Toys & Play

Because who doesn’t love a good swing set?

How to explain the concepts of death and dying in a way that won’t scare your kids.

I know you’ve suggested things for kids to do indoors, but what about board games? Is that too old fashioned?IsabelDear Isabel,I love your question and it brought up something I hadn’t thought about in years, which is that I remember my brother and I getting so excited when our dad played chess and Othello with us – so much so, in fact – that I did the same with my daughter on many week nights before bed and it was a lovely moment of the day.

From accessible sensory gardens to actual dragon-and-castle themed spots, these are the most fun picks for littles to play.

These stars lead with empathy, boldness, and a whole lot of fun for littles.

From the importance to cultural legacies to the celebrations that make life so vibrant, Raakhee Mirchandani shares her experience as a mother.

Geocaching? Group texts? Screens really can be a source of good.

The past year, and especially the last few months, has been all.about.the.togetherness. A long stretch of cold days and early darkness has kept our family, including my 4th-grader and 1st-grader, inside and on the hunt for boredom busters. We’ve adopted not just family game night, but also family game afternoon, and sometimes family game morning. As an admitted win-junkie, I am always down for a cutthroat round of Monopoly or Uno.

This piece was created for Cubby, our weekly newsletter for families at home. Want more? Sign up here for a weekly splash of fun and good ideas for families with kids. With a year that has caused more emotional whiplash than I will ever be able to fully unpack, we have been sailing through this uncharted home-online-hybrid-school territory with humor, tears, exhaustion, and, thankfully, a few very helpful purchases.

This piece was created for Cubby, our weekly newsletter for families at home. Want more? Sign up here for a weekly splash of fun and good ideas for families with kids. The pandemic has been challenging for everyone, and without a doubt the most difficult part has been the separation from friends and family.FaceTime and Zoom have served their purpose, but aren’t a replacement for shared meals, group game nights, and giant bear hugs.

This piece was created for Cubby, our weekly newsletter for families at home. Want more? Sign up here for a weekly splash of fun and good ideas for families with kids. Thanks to their natural curiosity, children are basically mini-scientists, constantly tinkering, observing, and creating. Exploring STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) methods through hands-on learning allows them to discover different concepts, while also having a lot of fun.

From a sensory bin to a rock climbing kit to a projector that can be used outdoors, we picked out toys and gadgets to match every interest and every age.

Improve everyone’s literacy while having fun! (And some of these games are free, too.)

There’s no need to sacrifice fun, even while staying cautious. Here, ideas to get the whole family adventuring or relaxing in fresh new ways.

Home is not just a building; it's a collection of traditions passed down through generations of builders, homemakers, and artists.

Nutritious snacks, adorable apparel, and so many more Black-owned brands we can't wait to shop.

There's a lot to be gained by turning DIY projects into family affairs.

I love Valentine’s Day because it is all about love and romance for my husband and me, but what can I do with my children? LucielDear Luciel, I am glad that you find Valentine’s Day loving and romantic! So many get overwhelmed by the commercial messaging that it can dampen the spirits, but I’m with YOU! It’s an odd “Hallmark” holiday and one that you really can make anything you want, so why not make it great? Children LOVE their parents.

This piece was created for Cubby, our weekly newsletter for families at home. Want more? Sign up here for a weekly splash of fun and good ideas for families with kids. Join us over on Instagram for more! Anyone else fall down a baby-photo black hole every once in a while? And when I say once in a while, I actually mean a few times a month.

In these troubled times, it's handy to have a few in your medicine cabinet. Here's where to buy them.

We put together a list of the best page-turners about Black history, empowerment, and more. 

In time for Valentine's Day, we have a coloring page for the littles that also folds up into a sweet card for their loved ones.

No more messy Barbie box.

Minutes of set-up equals hours of fun (and learning)!

I was NOT prepared for how much we'd all laugh while playing this.

They're timeless and easily accessible for little ones — but also magical enough to capture the fun of reading.

From separation anxiety to fear of the dark, worries are common in kids. This is how some families helped their little ones feel in control.

These two words will open up the conversation almost every time.

These 8 items are the true must-haves for any baby or toddler parent!

It's the easiest game-changer we have ever found.

Cute home goods, cozy outfits, and even a portable stuffie set for the stylish kiddo.

From the strictly practical to the aspirational: Here are my takeaways!

Saturday and Sunday are for serious slacking. Check out the things bringing families peace, joy, and mini pancakes.

This Palm Springs paradise was surprisingly easy (and affordable).

Themed, reversible, and wipeable — these fun mats serve double duty as toys AND decor.

Dr. Risa Hoshino gives us her expert thoughts on the future of kids' health, and what parents can do to prepare.

My son relies on this app for purchases — and I love it because he's empowered to spend (and save!) all on his own.

Switch it up this season with gifts that are pre-loved, yet full of meaning.

Dr. Risa Hoshino weighs in on how to treat anxiety in kids.

It's got that retro flair — and is incredibly simple (no sewing required!). This is also a super-fun holiday activity with kids.

Dr. Risa Hoshino weighs in on doable ways to prevent your child from catching all the many germs that float around in daycare and schools.

We've got the perfect game to empower them to declutter their belongings without any arguments. Bonus: this is a GREAT time to practice some before-holiday minimizing.

Just a few simple steps — and some trusty products you can grab easily — turned this underused space into one we all love.

High-quality kids' furniture and products at deep discounts? It's every parent's dream.

These are the deals flying off the virtual shelves — hurry, before they're all gone.

From colorful jewelry trays to watercolor portraits, these ideas are brimming with creativity and fun. Let your kids give loved ones a handmade gift they'll be excited to display.

It makes the mornings SO much better — and gives that much-needed jolt of energy for parenting a newborn.

We've got the cutest picks around from one of our very favorite kids' brands. And they are all at steep discounts!

It helps with ouchies and looks adorable in a stocking.

Pom-pom wreaths, holiday crafts, and even matching PJs — our favorite retailer in red has it all this season.

Their adorable reactions will be an added bonus!

From adorable play kitchens they won't be able to resist to awesome inflatable bounce houses and tablets galore, these are Walmart's all-star deals.

This simple nightly ritual keeps us connected as a family.

Rainy afternoons home with my toddlers are turning us into absolute beasts — we’re all so grumpy and I have zero creative energy left. Any ideas for a fun indoors activity that they might not have tried yet?GraceDear Grace,As the father of one girl, I must confess that I feel I never had it THAT hard. Young girls tend to be far less restless than young boys, so I’m guessing that you have at least one boy in your home.

We tapped the pros (who happen to parents themselves) for their very best tips, from choosing a photographer, finding a location, and what to do with your lovely photos afterwards.

These are the ones that truly stand up to the test for me and my kiddo.

It arrives on my doorstep, has unlimited creative possibilities, and ISN'T a toy?! Miracle.

We really missed you, Toys”R”Us, and we’re so happy that you’re back! Every millennial has a soft spot in their hearts for this beloved toy store, and it was pretty heartbreaking when the company closed their brick and mortar storefronts a few years ago. But just in time for the 2021 holiday season, Toys”R”Us has made its official comeback with Macy’s.

What’s the best Halloween candy out there, hands down?EllieDear Ellie,I love you! You handed me a softball of a question and one that I KNEW I COULD ACE. Here you go (from a few good sources):Chupa Chups Lollipops or Airheads, but NOT DumDums! Lollipops are VERY POPULAR again.. Skittles in fun size bags — ALWAYS a fave….

These fun new traditions are getting another spin this year.

It's an opportunity for us all to get organized and resolve conflict — plus, have a little fun too!

Quilts with rustic farm scenes to a snuggly science-themed kids chair — these new launches have it all.

These tasks are really are so simple and kid-friendly that she can't wait to help. (Plus, I can get some cleaning done myself while she's occupied!)

They may not say it aloud — but these practical gifts are what new parents REALLY need.

You don't have to spend a lot of money OR time to get a show-stopping, IG-worthy group costume.

Creative kids are natural problem solvers. Here, doable tips to nurture their creative impulses.

For long-lasting pieces, ditch the cutesy trends and focus on classic products like these.

As parents, we're much too tired for date nights — so we got creative for some necessary R&R.

We tried everything ... but this inexpensive Amazon gadget was the secret to peaceful slumber for my kiddo.

Affordable, stylish art and home design picks for kids.

We never thought we'd use one — but now, we can't imagine going back.

It contains the clutter AND saves space — win-win.