Child Gear & Toys Archives | Twiniversity #1 Parenting Twins Site

The Best Winter Hats for Kids

Amanda Hadley — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Cold weather means bundling up your littles, so you’re going to want to find the best winter hats for kids. We’ve done our research, and have found what we believe are the best winter hats this season. Read more below. My mom always told me to wear a hat in the cold because I lose 80% of my body heat through my head. For years, even as a young adult I believed her. Although technically that statement is actually false, for babies and toddlers it is actually true. Babies and toddlers typically have a large head compared to their body size, allowing for more heat to be lost. So when it’s cold outside, do as your mother said, and put a hat on your kids’ noggin. Ready to start shopping for hats? We’ve got you covered! Here is our list of the best functional and stylish winter hats for kids of all ages. Best Winter Hats For Babies (up to 18 months) When shopping for your littles, the best winter hat is one made from super-soft materials with ear flaps to keep ears covered and warm. For infants, a hat with a chin strap is always a good choice…less chance of falling off, being pulled off, and being lost! Snow Plaid Bomber by Brimmz This buffalo plaid bomber cotton hat is the best hat to keep your babes warm, plus they are ADORABLE! The earflaps are lined with wool and straps on each side with two buttons to snap the flaps up when needed. Complete with removable gray/black faux fur pompom on top. To purchase, click here. Knit Balaclava When extra coverage is needed, or when the kids prefer a strap-free hat, a balaclava is a great option. This pullover hat is made from a stretchy soft cotton blend, with a plush fleece- lining for an extra layer of insulation against the cold. The longer style also covers the neck, for even more warmth and comfort. To purchase, click here. The North Face Bear Suave OSO Beanie The North Face Kids Bear Suave Oso Beanie is a no-frills winter hat. But it doesn’t need the frills, because it’s made by The North Face. That alone makes it one of the best winter hats for kids. This beanie will give your kids the warmth they need from the cozy raschel fleece and hook-and-loop chin strap, but also has a cute bear ears detail. Plus, it is machine washable. To purchase, click here. Best Winter Hats for Toddlers (up to 4 years old) As your children get older, ideally a chin strap is not needed (they are actually hard to find for older kids) so style can come into play more. But remember to choose function or fashion when picking a winter hat for your kids. Carhartt Watch Hat Beanie Carhartt’s warm and winter-approved Watch Hat is a popular choice for both kids and adults because of its simplicity, fit, and array of colors. This is a beloved beanie by many celebrities, due to the mommy and me capability; find a cute beanie for yourself, and get your mini-me one to match! Carhartt beanies are made in the USA from 100% acrylic materials, making them stretchy, durable, and warm. To purchase, click here. Home Prefer Skull Beanie Cap with Earflaps The Home Prefer Skull knit beanie is soft and lightweight. Made of stretchable acrylic yarn and is a comfortable fit for both girls and boys. With this winter hat, you get extra warmth with the faux fur inside and extended sides to keep ears warm, but without the discomfort of a chin strap. A great winter hat for everyday use. To purchase, click here. Lands End Kids Trapper Hat The Lands End Kids Trapper hat sheds the wet stuff, keeps their noggin and ears warm, plus adjusts for a secure fit. The faux fur lining provides warmth, while the 100% polyester shell is wind and waterproof making this winter hat both functional and stylish. To purchase, click here. Twiniversity Tip: start putting hats on your kids at a young age (I’m talking still in the hospital young). The more your kids wear hats the less they will want to pull them off. Best Winter Hats for Young Kids (5 to 7 years old) When your kids hit elementary school, they will have an opinion on the hat they will be wearing. Prepare yourself for this! Luckily, there are plenty of functional and fashionable winter hats for all boys and girls. The North Face Kids’ Forrest Fleece Trapper Blustery winds and cold weather are no match for warm fleece and WindWall™ technology in the brim and ear flaps of the Kids’ Forrest Fleece Trapper. Complete with a Shock Cord toggle on the back for an adjustable fit. Plus it is The North Face brand so stylish goes without saying. To purchase, click here. Funky Junque BeanieTail Beanie This winter hat looks like a classic-style beanie but actually has a unique ponytail hole. Wear this beanie tighter around the head for a high ponytail or bun, or slouchy for a lower ponytail. The BeanieTail is warm and made of 100% acrylic with a durable and stretchy elastic band to adjust to any size or style of hair. This beanie is Machine wash on a cold, delicate cycle and hang to dry. To purchase, click here. Home Prefer Aviator Style Beanie The Home Preger Aviator beanie is made of 100% acrylic yarn with double-knitted layers to keep your kids warm and comfortable. This beanie is stretchy and durable and provides great coverage from the extended ear flaps. To purchase, click here. With winter officially approaching, make sure you send your littles out into the freezing depths of ice and snow with a warm hat upon their heads (oh, and coats, gloves, and boots).

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Beach Chair for Kids Roundup: Fun in the Sun Without Sandy Bums

Amanda Hadley — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 17:35:00 +0000

Looking for a great beach chair for kids? We’ve got you covered! Our twin mom staff writer breaks it down with this awesome “beach chair for kids” roundup. Check it out below. I love the beach. Sand in my toes, a good book, a cold drink, the smell of salt in the air… there just aren’t many places I’d rather be. Sadly, my years of motherhood have shown me that the beach isn’t quite as relaxing with small kiddos (I see you, toddler twin moms, nodding in solidarity). Even so, it’s hard to underestimate the importance of a good beach chair. Adult beach chairs seem to be available just about everywhere you go, but where in the world can you find a good beach chair for kids? As much as I love the ocean, I’m completely wiped out after a couple hours of being knocked over by waves. My kids usually are, too. Many times, I’ve been left to sit on a sand-covered blanket while a kid happily snoozes in my beloved beach chair. This is why my family has made it a priority to find the perfect beach chair for our kids. The list I compiled covers it all: portability, storage, sun protection, comfort, and even a few extra bells and whistles here and there. So sit back, relax, set the mood by cranking up the ocean sounds on the kids’ white noise machine, and get ready to become an expert on beach chairs for kids! What Should You Look For in a Beach Chair for Kids? There’s really no “gold standard” for a kids’ beach chair. All families are different and have varying needs. Perhaps the beach house or hotel that you’re staying at is a bit of a walk from the shore, so you’re looking for a beach chair that kids can easily strap onto their backs and carry themselves. Maybe you’re looking for a chair with pockets and spaces for kids to keep drinks, snacks, books, phones, sunglasses, AirPods, or any other “necessities” close by. You could be looking for an outdoor chair with a detachable umbrella or canopy to keep the sun from scorching your kids’ delicate skin. Or, you might just want something that is comfy enough for an exhausted kiddo to get some rest before hitting the waves again. Personally, I want a beach chair for kids that has all of the above! I came up with a list of ten beach chairs for kids that I think are pretty rad. I tried to cover a variety of budgets, styles, and age groups with these selections. (By the way, there’s even a double beach chair that’s perfect for your twinnies!) The Cutest Beach Chair for Kids As a mom of 4-year-olds, my opinion is that Melissa & Doug knock it out of the park just about every time. Their items are adorable, colorful, and durable, and their portable kids’ chairs are no exception! My personal favorites are the Octopus and Butterfly, but you really can’t go wrong with any of their designs. These chairs are recommended for kids up to 4 years old. They are lightweight – just over 3 pounds – and come with a cup holder and matching storage bag. The current list price for these is $30.69, but check Amazon for sales – they have been priced as low as $15.99! The Shadiest (in a good way!) Beach Chair for Kids I’m always encouraging my kids some get sun – but not TOO MUCH sun. Sunburns are no fun! These outdoor chairs from Kelsyus help protect your kids from harmful rays with a large canopy that is positioned over the chair. The coolest feature of this chair is the canopy’s ability to transform into a backpack, making it nice and portable. The chair supports smaller children (up to 75 pounds) and is lightweight. It is currently priced at $59.94, so it is one of the pricier options for kids’ beach chairs. Kelsyus also has adult-sized canopy chairs that would probably work for older kids, but they are quite a bit heavier than the kids’ version. Beach Chairs for the Youngest Kids If you’ve ever brought a young toddler to the beach, you understand the importance of keeping them contained. While we all want our little ones to enjoy themselves, there are times when they just need to chill out and take a break. I really wish I would have had one of these Baby Delight Go With Me Venture Chairs back when mine were smaller. This chair has all kinds of cool features. It has a 5-point harness buckle for babies, as well as leg holes for toddlers who prefer to stand. This chair is suitable for kids up to 75 pounds. It comes with a canopy, snack tray, and carry bag. It currently retails for $69.99, but I’m thinking this one could get a lot of use at summer picnics and other gatherings, too! The Most Relaxing Kids’ Chair In my opinion, there is NOTHING like a good beach nap, no matter how old you are! The Rio Beach Kids 5-Position Chair lays flat so your little snoozer can make the most out of those epic naps. (I’m yawning just thinking about it!) This chair also converts into a backpack and weighs a little over 6 pounds. The weight limit is 100 pounds, and there are five reclining positions. Features include a pillow, storage pouch that can double as a drink holder, and a towel bar so your kids don’t end up eating too much sand for lunch. This chair is currently selling for $71.08. The Beach Chair for Sand Lovers Do your kids spend most of their beach time playing archaeologist or building sand castles? If so, you might want to find a chair that sits nice and low to the ground. The Rio Brands Wave 1-Position Beach Folding Sand Chair is very simple, but it gets the job done. Park it right in the sand and let your kids go to town. Although the chair does not have any straps or carrying cases, it is still lightweight and it folds almost completely flat. This chair is actually suitable for adults… Continue Reading Beach Chair for Kids Roundup: Fun in the Sun Without Sandy Bums

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Designing Your Own Backyard Playground

Twiniversity — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 14:41:44 +0000

Kids love the outdoors, and we’ve all seen how much they can be entertained by a simple sandbox or tire swing. What if you had an entire backyard playground designed just for them? Here are the most popular ways to make your backyard kid-friendly. We’ve included great options for every age range. Tire Swing A tire swing is always a hit with both kids and adults. There’s just something about it that brings back memories of the summertime and happy days spent on the playground. If you have an old tire sitting around in your garage, don’t put it on the curb just yet! You can turn that into a fun DIY project for the whole family. There are plenty of options out there as far as hardware and straps, but you can also do it yourself with some rope and a few sturdy knots. No matter how you choose to make it, a tire swing is sure to be a hit with the kids. Zip Line A zip line is an easy and relatively inexpensive project that your kids will probably be begging you to build. You can buy a few long pieces of sturdy rope or heavy-duty wire, some carabiners, and two handles from the hardware store and attach them yourself. Make sure to choose a really stable surface to attach the handles, such as a big tree, a garage, or drill into the side of your house. It’s nice to have the kids involved in making a zip line because it reinforces their sense of achievement when they get to use it. You can also be sure that they won’t want the zip line taken down at the end of summer, so it will probably become a permanent fixture in your backyard. Stump Jump A stump jump is a terrific backyard toy for younger and older kids alike. Find some old stumps that you can quickly move into your yard. Make sure to choose stumps that are sturdy with a broader base, so they don’t easily topple over. Place them a reasonable distance apart, based on the age of your kiddos. You can make this is a fun family project by painting each stump a different color and letting your kids paint designs on the stumps. Backyard Campsite Create a backyard campsite with a small tent or kids teepee. Make sure to waterproof your campsite with a tarp and Scotchgard to make it last longer and avoid mold. Toss in a few comfy pillows and blankets to create a cozy spot for reading or playtime. Keep in mind that your kids will probably leave those pillows and blankets out there at one point, and you never know when it will rain, so buy some outdoor cushions and outdoor blankets to avoid ruining your indoor sets. If you don’t want to buy a tent or teepee, you can make your own with a large tarp and some rope. Add in a cute kids picnic table, which will be super helpful for serving lunch (both real and play!) and doing crafts and projects. Sandbox Building your own DIY sandbox is a lot easier than you think. The hardest part is deciding how big it will be and where to put it. Choose a spot in your yard where the grass never grows very well, perhaps where you get too much shade. Make sure to measure carefully when you’re deciding how big you want the sandbox to be. Never eyeball your dimensions! Get out a tape measure and mark out the size of the sandbox with string to get a good idea of how it will look when it’s finished. I highly recommend that you buy a heavy-duty tarp that you can secure over the sandbox when it’s not in use to keep out bugs and rain. If you would rather buy a sandbox than build it, check this one out from Step2. TreeHouse Building a treehouse is possible even if you’re not an expert DIY-er or carpenter. If you know a carpenter that would be willing to create a custom treehouse for your family, this could save you some money and time, plus you can make the design your own. If you’re on your own, there are many kits available online that you can buy according to your specifications. A word of caution: make sure you buy your kit from a reputable company and don’t skimp on quality by buying the cheapest one available. You want to be sure that your tree house will last through all seasons, including winter snowfall, and be safe for anyone who uses it. Playhouse or Backyard Fort Don’t have a suitable tree in your backyard to build a treehouse? Instead, build your little ones a playhouse or backyard fort. This is a simple play structure that will add a lot of fun for kids to play in and make beautiful memories for years to come. Your kids will love having their own clubhouse that’s just for them. You can build one yourself and add in playground equipment like a slide or spring rocker. Small touches like windows with shutters, a doorbell, and a play phone are some fun features that encourage imaginative play. Don’t have the time to make your own playhouse or backyard fort? You can buy one that’s already put together and save yourself the effort and time. We love this one from Step2. Kiddie Pool Lounge Here’s another idea for a spot for your kids to hang out and enjoy some downtime. Find a shady spot in the yard, blow up a kiddie pool and fill it with plastic balls or blankets and pillows. Your kids will love lounging in it in the spring, summer, and fall, and you can add a little mini-umbrella or sunshade, so the kids aren’t in direct sunlight. Hammocks I found hammocks at a discount toy store for $5 each. My kids LOVE them! We only have one sturdy tree in our backyard so I… Continue Reading Designing Your Own Backyard Playground

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7 Summer Shopping Must-Haves for Kids

Twiniversity — Tue, 14 May 2019 04:00:00 +0000

I don’t know about you, but we are counting down the remaining days of school. We are beyond ready for a leisurely summer. Over the years I’ve established a list of summer shopping must-haves, which includes: 1. Mix and Match Separates I always pick mix and match separates with a similar color scheme so it’s easy for my kids to dress themselves without looking like they are enlisting in a circus. For on-trend, comfortable kid clothing, I love Oshkosh, Carter’s, the Children’s Place and Target, all of which have sizes newborn through 14 big kids. I never pay full price; each of these stores offers regular sales and online coupons, which are readily available. At Oshkosh, I like to snag $6 doorbuster shirts, leggings, and shorts as well as “buy one, get 2 free” shirts. Similarly, at Carter’s I keep an eye out for $5 doorbuster shirts, leggings, and shorts. There I like finding shirts with positive messages such as “The future starts with me,” and “Girls can do amazing things.” Meanwhile, Target offers $4 Cat and Jack brand separates, which are trendy and comfortable. In addition, Cat & Jack also includes an adaptive line of clothes for children with disabilities. The adaptive clothes include pieces like extra soft items for sensory sensitive kids to easy to open fasteners. I’ve never been big on twin matching, but at about age five my kids started wanting to “twin” i.e. wear matching clothes with each other and even me! At The Children’s Place Mini Me Shop I’ve scored cute, coordinating family pajamas. 2. Versatile Shoes For summertime, versatile shoes that are cute and comfortable are a must! Last summer we discovered the beauty of the Native Jefferson shoe. It is gender neutral, comes in many colors, and can go from school to the pool. They are durable for the entire summer season and can be washed in the machine. Similarly, Crocs offer the versatility of going from indoors to poolside while also being comfortable and stylish. Our favorite Croc styles include the clog, classic K flip flop, and Keeley charm ballet flat. 3. Matching Swimsuits with SPF Your kids aren’t outfitted for summer until you have swimsuits! Although my kids have never dressed alike on a regular basis, I always buy them matching swimsuits to wear at crowded pools and waterparks. It’s so much easier to keep track of multiples clad in the same attire (preferably neon!) Putting sunscreen on kids can be a drag, so I like to find swimwear with SPF. Target’s Cat & Jack line has SPF 50 and Gap swimwear has SPF 40. 4. Goggles When my kids started swim lessons, I learned the importance of well-fitting goggles that are comfortable. Goggles that don’t fit properly can not only leak but can cause discomfort and an unpleasant swimming experience. After trying several styles and brands, we fell in love with Zoggs, which can be found on Amazon, or if you’re lucky sometimes discount stores like TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, or Ross. 5. Sunglasses Sunglasses aren’t only a fun fashion accessory. If they provide 100% UV protection, they can also protect your child’s peepers from the sun’s harmful rays. I typically buy a handful of cute sunglasses at the Target dollar spot, or the Dollar Tree (yes- these have UV protection!). However, for my girls who have prescription glasses, I bought prescription sunglasses and transitions lenses from Zenni Optical. With frames starting at $6.95, they are very affordable. Zenni optical has frames available for babies ages one and up. 6. Sunscreen “Applying sunscreen on a bunch of squirmy kids is summer FUN,” said no mother ever! Fortunately, there are many high-quality sunscreens that are actually pretty quick and easy to apply. Our family favorites are from Babo Botanicals, which are EWG verified. We use the Continuous Sheer Spray SPF 30 and Clear Zinc Sport Stick SPF 30. I also like Alba Botanica clear coconut spray SPF 50, which is considered reef safe and recommended by the American Skin Cancer Association. The Alba Botanica sunscreen has a delicious coconut scent that smells like summer! If you’re still looking for a family go-to sunscreen, check out the Environmental Working Group’s Best Sunscreens for Kids. 7. Water Bottles Summer is H-O-T so hydration is critical. My kids drink more water when we have cold water available on the go, and if the water bottles are in favorite colors or feature favorite characters. I’ve become a fan of the Thermos stainless steel Funtainer. It keeps water cold through the day, is easy to disassemble for washing, is durable enough to last years, and is relatively leak/ spill proof. A similar option is the Contigo stainless steel striker bottle. Let summer commence! Related Articles – 7 Summer Shopping Must-Haves for Kids

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15 Awesome Toys to Encourage Independent Play

Twiniversity — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 05:00:31 +0000

As parents we feel like we have to be involved with our children 24/7, but that’s really not true. Parents don’t have to play with their children at all times. The benefits of unstructured, independent play are crucial to a child’s development. It encourages them to use their imagination, problem solve and occupy themselves. As a parent you want to encourage your twins to play together, as well as independently to give you some free time. It keeps them busy and out of your hair for a bit, so maybe you can fold those clothes you have been avoiding. Encouraging your children to play on their own can be a win-win situation for everyone. Here are 15 awesome toys to encourage independent play. 1. Wooden Magnetic Easel with Double Side Dry Erase and Chalk Board Puzzle This set is a clean, fun way for your little ones to be creative and use their imagination. It has both a chalk and white board to help practice their writing skills. They will have so much fun with all the colorful magnets and it has everything you need to keep your kids entertained for a long time. They will discover something new everytime they play with it. It is also a great toy to bring in the car for road trips! 2. Fisher-Price Little People Caring for Animals Farm This set includes the farm house, a farmer, chicken, duck, pig, horse and a cow and there is virtually no assembly required. It will be a hit the moment they open the box. It is big enough that both of your twinnies will be able to play without fighting over who is doing what activity with the farmer or the animals. They will love ringing the bell and turning the silo to watch the feed move round and round. This will surely keep them busy for hours. 3. Cra-Z-Art Original Magna Doodle This cool toy is very universal and can be used for learning purposes, or just for fun. It can be used at home, or they can use it in the car on long trips to keep occupied. They will have so much fun drawing and creating unique designs and then hurrying up and erasing it with the eraser, and doing it all over again. The possibilities are endless and there’s no clean-up involved! What’s better than that? 4. Melissa & Doug Reusable Sticker Pads Set These might be the only stickers you’ll ever need to buy. These are not just any ordinary stickers. They don’t have a sticky back, but rather are made of a reusable vinyl that adheres to the pages, but easily comes off. They’re also pretty thick so a toddler would have to work hard to rip them. The colors are vibrant and the quality is excellent. You can use this as a teaching tool or just for hours of entertainment. Plus there are 2 in this pack! Perfect for twins! 5. Dinosaur Toy Play Kit Your kids will love this prehistoric themed toy. It’s simple, but so much fun and fosters social skill development through pretend play. They can create all sorts of adventures with the wooden dinosaurs, people, tree and felt pond. The soft volcano doubles as a storage and carrying case so your kids can take this with them wherever they go. There are enough pieces that both of your twins can enjoy playing together, as well as independently if they choose. 6. LeapFrog LeapStart Interactive Learning System This is a fun, interactive learning system. All you need is batteries and you are ready to go right out of the box. There are a wide variety of learning books for all ages. You’ll love that your kids are learning different skills that will help to prepare them for preschool while still enjoying hours of play. The books sit right on the inside of the cover and the pen does all the work. 7. Crayola Dry Erase Activity Center This is a really neat set with a simple concept – just slide one of the included activity sheets under the clear plastic (used as the “dry erase” surface) and enjoy. Your kids will be engaged for long periods of time while they write over and over again without running out of paper. It comes with several activity sheets, but Crayola has downloads online so you can print other activities at home. It also comes with 4 colored dry-erase markers, but you can also use dry erase crayons. They are not as messy and there are no caps to lose. 8. LEGO DuploAll-In-One-Box-of-Fun Gotta love Lego! This is the perfect starter set for your kids. It is versatile, and allows for a lot of creativity as there are 65 pieces. Not only does it encourage their imagination to grow, it also helps with hand eye coordination. The LEGO DuploAll-In-One-Box-of-Fun is an awesome toy with unending hours of playtime possibilities. It actually may become your kids favorite toy! 9. Manhattan Toy Little Nook 19-Piece Wooden Playhouse The entire Manhattan Toy line is adorable and this set is no different! You will love watching your little ones’ imaginations bloom as the characters and other little special toys all interact together. This is the absolute ideal beginners dollhouse. There are just enough pieces to do interesting things, but not too many to loose. There’s nothing that mom needs to come and fix or arrange, and nothing that can break. You will love the bright colors, the soft blankets and pillows, and the adorable squishy animal people that stay where you put them. There are all sorts of new combinations that can be made with the structures and lots of role playing to enact. Hours of fun for sure! 10. Step2 LifeStyle Custom Kitchen Playset What’s cooking? If your kids are not ones to play independently, this play kitchen will change that. The sounds made by the various appliances will excite them and make them want to play for hours. This kitchen enhances interactive play and encourages your kids to… Continue Reading 15 Awesome Toys to Encourage Independent Play

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Best Toys For Gross Motor Skill Development

Twiniversity — Fri, 15 Sep 2017 05:00:24 +0000

Gross motor skills are those which require whole body movement and which involve the large muscles of the body. Gross motor skill development is important to enable children to perform every day functions, such as walking, running, climbing, sitting up, as well as other skills like catching, throwing and hitting a ball with a bat.We at Twiniversity have compiled a list of our favorite toys to help you improve your children’s gross motor skill development. Fun and Function Therapy Ball – This therapy ball is perfect to use with your kids for gross motor skill development, as well as sensory activities. The kids will love bouncing and sitting on this ball. They will strengthen their core muscles, improve balance and attention, and not even know they are doing it. The Original Plasma Car – No batteries, gears or pedals required! Just sit with both feet on the footrests, turn the steering wheel, and away you go. Your little ones only need to twist, turn, wiggle for endless amounts of fun. You’ll probably want to get 1 for each of your kiddos so they can race each other! Hula Hoops – Who doesn’t love a hula hoop? Your twinnies can use them the traditional way by spinning them on their waist or you can line them up on the ground and have them jump from the center of one to the center of the other and so on. This motion helps them concentrate on their body movements and it’s fun! Aerial Yoga Swing and Frame – Why not let you kiddos swing and work on strengthening their gross motor development while inside? These swings are not only fun they are also very calming . Your children can either sit up like a regular swing or lie down while using it. The high weight limit also means that parents can enjoy it too! Parachute – This parachute will not only be a hit at home but with the entire neighborhood. You’ll be able to put this outside in the yard and know they will be busy for a long time. You twinnies will find all sorts of uses for this. Whether they enjoy lifting it up and running under or making a tent with it by draping it over some furniture. What a joy it will be to have some simple good old fashioned fun. No batteries required, no screens needed. All you need is your imagination. Teeter Popper – It won’t take long for twinnies to figure out what to do with this Teeter Popper! They can sit, rock, spin and work on standing and balance! They will love the popping noise it makes when moved and they will also enjoy having something they are allowed to climb/stand on! Little Tikes Trampoline – This trampoline will provide hours of entertainment for your kiddos. It has so many amazing features. It’s s pringless, which means no pinched fingers! The large jumping surface and handle bar for stability will allow them to work out their whole body. Your kids will have fun while developing their balance and coordination. Play Tent and Tunnel – This brightly colored and light weight tent and tunnel is the perfect place to practice crawling, sensory processing and coordination activities. Your little ones’ gross motor development will improve just by them climbing through and enjoying the tent. Radio Flyer Lean ‘N Glide Scooter – Your kids are going to think this is the coolest scooter! With it’s light up wheels and sleak style they are sure to be a hit in the neighborhood. The lean-to-steer technology will improve their balance and coordination as they ride. Busy Body Gross Motor Activity Cards – If you’re stuck in the house on a rainy day and can’t go outside just break out these cards to help your little ones practice gross motor movements. Each card has an ilustration and written explaination of each action. Melissa & Doug Hop and Count Hopscoth Game Rug – This rug will be the perfect addition to your twinnies’ playroom. They will really love throwing the bean bags that come included and jumping from box to box as they learn this classic game. Space Hopper Ball – Another classic your twinnies will love. With this hopper ball your kiddos will be bouncing all over while working on improving their balance. It’s a pretty good workout and will surely wear them out. Just pump it up with the included pump and enjoy! Now that you know which toys are our favorites for gross motor development go and let your twinnies enjoy them! Related Articles Best Fine Motor Skill Development Toys 11 Must Have Items When Going to The Beach With Kids 15 Sanity Savers When Pregnant In The Summer

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Best Fine Motor Skill Development Toys

Twiniversity — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 05:00:18 +0000

The development of fine motor skills is important for your child so that he/she may complete everyday tasks such as writing, tying shoes and buttoning. Here are Twiniversity’s 9 top toys for fine motor skill development to help your little ones along the way. Yoovi Montessori Learn to Dress Boards – Whether your twinnies want to learn to buckle, zipper or tie these boards are perfect. They easily fit in a bag to take with you in the car or out to dinner. Leave the electronics at home and help your child’s fine motor skill development! Skoolzy Peg Board Set – Your twinnies will spend endless amounts of time counting, sorting, patterning, and building with these colorful pegs and board. And it comes with a convienent bag to put it all in. Your twinnies can enjoy wearing the carry bag like a backpack for an easy take-along. Pop The Pig Game – Your little ones will enjoy “feeding” the pig and pumping his head to make his belly grow. They will love seeing who will “pop” his belt open first. It’s not only fun, but it teaches numbers and colors. Learning Resources Avalanche Fruit Stand Game – The object of this game is to be the first to gather one fruit of each color with plastic tweezers without causing an avalanche on the fruit stand. The game is a lot of fun, and is adaptable in difficulty to challenge a wide range of kids because the slope of the fruit stand is adjustable — you can make it less steep for youngsters, and quite steep for older kids. Melissa & Doug Lace and Trace Pets – With nice bright colors on both the wooden pieces and the lacing cords, your twinnies will love picking what color cord they want to use and sit quietly as they enjoy “sewing” their chosen animal. The activity not only improves fine motor skill development, but it also encourages quiet play time. ALEX Toys Little Hands String A Farm – This set of wooden farm anmals will thoroughly keep your kids engaged as they sew and link them together. Not only will these help with their fine motor skill development, but they can pretend play with the pieces. Learning Resources Jumbo Eyedroppers – These jumbo eyedroppers are great to develop fine motor skills and hand muscles. The size is perfect for little hands and can be used for so many different activities to help fine motor skill development. You can make creative art projects by using liquid watercolours or they can be used for water play. CanDo Theraputty – With 6 different levels of resistance, all which come in a differet color, this multi-pack will be perfect for those with more than one child. Let them squeeze, pinch, stretch or twist this putty to improve their fine motor skill development. And it doesn’t dry out! Galt First Octons – These Octons are simple but wonderful. The bold-colored pieces are fat enough toddler hands to handle and manageable enough for them to do on their own as they slide together easily. They will create and endless amount of different things all day long! Lakeshore Feed The Monkey Fine Motor Game – How fun would it be to feed a monkey? Well, now your little ones can! They can work on their fine motor skill development by using the plastic tweezers to pick up the bananas and put them through the monkey’s mouth. It also helps them with counting. Melissa & Doug Scissor Skills Actvity Book With Pair of Child Safety Scissors – Cutting with scissors properly can be something that little ones find difficult. This activity book is filled with colorful and modern the pages, which will surely engage your little ones while they learn to use scissors. The items cut from the pages can be turned into other things once they are cut out, like matching games or puzzles. This is perfect for any child who loves all crafts. With these toys, not only will your kiddos have fun, they will also strengthen their fine motor skills. These skills will help them become able to complete important tasks such as writing, feeding oneself, buttoning and zippering. Related Articles Best Toys For Gross Motor Skill Development 15 Awesome Toys to Encourage Independent Play 11 Must Have Supplies for A Road Trip With Twins

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The Art of Buying Secondhand

Twiniversity — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 15:09:59 +0000

Hey gang, listen up! We’ve got a great article for you on the art of buying secondhand, plus an awesome giveaway from Ring Around The Rosie! One lucky winner will receive a $25 gift card and a second winner will receive a $50 gift card! THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED Shopping for twins doesn’t have to be expensive! Ring Around The Rosie is the first and only online consignment boutique just for twins and multiples. With over 1,000 sets of matching clothing, shoes and accessories, and new items arriving daily, you’ll be able to dress your little ones in name-brands at a fraction of retail prices. With social media and online shopping, buying high quality secondhand goods has never been easier! You can purchase almost anything secondhand from children’s clothes and toys to fine furniture and art. Whether you are a frugal mom, or someone who simply loves the thrill of scoring a bargain, follow these tips and you’ll be certain to find treasure. Know Prices Before you buy anything used, it’s always wise to be familiar with retail pricing. If you aren’t certain, do a quick internet search and compare prices to similar or exact items. You can expect to pay less than half of retail price for most items and for some items even less. The best part of finding deals is knowing how much cash you saved. Think ahead, but not too far Since kids quickly outgrow clothing and other gear, you can save money by snagging deals for the next stage. It’s best to go up only for the next stage or size. If you buy things too far in advance, your item may not work for one reason or another. Clothing could be the wrong season, interests may change, and in some cases the item could expire. Diversify The best way to find great used goods is to keep an eye on a variety of sources. Traditional thrift stores and resale shops offer the opportunity to search and see items in person. Prices tend to be lowest in thrift stores, but it can also be time consuming. If you enjoy thrifting, it can be helpful to know what days your favorite store stocks new items, and visit those days. Thrift stores may also run sales, which knock an additional percentage off already low prices. Garage sales are another way to shop in person. Many neighborhoods, churches, and clubs host annual or semi-annual sales that are worth a look. People selling at garage sales usually want to declutter and mark items at rock bottom prices. Remember, if you don’t see a price at a garage sale, or don’t like the price you see, you can always make an offer. Online buy-sell-trade sites and classifieds are an easy way to shop locally without consuming too much time. Local buy-sell-trade (BST) sites can be found through social media groups (most commonly via Facebook) as well as on apps. Many neighborhoods and mommy groups have related BST pages for members. Online resale stores offer a wide selection of meticulously chosen used clothing at fantastic prices. Know the Lingo If you shop online for secondhand items, it’s important to know what the acronyms on posts mean. NWT – New with Tags: this item is unused and still has original tags or packagingNWOT – New Without Tags: Item is new but doesn’t have original tags or packagingEUC – Excellent Used Condition: this item is in almost new condition, but has some evidence of wear or useGUC – Good Used Condition: this item has some normal wear but is still in good conditionPlay Condition – this item is still usable, but has minor damage or may need repair (e.g. small stains, tears, missing parts)XPosted – this item is listed on multiples sitesPPU – Porch Pick Up: if you choose to buy this item, the seller will leave it on the porch for you pick up, inquire where to leave payment (e.g. under the door mat); if posted in a comment can also mean “pending pickup”ISO – In Search Of: the individual is looking for a particular item; if you are selling the desired item send them pictures and pricesInt/Interested: the person is interested in the itemNext: Signifies that the person is interested in the item, but they are not the first person to express interest. Next lets the seller know they’d like the item if the original deal falls through.OBO – Or Best OfferFCFS: First come, First Served: the item will be sold/given to whoever can get to it firstBump: moves posts up to the top of the group so that they are more visible Move Quickly If you see a great deal on an item you really want or need, then don’t hesitate! Secondhand items aren’t restocked like in retail stores; you may or may not find a similar one at the same price. If you don’t snatch the deal, someone else will. Regardless of how you choose to shop for secondhand items, have fun! Scoring some swag and saving money is always delightful. Related Articles THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED Contest Terms and Conditions

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12 Tips for Backyard Summer Fun

Twiniversity — Tue, 17 May 2016 05:00:53 +0000

Hey gang, listen up! We have some great tips for you to get ready for backyard summer fun with your twinnies! Kiddos will have a splash-tastic time with the Step2 Finding Dory™ Swim & Swirl Water Table. Little ones will have a blast as they send Dory & Friends down the slide. Toddlers can also take turns using the water spinner to crank up their own whirlpool. This kid’s water table encourages fine motor skills as kids squeeze and squirt water from Dory & Friends while splashing around. Appropriate for ages 1.5 and up. 12 Tips for Backyard Summer Fun It’s almost summer and I can already smell the grill and the huge bonfires about to start! I have infant twin boys and two older little girls, and I’m ecstatic for summer. The winter kept us cooped up in the house and we are ready to enjoy the sunshine. If you’re like me though, you love being outdoors as long as you don’t get burnt to a crisp and everyone stays safe and happy! Summer is the best time of the year for family fun. There are so many things I want to do, like go canoeing or horse-back riding. I hope to take my family to Disney World in the next few years. Most days though, we are at home enjoying the weather or at the park. I’m a planner by nature and I love to make lists and I have jotted down a few things that may help you and your family enjoy your time outdoors this summer. Here goes! 1. Limit screen time or make it a rule: No tech outside. 2. Make homemade popsicles with your kiddos for a fun project that will help them to stay cool and hydrated. 3. Beat the heat with lots of safe water play, even for your toddlers. The Step2 Finding Dory™ Swim & Swirl Water Table is the perfect way to introduce your little ones to water play. 4. Make Homemade Costumes If its too hot or rainy, stay inside and write a play, make homemade costumes, and perform your masterpiece. Bravo! 5. Keep sunscreen and bug spray stocked as well as bite ointment and Band-aids. Speaking of bug spray, plant lemongrass as a natural mosquito repellant. 6. Put an empty gallon milk jug into a brown paper bag and tie it up near the house. The wasps and bees will think it is a hornet’s nest, and will avoid the area. I’ve tried it and it seems silly, but it works! 7. Use glow sticks when playing in the evening to light up the yard with fun. 8. Make your favorite indoor games into outdoor games while repurposing things around the house. Play a life-size game of “Hungry Hungry Hippos” with kick balls and laundry baskets. Play a game of outdoor bowling by using old 2 liter bottles. 9. Use a kiddie pool for cooling off your sweet babes. Soak your tired feet in too. Why should the kids have all the fun? 10. Use sidewalk chalk on the driveway to make a road and a town for bike-riding. 11. Create Your Own Outdoor Drive-in Have a movie projector? Create your own outdoor drive-in and let the kids decorate old moving boxes into cars. 12. Use the outdoors as an opportunity for learning. Look for flowers, bugs, and other types of plants and let the kids take pictures to document their findings. As always, don’t forget to keep your children safe around water and in the sun. Be sure to let kids know not to touch any dangerous animals or bugs that they might find out in the backyard, such as a snake or a spider. Supervision while outside is critical to every child’s safety and it’s important to teach your children as they grow how to make safe choices while still having a super fun summer in your own backyard. THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED

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Reselling Your Kids Old Gear: How to Maximize Your Profit and Minimize Your Labor

Twiniversity — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 05:00:39 +0000

There are many ways to unload the toys, gear and clothing that your children have grown out of. Each one comes with its own pluses and minuses. Consignment Sales This option is great for your 18 month and under items and all of those monstrous contraptions that are hard to transport. Each clothing item is required to be on a hanger and all items have a price tag printed in the sales tagging system which can be time consuming. However, you are able to move a huge amount of merchandise all in one go. It is a huge timesaver, if you find the right sale. There are as many yearly consignment sales as there are Starbucks in a 10 mile radius. You don’t want to put your time and items into just any sale. A little research is needed before you select which one you are going to participate in. Post in your local mom’s groups on Facebook and ask for referrals on which sale is the best and why. The things you need to consider are clientele, traffic, the cut the sale management takes, the registration fee, and any ways that management offers for you to maximize your take home percentage. Many moms of multiples clubs offer resale events but you have to be a member to sell. A sale I used to participate in was a 70/30 split (they took 30%). If you volunteered for a 4 hour sale or set up shift, they gave you an additional 5% and if you did 2 shifts they gave you 10% (for a total of 80% take home). However I have seen some sales that take 40% and offer no options to earn additional percentages. When you are selling a shirt for $3 you aren’t left with much after they take their 40%, so do your research. Most sales offer the option of having your items included in their 50% off sale day (otherwise they are still offered at full price on that day) as well as the option to donate any items remaining. You are able to make the choice for each individual item. Think on it carefully. The 50% off day is a way to maximize your take home profit, but you need to think about what your minimum price is for each item. Consignment Stores These stores are great for those who do not have time for the other options. You simply drop your items off to be sifted through and priced and return when they are done. It will mostly likely take you a total of 15 minutes. The downside of this option is that you will be getting only the smallest fraction of the value of the item and they won’t take all of your stuff. Many individual clothing items you will only get 75 cents to $1 and about 30% of the amount you paid for larger items like strollers, high chairs and jumperoos. But if you just have a laundry basket or two full of clothes, this would be the more convenient route. It is a great last resort before donating. Many stores allow you to choose store credit for your items which sometime gives you a higher dollar amount than cash. Others will allow you to trade straight across; avoiding paying tax on your new purchase up to the amount of your trade. Facebook Sale Groups These are a fantastic way to sell larger furniture items like gliders, high chairs, swings, cribs etc. You simply join groups on Facebook for your area and post your items for sale. Only members of the group can see your posts. They will respond and you both set up a time and place to meet. This option is great because there isn’t a middle man there to take a percentage. You get exactly what you ask for the item. You are also able to price your items higher than you would at a consignment sale. I normally offer items here at 50% of what I paid for them if they are in great condition or 80% if they are still new. The online group gives you free and quick access to a large pool of people who are interested in the items that you are selling. The most important thing is to not have them meet you at your home. It may seem very safe since they are buying baby items and have a profile and picture attached, but appearances can be deceiving. Always meet in a public place and/or parking lot during the daylight hours. Craigslist When I strike out with the Facebook buy/sale/trade groups I always turn to Craigslist. Like the Facebook groups, it gives you access to wide net of people and there is no middle man looking to take a percentage. The only drawback is that people on this site can oftentimes be flaky and not show up for appointment times or when they do show up they can then try and knock down the agreed upon price. This site is however really great for those niche items that only a small pool of people would be interested in like a tandem twin umbrella stroller or that boutique crib. Or if you wish to sell your kid clothes in large lots, post a set price for a certain amount: all or nothing. Again, always meet in a public place and/or parking lot during the daylight hours. Garage Sale With this type you are more likely to move all of your merchandise at once. There are people in my area who come around with pick-up trucks and buy garage sales as a whole for a discounted price, most likely for the resale market. If that is not a common occurrence in your area think about combining with a few other families (using colored stickers to differentiate). This way you will have help manning the sales floor. You will need to spend the same amount of time preparing and pricing items that you would with a consignment sale, but… Continue Reading Reselling Your Kids Old Gear: How to Maximize Your Profit and Minimize Your Labor

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