Categories
Children Family

The Best Birthday Presents For Kids

Many parents would agree that their kids already have plenty of toys. Because they already have most toys, parents find it hard to pick something surprising for their upcoming birthday. So, if you want to get a perfect birthday present that doesn’t add to the clutter and stands out, go through this article.

This article will make it easier for you to track down something extraordinary for your special kid. Because the choice depends on the age of the kid, we found and listed the right items for toddlers to teens, so you can bring joy to their life. Without further ado, let’s get started:

1.     Pull-Back Vehicles

This is a perfect choice for kids who are in the crawling phase. These are soft and fun trucks and cars set which will make your kid race around the house. When you rev up the car, it moves forward, encouraging kids to develop crawling skills.

2.     Ball Pit

Admit it. You enjoyed playing in a ball pit when you were a kid. Perhaps, you still find these ball houses fascinating. If yes, then you will understand how excited your kid will get when you buy them a personal ball pit. If your child misses the playground, while you want them to play indoor and keep an eye on them, this present is a perfect birthday present option.

3.     Indoor Bowling Set

Do you notice your kid goes crazy about sports? Maybe they have sporty instant and will become sportsmen in the future. Therefore, you can get exciting Indoor sports set such as a bowling area. This gift will keep your child inside the house during winter while keeping them engaged. The best part about this bowling set is that they are made up of rubber, which isn’t harmful.

4.     3-D Play Carpet

Does your child love train tables, but you cannot buy one because you don’t have the space to keep it? Then you should get your child a 3-D play carpet. These colorful carpets will keep your child away from electronic devices as well as enhance their skills and abilities. Fortunately, these carpets won’t create a mess in the house, and you can roll them up and store them in the closets.

5.     Mind-Building Modeling System

Have you ever wondered why Lego became so popular among the 90s kids? The major reason is that kids love to build and create models. These building toys help visualize scenarios and use their imagination. Similar to Lego, a Zoob Mind-Building Modeling System is a building toy and includes joints, axels, and gears. Your child can snap the pieces together and build models with their imagination.

6.     Premium Art Supplies

If your child has artistic skills, you can gift them a complete set of art supplies. This includes high-quality paper, the palette for their paint, and links to instructional videos. That way you can show your support and encourage them to be artistically inclined.

Conclusion

Keep in mind that kids at every age learn from toys. They develop skills, creative instinct, as well as physical health by playing with toys. So, you should choose a toy that isn’t a waste of time but grow them physically and mentally. The above-mentioned is a list of birthday presents carefully picked based on the different mental ages of the child.

Categories
Children Credit Family Financial Tax Services

Is Child Credit Still Relief Bill’s Best-Kept Secret?

This post-lockdown world is changing a lot of things for a lot of people. Even though there are millions of Americans that may be eligible for the debut of the Child Credit, there are some indications that they may not even know they should be getting this money.

A Financial Lifeline?

There will be monthly payments of up to $300 per eligible child as part of a completely overhauled 2021 tax benefit that proponents are touting as a “financial lifeline” for millions of eligible families. Some other estimates suggest that this benefit may be able to slash child poverty by nearly 50%.

But the problem is the families who need this money the most don’t seem to know about it. Many of them are non-filers with the IRS. This means in order to get their money, they will need to sign up separately at a website. Thankfully, the website is said to be up and running and operating smoothly. Indications at local events, however, show that a huge portion of the families that need this money, don’t know they are owed these payments.

The Campaign for Working Families, which is a non-profit tax preparation service for low-income families and others who qualify, says that they have signed up far fewer people for the credit than they initially anticipated. They are hearing from those affected, that even if a particular family is eligible for and due the child credit, the information surrounding how to sign up or provide information has proven confusing at points.

The Official Word From The IRS

The IRS says that for most people, the payments will happen automatically and no action will be needed. There have been some official IRS evens in cities like Philadelphia that have higher rates of non-filers than many other areas. These non-filers will not usually have much information on file with the IRS since they are not required to file yearly returns, due to low income or other circumstances, which means the IRS has no way of getting those families their money. This can be solved in most cases by simply visiting the IRS site.

IRS Web Tools & Opting Out

The IRS is offering some web tools to manage payment status as well as provide other functionality. There is a portal for those who may be receiving the payments but do not want to accept them currently. Maybe, if they expect their situation to change before the next tax filing season.

There is a series of deadlines for opting out, for those who do not wish to receive the payments. The next deadline is the 2nd of August to opt-out for the payment due on the 13th of August. The IRS site will provide a means to determine if you are eligible for the payments in the first place. This site will also let users verify that they have been enrolled, as well as update their banking information.

Categories
Children Family

10 Things To Do With Family This Independence Day

Most of us do not have exceptional ideas to celebrate special occasions. However, we have plenty of fascinating ideas to make this 4th of July memorable and joyful. What’s more, the whole family has an opportunity to spend time together and enjoy plenty of activities. 

Here are the mind-blowing ideas to do on Independence Day that will be fun for the whole family.  

1. Play Patriotic 4th of July Party Games

Playing patriotic party games is one of the best ways to celebrate the 4th of July. You don’t need to create new games, as you can turn regular rounds into a patriotic theme. For instance, you can set up a relay race, water balloon fight, a fruit-eating contest, and many more

2. Plan a Beach Side Picnic

Celebrating Independence Day at the beachside is a cool way. It not only lets you enjoy the beautiful scenes of nature, but you can also spend quality time with your family. You may even arrange food grilling there, or BBQ is also a fantastic option. But, of course, for kids, taking a ride will be more enjoyable.

3. Go to a Music Festival

During the celebration week, you can attend music concerts and become part of the festivities. Instead of getting bored at your place, enjoying some 4th of July activities in Philadelphia would be a great option. The American Festival features a block party and a lot of fireworks. You can join even another such festival in your city to celebrate the day to the fullest with your family.

4. Head to the Pool for Swimming

What’s cooler than a pool party to celebrate this important day? It is great fun for kids and adults to enjoy high water slides. It will invigorate your senses and will relax you emotionally and mentally. 

5. Enjoy 4th of July Fireworks 

There is nothing great like watching the fantastic fireworks with the whole family. It makes your night bright and full of enlightened memories. You can capture these moments forever by clicking images. The sky lights up with colorful displays and also relaxes your mind.

6. Drive-By Independence Day Parade

Do you feel proud of your culture and history? If so, make this day of independence special by being a part of this parade to make your every moment joyful. It is one of the traditional events that offer many family activities, food, and entertainment. You can enjoy these all activities for four days. 

7. Enjoy Patriotic-themed Food

Are you a food lover? Any celebration is incomplete without food. You can plan a red, white, and blue food menu for family dinner by making a great combination of waffles, strawberries, and blueberries. Yummy! It sounds delicious to eat these colorful fruits. Plus, it represents the best-colored theme, including red, white, and blue, for the 4th day of July.

8. Dress Up Uniquely

Are you bored of wearing the same casual dresses every day and the same boring routine? So, here comes an opportunity on the 4th of July to wear a fancy dress that looks extraordinary and click family photos.

9. Play Treasure Game

If you are interested in solving mysteries and hunting for treasure, you can spend time on a treasure with your kids and family. Moreover, you can have a great time playing this game around your yard or home. 

You can create a chipper and the treasure hunt at your place with the help of accessories available at home. 

10. Go for Unique Decorations

Spending your time decorating your home is the best way. The fun thing about the 4th July decoration is you can let the decoration up all summer long. So you can opt for many fun summer ideas like decorating with your country flag or going for food decor.

Bonus Idea: Bake Delicious 4th of July Cookies

Typically, you eat chip cookies, don’t you? So, why not try something out of the ordinary on this special day. Imagine how tasty the chocolate-dipped cookies will be! Try out patriotic cookie recipes like Patriotic Jello Cookies, Star-Spangled Cookies, and so on.

Final Words 

It would be exciting to celebrate the 4th July holiday with your family this year. You can choose any activity from the above ideas or use your creativity and try out something new. So, make a plan in advance for how you will make your day special. 

Categories
Children Family

The Perfect Gifts for the Dads in Your Life

Father’s day is just around the corner, and everyone is looking for the best and unique gift for their dads. Don’t worry if you haven’t chosen a gift yet. We have mentioned some amazing Father’s day gift ideas that you can easily find in the market.

Button Up Shirt For Your Dad

What is a better gift than a classy button-up shirt? Make sure to purchase a shirt made from breathable and summer fabric. Your father will appreciate your thoughtful choice, and it will put a smile on his face.

When it comes to color, you have plenty of options. But it’s best to go for your father’s favorite color. Plus, if they have any favorite brand, then choose a beautiful shirt from their collection.

A Laptop Backpack

If you are thinking of purchasing something useful that can help your superhero with their work, a laptop backpack is a great option. Don’t opt for traditional, old type of laptop bags. They are too common and ordinary to gift your father on this occasion.

Look for the bags made using modern and innovative technologies and methods. You can also look for the one that can transform into a traveling, camping, or briefcase bag when your father needs it. Hence, a bag with multiple features and options is a wonderful gift for your dad.

Customized Father’s Day Mug

If you are low on budget but still want to make your dad feel loved with a thoughtful gift, then look for customized mugs. You can find several brands that design customized mugs according to your choice and preferences. You can opt for any size and color, as well as ask them to engrave any quote or statement you like.

What’s more, you can keep it simple and write something like “You Are My Hero” or “My Dad Is My Everything.” Or you can get your father’s favorite quote from a movie engraved on it. Another option is to get his favorite movie character printed on the mug.

Gift Him A Scented Candle

You may think that scented candles are common, and your dad may not like your gift. However, the exotic candles with a subtle smell of smoke, leather, or other fabulous aromas will help him relax. The scent will calm his mind and body.

It is important to note that there are multiple types of candles available in the market. You need to choose the one that has a strong masculine scent. Additionally, pick the one that can help your dad get a good night’s sleep after a busy day at work.

Bottom Line

Apart from the mentioned options, you can also gift a whiskey glass, any BBQ tool, shaving kit, golf kit, and shoes as a father’s day gift to your dad. It all comes down to your father’s preferences, his taste, interests, and, of course, your budget!

Categories
Children Family

9 Unique Father’s Day Gifts You Can Find On Etsy

We know Father’s Day is just around the corner and you’re surely frantically searching for the most unique gift ever to give your dad this year. And why not, considering how Father’s Day 2021 is going to be extra special and difference since we didn’t really get to celebrate it well enough last year.

Whether you’re planning to gift him something in person this year or delivering it to him through a service, it is right find the perfect gift ever. Why look far away when Etsy has the best options for you? We’re listing down 9 unique gifts you can find for your special man this Father’s day only on Etsy.

Top Gift Items

  • Jumbo Coffee Mug

If dads cannot fix it no one can. We’re not saying it, a jumbo coffee mug does but we agree wholeheartedly with each word. This mug is the perfect gift to remind him each morning that he’s your superhero.

  • Handcrafted Orcio Jar

This Orcio jar comes in a beautiful organza bags, containing hand-rolled notes inside. Each note contains tons of love, humor, gratitude and warm thoughts in the form of lovely messages to brighten each of his days.

  • Bonus Dad Keychain

Nothing like an adorable keychain with a personalized message on the back, to remind your dad everyday just how much you love him. You can even add a customized bottle opener with this gift.

  • Customized Chronograph Watch in Black

This customized gift is a perfect keepsake for life for your dad. It has a calendar function, three-eye decoration, scratch-proof vessel and a luxury pointer. The vessel is water-proof and the back of the watch can accommodate a love-filled personalized note from with 20 characters per line.

  • Personalized Cufflinks

Your dad will love personalized cufflinks in 925 sterling silver, rose gold plate and 18k gold bearing his initials.

  • Personalized Docking Station

Gift him a personalized docking station that can accommodate both android and iPhones too. This product also includes an engraving option for a picture or logo and the result is absolutely stunning. Your dad will surely love it.

  • DAD Picture Frame

How does a picture frame cut out in the word DAD sound to you? A handmade premium item like this one is sure to be a winner with your dad. You can also put a special picture of your in the top D. plus, the acrylic jig for cutting out your pictures is a great feature too.

  • Custom Engraved Hammer

If your dad loves knocking away, then give him a hammer that is sure to become his favorite tool for life. Laser engraved hammers are well-balanced, weighty and a great tool for homes and displays. You can add a sweet note on it to make it extra special.

  • Bottle Opener- Custom Baseball Bat

Baseball bat openers will charm every man, even your dad. So, you can customize your gift with specifications, including text colors, stain colors and a lovely note. A bat mug will also pair well with this product.

Categories
Children Family

The 8 Best Cookbooks for Kids in 2021

Looking for the best cookbooks for kids? Here are some amazing books that you can give to your little ones so they can learn and have a wonderful time in the kitchen.

1. The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs

This cookbook is full of amazing, delicious, and easy recipes for little chefs. It comprises more than 100 recipes that are ideal for cooking or baking for breakfast, dinner, lunch, and as a snack. From desserts to beverages, this book has made everything just easy and simple so that your kids don’t face any problem understanding the preparation and cooking process. You can check recipes of fluffy blueberry pancakes, fried eggs with avocado toast, and much more.

2. The Big, Fun Kids Cookbook

You can surprise your children with this best cookbook for kids. It has more than 150 recipes that children will love to prepare and eat.  The book offers plenty of cooking tips, color photos, quizzes, fun food games, coloring book pages, and other things. In short, your children can use it not only to impress others but also enjoy some time outside the kitchen. They can make candy bar cake, Hawaiian chicken kebabs, broccoli cheddar soup, and several other dishes with the guidance of this book.

3. Bake, Make and Learn to Cook

This book is the British Bake-Off winner, which inspires children to wear the apron and create something mind-blowing with everyday ingredients. You can find simple savory and sweet recipes in this book. The best part is that no recipe needs excessive effort and time, which makes it ideal for little bakers. This way, your children can bake different types of cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other baking items without your help.

4. Gruffalo Crumble and Other Recipes

If you want to cook something with your children, you should go for this book. It contains 24 recipes specially designed for parents who want to spend cooking time with their little ones. Apart from this, your children can cook different types of cuisines and dishes. They can learn to make scrambled eggs, ice cream, sandwiches, etc.

5. Cool Kids Cook

Yes, we also have a suggestion for teens who don’t know a lot about cooking. This book is a fun, informative, and stylish cookbook that teens can use. They can learn interesting facts, cooking recipes, and healthy eating choices. From burgers to sandwiches and cakes to beverages, your kids can learn everything from this book.

6. The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs

This kid-friendly cookbook includes some amazing baking recipes. Not to mention, your children can learn to bake 100 baking items with the help of this guide. It also has some baking secrets so that children can learn something new in the baking learning process. All the recipes contain a step-by-step baking procedure to help children bake without any help.

7. Little Green Kitchen

The Little Green Kitchen is a book that helps children cook dishes that they can serve to their families. This means everyone in the family can enjoy the food. The best part is these recipes only have vegetables. Plus, your children learn to eat healthy food. Furthermore, all the recipes only take around 30 minutes to cook.

8. The Super Easy Teen Cookbook

This book offers you 75 insanely tasty and mouthwatering recipes that are perfect for enjoying alone. Whether your children already have some basic cooking knowledge or not, they can easily cook because of the step-by-step cooking process. You can enjoy different food made by your little ones, such as spaghetti, tacos, matcha-pineapple smoothie, or carbonara. Your children will also learn some safety tips, common grocery terms, and other things.

Bottom Line

Cooking and baking have become easier for kids, thanks to these books. We must say that your children will become pro after few weeks when they try several recipes from these best cookbooks for kids.

Categories
Children Credit Family Financial

Should Teens Have Credit Cards?

Credit cards give you convenience, with an aim to build a positive credit history so that your teen can qualify for a car loan or mortgages when the time comes. It may also help to rent an apartment or pay some educational expenses. So, consider getting low-interest rates on all forms of loans if you meet the requirements. That is one of the best things about credit cards.

Is it worthwhile to know more about whether teens should have credit cards? Let us find out.

1. Teach Them About Its Lows

Many young people end up in debt and have a poor credit score for using credit cards without fully understanding the consequences. It may take years for them to pay off and rectify the credit card history.

In order to avoid such disasters, better you may explain to them how it works and what are better ways to use it. Fully elaborate them its low and high points. Make them realize how the misuse of credit cards can affect their credit scores.

2. How to Build Positive Credit History

It may take time to build a decent and positive credit history. It becomes more complex for teenagers living with a thin credit line. Instead, parents allow teenagers to use their credit line.

That means:

  • Every timely payment will reflect in payment history
  • Minimal use of a credit card will teach your teenagers how to spend wisely
  • Your credit age will increase with your teenager’s credit file and accounts for a long history which is a good credit score

This may be a good way for teaching your teen to use the credit line, the way it should be.

3. Observe Credit Card Usage During an Emergency

You may hope your teenager doesn’t use a credit card during an emergency.

There are situations where it becomes inevitable to use a credit card. Like your young adults or teenagers vehicle breaks down or they find themselves in an immediate need for cash. A credit card will make their life easier at that point. If they use it appropriately, this will give you peace of mind that your teenager is ready to face an emergency and come of it as well.

4. Monitor Credit Card History

Mostly you will able to see your teen’s credit card purchasing history. You should look carefully to observe the nature of his spending. You can explain it’s a bad idea to spend every penny they earn. Save something by the end of each month.

You should do this with a diplomatic approach without letting your teen feel you are micro-managing.

5. Convenient and Secure

Credit cards are good for payment methods. Many credit cards offer protection on every purchase you make. In the meantime, if you lose your credit card you inform the bank and get it cancelled and wait for its replacement. This is a safer option than your teenager carrying cash around.

Make your teenager realize this significant point.

Conclusion

It may be a tough and daunting task for parents to hand over additional responsibilities to their children, particularly teenagers. It covers all aspects of giving them your car, access to the internet or letting them use your credit card.

For you, it may be a big step but it’s a smart way to prepare your teenagers for taking on adulthood responsibilities.

Categories
Children Family

5 Helpful Gifts for New Parents

First few weeks of parenting are always challenging. Mostly, new parents do their best to adjust to the new norms of their life and household. We can suggest top 5 helpful gifts for new parents, you may choose one from.

1. A Smart Vacuum

A smart vacuum-like Goovi robotic vacuum cleaner is a gift that new parents will love to get.

It’s a remote-controlled vacuum cleaner and can clean your house while you are feeding or bathingthe baby. The vaacuun saves a lot of time and physical exertion you may otherwise put in. It’s a self-discharging cleaner. 

2. Baby Rocker

Baby rockers come in multiple styles, patterns, materials, and a lot of colorful accessories to keep the baby engaged. They will help parents in busy hours during which they can put the baby in, and work around freely. They can shift it to other places in the house to monitor the baby and continue with daily chores.

Baby rockers come in wood, which is padded with foam and cotton to make it more comfortable for thebaby.

3. Baby Carrier

Baby carrier gives the new parents time and room to roam around, carrying the baby in it. This will make the not to worry about leaving the baby with babysitters.

Baby carriers are now coming with stylish loops and wrapping stripes. These carriers come from durable fabric with cotton padding for the baby’s comfort. You can wear it around your shoulders across the chest and carry your baby either in front or at the back.

4. A dinner solution

New parents mostly rely on outside fast food. 

Your cooker gift will make their life easy for making home-cooked food in a more convenient manner. The Crock-Pot Slow cooker holds good for time-bound or sleep-deprived parents. It comes with a recipe book for making cooking more efficient and quick.

It can serve 8 quarts, and weight only 7 kg.

5. A caffeine boost

A portable Wacaco Minipresso Machine. During early parenting days, sleep is of prime concern and couples become short on sleep. This gift will put them in a comfort zone where they can get their coffee instantly. This machine will get you fresh espresso in a minute you just add boiling water to get the coffee. 

Conclusion

Any parent will find these top 5 gifts a great help in reducing their stress. They are exceptional gifts with a mix of comfort for both the baby and the parents.

Categories
Children Family

4 Things I Learned From My First Year as a Mom

Every mom will surely agree that the first year of parenthood is a roller-coaster ride of highs and lows. From taking your precious child for the first time in your arms to enduring nights of feeding, diaper changes and whatnot, there’s a world of education that unveils in the first year as a mom.

Here are four things that I learnt in the first year as a mom.

1.    Listen to Other Mom’s Experience

We tend to brush off advices as clichés but sometimes, it is good to pay heed to them, especially if you’re a first mom. You never know when an experienced mom’s advice may come to your aid, especially in terms of your baby’s diet, the process of teething, and a thousand things in between.

Also, while you may feel flustered and frustrated at all times, but when someone tells you to enjoy each moment of it, pay attention. Before you know it, your baby is all grown up and if you’ve spent their special moments complaining about having too much to do, you’ve missed their important developmental stage.

2.    Speak up

As a first mom, I always thought I had to pretend to be happy at all times because really, what can be a bigger joy than becoming a mom? While that is certainly true, it is also a proven fact that feeling overwhelmed in early motherhood is natural and normal.

If you feel cranky, angered, are having mood swings or just need everyone to give you space as a new mom, do not hesitate from speaking up. It will prevent a massive break down or emotional explosion from occurring later.

3.    Use your Discretion

Yes, I know I told you to pay attention to clichés. This may mean listening to tales of every mother in your circle and it’s good to do that. But when it comes to nurturing your child, you must use your discretion and not rely solely on the experience of others, even if it’s your own mom or mom-in-law.

Every child is born unique and a mother understands their needs best. Hence, if a certain advice is not working well for your child, adapt things to what works for the two of you.

Take pieces of advice that will serve you from the stories other moms share, but what is not helpful you can happily trash out.

4.    As a New Mom, Ask For Help or Take it if Offered

As moms, I know we all believe we have to be super humans and we have to do EVERYTHING. But you can be taking out the garbage on time, keeping hot meals ready at the table for the family, remembering schedules, decoding cries and figuring why the rash is happening, all on your own.

If your partner or other family members are willing to help or you think will gladly pitch in, ask for it. It doesn’t matter if things are not done how you want them for a while; remember, once you are past through the difficult early motherhood days, you can resume your duties completely.

Categories
Children Family Financial Savings

Mother’s Day Gifts You Can Save Big On

Some of us tend to leave things typically at the last minute even though we all highly prize the day we can celebrate the woman who gave us life. But year after year, we do find ourselves stuck for gift ideas that won’t break the bank a few days before the big day. In this article, we’ll share the top ten Mother’s day gift ideas that will help you save big time.

1. Snack Box

No matter how health conscious mothers are, even they like to indulge in occasional treats. But why not give her something that honors her health consciousness but still feels like a treat? A snack box of healthy snacking items sounds great to us.

You could stuff in all-natural and non-GMO goodies for her.

2. Shower Steamers

After all the hard work she puts in daily, surely she deserves a shower that feels like a calming oasis. You can gift your mom a set of shower steamers that emit a variety of scents from essential oils. Lavender and eucalyptus always tend to please moms.

3. Caviar Package

Every mom is undeniably elegant, charming and classy and surely yours is too. A caviar package sounds just like the sustainable and luxurious gift she would enjoy.

4. Plantable Greeting Card

The written note from you will warm her heart while the seed paper on the front that she can tear and plant in her garden will delight her soul. Imagine her joy when herbs and wildflowers grow out of those seeds.

5. Beauty Tools

Every woman deserves indulgence and the best way to give her that is by gifting her a beauty tool. Some great ideas include a face massage roller, rose mist sprays and eye masks etc.

6. Neck-back Massager Pillow

Such a gift will soothe away the tension she feels every night in back, neck and feet. The portable massager will take her tiredness away each day and that sounds like an ideal gift for her.

7. Supplements

We’ve surely transformed into a health conscious society now and moms are in the lead. Supplement companies have come up with effective nutrients and you could find a package for her that boosts her health every day.

8. Essential Oil Diffuser Bracelet

This bracelet comes with a reusable refill pad in which she can drop her favorite essential oil. The bracelet will then keep relaxing her, reenergizing her etc. as she goes about her day.

9. Eyeshadow Palette

 Eyeshadow palettes are getting all the attention now that mask-wearing is mandatory. You can gift your mom a rich eye colors palette from her favorite brand. Cosmetics never fail to please a woman, regardless of her age.

10. Preserved Rose

This gift option is a step up to the fresh flowers that wither and die in a few days. A preserved rose comes in a fancy box in multi colors and can last up to five years in its stunning flower-shaped case.

Final thoughts

Short of time and budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the uniqueness and thoughtfulness of the gift you give your mom this Mother’s day. Our list of ideas will help you grab something she will absolutely love if you remember buying it at the last minute.