We have a wedding coming up in the next few weeks and it’s going to require a very long (13 hours!) road trip to get there. Pre-kids, I would be so excited to listen to music or podcasts, talk with the hubby and just stare out the window taking in all the views. But with kids, it’s a whole new world! I thought I would share my roadtrip essentials with you, plus a few tips and tricks to surviving a long drive with kids!

RULE # 1 // CREATE A FLEXIBLE PLAN!!

The first thing you must do is plan! Having a solid, yet flexible, plan helps things run more smoothly! Since we have a 13 hour drive, we are planning out different stops, researching parks or cool attractions along the way and finding safe places to stretch our legs and get some energy out! I usually try to plan stops every 2-3 hours unless the girls are sleeping! Some stops will be 15-30 minutes, while others will be 2 hours!

I think if you go in with a game plan, things will run a lot smoother! Just don’t be too rigid! And definitely don’t forget to have fun!

Now here are some roadtrip essentials and tips you need to survive!

1. Wear something comfortable

This is super important! No one wants to sit in a car for an extended period of time in something restrictive, too tight or just not comfortable! I love wearing a cute romper or jumpsuit or leggings, a cute band tee and an oversized sweater! I usually put the girls in something similar to me, but that can be easily layered! My hubby likes to wear joggers and a tee! Think athleisure wear and you are good to go!

Here are some of my favorite jumpsuits and outfits to stay comfy all road trip long! I’ve included some options for kids and guys too!

You Can Shop My Favorite Women’s Looks Here!

Shop My Favorite Kid’s Looks Here!

Shop My Favorite Men’s Looks Here!

2. Snacks, snacks and more snacks

This is probably the most important part of your roadtrip essentials! My girls get so hungry in the car! They are so busy and active that once they are buckled in and sitting, it’s like they finally realize just how hungry they actually are. When packing snacks, I try to find low sugar options, because we don’t need any extra energy in the car or a sugar crash! I also try to keep clear of anything that would be too sticky so it doesn’t make a mess everywhere!

Some of our favorite snacks are

• blueberries, raspberries, apples and watermelon
• trail mix
• cucumbers with lemon and salt
• vegan jerky (we like this brand)!
• almond butter and jelly sandwiches
• low sugar lollipops (we love this brand..super low sugar)!
• chips/pretzels (we love hippeas)
• freeze dried fruit (blueberries, apples, strawberries)
• fruit and veggie pouches (we love once upon a farm!)
• Ginger Chews! In case anyone gets carsick! I love these!!

We will stop a few times too to get smoothies, salads and something yummy! But having those snacks easily accessible in the car helps keep everyone hangry free!

3. A Backpack filled with Toys/Games and Books

I’ve found it super helpful to pack a bag for each of the kids and put some fun new toys in it, as well as some great travel ones! I just recently got the girls these LCD Board Tablets and they love it! My oldest loves to doodle on them and practice her letters and my youngest likes to color and then push the button to erase it all! It’s one of her favorite things! These little popping toys and these bendy straws are also great! They are fidget toys that my girls love playing with. It’s mindless but keeps them busy while they listen to music or stories!

I also love these sticker scenes, maze books and these mess free coloring pages! They are perfect for travel!

You Can Shop Our Travel Faves Here!

4. Podcasts/audiobooks

Listening to books and stories can help time go by so quickly! My 4 year old loves story podcasts so they are a must have for long car drives! When the kids fall asleep, you can turn on some adult podcasts or audiobooks!

Here are some of our Faves <3

Kids

• Reading Bug Adventures
• Story Time with Phillip and Mommy
• Molly of Denali Podcast
• Earth Rangers
• Story Spectacular Podcast

We also have been loving listening to The Magic Treehouse audiobooks and Curious George Audiobooks! We rent them from our library for free using the Libby App!

Adults

• Live Beautifully Podcast
• Wild + Free Podcast
• The Ikonns Podcast
• The Bossbabe Podcast

5. Other Important Items!

In order to make travel easier and more comfortable, having these items in your car will make everything run smoothly! These are some of my key roadtrip essentials!

• reusable water bottle – it’s important to stay hydrated on the trip! you don’t want to drink too much and have to stop to use the restroom every five minutes, but you definitely want to keep things moving! Here are some of my favorite water bottles 1// Glass Straw Cup, 2// 32 Oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle. and 3// this leopard one!
• pillow and blanket – this is more so for the kids, but it really helps them stay cozy if you have the air on or if outside temps drop!
• kids toilet and lots of baby wipes – this is also a super important one! we always travel with a portable kids toilet so we never have to take them into public bathrooms. with two kids, it is too hard and not always sanitary. it’s easy to clean, you can pull over on a side of the road, and it doesn’t take up too much space! Also bring lots of baby wipes! You can use them for both potty time, messes and to clean hands! I love these bamboo wipes and these water wipes!
• headphones – These are great for kids! We use these all the time!
• mini ipad or amazon kid’s tablet – if all else fails, then give them the ipad or tablet for some limited play or screen time! we try to limit this because we want our kids to use their imaginations and view the scenery! but if things are going south and you need a break, whip it out for a little!

Hopefully this post all about my roadtrip essentials will help make your next one run smoother! Just remember to have low expectations, enjoy the journey, make lots of memories and take lots of photos! Even the hardest trips have fun family memories attached!

As always, thanks for following along! And don’t forget to check out Melissa’s recent post about making your bathroom more sustainable! We always appreciate your support in reading out blog and our posts! Another way you can support us it by purchasing via our links. We make a small commission with each purchase and it means so much to us.

xoxoxo,

Kari

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Happy Thursday friends! I hope you all have been having a wonderful week! It’s been a little rainy and cold over here in San Diego, but I am sure we will be back to our typical sunny weather by this weekend! I hope the weather is getting warmer for you too! Today, I am starting a new series called “Things I’m Lovin’ Thursday.” This will be a post where I share my current faves, whether it’s a product, song, book, or podcast. I’m going to try to do these at least 1-2 times per month, so let me know if you like them!

I personally love finding out what other people eat, drink, read, listen to or obsess about. I don’t know if it’s being nosey or just curious, but I find that I learn so much, am exposed to things I might not have been before, and am left feeling inspired!

So here are a few of my current faves! Hope you enjoy the first post in Things I’m Lovin’ Thursday!

1//Starbucks Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso

Gahhh!! I have been doing so good about limiting how much Starbucks I drink and instead drinking my coffee from home! But when I saw this new drink come out, I was so pumped to try it! I love brown sugar flavoring and kept hearing so many good things about this drink so I ran to Starbucks and ordered one! It definitely lived up to the hype and did not disappoint!

It’s made with the signature Blonde espresso shaken, brown sugar syrup, topped with Oatly’s Oat Milk and finished with a few shakes of cinnamon powder. It’s seriously so good! A Venti is 170 calories, so it’s actually one of Starbucks lower calorie drinks. I typically half any pumps of syrup to make my drinks less sweet, but this one didn’t need it at all! It’s delicious, woke me up, and wasn’t super sweet! Win-Win for me!

The negative is that it’s like $6 and I am definitely not trying to spend that everyday on coffee. I decided to try my own version using my Nespresso machine! I made a super simple brown sugar syrup, used my Nespresso Vertuo Pod (i used one Double Espresso Chiaro Pod), added a dash of cinnamon and poured over ice cold oat milk! Instead of shaking so much, I actually frothed my oat milk and cinnamon powder in my Nespresso frother on the cold setting to get that foam! I stirred it all together and it tasted like the real deal! I’ve been having it every day this past week!

2// Briogeo Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Shampoo

If you love dry shampoo and use it regularly, you need this! I typically only wash my hair 1-2 times a week, after training it a few years ago. As a result, I use dry shampoo on a daily basis to add some texture to my hair and soak up any excess oil. But recently, I was feeling as if my scalp was starting to get a little dry and showing signs of product buildup. After searching through numerous products, I came across the Briogeo Charcoal and Coconut Oil Exfoliating Shampoo. It had great reviews so I quickly ordered and was so excited to try.

Once I used the product, I was sold! It has now been a staple in my hair-care routine for over two months. The shampoo is formulated with binchotan charcoal and plant-based exfoliators that work together to draw out and lift away buildup, impurities, dead skin and excess oil that may clog scalp and hair follicles. The peppermint, spearmint, tea tree, and coconut oils soothe and refresh after! I love the slight tingling feel and cooling effect it leaves. The tiny bits of charcoal in it lightly scrub your scalp and leave it really feeling clean! It’s such a win for me!

I typically only use this 1-2 times a month as needed! It is slightly drying for my hair so I always make sure to hydrate after. Whenever I use this shampoo, I follow up with a hair mask. My hairdresser recommended using OLAPLEX NO. 3 HAIR PERFECTOR and I have really been loving it! It adds the perfect amount of hydration, isn’t too heavy for my fine hair and it helps seal any split ends I may have!

I know the price tag may seem a little expensive ($42), it lasts forever. It’s not something you use daily, so if you use it 1-2 times per month it will last between 4-6 months!

3 // The Magic Playbook Subscription

Big fan of The Magic Playbook over here! It’s a monthly subscription for kids ages 2-6, filled with seasonal activities, crafts and sensory ideas for the month. You can pay a monthly fee of $9 or a yearly fee of $84 and you get access to all the activities, themed printables, an easy to shop supply list, a library list and screen time ideas for that month’s theme. It’s honestly the best ever! Both of my daughter’s love it! The graphics are so cute and it not only teaches them, but it inspires them to use their imagination. I’ve been a member for over 6 months and we have been having so much fun! All you have to do is print and play! I love it because I don’t have to plan the activities in addition to planning their schooling!

4 // My Newest Closet Additions

I have been feeling like I’ve been in a little bit of a fashion slump the past few weeks so I treated myself to some new clothes. The one requirement was that they couldn’t fall into the category of athleisure/loungewear. My typical mom uniform was consisting of a lot of oversized sweaters and leggings, so it was time for a change. When I saw that the Salty Blonde came out with a collaboration with Billabong, I ordered a few pieces, including this denim skirt.

Let me tell you a little story about my love for denim skirts. In college, I had this short denim mini skirt that I wore all the time. My husband actually remembers me wearing it before we even knew each other. He told me that he thought it was hot and was one of the things that sparked his attraction. So basically I owe my marriage and beautiful kids to that denim skirt. hahah!

Anyways, the Salty Blonde has a similar body type to mine so when I saw this skirt on her, I ordered it. I was a little hesitant because I wasn’t sure on the length. Definitely don’t want to flash anyone while chasing my kids! But once I tried it on, it actually wasn’t that short. It also hugs my curves really well and is super flattering. I can still move around and play with the kids, but feel stylish and put together. My husband loved this outfit and so did I.

I paired it with my favorite Brixton Joanna Hat, my new Steve Madden sandals (my daughter’s love the bling bling on them) and my new Exaggerated Shoulder Tank Top from Target (only $10)! The Steve Madden sandals do run slightly small and require a breaking in period.

Side note: If you buy the Exaggerated Shoulder Tank Top from Target, it does run slightly big. I ordered a size medium and could have done a small! But it’s only $10, comes in numerous colors and is a great and affordable way to try the exaggerated shoulder trend!

5 // This Month’s Reads

Reading is one of my biggest passions/source of relaxation. It’s something I do every single day, whether it’s late at night or in the early morning hours before my girls wake up. I also listen to audiobooks when I am folding laundry or cleaning. This helps me reach my goal of reading 3-5 books a month!

I read some great books this month! These three were at the top of my list! They were so good, that I watched absolutely no television, Nnetflix or Love Island re-runs the entire month!

Book #1

+ The Return by Nicholas Sparks – I loved this book! It was a great read and wasn’t like his more traditional romance novels. Nicholas Sparks, author of the Notebook, has an amazing way of writing and I pretty much love anything he writes. The Return is a heartwarming story about love, compassion, and self-exploration, mixed in with a bit of romance and mystery.

The story is about a man named Trevor Benson, an injured Navy Doctor with PTSD, and his return to a small town in North Carolina. His grandfather just passed away and he is left a dilapidated cabin and his grandfather’s beloved beehives. He ends up falling in love at first sight with deputy sheriff Natalie Masterson, who has a complicated love life of her own. Trevor is on a quest to find out why his grandfather was in another town when he passed away.

During that quest, he meets a runaway girl named Callie, a friend of his grandfather. Trevor tries to piece clues together, but the girl isn’t much help. She then has a medical crisis and Natalie and Trevor race against the clock to find out more about Callie’s past. At the same time, they are trying to shed light on the mysterious circumstances of his grandfather’s death. The story is filled with quite a few more twists and turns, but I don’t want to reveal too much.

I don’t know if I summed that up very well, but trust me, the book is definitely one you want to read!

BOOK #2

+ We Were The Lucky Ones by Georgia Hunter – Oh man! I could not put this book down. It was hands down my favorite book and is one I would even read again. It’s a pretty emotional book and I definitely shed a tear a time or two while reading it! The book is inspired by the true story of one Jewish family separated at the start of World War II and their determination to survive and reunite with each other.

The author, Georgia Hunter, wrote this book after learning she came from a family of Holocaust survivors and wanted to uncover more of her family’s history. An added bonus: her website shared her writing the book and offered some unique insight into this time period. The author was able to model the characters after her own family members, truly bringing them to life.

While this story was hard to read at times, it was beautiful and a great reminder of how the human spirit can endure and even thrive in the darkest of times.

BOOK #3

+ The Call of the Wild + Free by Ainsley Arment – If you are interested in homeschooling, I highly recommend this book! The author Ainsley Arment talks about how we can allow our children to experience the wonder of childhood longer while still creating a modern, quality homeschool education. It’s full of incredible information, advice, inspiration and beautiful images that really helped me feel more confident and inspired.

The book gives an overview of the more popular styles of homeschooling, how to incorporate various things into your day, importance of having a rhythm, the whys of homeschooling, but also really simplifies learning and teaching your child. It helped me feel less pressure to meet specific milestones at certain times, to adapt to my own child, to allow them to be kids longer, and to get out in nature every day!

This book serves as a great resource, but also as a reminder to have courage on this homeschooling journey!

Thanks for following along!

As always, thank you all for following along with us on our journey! We have had our blog for a little over 4 months now and it has been such a fun creative outlet. Be sure to follow us on instagram if you aren’t already. We also have a LiketoKNow.it account, where we post exclusive content as well! Both have the (username: sunkissedandgrateful

Hope you have a great week and hope you enjoyed my new series, Things I’m Lovin’ Thursday!

Don’t forget to read our last two posts on books to grow your child’s confidence and our favorite spring finds!

xoxoxoxox,

Kari

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The post Things I’m Lovin’ Thursday: A New Series! appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.

Self-love and confidence does not come naturally or easily to me. I’ve actually struggled with it a lot growing up! In junior high I remember crying to my mom because I was part of the IBTC and thought that meant I wasn’t good enough (now after going through nursing 2 kids, I long for my A cup size!). Attending a predominantly white private school also left me feeling insecure. Fast forward to college when I got my first “C” on a quiz, my self-love took a major blow. I’m slowly recovering for a life of attaching my worth to what I accomplish, how I look, and blind compliance to rules, to what really matters–my unique thoughts/contributions, my heart and finding confidence in flaws and failures.

Knowing how low self-confidence and self-worth have long term effects, I am proactive of using every chance I get to empower my kids and fill them with so much confidence and self-love. I wanted to share some of the book that I love to read to my kids to plant those seeds and teach self-love and confidence from an early age. How different do you think our world would be if people truly loved themselves?

Book List

I’m continually discovering new books on this topic, so this book list contains some of our current and all-time favorites.

Get links to books here!

1. I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont. // This book teaches kids to like themselves just the way they are—fast, slow, smelly breathe, messy hair. However you look or feel is deserving of love. I’ve been reading this book to my son his entire life and it’s still one of our favorites!

2. Go Get `Em Tiger by Sabrina Moyle. // This book is filled with enthusiasm and amazing illustrations following a tiger as he reaches various milestones. Since my kid’s are animal lovers, this seems like a great one to add to our home library.

3. I Believe I Can by Grace Byers. // One thing I want my kids to wholeheartedly believe is that they can do anything which is why I love this book! The theme of self-confidence is on every page.

4. A Boy Like You & A Girl Like You by Frank Murphy. // I love reading this empowering book to my son and daughter. It reminds them how unique and special they are and their important role in the world.

5. Dear Boy & Dear Girl by Paris Rosenthal + Jason Rosenthal // These books were immediately favorites after reading them. The way they celebrate innate differences and make kids feel big while developing emotional intelligence.

6. Be You by Peter H. Reynold. // What an empowering book! It tell kids that they can just they way they are and it’s something to be celebrated! I love the message that being themselves is more than enough!

7. You Matter by Christian Robinson. // Not only is the artwork really great in this book, the message is amazing. It shares that regardless of circumstances, looks, feelings, size, etc. everybody truly matters. I read this book over and over to my kids.

8. Remarkably You by Pat Zietlow Miller. // This book is a reminder that the things that make you you, also give you a remarkable uniqueness that has never existed before. A beautiful message for kids and adults.

Empower Greatness

I never want my kids to question their worth. I want to empower greatness in them so they believe they are worth unconditional love, respect, kindness and appreciation. It’s never too early to teach our kids self-love and confidence.

If you’re looking for additional books for your kids, we also made a post sharing 20 books on gratitude and thankfulness. Check out the post, here.

Thanks so much for reading! Happy week! —Melissa

Click on image below to download PDF of booklist.

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Happy Friday friends!! It’s the end of the week and I am so excited for the weekend! My daughter recently started soccer and I have been enjoying watching her play so much! It’s so fun and encouraging to see her enjoy something and it also allows me to wear some of my favorite athleisure clothes! I mean I want to look cute, but I also want to be able to cheer her on comfortably, without caring if I’m getting wet from the grass or dirty!

I pretty much wear workout clothes every single day, or at least the majority of the week! With the kids, I try to stay active and keep them outdoors a lot so wearing maxi dresses and dressier clothes aren’t the perfect fit for me at this stage of my life!

I did a little bit of shopping and wanted to share some of my favorite athleisure pieces! Some I have had for quite some time and others are a new edition! I’m also going to try and keep this more budget friendly because I’m currently trying to stick to a budget and save more! Hope you enjoy!

Athleisure Tops Under $50

Some of my favorite go-to stores for workout tops are Nordstrom, Aerie, and Target! I like that I can get good quality clothing, but not have to pay extremely high prices! I used to purchase a lot of Lululemon and I do love them, but I didn’t find myself loving as much as some of my more budget-friendly alternatives. Now I really don’t purchase too many workout shirts from there unless I find a good sale or really love an item!

1. Zella Relaxed Long Sleeve Tee ($45): This relaxed long-sleeve T-shirt is perfect for both the gym and running errands. So get one in every color so you have something to wear to lunch after your workouts!
2. Zella Work for it Tank Top ($29): It’s easy being stylish and comfortable in this stretch-knit tank designed with a racerback and cropped hem! You can look cute while working out and they have so many colors!
3. Offline Ribbed Long Sleeve Crop Tee ($24): This top is very soft and cute and I would definitely recommend. It is more form fitting, so I suggest going up one size if you don’t want it tight! I sized up and love the fit!
4. Offline Real Me Tank Top ($28): My husband got me this tank for Valentine’s Day and I love it! I normally don’t love form-fitting shirts when working out, but this feels super nice! It comes with a padded bra so you have some support!
5. Target’s Famous $8 Tank: ($8): This is actually one of my go to tanks for working out! It’s so comfortable and the neckline is so flattering! I think I own at least 7-8 colors and wear them all the time!
6. All Motion Tank Top ($16): I own these in a few colors too! It’s super affordable! It has a relaxed fit, but isn’t too flowy! It’s perfect for working out! And I love the material!

My Favorite Workout Pants

1. Athleta Elation 7/8 Tight ($89): While these are definitely expensive and an investment piece, the quality and fit is so good! I wear these for more HIIT style or intensive workouts. They offer a little compression, are high-waister and have a 7/8 length! I love that they also come in tall sizes so they are perfect for me at 5’9! They often go on sale so you can definitely get them cheaper!
2. FP Movement Good Karma Running Shorts ($48): I love these running shorts! They are perfect for a run or jog and look super cute whether working out or not! I also will wear these under dresses so it’s a win-win for me!
3. Nike One Dri-Fit Leggings ($55): Whether you’re ready to work up a sweat or chill on the couch, feel confident in these leggings! It features a mid-waist contour waistband so they won’t slide down and are made of moisture-wicking technology!
4. Zella Live In High Waist Pocket 7/8 Leggings (on sale for $40): I own these and love them for pilates and yoga! They wick away moisture to keep you cool and comfortable during workouts and have a pocket to hold your phone or keys if needed!
5. OFFLINE Real Me High Waisted Legging: ($31): I own these in a few colors also and love them! They are high-waisted so I always wear them with a crop top! I wear these more for athleisure styles as they don’t have a ton of compression and are a thinner material! They are good for yoga and pilates though! I also like that they are a 7/8 length and come in short, tall and regular sizing! AERIE is so size inclusive so I love supporting this brand!
6. OFFLINE Real Me High Waisted Crossover Legging ($45): Love these! The waist is so cute! I have two pairs and I find myself gravitating towards these all the time! You know they are good because they constantly sell out!

Gamechanger: Belt Bags/Hip Packs

Okay friends! A belt bag or hip pack or fanny pack (whatever you want to call them) has literally been a game changer for me! I wear it slung across my chest and it makes going to the park and beach so much easier! I leave my diapers and everything in the car and just put my wallet, phone and keys inside my bag and I am ready to go! It keeps my hands-free so I can chase my little ones and not worry about losing my keys or having a heavy diaper bag to wear! Here are some of my favorites! You can also find some really cute ones from Aloha Collection!

1. Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag ($38): I purchased this one from Lululemon and I love it! It’s a smaller version and just plain black! They have a bunch of colors and it holds everything I need! It’s perfect and my husband can wear it too!
2. Lululemon All Night Festival Belt Bag 3L ($68): This is a similar style to the one I purchased, but slightly bigger! I saw in person and it reminded me a little more of a cross-body bag so I went with the smaller one. It also comes in a few colors and is very versatile and easy to clean!
3. Herschel Supply Co. Seventeen Hip Pack ($32): My friend owns this in black and it is so cute! It’s a quintessential compact pack made of poly-canvas and it carries all your belongings! You can wear it around the waist or over the shoulder. It’s also unisex so your husband can wear it too!
4. Topshop Diagonal Zip Belt Bag ($30): This is a perfect dressier version of hip pack! The sleek faux-leather finish elevates this handy belt bag and the edgy zippered details give it a chic, cool-girl vibe!
5. Fawn Design Belt Bag ($55): You can store your cash, keys and other small essentials while on the go with your little one in this trendy belt bag! It’s made by the same brand as my diaper bag and the quality is so good!
6. Volcom Take With Me Belt Bag ($35): This has a lot of cute prints and it’s just a super simple version of a belt-bag! It’s the perfect size for daily adventures!

Athleisure Style for the Win!

My typical week includes a lot of running around, going to Stroller Strides, visiting the park and going to the beach! It’s important for me to be comfortable but look stylish! I think that is really important for mom’s to keep in mind! When we look frumpy or don’t get dressed, it often translates to us feeling that way too! So getting dressed in a little bit of athleisure really helps me feel put together! I know that one day I will be able to wear maxi dresses and whatever outfit I want, but with the kids so young and me constantly picking them up and down, it just isn’t feasible right now!

I also typically add a hat (this is my current favorite from Alo Yoga right now!) to keep the sun out of my eyes! It’s important to protect your skin and not get sunburnt or sun damage! Right now, while nursing my skin is prone to melasma, I always wear a hat and sunscreen! Melissa had some great recommendations in her post about Blue-Light, so if you haven’t already check that out HERE)!

And for shoes, I typically always wear my trusty Adidas, my New Balance’s or my Olukai’s! They are definitely my favorite shoes!

Hope this post helps provide you with some inspiration! You can shop the post via the blog or our Liketoknowit account (username: sunkissedandgrateful). As always, we do make a small commission if you click on our links and purchase within a certain time frame, so thank you for your support!

Thanks for following along and I hope you have an amazing weekend!

xoxox,

Kari

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One of my favorite things about being a mom is getting to celebrate all the holidays, creating new family traditions and making magical memories. I love seeing my girl’s faces light up when they wake up and walk downstairs to find a little present and some decorations. They know that a fun family-filled day is in store! I typically will put together a little basket full of goodies for the girls. The sizes vary from holiday to holiday and I usually include practical stuff, as well as something that will entertain them! It’s such a fun tradition that we have and we love getting to play Cupid and deliver Valentines baskets for the kids.

I wanted to share a few different options for Valentines baskets that you can put together to create a fun little present! You can completely customize this to your budget and your child’s interests. Some years I go all out and do a big Valentines basket full of goodies and others I will just get them a book, a pair of pajamas, and a low-sugar lollipop and tie it together with a pretty bow!

Valentines Baskets I Love

This year I purchased these stackable and foldable crates from Cotton On. I liked the color selection and that I can fold them when I don’t really need them. They are cute for Valentine’s Day, but I wouldn’t purchase again due to them being kind of flimsy.

I usually reuse the baskets every year for Christmas, Valentine’s and Easter, so it is typically a one time purchase. I also use them throughout the house when they aren’t needed for holidays so it’s a win-win!

Here are the baskets I typically use from Target! They have various sizes so you can really customize to what you need!

Valentines Day Pajamas

One thing I always include is a new pair of pajamas! I feel like my girls are always outgrowing them, so this is a great way to sneak in a practical gift! They love their themed, matching pajamas! So it’s a win for everyone! Here are some really cute options for both boys and girls!

You can shop the post here!

Valentine’s Day Books

Pick one of our Valentine’s Day books from our 20 Books to Celebrate Valentine’s Day post HERE and add them to your basket! There is a variety of books depending on age or interest!

Valentines Basket Fillers

I added a few additional items for the girls based on what they needed and what interests they have right now! They are both obsessed with socks so I found some at Old Navy, but also am adding in some new underwear for Makena! We love these ones from Nordstrom!

You can also add anything from magnetic play scenes and playdough to flashcards and puzzles! It’s really up to you! You can see some additional items below that would be inexpensive, cute and fun for kids! But remember, you don’t have to go crazy!

Put everything in the basket! Add a little crinkle paper on the bottom and you are good to go!! Such a fun surprise for your kids to wake up to!

Here are my finished valentines baskets for my kids! Please excuse the poor lighting. I had to take photos once they were asleep so they couldn’t peak! Mom life!

I’m also going to make some delicious Valentine’s day pancakes using this recipe!

Hope you are all having a great week!!

xoxoxo

Kari

p.s. by purchasing form the links above we do make a small commission! Thank you !

The post Valentines Baskets for Kids appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.

We put a lot of thought into each of these holiday gift guides and all of the products are items we either own, have purchased as gifts or come highly recommended. Some of these items might even be on our own personal wish list (wink..wink)!!

We hope you enjoy!

Holiday Gift Guide: Bestie Edition

1. Blush Travel Jewelry Case from Darling Co. Shop // Love this super cute faux-leather jewelry case. It’s cute and compact, but perfect for keeping your accessories safe while traveling!
2. Ponytail Scarf by Free People // I love a good hair accessory. Whether it’s a headband, hair scarf or a hat, you can easily add some chicness to your outfit! Wrap it around a bun, a top knot or a low pony and you are ready to go! They also have it in a super cute leopard/rose color!
3. Chunky Knit Beanie from Abercrombie and Fitch // I have this beanie and wear it all the time when the weather gets colder! I love the chunky yarn and the classic neutral color!
4. Bala Bangles Wearable 1lb Weights // I love these one size fits all wearable weights! You can easily put them on during any workout, from yoga to running, to add an extra boost to your workout routine. Plus they have them in a ton of different colors!
5. 52 Lists for Calm Journal // I am a big fan of these journals and think they would be such a great gift for your bestie! The journal includes 52 prompts that allow for you to self-reflect while asking thought-provoking questions! It’s great for becoming mindful and reducing anxiety! There is also a 52 Lists for Happiness journal, and a 52 Lists for Togetherness Journal, as well as a few others!
6. Baggu Leopard Pouch Set // I’ve been using Baggu bags forever now and I love them. With three different sizes, you can keep everything neat and organized, a major must for moms! I keep some in my diaper bag, but they would be perfect for holding makeup, school supplies or anything else you may need on the go! And for $38 for all three, it’s definitely a budget-friendly gift!!
7. Ride or Die Bracelet from Little Words Project // This is an amazing gift for that ride or die lady in your life! I actually bought my bestie some a few weeks ago and she loved them! They are stretchy and only $20!! They also come in so many different colors and sayings! You can also register your bracelet on the Little Words Project website and be inducted into the Nice Girl Gang, a community of women dedicated to building each other up! Talk about women empowerment!
8. Osea Salts of the Earth Scrub // Give your bestie this luxurious salt scrub to keep her body smooth all winter long! It’s literally the greatest addition to my self-care routine right now! It smells heavenly and keeps the winter roughness away!
9. Madewell x Welly 18-Ounce Traveler Reusable Water Bottle // Love this water bottle! It’s super cute, keeps your water cold and keeps your skin hydrated! It’s made of renewable bamboo and premium stainless steel, and 1% of the sales go to clean water projects worldwide!

Holiday Gift Guide: Toddler Edition (ages 12-24months)

1. Melissa and Doug Farm Animal Sorting Barn // This is a fun toy that my both my daughters love to play with! The pieces are extra thick so it makes it easy to hang on to, and it helps promote matching and sorting, as well as perfects fine motor skills!
2. Mommy and Baby Whale Rolling Toy // I love the quality of this toy! You can keep them together or take them apart and have two toys! It’s a great toy for imaginative play!
3. L’OVEDBABY Organic Cotton Thermal Footie // These are some of my favorite sleepers! They are so soft and warm, are made from organic cotton and they have gripped soles so babies won’t slip when walking in them!
4. Soft Stacking Blocks // These blocks are a huge hit in our household! I love the color palette of them and that they are BPA free and non-toxic, so I don’t have to worry when my baby puts them in her mouth!
5. Petit Collage Nesting and Stacking Blocks Playset with 3 Wooden Characters // Petit Collage is one of my all time favorite brands for toys! Not only is this a fun stacking toy, but my daughter’s love to play with the characters that come with it! It’s definitely a hit!
6. Brown and Pink Bear by Creative Co-Op // You can never go wrong with a cute stuffed animal! This one is high-quality, affordable and chic!
7. London Littles Rain Boots // We always get the girls a pair of rain boots for Christmas. It doesn’t rain that often in Carlsbad, but when it does, you better believe we are out and jumping in puddles! These boots are well-made, come in the cutest patterns and are super easy to clean!
8. Musical Llama Wooden Instrument // This is so cute and thoughtfully made! I love that it leaves room for lots of imagination and can easily grow with your child. It features a 5-bar xylophone, a maraca tail, 2 clacking saddle blankets, wooden mallets and more!
9. Honey Stick Crayons // These crayons are handmade using 100% pure New Zealand beeswax and Food Grade Pigments for Color. They are safe for infants, kids and children of all ages, and they smell good. And the chubby shape makes them easier for small hands to hold!
10. Let’s Find Momo Board Book // This is like a Where’s Waldo book, but instead you find Momo the dog in the different pictures. It has been a favorite book in our house for so many years and I can’t wait to get the newest edition coming soon!

Holiday Gift Guide: Small Shop Edition

1. Promptly Journals Gratitude Journal // I first discovered Promptly Journals when I had my oldest daughter and bought their Childhood Journal (a baby book you write in from pregnancy to their 18th birthday). I loved the idea that they would one day get a book with all of these special memories written in it. They recently came out with a gratitude journal and I love all fo the prompts and daily reflections! This would make a great gift for so many different people.
2. Wiley Baby Everywhere Oil // I am obsessed with this oil! It is my daily go to for both me and my babies! It is non-greasy and leaves your skin feeling so soft and hydrated! I honestly always have a bottle on hand! This truly is the perfect gift!
3. Wylder Designs Digital Art // Such a great gift idea! I’ve had one made for my best friend and her husband as a wedding gift and Melissa and I also used Wylder Designs to create our blog photo! She is super fast, very talented and affordable! Check out @wylderdesigns on instagram!
4. The Adventures of Lily Huckleberry in Mexico Book // I love this travel book series for kids! Not only does it have fun characters and magical adventures, but it has a great underlying message to reach for the sky! It shows kids the beauty and diversity of the world, sparks their imaginations and gives them a brave female role model to look up too! I seriously love this series!
5. Jays and Jewels Rae Necklace // This necklace is so beautiful and can be gifted to so many different people in your life! It features a hand drawn sun and rainbow on a small circle disc, symbolizing kindness, hope, faith and love! It truly is the cutest!
6. Chalkfulloflove Rainbow Mug // This is the perfect mug for 2020. You known the saying that “after every storm comes a rainbow?” Well this super cute ceramic mug symbolizes hope, while providing the perfect cup for your morning coffee!
7. Slumberkins Bigfoot Stuffie and Book // We have quite a few of these at our house! These stuffies were created by a therapist and educator to help children master different social emotional skills. Each book contains a story with positive affirmations and a heart-warming story.
8. Kendra Beshk Tassel with Tag Keychain // These make the best gifts. The tassels come in so many colors and you can customize the hardware tags to say anything you want! I’ve given them to my husband, my besties and numerous family members! Love this small shop!
9. White Palm + Pampas Grass Small Bud Vase Arrangement // Currently obsessed with dried floral arrangements! I love when they have pampas grass and neutral colors and use them year-round in our house. They also last waaaaaaayyyy longer than regular floral arrangements! Such a versatile gift idea!

Hope these holiday gift guides help! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us with questions! We are here to help!

And remember, you never have to purchase gifts if your personal situation doesn’t allow for it! We love a good handmade gift, some quality time or even a well-thought out spotify playlist dedicated to that individual!

xoxoxox,

Kari

p.s. we do make a very small amount of money if you click on our links and purchase within 24 hours! Just a little disclaimer!!

The post Holiday Gift Guides: Round Two! Bestie, Small Shop & Toddler Editions! appeared first on sunkissed & grateful.