Vanessa Leigh

Latest posts by Vanessa Leigh

Toys for Tots 2024 Drop-Off Spots in NYC and More Places to Donate Toys

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Tue, 12/10/2024 - 11:59am

Toys for Tots brings Christmas joy to children in need. Photo courtesy of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

If you're looking for ways to give back this holiday season, consider donating to Toys for Tots or one of these other locations where you can donate toys in NYC. After all, during this jolly season, what brings more joy to children and families than celebrating Christmas morning with presents under the tree? Unfortunately, many local families need support to provide toys for their children.

If you have the means, it's a wonderful gesture to spread cheer by donating new toys to local charities. We’ve found multiple charities that allow families to donate toys in NYC. From the perennially popular Toys for Tots to other local charities, these organizations and their patrons can use your support. If you're struggling to put toys under your own tree, we've also noted how to request toys where possible.

Remember that most of these locations accept new toy donations. If you’re looking for places to donate gently used clothes and other items, we’ve got those, too. Plus, find tons more picks to make your holiday season extra merry in our New York City Kids Guide to Christmas and the Holidays.

Baby's First Christmas Gifts

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Thu, 11/07/2024 - 10:19am

Make baby's first Christmas extra special with these awesome gift ideas.

A baby’s first Christmas is a magical milestone that’s filled with joy, wonder, and—for grown-ups—the thrill of picking out the perfect baby Christmas gift. Whether you’re looking for an adorable baby's first Christmas outfit or pajamas, a baby's first Christmas ornament or other cherished keepsake, or a fun toy, you can't go wrong with any of the items on our list below.

Some of the best gifts for a baby's first Christmas come from the heart, so we've also included personalized options to make the holiday season extra memorable. From seasonal clothing to festive books, here are more than 20 great gift ideas for a baby's first Christmas.

Find more awesome presents for babies, including the best first birthday gifts, in our Baby and Maternity Guide.

Best Baby & Kids Ear Protection for Concerts and Crowds

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Tue, 10/08/2024 - 10:21am

Headphones like these from 3M Kids help protect kids' hearing so you can enjoy loud activities together.

As parents, keeping our kids' ears safe in noisy environments is so important. Whether you're at a fun concert, a big sporting event, or a crowded festival, loud noises can be overwhelming for young children and can even cause lasting hearing damage. That’s why finding the right ear protection for babies, toddlers, and even teenagers is a must.

Here is some of the best ear protection for concerts and other events for babies, toddlers, kids, and teens. Options range from soft ear muffs for infants to high-quality ear protection for older kids and teens.

Check out our Guide to the Best Baby and Kid Gear for more must-have items for your children, from road trip essentials to the best bunk beds.

40 Baby Registry Lifesavers for New York City Parents

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Sun, 08/11/2024 - 5:25am

NYC babies still need tons of gear, but these baby registry items are city-parent tested.

When crafting a baby registry in NYC, take a breath before you let your suburb-dwelling sister sell you on that giant all-terrain stroller. Remember that creating a city-friendly baby registry is a whole other ballgame. With all the subway riding and small space living urban parents do, it's important to choose baby registry items made for the many hurdles (and perks) NYC throws your way.

Wondering where to start with your baby registry wish list? Here are 40 must-have baby registry items to get you and your little New Yorker through the first year.

Want more advice on making this whole new parent thing work? Take a look at our NYC Baby Guide.

Best Tips on How To Plan a Birthday Party for Kids in 10 Easy Steps

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Thu, 08/01/2024 - 9:13am

Plan a birthday party with no stress with our easy step-by-step plan. Photo courtesy of Canva

How to plan a birthday party for kids? We polled all the moms we know and reduced the hassle of birthday party planning to 10 easy steps. Follow them and voila—birthday party of your kid's dreams with no headache for you!

Close your eyes, and make a wish! Did you wish that you'd be given the magic recipe for how to plan your kid's birthday party? Well, today's your lucky day. Read on for 10 easy steps to plan a birthday party for kids.

Check out our Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties and Birthday Party Ideas for even more inspiration.

Staten Island Zoo Is Animal-Packed Adventure for Little Ones

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Mon, 07/15/2024 - 3:25pm

Indoor exhibits let kids get up close with animals in their habitats.

If you're looking for animal adventures in the Big Apple might we suggest the Staten Island Zoo—one of NYC's true hidden gems? While there are so many wonderful zoos in NYC, the compact Staten Island Zoo is seemingly overlooked. It has a perfect layout for small children and is packed with interesting species for kids of all ages to explore, plus it offers fun, family-friendly programming. Its admission fees are reasonable, so consider this your sign to head across the Verrazzano or take a FREE ferry ride to this under-the-radar NYC animal haven.

Visiting Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory for a Beautiful Butterfly Experience With Kids

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Fri, 06/14/2024 - 7:33am

Visit Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory in South Deerfield for a magical experience in Greater Boston!

See butterflies and more with a visit to Magic Wings!

45 Baby Shower Games That are Modern, Unique, and FUN

Submitted by Vanessa Leigh on Thu, 06/13/2024 - 12:28pm

"Pin the ......." is a silly game, but gets everyone laughing! Photo courtesy of the TYHJOY Store on Amazon

Baby shower games don't have to be stale, boring, and old-fashioned. These awesome games are fun for moms, dads, friends, parents, and everyone.

Put the days of baby word crossword puzzles or candy bars melted in diapers firmly in the past. Have you ever been to a party where they measured the baby bump with a string to see who can predict the size of the mom-to-be? (Get your hands off my belly!) While those games have traditionally been a part of baby showers, there are tons of new baby shower game ideas that are fun, meaningful, and bring people together.

Here are 50 ideas to help you plan a modern, unique baby shower! For more baby registry must-haves, baby name suggestions, and more ways to prepare for your new bundle of joy, check out our Baby and Maternity Guide.

Latest posts by Vanessa Leigh

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