2022 ParentMap Gift Guide

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A Toy Whisperer’s Guide to the Best Holiday Gifts of 2022 15 totally terrific toys and games for tots — and adults

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The Family That Plays (and Reads) Together Go-to gifts for the whole crew that emphasize fun — and togetherness

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PNW INSIDE + OUT

Gift Guide 2022

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GI F T GUID E

A Local Toy Whisperer’s Guide to the Best Holiday Gifts for 2022 15 totally terrific toys and games for tots — and adults

By Patty Lindley, photos by Nancy Chaney

Many parents are guilty of reflexively flinging a particularly deflating knee-jerk cynicism in response to requests by their kids for certain toys they really want (but we sure as shoot don’t): “That’s … too expensive, too loud, too junky, too messy, too

Snapdoodle Toys & Games store location (snapdoodletoys.com) in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood. This beloved toy mecca has drawn loyal families from the area for more than 30 years, long operating as Top Ten Toys before big, too small (ouch — being acquired in 2018 infernal Legos underfoot!) by the toy-whispering ...” So many ready objecPickering family, which tions! Nowhere has operates five other Inside Snapdoodle this miserly anti-toy Snapdoodle stores, in Toys & Games sentiment been more perKenmore, Redmond, fectly immortalized than in the endearing Issaquah, Totem Lake and Bellevue. holiday classic “A Christmas Story,” when Luckerath is a veteran Ralphie’s mother responds to his covetous toy seller in her own plea for a Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200 right, having logged Shot Range Model air rifle with this almost three dismissive, dream-quashing assessment: decades’ worth of “You’ll shoot your eye out.” experience workBut the truth is that we can all probably ing in Seattle-area recall a toy we likewise desperately covtoy stores. “I love ineted during our childhood, one that made dependent toy stores. us sleepless, fretful, hopeful — maybe even This is what I know. You maladroitly scheming — in the lead-up to breathe in, you breathe out, you sell toys — the holidays. that’s what I do,” she says with a shrug.

Luckily for the Ralphies of the world today, there are magical adults in our midst who understand what kids want and advocate for their toy wishes, every day of the year, not just during the holiday season.

Stephanie “Steph” Luckerath is the assistant manager of the independent

Quite possibly the least grinchy person one could ever encounter, this ambassador of fun recently shared her exuberance for, and breathtaking knowledge of, the best toys and games of 2022 with me.

Here are 15 of her favorite picks for your holiday gift-giving list consideration.

Flybar My First Jump & Squeak Pogo Hopper (ages 3+) “These are really fun. Not pogo sticks, they are pogo ‘hoppers’ — much more balanced than pogo sticks.”

Wanderlust Wood + Felt City Blocks Playset: Seattle (ages 3+) “We just got this in last week, and I’m all excited about it! It’s a playset of Seattle-themed felt and wood blocks — there’s the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and the Seattle Great Wheel.”

Magna-Tiles: Dino World XL (ages 3–99) “You can’t ever go wrong with Magna-Tiles!

We have the new 50-piece Dino World set in stock right now.”

Heads Talk Tails Walk: A Game of Silly Sounds and Movement (ages 3+) “This is one of my favorites. It is a matching game where you have to pair face-up body cards with face-down head cards. But, say you’ve matched a chicken body with a cat head on top:

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GI F T GUID E

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Everybody has to get up and walk around the table like a chicken while meowing like a cat. I sell this to tons of grandparents of 3-year-olds. But I also sell it to UW students who come in and ask me, ‘Yeah, do you have any good drinking games?’”

Jabber Bot Smart Remote-Control Robot (ages 6+) “The Jabber Bot is this little RC robot. It makes a whistle noise and a spooky noise.

It also makes a fart sound, because, well. ... Kids can also talk through the bot, as a walkie-talkie.”

Not It! The Camping Chaos Edition (ages 6+) “I played the original fairytale version of this game with reps [from The Good Game Company] in 2019.

I recently found out that all of the artwork for the Camping Chaos version was done by a Seattle artist.”

Dolphin Hat Games’ Gimme That! (ages 7+) “This game is by the folks behind the very popular Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza game.

But this one is ridiculous! It’s crazy-fun. Love it!”

Sleeping Queens 2: The Rescue! (ages 8+) “I’m really excited about Gamewright’s Sleeping Queens 2 — this time, the queens have to go save the kings! [The company’s] Rat-a-Tat-Cat card game has also been one of my favorites for 25 years.”

Tsuro: The Game of the Path (ages 8–adult) “This game was created in Portland. I’ve only played it once and I lost within two minutes. I don’t mind losing, but I mean losing honestly. I live with my elderly mother — and she cheats. So, we don’t play games at my house.”

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National Geographic Amazing Worms Chemistry Kit (ages 10+) “We carry several of National Geographic’s excellent kits in our science section.

Chemistry of worms? Yup.” Force1 UFO 4000 3-Speed LED Stunt Drone (ages 14+) “This is one of my favorite drones ever! I play with it all of the time. It is super sturdy.”

Lego Ideas Tree House (ages 16+) “I’m one of our resident ‘Star Wars’ Lego fans, but what I’m best

SmartGames IQ Travel Puzzles (ages 6–adult) “These little travel logic puzzle games are the type of thing I will throw in my pocket before I go down to Portland on the train. Endlessly entertaining for kids and adults alike.”

Buildzi by Tenzi (ages 6–96) “This fast-stacking building-block game is our best-seller for good reason — it’s wonderful.”

vaguely like what it’s supposed to be — then you have to work on it [with water and sandpaper] until it’s finished.”

Studiostone Creative Soapstone Jewelry (ages 9–99) “Studiostone’s soapstone kits aren’t just jewelry. There’s also a bear, a sea turtle, a wolf ... You get a very raw lump, looking

known for is being the resident ‘Harry Potter’ Lego geek.

But, have to say, the tree house is simply amazing!”

You’ll find Stephanie Luckerath on the floor at the Greenwood Snapdoodle Toys & Games store noon–7 p.m., Tuesday– Saturday. She is also the store’s resident “story-time lady” — drop in most Wednesdays at 4 p.m. for a storytelling treat. Thank you, Steph!

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Patty Lindley is ParentMap’s managing editor.

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FAM I LY F UN

December Play List 15 ways to be merry and bright

By Nancy Chaney Check out many more happenings online at parentmap.com/calendar.

And just like that, the winter holidays are upon us, along with the attendant flurry of festive activities! Perhaps amid the holiday hubbub, some of us will want to consider quality, not quantity, in the pursuit of family memory-making and cheer.

To that end, we present you with this stocking full of mostly free ideas for making merry this holiday season.

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� Snowflake Lane is Bellevue’s

spectacle of the spectacular.

Stake out a spot on the sidewalk near Bellevue Square to see the “snow” fall and watch drummers and dancers perform along the parade route.

This over-the-top nightly event is a must-see, at least once.

Daily through Dec. 24 at 7 p.m.

Free. parentmap.com/ snowflake-lane

� Stop by the Seattle Center Armory to admire a delightful model train and surrounding holiday village setup, part of Winterfest. Pick up a scavenger-hunt sheet to see if you can spot all of the items in the

village. The train is on display daily through Dec. 31 (except Dec. 25), 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Viewing is free; donations to keep the trains running are accepted. parentmap.com/ winterfest

� Holy candy extravaganza!

Seattle’s beloved holiday Gingerbread Village is back at Sheraton Grand Seattle. Stop by the hotel lobby to feast your eyes on elaborate, sweet and surprisingly architectural masterpieces of gingerbread and candy. Viewing the Gingerbread Village is free, though donations to the local chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation are appreciat-

ed. Open daily through Jan. 1, including on Christmas Day. parentmap.com/ gingerbread-village

� Lovely Lakewold Gardens hosts an enchanting holiday light show, Winter Solstice Lights, which includes a special techy twist. Wander the garden’s pathways to admire the lights while listening to music composed on the spot by an algorithm reading weather and environmental data. Intriguing, no? Show open daily through Jan. 2. Tickets $12–$16; ages 5 and younger free. parentmap.com/solstice-lights

Highlighted Events for December

Dec. 1 | Thursday

Dec. 2—4 | Friday–Sunday

Dec. 6 | Tuesday

Nordic Stories and free museum entry

‘’Twas the Night …’ presented by Studio East

Raising Critical Thinkers: Media Literacy for the Digital Age

National Nordic Museum, Seattle parentmap.com/nordic-stories

Kirkland Performance Center parentmap.com/twas

Online ParentEd Talks event parentmap.com/live

� An Eastside family favorite,

Bellevue’s Downtown Ice Rink sets up for its 25th year. Families can get started by learning to ice skate at free, all-ages skating lessons on select dates (you still need to book your rink entry). Check online for more special events, such as an ugly-sweater-themed skating session on Dec. 25. Open daily through Jan. 8. Entry is $14–$17 and includes skate rental. parentmap.com/ice-rink

Christmas. Greet Santa and other characters, and view the beautiful light displays while you stay warm and cozy in your car. Select dates through Dec. 31. Entry starts at $27 per carload. parentmap.com/ lights-of-christmas

� Visit Ballard’s National Nordic Museum on free First Thursday, Dec. 1, to enjoy both free admission and Nordic Stories; this month features a charming tale by beloved children’s author Jan Brett, “The Wild Christmas Reindeer.” The museum is open 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Nordic Stories is 10–10:30 a.m., free. parentmap.com/nordic-stories � Even with COVID-19 in the rearview mirror (for the most part), Warm Beach Camp in Stanwood is keeping the drivethrough format for its holiday light spectacle, The Lights of

ParentEd Talks event on Tuesday, Dec. 6, when it welcomes author Julie Bogart.

Bogart will help parents learn to guide their kids toward digital literacy. Log in to the webinar live 1–2 p.m. or register to receive a recording if you can’t join at that time. Self-selecting sliding-scale fee of $0–$15. parentmap.com/live

� Stroum Jewish Community

� Olympia’s seasonal ice rink,

Oly on Ice, is back for your gliding and sliding pleasure this winter. You’ll find the rink in Isthmus Park in downtown Olympia; dress warmly, and it’s recommended to book your skating session online ahead of time to avoid disappointment. Open daily through Jan. 16, including on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission costs $9–$15; $5 for tots ages 3 and younger (entry includes skate rental). parentmap.com/oly-on-ice

� Join ParentMap for its next

The Lights of Christmas display at Warm Beach Camp

� Quick! You have just one weekend to partake in the hilarious holiday merriment that is Studio East’s stage show “’Twas the Night …” This comic twist on the traditional poem will make even the grumpiest Scrooge in your family laugh out loud. At Kirkland Performance Center. Multiple showtimes, Friday–Sunday, Dec. 2–4. Tickets $21–$26. parentmap.com/twas � Renton’s Holiday Lights replaces the beloved beachfront light display known as Clam Lights. Visit Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park — maybe bring a flashlight for a twilight romp on the fantastic playground? — to enjoy the free light show 5–9 p.m. nightly, Dec. 2–Jan. 1. parentmap.com/holiday-lights

Center welcomes kids for hands-on Hanukkah activities at several locations around town! Pop by to spin a dreidel, craft a toy menorah and more.

Activities are free on select dates, Dec. 9–22, at locations such as Bellevue Botanical Garden, Crossroads and U Village, among others. parentmap.com/ hands-on-hanukkah

� Visit Auburn’s White River Valley Museum for making art and having holiday fun on a special Festival of Trees Family Day. Take inspiration

from beautiful dream-inspired holiday trees on display, designed by local artists.

Saturday, Dec. 10, noon–4 p.m.

Free. parentmap.com/family-day

� Got cabin fever? Brave the winter elements and make the most of the short hours of daylight on a ranger-led exploration of the trails in fascinating Mercer Slough Nature Park. Preregister for this free activity, which is best for ages 5 and older, but all are welcome. Sunday, Dec. 11, 2–3:30 p.m. parentmap.com/ranger-hike � Head to Kirkland’s Marina Park to hear the story of Hanukkah and witness the lighting of the Grand Menorah, marking the beginning of the holiday. Sunday, Dec. 18, 4–6 p.m. Free. parentmap.com/menorah

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Nancy Chaney is ParentMap’s Out + About editor.

S P O N S O R ED EVEN T

Open now-Jan. 8 ‘Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & The Machine’ Explore this interactive exhibit now open at MOHAI. Discover what thinking machines are and learn how AI will be part of the future. bit.ly/MOHAI_AI

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2022 BIG GIFT Giveaway Enter for a chance to win one of 13 amazing gifts from ParentMap’s awesome local partners.

$2,455 total prize value

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Party package for up to 20 people

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12-month Elite PLAYer Pass

Enter now:

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Submit up to one entry per day. Giveaway ends Dec. 18.

GI F T GUID E

Give the Gift of Reading With These Page-Turners Books for everyone on your list, from preschoolers to grown-ups

By Lindsay Zielinski A few years ago, my husband and I decided to end the traditional gift giving that dominated our holiday season. It felt like overkill to choose, wrap and give bushels of gifts to each other when we didn’t really need anything. So, after a bit of research (and learning about the Icelandic tradition of giving books as presents, Jólabókaflóðið, which roughly translates into English as “the Christmas book flood”; jolabokaflod.org), a new tradition was born: the three gifts of Christmas. Following the formula of gifting loved ones something to wear, something to do and something to read saves us time and money every holiday season.

But even better? It allows us to spend more time with each other, which, to me, is what matters most. We open our books on Christmas Eve and spend time reading, the lights of our tree creating the ultimate cozy vibe as our daughter sits between us.

This quiet tradition has become my favorite way to celebrate the holidays. Choosing the perfect books for my husband and daughter has brought me so much joy that this year I’ve decided to expand my book giving to everyone on my list. To me, books are the perfect gift: They’re entertaining, can be enjoyed again and again, and, most importantly, they’re easy to wrap!

If you’re feeling bookish this year, I’ve gathered a few top choices for everyone on your list.

Picks for preschoolers

“This Book Is Not a Present” by Max Greenfield, illustrated by Mike Lowery This hilarious picture book for reluctant readers begs to be read aloud with the whole family.

“All Around Bustletown: Nighttime” by Rotraut Susanne Berner What do you see? Your little one will love poring over the images in Bustletown, searching for all of the hidden happenings within the town at night.

“Adurable: Little Pups in Big Trucks” by Bob Shea, illustrated by Brian Won This silly story about three adorable puppies who help save their teacher from a rocky experience will delight grown-ups just as much as kids.

“Tree: A Peek-Through Picture Book” by Britta Teckentrup This die-cut book follows a tree through the seasons, keeping little ones engaged with beautiful images and unique shapes.

Picks for elementary-age kids

“The Real Dada Mother Goose: A Treasury of Complete Nonsense” by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Julia Rothman Completely irrational and totally wacky, this twist on classic nursery rhymes will be a favorite for years to come.

“The Three Billy Goats Gruff” by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen The duo of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen hits it out of the park again with this fractured fairy tale featuring a rather trusting troll and three clever goats.

“Cornbread and Poppy” by Matthew Cordell This sweet early-reader chapter-book series introduces kids to Cornbread and Poppy, odd-couple best friends who always figure out even the toughest of problems, as long as they’re together.

“Odder” by Katherine Applegate, illustrated by Charles Santoso This novel in verse follows a young otter through a journey of bravery and healing, from the Pacific Ocean to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

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Middle school reads

“A Rover’s Story” by Jasmine Warga Perfect for tweens who love anything space-, STEM- and adventure-related, this middle-grade novel tells the story of Resilience (“Res”), a rover that might have accidentally acquired human emotions and must navigate a mission on Mars.

“You Only Live Once, David Bravo” by Mark Oshiro After his friend is hurt in an accident, David Bravo wishes he could go back in time to change the outcome. When a shape-shifting dog takes him hopping from one point in time to another, will they be able to fix the past to change the future?

“The Tryout: A Graphic Novel” by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Joanna Cacao From two-time Newbery honoree Christina Soontornvat comes this middle-grade autobiographical graphic novel that follows the author’s own middle school cheerleading tryout journey.

“Wingbearer” by Marjorie Liu, illustrated by Teny Issakhanian Fans of Kazu Kibuishi’s “Amulet” and Tui T. Sutherland’s “Wings of Fire” series will love this new graphic novel series starring Zuli, who goes on an epic adventure to protect her magical home.

Picks for high schoolers

The Puffin in Bloom Collection, which includes “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery, “Heidi”

by Johanna Spyri, “Little Women”

by Louisa May Alcott and “A Little Princess” by Frances Hodgson Burnett For a teen who loves the classics, wrap up this beautiful keepsake collection festooned with Rifle Paper Co. founder Anna Bond’s beautiful floral artwork.

BookTok Bestsellers Boxed Set, which includes “We Were Liars”

by E. Lockhart, “The Gilded Ones”

by Namina Forna, “House of Salt and Sorrows” by Erin A. Craig and “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder”

by Holly Jackson TikTok teen in your life? Look no further than this boxed set with four #booktok-approved titles your teen will love.

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“Tasting Light: Ten Science Fiction Stories to Rewire Your Perceptions,” edited by A.R. Capetta and Wade Roush Teens interested in science fiction and technology will love this collection of short stories, each one imagining a world that could happen in the future using technology that is emerging today.

“Strike the Zither” by Joan He In this richly reimagined version of the classic Chinese story “Three Kingdoms,” we meet ultimate strategist Zephyr in a fantasy world where one must betray or be betrayed.

For the grown-ups

“Inciting Joy: Essays” by Ross Gay In the darkest months of the year, reach for this tome as your go-to gift for any grown-up on your list. Uplifting essays highlight the ways we share connection to bring joy into our lives, rather than focusing on what keeps us apart.

“The Wok: Recipes and Techniques”

by J. Kenji López-Alt From the author of the bestselling cookbook “The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science” comes an ode to one of his favorite pans: the wok. With more than 200 recipes, 1,000 photographs and extras such as pantry-stocking advice, this cookbook is the perfect gift for beginning home cooks, expert chefs and all those cooks in between.

“Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow”

by Gabrielle Zevin Readers gain access into the lives of friends and creative partners Sam and Sadie as they design video games and follow their destiny to fame and immortality across three decades.

“All Good People Here: A Novel” by Ashley Flowers True crime fans will love this intense and twisting thriller written by “Crime Junkie” podcast host Ashley Flowers.

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Lindsay Zielinski is a mom, wife and writer living in Tacoma. She spends most of her time in libraries, where she is always looking for her next favorite picture book.

The Family That Plays Together Go-to gifts for the whole crew that emphasize fun — and togetherness

By Kate Missine

With another season of holiday gift giving on the way, many of us are on the lookout for ways to minimize the clutter (and the spending!) while maximizing the festive fun. Enter the family gift: an ingenious answer to the hit-or-miss gift exchange, with one great gift that the whole family can enjoy.

Try out some new moves From pickleball to surfing, beat the winter slump and break a sweat with these sporty gifts to get the whole family active and moving.

Hit the court with the easy, familyfriendly game of pickleball. You will love the adorably punny dill-pickle racquets included in Big Dill Pickleball Company’s superstar starter set ($85; bigdillpickleballcompany.com).

Hit the surf! Head to the FlowRider surf simulator at Snohomish Aquatic Center for some splashy fun. A FlowRider punch pass for 10 sessions costs $148 (sno.wednet.edu).

The whole family can make some moves without leaving their favorite screens with the interactive console game Nintendo Switch Sports ($40; nintendo.com).

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Know an

EXTRAORDINARY parent, caregiver or guardian (or sasquatch)?

Give the gift of adventure Nothing brings families together like an all-new experience, so wrap up some awesome adventures with an outing to one of these adrenaline-fueled spots in our area.

Let it all go and experience the hair-raising thrill of indoor skydiving inside the gravity-free tube at iFly Seattle in Tukwila (starting at $65; iflyworld.com).

Nominate an

UNSUNG HERO TODAY!

Tackle the ropes and swoop down zip lines on Everett’s High Trek Adventures ropes course — or try ax throwing or laser tag for lower-stakes fun (starting at $50; hightrekeverett.com).

FS_0081 [10-2022]

GO TO www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/ child-development-supports/sfwa

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BE CURIOUS.

Support curiosity and give the gift of membership.

Learn how at pacsci.org

GI F T GUI D E

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Work together to find your way out at Conundroom’s family-friendly escape rooms, which have fun themes, such as “School of Magic” and “Alice in Wonderland” (starting at $35; conundroom.us).

Get in on a class act For a gift that will truly keep on giving, learn a new skill or two together — and maybe gain a new hobby — with a fun, creative class that both parents and kiddos can take together.

Whip up some tasty treats as you pick up some new kitchen tricks with a parent-child cooking class at FrogLegs Cooking School ($150; froglegskca.com).

Discover the amazing craft of glass blowing and create your own masterpiece at Seattle Glassblowing Studio ($70–$400; seattleglassblowing.com).

Say “cheese” to a familyfocused lesson that introduces kids (and parents) to the art of photography at Seattle’s The Sprouting Image (prices vary; thesproutingimage.com).

Get your game on Give a fresh twist to family game night with some new board games, or spruce up the game room.

Either way, these playful presents will guarantee a good time on those long winter nights.

Who can resist a soft foam burrito with a face? Throw them, dodge them and enjoy the laughs that follow with the silly dodgeball card game Throw Throw Burrito ($25; explodingkittens.com).

Give your game closet a big upgrade with a giant-size, fancy version of a classic favorite, Scrabble Giant Deluxe Edition ($160; wsgamecompany.com).

Turn the playroom, basement or garage into a gathering space your family won’t want to leave with a convertible 10-in-1 game table set that has something for everyone ($160; bestchoiceproducts.com).

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Kate Missine is a lifestyle writer, food lover and girly girl raising two little boys in beautiful Sammamish.

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100+ RainyDay Arts and Crafts Bookmark this list of fun and easy DIY projects to occupy your little ones indoors

By ParentMap Editors The weather can get gloomy on these shorter winter days, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! We’ve rounded up more than 100 arts and crafts projects for young kids to brighten indoor days, including nature-themed activities, seasonal crafts and even projects that make the most of items in your recycling bin. Follow the short URLs to get all of the details.

Nature and seasonal crafts • Take a winter walk to connect with nature, and then create art from your findings. parentmap.com/nature-crafts • Build a whimsical fairy garden in the backyard! parentmap.com/fairy-crafts • Adapt these clever garden crafts to an indoor windowsill. parentmap.com/garden-crafts • Brighten up your home with masterpieces from 10 colorful projects. parentmap.com/seasonal-crafts

• Cure cabin fever with snow-inspired crafts. parentmap.com/snow-crafts Holiday crafts • From DIY menorahs to decorations and homemade gifts, find fun craft ideas for celebrating Hanukkah (parentmap.com/ hanukkah-crafts) and Christmas (parentmap.com/holiday-crafts).

Science-focused crafts • Create a primer in entomology with adorable bug art. parentmap.com/bug-crafts • Indulge a dinosaur obsession with dazzling dino crafts. parentmap.com/dino-crafts • Teach kids that rocks totally rock with DIY geode-inspired projects. parentmap.com/geodes

Recycled crafts • Make DIY journals, tie-dye art and more with materials you already have at home. parentmap.com/diy-crafts • Enjoy creative toys that are crafty, green and oh so fun! parentmap.com/toy-crafts • Keep it simple with clever sculptures, tap mazes and more. parentmap.com/indoor-crafts • Try building a city or playing a game with cardboard boxes! parentmap.com/cardboard-fun • Enjoy Earth Day at any time of year with even more crafts from recyclables. parentmap.com/recycling-crafts

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FAMI LY-FRIENDLY VO LUN TEERIN G

Giving Back How to choose the best volunteer opportunities for your family

By Sandi Schwartz

Volunteering as a family is such a wonderful way to bond and feel better overall. When we make others happy, we experience an amazing biological phenomenon called a “helper’s high,” which is the result of our brain releasing chemicals called endorphins.

We experience an energy in our body that is similar to the rush we feel after we exercise. These positive feelings make our kids happier and healthier by reducing stress, anxiety and feelings of sadness, loneliness or depression.

Finding the right family volunteer activities can be overwhelming at times. You may feel uncertain about what is expected and question whether your children can participate. It is so important that your children feel comfortable where you volunteer, are inspired by the work you do and enjoy themselves. Without these three components, our children won’t reap all of the amazing benefits of volunteering. Plus, we want them to love helping others so they continue to do so for a lifetime!

When searching for the appropriate activity, consider the following priorities: Project focus The first step is to brainstorm as a family to decide what types of volunteer activities you are interested in doing. Ask your children whom they would like to help. Is there a particular cause they feel passionate about, such as feeding homeless people, making art for other children, helping animals, or visiting the elderly or sick?

What interests, skills and talents do your family members have?

Do you prefer to be indoors or outdoors? Do you wish to work directly with people or do something quietly, such as painting or pulling weeds? The options are endless, so it is important to narrow down your choices and focus on projects that will give your family the most satisfaction.

Organization’s mission Do your research before you sign up to volunteer with a specific organization. Find out about its history and how it got started, and read up on the organization’s goals, mission, leadership and funding. Check out its website, search online for press coverage, and visit sites such as Charity Watch (charitywatch.org) and Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org) to find and support nonprofits that align with your family’s values and passions. If possible, ask a

current or past volunteer about the pros and cons of the organization. Getting a referral from someone you know is the best option, especially because your children will be participating.

Location, location, location Next, you will want to search for projects and programs that are close to home so that you do not have to drag your kids too far to volunteer. Check your local paper, call charitable organizations or search online to find the perfect places for kids to volunteer in your area.

Visit ParentMap.com to explore family-friendly volunteering activities (parentmap.com/family-volunteering), volunteering options for families with tweens and teens (parentmap.com/volunteering) and programs in which young people can participate on their own.

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GIF T GUIDE

Cost Although fees for volunteering are rare, check to see if they are required. You may also want to consider any other costs involved, such as travel, required clothing or equipment, or requested products or monetary donations.

Time commitment Decide how much time you have to volunteer. It could be once a week, once a month or once a year. Start slowly and gradually increase your involvement if the project is working out well. You may choose to volunteer with different organizations each time in order to expose your children to a wide variety of experiences.

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Age-range guidelines Look for activities that your whole family can participate in. Before you commit to a project, check to see if there are any age requirements listed. It may take some hunting around, but you should be able to find age-appropriate options. Even babies can take part in nursing home visits, charity walks and beach cleanups.

Activity expectations Before you show up, find out exactly what you will be doing. Will there be heavy lifting involved? Will you have to get your hands dirty? Will the project involve a boring and repetitive task that will end up annoying your kids?

Make sure the activity is something that your kids will actually enjoy before you invest your time.

Safety No matter what, safety needs to come first when children are involved. Your kids may be afraid to talk to strangers, so consider starting with familiar people and places. As your children get older, you can start to venture out and expose them to different situations. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, many places have adjusted their volunteer schedules and requirements, and others may have temporarily paused their volunteer programs. Check each organization’s website for the most current information about its volunteer programs.

Where Luxury Meets Sustainability

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Fun factor Finally, if it isn’t an enjoyable experience for your kids, then what’s the point? Choose opportunities that involve your children in a fun way, but that also teach and inspire them. Avoid topics and activities that are too serious and sad for young children. Be sure to engage with them afterward and ask what they thought and if they would be willing to volunteer again.

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Sandi Schwartz is an author, journalist and mother of two. As the founder and director of the Ecohappiness Project (ecohappinessproject.com), her mission is to inspire and educate families to build a nature habit to feel happier and calmer.

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