I received some products to add to this guide, free of charge, however, as always opinions are 100% my own.
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Back to School Gift Guide is the place you can find great gift ideas for everyone! Back to school time is around the corner and we are busy planning our schedules for the last few summer fun trips. But while we would love for Summer to last for forever, we know all good things must come to an end, and Back to school time will be here before we know it.
Back To School Guide
Growing up I can remember my parents telling me school would start after my Nana and Papa’s birthdays which was usually after August 28th, because their birthdays were August 26th and 28th. While we don’t get those long summer breaks now kids everywhere start seeing those dreaded school supplies on the shelves as early as July. While we aren’t that early this year, we are earlier than we have been in the past and I for one am glad we are busy Wedding planning instead of Back to School Shopping. However, the writers of Life with Heidi all have school-aged children and they know that the crunch is on.
While I know 2021 has been more normal than 2020 was, but it’s still been an “off” year. But none the less I wanted to bring to your attention to these great brands. Whether you are sending your kids back to school, keeping them home and homeschooling, or even doing virtual learning (YOU are making the best decision for YOUR FAMILY!) Believe me when I say it because this is not an easy decision for anyone to make.
Teach My Preschooler
About Teach My
Teach My is a Women Owned company all about helping parents spend quality time with their children through educational play. Started by Christy Cook when her son was a toddler, she realized the need for an all-inclusive educational kit that parents could work on with their children. These products teach babies, toddlers and preschoolers the basic skills, things like; the alphabet, colors, shapes, numbers, reading and even math! These products can be found in nationwide retailers including Walmart, Toys R Us, Target.com and online on Amazon. Shop Teach My today!
Fracture Glass Prints
As an Empty Nesters I get to cherish the memories of years gone by of Elizabeth’s school years. But being a Grandma is one of the best things I’ve ever experienced. Fracture is the perfect way to capture those memories, all you have to do is snap that photo, upload it to www.fracture.me, select your preferred size, click and wait for that perfect memory to be printed directly onto durable glass and shipped to you in a cool, eco-friendly box. The Fracture glass prints are unlike any traditional paper print, canvas or digital frame and they are stunning, sleek, and unique. It’s truly an amazing product that everyone should have in their home! I also love the fact that they come ready to hang on the wall with one simple mounting screw that is included.
Jabuka
The Everything Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Baking Cookbook
Reap the rewards of cutting out gluten and dairy from your diet while still enjoying cookies, cakes, bread, bars, and more with 200 recipes for baked goods you’re sure to enjoy.
You don’t have to be gluten-free to love these recipes! From chocolate-chip oatmeal cookies to pizza, this cookbook has something for everyone. But it doesn’t stop there. Whether you have a food allergy or intolerance, or are simply baking for family or friends, you’ll find recipes from muffins and scones to pancakes and waffles in this indispensable guide.
Featuring easy swaps and creative combinations, you won’t miss the gluten or the dairy. With 200 recipes and beautiful color photographs, this book is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. No need to skip dessert—now you can start enjoying these delicious recipes today! Pick up your copy of this fabulous cookbook today!
Give yourself a gift this back to school season with the perfect addition to your home: Financial Planning Revolutionized: Money Doesn’t Exist Until You Spend It! While it’s waiting to be read I love the concept that Money doesn’t exist until you spend it!
For many, these are the most important years of their lives. Your retirement is the culmination of decades of daily decisions. You need to make sure you are on track to achieve financial freedom. What are your assets? What are your liabilities? What is the outlook for Social Security? How will you handle healthcare costs? This guide will help you with all these questions and more.
Here you’ll find the guidance you need to avoid the mistakes most Americans make with their money. The book also includes investing secrets from some of the world’s top money managers. It is filled with hundreds of pages of detailed advice on how to set up a plan for a brighter financial future.
About the author
James LaHam is the senior tax and financial consultant of Berman Hopkins Wright & LaHam CPAs, the largest independently owned CPA firm in Central Florida. He was also managing partner for 15 years. His previous experience includes vice president of taxation at American Pioneer Orlando, senior tax manager at Deloitte, partner at Braun Preboske, LaHam & Brettingen in Antigo, WI, corporate accountant at 3M Company and staff accountant at KPMG. He is an expert in taxation and financial consulting, and is a frequent writer, speaker and trainer on various tax and financial topics. He graduated from Loyola University in 1973 and was valedictorian of the School of Business.
Toy or Relaxation Device? You Decide!
You know what they say. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. But you CAN teach an old dog new tricks! Introducing Nee Doh, the ultimate stress ball for all your mellowing needs! Nee Doh is the answer to all your vexations, providing you with a variety of textures and shapes that will delight your hands and massage your worries away. And the best part is that it never gets tired!
Nee Doh is a toy and travel companion for everyone. Your child will play with it at home and take it with them on the go. It’s a toy, stress reliever, and puzzle all-in-one. It’s squishy, satisfying, and perfect for travel or any situation where you need to de-stress (so basically everywhere).
You can’t help but smile when you use the best stress reliever of all time- Nee Doh! This classic ball of stress relief is made from non-toxic, biodegradable rubber and has been proven to decrease cortisol levels and relieve mental fatigue.
Introducing the new, must-have toy for today’s kids!
NeeDoh is a unique, non-toxic, and a fun sensory experience for kids of all ages. With a never-ending supply of nee doh, the Classic NeeDoh will always return back to its original space. So whether you’re on an airplane or on a roadtrip, bring NeeDoh along to keep the kids entertained without a screen.
Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and great enough to find the squeeze that will get you feeling groovy fast. NeeDoh makes a great gift and is perfect for schools, party favors, those with special needs, an addition to the office, and is exactly what you need to decompress. A fidget toy that satisfies and soothes; Nee Doh is appropriate for anxious tendencies and helps promote focus, Pick up NeeDoh today!
Snapsies Series 2 from FUNKO
Snapsies are just what you’ve been waiting for. They’re super cute, have a variety of different characters, and are easily snap-able! SNAPSIES™ are Funko’s exciting new blind capsule collectibles with a whole world of fun inside! Collect animal characters like unicorns, llamas, goats, and dragons — each with their own distinct personalities, looks, and accessories that you can customize for endless combinations. Funko’s snap technology lets you play your way – Mix and match, create in a snap!
Just grab a Snapies figure and use the included stickers to transform them into your favorite things from pop culture. They’re so adorable you’ll be tempted to collect them all!
The next time you have a party or sleepover, there’s no need to worry about coming up with presents for all your friends. Just bring a few Snapies with you and let the little ones have fun!
Buy your favorite Snapies today and save!
Dino Bars
Our daughter has an almost 3 year old son and let me tell you they can get messy! She does a great job at keeping him eating his fruits and veggies, but he does love to snack. While he wasn’t here to taste test Dino Bars, I personally would do without the edible paper (but I’m a texture eater), but for toddlers that’s GENIUS!!
Dino Bars are wrapped in edible paper, all bars are non-GMO, USDA certified organic and free from nuts, gluten, soy, and dairy. Plus they are free of artificial flavors, preservatives, and refined sugar. Kids will love the edible paper wrapping (especially picky eaters) with different cute dinosaurs on each flavor.
What’s in them? Just 10 healthy all-natural ingredients – fruits, oats, hemp hearts, coconut oil – and a mess-free coating that parents will love. It’s the ultimate snack for kids.
Dino Bars launched in May 2020, the family-owned small business has experienced double-digit monthly growth since its inception. There is a demand for what they are offering, and they are a catalyst for change in the way kids eat, inspiring other brands and families to cut out refined sugar in kids’ diets.
Next Move, Best Move Transitioning into a Career You’ll Love
As the kids head back to school moms everywhere are thinking about all of the free time they will have soon. But when it comes to Moms we like to be thinking about the next thing we can do to help us move forward in our career. That’s why I included Next Move, Best Move Transitioning into a Career You’ll Love by Kimberly B. Cummings into the Back To School Guide.
This bestselling author shares the powerful insights that have helped her clients quickly weed through poor-fit jobs and minimize career stagnation. This book outlines a proven, step-by-step approach for preparing for one’s best next move, whether it be staying at a current job or pursuing something new. You’ll learn to identify what goes into a fulfilling career, how to know when your current position is no longer the right fit, and find out about some of the top careers on which employees can promote themselves for success regardless of their background. All you need are clear answers about yourself, your interests and passions–and this critical guide!
Own Your Greatness
Imposter syndrome is a common phenomenon wherein people who are high-achievers feel like they’re actually frauds, and that their success was due to luck or the help of others. Imposter Syndrome: A Guided Workbook helps you work through your feelings of self-doubt so you can enjoy your accomplishments with confidence! I’m working my way through it and am loving some of the activities! I can’t wait to finish the entire book. Pick up your copy of Own Your Greatness today!
The Self Love Workbook
This helpful, step-by-step workbook guides you along a path to that place of true acceptance and self-love. And when you reach it, the contentment, happiness and outward joy will transform who you are. This step-by-step workbook shows you a path to self love and acceptance, which will change your life forever. Pick up your copy of The Self Love Workbook today!
Subminimal NanoFoamer
Ever wanted to make a coffee house coffee at home? ME TOO! The Subminimal NanoFoamer device allows me to do that in the comfort of my own home. I love that it makes great foam just like professional machines, but without the cost or space. Plus it can be used for non-milk alternatives like Oat Milk. This would be the perfect gift for several people on my upcoming Christmas list! Pick up your own NanoFoamer today!
Blockaroo Magnetic Foam Building Blocks – STEM Preschool Toys for Babies, Toddlers, Boys and Girls, The Ultimate Bath Toy – Rocket Set
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Bingo Game
This next one honestly makes me miss the classroom just a little bit! The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Bingo Game includes over 150 rocks and minerals. Inside the game box kids will also receive 25 rock specimens and over 150 rock, mineral and gemstone specimens! The rocks range in size from small to large, plus the rocks and gems serve as game pieces!
This kit includes everything you need, including:
- game boards
- instructions
- a specimen bag
- 52 playing cards with fascinating facts about the rocks and gems in the kit
The cards can be used in trivia, as flash cards, or as part of any traditional card game! You can even have fun collecting different rocks to expand your rock collection! Pick up your own NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Rock Bingo Game today!
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Amazing Chemistry Set
The National Geographic Kids Amazing Chemistry Set is jam-packed with tons of experiments to keep kids entertained for hours. It includes a chemistry set, goggles, gloves, beakers and flasks, test tubes and stoppers, a stirring rod and stand, an activity guide packed with step-by-step instructions on 45 different experiments (with more than 60 colorful illustrations), a softcover book about chemistry basics (with more than 30 pages), and a poster showing the periodic table of elements. The kit also comes with safety tips for parents in case any accidents occur.
These science toys are known for being hands-on and promotes STEM learning. Your kids will use real scientific tools, like test tubes, beakers and pipettes, as they explore the fascinating world of chemistry. Order your Amazing Chemistry Set today!
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Gross Science Lab – 15 Gross Science Experiments for Kids, Dissect a Brain, Burst Blood Cells, and More, Great STEM Science Kit for Kids Who Love Gross Science Experiments
Science kits are way more fun when the experiments include boiling boogers, creating glowing worms, and making a test tube vomit! This kids science kit has everything needed for 15 super gross experiments. The experiment guide has kid-friendly instructions with illustrations for each step, and fascinating insight into the science at work. The 15 activities included in this kit will keep children entertained for hours as they learn about scientific concepts like gravity and so much more!
National Geographic’s Gross Science Lab is the perfect gift for kids who are fascinated by gross things! This science kit includes 15 experiments that use everyday household ingredients. The bonus booklet contains 30 easy experiments, all using common household items. Kids will learn about polymers, chemical reactions and more! Ages 8+. This is one unforgettable educational toy is also a whole lot of fun!
Pick up your NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Gross Science Lab today!
Blockaroo Magnetic foam building blocks
Award-winning Blockaroo Magnetic foam building blocks are the perfect bath toy! These soft foam blocks float in water and allow your child to explore shapes, colors and easy stacking. Made of non-toxic EVA foam with a unique magnetic construction that allows you to build on any surface or other Blockaroo sets. Great for creative play time at home or school. Your toddler will love them as they explore, develop hand-eye coordination, shape recognition and creative thinking skills all while having fun. Order your own Blockaroo Magnetic Foam Building Blocks today!
Stick-O Forest Friends
Stick-O Forest Friends 16Pc Magnetic Shape Set by Educational Toys Planet is a great way to help your toddler learn the basics of STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). This set includes 3 Spheres, 3 Sticks, 2 Discs and magnetic accessories including bunny ears, flowers, cones, flower pots and elephant ears. Kids will have fun while learning basic shapes with this colorful set. They are perfect for brain development, critical thinking and STEM education. Plus you will help your child(ren) develop color and shape recognition, fine motor skills and problem-solving ability.
- FEATURES: *16 piece magnetic shape set in rainbow colors *Includes 3 Spheres *3 Sticks *2 Discs
Click now to rev up your imagination with the Stick-O Forest Friends 16Pc Set today!
Magformers Backyard Adventure Set
Magformers Backyard Adventure Set is perfect for brain development, critical thinking and education. Included is a step-by-step educational idea booklet with follow along ideas and instructions. Compatible with all Magformers shapes and accessories these Neodymium rare-earth magnets for guaranteed connectivity. Super strong, safe and durable BPA-free High Quality ABS plastic. Conforms to CE, ASTM and EN71.
The Magformers Backyard Adventure Set comes with 61 pieces of classic Magformers, a Max & Maggie figurine, and a Minibot figure. The set includes 5 different color shapes: Red, Yellow, Green, Blue and Orange. Kids can build houses for Max & Maggie to play in or create their own playground! Ideal for ages 3+
UMMA Diamond Sonic Toothbrush
Give the gift of Dental Health this school year to the entire family! The UMMA Diamond Sonic Toothbrush uses 40,000 tiny brush strokes per minute to sweep away plaque and gently polish away surface stains.
But what really sets the TAO Clean Sonic Toothbrush apart from its competitors?
It’s the TAO Clean Base Station a unique enclosed charging base for the toothbrush handle and brush head that won’t take up a lot of space on your vanity, and it also cleans and dries your brush head! Once you dock your damp toothbrush after use, the 360-degree TAO Clean Halo uses powerful UV-C rays to kill 99.9% of bacteria (including human Coronavirus, Flu, Common Cold, and Strep). Then the built-in dryer wicks away any moisture from the brush to ensure that no germs or bacteria stand a chance. I don’t know about you, but I will take all the help I can get keeping germs at bay!
TAO Clean ONA orbital Facial Brush
Give the gift of clean skin that will last all year long with the help from my friends at TAO. The TAO Clean ONA orbital Facial Brush comfortably cleanses using powerful rotational technology more capable than manual washing. Its spinning motion, combined with the silky soft bristles thoroughly sweep through pores to safely dislodge dirt, dead skin cells and make-up residues.
The TAO Clean Base Station keeps the brush head protected, clean and away from environmental contaminants and also dries the brush head while charging allowing the brush to be ready for use when you are. Other cleansing brushes stay wet and grow bacteria that then gets transferred to your face. The dock’s built in 360 degree Halo Lamp kills 99.9% of germs and pathogens with UV-C light, making each brush head last longer. There are even different brush heads are available for purchase, so you will always look and feel your best.
Get your own TAO Clean ONA orbital Facial Brush today!
Essentials from Seven Minerals
My sisters have both been into Essential oils for awhile and I picked up a few along the way. While I don’t believe they will cure everything, they definitely have a spot in my medicine cabinet. So when I get the chance to try a new blend, I almost always jump at the chance. While exciting and thrilling, Back t School time can also be a time of tremendous stress and uncertainty. Some kids, teens or even parents may find themselves struggling with anxiety, tension, and migraines. Before turning to harsh chemicals or pharmaceuticals, try giving the gift of 100 percent organic Migraine and Headache Magnesium Spray. This unique blend of magnesium and essential oils helps stimulate blood flow, ease the nervous system, and creates harmony for the mind and body. This blend is specially formulated to reduce feelings of stress and fatigue. And the first time I used it, I was hooked, in fact, so much so it now has a home on my office desk!
Good Night
While I personally don’t have any trouble once I’m asleep, Brady does. So I’m in hopes that the spray makes me wind down a little better at night, and hopes Brady sleep through the night. But with all of the busy lifestyles, it is extremely difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and insomnia, are highly prevalent in today’s society. Before running to your closest local pharmacy to grab some over-the-counter sleep aid, try the following natural sleep remedies to improve your sleep quality.
Give the gift of sleep this year, with the help from Seven Minerals.
GentlePak Hot & Cold Perineal Paks
The older I get the more eco-friendly I become and the latest addition to my reusable collection is the GentlePak Hot & Cold Perineal Paks. Yes, they were originally developed for new moms, this perfectly designed hot/cold pack has been discovered by thousands of fans as their go-to ice pack for a wide range of ailments including resting your tired eyes while traveling. Featuring a washable sleeve and a gel inside, gentlepak is just a great general hot/cold pack to keep on hand for any future first aid or discomfort needs.
CharlieCurls
CharlieCurls is an innovative hair curler that can be used anywhere, anytime. It takes as little as 30 seconds to put in your hair and gives you beautiful curls instantly. Easy to use and does not damage the hair, it is suitable for all types of hair – even if you have curly hair!
Included in your kit is the following:
- Wooden Comb which has a negative ionic charge, just like your hair and thus lays the cuticle down, smoothing the look of the hair and sealing it against moisture loss.
- “Magic” Mister The very fine mist lands only on the outer cuticle of each hair strand, keeping moisture sealed inside the strand, reducing tendency to frizz AND water breaks the hydrogen bonds in the cuticle, allowing the hair to lock into curled shape as the hair dries.
- CharlieCurl, the styler that is simple, can be worn anytime, anywhere, and takes only a minute to Install. It can take experimentation!! Everyone’s hair is unique. Take some time to learn how your specific hair type works best with the styler.
Plus it’s available in Black, Mocha, Plum and Teal, so you can match almost any outfit! Just clip in, curl and go. It takes as little as 30 seconds to put in your hair and it’s simple enough, even I can do it! Can be used to create loose waves, soft curves, tighter curls and volume. Shop CharlieCurls today!
Thriae /three-eye/ Ethically Sourced Turkish Towels
Halicarnassus Peshtemal is a brand new Turkish towel for the modern age from Thriae. Halicarnassus is a Turkish word for ‘under the columns’. The name is derived from the famous Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, constructed in 353 BC by Artemisia in memory of her husband Mausolos who was one of the seven rulers and satrap under Alexander the Great. This brand takes its inspiration from this magnificence and beauty to create something that will have you swooning over every detail.
They have designed this towel to be multi-use, while still being luxuriously soft and beautiful. They are perfect for every occasion, from picnics to travel, beach basking to yoga studios, spas to gyms and everything in between. Thriae takes its inspiration from this magnificence and beauty to create something that will have you swooning over every detail. Each item is created with love and thoughtfulness to provide your space with an authentic touch of Turkish culture.
Little Learning Hands World Explorers Subscription Kit
I’m a firm believer in starting kids early in the education realm of things and this Subscription Kit is the perfect addition to any household. Little Learning Hands Kits blend fun and engaging hands-on learning activities with life skills building and cultural exploration. They are suited for children 6-12 years old. Each box includes a 3D puzzle, a 2nd activity (arts and crafts, science experiments, others that build life skills), a booklet full of fun facts and learning, 2 recipe cards, 4 table talk cards for whole family fun, sticker, flag, play money to mark off the exploration of a new country.
The welcome kit features a scratch-off map of the world, complete with a guitar pick for easy scratching. A passport book where they can take notes about each box as well as 4 table talk cards and on the back there are fun facts. The backpack is interactive because it comes with 4 special markers that the kids can use to customize their backpack along their journey of discovery of the world. There is a World Globe 3D Puzzle that includes 49 pieces which help them develop their logical thinking skills, strategic planning, and of course visual and spatial perception. This would be perfect for the whole family because it takes 100-120 minutes to complete. Also included is a book that is an introduction to the World broken down by Planet first and then continents. But each chapter is packed with information about the world. There are even recipes in the box so you can spend time baking and cooking in the kitchen as you explore. Plus, cheat sheets for the parents.
These are fun subscription boxes for kids to look forward to each month and because they are “playing and learning” they will learn even more than they think.
At only $29.95 they are an affordable gift for the entire family to enjoy together and build connections as well as bonding. Plus, it doesn’t involve any screen time, which is a HUGE bonus if you ask me.
The Second Box I received was the Welcome to China Subscription Box.
- Included in this box was the following:
- China Passport Sticker
- China Booklet
- 3D puzzle of the Great Wall of China
- Panda Stitch, Hang and Frame Cross Stitch Activity
- Recipe cards for Vegetable Fried Rice & Mango Pudding
- Table Talk Cards with fun facts on the back.
- Chinese Flag and a link to more online learning experiences about China.
They are priced at $29.95/ month but there are additional discounts for families that commit to more than one month and can be purchased on the Little Learning Hands Website.
Nixplay
There are lots of thing I’ve learned in my 40+ years, I can remember going days, if not months without taking a picture. Then, when you did take the picture, you were then made to wait roughly a week in order to pick them up from the store from being processed. While sometimes I think going back in time would be wise, there are other reasons, why I would rather not. But in today’s society there is one thing I know, and that is that we take A LOT of pictures.
I for one usualy take an average of 5 or 10 pictures a day, and when I’m traveling or with our grandson that number rises…by LOTS. The year of 2020 has kept me away from our grandson (daughter and son-in-law) more than I would like, however, we do have video chats and photographs to keep in touch, so it could be worse. Plus, we are all healthy, so that is really what matters. But the one thing that I’ve learned through my role as a parent and grandparent is that those little guys change every single day in some way or another. Plus those precious moments, will never be returned to us and we have to stay connected even though we may not be used to our new normals.
However, my friends at Nixplay have us all covered! What is Nixplay you ask, it is a Digitial Photo Frame that allows you to display thousands of your fondest memories all with the app on your phone or other device. With the Nixplay Smart Photo Frame 9.7 inch is perfect for grandparents everywhere because through the Nixplay App, you’ll be able to display your memories with your loved ones wherever you are. Share them from your phone or from your social media accounts (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, and Google Photos).
Plus you can even send snapshots of 15-second videos of you sending your love message will be a creative way to stay in touch with your family and friends. You can mount it on the wall, or use it free-standing. Plus you can pick Portrait or landscape: the choice is yours.
Plus for Labor Day they have a Sale Promotion that can save you up to 25% off! Shop on this link now to purchase your Nixplay today!
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