New from NAPPA Awards

Baby Love

3 December 2020 | 5:00 am

Baby & New Mom Gift Guide

Having a baby is a magical, special time. But it’s also a time of sleepless nights, endless laundry and new responsibilities. It’s amazing how everything changes – our emotions, our relationships and all the stuff we now need. We know this process well. For 30 years, we have been testing and evaluating family products to […]

Back to School Gear

6 August 2020 | 3:03 pm

While back-to-school will definitely be different this year, it’s important to make it as exciting and normal as we can for our kids, whether they are heading back to a physical campus, distance learning, pods or a hybrid of some kind. These recent NAPPA Award winners provide a great way to get the school spirit […]

A Smoothie a Day is All She Asks

6 August 2020 | 1:50 am

It’s probably been a while since you actually sent your kids off (as in out of the house) to school. All signs indicate that it could be a while longer until you do, but any school day, even a day of distance learning, should start with the right breakfast fuel. In 2015, Catherine McCord realized […]

Meet Entrepreneur and Dad Jordan Weiner

28 July 2020 | 9:05 pm

We’re excited to introduce you to entrepreneur and dad Jordan Weiner, the founder behind the 2020 NAPPA Award winning How to Be Good Behavioral Learning Kits. We would love for our readers to get to know you better. Tell us a little about your daily life. In addition to investing time daily in children’s educational […]

Latest for Baby & New Mom

1 July 2020 | 6:26 pm

We have great new products just for baby and new mom — all NAPPA Award winners! Soothing Baby Massage Oil Made with only five ingredients that are all natural and organic, including over 50% cold-pressed sunflower seed oil. $16.00, ever-eden.com Evereden Baby Moisturizing Lotion Lightweight and specifically designed to soothe and comfort your child’s delicate […]

Best New Games and Puzzles

1 July 2020 | 5:52 pm

Ready for some family fun! Check out these new NAPPA Award winners! The Rank Game by Storyastic A super-fun game about YOU and your people–and your likes and dislikes. How well do you know each other? Can your teammate guess your RANK? $30.00, ages 8+, storyastic.com StickTogether Mosaic Puzzle Like paint-by-numbers, but with stickers! A […]

Meet Wellness Entrepreneur Nicole Black

22 June 2020 | 8:33 pm

We’re excited to introduce you to Nicole Black, a mom and wellness entrepreneur. Nicole, who lives in Santa Barbara with her daughter, is the creator behind the Spa Girl Life Candles, a 2020 NAPPA Award winner. While working in the spa industry for many years, Nicole learned about the soothing benefits of aromatherapy and relaxation […]

Your Guide to Summer Fun

15 June 2020 | 10:02 pm

This summer will be different, but as parents we need to do all we can to create fun and a sense of calm for our kids. So this summer, turn your backyard into the FUN ZONE! Our NAPPA Awards Guide to Summer Fun is here to help you bring that carefree vibe home. We have […]

No-Churn Ice Cream

9 June 2020 | 2:55 pm

Maya Warren has a job title that would get most kids’ attention. She’s an ice cream scientist. Translation: Warren is senior director of international research and development/tastemaster at Cold Stone Creamery, and has a doctorate in food science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, specializing in frozen desserts. After being introduced to food science through the […]

Julie’s Library Story Time Podcast

6 May 2020 | 4:37 am

We’re so excited for this! Welcome to Julie’s Library, where books bring us together. Every week, Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton will settle into the reading nook for a new story during their story time podcast. This is definitely one of our favorite things!

Pancake Breakfast for Mom

6 May 2020 | 4:31 am

Zoe Nathan, part of the team behind the Rustic Canyon family of restaurants and author of “Huckleberry: Stories, Secrets, and Recipes From our Kitchen,” got this recipe from her dad. “My father used to make these almost every weekend when I was growing up, and then he proudly made them every weekend for Saturday Morning […]

Mother’s Day Gifts for a New Mom

6 May 2020 | 4:21 am

Happy Mother’s Day! While this year is a different kind of Mother’s Day, celebrating mom is not cancelled and we have some great gift ideas for the new mom or mom-to-be in your life. VISTA V2 Meet the VISTA V2 from UPPAbaby — a stylish stroller that will grow as your family grows. VISTA’s intuitive […]

A Quick Family Breakfast with Your Leftover Bread

23 April 2020 | 5:21 pm

One fun side-effect of being at home is that everyone has lots more time to make – and eat – breakfast. This French toast recipe from La Brea Bakery makes use of their wonderful baguette (in case you didn’t finish it off with dinner) and doesn’t require any special equipment or technique. You can put […]

Tips for Better COVID-19 Co-Parenting

23 April 2020 | 5:14 pm

When it comes to parenting in the COVID-19 era, the onslaught of “new normal” practices is, frankly, exhausting. But parents everywhere are rising to the occasion and finding ways to adjust. In the realm of co-parenting – the term used most for parents who are divorced, separated or not in a relationship with each other […]

Best Products for Home & Family

15 April 2020 | 3:38 pm

Our homes have always been our havens and now more than ever we are grateful to have a cozy place with our families to shelter in and face the current crisis with strength and hope. With kids learning from home and parents working from home, we want to share a few NAPPA Award-winning products that […]

Best New Children’s Books

15 April 2020 | 2:25 am

One of our favorite things to do with our kids is READ! We can’t get enough books and we’re so excited to share these latest NAPPA Award winners! A Celebration of the Shy, Introverted Kid in Us All A Way with Wild Things by Larissa Theule and illustrated by Sara Palacios is a sweet story […]

Educational Tools For At-Home Learning

15 April 2020 | 1:03 am

With our living rooms turned into virtual classrooms, parents everywhere are searching for ways to enhance their kids learning while schools are closed due to the COVID-19 crisis. We want to share some of our recent NAPPA Award winners that bring the fun and learning right to your home. Foreign Language Made Simple With so […]

Breathing Tips to Steady You in Unsteady Times

19 March 2020 | 6:45 pm

When was the last time you took a deep breath? If you’re like many of us, it’s been a minute. Stressful times (like when you are quarantined at home with your kids) make most of us resort to shallow breathing – or even holding our breath. This can lead to low-grade chronic stress, says Sandy […]

Best Books, Learning Apps & CD

29 January 2020 | 11:53 pm

Our latest NAPPA Award winners bring fun and learning together. Bookful A mobile app for kids that uses augmented reality to bring books to life. Choosing from an extensive library of AR books that features the best publishers such as Penguin Random House and DK, the child can learn, read and have fun at the […]

Best for Babies & Toddlers

29 January 2020 | 11:37 pm

Check out our latest NAPPA Award winners perfect for new moms, babies and toddlers. Bumpin’: The modern guide to pregnancy Leslie Schrock’s comprehensive guide to new motherhood. Gives insight about everything from the preparations of “trimester zero” to the challenges of the newborn months with he frank, funny warmth of a trusted friend. $16.99. simonandshuster.com […]

Gift Ideas

29 January 2020 | 10:20 pm

Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Birthday or just because, we’re always on the look out for the perfect gift that will bring a smile to your child’s face. And these 2020 NAPPA Award winners will not disappoint. SVOLTA “Ace” 2-in-1 Sit and Stand Scooter This gender-neutral scooter allows kids still trying to find their balance […]

Best Books for Kids

7 January 2020 | 8:26 pm

Start the new year with a great book. check out these wonderful NAPPA Award winning titles: Best Books for Kids

Easier Holiday Travel with Disabilities and Special Needs

20 December 2019 | 4:05 am

The season of celebrations is here, and traveling to visit family and friends can be part of the joy of the holidays. It can also be challenging for those with disabilities and special needs. With a bit of advance planning, though, families can smooth the path to holiday cheer. For those on the autism spectrum, […]

Sweet Little Holiday Snowballs

20 December 2019 | 3:57 am

Chocolate Peppermint Snowball Cookies Recipe from Little Flower Yields 15 cookies 1 cup (228 grams) butter 1 cup + 1 tablespoon (120 grams) powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1½ teaspoons peppermint flavor 2½ cups + 1 tablespoon (310 grams) all-purpose flour ¾ teaspoon salt ¾ cup (175 grams) mini chocolate chips 1 cup (115 […]

Holiday Gifts: Fun Finds For All

18 December 2019 | 5:00 am

These award-winning finds will definitely bring the joy of play and wonder. Give the gift of FUN! Jooki An adorable and smart player that lets kids choose and listen to parent-approved music and stories with ToyTouch Technology. $199, 3+, www.jooki.rocks Playdate Sven Kids can sit on Sven, who stands over 2 feet. Feed him his […]

Holiday Gift: Stocking Stuffers & Collectibles

18 December 2019 | 4:40 am

Looking for last minute gifts that will bring a big smile? Check out these NAPPA Award winners! Portable North Pole An enchanting collection of Do-Good Deeds toys and gifts that come with a personalized video from Santa. Price varies, www.portablenorthpole.com I Can Do That! Stickers: Super Simple (and Smart!) Sticker Activity Book Features 350 reusable […]

Kitten Kaboodle: A Joyous Celebration of Play

16 December 2019 | 6:27 pm

Give the gift of music and joy with Kitten Kaboodle from The Cat’s Pajamas. This CD is a joyous celebration of play, wonder and FUN, perfect for children of all ages and their grown-ups. With The Cat’s Pajamas, dreams become real: the library comes to life, parents walk the plank, and chickens sing, dance, and […]

Holiday Gifts: Mix Fun & Learning

11 December 2019 | 4:17 pm

We love toys and games that mix fun and learning. Check out these NAPPA Award winners for great gift ideas this holiday season. MiaoKids Smart Kit Designed to complement various MiaoKids applications, such as MiaoKids Wonder Math, that assist young learners in developing foundational academic skills through an open world of play-based learning. $79, […]

Holiday Gifts: Games for the Whole Family

10 December 2019 | 12:47 am

A fun night of family games and laughter is the best way to spend time together during the holidays! Check out these NAPPA Award winners and bring the fun this holiday season. Adventerra Games We are excited for this environmentally-focused game series from Adventerra Games. There are four board games in the series including: Global […]

Holiday Gifts: Best Tunes

9 December 2019 | 9:42 pm

Give your family the gift of music this holiday season! Moove to the Moozika! A playful collection of city-based adventure songs in both Spanish and English featuring an eclectic mix of styles – folk, jazz, samba, blues, ranchera, pop, Latin, rock, and house music. $14.99, www.moozika.com Put Your Arms in the Air! Get ready to […]

Best Gifts for the Whole Family

2 December 2019 | 7:07 pm

If you’re looking to bring joy to kids and parents, check out our curated selection of best gifts for kids, babies and parents. Jingle 2019: Toys, Games, Books, CDs and so much more! Bundle 2019: Baby, Toddler and New Mom Gifts

Holiday Gifts: Baby Toys

2 December 2019 | 5:59 am

We know how special Baby’s first holiday season is and we have lots of award-winning toys to spark imagination and build creativity for the special little one in your life. Dimpl 5 vibrant silicone bubbles in varying sizes and colors provide a sensory adventure. $12.95, 6+ months, www.fatbraintoyco.com Learn & Groove Shakin’ Colors Maracas […]

Wild & Wacky Gifts

2 December 2019 | 5:04 am

We know kids have the best sense of humor, so give them some laughs with these Wild & Wacky NAPPA Award winners. Pop Pops Snotz Slime Slammer Hammer Mashing, smashing fun featuring 60 collectible gross Snotz characters. $14.99, 4+, www.yulutoys.com Zax An ax-ellant, new soft foam game bringing the latest trend home in a fun […]

Family Fun: Island Getaways

2 December 2019 | 4:38 am

We know it can be hard for parents to send their kids off to camp, but this time, you can go too. It may feel like it is way too early to be thinking about next year’s summer plans, but many popular camps start selling out as early as January! The sooner you plan, the […]

Holiday Gifts: Dance & Sing Together

26 November 2019 | 1:59 am

As you gather together with your family, put on some great tunes and sing and dance together. Music is one of the best ways to connect. Hunk-Ta-Bunk-Ta Holidays: Songs and Stories That Celebrate Global Light A wonderful new album of 13 songs and a collection of stories and facts about how people around the world […]

Holiday Gifts: Toys That Build Imagination

26 November 2019 | 1:32 am

Our gift giving series continues with more toys that build imagination. Zoomigos Pump up these cute animals and watch them go for hours of unplugged play. $14.99, 3+, www.educationalinsights.com Magical Castle Bed Tent Now kids can rule the kingdom from the comfort of their own bed. $89.99, ages 3-8, www.lakeshorelearning.com Sweet Meadow Horse Stable A […]

Best Family Product to Learn & Connect Using Fashion

26 November 2019 | 12:51 am

Designed to Empower: Choulala Box Bring back the fun in this everyday routine by using fashion as a vehicle to empower, inspire and connect with your kids. Prices vary, 2+, www.choulalabox.com Sponsored by our 2019 NAPPA Award winner Choulala Box.

Kids Against Maturity: Card Game for Kids and Humanity, Super Fun Hilarious for Family Party Game Night

26 November 2019 | 12:38 am

Kids Against Maturity Card Game Are your kids bored with Apple 2 Apples, and too young for Cards Against Humanity? Kids Against Maturity fills that empty gap with age-appropriate toilet humor for the whole family to enjoy. Poopy fart humor for the kids… and funny innuendos for the adults. It truly is the best game for both worlds! […]

Holiday Gifts: Fun with Friends

20 November 2019 | 12:41 am

Kids learn and grow through play. This holiday season, give the gift of imagination with these fun friends. Disney Junior Minnie Walk & Dance Unicorn Feature Plush Press Minnie’s hand to see Penelope dance. Attach Minnie’s hand to Penelope’s back and watch them walk together. $39.99, 3+, www.JustPlayProducts.com Blaire Doll 2019 Girl of the Year […]

Holiday Cooking: A Sweet Southern Treat

19 November 2019 | 11:59 pm

A Sweet Southern Treat Our favorite foods often make us think of “home,” especially near the holidays. Catarah Coleman and Shoneji Robison both grew up in Florida. After moving to L.A., Coleman founded Southern Girl Desserts, head-quartered in Baldwin Hills, and was soon joined by Coleman. The two brought their childhood with them. In their […]

Holiday Gifts: Imaginative Play

19 November 2019 | 10:38 pm

Give the gift of imagination with these award-winning toys. American Girl Bowling Alley Fully functional doll-sized alley, complete with lights, bowling sounds and score-keeping. $150.00, 8+, www.americangirl.com Topper Takes a Trip Pick one of the five destinations and pack the suitcase and then get up and go. $17.95, […]

Our Baby, Toddler & New Mom Gift Guide is Here

18 November 2019 | 5:59 pm

We are so excited for our 2019 NAPPA Award winners showcased in Bundle: Baby, Toddler & New Mom Gift Guide. We have the best products, all tested and evaluated. Flip the pages to find the perfect holiday gift including toys, accessories, books, strollers and other baby, toddler and new mom must-haves.

Streaming Fun & Learning

14 November 2019 | 3:12 pm

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet day at home during the winter holidays or taking a road trip, these award-winning sites can be a fun companion for fun and learning. Sir Dapp! App This game show improves manners by teaching kids, in a fun way, to be polite and respectful. Special holiday offer is $1.99 (from […]

Holiday Gifts: Best For On-the-Go

14 November 2019 | 5:39 am

We know you’re going to be out and about this holiday season and we have award-winning products for when you’re on-the-go. b.box Insulated Food Jar Keep food at the perfect temperature—warm for up to five hours or cold for up to seven hours. $24, www.bboxbaby.com EVLA’s Baby Food Freezer Trays & Reusable Food Pouches Set […]

Best Gifts for Outdoor Fun & Fitness

14 November 2019 | 4:09 am

Looking for a holiday gift that will bring fun and fitness together, check out these award-winners. Primo Foldable Lights New dual-color, wide deck design and extra-large, wide integrated brakes. $79.99, 3+, www.globber.com Crazy Bocce A new take on the classic game with erratic bounces and rolls. $19.99, www.funsparks.com Crazy Cart Shift Features a […]

Holiday Gifts: Creative Fun

12 November 2019 | 11:00 pm

Know someone who loves to make things? We have just the gift! Cool Maker KumiKreator 2‐in‐1 Maker Load the colorful spools into the machine, spin and create friendship bracelets and necklaces in minutes. $24.99, 8+, www.coolmaker.com Kinetic Sand Sandisfying Set Everything you need to create your own mesmerizing sand effects and make oddly satisfying videos. […]

Holiday Gifts: Smart Toys

12 November 2019 | 10:28 pm

If you’re looking for toys that also teach, check out our Fun & Learning selection of award-winning toys and games. Botzees An augmented reality robotics kit that combines construction, coding and creativity. Kit contains 130 uniquely shaped, easy-to-grip blocks, plus 30 interactive augmented reality puzzles. $99.99, 4+, www.pai.technology Moving Creations with K’nex Learn to apply […]

Best Gifts for New Moms & Babies

6 November 2019 | 12:50 am

Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon Ultimate ride-sharing, accommodating 1 or 2 kids up to 5 years. Easily transforms from a stroller to a wagon. $349.99, 6 Months-5 years, www.evenflo.com CUDL by Nuna Features an integrated infant booster for newborns, which then easily unzips as your child grows. Have baby face out or switch to backpack […]

Stocking Stuffers & Collectibles

5 November 2019 | 11:07 pm

check out these hot holiday gift items — all NAPPA Award winners. Rainbocorns Sequin Surprise Series 2 Plush Features a unique gem heart and other surprises. $9.99, 3+, www.zuru.com Drop Dot Love Em’s Collectible and playful characters made with slow-rising foam perfect for maximum sensory play. $7.99, 6+, www.kess.co. Ryan’s World Super Surprise Safe Push […]

Holiday Gifts: Books to Read Together

5 November 2019 | 10:29 pm

As you begin your holiday shopping, don’t forget that books make a great gift. Here are some of our recent NAPPA Award winners. Ditty Bird Musical Board Books The perfect instrument for playful learning through music and sounds, featuring gentle touch contact points for inquisitive little fingers to activate your favorite “ditties” on each […]