That’s why this teen boy gift guide is designed to make shopping easier for parents looking for gifts that are cool, practical, and age-appropriate for boys ages 13–16. From tech and active gear to big-impact gifts that support independence (without sacrificing safety), these are gifts teens genuinely get excited about, and parents can feel good giving.

Huffy Quantis E-bike: A Safer, Confidence-Building Ride for Teens

Why this made the top of my teen boy gift guide

If you have a teen who’s craving independence and a parent brain that immediately jumps to safety concerns, the Huffy Quantis is one of the most thoughtful middle-ground options I’ve seen when it comes to e-bikes. It gives teens freedom and fun, while offering parents more control and peace of mind than a traditional e-bike, that can often come with many concerns.

This is the kind of gift that feels exciting to teens and responsible for parents.

About the Quantis Ebike

The Huffy Quantis 24″ inch is a pedal-assist electric bike designed to support movement, confidence, and independence without encouraging reckless riding. Unlike bikes that rely heavily on throttle power, this one is built to work with the rider, not replace pedaling altogether.

Why parents will appreciate the safety features

This is where the Quantis really stands out.

• Pedal-Assist Motor:
  The motor activates while your teen is pedaling, encouraging active riding instead of passive cruising.
• Throttle With a Built-In Speed Requirement:
  The throttle only engages once the rider reaches 9 mph, which helps prevent sudden acceleration from a standstill — something many parents worry about with e-bikes.
• Encourages Skill + Awareness:
  Because riders must pedal and build speed naturally, it promotes balance, coordination, and better road awareness.
• Great “First E-Bike” Option:
  Ideal for families who want to introduce e-bikes without jumping straight to something overly powerful or intimidating.

Why Teens Love It

From a teen’s perspective, this bike still checks all the boxes:

• Feels fast and fun
• Looks cool (not “kid-ish”)
• Makes getting around easier
• Gives them a sense of independence

It’s perfect for rides to friends’ houses, neighborhood exploring, keeping up with friends on longer rides or just getting outside without being told to.

Best For

• Teens ages 13–16
• Parents nervous about traditional e-bikes
• First-time e-bike riders
• Big holiday or milestone gifts

My Take

What I personally love about the Huffy Quantis is that it doesn’t feel like a shortcut — it feels like support. It helps teens ride farther and longer without removing the physical element, which makes it feel safer, smarter, and more confidence-building all around.

Note: It is a 13+ e-bike, so do keep that in mind if your teen is on the smaller size.

The bike makes a great teen gift for the holidays, birthday or any other special occasion.

Find the bike HERE.

Mini Fridge: The Practical & Fun Gift Every Teen Will Use

A mini fridge is one of those unexpectedly awesome gifts…it’s both practical and feels cool. Teens love having their own stash of cold drinks, snacks, and late-night treats without having to trek to the kitchen. Whether it’s for their bedroom, hangout space, or future dorm room, a compact fridge brings convenience and a little independence.

Best Everyday Pick: Compact Mini Fridge for Snacks & Drinks

This classic compact mini fridge is the perfect balance of size, storage, and performance for a teen’s personal space. Big enough for favorite drinks, squeeze bottles, leftovers, or pre-made snacks, it fits neatly under a desk or beside a bed.

Why it works for teens:

• Ample interior space for drinks, fruit, energy bars, and leftovers (usually around ~3.1 cu ft capacity) 
• Adjustable shelves and door bins make organization easy 
• Simple, no-fuss cooling that’s perfect for everyday use
• Quiet operation that won’t interfere with sleep or study sessions

This type of fridge feels like a grown-up upgrade without being overwhelming AND perfect for keeping snacks.

Find it HERE >>

Upgrade Pick: Mini Fridge With Freezer Compartment

For a teen who wants even more freedom — think ice cream, frozen treats, or small leftovers ready whenever hunger strikes — a compact mini fridge with a separate freezer compartment is a really fun upgrade. These models typically offer a bit more space and flexibility without taking over the room.

Why this is a great splurge option:

• Freezer space for ice cream, frozen dinners, or popsicles (a real perk!)
• Adjustable shelves help keep drinks, food, and snacks neat
• Often includes mechanical temperature control so items stay colder longer
• Reversible door options make placement flexible as rooms or layouts change

This is an especially great pick if your teen is starting to manage their own snacks or thinking ahead to dorm life

Find it HERE >>

Pro Tip

When choosing a mini fridge, size matters so make sure you check measurements against where it’ll live (nightstand, desk, or corner of the room), and look for quiet operation ratings if it’s going in a bedroom.

Also, as cute as tiny 6–10 can “cooler” versions can be, they’re best for very light use. A full mini fridge with shelves and a freezer compartment gives real daily value that teens go back to again and again.

Why Teens Will Actually Use It

This isn’t just a novelty; it changes daily life:

• Cold drinks without running to the kitchen
• Easy access to breakfast leftovers or lunch extras
• Midnight snacks that feel a little grown-up
• Helps them feel more independent and responsible

Electronic Basketball Hoop: Budget & Splurge Picks for Teens

If your teen loves basketball or just friendly competition, an electronic basketball hoop brings the game indoors without needing a full court. These are great for bedrooms, playrooms, or basement hangouts, and they keep teens active while having fun with friends or siblings.

Budget-Friendly Pick: Electronic Indoor Basketball Hoop

This over-the-door or wall-mounted electronic hoop is an affordable way to bring hoops home. Many versions include an automatic scoreboard and cheering sounds that make every basket feel like a mini win giving teens that game-day vibe right in their room. It installs easily (usually no drilling required) and includes everything needed to starting shooting right.

Why it’s great:

• Automatic scoreboard + sound effects add fun and competition
• Durable steel rim and foldable design save space
• Perfect for indoor play and small spaces
• Encourages movement and friendly challenges with friends

This affordable hoop makes a fun gift that feels more than just a toy. It brings a simple way to shoot hoops daily and build skills, especially on rainy or downtime days.

Find it HERE >>

Splurge Pick: huupe Smart Basketball Hoop (Hoop + Screen + Game Console) All in One

If you want next-level basketball fun that goes way beyond a traditional hoop, the huupe system is one of the coolest gifts out there. It’s essentially a smart basketball hoop with a built-in HD screen, shot tracking, games, and even streaming — turning every shot into a dynamic experience rather than just another bucket.

Why it’s a show-stopper gift:

• Built-in full HD backboard screen that lets players stream shows, live sports, and highlights while they shoot.
• AI shot tracking and games that make practice feel like play, compete solo, with friends, or even against other users online.
• Works as a smart TV + game console + hoop all in one, meaning this isn’t just exercise, it’s entertainment.
• Can be installed over a door, on a wall, or in a play space depending on the model.

For teens who love technology + games + sports, this is a “dream setup” (part workout station, part social hub, and part entertainment centerpiece)

Why we love it for teens:
This isn’t just practice; it feels like playing a video game where every real-life shot counts. Streaming apps, leaderboards, skill challenges, and interactive game modes mean they stay engaged longer than they would with a regular hoop and you get a gift that keeps giving all year long.

Find it HERE. >>

Gaming Headset: A Must-have for Teen Gamers

A wireless gaming headset is one of those gifts teen boys use daily. Whether they’re gaming with friends, watching videos, or listening to music, a good headset instantly upgrades their setup and makes communication clearer (for them) and quieter (for everyone else in the house).

Best Value Pick: Wireless Gaming Headset with Mic

This is a great everyday option for teens who game regularly but don’t need anything overly complicated. It delivers solid sound, clear voice chat, and the freedom of wireless play without the premium price tag.

Why it’s a win:

• Wireless connection for gaming without cords getting in the way
• Built-in microphone for chatting with friends or teammates
• Comfortable, cushioned ear cups for longer sessions
• Compatible with multiple platforms (console, PC, laptop — depending on model)
• Easy setup that teens can manage on their own

This is a strong choice if you want something reliable, functional, and teen-approved without going overboard.

Find it HERE

Upgrade Pick: Premium Wireless Gaming Headset

For serious gamers or teens who spend a lot of time online with friends, a higher-end wireless headset offers better sound quality, improved mic clarity, and all-day comfort.

Why it’s worth the upgrade:

• Immersive surround sound for games, movies, and music
• Noise-isolating ear cups for better focus
• Enhanced microphone clarity so teammates hear them clearly
• Longer battery life for extended gaming sessions
• Sleek design that looks cool on or off the console

This is the kind of gift that instantly feels “next level” and pairs perfectly with gaming consoles, PCs, or a full desk setup.

Find it HERE

Parent Tip

If the headset will be used mainly for console gaming, double-check compatibility (Xbox, PlayStation, or PC). Many wireless headsets work across platforms, but some are system-specific.

Why Teens Love It

• Easier communication with friends
• No tangled cords
• Better sound immersion
• Makes gaming feel more social and more serious

Phone Charging Station: Declutter & Power Up

A dedicated charging station is one of those gifts that feels so small but ends up being used every single day. Teens juggle phones, earbuds, smart watches, and portable speakers — so a sleek, organized charging setup makes their space look cleaner and saves time and frustration when devices are scattered everywhere.

Best All-In-One Charging Station

This all-in-one charging station is perfect for a teen’s nightstand or desk. It typically includes multiple USB ports, dedicated spots for phones, earbuds, and sometimes even smart watches, so everything charges in one place without a tangle of wires.

Why it’s a smart pick:

• Multiple device charging (phone + earbuds + accessories)
• Vertical phone dock saves space and keeps screens visible
• USB-A + USB-C options for teens with multiple device types
• Neat cable management — no spaghetti mess on the desk or nightstand
• Compact and stylish design that fits most bedroom setups

Find it HERE >>

Upgrade Pick: Wireless + Multi-Device Charging Station

For a techy feel, a wireless charging station elevates the setup even more. Teens can just set and charge! No plugging in every night, which feels especially luxurious for devices with wireless charging support.

Why this feels next-level:

• Wireless charging pad + USB ports for non-wireless devices
• Reduces clutter even more
• Fast charging support for phones and accessories
• Streamlined look that keeps a desk or bedside area tidy and minimalist

Find it HERE

Parent & Teen Appeal

• Keeps all devices organized and charging in one place
• Helps teens develop good tech habits (no more empty batteries)
• Makes morning routines smoother because everything’s ready to go
• A subtle but useful gift; not gimmicky, just practical

Pro Tips

• Aim for USB-C compatibility because most new devices use it
• If possible, choose a station with fast-charging support
• Look for one with cable channels or clips to hide cords

This is one of those everyday gifts that works silently — every time your teen plugs in, they’ll appreciate it. Easy to recommend, affordable to gift, and widely used.

LED Light Strips: Bring Any Room to Life

Music, gaming, movie nights, or just chilling — LED light strips instantly transform a teen’s space into a next-level hangout. These lights are one of the most popular room upgrades teens ask for, and they give instant mood and personality without being complicated to install.

Best Pick: Smart RGBIC LED Strip Lights

Smart RGBIC LED strip lights are one of the most popular options for bedrooms and gaming spaces. They offer vibrant color effects, long length for full-room accent lighting, and easy customization through an app or remote.

Why they’re great:

• RGBIC technology lets multiple colors display at once for layered effects
• App + remote control for changing scenes, brightness, and colors
• Sync with music or games for an interactive vibe
• Perfect for under shelves, around desks, behind TVs, or along ceilings
• Encourages personality and creativity in a teen space Modish Haven

Find it HERE >>

Quick Setup Tips

• Stick them along the back of a desk, TV, or bed frame for glowing ambient light
• Connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth so your teen can change colors from their phone
• Pair with voice assistants if they have a smart speaker

Why Teens Love It

• Add personality and style to their room
• Customize lighting for gaming, movies, or studying
• Creates mood lighting that’s more fun than overhead bulb

Happy shopping! Don’t forget to check back throughout the season for more additions. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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The post Gift Ideas for Teen Boys (Ages 13–16): A Parent-Approved Gift Guide They’ll Actually Love appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

What is the best age for kids to go to an indoor water park like Great Wolf Lodge?

Great Wolf Lodge is a wonderful choice for families with kids of all ages from toddlers to teens, as the resort includes a variety of entertainment for each age group. From endless fun at the waterpark to complimentary activities and extra adventures throughout the resort each day, families get a ton of value from their stay with age-appropriate experiences for everyone.

When we first visited the Great Wolf Lodge resort in the Poconos we had a 6 year-old and two pre-teen boys (ages 8 and 10) so needed a good mix of activities to make it worthwhile and please everyone.

Below are a few questions you may have if you are considering a family trip with kids and wondering more about the best ages for Great Wolf Lodge visits.

Why Is Great Wolf Lodge great for toddlers and preschoolers?

Toddler + Preschooler Activities

Character Appearances: Little ones can enjoy special Great Wolf characters like Wiley and Violet Wolf, Sammy Squirrel and Oliver Raccoon throughout their stay — these make perfect photo ops when paired with the wolf headbands guests receive at check-in.

Story Time and Dance Parties: Characters come together for fun story adventures during the day, and then again to boogie at night.

Toddler-friendly Water Play: Zero-depth entry pools, splash pads, mini-slides and play areas specifically designed for younger children make parents feel at ease at the waterpark.

Pup Pass: With the upgrade to the Pup Pass the littlest bunch of the group enjoy Build-a-Bear perks, a game card for the arcade, ice cream and treats. You can learn more about the different pass upgrades here.

Tips for Parents of Toddlers

Plan ahead: Download the app to check out the list of daily activities that work best for your child’s schedule and decide if you want to add a Pup pass before your stay; this will help you better manage your time once there.

Pack essentials: Swim diapers, extra snacks for the room, water shoes for the water park make it less slippery

Consider your room options: Book a suite with separate sleep areas for kids to make naps and bedtime easier. As traveling with little kids requires some adjustments.

Is Great Wolf Lodge worth it for teens and older kids?

Activities for Older Kids (School Age and Teens) at Great Wolf Lodge

Arcades: Teens can explore a number of their favorite carnival-style games at the arcade and redeem points for prizes.

MagiQuest: A highlight for many pre-teens and older kids is this fantasy live-action game where kids purchase a magic wand and follow clues to journey through a fantasy-forest realm.

Rock Course, Bowling, Mirror Maze, Mini Golf: Although we didn’t get to try these extras, older teens and gamers will enjoy these add-ons available with the Wolf Pass.

Lazy river and pool games: Kids can mix it up at the waterpark each day, drifting down the lazy river, taking a swim or trying pool obstacle courses

Thrilling-rides: Adrenaline-seekers who meet the minimum height requirements will appreciate the larger slides and wave pools that keep them coming back.

Tips for parents of pre-teens and teens at Great Wolf Lodge

Bring extra snacks: Pre-teens and teens can get hangry after burning off energy, make sure to pack some extra snacks from home so they can fuel throughout the day

Consider a room upgrade: Check out the bigger suites with separate sleep areas. We had an extra nook with themed character bunk beds for our boys, which was great for added privacy and kid entertainment.

Try the Wolf or Paw pass: The older kids are likely going to gravitate towards the add-on attractions, so I would consider purchasing a pass to make the most of the experience and bundle savings vs purchasing individual activities. We spent a good amount of time in the lower levels playing arcade games, mini-golf, bowling and of course, the MagiQuest throughout the resort.

With every family vacation, additional questions may arise in terms of getting the most out of your visit. I’ve included a few more below based on our experience at the Pocono Mountains, PA location.

Is Great Wolf Lodge worth it if you don’t use the water park?

Yes, Great Wolf Lodge is worth the cost, even if you don’t use the water park. Although the water park is one of the most popular attractions at the resort, there are a plethora of things to do for the whole family including daily games and activities for kids with exceptional value mom and dad will appreciate.

How do you get the most value at Great Wolf Lodge?

To really get the most value from your visit to GWL I would recommend taking advantage of the unlimited water park usage, complimentary entertainment each day and bundled savings from passes.

Enjoy the Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark

The water park opens at 10am and closes at 8pm, which means families who book even one night can get two full days at the water park. If you arrive before check-in, you can leave your luggage in the car and just take a bag of swimming essentials with you. Inside the water park, you can rent a locker to store your change of clothes or shoes if needed – of course, plenty of towels provided.

Take advantage of Complimentary Activities at Great Wolf Lodge

Some of the free activities include Yoga Tails, a story-driven morning workout for the whole family, arts and crafts, bingo and games throughout the day. Then at night, families can gather for the Legend of Luna, filled with iconic dance parties.

Great Wolf Lodge also hosts a number of fun seasonal events throughout the year around Halloween and the Holidays.

Get more value with the Great Wolf Lodge Passes

To make the most of your visit and add even more value, I’d also consider purchasing one of their collection of passes, like the Wolf, Paw or Pup passes for different age groups. With the Wolf pass you can save up to 30% and gain access to attractions like family bowling, arcade, ropes course, mini-golf, and their exclusive MagiQuest. Some locations may have different attractions.

My boys each had a Paw pass at our last visit and had a blast, especially with the MagiQuest adventure (mentioned earlier). They also had a chance to top off their wands with extra powers in the gift shop. Kids can play throughout the day; each quest takes 15-30 minutes to complete. Keep your wands handy to bring back for a future visit as you can pick up where you left off!

Can Great Wolf Lodge accommodate food allergies?

Yes, Great Wolf Lodge can indeed accommodate a variety of food allergies. Be sure to communicate your needs and ask any and all questions regarding safety or cross-contact in advance (ideally before, but even during your arrival so your whole family can enjoy a good meal.)

Does Great Wolf Lodge have gluten-free options?

Yes, Great Wolf Lodge also offers gluten-free options. I was initially nervous about ordering food for my son with celiac disease after a negative experience at an unrelated resort the previous month.

However, I was SO pleasantly surprised to find that Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos did offer gluten-free options for families. When I asked a staff member about allergy-friendly options for kids they had the chef come out to talk with me. They were very accommodating providing me a list of gluten-free meals available…and I was even more confident when they mentioned the food might take a little longer to prepare to be safe. Because as an allergy parent, I know being extra cautious and taking time to prepare gluten-free foods is expected. When the food came out my son was able to enjoy a burger with gluten-free bun with no issues!

Can you eat outside the GWL property?

Yes, you can eat outside of the Great Wolf Lodge property, although they do offer a variety of restaurants right inside the resort too which you can check out HERE.

If you have little kids who snack around the clock, it’s helpful to pack a bag or cooler with your favorite snacks and drinks, which I saw several families doing. I loved that our room included a microwave and mini-fridge so we could store a few goodies, plus milk and water. We actually ended up checking out a local restaurant and store right outside the resort on our very first night, to grab some familiar allergy safe snacks and stock up on water since kids are always thirsty. However, plenty of vending machines are available throughout the resort so you can grab something in a pinch.

ADDITIONAL FAQs

Is Great Wolf Lodge worth the price with kids under 10?

Yes, the resort is worth the price for kids under 10 as many attractions are focused on younger kids including, character appearances, fun water play and extra games and activities like bowling and mini-golf throughout the resort.

What’s the best way to get the most out of a Great Wolf Lodge vacation?
The best way to get the most out of your visit is to download the app to plan your day, take advantage of the waterpark hours and purchase a bundle pass to experience extra fun.

How can you save money on a Great Wolf Lodge Visit?

If you are looking to save money on your trip, try to book during non-peak times, and weekdays, bring your own food, and sign-up for their emails where you can find occasional discounts. You can forgo the upgraded packages for younger kids, or opt to purchase them for older kids to bundle savings.

Key Takeaways from our Great Wolf Lodge Visit

Great Wolf Lodge offers fun experiences for various ages — both toddlers, and teenagers alike can enjoy a plethora of age-appropriate entertainment.

The Waterpark is only one attraction, but offers tons of water fun all-day that can be complimented with lots of dry-land adventures.

Although optional, consider purchasing a Wolf, Paw or Pup pass to enhance your kids’ experience and make the most of your trip.

This is a sponsored post. All opinions reflect my personal, honest experience.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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The post Best Ages for Great Wolf Lodge (And How to Get the Most from Your Visit) appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

And the research is clear: mothers have taken the hardest hit with over 30% suffering from postpartum depression and roughly 40% with postpartum anxiety.

We know the pandemic has exacerbated these issues with the increase in social isolation, childcare issues, relationship stress, and the lack of support systems around — both physical and emotional support has been all the more challenging to find.

While meditation, deep breathing, and physical exercises are very beneficial stress-coping mechanisms, oftentimes mothers are left searching for more.

And many have found relief in alternative forms of help, like CBD oils.

What exactly is CBD and how is it different from essential oils?

CBD or cannabidiol is a cannabis compound derived directly from the hemp plant. CBD is non-intoxicating and has become a popular natural choice for those seeking health and wellness.

Both CBD and essential oils are plant-based compounds that provide natural relief for symptoms and have been used to improve mood, reduce stress, and provide a calming sensation. But the way in which they are made and used varies — CBD is consumed through the mouth in various forms such as oil and gummies while essential oils are typically absorbed through the skin.

Unlike essential oils that are primarily used in aromatherapy, CBD oil works within the body to help regulate and support the body’s health.

Is CBD marijuana?

This is an area I was unsure about myself…but I learned that although CBD is often assumed to mean, marijuana, it is actually just ONE of the hundreds of components in marijuana — in its pure form (derived directly from the hemp plant),  it does not contain THC that produces a high.

And according to a report from the World Health Organization, “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

Note: To be legal in the United States, CBD must contain 0.3 percent or less.

Why CBD Oils?

More and more people are turning to CBD oils for their numerous health benefits.

For starters, it is a natural way to treat various health issues — working within our bodies to help maintain our internal balance despite the external environment’s influence. 

CBD has been shown to help tone down stress levels and provide a calming effect on one’s mood.

According to Harvard Health Research, it is also a powerful remedy to treat anxiety, insomnia, and a host of chronic health issues.

Evidence from human studies strongly supports the potential for CBD as a treatment for multiple anxiety disorders (from generalized anxiety to PTSD).

Ehalo CBD Oil

If you’re looking to get started with high-quality and trusted CBD products, Ehalo is committed to supporting you.

The company, founded by a single mother, was created to help parents be their best selves by strengthening relationships and promoting mental health and well-being.

Because Ehalo knows that empowering parents to make healthy life choices and take better care of themselves starts with an inner calmness to face the daily stresses around us.

And as a mom of three, I can really appreciate the care that they take to ensure parents get high-quality, sustainable products, with quality control measures in place.

Ehalo CBD products are manufactured under the highest standards of quality and care including:

Natural, Organic and Safe

The products are made from the finest medical-grade hemp grown by California-certified organic farmers in the USA, using environmentally friendly methods, and manufactured in FDA-registered labs so parents can be confident that safety and quality control measures are in place!

Non-Detectable THC

The products pass high-quality testing in independent, 3rd-party labs, and show non-detectable levels of THC to deliver a calm balance vs a “high” feeling — each product also comes with its own lab reports so you can be at ease knowing exactly what you’re getting!

Top CBD Wellness Products

With so many CBD options out there, Ehalo searches the marketplace to find the best cannabidiol products with only the finest ingredients to help you parent with calmness vs. anxiety.

Learn more about Ehalo and the array of high-quality CBD products.

Note: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Ehalo.

Ehalo CBD GIVEAWAY

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Note: Although CBD is non-intoxicating and naturally derived, it is currently not recommended for pregnant or nursing moms as per the FDA.

Head on over to my Instagram stories to participate now!

One of THREE ways you can enter for a chance to win

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3 – Tag a friend who might need this!

GIVEAWAY OPEN TO ALL US RESIDENTS – ENDS FRIDAY 12/15 MIDNIGHT!

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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The post CBD Oils: An Alternative, And Natural Way to Manage Motherhood Anxieties appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

I am so happy to be here at Ana’s blog to share my fun Pom Pom magnet tutorial for the kids!

I love doing crafts with my daughter — especially the quick and easy type that provide tons of fun while my very naughty toddler boy takes a nap.  Some of our favorite crafts include this fun hairband and valentine’s wreath.

Anytime we’re crafting, my goal is always to keep the number of supplies to a basic few and use them for multiple crafts. That way we don’t end up buying a ton of supplies for every project we do.

In the spirit of Spring, we decided to make a dragonfly and butterfly magnet. Not only is it a super easy and quick craft, but it also includes magnets — something virtually every kid likes to play with!

What’s even more fun is when kids can make their own magnets like these pom pom ones.

You can also easily extend this to make a caterpillar or frog…the possibilities are endless. The best part is that the magnet crafts can also be used as toys separate from a magnetic surface.

Materials for pom pom magnets

• Pom poms (various sizes and colors)
• Craft sticks
• Pipe cleaner/chenille stems
• Googley eyes
• Magnets (see note in step 5)
• Quick dry glue

How to Make Pom Pom Magnets

Step 1

Start with the craft stick and glue the pom poms in a row. Use a larger one for for the head and then smaller sizes for the body. Use any colors you like.

Step 2

For the butterfly, twist the chenille stems into M-shapes to create the wings. Insert and glue the ends of the wings onto the craft stick between the pom poms. For the dragonfly, make four little teardrop shaped wings and glue.

Step 3

Glue the googley eyes to the head. You can also add any pom pom decorations on the wings. My daughter added little rainbow pom poms all around the butterfly’s wing. You could also twist in some colorful chenille stems between the wings to add more color and decorations.

Step 4

Cut one chenille stem and twist them to create the antenna for the dragonfly. Glue to top of the head.

Step 5

Add the magnet to the bottom of the craft stick.

Note: I had used an adhesive backed magnet which came off a few hours later. I ended up using some superglue to reattach it. I think in future I would pass up the magnetic strips with adhesives and get the round ceramic magnets and glue them directly using super glue or hot glue. This will be a step for the grown ups though.

Thats it! The beautiful and colorful pom pom butterfly and dragonfly magnets are ready! Both the kids loved “role-playing” with the magnets on their magnetic chalkboard and just pretending to fly them around the house.

Anika blogs at Little Free Monkeys where she shares all the projects in her life – from woodworking to little crafts with the kids as she works on her biggest and most important project of all – creating a warm and loving home for her best friend/husband and her 2 “little monkeys” (5 year old girl and 2 year old boy).

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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The post Butterfly & Dragonfly Pom Pom Magnets appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

Here are some of our favorite moments, captured by mom and dad video-style:

My TriCycle

“Gummi Bears” at the Park

Let’s Go Sledding!

Driving the “Magic Bus”

We are in the process of updating our YouTube channel – you can subscribe here in the meantime!

Thanks for visiting!

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

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The post Favorite Toddler Activities & Toys appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

*****

The winter season is over! Springtime is here! And as much as I found it adorable when my toddler screamed “snow!” every time we walked out the door, I definitely am looking forward to the first time we see a colorful flower poking out of the ground.

While we are waiting for the still-frozen ground to thaw, I have been finding various ways to introduce my son to flowers and plants. We stop by the florist in the grocery store, look at photos in magazines, and read books with beautiful nature illustrations. One of our family’s favorites, “The Tiny Seed” by Eric Carle, is not only a gorgeous piece of children’s literature, but also teaches young readers about strength, hope, the seasons and the life cycle of a flower.

Here is a flower craft you can do with your child to welcome springtime into your home. The activity uses artistic methods based on Eric Carle’s illustrations in “The Tiny Seed” that are great for all ages. The process is also very simple and uses limited supplies, so it is the perfect activity for busy little hands!

YOU WILL NEED

• Orange and yellow tissue paper
• Glue stick
• White paper
• Pencil
• Scissors

WHAT TO DO

1. Cut or rip the tissue paper into smaller pieces and set them aside.
2. Trace the outline of a flower on a piece of white paper and cut it out.
3. Show your child how to use the glue stick to cover the flower shape.
4. Press the tissue paper onto the paper until the surface is covered.

For older kids: Click here to learn how to make a collage illustration using a slightly more detailed technique taught by Eric Carle.

Make several of the crafts in different colors and hang them around the house to brighten up your days until that first flower of the season blooms. Happy Spring, and happy crafting!

********

Ashley is a freelance writer and educator from Western New York. Her blog, MommaDOO, is dedicated to play-based learning, kids activities and family life. Ashley is a mother of one and a huge advocate of learning through play. When she is not doing messy, creative activities with her son, she spends her time performing in local theatrical productions with her husband.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post A Simple Flower Craft for Kids appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

Interested in Co-Hosting?

 

1. You MUST add your hosts and co-hosts to one of your circles before linking up. 

2. Link up your personal Google+ profile, blog or business G+ pages but NOT your blog URL. 

3. Share ONE post ONLY – (new or old) on G+ and use the hashtag #GrowingCirclesHop. 

4. Connect with others by clicking on your #growingcircleshop hashtag. Engage with at least 2-3 others by a Share, +1 or Comment. 

5. Add new friends to your circles.

6. Grab a button for your blog, if you’d like. Help us spread the word so we can keep trending on Google Plus each week! (You can edit size to fit your blog in the code).

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.2justbyou.com/search/label/%23growingcircleshop" target="_blank" width=200 height=200 title="Mommy Mentionables"><img src="http://www.mommymentionables.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/GooglePlusHopbanner-newbutton.jpg" alt="Mommy Mentionables" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Throughout the next 12 hours, check back on G+ and +1 posts with the hashtag #growingcircleshop.

Google+ Tips

The real participation comes with sharing a blog post to G+ using the party’s hashtag and engaging with others who are also sharing posts from this party. Interaction and engaging with others on G+ will bring you the most success!

You will notice some posts have a very large picture associated with their post and others have a tiny picture. To increase your chances of being shared, post a photo along with your post link and NOT the tiny one that gets posted automatically with the link. The bigger and more clear your photo, the better chance of it being shared because those are the posts that G+ users want to share with their followers.

For any questions about the hop, post them here so that we can get notification of your post.

If you want to be notified the next time the Hop starts, give us your email below and we will send you a quick notification the next time it goes live.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post Google Plus Growing Circles Hop {Co-host} appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

Interested in Co-Hosting?

1. You MUST add your hosts and co-hosts to one of your circles before linking up. 

2. Link up your personal Google+ profile, blog or business G+ pages but NOT your blog URL. 

3. Share ONE post ONLY – (new or old) on G+ and use the hashtag #GrowingCirclesHop. 

4. Connect with others by clicking on your #growingcircleshop hashtag. Engage with at least 2-3 others – Share, +1 or Comment. 

5. Add new friends to your circles.

6. Grab a button for your blog if you’d like. (You can edit size to fit your blog in the code).

Throughout the next 12 hours, check back on G+ and +1 posts with the hashtag #growingcircleshop.

Google+ Tips

The real participation comes with sharing a blog post to G+ using the party’s hashtag and engaging with others who are also sharing posts from this party. Interaction and engaging with others on G+ will bring you the most success!

You will notice some posts have a very large picture associated with their post and others have a tiny picture. To increase your chances of being shared, post a photo along with your post link and NOT the tiny one that gets posted automatically with the link. The bigger and more clear your photo, the better chance of it being shared because those are the posts that G+ users want to share with their followers.

For any questions about the hop, post them here so that we can get notification of your post.

If you want to be notified the next time the Hop starts, give us your email below and we will send you a quick notification the next time it goes live.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post Google Plus Growing Circles Hop {Co-host: MommyBundle} appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

This stunning adjustable wooden chair pictured below, includes an infant insert and tray made for ages 6 months to 3 years old and can even withstand the weight of an adult up to 250 lbs! Now that’s a chair worth having :).

Want one of your own? Fill out the entry form below and be sure to read the full review with additional details from your wonderful host Mommy Mentionables HERE.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post Keekaroo Height Right High Chair Giveaway appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.

If you have been using other social media sites to promote your blog and are frustrated with algorithms and reader engagement and want to learn more about G+ and grow your circles, then join us! Don’t be intimidated! G+ is new to most of us so join us and we can learn and grow together.

To make the most of this link party, please follow the rules below.

1. You MUST add your hosts and co-hosts to one of your circles before linking up.

2. Link up your personal Google+ profile, blog or business G+ pages but NOT your blog URL.

3. Share ONE post ONLY – (new or old) on G+ and use the hashtag #GrowingCirclesHop.

4. Connect with others by clicking on your #growingcircleshop hashtag. Engage with at least 2-3 others – Share, +1 or Comment.

5. Add new friends to your circles.

6. Grab a button for your blog if you’d like. (You can edit size to fit your blog in the code).

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.mommymentionables.com/category/google-link-party/" target="_blank" width=200 height=200 title="Mommy Mentionables"><img src="http://www.mommymentionables.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/GooglePlusHopbanner-newbutton.jpg" alt="Mommy Mentionables" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Throughout the next 12 hours, check back on G+ and +1 posts with the hashtag #growingcircleshop.

Google+ Tips

The real participation comes with sharing a blog post to G+ using the party’s hashtag and engaging with others who are also sharing posts from this party. Interaction and engaging with others on G+ will bring you the most success!

You will notice some posts have a very large picture associated with their post and others have a tiny picture. To increase your chances of being shared, post a photo along with your post link and NOT the tiny one that gets posted automatically with the link. The bigger and more clear your photo, the better chance of it being shared because those are the posts that G+ users want to share with their followers.

If you want to co-host with us, send an email to 2justByou(AT)gmail(DOT)com with G+ Hop Co-Host in the subject line and your G+ link for consideration.

For any questions about the hop, post them here so that we can get notification of your post.

If you want to be notified the next time the Hop starts, give us your email below and we will send you a quick notification the next time it goes live.

Ana @ Mommy's Bundle

Ana, a mom to three rambunctious little boys, has supported hundreds of thousands of women throughout their pregnancy and motherhood journey since 2012 as a blogger and maternal health advocate at MommysBundle.com.

mommysbundle.com

The post Google+ Growing Circles Hop {Co-host} appeared first on Mommy's Bundle.