Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. My participation in this program comes at no added cost for you, and commissions earned help support my small business. You can learn more here.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. My participation in this program comes at no added cost for you, and commissions earned help support my small business. You can learn more here.
While Halloween has yet to arrive, Christmas is already on many parents' minds. With supply chain issues prominent, and experts recommending starting your shopping early, many of us have already started preparing for the holidays. But staying organized this far in advance is TOUGH. What are the best holiday shopping tips for 2021? How can you get the best deals on Christmas toys? When should you ideally be shopping to ensure you get that hot toy? Here are some tips for how to keep yourself on track and get everything on your family's wish list this holiday season!
SHOP EARLY
Many experts are recommending to start your shopping now. It may seem early, but high demand and supply shortages may mean that hot toy won't be around later. While it may feel more advisable to wait for Black Friday deals, there are plenty available now (and no guarantee those deals will be around later, since high demand often means higher cost). ABC News offers some great tips for getting you the best deals, now, and recommends not waiting until Black Friday.
START A HOLIDAY WISHLIST ONLINE
Online wishlists, like this one on Amazon, function a lot like gift registries. They are sharable, track gifting so there are no redundant gifts (and kids get exactly what they want from everyone), and even offer the option to send thank you cards. We have been using Amazon to put together gifting lists since I was pregnant with my first, and continue to use them for essentials, Christmas, and birthdays.
SHOP UNIQUE GIFTS
Hot gifts fly off the shelf fast because everyone is searching for them. But handmade and unique gifts are an excellent option because they are special and you may be able to find great deals on beautiful products without the competition. You are also supporting small businesses, and who doesn't love doing that!
DON'T JUST FOCUS ON SHOPPING FOR GIFTS
Supply chain issues aren't just impacting gift supply. They are impacting everything, and that includes decorations, cooking supplies, holiday fashion, and more. Be sure to stock up on these items early to make sure that you have everything you need for your holiday celebrations.
GIVE EXPERIENCES, NOT JUST THINGS
Experiences are a great way to bypass supply chain issues while also giving a meaningful and desirable gift! Some great ideas your children, partners, family, and friends are listed below:
KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR DEALS ALL THE TIME!
Deals come and go quickly in today's market. To help all you busy parents, I'll be sharing lists of deals periodically, so keep an eye on my blog and social feeds!!
Below are a few deals I've found; I'll keep this section updated as much as possible with highly rated products! Sales may vary, and deals may not last, so I can't make guarantees about pricing, but I'll be rotating products based on what is currently hot and on sale!
Looking for more Holiday Inspiration?
Visit my Christmas Guide for gift guides, crafts, activities, printables, and more! Plus, grab your instant download Letter to Santa!
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Ghost Themed Activities, Free Printables, Crafts, and More!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases. My participation in the program supports my small business, and comes at no added cost to you. You can learn more here.
 
We have a new addition to our season library: Ten Timid Ghosts, by Jennifer O'Connell. This book tells the story of 10 ghosts in their haunted house, and an unwelcome visitor. It is perfect for teaching little ones counting skills, and unlike many number books, counts backwards.
We have enjoyed reading it again and again. To keep the fun going, here are some great activities to pair with the book! Whether your are looking for a homeschool learning unit, a preschool class theme, or just a way to keep your child occupied and learning during days at home, this list has something for everyone! Ghost Crafts
Tissue Paper Ghosts (On Paper)
This activity is simple, easy, and perfect for little hands (though big hands can help make it even flashier of a project). Using construction paper, glue, and white tissue paper, have your child form "ghosts" and glue them to the background. You can also use child friendly paint and more construction paper to put together a background scene!
3D Ghosts (Coming Soon!)
Using a plastic bottle or milk jug, tissue paper, a hot glue gun, and black paint, you can easily create a spooky ghost! Or, use a milk jug and a permanent marker. You can add battery operated lights to either, making them fun evening decorations for Halloween!
Stay tuned for the entire craft, with detailed instructions! Ghost Sensory Activities
Shaving Cream Ghosts
Print the free instant download (below), laminate it, and grab your shaving cream.... it is the easiest sensory activity you can find!
Ghost Sensory Bin (Coming Soon!)
Use dried black beans, some small toy pumpkins (easy to find at the Dollar Store or online), and add large, stretched cotton balls for your "ghosts" (you can also create more elaborate ghosts by gluing a few together and adding googley eyes). Throw in some cups, tongs, and serving spoons, and you have a great sensory activity)
Play Dough Ghosts (Coming Soon!)
Use white and black play dough to create adorable ghosts. Add googley eyes when dry (using a hot glue gun) for even more fun!
Free with Subscription for a Limited Time!
Grab your free 10 Timid Ghosts PDF today, before this offer disappears!
This activity book has 16 pages of fun and learning for your preschooler! Coloring pages, puzzles, counting activities, same/different activities, vocabulary tracing, and more! But don't wait to subscribe! This activity book is being added to my upcoming storefront soon, and will be removed from the free library.
Available for Instant Download
Use this free printable as a coloring page, laminate for use as a sensory mat, or laminate and use to practice tracing and coloring again and again!
More Great Book Recommendations!
If you love 10 Timid Ghosts, check out my list offavorite seasonal books for preschoolers!
More Seasonal Content
Also be sure to check out these great seasonal activities this fall!
SAVE OR SHARE!
Grab my little one's recommendations for awesome fall books for preschoolers (and toddlers/early elementary students), plus corresponding activities,. here!  Grab your free fall color awareness and counting printables on my exclusive parenting group!
What will you find in this latest release?
How can you download these free fall printables?
Simply join The Mindfully Scientific Caregivers Group on Facebook! The group is 100% free, and a great place to connect with other mindful and evidence based parents. Plus, I regularly release new printables there, and it is a great place to stay updated on what is happening on the blog without having to check your emails!
What age are these activities for?
These free fall activities are great for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners, though older children may also enjoy the iSpy activities.
Free Instant Download!
Not interested in joining? Check out this mini activity book; 5 pages of free printables for instant download. Your preschooler or kindergartener will love coloring, practicing their writing, or learning to count with these worksheets. They can be used digitally, or printed.
Disclaimer: By downloading the following workbook, you agree to no reproduce without explicit written permission from The Mindfully Scientific Mama.
Find even more fun and educational activities for your toddler, preschooler, or elementary age child!
Check out these great seasonal educational activities, crafts, and printables... all 100% free!
After a long July enjoying time with family, I am back with brand new printables! My latest pack is a fun, summer themed coloring book. Like my other printables, it is 100% free! So, how can you get yours? Just sign up for my Facebook Group, Mindfully Scientific Caregivers Group.
There you will find tons of other free printable content, and like minded parents, including me. Connect with other parents, ask question, share your parenting victories, and more; all in an environment that is pro-evidence. ​Plus, get early updates about new blog content.
What will you find in this coloring book? Fun beach themed coloring pages, camping themed coloring pages, hiking themed coloring pages, and more! The book is 23 pages long; that is longer than some of the coloring books I've found in stores!
Plus, because this is a digital download, you can print it again and again, instead of getting a single use out of the books you see in stores. ​So what are you waiting for?!?! Sign up TODAY! Looking for other free educational printables, free coloring pages, and free printable activities for kids? Check out these great resources!
Don't forget to share so other parents and educators can find these great resources!!
Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases. My participation in this program comes at no additional cost to you, and helps support my small business. You can learn more about this program here. Summer is well underway, and so is my summer content! Check out this roundup of great Mindfully Scientific Mama recipes, activities, printables, and more... and stay tuned for fresh summer content soon! Don't forget to follow me on social media to grab even more summer tips, product recommendations, travel information, food allergy content, and more! Summer Recipes
 Free Summer Worksheets and Printables
  Summer Activities for Preschoolers
 Managing Food Allergies Over the Summer
 Summer Activities for Families
Summer Toys and Products
 Summer Parties and Celebrations
 Looking for even more great summer content? Check out my Pinterest account for loads of summer inspiration from bloggers across the web!  Great Early July Deals for Families (Especially If You Missed Amazon Prime Day!)
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases. Commissions earned support my small business, and my participation in this program comes at no added cost to you. You can learn more about my participation in this program here.
Just because Amazon Prime Day is over doesn't mean you can't still score great deals! Here are a few highly rated products, currently significantly discounted, that you'll love for summer. Grab great kids toys, outdoor furniture, and more, some for more than 50% off!
What kid doesn't love bubbles? With 4 stars and at almost 50% off, this adorable bubble blower is perfect for outdoor playtime!
 
This great side table has 4.5 stars, and is currently more than 50% off! It would look great in an outdoor lounge area; perfect for entertaining now that people are starting to socialize in person more! You can also find a similar one in black!
With coding becoming an essential skill for 21st Century kids to learn, parents are always on the lookout for new tools. This coding toy from Learning Resources has 4.5 stars, and is on sale for the next couple of weeks. While we don't have this specific toy, we do have a number of other Learning Resources toys, and we love the brand!
 
A wooden toy truck, on sale, and with hundreds of great reviews (the product has a 4.8 star rating)? Definitely worth grabbing before it goes off sale!
 
This all in one chair has 4.5 stars, and looks like it would be great for anything from camping, to a beach or lake day.
 
Hammocks are great. Pool floats are great? But what do you get when you mix the two, then put it on sale? A 4.5 star rated deal, that's what?!
 
Keep your little one active and cool this summer with a new splash pad! At almost 50% off, this 4 star product is sure to bring ample smiles!
  Didn't see something you loved here? Be sure to check out some of my family's favorite products!And be sure to share!
This avocado salsa pairs perfectly with fresh grilled salmon and rice, or can be used as a dip for chips.
It is also great for tacos, burritos, or as a topping for a number of other dishes.
Grilled salmon with avocado salsa and cilantro rice
This delicious and simple summer staple is sure to find multiple uses on your table!
The Best Avocado Salsa
Ingredients
Instructions
What have you paired this recipe with? Please tag me on Instagram in your food pictures, and let me know!
Check out even more great recipes!!!
Be sure to pin this recipe to find it later. Or, share with someone you know would love it!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases. Commissions earned help support my small business, and my participation in this program comes at no added cost to you. You can learn more about this program here.
Amazon Prime Day is almost here, and this year it is running for two days! Be sure to check out all the great sales on June 21st and June 22nd!
Don't forget... to take advantage these deals you need to be a prime member, so be sure to sign up now!​ Amazon offers a free trial, but if you are anything like me, you'll get more than your money's worth out of Prime.
Here are just a few of the deals that stood out to me!
What you'll find:
Disclaimer: While I have not tested all of these products, I've only listed items that are highly rated or that I have my eye on for my family if we haven't already tested them ourselves! Additionally, these deals may not be available for the entirety of Prime Days, so be sure to order immediately if something stands out to you!!
Kitchen Deals for Busy Parents, including up to 50% off products you'll love
Amazon Prime Day Deals for Kids, Lead Up to Prime Day Deals for Kids, and other great Amazon Deals for Kids
 
20% off of a cool kid's microscope for your mini scientist
 
20% to 30% off of creative play that teaches life skills
      20% off Learning and Wooden Toys
 
And Even MORE!!!
    Amazon Prime Day Deals for Parents
Don't forget to grab something for yourself this Prime Day! Here are a few deals you might love!
 
Save $15 when you spend $100 on your first Prime Wardrobe order. Be sure to use PROMO CODE PRIMEW15OFF
Click here to learn more. Or, get 30% off select small brand beauty products! Amazon Prime Day Tech Deals   
Want more great Amazon Deals you'll LOVE? Stay tuned to this post and my socials for updates as we get closer to Prime Day!!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases. Commissions help support my small business, and my participation in this program comes at no added cost to you. You can learn more about my participation in this program here. This article does not offer (and should not be interpreted as) medical advice, and is for informational purposes only. Always speak to your doctor regarding specifics related to your medical care.
Summer can be tons of fun, but it comes with some unique challenges for food allergy families. Here are a few basic tips for staying safe with food allergies this summer!
1. Keep your epinepherine temperature controlled.
You may find yourself asking: What temperature should I keep my epi pen at?
Your epi pen should ideally be kept at room temperature, but that can be challenging during the hot summer months. So, how can you keep your epi pens temperature controlled*? Here are a few tips!
2. Prioritize skin care during the summer months, but always read labels on skincare products
Skincare is vital all year round, especially for those with sensitive skin and/or food allergies. Broken skin allows allergens an access point to cause contact reactions, or can result in rashes that could be confused for allergies. Summer sun, water play, heat, and sunscreen are all harsh on skin, making prioritizing skincare particularly critical during the warm months.
Be sure to check out my top summer skin care tips for kids with sensitive skin here.
However, skincare and cosmetic products are often the source of nut and seed oils, as well as other top allergens. That means you should always read the labels of your sunscreen and other skincare products in order to ensure they do not contain your allergens.
Sesame oil is one common ingredient in a variety of skincare products that may be hard to identify, because it is not always labeled clearly; sesame is commonly referred to as sesamum indicum on cosmetic labels. Be sure you know any and all names for your allergens, so you know specifically what to look for.
3. As always read every label, even if it is a product you have consumed before, and bring safe foods with you.
4. Always communicate about your allergy needs and comfort levels with others around you.
If you have a child with a food allergy, be sure to communicate with any caregivers about allergy action plans. If you will be the caregiver, or if you have food allergies, it is still important to communicate about your comfort level if you will be in close proximity to others. Why? Many skincare and cosmetic products contain common allergens. If there will be food present, there is also a concern of cross contact or accidental exposure. It is always a good idea to communicate about food allergies with those you spend time with, because it allows others to take precautions with where they put their plates down, where they eat (and how they clean up their space), and what products they wear.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER TO BRING TWO EPI PENS WITH YOU!!!
You should always have at least two epi pens on you at all times. This ensures you will have a second dose should the first not be effective. That is particularly relevant during summer months, when many travel to destinations that are far from emergency services and/or hospitals. And don't worry; epinephrine is a safe medication! Never be afraid to follow your allergy action plan, even if it includes the administration of epinephrine.
Be sure to share this post to help keep other food allergy patients safe and healthy this summer!
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