Multiplicity 2013 Toy/Gift Guide

2013

Toy & Gift

Guide 1

multiplicity

the must-have magazine for all moms of multiples

The creator of the Twiniversity online resource delivers the definitive survival guide for all parents of multiples --- from pregnancy through the first year The rate of twin births has risen by 79% over the last three decades, and continues to grow.

Expectant parents are overwhelmed with questions: do I really need two of everything? Can we do this ourselves or do we need help? Will I have to rob a bank to raise these babies without going broke?

A twins mom herself and national guru on having two (or more!), Natalie Diaz launched Twiniversity, a supportive website with advice from the trenches. What to Do When You’re Having Two covers: *making a Birth Plan checklist *sticking to one sleep schedule *double-duty breastfeeding *must-have gear *building one-on-one relationships with each child early Brimming with tried-and-true tips --- from the diaper budget to stroller sanity --- this is the must-have survival guide for parents of multiples.

Natalie Diaz has been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, New York Family Magazine, and more. She was named one of the top 100 Social Media Moms on Twitter by Disney and has recently been nominated for a She Knows Parenting Award.

Order your copy today!

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multiplicity

the must-have magazine for all moms of multiples

on great gifts for the whole family!

A must-read book...

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Baby & Kids Product Buzz

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Volunteering: How to make it happen with your kids

“For anyone expecting or raising multiples, this book needs to be on their recommended reading list!” —MultipleBirthsFamilies.com “Offers advice to frazzled parents.” — Brooklyn Daily Eagle

12 Tweens & Teens Product Buzz

“Full of information, it is richly flavored with tips and tricks that are certainly very practical for the busy parents of twins.” — Twin Research and Human Genetics

14 Moms Product Buzz 15 Dads Product Buzz 16 Take it Outside: Gifts to enjoy

*New book about adult twins coming soon, too!

with the whole family

20 It Happened to Us: Less than

perfect parties and how to roll with it!

photo courtesy of jane goodrich photography

18 Miscellaneous Product Buzz

Dr. Joan A. Friedman, PhD

cover cuties The McDonald triplets photos

courtesy of Ikenroth Images Photography

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baby & kids productbuzz primo play yard cabana

Sleep and play anywhere! Perfect for indoor or outdoor use for up to 3 children! It is oversized, lightweight, portable and comes fully assembled. The waterproof padded floor mat keeps your child comfortable and dry. Side panels offer see-through mesh for ventilation and easy visibility of your children, with one having a zippered door with lock for easy access to child(ren) when the cover is used. Cloth travel case with shoulder strap included for easy portability. Store the travel case and removable cabana cover in side storage pockets. Fabric is sunproof for added protection.

Recommended Ages: 0-3 years Retail: $199.99 www.primobaby.com (20% Discount Code: MN2013)

petunia ballerina mouse

The 20� Petunia is tutu cute in her pink tulle tutu and matching ear bow. She wears fuzzy pink slippers with tiny satin bows and a pink jewel necklace. Her ears and arm pads are lined in soft pink fabric and she is ready to dance! She is an arm full and would make a very special gift for a very special little girl.

Recommended Ages: 24 months+

Retail: $29.99 www.douglascuddletoy.com

the magical tale of santa dust

THE Christmas Book of 2013!

Every Child Wonders......How will Santa find me? How will he know where I live? Begin a new Christmas Eve tradition in your home - help your child guide Santa and his reindeer to their door!

The Magical Tale of Santa Dust is a delightful holiday tale of two small children whose house Santa has never been able to find. It’s Christmas Eve again, and the children fear another year will go by without a visit from Santa. Saved by the antics of a giggling, bungling elf, and some magical dust, their Christmas dreams come true. Magical Santa Dust is enclosed in a red velvet pouch that is also a keepsake Christmas tree ornament.

Recommended ages 2+ Retail: $19.95 Available at Barnes & Noble and www.themagicaltaleofsantadust.com

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baby & kids productbuzz twinzzshop

Hand-stitched applique designs specifically for twins and siblings make these matching onesies and tees doubly adorable. Appliques are created from super soft, upcycled tshirt jersey knit fabrics, specially selected for that exact color, and hand-stitching means they are made with love and will last wash after wash. Perfect for holiday and milestone photographs.

Use coupon code TWINU for 10% off any orders!

Retail: $15+ www.etsy.com/shop/twinzzshop

melissa & doug bug jug

This toy offers lots of play options as your baby grows. Little ones will love filling it up and dumping it out, and will thrill in the various textures, colors and sounds the bugs make. The Bug Jug has an easy-open attached lid and is collapsible and self-storing for travel anywhere. It is filled with four bugs that rattle, jingle, squeak and crinkle, and is machine washable.

Recommended Ages: 6 months+ www.melissaanddoug.com

Retail: $24.99

hold-on handles® zany zoo plush

It’s fine to monkey around, but not when crossing the street or jetting through a busy airport. Moms of multiples know that a most challenging time is when out and about and the kids want out of the stroller. That’s why we created Hold-On Handles, the unique stroller accessory and walking rope that helps teach kids to stay within arm’s reach – a far better option, we believe, than a leash or harness. The soft, cuddly Monkey and Panda handles tame even the youngest, adventurous walkers. With Hold-On Handles you will feel more confident, and your children can be safer, more active, and happily independent. Zany Zoo Plush handles are the perfect big brother/sister gift.

Recommended Ages: 18 mos.+ www.holdonhandles.com

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Retail: $24.99

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baby & kids productbuzz pacific play tents

What little boy or girl wouldn’t like to have their own castle? Pacific Play Tents offers a variety of play tents, sure to fuel the imagination, From teepees and castles, to houses, train stations and grocery stores (you could create a whole village!), there is a tent for every occasion.

Tents are made of sturdy shock-corded poles for easy assembly, are durable, and have a waterproof polyethylene floor.

Easy cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap.

Tent carry bag included. Tunnel folds flat.

Recommended Ages: 18 months+

Retail: $49.99+ www.pacificplaytents.com

kid’sleep my first alarm clock

The Kid’Sleep Classic has many benefits, as a night light, wake-up indicator for young children and an alarm clock for older children.

It helps young children have an understanding of when it is time to get out of bed and when it is not. It is a great tool for nighttime self regulation, and the result is that both parents and children get more sleep. The Kid’Sleep can be used with or without the alarm function.

Recommended Ages: 2 years+

Retail: $39.99 www.livelovedream.com

fisher price go baby go crawl and cruise musical jungle

This jungle of fun includes a rocking croc, an elephant with a balldrop trunk, and a 360-degree spinning hippo with an appetite for ball-dropping fun. Animals feature fun lights and sounds to reward baby. As baby grows and is ready to stand and cruise, this inviting jungle provides a sturdy place for her to hang on to for support.

Once she reaches the top jungle rail, your little explorer can spin the sun mirror, swat the wiggly-jiggly tree frog, flip the click-clack butterfly wings and bat the colorful rollerball with rattle beads. Features music, lights, songs and sound effects, plus six colored balls.

Recommended Ages: 6 months+ 6

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Retail: $215.00 www.amazon.com

baby & kids productbuzz step2 jumbo patchwork play space

Babies will love playing on this fun and interactive play mat. The mat is soft and comfy with over 20 play features. Sounds, textures and colors encourage rolling, scooting and crawling. High contrast patterns foster cognitive development, and the many interactive features encourage sensory development. The mat is perfect for more than one baby, measuring 47” square. The mat is durable, easy to clean and dries quickly. This is the perfect gift for any baby!

Recommended age: 0 months+ www.step2.com

Retail: $29.99

kornerd

For ages 3-103, Endless Games offers card, dice, party, word, strategy, trivia, survey and pop culture games for everyone! New games like Korner’D, a proud partner of Autism Speaks, is a great challenge for everyone, including those with special needs. Korner’D is a puzzle that’s also a game! And, Cupcake Race, the board game that satisfies your sweet tooth! There is a party tonight and you are bringing the cupcakes. Be the first to mix, bake, frost and top your cupcakes and you win the cherry on top!!

Recommended ages: 4 and up Retail: $35.00 www.endlessgames.com

haba roll ‘n roll ball track

Why are we so fascinated by balls – especially wooden balls? This relatively simple toy made in Bad Rodach, Germany is a great ‘go-to’ gift for new parents and grandparents. Why? Children (and adults!) of all ages will play over and over and over with this. Rolling one ball at a time, then quickly trying to push two balls then all three balls in succession. Watching the balls “shake” hands with the first goblin, ring the bells of the second and then to finally clatter quietly on the bottom rung. Toddlers will show off their skills with the younger siblings and everyone wants to join in. The best part? No small pieces to pick up.

Made in Germany with real beech woods and stained with water based stains, it is sure to last and be safe for even the youngest.

Use coupon code 15HABAMulti to receive 15% off (expires 12/15/13).

Recommended age: 1-2 years Retail: $115.99 www.HABAusa.com

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volunteering:

u

how kids can make a difference by talitha a. mcguinness

nfortunately, many of today’s kids are all about the “gimme’s”. They witness (on a daily basis, no less) from television, tabloids and the internet how people are constantly demanding more, more, more or feeling they are owed one thing or another. We live in a society that fosters getting something for nothing.

Many kids also receive so much at birthdays, holidays and in between that they take much of it for granted. Spoiled? Maybe, but with so much narcissistic behavior being modeled around them, it’s no wonder that they come by it naturally. Doomed?

No way! Aside from being the responsible parents that we are and limiting their intake of television and other potentially bad influencers like the internet, here are some tips on how to

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encourage your children (no matter the age!) to give back and get involved within your community.

Start when they’re young.

The younger you start to encourage giving and sharing, the easier and more naturally it will come as your children get older. Just as we begin teaching letters and numbers long before children begin school, so to should we introduce acts of kindness. Children as young as 2 years old are not too young to hear you reiterate daily that we play nicely with our friends, share our toys, help pick up when we make a mess, etc.

These are great lessons on social responsibility that will stand the tests of time (and will be a huge help as they learn what’s expected of them as part of the

the must-have magazine for all moms of multiples

family unit and within the home).

Start small and work your way up.

It’s important that you base giving and acts of kindness on a level that your child understands and that your efforts grow as your child grows. However, some acts span many ages. For example, what child wouldn’t love to help bake cookies or make cards for people in a local nursing home? This effort doesn’t require significant amounts of time or money, but truly makes a difference in the hearts of those on the receiving end. You could also talk with your child about helping an elderly neighbor with odd jobs, or a relative with small chores like taking the trash to the curb, collecting the mail, raking leaves, or if old enough, even mowing the lawn. --- contd. pg. 21

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2-Pack 8 oz.

Standard Bottles

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2-Pack 4 oz.

Wide-Neck Bottles

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Bottle Choice Matters.

All Dr. Brown’s™ bottles feature our Patented Internal Vent System that reduces colic and helps preserve vitamins. See our 2-Packs of Standard, Wide-Neck and Glass bottles at BestBottle.com. Like you, we know that good things are even better when they come in pairs.

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©2012 Handi-Craft® Company

2-Pack 4 oz.

Glass Bottles

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Make some noise. White noise products not only play similar sounds babies are accustomed to in the womb, they also mimic the instinctual ‘shhhush’-ing sound parents make when trying to calm a crying baby.

Your baby’s naps should be no less than 45 minutes.

Put your child to bed drowsy, but awake.

Sleep Sound.

Grow Healthy.

Twilight Turtle Tunes with Bluetooth Technology. Mix custom sounds & light to create a magical sleeptime environment. ®

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multiplicity

the must-have magazine for all moms of multiples

tweens/teens productbuzz da vinci’s wooden catapult kit

Turn science and history into fun! This kit is a fully functioning, scale model of Leonardo Da Vinci catapult for demonstration of historical launching device. It flings soft clay balls (included) up to 15 feet for realistic reproduction of discharge. The catapult is made of wood for durability and there is some assembly required. This kit is a choking hazard, as it contains small parts and is not suggested for children under 3 years old. American Science and Surplus, the vendor, is a first-class provider of educational toys. Focused on education through play, they stand behind all the products they offer.

Recommended Ages: 4 years+

Retail: $18.71 www.amazon.com

disney spotlight karaoke system

Sing out! With Disney Spotlight digital wired mic and app, kids can sing along to their favorite Disney songs, put on a show, or make a video to share with the world. Disney Spotlight Mic & App - Karaoke on your iPad! App-enabled songs with powerful performance tools let you sing along or take the lead. Pro vocal effects make you sound great. Upload and share with friends. Ages 7-up.

Recommended Ages: 7 years+

Retail: $16.51 www.amazon.com

doodlebook photo frame

Doodle to your hearts content, all the way around the doodlebook frame. This unique frame allows you to write or draw on the area that frames your favorite picture. It has a pad of paper that is die cut in the center that frames the picture. When have an urge to change the message just tear off the paper and waala you have another canvas to play Picasso on. Leave a message for your loved one, or a unsult to your not so loved one. What’s next in frames? Tear off the paper and see as you start drawing over and over again.

Recommended Ages: 7 years+

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Retail: $19.99 www.umbra.com

tweens/teens productbuzz uncle milton’s fireworks light show

Give your kids an indoor light show with realistic sound effects!

The Fireworks Light Show brings the flash and bang of fireworks indoors. Crackles and booms are heard through the launcher’s speakers set in time to glowing, expanding firework images that display on your wall, flickering in time to the sounds. The fireworks appear best on white walls in a completely darkened room. Simply hold the launcher four to five feet away and let the fireworks begin.

Operating the handheld launcher is straightforward and adds to the fun. Use the firework selector dial to choose one of eight firework images for display.

Recommended age: 6 years+ www.amazon.com

Retail: $19.99

personalized subway art

What kid wouldn’t love to have artwork displayed in their room or own space that completely reflects their personality? Subway art has become a new creative trend that can be geared toward just about anything, including special occasions, favorite sports, personality and attitude, hobbies, etc. Having a custom made piece of art is a great way to show any kid how well you know them and that their personal style and personality is pretty awesome and unique!

Retail: $50.00+ www.etsy.com

underwater digital camera

Keep your hands free as you swim. The mask operates to a depth of 15 feet underwater and eliminates the need to hand-carry an underwater camera. It’s ideal for snorkeling or swimming pools. The goggle lenses are made of tempered glass and have integrated crosshairs that help you line up shots. Turn the camera on and choose a mode with the upper button. Simply press the shutter button to record pictures or videos. An LED inside the mask tells you whether you are in still-image or video mode. Downloading images is as easy as plugging the mask into your PC or Mac’s UBS port. (A USB cable is included.) The included software (which works on PCs only) enables you to edit your image or video content. The built-in 16 MB memory can store up to 27 highresolution pictures or up to 52 seconds of video.

Recommended age: 13 years+ www.amazon.com

Retail: $100.00 multiplicity

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moms productbuzz brian james shoes

Brian James™ is a new Collection of women’s footwear that is essential, soft and guaranteed to transcend your wardrobe season after season.

Created by Angela Edgeworth, founder of award-winning children’s brand, pediped®, The Collection features seven styles offering an affordable, high-quality option for women who adore comfort as much as fashion.

Each of the The Collection is available in EU sizes 36-41 (US 5.5-11).

Retail: $98.00+ www.brianjamesfootwear.com

gujrati mandalas sequined shoulder bag

What mom doesn’t love a beautiful new bag? Floral mandalas border a handbag of midnight black. By India’s Om Prakash, the shoulder bag features lavish machine embroidery and sequins that emulate Gujarat’s renowned mirror appliqué. The lined interior features a zipper pocket.

Shipping time from India is estimated at 10-20 days, so don’t delay!

Retail: $32.99 www.gifts-for-mom.novica.com

wonder mom t-shirt

So we all know in our heart of hearts that we are super moms and it’s a true wonder that we get anything else besides raising the kids done! Get in on the superhero craze by showing how your kids really feel about you with this adorable hero t-shirt. You can even rock it in your favorite color, as they have eight from which to choose, including pink and red. Cape not included, (but we’re sure it’s in the back of your closet, right?!?).

Retail: $22.95 www.zazzle.com

traci zeller home candle

Help mom relax! The Traci Zeller Home candle features her signature fragrance, and comes packaged in a versatile mercury glass container.

The clean, crisp scent combines citrus-fresh limes and zesty mandarins with herbal notes of basil. Hand-poured in Charlotte, North Carolina, the candle is pure soy and has an estimated burn time in excess of 70 hours.

Retail: $38.00 www.tracizeller.com 14

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dads productbuzz variety of the month clubs

Having a hard time deciding on something for a hard-to-buy-for-dad?

With variety of the month clubs, you can mix and match any of an assortment of items to create a personal gift that’s perfect every time!

Got a wine and cheese lover on your list? You can send both. Want to spice it up? Try adding a hot sauce or salsa delivery. Need to satisfy a sweet tooth? Go for chocolate, cookies or dessert. The possibilities are endless and it’s literally as easy as 1-2-3!

Retail: $100+ www.gifts.com

video camera pen

So dad’s not the real James Bond, but he’ll certainly feel like it with this Video Camera Pen. The Video Pen allows you to capture everyday moments as you take notes, doodle or sign the dinner bill. Records fullcolor video with audio in AVI video format and replays it in 720 x 480 resolution on your computer or mobile device via USB connection. Just press the button and start recording—you don’t even have to remove it from your shirt pocket. It has a 4GB internal flash memory that holds up to 1.5 hours of video and is rechargeable, too—just charge it up via your computer’s USB port to get up to 2 hours of recording time.

Retail: $79.99 www.brookstone.com

luxurious shaving kit

Utilizing the highest cosmetic grade all-natural ingredients, this is the perfect gift for any man with a face and a non-electric razor. Comes complete with our dual-purpose Glycerin Face/Shave Soap, blade glide-enhancing Pre-Shave Oil and the toning and refreshing Bergamot After-Shave. The bundle comes complete with our Five-Step Shave instructional card included in a reusable muslin drawstring stash bag.

Retail: from $34.00 www.imperialbarberproducts.com

handmade single dominoes set

This elegant crafted wooden domino set is fun for the entire family. Each domino has its numerical values represented in brass set in the wood. \ The lid of the box is decorated with brass dominoes set in the wood. The entire box has been handcrafted and decorated further with beautiful brass inlay. Apart from being a game storage unit, this box can add that decorative charm to your home or game room.

Retail: from $29.99 www.amazon.com multiplicity

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let’s go outside! fun outdoor play gifts for the whole family by cara krenn

i

t’s no surprise that some of the best family moments happen when playing outside. Outdoor play offers kids the opportunity to explore their environment and really go “wild” with regard to jumping, running and free play that isn’t typically encouraged inside. While you never need much to enjoy the Great Outdoors, here are some gift ideas that will encourage your kids to be creative, move their bodies, and enjoy their natural surroundings. It’s time to burn off some energy, so take these ideas, run to the store (or online!) and get to making some fun outdoor memories!

Babies/Toddlers

Everything is new for this age group, and now is the time to encourage curiosity and movement. Push toys are usually a big hit with the little ones.

• Push lawn mower: some are offered with bubble blowers that make “yardwork” extra special.

• Shopping cart complete with plastic or wooden toy food • Play house: an imaginationsparking gift to be used for years.

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fun outdoor gift ideas

• Water table • Blow up pool: fill with water or plastic balls. Even more fun when you add a plastic slide!

• Push and ride car • Swing and/or small play set • Play tunnel • Sidewalk chalk and washable art paint

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step2 push around buggy

Preschoolers

Many preschoolers will enjoy working on emerging sports skills and nature discovery adventures. Try some of these gifts to encourage them!

• T-ball set, adjustable basketball hoop, or soccer goal • Balance bike or Big Wheel trike • Plasma car: the weight limit on this car is high, so adults can ride too.

• Giant magnifying glass • Ant farm

pacific play tents

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Big Kids

The sky’s the limit for big kids. Tailor gift ideas to your child’s interests to keep them challenged.

• Science or nature kits • Razor scooter • Gardening tools and seeds • Telescope • Binoculars with bird book • Circus stilts, pogo stick or ball • Stomp rocket

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ALEX® toys stilts

Family Fun

From backyard campouts to picnics and local parks with amenities like miniature golf, tennis courts, etc., there are so many ways to make your own family memories outside.

• Camping tent • Basketballs, soccer balls, bouncing balls -- bring ‘em on!

• Parachute: perfect for play groups or parties.

• Giant bubbles set • Smashball set • Frisbee • Corn hole, ladder ball, etc.

• Picnic table: for years of enjoying family meals “al fresco.”

pacific play tents parachute

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miscellaneous productbuzz undercover tape

The team at Undercover Tape was troubled that their kids were consistently complaining about pesky tabs, irritating seams and of course…itchy sequins! This was leaving hundreds of dollars of clothing going unworn, so they needed a solution and needed it fast. Inspired by their own life experiences, Undercover Tape was designed to work with all types of clothing, including sports jerseys, costumes, socks, and underwear. Undercover Tape as a company believes in a grass roots approach with all production done locally, as well as supporting small and local businesses. Try the product and see if it helps you Ditch the Itch!

Retail: $98.00+ www.undercovertape.com

land of nod art jar

Land of Nod loaded a jumbo plastic jar full of funky art supplies like googly eyes, pom-poms, pipe cleaners, glue pens, construction paper, wavy craft scissors, wooden buttons, spools, beads, craft sticks and more.

With this one jar, there are literally tons of potential projects. All you need is a little imagination.

Retail: $29.99 www.landofnod.com

washi tape

Washi tape (much like masking tape, but much prettier and more fashionable!) has been a craze for a while now, but it’s cool because you can do so many things with it! Use it for scrapbooking, to make jewelry, customize gift wrapping, party favors and general decor...you name it and there’s a way to use it. Need more inspiration? Carve out some time and head on over to Pinterest. You’ll be there a while!

Retail: $1.99+ www.etsy.com

gift tags for every occasion

Any time you gift something, make it extra special with a gift tag. You can order customized tags, or pre-made tags from vendors on etsy.com in pretty much any color, shape or pattern to suit your mood or gift-giving needs. Purchase various themes and you’ll be covered year-round!

Retail: $4.00+ www.etsy.com 18

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miscellaneous productbuzz personalized art

Want a special way to recognize a special family? Consider a signature state map print created on heavyweight matte paper using archival ink. This piece of customized art features a vintage linen background and includes personalization with regard to the color, city, state and text of your choice. Makes a great gift for anniversaries, birthdays, housewarming, holidays, and grandparents, and comes in three sizes (8x10, 11x14, 16x20).

Retail: $24.00+ www.etsy.com

conversation starter linen napkins

This is the PERFECT gift for newlyweds, housewarming parties or just to liven up your next dinner party! You can have your choice of 12 questions embroidered on Handmade 100% Linen Dinner Napkins.

The dimensions of these napkins are 17 inches square. They have been pre-washed prior to sewing. The napkins are available in a large variety of colors and thread choices, including Natural Linen, White, Chocolate Brown, or Red. Retail: $132.00 www.etsy.com

chalkboard coaster set

Know someone who likes to host parties and gatherings? A chalkboard coaster set is a perfect gift! Each guest can write their own names on the coaster, never forgetting where they placed their drink, or wondering if they’re drinking from someone else’s cup.

Retail: from $15.00+ www.etsy.com

moxie showerhead

This bluetooth speaker showerhead easily replaces any traditional head, converting your mundane shower time into a dance party or relaxing spa session. The speaker links up with any bluetooth device and allows you to stream your favorite tunes directly into your shower. The Moxie also allows you to use multiple speakers, so you can purchase one for each member of your household. You can also take the speakers with you on the go and play them anywhere within bluetooth range.

Fortunate side effect: No more fighting with your kids to take a shower!

Retail: from $199.99 www.us.kohler.com multiplicity

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it happened to us: stories from the less than perfect parties by the mom squad

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he kids’ birthday has arrived and you have been planning that oh-so-perfect party, including coordinating drink tags, table cards, the perfect activities, and even the to-die-for goody bags that will make every kid want to be sure they’re on next year’s guest list. So what do you do when extra guests show up unannounced? How do you explain why one twin got invited, but not the other? What happens when one is given a gift, but not the other? And as they get older and develop different interests and friends, do you plan one party or two? These moms saved the tears for another time and let the parties go on!

“My kids are in different classes and have some different friends. They may be twins, but they are two independent people. I would never expect both kids to be invited just because they are twins,” said Laurel MacIntyre-Howard. “Life isn’t always fair and that’s the way it is. I use the opportunity to spend some fun one-on-one time with whichever [twin] is not invited.”

When one gets invited and not the other, some moms think it’s only fair to keep them both home.

Joanna Arat is a twin who had this experience

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growing up and said, “I felt like it was punishing the one who got invited. I agree that it’s rude that a parent would allow their child to invite one [and] not the other, but it’s life.”

with different themes. She said “I planned one [party] at the local mall two weeks before christmas. Never again.” (Seriously...can you even imagine?!?)

Some parents just don’t like leaving the one twin out and decide to take them along.

Sarah-louise Bradshaw said, “Some parents just don’t know they are twins. I have seen many times at parties where the parents have brought other older/younger siblings along and just paid for their meals and play time. Just call and ask if the other twin can come along and you foot the cost of the extra child.”

What about when uninvited guests show? Do you plan enough? “Yes, and it’s such a pain in the a@%! After the first uninvited guests for [my] boys’ 3rd birthday (siblings of the child invited), I now make extra favor bags and order extra food, just in case,” said Jennifer Leigh.

When it came to having presents for one and not the other, Kim Vana said she talked it over with her older twins. “When the party people showed up, some had a present for one twin (depending on whose class), and some had presents for both. It all went fine.”

And then there’s always the singing of the birthday song.

Who’s name do you say first?

Does it really matter?

“For my twins’ first birthday, the guests stumbled over whose name to say first on the song. The line got all jumbled and everyone cracked up,” said Kristin Sells.

Heather Shaffer Harmon said her four year old boy/girl twins asked to have the birthday song sung twice so they could sing for each other (disaster averted!).

Cassie Crow suggests keeping things easy by planning only one party for the twins, but

Tabatha Spake said, “I always plan for every invited guest and also put the child’s name on the party favor.

This way only those invited children will get a favor. If we have balloons, I may let the extra child or uninvited siblings have a balloon.”

Sounds fair enough!

Despite the uninvited guests and shortage of food and favors, some moms just roll with it. Krystle Bella said, “I’m Italian and Puerto Rican so if we ever run out of food or favors, I send a family member to the store to get more.” She says they always plan for extras and make everyone feel welcome. “If we all pitch in money for our guests, so be it! We make it work.”

Regardless of how perfectly you plan the party, always know that plans could go out the window the second uninvited guests show, the moment an unexpected storm blows through, or that moment when one twin realizes their gift pile is shorter than the other! multiplicity

contd. from volunteering Donate more than time or money.

When your children start begging for new things or you see toys going unnoticed for long periods of time, suggest that they start going through their things to share with others. So what can they donate and how?

• toys and books that are gently used, but have a lot of life left are perfect for a toy drive with friends; • gently used clothing that has been outgrown are perfect for donating to a local women’s shelter; • canned and non-perishable foods are perfect to collect and give when a local food bank or church that serves local needy families is in need.

• money that comes in the form of a percentage of an allowance, gift, etc. is a great way to teach children about sharing with others less fortunate.

They could give to their church or to another charitable organization that they select to support within your community throughout the year.

Make it a family affair.

Teach your children that everyone should give back of their time, talents and money by participating and helping in their efforts. You can talk about how you and your partner do your part in the community, whether it be serving on a board, volunteering at the school, making items for a bake sale, etc. An easy way to get involved with your kids is to help make lemonade and sell at their stand, start a toy and book drive within your neighborhood, or start a car wash and then donate the proceeds.

Regardless of how you teach your children to give back, it’s most important that you start earlier rather than later, that they know it’s better to give than to receive, and that you practice what you preach.

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photography by firewife photography