Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Romantic Gifts


by Janis Brett Elspas, Editor
Mommy Blog Expert

Beautiful Ideas for $80 or Less


This curated collection of gift ideas for Valentine's Day 2025 is all about affection, love, femininity, and romance. With a pink and white color scheme and bows and hearts style motifs, like-minded romantics will almost certainly find something here to love whether it's a gift for someone special or a well-deserved present for yourself. 
 

Romantic Valentines Day Gifts


For Valentine's Day and Year-Round


Love what you see here? This collection for moms, gal pals, and women is so beautiful your gift recipient (or even you!) will enjoy any of Mommy Blog Expert's romantic gift picks not only on Valentine's Day but year-round. So it's a good thing that most of our selections are available any other time of year, too. 

MBE received the items featured and/or is being compensated via affiliate links

You'll find clickable links to buy the items you'd like to buy in the product descriptions immediately below.

1. Bow Organica Gold Plated Statement Earrings in popular minimalistic style, unique design also offered in silverplate. Available from Ettika ~ Take 25% off with code FLASH

2. Stylish Retro Light Pink Cat Eye Sunglasses. Available from ChicWish

3. Elegant Feminine Bow Knot Clutch Straw Handbag in hot pink with zipper enclosure. Available from ChicWish

4. Dainty Embroidered Eyelet Cotton Short Puff Sleeve Dress in white, available in XS, S, M, L and XL sizes. Available from ChicWish

5. Sparkling Rhinestone Initial Keychain with Heart Charm in pink in choice of A-Z letter, includes matching bling wristlet. Available on Amazon

6. Pink Tone on Tone Heart Birthday Cake Soy Candle beautifully decorated like a real cake. Available exclusively on Etsy

7. Light Pink Compact Jewelry Organizer with mirror for home, travel customized with A-Z letter of your choice. Available on Amazon

8. Faux Pearl Encrusted Heart Shape Hand Bag in white with metal handle, also features goldtone chain to use as a cross body or shoulder bag. Available from ChicWish

9. Sweet Contrast Cozy Light Pink, Dark Pink Heart Crewneck Sweater. Available from ChicWish


MBE participates in the Amazon, Etsy and ChicWish advertising affiliate programs and we receive a bit of compensation, at no extra cost to buyers, whenever purchases are made through the links in this story. In addition, we may have received some of the items featured in this gift guide to facilitate coverage.  
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Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA

Los Angeles Wildfires Resources Support

Community


Help Resources For Evacuated, Opportunities for Donors  


I've lived in Los Angeles for 40+ years and have never seen anything like the California wildfires still burning and ravaging homes, as well as businesses and other types of properties like schools. Help and hope can now be found just about anywhere you look across LA and LA County. LA  granted, can be a very materialistic place to live with multi-million dollar homes, expensive cars and other luxuries. However, despite the massive size of our city measuring almost 469 square miles (and a county that's 4,083 square miles), it is truly inspiring to see how much Los Angelinos are now banding together as a community to provide support and resources to those affected by the fires, especially families with kids who have lost everything including their homes this past week.


Wildfire Emergency Shelter Community Center


Emergency Shelters for People, Pets and Horses


Many shelters are open for families and singles including


LA Area People Shelters


  • American Red Cross, for information on how to help and for assistance with shelters call 800-RED CROSS or download the RedCross.org app
  • El Camino Real Charter High School, 5540 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91367
  • Westwood Recreation Center, 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
  • Sepulveda Recreation Center, 8825 Kester Ave., Panorama City, CA 91402
  • Ritchie Valens Recreation Center, 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331
  • Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena, CA 91101
  • LA Dream Center, 2301 Bellevue Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026
  • Pan Pacific Recreation Center, 2301 Bellevue Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90026
  • Pomona Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, CA 91768


LA Fire Shelters for Pets and Horses



LA Animal Shelters



Additional Support and Ways to Help


  • Airbnb is offering Free emergency housing for the fire-impacted communities 
  • UHaul is providing 30 days of FREE storage for those affected by the LA fires
  • LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, a Getty-led coalition of major arts organizations, philanthropists and artists
  • Emek Hebrew Academy, through their fire relief fund, is setting up meals for families displaced in Pasadena and Pacific Palisades. Call 818-783-3663 for information
  • Hillel, is running a clothing drive for Pacific Palisades affected families. Clothing must be new. Information: Call or text 310-850-6651
  • Chabad of Malibu is accepting donations of clothing, toiletries, kids toys, bedding, and food. For info: call 617-312-7068 or email drew@ldrventures.com
  • Chabad of Pacific Palisades has organized a Palisades Emergency Support fundraising campaign (the goal is $250,000). If you or someone you know needs assistance, call 310-628-4444 or email info@chabadpalisades 
  • Check this Wildfire Crisis Relief list for dozens of other Government and Community Resources
  • Tail Town Cat Cafe in Pasadena is gathering and giving away pet supplies, food, litter, blankets, pet medical supplies to those with cats affected by the fires  
  • Mutual Aid LA Network offers a constantly updated detailed list of donation drives and free items
  • The LA Fires Relief and Resources list, compiled by IATSE (Intl Assoc of Theatrical Stage Employees) has a list available to the public with a wealth of resources including links to wildfire updates, information on housing and shelters, financial assistance, trauma and mental health support, recovery and legal resources, and more


Female Volunteer Serving Food at Homeless Shelter


How to Help - Volunteer Opportunities


  • Our Big Kitchen (OBKLA), volunteers needed to prep fresh meals in LA for those in need as well as firefighters and emergency workers, email info@obkla.org for information
  • For many other ways to pitch in and help to make a difference and help both humans and animals impacted by the wildfires in LA, check the Wildfire Crisis Relief list created by the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles

Please Comment With More Suggestions

A note from Mommy Blog Expert: This list we've created is my no means exhaustive. If you have additional suggestions for either helping those who have been evacuated or ways the public can help, please leave a comment including the details


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Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA

Holiday Travel With Kids Tips Strategies

Parenting


Guest Post
by Dr. Suzanne Barchers
Educational Advisor, Lingokids

Traveling With Children During the Holidays 


For most people, the idea of traveling with kids sounds great, but the reality can be quite different. Here are some key things moms and dads should consider before booking a trip.




Before You Leave Home

  • To prepare for a trip with children, have kids practice using a backpack or pulling a small suitcase and involve them in the steps of planning, organizing, and packing 
  • Check if your airline or train offers early boarding to make the process smoother. 
  • Engage with other parents for tips and advice, and if traveling by car, let the kids help choose snacks and activities
  • Expect hiccups along the way and pack essentials like children’s Tylenol, sanitizing wipes, extra clothes, Band-Aids, and anything else that might address potential issues like ear infections (consult your doctor beforehand if flying) 
  • Teach kids to pack daily outfits in gallon bags, include extras like swimsuits, and use a laundry bag with detergent for sink washes to keep their belongings organized and tidy

On travel day, allow extra time for each step, from reaching the transit center to getting seated. Bring multi-purpose items like hand sanitizer, which can clean, disinfect, or even serve as a fun distraction. Help kids engage with the trip by sharing fun facts and exploring books or videos about the destination and mode of travel. 





Hacks for Keeping Kids Occupied In Transit 


  • Make travel with kids smoother by discussing protocols beforehand, including sharing space in a car,train, or airplane. Research engaging activities on sites like Lingokids.com or MomsMinivan.com for fun travel games. 
  • Pack small new items to keep children entertained, such as toys, books, coloring books, or a new app like Lingokids. 
  • Consider creative options like wipe-off boards, discovery bottles, or sensory balls, which can double as post-trip art tools (use them to roll paint across paper). 
  • Include special treats for the journey, but be mindful of sugar content. 
  • Finally, pack washi tape to let kids decorate their seat area, which can easily peel off when the trip ends.

Things to Avoid while Traveling

To ensure smooth and enjoyable travel with children, try to maintain their usual sleep and meal schedules as much as possible. When traveling internationally, exercise patience with jet lag and be understanding if your child experiences a meltdown. Limit sugary treats and fast food, try choosing sit-down meals for restful breaks. Avoid non-stop action by pacing your activities; assume you won’t see everything and plan for rest breaks to keep the experience enjoyable. Avoid conflicts over daily plans by creating a schedule in advance that allows input from all family members. Balance structured activities with downtime, like poolside relaxation, and incorporate quiet days into the itinerary. Finally, minimize cell phone use to stay present. For teens, encourage using phones primarily for taking pictures. 

Recommended Activities while Traveling

Traveling with kids can be a rewarding experience, and cruises are an excellent option for exploring multiple destinations without the hassle of constant packing and unpacking. When planning excursions, choose them together, avoiding overly long tours. Spending extended time in one city or region allows for a mix of structured tours and spontaneous walkabouts. Cooking classes and walking food tours provide fun, interactive ways to explore local flavors for all ages. Don’t shy away from including adult-oriented activities like wine or cheese tastings that can be adapted for kids with thoughtful planning, ensuring enriching experiences for the whole family. 

Activities to Avoid While Traveling

When planning activities with kids during a trip, it’s important to balance excitement with practicality. Long bus tours can quickly become tedious for young ones, and museum visits should be kept short to avoid exhausting them or making them feel dragged around. Beach outings should be carefully managed to prevent sunburn, hunger-induced meltdowns, or overexertion. Overall, don’t feel pressured to pack in every possible activity—leaving room for downtime can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
 




What Parents Should Do When Feeling Overwhelmed or Stressed 

When traveling with kids, it's essential to stay open and honest. Let them know when things are challenging and that you're doing your best. Be sure to build in breaks -- a quick coffee or juice stop can prevent meltdowns. Pack plenty of patience, and remember that while the mishaps like sudden rainstorms or spilled drinks might seem overwhelming now, they’ll fade, leaving behind cherished memories. Capture those moments with lots of photos and video and be sure to encourage kids to take some too, adding their perspective to the shared experience. 

Traveling with kids can be challenging, but with thoughtful preparation and a flexible mindset, it can also be a deeply rewarding experience. 

About the Author

Dr. Suzanne Barchers is Education Advisory Board Chair at Lingokids. Barchers is former VP of Leapfrog Enterprises; Award-winning author of 300+ books for educators and children; and has served on the Advisory Boards of PBS and the Association of Educational Publishers.
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Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA

Hanukkah Best Gifts for Kids Adults Pets

Chanukah

Hanukkah begins at sundown December 25, 2024 - January 2, 2025

Unique Gifts Ideas for Kids, Grownups, Pets


I could not be more thrilled to share this Hanukkah gift guide with you featuring the hottest, best-selling collection of gift ideas you won't find gathered together quite like this in any other shopping guide. I'm so enthusiastic to share these ideas, not only because my own family celebrates the Jewish Festival of Lights, but because I personally love all the items I've curated for this collection of beautiful and unique affordable gift ideas. Whether you're shopping for Chanukah for kids, women, men, and or pets, there's something here to discover that would make the perfect gift for just about everyone on your list.


Best Hanukkah Gifts for Kids Adults

MBE partnered with Fairytale Brownies, this post also contains affiliate links

8 Nights of Gifts 


It's traditional for many families to exchange small gifts on each of the eight nights of the holiday of Hanukkah. Among the tunes young and old also enjoy singing is this folksong which is also sung in Yiddish by some ...
 
I Have a Little Dreidel (AKA The Dreidel Song)

I have a little dreidel, I made it out of clay.
And when it's dry and ready, then dreidel I shall play.
Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, I made it out of clay.
Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, then dreidel I shall play.

Now that you're in a festive mood, start scrolling, browsing to check out all the wonderful merchandise available this season. The majority of these items are inexpensive, making them ideal for giving as thoughtful gifts during each night of the 8-day holiday, all priced at much less than $100, except for one. You'll find clickable links to buy the items you really like in the product descriptions immediately below each gift guide page section.



Hanukkah Lights Toys Clothes

Fun and Playful Kids Gift Ideas


Hanukkah is really all about the kids, right? Whether you're looking for screen free Hanukkah toys and books, festive decor, or something more practical like footie pajamas, these gift suggestions will make you, your kids and family smile.

A 6-foot string with 5 dreidel and 5 menorah lights to decorate your home or classroom

A colorful wood menorah children will enjoy pretending to "light"

Kids will enjoy playing The Dreidel Song on this musical menorah

This charming, sturdy book is a favorite for toddlers ages 1 to 3

An adorable one-piece in sizes preemie, newborn and 3, 6, 9 months

Includes 18 game cards and everything needed to play

A gift box that magically reveals a fun, new surprise gift for 8 nights

Add the name of a special child for a truly unique heirloom quality gift



Gifts for Girlfriends, Wives and Moms



All of the ideas for gals are just my style. So let's just say I'm dropping a hint to anyone who might be planning to surprise me with a gift that I will definitely love this Hanukkah.

This 4-inch glass Kurt Adler design is perfect for shopaholics

These colorful menorah Bauble Bar earrings are so festive and fun

I couldn't wait for Hanukkah, so I already bought this one for me

An elegant menorah, with handpainted enamel encrusted with crystals
 
A luxurious blue tile flowy print dress in the prettiest hues of blue and white



Fairytale Brownies Hanukkah Gift Box

Foodie, Entertaining, and Hostess Gifts



These come boxed and individually wrapped (Hanukkah Sampler Box is pictured above) with a mouth-watering assortment of brownies in various sizes (3" x 3", 3" x 1.5", 1.5" x 1.5"). Delicious flavors in the sampler gift box include Pecan, Toffee Crunch, White Chocolate, Mint Chocolate Espresso Nib, Cnnamon Cocoa, Caramel, Chocolate Chip, Raspberry Swirl, Walnut and Cream Cheese plus 4 Blondie Magic Morsels (4 flavors)  and 4 different cookies (Snickerdoodle, Caramel Pecan, Chocolate Chip, and Double Chocolate) ready to give in a festive "Happy Hanukkah" box. 

Fairytale Brownies Chanukah gift boxes are also offered in Gluten-Free Brownie Morsels (choice of 12 or 24 pieces) and Sugar-Free Brownie Morsels (24 pieces). In all, as of press time, there are 31 different Hanukkah gift box options in the brand's collection. All Fairytale Brownies products are certified kosher under the supervision of the Greater Phoenix Vaad Hakashruth in Arizona.

A few more gift ideas from other brands in this category...

This 16" x 24" white waffle weave tea towel makes a wonderful holiday gift for your host or hostess

Kids love chocolate gelt even more in so many colors like this, OU Dairy certified


Fun Hanukkah Gift Ideas for Everyone

Whimsical Gifts for All, You Included



Mini Bead Hanukkah Jewelry Making Kit
The charms, beads and more set the stage for getting creative

A beautiful, nickleplate hand-forged piece from the brand's Heart Collection

The modern Tree of Life branch design is offered in 3 sizes

Chanukah for a Cause menorah candles - Proud to Stand with Israel

A delicate, sweet needle-felted handcrafted collectible

Battery operated, this gingerbread cottage style piece belongs on your table



Hanukkah Gifts for Family Friends

Gifts for Family and Friends



Ceramic Nail Polish Menorah
Faux nail polish bottles hold the candles on this adorable menorah

This holiday spa in a box includes a succulent along with soap, candle and more 

Send this 3-D LovePop card to the animal and llama lovers on your mailing list

Also from LovePop, send this sweet card that won't wilt or die like real flowers
Imagine the family photos you'll be able to take wearing these lookalike PJs



Hanukkah Pet Gifts for Dogs Cats

Pet Gifts for Cats and Dogs


These cat and dog gifts are perfect for pet parents to give to your four-legged children. They're surprisingly inexpensive, too, so you'll probably want to buy them all!

Your kitty will be mesmerized by these 4 fish that make crackling sounds

This catnip fleece set is a really popular Hanukkah gift for cats this year

A fun find for dogs is this stuffed oversized coin made with metallic fabric

Include your dog in the festivities with this holiday-themed plush dog toy 

A dog pull toy with pretend dreidel cookies attached that's fun for you both

Hoping you find one or more gifts for someone special on your shopping list. Happy Shopping!

FTC Disclosure: MBE participates in Amazon affiliate advertising program and well as other affiliate marketing programs. So when you click on a link and make a purchase, I will earn a small bit of compensation at no extra cost to you. 

Happy Hanukkah to
All Celebrating

Hanukkah Menorah Jewish Holiday Celebration
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Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Movie Review

Movies


by Janis Brett Elspas, Editor 
Mommy Blog Expert 

 

A New Family Comedy in Theaters


The movie The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024, Rated PG) family friendly comedy film opens in theaters in nationwide on November 8. 


Christmas Time Pine Trees



A Christmas Film for Kids and Parents


In a world that can feel like it’s moving at a lightning pace, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever offers a relevant, refreshing and beautiful pause at this time of year -- a warm reminder of old-fashioned virtues that transcend time across the generations. This movie adaptation of Barbara Robinson’s beloved book resonates with moms and dads who will see the potential for good in every child, no matter how "bad" they might seem at a glance. For those celebrating Christmas, both parents and kids alike, viewers will also take away values that they can bring with them into the upcoming holiday season. 

The story, which takes place during Christmastime, follows the six Herdman siblings—Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie, and Gladys -- an eccentric, scrappy, and notorious group of kids whose rowdy ways have earned them a reputation in their small town. But when they unexpectedly audition for the town’s annual Christmas pageant, which has been performed for the past 100 years, they turn tradition on its head in the most hilarious and heartwarming way.

Known for their rebellious ways, the Herdmans come across as anything but sweet, innocent, and angelic, yet the film invites viewers, both kids and grownups, to look deeper. As they learn about the Christmas story and get caught up in the magic of the season, these wild ones surprise everyone, including themselves, showing a glimpse of their own capacities for kindness, bravery, and, yes, goodness.

In the role of Grace Bradley, the courageous and warm-hearted mother who takes on the daunting task of directing the pageant, we see Allison Tolman (known for her award-winning performance in Fargo and Why Women Kill). Tolman brings a delightful mix of compassion and strength as she battles through her doubts to help the Herdmans and the entire community navigate toward seeing the good in everyone.


Scenes from this New Movie . . .

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever


Each Herdman Kid Offers Something Unique


  • Ralph Herdman (Mason Thames, known for The Black Phone) is the eldest and takes on a slightly reluctant leadership role. With a scowl that hides his vulnerability, Ralph’s character begins to thaw as he learns that kindness can be powerful, not necessarily a trait showing weakness.   
  • Imogene Herdman (Brooklynn Prince, from The Florida Project) is sassy and fearless, with a reputation for stealing. Yet, she’s also incredibly smart and resourceful. Her portrayal as Mary in the pageant becomes one of the film’s most touching transformations, revealing Imogene’s ability to care deeply when given the chance.
  • Leroy Herdman (Roman Griffin Davis of Jojo Rabbit fame) is mischievous and adventurous, quick to fight but also fiercely loyal to his siblings. Davis’s portrayal captures a playful, impish side that audiences will find both amusing and endearing.
  • Claude Herdman (Jacob Tremblay, well-known for both Room and Wonder) is quieter than his siblings but has a knack for getting into trouble just the same. Tremblay brings depth to Claude, showcasing a kid who’s lost and simply looking for a place where he can feel he belongs.
  • Ollie Herdman (Iain Armitage, Young Sheldon) brings an intellectual curiosity mixed with a wild streak that often leads to some pretty chaotic situations. Armitage’s comedic timing is spot-on, adding a layer of humor while also displaying Ollie’s softer side.
  • Gladys Herdman (McKenna Grace, known for Ghostbusters: Afterlife) is the youngest and most energetic of the group, famous for her shrill cries and dramatic antics. As the “angel” in the pageant, her enthusiasm adds a hilarious twist to her role, showing that even the smallest Herdman has a heart of gold.

With this well-rounded cast of young talents and seasoned grownup actors, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever captures the humor, challenges, and revelations that come when people from different walks of life come together. Through the antics of the Herdman kids, we see that every child -- even those labeled as "troublemakers" -- has the potential for positive change.

What makes this movie a gem is its dedication to showcasing old-fashioned values without feeling preachy or outdated. These are morals rooted in compassion, understanding, and forgiveness -- qualities that the younger generation, so often glued to their smartphones and screens, might need a little reminder of now ad then. Through the antics of the Herdman youngsters, we see that every child, even those labeled as "troublemakers," has the potential for meaningful growth that leads to positive change.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever isn’t just a feel-good holiday flick; it's a call to parents and children alike to slow down, look beyond labels, and find the goodness that’s often hiding in plain sight. This heartwarming, family-friendly story serves as a sweet reminder that sometimes all it takes is a little patience and understanding to bring out the best in each other, especially during the holiday season.


The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Movie


More About The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

See a preview of this film by watching the official movie trailer. Also learn more about The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, visit the movie website and follow @bestchristmaspageantever, @lionsgate, and @kingdomstorycompany on Facebook and Instagram. Buy tickets now to see this film with your family at a local theater near you.



Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services for providing screening access to facilitate this movie review. Opinions are 100% my own.
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
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