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We particularly like Quiplash, in which players answer humorous prompts and the wittiest response is voted the winner. It’s easy to follow, and it inspires a certain shared irreverence, even through a computer screen. If you’re playing with kids younger than 13, we recommend using the optional family-friendly setting.
The couch is cleverly constructed from four foam pieces—two foldable rectangles and two triangles. And in the hands of an older child, it becomes a fort, a pirate ship, and a throne. As a bonus for the adults in the family, the microsuede covers can be stripped off and washed, and when the couch is laid out, it’s actually big enough for grown-up nap. As Signe will tell you from experience, though, she doesn’t recommend going in for a full night’s rest. Even if they don’t know it, most families could benefit from and enjoy a smart doorbell camera like our top pick from Arlo. The Arlo detects guests, packages, animals, and cars.
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Not only does TOMS match every pair of shoes purchased with a new pair of shoes for a child in need, but they've expanded their mission to eyewear, clean water, and safe birth. W&P sells reusable, dishwasher and microwavable safe kitchenware and to-go products. Each purchase of this insulated water bottle will feed two families.
Like a charming new pet that follows orders, this little gizmo will delight the entire family as it performs its task. The easiest way to make popcorn from scratch for a crowd is with an air popper like this Presto Poplite. Unlike the stovetop methods that tether you to the kitchen, or the microwave options that produce small quantities, the Presto Poplite pops up a big bowl in less than three minutes. Package it alongside a bag of kernels and some seasoning, and the snacking portion of movie night is settled. Agreeing on something to watch, well, that’s your business. Easy to learn but hard to master, this fast-paced, two- to five-person card game is one of our favorites for kids and adults to enjoy, even together.
Bigger, better movie nights
Devoting time to community service is never a waste of time. It’s a great way to make a difference in your community, discover a new interest, cultivate relationships, and have fun. Train to be a Shelter Manager - For disaster relief in your area or to help other communities, you can be trained to be a shelter manager with the Red Cross. You can find more community service training opportunities on the Corporation for National and Community Service’s website. Spread Holiday Cheer - Run a mini gift-wrapping business and give the proceeds to a children’s charity. Operation Christmas Child also has regional processing centers where you can help get gifts ready for shipping all over the world.
Besides the fact that Warby Parker glasses are very trendy and stylish, they also give back through the brand's "buy a pair, give a pair" program. For each pair of frames sold, Warby Parker distributes a pair to someone in need. You can choose from tons of styles of glasses and sunglasses for both women and men and, if you're shopping for someone who stares at a screen all day, you can even add in blue light-blocking lenses. Bedding makes a great gift, since it's something people need but often forget or neglect to buy for themselves. We're big fans of Tuft & Needle's products, from meditation pillows to mattress bundles.
The Most Popular Wirecutter-Approved Gifts of 2022
And it accurately distinguishes among those occurrences so your phone doesn’t get flooded with errant alerts. Its wide, 180-degree field of view and square aspect ratio reduce blind spots, so the Arlo provides the most comprehensive image of all the models we tested. It would be an especially thoughtful gift for parents who want to keep an eye on the comings and goings of their teenage roommates. Run a local non-profit or community organization's social media accounts.
Set up a schedule of trusted designated drivers or organize a carpool with other parents who will already be driving. ‘Tis the Season for Service - Look for seasonal opportunities to help process donations for organizations such as Toys for Tots or Operation Christmas Child. Make sure donations fit the guidelines for the charity. Meet Critical Needs - Host a “critical needs” drive for the Red Cross or a local shelter, collecting new items such as socks, underwear, diapers and toiletries. Deck the Halls with Tiny Trees – Decorating mini trees can be a fun service project to do as a group and then deliver to family shelters, group homes or a veterans hospitals. Keep Toes Warm - Host a “Socktober” event and collect new warm socks of all sizes to donate to a family crisis center or homeless shelter.
For the avid hiker: LifeStraw filter
When loved ones are far away, it can be soothing to hear their voices. Artifact is a self-described “personal podcast” service that interviews your family members about a topic and edits their stories into a cohesive episode. For instance, an Artifact editor could interview a grandparent to save a favorite memory for young grandchildren. Or it could edit together your parents’ love story from separate interviews . It’s up to you, depending on what you find meaningful. For the interview, you or your loved one needs a phone or a computer that accepts calls.
Since 2010, Kroger has provided more than $35 million in support, making us the largest cumulative donor in the USO’s history. We work with conservation organizations and other subject matter experts to reduce food and operational waste and boost the sustainability and resilience of our global food system and supply chain. Juliana is a writer, editor and SEO strategist with over six years' of experience on the editorial staffs of publications including Reader's Digest, Best Life and Good Housekeeping.
Pick up an “exploding kitten” card from the deck and you’re out—unless you have a “defuse” card , which will keep your kitten safe from harm. We think it’s a silly romp, great for kids between the ages of 8 and 14. In short, Exploding Kittens is the perfect game to fill the little moments before and after meals and other family traditions.
But there’s no denying that lounging about in matching pajamas is excellent for photo ops and morale. Hanna Andersson pajamas aren’t cheap, but they are some of our favorites from testing, year after year. The various cuts and styles—slim long john pants, roomy nightgowns, footies for babies, button-up tops—are constructed either from soft and durable cotton knit or flannel. Give a holiday-themed pair, or go with something evergreen, like stripes. Editor Hannah Morrill reports that her 5-year-old daughter was so delighted with their family’s holiday plaid set that they all wore them through April. And she reports that even after years of being washed and worn, they’ve held up fine, with no pilling, stretching or discoloration.
Zero Waste social and environmental impact plan to life for our neighbors. If you have any school-age kids to shop for this year, consider gifting them some fun school supplies from Yoobi. For every item purchased, the brand donates one to kids in classrooms in need across the U.S.
