Toys in orer of appearance in my Toy Fair video:

• Razor Lightwave first ride on for toddlers
• Razor Sonic Zoom Scooter
• Razor Crazy Cart Shuffle drifting ride on (the "MAX" adult version not yet released)
• Razor RipSurf surf style skateboard 
• SquishPillow 
  
• Squishmallows 
  
• StickiRolls 
  
• Sticki Mate 
  
• Pikachu Puppetronic
  
• Spellio 
  
• EggMazing Dragon Egg Kit
  
• Zing Bow & Arrow  
  
• Crayola Marker Airbrush Kit
  
• Rail Cube 
  
• Ty Beanie Bouncers
  
• Pluffle PlayFoam
  
• Speks Ferrite Putty
  
• Tetris Duel Plug and Play
  
• Puppet Pals
  
• Popdarts
  
• Mooshies slow rise foam toys
  
• Jell-o squishy toy
  
• Crazy Aaron's Pinchies
  
• Nero Silent Ninja Basketball
  
• Jupiter Creations Rocket Drone
  
• Crazy Croc + Crazy Shark
  
• Pocketos Magnetic Pocket Plush
  
• Ball 2 with AI,  sensors, and app
  
• Tic Tac Chec
  
• Micro Mags Travel
• Fart Monsters (plush whoppie cushions)
  
• Huupe Mini smart radar basketball console
  
• It's Bananas Monkey Tail Party Game
  
• ZipString Web Shooter
  
• Kawaii Slime Company Dome Slime
  
• Aurora Palm Pals
  
• Aurora Tasty Peach
  
• Pac Man Otamatone
  
• Morf fidget worm toys
  
• KiwiCo stem toy kits
  
• Skelekins

Check out my past best toys and gifts and Toy Fair highlights (many of the toys listed and still amazing gifts!!):

• (2025) Best Toys from 2025 Toy Fair New York
• (2023) Best Toys from Toy Insider Holiday of Play
• (2020) Best Indoor Active Toys
• (2019) Best Toys from 2019 Toy Fair New York

The trip is over, but the mom shift isn't. There's still laundry to start, bags to unpack, and probably a mystery snack waiting in the car for next week. After a weekend at the Jersey Shore or a long day in NYC with the kids, a full skincare routine is the last thing on my mind, but somewhere between the third load of laundry and unpacking everyone's shoes, I still want ten minutes that feel like mine.

That's where a small reset comes in. Plantifique is a female-owned, vegan and cruelty-free skincare brand with over 120 million TikTok views, more than 60,000 Amazon reviews across the line, and over a million customers worldwide. Here are a few ways I carve out a moment for myself after a trip, whether I've got five minutes tonight or a quieter evening later in the week.

Start with an easy exfoliating step

If you like the idea of exfoliating but don't want another step added to your routine, Plantifique's Glycolic Acid & Centella Peeling Pads are an easy place to start. The pre-soaked pads combine AHA, BHA, and PHA exfoliating acids with centella and niacinamide, and are designed to smooth the look of uneven texture with regular use.

The appeal on a busy night is simple: no mixing, no measuring, and the container comes with tongs so you're not dipping your fingers in the jar. It's refillable, too. Use the pads according to the package directions and follow with moisturizer .

These have become my go-to on nights when I'm running on fumes but still want to feel like I did something for myself.

It's a small step that can stick around in your routine long after the suitcases are put away.

Make a little time for a face mask

On a quieter evening, Plantifique's PDRN Glass Skin Hydrogel Mask 4-Pack turns that pause into more of a treat. It's formulated with ceramides, vegan collagen, and plant-derived Phyto-PDRN. Apply to clean, dry skin and wear for the time listed on the package.

You don't need to fit every product into one night. Save the mask for when you actually have twenty minutes, and keep the peeling pads for the shorter ones.

Give your hands a break

Between packing, carrying bags, and washing my hands all trip, mine are usually the first thing to feel it. Plantifique's Hydrating Hand Mask 4-Pack comes with glove-style masks made with shea butter, coconut, and aloe vera.
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It's an easy one for a quiet night in: wash and dry your hands, put the gloves on for the time listed on the package, then massage in whatever's left. With four in the pack, you can save the rest for another hectic week or just a cold day.

Remember your feet after all that walking

A family trip can rack up more steps than you expect, especially with a boardwalk, a museum, or a day of sightseeing in the mix. Plantifique's Peach Foot Peeling Mask 2-Pack is worth saving for a later at-home reset once your feet catch up.

This one takes a bit of planning- you wear the booties for 90 minutes, and peeling usually starts several days later, not right away. Read the directions before picking your timing, especially if you've got another trip, a pedicure, or sandal season coming up.

Your reset, on your schedule

Reach for the Peeling Pads on a busy night, save the Face Mask or Hand Mask for a quieter one, and set aside the Foot Peeling Mask for a week you can let it do its thing. Pick whichever one matches the energy you've actually got left, and start there. 

​A weekend away from New York or New Jersey can sound wonderfully simple: two nights, one bag, a change of scenery. Then you start fitting a toddler’s nap, dinner and bedtime around check-in, traffic and the outing everyone wants to do.

You don’t need to recreate your entire home schedule in a hotel. But a little planning can keep the evening from becoming the part of the trip nobody thought through. Whether you’re heading to the Hudson Valley, the Catskills or the Jersey Shore, start with a smaller itinerary and a few familiar habits.

Plan one main outing, then leave some space

Before booking activities, sketch out your toddler’s usual day. Where does a nap normally fit? When do you tend to eat? When do you usually start getting ready for bed?

Use those points to decide what belongs in the gaps. For a Hudson Valley weekend, that might mean a morning at an orchard, lunch and a return to your accommodation for rest. At the shore, it could be beach time earlier in the day and a short boardwalk visit later, rather than saving everything for the evening.

Choose one activity you would be disappointed to miss and treat the others as optional. Include the unglamorous parts in your plan: finding parking, walking back to the car, changing sandy clothes and picking up dinner. Those minutes still count, even when they aren’t on the itinerary.

Check the room details before you arrive

“Family-friendly” doesn’t tell you much about where everyone will spend the evening. Before booking, ask about the actual room layout and the age-appropriate sleeping arrangements available for your child. Confirm any equipment you’re relying on rather than assuming it will be waiting.

Think about the adults’ evening, too. If everyone shares one room, what will you do once your toddler is asleep? A separate sitting area can be useful, but a simpler room may still suit your budget and plans. The point is to know what you’re booking.

Check arrival times against your child’s usual rest period. If check-in falls later, plan for that gap; an early room is a request, not a guarantee. Having a flexible arrival afternoon can be more useful than squeezing in another timed attraction.

Give naps a place in the itinerary

For a child who still naps, decide where you intend that rest to happen before leaving for the day. Planning to return to your accommodation means considering the distance from your outing, not just whether there is a gap in the calendar.

If you hope your toddler will nap during the drive, keep the day flexible in case they don’t. Traffic may change your arrival time, and a quiet car does not guarantee sleep. Avoid making the rest of the afternoon depend on one perfectly timed nap.

A missed or shorter nap is a reason to reconsider optional plans. You can trade a second outing for a quieter afternoon without treating the day as a failure. There is no prize for completing the itinerary.

Bring the familiar parts of bedtime

Before you leave, choose a simple toddler bedtime routine that you can repeat wherever you’re staying.

Focus on the parts your family already uses, rather than introducing an elaborate travel version. That might mean washing up, putting on pajamas, brushing teeth, reading a favorite book and saying your usual goodnight.

Pack those essentials together, somewhere you can reach without emptying every suitcase. One familiar book is easier to find than the perfect title buried beneath beach towels and tomorrow’s clothes.

The setting will be different, and the evening may take longer than expected. Leave room for your toddler to look around with you and get familiar with the space before you begin getting ready for bed.

Agree on the handoff before everyone is tired

If you’re traveling with a partner or grandparents, decide who is doing what while the evening is still calm.

One adult might handle washing up and pajamas while another sorts dinner leftovers and prepares the next day’s bag. If someone else is leading bedtime, share the usual sequence and where the essentials are packed.

Make that information concrete: “The toothbrush is in the blue pouch; we read this book after pajamas.” It is more useful than “Just do what we normally do.”

You can also take turns choosing activities during the weekend. Everyone getting one thing they care about is often more manageable than trying to do every person’s full wish list.

Keep a short evening checklist

Before leaving home, set aside:

• Pajamas and a spare change of clothes.
• Your child’s usual toothbrush and toiletries.
• Diapering or potty supplies, as needed.
• One or two familiar bedtime books.
• Any essentials for the sleeping arrangement you have confirmed.

Before heading out for the day, agree on:

• The main activity and which extras are optional.
• Your plan for your toddler’s usual rest period.
• Dinner arrangements and the journey back.
• Who will lead bedtime and who will handle the other tasks.

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On Sunday, leave space for packing and the trip home instead of adding one last ambitious stop. Two nights away can be worthwhile even when you leave a few attractions for next time. A beach morning, a woodland walk or a book read together in a different room can be enough to make it feel like a getaway.

​This 5 day kid-friendly Northern California itinerary hits all the spots, including San Francisco, redwoods, beaches, aquarium, quaint towns, and more! Fun highlights video of our trip first, followed by the itinerary, some helpful details, links, and personal tips below!

​Our huge family (my family of 5 from NJ, my sister's family of 4 from Montreal, and my parents had an amazing time together (ages 10 - 76!) and highly recommend this trip!!
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Disclaimer: affiliate links are included below, you don't pay more but we receive a small commission to help fund the blog.

​DAY 1:

• ​Golden Gate Bridge overlook from Battery Spencer
• Muir Woods (redwoods hike) - make sure to reserve a parking space ahead of time. Admission to the park is free with the national 4th grade park pass (Every Kid Outdoors program)
• Muir Beach + Muir Beach Overlook
• Sausalito (floating homes)
• We did these on our own (with our rental car) but there are tons of tours that pack these into a half or full day
• ACCOMMODATION: Home2 Suites by Hilton San Francisco North, which had a big family-friendly room (with 2 queens, a sleeper sofa, and kitchenette), and free breakfast.

DAY 2:

• Drive down to Monterey
• ACCOMMODATION: Stargazer Hotel (their family room was extremely spacious, with 3 queen beds - great for big families)

DAY 3: 

• Point Lobos - gorgeous hiking along the coast and totally free! We spotted whales and sea lions.
• Carmel by the Sea - quaint town straight from a fairy tale! 
• Big Sur (this was on our list but we had to cancel due to road closures from a forest fire)

Day 4:

• Monterey Bay Aquarium - possibly the most expensive aquarium ever, but well worth it! Check the schedule so you can watch the feedings of the sea lions, penguins, sharks, and more!
• Drive back to San Francisco
• ACCOMMODATION: We loved this San Francisco VRBO for big families! 5 bedrooms, a game room, huge kitchen and dining, parking for 2-3 cars, and close to the airport.

Day 5: 

• Alcatraz (ferry + audio guide)
• Pier 39 + Sea Lions
• Cable Car Museum (free!)
• Lombard Street (the crazy crooked street - fun to start at the top and walk down, but you don't get a great view of it, was a bit disappointing)
• Painted Ladies victorian homes in Alamo Square Park (SO iconic, if you know the Full House opening song, you know)

Got extra time in San Francisco / northern California??
Here are some fun ideas!!

• Go City Pass
• Hop On Hop Off Bus
• Electric GoCar Tour (I wish I'd done this!!)
• If you have an extra 2 or more days, I definitely recommend driving 4+ hours to Redwoods National Park or Sequoia / Kings Canyon to see the absolutely GIGANTIC trees. We didn't have that extra time, and 2 of our 3 kids get car sick, so Muir Woods worked for us. It was a gorgeous park, easy and very enjoyable hike, and we saw huge trees. They're VERY tall and impressive, but they're not nearly the girth (Muir Woods has trees up to 14' in diameter at the base whereas Redwood National Forest has trees up to 22' feet wide at the base!!

Read at home

Reading at home is beneficial for multiple reasons, whether you have a baby or a teen. From reading and looking at simple picture books with small children and encouraging storytelling as your kids get older to discussing plot twists, writing styles, and character profiles in novels with teens, championing reading is a great place to start. It’s never too early or late to urge your child to read and enjoy the magical world of books.

Reading at home can help with relaxation, encourage creativity and imagination, broaden horizons, and develop vocabulary and writing skills. It can also be a fun activity, especially if your kids are struggling with texts at school or they want a break from books they’re analyzing and dissecting in the classroom. Home offers a base to explore all kinds of themes and genres and have fun with reading. 

Get involved in homework

Getting involved in your child’s studies is helpful at any age. It gives you insights into how they learn best, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they approach different tasks. Helping your child can give them confidence and enable them to hone their skills and get a better understanding of the topics or tasks they’re tackling. It can also flag issues, such as difficulty understanding questions, reading or writing challenges, difficulty doing calculations, or maintaining focus. In many cases, there will be a simple explanation, such as tiredness or being stronger in some subjects than others, but there could be underlying causes. If you notice patterns of behavior, or you have concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to speak to your child’s teacher. 

It’s important to have a healthy balance when helping your kids with their schoolwork. It’s great to be present and for your child to know you’re there to assist, but try to avoid being overbearing or applying too much pressure. Encourage your kids to be independent, but ensure they know you’re available to help if they need guidance or want advice. 

​Explore tutoring services

Tutoring services provide additional support outside of the classroom. They can benefit a range of kids, from those who find certain classes particularly challenging to those with additional needs and kids who are aiming for top grades. It’s worth exploring options like tutoring for first graders if you want to build confidence, fill gaps in learning, or tackle specific topics or subjects your child finds tough. As kids get older, they may benefit from tutoring to get better grades on assignments and prepare for tests and exams.

Look for professional, reliable, highly rated tutors who deliver a service that will cater to your child. Online learning has become increasingly popular, but in-person classes may be better suited to your child’s learning style and needs, for example. 

Make learning as fun and accessible as possible

Learning goes far beyond sitting in a classroom writing notes, listening to teachers, and reading books. Every experience can be an educational one when you’re young. From a trip to the zoo and a nature walk to doing a basic scientific experiment in the backyard and watching a documentary about space on TV, there are multiple ways to learn. Making learning fun is one of the best ways to support your child and encourage them to want to expand their knowledge base and gain new skills. You can bring subjects and classes to life, explain complex concepts and theories, and try different learning techniques through practical activities, outings, and games. 

Planning fun weekends and activities during the breaks between school semesters can be expensive, but you don’t have to break the bank. Activities like spending the day at the beach, doing a treasure hunt, going to free local festivals and community events, going to parks and gardens, and spending time in nature are all brilliant low-cost ideas. 

​Take advantage of tech-based resources

Technology is a divisive subject among parents. It gets a lot of bad press, largely because it’s increasingly difficult to monitor and moderate screen time. While it’s understandable to want kids to have a balance between using tablets and watching TV and doing other activities, screen time is not always negative. There are some incredible resources available via TV, streaming services, and apps. From documentaries and child-friendly TV shows to games you can play to improve your math skills and online worksheets to prepare for exams, there are some really useful resources for kids and parents. 

It’s an excellent idea to get tips from other parents and teachers when choosing which platforms, websites, apps, and TV shows to share with your child. You can also use measures like time limits and content restrictions to ensure screen time is healthy and safe. 

Take the pressure off

The school years can be tough. There’s a lot of pressure to hit milestones and achieve top grades from an early age. It’s good to push your child to fulfill their potential and do their best, but try to avoid putting too much pressure on them. This can be detrimental to their health and well-being and prevent them from enjoying their school years. Try to make sure they view you as a cheerleader rather than a taskmaster. Be there to support, reassure, encourage, and give them confidence. Talk openly, catch up regularly, and listen to your child. It’s important that they feel they can be honest with you if they’re struggling or they need advice or help. 

​As parents, we all want the best for our kids. The school years are not always straightforward, and often, it’s a roller coaster ride. If you’re eager to support your child and help them do their best, small steps have a big impact. Examples include encouraging reading at home at all ages, helping out with homework, exploring tutoring services, making learning as fun as possible, using tech-based resources, and avoiding putting too much pressure on your kids.