WHAT GOES IN OUR EASTER BASKETS

It’s March and for us, that signals the start of ‘birthday season’, a time of year that launches Spring and always reminds me to get ready for Easter!

Last year, I shared a roundup of Easter gifts for kids and this year I thought it would be fun to share the EXACT items that are going into our Easter baskets!

While we do an egg hunt on the day, and are starting a tradition of drawing on a wooden egg each per year, I always like to leave a little basket of treats on their placemats at the breakfast table on Easter morning as a surprise and this is what is going in them this year.

01. // Easter basket; 02. // Bunny planter (for the twins’ room); 03. // Easter lego set; 04. // Mini Jellycat softie; 05. // The Country Bunny book; 06. // Mini eggs; 07. // Chocolate bunny; 08. // Bunny pjs; 09. // Striped pjs.

STORAGE BASKETS + CONTAINERS FOR KIDS SPACES

Anyone else in the organizing mood? If you’re like me, getting my kids’ rooms and play area organized is top of my priority list this month (that’s January for you!). It’s a case of new toys and old ones, clothes that are too small and books that seem to seep into every area of our home. That, and Marie Kondo, who’s motto of ‘tidy your space, transform your life’ seems to resonate loud and clear! Please tell me I’m not the only one!

SHOP NOW…

So, while we’re all thinking about getting things sorted, I thought it would be helpful to share some of my go-to places to shop for baskets and bins, and even the tiniest of containers which keep my client’s rooms and my own rooms neat and tidy.

I like to think about storage starting from large to small, with the obvious largest items being stored in closets and under bed drawers, which I’ve talked about how to conquer in a previous post. Once those areas are exhausted or the rooms don’t have those options, I use baskets, bins and all the way down to little containers for treasures that kids seem to love to have in sweet little bowls on their dressers and side tables. My kids collect rocks and a plethora of other weird and wonderful items, which I’m sure yours do too. Books are another story and I’ll address those in a later post, although board books are a great item for mid size baskets on the floor!

LARGE STORAGE BASKETS WITH LIDS

Without a doubt, these baskets pull double duty on holding all the things, from blankets to diapers to large plastic toys while looking pretty on the outside. You can use them ANYWHERE and that is their beauty; they are covered and so a living room, playroom, nursery, even dining room corner is a perfectly acceptable (and great!) place to keep these. If you want to be the host that has everything cleaned up when guests come over (trust me, this is NOT me!), I’m sure these work well for papers, cords and laptops too ;)

MID-SIZED BASKETS

These are typically open baskets but still a large enough size for items such as blankets, diapers (next to change table for easy access), stuffed animals, and generally items you want to be able to reach easily. They are super versatile and easier to move around than the really large ones. Some clients prefer all open baskets and these ones are a few of my faves.

EVERYDAY BASKETS

The most popular size for a reason!!! From belly baskets to the 12” ones to fit all cube storage, everyday baskets house things your kids play with the most regularly. The baskets on the top shelf in the left photo are holding musical instruments that my client didn’t want her son to have access to at bedtime, but wanted a basket she could easily pull down for the times she was ready for her son to play music ;) In the photo on the right (our newest basement playroom), those baskets hold blocks, Magnatiles, large Legos, stacking cups, etc. The kids can choose whichever they like and also put them back (fingers crossed!).

LITTLE CONTAINERS / BOWLS

Like it or not, SO many kids seem to collect little treasures of the strangest sort. If you can dream it, I’ve seen it! As all parents know, kids will keep things wherever they want (no matter how hard we try!) but I find it helpful to provide at least a few options for their special things. This is where the little bowls and boxes come into play. If you have a spare drawer in a dresser, nightstand or even under the bed, it’s an ideal spot for these. If your little ones are anything like mine though, they take pride in their treasures being in the open on their shelves or on top of their dresser, and I know one day, I will miss seeing those little messy trinkets. :)

In case you like to PIN things for later, here are some of my favourite baskets and little bins for storage in children’s rooms.

01. // Large neutral basket; 02. // Rattan side table basket; 03. // Patterned covered basket; 04. // Set of 2 baskets; 05. // Pom pom hamper; 06. // Striped jute basket; 07. // Everyday basket; 08. // Tassel bin; 09. // Belly basket; 10. // Canvas mini bin; 11. // Brass bowl; 12. // Handmade rope mini bin.

BLACK FRIDAY SALES YOU CAN SHOP IF YOU WANT TO!

Anyone feel overwhelmed by the number of sales this year? Me too! I keep a list of favourite shops to check in on for this sale and thought I would share the list with you. It’s a curated list of places I look to all year round, but this weekend is a nice chance to tick off items you know you can buy ahead (i.e. christmas gifts, bigger sizes for the kids) or a big ticket item you’ve had your eye on (playhouse anyone?).

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CANADIAN FAVES
(#shopsmallsaturday & everyday!)

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THE CROSS
20% off

URBAN WALLS
25% off with code TREATYOSELF

PETITS VILAINS
20% off with code GIVEBACK

CORAL + CLOUD
20% off with code JOYOUS

SAJE WELLNESS
20% off everything (one day only)

PEHR DESIGNS
30% off with code YESPLEASE

MAUDE KIDS
15% off with code MKBLACKFRIDAY15

ETSY
So many amazing makers on sale here, see my holiday gift guide from last year for a few ideas

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HOLIDAY FAVES

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MINTED - for holiday cards
20% off (one day only)

ANTHROPOLOGIE - for ornaments + holiday earrings
30% off everything

MCGEE + CO - for home decor; too many cute things including this adorable doormat
20% off with code THANK YOU

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WINTER GEAR

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SIMPLY MERINO
(our favourite base layer ski wear)
up to 25% off

ALTITUDE SPORTS
(kids winter boots)
up to 50% off

WHEAT CLOTHING
(our favourite outerwear but this year it’s not on sale!)
40% off many items

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KIDS FURNITURE + DECOR + TOYS

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POTTERY BARN KIDS
25% off everything with code GIFT25, code UNWRAP for 20% in Canada

CRATE + KIDS
20-40% off

SERENA & LILY
20% off with code GATHER

WAYFAIR
Up to 80% off some items!

NOBLE CARRIAGE
10% off with code CHEERS10

ETSY
So many amazing makers here on sale here

LITTLE PASSPORTS
Use code BESTDEAL for $20off a 6 month subsciption

Stay tuned next week for a fun giveaway coming up in support of #givingtuesday (Tuesday November 27th).

10 MODERN (& SUPER CUTE!) KIDS CHAIRS

There are some things in life that you really don't need, but make parenting that much easier. Enter kids chairs. Sure, you can live without ever having one, but seeing toddlers at a table their own height with a chair their size is not only super useful, but yes, SUPER cute too.

Source: Sissy and Marley

Source: Style Your Senses

When looking for a chair (or set of chairs) for your little one, think about its' purpose. Is it going to be for their bedroom? A spot to rest with a book? Or will it be next to a table and need to be upright? When considering what to go for, I like to say that functionality always comes first. A good chair for a table set should be wipeable whereas one in a bedroom for reading can really be any style you want!

These chairs are some of my favourites; practical next to a toddler sized table or right at home in a corner along with a good book wall. 

01. // Rabbit Chair; 02. // Rattan Lounger; 03. // Black Chair; 04. // Mini Panton; 05. // Classic Riviera; 06. // Handmade Chair; 07. // Modern Bistro; 08. // Gray Wood; 09. // Aculpulco Chair; 10. // Ghost Chair.

8 OF THE BEST PLAY KITCHENS FOR TODDLERS

Purchasing a play kitchen almost feels like a parenting rite of passage. It’s the one toy set you’re guaranteed to find in nearly every home with a toddler, and it’s not without good reason. Play kitchens deliver a perfect outlet for imaginative play, and of course, there’s nothing more adorable than kiddos “cooking” up dinner alongside Mom and Dad.

But before you secretly cringe at the idea of adding another toy set into your thoughtfully designed home, rest assured that play kitchens don’t have to be a total eyesore. In fact, I’ve searched the web and rounded up nine pint-sized kitchens you’ll actually want to show off in any part of your home.

One. | Leave it to Milton & Goose to bridge the gap between style and function with the cutest kitchen featuring all the bells and whistles. Not only is it made from eco-friendly woods, but this kitchen includes a miniature farmhouse sink and a magnetic chalkboard for your little’s weekly menus. 

Two. | Any style-conscious parents will be envious of their little one’s kitchen with this Kid Craft beauty. With its' simple white design, you’ll have the perfect backdrop to add in pops of color through fun accessories like this added shelf pictured below.

Three. | Fit for a little gourmand, this toddler kitchen boasts warm grey cabinetry and gold hardware. The gas switch is rotatable and I love that there is a little clock for kids to learn how to tell time!

Four. | With a solid maple build, the Hape play kitchen is bound to become your toddler's most loved toy. Well made and with a roll out cart, this is a buy that will be past on down the years.

Five. | Tiny chefs rejoice! This retro play kitchen includes a refrigerator, microwave, oven, and sink so kiddos will stay busy with endless hours of pretend. Take your pick from six different colors to match your home’s aesthetic and let the fun begin. 

Six. | Perfectly neutral and with a warm wood tone to match, this West Elm x Pottery Barn play kitchen has you covered. The fridge provides good storage and the little stove top is an addition your little one is sure to love.

Seven. | Keep things sweet and simple with this handcrafted kitchen featuring a detachable sink and faucets and ample toy storage below. You’ll be able to tuck away any play food, pots, or pans for easy cleanup post-play.

Eight. | The ultimate in mid-mod style, this mini kitchen from Scandiborn packs awesome play features into a compact size. Kids will love cooking and baking through active play, while parents will love the eye-catching (and total space-saving!) design.

PIN the image below to save this post about play kitchens for later...

01. // Milton & Goose kitchen; 02. // White kitchen; 03. // Grey & gold kitchen; 04. // Hape play kitchen; 05. // Retro kitchen; 06. // Wood tone kitchen; 07. // Umi kitchen; 08. // Scandi space saver.