cinnamon donut muffins

September 20, 2022 by all aflutter in Recipes, Blog

OH LORDY, these are yummy. My younger son and I had a little time to spare this afternoon, so we whipped up a batch of these delish Donut Muffins for no good reason at all. They look like a muffin, but taste like a cinnamon cake donut, so basically amazing. And they look super impressive. They’d be awesome for a brunch or dessert with a little dollop of vanilla ice cream or a super special snack treat.

I ADAPTED the original King Arthur recipe just a bit because my guys don’t love the taste of nutmeg, so I replaced it with cinnamon and they were a huge hit. They’re filling and sweet and satisfying, but not a total gut bomb. We made the GF version, but King Arthur also has a recipe with regular flour that looks totally amazing if gluten isn’t a concern for your family. I think they’re best served warm and fresh. Enjoy! xo

GF cinnamon donut muffin recipe

INGREDIENTS

4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup light or dark brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 + 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 + 2/3 cups flour [I use King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure]
1 cup milk [I used almond milk]
+
3 tablespoons cinnamon sugar [for the topping]
2-3 tablespoons butter, melted [for the topping]

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 425°
Lightly grease a muffin tin or line with paper muffin cups
In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the butter, oil and sugars until smooth
Add the eggs and beat to combine
Stir in the baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla
Stir the flour into the butter mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour and making sure everything is thoroughly combined
Spoon the batter into the pan, filling the cups nearly full
Bake the muffins for 15 to 17 minutes, or until they're a pale golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean
Let them cool for a couple of minutes, or until you can handle them. While they're cooling, melt the butter for the topping
Use a pastry brush to paint the top of each muffin with the butter or dip the top in the butter, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar
Enjoy them warm with your favorite donut lover

A few Muffin-baking Supplies I love

+ I love my **Great Jones Stud Muffin,** it’s gorgeous and makes me feel like a pro +

+ A Golden Rabbit **Enamel Cake Stand** is the perfect canvas to display your beautiful finished product +

+ I use this **Duralex Lys 9-piece Mixing Bowl Set** every darn day +

+ **Caraway’s Muffin Pans** are pretty, non-stick and non-toxic +

a few of my favorite kitchen tools

August 23, 2022 by all aflutter in Gifts For..., Blog

AS THE school year gets under way and our ‘normal’ routine starts to settle in, I’m easing back into cooking each day for my cutie family. I had gotten a bit out of practice over the summer with our very un-routine schedule. Summer is SO fun, but I do enjoy a good day to day rhythm and cooking is def a big part of that. The amount of effort and energy I want to put into meals fluctuates of course, but I’m in a good flow right now and it got me thinking about the really key kitchen tools that I use EVERY DAY. I’m not talking about the pots and pans and super utilitarian stuff (do you want to see that in another post?), but the ‘little’ things that I pull out just about every time I cook a meal.

THESE AWESOME kitchen goods are the essential super hero bits that I rely on day in and day out and am always so glad to have close at hand. I’m obvs no pro chef, but these things make me feel like one. And they all make really fantastic gifts for the chefs and bakers you love, some on their own and some as toppers or even stocking stuffers [gasp, yeah, it’s coming…]. And if you have little chefs you love to cook with, check out my Gift Guide on Baking Stuff for Kids + Teens for more fun ideas. Enjoy settling into the routine, lovelies. And bon appétit. xo

A few awesome Kitchen Tools that also make great gifts

>> **Geometry Tea Towels** are my hands-down favorites. Not only are they pretty to look at, but they’re also super duper soft, quick-drying [ie. not stinky] and so absorbent [they don’t just push the water around] AND they’re made entirely from recycled post-consumer materials. Because of the GIANT selection of prints, these Tea Towels are a seriously gorgeous gift for almost anyone. Love the Dish Cloths, too. Use **DarcieC15** for 15% off your order every day of the year. **<< $16**

>> This **Oxo Mini Angled Measuring Cup** is one of the greatest things I bought in 2021. I use it constantly, especially when making dressings and marinades that call for 2 Tbsp of this and 3 Tbsp of that. It’s simple, tiny and brilliant. **<< $6.99**

>> The thing I love about this little **Joie Citrus Juicer** is the measurements on the side of the reservoir. It has both Tbsp and Ounces so you know that you have exactly the right amount of liquid gold for your recipe. **<< $8.99**

>>These **Duralex Lys Stackable Bowls** are the greatest bowls ever [no hyperbole, honest]. I use them every day for every meal for mixing, serving, prep, marinating and whatever else you need a bowl to do. They nest perfectly so they don’t take up much space and the glass means they’re super hygienic, clean so easily and don’t stay stinky no matter what you mix in them. I LOVE them so much. I have these and these too and use them all on the daily. **<< $55**

>> If you’re going to use something everyday, it might as well be pretty as well as totally functional, right? My Great Jones **Holy Sheets** fit that bill perfectly. Pretty? Duh. Functional? Totally. The nontoxic, non-stick ceramic coating never ceases to amaze me. Even when I think I’ve really done it this time, all the burned mess just sloughs right off. Love my Stud Muffin, too. **<< from $30**

>> I have a tenuous relationship with meat. I like to eat it, but I’m kind of grossed out cooking it, especially raw chicken. So my **Thermapen ONE** is absolutely essential to my piece of mind. It’s the only meat thermometer I trust to be accurate. It’s easy to use, easy to clean and quick. My husband loves it too because I no longer look sideways at his grilling mumbling ‘are you sure that’s cooked?’ And it comes in 10 pretty colors, making it a truly fantastic gift. **<< $105**

>> And for the very same grossed-out reason, I always use kitchen shears for cutting bacon, chicken, shrimp or anything else that needs to be seriously manhandled. I love them for the ease of use, but also because I can just stick them in the dishwasher when I’m done and not feel like I’m splashing raw meat juice everywhere when I wash them. I have a Kuhn Rikon pair that work great, but I’ve been eyeing these Material Kitchen **The Good Shears** for a while now because they’re so pretty and I’m into the rubber grip. **<< $35**

>> I love this **Bamboo Colander and Pour Bowl Set** for a bunch of reasons, including that it’s made from sustainable materials. The nesting feature is awesome, especially for saving pasta water, and I love that the colander holes aren’t so big that everything just slips out. It comes in two really useful sizes and 4 pretty colors. **<< from $35**

>> I have a thing with bowls. I love so many of them. But this **Emile Henry Storage Bowl** is special. It has holes in the bottom for air flow and an insulating cork lid that together create a little root cellar for your onions, garlic, shallots and potatoes. The top is storage for other fruits or veggies, like bananas. It’s brilliant. The ‘cellar’ keeps everything fresher for sooo much longer, meaning that I can stock up a bit and not have to worry about it sprouting. Plus it’s gorgeous. It comes in 2 sizes and 7 colors [I have the Deep in Cream] and makes a beautiful gift. **<< from $110**

>> The first thing I do when I’m getting ready to make dinner is put on my **Hedley & Bennett Essential Apron.** It makes me look super legit, like I know what I’m doing in the kitchen [fake it til you make it, right?]. It keeps my clothes clean and I use it to wipe my hands in a pinch [good thing I can just pop it in the washing machine]. And it’s so comfortable I often forget I have it on until it’s time to put on my pjs. I have this pretty Rifle Paper Co x H&B collab print, but there are so many awesome ones to choose from and they make a PERFECT gift for almost anyone. **<< $105**

>> GIR stands for Get It Right and boy did they with these silicone **Suction Lids.** I have a set of 5, plus a few extra 4” ones [for my tea] and I use them all of the time to keep butter or spaghetti sauce from splattering all over the microwave, keep things warm or keep the flies out. I could use one or two more of the 6” size, too. They're totally brilliant. **<< from $7.95**

>> Ok it might sound a bit dramatic, but this **Shun Chef’s Knife** changed my [cooking] life. I had 13-year old dull knives that made chopping a bit frustrating. This baby is SHARP and precise and is perfectly weighted. I love it so much it’s basically the only knife I use now [I have the Santoku Knife on my list next]. This is def a case where having the right tool for the job makes all the difference. **<< $184.95**

>> Everything mini is cute of course, but these **Oxo Mini Tongs** are also crazy useful. They’re absolutely perfect for serving and I use them so often, especially for salads and family-style meals, that I now have 3 pairs and use them all. **<< $8.95**

>> I used to hate chopping herbs for some reason, but these **5-Blade Herb Shears** make it so easy. I use them all of the time for cilantro, basil and parsley. And they’re easy to clean, too. **<< $13.99**

>> I use this classic **Microplane Zester** all of the time for some of my favorite recipes. It does the job at hand perfectly and I’ve never scraped my fingers on it [bonus!]. I have the boring black version, but there are so many cute colors now and even a few prints. **<< $17.50**

>> Yeah, it’s another mini [aaw, so cute]. These **Mini Whisks** are just so perfect for whipping up dressings and marinades in smaller batches. I use them all the time. Plus they are just undeniably cute, so there. They’d make an adorable topper for a larger kitchen-themed gift. **<< $5.99**

dopp kits that will go anywhere

June 13, 2022 by all aflutter in Gifts For..., Blog

A GOOD dopp kit is essential, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be basic. And these rad versions will not fail you in either form or function no matter where you’re headed. Whether you’re floating down 100 miles of river or checking into a luxury resort, these durable kits will keep you super organized and ready for whatever comes next. We own and love several of these bags, so they’re field tested for durability and ease of use. And I also included a few of our favorite things to stash inside them for travel.

AN AWESOME dopp kit is a fantastic gift for just about anyone on your list, from tweens to grads to dads to teachers. And you know you can’t gift an empty bag, right? So add a few useful or straight fun things to make their travels that much easier. Check out the ShopMy collection of Dopp Kits + Makeup Bags for loads more fun options and My Travel Beauty Essentials for more streamlined stuff to pop inside whichever bag you choose. Happy Trails, lovelies. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

Dopp Kits make awesome gifts

~~ I gifted my husband this **Topo Designs Dopp Kit** because he needed a bit more space. It’s a perfect size for holding everything you need and has a totally unique triangular shape so it doesn’t wobble over. It has a water resistant liner and is easy to clean. It’s a perfect blend of form + function; super durable, but with Topo’s iconic hip styling, and it comes in 10 awesome color combos [I’d have a terrible time choosing just one for myself]. It’s a perfect option for someone who’s happy to just dump everything in and go. **~~ $34**

~~ Ok, if you like to organize your travel stuff down to the last cotton ball, **Tobiq’s Toiletry Bag** is going to be your new BFF. It has more little pockets and compartments than you could imagine would fit into such a compact space and it’s also super durable. It opens wide, accordion style and it comes in 8 pretty colors to make anyone smile. Plus it’s designed by a fellow CO mama. I LOVE mine and am coveting a Travel Bag next. **~~ $69**

~~ My husband and I have both been using our Sea to Summit Toiletry Bags for close to a decade and they both somehow still look brand new. We’ve dragged them down hundreds of miles of river, to countless campsites and to luxury hotels. This Small Hanging Toiletry Bag has plenty of space for my husband’s more minimal stuff and good mesh zipper pockets for the loose bits. They’re all awesome. **~~ from $46.95**

~~ I love the classic logo on this **The North Face Base Camp Voyager Toiletry Kit.** It’s kind of retro and cool and happens to also be the perfect size for someone who ‘needs’ some extras, but not the whole medicine cabinet. It’s durable and has several compartments for organization, comes in two cool colors and it looks rad, so a total winner. Might be awesome for a teen or tween, too. **~~ $40**

~~ **Cotopaxi’s Nido Dopp Kit** has three compartments, including an interior zippered pocket to keep little bits extra safe. It’s kind of a perfect size, super durable and comes in a few really pretty solid colors OR you can choose one from their unique and colorful Del Día Collection that empowers the artisans who are sewing them to choose the colors they want to combine. **~~ $45**

~~ These **Personalized Waxed Canvas Dopp Kits** are so handsome. They’re handmade in Brooklyn from sturdy, water resistant waxed canvas and the inside is lined with cotton duck canvas for even more durability. They can be personalized with a monogrammed leather tab to make it feel even more special. **~~ $85**

~~ This **Stio Basin Hanging Dopp Kit** is kind of a Goldilocks bag. Its overall size and functional pockets are just right for someone with just enough stuff. The outer shell is water resistant and the bag hangs wherever you find yourself for easy access to your kit. It comes in 3 pretty ‘just right’ colors, too. **~~ $39**

~~ STATE Bags has the whole family covered for stylish and super functional **Toiletry Kits** [or any other kind of bag for that matter]. From the more subdued, sleek Hart to the more flashy, fun Bensen, everyone can sport the look they love with all the organization they might need. **~~ from $65**

~~ Nomatic thought of everything when they designed the sleek **Toiletry Bag 2.0.** It has a spot for all of your essentials, including a dedicated pocket just for keeping your toothbrush clean. It’s totally water resistant so nothing’s getting in or out of this thing. And it has an optional hanging strap to get it off the counter. With 2 different sizes to choose from, you’ll def find an option that will hold all of your stuff. It’s sleek, durable and made for travel. **~~ from $54.99**

~~ We have a few of these little **Patagonia 3L Black Hole Cube** bags and they’re awesome. They’re technically designed to use as a catch-all for anything you need to wrangle, but they’re the perfect size, shape for a low maintenance dopp kit, all of my boys have used them and I’ve gifted several to other teenage boys. I also use a larger 6L Black Hole as our ‘medicine cabinet’ when we’re in the boonies for everything we might need to treat minor illness or injury. All of Patagonia’s Black Hole bags are weather resistant, have awesome handles, are incredibly durable and open nicely so you can see everything inside and are basically awesome. **~~ from $39**

~~ Dakine makes a few different Travel Kits depending on how much space you need. This **Groomer Medium Travel Kit** has a unique top that peels fully open to find essentials easily. It has a few pockets for organization and is fully water resistant. The Revival has a hidden hanger loop if you like to get your kit off the countertop. Both versions come in a variety of fun colors + prints. **~~ $34.95**

~~ When you want to bring it all, the **CALPAK Luka Toiletry Bag** has you covered. It’s super stylish, yes, but it’s also super roomy, has lots of pockets for organization and a hook for convenient hanging. It comes in pretty, neutral colors, too. **~~ $58**

~~ I gave each of my boys one of these **Carhartt Travel Kits.** It’s perfect for someone who wants to just chuck everything in there and go. It’s simple, but useful and cool. It’s water resistant both inside and out, easy to clean and comes in classic black or Carhartt Legacy Brown. **~~ $19.99**

~~ If you’re happy to just toss everything in and hit it without a bunch of fussy pockets, the **Aloha Dopp Kits** are super pretty. They are roomy and ‘splash proof’ and come in a bunch of really awesome prints for both gals + guys. I love mine and also use one to keep track of my boys’ undies and socks while traveling, so it’s a good catchall for whatever loose stuff you need to wrangle on the road. **~~ $48**

Stuff to put inside your dopp kit

~~ I’ve been searching for YEARS for good travel containers. Most reusable kinds are impossible to clean and I’m left with half a wee bottle of old, yellowing body lotion that’s nearly impossible to clean out. And if I’m lucky enough to find a travel-sized tube of something I actually use, I often end up only getting through half of it before it gets yuck and I feel doubly guilty about chucking both product and plastic. Sound familiar? Then you’ll love **Cadence.** These gorgeous little containers are made from ocean-bound plastic and come in different sizes and pretty colors so YOU get to decide how much stuff to put inside and how to organize them. They’re an absolute breeze to clean out between trips and are totally leak-proof, so you can put ANYthing in there. I use them for skincare, supplements, jewelry, hair goo… really, ALL the stuff. And you can customize the labels so you always know what’s inside [I chose to leave mine blank and use color to know what’s inside]. THEN they all magnet together. If I’m getting on a plane, I plop them all into a Stasher Stand-Up Mid and I’m ready to GO. I have placed three more orders after my initial purchase because I’ve found so many uses for them and I can’t get enough of the gorgeous colors. They’re magic, LOVE THEM. ~~ **From $14**

~~ If you don’t love using those scratchy over-bleached washcloths in rentals [hi, hey there], just tuck a **Geometry Luxe Washcloth** or **Hand Towel** into your kit and you’ll be ready for a soft and happy experience every time. They come in a zillion prints and dry really fast, too. **~~ from $16 / Use my Geometry links for 15% off your order every time.**

~~ I was a bit weirded out when I first tried this **Cocobrush** because the angle is different from any other brush I’ve ever used. But then I could tell that it was reaching in weird spots that other brushes don’t and now I totally love it and all the other brushes feel weird. I honestly think it makes me teeth cleaner. **~~ $10**

~~ Whether you’re in the woods with no access to water or in the car after a gym workout, these **Babo Botanicals Cleansing Wipes** will freshen up your face, hands or any other body part with one big swipe. They deliver super gentle skincare on the go. I love them for camping, morning and night to get the grime off and prepare for what’s next and my boys love them, too. ~~ **$8.99**

~~ If there’s no water where you’re headed or you just have a ‘minimalist’ on your hands, **Ursa Major’s Essential Face Wipes** are your perfect solution. They deliver pretty much a whole regimen of super high quality, fresh-smelling, effective skin care with a single swipe and take up no space. **~~ $26**

~~ I don’t travel without this **Dr. Bronner’s Organic Magic Balm.** We use it all the time for post ski or sun chapped faces, minor scrapes and dry spots and it really is like magic. **~~ $9.99**

~~ I would SO never leave home without a trusted pair of tweezers. I mean, weird hairs pop up no matter where you’re going, right? Plus, we particularly like the fine point pair for the inevitable splinter emergencies. These little **Tweezerman Micro Minis** come in a variety of colors and set options. **~~ from $15**

~~ Both of my boys use **Native Deodorant** and love it. The scents are all lovely and subtle. There’s no aluminum, talc, phalates or parabens and it works great. They also now have plastic-free versions, too, so you can feel doubly good. **~~ from $12**

~~ This **Boiron Calendula Cream** isn’t sexy, but it’s my mom secret weapon and I bring it everywhere. It heals, cuts, scrapes, sunburns, burns and sometimes I just rub it on stuff that hurts so that my boys ‘think’ they’re on the road to healing. It’s awesome. **~~ $14**

~~ I wouldn’t go anywhere without my **Poppy & Pout Lip Balm.** It’s the best one I’ve found. It’s squeaky clean, comes in a recyclable cardboard tube and in a bunch of yummy flavors. Wild Honey and Lemon Bloom are my personal favorites, but they all smell delicious. **~~ $10**

~~ Don’t leave home without a good pair of clippers. This **Tweezerman Stainless Steel Set** includes two sizes of well-made, sharp and reliable clippers for any of your needs. **~~ $15**

awesome gifts for dudes + dads

May 20, 2022 by all aflutter in Blog, Gifts For...

THERE ARE as many great dude + dad gifts in the world as there are quirky hobbies and it can be hard to narrow it down. So I’ve made a little list for you of tried and true options that would delight those fun-loving, hard-working, adventure-seeking guys you love. My husband owns and loves many of these things [he might need a Royal Portrait though] and I’d feel really good about handing any of them over to the dudes and dads I love.

IF YOU don’t see THE thing, check out the other Gift Guides for more ideas, especially if you love a Gardener, Traveler, Home Chef or Minimalist. And the Gift Guide for Men is chock full, too. Good luck, lovelies, and reach out if you need more ideas, I’m always here for you. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

~~ Go double old school with a ‘mix tape’ on vinyl. You choose the songs and album cover artwork and **Vinyley Custom Records** will press a fully custom 12” double-sided record of all of your dude’s favorite songs. Love this. ~~

~~ Get a perfect cup of coffee every time no matter where you are with super innovative frozen **Comeeter Coffee Capsules.** They melt in your mug for perfect hot or cold drinks instantly. They only use the highest quality beans from award-winning small batch roasters and the pods are 100% curbside recyclable. RAD. ~~

~~ Treat your favorite dude to the ultimate camp chair experience with the **PARKIT Voyager.** It has a built-in, detachable cooler [seriously], the most versatile cup holder around and hands-free carry straps so you don’t have to put down your drink to drag it to the best spot. Plus it’s pretty. There’s also a cooler-less version if you’ve got that covered. ~~

~~ If you’re looking for a new lawn game to play in your yard or at the beach, try this **Kubb Viking Clash Toss Game.** It’s inspired by old Nordic tradition and fun for all ages and abilities. I love the cute design of this GoSports set. ~~

~~ This is so cool. **HitchFire** is a hitch-mountable, super powerful propane grill that can go anywhere your vehicle can; camping, tailgating, skiing, the park... This beefy F-20 model has two burners for feeding the whole crew and the handy swingarm feature provides easy access to the car’s contents. My husband would LOVE this thing. ~~

~~ My husband loves Faherty clothing [and the family-owned business’s philosophy], especially these **All Day Shorts** that can take anything you throw at them. Made from recycled bottles, they’re equally comfortable in the surf or at dinner. ~~

~~ I love The James Brand [so does my hubs] and this **Abbey** is gorgeous precision perfection for music-loving dads who are super serious [geeked out] about their vinyl. ~~

~~ Take dad’s homemade pizza night to a whole other level with an **Ooni Outdoor Pizza Oven.** The Fyra pictured here is wood-pellet powered and lightweight enough to drag to the campsite, the beach, your neighbor’s yard, the park or anywhere else you’d like to chill and make amazing pizza. ~~

~~ **A Man & His Watch** celebrates the unique affection and special relationship men have with their timepieces. It features beautiful photographs and heartfelt stories of 76 iconic watches and their famous owners over more than a century. ~~

~~ You guys already know how much I love Nomadix Towels and Festival Blankets. Now they’ve made a **Bandana Towel** with the same quick-dry, non-stinky, super soft material [recycled bottles actually]. It’s perfect for riding, hiking, camping or blowing your nose. What? You know dudes will and it’s super easy to clean, so honk away. ~~

~~ A friend introduced me to Charleston-based **Smithey Ironworks’** STUNNING cast-iron and hand-forged carbon steel cookware that’s deigned to use for life. They call the pieces ‘Modern Heirlooms’ and it looks like for good reason; they’re just gorgeous. ~~

~~ Barebones Living designs and makes timeless, heirloom-quality tools for gardeners and outdoor lovers of all kinds. The versatile **Hori Hori Ultimate** is one of their most loved and popular tools, but any of them would make a beautiful gift. ~~

~~ You can go totally gourmet on your day trips with Yeti’s impressive new **Hopper M20 Backpack.** It’s roomy enough for all you want to haul and durable enough for any type of adventure. ~~

~~ Blow your food-loving dude’s mind with an awesome delivery from **Fly By Jing.** Their sauces have reached near-cult status and are def a favorite in our house. My husband puts the Sichuan Chili Crisp on just about anything. BIG YUM. ~~

~~ **Rite in the Rain's All-Weather Golf Notebook** has special weather-proof paper for keeping track of scores, yardage and revelations on the course without having to worry about rain, sweat or the occasional beverage mishap. ~~

~~ You guys already know that I love Rumpl’s Puffy Blankets, but the **Everywhere Mat** is also a key piece of our gear. We use it outside the tent for shoes and dry bags and loose stuff, but it’s also awesome for picnics, kiddo sporting events, and beach days. This thing repels sand, so you don’t end up with a face full when you lift it up. ~~

~~ Die-hard baseball fans will love **NF Leatherworks’ Vintage Wallets** handcrafted from authentic baseball gloves. It’s a really special gift for a serious fan of America’s Pastime. ~~

~~ This just cracks me up. Have a custom **‘Royal Portrait’** made of your favorite dude or dad so he can feel like a king all year round. ~~

~~ Your dude or dad can wear your heart on their sleeve with an **Ubuntu Life Love Bracelet.** It’s such a sweet reminder that you’re always there. **Save 10%** when you use this link to purchase anything on Ubuntu Life’s site. ~~

~~ Your favorite mixologist can make their very own custom whiskey blend with this **Do Your Whiskey Kit.** All you need is a bottle of neutral grain alcohol and you’re all set to create the perfect nuanced mix. ~~

the best restaurant toys

June 09, 2021 by all aflutter in Gifts For..., Blog

i’ll have what they’re having

MY LITTLE family went to an actual restaurant a few weeks ago for the first time since going on lockdown and it was straight heavenly. I’d almost forgotten how amazing it is to sit and relax and have a lovely conversation while someone else makes you fantastic food. I mean, what an awesome idea, right?! But about 2 minutes in, both of my boys looked at me and said “where are the Plus Plus?” AAAGH. I was so out of practice going out in public, I completely forgot our trusty restaurant toy stash. The one we’ve been dragging with us for the past 10 years every time we go out. Thank goodness I had a good ol’ pen and the tiny notebook I always keep in my bag, which was perfection in a pinch. They happily played hangman and tic-tac-toe for this round, but with a little effort, your kids can be fully entertained at restaurants while you chill and enjoy the company.

WE LOVE to eat out and have been taking our boys to nice restaurants since my oldest was about 12 days old. It’s such a great way to connect with friends and family (+ the break from cooking + cleaning). But, we realized early on that it’s not at all realistic [or pleasant] to ask small children to sit quietly for hours at a restaurant without something to do. And screens at the table just aren’t our thing. When my oldest was tiny, my brilliant mom started a tradition of bringing a small treasure for him each time we went out for dinner so that I might steal a few minutes of peace and adult conversation while we ate. It was so effective that I started really intentionally seeking out stuff to add to the collection. Over the years I have learned which toys are best at truly keeping the kiddos happy so the adults can actually relax. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo

THE BEST ‘RESTAURANT TOYS’ FOR KEEPING KIDS ENTERTAINED

I’VE KIND of already spilled the beans about our hands-down favorite…Plus Plus are my mom secret weapon and the brilliant solution for a calm and relaxed meal any time of day, whether a block from home or an ocean away. Our Plus Plus have seen more play time than almost any other toy we own and they ONLY come out when we’re at a restaurant (it’s def part of their allure). They’re made up of a single shape in lots of fun colors and I’ve literally never seen my boys make the same thing twice. They have lots of different sets, including cute themes like Dinosaurs or Unicorns, but we just chuck all of ours into a sturdy Stasher Reusable Bag with a few Baseplates and let the kids have at it (they also make chunky ones for littles). They’re also super easy to clean, which is essential when combining small kids and food.

WHEN MY nephew was little (he’s now 13 and has a man voice, AAGH!), he was NUTS for construction vehicles. He had a little set of wee Construction Trucks that would keep him entertained for HOURS. We’d give him some teeny tiny bits of balled up paper or a few grains of rice and he’d push and lift and dump them happily well through dessert. My little had a similarly fierce passion for animals and would spend the whole meal fully enthralled with the little rubber ‘teeny tiny animals’ that we carried around in a Teeny Tiny Mini Barn. I think we have every Safari Good Luck Mini they ever made, from Rainforest Animals to Sea Life to Dragons. He would intently line them all up in a sweet parade, patiently righting any that toppled over.

BOTH OF my guys have been huge Lego fans, so we also sometimes switch it up with some Lego Classic sets. They’re the ones that just have random bright pieces and no instructions so the kids can imagine whatever they’re into that day. And they LOVED the Lego Sticker Books that let you find which stickers go into each scene [there are zillions of them]. We’ve had Star Wars, Super Heroes, Ninjago and Minifigure books and my boys loved them all. The Disney Princess and Lego Friends versions look adorable, too.

NOW THAT my guys are a bit older, I’ve upped the cool factor on their restaurant coloring situation with this Crayola Edge books. The illustrations are detailed, but not blinding, and perfect for t(w)eens. They have a bunch of really appealing themes, like Optical Illusions, Sugar Skulls and Animal Ink depending on your kiddo’s interests. Of course, a blank Sketch Paper Pad is also fantastic for artists who’d rather create their own scenes. Throw in a convenient tube of Arteza Colored Pencils or Crayola Mini Twistables Crayons and they’ll be set for a good while.

THERE ARE a bunch more of our favorite restaurant toys below. Also check out my posts on Road Trippin’ and Origami for even more ideas. Whatever your kiddo is into, it really pays off to spend just a few minutes on your way out the door gathering up some entertainment so everyone can actually enjoy a [semi] relaxing meal. During busy social times, I just chuck everything into a Baggu and have it ready to grab on the way out or stash it in my car for spontaneous meals out. You’ll be happy, the kids will be happy, the people at the table next to you will be truly ecstatic. It’s a win-win-win. GIFT A LITTLE HAPPINESS. xo