7 Stocking Stuffer Essentials - Fun Stuff Your Kids Actually Need
Stockings are a whole lot of fun, but they can really add up fast, so I like to focus on giving our kid’s stuff that they need throughout the year. The best part is unwrapping what’s inside, and our kids are genuinely excited to receive these gifts.
Stockings are a whole lot of fun, but they can really add up fast if you’re filling them with tons of toys. I like to focus on giving our kids stuff that they need throughout the year. These simple items can be a really fun way to give without going overboard. I find that for our kids, the best part is unwrapping what’s inside, and they are genuinely excited to receive these everyday essentials.
Hope these simple ideas help you fill your family’s stockings while staying on budget. Please share with a fellow parent who could use some Christmas help. Check out my Guide To The Best Teacher’s Gifts Under $30. Let me know if you have any questions or comments below. Happy Stuffing!
- Care
DIY Baby Bum Balm Recipe
If you've ever battled a bad diaper rash with you little one, you know how difficult it can be to clear them up. After having a few with our kids over the years, and not loving any of the creams I bought, I decided to start making my own. This DIY bum balm makes a great thick barrier for sore bottoms and will help clear up even the worst diaper rash.
If you've ever battled a bad diaper rash with you little one, you know how difficult it can be to clear them up. After having a few with our kids over the years, and not loving any of the creams I bought, I decided to start making my own. This DIY bum balm makes a great thick barrier for sore bottoms and will help clear up even the worst diaper rash. It was adapted from a recipe handed down to me from my aunt, who makes it for her grandkids, and has healed more sore bottoms and cracked hands than I can count. I whipped some up over the weekend to help with Lucy's sore bum and within 12 hours it had worked its magic. It's that good!
This recipe is made up of a few simple ingredients and only takes minutes to make. I buy all my bulk ingredients at Anarres Natural Health right here in Toronto, but most can be found at your local health food store. The only issue making it, is that your handheld blender will be a mess after. Make sure to wipe off as much cream with a paper towel before attempting to wash it with soap and water.
Ingredients:
- 3 Tbsp Shea Butter
- 2 tsp Zinc Oxide Powder *Please be cautious adding your Zinc Oxide powder, as it is dangerous if inhaled. Putting wet ingredients on top of the powder before mixing helps to decrease the risk.
- 1 Tbsp Coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp Calendula Oil
- 1/2 tsp Liquid Vitamin E
*Makes 1 small mason jar of cream
Directions:
Add all ingredients to a small bowl and mix well with immersion blender. You can add more Coconut Oil if you would like to make it slightly runnier, or more Shea Butter if you would like it thicker. Scrape out bowl with spatula and store in a small mason jar or any other small jar with a tight fitting lid.
Apply to Baby’s diaper area when red or irritated, or use regularly as a preventative cream. Please always remember to use a diaper liner for cloth diapers when using any diaper cream with Zinc Oxide.
Hope this helps your family as much as it has helped ours.
- Care
Top 3 Ways to Save Money & The Environment While Dressing Your Kids - Part 2/3
Last week on the blog I told you about one of my top 3 ways to save money and the environment while shopping for our kids - Local Parent to Parent Sales. These sales are such a great resource for families, but since most are held only once or twice a year it can be difficult to get to them. Plus sometimes it's nice to be able to shop on your own schedule in a less chaotic environment.
Last week on the blog I told you about one of my top 3 ways to save money and the environment while shopping for our kids - Local Parent to Parent Sales. These sales are such a great resource for families, but since most are held only once or twice a year it can be difficult to get to them. Plus sometimes it's nice to be able to shop on your own schedule in a less chaotic environment. Not that I ever shy away from a good sale ;)
As a regular go-to for gently used clothing and gear I rely on kids consignment stores. These are an excellent way to get name brand items that still have lots of life left in them. Sometimes you'll even score brand new items with the tags on! The only draw back is that consignment shopping can be time consuming, and as a busy parent and business owner I don't have a ton of time to go out and browse the stores for deals. That's why I was so excited to find a new local online kids consignment store called Eco Outfitters Online.
Last week I had the pleasure of sitting down to chat with Rebecca Saha the Owner of Eco Outfitters Online, who specializes in high-end, gently used, baby & kids clothing & accessories. In addition to owning her own new business Rebecca is a wife, a mom of 3 kids, and a kindergarten teacher. What a woman! She is also a proud environmentalist and loves to help families learn how to make more green decisions in their daily lives, including purchasing clothing.
Eco Outfitters Online provides families with 2 great options for purchasing their hand-curated line of high-end gently used clothing.
Low flat fee shipping, or even the option of free pick up if you live locally.
2. Book a Personal Shopping Appointment online
Meet with Rebecca & check out the goods in person at the Eco Outfitters Boutique located in her West Toronto home. It's a great space with lots of beautiful stuff to browse & choose from.
I couldn't help myself and ended up buying a few items for our little Lucy :)
Luckily our toddler Ben is still living off of massive piles of hand-me-downs thanks to our extremely generous friends and family, so no need to buy him anything. (Huge shout out to Auntie Meagan, Auntie AnaBela & Auntie Margaret for clothing him for the last 3 years!)
Check out Eco Outfitters Online website for full details and to view some of their adorable clothes currently available www.ecooutfittersonline.ca. Enjoy shopping from the comfort of your own home or book an appointment to visit the boutique in person to find some great stuff for your little ones.
*Eco Outfitters Online offers Full Refund Or Exchange on all purchases (tags still attached). Plus a great Referral Rewards Program & Trade In Trade Up Program.
Stay tuned for the final instalment in this 3 part series next week to learn how to save money and the environment when choosing to buy New.
- Care