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“If I could get an IV of Diet Coke, I would,” Daryl-Ann Denner tells me over Zoom. We’re sitting in our respective kitchens sipping on large Diet Cokes, also known as “LDCs” to the influencer’s two million followers on Instagram. It’s noon. “People ask me how I have the energy to raise three kids, and this is how,” Denner says of her daily ritual. After making a name for herself over the past decade for being the relatable, girl-next-door fashion blogger-turned-family lifestyle inspiration, the mother of three was in search of the perfect tee and couldn’t find an option up to par with how she wanted to look and feel; enter her elevated basics brand, nuuds.
“I always knew I wanted to be a working mom, and to be honest, I’m a better mom when I’m working. I feel more fulfilled,” Denner tells me. She adds, “There was a season after having my son of feeling super guilty because of that desire, and almost resentful towards my husband for being able to go back to work and to his ‘normal’ life. I wanted to be myself, and I wanted to run my business, and I wanted to still be me, and I didn't know how to do that.” Through a mix of learning new rituals and routines, as well as couples’ therapy, Denner’s relationships shifted — in her family, and with herself.
Ahead, Denner shares her secrets for feeling your best while doing the most, from adding sex to your schedule, to the freedom to doomscroll.
On Self-Care
“I don’t know if I would call this self-care, but my husband and I implemented this new thing – we have an hour from 8 to 9 p.m. during the week when our kids are in bed, where we can do whatever we want, by ourselves, no questions asked. Sometimes I want to scroll on my phone for an hour. Or I reorganize my closet, or just sit and zone out! I feel recharged after, and it makes a real difference for how I show up as a wife and mom.”
On Work-Life Balance
“I’ll never forget listening to a podcast when I heard someone say, ‘Screw balance, it doesn’t exist’. In the beginning I doubted if I was cut out for both working and parenting if I needed support; there’s this weird thing about being confident as a mom, and an entrepreneur as well. If I want my business to be better, and my family to thrive, I’ve learned to lean on other people’s strengths.”
On Overcoming Mom-Guilt
“I had our son at 28, and two months in I remember looking at my mom and saying, ‘I don’t like this.’ The baby was crying, and I was crying. It was such a freeing moment for me to be able to talk to my family and say, ‘I don’t like this feeling right now, and I’m questioning everything, and it’s ok.’ You’re not a bad mom because you don’t like this phase — the first 6 months are very hard. It doesn’t mean you don’t love being a mom, and you can feel two ways at once. Once I shared this with my community online, I saw that thousands of women felt the same.”
On Keeping it Spicy
“I have a few crucial tips for maintaining a fun sex life as a new mom.
1. Make time for yourself; it makes me feel more confident when I have had my solo time for self-care.
2. Every relationship is different, but in mine, my husband wants to have sex more often than I do. That’s just how it is! When I make sex a ritual though, I am more tuned into our relationship and prioritize it. Try your best to stay consistent, even when it feels like you have no time.
3. Body image is something I struggled with both pregnant and postpartum. I love having babies, and I hate watching my body change the whole time. If I’m being honest, it felt scary and uncomfortable for me, but giving yourself grace is a part of that process and your partner should support you.
Consistency is key — add it to the schedule!”
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Bluey creator Joe Brumm shared some bittersweet news on the official Bluey blog on Dec. 17, noting that a Bluey feature film is making its way to theaters in 2027 and he will be taking time away from the regular series.
The news about the Australian animated preschool series was first announced on Good Morning America. It will be a Ludo Studio production from BBC Studios with backing from the Walt Disney Company.
"Delivering the same charm and humor that made the television series a global phenomenon, the movie will continue the adventures of Bluey, a loveable, inexhaustible, blue heeler dog, who lives with her Mum, Dad and her little sister, Bingo," the press release reads.
Brumm said in the release, "I really enjoyed the experience of working with a longer format on 'The Sign' in [season] 3, so going even further with a feature film feels like a natural extension of that. I’ve always thought Bluey deserved a theatrical movie."
Brumm went on to say he wants the upcoming film to be an "experiential event for the whole family to enjoy together."
"I’m excited to continue to partner with Cecilia Persson, Tom Fussell and the team at BBC Studios, and Dana Walden, Alan Bergman and Disney to bring this new Bluey story to the big screen," he added.
While, for now, we have no idea what the film’s plot will be, the movie's voice cast will include the regulars: Melanie Zanetti and David McCormack as Bluey’s mom Chilli and dad Bandit.
Bluey composer Joff Bush will create new music for the film.
“Since its debut on Disney Jr. and Disney+, Bluey has become a global phenomenon, uniting families everywhere with its heartfelt stories of play, imagination and connection," say Disney co-chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden in the release.
They add, "We are so proud to expand upon our relationship with BBC Studios to bring the magic of Bluey to the big screen — for real life! — and we are deeply grateful to Joe Brumm for creating a world that continues to inspire and delight families everywhere.”
The Bluey movie is set for a theatrical premiere in 2027, followed by a streaming release on Disney+.
On the other side of the coin, Brumm also shared some difficult news (or as he says, “trifficult news”): he is taking a break from Bluey.
“I always said I wouldn’t keep making the show if I thought I couldn’t make any new season as good as the last. This would have been the case for me with a potential season four, so I’ve decided to take a break from my involvement in the TV series. In the event I can’t wrap my head around doing more seasons myself, The Sign will mark my TV finale for Bluey and I wrote it as such,” Brumm wrote.
“Bluey has completely changed my life. It’s been an immensely satisfying thing to be a part of, more than I can really put into words. To walk away from it while it’s at such a height will seem crazy to some but, for now, I am finding it difficult to reach back genuinely into that four to six year old world and write authentically.”
He continued, “My Bluey crew and all the creative people in my life completely understand my decision. Working with that wonderful group of people has been the absolute highlight of my animation career and I hope Bluey on their CV is a badge of pride for them.”
Brumm also wanted to be clear that his announcement was not a statement on the end of Bluey. However, he wants fans to know that his focus will be on the feature film.
“When you’re sick, rest is best” isn’t just a sweet Daniel Tiger lyric. As a certified overly-anxious mom, it’s also what I have to remind myself whenever my 4 year old comes down with something and I start to worry that he’s been conked out too long. Against my better instincts, I’ve been known to consider waking him, even when it’s obvious his body is getting much-needed rest.
With sleep and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), it can be hard to know what’s normal, and when to worry. To get some answers (and calm my own nerves), I chatted with Dana E. Sanderson, MD, a pediatrician who practices in the Bronx. She started by offering some assurance. “If you have a child with RSV who is able to sleep, that’s great! Let them sleep,” she says. She went on to offer valuable insights.
Encouraging quality sleep
According to Sanderson, RSV affects kids differently, and can range from a mild sickness that presents as a runny nose or sore throat, to a severe one that can lead to trouble breathing. One thing most kids with RSV have in common, though? Interrupted sleep from coughing, congestion, and generally feeling lousy.
To help kids feel better and be able to rest, make sure that they are drinking fluids and staying hydrated, and note that they’re urinating as a sign that they’re getting enough hydration. If you have a sick baby, this may mean offering more frequent breast milk or formula feedings. Sanderson also recommends using saline drops and then gently suctioning your kiddo’s nostrils with a suction bulb, as well as using a cool mist humidifier in their bedroom to alleviate congestion. She recommends using Tylenol to control any fevers, too (or Motrin if a child is over six months old).
Changing position
If you have an infant, you may be wondering if there’s any way you can alter their sleep environment to help them feel better. Unfortunately, Sanderson is clear that even with RSV, infants still should be placed to sleep alone on a firm, flat surface, on their backs (no incline, and no blankets). However, if extra pillows help a toddler to feel more comfortable, it is fine to offer them.
What to look out for
If you’re able to get your little one comfy enough that they can sleep, Sanderson says not to fight it — but she does recommend keeping an eye on them. “If a child is sleeping much longer than normal, you want to re-assess them,” she said. I pressed her to define “normal,” hoping for a simple formula of number of hours slept = cause for concern, but she says it really depends. “If your kid generally sleeps from 7pm to 8am, and sleeps an extra hour when they have RSV, that’s not as concerning as a kid who never sleeps well and then suddenly sleeps twelve or fourteen hours.” She said it’s more about looking at the whole picture — including how your child is behaving when awake. If they wake up super energetic and are eating and breathing well, then there is likely not a reason to worry.
If your child is sleeping much longer than they usually do, reassess them by monitoring their breathing; and if they are having difficulty or breathing quickly, they should be brought to the emergency room. You should also see a doctor right away if your child is unable to be woken or has a notable change in activity level, especially if they also have a fever (defined as a temperature of 100.4 or above).
When to call your doctor
“If your child is awake and alert during the day, drinking and urinating well, and breathing comfortably, then continue to monitor at home,” says Sanderson. She recommends that kids over two years old who have a fever for more than three days be checked by their pediatrician to ensure that there are no other infections that might need treatment (babies under three months should be brought in for a fever right away, and kids under two should see their doctor if their fever lasts more than twenty four hours). And, as noted previously, if a child is having trouble breathing, they should be brought straight to the ER.
Dr. Sanderson ended our phone call with the wisdom I really needed and didn’t realize I was craving: “I just want to say hang in there!” She knows how exhausting it can be to take care of a child, especially a very young one, who has RSV. “Just remember that the symptoms will eventually resolve and you and your child will get back to sleeping more soundly.” Amen to that.
Last week, a toy catalog appeared in our mailbox. I excitedly ran inside to show my kids, suggesting they go through and circle items that struck their fancy. I remember doing this myself, with great excitement, when that giant Toys “R” Us wish book hit our doorstep. My kids were nonplussed. Sure, my first grader circled some things she "had already seen ads for" and noted a few toys she had watched a YouTuber unbox. My tweens and teen, though... their entire wishlist is driven by the algorithm within their phones. I have to admit that while we love and embrace tech as a family, this particular shift breaks my heart — just a little bit.
As technology advances, all of us — not just the kids — get an increasingly narrow view of the products, services, news, and interests that are out there in the world. In the era of the FYP, most of us have little chance to look beyond what the lines of code are telling us to watch or purchase unless we make a concerted effort to seek info elsewhere. So I was not surprised that one of my kids had a wish list composed of screenshots of sports gear ads — he’s an athletic kid, and mostly watches football game replays on YouTube.
What did surprise me, though, is that he hasn't seen ads for science kits, books, or things that fit his other interests. I understand this is how the internet works — How many times have I googled some random topic and gotten ads for related products for days afterward? — but, as a mom, it makes me sad. Of course we still know our kids best and shop for a wide variety of things that encourage curiosity, entertainment, and learning, but most of those items are things our kids have never seen. Rather than getting curious about what might delight them, our kids have a gift guide designed for them by an algorithm.
And those suggested toys or outfits that their favorite kidfluencer is pushing? Most of them suck. I indulge their desire for some of these algorithm-driven wants like a lollipop launching machine or a “viral pop-it” handheld game. Bu while we often have fun with these toys for a bit, inevitably they lose interest.
I was excited about one new toy this year — the Loop Lasso — and thought for the first time in ages my teen and tweens might think something I chose was “fire.” Before I even got a chance to stuff any stockings, one of my kids opened the package that was tempting him on the front stoop. The good news: They loved them.
Buoyed with confidence in my gift-selection spidey senses, I’ve begun to see if I can influence my kids more than the algorithm. “Oh, look,” I say, while flipping through the Target catalog. “These Storyphones look like a great way to listen to audiobooks when we don’t have your tablet,” I tell my 6-year-old. She excitedly adds them to her list.
Wow. Do I have as much sway as the Internet Gods? Maybe. I do know my own kids better than they do (I think).
I try this same tactic with my big kids, too. The key with adolescents is to let them think something was their idea — because it if was my idea, it's cringe. While my tween daughter loads her virtual list up with lofty brands like Drunk Elephant and Sol de Janeiro, I start to wax poetic about the cute (and more affordable) holiday sets my own mom added to my stocking from Bath and Body Works.
“Ooooh, those are cute!” she told me. “I want that!”
High on my success, I began to hack my kids’ algorithm a little, day by day. I mention that their favorite podcast, Wow in the World, has a new line of STEM toys— I even pull it up on their phones to actually influence their algorithm. Deftly, one kid adds the break-open crystal geodes kit to their list. Another decides they wanted a ChessUp smart chess board after I suggest it may improve their strategy when playing regular chess with friends.
I am not naive enough to think the internet will stop influencing my kids’ wish lists or shopping choices. I can barely escape it myself as another Instagram ad sucks me in (OK, but I did need a wearable down sports blanket). At the same time, I want my kids to receive engaging and high-quality gifts that won’t be forgotten by the time school’s back in session, and it’s become clear to me that in today’s digital world, that’s going to take some extra effort on my part.
Let’s get one thing straight: My well-worn copies of Emily Oster’s books Expecting Better and Cribsheet are dog-eared and underlined, and The Family Firm is currently on my nightstand. I’m a paid subscriber to Oster’s online archive, ParentData, and I read her newsletter about menopause weekly even though I’m only 36. I need you to know that Emily Oster is my Taylor Swift so you understand that it was despite this, or maybe because of it, that when I found myself in the sadistic grip of the hell that is prodromal labor, alternately writhing in pain on the bathroom floor or sadly whimpering in despair from my bed, I was furious with her for not giving me a heads-up.
Also known as “false labor,” prodromal labor is a condition during which a woman suffers extremely painful, labor-like contractions but her cervix doesn’t dilate. If you aren’t familiar with the phrase, don’t feel bad because apparently neither is anyone else.
Of course, OB-GYNs, midwives, and their nurses have heard of this maddening set of symptoms, as they will have observed the devastated shuffle of every pregnant woman who’s just been told she’s not actually in labor, and that she’s going to have to deal with those painful contractions at home by herself with a low-dose muscle relaxer for the pain. They will have observed this not just once in a while but, per one study cited in the Obstetrics & Gynecology journal, an infuriating 26% of the time.
If I sound mad, I am. I’m mad because nobody told me about this extremely painful and emotionally exhausting condition that is more common than preeclampsia. I’m mad because when I brought this up to my midwife during my postpartum checkup, she sheepishly told me, “Yeah, we don’t tell people about it because we don’t want to scare you.” I’m mad because, if I had known, I could have been mentally prepared.
So much of being pregnant, for me, was mentally preparing for the difficulty of childbirth. I was mentally prepared for labor contractions to hurt — that’s why I hired a doula, practiced hypnobirthing techniques, and researched epidurals. I was not mentally prepared for my doula to go home because there were no stretches or breathwork she could think of to help me find relief. I was not mentally prepared for the doctors to say that I couldn’t take painkillers stronger than Tylenol for pain so bad I couldn’t speak. I was not mentally prepared to endure contractions every five minutes for 24 then 48 then 72 then 96 then 120 hours and still not have my baby in my arms.
I was not mentally prepared to lose the will to live while my baby was still inside me.
Romper/Getty
There are only threescientificstudies on prodromal labor in the Obstetrics & Gynecology journal, and all three study its impact on physical outcomes for the baby or mother. The great news is that prodromal labor is not associated with negative impacts to the physical health of the mother or the baby. The bad news is that none of these studies look at how prodromal labor impacts maternal mental health.
Was I the only one whose prodromal labor turned her into a mental and emotional shell of her former self? Given that there is no research on the experience of women’s pain during prodromal labor or its mental and emotional impacts, and because a Google search yields unhelpful articles containing infuriating platitudes like “This is just helping your body prepare for the real thing,” I turned to Reddit. There I found instant validation.
“I had this with my last for 3 weeks. I was so miserable and cried daily,” one user shared.
Another user one-upped her, “I had prodromal labor for literally a month for multiple pregnancies. It was hell[.]”
“Im having this today (37w) my cervix is closed but wtf this hurts so much. I feel like i wont be able to Endure real birth :(.”
“It was way more exhausting than the actual labor.”
After basking in the vindication that I wasn’t making it up — that prodromal labor is as mentally brutal as it is physically painful — I readeverycomment I could find and noticed a surprising pattern: Regular women who were not medical professionals guiding each other through an extremely painful medical condition because they clearly needed more support than they were getting from their birth teams.
“Were you dilated at all?” Philadelphia-area mom Lindsie Rank asked another user on the thread. Rank was on Week Two of prodromal labor and was preparing to talk with her OB about possibly scheduling an induction. “I wanted to have a low-intervention birth,” she shared, “but at this point, I’m just so exhausted.”
The two compared notes about cervical dilation, effacement percentages (the thinning and stretching of the cervix in preparation for birth), and the positioning of their babies in their respective birth canals. “I got up to 3cm and had multiple [membrane] sweeps, but not really ever past that point,” the other user responded.
A membrane sweep, a non-medical procedure that aims to induce labor by physically sweeping the cervical area to separate the amniotic sac from the cervix itself, is often painful, but by now Rank was used to pain. “I’m going to ask for a sweep tomorrow,” she replied.
In a follow-up interview, I asked Rank why she turned to Reddit. “I was trying to get answers, but in a way that wouldn’t make me feel crazy,” she says. “I was looking for someone who would talk to me like I’m not a stupid person.” I’m not a doctor, but I’m confident that when Reddit is the best place for patients to go for support and advice on a medical condition, we have a problem.
An even more troubling refrain I found was women sharing how their medical teams shrugged off or even downplayed their experiences. One woman, who preferred I use her Reddit name, @Ok_Brain_194, tells me, “I remember expressing [to my OB] that what I was going through was definitely more than Braxton hicks [sic], but it was sort of brushed off because I wasn’t progressing.... So really I didn’t get any insight on managing the pain and discomfort. Certainly no support for the emotional toll.”
Not knowing when prodromal labor will end will be as maddening as the pain, but it will end. I think just knowing this would have helped me enormously.
Rank felt similarly dismissed. “I was sent home and told to come back when I feel like dying.” Not only did the lack of empathy from her medical team make her feel isolated, this “advice” made it difficult to know when was the right time to go to the hospital. Most pregnant women are educated on the 5-1-1 rule: Go to the hospital when contractions are five minutes apart, lasting one full minute, for at least one hour. However, prodromal labor renders the 5-1-1 guidance useless.
Over the three-week period of her prodromal labor, Rank visited or called her OB’s office multiple times seeking guidance on when to come to the hospital; each time, she was met with doubt. “Are you sure you’re having contractions?” she says one OB asked before hooking her up to a monitor that confirmed she was, indeed, having contractions. On the 24-hour call line a few days later, Rank says a nurse questioned her: “I see that you’ve already been in… Are you sure?”
“No,” Rank wanted to shout. “I’m not sure! That’s why I’m calling you!”
On top of managing her pain, Rank found it difficult to balance the desire to make the best decision for herself and her baby against the pushback she kept receiving at the hospital. “Am I going to get to the hospital and they’ll think I’m crazy? Or is this critical to protect the safety of my kid?” she asked herself over and over. “I got less cautious as the three weeks went on because I had gone twice and they shrugged me off.”
When Rank’s son finally arrived, he was born with shoulder dystocia (an obstetric emergency) and the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck. He required immediate, life-saving care. “I do worry when I think back on it,” she says. “The 15 people who rushed into the room when he was born [not breathing] to resuscitate him were necessary. What if I hadn’t gone to the hospital because I thought it was just more prodromal labor?”
Romper/Getty
Dr. Rosa Cui, OB-GYN at the Katz Institute for Women’s Health at Northwell Health, acknowledges that because prodromal labor acts so much like true labor, “It’s really hard to predict what the outcome is going to be.” However, she is adamant that it is the job of the provider to do the work to figure out if it’s true labor or not, no matter how many times a patient comes in. “I tell all my patients ‘If you have 5-1-1 and do the right thing and come to the hospital, we will do the assessments.’”
Cui offers additional signs to look for when determining if you should go to the hospital when the 5-1-1 rule doesn’t apply: “The obvious signs are if the water breaks, there’s vaginal bleeding, or if the baby is less active. Beyond that, if the contractions go away and then come back again, or if they are getting even closer,” a return to the hospital is warranted. She adds a final sign that was music to my ears: “Or if we get to the point where someone is so uncomfortable, if they can’t breathe, walk, or talk during these contractions, and they need additional pain management.”
When I tell her that every woman I interviewed for this piece felt like her pain was dismissed, Cui is not surprised. “There’s data out there to show that the way women’s pain is appreciated by physicians is not quite adequate,” she acknowledges. “It’s tough because pain is not a blood marker, where we can see the number and interpret the intensity that way. But with pain management, we can always improve with how we communicate about that.”
As validating as Cui’s words are, changing the mindsets and practices around women’s pain at every hospital across the country won’t happen overnight. In the meantime, I have a simpler solution: Tell pregnant women about prodromal labor before they’re in the middle of it.
When ask what she wished she would have known about prodromal labor, @OK_Brain_193, says, “I wish I would have known about it, period. I knew all about Braxton Hicks and of course true labor, but I never knew my body could act like it was going into labor over and over without anything actually happening.”
Rank tells me she did an online birth course and hired a doula to come to her house to give her a customized birth class, and neither mentioned prodromal labor. “I think it’s reflective of pregnancy education in general, which is primarily focused on the baby,” she says. “There is not enough focus on the mental health and well-being of the mother.” When I ask her what she would want explained in a hypothetical prodromal labor section of a birthing class, she gets right to the point: “It’s not that complicated. You just need to tell people 1, this is a thing that can happen; 2, the 5-1-1 metric won’t apply to you, so here is another metric you can use to determine when to go to the hospital; and 3, it’s really painful, and it’s OK to be really upset about how much the pain is impacting your life.”
I’m going to add another: 4, Not knowing when prodromal labor will end will be as maddening as the pain, but it will end. I think just knowing this would have helped me enormously.
On Day Five of my prodromal labor, the pain of a contraction was so bad, I projectile vomited onto my bedroom wall. As I hobbled to the bathroom, my water broke. Everything changed in that moment. The mental anguish lifted. I was still having contractions, but they seemed manageable for the first time since they began. I high-fived my husband over the giant puddle of amniotic fluid in our hallway. I was finally in true labor, and nobody at the hospital could send me back home without a baby.
Libby Fischer Connell is an essayist living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She has been a barista, a teacher, a grocery store clerk, a corn detasseler, and a tech CEO. Originally from Nebraska, the Mississippi River shaped her adulthood as she followed it from St. Louis, to Mississippi, to New Orleans, and then back up to Pittsburgh (via the Ohio), where she now lives with her husband, their magical daughter, and their very beautiful and very anxious dog, Sylvie. Read about Libby's misadventures with Sylvie in her substack, Outfoxed.
Okay, so yes, it is very cold and possibly snowing in December. And camping in the middle of the woods, with the birds singing in the trees, might seem a million miles away. But to your loved one who is obsessed with camping, the holidays are the perfect time to request new gear and up their summer camping game.
I am one of those people. Camping can be expensive, and Christmas is a prime time for me to subtly let my partner and loved ones know about the items I might have my eye on just a little. It’s also never, ever disappointing for me to find a camping-related item under the tree that’s been on my wish list — or sometimes a piece of gear or gadget that I never knew existed.
If you’re shopping for a camper this holiday season — or if you’re a camper who is looking for ideas for their lists — these are some of my very favorite items, new and old, that I never hesitate to pack when I’m headed out on an adventure, whether it’s a solo hike in the backcountry or a low-stakes family car camping trip.
I am obsessed with this shirt. It provides 50 SPF sun protection. It’s lightweight and dries fast. It packs into a tiny square. It has a great hood and thumb holes. It’s sustainably made. Since I’ve bought this shirt, I never go hiking without it. It’s a great light layer to protect you against the sun and other elements without being hot or weighing you down. I’ve found it also works great as a protective layer against bugs. And they come in cute patterns.
Figuring out how awesome outdoor mats and rugs are was a total game-changer when it comes to family camping and car camping. I love putting them everywhere, from on the beach to outside of our tent. They make things so much more tidy and so much more comfortable, whether you’re trying to track less dirt into your tent or having a picnic. This one from Rumpl is my favorite — it’s very large, it packs small, it folds into its own carrying case, and it looks cute, too. It’s also super durable and can take a beating. Another small but important detail? It has loops on the corners, allowing you to stake it down in windy conditions or high-traffic areas.
When I’m camping with my family, I have a pretty extensive first aid kit that I take with us to deal with all of the little cuts and scapes and tummy aches that can happen when you’re away from home. But perhaps nothing gets used more than this Bug Bite Thing suction tool. I’ve found if you use it right after a bite, it really does take the intensity of the itch away and minimize the length of time a bite lasts. My kids like it, too, and it makes them less complain-y about bugs.
Snobby campers may try to convince you to pack an expensive camping towel on your journeys. But unless you are packing ultra light for a backpacking saga, I prefer taking Turkish towels on my camping trips. Why? They are lighter than traditional towels but still have a large surface area. And they don’t collect sand or dirt either — it just falls off of them. Finally — they are really multi-purpose and I’ve used them for anything from table clothes to shawls while out in the wild.
Bringing travel laundry bags with me on camping trips has been another game-changer for me, especially when I’m out in the woods with my whole family. Bringing zippable laundry bags makes it easy to keep all dirty and soiled clothes in one place and away from the clean clothes. It also makes coming home and doing camping laundry much easier. I especially love these STKNY bags because they come in a number of different sizes and have a mesh layer that lets you launder things while still in the bag if you have especially smelly or dirty clothes (which happens when camping).
Anyone who spends a significant time at family camp sites is obsessed with finding the perfect camping chair to sit next to the fire. This is one of my two favorite options. I love that it packs away and assembles easily. I love how light and compact it is to pack and carry. I like that it has a tall back that offers head support. And I love how comfortable and supportive it is overall. It might be a little pricier than some other options, but there’s a reason for it.
This is my top pick for family tents. I love REI’s line of tents and this large version can technically fit six, but I find it perfect for a family of 3 or 4 and all of their stuff. I can comfortably fit a full mattress inside along with a pack and play — making taking kids of any age along with you so much easier. I also love that you can stand upright inside and that it has “rooms” you can create to separate adults from kids or make changing clothes easier.
If you aren’t traveling with your kids, or your kids are older, this backpacking tent is the perfect pick. I’ve taken it throughout Glacier National Park, and it has always performed amazingly, even in 60 mile-per-hour winds. It just has a really great design that’s a breeze to put up or take down in a matter of minutes. And it’s roomy enough for two to fit comfortably, which isn’t always the case with 2-person tents. At just under 5 pounds, it’s light to pack, too.
There’s a lot to say about roasting hot dogs over an open fire, but my number one favorite cooking tool for family camping trips is a great dutch oven. You can make one-pot main courses in them with just a few ingredients and it’s also perfect for a big dessert — my favorite is a pineapple upsidedown cake that is so, so easy. It’s also a breeze to clean and you don’t need soap, which can be bad for the environment.
Some camping equipment has stayed more or less the same over the years. But lanterns have gotten better and better. This is my choice for family camping and car camping — it can be powered by solar, batteries, and USB port. In addition, it can be used as a source of power for other things besides light, like charging your phone. This is sturdy and gives off tons of light, and it’s easy to set in the summer sun during the day to recharge.
While I love the Duracell lantern for campgrounds, I bring this smaller, super-light inflatable lantern with me on backpacking trips. It packs down extremely well and brightly lights up an entire tent. During the day, you can charge it in the sun or charge your phone. It’s one of my favorite little backpacking gadgets, and people on the trail always want to know where I got it.
Camping hammocks are maybe my favorite camping accessory ever — and although they are not exactly as vital as food or a tent, I consider them to be a mandatory part of camping. There is just no better thing in the world than swinging in a hammock in the middle of the woods. Maybe taking a nap or reading a book. Listening to the birds and bugs. This ENO double hammock is my favorite — and I’ve tried out quite a few. It comfortably fits you and a kid or two.
Even if you’re camping at the height of summer, it can get cold in the mountains or the desert. Camping in Montana, where I’m from, necessitates bringing a warmer down layer whether you’re camping in May, July, or September. My favorite pick for a warm coat is the this Highlander jacket from Marmot. It is super light and packable, and I love that it’s not bulky, but it’s still toasty, toasty warm. This is a great coat for when you wake up in the coolness of the morning before your fire is started or for sitting around the camp fire after dinner when it starts to get chilly. I’ve even worn this coat to bed in my sleeping bag when it’s gotten colder than I was expecting.
These are, hands down, my favorite pants to hike and camp in. Everything about them is just great. I have no idea what the fabric is made of, but it is waterproof while still remaining breathable and stain proof to boot. They are also super comfy, have deep pockets, and pack into themselves. I wear them for days at a time when hiking in the back country and they’ve never done me wrong. Great in spring, summer, and fall!
People are often surprised to find that I don’t own a pair of clunky heavy-duty hiking boots. My shoes of choice for years are these Altra trail rummers. They have so many great features that make them perfect for long hikes in the woods: a very roomy toe box that protects against losing toenails, a protective sole that makes stepping on rocks and roots painless, grippy bottoms, and a low-drop heel. I can literally walk in these forever and not get sore feet. Pro tip: I also bring these to Disney World.
The holiday season is here, and you probably need some help finding items for the difficult people on your list. We all have them — the ones who would realistically be placed on your no-buy list, but because they are a relative, co-worker, or a neighbor, you need to get them something “special.”
Maybe they bought your kids a gift and you want to return the favor, or maybe you drew their name in the Secret Santa exchange, but no matter what, this is a curated list of items perfect for those people you don’t really know (or like). These are well-made, good-for-anyone products that are universally liked, but not overly thoughtful or personal. A collection of things that will kindly and politely say “Happy Holidays” without any phony misconception of yuletide joy. Think those displays in the middle of the mall with a big sign that reads “Great gift ideas!” and are meant to satisfy any age, any gender, and any personality. That’s this list.
A Portable Massager
This roll-on massager is perfect for anyone — offering the recipient a quick, easy, and portable solution to stress and discomfort. And for someone who might bring you personal difficulty, it can only work in your benefit to maximize their relaxation. A few rolls with this device would benefit everyone, and it falls under a Secret Santa price cap pretty well.
A digital frame is a universally loved item, and this one in particular is easy to navigate. Friends and family can also send photos to the frame, so this is a great option even for someone who doesn’t regularly use their own phone to take photos, like an elderly neighbor or distant relative.
You’ve seen the SNL sketch about the Christmas candle, right? Well it only makes sense to throw a designer candle to this perfect-for-anyone gift guide. Grab a nice scent, throw it in a decorative bag, and done. A perfectly adequate and beautiful gift for literally anyone, and it’s extremely budget-friendly.
Blankets are always a great gift choice, and you can even find some really cute, cozy options at nice prices. This Hearth & Hand chunky woven throw will go with just about any home decor or design, and is perfect for flinging over a couch or putting at the end of a bed..
And because hydrated people are happy people, this water filter water bottle is a great gift option. It’s an easy-to-use, environmentally-friendly water bottle that is both practical and nice. A win-win all around for the person you just have to buy a gift for.
This one’s a little pricier, but is a good-for-everyone gift, especially if you need to find something for multiple people to pitch in on, like a gift for a great-aunt or something. This wellness humidifier is easy to clean, portable, and has a mist-run time of 24 hours for those who need some moisture in the air at all times. It even has a nice mood light setting, so if this is a gift for someone who’s a little cranky, maybe they’ll feel better once they turn it on.
You don’t have to know whether this person likes bubble baths or bath bombs or has sensitive skin. This is just a super easy, giftable choice for someone who you need to get a gift for — like your Secret Santa recipient at work, or your child’s piano teacher — but have no idea what to get. The shower steamers from Bath & Body Works are really great and easy to use, and they come in several different scent options.
If the person you’re buying for is especially grouchy, why not see if this telescoping back scratcher will help? This sounds like a silly gift — it even comes with four detachable heads — but it’s sure to get plenty of use and is a nice, budget-friendly choice.
Hopefully this list has inspired you to find the perfect gift for your imperfect recipient. Remember, ‘tis the season of goodwill, so even if it’s a person you don’t particularly like, maybe one of these gifts will bring everyone a little joy.
The last couple weeks before Christmas are really peak Elf on the Shelf time for kids. They’re getting excited for Santa to come, they’re getting more and more into the holiday spirit, and of course they are probably even becoming more aware of where their Elf on the Shelf might be perched. Unfortunately, this is also when parents might justifiably start hitting a creativity wall with their Elf on the Shelf ideas. We need inspiration. And it’s come in the form of this Elf on the Shelf being stuck inside the television. It’s basically genius, especially for tired parents who just can’t anymore with the Elf on the Shelf.
Christy Beck, a mom of triplets and influencer with over 169,000 followers on TikTok and nearly 280,000 followers on Instagram, recently shared a useful Elf on the Shelf tip on her social media channels for when “you’re tired like me.” She shared a video of her Elf on the Shelf on the television with a crackling background and the words, “Help! I pushed the wrong button and now I’m stuck...”
Beck explained that this was a “super easy Elf on the Shelf idea” that could be found on YouTube by searching “Elf on the Shelf stuck in TV,” which we’ve done for you, dear reader, and she’s right, it’s pretty easy.
Dadsnet posted a 10-hour long video on YouTube with a similar message and the Elf asking “how do I get out of here?” Which means all you have to do is put the video on before the kids wake up and boom, you’re done. There are, in fact, several different versions of these videos on YouTube, almost all of them with holiday music playing in the background to keep it festive and fun and inventive. Most importantly, this Elf on the Shelf idea gives parents time to drink their precious coffee in the morning as their kids try to figure out how to get their elf out of the television.
This is by no means the only Elf on the Shelf idea to try out this year. There’s also the viral TikTok “fart in a jar” Elf on the Shelf that you can try if you’re feeling more inventive and have kids who love a little toilet humor. So all kids. And check out this list of quick and easy ideas to hide your Elf on the Shelf when you’re in a pinch and need to get it done fast.
Truly though, the Elf on the Shelf stuck in the TV is probably the easiest one out there. And at this point, don’t we all need it to be easy?
December 24, a.k.a. Christmas Eve, signifies the last hurrah of the season for the Elf on the Shelf. Thank God, right? The one thing parents most want for Christmas as the holiday actually approaches is some Elf on the Shelf ideas for Christmas Eve. Whether tucking away the elf for another year makes you feel sad — or breathe a sigh of relief — one thing is for sure: Figuring out what to do with your Elf on Christmas Eve is huge, because it's supposed to be your Elf's final appearance for the year. And of course it has to go out with a bang — especially if you’ve been ramping up their antics all season long. This last day’s got to be out of the park, right?
The Elf on the Shelf returns home to the North Pole on December 24 in order to answer letters, train, and care for the reindeer. Although your family can certainly decide to keep the little elf around for longer, it's the recommended time to send them home for the year. And that means the elf's final appearance is often their most memorable and fantastic.
If the pressure for a super-awesome final elf pose is leaving you stressed, then this list may provide some inspiration. Just remember, the most important part of your elf's final night in your home on Christmas Eve is that your kid enjoys a final moment of holiday magic, it's worth all the effort. Then you can finally shutter them up in the back of your closet until next year.
A sci-fi twist
Elf on the Shelf
Turn any hanging pendant in your home into a skybeam in a couple easy steps. Step one, cover the outside of your light shade with aluminum foil, and two, swap out the light bulb for a colorful one (really, any shade will do). Using fishing wire to tie the elf to the light so that it looks like it’s suspended in the air, and tell the kids that Santa is beaming Elfie home.
A Christmas cruise
These elves are ready for a Christmas roadtrip riding off into the sunset. If you don’t already have a miniature motorcycle (Barbie has an iconic pink Vespa), you can purchase this affordable red stunner on Amazon. To really commit to the gimmick, send your Elf and the motorcycle down your driveway or a sidewalk on a hill and record the magic.
Christmas campfire
If your family loves the outdoors as much as Santa loves milk and cookies, definitely set up a campground under the tree for your kiddos to find. Create tiny tents and the bonfire out of colored paper, print out a photo of mountains to capture the serene background, and find some tiny sticks so your Elf can make some s’mores. Maybe even have your own campground experience and roast some s’mores of your own.
A festive rock wall
Isn’t this Christmas take on rock climbing just adorable? It’s an incredibly easy scene to achieve. Just use some of your left-over gift bows as the rocks and tape your elves on the window.
Elf On The Shelf pizza party
Everyone loves pizza, even Santa’s helpers. Take some of your children’s miniature food from their other toys, place a tiny napkin around your Elf’s neck, play some romantic Italian music, and this food will be better than anything they could find in the North Pole. Santa is sure to be jealous.
A selfie from Elfie
To pull a harmless prank on your kiddo, take a selfie with your Elf while your kid is sleeping and save it as your wallpaper. Then have your Elf write a note saying to check your phone for a special surprise. Trust, the laughter will be nonstop. They might even tell their friends at school about the prank their Elf pulled on them.
Technical elf difficulties
If you’re unsure of where to hide your Elf for the day, why not utilize some technology? Whether you project an image onto your TV, laptop, or save it as your kid’s wallpaper on their iPad, all you need is five minutes in photoshop to bring some giggles to your household.
Legos on the shelf
If you have a bit more time to create an elaborate set up for your kids, play around with some legos. You most likely have a ton in your house, they’re easy to use, and honestly, they’re unexpectedly relaxing. Plus, your kid will be ecstatic to know that their Elf broke into their lego stash.
Movie night with Elfie
Whether it’s The Polar Express, Elf, The Santa Clause, or The Nightmare Before Christmas,kid-friendly Christmas movies are always a reliable go-to for some after-dinner family time. This time, have your Elf decide pick which movie you’ll be watching. Along with having a great time, you’ll also avoid some family contention over what everyone wants to watch.
Candy cane seeds
Pose some Tic-Tacs or peppermints as candy cane seeds — a final parting gift from the elf — and have them "grow" a candy cane garden in the morning. It's a super creative option, plus your kid gets some sweets in exchange for the elf's departure. It isn't the worst deal and it'll keep them from feeling sad that their seasonal friend is gone.
Goodbye note
Whether it's with Cheerios, marshmallows, or gummy bears, leave your kid a fun holiday message from the elf. It's a sweet — pun intended — way to say goodbye. If you don't have the counter space for a lengthy message, a goodbye letter handwritten on some festive stationery will do the trick, too. Make sure you get a friend or relative to write the note though, lest the kids recognize your handwriting.
Elf On The Shelf goodbye poem
Elf on the Shelf
Are you hitting a creative block when it comes to coming up with Elf on the Shelf Christmas Eve ideas? How about this printable goodbye poem available on the Elf on the Shelf’s official website as an easy, straightforward idea to bid adieu to your family elf?
Secret messages
Spot of Tea Designs
Whether you check out the Spot of Tea Designs website and use the links she shares to the free printables or you make your own with your elf saying “goodbye” at the end of the message, this hands-on activity will add even more fun and magic on Christmas Eve. Hopefully you can make one that’s better than “Be sure to drink your Ovaltine” like on A Christmas Story. This Elf on the Shelf Christmas Eve idea will be a hit for many years to come, especially for older children.
Goodbye kiss
Place your elf high atop a light fixture, ceiling fan, or even the Christmas tree — as close to the North Pole as you can get. Prop them there before your kid goes to bed, and tell them that you're helping the elf get a head start back home. Make sure your kid gets a chance to say goodbye to the elf from afar.
Backup posse
Have your elf decorate a bunch of things with googley eyes. The surprised-looking baked goods in this pic are hilarious. You could put the eyes on just about anything for hysterical results, and it sends the message that even though the elf is leaving soon, they’ve made plenty of friends who will keep an eye out while they’re gone.
Leave ingredients to make cookies for Santa
Elf On The Shelf
This Elf on the Shelf Christmas Eve idea is super cute, fun, and easy. Have your elf leave all the makings of Christmas cookies to leave for Santa Claus. You can even divide up the dry ingredients you’d need in containers to make holiday baking as stress-free as possible. You can also include reindeer snacks as well, like carrots, celery, tomatoes, and other produce.
Bedtime reads
How adorable is this little reader? Staging your elf with a book is a no-brainer — it’s easy, convenient, and sure to delight your child. Perhaps, since it’s their last night, your kid will let the scout elf pick the book for a change. For extra credit, use super tiny books.
Elf-sized treats
Have your elf cook up some elf-sized party favor bags for your kiddos. Tell them that their elf wanted to leave a thank you present for letting them stay at the house all season long. These tiny marshmallow bags are adorable, but mini muffins, donut holes, or even tiny pancakes would also make a great impression. Let your imagination go and whip up a whole meal of tiny foods.
A frosty farewell
Elf on the Shelf
For a bit of an elaborate Elf on the Shelf Christmas Eve idea, grab this printable from the official Elf on the Shelf website, grab some spray snow, and use a window in your home that’s easily visible to your child. Spray the spray snow over the printable and it’ll look like your elf made a stealthy escape back to the North Pole.
North Pole virtual meeting
Elf on the Shelf
This Elf on the Shelf Christmas Eve idea includes a North Pole virtual meeting with friends telling them they’re on his way home. Timely in the age of a pandemic, use this downloadable image from elfontheshelf.com of a zoom meeting with other elves. Somehow have your kid figure out that they’re discussing your elf’s travel arrangements for coming back to the North Pole.
Deciding how to send Elfie off for the year can be a daunting choice. Do you go big and create a scenario that your kids will be talking about for years to come? Or do you try to keep it low-key, to try to soften the goodbye for child who has become incredibly attached?
Some of you might just be counting down the hours until you can say goodbye to your Elf. However, to your kids, your elf’s grand finale is almost as big of a deal as Christmas Day. During the last 24 days, it’s likely that Elfie became another member of your family, so treat their departure as such. Make Christmas Eve all about Elfie and all the chaos and fun it caused. Ask your kid what their favorite Elf On The Shelf setup was, maybe even think back on your favorite too. Yes, they’ll be back next year, but you want a big finish, right? Throw a goodbye party for your Elf — you’ll love how much your kids love it.
New moms do a lot of giving — they go through pregnancy and all its possible discomforts and complications, give birth, and give all of themselves to their new baby’s care when they arrive. Everyone deserves some special gifts during the holidays, but this is a perfect opportunity to really give back to the new mother in your life for all she has done this year. Maybe she’s given you a list already or mentioned a new perfume or sweater she’d love, but if you need some inspiration on gifts for new moms this holiday season, we’ve got you covered.
For starters, diapers are off the list. (I mean, unless she specifically asks for them.) And don’t gift her a bunch of stuff meant for the baby, or those “Mama” T-shirts you see in all the AI-generated Facebook ads. You need to really think about her and what she wants and needs right now. Is she always taking walks with her baby? Would she appreciate the gift of convenience? Would she love nothing more than snuggling her baby on the couch in the world’s most perfect robe? Sometimes she wants a practical gift — like a water jug she can fill once and stay hydrated all day — and sometimes she’d like something pretty, like the sweetest bracelet.
But no matter what, you’ve got to give her something that makes her feel seen and loved. And this list of gifts for new moms will do just that.
This machine-washable, hooded house robe is like a hug with a tie — a perfectly cozy dose of “treat yourself” for new moms who just can’t with clothes by day and/or run cold during midnight feedings.
With pockets big enough to hold a phone, pacifier, bottle, nipple cream, burp cloth, or whatever else a new mom is toting around the house, this plush robe is a gift she’ll actually use. (Yes, there’s a running joke about gifting moms a “robe.” But this one isn’t terrible.)
Jewelry is often a win, but if the new mom in your life isn’t into birthstone necklaces or big rings spelling out her kids’ names, this minimalist mama ID bracelet may just be the perfect gift. It’s adjustable, nice and light, and goes with anything so she can wear it all the time.
As a new mom who has just done nine months’ hard time, given birth, and is now throwing all of herself into newborn care, it’s really nice to get a gift that’s 100% about her. If she loves candles and fragrances, Lumira has a variety of elevated scents that’ll make her house smell like a hotel (this one is a spicy vanilla and leather concoction). They’re perfect to light when guests are coming over and she feels like she can still smell this morning’s spit-up somewhere, or when her partner takes the baby so she can have a bath and chill.
Whether she uses this double cup holder for her water and her coffee, a bottle and an extra bottle, or none of the above because she forgot them all, this stroller prop is the equivalent of giving a new mom an extra hand. Bonus: This model offers a phone slot for easy access on the go.
New moms deep into sleep deprivation won’t care if they’ve got an it-girl water bottle. But they might wonder if they drank any water at all today? And why they are so freaking thirsty, like, all of the time now? Help a new mom out with a 40-oz. insulated tumbler. If she fills it even just once a day, that’s a win.
It’s a well-honored tradition of postpartum motherhood to feel like you need a whole new closet. Whether you need different sizes or just feel like your old clothes aren’t what you want anymore, every new mom gets it. With a one-month Nuuly subscription, new moms can try up to six different styles, a gateway to exiting pajamas if they feel moved to do so. This is a great way for them to try out new things without a lot of commitment, and honestly feels a bit like playing dress-up. Gift cards can be purchased for as little as $20 or up to $1,500.
Even for the most dedicated physical book lovers, it can be hard to read your latest page-turner with one hand while breastfeeding or lug a book around in an overstuffed diaper bag. Kindles are lightweight, hold a charge for-eh-ver, and unlike if you try to read on your phone, you won’t end up just doomscrolling on social media. Plus, they come in cute colors now.
Getting out is often essential for a new mom, whether she needs a change of scenery or just wants to listen to a podcast while her baby snoozes. For those cold months, gift her the world’s coziest stroller mitts, which are insulated, cup the hands to protect them from the elements, and remain velcroed to the stroller handle for easy release when baby needs something. I particularly like the water-resistant checkered style, which presents a bit of a color contrast to stimulate the teeny tiny brain being pushed.
No matter how many photos a new mom took of her baby bump, just guess how many she’s printed? ZERO. Give her a head start on baby photos with a subscription to Mootsh. For $16/month, they send a reminder to select 10 favorite snapshots from your phone, then print and deliver the set. When the postpartum fog finally lifts, you can follow up with a frame or a baby book for her to fill, easy peasy.
You can also purchase subscriptions at these prices: $48 for 3 months, $96 for 6 months, or $192 for 12 months.
This gift card really can’t be beat — a Seamless gift card is the ultimate joy. It’s the gift of sushi. It’s the gift of pizza. It’s the gift of no grocery shopping and no dishes and no meal plan, and look, it’s just the gift she wants, OK?
Speaking of photos, family photo shoots can be so special, but they’re often pricey and require knowing a family’s schedule pretty well before you can gift it. But if the new mom in your life needs some family photos, give her a gift card to Shoott. The brand offers photo shoots in most major cities (check to be sure it applies to the new mom’s area), and you only pay for the shots you purchase. Gift cards can be purchased in any increment, too.
Everyone will be so excited to shop for a new baby this holiday season, but making sure the new mom in your life feels loved and appreciated, too, is the best gift of all.
