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 on qualifying purchases. My participation in this program comes at no added cost to you, and commissions earned support my family as a small business owner! You can learn more about my participation in this program here. Please also note, deals may not last until Black Friday! Grab them while you can. The Mindfully Scientific Mama makes no guarantees that these items will remain on sale long after publication date, but all were available at time of publishing. Expiration dates for sales are stated when possible.
Why wait until Black Friday to start shopping for the holidays? With early Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, now you don't have to! Get started with Part I of my Early Deals guide.... and stay tuned for even more great deals on gifts the entire family will love!
Early Deals for Babies and Toddlers
Through November 21st at 2:29AM - Save on Baby Einstein My First Library Board Books! (36% off)
 
It is never too early to start reading to your baby.... and since young children who are read to by caregivers have a leg up on learning to read fluently, it is absolutely worth getting started ASAP. Board books are a great way to let little hands work on preliteracy skills such as page turning, and this pack of 12 looks like a great way to get a head start on a library your little one can start using on their own.
 
This Itzy Ritzy teether is perfect as a baby stocking stuffer! My family loves the Itzy Ritzy brand; their products are adorable and high quality. I've been using an Itzy Ritzy diaper bag for baby 2, and regret I didn't buy one sooner. We also love the Itzy Ritzy line of teethers. As the mom of a baby, it can be hard to find cute stocking stuffers... but this one certainly fits the bill. You can find a ton of other varieties that aren't seasonal as well.
 
Skip Hop is one of my favorite brands of baby products. Their toys are well designed, educational, and if you ever need customer service, I've had amazing experiences with them. There are a few Skip Hop items on sale right now, so be sure to check them out if shopping for baby!
This #1 Best Seller from Skip Hop is currently on sale for 20% off! And, unlike walkers (which are NOT recommended by doctors due to risk of injury), activity centers are okay as long as your baby's hips are aligned correctly and they do not use them for an excessive amount of time. Thank goodness, because this Skip Hop center is CUTE as can be!
  Early Deals for Toddlers and PreschoolersEasy and Affordable: Print and create a busy book for your toddler or preschooler!
This busy book download is available on sale until December 7th, 2022! Grab it before the price increases. You can learn more about how to use this download to create your busy book here. Doing so is as easy as putting the pages in a folder, but I love using my laminator, page protectors, and velcro to create a durable, reusable product. Also be sure to check out my Instagram feed and stories for even more about this printable pack!
Christmas Themed Busy Book
$1.99
$1.50
Celebrate the Christmas season with my holiday themed busy book! Great for ages 2-6, this printable offers nearly 50 pages of fun and educational activities, including:
These pages are best when inserted in page protectors or laminated. You can learn more about building a busy book on my blog here or here.     Early Deals on Toys
My son is OBSESSED with Magna-Tiles, and for a limited time, this massive set is on sale for 15% off. Grab it while it lasts!
    Deals for Your Home
Deals on Hamilton Beach Small Appliances
With all the cooking and baking we do in my home, small appliances are always a welcome gift. If you've been waiting to purchase new ones for your home, now might be the perfect time! There are loads of Hamilton Beach appliances on sale, including the ones pictured below.
You may also love.....For the Evidence Based Mama: 'Science Doesn't Care What You Think' Tee"Science Doesn't Care What You Think" Ladies' short sleeve t-shirt
$18.00 - $20.50
Show your support for fact over opinion with this Mindfully Scientific Mama tee. It is super-soft, form-fitting, and breathable, with a slightly lower neckline than a classic t-shirt.
• 50% polyester, 25% cotton, 25% rayon • Pre-shrunk fabric • 40 singles • Slim fit • Ribbed crew neck with set-in sleeves Didn't see anything that strikes your fancy? Check back soon for Part II of my Early Black Friday Deals guide, and keep an eye out for even more gift guides for this holiday season. And don't forget to share the love by clicking save to Pinterest below!
Also check out my Christmas Guide for even more seasonal crafts, activities, gift guides, and lots of other great holiday content!
Including great holiday inspiration, such as:
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How is 2021 already coming to an end?! In celebration of the New Year, I'm looking back at your favorite content from 2021. This past year you loved my kids activities, food allergy content, and gift guides the most.... at least after my top rated post!
With masks remaining an essential tool for staying healthy in 2021, it is no surprise readers continued to love this post (originally published in 2020)! If you haven't checked it out, be sure to do so! The organization system is great for a ton of essentials, not just masks, so it is worth having even once our current crisis has passed.
You can find the entire post here.
Top 10 Posts Published in 2021
The following are your favorite posts published in the past year:
Topics: Product recommendations, toddlers, preschoolers
Some of my preschooler's favorite toys from earlier this year. He loves him, and your 2 or 3 year old will, too!
Topics: Spring, kids crafts, Easter crafts, activities for preschoolers
With spring around the corner, you'll definitely want to check out this easy craft!
Topics: Food allergies, Easter, holidays, health, spring
My tried and true tips for staying healthy and safe with food allergies this Easter.
Topics: Christmas, holidays, winter, Christmas crafts, Christmas activities
This is one of my more recent posts, but quickly became a fan favorite. Be sure to bookmark it for next Christmas!
Topics: Easter, spring crafts, preschool activities, sensory activities, toddler activities
These plastic Easter egg crafts are simple and fun; perfect for spring, or any time of the year!
Topics: Halloween, free printables, busy books, free worksheets, preschool activities, literacy activities
Even if you aren't a Halloween 365 days a year person, you still need to check out my 10 Timid Ghosts posts. BE sure to bookmark it for next Halloween season.
Topics: holidays, gift guides, Father's Day
Father's Day will be here before we know it, so be sure to bookmark these great ideas. They are also perfect for birthdays or other special occasions.
Topics: food allergies, evidence based parenting, health
There are loads of myths out there about food allergies. Learn more about the facts here.
Topics: food, recipes, family
This family favorite is perfect for a cold winter day! Plus, it is healthy and an easy way to get your little ones to eat veggies!
Topics: holidays, gift guides, Mother's Day
These gifts for mom are great for Mother's Day, birthdays, and beyond.
Other Top Posts
Some of your favorite posts weren't published in 2021. Here are the remaining top 5 posts from 2021.... all published in 2020! They ranked as some of the most popular on my page, despite being a little older.
#2 The Big One (Birthday Theme)
Topics: birthdays, celebrations, kids activities, free printables
This birthday theme was meant for 1st birthdays, but can be used for any age. Plus, many of the activities are perfect for everyday use. You can find this fan favorite here.
#3 Salt Dough
Topics: recipes, sensory activities, toddlers, preschoolers, homemade gifts
My salt dough post is another perennial favorite (originally published right after my blog was launched, almost 2 years ago!) to make the list this year. Check out my recipe, tips for using salt dough in educational activities, and how to use salt dough for ornaments or keepsakes.
Topics: recipes, celebrations, summer, kids activities, cooking with kids, baking
This fun take on the traditional dirt cup is perfect for celebrations, rainy day fun, preschool classrooms, and more. Check it out here.
#5 Body Tracing
Topics: preschool activities, toddler activities, literacy, homeschooling
Body tracing is a common classroom activity, but it is also great to do at home. Get my tips for how to make it an educational activity here.
What was your favorite post of 2021? Be sure to comment below to let me know!
Share the Love!
Find the best gifts for everyone on your list with The Mindfully Scientific Mama Holiday Gift Guide 2021!
Be sure to check out my holiday shopping tips for 2021 before you get started!
Find the best products at great prices here!
Hot toys? Check!
Early Black Friday Deals? Check! Unique, Handmade, or American Made gifts? Check! Books? Check!
Check out lists by topic below:
Gift Lists For KidsGift Lists for AdultsGift Lists for the Entire FamilyProduct Reviews
Find reviews on and recommendations for great gift products here:
Homemade GiftsAlso be sure to check out my Christmas Guide for printables, activities, inspiration, and more.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. My participation in this program comes at no added cost to you, and helps support my small business. You can learn more here.
Electronics frequently top wishlists, but gadgets get PRICEY. Thankfully, deals abound, and have started early. For a limited time, you can score up to 50% off on tech the entire family will love.
Grab these amazing deals on TVs, headphones, digital camera, smart home devises, and more, before they are gone!
Disclaimer: These deals are current as of Monday 11/15. This post will be updated periodically to reflect changes in sales.
 
31% Off - iRobot Roomba i6+ (6550) Robot Vacuum
                 
10% Off - GoPro HERO10 Black
Share or Save These Deals!!
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 to you, and helps support my small business. You can learn more here.
Sometimes getting our loved ones gifts is easy; they may want the hottest toy or the latest gadget. But what do you get the person who has everything? What do you get someone who is hard to shop for? And, what if you want the convenience of secure purchases and shipping while supporting small businesses? These highly rated products are sure to delight people on your list, while having a convenient purchase process and letting you shop small.
Jewelry and Accessories
Jewelry and accessories are a classic gift sure to make your loved ones smile this holiday. Here are some highly rated ideas to inspire you!
FOR HIM
FOR HER
 
For Her: Stud earrings, American Made and Handmade (these come in a variety of metals and shapes, including sterling silver)
 
This particularly small business has tons of cute holiday designs, stylish everyday options, and more. You can find the entire storefront here.
AND EVEN MORE!!
For the Spiritualist in Your Life: Palo Santo Bracelet Negative Energy Protection
 
For the Gardener or Bee Fanatic: Little Gold Bee Necklace • 24k Vermeil Honeybee/Bumblebee Charm
    
Personalized Gifts
There is no more unique of a gift than a personalized one! Here are some highly rated idea your family and friends are sure to love!
 
For the Home Chef: Custom Engraved Monogrammed Cutting Board
 
For the Home Chef or Beloved Baker: Wooden Blank Recipe Book Binder (Personalized)
 
For the Loved One Far from Home (or, far from you, who lives far from home): Custom Quote Long Distance State Mug
 
For the person who never has enough space in their bag: Personalized Tote
 
For the Writer: Personalized Leather Journal
 
For the Traveler: Personalized Leather Luggage Tags
  
Home and Kitchen
Fun gifts for the home cooks and home bodies in your life.
              
Bath and Body
Give the gift of relaxation this holiday season with these highly rated, US crafted products.
          Looking for other great gift ideas? Check out my Christmas Guide for links to even more inspiration to help with your holiday shopping, as well as other amazing season content.
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 to you, and commissions help support my small business. You can learn more here.
Looking for great toys and games at a great price? Here are some deals I think you will love, on products I think your kids will! The deals found here could change at any time, so grab them while you can (a secondary benefit for shopping early is ensuring holiday gifts arrive by the time you need them)
These products are all from brands my family loves, and each has tons of high ratings.
Note: Prices are current as of publication date, and may vary. Efforts will be made to periodically update deals to reflect the latest pricing and deals.
AWESOME DEAL!!!
Save 63% on this Melissa and Doug Fresh Mart Grocery Store Companion Kit. It is normally $56.28, but buy soon and you can get it for $20.51!
 
SAVE 17% List Price - $10.79 Sale Price - $8.99
My little one loves Melissa and Doug puzzles, and this safari one is on sale! Educational and fun, you can't go wrong!
   
We love Kid Kraft products in our home, and I found this great set available for a good price (at the moment they are listed at $15.51, but that price may change).
 
Nearly 42,000 reviews, 4.5 stars, and 10% off the list price? You can't go wrong with this toddler slide!
 
Another great toy for toddlers, this garage set is 9% off.
 
This arts and crafts kit has a bit of everything for your budding creator, and has 4.8 Stars with nearly 3500 reviews. While my family hasn't tested the brand, it looks like an amazing option... and deal!
 
I was obsessed with all things Polly Pocket as a kid, so I *wish* my kid was both old enough and interested in Polly Pocket. To sweeten the deal, you can get this set for 25% off!!
 
Perfect for your little star, this karaoke kit is adorable and has 4.4. stars!!
 
If the number of commercials for her new movie while my child watches Paw Patrol and her appearance on Dancing with the Stars is any indication, this is the season of Jojo. And, this Jojo Siwa doll with 4.7 stars is 42% off right now!
 
My husband has a more advanced version of this drone, and loves it. We've now had it for years, and it is still in great shape. If your child loves electronics and drones, I highly recommend this brand!
 
The dinosaur version of this coding toy was one of the items we got for my son..... unfortunately it was before it went on sale! My loss is your gain; you can grab this doggy coding toy from Learning Resources for 44% off! You can also get the dinosaur version for 43% off.
My son has had these blocks for 2 years now, and still loves them. You can get them 40% off for a limited time!
 
Let me start with this; if your child is as obsessed with Paw Patrol as my son is..... I'm sorry. That said, my son's Marshall light up toy has really helped ease bedtime stress. You can grab this Pillow Pet Chase for 22% off right now!
 
Barbie is forever popular, and there are tons of great deals of Barbie products this holiday season. Be sure to check them out!
 
2021 has been the year of renewed space travel. Bring that excitement home with this LEGO kit! Or, find other great deals on LEGO toys this year (there are TONS of them). This set is currently 20% off.
  Didn't find inspiration here? Check out some of my other kids gift guides here:
And find even more toy gifting inspiration here!Be sure to share these ideas with other parents, and help them save money on the hottest toys this season!
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 getting deals this year? 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. Many companies have been offering early Black Friday deals for some time, so you don't have to wait to grab great products at a great price. To help all you busy parents, I'll be sharing lists of deals periodically, so keep an eye on my blog and social feeds!! (I've been sharing early Black Friday Deals that stick out to me pretty regularly).
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!
You can find even more early Black Friday deals here!
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!
Save and Share!!
Find the perfect gift for dad, or way to celebrate the fathers in your life! I'll be adding to this post periodically with new lists, resources, and printables, so check back regularly!
Disclaimer: This post may contain 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 here.
Great Father's Day Gifts
Free Printables - Great for Gifts, DIY Cards, and More!
FATHER'S DAY "ABOUT MY DAD PRINTABLE"
Sign up for my email list to get access to this printable, and loads more great free content in my subscriber's library!
Free Father's Day Cards - Printables for Instant Download
You can also download one of two Father's Day cards instantly below! No strings attached!
FREE FATHER'S DAY COLORING PAGES!!!
Grab your free Father's Day coloring pages over on the Facebook group! While I share many exclusives with my email subscribers, I also offer Facebook group only exclusives such as these:
Make Memories: The Best Father's Day Activities
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases. My participation in this program comes at no added cost to you, and helps support my small business. You can learn more here.
Make the moms in your life feel extra special by finding the perfect gift for mom (or any woman you want to celebrate)! Whether you have a large budget or are looking for a special homemade mother's day gift, there are ideas for mother's day that work for every family on this list!
PS. We all know preparing for mother's day can be a scramble. Luckily, almost everything on this list is perfect for last minute mother's day gifts!!!
Here are some of the best gifts you can get for mom this year!Spa Day at Home
Make mom feel extra special by giving her the gift of relaxation and time to her self. Start the set off with a luxurious bath pillow, add some shower steamers or other aromatherapy for bath and body options, and round it off with the most comfortable bath robe you can find! Make sure to upgrade the locks on the bathroom to ensure the kids leave her alone!
Here are a few of my favorite at home spa products:
And, here are some highly rated product recommendations, to help give mom the perfect at home spa experience!
And don't forget a basket to put it all in!
Personalized Jewelry and Gifts for Mom
Okay, so jewelry is cliche, but it is popular for a reason! Give mom a special personalized jewelry gift from the kids, so she can have an everyday reminder of how much she is appreciated. Here are a few recommendations of top rated items for mother's day jewelry that she will love (some of these options are even small artisans, so you also get to support a small business).
Pro tip: Personalized gifts can take awhile to ship. If they won't be to your home in time for mother's day, don't panic! Print a picture of the gift, and put it in a card. This has been a way that my husband has dealt with the issue, and I am always super excited about the gift that is on it's way!
Homemade Gifts for Mom
What mom doesn't love a homemade mother's day gift?! Here is some inspiration to help you find the perfect handmade gift for mom this year!
From Baby/For Mom on Her First Mother's Day: Footprint Flower Art
Ideas for homemade gifts from older children:
Left: Jewelry box w/ photo Right: Photo jewelry box on left, gratitude tree on right (sans tags)
From the Entire Family:
Give Mom Memories and Experiences
This is my favorite way to celebrate Mother's Day! Every year my husband and child bring me breakfast in bed. We then go to the local nursery and pick out the perfect new perennials, bushes, or a new tree, which my husband plants for me. Sometimes we go out for a nice dinner, other times my husband cooks (he is a chef, so I can't complain about staying in!!). Here are some other ways to show mom you appreciate her this Mother's Day!
Didn't find what you were looking for on this list? Amazon has a great mother's day gift guide full of unique, handmade items! Or, check out my holiday gift guide for her for even more inspiration!
Don't forget to pin this to reference later!
SPONSORED POST
This post has been sponsored by ZenTyme Moments via a gifting collaboration. All opinions within the article are my own.
Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases. Commissions earned help support my small business, and my participation in the program comes at no added cost to you. You can learn more about my participation in this program here.
With Mother’s Day around the corner, it is again the season to scramble and find the best ways to show mom how much you care. I say scramble, because as a mom myself, I know exactly what my household looks like in the lead up (also, as someone with a mom, I also know Mother’s Day preparations always felt like chaos because it is mom who usually did all the planning!)
This year, I’m offering a few last-minute suggestions for those still scratching their heads about how to treat the mothers in their lives. And my first product feature is guaranteed to help mom relax on the rare occasion she gets to treat herself at home. Because what mom doesn’t love a luxurious bath?
That brings me to the product itself: theZenTyme Moments ergonomic bath pillow. I’d never been a huge bath person before having my kid, but as a mom, I am totally beginning to see the appeal! And no bath is complete without a relaxing place to rest your head! This pillow is incredibly plush and luxurious, making it absolutely perfect for mamas looking for me time in the tub! Drying the pillow is super easy because of the convenient (and sturdy) hanger, and storage is a breeze thanks to the bag included (because let’s be honest, our homes are cluttered enough with all the stuff from our kids). The pillow has many suction cups hold it firmly on the tub, so no need to worry about it slipping, and the ergonomic design with elevated sides to ensure you also don’t slip, either. I’m absolutely obsessed with mine, and I know any mom who enjoys a nice bath would love this product as well (hint, hint for those still looking for Mother’s Day gifts!!).
Where can you find it? Head over to the ZenTyme Moments website, or find the product on Amazon! Looking to up the ante with the spa day at home essentials? ZenTyme moments makes a wide variety of self-care products! And what makes them even better is this company is a small American owned business featuring many made in America products. Who doesn’t love supporting the made in America initiative? Plus, all their ingredients are ethically sourced and the company is committed to sustainability. Plus, they never test on animals. You can learn more about their commitment here. Now if only mom could find a way to keep the kids out of the bathroom when she is trying to get some time alone. Perhaps invest in a good lock, too?
More ZentTyme Moments products you may love!!
Stay tuned for more great gift ideas for Mother’s Day (or birthdays, Christmas/Hanukah, or just to treat yourself, mama!). Or, check out myholiday gift guide for her, which also has a bunch of options that would make great gifts for mom!
Shopping later? Be sure to save this on Pinterest so you can find it later!
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