Emily Reviews writers were sent product samples in exchange for inclusion in our gift guide. All opinions are our own.
Sky Castle
I’m all about nostalgia and these GooGames from Sky Castle are so awesome! Not only are they hand hand and perfectly sized for on the go, they remind me of the water games that all the cool kids had back in my days. I love that they offer screen free entertainment and these three games kept the kids busy for a couple hours on the last car trip too! Encased in every GooGame is a stunning dance of pearlescent glitter, adding a layer of magic and wonder allowing you to see the water move. Crafted with soft, flexible materials, these games are durable and fun for all ages.
Sour Punch Twists are a fun way to add some sweetness (And sourness!) to kids’ stockings. I love these big buckets that sell for under $11 at my local Walmart. They include over 200 individually wrapped sour straws in 3 flavors so you can divide them up among a bunch of stockings if you wanted. Sour Punch will also be offering some holiday-themed candy options so keep an eye out in your local stores!
Buy it: At local retailers including Walmart.
Ravensburger
The kids and I love this card game! It’s fairly fast paced, easy to learn, and small enough to take along when we go places. Your goal is to build the strongest team of Villains and Henchmen, matching the color or number on the cards in your stack. You can also cast curses, meddle in your opponents’ plans, and unleash your sinister might with your Villain’s special cards. Watch out for Heroes who will try to sabotage your team. Whoever earns the most points will win!
Jelly Belly has partnered with Incredible Group to release a line of Jelly Belly squishy toys! They’re similar to squishy stress balls like we’ve all seen before, but these are better in two ways. One, they’re shaped like Jelly Bellies which just makes them cute and fun. Two, they’re scented! Some packs include mystery beans so you won’t know what scent they are until you open them and give them a sniff. I find these really fun to fidget with and the shape and fun scents is enjoyable too. They come in a couple different sizes as well.
For a fun option to keep kids busy and entertained in church, car rides, appointments, and more; check out the BIZYBOO Hide ‘n Seek Busy Bags. These handy little bags provide little ones with hours of fun and entertainment while helping to develop their fine motor skills, problem solving abilities, and improving their concentration. Each bag has lots of hidden pieces inside that you need to search out and find. The hunt list is attached right on your BIZYBOO too so you’ll always have it handy. Available in a variety of styles, definitely check them out.
For those older kids and teens, check out CRYSTAL’s Magnesium Enriched Deodorant Sticks! They are vegan, and feature Magnesium (a naturally occurring element used in their deodorants to create an easy transition from conventional anti-perspirants). They also offer 24-HOUR odor protection without the downsides of aluminum or drying irritants like baking soda. They are also the first and only natural deodorant brand to receive the prestigious Clean Label Project Purity Award for every product in the company’s line.
I’m a huge fan of eco-friendly products that are functional and fun and GoSili delivers just that! Check out GoSili Reusable Silicone Straws for those stocking stuffers as they are made from non-toxic, platinum silicone and can be used over and over again. Just wash with soap and water and reuse for years to come. Standard in length, this multi-pack of straws allows kids to enjoy every sip, all while reducing your family’s plastic footprint — it’s a great way to introduce being Earth friendly to the kids too! Plus, kids love how they are soft and flexible and won’t hurt their teeth.
Hi there! I am Emily Evert, the owner of Emily Reviews. I am 28 and live in a small town in Michigan with my boyfriend Ryan and our two pugs. I have a large family and I adore my nieces and nephews. I love reading memoirs, and learning about child development and psychology. I love watching The Game of Thrones, Teen Mom, Sister Wives and Veep. I like listening to Jason Isbell, John Prine, and other alt-country or Americana music. I created Emily Reviews as a creative outlet to share my life and the products that I love with others.
Shirley O
Jackie
Leela
Maria Egan
I like the BIZYBOO Hide and Seek bags. They are so cute and fun.