We're hunkered down and ready to be here for a while. I picked up a few things from our local businesses to help keep the kids busy during these next few weeks. I'll keep most of them hidden from the kids until they seem like they're going a bit stir crazy and then I'll bring them out to keep things interesting for them! All of these (and more!) are listed here and at the time of writing (3/24), they are all still doing local delivery.
I know it's tempting right now to continue shopping big online retail but our small businesses need us now more than ever so I urge you to check out my list. We want these places to be able to open their doors once this all shakes out so now's the time to show your support. And two major selfish bonuses of shopping local right now? 1) The owners of these places have cut through the noise for you to provide the BEST products, curated kits, and packages so you don't have to deal with one more potential overwhelm right now. And 2) Many of them can deliver same-day.
*Steps off soapbox* Anyway, here's what we got! For reference, my boys are 4 and 6 years old so that's obviously my target range for activities but most of these places have a variety of activities for all age ranges!
Outdoor play
New rain gear from Biddle & Bop
We have a section of woods and a stream right next to our house and my boys have been spending several hours a day in it. I noticed a few weeks ago that their rain/water play gear was seriously undersized and ordered new rain pants from Biddle & Bop. It was delivered so fast I didn't even realize it had come! Biddle + Bop is run single-handedly by one of our local single moms in Maplewood. In addition to their outerwear (which is top notch), there are indoor and outdoor toys and kits, and so much more. Everything is carefully curated, sustainably sourced, and high quality. See the site for delivery details.
Activity kits and books
Buttons kits from Sew Leana
Right now, Sew Leana is offering kits and virtual sewing lessons for kids of all levels! How cool is that?! We opted for the button kits and she dropped them off very quickly!
Books, always books, from The Book House
We have some very generous grandparents who told us to pick out some new books. This is what we picked! Nadege at The Book House is now known as "the book fairy" in my house because of her prompt book delivery right to our doorstep. The site is not fully shoppable though she does have some very useful curated lists, and you can always email or call for some recommendations if nothing you see on the lists speaks to you or if you want something specific. You can learn more about how I select books for my own kids in this Instagram post and if you ever want recommendations directly from me, email me or send me a message on social! There are few things I love more than giving book recommendations!
Art kit from Sweet Nothings
Ooly art supplies can be hard to come by online but Sweet Nothings always has a few great items and I knew I wanted to snap one up. We have a lot of Ooly stuff already but my boys will love this marker set which we don't have yet (and the sweet Easter treats I also picked up at the same time!). Check out Sweet Nothings on Instagram @sweetnothingsnj to see what other goodies they have for you. They have art kits, cute little novelty items (Peeps sidewalk chalk and jelly bean scented bubbles, for instance!), and of course endless sweet treats to brighten a day!
Poppikit's spring kit
We have a birthday coming up next week and my boys are going to be so excited to help decorate a birthday cake for their little sister who will be turning ONE! You can buy a kit online and have it delivered locally or pick one up at Kings Short Hills. Whatever you choose, you're guaranteed a fun activity that will take up some time and bring you joy on these days!
Live streams and online classes
Snapology
My boys (and I, let's be honest) love LEGOs so we're going to try to wrangle a few friends to do a Snapology play date! We've been playing along on their Facebook challenges and we won one so we can put that to use and get some time with friends while we're at it.
Boogie Woogie Babies
The best dance class for your baby! They're going live on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:30am and it's right up my 1yo's alley! I can't wait to do it with her!
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