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holiday gift guide series

Top 5 Dad’s Day Deals!

For many, Father’s Day is when we express gratitude to fathers and present them with gifts. While your dad might have a few things in mind, he most likely won’t be the first to come out and say what he really wants. So for the majority of us, it’s going to require some digging.

Every dad is different, of course, and maybe yours will just be happy with a nice heartfelt card, while others might be expecting a new bbq, a drill set or some other type of new tool. The good news is that most fathers really just want to spend time with their family.

As Father’s Day approaches, it seems to be the right time to highlight some of my favorite things: deals and dads! In my case they go hand-in-hand because my father was always looking to save, always looking for a great deal.

In that spirit I’ve put together my Top 5 Deals for Dad’s Day ranging from photography to fitness, so Father’s Day (and beyond) is centered around growing and making meaningful memories together. Plus, all 5 are deeply discounted for a real Dad’s Day DEAL.

Photography Lessons

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This incredible set is perfect for that dad with the creative streak, whether he’s futzed around with a camera or always wish he did! Photography is such a big part of our world, and what better a way to learn about it and create art and memories than with a unique course done together. This set covers:

  • History of Photography
  • Exposure
  • Camera Settings
  • Lighting
  • Composition

It includes lesson plans, badges, and games. I think this is such a unique, meaningful and long lasting gift – and a serious deal at less than a quarter of the original price!

Original Price: $119 Deal: $24.95 (80% OFF)

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Fitness: Language of Fitness & Nutrition

Father’s Day runs in tandem with summer – I love the idea of dad and the kids spending some time together outside being active! Some of my favorite memories are playing catch with my dad. This workbook is an affordable way to kick-start activity terms and tips.

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It includes vocabulary, flash cards, color pages, and handwriting practice all centered around fitness and nutrition. Idea: instead of playing the basketball game “horse,” dad and kids can use a new fitness vocabulary word!

Original Price: $9.99 Deal: $3.99 (60% OFF)

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Building Together: Tegu Blocks 40 Piece Set

Classic: building things with dad. These magnetic wooden blocks are a staple that come in interesting shapes and fun colors. They’re portable and can create whatever dad and kids think up!

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Idea: set aside a few just for dad for his work station. If it’s the office he’ll think of the family – and have something creative for his desk. The kids can even create new shapes for him each week!

Original Price: $110 Deal: $82 (25% OFF)

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Language Arts: 1-Year Subscription to PetraLingua Online Language Course

Learning a language can be challenging as an adult, but those who learn together succeed! I love the idea of choosing a language that’s meaningful to dad and creating family time around this course while learning together.

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You can choose German, French, Spanish, Chinese and Russian for a full year’s worth of learning together. Idea: make a meal from the country of origin on Father’s Day!

Original Price: $53.99 Deal: $23.99 (54% OFF)

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Finance: US Money Bundle

What would this round up be without a deal on finance?! I don’t know about you but I began learning the value of money when I got my hard earned allowance from dad.

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This set has oodles of fun activities that help kids learn our monetary system and pave the way for meaningful conversations and responsible habits. It’s not always easy, but these graphics and games make it fun!

Original Price: $25 Deal: $7.99 (70% OFF)

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To all fathers, know your role as a father. Always be there for your children. They need you to help sharpen their lives and look to a good future.  Wishing you all a wonderful Father’s Day with all those who play that role in your life!

children's books

Holiday Gift Guide Series: Coloring Books and Flash Cards for African-American Kids!

If you follow my blog, you may have noticed I feature a variety of children’s and adult books on my blog.  I do not believe in discrimination or segregation of any kind, especially when it comes to books.  And although I read a variety of different books with my kids, I get really excited whenever I come across books or different items that feature multicultural or African-American children.  Why?  Because growing up as a kid there weren’t many dolls, coloring books, cartoon characters, or flash cards for multicultural children.  Thankfully, today there are more options available for parents and children to choose from.  Check out these fantastic stocking stuffers listed below!

Coloring and Activity Books
The kids and I LOVE this series of coloring and activity books by Crystal Swain-Bates!  She’s the author of the popular children’s book Big Hair, Don’t Care.  Crystal founded a black-owned publishing company called Goldest Karat Publishing.  Their mission is to fill a critical niche in African-American literature by providing books that fill the untapped needs of young African-American boys and girls in stories they will want to read again and again.

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Not only can kids color in the pages, but they can also do fun activities like filling in the missing vowels to discover hidden sentences, draw pictures, and write their own stories.  My kids are still a bit young to do most of the activities, but we’re holing on to these beauties until they are a bit older.  I’d say these are perfect for children ages 5 – 9.  However, if you like coloring books like I do even adults would enjoy these.  A real treat!

Interesting in ordering these coloring books for your little readers, church group or school?
The Colorful Adventures of Cody & Jay
The Colorful Adventures of Zoe & Star
Color My Fro
Black Fairy Tales

ABC Me Flashcards
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I came across these amazing ABC Me Flash Cards on Instagram.  Have you seen these yet?

Designed to be used in a myriad of ways, ABC Me Flashcards are illustrated in vibrant colors with easy to understand wording on the back. They begin with the alphabet but A isn’t for apple. This time, A is for Africa. And so from A to Z or from Africa to Zora Neal Hurston, younger children can learn their ABC’s and older children can use the same cards to learn about their history.

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Mom and teacher Leilani Brooks came up with the idea to create these flashcards.  While looking for ways to teach her children about their history and culture, she discovered that there weren’t enough resources for teaching African-American history to young children. After purchasing a set of flashcards depicting American Presidents and seeing our 44th President, Barack Obama represented, Leilani was inspired. She called long time friend, educator and historian, Stevi Meredith. Brooks told Meredith she had an idea to make flashcards about African American accomplishments and culture. After some brainstorming, the two came up with what is now ABC Me Flashcards: The African American Edition.

I hope you enjoyed these two stocking stuffer ideas!  The beauty of stocking stuffers is that they don’t have to be off someone’s list and they can range in price from $1 to $100 or more. More importantly, they can be fun, quirky, sweet, one-of-a-kind, and just from you.

Happy shopping and happy stuffing!

For more information about Crystal Swain-Bates click here to visit her website.  You can also follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Interested in purchasing ABC Me Flashcards?  Click here to visit their website.  You can also follow ABC Me Flashcards on Instagram and Facebook.

Disclaimer:  This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Your turn:  Did you enjoy this post?  What are you planning to put in your little ones stockings this year?  Feel free to share in the comments.

holiday gift guide series

Holiday Gift Guide Series: 4 Children’s Book Subscription Boxes

Are you planning to gift your little readers with a book subscription box this holiday season?

I love kids’ monthly subscription boxes because they offer unique educational experiences. They can give kids of all ages the chance to learn by doing fun projects, crafts and activities. Many subscription boxes on the market today are designed to include everything you need to spend quality time together with your children.

4 Children's Book Subscription Boxes

Subscription boxes make great last minute gifts for out of town family members, discerning nieces and nephews, your own kids, and just about anyone else. Kids love receiving packages in the mail and how fun for them to know know that they’ll be receiving packages long after the holidays are over. Today, there are subscription boxes that appeal to all sorts of different interests and passions.

Below are some of my favorite book subscription boxes for kids.  Please note this is NOT a sponsored post and all opinions expressed are my own.

Cocoa Mocha Kids (October 2016 Update: This subscription box is no longer available.)
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I found out about this wonderful subscription box on Instagram.  Cocoa Mocha Kids is the first monthly “Surprise” product & book service specially tailored for children of color. When you subscribe to Cocoa Mocha Kids know that 100% of the net profit will help send children to STEM (Science, Technology Engineering, Mathematics ) programs throughout the United States. Every month your child will receive a box of products, art, books, samples & surprises.

To get started, simply sign up as a subscriber and your special Cocoa Mocha Kid will receive a new crate every month!  Currently, the crates are available for children ages 2-11 for both boys and girls.  They also plan to carry crates for babies soon.

Bee Mee Bookshelf (October 2016 Update: This subscription box is no longer available.)
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Be Mee Bookshelf is a diverse children’s book subscription service that offers a curriculum to educate and empower children.

Each month the experts at Bee Me Bookshelf select a dynamic theme to focus on and we curate a collection of diverse books with protagonists of color around this theme. Next, they design curriculum cards for each book with vocabulary words, reading comprehension questions, discussion questions, and activity suggestions. Their goal is to create a space for young readers rooted in empowerment and education, that helps them cultivate a love of themselves, others, and reading.

You have the option of choosing a Bee Me Bundle for ages 4-8 years or a Bitty Bee Bundle for ages 0-3 years.  You can also select how often you would like to receive a bundle: once, once per month for 3 months/6 months/9 months, etc.

Bookroo
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Bookroo makes reading exciting for kids and affordable and convenient for parents.  Each box contains either 3 board books or 2 picture books and the combined retail value of the books always exceeds the subscription price.

Bookroo offers 3 different subscription types to choose from: month-to-month, 3 month, and 6 months.

Check out my recent review of Bookroo here to learn more.

The Story Box

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I’ll be reviewing this subscription box and providing more information soon, but I wanted to include them in my list now so you can check them out.

When you subscribe to The Story Box, your family will receive a monthly box that is curated by a nationally certified speech-language pathologist.  Each box contains 2 children’s books and a guide for parents.  Use the books and guide to make the most of your family reading time, enhance your child’s language skills, and improve your child’s chances of becoming a successful reader.  The books in their boxes are most appropriate for children between the ages of 1-year old and 7-years old.

A portion of each subscription fee is used to purchase books and other educational materials to benefit children with disabilities and children from low-income families.

Your Turn:  Do you have a favorite kids book subscription box? Is there an awesome subscription book box for kids missing from my list? Please let me know in the comments.

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