Stores & Services

Where to Find Halloween Costumes on a Budget in Fairfield County

Submitted by Elizabeth Howard on Tue, 09/19/2017 - 2:35pm

Not to panic you, but if you don't start planning your kids' Halloween costumes pretty soon, you know they are going to spend this Halloween as a hobo, like I did most years. My kids always seem to know exactly what they want to be for Halloween -- IN JUNE. But then they completely forget by the time I ask them again in September. And I know better than to wander the aisles of expensive seasonal costume stores with them, trying to explain to an 8-year-old what a "Sexy Trash Monster Costume" is.

After years of experience in costume building, conjuring, finagling, trading, repairing, and trussing, below is my shopping guide for kids Halloween costumes on a budget. Once you get the kids decked out, be sure to make good use of the costumes by pouring over our awesome Connecticut Guide to Halloween.

American Girl Gets a Makeover with a Brand-New NYC Store

Submitted by Jody Mercier on Mon, 09/18/2017 - 12:00pm

If your daughter's a fan of Samantha, Kit, MaryEllen, or Melody, or it's a major announcement in your house when the annual Girl of the Year is revealed, we've got news for you: American Girl is relocating and revamping its flagship Midtown store just in time for the holiday rush.

Those familiar with its current location just east of Rockefeller Plaza won't have to reroute themselves too far to find signature dolls' new home.

New LICM4All App Helps Families Enjoy The Long Island Children's Museum Even More

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Mon, 09/18/2017 - 11:00am

The Long Island Children's Museum gets it: under the best circumstances, it takes planning to pull off a great outing with kids; if your child has special needs, even more so. That's why we think their new smartphone app isn't just smart, it's brilliant.

Designed specifically to support children with neurodiversities and physical challenges, the free LICM4all app aims to take the guesswork out of planning a visit to the museum. Before the trip, families can download the app from either the App Store or Google Play and create a totally customized schedule based on their interests, as well as their needs. Short videos offer a sneak peek into current exhibitions, while also showing kids what to expect — like that they may get a little messy at the Bubbles exhibit, or that they might have to wait their turn at the TotSpot. Meanwhile, the color-coded, sensory-friendly museum map identifies galleries that are quieter or louder, and a list of tips provides parents with helpful details on accessible parking, restrooms, service animals, and more.

Pirates, Goblins, or Wonder Woman: Best Places to Buy Halloween Costumes in Fairfield County

Submitted by Brandee Gilmore on Fri, 09/01/2017 - 10:52am

Every year, I get a certain catalog in the mail filled with all kinds of wonderful Halloween costumes. It arrives in late August/Early September and promptly ends up in “the pile.” By time I get around to actually look through it, I realize that most of the costumes are out of stock and/or rush shipping is our only option of getting it to us on time to wear it to one of five bazillion Halloween Events that seems to have popped up on my calendar. Or maybe your child wants a truly uniquely creative costume that seems to only exist in the land of pure imagination. If you - like me -have found yourself in this predicament then, here's the rundown on where to snag Halloween costumes in Fairfield County.

Car Seats Are Now Available for Lyft Rides Across NYC

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Wed, 08/30/2017 - 11:00am

When you just can't face rush hour on the F train with your stroller, or you're already running 15 minutes late for morning drop off (again), a cab can be a lifesaver for an NYC parent. But if you've got a little one who needs a car seat, the ultimate hack quickly becomes a major hassle, since you need to lug a seat with you or find a car service that actually has them on hand. Luckily, it looks like someone over at Lyft has heard the cries of commuting parents everywhere, because the popular and affordable app just rolled out a new car seat option that makes it really easy to call a car for you and your kiddo.

Dying to know the details before your next missed-the-bus Monday morning or too-wiped-out-to-walk Wednesday? Well, we've got answers to your biggest Lyft car seat questions, and a sweet discount on your next ride.

Fall Consignment Sales for Houston Families

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Thu, 08/24/2017 - 6:01pm

Keeping up with your ever growing children's clothing needs can take a toll on the family bank account. A great way to save money is purchasing clothes (and even toys and other baby gear) at consignment stores, or better yet, massive sales. Houston has several consignment sales happening around town this fall. Check out the below events - organized by date - to find one near you.

Sylvan EDGE STEM Classes (Almost) Too Cool for After-School

Submitted by Jessica Laird on Thu, 08/24/2017 - 12:00pm

We're forever amazed by the things kids are learning to do these days. From coding to building robots, today's kiddos are mastering critical 21st century skills that will help them excel in school and, ultimately, their careers. And the best part of all is that places like Sylvan Learning have figured out how to make engineering, coding, and even math, fun. Sylvan Learning believes that engaging and interactive experiences during this pivotal time help nurture an early love of STEM, which can literally serve kids for a lifetime.

We recently took a bunch of kids to try out a Sylvan EDGE STEM program for an afternoon, and we couldn't believe what they created. Check out the video to see what your little learners could be doing at Sylvan.

Fall Consignment Sales for Philly Families

Submitted by Kristen Sullivan on Fri, 08/18/2017 - 10:00am

Preparing a kid's closet for the cool breezes of autumn can hit a Philly family right in the wallet. But, it doesn't have to. Purchasing children's clothes by shopping local consignment sales is one way to save some cash. Throughout Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley, consignment sales offer families a place to buy gently used clothing, toys, baby items, and other childhood staples for a fraction of the retail price. Additionally, when your kids grow out of their clothes or toys, consignment sales provide an opportunity to sell these items for extra money.

Consignment sale organizers can submit their events to our calendar by clicking here. For a list of spring consignment sales, check here.