New from NAPPA Awards

Be Unique

Learn to be unique with these NAPPA Award Winners. Lots of games and toys to help kids learn in new, exciting ways.

The Get Movin’ Activity Deck for Kids: 48 Creative Movement Ideas for Little Bodies

A unique children’s movement and play deck, featuring 48 cards with practices and activities for all ability levels. Celebrate the many ways our bodies can move. Through fun images and simple directions, kids will challenge themselves in different categories of movement. $19.95, ages 4-8 years, shambhala.com

LolliPost Pen Pal Kit for Grandkids (and their Grandparents)

Writing is easier and more fun. Writing prompts give kids and adults clever topic suggestions and a tracking postcard keeps the pen pal momentum going. Replies from grandparents are quick because a perforated reply postcard is included with the child’s notecard. $29.99, ages 5+, lollipost.com

Epic

Encourage kids to explore their interests & learn in a fun, safe, kid-friendly environment. Unlimited access to 40,000 high-quality books and videos. From the stories you grew up with to popular Epic Originals. Offers tracking for parents and allows kids to boost their skills. $6.67/month OR $79.99 billed annually, ages 2-12 years, getepic.com

LOST LOOT: DIY Pirate Treasure Hunt Game

This is no ordinary scavenger hunt game. Go on a Treasure Hunt to find Goldbeard’s Lost Loot. Goldbeard was worried about his treasure falling into the wrong hands so he created an intricate locking mechanism in order to open his very special chest. Can you find all 5 keys? Fun Factor: Turn your home and backyard into a pirate’s playground! Great fun for parties & classrooms. Creative Skills: This game encourages children to think on their feet, be creative & stay active. $34.99, ages 3+, amazon.com

Bebi Toddlers

Educational games & puzzles for kids. Education is an important process in a child’s life, but it’s not so easy to follow standard guidelines, written formulas, and rammed materials. It is fun to play games and those games affect our brains back – how to improve our logical thinking, fine motor skills, and such more. Now children can have a fun time doing what they like while absorbing important information. $6.99/month, ages 2-5 years, bebi.family

Dino Puzzle Games for Toddlers

It’s jam-packed with puzzles designed to improve preschooler skills in fun and meaningful ways. Kids will delight in solving illustrated pictorial puzzles of dinosaurs, cars, animals, and more. As they play, kids match shapes and patterns, find colors, and develop their imagination, logical thinking, and problem-solving ability. Kids can enjoy the original classic puzzles, turn the pieces to reveal the picture, find matching shapes, spin the columns to find the picture, or put the scattered parts in place. FREE, ages 2-4 years, apps.apple.com

bekids Reading

Engaging stories for young readers to learn in an effective way. The beautifully designed and animated storybooks are divided into different levels to motivate kids to progress with confidence and learn at their own pace. There are captivating word games that test kids’ reading skills and boost vocabulary. Join the sing-a-longs after each story, and memorize new words through delightful songs. Free, ages 2-4 years, bekids.com

bekids Coding

A story-based coding adventure that keeps kids engaged and motivated. Join Zak, Grace and DOT on a mission to save Planet Algorith. Use coding skills to control robotic arms, plan routes, hunt treasures, and create dance moves. A drag-and-drop, tile-based coding approach that helps kids develop logical thinking and problem solving through creative, visual play. Free, ages 5-8 years, bekids.com

bekids Science

A series of short, digestible lessons designed to boost scientific literacy. Learning experiences crafted by educational experts and interactive games for each topic. Includes bonus mini games for more fun. Collect badges and rewards as kids progress through topics. Free, ages 2-4 years, bekids.com

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Best for Baby and Family

We’re so excited to bring you our latest NAPPA Award Winners just for Baby + Fam. Check out all the great products featured below.

Naturepedic Breathable Organic 2-Stage Lightweight Crib Mattress

It’s the mattress that truly checks all the boxes. It combines organic materials and chemical safety with waterproof protection, breathability, and flexibility. The washable cover provides excellent airflow should baby turn face down while the underlying mattress is firm, waterproof, and provides excellent edge support. No flame retardants whatsoever or other questionable materials. $399, ages birth-2 years, naturepedic.com

Snuggleluvs

These soft and whimsical stuffed animals are oversized and super fun with long fluffy hair. They make any child smile and are designed to provide comfort and ease anxiety. With their added weight, extra softness, and optimal cuddling size, Snuggleluvs are a stress-relieving companion for all ages. $50, all ages, wildrepublic.com

Premium Contoured Changing Pad

Designed to make changing your baby a clean, easy, and secure process. Made of a durable water-resistant material that’s easy to wipe clean after changing your baby. For extra security, it features contoured walls and a safety belt that has an ultra-soft, luxurious, comfortable buckle cover. Also includes two straps to secure it to your changing surface, as well as a non-skid bottom to help keep the changing pad in place. $29.99, parents, storkcraftdirect.com

Hoop™ Glider & Ottoman

A complete two-piece nursery set. Comfortable, padded arm cushions with pockets for added storage convenience. Enclosed metal ball bearings make for a smooth and gentle nursery gliding experience. Durable, easy-to-clean polyester material. $229.99, parents, storkcraftdirect.com

SplashEZ Mold Free Bath Toys

Make water play wildly fun with these no mold bath toys. Your baby bath set includes 5 adorable animal friends——Tony Tiger, Leo Lion, Quentin Quail, Freddy Frog, and Uma Unicorn. BPA-free with hole-less design means no water seeps in. After bathtime, the toys dry off and stay odor, slime, mold free. $9.99, ages birth-2 years, amazon.com

Papablic Baby Bottles Sterilizer and Dryer

When feeding with a baby bottle, it can be difficult to keep bottles clean and 100% safe, even if washed thoroughly after every use. This cleans your bottles with penetrating steam that is hotter than the dishwasher and dry the safe way with hot air. Completely clean your baby bottles in 8 minutes. $79.95, for Parents with kids 0-24 months, papablic.com

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Let’s Read

Our NAPPA Awards team loves celebrating great reads. Check out our latest NAPPA Award winning books for all ages.

Babies & Toddlers

Baby Ballers: Venus and Serena Williams

Before they were serving up grand slam victories, Venus and Serena Williams were just two sisters growing up in Compton. Follow along this inspiring story as they go from learning tennis with their dad to winning Wimbledon. $7.99, ages birth-2 years, silverdolphinbooks.com

Farm Animals

Bond with baby and build emotional security through a cozy reading ritual. This board book with whimsical illustrations introduces kids to the fun world of barnyard friends. Includes interactive features. $17.95, ages 6 months – 3 years, lilbigworld.com

Messy Time

This book shows joyful, messy play in different environments: with art materials; with mud, sand, and water; in the kitchen; in the garden; in the bathtub. It is messy play that provides rich sensory experiences and unstructured play. At the back of the book, a section for parents and caregivers has tips for making the most of messy play, including clean-up time. $8.99, ages 1-5 years, freespirit.com

Sing A Song of Kindness

Rediscover your favorite nursery rhymes, adapted to celebrate kindness, friendship and compassion. This beautifully illustrated collection comes with a touching message that a little kindness makes the world a better place. $9.99, ages birth+, silverdolphinbooks.com

Try-Again Time

Helps young children develop a growth mindset, learn how to persevere and practice self-regulation skills. The back of the book provides active suggestions and tips for adults to manage try-again time together. $8.99, ages 2+, freespirit.com

Preschool & Early Elementary

The Hero of Compassion: How Lokeshvara Got One Thousand Arms

A retelling of a classic Asian Buddhist tale of compassion and resilience that teaches that even when we feel overwhelmed by the suffering we see in the world, we can still find creative ways to help those around us. $18.95, ages 4-8, shambhala.com

The Moon is Broken

A lyrical bedtime story that explores the power of imagination and friendship while teaching children about the phases of the moon. $9.99, ages 2-5, amazon.com

We Listen to Our Bodies

Gives children a vocabulary to understand and communicate their feelings, develop personal boundaries, and build their social and emotional skills. $15.99, ages 3-5, freespirit.com

Tweens & Teens

 You Got a Phone! (Now Read This Book)

Features a humorous yet supportive tone and hilarious illustrations that draw readers in and keep them engaged. Provides important information on cyberbullying and the hazards of too much screen time. $10.99, tweens, freespirit.com

Slaying Digital Dragons

With a frank and humorous approach to a timely topic, this book pulls back the curtain on the hidden aspects of the digital world. It shares signs of how screen time can affect the lives of young adults and gives tips for protecting their privacy, safety, and reputation through social media. $24.99, ages 10-18 years, freespirit.com

My Little Pony: Virtual Magic

Ever wondered what it would be like to visit modern-day Equestria? This 18-chapter extended reality (XR) adventure will take you deep inside — with the exclusive prequel content of Izzy’s backstory. $39.99, ages 7-11, quantumstorey.com

Parents

Work, Parent, Thrive

Ditch guilt and manage overwhelm with these science-backed strategies. The friendly and supportive tips and anecdotes are designed to give working parents the tools they need to better manage the daily challenges and focus more on the joy. $19.95, shambhala.com

This May Be Difficult to Read

Brings cognitive and developmental research to life for parents to help their child with reading and comprehension. Transform interactions at home so that learning becomes a byproduct of fun by thinking as a child thinks and learning as a child learns. $19.99, parents, amazon.com

NAPPA Awards has been celebrating the best in family products for 33 years. For more product reviews and gift ideas visit nappaawards.com

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Screen-Free Fun & Creativity Roundup

Who said you always need technology to have? Check out these NAPPA Award Winners for loads of entertaining activities that don’t require a screen.

DISO Podcast

Share magical stories with your kids in the spirit of the golden days of radio. Available in English, Spanish and French. Narrated by professional actors. $3.99, ages 3+, podcasts.apple.com

Go Fish US History

Takes everyone’s favorite childhood card game and combines it with US History. No longer do you ask, “Any 4’s?” Now you ask, “any presidents?” Not do you have any kings but rather, “Do you have any Scientists, Authors, Sports Legends, Women in History? 11.99. ages 7+, KosoGames.com 

Make-A-Fort Explorer Kit

You can make 5 of our Creations including forts, mazes, houses, and more. Let your imagination run wild and design your own. $94.99, ages 4+, makeafort.fun

Story Time Chess

Teaches chess to young children using silly stories, vibrant illustrations, custom chess pieces and a unique chessboard. No chess experience is required for parents or children. Makes learning to play simple and fun. $39.99, ages 3+, storytimechess.com

Dino Super Dome

Transform your little one’s playroom into a prehistoric playground. Dinosaurs roam all four walls of this play tent and they come to life with the lifelike roar button. Also includes 6 dino toys and LED lights with remote control. $44.99, ages 4-7, amazon.com

Scenties

Colorful accessories with a fun twist. The hair ties, headbands, scrunchies and face mask ear loops and mask bands are fragranced with playful scents like Cotton Candy and Vanilla Cupcake. Stretch ’em, sniff ’em, wear ’em, and share ’em. $8, ages 4-12, scenties.com

Freshwater Tank

Have you ever dreamed of making your freshwater aquarium? Now you can with this fun and educational board game. With 155 different freshwater fish and 100 incidents, see for yourself what fish you would want to have and how to take care of them. The goal of the game is to become the first person to create a compatible fish tank with 10 fish. $39.99, ages 6+, amazon.com

Bedtime Defenderz

Vigilant and fierce plush heroes that battle villains hiding in the dark. Help kids overcome bedtime fears. Comes with a comic book, a power band slap bracelet, and a glow-in-the-dark belt buckle to help kiddos feel safe and secure at night. $29.99, ages 3-7, bedtimedefenderz.com

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Baby, Toddlers & New Moms Roundup

We’re so excited to bring you our latest NAPPA Award winners that are BEST for Baby, Mom, and Toddlers!

Alphapals Sets

A cozy, cuddly seat full of wonder and play. The soft plush Alphabag is fully lined and includes 26 Alphapals plush letters hidden inside. Each letter includes the trademark signature embroidered smiley face giving each letter its own personality. $195, ages 2-4, alphapals.com

Momcozy Video Baby Monitor

Featuring a non-WIFI and hack-proof system that’s super easy to setup and provides a 360 all-around field of view, full HD camera and great picture quality. The long battery life provides 11.5 hours with display on and up to 22 hours with display off. $159.99, ages birth+, momcozy.com

Olababy Rechargeable Electric Baby Nail Trimmer

Features gentle rotating filing pads, preventing potential damage to surrounding skin, cuticles, and nail beds. Equipped with a built-in LED light for optimal visibility. $49.99, ages 0-3 years, olababy.com

Hubble Connected Guardian+

Features a soft wearable strap with a sensor and a Base Station. Wraps gently around the baby’s ankle and tracks sleep quality indicators such as heart rate and oxygen levels. The Base includes a nightlight and speaker that streams hundreds of sleep sounds. $149.99, ages birth-2 years, hubbleconnected.com

Farm Animals

Bond with baby and build emotional security through a cozy reading ritual. This board book with whimsical illustrations introduces kids to the fun world of barnyard friends. Includes interactive features. $17.95, ages 6 months – 3 years, lilbigworld.com

LullabyNursery Pal Dual Vision

A smart HD baby monitor made up of a 5-inch screen parent unit and a dual-lens camera. Provides close-up and wide-angle viewing, along with AI motion tracking. Also allows for two-way audio talk and can be controlled using the free app. $229.99, ages birth+, hubbleconnected.com

Earth Breathe Safe Breathable Crib Mattress

Non-toxic and waterproof with a removable washable and breathable pad. The dual-firmness design flips from a firm infant side to a cushion firm toddler side. $279, ages infant-toddler, lullabyearth.com

Hubble Connected Eclipse+

A smart soother and Wi-Fi audio monitor. Comes equipped with a customizable multi-color night light, preloaded lullabies and hundreds of expert-curated soothing sounds and bedtime stories. Includes a digital clock and a wireless charging base so it can be moved room to room. $79.99, ages birth-5 years, hubbleconnected.com

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We Love It – Celebrating Kindness and Positivity

We’re so excited to bring you our latest NAPPA Award winners that are full of Kindness and Positivity!

Sing A Song of Kindness

Rediscover your favorite nursery rhymes, adapted to celebrate kindness, friendship and compassion. This beautifully illustrated collection comes with a touching message that a little kindness makes the world a better place. $9.99, ages birth+, silverdolphinbooks.com

The Hero of Compassion: How Lokeshvara Got One Thousand Arms

A retelling of a classic Asian Buddhist tale of compassion and resilience that teaches that even when we feel overwhelmed by the suffering we see in the world, we can still find creative ways to help those around us. $18.95, ages 4-8, shambhala.com

Work, Parent, Thrive

Ditch guilt and manage overwhelm with these science-backed strategies. The friendly and supportive tips and anecdotes are designed to give working parents the tools they need to better manage the daily challenges and focus more on the joy. $19.95, shambhala.com

“I’m a Great Recycler”

Sing along with your little one on how you can help save the earth by recycling, composting and donating. Catchy tune with a positive message. 99 cents, ages birth+, debiderryberry.com

Baby Ballers: Venus and Serena Williams

Before they were serving up grand slam victories, Venus and Serena Williams were just two sisters growing up in Compton. Follow along this inspiring story as they go from learning tennis with their dad to winning Wimbledon. $7.99, ages birth-2 years, silverdolphinbooks.com

More Than Affirmations: Inspiring Affirmation Cards, Reflection Prompts and Activities for Kids

Features 30 positive affirmation cards for kids with different and unique reflection prompts, mindful activities and exercises. Promotes confidence, positivity and self-reflection. $19.99, ages 4-11, meditationfairy.com

‘The Moon is Broken’

A lyrical bedtime story that explores the power of imagination and friendship while teaching children about the phases of the moon. $9.99, ages 2-5, amazon.com

We Listen to Our Bodies

Gives children a vocabulary to understand and communicate their feelings, develop personal boundaries, and build their social and emotional skills. $15.99, ages 3-5, freespirit.com

Be Bright Lulu Doll

Help your child discover their strength and courage with this unique doll whose lilac hair has a UV activated blonde streak that turns pink in the sun. Kids can join five animal guardians and use their spirit to be confident, dream big and change the world. $49.99, ages 3+, adora.com

Care Bears Dare to Care Bear

A new friend whose all about kindness, compassion and acceptance to all around her. This multicolored plush wants everyone to know that “it’s cool to be kind!” $14.99, ages 4+, basicfun.com

NAPPA Awards has been celebrating the best in family products for 33 years. For more product reviews and gift ideas visit nappaawards.com

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Meet the Founders of Hey Buddy Hey Pal

Curtis McGill and Scott Houdashell are the co-owners/founders of Hey Buddy Hey Pal, maker of the NAPPA Award Winning Product, the Cake-N-Bake Challenge game. They started at the kitchen table, where they hatched a fan-favorite idea about coloring Easter Eggs. Now introducing their first-ever game, we got the chance to chat with them about the process, their career as year-round toy makers, and fatherhood.

You both have had different careers before becoming toy inventors. Please share with our readers what you most enjoy about being in the toy business.

Curtis McGill: Honestly there are many things that I enjoy about the toy industry.  From inventing new and fun ways for children to create and come back to the kitchen table, to the toy shows and seeing what new and how different companies connect with their customers and the kids of the world.  Of all the businesses I have had the opportunity to be a part of, I always say the Toy Biz is the most fun.  On top of that I work with my Best Friend Scott, and we have a great team that keep us straight and keep the wheels turning at the “Eggquarters.”

Scott Houdashell: You both have had different careers before becoming toy inventors. Please share with our readers what you most enjoy about being in the toy business.

What does a typical day look like for you?

CM: Every day is different, but all days consist of trying to meet our mission of bringing toys to market that bring the family back to the kitchen table and to create and play together.  From talking to our team in Hong Kong on late night (US time) morning Hong Kong time, to tracking containers, PR Meetings, managing inventory.  We wear a lot of hats, but that keeps it Egg-citing I guess.

You are both dads, in addition to being entrepreneurs. What’s your favorite activity with your own kids? Please tell us how many kids you have and what ages they are.

CM: 3 kids.  Two 19-year-olds who are in their freshmen years at college and a 16-year-old Junior in High School.  We are kind of in the “becoming better friends and advisor stage” of parenting.  Toys aren’t on their list anymore.  We are enjoying traveling together, playing with our 2 dogs, and talking about their plans and where they want to end up in the next 10 years.  They do help give us advise on our new toys, most of the time they still laugh at my stupid egg puns.  All 3 of my kids got to go to Shark Tank with us and be on the show – and watch us land a deal with Lori Greiner!  It was really great to share that egg-perience (last one I promise).  The memories we make together are what dad enjoys most,

Why is play important?

CM: What is the world without play.  NO FUN!  We enjoy having fun and bringing families together, friends together, kids together.  We need each other in this crazy world.

SH: Children’s minds are full of imagination.  Play is important because it stimulates creativity which is what we hope to provide with each new idea and product we develop.

What was your favorite toy or activity as a child?

CM: Favorite toy was GI Joe.  I had 4 sisters, so I got to save a lot of Barbies.  Favorite Game, UNO.  Activity was anything involving sports.  My mom had a day care while I was growing up, we had a ton of crafts that we made.  Those memories stand out and some of the Christmas Ornaments we made there still hang on our family tree today.

SH: Growing up I have fond memories of playing outside in the dirt with toy tractors and my big yellow Tonka Dump truck.  I still have these childhood toys which I proudly display at “The Egg-quarters.”

When not working, where will we find you?

CM: Traveling with family and friends.  It is rare for us to take a trip without Uncle Scott (Houdashell).  We all typically travel together and have made great memories and look to make many more.

SH: You will find me at my shop most of the time.  I have always enjoyed working with my hands.  I still enjoy working with wood and metal. Turning wrenches and working on my vintage cars is also a passion of mine.

Best advice you have received since becoming a dad?

CM: Listen to your kids.

How has parenthood changed you?

CM: I asked my wife the other day if we could adopt a baby.  All of our kids are about gone or are gone and the old Curtis before kids has disappeared.  Being a parent is who I am, and I like to think that I am good at it.  She politely told me to wait for grandkids.  I may just show up with a baby like she does dogs someday and we will see if she makes me take it back.

What would you tell your middle school self?

CM: Have fun always.  Don’t be too serious.  Life is a gift.  SMILE and always make room for Nachos!

SH: Be patient and don’t be afraid to talk to the popular girl.

What are you most proud of since launching Hey Buddy Hey Pal?

CM:We have had so many successes in such a short time.  But our charitable giving with Saint Jude and Make-A-Wish top the list for me.  Before Covid we would go to the Children’s Hospital and Scott would put on the Bunny Suit and our kids and friends would decorate with the kids and families there and give them Eggmazing Egg Decorators for their house.  Those are the things I am most proud of, and this toy company has allowed us to that!!!

SH: When I came up with the Eggmazing Egg Decorator concept — by accident decorating with my kids— I had no idea that this crazy concept from spinning an egg with an electric screwdriver with a marker on an egg would turn into a full-time career in the toy business!  It’s really quite amazing.  I’m so proud that I was able not just to come up with an item, but together with my partner Curtis, and a team of awesome “eggs” at the office, turn this little idea into a full-time, year-round business.  Now, we’re a toy company that today sells seasonal items like a variety of Eggmazing Decorators, Tremendous Ornament Decorators, Halloween’s Stack-O-Lanterns and now our first game, the Cake-N-Bake Challenge!  We’re all truly blessed to have so much fun at our day jobs and make kids and families happy with our products too!

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Meet Jossy Lee: The Mom Behind “Mommy Goes to Work”

Jossy Lee is the creator and mom behind the 2022 NAPPA Award winning board book, Mommy Goes To Work.

We recently chatted with Lee about her company’s mission and parenthood.

Jossy Lee with husband Matt and sons Jeremy and Timothy

Please tell us a little about your company’s mission

Mommy Goes To Work celebrates working mothers and makes drop offs easier, one story at a time. This book series is the first offering from woom, an incubator nurturing working moms through credible insights, actionable solutions, and heartfelt inspiration.

What made you want to start this company?

Mom guilt and separation anxiety led my family to create  Mommy Goes To Work. It creates a sense of togetherness, drawing connections between our days at work and at school. As we tested the story book with over 100 working moms and people who support them, we realized that there are so many opportunities to improve the working motherhood journey. We aim to drive  innovation that supports working mothers so they can thrive at work, at home, and anywhere they aspire to be.

Did you have a mentor growing up? And what role did that person play in your life and your career?

My grandmother! While raising five children, she co-founded the first hospital in my hometown with my grandfather and built a successful career impacting many lives. Our next Mommy Goes To Work book is dedicated to my grandmother and all moms working at hospitals.

I was the third girl in my family and  Chinese culture values boys a lot more than girls. My birth would have been a disappointment for others, but fortunately, my family was different. Grandma has always believed girls can be anything and everything. She is 93 this year and still active and curious—she has been learning bitcoin and loves using her Apple watch!

Best life advice you received growing up?

“Find your gift and give it to others.” I am a firm believer in combining your passion with your unique superpower, and using that to create things with purpose and meaning.

How has parenthood changed you?

My ability to switch from one task to another significantly increased. One time during the pandemic, I was changing a diaper the minute before I jumped into the zoom meeting room to host a board meeting—and it didn’t bother me at all! I am proud of my agility in managing my work and life to be the best I can be.

When not working, where will we find you?

Enjoying big and small things with my family in Boston or Taipei!

What would you tell your middle school self?

I spent a lot of effort trying to be like everyone else so that I could “fit in.” I would tell myself, “Stand out. Be you, be the unique you, and be the best you.”

Best advice on parenting you’ve received?

Involve kids in your work. My husband and I often talk about our work with our kids, fill them in on our projects and take them to our workplaces. We’re constantly amazed by their ability to come up with creative solutions. One time I shared with my then 4-year-old that I was worried my colleagues wouldn’t like a new idea I was about to propose. He said “Mommy, even if they don’t like your idea, I still think you are the best. You just tell them, let’s keep trying, don’t give up, and together we’ll find better ideas.” Wow!

What do you enjoy doing most with your family?

Snuggly story time. Reading together every night sparks conversations and our imaginations. Mommy Goes To Work was inspired by our love for storytelling and we hope it brings joy and inspiration to many families.

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Mother’s Day Gifts for New Moms

Becoming a new mom is one of the most special times of our lives and we want to help celebrate all new moms this Mother’s Day. Here are a few of our NAPPA Award-winning picks. For more gift inspiration, visit nappaawards.com

Qeepsake: Capture your child’s milestones with this easy-to-use app. Members receive daily texts, prompting them to text back a moment or milestone with a photo. Qeepsake securely builds these texts and photos into a digital journal that can be shared with family and printed into a book. $95.88, Qeepsake.com

CLOUD ROBE: This buttery soft robe will make you feel like you’re lounging on a cloud. The perfect addition to your lounge wardrobe. Lightweight and airy. $118, bumpsuit.co

Mommy Goes to Work: A book celebrating working moms makes drop offs easier, one story at a time. Help ease the transition back to work after maternity leave. $19.99, entire family, amazon.com

Milkmaker’s Bath Tea + Foot Soak: Everyday stressors are no match for the physical and emotional toll that pregnancy can bring. Luckily, self-care is always on the menu with this calming soak. $10, munchkin.com

Milkmaker’s Rest + Rise Wellness Balm: Here to help you reset. Carefully formulated with shea butter and jojoba oil, these soothing pregnancy balms are infused with therapeutic essential oils that relax and awaken the senses. $20, munchkin.com

Milkmaker’s Belly Mask: Designed to help moms tackle self-care and deal with skin changes due to pregnancy. Made with nourishing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant-rich ingredients. $8, munchkin.com

Milkmaker’s Belly Balm: As you nurture your bump from the inside, nurture it on the outside. Made with 100% natural ingredients like coconut oil, rose hip oil, and shea butter. $15, munchkin.com

Signature Sublime® Contour Nursing & Maternity Bra: Bye-bye, bunched padding. This is the fixed padding nursing T-shirt bra you’ve been searching for, providing effortless contouring and comfort from pregnancy to postpartum. $44.99, kinderdbravely.com

Willow Go: Allows moms to quietly and discreetly pump hands-free with no cords, tubes, or dangling bottles. The two modes give a customized experience. $329, onewillow.com

Ultimate Nursing Bra: This v-cut, sculpting bra was designed to give you the extra support and confidence you deserve during the postpartum journey. Super supportive and versatile. $58, bumpsuit.co

The Lucy: The perfect addition to your Maternity Wardrobe. A tank top style full maternity bodysuit that is easy to style with any item in your closet. $130, bumpsuit.co

Sublime® Adjustable Crossover Nursing & Lounge Bra: Whether you’re pregnant, nursing, or beyond, this is perfect for lounging, running errands, and sleeping. The stretchy fabric and crossover design allows for pull-aside breastfeeding access. $39.99,
kinderdbravely.com

Velcro Waist Trainer: Whether for general shapewear, waist-training or just making it through the third trimester, this ensures you’re fully supported. Aids with postpartum and C-section recovery or wear daily under clothing as shapewear. $89, bumpsuit.co

Cloud Dress: This super soft maxi dress is the ultimate lounge dress. Featuring a 4-Way Stretch Fabric, this dress can be either dressed up or down. $98, bumpsuit.co

Bamboo Seamless No Rub Thigh Saver: Sometimes your thighs rub each other the wrong way. This perfectly protects you from chafing to stay comfortable and confident all day long. $19.99, kinderdbravely.com

Minimalist Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Plunge Bra: With dreamy fabric, a sleek profile, and fixed padding, this underwire-free bra is the perfect combination of style and functionality. $54.99, kinderdbravely.com

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Building a Family Culture of Play

Building A Family Culture of Play

Watching a child build a fort with blocks or a whole imaginary world with sand buckets at the beach is a study in concentration and learning. Play is how kids learn – about the world, about their connection to other people and about themselves.

Giving kids the free time to play is critical for their development, and having different opportunities to play is also important. Outdoor adventures, pretend play, solo and group play all help cultivate different skills, including fine and gross motor development, cognitive and social-emotional learning skills.

We encourage parents to seek out opportunities to play with their kids. This shared time of doing something together just for fun builds lasting bonds and allows a safe space for open communication to grow.

At the National Parenting Product Awards (NAPPA Awards) we have a front row view of how important play is. We often hear from our parent toy and game evaluators how connected they felt to their children when playing a certain game and how happy they are to have discovered this new (and fun) way to interact with their child.

Kids Grow Through Play

Parents also often tell us that they can see their child’s growth in a variety of ways through play. They see empathy come through when their child gently cares for their cuddly stuffed animals, and they see enhanced concentration and social connection when playing a board game together as a family.

Our lives as parents are hectic. There is so much to do in the day – work, meal prep, school and other activities and just keeping our house together. Taking the time to come together as a family and play a game is one of the best ways to connect and for everyone to destress.

Play as a Family

Start a family tradition of game nights (or weekend mornings if that works better) for your family. Start it when your kids are toddlers and continue it through the teen years and adulthood. Seek out games and activities that you enjoy together as a family and make the time for it at least once a week. When you’re on vacation, take some games with you for in-between activities and after dinner. The goal is to create a consistent culture of fun.

While your kids are enhancing their strategic and critical thinking skills through these games, you’re building connections as a family and showing your kids that you genuinely enjoy their company – that’s a feeling they will carry with them always.

Elena Epstein is a mom of two and the director of the National Parenting Product Awards (NAPPA Awards), which has been celebrating the best in games and toys for more than 32 years.

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