1. Kids Backpack
This one should be a given, but the idea is to let the child pick some items to take with them. Obvious with a nearly 4-year-old we have a tendency to pair it down otherwise she might not be able to carry her backpack. We also try to guide her to toys with minimal pieces. You don’t want a meltdown because you lost something.

2. Activity Books
We bust these out at restaurants because we don’t believe in screens while eating. Sorry, that’s the way we roll. Yes, we’re keeping her busy and active so she’s not running around the restaurant, but we want her present at mealtime and not glued to a screen.

3. Boogie Board
Hours and hours of endless drawing without all the supplies. I purchased this on a whim last year at Costco and it’s been one of the best purchases. However, we have a child who likes to paint, color, draw etc.

4. Target Spot Activites 
I like to bring 1 or 2 new things when we travel. Target is great for $1-3 items they can enjoy and toss after vacation. This time around I bought a $1 puzzle. I can’t tell you how many times she put it together!

5. Toddler Headphones & iPad
We always make sure to download movies for Em via Netflix before traveling. She’ll typically watch at least one movie in flight or on the road. She loves her LilGadgets Volume Limited Headphones and does a decent job of keeping them on.

What are your toddler’s travel essentials?

Happy Traveling!

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Those of you who know me know I’m a practical gift giver. I recently shared an article on my FB page titled, Please Don’t Buy My Kids More Toys. Try This Instead. This article is everything.
Experiences, books or contributing to a college fund is better than a million toys [IMO]. What’s your take?

With that said, we do like to have one or two things for Emerson to open on Christmas day. This year I’m focusing on toys I know will expand her mind.

Books – Children can never have too many books. This year I’m planning on wrapping 24 books so she can open one a night from December 1-24. I think A Thousand Billion Things (And Some Sheep) is a super cute book to give as a gift to any little boy or girl.

Tea Set – Emerson LOVES her play kitchen, as well as helping mom in the kitchen. Adding pieces to her kitchen will help keep this tiny foodie’s imagination fueled.

Toy Kitchen Mixer – Emerson recently discovered the art of making cookies. She always wants to make chocolate chip cookies or muffins with mom. So I’m pretty sure she would be excited to have her own mixer.

Best Friends Magnetic Dress-Up Dolls Set – Emerson loves dolls and this is a simple way for her to play dress up. Remember she’s only 3. It also seems like it would make for a great road trip toy.

My Little Town Sticker Activity Set – Stickers are also a big hit and this sticker book is perfect.

Magformers – We bought Emerson Magaformers last year and they were a big hit. She uses her imagination to “build houses.”

Blue Orange USA Games Pengoloo Memory Game – I feel like Emerson is at the age where we can start to introduce simple games. I think this would be a fun one to start with.

Clothes – Our girl is set on clothes however come spring she’ll need a pair of rain boots. Emerson loves rain boots with loops so she can pull them on herself. Every year we buy her a puffy and while she already has one for this winter how cute is this PATAGONIA Down Sweater Jacket!?

Shop this post + other ideas:

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Shoes | Overalls

I’m just going to lay it out there it’s not the most fashionable hat, but it’s practical and in my opinion Emerson looks pretty darn cute in it.

It all started at the beach. There’s a group of us who meet at beach, with the kids, every Sunday like clock work. (Nick usually stays home to work on the house.) Two of the kids had Sunday Afternoon hats and after weeks of noticing how they NEVER took them off I knew Emerson needed one.

Swimsuit

Later that night you better believe I ordered one from Amazon! Yes, they are pricey for a kids hat however they are worth EVERY penny! It’ll be a great hat for our upcoming trip to Mexico! Yup, tickets and hotel are booked. Via la Mexico!

Oh, and the best part about this specific hat is it will grow with her head!

Amazing Features Include:
– Down-sloping brim with floatable foam core
– Full neck veil for protecting back of neck
– UPF 50+ Certified Sun Rating
– Strategic mesh ventilation on Child & Youth sizes
– Water Repellent/Stain Resistant
– Packs flat for travel
SmartStrap® Breakaway Chinstrap Technology
– Stroller-Friendly Wearability
– Adjustable sizing

I should mention I’m not alone, all the other parents from our beach group also purchased the Sunday Afternoon Kids Play Hat! We might have to lined them up at the beach for a photo or two.

For sizing questions, we purchased a medium for Emerson and it’s perfect.

FYI: they make some cute lifestyle hats for women and men. I’m digging this, this and this for myself and I could see Nick rocking this hat.

Shop our Favorite Sunday Afternoon Hats for the whole Family:

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The post Toddler Approved Snow Gear appeared first on a Happy Healthy Home.

Getting a toddler to model rain boots, or anything, is no easy feat. But these are our “off to school” photos.

While these Western Chief rain boots are Emerson’s first pair, I’m sure they won’t be her last. Emerson can actually put them on all by herself. The two handles make it easy for kids to pull them on and off. Now she just needs to learn how to put them on the right feet.

The new Kids’ Star Wars Darth Vader collection of rain gear is available on the  Western Chief website as well as at major retailers including Nordstrom, Stride Rite and Amazon.

Kids (or parents) who love Star Wars need these boots R2D2 waterproof rain boots. They are perfect for girls and boys. May the force be with you. Other options include Star Wars Darth Vadar Rain Boots and Dark Side Lighted Rain Boots. Besides the new Star Wars Darth Vader rain gear, the company also has other licensed character boots and rain gear such as Disney’s Frozen!

P.S. Receive 15% off when you purchase a children’s holiday bundle (jacket, boots and umbrella).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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