years now and it's still holding strong.  I do think, however, that the fold up wagons for multiple kids are amazing these days and I truly wish I would've had one of those, as well.

12.  Balance Bike - Jane absolutely loves her balance bike.  She basically lived on it during our last camping trip.  This is by far one of her most beloved garage toys we own. 

There you have it!  A list to keep those little toddlers active and happy...and possibly provide a much needed coffee break for a parent or two!

Thanks so much for reading along!

Happy Shopping!

Marie :)

I'm linking up with Tanya at The Other Side of the Road for Prime Purchases.

*This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a commission based on purchases.

Hello Monday - Halloween Edition ;)

It's Monday again and boy-oh-boy, I've got a Hello Monday chock-full of lots of Halloween happiness!

I'll warn you though - this post includes a million pictures of my kids, so prepare yourselves. ;)

Two Fridays ago we visited our local haunted trail.  The city puts it on and this year was the best yet!  We attended the less spooky version which basically meant that nobody was going to jump out at us and scare us out of our pants.  Jon was so impressed by the trail that he ended up going to the spooky trail later that night and he said he ended up running and screaming at one point.  Mind you, he was all by himself which makes all of this so much funnier.  LOL!  I can only imagine what that looked like!

The following Saturday and Sunday we attended Henry's soccer game and our lovely neighbors came to watch along with us.  It was a nice big cheering section!

We spent the rest of the weekend snuggling, relaxing and baking up goodies and making fun Halloween treats.

Mondays are our piano nights.  The kids' piano teacher has six kids so while Henry and Eliza are off getting lessons in the their kitchen I'm usually sitting with Jane and a bunch of other sweet kiddos.  This time around I brought stamps and Halloween rings and some of the kiddos made sure to decorate me with most of them!  Haha!

Tuesdays mean library storytime and we were able to dress up for a special Halloween celebration!

Prepare yourself for several pictures of Jane... ;)

On Wednesdays we go grocery shopping and it just wouldn't be a grocery shopping trip without a ride on Sandy.  I swear, the pandemic has taught me just how much I missed grocery shopping and this dang horse!  Bahaha!

I brought home face jewels for Eliza.  She had been talking about them non-stop so I finally gave in!

Love her.

Thursdays consist of playgroup and this past Thursday was the first time we were able to show up early enough to actually play and not just to participate in the snack portion of playgroup.  Jane had so much fun and being around other kids has been crucial for her.  This poor little toddler has missed out on so much, but I'm trying to be proactive about all of this!

\

She's such a good little play-grouper.  ;)

On Friday the two older kids had their Halloween parties.  Henry was thrilled!  I walked over to the mudroom area and found all of his Halloween items perfectly lined up.  

I was incredibly sad that I didn't get to attend Henry's last Halloween party as an elementary student.  I snapped this of him as he left (he rides to school with the neighbors).  Hands full, heart full.  He's such a great kid.

Our neighbor boy came over fully dressed in his costume (I take him to school later in the morning) - he cracks me up!  A witch also joined me on the porch as I waved goodbye to Henry!

Jon, Jane and I drove over to Eliza's school a little while after dropping her off and waited for her school's Halloween costume parade to begin.

This was another event that was so good for Jane.

There she was!  That's one adorable little witch!

Excitement ensued!

We get Halloween pictures taken every year at a photography studio so right after school we headed straight to the studio.  It was so much easier getting around knowing the kids already had their costumes on from their class parties.  

We decided to go out to eat with our spooky little gang.

Things got a little crazy with the littlest one, but, once again, I try to remember that so much is still so new to her.  Plus she's adorable so I can't get too upset.  LOL!

On Saturday we relaxed for a bit before heading to soccer.  We turned on Curious George and it gets Henry every time...even at 10 years old.  Oh my heart...

Our last soccer game of the season!

Henry's biggest fans.........

He had a great season and for it being his first year he did fantastic!  He scored one goal (which we somehow missed) and had many assists!  So very proud of him.

Next up - The Michigan / Michigan State football game.  It didn't end in our favor.  I'm still sour about it.

Pumpking carving after nap time.  Don't mind the Miller Lite thingy behind Eliza.  Hahaha!  I won it and it's obviously meant for Pinterest.  Hahaha!

Our local Halloween parade was back in full effect and it did not disappoint!  I don't think we had attended one since 2018!  This made my heart super happy.

Sunday - last night - Halloween 2021!!!

A wizard, a witch and a pink butterfly...

Jane wanted Jon to be a bee and me to be a spider - not our best work, but we had a great time!

It started to downpour immediately at 5:30.  We couldn't believe it!  I swear it's not a Michigan Halloween without snow, sleet or rain!  I shouldn't even be surprised at this point.  Oy.

Eliza drove the Frozen Jeep to keep up with the big kids!  I won't mention her epic meltdown before this...her driving skills made it all better though!  I think I laughed for 45 minutes straight.

My terrible "spider."  LOL!!!  Someone mentioned throwing darts at me.  Bahahahaha!  You win some, you lose some!  

Trick-or-treating!

Oh the excitement!

What a great night!

...and what an eventful week!

Now we Christmas.  ;) Hahaha!

Thanks again for stopping by.  It means so much!

Marie :)

I'm also joining in on the Monday fun and linking up with My Glittery Heart.