Savvy Sassy Moms Holiday Guide 2016

Holiday Guide

Savvy Sassy Moms

What's Inside Gift Guides Travel Guides Holiday Style Recipes & More

2016

Happy Holidays From the Savvy Sassy Moms

B

etween November and January, we can feel the temperature turn festive for a few short months. From the time we hear the first “All I want For Christmas Is You” blaring on the radio, to the first sip of an eggnog latte at Starbucks, we think it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Every way we turn there is a reminder that Christmas is coming, and it’s coming and going faster than Old Saint Nick shoots down a chimney to deliver gifts and inhale a plate of cookies. Our favorite thing about December is playing Santa and buying gifts for those who we care for, but sometimes, getting that perfect present for a special someone can get a little tricky. Our holiday guide will ease the pressure of the season and will give you tips and ideas; from how to dress for holiday parties to how to keep the kids busy during the holidays.

We have holiday photography tips from our incredible team, stocking stuffer ideas, the latest educational toys for your child, and more! The one thing we are sure of, is that we will inspire one-of-akind and memorable gifts and create memories for those around us.

We're delighted and enamored as our team of experts will share their specialty knowledge with you to capture the essence of the holiday season. We wanted to take this time to wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and joyous holiday season!!

Warmly,

Jenna & Lisa The Savvy Sassy Moms

table of contents + contributors 3 B BY S FIRST CHRISTM S GIFT IDE S 4 TRENDING TOYS GIFTS FOR TODDLERS 5 TOP TOYS OF 2016 FROM SPINM STER 7 2016 RE DING LIST FOR KIDS 8 HOT TOYS FOR TROLLS ST R W RS F NS 9 STOCKING STUFFERS FOR MOMS 10 GIFT GUIDE FOR TEENS 11 HOLID Y TR VEL WITH KIDS M DE E SY 13 BOOKS TO RE D THIS HOLID Y SE SON 14 EGGPL NT BUTTERNUT SQU SH BRUSCHETT 15 HOLID Y CHEER WITH MOMMYSHORTS 17 TR VEL MUST H VES FOR MOMS 20 HOW TO KEEP KIDS BUSY DURING THE HOLID YS 21 HOLID Y STYLE GUIDE 2016 22 E SY TOM TO SOUP P RMES N DUMPLINGS 23 HOLID Y PHOTOS YOU MUST T KE THIS YE R 25 JOY OF GIVING WITH ERIN ZIERING 27 HOT WHITE CHOCOL TE RECIPE A

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CONTRIBUTORS + THANKS erin ziering ilana wiles bite me more angela amman nicole yontz sara mccarty lisa kobrin jenna greenspoon ethan kobrin hailey kobrin mia kobrin katie kavulla our lovely guide sponsors

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Baby's First Christmas Six gifts in one

Milestone Baby Cards

from Skip Hop

($24)

($40)

Pediped Shoes ($40)

lulujo baby Mountains Blanket + Cards ($23)

Just Born for Baby Plush Moon ($13)

STOKKE Tripp Trapp High Chair ($249)

Diaper caddy that grows with Baby ($60)

theMINIclassy Dino Leggings ($38)

Little Partners

Name Bubbles

Art Easel

Gold Label Set

($140)

($10)

Custom Name Rolling Pin ($20)

fluf Designs Lunch Bag ($21)

Her own mini diaper bag from jujube ($40)

Nook Pebble Lounger ($220)

Trending for Toddlers

Svan Ice Cream Shop ($40)

spinmaster's top toys of 2016 2016

Zoomer Marshall One of PAW Patrol's most beloved characters, he's now more interactive than ever with more than 150 real PAW Patrol sounds, 80 interactive missions and tricks, and a transforming pup pack. ($70)

Bunchems Alive Make your Bunchems creations come to life when you stick them together. Watch them bounce, shake, and wiggle with just a tap! ($28)

Build­A­Bear Stuffing Station Kids can stuff their own characters to cuddle and love with the Build­A­Bear Stuffing Station. ($21)

Kinetic Sand Sandcastle Set Bring the fun of the beach home without all the mess! ($15)

Brightlings Brightlings are interactive dolls that are loveable and silly, showing kids a wacky good time! Kids can interact with Brightings by talking to them and creating their own songs in music mode. ($45)

Zoomer Hedgiez These adorable and interactive hedgehogs truly come to life through their wiggly nose, sweet sounds, sensors, and LED eyes.

Make them perform tricks! ($45)

Hatchimals Nestled inside a speckled egg, the Hatchimal relies on a child's curiosity, care, and nurturing. Take good care of it to see which Hatchimal is inside! ($60)

Pottery Cool Studio Get creative with pottery that lets gravity do the work! Watch it spin and take shape in your hands, making pottery easy for everyone. ($46)

Air Hogs Helix Race Drone This high­speed racing drone lets kids experience the latest racing trend.

Perform stunts with the push of a button. This drone is perfect for both novice and experienced flyers! ($85) Meccano Micronoid These pocket­sized Micronoids tell jokes, laugh, and move while interacting with each other. With easy direction controls, L.I.M. programming, responsiveness to yes/no questions, and music, it’s never been easier for kids to call a robot their own. ($27)

Air Hogs X­Stream Video Drone Record and share videos instantly with this drone. Fly the skies with tilt or touch screen controls on a smart device. ($76)

our favorite books for kids 2016

Trolls May The Force Be With You

Stocking Stuffers for moms

Julep Oxygen Nail Treatment ($18)

Erin Condren Notebook ($6)

Petunia Pickle Bottom Powder Room Case ($28) Mark + Graham iPhone Charging Bracelet ($149) Tieks Foldable Flats ($175) Kari Gran Lip Whip Kit ($37)

HP Sprocket Photo

The New Primal

Printer ($130)

Samplers ($32+)

Naranja 3-in-1 TEEN GIFT GUIDE

Macro Mobile Lens Kit ($56)

2016 from our team of teens

Mini Drone Quadcopter with HD

Fujifilm Mini 8 Instax Camera ($73)

Crosley Messenger Turntable

Camera ($100)

($80)

Portable Sephora's Exclusive Cologne

Battery

Sampler ($65)

Charger with Flashlight ($45)

Stagger Backpack UNIF ($88)

Geometricolor Palette Blockbuster ($50)

Pendleton 5th Avenue

Penny Boards

Glacier Park Wool Throw

Skateboard ($138)

($149)

TRAVEL MADE EASY KIDS

Be water safe wherever you go with FloatSuit by Splash About.

Keep your snack and small items in Nixi Reusable Snack Bags.

Keep on rollin’ with the Wildkin Rolling Backpacks which are the perfect size to double as a suitcase for your little one.

Document your family's travel with a World Travels Map from 76th and Newbury.

The Mountain Buggy POD is a lightweight and compact portable high chair.

Brushies are made of 100% food grade silicone. These finger puppets keep little teeth clean from gingerbread cookies and other festive treats!

Take the Suzi Take­Along Projector Soother to distract from unfamiliar sights and sounds.

The Babymoov Traveller Bag will fit everything you need and then some!

Keep your potty situation covered (literally) with the Graco Travel Folding Potty Seat.

Keep them entertained with the newest holiday movies from PBS Kids.

Cuddle up

with a book

Eggplant & Butternut Squash Bruschetta

WHAT YOU'LL NEED Toasted Garlic Bread 25 slices of French bread, ½ inch thick 3 tbsp olive oil 1 large garlic clove ¼ tsp kosher salt

Bite Me More

Directions

Eggplant & Butternut Squash Topping 2 tbsp olive oil 1 small red onion, diced 2 cups diced, unpeeled eggplant 2 cups diced butternut squash 1 large garlic clove, minced 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tsp honey ¼ tsp kosher salt ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 cup ricotta cheese

Holiday Cheer with Ilana Wiles from Mommy Shorts

What's your favorite childhood holiday memory and how do you incorporate that into your own family's holiday traditions?

We celebrated Hanukah and my mom used to have all the gifts wrapped and lined up in the living room on the first night, even though we were only allowed to open one gift per night. My sister and I used to agonize all day over which gift we were going to pick next based on the size and shape.

Sometimes, my mom would to try to trick us by making the smaller presents really special and the larger presents less substantial. It was a good lesson.

We are sure that you are excited about the release of your book, “The Mommy Shorts Guide to Remarkably Average Parenting,” what was the motivation behind the book?

a happy Hanukah!

Like most new parents, when I became a mom I wanted to do everything right. When it came to things like breastfeeding, getting the baby on a sleep schedule, etc. I kept asking people— what is the correct way to do it? I soon learned there is no correct way.

Every baby is different and parenting is mostly trial and error. All parents will make mistakes, I made them daily! Instead of feeling like a failure, I ended up finding a way to entertain myself with my struggles. I started my blog and found tons of other parents were all struggling with the same things and just wanted a way to laugh about it. There’s something hilarious about an entire community of intelligent successful people all being taken down by a two­year­ old who doesn’t want to go to bed or a pacifier that rolled under the seat while you’re driving. Nothing humbles you like parenthood.

What’s next for 2017?

Right now, I'm really getting into video. I love the community on Snapchat (I'm ilanawiles on there) and I'm building the Mommy Shorts YouTube channel. When my kids were babies, photos seemed like the perfect way to capture them, but now that they are older, I love seeing their personalities come to life on video.

How has the book impacted your family life and how will you find time to relax and enjoy the holiday season with your family?

I was on book tour for a big chunk of the fall so it's been great getting my routine back to normal.

The kids were really proud of the book (they love that their photos are in it) but it was hard to be away from each other. Plus, I owe my husband big time for taking care of everything while I was gone. We don't actually have that much planned for the holidays, which is kind of nice. Manhattan is a wonderful place to be around Christmas.

What can we expect to see on your social media channels over the holidays?

Well, I'm actually leaving for Disney World! I'll be there shooting a video for the park with my family. We've never taken the kids before and I am so excited! I haven't even told the kids yet. It's a surprise. Then we'll be back in NYC celebrating Hanukah and Christmas. I love taking the girls to see the decorations in Rockefeller Center, going ice skating and checking out the holiday windows. We'll also spend time with family out on Long Island.

We've got a pretty big yard that would be lots of fun if it snows! We'll also be going skiing at Mont Tremblant in January. I hear it's beautiful there!

Do you have a personal message for this holiday season?

Try to teach your kids the joy of giving as much as receiving. It's not the easiest lesson. My kids are a work in progress.

Happy Holidays!

For Adults

Travel Made Easy

Bravado Body Silk

Smythson Live

Seamless Nursing

Laugh Love

Cami

Panama Pocket Notebook

Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra

Samsonite Omni PC 20� Spinner Luggage ZAQ Mini Essential Oil Diffuser

Mermaid Maternity Polka Dot Rash Guard

S’Well Sparkling Champagne Stainless Steel Water Bottle Belabumbum Before + After 3-Piece Bundle Red Twist Cashmere Wrap

Kate Spade Glitter Slim Portable Charger Babymoov City Bag Diaper Bag

How to keep the kids busy during the holidays It's the most wonderful time of the year! The kids are happy because they are off school and you are happy because you get spend some quality time with your family. But before you know it, the kids are bouncing off the walls and looking for something to do... holiday excitement only gets you so far! Make the most of family time by planning some fun at­home activities!

Break out the art supplies and get crafty! The Deluxe Learn and Play Art Center Easel (Little Partners) is perfect for any room with detachable legs making it easy to use on a table. Gather the kids around on either side and let them get artsy on the chalk board or white board. Pull down the paper to write a note for Santa or make cards for friends and family!

Keep all of your art supplies together in a b.box for easy transport from room­to­room or bring it with you to Grandma's house. We love baby products that have multiple uses!

Get in the holiday spirit by decorating a gingerbread house. Whether you take out the piping bags or spread the icing with a spoon, everyone will enjoy decorating (and then eating) a gingerbread house this holiday season!

Statement faux fur

Silk cami, yes please!

The perfect white shirt Shoulderless bodysuit

Celebrate in Style Accessories for any event

Flirty feathers

Hosting a holiday gathering shouldn’t condemn you to hours over a hot stove,” said co­founder and Bite Me More sister Lisa Gnat.

“We’re with you every stir and whisk along the way – our recipes and ideas are created to be crowd­pleasing, but not time­consuming, so you can enjoy the festivities without all the fuss.

GRAB A SPOON

& DIVE IN! Deliciously Easy Tomato Soup With Parmesan Dumplings

Kids in their Christmas jammies

Picture with Santa

The Joy of Giving What are your favorite family holiday traditions?

My favorite holiday tradition has to be decorating the tree. I love creating a beautiful tree in the home. I have a small tree for the girls to decorate on their own so I can make the large tree look perfect!

What's at the top of your kids wish list?

A tree house!

What's your favorite holiday treat?

I love pumpkin pie. I always wonder why we don't eat it year round!

How do you decorate your home for the holidays?

I go all out even though we don't stay here for Christmas. Having grown up on a Christmas tree farm that looked like a winter wonderland, it just doesn't feel like Christmas time without 10,000 lights up inside the house!

We spoke with

Erin Ziering about giving and celebrating the holiday season!

What's your favorite christmas memory?

My favorite Christmas memory was when my grandfather used to dress up like Santa Claus on Christmas Eve and bring us a gift early. I, of course, never knew it was my Grandfather.

How do you plan on spreading the holiday cheer?

I plan on spreading the holiday cheer by using my social media channels to encourage acts of giving during the season. I am planning a toy drive this year for the Good + Foundation and promoting Noodle and Boos product that donates 100% of the proceeds to the Alliance of Moms.

How are you celebrating New Years Eve with your family?

I always host a family New Years Eve party from 4­7 p.m. We pretend like the ball drops at seven so everyone can get to bed early.

What are your New Years resolutions?

My New Years resolution is to continue to focus on the relationships around me and to encourage positivity.

After Dinner Delights Looking for the perfect festive bite? You’ve found it with Bite Me More’s delicious White Chocolate Peppermint Bark Blondies, an edible gift for everyone on your list. These easy­to­make chunky white chocolate blondies are elevated to new heights when topped with a creamy white chocolate frosting and crunchy homemade peppermint bark.

White Hot Chocolate

You'll need: 2 cups whole milk 4 oz white chocolate, chopped ½ tsp vanilla extract Pinch ground cinnamon

Whipped cream, for garnish White chocolate curls, for garnish

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched.

They must be felt with the heart."

(Helen Keller)