When the lights dim and the first notes of Tchaikovsky’s score are played live by Orchestra Next, the theater fills with a feeling children never forget. It is the sound of The Nutcracker and the beginning of an adventure that many families return to as an adored tradition.
At the heart of the story is Clara and the dream she slips into, a dream where holiday magic feels as big and bright as a child believes it to be. Her family’s celebration blossoms into an extraordinary adventure. A Nutcracker who becomes a hero. A Mouse King who must be defeated. Snow that twirls in the air like glitter. Each scene reflects the festive season as children see it, full of excitement, mystery, and possibility.
As the journey continues, the Land of the Sweets becomes a kaleidoscope of color and movement. The Waltz of the Flowers sweeps across the stage like a blooming garden. Every step is guided by iconic music performed live, giving the ballet a pulse that enchants everyone in the audience.
Many adults still remember the first time they heard the Sugar Plum Fairy’s melody or watched her glide along the stage with her Cavalier. For children, The Nutcracker is often the moment they fall in love with live performance.
This holiday season, share the magic again. Give your family the gift of wonder that continues to inspire people across generations year after year.
AT THE HULT CENTER
7:30 pm | Friday, DEC 19
2:00 pm | Saturday, DEC 20
7:30 pm | Saturday, DEC 20
1:00 pm | Sunday, DEC 21
5:30 pm | Sunday, DEC 21
2:00 pm | Wednesday, DEC 24 with Orchestra Next
Our Contributors
1. RICK EPSTEIN
A Dad’s Eye View contributor, also awardwinning columnist, and journalist. Author of Rookie Dad (Hyperion) and The Right Number of Kids (McKenna Publishing Group). His wife and three daughters run a living laboratory in which he is constantly tested, analyzed, and experimented upon. It’s as if a guinea pig could write.
2. CHERIE GOUGH
Cherie Gough is a freelance writer focused on solutions-based journalism. She also works as a College Essay Coach helping young people tell their stories on college applications using their authentic voices. Bylines in HuffPost, Edible San Diego, and Eating Well. Find her at cheriegough.com and on IG @cgoughwrites.
3. KELLI MATTHEWS
Kelli Matthews is our gift guide reviewer extraordinaire. Sampling lotions, testing toys and sipping bubbly is hard work, but someone has to do it. When not compiling the best of the best to share with readers, she teaches public relations at the University of Oregon. Kelli lives and works in Eugene with her two boys and her high school sweetheart.
4. TAJ MORGAN
Taj Morgan is the Director of Content Strategy for Travel Lane County. A journalism graduate from the University of Oregon, Taj has two decades of special event management and hospitality marketing experience in San Diego, CA and Maui, HI. Passionate about mothering, and back to her Oregon roots, she is discovering the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region all over again through the eyes of her daughter.
5. JAN PIERCE
Jan Pierce is a retired teacher and freelance writer. She is the author of Homegrown Readers and Homegrown Family Fun. Find Jan at www. janpierce.net.
6. RODDY SCHEER
Journalist and photographer specializing in environmental issues, the outdoors and travel. When he is not out in the field taking pictures, Roddy runs EarthTalk, the non-profit Publisher of the syndicated EarthTalk Q&A column and the EarthTalk.org and Emagazine 3 2 1 4 5
Oregon Family Magazine is distributed monthly in the greater Lane County area at over 150 high-traffic commercial locations.
MY WIFE AND I ARE about to buy Christmas gifts for our daughters who are 5, 8 and 12. The best gift for any one of them would be something that would capture her interest and maybe even start her down on a whole new path.
I’m imagining the sparkling eyes of little J.K. Rowling as she sits down at her first typewriter, the happy grin of young John Wayne as he puts a pudgy leg over his first stick-horse, and the childish passion of Vincent Van Gogh as he rips open a brandnew box of 64 Crayolas. His dad probably smiled at Mrs. Van Gogh across a wrapping-strewn room and gave her a thumbs-up. And then there are gifts meant to be a Christmas Day sensation and not to take over a child’s life. When I was 7, an alert lad couldn’t put in his nine hours a day in front of the TV without seeing dozens of ads for the Blue & Gray Battle Set, a 250-piece commemoration of the War Between the States. It included a couple hundred plastic soldiers; an exploding bunker; a ruined mansion; a few cannon; lots of horses; and even Presidents Lincoln and Davis.
I’m sure my mom didn’t want me to have it. She was a pacifist, who hadn’t even let her sons have toy guns until she found us seizing them from smaller kids. And here I was asking for entire armies.
I’m sure my father saw the potential for clutter and debris on a scale unknown since the real war. Maybe Dad hoped
I’d get interested in history or military science. But what probably moved him was the fact that this was the first Christmas ever that I’d wanted something other than a pony. But anyway, somehow, on Christmas morning, the object of my desire awaited me under the tree.
Except for brief breaks for baseball and school, I spent the rest of my childhood in our rec room shooting rubberbands at the little plastic soldiers. For speed and accuracy, a 12-inch ruler was my weapon of choice.
I usually had the TV on as I went back and forth, trading shots between the Blue and the Gray. If Dad had hoped I was a budding Eisenhower
Whenever I watch Olympians receiving their gold medals, I never have to wonder what it’s like to be the best in the world. I know.
But unlike the parents of young gymnasts and figure skaters, mine did not push me toward greatness. In fact, my dad would lament, “Little Men! Always shooting the Little Men!” Or he would indict me with: “It’s criminal to be indoors on a day like this!” Because Dad watched almost no television, he would make these remarks while passing through my theater of operations, usually en route to the laundry room.
But around age 12, after I’d given almost five years to that
was the day the sport lost one of its greats – maybe its only great.
The Little Men, my favorite Christmas present ever, were put into a cookie tin and shelved. Except for a few of them who were needed for my experiments with fire, they are still in my dad’s attic, canned and waiting.
As this Christmas approaches, my daughters are drafting their wish-lists. The 5-year-old has no ideas beyond hollering, “I want that!” every time she sees a toy commercial.
The two oldest girls, who are already well-equipped with bikes and dolls, tell me they want pogo-sticks, of all things. Not exactly the Bronte sisters asking Santa for Apple laptops. But a
Christmas ALL AROUND THE WORLD
BY JAN PIERCE, M.ED.
CHRISTMAS IS A HOLIDAY celebrated all around the world. The religious significance of the holiday is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, while the secular festivities involve a gift-giving character who brings presents and treats to good children. Holiday customs include decorations, music, and specialty foods. Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting ways Christmas is celebrated all around the world.
In INDIA Christmas is celebrated on December 25th with church services for believers. A midnight service is very popular. People of all faiths decorate their homes and gardens with star-shaped paper lanterns, and some set up nativity scenes. Father Christmas is the one who brings presents to children from a horse and cart. Special Christmas cakes and sweets such as newries and kulkuls are baked and open houses abound.
In SWEDEN St. Lucia’s day is celebrated on December 13th. St. Lucia was a Christian martyr from 304 AD known for secretly taking food to persecuted Christians in the catacombs of Rome. Today young girls dress in white dresses with a red sash, and wear a crown of lights to help Lucia find her way. Special Lucia Day buns called Lussekatts are served. Then on Christmas Eve a huge buffet known as julbord is eaten in courses. It begins with cold fish dishes and moves to cold meats, warm meat dishes and desserts. Glogg, a sweet, mulled wine, and coffee are favorite drinks. Homes are decorated with straw to remind everyone that Jesus was born in a manger. Gifts are brought by small gnomes called jultomten.
In MADAGASCAR , an island off the east coast of Africa, it is very warm at Christmas time. Still decorations include holly and “snow” though neither exist there. Santa is known as Dadabe Noely and only small gifts are exchanged. On Christmas day people everywhere, even strangers, greet one another with “Arahaba tratry ny Noely” which means Merry Christmas and then go to their
families to eat dinners of chicken or pork with rice and a special cake. Another favorite Christmas food is the lychee, a fruit which is peeled and eaten with great enjoyment.
In HONG KONG Christians celebrate Christmas with homemade cards bearing original artwork. The scenes show the Holy family in Chinese settings. Poinsettias and nativity scenes are used for decorations. The Chinese alphabet is put on streamers and paper chains hang everywhere. Santa Claus is known as Lan Khong or Dun Che Lao Ren.
In ZIMBABWE Christmas day, known as Kisimusi begins with a church service. Then people visit all of their friends and family, and eat and exchange gifts all day long. Favorite meals are chicken with rice which is a special treat. Often large speakers are put into the streets and music is played loudly. People wear their best clothes and homes are decorated with ivy draped around the top of the rooms. Christmas cards may have wild animals on them and small gifts are given to children on Christmas morning.
In NEW ZEALAND Christmas also falls in the hot summer months. Families are often celebrating their summer holidays by camping or staying at the beach. There are parades and Christmas trees. The Christmas meal is barbecued meats or seafood. Desserts such as hot fruit pudding or meringues are served. Pavlova is a favorite dessert. Presents are opened on Christmas day before the special lunch.
In ETHIOPIA Christmas is celebrated by the Orthodox Church. It is held on January 7th, and is called Ganna. People fast on January 6th then on the morning of the 7th they wear a traditional garment
called a Shamma. It is a thin white cotton toga-like outfit. The Shamma is worn to a special service held in the circle-shaped church. Candles are held in a procession and communion is taken. At the time of Ganna men and boys play a game similar to hockey also known as ganna. Special foods eaten at this time of year are meat and vegetables called wat and flatbread, known as injera. Children usually receive gifts of clothing.
In WALES carol singing is the highlight of the festivities. Carolers sing at dawn on Christmas morning and are invited in for snacks. Taffy-making is also a favorite family activity. There is a prize for the best new Christmas carol written that year and it is added to the list of carols sung in future Christmas celebrations.
In RUSSIA Christmas is celebrated by the Orthodox Church. Once banned by the communist regime, Christmas is again celebrated with special church services, and wonderful meat and cabbage pies called pirogi and meat dumplings known as pelmeni. A porridge, kutya, is served along with honey and poppy seeds to bring happiness, success and peace. Children carry a star and go house to house in the cold winter snows singing carols and receiving sweets.
Children love to hear about the ways other children celebrate. Why not share some of this information in your holiday discussions? You may even want to include some of the foods or traditions in your own family festivities. Happy Holidays! ✦
Christmas Recipes from Around the World
INDIAN NEWRIES
This sweet treat is a favorite during the Christmas season in India.
DOUGH
• 4 1/2 cups flour
• 3 tbsp butter (ghee)
• 1 1/2 cups milk
FILLING
• 1 ¾ cup semolina flour (coarse rice or wheat flour)
• 7/8 cup sugar
• ¼ cup raisins
• ¼ cup chopped cashews
• 3 cardamons
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp butter (ghee)
PREPARATION
Combine flour, butter and milk into a stiff dough. Refrigerate.
Gently cook raisins and nuts in a small amount of butter and set aside. Use rest of butter to gently fry semolina until light brown. Add sugar and spices, add raisins and nuts. Mix.
Roll out small pieces of dough into 2 inch rounds. Place a tbsp of filling in the middle, fold and seal the edges of the dough. Heat oil and fry until golden brown.
SWEDISH ST. LUCIA BUNS
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup milk
• ¼ tsp saffron
• ½ cup butter
• 4 ½ cups flour
• 1 tbsp yeast granules
• ½ cup potato flour or flakes
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs (one separated)
• 1 tsp vanilla
GLAZE
• 1 egg white + 1 tbsp water
• Pearl sugar
• Sultana raisins (golden)
PREPARATION
In a saucepan heat the milk and saffron. Remove from heat and add butter. Cool to lukewarm.
In a bowl whisk yeast, flours, salt and sugar. Separate one egg and save the white.
Pour milk over the dry ingredients, add two eggs plus the extra yolk. Mix well and knead until smoothe. Allow to rise one hour, deflate and cut into twelve pieces. Form dough into S shapes and let rise another 30 minutes.
Apply glaze and bake at 375 degrees for 18-20 minutes.
NEW ZEALAND PAVLOVA
INGREDIENTS
• 4 egg whites
• 1/8 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 cup superfine sugar (or granulated that is made fine in food processor)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup sliced fruit (kiwi and/or berries)
• 1 ½ cup sweetened whipped cream
• ¼ cup miniature chocolate chips of other small candies
PREPARATION
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking pan with parchment paper. Sprinkle cream of tartar over egg whites and beat until stiff. Whisk cornstarch and sugar. Combine two mixtures and fold in vanilla. Form mounds of meringue about 6” in diameter. Reduce heat in oven to 200 degrees and bake one hour. Turn oven off leaving meringue inside to cool. When cooled, fill each mound with whipped cream and top with fruit and candies.
Buy Fair Trade
WHAT IT MEANS AND HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
BY CHERIE GOUGH
DID YOU DRINK A CUP OF coffee or eat a piece of chocolate today? Choosing fair trade coffee and chocolate can mean five times the pay for a farmer in a developing nation and a safe working environment in industries dominated by child labor.
As stores make fair trade items like chocolate, coffee, home textiles and body products more available, shoppers are becoming familiar with the label. But what does buying fair trade mean and who exactly benefits?
EMPOWERING WOMEN AND FAMILIES
Buying fair trade certified goods provides a helping hand to people in developing
countries. When farmers and factory workers who produce these goods receive a fair trade premium, they decide as a community how to spend the money. Community development projects provide necessities such as health care, clean water and schools, explains Katie Goudey of Fair Trade USA. Purchasing fair trade goods makes a vital impact on women who produce more than half the world’s food, but own very little land.
GOOD FOR THE EARTH, GOOD FOR CONSUMERS
Certified fair trade goods benefit the environment and consumers. A third party certifier such as Fair Trade USA requires goods meet these strict environment standards in order to receive the fair trade label:
• No GMOs.
• Restricted use of pesticides and fertilizers.
• No slash and burn agriculture.
• Proper management of waste, water and energy.
Purchasing fair trade goods guarantees products that help protect the natural environment and the health of workers and consumers.
Thanks to groups committed to fair trade, a nationwide movement is helping inform consumers about their purchasing power while making products more accessible. “Everyday we can make a difference for the person behind the product,” says Anne Pacheco, fair trade activist of La Mesa, CA,
an officially designated fair trade town. “I often think of those who grow my coffee beans and sew my clothes. This hard work is often done by women — even children. People can be held captive to keep costs low and production high in industries of fashion, chocolate and coffee. Fair trade helps prevent human trafficking. Fair Trade is not charity, but a real way to make a better life for so many.” Pacheco hopes that the demand for fair trade goods continues to grow as more people make choices that promote social justice.
Fair trade awareness and activism is growing on college campuses, too. Students campaign for awareness and build commitment to use fair trade products in dining halls, for campus sweatshirts and other attire. Some universities such as UC San Diego and Point Loma Nazarene are
towards sourcing fair trade food and clothing on campus and hosting fair trade educational events.
SHOP WITH HEART THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Consider this: The gifts you buy this year could help build a school in a small, rural village, the coffee you drink could make life easier for men and women who picked the beans; the sugar and chocolate you bake with could help protect a fragile environment. You can make a difference with the purchasing choices you make. Fair Trade Certified is
expanding its work with major retailers as Target, J Crew, ELF Beauty, and REI, and includes a huge range of products including apparel, home goods, even flowers. To find the brands that carry Fair Trade Certified products, visit a store near you and look for the Fair Trade Certified label, or visit their website: https://www.fairtradecertified.org/ our-community/shop-fair-trade/ ✦
Little Metro Winter Indoor Program
Three weeks in December (Tue-Th)
Three weeks in January (Tue-Th)
Spencer Butte MS Gym ($120)
Winter Indoor Camp
December 29-31 • Kick City Sports Park 10am to 1pm, Age 7 to 15, Cost: $160
Girls Explore Soccer Indoor Program
Mondays Dec. 1, 8, 15 and Jan. 12, 26 • 4:45-6pm Spencer Butte MS Gym • $50 (bring a friend for free)
Classic Christmas Movies
TO WATCH WITH THE ENTIRE FAMILY
BY JAN PIERCE, M.ED.
EVERYONE ENJOYS
White Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life when the holiday season rolls around each year, but here are seven more movies to watch with the whole family. Gather everyone together, pop some popcorn, pass the Christmas cookies and enjoy these quality, fun, and heartwarming Christmas movies.
A CHRISTMAS STORY
This 1983 film chronicles the ups and downs of the holiday season for Ralphie who just wants a bb gun for Christmas. Played by Peter Billingsley, Ralphie may not have a picture-perfect Christmas, but he goes to sleep on Christmas night with a bb gun beside him.
THE HOMECOMING
This inspiring family movie featuring Patricia Neal as the mother of a large family living a hardscrabble life during the depression was the pilot for the long-running television show, The Walton’s Richard Thomas is John Boy.
A MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
Made in 1992 this muppet movie features Michael Caine as Scrooge and Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit. Who can resist the muppets singing happy Christmas songs
and the whole array of muppet characters stepping into the roles of this classic Christmas story?
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
Made in 1947 this Christmas classic showcases a young Natalie Wood as Susan Walker, the girl who believes the Macy Santa Claus is the real deal. Kris Kringle played by Edmund Gwen ends up in court, trying to prove his identity.
ARTHUR CHRISTMAS
This 2011 animated film tells the story of Arthur, Santa’s youngest son, tasked with delivering one last Christmas present just in the nick of time. Santa’s state of the art control center, located under the ice of the North Pole somehow missed just one child.
FROSTY THE SNOWMAN
This cartoon story follows the lyrics of the 1950 Frosty the Snowman song recorded by Gene Autry. The story follows each line of the song as Frosty tries to avoid his ultimate doom—melting.
MILLIONS
Made in 2004 this clever story chronicles what happens when a seven year old British boy finds a sack full of money. First he shares it with his brother and then the two learn all about the heart of charity. ✦
EUGENE • CASCADES • COAST
TTHE GIFT OF
Togetherness
BY TAJ MORGAN
HIS YEAR, GIVE A GIFT THAT DOESN’T GET USED up, outdated, or discarded… instead, plan family activities and adventures together! The gift of time spent together increases in value year after year as you and your children replay the memories. Here are a 10 experiences you can do together...
1
TICKETS TO THE EUGENE SYMPHONY. A night at the symphony may not immediately sound child-friendly, but the Eugene Symphony does an amazing job engaging youngsters and making symphony music relevant to younger generations. In December they will present Elf in Concert, based on the popular film about Buddy the Elf looking for his father in New York City. In May, it’s Star Wars with the Return of the Jedi on the big screen and live symphony accompaniment. And of course, in the summer there are free family-friendly concerts in Cottage Grove and at the Cuthbert Amphitheater. Select performances include a “Symphony Petting Zoo” so children may explore a range of different instruments hands-on.
2
LIFT TICKETS AT WILLAMETTE PASS SKI RESORT.
Whether you have skiers or snowboarders in the family, spending the day on the slopes at Willamette Pass Ski Resort is a great gift –particularly because kids 12 and under ski free! Parents can enjoy two hours of skiing on their own if they book a ski camp or lesson for the kids. There is also a complimentary Snow Experience lesson for first-time skiers. Then meet up again at Sleepy Hollow’s beginner slope – or if the kids are experienced, take on the Backside together! A non-skiing parent may enjoy relaxing in the adult Summit House Lounge with a warm drink and stunning views of the mountain. Just be ready to help the skiers warm up with hot chocolate and chili on their next break!
3
A MEMBERSHIP TO RACE CARS. Virtually
So much can be done in simulation these days! From golf to baseball, there is a world of interactive gaming out there! So why not drive a race car? The Braking Zone in the Whiteaker neighborhood offers four static simulators and two state of the art machines with motion platforms – just choose your race car (Corvette, Lotus or Porsche?) and your track (Laguna Seca, Spa-Francorchamps or Brands Hatch?), strap in and go! Kids just need to be able to touch the pedals – no license required. Pricing starts at $20 for 30 minutes in a static eSport racing simulator.
4
TICKETS TO A TWINKLE LIGHT WINTER
WONDERLAND. Just for the holiday season, Cottage Grove Speedway transforms their racetrack into a wonderland of lights! Put on your winter boots, dress warm and bring cash so you can order warm drinks at their Hot Chocolate Bar. Sit by the fire pits or romp among the giant lighted holiday scenes. They also offer dinner and dessert items, tented seats by reservation and pictures with Santa.
PHOTO: EUGENE SYMPHONY / EUGENE, CASCADES & COAST
5
BOOK A DUNE BUGGY RIDE. Book a dune buggy ride for the family at Sandland Adventures. Roll up and over the dunes to discover coastal lakes and beach views. A fun mix of speed and beauty, this adventure tour will thrill everyone! Go mild (Giant Dune Buggy Tours) to wild (Sandrail Tours) or just play around on-site - they have Go Karts, bumper boats and miniature golf. Activities offered are seasonal and weather permitting, so check ahead (and the whole park closes January - February).
6
STAY AT BELKNAP HOT SPRINGS. Rent a cabin or stay in the lodge for a cozy adventure up in the Cascades. Belknap Hot Springs Resort has two hot spring-fed swimming pools that defy the colder seasons with their warm, soothing waters (children must be 5 years and older). The rambling paths and secret garden make the grounds an excellent place for hiking in summer and snowshoeing in winter. (There is a two-night minimum for weekends and holidays.)
7 TOUR THE WILLAMETTE RIVER BY JET BOAT. A family up to six can spend an afternoon on the Willamette River soaking up nature’s seasonal beauty with Captain Mike or Captain Leo from Scenic Jet Boat Tours. Jet boats are able to skim the shallows and go fast, perfect for river touring. Spot osprey, deer and more along the banks. Children ages 12 years and younger are required to wear lifejackets (provided) and in colder weather the boat has a top cover and heater.
8
RESERVE A SESSION TO STRETCH WITH GOATS. No Regrets Flower Farm and Animal Sanctuary offers a variety of fun classes and workshops to promote well being and connection with nature (and goats!). Children must be 10 years and older to participate. This charming farm is located in Monroe.
9
TICKETS TO A BASKETBALL GAME. Matthew Knight Arena is home to the University of Oregon’s men’s and women’s Duck basketball teams. Get tickets to a game, and box them up with a shirt from The Duck Store! By the time you’ve loaded up the family with treats from the concessions stand, you’ll have quite a fun-filled evening to remember. Go Ducks! (P.S. – the Harlem Globetrotters are coming in January!)
10
ESCAPE THE ROOM OREGON. It takes all ages and many skill sets to think your way out of an Escape Room - that’s why it’s perfect for families! Escape the Room Oregon offers several different scenarios from Santa’s Workshop to bio-hazard labs. There are a variety of ways to play including private room rentals (with minimums) or joining others. Please note that babies under 18 months must be in a carrier, and other participating children must be 6 years and older to enter the room. ✦
Visit www.eugenecascadescoast.org/explore/family-fun/ for more gift ideas!
PHOTO: EUGENE, CASCADES & COAST
PHOTO: CARI GARRIGUS / EUGENE, CASCADES & COAST PHOTO:
14TH ANNUAL
OREGON FAMILY
GIFT GUIDEHoliday
by Kelli Matthews
It’s
time for my annual roundup of kids’ gifts—the ones that actually hold their attention, survive being dropped, and don’t turn into clutter by January. I test these with real kids in my life (from preschoolers to teens), and these are the standouts for creativity, learning, silliness, and pure joy.
Art + Creativity
For the kid who’s constantly doodling, building, or asking for “just one more craft.” These gifts unlock creativity without requiring a whole project setup from you.
PIXICADE. Pixicade turns kids’ drawings into their own playable video games. It’s incredibly easy to use—draw, snap a photo, and suddenly their characters come to life. The creativity payoff is huge, and I love that it gets kids sketching instead of staring at a blank screen. abacusbrands. com/collections/pixicade
THE ACORNS PROJECT. This subscription-style art box focuses on nature, storytelling, and imagination. The projects feel thoughtful and open-ended instead of overly structured. Kids can follow the prompts or wander off on their own creative path (which mine absolutely did). Beautifully designed and refreshingly calm. theacornsproject.com
POSCA PAINT-BY-NUMBER GIFT SETS. POSCA pens are having a moment, and these new paint-by-number kits make them incredibly accessible. Each canvas comes with four custom POSCA pens in themes like Boho Muse, Lilac Dream Butterfly, and more. The result looks polished, and kids stay engaged without frustration. Under $30 makes it an easy win. unibrands.co
PETIT COLLAGE. My Museum Magnetic Scene: A portable magnetic playset where kids can arrange artwork, characters, and museum scenes again and again. It’s perfect for travel, restaurants, or quiet-time play. The pieces store neatly (parent win), and the art theme sparks great conversations. amazon.com/dp/1797234897
CLIXO. Clixo’s bendable magnetic shapes snap together in the most satisfying way. Kids can build animals, wearable creations, abstract sculptures—whatever they dream up. It’s screen-free, endlessly reusable, and packs flat for travel. One of the most versatile STEM-meets-art toys out there. clixo.com
CONNETIX MAGNETIC TILES. Connetix tiles are one of those toys that kids return to over and over. The magnets are strong, the colors are gorgeous and the pieces click together in the most satisfying way. Kids can build towers, ball runs, animals, or full-on cities—totally open-ended and endlessly replayable. A standout STEM gift for all ages. connetixtiles.com
Tech + STEM
The gifts that make kids say “wait… how does this work?” These are fun, durable, and secretly educational.
TUNESHINE. Tuneshine is an LED display that brings album art to life in real time, synced with whatever music is playing. Whether kids are wearing headphones on the couch or turning up the volume in the kitchen, it adds a whole new sensory layer to the listening experience. It connects to your streaming service (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.), identifies the track, and instantly displays the album art in a minimalist, handcrafted wood case. tuneshine.rocks
NANOLEAF BLOCKS COMBO KIT. These interactive LED blocks are controlled by an app that lets kids change colors, patterns, and animations. My younger teen immediately unboxed it, set it up in his gaming area, and assembled the whole thing on his own. A fantastic space-personalizing gift for tweens and teens. us-shop.nanoleaf.me
TONIEBOX + TONIES. A favorite for younger kids. The Toniebox is a soft, screenfree audio player activated by little characters (“Tonies”) that tell stories, play songs, and entertain for ages. It’s easy to use and rugged enough for toddler handling. This is a huge hit with my preschooler niece. us.tonies.com
SMARTIVITY ROBOTIC MECHANICAL HAND.
Kids build a fully functioning mechanical hand using strings, levers, and a clever biomimicry design. Assembly is surprisingly doable, and once built, kids can pick up small objects and experiment with how it moves. A fun intro to engineering concepts. smartivity.com
Skin + Self-Care
Because kids and teens love a routine too— and these make it simple.
COLLEGE GIRL CHERISHED. A thoughtful monthly care package designed for college-aged kids who might need a little love from home. Packed with comfort items, self-care, and sweet surprises, it’s a bright spot in a busy semester. Where to buy: https://collegegirlcherished.com/
BRIGHT GIRL. My older teen son quickly claimed this set for himself. It’s gentle, practical, and perfect for teens who want to take care of their skin without a complicated routine. Works well for any gender. Where to buy: https://brightgirl.com/
SLIME KITCHEN BLIND
These new Blind Boxes pair a 6 oz themed slime with a collectible character toy, and the surprise factor is half the fun. Kids can discover figures from three themed series— Garden Hippers, The Monsters, and Brainrot—with multiple variations in each line, making every box a different reveal. theslimekitchen.com
Gear + Outdoors
Kid-tested items that hold up to playground life, wet weather, and family adventures.
VIVOBAREFOOT KIDS BOOTS. Lightweight, flexible, and surprisingly sturdy. My six-year-old nephew said they “actually feel barefoot!” They’re easy for kids to pull on themselves and are great for active play, rain or shine. vivobarefoot.com/us/kids
IGOR EURI RAIN JACKET. A bright, waterproof rain jacket that stands up beautifully to PNW weather. Comfortable, durable, and with that classic European style. Ideal for rainy school days or muddy backyard adventures. justshoesforkids.com
IGOR YOGI RAIN BOOTS. Warm, flexible, and easy for kids to put on independently—huge win. They grip well and keep little feet dry through even the most dramatic puddle-jumping. justshoesforkids.com/
STICKY LEMON DUFFLE BAG. Colorful, sturdy, and incredibly cute. This duffle works as a weekender or a dance/sports bag. The quality is excellent and the playful design makes it a fun, personality-filled gift. justshoesforkids.com
WEE WANDER TRAVEL BACKPACK + BLANKET. My four-year-old niece immediately claimed both the backpack and the cozy travel blanket. The designs are adorable, the size is perfect for kids, and the blanket has become a go-to for naps, flights, and car rides. weewander.com
Games + Puzzles
Family-friendly, brain-building fun for game nights and quiet afternoons.
RIDLEY’S MAP OF THE STARS PUZZLE. A beautiful 500-piece celestial puzzle that feels like both a fun challenge and a learning moment. Kids get a stunning finished piece plus a crash course in constellations. amazon.com/dp/B094F3HK84
THE GANG (THAMES & KOSMOS). A fast, funny, strategic card game that kids pick up quickly but adults also genuinely enjoy. The artwork is silly, the gameplay is smooth, and it’s chaotic in all the right store.thamesandkosmos.com
Miscellaneous Fun
The little delights that fill stockings, calm fidgets, and bring big smiles.
TOSY MAGNET PYRAMID FIDGET.
A holographic magnetic fidget that’s endlessly buildable. Kids can pull it apart, snap it back together, and create new forms every time. Mesmerizing and great for travel.
HELLO DEARIST LETTER WRITING
KITS. These kits make writing letters unbelievably fun. Cute stationery, prompts, and stickers get kids excited about sending mail to friends, grandparents, or pen pals. hellodearist.com
STUFFED STATES. Soft, huggable plushies shaped like U.S. states. Kids can pick their home state—or collect the states where friends and family live. Sweet, educational, and big on charm. stuffedstatesusa.com
BEARPAW EVA TEDDY BEAR. A plush, cuddly teddy bear that’s incredibly soft and giftable. Great size, great quality, and extra sweet with 15% off using code TEDDY15. bearpaw.com/products/eva-teddy-bear-taupe
Foodie + Kitchen Fun
For kids who love to mix, make, decorate, and taste.
PAMPERED CHEF KIDS CLUB. A monthly cooking kit with real tools, kid-friendly recipes, and fun kitchen activities. We made churro beignets with the kit we tried—they were delicious, and the kids were so proud of themselves. pamperedchef.com/kids-club
CANDY LAND CANDY CRAFTING DELUXE
CREATABLE KIT. A hands-on candy lab perfect for kids who love color, texture, and experimenting in the kitchen. Fun, creative, and surprisingly tidy as far as candy-making goes. cricketscandy.com
Mom’s Gift Guide
It’s
that time of year again—my annual roundup of gifts moms will actually use, actually love, and actually be excited to unwrap. I try everything myself and only include the standouts, from Oregon favorites to small brands worth discovering. Whether you’re shopping for your mom, your partner, or yourself (no judgment), here’s what made the list for 2025.
Bags & Accessories
Functional but stylish upgrades—perfect for moms who want things that make daily life easier and better.
WILL LEATHER GOODS (OREGON BRAND). The Simple Satchel (Turquoise) stands out for its soft leather and saturated turquoise color. It’s roomy enough for daily essentials or work gear without feeling bulky, and it has that “will only get better with age” quality that Will Leather is known for. A signature Oregon staple. willleathergoods.com
VENUSTAS HEATED
JACKET. This jacket is impressively warm while still feeling lightweight. I wore it on the sideline of a middle school football game and stayed completely toasty the whole time. The adjustable heat settings are easy to use and genuinely useful for outdoor events and winter adventures. venustas.com
ADVENTURIST SIDEKICK
This compact crossbody is ideal for stadiums or events that require small or clear bags. I took it to a Portland Thorns match and it was perfect— just enough room for my phone, cards, cash, and a lipstick. Lightweight, secure, and easy to wear hands-free. adventuristbackpacks. com/products/ sidekick-crossbody
BEAR PAW SLIPPERS. The Izzy Platform Lo slippers from are plush, supportive, and cozy in a way that makes you want to keep them on all day. The platform sole gives them a more substantial feel than typical slippers,
and they hold their shape beautifully. A reliable cold-weather treat. bearpaw.com/products/ izzy-platform-lo-iced-coffee
Foodie
For the mom who always knows the best local maker, packs snacks “just in case,” and treats dinner like a creative project. These finds bring big flavor and small-batch joy straight to the kitchen.
SON OF MAN CIDER (OREGON BRAND). This dry Basque-style cider is crisp, bright and super drinkable. I opened a bottle with dinner and it paired beautifully with almost anything. It’s refreshing without being sugary, and it’s an easy win for cider fans. Available locally at Market of Choice and Whole Foods or go to sonofman.co
LOVELY COFFEE (LOVELY SPRINGFIELD). Lovely’s beans bring the coziness of their Springfield café straight into your morning routine. The roast I tried had a smooth balance of brightness and depth, and it made a perfect everyday cup. A thoughtful Oregon-local choice for coffee lovers. Available at lovelyspringfield.com or Lovely Cafe, 111 Main St. Springfield, Oregon.
discoveries—my favorite was the Portland-made Hot Mama Salsa hot sauce, which I immediately started putting on everything. I love gifts that introduce me to new makers to support, and this one makes that easy and fun. thefarmersfinds.com
BIG PICTURE FARM. These goat milk caramels are unbelievably creamy and deeply flavorful. I kept them in the fridge and rationed a couple at a time to make them last—which still didn’t stop me from finishing the box too fast. Safe to say I’m already planning to reorder. bigpicturefarm.com
FOND REGENERATIVE. This regenerative bone broth (and beef tallow) tastes clean, herbaceous, and—honestly—kind of addictive. It’s one of the few broths I actually look forward to sipping. It instantly elevates quick meals and feels like a wellness ritual I can actually stick with. fondregenerative.com
ROK PRESSO SMARTSHOT. This compact manual espresso maker impressed me immediately. The Smartshot design means no dialing in—you just pull a consistently great shot with beautiful crema every time. It’s perfect for moms who want café-level coffee without giving up counter space. us.rok.coffee/products/ presso-smartshot-soft-teal
Candles
For the mom who counts “lighting a candle” as self-care (same). These picks transform a room in seconds.
CERERIA MOLLA. This luxury candle line feels elevated and polished, and every scent I’ve tried has filled the room quickly and cleanly. The packaging is beautiful enough for gifting but simple enough for everyday use. cereriamolla.us
BEAN CANDLE COMPANY. These hand-poured soy candles smell comforting and modern, and I appreciate how long they burn for their size. They give off a rich scent that doesn’t overwhelm, making them an easy go-to for gifting all winter. beancandlecompany.com
Skin & Body Care
Self-care without a whole routine shift—just products that feel good, work well, and make winter skin happier.
GATHERWISE (OREGON BRAND).
Gatherwise grows most of their ingredients on a farm just outside Portland, and you can feel that freshness in every product. The Serious Eye Oil and lip balms became immediate staples for me. They also have beautiful holiday gift sets that make the picking easy. gather-wise.com
GLEEM BEAUTY. I loved how soothing and nourishing these formulas felt, especially for dry winter skin. They absorb quickly and left my skin looking calmer and more hydrated within days. A simple, effective choice for moms who want results without a complicated routine. gleembeauty.com
ROGER & GALLET GIFT KITS. These sets include a silky body wash and a unisex fragrance created by Jean Marie Farina. The scents are so bright and balanced and are easy for everyday wear. The lavender, rosemary, and petit grain scent ended up being my teenage son’s favorite - and despite my best efforts to hide for myself, he immediately claimed it. Elegant, classic, and a great little luxury.
Jewelry
Pretty, meaningful, Oregon-connected gifts that feel special without being fussy.
LOYALSMITH JEWELRY (NORTHWEST BRAND). Loyalsmith’s pieces have a thoughtful, minimalist charm that makes them incredibly easy to wear. They layer effortlessly and feel lightweight and comfortable all day. A lovely option for moms who appreciate subtle, sentimental pieces. loyalsmith.com
Miscellany
The fun, unexpected picks that bring a little delight into everyday life.
FEATHERSNAP SMART BIRD FEEDER. Easy to set up and surprisingly addictive to check, this feeder captures crisp, bright footage of visiting birds. It’s a charming way to connect with nature from your window and makes a great gift for anyone who loves watching wildlife. feathersnapcam.com
REN ZEN GARDEN (ENSO SENSORY). A beautifully made desktop zen garden that’s become my favorite quick reset during the workday. The sand, stones, and tools are thoughtfully designed, and the simple act of arranging everything is genuinely calming. ensosensory.com
BOLD & BLOOM (OREGON BRAND). Bold & Bloom pieces strike that sweet spot between modern and timeless. The designs feel fresh and stylish, but still wearable with anything. They’re beautifully made and instantly elevate everyday outfits. shopboldandbloom.com
Rescue Spotlight
Meet DALE DIMMADOME ! He’s a two-year-old mixed breed pup who weighs 63 pounds. He’s the most affectionate, sweet guy you’ll ever meet! Dale is the definition of a gentle giant, always looking for the next person to give him back rubs. Volunteers and staff say he is a joy to spend time with and that he always brightens their day!
Dale Dimmadome is looking for a home without small animals, including cats. He has been very friendly with other dogs at the shelter, so please bring your pup out to meet him! This sweet guy would like a home with kids nine years old or older. Dale Dimmadome is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines prior to adoption.
Humane Society is open seven days a week, 11 am – 6 pm at 88530 Green Hill Rd in Eugene. For more information call (541) 689.1503 or visit www.green-hill.org.
The Cat Rescue & Adoption Network presents BEN & REY , two bonded brothers who love people almost as much as they love each other. REY is a gray-andwhite tuxedo kitty, and Ben is a brown tabby with some white highlights. These boys are about four years old, healthy, and sociable. Rey is a complete cuddle bug who is vocal and loves to snuggle, and Ben is also very affectionate. They are good with other friendly cats, children, and even mellow dogs. If you’re looking to add a couple of cuddly, biscuit-making champions to your family, Rey and Ben might just be perfect for you! They have been neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and are negative for FIV & FeLV. To meet them in foster care, please call 541-225-4955 option 1, or visit our website at CatRescues.org
Greenhill
Exploring Salt Creek Falls
Ballet Fantastique Whale watching at Sea Lion Caves
