Thanks to the #watertok TikTok trend, I’m totally inspired to revamp the flavor packets stash in my cupboard! Ready to find out how to keep your hydration game fun and flavorful? Here are my top picks for water mixes and their combos to keep you refreshed and hydrated all summer long!

BONUS Money-Saving Hack: Get a reusable water bottle that you’re obsessed with so that you will want to take it everywhere you go!

Get Drink Mix Packets HERE on Walmart.com

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Are Drink Mixes for Water Healthy?

When it comes to water flavor packets, the scoop is pretty straightforward—many are a fantastic choice for jazzing up your daily H2O without piling on the calories or sugar. Look for mixes that are low in sugar or sugar-free, and those that ditch the artificial sweeteners and colors. These options can be a fantastic way to keep you hydrated and happy, especially if plain water doesn’t excite your taste buds.

However, like with anything, moderation is key. Some mixes might have additives or sugars that you’d want to keep an eye on, especially if you’re sipping multiple packets a day. Checking the ingredients list is your best bet to ensure you’re choosing the healthiest options for your lifestyle.

So, yes, water mixes can be part of a healthy hydration strategy—just opt for the cleaner options and enjoy the flavor boost they bring to your water bottle!

Water Mix Flavor Names Included in our Free Printable HERE:

Is Drinking Water with Sugar-Free Flavor Packets Good For You?

Drinking water with sugar-free flavor packets can definitely be a good choice, especially if it helps you drink more water throughout the day! These packets usually use sweeteners that don’t add calories, making them a great alternative for those looking to manage their calorie intake or cut down on sugar.

However, it’s also wise to consider what’s in those packets beyond just the lack of sugar. Some sugar-free options might contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or other additives that some people prefer to avoid. While these ingredients are generally recognized as safe in moderate amounts, everyone’s body reacts differently, so it’s important to pay attention to how these mixes make you feel.

If they help you stay hydrated, and you enjoy them without any adverse effects, they can certainly be a part of a healthy hydration routine. Just make sure to keep an eye on the ingredients list, and maybe rotate them with plenty of plain water to keep things balanced!

What Does Flavored Water Do to Your Body? (Lemons for Example)

Flavored water, whether it’s infused with real lemons or lemon flavoring, can be a fantastic way to boost your hydration game while offering some extra perks for your body.

Lemon-infused water, in particular, is a powerhouse. Adding fresh lemon slices to your water not only jazzes up the taste but also infuses it with natural vitamins and antioxidants. Lemons are famously high in vitamin C, which boosts your immune system and skin health. They also have a natural diuretic effect, which helps your body flush out toxins more efficiently.

If you want your water to taste like the lemonade you know, consider adding a true citrus product like True Lemon. I find mine at my Walmart stores.

As for lemon-flavored water packets, they often mimic the taste of lemons without the actual fruit. These can be beneficial if they encourage you to drink more water throughout the day, especially for those who might not always have fresh fruit handy. However, it’s good to check the ingredients for any artificial additives or sweeteners, which might not offer the same health benefits as real lemons.

In both cases, adding a lemony twist to your water can elevate your hydration and make your daily water intake a lot more enjoyable. Just remember, the more natural the source, the better the benefits!

If I am not adding flavor packets, how do I make fruit-infused water?

Making real fruit-infused water is a refreshing and simple way to spice up your hydration routine without any artificial ingredients or sweeteners.

Here’s how to create your own delicious fruit-infused water with simple ingredients:

• 1. Choose Your Fruit: Almost any fruit will work, but the most popular choices include lemons, limes, oranges, berries, and cucumbers. You can also experiment with herbs like mint or basil for an extra zing.
• 2. Prepare the Fruit: Wash your fruit thoroughly. Slice it thin enough so that the flavors can easily infuse into the water. Berries can be left whole or halved, while citrus fruits are best sliced or cut into wedges.
• 3. Combine and Infuse: Fill a pitcher or a large jar with cold water. Add the sliced fruits and herbs into the water. Use a spoon or a muddler to gently crush the fruit and herbs a bit to release their flavors.
• 4. Let It Sit: Let the mixture sit for a few hours in the refrigerator to infuse. The longer it sits, the more flavorful the water will become. For best results, let it infuse for about 3 to 4 hours or even overnight.
• 5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the water has reached your desired level of flavor, it’s ready to drink. You can strain out the fruits and herbs or leave them in to enjoy along with the water.
• 6. Refill: Don’t throw away the fruit after one use— you can often refill the container with water a few times before the flavors begin to diminish.

Creating fruit-infused water is a fun and healthy way to stay hydrated, and it allows you to play around with different flavor combinations based on your preferences and seasonal fruits. It’s a natural, sweet treat that feels indulgent without any of the guilt!

That was years ago. These days I plan ahead, I keep a rotation of dinners we all actually like, and I lean hard on recipes that are simple enough to pull off on a Tuesday after a long day. Over the years I’ve built up a pretty solid collection of go-to weeknight dinners — and I’ve rounded up 50+ of my favorites right here so you’ve always got somewhere to start when that “what’s for dinner?” panic hits at 5pm.

These are real recipes that have been made in my actual kitchen and eaten by my actual family. Some take 20 minutes, some cook all day in the crockpot, some are sheet pan situations where you just throw everything in the oven and walk away. That’s my bar for putting them on this list — if my people ate it and asked for it again, it’s in.

🥩 Beef Dinners

Wendy’s Copycat Chili Recipe

My husband could eat Wendy’s chili every single day and be perfectly happy. This copycat version is so close it’s almost eerie — and a big pot of it costs a fraction of what you’d spend going through the drive-through. Make a double batch and eat it for lunch all week. Get the recipe here.

Beef and Cheese Enchiladas

Ground beef, refried beans, enchilada sauce, cheese — rolled up and baked. Simple ingredients, huge payoff. These are the enchiladas I make when I want a real dinner on the table fast and I don’t feel like thinking too hard. Get the recipe here.

Shredded Beef Enchiladas: Crock Pot Dinner

The crockpot does the heavy lifting here — beef slow cooks all day, then you roll it up and smother it in sauce and cheese. More effort than the ground beef version but worth every extra minute. We make these on weekends when I have a little more time to assemble. Get the recipe here.

Easy, Inexpensive Recipe: Mongolian Beef

Better than takeout and so much cheaper. Flank steak in a sweet soy-ginger sauce served over rice — this one comes together so fast and always gets rave reviews. My kids think we ordered in. Get the recipe here.

Easy Pulled Beef Sandwich Recipe

A Coca-Cola braised chuck roast that shreds into the most tender, flavorful beef for sandwiches. I make this on a Sunday and we’re eating pulled beef sandwiches, quesadillas, and rice bowls all week off one roast. Best use of a crockpot I know. Get the recipe here.

Beef Stroganoff in Crock Pot Dinner Recipe

Creamy, rich, served over egg noodles — this stroganoff is the kind of dinner that makes everyone go quiet at the table because they’re too busy eating to talk. The crockpot does everything. You just make the noodles. Get the recipe here.

Philly Cheese Steak Crock Pot Recipe

Shredded beef, peppers, onions, and provolone on a hoagie roll. All the Philly cheesesteak flavors without leaving the house. My husband ranks this one in his top five dinners I make, which is saying something. Get the recipe here.

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Two classics merged into one — sloppy joe meets Philly cheesesteak and the result is a messy, cheesy, absolutely delicious sandwich situation. On the table in 30 minutes and my kids fight over the last one every time. Get the recipe here.

Philly Cheese Steak Sliders

Hawaiian rolls stuffed with shaved steak, peppers, onions, and melted provolone then baked until golden and buttery. These disappear so fast I’ve started making two pans. Great for feeding a crowd or just a hungry family on a Friday night. Get the recipe here.

Beef Burrito Casserole Dinner Recipe

All your burrito favorites layered into a casserole — ground beef, refried beans, tortillas, cheese, sour cream. It’s one of those dinners that looks like a lot of effort but actually comes together in minutes. Get the recipe here.

Beef and Noodle Casserole Recipe

Ground beef, egg noodles, cream cheese, and a tomato-based sauce baked together into a bubbling, cheesy casserole. Total comfort food, total crowd-pleaser, and completely doable on a weeknight. Get the recipe here.

Beef Stew Recipe

There are maybe three or four recipes in my life that I consider truly perfect and this beef stew is one of them. Set it up in the crockpot in the morning and come home to the most hearty, rich, deeply flavored stew. A non-negotiable in my fall and winter rotation. Get the recipe here.

Instant Pot Mongolian Beef with Fried Rice

The Instant Pot version of Mongolian beef with fried rice built right in — this whole meal comes together faster than delivery and tastes a hundred times better. One of my most-used Instant Pot recipes, no question. Get the recipe here.

🐔 Chicken Dinners

Easy Chicken Casserole with Stuffing

This casserole has been in my regular rotation for years and it never gets old. Chicken, cream of chicken soup, Stovetop stuffing — humble ingredients that come together into something genuinely cozy and satisfying. Get the recipe here.

Crock Pot Chicken Chili Recipe

White chicken chili with great northern beans and a creamy broth that is genuinely one of the best things to come out of my kitchen. I serve it with cornbread and it’s a full dinner that everyone in my family actually eats — which, if you have picky kids, you know is the real win. Get the recipe here.

Easy Italian Pasta & Chicken Dish Recipe

Rotini pasta, diced chicken, jarred Alfredo sauce, mozzarella — baked together into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s on the table in under 45 minutes. This is one of those recipes I can throw together on autopilot after a long day. Get the recipe here.

Crockpot Chicken Sandwiches

Ranch-seasoned crack chicken with cream cheese and bacon, slow cooked and piled onto buns. This is in my top five most-made dinners — easy, cheap, and everyone inhales it every single time without fail. Get the recipe here.

Pulled Chicken Recipe for Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos

Chicken, taco seasoning, Rotel — into the crockpot it goes. By dinnertime you’ve got tender shredded chicken that works for tacos, quesadillas, nachos, rice bowls, whatever you’ve got going on. This is my 7am Tuesday lifesaver. Get the recipe here.

Buffalo Chicken Crock Pot Sandwiches Easy Dinner Recipe

Three ingredients in the crockpot — chicken, cream cheese, Frank’s Buffalo Sauce — and what comes out is incredible. Pile it on buns or serve it on top of baked potatoes. Either way it’s spicy, creamy, and gone before you can blink. Get the recipe here.

Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

Sweet pineapple-soy chicken that’s been on repeat at our house since I first made it. Serve it over white rice with sesame seeds on top and dinner looks like something from a restaurant. It’s one of those recipes that earns real compliments. Get the recipe here.

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Pasta

Aptly named. Cheesy, ranch-flavored, creamy crack chicken pasta from the slow cooker. My kids have asked for this more times than any other dinner I make. I’m not even a little bit tired of it. Get the recipe here.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Chicken, bacon, ranch, Velveeta, spaghetti — baked into a casserole that sounds a little wild but tastes absolutely amazing. This is a recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation the first time you make it. Get the recipe here.

Easy Chicken Tetrazzini

Creamy chicken, thin spaghetti, and a buttery Parmesan topping baked until golden and bubbling. Tetrazzini sounds fancy but it’s pure comfort food and honestly pretty effortless to throw together. Get the recipe here.

Crack Chicken Instant Pot Recipe

Crack chicken in the Instant Pot when you forgot to start the crockpot this morning. Same creamy, ranch-cheesy shredded chicken, done in a fraction of the time. This is the recipe that has saved dinner more times than I can count. Get the recipe here.

Crock Pot Chicken Fajitas

Chicken, peppers, onions, taco seasoning — into the crockpot and low and slow all day. Warm up tortillas and set out toppings and dinner is done. My kids pile these impossibly high and it makes me so happy. Get the recipe here.

🍝 Pasta & Casserole Dinners

Easy, Delicious Chicken Bacon Fettuccine Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Chicken, bacon, fettuccine, and Alfredo sauce baked into a casserole that is genuinely restaurant-worthy. My sister asked me for this recipe the first time I made it for her, which is always the best sign. Get the recipe here.

Cheesy Tortellini Casserole Recipe

Cheese tortellini layered with Alfredo and marinara and topped with mozzarella — baked until it’s bubbly and golden on top. This is one of those 6-ingredient dinners that somehow tastes like way more work than it is. Get the recipe here.

Four Cheese Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

Mostaccioli pasta baked with Italian sausage, ground beef, and four kinds of cheese in a rich homemade sauce. This is the pasta dish I make when I want something that really wows people — great for company, great for a Sunday dinner that feeds everyone. Get the recipe here.

Spaghetti Casserole Dinner Recipe

Spaghetti baked into a casserole with cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and cheddar. It sounds unusual, I know. Just make it. The texture and flavor are incredible and it converts skeptics every single time. Get the recipe here.

Crockpot Baked Spaghetti

Layered spaghetti, meat sauce, cream cheese, and mozzarella — all slow cooked together in the crockpot into this gloriously cheesy situation. If your kids like spaghetti, this version takes it to a whole other level. Get the recipe here.

Crockpot Lasagna Easy Dinner Recipe

I was skeptical about crockpot lasagna for an embarrassingly long time. Then I made it. No boiling noodles, no fussing with layers in a hot oven, and the result is bubbly, cheesy lasagna that my family thinks I worked on all afternoon. I’ll never tell them the truth. Get the recipe here.

Crockpot Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Frozen ravioli, Italian sausage, jarred pasta sauce — dump it in the crockpot and walk away. I am a huge fan of recipes that require basically zero brainpower and this is one of the best of them. Get the recipe here.

Easy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe (Kids LOVE This!)

Macaroni and cheese, cream of celery soup, tuna, topped with crushed potato chips. Super budget-friendly, super kid-friendly, and on the table in about 30 minutes. This recipe has been feeding families for generations for a reason. Get the recipe here.

🌮 Mexican-Inspired Dinners

Walking Tacos

Doritos bags split open and loaded with seasoned ground beef, cheese, lettuce, and sour cream. My kids absolutely lose their minds for these. Great for game nights, parties, or just a fun Friday dinner when everyone’s sick of regular tacos. Get the recipe here.

Weeknight Deep-Dish Taco Squares Casserole Recipe

Bisquick taco casserole with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and a creamy sour cream layer. It sounds a little retro and it kind of is — but my family loves it and it goes together so fast on a weeknight. Get the recipe here.

Pork Shoulder Slow Cooker Enchiladas with Poblano Cream Sauce

This one is a bit of a project but a really rewarding one. Slow cooked pork shoulder in enchiladas with a smoky, creamy poblano sauce — the kind of dinner that makes people ask what restaurant you ordered from. Get the recipe here.

Taco Crescent Bake | An Easy Dinner Recipe

Crescent rolls topped with seasoned ground beef, cheese, Doritos, and all your favorite taco toppings — baked until golden. My kids ask for this probably twice a month and it couldn’t be faster to put together. Get the recipe here.

Steak Fajitas Restaurant Style Dinner Recipe

Flat iron steak marinated and cooked with peppers and onions, served sizzling hot in tortillas. This one tastes exactly like what you’d get at a sit-down Mexican restaurant — and it’s cheaper and honestly more satisfying to make at home. Get the recipe here.

Mexican Shrimp Fajitas Recipe

Shrimp fajitas are one of those dinners that feels special but comes together in literally 15 minutes. Shrimp seasoned with cumin and smoked paprika, cooked with colorful peppers — absolutely gorgeous and incredibly fast. Get the recipe here.

Crockpot Enchilada Soup

Everything you love about enchiladas, in soup form, with way less effort. This one smells so good cooking all day that you start getting hungry around 2pm. Top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips. Get the recipe here.

Sheet Pan Oven Quesadillas

Making quesadillas one at a time in a skillet is a thing of the past. Line them up on a sheet pan, bake, and have a whole batch ready at the same time. This method completely changed how we do quesadilla night at our house. Get the recipe here.

🍖 Pork Dinners

Pork Chop and Hashbrown Casserole Dinner Recipe

Pork chops baked right on top of a creamy hashbrown casserole — one pan, one oven, done. This is the kind of old-school casserole dinner that feeds the whole family without costing much and without making a huge mess. Get the recipe here.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

The classic. Chuck roast with carrots, potatoes, and gravy cooked low and slow until everything is fall-apart tender. If I could only keep one crockpot recipe this would be in serious contention. It makes the whole house smell incredible. Get the recipe here.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Make it once, eat it three different ways — sandwiches, nachos, baked potatoes, whatever you’ve got. This pulled pork is one of my best bang-for-your-buck dinners and it couldn’t be more hands-off. Get the recipe here.

Maid Rite Recipe in the Crock Pot

If you’re from Iowa you already know. A loose meat sandwich cooked in the crockpot — simple, budget-friendly, and my kids have loved these since they were little. If you’ve never had one, you’re in for a good surprise. Get the recipe here.

Slow Cooker Pork Roast Dinner Recipe

Pork roast slow cooked in a balsamic-honey glaze that is genuinely unexpected and really impressive. This is the recipe I make when I want dinner to feel special without doing much of anything extra. Get the recipe here.

Hot Ham and Cheese Rolls (Perfect Kids Meal!)

Hawaiian rolls stuffed with ham and American cheese, brushed with butter and baked warm. Takes about ten minutes of actual work and my kids go absolutely crazy for them. Perfect weeknight dinner when you need something fast and low-fuss. Get the recipe here.

🍤 Seafood Dinners

Foil Packet Dinner: Shrimp Boil Packets

Shrimp, Andouille sausage, corn, and red potatoes all bundled up in foil and baked together. No mess, no straining, no fuss — and it tastes like a whole shrimp boil without the big production. This is a summer dinner staple at our house. Get the recipe here.

🍕 Pizza & Sandwiches

Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Dinner Recipe

Once you make your own pizza dough you will have a really hard time going back to ordering out. This recipe is simple and reliable, and pizza night at our house has become one of my favorite family traditions — everyone makes their own and it’s genuinely fun. Get the recipe here.

🥣 Soups & Stews

Homemade Baked Potato Soup Recipe

Thick, creamy, loaded baked potato soup topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, bacon, and green onions. This is the soup I make the second the temperature drops in the fall. My family requests it constantly from October through March. Get the recipe here.

Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup Dinner Recipe

Dump-and-go tortilla soup that has been on my blog basically since the beginning — chicken, beans, corn, Rotel, ranch mix, taco seasoning. It’s one of those soups that sounds simple but tastes like you spent real time on it. Top with sour cream and crushed chips. Get the recipe here.

Creamy Tomato Basil Bisque Recipe

Rich, velvety tomato basil bisque that is a hundred times better than anything from a can. Serve it with a grilled cheese and that’s legitimately one of the best dinners I can think of on a cold night. Simple, cozy, perfect. Get the recipe here.

Simple Crock Pot Beef and Noodles Recipe

Chuck roast cooked until fall-apart tender, then combined with thick Reames egg noodles in a rich savory broth. If you grew up in the Midwest this is nostalgia in a bowl. If you didn’t — you’re about to become a convert. Get the recipe here.

There you go — a whole lot of dinners to work with the next time your brain goes completely blank at 4:30pm. Bookmark this page, pin your favorites, and come back whenever you need a fresh idea. If you make any of these I’d genuinely love to hear about it. And if you find a new family favorite in here, even better. That’s exactly why I put this list together. Happy cooking! 💛

40 Unforgettable Crockpot and Slow Cooker Recipes

I didn’t become a crockpot person until I was a few years into motherhood and completely drowning in the 5 o’clock chaos — you know, that window where everyone is hungry, homework needs to happen, and you haven’t even thought about dinner yet.

A friend of mine made a pot roast one winter that had been going all day in her slow cooker and I remember standing in her kitchen thinking: I need this in my life immediately.

That was the start of something beautiful. I’d be lying if I said my crockpot wasn’t the most-used appliance in my kitchen by a mile. It’s done more for my sanity as a working mom than I can even put into words. I dump stuff in before work, and dinner is just… there. Done. Like magic, except it’s not magic, it’s just low and slow heat and a little bit of planning.

I’ve made every single recipe in this roundup. Some of them I’ve been making for years. Some became instant favorites the first time I made them. I’ve pulled together 40 of my very best crockpot and slow cooker recipes including dinners, soups, sides, dips, desserts, and even a drink — so you’ve got everything you need in one spot. Bookmark this page. You’re going to come back to it a lot.

🍖 Slow Cooker Beef Recipes

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

This is the recipe that started it all for me, honestly. Chuck roast, carrots, potatoes, a couple of packets — and eight hours later you have a dinner that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. My husband still requests this almost every week from October through March. Get the recipe here.

Beef Stroganoff in Crock Pot Dinner Recipe

Creamy, rich, and the kind of meal that makes everyone go quiet at the dinner table because they’re too busy eating to talk. Serve this over egg noodles and just try not to go back for seconds. Spoiler: you won’t be able to. Get the recipe here.

Beef Stroganoff in Crock Pot

This is a slightly different take on my stroganoff using golden mushroom soup and cream cheese for a sauce that is just *chef’s kiss*. When I can’t decide which version to make, I honestly just make both. No regrets. Get the recipe here.

Simple Crock Pot Beef and Noodles Recipe

Growing up in the Midwest, beef and noodles is practically a love language. This version uses chuck roast cooked until it falls apart, then tossed with thick Reames egg noodles. Pure nostalgia in a bowl — and my kids devour it every single time. Get the recipe here.

Shredded Beef Enchiladas: Crock Pot Dinner

The slow cooker does 90% of the work here — all you have to do is roll the beef into tortillas and top with sauce and cheese. We make these on taco nights when I want something a little more special than the usual, and they never disappoint. Get the recipe here.

Philly Cheese Steak Crock Pot Recipe

Shredded beef, peppers, onions, provolone — all the good stuff from your favorite Philly cheesesteak, minus the trip to a restaurant. Load it onto hoagie buns and call it done. This one is a serious crowd-pleaser. Get the recipe here.

Maid Rite Recipe in the Crock Pot

If you’re from Iowa, you already know. If you’re not — a Maid Rite is a loose meat sandwich and it is everything. This crockpot version is so easy and makes a huge batch. Perfect for feeding a crowd or just feeding my family twice this week, no judgment. Get the recipe here.

French Dip Crock Pot Dinner Recipe

The au jus from this recipe alone is worth making it. Tender slow-cooked chuck roast on hoagie rolls with provolone, dipped into that savory broth — my husband says this is one of his top five dinners I make. High praise considering the competition. Get the recipe here.

Crockpot Beef Barley Soup Recipe

There’s something about beef barley soup on a cold Iowa day that just hits differently. Stew meat, barley, vegetables, and the most gorgeous rich broth — this one takes all day and is worth every hour of it. Get the recipe here.

🐔 Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken Recipe

Sweet, sticky, and the whole family fights over the last serving — this pineapple-soy glazed chicken is one of my most-made recipes, full stop. Serve it over white rice and dinner is on the table in about two minutes of actual work. Get the recipe here.

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Pasta

It’s called crack chicken for a reason and I am not going to pretend otherwise. Cheesy, ranch-flavored, creamy chicken pasta that my kids ask for literally every week. I’ve made this more times than I can count and I still look forward to it every single time. Get the recipe here.

Crockpot Chicken Sandwiches

Ranch seasoning, cream cheese, bacon, and shredded chicken — pile it onto a bun and try to stop at one. This recipe gets made at least twice a month at our house, and for good reason. It’s easy, it’s cheap, and everyone inhales it. Get the recipe here.

Buffalo Chicken Crock Pot Sandwiches Easy Dinner Recipe

Three ingredients. That’s it. Chicken, cream cheese, and Frank’s Buffalo Sauce — and what comes out is the most insanely good shredded chicken for sandwiches, wraps, or honestly just eaten straight from the pot. No shame. Get the recipe here.

Pulled Chicken Recipe for Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos

My go-to for taco Tuesday when I remembered at 7am that I hadn’t planned dinner. Chicken, taco seasoning, Rotel — into the crockpot it goes. By dinner you’ve got the most flavorful shredded chicken for tacos, quesadillas, rice bowls, whatever. Get the recipe here.

Crock Pot Chicken Chili Recipe

White chicken chili with great northern beans and a creamy broth — this is one of those soups that feels lighter than regular chili but is still totally filling and satisfying. I serve it with cornbread and it’s a complete meal that everyone in my family actually likes. That alone makes it a winner. Get the recipe here.

Crock Pot Chicken Chili Dinner Recipe

Crock Pot Chicken Fajitas

Chicken, peppers, onions, taco seasoning — low and slow all day until everything is tender and fragrant and your whole house smells like a restaurant. Just warm up some tortillas and dinner is done. My kids pile these high with all the toppings. Get the recipe here.

🍝 Crockpot Pasta & Casseroles

Crockpot Lasagna Easy Dinner Recipe

I was skeptical about crockpot lasagna for an embarrassingly long time. Then I made it. No boiling noodles, no fussing with layers in a hot oven, and the result is bubbling cheesy lasagna that my family thinks I slaved over. I’ll never tell them the truth. Get the recipe here.

Crockpot Baked Spaghetti

Layers of pasta, meat sauce, cream cheese, and mozzarella all cooked low and slow together into this gloriously cheesy baked spaghetti situation. If your kids are picky eaters, make this. It works every single time. Get the recipe here.

Crockpot Ravioli Casserole Recipe

Frozen ravioli + Italian sausage + jarred pasta sauce = one of the easiest dinners you will ever put on the table. I am a big fan of recipes that require almost no brainpower, and this is absolutely one of them. Dump it in and walk away. Get the recipe here.

🍲 Slow Cooker Soups & Stews

Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup Dinner Recipe

This tortilla soup has been on my blog since basically the beginning and it has never stopped being a staple in my rotation. Chicken, beans, corn, Rotel, taco seasoning, ranch dressing mix — dump and go. The toppings are half the fun, so don’t skip the sour cream and chips. Get the recipe here.

Crockpot Enchilada Soup

Everything you love about enchiladas in soup form, with way less effort. This is one of those dinners that smells so good cooking all day that you start getting hungry for it around 2pm. Serve it with warm tortilla chips and a lime wedge. Get the recipe here.

🥔 Crockpot Side Dishes

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

Ask me what I bring to every potluck and holiday dinner and the answer is always going to be these cheesy potatoes. Creamy hashbrowns, cheese, sour cream — cooked in the crockpot so I’m not even stressing about oven space. They disappear before anything else on the table. Get the recipe here.

How to Make Crock Pot Baked Potatoes

I know it sounds too simple to even be a recipe, but this changed my life a little bit. Perfect fluffy baked potatoes made in the crockpot — no foil, no oven. Frees up so much space when you’re making a big dinner. Get the recipe here.

🧀 Crockpot Dips & Appetizers

Easy Queso Crockpot Dip Recipe

Hot, melty queso that stays warm all party long because it’s sitting right there in your crockpot. This is the only way I make queso for a crowd anymore. Set it out with a bag of chips and watch it disappear in about ten minutes. Get the recipe here.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip Crock Pot Recipe

My all-time favorite party dip, made even better because the crockpot keeps it perfectly warm and melty the entire time your guests are there. No more cold, congealed dip halfway through the party — just creamy, cheesy perfection from start to finish. Get the recipe here.

🐷 Slow Cooker Pork Recipes

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This is one of those recipes that makes you feel like a genius. A pork roast, barbecue sauce, and a handful of seasonings go into the slow cooker and come out as the most tender, flavorful pulled pork that works on sandwiches, nachos, baked potatoes, pizza — literally everything. Get the recipe here.

Slow Cooker Pork Roast Dinner Recipe

A balsamic and honey glaze makes this pork roast anything but ordinary. It’s one of those dinners that looks and tastes impressive but the crockpot did literally all the work. I love recipes that make me look like I tried harder than I did. Get the recipe here.

Pork Shoulder Slow Cooker Enchiladas with Poblano Cream Sauce

This one is a step up from your average weeknight enchilada. The pork cooks all day and practically shreds itself, and that poblano cream sauce? It’s smoky, creamy, and honestly something I could eat with a spoon. A little extra effort on the sauce is absolutely worth it. Get the recipe here.

Pork Shoulder Slow Cooker Recipe

The beauty of a good slow cooker pork shoulder is that you make it once and eat it three different ways. Tacos Monday, rice bowls Tuesday, sandwiches Wednesday. I call this “cooking once, eating like a queen all week.” Get the recipe here.

🍫 Crockpot Desserts & Candy

Two Hour Crockpot Lava Cake Dessert Recipe

Warm, gooey chocolate cake in the crockpot — two hours and it’s done. I serve this with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and everyone at the table acts like I did something extraordinary. The secret is that it basically made itself. Get the recipe here.

Crock Pot Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

Fall in a crockpot, basically. Pumpkin, cake mix, butter, and caramel cooked together into the coziest, most delicious warm dessert. Serve it with whipped cream and eat it outside by a fire pit if you can. If not, your couch works too. Get the recipe here.

Crock Pot Apple Crisp Recipe

Tender cinnamon apples under a buttery, golden crisp topping — this apple crisp in the crockpot is such an easy fall dessert. I make it on Sunday afternoons when the house is starting to feel like autumn and we want something warm to eat while watching football. Get the recipe here.

Crock Pot Chocolate Peanut Clusters

Three ingredients, no candy thermometer, no fuss. These chocolate peanut clusters basically make themselves in the crockpot and look gorgeous on a holiday treat tray. I make multiple batches every December and give them as gifts. People think I’m so thoughtful. I just have a crockpot. Get the recipe here.

Chocolate Turtles Crockpot Candy

Chocolate, caramel, pecans — classic turtle candy made in the crockpot. These look like they came from a fancy candy shop and they’re so easy it almost feels like cheating. Make a double batch because they will be gone faster than you think. Get the recipe here.

White Chocolate Crockpot Candy Recipe

White chocolate and peanuts melted together in the slow cooker — simple, inexpensive, and makes a massive batch. This is what I bring to every holiday cookie exchange and people always ask me for the recipe. When I tell them how easy it is, they don’t quite believe me. Get the recipe here.

Crock Pot Chocolate Almond Clusters

These are a step up from the peanut clusters — raw almonds in a three-chocolate blend that looks genuinely fancy and requires basically zero skill to pull off. A great option if you want to gift something that looks like you bought it at a chocolatier. Get the recipe here.

Crock Pot Chocolate Covered Cashew Clusters

Buttery cashews, rich chocolate, three ingredients total. My sister-in-law requested these specifically for Christmas this year and honestly I was flattered. They’re that good — and they honestly couldn’t be simpler to make. Get the recipe here.

Crockpot Candy Dr. Seuss Grinch Cookies

Green crockpot candy clusters topped with a little candy heart — the most fun holiday treat in this whole roundup, hands down. My kids make these with me every December and honestly I enjoy it just as much as they do. They look adorable on a cookie tray. Get the recipe here.

☕ Crockpot Drinks

Crockpot Hot Chocolate

Made with real chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream — this crockpot hot chocolate is the real deal. Not a packet in sight. I make this for holiday parties and it stays warm all night in the crockpot. People have asked me if I bought it from somewhere. That’s always a good sign. Get the recipe here.

Alright, there you have it — 40 crockpot and slow cooker recipes that have all been tested in my actual kitchen, eaten by my actual family, and made over and over again because they’re just that good. Whether you’re a crockpot veteran or you just pulled yours out of the back of the cabinet after a year of ignoring it (no judgment, we’ve all been there) — I hope this list gives you plenty to work with.

If you make any of these, come find me over on Coupon please come back and let me know how it went! And pin your favorites to save for later — you’re going to want to come back to this list on a busy Tuesday when you have zero dinner ideas and a crockpot just sitting there waiting to save the day. 💛

How to Make Alfredo Sauce at Home

If I’m looking for a slam dunk dinner at home, this Chicken Fettuccine Pasta Alfredo Sauce is one of my go-to dinners. Our family loves this filling, creamy dinner and it’s so frugal, only requiring three ingredients.

We have always been fans of Fettuccine Alfredo, whether at our local Olive Garden, or the hole in the wall Italian restaurant. And this alfredo sauce recipe makes it uber-doable right in your own kitchen.

Here’s how to whip up your very own delicious alfredo sauce at home.

Since I put our alfredo sauce with fettuccine pasta and chicken, I always get those things going first. That way when the sauce is done cooking on the stovetop I am ready to pour it over the noodles to make the pasta alfredo – and then I can lay my sliced chicken breasts on top.

** Update: I have been serving my fettucine alfredo sauce with Penne Noodles and my family loves it even more! It’s a bit easier to eat and serve, as a bonus. When the Penne Noodles are done boiling, I make sure my sauce is ready. I’ll usually drain the noodles, run some cold water over them so they finish cooking and then add them back to my boiling pot. I leave out about a few cups of noodles, and add the sauce to the cooked and rinsed noodles. And I can add more noodles as I go, to have the right sauce to noodle ratio that my family likes (which is different for everyone). If you have kids I highly recommend doing this, too! 

I also always recommend getting your salads, breads, place settings, drinks and everything ready ahead of time. This is such a fast dinner that everything comes together in a hurry.

One last thing. If you are using your alfredo sauce with chicken, I highly recommend using McCormick’s Montreal Chicken seasoning. It’s delicious and gives that final restaurant taste kick! In the winter I grill my chicken breasts on the George Foreman grill and in the spring, summer and fall I prefer to grill my chicken on the charcoal grill.

Gather your sauce ingredients:

1/4 c. salted butter (yes, real butter)
1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
3/4 c. grated Parmesan Cheese

Melt your butter on medium low heat in a saucepan (stay close so it doesn’t burn!). Add the whipping cream to the pan, and whisk until it comes to a rolling boil. Add the parmesan cheese to the pan. Stir with a whisk consistently for 10 minutes or so, until the cheese has melted. Remove from heat and let stand to thicken for about three to five minutes (it will be runny at first but it will thicken). Pour over cooked chicken and pasta and toss. And lastly, enjoy!

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Alfredo Sauce

This fettuccini alfredo sauce is easy and cheap! Have a fancy dinner at home!

Course Dinner

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Author Kate

Ingredients

• 1/4 c. Butter
• 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
• 3/4 c. grated Parmesan Cheese
• 4-5 cups noodles & Meat of choice optional

Instructions

• Melt your butter on medium low heat in a saucepan.
• Add the whipping cream to the pan, warm and add parmesan cheese to the pan.
• Stir with a whisk consistently for 10 minutes or so.
• Remove from heat and let stand to thicken for about three to five minutes.
• Pour over cooked chicken and pasta. And, enjoy!

The secret to making this cheesesteak recipe is choosing the best hoagie buns you can find. Then adding extra cheese on top to melt over the perfectly seasoned beef round steak. I just know you’ll love it!

Philly Cheese Steak Recipe in the Crock Pot

Come October, our crock pots (see my FAVORITE one here) get a good workout for a few months and here’s yet another crock pot recipe that we completely love that will have you wishing for more! This Philly Cheese Steak Recipe features beef round steak, green peppers, onions and a packet of Italian seasoning – it’s so easy, you’ll love it for a weeknight meal, or when you know the day’s going to be crazy busy and leave you just a few minute to whip up dinner.

What ingredients are in the Philly Cheese Steak Crock Pot Recipe?

2 1/2 to 3 pounds beef round steak
2 green peppers, sliced thin
1 onion, sliced thin
1 envelope dry Italian dressing mix
2 c. beef stock
2 t. black pepper
3 t. garlic salt
6 hoagie buns
12 Provolone cheese slices

How do I prepare the Crockpot Philly Cheesesteak?

Spray your crock pot with Pam or another non stick cooking spray. Cut the beef round steak into thin slices on a cutting board (see the best selling #1 rated cutting boards here) and brown just a minute in a pan. *** Time-saving tip: I will usually have my butcher cut my meat for me if he’s not too busy. That way I can just dump the meat into the crock pot when I’m ready to make the recipe.

Add green pepper, onion, stock, garlic salt, pepper and dressing mix to the crock pot and cover and cook on low for 8 hours. This is the Italian Dressing Mix I use:

Cover your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. If you’re looking for a baking sheet at a great price, try this covered pan – I have it and use it all of the time in my kitchen. Once the meat and veggie mixture is cooked and your crock pot is done, spoon the mixture onto your sliced hoagie buns with the closed ends of the buns on the baking sheet. Top each hoagie with 2 slices of provolone cheese, overlapping on each sandwich.

Bake your sandwich in the oven at 350 or on low broil for just a few minutes to melt the cheese and enjoy!

If you like this Philly Cheese Steak recipe, you may also be interested in these posts below. Simply click on the picture to go to each post. Thanks for stopping by!

Ten More Popular Crock Pot Dinner Ideas:

Crock Pot French Dips – This is my favorite recipe on the blog!

Crockpot Ravioli Dinner – Delicious and easy! 

Crock Pot Beef Stew – Hearty and so simple!

Slow Cooker Bacon Chicken Ranch Pasta – Add the uncooked pasta to the Crock Pot!

Crock Pot Beef and Noodles – Hearty and filling (especially amazing over mashed potatoes!)

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork – Cooks all day and the easiest dinner for the busiest nights!

Maid Rite Loose Meat Sandwiches – YUM!

Crock Pot Lasagna – WOW! Set and forget for this favorite American dish!

Crockpot Baked Spaghetti – All you need is a chilly day and this!

Buffalo Chicken Crock Pot Sandwiches – This my friends, is ‘Merica in a Crock Pot!

Chicken Taco Meat – The easiest dinner ever! Use this delicious meat for tacos, salads, quesadillas … the options are endless!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwiches – YUM!

Crockpot Enchilada Soup – Full of flavor!!

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Philly Cheese Steak Crock Pot Recipe

These Crock Pot Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches are so good and so easy - perfect for a weeknight meal!

Course Dinner

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 8 hours hours

Total Time 8 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings 6 sandwiches

Author Kate

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 to 3 pounds beef round steak
• 2 green peppers sliced thin
• 1 onion sliced thin
• 1 envelope dry Italian dressing mix
• 2 c. beef stock
• 2 t. black pepper
• 3 t. garlic salt
• 6 hoagie buns
• 12 Provolone cheese slices

Instructions

• Spray your crock pot with Pam
• Cut the beef round steak into thin slices and brown just a minute in a pan
• Add green pepper, onion, stock, garlic salt, pepper and dressing mix to the crock pot and cover
• Cook on low for 8 hours
• Cover the bottom of your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper
• Once the meat and veggie mixture is cooked and your crock pot is done, spoon the mixture onto your sliced hoagie buns with the closed ends of the buns on the baking sheet
• Top each hoagie with 2 slices of provolone cheese, overlapping on each sandwich
• Bake your sandwich in the oven at 350 or on low broil for just a few minutes to melt the cheese
• Enjoy!

If you’re a fan of casserole crockpot recipes, you’ll want to whip it up for dinner tonight!

Crockpot Ravioli Casserole

If you’ve been around here for any length of time, you know that I just love easy dinners. The easier the better and if it involves the crock pot I am all in. Better yet, if there are less than 5 ingredients, I am hooked and the meal will 100% be on my regular rotation. This is one of those meals – it just doesn’t get any better than this in terms of dinnertime ease.

The ingredients are below, but this is a casserole crockpot recipe that has two identical layers. The layers consist of sauce, ravioli, sausage, and lastly cheese. And, I’m confident that you’re going to love it!

You can also try the baked version here.

This crockpot ravioli casserole is a four ingredient dinner recipe that is both easy and delicious. Also, incredibly filling as well.

If you’re a fan of casserole crockpot recipes, you’ll want to whip it up for dinner tonight!

More great dinner ideas include this lazy Crock Pot lasagna, or this Crock Pot goulash recipe!

This loose meat sandwich recipe is easy, inexpensive and this recipe can feed a lot of people – and best of all, is easily doubled.

Maid Rite Recipe in the Crock Pot

I’m from Iowa and have never (gasp!) lived anywhere except for Iowa. I love Iowa — all of our immediate family is here, so of course it would be hard to go anywhere else. And, if you’ve ever been to Iowa, you’re probably familiar with the Maid Rite sandwich, but you can’t get your hands on the coveted Maid Rite recipe. It’s like the secret Iowa Maid Rite recipe that will never be let out.

The Maid Rite sandwich is a loose meat sandwich made from seasonings and ground beef. It’s slow-cooked and steamed in the crockpot (HELLO, EASY!) and a whole heck of a lot of juicy goodness.

And, the nice thing about a loose meat sandwich recipe is that it can feed a lot of people for a very small amount of money, which is perfect for birthday parties, get-togethers, and simple weeknight meals.

You’re going to want one of these though, so pick it up now. You’ll thank me later.

Trust me on this one… and don’t leave anything out of this Iowa Maid Rite recipe. You’ll be so glad you made this a part of your menu, I promise!

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Maid Rite Recipe in the Crock Pot

Course Dinner

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 4 hours hours

Total Time 4 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings 8 sandwiches

Author Kate

Ingredients

• 2 pounds lean ground beef uncooked
• 1 cup warm water
• 3/4 T dried minced onion
• 1 1/2 T packed light brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon low sodium beef base
• 3/4 teaspoon low sodium chicken base
• 1 1/2 T apple cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 T Worcestershire sauce
• 3/4 T low sodium soy sauce
• 8 hamburger buns

Instructions

• Set your slow cooker to high.
• Add your beef to the slow cooker, chop well.
• Add all other ingredients and stir to combine until beef is completely covered and mixed in.
• Cover and cook on high for one hour.
• Uncover after 1 hour of cook time and break up meat to small pieces.
• Turn on low and continue cooking on high for 2 ½ - 3 hours with the lid off
• Continue to stir occasionally and break up any chunks of beef.
• Serve a heaping spoonful on a warm bun and top with ketchup, pickles, mustard and other burger toppings.

Looking for the perfect side dish to go with these crockpot maid rites and loose meat sandwiches? Try these Cheesy Potatoes. You’ll never go back to french fries again!

White Bean Turkey Chili

TIP: Use shredded turkey from your Thanksgiving leftovers in place of the ground turkey – Still just as delicious!

This White Bean Turkey Chili is one of my most favorite soups to have on a cold, blustery day. It’s creamy, but light and it has a bit of a kick, making it the perfect pot of soup to have simmering on the stove or in the crockpot on a chilly day or for entertaining.

When I think of this soup I think of an old boss. His wife used to make this on our getaway trips when we’d go away for planning retreats. We’d go far up into the hills of Galena, Illinois always in the first week of November. Some years it would be snowing, some years there would just be a perfect crisp in the air. Ahh, I love a good soup on a chilly day. You too?

To make this and chop any meat, you need this meat chopping tool in your life, by the way. Best kitchen tool ever.

White Turkey Chili Directions:

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White Bean Turkey Chili

This soup is simply amazing - so good on a chilly day!

Course Dinner

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 2 hours hours

Total Time 2 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings 8 servings

Author Kate

Ingredients

• 1/2 onion chopped
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 pound shredded or cooked turkey use ground turkey if you don't have shredded
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp. ground oregano
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 7oz can chopped green chilies
• 4 c. chicken broth
• 2 cans drained and rinsed Northern White Beans
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients other than sour cream
• Simmer two hours (or crockpot on low for 4 hours)
• Just before serving add sour cream
• Be careful not to boil ...
• Serve with Jack Cheese, Fritos (jalapeños are good too!) on the side
• You may keep this warm in the crock pot or on low on the stove

Easy Biscuits and Gravy Bake

I am all about hearty breakfasts, and any time there are biscuits and gravy on the menu I am instantly sold. But, for me, the more simple the recipe, the better in this classic. I like flaky biscuits and a sausage gravy that has just the right amount of bite to it and the perfect creaminess. Which would explain why I am in love with this breakfast casserole and everything that it’s about.

If you’re looking for an old fashioned southern biscuits and gravy, this might not be your jam, as the biscuits and gravy aren’t served separate. But, I will say that if you’re looking for how to make gravy for biscuits and gravy, this could for sure be the recipe for you as this gravy is divine – and you definitely could just bake the biscuits up separately and pour the gravy over the biscuits.

One thing is for sure though, if you’re looking for a quick and easy biscuits and gravy casserole, though – this is the recipe for you – look no further, it’s the best (and yes! Kids even love this one!)

Biscuit and gravy casserole recipe ingredients:

1 lb. breakfast sausage*
3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 1/2 c. whole milk
Pinch cayenne pepper
kosher salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
1 can Pillsbury flaky biscuits, each biscuit cut into quarters or sixths
2 tbsp. butter, melted

* I always get the breakfast sausage from the meat counter at my local grocery store – they have the best breakfast sausage!

(Can we applaud this recipe for the sheer fact that you likely have everything on hand other than the sausage, buscuits and whole milk?!)

How to make this biscuits and gravy bake:

Preheat oven to 375° and spray a large baking dish with cooking spray.

In a large skillet cook sausage until browned all over.

If there is a lot of grease, drain if desired and sprinkle flour all over the sausage, cooking for just a minute longer.

Season with cayenne, salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Pour milk over mixture, constantly stirring while bringing the mixture to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer about 5 minutes until thick.

Remove from heat.

Place half your diced biscuits onto the bottom of your baking dish, bake those for a few minutes in the oven, remove from oven and pour gravy mixture on top.

Top with the remaining biscuits and brush with butter.

Place in the oven to bake 17-18 minutes, until biscuits are golden and sausage mixture is bubbling making sure that biscuits in the bottom of the casserole dish are baked through as well.

Enjoy!

Can I use this homemade gravy for biscuits and gravy?

YES! This gravy can actually just be eaten by the spoonful (kidding, but really not kidding!) It’s absolutely delicious! You could even make the gravy ahead of time, and then add some milk and reheat to make the sausage biscuits and gravy casserole in the morning. It’s absolutely delicious and perfect!

More awesome easy breakfast ideas:

• Sausage Casserole Recipe
• Easy Bacon & Egg Breakfast Casserole
• Breakfast Pizza Recipe
• Best Breakfast Casserole
• Camping Breakfast Recipes
• Bisquick Breakfast Casserole
• Quick Breakfast Casserole Recipe
• Sausage Croissant Breakfast Casserole

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Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

This biscuits and gravy casserole is absolutely fantastic. America's most indulgent hearty and classic breakfast in breakfast casserole form.

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Keyword Biscuits and Gravy Casserole

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 8 servings

Calories 500kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb. breakfast sausage*
• 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 c. whole milk
• Pinch cayenne pepper
• salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 16 oz. can Pillsbury flaky biscuits each biscuit cut into quarters or sixths
• 2 tbsp. butter melted
• * I get this from the meat counter (sage breakfast sausage)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375° and spray a large baking dish with cooking spray.
• In a large skillet cook sausage until browned all over.
• If there is a lot of grease, drain if desired and sprinkle flour all over the sausage, cooking for just a minute longer.
• Season with cayenne, salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
• Pour milk over mixture, constantly stirring while bringing the mixture to a boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer about 5 minutes until thick.
• Remove from heat.
• Place half your diced biscuits onto the bottom of your baking dish, bake those for a few minutes in the oven, remove from oven and pour gravy mixture on top.
• Top with the remaining biscuits and brush with butter.
• Place in the oven to bake 17-18 minutes, until biscuits are golden and sausage mixture is bubbling making sure that biscuits in the bottom of the casserole dish are baked through as well.
• Enjoy!

More breakfast recipes we love:

Kindle Unlimited Deals

Signing up for a full year of anything feels like a commitment — especially when you’re used to the flexibility of month-to-month.

But if you’re a regular reader, the math on Kindle Unlimited’s 12-month membership is hard to argue with. The question isn’t really whether it’s a good deal. It’s whether it’s the right deal for you.

This post covers exactly that: what you get, what it costs, who should actually buy it, and the current deals available for both new and existing members.

See Current Kindle Unlimited Deals Here

What You Actually Get With Kindle Unlimited 12-Month Membership

Kindle Unlimited gives you unlimited access to over 5 million ebooks, thousands of audiobooks, and popular magazines — all for one flat monthly rate. The 12-month membership locks in a discounted rate compared to paying month-to-month.

Here’s what the pricing looks like right now:

• Monthly plan: $11.99/month — cancel anytime, no commitment
• 6-month gift plan: $65.95 ($10.99/month) — saves about $6 vs monthly over 6 months
• 12-month gift plan: $131.89/year ($10.99/month) — saves about $12 vs paying monthly all year
• 24-month gift plan: $263.78 for 2 years ($10.99/month) — same per-month rate, just paid further in advance

The savings vs monthly aren’t dramatic, but that’s not really the point. When you’ve already paid for the year, you actually use the subscription. You explore more. You try genres you’d never spend $14.99 testing. You get your money’s worth instead of second-guessing it every 30 days.

New member deal right now: If you’ve never tried KU, Amazon is currently offering 2 months for $0.99 total (limited time, eligibility varies). That’s basically free. Check if you qualify here.

The value really shows up when you compare it to buying books outright. Two full-price ebooks a month typically runs $20–$30. If Kindle Unlimited replaces even half of those purchases, the annual plan pays for itself in about four months.

Check If You Qualify for a Free Trial

Who Should Actually Buy the Annual Plan

Not everyone needs to lock in for 12 months — and that’s okay.

The annual membership makes sense if you’re a consistent reader who goes through at least 2–3 books per month. If you’re the type who downloads something, forgets about it for six weeks, and then feels guilty about wasting money, the monthly plan gives you more flexibility to pause when life gets busy.

You’re a great fit for the 12-month plan if:

• You read across multiple genres and love discovering new authors without financial risk
• You’re trying to cut your book budget but refuse to sacrifice your reading habit
• You have kids who tear through chapter books and middle-grade series (KU has tons of family content)
• You listen to audiobooks during commutes, workouts, or while doing housework
• You hate the mental load of deciding which book is “worth” buying

Honest advice: if you’re on the fence, try the monthly plan for two or three months first. Track how many books you actually finish. If you’re consistently reading at least two per month, the annual plan will save you money and decision fatigue.

The Hidden Perks Nobody Talks About

Beyond the obvious unlimited books thing, there are some genuinely useful benefits that don’t get enough attention.

Audiobook access is included. Not every title has audio, but way more than you’d expect. You can switch between reading and listening on the same title, which is a lifesaver on busy days when sitting down to read feels impossible.

You can borrow up to 20 titles at once. This is huge if you’re a mood reader. Keep a mix of genres downloaded so you can switch between a thriller, a romance, and something practical depending on what you feel like that day.

The catalog includes a lot of current content. Yes, you’ll find indie and self-published titles, but you’ll also find backlist titles from major authors, complete series from bestselling writers, and books that were on the New York Times list a year or two ago.

A few other wins worth noting:

• Popular magazines are included — Real Simple, People, National Geographic — without separate subscriptions
• Your account syncs across every device (Kindle, phone, tablet)
• No late fees, no return deadlines — return books when you’re done to make room for new ones
• The guilt-free DNF: if a book isn’t working by page 50, return it and move on without losing a dime

What’s Actually in the Kindle Unlimited Library

Here’s where people get surprised: Kindle Unlimited is not the same as having access to every book on Amazon. The catalog is huge, but it’s curated.

You won’t find every current bestseller or brand-new release from major publishers. Big Five publishers tend to keep their newest titles out of KU. But the catalog is deep enough that most readers never run out of things to read.

What you’ll find plenty of:

1. Romance novels — This genre dominates KU. Contemporary, historical, rom-coms — it’s all here.
2. Thrillers and mysteries — Tons of page-turners from both indie authors and established names.
3. Self-help and business books — Practical guides on productivity, personal finance, parenting, and growth.
4. Kids’ books — Chapter books, early readers, and middle-grade series.
5. Sci-fi and fantasy — Especially series. If you love epic fantasy or space opera, there’s a deep bench here.

What’s harder to find: literary fiction from major publishers, brand-new releases from household-name authors, and niche academic non-fiction. If your list is primarily Pulitzer winners and Oprah Book Club picks, KU will feel limited. The workaround most readers use: KU for genre fiction and fun reads, the library for the literary stuff.

You can browse the full catalog here: Kindle Unlimited library

Monthly vs Annual vs 24-Month: The Real Cost Comparison

Let’s run the actual numbers.

All the gift plans work out to the same $10.99/month — about $12/year less than paying month-to-month. The real advantage of going annual or longer isn’t the per-month savings, it’s removing the monthly “should I keep this?” decision from your life entirely.

Here’s another way to think about it: two traditionally published ebooks per month runs $20–$30. If KU replaces even half of those purchases, the annual plan pays for itself in about four months. Everything after that is pure savings.

Get the Kindle Unlimited 24-Month Plan Here

Current Deals for New Members

If you’ve never tried Kindle Unlimited before, you may qualify for a free 30-day trial. New subscribers can check eligibility here:

Check If You Qualify for a Free Kindle Unlimited Trial

This is what you’ll see if you’re eligible for the free month:

Kindle Unlimited Deals for Existing and Returning Members

Already used Kindle Unlimited before? You may still be eligible for a promotional deal. Past members have been offered 3 months of Kindle Unlimited for as low as $0.99 when Amazon runs a win-back promo.

Log into your Amazon account here to see if a returning member deal has been applied to your account.

Pro tip: Watch for promotional pricing during Prime Day, Black Friday, and the holiday season. Amazon frequently discounts KU memberships during these windows — sometimes as low as $4.99–$5.99/month even on longer plans.

The Biggest Complaints (And Whether They’re Deal-Breakers)

No subscription is perfect. Here’s what you should know upfront:

Not every book is included. Newer releases from Big Five publishers are almost never in KU. If you want to read a specific bestseller the week it drops, you may have to buy it separately. Most readers find this easy to work around by using the library for those titles.

Self-published quality varies. You’ll find incredible indie authors alongside books that needed another round of editing. Check ratings and reviews before diving in — a 4.5-star average with thousands of reviews is usually a safe bet.

You don’t own the books. When you return a title, it leaves your library. If you want to revisit it, you borrow it again. For books you know you’ll re-read, buying them outright makes more sense.

The 20-book borrow limit. You can have 20 titles checked out at once. For most readers this is plenty. If you’re a serial book hoarder, it takes some adjustment.

No prorated refunds on the annual plan. If you pay for 12 months and cancel after three, you won’t get the difference back automatically. Amazon customer service has made exceptions in some cases, but it’s not guaranteed. Don’t go annual unless you’re confident you’ll use it for at least six months.

Kindle Unlimited vs Prime Reading: What’s the Difference?

Amazon has a few different reading options and they’re easy to confuse.

Kindle Unlimited is a standalone subscription — $11.99/month or the annual/gift plans above. Over 5 million titles, audiobook access, magazines. Available to anyone regardless of Prime membership.

Prime Reading is included free with Amazon Prime. Much smaller catalog (around 3,000 titles). If you already have Prime, you get this automatically at no extra cost.

The difference comes down to catalog size. Prime Reading is fine for casual readers who go through one or two books a month. But if you’re a regular reader who loves digging into full series or exploring genres, Kindle Unlimited is the upgrade worth paying for. The catalog is exponentially larger, and the audiobook access alone adds significant value.

Read our full comparison: Kindle Unlimited vs Prime Reading

Best Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Membership

• Build your reading queue before you subscribe. Don’t open the app and hope something catches your eye. Use Goodreads or book blogs to build a list of titles you actually want to read.
• Use the “Read for Free” filter on Amazon. When browsing books, filter by Kindle Unlimited eligibility to surface current and popular titles that are included.
• Keep 20 books downloaded in different genres. That way you can mood-read without waiting for a download.
• Return books as soon as you finish (or give up on them). No penalty. Return and move on — it keeps your queue fresh.
• Download the Kindle app on your phone. Even with a dedicated Kindle device, having the app on your phone means you can read anywhere — carpool line, waiting rooms, whenever.
• Download audiobooks before trips. Load up offline content before a flight or road trip.
• Watch for promos before you go annual. Prime Day and Black Friday regularly bring discounted KU memberships. If you’re not in a rush, a little patience can save an extra $20–$30.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is Kindle Unlimited per month?

The standard Kindle Unlimited price is $11.99 per month when you pay month-to-month, with no contract and the ability to cancel anytime.

How much is a year of Kindle Unlimited?

The 12-month Kindle Unlimited gift membership is $131.89/year, which works out to $10.99/month — saving about $12 compared to paying monthly all year. See the current annual plan here.

Is there a Kindle Unlimited 2-year subscription?

Yes. You can get a Kindle Unlimited 24-month gift membership for $263.78 at Amazon’s gift landing page. It works out to $10.99/month and can be gifted to someone else or to yourself.

Is there a Kindle Unlimited free trial?

New Kindle Unlimited customers may qualify for a free 30-day trial. Click here to check if you’re eligible. If you’ve used Kindle Unlimited before, you may still see a promotional rate for returning members — log in here to check your account.

Is Kindle Unlimited worth it?

Kindle Unlimited is worth it if you read at least 2–3 books per month. At $11.99/month, a single full-price ebook barely breaks even. But if you’re regularly going through 3+ books a month across any genre, the math works strongly in your favor — especially on the 12 or 24-month plan.

Is Kindle Unlimited free with Amazon Prime?

No. Kindle Unlimited is a separate subscription from Amazon Prime. Prime members do get access to Prime Reading at no extra cost, but Prime Reading has a much smaller catalog (roughly 3,000 titles) compared to KU’s 5 million+. See the full comparison here.

Are there Kindle Unlimited deals for existing customers?

Yes, periodically. Past members have been offered 3 months of Kindle Unlimited for as low as $0.99 as part of Amazon’s win-back promotions. Log into your Amazon account here to see if a returning member deal is available for you.

What happens if I cancel my Kindle Unlimited annual plan?

If you cancel an annual plan early, Amazon does not automatically prorate a refund. You’ll keep access through the end of your paid period. Amazon customer service has made exceptions on a case-by-case basis, but a refund is not guaranteed — so only go annual if you’re confident you’ll use it for at least six months.

Can I do Kindle Unlimited audiobooks?

Yes. Many titles in the Kindle Unlimited library include Audible narration, letting you switch between reading and listening on the same book. When browsing the library, look for the headphone icon on a title to confirm audiobook access is included.

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Jalapeno Popper Dip (This Dip Disappears Instantly!)

Jump to Recipe

I made this jalapeño popper dip for a family gathering several years ago, and three people asked me to text them the recipe before they even left. THREE. I couldn’t believe it (well, I could, but I figured they’d already had it before, guess not!)

This isn’t fancy or complicated dip. You mix a few things, spread it in a dish, and bake it. By the time it comes out of the oven, people are already hovering around it with a chip in hand. I’ve literally watched my sister elbow my brother-in-law out of the way to get another scoop. It’s that good.

And honestly? That’s exactly why I make it. No stress, no standing over the stove, no wondering if anyone’s actually going to want it. Just creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness that works every single time.

** Updated photo March 2026.

Why This Dip Actually Works

There’s a reason people can’t stop eating this stuff. The ratio of cream cheese to mayo sounds simple, but it’s the difference between a stiff brick and something you can actually scoop.

Two packages of cream cheese give you that thick, creamy base. One cup of mayo loosens it up just enough so it’s scoopable when it’s hot, but doesn’t turn into a greasy mess. Too much mayo and it falls apart. Too little and it’s so hard that sometimes the chips will break.

The combo of canned green chilies and jalapeños is better than it sounds, I promise! Green chilies bring this mild, roasted pepper flavor that adds depth without extra heat. Jalapeños deliver the kick. And using canned keeps everything predictable. I find that fresh jalapenos can vary wildly in how spicy they are. Plus, canned green chilies and jalapeños are already diced, which saves you time and your hands from burning (ask me know I know!)

And, lastly, As the parmesan bakes, it melts, then gets crispy and golden around the edges. Creates this texture contrast where you get creamy, spicy dip in one bite and little pockets of salty, crispy cheese in the next. Makes every scoop more interesting and a new flavor sometimes too!

400°F is the sweet spot. Hot enough to get everything bubbly and golden in 15 to 20 minutes, but not so hot that the edges burn before the center gets hot.

What You’ll Need

Honestly, you probably have most of this already…

• A mixing bowl (medium or large) – A medium bowl works fine, but go bigger if you want room to move. If your cream cheese is soft, a spoon does the job. If it’s still a little firm, a hand mixer makes it faster.
• A baking dish (8×8 or similar) – Something that holds about 1.5 to 2 quarts. An 8×8 square dish, a 9-inch pie plate, even a small oval baker all work. You want it thick enough to stay creamy but shallow enough that the parmesan gets golden and crispy.
• A spatula or spoon – For stirring and spreading. Nothing fancy. Silicone is great because it scrapes the bowl clean and spreads the dip evenly.
• A can opener – If using canned chilies and jalapeños (which I do).

Don’t have a hand mixer? A fork and patience work just fine. No small baking dish? Use a slightly larger one, but watch it since the dip will spread thinner and might cook faster. If you have an oven-safe skillet, that works too.

The Ingredients (And What They Bring)

2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
This is your base. It gives the dip its thick, creamy texture and mild tangy flavor. Make sure it’s softened—cold, hard cream cheese won’t mix smoothly and you’ll end up with lumps that never go away. Leave it on the counter for 30 minutes, or zap it in the microwave for 10-second bursts if you’re in a hurry. Full-fat or Neufchâtel both work. I always skip fat-free cream cheese because it doesn’t melt right, ever!

1 cup mayonnaise
Mayo adds richness and loosens the cream cheese so the dip is actually scoopable instead of stiff. Use regular mayo. Light mayo works in a pinch, but it makes things a bit thinner and less rich. If you want to swap half the mayo for sour cream or Greek yogurt, go for it—just know it’ll be tangier and thinner when hot.

1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies, drained
These bring a mild, earthy pepper flavor with a little smokiness and barely any heat. They bulk up the dip and add texture. Drain them well so you’re not adding extra water. Hatch green chilies are the gold standard if you find them, but any canned green chilies work. If you can’t find them, just use more jalapeños, but you’ll lose that mellow pepper flavor.

1 can (4 oz) diced jalapeños (or ½ cup fresh, finely chopped)
This is where the heat comes from so don’t skimp if you want the full flavor! Canned jalapeños are convenient and consistent—already diced and pickled, so they add a tangy kick. If you go fresh, you get a sharper, brighter heat (which some people love). Fresh jalapeños are cheaper and taste more vibrant, but the spice level varies pepper to pepper. If you want to use fresh jalapenos but want less heat, use half the amount  and scoop out the seeds. Want more? Add extra jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne works took.

1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Goes on top and creates that golden, crispy, salty crust. Use the real stuff—freshly grated or the refrigerated kind (like Belgioioso or Sargento shredded). Skip the powdered stuff in the shaker; it won’t melt and brown right. If you can’t find parmesan, pepper jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend works, but you lose that sharp, nutty flavor and crispy texture. (YUM!)

How to Make It

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Get this going first so it’s hot and ready when your dip is prepped. If your oven runs cool, bump it up to 425°F.

2. Mix the cream cheese and mayo until smooth.
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayo. Use a spoon, spatula, or hand mixer to blend until creamy and lump-free. About a minute by hand, or 30 seconds with a mixer. If you see chunks of cream cheese, keep mixing. Those lumps won’t disappear in the oven, and nobody wants to bite into a cold cream cheese pocket.

3. Stir in the green chilies and jalapeños.
Drain both cans well, then add them to the bowl. Fold everything together with a spatula until the peppers are spread throughout. You want every scoop to have peppers, not random pockets of plain cream cheese.

4. Spread into a baking dish.
Use your spatula to scrape the dip into an 8×8 pan (or similar) and smooth the top into an even layer. This helps it bake evenly. If it’s piled higher in the center, the edges will overcook before the middle gets hot.

5. Top with parmesan.
Sprinkle the parmesan evenly over the whole thing. Don’t be shy—you want full coverage so you get that golden, crispy top everywhere. Press it down lightly so it sticks to the dip and doesn’t slide off when you scoop.

6. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
Slide it into the oven and set a timer. You’re looking for the dip to bubble around the edges and the parmesan to turn golden brown. If it’s bubbly but not browned after 15 minutes, give it another 3 to 5 minutes. If it’s browning too fast, tent it loosely with foil. Every oven is different, so use your eyes. When the top is golden and you can see bubbles breaking the surface, it’s done.

7. Let it cool for 2 to 3 minutes, then serve.
This dip is molten when it first comes out. Let it sit for just a couple minutes so it thickens slightly and people don’t burn their mouths. Serve straight from the baking dish with tortilla chips, corn chips, sturdy crackers, or even sliced baguette.

What to Serve It With

Chips and crackers: Tortilla chips are the classic and what I tend to use. They’re sturdy enough to scoop without breaking, and the corn flavor doesn’t compete. Lime-flavored tortilla chips add a nice citrusy pop. Corn chips (like Fritos) bring extra salt and crunch. For crackers, pick something neutral and sturdy; Ritz Crackers, Wheat Thins, Triscuits, pita chips, etc. work well.

Cold drinks: A light lager or Mexican beer (Modelo, Pacifico) is perfect for game day. A classic margarita cuts through the richness beautifully. For wine, go with something bright or a little sweet—Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, dry rosé. Skip heavy reds; they clash with the creaminess. And, as far as non-cocktail varitaions – a regular Pepsi or Diet Coke pairs perfectly with this dip – you really can’t go wrong!!

Sides: Fresh veggies like celery, bell peppers, or jicama give people a lighter option. A simple guacamole or pico de gallo on the side gives guests something else to bounce between. You could also serve it alongside a seven-layer dip or mild bean dip for variety.

Honestly, this dip is so good it doesn’t need much  to jazz it up.

Ways to Switch It Up

Adjust the heat: Feeding kids or people who don’t love spice? Cut the amlount of jalapeños in half or leave them out and just use the green chilies. Still flavorful, way less heat. Want it spicier? Add an extra can of jalapeños, some diced serrano peppers, or a pinch of cayenne.

Add protein: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon or chorizo for a meaty, smoky version. About half a pound of either is perfect. You can also add shredded rotisserie chicken to turn this into more of a meal-style dip.

Cheese swaps: Use pepper jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend instead of parmesan. You’ll lose the crispy golden top, but it’ll still be delicious and melty. You can also mix a little shredded cheese into the dip itself for extra gooeyness.

Make it fresher: Use all fresh jalapeños instead of canned for a brighter, crisper flavor. You’ll need about half a cup, finely chopped. Add fresh cilantro (about a quarter cup, chopped) stirred in at the end for a pop of color and herbiness.

Add aromatics: Stir in a minced garlic clove or some finely diced onion before baking for another layer of savory depth. A squeeze of lime juice brightens everything up too.

Go cold: Skip the baking and serve this cold as a creamy spread for sandwiches, wraps, or bagels. It’s especially good on a turkey club or thick on a toasted everything bagel.

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: Let it cool, cover tightly, and it’ll keep for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually get better after a day because everything melts together more.

Reheating: Cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until it’s hot and bubbly again. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds. The texture might be a little thinner after reheating, but it’ll still taste great. If it seems too thick, stir in a spoonful of mayo or sour cream to loosen it up.

Freezing: I’m not a fan of freezing this one. Cream cheese and mayo can separate and get grainy when frozen and thawed. If you do freeze it, thaw in the fridge overnight, stir it well, and reheat. It won’t be quite as creamy, but it’ll still work.

Prep ahead: You can mix the entire dip (without the parmesan topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it, stick it in the fridge, then add the parmesan and bake right before you’re ready to serve. Huge time-saver if you’re hosting.

What to Do With Leftovers

If you somehow have leftover dip (it happens, but rarely), don’t just reheat and repeat. These are what I love to use the leftovers for:

• Stuffed chicken breasts for Jalapeño Popper Chicken: Slice a pocket into a chicken breast, stuff it with a few spoonfuls of dip, then bake at 375°F for about 25 minutes. Creamy, spicy filling that keeps the chicken juicy.
• Quesadillas: Spread the dip on a tortilla, add shredded cheese and any other fillings (cooked chicken, black beans, corn), fold it in half, and crisp it in a skillet. The dip melts into the cheese and creates this ridiculously good, spicy filling.
• Loaded baked potatoes: Bake a potato, split it open, and dollop the dip on top with sour cream, bacon bits, and green onions. It’s like a jalapeño popper potato.
• Pasta sauce: Thin the dip out with a little pasta water or cream and toss it with cooked penne or rigatoni. Add some cooked chicken or shrimp for a creamy, spicy pasta dinner.
• Breakfast scrambles: Stir a spoonful into scrambled eggs or an omelet for a creamy, spicy kick. Top with avocado and salsa and you’ve got some awesome flavor!.

I’ve been making this dip for years now, and it’s a hit at every gathering. It’s easy, people always ask for the recipe, and I’ve never once brought leftovers home (which, honestly, is the ultimate compliment).

Make it once and I promise it’ll become your go-to too. Let me know when you try it—I’d love to hear how it turns out!

Looking for more appetizer ideas? Head over to our appetizer recipes section for more crowd-pleasing favorites.

Print

JALAPENO POPPER DIP

I made this dip for a family gathering last month, and three family members asked me to text them the recipe before they even left. THREE. That's when I knew I had a winner. It's quick—no hovering over the stove, no wondering if anyone's actually going to want it. Just creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness that works every single time.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword jalapeno popper dip

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 16 servings

Calories 231kcal

Author Kate Sorensen

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Dish 1 ½ to 2 quarts size
• Spatula
• Can Opener

Ingredients

• 2 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 4 oz can chopped green chilies, drained
• 1 4 oz can diced jalapeños (or ~½ cup fresh, finely chopped)
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F. Get this going first so it's hot and ready when your dip is prepped. If your oven runs cool, bump it up to 425°F.
• Mix the cream cheese and mayo until smooth. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayo. Use a spoon, spatula, or hand mixer to blend until creamy and lump-free. About a minute by hand, or 30 seconds with a mixer. If you see chunks of cream cheese, keep mixing.
• Stir in the green chilies and jalapeños. Drain both cans well, then add them to the bowl. Fold everything together with a spatula until the peppers are spread throughout. You want every scoop to have peppers, not random pockets of plain cream cheese.
• Spread into a baking dish. Use your spatula to scrape the dip into an 8x8 pan (or similar) and smooth the top into an even layer. This helps it bake evenly.
• Top with parmesan. Sprinkle the parmesan evenly over the whole thing. Don't be shy—you want full coverage so you get that golden, crispy top everywhere. Press it down lightly so it sticks to the dip and doesn't slide off when you scoop.
• Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Slide it into the oven and set a timer. You're looking for the dip to bubble around the edges and the parmesan to turn golden brown. If it's bubbly but not browned after 15 minutes, give it another 3 to 5 minutes. If it's browning too fast, tent it loosely with foil. When the top is golden and you can see bubbles breaking the surface, it's done.
• Let it cool for 2 to 3 minutes, then serve. This dip is molten when it first comes out. Let it sit for just a couple minutes so it thickens slightly and people don't burn their mouths. Serve straight from the baking dish with tortilla chips, corn chips, sturdy crackers, or even sliced baguette.

Notes

• Adjust heat: reduce or increase jalapeños depending on preference.
• This recipe makes about 4 cups of dip.
• Fresh jalapeños cost less and taste sharper than canned.
• Can be prepped ahead (without parmesan topping); bake before serving.
• Stores 3–4 days in fridge; reheat covered.
• This dip is molten when it first comes out—let it cool a few minutes before serving so people don't burn their mouths.
• Don't have a hand mixer? A fork and patience work just fine.
• No small baking dish? Use a slightly larger one, but watch it since the dip will spread thinner and might cook faster.
• Got an oven-safe skillet? That works too.

 

If you’ve ever wished you could bottle up the magic of a cotton candy carnival and sip it guilt-free, well, you’re in for a treat. This cotton candy flavored water is like a party in your mouth without all the sugar (I’ve been trying to cut back on sugary drinks, so if you appreciate this recipe, let me know, I’ll share more of my favorites!!)

Made with just a couple of Starburst drink mix packets and some ice-cold water, it’s sweet, refreshing, and tastes just like those nostalgic pink and blue spun sugar clouds that our daughter obsesses over anytime we see them.

And best of all? It’s a non-alcoholic cotton candy drink you can enjoy anytime.

Poolside. At a kid’s party.

Or just because Tuesday was a little too Tuesday, ya know?

Before we go too much into this recipe (can I even call it that, it’s SO easy!), let me mention that you can find this water mix recipe on this free printable with 144 water mix flavor combinations!

Get your free list of 144 flavored water recipes here! 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tastes like cotton candy without the sticky fingers (hello, mamas … #winning!)
• Only 3 ingredients
• Perfect for summer and full of cotton candy aesthetic vibes
• Customizable sweetness with just water
• Keep you moving towards those hydration goals (and hydrated skin!)

Ingredients

• 1 Starburst Blue Raspberry Drink Mix Packet
• 1 Starburst All Pink Drink Mix Packet
• 20 ounces of cold water
• Ice
• Extra water (optional, to taste)

Instructions

1. Pour both Starburst drink mix packets into a blender bottle or large cup.
2. Add 20 ounces of cold water and shake (or stir) until dissolved.
3. Pour over ice in a glass.
4. Taste and add more water if needed for your preferred sweetness level.

Tips for the Best Cotton Candy Drink

• Use very cold water so it’s instantly refreshing, unless you have time for it to chill out in the fridge, then by all means, start with warm water!
• Let the flavors sit for a minute or two for better blending.
• Add a sugared rim, paper straw, or cotton candy garnish for party flair if you’re using this cotton candy drink recipe for a party!

Variations

• Fizzy version: Use sparkling water instead of regular water.
• Mocktail: Add lemon-lime soda and garnish with candy.
• Adult cocktail: Add vodka for a fun blue cotton candy cocktail.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in clear cups or mason jars to show off the pink & blue swirl.
• Garnish with cotton candy or rock candy for aesthetics.
• Perfect for pool parties, baby showers, or a girl’s night in.

Storage and Reheating

This drink is best fresh but can be made in advance and kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Stir before serving.

Nutrition Information (Approx. Per Serving)

• Calories: 10
• Sugar: 0g
• Carbs: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

*Nutrition may vary depending on the brand of mix used.

FAQs

Is drinking water with flavor packets good for you?

Yes, most flavor packets like Starburst are sugar-free and low-calorie, making them a great option if you’re trying to drink more water. Just check the ingredients for artificial sweeteners if you’re watching those.

How to add flavoring to water?

You can use powdered drink mixes, fruit slices, infused cubes, or herbs. This recipe uses flavor packets for max impact with zero effort.

Is flavored water good for your kidneys?

In general, yes. As long as you’re not consuming too many artificial additives, flavored water can be just as hydrating as plain water. If you have health concerns, consult your doctor.

Try Agency Skincare free and receive a personalized skincare plan tailored by dermatology providers. Agency products are created with research-backed ingredients and guided by licensed medical providers who understand your skin concerns.

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Perfect for summer gatherings, beach-themed parties, or just a random Tuesday afternoon, this mocktail is a hit with both kids and adults.

Its bright blue color and easy preparation make it a go-to choice for moms looking to whip up something special and delightful.

The Ocean Water Drink

Mixing lemon-lime soda, coconut extract, and blue food coloring, this drink brings a splash of tropical fun to any event – and isn’t it beautiful to look at??

It’s perfect for ocean-themed birthday parties, Bluey birthday parties, or any occasion that calls for a blue summer aesthetic.

Another reason why I think this recipe is so fun is that you can easily customize it with sugar-free options and different garnishes like maraschino cherries and pebble ice, making it a crowd-pleaser and versatile!

As a mom, making memorable moments for my kids, aged 13 and 16, is a top priority, and this drink fits right in with our summer fun – as quirky as it might be.

Whether we’re hosting friends, or just looking for a fun thing to make, the Ocean Water Drink adds a pop of color and flavor to our day.

It’s such a fun way to celebrate summer with a refreshing, nonalcoholic treat that everyone loves.

Ocean Water Drink Ingredients:

To make the Ocean Water Drink, you’ll need:

4 Tablespoons of regular white sugar
4 Tablespoons of water
24 oz of lemon-lime soda (two 12 oz cans of Sprite or 7UP work great)
1 1/2 teaspoons of coconut extract
3 drops of blue food coloring

Ocean Water Mixing Instructions:

Make the Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the 4 tablespoons of white sugar and 4 tablespoons of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher, mix the cooled simple syrup with the 24 oz of lemon-lime soda, 1 1/2 teaspoons of coconut extract, and 3 drops of blue food coloring.
Serve: Pour the mixture over ice in individual glasses.

These ingredients come together to create that signature tropical flavor and eye-catching blue color.

Personally, I love to substitute Torani Coconut Syrup for the sugar/water/coconut extract combo, but I know that’s not quite as readily available, so I am providing the recipe that I use when I don’t have any Torani syrup.

Ocean Water Sugar-Free Version:

Just use a sugar-free lemon-lime soda and the sugar-free Torani coconut syrup. This way, you still get all the flavor without the sugar.

It’s a perfect option for those watching their sugar intake!

Tips and Tricks for Making a Sonic Copycat Ocean Water Drink:

Best Type of Soda

Any lemon-lime soda works for this recipe. While Sprite and 7UP are the most common choices, you can experiment with other brands too. Just make sure it’s chilled for the best taste.

Alternative Sweeteners

If you prefer to avoid white sugar, you can use other sweeteners like agave syrup or honey.

Just remember to adjust the amount to your taste, as these sweeteners can be more potent than sugar.

Ice, Ice Baby!

Yes, the ice DOES matter. Pellet-style ice is the best option if you’re able to get ahold of some, otherwise, regular ice will do.

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Make the Ocean Water Drink Even MORE Fun with These Tips:

Use fun glasses: Tall, clear glasses show off the beautiful blue color.
Garnish: Add a slice of lemon or lime to the rim of the glass.
Ice: Sonic pebble ice or crushed ice works best for this drink. It keeps the drink cold, looks so unique, and who doesn’t love pebble ice??
Straw: Find fun striped straws or metal straws are cute, too.

So, there you have it! A fun, easy, and delightful Ocean Water Drink that’s perfect for summer.

Try it out and see how much your kids and their friends love it.

Cheers to a happy and refreshing summer!

Print

Ocean Water Drink

Course drink

Cuisine American

Keyword ocean water drink

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

• 4 Tablespoons of regular white sugar
• 4 Tablespoons of water
• 24 oz of lemon-lime soda two 12 oz cans of Sprite or 7UP work great
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of coconut extract
• 3 drops of blue food coloring

Instructions

• Make the Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the 4 tablespoons of white sugar and 4 tablespoons of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let it cool.
• Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher, mix the cooled simple syrup with the 24 oz of lemon-lime soda, 1 1/2 teaspoons of coconut extract, and 3 drops of blue food coloring.
• Serve: Pour the mixture over ice in individual glasses.

Notes

You can substitute Torani Coconut Syrup or Torani Sugar Free Coconut Syrup for the sugar/water/coconut extract combo.

Fruit-infused water, also known as detox water or flavored water, is a delicious and healthy alternative to sugary drinks.

By simply adding a variety of fresh fruits, herbs, and even vegetables to water, you can create refreshing beverages that not only taste great but also offer numerous health benefits.

Whether you’re looking to stay hydrated, aid digestion, or just enjoy a tasty drink without the added calories, fruit-infused water is a fantastic option.

One of the main reasons people turn to fruit-infused water is its ability to make hydration easier. Many people struggle to drink enough water throughout the day, myself included! But adding natural flavors can make it so much easier!

And, another bonus, the vitamins and minerals found in fruits can seep into the water, providing a subtle but beneficial boost to your daily nutrient intake. Drinking enough water is essential for health and well-being. It helps maintain the balance of bodily fluids, supports kidney function, and can even improve skin complexion.

With fruit-infused water, you get the added advantage of antioxidants, vitamins, and other nutrients that can enhance the benefits of staying hydrated.

Benefits of Fruit-Infused Water

Staying properly hydrated is crucial for maintaining optimal health.

Water plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients, and removing waste products.

When you are well-hydrated, you may notice improvements in energy levels, cognitive function, and overall physical performance.

25 Fruit-Infused Water Combinations Here

Specific Benefits of Adding Fruits to Water

Adding fruits to your water can significantly enhance its flavor and nutritional value. Here are some specific benefits:

• Improved Digestion: Many fruits, such as lemon and ginger, have natural digestive properties that can help soothe the stomach and promote better digestion.
• Enhanced Flavor: Infusing water with fruits makes it more flavorful, encouraging you to drink more and stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Additional Nutrients: Fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. When infused in water, some of these nutrients are released, providing a subtle but beneficial boost to your diet.
• Weight Loss, Detoxification, and Overall Well-Being: Fruit-infused water can support weight loss by providing a low-calorie alternative to sugary drinks. The natural sweetness of fruits can help curb cravings for unhealthy snacks.

Additionally, ingredients like cucumber and mint can have a mild diuretic effect, aiding in detoxification and reducing bloating.

Moreover, drinking fruit-infused water can contribute to well-being by providing hydration, essential nutrients, and antioxidants.

This can lead to improved skin health, increased energy levels, and a strengthened immune system.

Even More Fruit-Infused Water Benefits

Adding fruits to your diet, especially through fruit-infused water, is a fantastic way to boost your health.

Fruits are loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, all of which are super important for keeping your body in tip-top shape.

They can help boost your immune system, aid digestion, and even improve your skin. Plus, fruit-infused water is a delicious and hydrating way to enjoy these benefits.

Take citrus fruits, for example. Lemons, limes, and oranges are packed with vitamin C, which is great for your immune system. Vitamin C helps your body fight off infections and keeps your skin healthy by helping produce collagen. The natural acidity of these fruits also aids digestion and helps detoxify your body, making them perfect for fruit-infused water.

Berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are another awesome addition. They’re high in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and reduce inflammation. These antioxidants protect your cells from damage and promote heart health. Plus, berries add a sweet and tangy flavor to your water, making it even more enjoyable to drink.

Tropical fruits like pineapple and mango are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Pineapple has bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion and reduces inflammation. Mangoes are rich in vitamins A and C, which boost your immunity and improve eye health. Adding these fruits to your water can create a refreshing and nutritious tropical drink.

Herbs like mint, basil, and ginger can also enhance the benefits of fruit-infused water. Mint and basil add a refreshing taste and help with digestion, while ginger is great for relieving nausea and reducing inflammation. Mixing these herbs with fruits in your water creates a flavorful and healthy drink that you can enjoy all day.

Incorporating a variety of fruits and herbs into your water not only makes it more fun to drink but also helps keep you healthy and hydrated.

So go ahead and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavors!

Best Practices for Infusing Water

• Use Fresh Fruits: For the best flavor and maximum nutrient retention, opt for fresh fruits. Wash them thoroughly before adding them to your water. Fresh fruits are not only more flavorful but also provide more vitamins and antioxidants compared to dried or frozen options.
• Cut Fruits Into Small Pieces: Slicing or chopping fruits into smaller pieces increases the surface area, allowing the flavors and nutrients to infuse into the water more effectively. Aim for thin slices or small chunks for optimal infusion.
• Let It Infuse for the Right Amount of Time: The infusion time can vary depending on the fruits and your taste preference. Generally, letting your fruit-infused water sit in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours is sufficient for a mild flavor. For a stronger taste, you can let it infuse overnight. Citrus fruits and herbs like mint and basil can be left to infuse for longer without becoming overpowering.

Tips for Storing and Serving Fruit-Infused Water

• Use a Glass Pitcher or Jar: A glass pitcher or jar is perfect for infusing water because it allows you to see the colorful fruits and herbs. It’s also non-reactive, which helps maintain the flavor and freshness of your water.
• Keep It Cold: Store your fruit-infused water in the refrigerator to keep it refreshing and cool. This also helps the flavors develop more fully. You can prepare a large batch and keep it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
• Use a Strainer or Infuser: If you prefer not to have bits of fruit floating around, use a strainer or an infuser bottle. This makes it easy to pour and drink without having to sift through the fruit pieces.
• Serve with Ice: For an extra chill, add some ice cubes to your infused water. You can also freeze leftover fruit or herbs in ice cube trays to add a fun twist and keep your drink cold without diluting the flavors.

Creative Combinations and Experimenting with Different Flavors

• Mix and Match Fruits: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fruit combinations. Try mixing strawberries with basil, cucumber with mint, or pineapple with ginger. The possibilities are endless! Here are some tasty combinations to start with:
  • Citrus Splash: Lemon, lime, and orange slices.
  • Berry Delight: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
  • Tropical Paradise: Pineapple chunks, mango slices, and a few mint leaves.
  • Refreshing Cucumber Mint: Cucumber slices and fresh mint leaves.
  • Watermelon Basil: Watermelon cubes with fresh basil leaves.

• Add Herbs and Spices: Herbs and spices can take your infused water to the next level. Try adding a sprig of rosemary, a few leaves of cilantro, a slice of ginger, or a pinch of cinnamon. These additions can add depth and a unique flavor profile to your drink.
• Experiment with Vegetables: Vegetables can also be great in infused water. Try adding slices of cucumber, celery, or even a few pieces of bell pepper. These can give your water a refreshing and slightly savory twist.
• Try Seasonal Flavors: Use seasonal fruits and herbs. In the summer, use berries and watermelon. In the fall, go for apples and cinnamon. Winter is perfect for citrus fruits and pomegranate, while spring is great for fresh herbs like mint and basil.

By following these tips, you can create a variety of delicious and refreshing fruit-infused waters that will keep you hydrated and satisfied. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combinations!

Friend after friend has tried Hello Fresh family meals delivered to their front door.

I have three friends in particular who have mentioned that they’re actively subscribing to the Hellofresh family plan and have given me their Hello Fresh reviews.

And what’s nuts is that these three friends have almost nothing in common.

What’s even more crazy is that right now you can get Hello Fresh FREE MEALS! Keep reading …

Hello Fresh Reviews from Friends:

Friend #1: 45 and 44-year-old empty nesters, but demanding jobs cooking dinner for two.

They love to eat out at restaurants but recognize that when they dine out, they overeat and splurge on calories. Plus, my friend doesn’t love cooking and has never been a “good cook” as she calls herself, so making the Hello Fresh family fresh meals has given her a sense of accomplishment in the home.

She came across the 18 Hello Fresh Free Meals offer here (Hello Fresh free meals coupon code: HELLOFRESH18) and couldn’t turn it down.

She has raved about the Hello Fresh meal plans popular family meal delivery service for a few years and urged me to try it out early in its popularity.

I resisted (more on that later) She loves the fact that she can upgrade the meals so that they can enjoy steak once or twice a week, but also eat smart with the calorie smart dinner choices.

And, bless her heart – she loves that the meals look like the food in the picture on the recipe card when dinner is ready. She has said time and time again that they look fancy and she loves that she did it herself.

Friend #2: Late thirties couple with a ten-year-old daughter and eight-year-old son.

Again, these friends both have really demanding jobs and found themselves eating Costco prepared meals every night, and takeout a few nights a week as well.

This friend loves that she and her husband, and even the kids will join in on making the Hellofresh family meals together. And, we know that having kids help out in the kitchen makes them much more willing to try new foods – check out this article on why cooking kits for kids and kids helping cook makes a difference.

She admits that the kids don’t always love their dinner from every HelloFresh menu, but she loves that she gets time with her family and a good, healthy meal on the table a few nights a week.

Friend #3: Family of five, husband travels four nights a week and her job is very demanding.

14-year-old daughter, twelve-year-old son and five-year-old daughter. The family is for sure the most spread out in age, but has the best palettes as far as taste goes.

I am amazed at what their kids will eat – compared to most kids their age. This is outstanding because their kids are so spread out in age – rarely will a 5-year-old be content with a 14-year-olds dinner choice, but HelloFresh must be just that good!

Or, Hello Fresh has made it fun to try new things…. My friend loves HelloFresh meals because of the bond that it makes for she and their 14-year-old daughter.

My friend lets her daughter pick the menu items from HelloFresh and her daughter even makes the HelloFresh meals… Yep! How cool is that??? This teaches the 14-year-old how to cook and how to be independent all in one. Bonus: Dinner is made!

Whether you resonate with my friends described above, or you’re in a league of your own, here is how to get signed up for this full-of-taste, yet kid-friendly meal delivery service:

Trying Hello Fresh for the first time (My First Box!):

I imagine you’re wondering with all of these glowing Hello Fresh reviews why I haven’t tried Hello Fresh family meal plans yet …. the ultimate reason is that I really do enjoy making new recipes and new dinners and seeing my family’s eyes light up when I’ve come up with the best way to make a casserole, goulash, side salad or soup.

In reality though – I have been running myself ragged trying to always make new meals, and try new dinners. And, if there’s help (and a Hello Fresh free trial) why shouldn’t I take advantage??

Plus, I know that I have several readers that spend lots of time on the internet looking for new recipe ideas, so if Hello Fresh family recipes appeal to them, I want to give it an honest review and try it out for myself.

So, that’s exactly what I did! When Hello Fresh 14 free meals promo came out, I hopped on the opportunity to try it out for less — so glad I did, too!

How to order Your 1st Box of HelloFresh Family Box:

1. 1.  Sign in to Hello Fresh here (especially if you want the discount)
   2. Choose your menu preferences
   3. Enter promo code HELLOFRESH18
   4. Select how many people you are cooking for
   5. How many Hello Fresh recipes do you want to make per week?

Once you create your Hello Fresh username, the rest will be smooth sailing from there. I took screenshots as I was going through the HelloFresh signup to get our family meals delivered.

It’s as simple as 1-2-3. You can see the steps for ordering Hello Fresh for two people below.

1. Personalize your Hello Fresh plan:

For my first order I decided to go with a calorie smart menu for two people because I wanted our first try of the meal delivery service to be just my husband and I. Since we’re trying to eat low calorie, I figured this is the perfect way to try out Hello Fresh, get the kids noticing some new foods and see if the family fresh meals could work for all of us.

Plus, I have been wanting to get our ten-year-old daughter more involved in the kitchen, so this seemed like the perfect way: making dinner for mom and dad, with no knives involved.

2.Choose your meal delivery day of the week:

I ended up changing my delivery day to Monday as that gave me fresh items for dinners for the week. On the weekends, I find that I don’t cook sit-down dinners. It’s more pizza, sandwiches, burgers, etc.

You’ll notice my initial five free meals plus free shipping that you get as a new customer in the screenshot below. That makes eight meals just $35.89 shipped to my front door!

3.Choose Payment

4. Change meals in your Hello Fresh Menu (if you wish)

The first image is what was chosen for me and the second image is what I ended up deciding on.

To change out the meals on Hello Fresh you simply press the minus sign to take out a meal and choose the plus sign to add in a different meal.

The Hello Fresh meal delivery process was so much easier than I thought it would be!

Those One-Pan Portabella & Poblano Fajitas are screaming my name! I also love that during the Hellofresh meal selection process, each meal has labels on them. You can see the labels on my meal choices above.

5. Skip upcoming weeks (if you wish)

As you can see, skipping a week of Hello Fresh is super easy. I can’t wait to try out our first Hello Fresh meal delivery! I am actually excited for the entire family! Now … it’s time for where the rubber hits the road … what do I think??

My Hello Fresh Review & First Time Preparing a Meal with Hello Fresh:

Ok … I am 100% blown away at Hello Fresh. I am floored. I didn’t expect to love it, and as I said above – I enjoy cooking. I started by taking everything out of the Hello Fresh Box.

It was packed really nicely.

One bag for each recipe and two packages of meat – one chicken, and one beef. I decided to start with the recipe that said it took the longest to prepare in an effort to see how annoying it would be. It was a) NOT annoying and b) it smelled – and ultimately TASTED FANTASTIC!

Here are a few pictures of the process – it took me exactly one hour from opening the bag of ingredients until my kitchen was picked up and all dishes were hand washed. OK – THAT in itself is amazing!

  Just keepin’ it real …. after I was finished cooking this was my mess. That’s not much of a mess if you ask me! It helps that since everything is preportioned there weren’t leftover ingredients everywhere to have to put away!

Finished product:

Even the kids were raving about how good this meal smelled while it was cooking! And, as a HUGE bonus, we got four dinners out of this meal! I usually add a lettuce salad to dinners, so that gave us plenty of food!

Is Hello Fresh Right For Your Family?

If you can get 14 free HelloFresh meals plus free shipping like they’re offering right now here then I say it’s 100% worth atleast giving the Hellofresh family box meals a try.

For three calorie smart meals for two people I ended at $35, which is a great price, considering that everything will come prepped and ready to throw together saving me time looking for recipes, time at the grocery store, and time in the kitchen cutting, dicing and measuring all of the ingredients.

For me, that’s the worst part of cooking dinner!

Now let’s talk the most frequently asked questions. How does this all really come together?

How hard is it to skip a week of Hello Fresh?

If you’re wondering how hard it is to skip a week of Hello Fresh – it is not hard at all! Follow these steps:

1. Sign in to your Hello Fresh account

2. Click on the week that you want to skip for your family meal boxes

3. Press edit delivery

4. Press skip this week

Look at the images above.

It really is so simple to cancel a week, or two, or even three weeks. Or, you can cancel your membership all together if you wish!

Do you get free meals with HelloFresh?

Yes! You get Hello Fresh free meals when you redeem a special offer like the one I am offering here (use coupon code HELLOFRESH18 here)

Can Hello Fresh feed a family of six?

To feed a family of six on Hello Fresh simply make two deliveries.

Do one for four people and one for two.

Can I do HelloFresh for one person?

You can do Hello Fesh for 1 person, but you’ll have a leftover meal.

I highly recommend choosing three meals for the week and that way you would have six dinners, or a combo of six dinners and lunches.

This is a great way to have healthy, quick and filling meals for one person!

What do you get with a HelloFresh purchase subscription?

With your Hello Fresh subscription, you will get a box delivered to your front door that has everything portioned out and ready to prepare.

It is important to note that Hello Fresh recipes are not oven-ready.

Rather, they are prep ready. Everything will be portioned out and ready to cut, mix together and then cook.

Are Hellofresh meal kits worth the money?

When you can get free meals in your Hello Fresh delivery they are worth the money.

Another time the Hello Fresh meals are worth the money is when you’re busy and want the groceries delivered to your front door.

The third reason that Hello Fresh might be a benefit is when you’re burnt out of coming up with meal ideas (that’s me right now!) and nothing sounds good.

Just a little dinnertime inspiration can go a long ways for us moms!

Are there Hello Fresh Vegetarian Meals? Yes, yes, yes! Hellofresh vegetarian meals are awesome, too! I can’t wait to try our two vegetarian meals in my first Hello Fresh meal delivery!

I would’ve never put those on my menu but I am thrilled to try them out from Hello Fresh!

One of the best ways to mitigate these costs and make life just a little bit easier is to be on the hunt for free baby samples. The good news is that you’re in the right place to find all sorts of baby samples and free baby stuff in the mail, too!

Below, I’ll share some of the best strategies for getting free baby sample kits by mail, and even share a printable letter that you can use today to request free baby samples by mail.

First Free Baby Sample Box to Request:

Before you start looking for free baby products, the most logical place is Amazon, the world’s largest baby product retailer. 

They will send you a free baby box, just head here and start your registry to get a jump on your free baby samples for new moms. 

Amazon.com Free Baby Box Here

Why Should You Request Free Baby Samples?

When you’re expecting a baby, or if you already have your new bundle of joy, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all that you have to do, and all the items that you need to keep your home stocked with.

From diapers to free baby bottle samples to baby formula and so much more… the list of things your baby needs goes on and on! And wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t have to pay for some of those items?

This is where free baby samples can really come in handy!

Top 9 Best Free Baby Samples: 

1. Amazon Baby Registry Welcome Box
2. Walmart Baby Registry Welcome Box
3. Buy Buy Baby Free Goody Bag
4. Target Welcome Kit
5. Babylist Registry Hello Baby Box
6. Free Maternity Clothes (See #7 Below!)
7. Enfamil Family Beginnings Pack
8. Pampers Club Rewards Program
9. Huggies Rewards+ Program

First, off, though, I feel it necessary to share a great article on 10 Things New Moms Should Not Worry About.

Although having diapers, bottles and a feeding plan are pretty necessary, there are things that aren’t and that article does a pretty good job of teaching, or even reminding new moms what’s important and frankly, what’s not as important.

What is important, though is to be sure that you’re an informed consumer, which is why I wrote this article on things that you can snag completely free, at no cost to you, just offered simply as free baby samples (by mail) of course, because we just don’t want to leave the house when we’re super pregnant, am.i.right? ????

The mistake most expecting and new moms make is not realizing that they can request free baby samples. But you can! Here are the main reasons why you should request free baby samples:

• Save money – The obvious reason to request free baby samples from companies is that you’ll be able to save money on essentials for baby. And who doesn’t like saving money?
• Find new products that you love – When you’re a new mom, you rely on the recommendations of friends, family and medical professionals, as well as the occasional Google or Pinterest search to figure out which brands and products you should purchase. When you request free baby samples, you’re opening the door to a new brand or product, which you may very well fall in love with (and may not have discovered otherwise)!
• Make life easier – Above all else, requesting free baby samples can help make your life a lot easier! Doing a little bit of work up front to request free baby samples by mail will set you up to receive goodies and helpful items in the mail. Can you imagine a day in your future where you’re too busy to run to the store to get some new baby formula… and then a package of free formula samples that you requested a few weeks ago magically shows up at your door? It may sound too good to be true, but it’s not! You just need the tools to help you request these free samples for baby, which I’m going to share with you now.  

How to Request Free Baby Samples from Baby Companies that Send Free Stuff

Now that you know why it’s helpful to request free baby samples, here are some ways that you can get yourself on the list for free baby sample kits by mail from baby companies that send free stuff – lickety split!

1. Ask for Baby Kits and Coupons by Mail

For starters, make a list of all of the baby product companies and sample baby offers that you can think of to contact them for coupons, free diaper samples by mail, free pregnancy stuff by mail, and even free baby bottle samples.

I have had new moms-to-be ask me for a list of “companies to send baby shower invites to for free stuff” and “what companies give free baby samples”. These are the 16 companies that I recommend writing to get free baby stuff by mail.

The key is trying to get free baby samples by mail without surveys, though.

TOP 16 Baby Companies That Send Free Stuff:

1. Enfamil Baby Formula
2. Cetaphil
3. Eucerin
4. Gerber Baby Foods
5. Huggies Diapers Rewards Program
6. Luvs Diapers
7. Orajel
8. Pampers baby samples for free by mail
9. Pampers Kandoo baby free samples
10. Purex
11. Seventh Generation
12. Tide Detergent and/or Stain Release
13. Tylenol baby freebies
14. Vaseline
15. Xtra Laundry Detergent sample freebies
16. Dreft

FREE! Get Free Samples from Enfamil Family Beginnings Program

If you are really serious about getting baby free samples by mail, I recommend finding the company’s address on the contact us form and letting them know that you’re expecting a baby (or that you’ve recently had a baby) and then, let them know that you’re interested in trying their products and getting free samples by mail.

FREE Printable Letter for Requesting Baby Samples by Mail

Here is a printable pdf Letter for Free Samples for Baby that you can print out and send.

Just personalize the letter and customize it with your information. Easy Peasy! You never know, some companies have been known to send a free baby welcome box!

You’re going to LOVE these!

2. Find the Free Baby Kits Already Being Offered

Another way to request free baby samples by mail is to find where there are free baby sample kits already being offered.

It's no secret that companies want you to try their products and fall madly in love with them.

So, why shouldn't they be sure you get your hands on something free for baby, or even a free gift - a small sample for baby at little to no cost to you?

When it comes down to it, the market for baby products isn’t that long. If you have a baby, there is likely no way you'll be buying Huggies after the child is three years old, right? Compare this to something like bread, where once you find a bread company to be brand loyal to, you'll be buying that bread for years and years to come.

These companies know that it behooves them to send out free stuff for babies by mail to make sure that you fall in love with their products and buy theirs and theirs alone for the entire time that you're in the market for that product.

There are several companies that offer a free baby kit and even free samples of diapers by mail.

Here are some of the free baby sample kits available (some started in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and are still available in 2022 and still have free baby samples in 2023!):

• Target Free Welcome Kit with Registry (CLICK HERE to Qualify)
• Babylist Registry: Parenting forum Free Hello Baby Box (CLICK HERE to Qualify)

3. Sign up for Baby Registries

The real magic of getting free baby samples by mail is when you sign up for baby registries. Some of the free baby samples that you get when you sign up for a baby registry are mind-blowing! You can receive diapers, free books, baby shampoo, pacifiers and more - all for free!

In addition, some of the companies will even offer a registry completion coupon that is higher than any coupon that you will ever get from that retailer again! When your registry is filled, they will deliver a coupon to you that you can use at that store - sometimes for up to 40, 50, or 60% off at that retailer!

Here are retailers that offer a free baby box when you create a baby registry with them:

• Amazon Baby Registry (Plus, the Amazon baby site offers great deals to save money, free shipping and a free "Free Stuff for Baby Box" when you buy off the registry!)
• Target
• Walmart Baby Registry

Another super nice perk of registering for your baby at a big store like this other than getting all of the free baby sample options is that you'll also have super easy exchanges and returns on all of your registry items as well.

And, when you're a new mom or dad, easy is king. Promise.

10 Legit Places to Get FREE Baby Samples

Below I have listed 10 awesome places to get free baby baby samples, and some other free items that are available for the taking.

Tip: Are you not the one having a baby? This article is free, please pass it on to any friends or relatives who could use some free baby stuff. You can also request the free baby items and take it to your local women's shelter.

1. Free Baby Diapers

Who wouldn't love to try out a diaper company before buying big packages? Get free sample pack and 50% off your first bundle when you request them from Hello Bello. You can do that here.

2. Free Baby Body Care Samples

Hello Bello is making a huge run on their baby product lines! Get a free bonus item with your free baby set here.

3. Free Baby Formula

However you plan on feeding baby is up to you, but it's nice to have some sample sizes hanging around, especially for when you're on the go.

Enfamil offers a free Pack 'n Cool set along with free baby formula coupons when you submit a request here.

4. Free Baby Magazines

Every once in awhile, RewardSurvey offers free baby magazines that you can request by taking a short survey. There aren't any free magazines available but check back by pinning this post here.

5. Free Gift Cards for Buying Baby Stuff

When our kiddos were in diapers I loved peeling the reward stickers off diaper boxes everytime I bought them and watching my reward points rack up. When you put the reward codes into the online portals you earn free stuff for baby. You can earn free diapers, but you can also earn free Starbucks gift cards, too. 

Join these clubs to earn free gift cards for buying baby diapers and wipes:

• Huggies Rewards
• Pampers Rewards Gifts to Grow

6. Free Baby Food

Just like Pampers Rewards Gifts to Grow provides free baby diapers, and it also offers free Starbucks Gift Cards, your Pampers Gifts to Grow points also offers free baby food. Yes, it's true!

You can earn free baby food from buying diapers. This is a great way to try new brands, or just buy the brands that you've always loved with free baby food coupons.

7. Free Maternity Clothes

Did you know that you can earn free maternity clothes by trading in your old clothes to ThredUp and using the credit to buy gently used maternity clothes? You sure can!

Another great tip if you're looking for one or two great maternity outfits or staples to your closet, subscribe to StitchFix.

When you make an account here you'll input a note to your stylist along outlining  with your measurements this is the deal for you!

New Stitchfix customers will get a free $20 credit to use on their first order. And, you'll get $25 to spend on every "fix" you request to use towards to new clothes. Win-win!

• 1. Head here and take 7-8 minutes to fill out your style profile
• 2. **** Note: On prices I put “cheaper the better” because, well… I’m frugal.  ?
• 3. Pick the date you’d like to receive your shipment
• 4. Try everything on in the comfort of your home when you receive it
• 5. Buy what you like and return the rest within 3 business days (MINUS the $20 Stylist fee = FREE clothes!!)

8. Get a Target REDcard stat

Apply for a Target Baby Registry here to get a rare 20% off a Target purchase coupon. And, I'm here to tell you, any savings when you have a new baby at home is a good deal.

When you request that a Target REDcard debit card be added to your bank account HERE, you'll automatically save 5% off every Target purchase.

This is a big deal since I imagine you'll also be using coupons on top of the 5% discount saving big money on diapers, clothes, baby food and more. Apply for a Target REDcard easy here.

9. Free Baby Stuff on Craigslist

Do you need an extra rocking chair for another level of the house? Or maybe Grandma needs one at her house? Setting a reminder to search the craigslist in your area is a great way to find one for free or atleast possibly uber cheap!

Please be safe when you arrange your pickup. Many police stations offer a monitored part of their parking lot for selling and trading craigslist items.

10. Get free baby stuff from friends and family

Do you need a pack 'n play only for the weekend? Or, do you need a foldup stroller just for a getaway? Don't be afraid to ask a friend. Normally they're more than happy to help where they can.

Other FAQs About Free Baby Samples

Still have questions about free baby samples by mail? Here are some of the other questions I get all the time.

Are free samples really free?

Free samples are really free! Sometimes you do need to test out the products by buying a bundle, or paying the shipping costs, but most of the time these baby product companies want to get in front of new moms, so they're happy to give something for free in return for a lifetime customer.

Are the free baby samples by mail really any good?

You better bet your bippy! I always find that the baby companies are so generous with their free samples, a free baby box, free baby gear, etc.

The reason likely is that they know that there is only a short window of time to use all of their products and they hope that you’ll choose their brand, so they want to be yours and your child’s favorite as soon as possible.

How about free baby bottle samples – are those a thing?

Of course free baby bottle samples are a thing! Much like diapers (in fact maybe even more so), you use baby bottles for such a short amount of time.

And, bottles can be reused for multiple children, so it may be even more important to them to get your business from the get-go.

To that point, offering a free baby bottle or baby bottle coupons is in their best interest.

Companies that are currently offering free baby bottle samples:

• Dr. Brown’s via Target (with free baby registry here)
• Amazon’s Baby Registry Welcome Box
  • Simply complete a Baby Registry using Amazon Checklist here and $10 off purchases from the registry spent (from yourself or gifters). Use this free $10 on some free baby clothes, samples!
  • You’ll also get a free baby sample box full of full size and trial size freebies – awesome!

Okay now - sound off! What ways to get free baby samples and free baby sample kits did I miss? What are your best tips for getting baby freebies? I'd love to hear!

And, they even have maternity clothes for petites, maternity clothes for plus size and there’s a $20 credit towards free maternity clothes available right now as well!

Try Stitch Fix Maternity for Free!

Oh my stars, I am SO excited about the Stitch Fix Maternity program! The Stitch Fix that we already know and love has a Stitch Fix Maternity option where you can score Maternity Stitch Fix Outfits instead of regular everyday women’s clothing and I could just squeal with joy.

If you’re like me, when I was pregnant I hated shopping. I loathed the fact that things didn’t fit for long and that I wouldn’t be wearing any of this in a short period of time.

I didn’t feel all that well, I am (almost to a fault) frugal and so I didn’t want to spend the money, and nothing (nothing!) looked good on me. Enter kid #2 and I literally was feeling like wearing only t-shirts. I needed a few nice shirts to wear to work in an office but finding something that fit well was a s-t-ru-g-g-l-e.

In enters my favorite clothing vendor.

What is Stitch Fix?

Stitch Fix is an online fashion retailer that blends expert styling, proprietary technology, and unique product to deliver a shopping experience that is truly personalized for you.

When you fill out your profile (free here) and you’re honest and clear with your preferences, you can get some of the highest quality clothing that will fit you perfectly for the event that you’re looking to dress for.

How does Stitch Fix work?

It’s an easy process to get your first Stitch Fix box
Fill out your Stitch Fix style profile: This takes about 10-15 minutes, but take your time and use your best email address. The profile is the best way for your stylist to pick out excellent clothes that you’ll love.
Schedule your Stitch Fix: Once you receive your box you’ll have 7 days to decide what you’re going to keep.
Pay your refundable styling fee ($20)
Check out: Once you decide what you’re going to keep, go through the checkout process, being sure to give your stylist plenty of information about why you picked things to keep and why you didn’t keep other things. This is how your stylist will know what to pick for your next box.
Pay: On the payment screen your $20 styling fee will be deducted from whatever you choose to keep. And, if you decide that you want to keep everything you’ll save 25% off your entire order – (a whopping 25%!!)
Enjoy!

Simply head here to fill out the Stitch Fix Style Profile and the Stitch Fix personal stylists will handpick a selection of five clothing items and accessories unique to your taste, budget, lifestyle and in this case, stage in your pregnancy. You can buy what you like and return the rest for free!

So, Does Stitch Fix Have Maternity Clothes?

Yes! And, when I heard that there was a Stitch Fix Maternity option I was thrilled! Try it once to get an outfit for a special event, or get every month of your pregnancy covered. It’s up to you.

And, as your baby gets older, there’s also a kids Stitch Fix, which is super fun as well!

Is there a certain type of pregnancy clothes that Stitch Fix has?

The Stitch Fix maternity program has everything from maternity dresses to post pregnancy dresses, plus size maternity, maternity pants, maternity jeans, maternity shorts, and even maternity bras. You might get your nw favorite knit top, or a skinny jean that you didn’t know that you could have ever lived without!

And, you can bet that they’ll be the cutest maternity clothes, as the Stitch Fix stylists are always on top of the latest trends.

How Much Does Maternity Stitch Fix Maternity Cost?

In reality, Stitch Fix Maternity costs the price of just one item. When you sign up for a one month delivery of Stitch Fix Maternity, you’ll pay a $20 styling fee.

But, here’s the awesome part of this maternity styling program: The $20 that you pay can go towards any one item in your order. So, if you love a pair of jeans that is in your maternity Stitch Fix box, keep the jeans and you’ll pay the difference between the $20 and the price of the jeans.

Why would I use the Stitch Fix Maternity program?

Well, does a FREE stylist sound good?! Ha – only kidding (but not really!) The Stitch Fix styling fee is $20 upfront, but technically it is FREE because that $20 can be applied towards anything you decide to order. This is AWESOME if you have an event coming up – like a baby shower, wedding, or for example, if you’re working through your pregnancy.

Or, maybe even if you’re in need of maternity workout clothes. The $20 will go towards whatever you choose, making for a possible free maternity clothing piece. Awesome, ‘eh?!

Does Stitch Fix offer maternity clothes for plus size women?

When you’re looking for plus sizes maternity clothes can be especially hard to find. But, since Stitch Fix offers maternity clothes for plus size women, this becomes a fantastic option!

Stitch Fix offers maternity items in sizes 0-14 & XS-XL as well as bump-friendly items in sizes 16-24W. When you create your Stitch Fix Maternity account, just let your Stylist know you’d like to receive maternity clothing by updating your Style Profile with your due date.

By letting them know when you’re due, your Stylist can send you the right pieces at the right time. How awesome is that?!

Does Stitch Fix also offer maternity clothes for petites?

Stitch Fix offers maternity clothes for women of all fits and sizes – including petite women as well.

What if I don’t love my all of my Stitch Fix Outfits?

The great thing about Stitch Fix is that when you pay your $20 styling fee on the front end, that $20 will go towards anything in the Stitch Fix box that you decide to keep. I LOVE that about Stitch Fix. So, let’s say your stylist sends you a $28 shirt as one of your five items. And, you love the shirt.

The $20 credit goes toward that shirt (and remember it’s going to fit you PERFECTLY because they have your measurements) and shipping is free.

Then, (for free!) you’ll send any of the pieces back that you didn’t care for. Easy peasy!

Does Stitch Fix have cheap maternity clothes?

The maternity clithes that Stitch Fix has are not cheap, but they’re not overly expensive either. They are reasonably priced and seeing as you don’t have to leave the house to shop for them, that makes them that much more appealing, right?

Can Stitch Fix send any kind of maternity clothes?

Yes. And, the more particular you are on the note that you send to your stylist, the better off you’ll be. Let the Stitch Fix stylists know the events that you have coming up, the pieces that you need to complete your maternity wardrobe and anything else that is pertinent to the state that you’re in and you’ll be all set!

Does Stitch Fix send cute maternity clothes?

Yep! You’ll be amazed at the clothes pregnant ladies can have when they have a Stitch Fix stylist shopping for them!

Does Stitch Fix do subscription boxes?

Stitch Fix is not a subscription box company. You schedule your Stitch Fix deliveries as needed, or you can opt to have them sent monthly. It’s up to you, but there is no monthly fee.

I love that about Stitch Fix!

When can I choose for my maternity fix to be sent?

You can do your fixes on demand (which is how I receive mine) or you can have them automatically sent. There is no mandatory monthly fee or anything like that.

Is Stitch Fix worth it?

100% Yes! If you only even choose to do one month and choose one or two high quality items, that makes Stitch Fix Maternity worth it for sure!

Any questions? Email me, and I’d be happy to answer any questions. The girls over at Stitch Fix are awesome at answering questions too. Once you make your initial profile here, you can ask questions through the form that they will get back to you with.

Head here to make your profile.

Check out the Stitch Fix Maternity Pinterest board for some inspiration.

If you answered yes, then you might want to consider signing up for Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited!

This amazing subscription service gives you access to an enormous library of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines that you can read to your heart’s content.

You can download as many books as you want and read them on any of your Amazon devices, including your Kindle e-reader, Fire tablet, or the Kindle app on your phone or computer.

Now, you may already be familiar with Amazon Prime, but did you know that Kindle Unlimited is a separate subscription service that can be added on top of your Prime membership?

With Prime, you get all sorts of amazing benefits, like free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video and Prime Music, and exclusive discounts.

But, if you’re a book lover, then you’re definitely going to want to sign up for Kindle Unlimited as well, which is a treasure trove of books that are not included in Prime Reading.

What is Kindle Unlimited?

Think of Kindle Unlimited as a Netflix for books.

It’s a subscription service that lets you access an enormous library of books for a monthly fee.

The best part? You can read as many books as you want from the Kindle Unlimited library without having to pay extra for each one.

Whether you’re into romance, thriller, mystery, or literary fiction, Kindle Unlimited has got you covered. It includes a wide variety of genres and categories, including bestsellers and self-published works.

So, if you’re tired of rereading the same old books on your bookshelf, Kindle Unlimited is the perfect solution to help you explore new literary worlds.

Another great thing about Kindle Unlimited is that you can use it on any device that has the free Kindle app installed.

This includes smartphones, tablets, and even your computer. So, if you’re on the go and don’t have your Kindle e-reader with you, you can simply switch to your phone and continue reading where you left off.

Oh, and did we mention that Kindle Unlimited also includes audiobooks? That’s right, you can listen to books on the go, whether you’re commuting to work or working out at the gym.

Plus, many Kindle Unlimited titles come with Audible narration, so you can seamlessly switch between reading and listening to the book.

All in all, Kindle Unlimited is an excellent choice for bookworms who want to discover new authors and genres without breaking the bank.

Get a FREE Month of Kindle Unlimited

The Differences Between Amazon Prime and Kindle Unlimited

Now, let’s address the burning question: Does Kindle Unlimited come with Amazon Prime? The short answer is no, but let’s dig deeper.

First, let’s talk about Amazon Prime. This is a subscription service that provides a host of benefits to its members. Some of these benefits include free two-day shipping, access to Prime Video and Prime Music, and unlimited photo storage.

But what about books? Well, Prime members do get access to a service called Prime Reading, which lets them borrow a rotating selection of ebooks, magazines, and comics for free. Prime Reading doesn’t offer as many titles as Kindle Unlimited, but it’s still a great perk for book lovers who also enjoy other benefits of Amazon Prime.

As for Kindle Unlimited, it’s a separate subscription service that requires its own monthly fee. However, Amazon Prime members do get a discount on Kindle Unlimited subscriptions. The exact discount varies depending on the plan you choose, but it can be a great way to save some money if you’re already an Amazon Prime member.

Get a FREE Month of Kindle Unlimited

So, to sum it up, Kindle Unlimited and Amazon Prime are two separate subscription services. While they don’t come bundled together, Prime members can still enjoy some book-related benefits through Prime Reading and can save money on a Kindle Unlimited subscription if they choose to sign up.

What is in the Kindle Unlimited Library and Catalogs?

Let’s talk more about what you can expect from the Kindle Unlimited library. At the time of writing, the library includes over one million titles, with more being added all the time.

The catalog includes a wide range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books.

Some of the publishers whose books are included in the Kindle Unlimited library include HarperCollins, Macmillan, and Penguin Random House. This means that you’ll find popular bestsellers alongside lesser-known gems that you might not have discovered otherwise.

One thing to keep in mind is that not all books are included in Kindle Unlimited. Some publishers choose not to participate in the program, which means that some of their titles won’t be available. However, with over a million titles to choose from, you’re sure to find plenty of great reads even if some of your favorites aren’t included.

Kindle Unlimited Cost and Free Trial of Kindle Unlimited:

Let’s talk about the cost of Kindle Unlimited.

As I mentioned earlier, the service requires a monthly fee.

At the time of writing this blog post, the cost is $9.99 per month. However, as an Amazon Prime member, you can get a discount on your Kindle Unlimited subscription.

Get a FREE Month of Kindle Unlimited

If you’re unsure whether Kindle Unlimited is right for you, you can take advantage of the 30-day free trial.

This lets you try out the service for a month before you commit to paying for it.

During the free trial, you’ll have access to the entire Kindle Unlimited library, so you can read as many books as you want without having to pay a dime.

Can I share Kindle Unlimited?

One of the great things about Kindle Unlimited is that you can share it with your family members. If you have an Amazon account and your family members have their own accounts linked to yours, they can access your Kindle Unlimited subscription as well.

How Can I Cancel Kindle Unlimited?

If you decide that Kindle Unlimited isn’t for you, you can cancel your subscription at any time. If you cancel during the free trial period, you won’t be charged anything. If you cancel after the free trial period, you’ll still have access to the service until the end of your billing cycle.

Is Kindle Unlimited worth it?

That’s a question that ultimately depends on your reading habits and preferences. If you’re someone who reads a lot and likes to explore different genres and authors, Kindle Unlimited can be a fantastic value, so yes, at times, and for some people, Kindle Unlimited is the best option! 

Kindle Unlimited vs. Prime Reading

While both Kindle Unlimited and Prime Reading offer access to a huge collection of books, they differ in some key ways.

Prime Reading is a feature included in the Amazon Prime subscription that provides access to a rotating selection of books, magazines, comics, and more.

On the other hand, Kindle Unlimited is a standalone subscription service that offers unlimited access to over one million books, audiobooks, and magazines.

Prime Reading allows Prime members to borrow up to 10 titles at a time, and there are no due dates, so subscribers can keep the books as long as they want. However, the selection is smaller than Kindle Unlimited, and not all books are available for free.

Get a FREE Month of Kindle Unlimited

With Kindle Unlimited, subscribers can read and listen to as many books as they want from the Kindle Unlimited library for a monthly fee of $9.99. This service offers access to a much larger selection of books, including bestsellers, literary fiction, thrillers, romance, and more. Plus, some books come with Audible narration, so you can switch between reading and listening seamlessly.

Overall, if you’re an avid reader and want access to a wider variety of books and access to books more often, Kindle Unlimited might be the better option for you.

But if you’re already an Amazon Prime member and only occasionally read books, Prime Reading would be a more cost-effective choice.

It’s your turn to sound off! What is your favorite way to get your eBooks?

But as you’ll see, the reality is a little bit different.

We’ll dig into the truth behind making money on the internet, and fast!

Are online surveys like this the right choice for you? Read here to find out.

Why Companies Pay for Surveys

Companies pay for surveys because they want to gather valuable insights and consumer feedback from their target audience.

By conducting surveys, companies can better understand their customers’ preferences, opinions, and behavior so customers’ opinions are something that they are happy to pay for!

This information can then be used to improve their products, services, and marketing strategies, ultimately leading to increased sales and customer loyalty.

By compensating people to take surveys online, companies can get more people to participate and provide the companies with more accurate and valuable data to better their products.

This is a great way for a company or retailer to get feedback without having to host people for a focus group or meetings.

How Do Online Surveys Work?

The process of signing up for and taking surveys on an online survey company can seem daunting. Thankfully, the process is pretty straightforward and usually follows the same steps:

• Choose a legitimate survey company:

  • I’ve listed my personal favorites below

• Create an account:

  • Once you have chosen a survey site, you will need to create an account, which includes basic personal information such as your name, email address, and demographic information.

• Complete your profile:

  • To maximize your chances of receiving surveys that you qualify for, be sure to complete your profile with as much information as possible, including your age, gender, education level, and employment status. This is really important to make sure you qualify for the surveys that you sign up for and eventually, the surveys that will be offered to you to complete.

• Look for surveys:

  • Once you have created an account and completed your profile, you can start looking for surveys to take. Survey companies will typically send you survey invitations via email, or you can log in to your account to see if there are any available surveys.

• Complete surveys:

  • When you receive a survey invitation, read the instructions carefully and complete the survey to the best of your ability. Some paid survey opportunities may be short and straightforward, while others may be longer and more complex. Usually, you are compensated based on the size and commitment of the survey.

• Earn rewards:

  • Once you have completed a survey, you will typically earn rewards such as points to redeem towards gift cards or even cash. Some survey sites may also offer other rewards or bonus points such as gift cards or prizes. Gift cards are usually offered to larger retailers like Amazon, Starbucks, Walmart, etc.

How Much You Can Make Taking Online Surveys?

The amount you can make by taking surveys online varies depending on several things, including the number of surveys you take, the length of the surveys, and the compensation offered by the survey site or company. Pay is usually $1-$10 per survey.

In general, taking online surveys is not a way to make a full-time income, but it can be a way to earn a little extra money in your spare time.

Most survey sites, in general pay anywhere from a few cents to a few dollars per survey, and some may offer other rewards such as gift cards, Paypal cash or prizes.

The amount you can earn per survey also depends on the complexity and length of the survey. Longer surveys that require more detailed responses usually pay more than shorter surveys.

If you’re looking for extra spending money working from home, or a small side hustle, this is a great option!

Spotting the Fake Survey Companies

There are several warning signs that can throw up a red flag that an online survey company isn’t legitimate.

Here are a few things to watch out for when you are wondering how to know fake survey companies.

1. High payment promises:

   If an online survey company promises high payouts for very little effort, it may be a scam. Legitimate survey sites typically offer modest compensation for completing surveys with a payout threshold that you should meet as well to get compensated. Doing online surveys will not replace the income of a full-time job.

2. Request for payment:

   If an online survey company asks you to pay a fee to sign up, to get your earnings, or to access surveys, it is likely a scam. Legitimate survey sites do not require payment to participate.

3. Personal information requests:

   If an online survey company requests too much personal information such as your social security number, bank account information, or credit card number, it is likely a scam. Legitimate survey sites will only ask for basic demographic information such as your age, gender, and location.

4. No contact information:

   If the branded surveys sites do not provide any contact information or customer support, it may be a scam. A legitimate paid survey site should have a way for you to contact them if you have any questions or concerns.

5. Poor website design:

   If the online survey sites company website looks unprofessional or have poor design, it may be a scam. Legitimate survey sites typically have well-designed websites with clear information about their services and compensation policy.

6. Unsolicited emails:

   If you receive unsolicited emails inviting you to take surveys from a market research companies you haven’t heard of, it may be a scam. Legitimate survey websites sites typically do not send unsolicited emails.

If something seems too good to be true, it probably is, but no fear, we are here to give you our top survey companies that are legit and pay well.

Top Online Survey Companies to Check Out

There are many online survey companies available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

Here are some of the top online survey companies and the best paid survey sites that are known for offering a variety of surveys and paying their members fairly:

1. Swagbucks:

Swagbucks is a popular survey site that offers a variety of surveys as well as other ways to earn rewards, such as watching videos, shopping online, and playing games.

2. Survey Junkie:

Survey Junkie is a well-known survey site that offers a variety of surveys on a wide range of topics. The site pays members in points, which can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.

3. Opinion Outpost:

Opinion Outpost is a survey site that pays members in cash for completing surveys, watching videos, and other activities. The site is known for offering higher-paying surveys than some other sites.

4. Toluna:

Toluna is a survey site that offers a variety of surveys as well as product testing opportunities. The site pays members in points, which can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.

5. Tippp:

Earning points by playing games is fun and straightforward. You have to reach certain levels, unlock hidden secrets or just beat the high score. Every time you complete a task, try an app or take a survey you get points for it to redeem for gift cards or cash.

6. YouGov:

YouGov is a survey site that offers surveys on current events, politics, and other topics. The site pays members in points, which can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.

OK, now it’s your turn to sound off! If you have done online surveys, what’s your favorite online survey company and why??

Let’s take a look at the best age for a Great Wolf Lodge visit, and what is available for each age group at the  to help you decide when is the best time for your family to hit up this resort!

Activities for Kids of All Ages at the Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Water Park

The great thing about Great Wolf Lodge is that there are activities and amenities catered to children of all ages. From toddlers to teens, there’s something fun and exciting available for every single age group.

While we think that the best age to enjoy Great Wolf Lodge is 7-13, we’ve had our kids at the Great Wolf Lodge water parks under 7 years old and over 13, so it’s all in the beholder’s eye.

We list the activities at Great Wolf Lodge locations below, and while all locations will vary, these are the most popular and most common activities.

For adults, there is plenty to do aside from watching the kids have fun! You can relax in any one of the pools and hot tubs or grab a bite to eat at one of their delicious restaurants.

Let’s break things down by age group to really explore all the fun there is to be had at Great Wolf Lodge!

See What Each Great Wolf Lodge Location Offers HERE

Top Activities for Toddlers at Great Wolf Lodge:

The activities are best for kids under 5 years old

1. Cub Paw Pool:

Picture a mini water wonderland crafted just for the little ones! The Lodge is a dream come true for families with tots since it has a special pool area where kiddos can splash around safely and have tons of fun.

Think shallow waters, cute slides, and magical water features that keep them entertained for hours. Sit back and soak in all the precious moments of them giggling and playing in this area.

Just pack goggles and you’ll be all set!

2.Great Wolf Stuffing Creation Station:

At the Stuffing Station, you and your little ones will get the chance to make your very own stuffed animals from scratch, making your visit to Great Wolf Lodge even more memorable.

Choose from an array of adorable creatures and watch as they’re stuffed, hugged, and loved before your eyes.

This unique, hands-on activity is perfect for families wanting to take home a tangible reminder of their water park adventure or simply seeking a creative break from the water fun.

No matter the reason, the Great Wolf Stuffing Station promises to hold a special place in your heart, just like your cuddly creations!

3. Seasonal Activities:

The Great Wolf Lodge seasonal activities such as Easter egg hunts, Halloween setups and more are so fun!

The water park is transformed into a truly unique and enchanting destination, one that caters to visitors of all ages and weaves unforgettable memories for families and friends to cherish!

It’s a fun time to visit when these events are happening.

4. Character Appearances:

You’ll be greeted by some lovable characters who are eager to make your day even more special.

Among these furry friends, you’ll meet Wiley the Wolf, the adventurous forest ranger; Violet the Wolf, a true nature lover; Oliver Raccoon, the smart and curious one; and many more!

To make sure you don’t miss a chance to meet these delightful characters, the park provides a schedule with designated times so you can plan your day around these magical encounters.

So, get ready to create unforgettable memories with these charming mascots while enjoying a super fun time at Great Wolf Lodge!

5. The Forest Friends Show:

Typically, the Forest Friends Show is performed several times a day, with specific times listed in the hotel’s daily schedule.

The show is located in the main lobby area of the hotel, which is an open area, perfect for you or the kids to move around.

The show will hold the kids attention, featuring animatronic animals, such as raccoons and bears, who sing and dance to a variety of catchy tunes.

Children are encouraged to participate in the show, making it a fun and interactive experience for the whole family – it’s super cute!

6. Read-aloud Story Times:

Great Wolf Lodge water parks are known for their water slides and pools, but they also offer Read-aloud Story Times.

These story times are perfect for families with young children who love books and storytelling.

During Read-aloud Story Times, a trained staff member reads a children’s book aloud to a group of children and their families. The readings take place in a cozy and comfortable space, usually near a fireplace, where families can sit back, relax, and enjoy the story together.

The stories that are read during these events are often related to themes that children can relate to, such as animals, nature, and adventure.

The staff members who lead the readings are skilled at engaging children’s imaginations and making the stories come alive. Our kids always loved the story time!

7. Great Wolf Lodge Cub Club:

Great Wolf Lodge water parks offer a special program called the Cub Club, designed specifically for young children. The Cub Club is a supervised play area where kids can engage in fun and educational activities while parents enjoy some time to themselves, however parents are welcome to stay as well!

The Cub Club is typically for children between the ages of 3 and 12, and is available at most Great Wolf Lodge locations.

Upon check-in, families can enroll their children in the program for an additional fee, and children receive a wristband that allows them access to the club.

I love that the Cub Club is divided into different age groups, with age-appropriate activities for each group.

For example, younger children may enjoy coloring, crafts, and interactive story time, while older children may engage in science experiments, games, and team-building activities.

One of the most popular features of the Cub Club is the Creation Station, where children can make their own stuffed animal souvenir to take home.

They can choose from a variety of animals, outfits and accessories, and staff members are on hand to help with the creation process.

In addition to the supervised activities, the Cub Club also has a play area with slides, climbing structures, and other equipment that kids can use to burn off energy and have fun.

Parents can feel confident leaving their children in the Cub Club, knowing that the staff members are trained and experienced in working with children.

You can also check in anytime, or call if you need to!

8. Dance Party:

One of the most popular events at Great Wolf Lodge is the “Dance Party,” which is held regularly at the resorts.

The Dance Party at Great Wolf Lodge is a high-energy event that is held in one of the main common areas of the resort.

The party typically takes place in the evening, and it features music, dancing, and a lot of fun for guests of all ages.

The Dance Party is led by the resort’s “ambassadors,” who are trained to lead the party and get everyone up and dancing.

During the Dance Party, guests can expect to hear a wide range of music, from popular songs to classic tunes.

The party is designed to be inclusive, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. The resort’s employees will often lead guests in fun dances and games, and sometimes they hand out glow sticks or other party favors.

We always thought this was super fun!

See the available Great Wolf Lodge Coupons HERE

What is there for Kids ages 4 and up to do at Great Wolf Lodge?

All of the activities in the list ablve are all great for these kiddos too, but the activities below are best suited for ages 4 and up:

1. Magiquest:

For the most creative and imaginative Great Wolf Lodge kiddos, the MagiQuest game is where it’s at!

MagiQuest is an interactive, role-playing game that is offered at Great Wolf Lodge resorts, especially popular among children between the ages of 5 and 12. Older kids and adults can also enjoy the game, especially if they are fans of fantasy and role-playing games, or just slipping into the make believe world for a little while. 

Once you have your wand, it’s yours to keep and you can begin the game by following a series of quests, which will lead you on a journey to defeat various creatures, gather magical artifacts, and ultimately save the kingdom, earning points and prizes. You get to decide how much time you want to spend in the realms of MagiQuest. Each quest takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete. With unlimited play during your stay, you can always take a break and come back later, which our kids love to do! 

If you want to start a new game, you will need to purchase a new wand, but wands are usually priced around $23.99. There are also add-on games at select hotels that you might be able to take advantage of too!

It’s a break from the water, and a nice game to play with a few kids that are with you, or even other hotel guests, too!

2. Hologate Virtual Reality:

Hologate Virtual Reality is a multi-player virtual reality experience that is offered at some of the Great Wolf Lodge resorts and is a great activity for families, groups of friends, or even solo players who want to compete against others.

The game involves donning a VR headset and entering a virtual world where players can explore, battle enemies, and complete challenges.

Hologate is a popular attraction among guests of all ages, especially those who are interested in gaming and technology.

Players do not win physical prizes when playing Hologate, but they can earn points and achievements within the game itself.

The experience of playing Hologate is usually reward enough, as the game is designed to be immersive and engaging, with high-quality graphics and sound effects.

In order to play Hologate, guests will need to purchase a ticket for the experience, which can be done at the Hologate counter in the resort. It is typically played in short sessions of a few minutes each, allowing for quick and easy gameplay that can be enjoyed throughout the day.

The ticket includes access to the VR headset and any necessary controllers or other equipment. Players do not need any special tools or skills to play Hologate, as the game is designed to be easy to learn and intuitive to use.

3. Ten Paw Alley:

Ten Paw Alley is an exciting and fun-filled indoor bowling alley that is available at some Great Wolf Lodge Resorts.

To play at Ten Paw Alley, guests are required to pay a fee, which may vary depending on the location of the Great Wolf Lodge resort and the time of day which is not included with either the Pup Pass or Wolf Pass.

You can typically expect to pay around $5 to $8 per game per person, with discounts available for multiple games or larger groups.

Ten Paw Alley features five traditional ten-pin bowling lanes that are scaled down in size to fit the smaller space inside of the resorts.

The lanes use lightweight bowling balls, smaller pins, and automated bumpers that can be raised or lowered to help younger children play.

The bowling alley is perfect for a change of pace!

4. Northern Lights Arcade:

Do your kids love arcades? If so, here’s a fun thing to do at Great Wolf Lodge when you need a break from the water!

Northern Lights Arcade is your run of the mill arcade including classic games like skee-ball and air hockey, as well as newer games like virtual reality experiences and interactive motion games.

The arcade also includes ticket redemption games, where guests can earn tickets by playing games and redeem them for prizes at the end of their visit.!

The arcade games aren’t included with either the Pup Pass or Wolf Pass and the cost of playing at the arcade may vary depending on the location of the Great Wolf Lodge resort, but I always paid $0.50 to $3 per game or activity.

And, the kids love the arcade!

Several other highlights that are perfect for the kids are:

• Mini Golf:

 Several Great Wolf Lodge Resorts offer mini golf courses for guests to enjoy. The courses typically feature 9 holes and are themed around the resort’s overall aesthetic. For example, at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, TX, the mini golf course is themed around a Texas oil field.

• Laser Tag:

 Many Great Wolf Lodge Resorts feature a laser tag arena where kids can compete in team-based laser tag games. The arenas are typically designed with a fun and exciting theme, such as a castle or outer space.

• Gem Mining:

 Some Great Wolf Lodge Resorts offer gem mining activities, where kids can purchase a bag of mining rough and sift through it to find gems and minerals. The experience is designed to be educational and interactive, and kids can take their finds home as a souvenir.

• Ropes Course:

 The “Fallen Timbers” ropes course is a challenging outdoor activity available at some Great Wolf Lodge Resorts. The course features a series of obstacles and high ropes elements that challenge participants to navigate and balance while suspended in the air. The course is designed for guests over 48 inches tall and typically requires a separate fee.

Check out the Nearest Location to You HERE!

And, last, but not least, with an adult for the younger kids in this age group, inside the indoor waterpark enjoy the wave pool, lazy rivers, outdoor pool areas, the frog pond (outfitted with ropes to hang from, lilypads to try to stay on, and basketball hoops to shoot on!) and of course water slides upon water slides!

Teens and Tween Activities at Great Wolf Lodge:

These activities are for the kiddos age 10 and over:

In addition to everything mentioned above, there are several water slides like the Howlin’ Tornado that are perfect for the older kids and take some courage to go in to.

These are perfect for the teens, tweens, and dare I say adults that are more daring (than I!)

Adult Activities at Great Wolf Lodge:

Along with just being a kid yourself and enjoying watching your kids have fun at the water park, you can relax in any one of the pools and hot tubs or grab a bite to eat at one of their delicious restaurants with different dining options and food including: pizza, sandwiches and fries, burgers, chicken offerings and more.

Your kids won’t be the only ones that will want to enjoy the ice cream, candy and bear paw sweets that different Great Wolf Lodge resorts have to offer.

I also need to mention that most locations also have a Dunkin’ Donuts on site. (Yay to help with those who still have early risers!)

Let’s just say: come hungry!

You will run out of time to do all of the things you want to!

I hope this article helps put your mind at ease while booking your Great Wolf Lodge vacation, and don’t forget to check out the website for the exact location that you’re planning on visiting here so that you can see a map of the hotel. If you are a visual learner, like I am, this will help a ton!

See What Each Great Wolf Lodge Location Offers HERE

Since Amazon presents both services, the glaring question becomes: What’s the distinction between the two reading options?

This Amazon Prime Reading vs Kindle Unlimited comparison will make that clear.

Want to get Free Kindle books on Kindle readers? How about finding free Kindle books for avid readers? Or, how do you go about getting free Kindle books on Amazon Prime? eBook reading programs are becoming more popular. You just have to know how to find the best one for you and how to take advantage of them. Which one is better for you? We are looking at Kindle Unlimited vs Prime Reading.

What is Kindle Unlimited vs. Prime Reading?

Prime Reading and Kindle Unlimited both provide a vast library of e-books, digital magazines, comics, and even audiobooks.

However, Prime Reading is exclusive to Amazon Prime members as an Amazon Prime benefit, while Kindle Unlimited is available to everyone.

Prime members get access to magazines, books and other content at no additional cost through their Prime membership.

Kindle Unlimited offers its members more than the limited amount of content that Prime Reading gives with over one million titles for a small monthly subscription fee, and you can even get a free or discounted Kindle membership here!

In comparison, Prime Reading has some significant benefits, such as exclusive prime-only titles.

For those who don’t read enough books, it’s hard to justify investing in a Kindle Unlimited membership.

So here we break down each option:

Top Benefits of Kindle Unlimited:

1. Hundreds of thousands of titles to choose from, giving readers access to a digital library of books.
2. No due dates, no holds, unlimited simultaneous accessing and free audiobooks
3. Textbooks available for rent
4. Free access to Amazon Audible Originals
5. Get exclusive book discounts and early access perks
6. Prime Reading access
7. Personalized recommendations based on the books you’ve read in the past
8. Cancel anytime at no cost
9. Access Kindle editions through apps on your apple or android device or PC computer via a web browser
10. Easy sharing with family or friends
11. Listen hands-free with Amazon Alexa integration and narration
12. Borrow up to ten books at once through a single account

Top Benefits of Prime Reading:

1. Included as a bonus with an Amazon Prime membership (along with Prime Video, Prime Music, select movies, Prime only tv shows and more) Get a free trial of Amazon Prime here.
2. Access to thousands of books, magazines and comics to read at no additional cost
3. Opportunity to explore new genres, discover favorite authors and even catch up on popular magazines
4. Access a wide selection of digital content instantly without ever leaving home
5. Save money by not needing to purchase additional magazine subscriptions or buy individual books from Amazon’s vast digital library
6. Access titles from Kindle Devices such as Kindles and smartphone devices enabled with the Kindle app
7. Customers can search for specific titles using Amazon’s search engine instead of manually going through bookstore after bookstore in an attempt to find what you’re looking for
8. Reducing the time spent searching for particular reads
9. Unlimited access to the books offered in Prime Reading

Key Takeaways:

• Kindle Unlimited offers a much larger selection of Kindle books than Amazon Prime Reading does
• Every Amazon Prime member gets free access to Prime Reading, whereas a Kindle Unlimited subscription costs $9.99 per month
• You can access both Prime Reading and Kindle Unlimited with Kindle e-readers or through the Kindle app available on most devices
• If you’re an occasional reader looking for the latest bestsellers or magazines, then Prime Reading may be the right option
• If you lean more towards expansive libraries of books, magazines and audiobooks, then Kindle Unlimited might be more suitable

Kindle Unlimited vs. Prime Reading

As you can see from the comparisons above, Kindle Unlimited offers a much larger selection of Kindle books in the Kindle store than Amazon Prime Reading does, but weighing the price per month is the proper task at hand.

Your ultimate decision will depend on the type of reader you are, and the books you like to read. If Prime Reading doesn’t have what you like, then for the price of just one Kindle book, you can have unlimited Kindle books with a Kindle Unlimited membership.

Get a free month of Kindle Unlimited here to try it out!

Is Prime reading the same as Kindle Unlimited?

In my honest opinion, Prime Reading is for more of a light reader, someone who picks up a magazine or a book here and there, but Prime Reading is probably to intermediate for someone who views reading as a hobby per se.

Are all Prime Reading Books in Kindle Unlimited?

Yes, all Prime Reading books and ebooks are in Kindle Unlimited, but not all Kindle Unlimited books are in Prime Reading. You can see the Prime Reading books that are available here.

Get a Free Trial of Prime Reading with a FREE 30 Day Amazon Prime Membership

Is Amazon Unlimited Reading Free with Prime?

No, Amazon unlimited reading (officially named Kindle Unlimited) is not included with your Amazon Prime membership, only the limited version of Prime Reading is included with an Amazon Prime membership.

How much is Kindle Unlimited if you have Amazon Prime?

Kindle Unlimited’s price is around $9.99 per month (get a free trial here) on top of an Amazon Prime membership price.

Are books free with Kindle Unlimited?

Yes, eBooks that you borrow from the Kindle library are free with your Kindle Unlimited membership.

How many books are free with Prime reading?

Prime members can download one free book each month from a selection of six editors’ picks. They announce new titles at the start of each month.

Want to get started with getting your own free samples in the mail? This is my most updated list of free samples to request (many of which include free shipping!)

Everything to Know About Getting Free Samples in the Mail

There’s nothing more awesome than getting surprises in the mail, is there?! I love it when my mail is a little heavier than normal because it’s filled with free samples (rather than bills, right?!).

How do I get free samples in the mail?

There is free stuff everywhere you look (seriously!) A big part of getting free samples is keeping your eyes wide open and your ears as well.

I am going to list out my favorite places to request free samples, but that’s my first tip. Look for free product coupons at the grocery store — a lot of times they’re even on the products themselves.

My second tip is to listen to commercials and you’ll hear about free samples or a high value coupon on a website.

And, the last super simple tip for getting freebies that I have is to check your email. So many times companies email out one time use coupons, or coupon codes to try their newest products. It’s a great way to try the newest things from your favorite brands.

Top places to get free samples in the mail:

Two FREE Yankee Candles: 

Head here to sign up to get two free Yankee Candles. You’ll need to submit a review of your candles, but this is a great way to get started with mystery shopping and how mystery shopping works, too!

PinchMe will send full boxes of free stuff when you sign up for an account and qualify for a box. Head here to learn more.

What do I do when I get extra free samples by mail?

I love using my free samples by mail in guest bathrooms! Another great way to use free samples is when you travel. When we stay the night anywhere where shampoo, soap and other toiletries aren’t provided, those kinds of freebies come in really handy!

And, it goes without mentioning that I also love getting free grocery samples by mail, too. This is a great way to try out new products!

Are there free samples – no surveys, no catch by mail?

These are my favorite companies that offer free samples (but please note that you’ll have to answer a few questions):

• Toluna: An online survey company that also offers PAID Product Trials, making you spend less in the stores, and essentially help you make money from home and save money. That means you can get free products AND get paid to review them by answering surveys about the products.
• Product Testing USA:  Product Testing allows you to test a variety of all the latest tech, gadgets, fashion accessories and more. It even gives you the opportunity to mystery shop some amazing stores and fantastic restaurants all across the US. All users need to do is write a simple review in exchange for keeping their chosen product for free!

What if I’d Rather Make Money Online than Get Free Samples by Mail?

Well, in that case, you’re really in luck! There are SEVERAL companies that are willing to pay you real money for your opinion! Companies want your feedback, and they want to know what helps make your purchasing decisions. So, in turn, they’re willing to give you money for your opinion.

There are several legit companies that I recommend signing up with if you’re looking to be compensated for your time online.

Here are the best ones:

• National Consumer Panel: Join National Consumer Panel to earn valuable points, which are redeemable for electronics, household items, jewelry, toy, gift cards, and more.
  • There is no landline required with this homescan signup – YAY!
  • Once you become a NCP panel member all you have to do is scan and send your household purchase information to the company digitally with a handheld scanner that they provide.
  • For each week of the month that NCP receives your purchase information, you will earn one entry into the Monthly Sweepstakes where you can win a $500 American Express Rewards Card.
  • That’s up to FOUR entries every month! Every month, 25 panel members win!
  • That’s not all… Every quarter an additional 40 panel members win a $500 American Express Rewards card just by sending purchase information in every week of a month.
• Opinion Outpost:
  • This online company conducts surveys because businesses, governments, public bodies, and similar organizations are interested in the views and attitudes of the people who use their products and services.
  • The more they know about what customers and citizens think, the easier it is for them to improve and adapt what they supply.
  • Rewards include cash, Amazon gift cards, game points, donations to your favorite charities, and more. Everyone is also automatically entered to win a $10,000 sweepstakes by joining and taking surveys.
• Pinecone Research: This company pays members to do surveys and share their opinions of brands and new products.
  • Pinecone Research has an A+ rating with the BBB – Better Business Bureau and is rated #2 on Survey Police, making it a surefire favorite of survey companies.

Is there such a thing as getting free baby samples in the mail?

You can definitely get free baby samples in the mail!  There are more free baby samples and baby companies that offer freebies as well.

Here are some of my favorites:

• Free Pack n’ Cool from Enfamil here
• Similac StrongMoms: Receive over $300 in free stuff. Last I checked, you’ll also get a free Shutterfly Pregnancy Photo Book valued at over $30!

More ways to get free samples by mail:

• Free Stuff by Mail (Over $100 worth!)

Get Trendy Boots for only $10!

Head over here to JustFab where they are offering your first item, a pair of boots, sandals or shoes for as low as just $10!

After you take a quick style quiz survey, you’ll be able to choose from hundreds of styles of shoes for next to nothing prices.

This is your chance to try a pair of Just Fab women’s boots, women’s shoes or Just Fab sandals for next to nothing!

I just LOVE a good deal on a wardrobe update for cheap!

You can decide to stay a VIP Member of Just Fab Shoes and receive a $39.95 credit to your account each month, choose a new pair of shoes each month, or skip each month altogether.

The best part is that all charges become a member credit that you can redeem any time, or shop or skip by the 5th of each month to avoid a $39.95 charge.

Are Just Fab Shoes Good?

I have loved every single pair of Just Fab shoes that I’ve received. And to get $10 boots? That is just plain awesome!

Some of the boots are $11-$15 after your first member credit, but these prices still cannot be beat! 

How to Skip a Month on JustFab:

If you decide to keep your membership, you’ll simply visit your Just Fab online boutique between the 1st and the 5th of each month to shop for your new selections. And, if you are not ready to make your purchase, simply log into your account and press the “Skip The Month” button by the 5th and you will not be charged.

If no action is taken between the 1st and the 5th of each month, they will charge your credit card $49.95 on the 6th (for a member credit) until you cancel.

You can redeem each credit towards another JustFab item, so you can use it to shop later!

Or, if you decide after getting your first pair of shoes, jeans or new faux suede/leather booties that this just isn’t for you, you may cancel your VIP membership by calling 1-866-337-0906 (open 24/7).

Is JustFab Really $10?

Yes, JustFab is really $10, but only on your first checkout.

From there you’ll decide if you want to keep the monthly subscription for yourself, or not. If you keep the subscription you’ll pay $49.95 a month and can use that credit anytime towards anything on the website. Or skip the month and pay nothing.

JustFab has so many categories to shop from including:

• Activewear
• Denim
• Dresses
• Intimates
• Jumpsuits & Rompers
• Loungewear
• Slippers
• Outerwear
• Pants
• Shorts
• Skirts
• Sweaters
• Tops
  … and so much more!

Just look at the options that they offer for picking the right boots for example:

• Cold Weather & Rain Boots
• Flat Boots/Flat Soles
• Over-The-Knee Boots
• Heeled Boots
• Combat Boots
• Cowboy & Western Boots
• Riding Boots
• Fuzzies
• Dress Boots
• Lug Sole Boots
• Lace-Up Boots
• Black Boots
• White Boots
• Wide Calf Boots
• Extra Wide Calf Boots
• Extra Wide Width Booties
  … and more!

Can you cancel JustFab membership?

You can 100% cancel your JustFab Membership by simply calling the VIP membership line.

Can you cancel JustFab VIP after first order?

You can absolutely cancel Just Fab after your first order. Maybe you only wanted a new pair of boots for October, November, or just a couple new boots for the winter months.

That is fine!

You may cancel your VIP membership by calling 1-866-337-0906 (open 24/7). They will likely try and retain you because of the great special deals that they offer, but just be strong and confirm that you’d like to cancel.

Does JustFab have free returns?

Yes! Just Fab offers a free shipping pre-paid return label for returns or exchanges within 60 days from the date of shipment and in new, unused condition with original packaging if you are not happy with your purchase. Final sale items, however might be excluded from returns – make sure to read the promotion disclaimers for each item individually.

To get your free return started, head to My Account Order History and click on the return link on the order details and to request a return label.

JustFab offers 3 easy return options: (1) return for JustFab membership or store credit for free ; (2) exchange for another item for free; (3) return for a refund.

What is JustFab return policy?

Just Fab offers a pre-paid return label for returns or exchanges within 60 days from the date of shipment and in new, unused condition with original packaging if you are not happy with your purchase.

They recommend trying on shoes on a carpeted surface to prevent scuffs and scratches.

Handbags, jewelry and accessories must be returned with all pieces included and intact, and earrings unworn.

Apparel must also be returned unworn, with all tags still attached.

Can you use JustFab credits on ShoeDazzle?

Unfortunately JustFab and ShoeDazzle are operated as separate companies and the credits are not interchangeable on eachothers websites.

How do I spend my JustFab credit?

At JustFab you can use your $49.95 member credit on anything towards your next order of $49.95 or more!

Have your eye on a Michael Kors purse? You’re going to want to check this sale with rock bottom Michael Kors purses at LOW prices!

A few awesome deals I spotted while peeking around the Macy’s Michael Kors purses sale:

• Michael Kors Small Crossbody
• Michael Kors Julia Medium Messenger
• Michael Kors Mae Large East West Drawstring Tote

Shipping is free on orders over $49, which will include most everything included in this Michael Kors purse sale.

Where can I find more Michael Kors purses on sale?

Although the Macy’s Michael Kors purse prices are some of the best when they get marked down. there are other places that you can find some awesome Michael Kors purses on sale.

My favorite places to look for MK purses on sale include:

The Michael Kors Outlet (plus, sign up for the Michael Kors free VIP Club and get 10% off your first purchase!)

Dillards – there are some really nice prices in this Michael Kors purse sale!

Belk – I am loving the sale prices on Michael Kors purses here!

While the Upside app has been around since 2016, it has rebranded a few times and it really seems to be making a huge marketing push, and for good reason! 

Today I am reviewing the Upside app (formerly known as the Get Upside app) to let you know what it takes to use the app, how to earn cash back and everything else that you will want to know about easy way to earn money online.

Get Upside App Review | Upside App Review

The Upside app was originally called Get Upside app, so I will use the names interchangablly in this article, but know that both names talk about one app, now call the Upside app.

In a nutshell, here is why you should use the Upside app:

○ It’s easy to use
○ It’s real cash
○ It really adds up — cents turn into dollars! 

Sign me up for the FREE Upside App to start earning cash back on gas! 

Everything You Need To Know About the Upside Cash Back App

Step 1: Download the App

In order to start using the Upside app (formerly known as the getupsideapp) head here to the Apple app store, or here to the Google play store to initiate the app download.

Once you’ve started the app download process, be ready to create an account. You can make a username and password, or you can simply sign in using Facebook, which is usually the easiest.

Step 2: Find Participating Businesses in Your Area

Once you have the app downloaded onto your mobile device, you’re ready to start getting rewarded right away.

You will immediately be able to find offers that are available near you. You can zoom out or zoom in and move around the area as well to find the nearest offers.

You’ll see right away that the getupside app offers gas station perks, and every once in awhile there will be an additional perk.

For example, I usually see anywhere from 2 cents per gallon rewards, but every now and then I’ll see an offer for 25 cents back per gallon. That’s a great way to save on gas!

Step 3: Claim an Offer

When you are ready to claim an offer head to your Upside app on your phone and press on the gas station (or restaurant) that you’re at.

Press the button on the bottom of the page that says “claim offer”

Step 4: Complete Your Claimed Deal

To complete your claimed deal, you will have a set amount of time, usually 4 hours to upload and attach a receipt.

Make sure that you get a paper receipt or you will not be able to claim the offer!

Step 5: Upload the Receipt or Check In

Once you upload your receipt inside of the Upside app your work is done!

Just sit back and wait for your email saying that you’ve received your reward.

Step 6: Cash Out!

Once you have $15 of rewards in your Upside app you are eligible to cash out.

When you are ready to cash out you’ll have the opportunity to deposit the free money into Paypal, or your choice of several different restaurants.

This is my most recent cashback payout from Upside below, I went boring with Paypal (ha!)

Also, there was no transfer fee, either (bonus!)

Sign me up for the FREE Upside App to start earning cash back on gas! 

Frequently asked questions about the Upside app:

What is the catch with Upside app?

There are no catches to the Upside app – it is literally a gas app that pays you back when you get gas at participating gas stations.

What is Upside app?

This amazing app is a gas and money saving app that pays you back, offering you the cash via discounts at grocery stores, restaurants and more big brands – simple as that. As long as you remember to check into the gas station and upload your receipt, you will get free money when you buy gas.

How does Upside app work?

Claim your offer at the gas station: Upload a photo of your receipt after you buy gas – it’s as easy as that!

Once you’ve met a certain amount you can cash out for a gift card to use towards your purchase of groceries, coffee, or just send the money straight to your bank account via Paypal. 

Is get Upside app legit?

The Getupside app is legit and I personally use it!

How does Upside app make money?

The Upside app makes money after its partners have made money.

Once the partners have proven to be successful at being a part of the Upside app, the app will make a commission split from the earnings.

Is the Upside app free for me to use? 

You do not pay to use the Upside app. This money-saving app is 100% free for you to use! 

What stores can I use this app at? 

Upside users can use the Upside iOs or android app to claim offers at fast food joints like Burger King or Dunkin’, Exxon, Circle K, Caseys, Mobil, bp amoco, conoco gas stations, several local businesses and more! 

Join the FREE Upside App to start earning cash back on gas! 

This review is all about the Babebox, a beauty subscription box!

Babebox is a makeup subscription box for serious fans of makeup and trying new products.

Each box contains 4-6 high quality full size, travel size and sample size exclusive and limited edition beauty products in several categories, including skincare, bath and body, hair care, makeup, facial masks and beauty accessories.

And, right now and while this deal lasts, Babebox is offering your first month free! That means for your first Babebox you’ll only be paying to ship the first order – just $6.95! 

Examples of what can be in a box of Babebox products: 

• Lipstick
• Eyeliner
• Eye shadow
• Blush
• Skincare products
• Everything is cruelty-free, as well!

You’ll receive over $100 worth of products for only the price of shipping – and if you were to make the purchases separately on your own, you’d pay a lot more! 

Head here to get your FIRST Babebox!

How to get the best price on shipping on your Babebox subscription boxes:

Shipping is free worldwide for any of the pre-paid plans.

If you decide to go month-to-month, shipping prices are $6.95 to the US and $7.95 for anywhere else in the world.

How to cancel your Babebox subscription:

You can cancel your subscription very easily. Just log into your account to cancel or shoot an email to su*****@***********cs.com for assistance.

First Box Free Promotion subscribers may cancel penalty-free after their second month.

Free Box Promotion cancellations requested prior to the second month will be charged $29 for the first box.

Reach out to ba*****@***********cs.com if you have any questions.

Knowing how to get free stuff online was a such a God-send during these times, and it was so much easier than I ever realized!

So today, I want to share how to get free stuff online with you.

Taking surveys for free stuff sometimes gets a bad rap, but I think that’s only because people don’t understand the process, or they have worked with less-than-honest companies in the past. However, the companies I’m sharing below are ones that I have tried myself and know to be true and honest.

They are seriously one of the best ways to get free stuff online, so  go ahead, check them out and give them a shot!

How to Get Free Stuff Online By Doing Surveys & Giving Your Opinion!

Did you know that you can actually get free stuff online just by giving your opinion? There are numerous companies that are willing to pay you and/or give you free products just for giving your two cents.

How do I know how to get free stuff online without paying?

Well, for starters, all of the survey companies that I have listed below are legit and I have worked with them to take surveys to get free stuff in the past.

You will not pay to be a part of any of these survey companies. So, if it feels too good to be true, and it’s not on this list, it probably is?

Feel free to shoot me an email and I’d love to look into any new opportunities that you find to see if they’re legit though. I’m happy to help!

Can I get free online stuff {really?!}

You sure can get free things online. I have received more full size makeup products than I care to admit over the years. And, once you feel like you have the gist of getting free stuff online by doing surveys, you might even decide to take on the next step of sharing your love of getting free stuff online by starting a blog (hey, crazier things have happened!)

I’ve listed below the TOP 10 companies that will compensate you for your opinion.

** Please note: You *may be able to apply for all of these if they are still accepting applicants. Good luck!

Ten Survey Companies Where You Can Get Free Stuff Online:

1. Toluna

Influence tomorrow’s products by joining Toluna, participate in online surveys and get rewarded with PayPal, Amazon & Tango e-vouchers.

Register for free in just 2 minutes and receive 500 bonus points ($5) as a welcome gift from us!

FREE! Earn $5 when you join Toluna Surveys!

2. Paid Surveys.io 

• 1. Registering for an account, confirm the confirmation email they send
• 2. Complete surveys and offers or simply watch videos in your spare time
• 3. Earn points for every activity you complete and redeem for rewards from stores including Amazon and Paypal

Earn Free Money with Paid Surveys.io

3. YouGov Survey Company

• 1. Join millions of others in sharing your opinion on politics, sport, entertainment and more to earn money and shape the news
• 2. Get cash for taking surveys
• 3. You’ll earn points every time you answer a survey – the longer the survey, the more points you’ll earn 

Earn Free Money with YouGov

4. Branded Surveys

• 1. Tell them about yourself and answer a few basic questions so they can match you with surveys!
• 2. Earn points for sharing your opinion and help shape tomorrow’s products and services.
• 3. Redeem your points for cash or over 100 gift card option including Amazon, Target, Paypal and more.

Earn Free Money Branded Surveys

5. Focus Group by Schlesinger

You will be asked for some basic information and will be able to create your own personal login and password.

Once your profile is complete, we can begin matching your lifestyle, and interests, to one of the thousands of research studies we conduct each year.

When we find a study that fits your profile we will contact you either by email or phone, to see if you qualify.

You will receive an incentive in the form of reward points or Visa debit cards for participating in any online or in-person studies within 4-6 weeks!

Try this Focus Group HERE

6. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is one of the most popular survey sites, and for sure one to join if you want to earn extra money online! 

Have more questions? See my Survey Junkie review.

Earn FREE Money with Survey Junkie HERE

7. Clearvoice Surveys

Get Paid To Take Surveys and Share Your Opinions about the products and services you use every day.

Try Clearvoice Surveys HERE

8. Nielsen Research

By participating in Nielsen research, you can improve products and services you use online today. Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel combines your device usage with people like you to build a picture of consumer behavior.

By using your devices as you do every day, we invite you to make a difference – and you earn rewards while doing so!

Easy money! 

See what it Takes to Join Nielsen Research Company HERE

9. Survey Club

Survey Club offers focus groups, clinical trials, and survey opportunities via your email or via text message. Access hundreds of local research facilities and opportunities in your city.

Better yet, it’s Free to join, and there are no registration fees ever.

You’ll earn cash, sweepstakes, and prizes for your participation.

Try Survey Club HERE

10. Survey Table

The Survey Table rewards program grows every day, all depending on what our members most want to earn. To make the most of your opinions, you’ll first take a Personality Survey.

It’s how they target the surveys to your needs and interests.

The virtual debit cards ($10 and up) currently up for grabs: Amazon.com, Banana Republic, Barnes and Noble, GAP Brands, Regal Theaters and more.

Try Survey Table HERE

See more freebies here! And, see all of the online deals here.

To help you find the best gift for a trucker, or if you’re simply looking for gifts for long-distance drivers or a gift for a truck driver husband, we’ve put together a list of our top 10 favorite trucker gifts.

Top 13 Best Gifts for Truck Drivers

If you have a truck driver to buy for, you know how hard they work, and the long hours that they put in. Gifts that are perfect for an over-the-road truck driver are gifts that have high durability, create comfort since they’re away from home so much and ease the fatigue of driving such long periods.

1. Books

It is always nice to read for pleasure, so why not give the gift of books? This can come in handy when they are on an extended haul and have downtime after getting dropped off by another driver at the customer’s location.

Or if they are on a short-haul, they can use their downtime to read. Just make sure you get the books that have the same genre of movies or music they are into, so it is easy for them to find what they want to read next.

Gift Ideas for Truck Drivers TIP: A fantastic way for truck drivers to read books is to listen to them while they drive!

Audiobooks

Get started with a 30-day free trial of audiobooks from the company appropriately named Audiobooks here and your truck driver will get their first 3 audiobooks on the company!

Access a premium library of over 250,000 books, plus 10,000+ free audiobooks and access to 100+ million podcast episodes.

Audible

Truck drivers can get also get a FREE 30 day subscription to Audible, Amazon’s “Books on tape” program here.

Then, you can always buy your favorite truck driver Amazon gift cards to buy books to play on their Audible account.

Audible is really simple to use. Read all about it here.

Sirius XM

2. Snacks

Hungry drivers need something to munch on when they aren’t sleeping in their truck at a truck stop or on the road. They could eat the snacks you give them over a period of days, so it’s nice to have some variety instead of having all their snacks from one box run out at once. The best gifts for truck drivers are things that can be drawn out for a length of time.

If they enjoy nuts, there are many kinds you can get from peanuts to almonds and cashews that will last a long while.

And, those of us that are looking for good gifts for truckers, there are several companies that send snack boxes to recipients, so if you aren’t up for putting a snack box together, you can just have one sent!

SnackNation

SnackNation allows your favorite truck driver to indulge in tasty chips, nutrition bars, savory jerkies, better-for-you sweets, nuts and more! It’s the perfect snack box size for truck drivers, meetings, gifts, celebrations, birthdays, holidays, care packages and more.

Plus SnackNation provides an exclusive curation of premium snacks that you can’t find anywhere else AND they’ll donate one meal to a family in need for every box you receive.

Carnivore Club

The Carnivore Club subscription offers 4 to 6 handcrafted cured types of meat (total 20 to 32 oz) from new artisans each month with free shipping. As a bonus for truck drivers that are on the road, all meats are cured and sealed so they’re shelf stable and don’t require refrigeration or ice-packs during transit.

Buffalo Bills Jerky Subscription Box

This one-time (or monthly if you decide) box will always contain 10 meat snack items. They’ll include a mix of a jerky, sticks, and other select meat snacks made with an assortment of meats including beef, ham, turkey, venison, elk, and wild boar. Each month varies – how fun!

3. Magazines

This is a great gift idea for truck drivers because there are tons of different types and genres to choose from.

From business magazines like Forbes and Entrepreneur to Popular Mechanics and Sports Illustrated they will have something interesting to read during their downtime on the road. If they enjoy cooking, why not get them a magazine that features recipes? Or if they enjoy cars, you could give them a car-related magazine.

Discount Mags – This is the BEST website for getting cheap magazine subscriptions.

Digital Magazine Subscriptions here.

4. Travel mugs or water bottles

Truck drivers are always on the move, so it is nice to have water bottles or other drinks to make sure they stay hydrated. personalized truck driver gifts are also super fun and these are simple to have personalized.

If you can get a bottle or mug with their company logo on it, it makes an excellent promotional gift for them to advertise your brand when they go out of town and spend time in different places. This is a great way for your company to get more recognition in the area.

Personalized Coffee Mugs

Personalized Water Bottles

Personalized Coffee or Tea Tumblers

5. Movies

For example, if they are a fan of action movies, they could watch “Die Hard” or “Terminator 2”. For comedies, you could give them “Back to the Future” or “The Blues Brothers”. If they have kids, you could get them a movie that their kids would enjoy too. This is a great gift idea because the trucker will watch it in their downtime while they are driving or when they get home. (No more having to pay late fees at the video store!)

Amazon Prime offers Unlimited instant streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows, and as a bonus, he’ll get FREE Two-Day Shipping on millions of items

Plus, there’s unlimited, ad-free streaming of over a million songs, as well as several more Prime benefits.

6. Travel pillow

Getting comfortable enough to sleep while sitting straight up in the driver’s seat of a truck can be difficult, but if you get them a travel pillow they will have something soft to lean against which will make it easier for them to fall asleep.

Some pillows are better at blocking out sound while others are better at holding their head up without hurting their neck.

• A nice mattress is also a nice gift idea as sleeping in a truck obviously isn’t the desired setup
• A seat cushion that’s meant for long periods of sitting is another idea – once that’s super padded and good for easing discomfort and limiting the back pain

7. Emergency kit

You never know when an emergency is going to happen, so it is always a good idea to have something to keep the driver safe in case of an accident.

In this emergency kit you could include things like flashlights, road flares and tools like screwdrivers, scissors, pliers and wrenches. This will help when the driver is out on the road and in need of something they don’t normally keep in their truck like jumper cables or an extra tire iron.

Speaking of emergencies, a nice first aid kit is always a nice idea as well.

8. Portable car jump starter

This would make a great gift for someone who enjoys working on cars when they aren’t at work, but it can also be useful for truckers who are on the road.

When they suddenly notice their battery is dying, they could use this jump starter to give it a boost and get back to where they need to be safely. This way they don’t have to worry about being stuck out in the middle of nowhere!

• Headlamps are also a thoughtful gift idea – in case they’re stuck out in the dark jumping the truck, or doing other work on the car
• Sunglasses – If it’s not dark, it’s a good chance the driver will want some nice sunglasses to see while he’s driving, or working on the truck

9. Charge up portable power bank

This would make another great gift idea if the trucker you are shopping for enjoys using their mobile devices all day and doesn’t like to worry about running out of power. This portable battery pack will charge up their devices when they aren’t near an outlet and make sure they can use them when needed most.

10. Flip flops or slippers

If possible, we recommend getting your trucker something they can use inside of their cab.

Many drivers complain about the cold in the winter and how uncomfortable it is to sit with no shoes or socks on, so why not get them some nice warm slippers or flip flops for when they are driving around in the winter time?

11. Toiletries

You never know when a truck driver is going to need a few supplies, so it is always good to have something small tucked away just in case.

In their bathroom storage box you could include things like tissue paper, mouthwash and travel sized shampoo bottles for when they arrive at a rest stop and feel like freshening up.

12. Electronics

No matter how often they drive around, most truck drivers can always benefit from having a new GPS device that will help them get to their destination faster and more accurately. These models all have fantastic ratings!

• Bluetooth Headset
• Laptops
• Working cell phone

13. Games

Some classic games can be timeless and they can enjoy no matter what generation you come from. If they like card games, why not get them a deck of cards?

Or if they enjoy board games, you could get them a popular classic such as Monopoly or Clue. This is perfect for those down times when the drivers are just sitting around at a truck stop waiting for their next load or delivery.

Top single player games

Anything we missed? I’d love to know if you’ve got a good idea for awesome Christmas gifts for truck drivers, too!

Watch Noggin Shows for FREE!

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In 2015 Noggin was relaunched as a streaming app. As of 2022, the service is continually updated with new series and clips, both from Noggin’s library and other companies – how awesome is that?

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How can I watch old Noggin shows?

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What does a Noggin subscription include?

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Plus, older kids can also explore timeless favorites like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and new shows like The Coconut Queen!

With so much entertainment available at your fingertips, a Noggin subscription makes it easy to keep your kids engaged without ever leaving home.

What’s included with Noggin?

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Can you download Noggin shows?

If you’re looking for the shows that you love on Noggin, now you can conveniently watch them whenever and wherever you want!

Their shows are available to download right onto your device with their app. This is a great way to keep your child entertained while traveling or just needing some quiet time.

With shows like recently added Danger Mouse reboot, Noggin really has shows for everyone.

You can finally take those exciting shows on the go and make sure your kids are never bored!

How do I download shows on Noggin?

Downloading shows on Noggin is a breeze!

All it takes is a few quick steps and you’ll have access to all of the great shows that Noggin has to offer. To get started, log into your Noggin account from any device, select the show you would like to download, then click on the “download” option.

Once the download is complete, you can play and watch shows anytime and anywhere – even when offline!

Enjoy all the excitement and fun of shows on Noggin with just a few clicks of your mouse or taps of your screen.

Can you watch Noggin offline?

Yes, you can access Noggin interactive videos and Noggin’s eBooks offline by downloading them while the app is connected to a WiFi or data connection.

Get your FREE Noggin App Subscription here!

What Shows are on Noggin?

• PAW Patrol
  Blaze and the Monster Machines
  Bubble Guppies
  Shimmer & Shine
  Blues Clues & You!
  Team Umizoomi
  Peppa Pig
  Dora the Explorer
  JoJo & Gran Gran
  Kinderwood
  Noggin Knows
  Mutt & Stuff
  Rusty Rivets
  Nella the Princess Knight
  Peter Rabbit
  Tot Cop
  Blue’s Clues
  Max & Ruby
  Wallykazam!
  Digby Dragon
  Ni Hao, Kai-Lan
  Wonder Pets!
  Backyardigans
  Moose and Zee
  Fresh Beat Band
  Go, Diego, Go!
  Hey Duggee
  Little Bear
• and more! 

And, what’s even better is that Prime Reading includes books with Audible Narration, so Amazon Prime members can switch seamlessly between reading and listening without ever losing your place.

What is Amazon Prime Reading?

Amazon Prime Reading is a program where you can borrow, read and listen to over 1,000 books, magazines, Amazon Original Collections  on your phone, tablet or computer.

Members can access Prime Reading, included as one of the Amazon Prime benefits with a paid Amazon Prime Membership account.

Amazon Prime subscription members not only get free two-day shipping but they also get access to over a thousand books per month from the Prime Reading page here.

Get a FREE 30 Day Trial of Amazon Prime HERE

How many books can I borrow per month with Prime Reading?

With Prime Reading and your Amazon Prime benefit you can borrow a maximum of 10 titles at any given time, but there’s no limit on the amount you can read each month.

If you’ve already filled up your quota of 10 borrowed books, simply select a book you’ve already read in your Kindle library or one you’ve changed your mind about and click to return it.

Then you can borrow another book to fill your quota of 10.

How does Prime Reading work?

If you’re wondering how to use Prime Reading, it’s really so simple. Via the Kindle app on any electronic device you can read any book that is in your “Kindle Library” inside your Amazon account.

With Prime reading, you’ll receive:

Unlimited access to a rotating catalog of ebooks and audiobooks
1 free pre-release ebook every month from editors’ picks
Magazines and comic books also included

How to sign up for Prime Reading:

Head over to Amazon.com here and sign into your Amazon Prime account, or sign up for a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime here to try out the Prime reading programs and see if you like it! 

Get a FREE 30 Day Trial of Amazon Prime HERE

How much does Amazon Prime Reading cost?

Amazon Prime reading is free, and included with your Amazon Prime account or a free 30-day trial here. 

Other perks of having an Amazon Prime Subscription include: 

1. Prime Video
2. Free two-day shipping
3. Unlimited Photo Storage 

What can you read with Prime Reading?

There are over 30 genres in the Kindle owners lending library, including romance, children’s books, literary classics, best-sellers, popular books both fiction and nonfiction and more!

Devices that work with Amazon Prime Reading:

Any Android device, android phones, ipads or ios device will work with the Kindle app. Simply head to your app store to download the Kindle app. 

Is Prime Reading the same as Kindle Unlimited?

Kindle Unlimited offers over a million books to read at anytime, so it’s a different subscription service. You can get a free trial of Kindle Unlimited here. 

See my post on Kindle Unlimited deals if you want to know more about the Kindle Unlimited program. 

Get a Month of Kindle Unlimited for FREE Here

What’s the difference between Kindle Unlimited and Prime Reading?

The difference between Kindle Unlimited and Amazon Prime Reading is simply the titles you can borrow. There are thousands more books and ebooks in the Kindle Unlimited program to borrow for free. 

Starting now, 9/25 from 12:00am ET to 11:59pm PT, head HERE where Amazon is offering new members a special Amazon Prime membership price of $67 (normally $99) for their first year – Sweet!

This deal (from 2015) has expired, but you can still take advantage of a FREE 30 Day Amazon Membership here! 

FREE 30 Day Amazon Prime Account HERE

Original post date: September 25, 2015, Updated December 5th, 2022

** On a sidenote, I recommend having an Amazon Prime membership especially during the holidays as the lightning deals and more and sometimes offered first to Prime members – and the savings are definitely worth it versus shopping in the retail stores. 

With Amazon Prime you’ll receive:

• FREE Two-Day Shipping with no minimum order size on over 20 million items
• Unlimited instant streaming of more than 40,000 movies and TV episodes with Prime Instant Video
• Free Prime Music
• Free unlimited photo storage
• Shop Amazon Lightning Deals earlier than non-Prime members
• Over 800,000 books to borrow for free, as frequently as once a month, with no due dates through the Kindle Owners’ Lending Library

Other Discounted Amazon Prime Memberships: 

• Prime Student Only $7.49 per month
• Prime Access

Is there an Amazon Prime Military Discount?  

Unfortunately there is no military discount for Amazon Prime, there are student discounts for Amazon Prime and goverment assistance discounts for Amazon Prime, called Prime Access HERE.

The free 2-day shipping definitely makes the cost of prime worth it, but the instant streaming of videos and Amazon Prime shows is an added benefit, for sure! 

Head here to check out the benefits.

FREE 30 Day Amazon Prime Account HERE

Great Wolf Lodge is one of our favorite places to go and we’re so lucky that we have two Great Wolf Lodge locations near us, within a three hour drive. When kiddos are young, or you’re traveling in a group, Great Wolf Lodge is a great place to be. You’ll find the resort feel without the resort prices, and you’ll likely be able to drive since there are several locations.

Plus, there are always tons of great ways to save on Great Wolf Lodge (especially with Groupon – where you can save up to $100! There are several keys to saving on your Great Wolf Lodge stay, so be sure to read all the way through this post).

If you’ve never planned a trip to Great Wolf Lodge before, you probably have a lot of questions on how to make the most of (and save the most on) your vacation! I’ve put together this massive Great Wolf Lodge FAQ post to help answer all your questions on things like Great Wolf Lodge pricing, admission, and even the free wifi situation!

Read on to learn EVERYTHING you need to know about Great Wolf Lodge prices before planning your family’s trip to Great Wolf Lodge.

How can I get the best Great Wolf Lodge prices? 

The Great Wolf Lodge prices that you pay will depend on when you go, and also if you qualify for any other discounts. 

There is a Great Wolf Lodge Responder Discount for nurses, police, fire fighters, and other first responders.

There are also frequent Great Wolf Lodge Groupon deals. 

Great Wolf Lodge Heroes & First Responders CLICK HERE

Click HERE to see if there is a Groupon for Great Wolf Lodge

When is the best time to stay at a Great Wolf Lodge location?

This might seem obvious, but I would say that the best time to stay at Great Wolf Lodge is when you can get a stay on sale. I don’t think paying full price is ever necessary. Although, it’s more likely that you’d have a less crowded hotel, right?

Since the waterpark is indoors, you can really plan a trip to Great Wolf Lodge at any time of year – even (and especially) in winter when everyone is getting a little stir-crazy from being inside all the time!

What are the must-have items to pack and bring to Great Wolf Lodge?

We have been to Great Wolf Lodge hotels enough that I’m kind of a self proclaimed pro when it comes to what to pack to go to Great Wolf Lodge. Here are the items that we always bring with us.

(Note: You do NOT need to bring a life jacket to Great Wolf Lodge hotels as they’re all provided and on handy racks right when you walk into the water park area.)

Another important note about Great Wolf Lodge hotels is that there is a refrigerator and microwave in every room, making bring snacks and storing leftovers really easy! The restaurants and grab-and-gos in the hotel are great, but bringing some of your own snacks will help you save some money.

Here is a list of must-have items to bring to Great Wolf Lodge hotels:

• Goggles
• 2-3 bathing suits (to make sure your child always has a dry one to put on!)
• Plastic Bags for semi-wet clothing
• Gallon Ziploc baggies for leftovers
• Juice boxes/Water (your kids will be VERY active so it’s important to help them stay hydrated!)
• Easy snacks for afternoon – microwave popcorn is one of our favorites!
• Noise machine/small fan (hallways can get loud at naptime if you take naps)

That’s my must-have list – do you have anything to add? Leave your additions in the comments! 

Can you purchase Great Wolf Lodge waterpark tickets separately?

You cannot purchase Great Wolf Lodge waterpark tickets separately. So, this means that if the hotel isn’t at capacity, the waterpark won’t be either. Which is so, so nice. It might seem like this is kind of annoying, but it’s really nice that if you’re not a guest of the hotel, you can’t take advantage of the waterpark. That way it won’t become overcrowded and the hotel has a good pulse

What are the rules on Great Wolf Lodge waterpark without staying?

Like I mentioned above, it’s not permitted to swim at the Great Wolf Lodge waterparks if you’re not an overnight guest at the Great Wolf Lodge hotels. Which, I absolutely LOVE!

This means that Great Wolf Lodge can ensure that the lines stay manageable and the pools aren’t over crowded. Although, there are certain times of the year where they get more crowded than others.

Does Great Wolf Lodge have wifi?

Yes! I love that about this hotel that after the kids are wiped out and asleep I can still get a little work done and there are no additional wi-fi charges!

Is Great Wolf Lodge just for kids?

While yes, the majority of the activities at the Great Wolf Lodge are for kids, there are plenty of opportunities for adults to have fun too!

Great Wolf Lodge has an excellent dining situation, with plenty of buffets, bars and delicious food that visitors of all ages can enjoy. Plus, almost all Great Wolf Lodge locations have fitness facilities and spas. Some locations even have a “Scooops Kid Spa” where you and your child can have a fun pamper-session together!

What is the Great Wolf Lodge admission price?

This is a loaded question, because technically, the Great Wolf Lodge waterpark passes are free with your Great Wolf Lodge cost per night.

But, you have to pay for a one night stay at the hotel in order to get your waterpark passes, so in reality they waterpark passes are the cost of the room minus the overnight amenities. 

Your Great Wolf Lodge price for overnight stay will depend on the time of year you go, the size and style of room you have and the number of patrons for the waterpark you have.

(As of my last check you can add up to two wristbands for the waterpark with your stay for an extra charge, but you cannot purchase the waterpark bracelets alone.)

2022 Update: You can now buy a full day Great Wolf Lodge Daypass! 

Head to Great Wolf Lodge website here to get a Great Wolf Lodge Day Pass! 

In terms of average Great Wolf Lodge pricing: On average, you can expect to spend at least $200 per night for Great Wolf Lodge hotel rooms. Without a deal on your stay you might end up paying $199-$329 per night.

HOWEVER (and this is a big one!): If you get a deal on Great Wolf Lodge through Groupon or Living Social you’ll pay $99-$149 per night usually.

Is there a Great Wolf Lodge rate calendar?

Yes – you can check the current rate calendar for Great Wolf Lodge here.

However, I find that using the Groupon deals Great Wolf Lodge calendar is the best way to see what rates are for the hotel. Although, this is only available when there is a deal available.

How to Get the Best Deals from Great Wolf Lodge:

Getting a deal is never a bad idea, so knowing the ebb and flow of the Great Wolf Lodge hotels and their pricing is a good thing. Plus, more often than not, you’ll be able to find a significant discount on prices for Great Wolf Lodge!

Let me tell you all about getting Great Wolf Lodge coupons and how to get Great Wolf Lodge discounts.

For a complete run-down of the best Great Wolf Lodge coupons, check out this blog post.

What are the best places to find Great Wolf Lodge specials?

There are three top places that I always look for Great Wolf Lodge specials: Groupon, Living Social and the Great Wolf Lodge website.

Groupon: Groupon is always the first place I head to to look for a deal on Great Wolf Lodge stays. I actually recommend bookmarking this page here so you can keep the Great Wolf Lodge offers handy.

When there is a Great Wolf Lodge Groupon deal, there are always TONS of dates to choose from and, in my experience, they have always been very kind when rescheduling was necessary.

And, no worries about communication issues, you’ll work directly with the Great Wolf Lodge staff when you need to communicate. You’re simply making your resort plans on the Groupon site, but your stay is booked with the folks at Great Wolf Lodge (and their staff is awesome!)

To make the most of Great Wolf Lodge on Groupon, use the strategy of checking early and often for deals – the sooner your can decide on your vacation dates and plan ahead, the more likely you’ll be able to get the best deal possible with the help of Groupon!

LivingSocial: LivingSocial is also a great place to look for a Great Wolf Lodge deal. I will say that Groupon has these deals more often than Living Social, but it’s definitely worth a look – see all of the Living Social Great Wolf Lodge deals here.

GreatWolf.com Website: If there are no Great Wolf Lodge Groupon deals, and if Living Social is a bust, your next best bet is the actual Great Wolf Lodge website.

Every once in awhile they’ll have a really great promotion running, but most often i find that you’ll get the best offers once you’ve stayed at least once at one of the resorts previously. 

Orbitz: It’s also worth a shot to check and see if the Great Wolf Lodge hotel that you’re looking to stay at is on Orbitz – you can do that here.

Does Great Wolf Lodge offer printable coupons?

As far as wondering if Great Wolf Lodge ever offers printable coupons, the answer is: unfortunately, not really. (Another reason why looking out for a Great Wolf Lodge coupon or deal is so important!)

That is, there aren’t really ever printable coupons for overnight stays at Great Wolf Lodge. However, you will sometimes find coupons for things like free perks while you’re staying at the resorts, for example, you might find a coupon good for a free cup of candy, or a free soda at the Buckhorn Exchange which is Great Wolf Lodge’s General Store.

Does Great Wolf Lodge offer Military discounts?

Great Wolf Lodge does offer Great Wolf Lodge Military discount (woohoo!) The Program is called HEROES and is a special rate that Great Wolf Lodge offers for armed forces, law enforcement & EMS.

There are some rules that apply as far as black out dates and holiday availability but this is a great way to get a discount.

You will be required to show an ID, and always check Groupon and LivingSocial as well as sometimes these daily deals sites offer better pricing.

Find the official Great Wolf Lodge Military and Armed Forces discount on GreatWolf.com here.

Are there ever company discounts for Great Wolf Lodge?

If you are with a big enough company, you might find that there are some additional discounts available to you as an employee, especially if you live near one of the Great Wolf Lodge locations.

It’s best to check with the Human Resources at your company to see if they have a special relationship with Great Wolf Lodge offering you additional savings.

Do the MagiQuest Wands cost more money? 

The Magiquest wands do cost more money, head here to GreatWolf.com to read more about the Magiquest wand details.

Do the Great Wolf Lodge deals ever include the Paw Pass, Pup Pass or Wolf Pass?

Yes! And, sometimes Great Wolf Lodge Groupons even included a resort credit. If you are going to a Great Wolf Lodge with lots of activities (rock walls, ropes courses, etc.) I highly recommend getting the Wolf Passes as those are the passes with the highest amount of things to do on them and some activities are even unlimited.

Be sure to check out the activity passes when you book as they’re less money than buying them outright when you check into the hotel.

For a full breakdown of the different types of Great Wolf Lodge passes, check out this blog post!

Phew! Hopefully this post helped to answer some of the biggest questions around planning your first trip to Great Wolf Lodge! Have any other questions that you don’t see answered here? Leave them in the comments, or send me an email at Ka**@************gs.com. I’d love to help if I can!

I’ve done this for years and continue to let my readers know about this cool offer every single holiday season as it’s so dang neat!

All About the Texts From Santa Service

Our son is 11 so he’s starting to get to the age where he’s asking a lot of questions …. I suppose a little bit of him wonders why his parents would let a stranger into their house to give he and his sister free toys.  That’s legit, I guess, right?

So, in my own humble opinion, it’s time to pull out all the stops to keep him believing in the magic of the season. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t lie to him, but I have said several times — Once you stop believing you don’t get presents anymore … sooooo …. 

What better way to pull out all the stops than to receive text messages with Santa himself standing right in front of OUR Christmas tree, right??

Yep! Texts From Santa does just that – here’s how the Text From Santa program works:

Head here to SlickTexts.com

Make a separate account for each child, or make one account for all of your kiddos by choosing no gender during account setup.

The “name” space is limited, so you could even say, for example, “Sorensen Kids”.

With your order you’ll get an optional offer of a Santa selfie sent on Christmas Morning, too.

Simply log into your account here anytime before Christmas morning using your email address and order confirmation number. Upload a photo to your order and the Elves will take care of the rest. A perfect ending to the daily texts from Santa! If you choose not to upload your own personal picture, Santa will take a photo of himself to send on Christmas morning!

Head here to get all signed up so you’re all set to go for Santa to begin playing games, sending pictures, giving countdowns and more with your kids.  

There are a few options:

1. Buy more than one package.

2. Try and fit multiple names within the name field for one order. (But this is limited to a certain character #) If you do put multiple names in the name field, make sure you leave the gender field blank if they are different genders so that Santa references “kids” instead of “boys” or “girls”.  For age, you can either try to fit it (like 7&5) or leave it blank to be generalized.

3. Again, another option is to refer to family names, IE “The Sorensen Kids”, but again, leaving gender/ages blank. 

Is Texts From Santa Legit?

Sure is! I have used this service in the past and love it! As do the kids!

What if I have more than one kid and want texts for all of them?

Buy more than one package or try and fit multiple names within the name field and just do one order. (But this is limited to a certain character #) If you do put multiple names in the name field, make sure you leave the gender field blank if they are different genders so that Santa references “kids” instead of “boys” or “girls”.

The only other option is to refer to family names, IE “The Sorensen Kids”, but again you’ll want to leave the gender/ages blank.

Is Texts From Santa Safe?

100% safe. Your information is secure in the Texts From Santa portal.

How Much Does Texts from Santa Cost?

There will be several offers during the holiday season, but the regular price is just $10.

How to Cancel Texts From Santa

If you decide that you no longer want the texts from Santa, you’ll have the option to opt-out of receiving the texts at any time. Simply replying ‘STOP’ to Santa’s number will let Santa’s Elves know that the recipient does not want to be contacted from Santa any longer. Messages will discontinue as soon as STOP text is sent. To re-continue Santas Texts, simply text ‘START’ to begin again.

Texts From Santa Reviews

“My kids don’t even have cell phones yet, so I had these texts sent to mine. They had so much fun asking every day what Santa was doing! It was fun for all of us!” – Diana, Toronto

“I sent this to my friend who is 35 as a fun gift. He ended up really liking it and his niece even called him each day to hear what Santa said.” – Rich, Honolulu, Hawaii

“I think these texts were really fun and unique. We thought the personalization was the best. My daughter thought it was the neatest thing.” – Alexis, New York, New York

Free Air Fryer Cookbooks for Kindle

Are you a fan of the new Air Fryers?

While these freebies last, you can score several air fryer cookbooks completely free when you download them to your Kindle (or ANY Tablet)!

You can access all of the Kindle cookbook deals that you want with a Kindle and a Kindle Unlimited Subscription.

With a Kindle Unlimited subscription you’ll be able to read or checkout Kindle cookbooks, or any Kindle books for free at anytime.

Read all about how to get a discount on Kindle Unlimited!

Kindle Cookbook Deals:

• The Ultimate Ninja Foodie Cookbook
• Plant-Based Holiday Air Fryer

How to Find Free Kindle Cookbooks:

1. Head here to the Kindle store on Amazon.com
2. ** If you are looking specifically for the best Kindle cookbooks, head here to the Kindle cookbooks category
3. Decide which category you want – I chose Special Appliances since I was looking for a Kindle air fryer cookbook
4. Scroll down to “see all results”
5. In the upper righthand corner change the dropdown to filter the books by price: high to low
6. Once the page loads you’ll see all sorts of free Kindle cookbooks including a few Kindle air fryer cookbook deals for $0.00 – although the Kindle cookbook prices change all the time with no warning, so confirm the price before you checkout

** Please note – If you have a tablet or mobile device other than a Kindle, download the Kindle reading app here and read these free ebooks on your device. This is all completely free to you. 

That’s why finding Great Wolf Lodge discounts is so important! The first place I always recommend looking is Groupon. When Great Wolf Lodge is on Groupon, it’s easily the best way to save money on a wonderful family vacation.

However, many people don’t realize that there are many other ways to save on passes and rooms at the Great Wolf Lodge – and one of the best ways to do that is by taking advantage of Great Wolf Lodge’s “Heroes Program,” which benefits doctors, nurses, members of the military, the armed services, government and more.

Read on to learn about how to redeem Great Wolf Lodge discounts for military, police, and many other valued service groups.

Calling All Heroes! Book Now and Save up to 25% off Stays at Great Wolf Lodge with Promo Code HEROESA

What is the Great Wolf Lodge Heroes Discount?

The Great Wolf Lodge respects valued members of our community who serve others, and rewards them with a significant discount on the price of admission.

Great Wolf Lodge offers up to 30% off with their Heroes Discount – what an incredible program!

Who Benefits from the Great Wolf Lodge Discounts?

There are all sorts of Great Wolf Lodge discounts for our public heroes including:

1. Great Wolf Lodge First Responder Discount
2. Great Wolf Lodge Nurse Discount
3. Great Wolf Lodge Healthcare Discount
4. Great Wolf Lodge Law Enforcement Discount
5. Great Wolf Lodge Police Discount
6. Great Wolf First Responder Discount
7. Great Wolf Lodge Firefighter Discount
8. Great Wolf Lodge EMS Discount

Check out the Great Wolf Heroes discount offers available HERE!

Exclusive discount to military (active, retired and veteran), fire, emergency medical service personnel, doctors, nurses, 911 dispatchers, police and correctional officers

A valid ID must be present at check-in for promotion to apply. The qualified person(s) must be present.

Who Does the Great Wolf Lodge Heroes Discount Apply to?

This up-to-30% off discount can be used by specific professions and service groups including:

• Fire Safety professionals
• Emergency Services professionals
• Law Enforcement professionals
• All Military (both active, retired and veteran)
• There are also Great Wolf Lodge discounts for nurses

If you think you may qualify for the Heroes Discount, the best way to confirm is by contacting Great Wolf Lodge, which you can do by choosing your nearest location here.

Visit the Great Wolf Lodge Heroes Discount Page HERE to learn more

Are There Great Wolf Lodge Discounts for Military?

Yes – Great Wolf Lodge offers specific discounts for members of the military. With Great Wolf Lodge’s “Heroes” discount – you can save up to 30% on the price admission to the majority of their locations.

These Great Wolf Lodge military discounts apply to both active and retired members of the military, in all branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and the Coastguard.

To redeem your Heroes Discount (or to see if you qualify), visit the Great Wolf Lodge Heroes Discount Page HERE.

Is There a Great Wolf Lodge Government Discount?

Government workers may qualify through the Great Wolf Lodge Heroes Discount. You can check if you qualify by contacting Great Wolf Lodge, which you can do by choosing your nearest location here.

If not, don’t worry – there are still plenty of other ways to save on Great Wolf Lodge tickets! I rounded up my favorite discounts here. 

Are There Great Wolf Lodge Deals for Teachers?

Unfortunately there aren’t Great Wolf Lodge deals for teachers (at least they aren’t included in the Heroes Discount).

However – that doesn’t mean you can’t save big-time with the right deals! There are plenty of other ways to save on the cost of admission to Great Wolf Lodge (especially for teachers – you teachers deserve it!)

Others Ways to Save at Great Wolf Lodge Besides Military or Police Discounts

When you can take advantage of Great Wolf Lodge coupons or an offer code, you’re likely to save 25-40% on your stay, which is a substantial amount! Use that extra money towards gas to get to your nearest Great Wolf Lodge location, or towards fun souvenirs, which Great Wolf Lodges have plenty of!

My absolutely favorite places to find Great Wolf Lodge deals are:

• Groupon
• Living Social
• Orbitz

Whenever I know we are looking to take a short road trip, I always check out those daily deals sites first. These sites always seem to have the steepest discounts and deals on Great Wolf Lodge stays.

Another place to look for Great Wolf Lodge discounts is on the Great Wolf Lodge site here. Sometimes there are offers that are pretty good there if there are no Groupon Great Wolf Lodge deals available or if the Great Wolf Lodge Living Social deal isn’t current.

But if you want even more ways to save, in this blog post, I share the BEST roundup of Great Wolf Lodge coupons and deals – you can easily save $100+ with these tips! Get all my savings tips here! 

HEROES! Get your discounted stay booked here!

Is There a Better Time of Year to Find Great Wolf Lodge Coupons?

Using Great Wolf Lodge military discounts or other discounts is pretty much always an option, no matter the time of year!

In all of the years that our family has been going to Great Wolf Lodges I can’t say that I’ve ever found a rhyme or reason to the deals that we’ve gotten, other than the fact that we’ve never had to pay full price (LOVE that!) If you’re looking to head to a Great Wolf Lodge over the kids’ breaks, bookmark these pages here for Groupon and here for Living Social to continue to check for Great Wolf Lodge discounts.

Most importantly, have fun and allow yourself to just let go and be a kid! You work hard, and you deserve to have some fun, too!

How to Get Free Makeup from Companies (For Real!)

Have you ever wondered how to get free makeup samples from companies? It’s a great question to ask — sometimes you don’t feel like trying the full size versions of cosmetics, especially when you don’t know if you’ll like them or not. So, getting free samples of  makeup is a great way to try a smaller sample size before committing to the full size (and full price!) products.

Get a FREE Box of Makeup from Babebox HERE!

Get a FREE GIFT from Ipsy Beauty HERE ($79 Value!)

The question is this though: How to get free cosmetic samples to try.

And, of course, which legit companies are willing to split with their smaller sizes, without a full size commitment from us.

Here’s how! Find the companies that offer makeup free samples and give the free makeup samples in the mail – sometimes even with free shipping!

Most Popular Free Makeup Samples:

1. Free Beauty Samples from PinchMe:

Join PINCHme and you’ll get a box of free samples – and most boxes include free cosmetic samples with free shipping! To give you an idea of what you can expect to see, this is what I received in my last PinchMe free samples box. PINCHme is always offering different products in exchange for a review – and they’re GOOD products! 

• Garnier Whole Blends Gentle Shampoo & Conditioner Oat Delicacy
• Skittles Sweet Heat Candies
• Garnier New Fructis 1 Minute Hair Masks
• SlimFast SlimCafé 100% Free Gratuity Coupon
• Bioré Baking Soda Acne Cleansing Foam

Two weeks after you receive your samples, feedback surveys will be available for the free beauty samples you tried.

You’ll have 60 days to complete your free beauty sample surveys before they expire, so don’t forget. 

Get a FREE Box of Beauty Samples from PinchMe HERE

2. Full Size Free Skincare Samples:

Try all of the best makeup samples when you get a FREE month of Refreshments box from Ipsy HERE!

You’ll get free shipping when join Ipsy but you’ll also get this box of free skincare samples, and will for sure be worth it!

Head HERE to claim your free skincare samples box, or press on the Refreshments makeup free samples box below:

Get a FREE GIFT from Ipsy Beauty HERE ($79 Value!)

3. Free Full-Size Sample Makeup Boxes:

Babebox is offering the first month free here!

If you decide that you don’t care for the program, cancel before your next box ships – I LOVE a great free makeup samples box and Babebox is offering full size free cosmetic samples – gotta love that!

Head HERE TO BABEBOX or click on the free make up Babebox image below to see which box you want to grab!

Get a FREE Box of Makeup from Babebox HERE!

4. Free Skincare Samples + More:

Beachly is offering their Beachly Beauty Box for only $15, with a value of over $100 for a limited time – this is an awesome way to get free beauty samples and free skincare samples from a company that tries out all of the best makeup and cosmetics as well!

See what is included in the Beachly Beauty Box by clicking here!

See my review of the Beachly Beauty Box here.

Try Beachly Beauty Box for ONLY $15 HERE!

5. Free Product Samples from Harry’s Razors:

Love free product samples like this one! Right now Harry’s Shave Club is giving away a FREE Harry’s Razors Trial Set ($13 value) – which includes a Truman Razor, Blade and Travel Cover, and Foaming Shave Gel!

Just pay $3 for shipping ~ I just ordered this for my husband’s travel dock kit!

6. Free samples at Sephora Cosmetics:

Get 3 Free samples Sephora style! Free samples from Sephora with EVERY order – choose from the free Sephora samples here.

7. Free Perfume Samples:

Get 3 Free Perfume Sephora Samples with EVERY Sephora order – choose from the free perfume samples here.

Target Beauty Boxes:

We used to be able to get free samples, makeup, travel size makeup and more from Target but unfortunately, they’ve stopped doing their free foundation samples, free samples of makeup and cosmetic samples like they used to.

You can however join the Target Ultamate Club where you’ll get Ulta Beauty Deals at Target and still earn Ulta Points! See the Ultamate Club here to see if you can also get free make-up samples.

Walmart Beauty Boxes:

Be in the know when you take advantage of the Walmart Beauty Boxes. For just $5 per season ($20 per year) you’ll get samples of some of the newest beauty products on the market.

Free Makeup Samples Mac Makeup:

Calling all of the Mac makeup users! Get sample cosmetics free when you place your Mac makeup order! Yes, it’s true! Get free beauty samples of makeup from Mac when you place your Mac makeup order online here.

Available free make up samples change all of the time, but you can see what’s available here!

More Free Makeup Samples by Mail without Surveys & Free Baby Samples:

• Free Baby Samples
• Free Baby Sample Kits by Mail
• Free Samples by Mail
• Free Stitch Fix Promo Code
• Free Baby Stuff for Expecting Mothers

Beachly Beauty Box

Calling all of the ladies who love all things beach and sand (that’s me too!)

Head to the Beachly Beauty site here where they are offering 50% off your first box plus free shipping when you use coupon code CACTUS50 at checkout!

All of the beach-inspired products inside are full-sized, clean, and cruelty-free beauty products!

If you decide to keep your subscription you will receive a box every quarter with 4-6 beach-inspired, cruelty-free, clean beauty products for skin, hair, and body care worth $100 retail value inside each box.

This is such a great way to try new products!

Want Beach apparel instead? Head here to get a Beachly Box and save $30 off your first box with coupon code SUNSET30 at checkout.

$30 Off! TRY A BEACHLY ACCESSORIES BOX HERE

What is included in the Beachly Beauty Box?

For example in the Beachly Fall 2022 box there were five items:

• Hawaii Birdbath Antioxidant Cleansing Balm ($48 Retail Value)

• Hawaii Golden Nectar Brightening Serum ($65 Retail Value)

• Carter+Jane Beach House Roll-On Fragrance ($28 Retail Value)

• Earth Harbor Citrine Sea Purifying Exfoliation Potion ($20 Retail Value)

• Zilly Conditioning Hair Spritz ($18 Retail Value)

The offerings change each quarter, for example the summer box might include Sun Bum, makeup, moisturizer, cleansers, hair masks, and other popular items but you can be guaranteed they will be top of the line, HOT items!

How much is Beachly?

Beachly subscription box costs $29 every quarter, but with our coupon code, you can get it for $15 and free shipping!

How do I cancel my Beachly Beauty subscription?

Cancelling your Beachly beauty box subscription is simple. Head to the contact page and find options to finalize your cancellation in a few easy steps!

You may cancel your account anytime, but please note that once an order has shipped, it may not be cancelled.

Try Beachly Beauty Box here!

This is one of those  easy dinners that you need in your back pocket. It’s hearty, creamy, and full of flavor, too.

Copycat Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Our niece’s birthday was in December and while my sister usually gets away with making Walking Tacos for all of us, she deviated from the norm this year, and I am oh, so glad that she did.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a Walking Taco just like the next lady … but this copycat recipe of the Panera Bread chicken and wild rice soup was simply amazing.

In fact it was so good that all of the aunts at the birthday party asked for the recipe. And, it is so easy that I was amazed.

Usually the easy dinners are what I have time to make on the weeknights, so I am all for easy and convenience.

If you’d rather make your own chicken broth and boil rice all day, this chicken wild rice soup recipe isn’t probably for you.

This easy chicken rice soup IS for you though if you enjoy letting a few ingredients all come together into one post of awesomeness.

First things, first. To make this chicken and rice soup first, I used these kitchen tools:

• Soup Pot – a Dutch Oven like these would work, too
• My favorite pot to make the rice on the stovetop
• My favorite bamboo utensils – this set is ALWAYS on sale.

In the video that you may have seen on Facebook, and in these pictures on this post, I used my Ninja Slow Cooker. As you can tell, this is SO convenient for cooking because you can sauté veggies and cook your soup like it’s on the stovetop, or you can turn it down to the slow cooker setting as well, all in one pot.

Of course I love less dishes, so I love the Ninja 3-in-1 Crock Pot Cooker.

Here’s how you whip this creamy chicken soup with rice recipe:

First, prepare your long grain and wild rice as directed on the package, with the seasoning packet and all. I know, I know … I told you this was easy, but yes, this really is this easy.

I even used a rotisserie chicken. Rotisserie chicken tastes better to me personally in this soup so I prefer to make it using that type of chicken.

You can, and I have also used white meat/chicken breasts. About 1 1/2 cups of shredded or really diced up chicken is perfect for this recipe.

While you’re preparing your chicken & wild rice, bring your chicken broth to a slow simmer in a large pot. In a separate pan, sauté your veggies in butter. Add minced garlic for the last minute or so.

If you prefer to only use one pan, you can saute the veggies in the pan first and then add in the chicken broth later after the veggies are a little softer.

Once your vegetables/garlic mixture is sauteéd, add your chicken and chicken broth. Simmer for about 20 minutes.

Add the heavy whipping cream during the last ten minutes of simmering. The soup will get thicker as it stands on the stove top and as it boils. Don’t let it overboil, just a small rolling boil over medium heat is fine.

If you like your chicken and wild rice soup and little thicker, make a roux of all purpose flour and water with a whisk and add to the chicken broth mixture stirring well.

That’s it! Serve and enjoy!

Please note that you can also add in onion powder, salt and black pepper to taste once your soup has had some time to come together on the stove.

Print

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Course Dinner

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 50 minutes minutes

Servings 8 cups

Author Kate

Ingredients

• Rotisserie Chicken or 1 1/5 cups shredded/diced chicken breast meat amount to liking - I use 1/2 to 2/3
• 2 boxes Uncle Ben's 5 minute Long Grain Wild Rice Only use about 1 1/3 of the rice, or just go less by only using one box
• 2 T butter
• 2 stalks celery diced
• 1 carrot diced
• 1/3 onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cartons chicken broth
• 1 half pint heavy whipping cream

Instructions

• Cook rice according to directions on box
• While cooking sauté veggies in butter 5-10 minutes
• Add garlic to that mixture for the last minute
• Simmer chicken broth
• Add veggie, rice and shredded chicken to chicken broth
• Simmer 20 minutes
• Add heavy whipping cream during last ten minutes.
• Serve and Enjoy!

This list has gifts for 7 year olds from all over the internet and for girls that have all sorts of different interests at heart.

Best Gifts for 7 Year Old Girls

Have you found yourself wondering what is good for a 7-year-old? Or, maybe do 7-year-olds play with toys?

What do 7 year old girls like?

7 year old girls like most anything that they can make with their hands – crafts, coloring, building and showing what they are capable of are all good gifts for 7 year old girls. Clothes are nice, but crafting and decorating gifts are mostly the desired gift choices.

What do you get a 7-year-old for her birthday?

We have all of the answers below, listed by category of “how do 7-year-olds have fun” and what do they enjoy doing.

How much money do you give a 7-year-old for their birthday?

If you’re giving money for a gift to a 7 year old, depending on who the person gifting is, an appropriate amount to give would be $25-$50. A 7 year old girl will find a nice craft set, room decoration with that amount of money and it’s not an overwhelming amount of money either.

What is a good birthday gift for a 7-year old girl?

1. Decorating Their Rooms with Fun Decorations
2. Crafting Kits
3. LEGO Sets
4. Clothes
5. Board Games

Girls Room Decorations

What 7 year old girl doesn’t want to have the coolest room?

There isn’t one because they all love having the newest and coolest things!

Check out these gifts 7 year old girls would love to have in their room.

1. Make Your Own Unicorn Night Light

This nightlight kit is the perfect addition to any 7 year old girls room.

The wooden base is accompanied by three unicorns, 2 LED lights, a house, a windmill, a cherry tree, pearls and grass. This kit is so fun, and different for a 7 year old!

2. LED Marquee Letter

Put her name in lights with this lit up marquee letter, or even just her first name, or initials.

This would also make a great night light for a girl that isn’t ready to have no night light, but doesn’t want the traditional night light, either.

3. Galaxy Projector with Remote Control 

In a fun room, any 7 year old girl would use this night light projector to whisk them away in their minds to another place.

This projector can not only emit an array of twilight stars to project a starry scene, but also transforms her room into a tranquil & relaxing underwater oasis.

She will be able to choose the mood with red, blue, green, white or multicolor shows and pick the desired brightness.

And, even cooler, this projector night light works with smartphones via Bluetooth and the lights flicker and change patterns with the beat of the music, resulting in a starry sky projection.

To make this toy for a 7 year old girl even cooler, you can use the remote to conveniently change the modes.

And, one last note, it is powered by USB cable. That’s a huge bonus!

4. Fairy Jar 

A 7 year old girl’s imagination is not going to stay around for too much longer, so why not make the most of it while it’s here?

This fairy lantern features fairy cutouts to make shadows around along with the jar and LED lid that casts down over the images inside the jar.

This is perfect for a nightlight and ideal for rainy afternoons, lazy weekends, sleepovers or during summer break.

5. Stuffed Animals 

There are so many reasons why stuffed animals make great gifts for 7 year old girls! They’re cuddly and soft, they can be a great comfort when she’s feeling sad or scared, and they’re always there to lend a listening ear.

There are even stuffed animals with sequins available nowadays (I know, right?!)

Plus, they’re just plain fun to play with!

Whether she’s acting out a story with her stuffed animal friends or snuggling up with them at bedtime, your little girl is sure to love her stuffed animals.

And who knows? She just might even keep them around for years to come!

See all the stuffed animals from the Douglas store on Amazon here 

Crafting Kits

If you’ve found yourself thinking “how do 7 year olds have fun” while trying to come up with the perfect gift for a 7 year old, here are some awesome craft packs that any of the seven-year-old girl that you know would love!

6. Craft Supplies Friendship Bracelet Making Kit

If you’re looking for a unique and thoughtful gift, a bracelet making kit box set is a great option.

Not only will the recipient have fun creating their own jewelry, but they’ll also appreciate the time and effort that you put into finding such a special present.

Plus, with a wide variety of colors and styles to choose from, you’re sure to find a kit that perfectly suits their taste.

So whether you’re shopping for a birthday, holiday, or just because, a bracelet making kit is sure to be a hit.

7. Origami Paper for Kids

Origami kits make great gifts for kids and adults alike.

They provide a creative outlet, and the finished product can be both fun and practical.

Origami kits typically come with easy-to-follow instructions and all the necessary materials. This makes them ideal for beginners, but even experienced origami enthusiasts will appreciate the high-quality paper and unique patterns included in most kits.

With a little time and patience, anyone can create beautiful origami sculptures.

So if you’re looking for a gift that is both thoughtful and unique, an origami kit is a perfect choice.

The kit here has 108 pieces of double-sided vivid folding sheets of 54 different patterns. These would be fun for a rainy day, too!

8. Charm Bracelet Making Kit 

A charm bracelet kit is a great gift for girls of all ages. It’s a fun and creative way to accessorize, and it’s also a thoughtful way to show someone that you care.

Plus, it’s a gift that keeps on giving: every time the recipient adds a new charm to her bracelet, she’ll be reminded of you.

There are many different styles of charm bracelet kits available, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for your special someone. And with charms representing everything from friendship to love to family, she’ll be able to create a bracelet that’s uniquely hers.

9. Doodle Board 

Doodling is a great way for kids to express their creativity, and a doodling board makes a perfect gift for any occasion.

With a doodling board, kids can draw, write, and play without making a mess.

The best part is that they can erase their drawings with the touch of a button and start all over again.

A doodling board is also a great way for kids to stay entertained on long car rides or during rainy days.

If you’re looking for a gift that will bring hours of enjoyment, give the gift of a doodling board.

10. Crayola Marker Kits

And, as long as we’re on the topic of doodling, we should discuss the fact that every girl loves to have a fresh, new set of markers, and the little lady in your life is probably not any different.

You can see the entire Crayola collection here with a great price on many of them, to boot!

This is also a great gift if you’ve ever asked yourself “how do I keep my 7-year-old busy?” I always printed off free coloring worksheets from the Crayola website here to keep our daughter busy for any length of time. She can also use these as tracing sheets.

11. Clay Bead Jewelry Kit

A clay bead jewelry kit is the perfect gift for the crafter in your life.

Whether they are a beginner or a seasoned pro, this type of kit provides everything they need to make beautiful, one-of-a-kind jewelry. The best part is that you can customize the contents of the kit to suit the recipient’s individual style.

For example, you could include colorful beads and charms for a fun and playful look, or opt for more neutral tones for a more sophisticated aesthetic.

Whichever route you choose, you can be sure that the recipient will appreciate the thoughtfulness of your gift.

** Please note that these are small beads that are likely to challenge fine motor skills and can be frustrating if offered too early. Only get this kit if mom, dad, or a sibling can help.

12. 5D Diamond Painting Kits

Diamond painting kits are becoming increasingly popular as a creative and educational outlet for kids of all ages. And, they make a great gift for 7 year olds!

5D diamond painting requires the use of small brushes and tweezers to place the diamonds onto the sticky canvas. This helps to improve dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

These kits also help boost confidence and self-esteem: Seeing their creation come to life as they add each diamond is a great way for kids to feel proud of their accomplishments.

And lastly, these offer relaxation: The repetitive nature of placing the diamonds onto the canvas can be therapeutic and help to reduce stress levels.

13. Ultimate Weaving Loom for Potholders

The Ultimate Weaving Loom is the perfect gift for any seven year old who loves to craft.

This loom is easy to use, and it comes with everything they need to get started weaving their very own potholders.

The loom is also lightweight and portable, so they can take it with them wherever they go.

Best of all, the potholders make great gifts for friends and family.

So not only will your child be able to exercise their creativity, but they’ll also be able to give back to the people they love.

The Ultimate Weaving Loom is the perfect way to encourage your child’s love of crafting, and it’s sure to be a cherished gift for years to come.

14. DIY Puffy Charms Kit

Puffy charms are the perfect gift for any 7 year old!

They are easy to make, and there is no limit to the creativity that can be used in making them.

Best of all, puffy charms are very inexpensive, so you can make a whole bunch without breaking the bank.

If you are looking for a fun and unique gift that will bring a smile to your child’s face, then puffy charms are the way to go!

** These can also be made sticky to use as stickers!

15. Cross Stitch Backpack Charms Kit 

Cross stitching is a great activity for kids of all ages, and it’s something that can be enjoyed together.

A cross stitch kit is the perfect way to get started, and it’s a great gift for a child who is interested in learning how to cross stitch.

The kit will include everything that is needed to get started, including fabric, thread, a needle, and instructions.

Choose a design that is simple and colorful, so that it will be easy for the child to follow.

Start by teaching them how to make a simple cross stitch on a piece of scrap fabric.

Once they have mastered the basic stitch, they can move on to working on the project in the kit.

With a little patience and practice, the child will be able to complete any cross stitch!

16. Paint & Plant Stoneware Flower Gardening Kit 

Paint the 3 stoneware pots, the stoneware tray, and plant markers, and sow the Marigold, Cosmos, and Zinnia flowers – with vibrant colors and pleasant scents.

The plants can sit in a windowsill, or your 7 year old can bless someone else with a flowerpot!

The stoneware allows girls to partake in some imaginative play with their designs, making this gift an added bonus!

17. Light-Up Terrarium Kit 

Grows by day, glows at night: Beneath the lid, there is a built-in innovative LED light that transforms the experience into something magical.

At night, just hit the small switch to turn on the light and watch how your terrarium turns into a gorgeous illuminated tabletop garden.

What a fun way to learn about nature and also use your mind and hands!

18. 3D String Art Kit for Kids 

Girls can use this kit to make a DIY light-up string-art star lantern!

She’ll inflate the star balloon, soak the string in the special glue, wrap it around the star, let it dry, remove the balloon, and walla!

You have a 3D String Star Lantern, something that is a craft and a decoration!

19. Soap & Bath Bomb Making Kit 

Mix the wax, coloring, fragrance, and glitter, and pour into the 4 lovely molds to create beautiful soap to use and display.

Mix and match colors to your heart’s content and create multi-colored layered soaps.

A fun way to remind your little lady how important hygiene is before they become a teenager, and for her to play in the bath a little longer, making her the mermaids she always wanted to be.

20. DIY Magnetic Mini Tile Art 

This all-in-one arts and crafts set comes w/ all the supplies girls need to make original artwork on small tiles that can then be made into magnets to use for tacking important information to the fridge.

21. Slime Kit 

Make the fluffiest slime ever in all of your favorite ice cream colors & scents & pop a cherry on top!

This 25 Piece Slime Making Kit has everything she needs to make the coolest slime, and pretend to be scientists!

22. Marvin’s Magic Pens 

Write secret messages, create stunning 3D lettering and make your art vanish, all with no mess and no fuss.

These coloring pens are fantastically fun and perfect for the budding artist or anyone looking to find a new way to get creative!

23. Puzzles

Puzzles are such an excellent way for kids to put down their device and use their problem solving skills while also strengthening their imagination.

Hop on the puzzle trend by buying your lady a new puzzle to conquer!

Lego Sets

24. At the young age of 7, girls still love playing with Legos, and nowadays, there are sets that match every hobby, show or love that they could possibly want to be immersed in.

See all of the Lego sets here all divided by age level and interest!

Clothes

25. (Clothes!) … Some of the clothing stores that 7-year-old girls like are:

Target

Claire’s

Fidgets

Amazon (clothes, toys)

Board Games

26. Guess in 10 Animal Planet 

Ask up to 10 questions to guess the animal on the Game Card!

Is it a carnivore? Is it a domestic animal? Does it live in groups?

Think hard, ask intelligent questions, use your clue cards wisely, and then be the first player to win 7 Game Cards!

27. Kids Create Absurdity 

The card game includes 95 Question Cards, 350 Answer Cards, 10 Random Task Cards, 10 Blank Cards but most of all it includes LOTS OF FUN!

Similar to Cards Against Humanity, but kid and family friendly

28. 5 Second Rule Junior 

A family version of the popular party game where you read a card and give an answer.

But with this version you have to do it in 5 seconds – silly answers are sure to slip out, and the whole family will have fun with this easily played game that has 400 questions on 200 cards – fun!

29. Apples to Apples 

Apples to Apples is fun because it challenges you to think on your feet, get a little silly and find out how your friends and family think.

You’ll be surprised time and again!

There are just two types of cards: Things and Descriptions.

Each player takes turns being the judge and pulling the next description card. The other players try to pick, from the cards in their hands, the things they feel best match that description — in the eyes of the judge.

So it helps to know your judges a little better, too.

Players will collect a certain number of description cards to win the game — it depends on how many players you have (more players — less cards needed to win).

And with so many cards and possibilities, it’s never, EVER the same game twice. So fun!

This is a great gift idea for early readers!

Baking Supplies Gifts for 7 Year Old Girls

Most girls LOVE to bake! So, supplies and accessories to get them on their way to knowing the kitchen are a great idea!

30. Baketivity Kids Baking DIY Activity Kits

Baketivity Baking kits are about creating family fun moments that allow parent and children to bond over baking.

Each kit comes with a vacuum-packed pre-measured ingredients and a colorful illustrated easy-to-follow step-by-step recipe book.

Included in each kit is also a QR code to scan if you want to bake along with their own gourmet chef, Madison Koutraba.

This is SO fun!

31. Tovla Jr. Kids Cooking and Baking Gift Set with Storage Case 

This super cool baking set includes a portable reusable tool box for storage, 4 recipe cards for kids, stylish unisex apron, measuring cups & measuring spoons, kitchen timer, pair of tongs, rolling pin, 3 nylon knives, spoon, spatula, whisk, 3 cookie cutters and a cutting board.

Everything a girl would need to get started baking!

32. Cupcake Decorating Kit 

This cupcake decorating kit includes 36 numbered stainless steel icing tips with Pattern Chart, 10 Extra-Durable icing bags and 2 reusable piping bags.

This cookie decorating kit is designed​ ​to​ ​help​ ​you​ ​create​ ​your​ ​own​ ​decorative​ ​masterpieces​ ​of​ ​all​ ​shapes and​ ​sizes​, no matter what your ​ ​skill​ ​level may be.​​

No decorating experience needed!

33. Kids Cooking Supplies Gift Set 

Are kids always wanting to join in on your dinner recipe? Here’s the perfect kit for them, if so!

This cooking kit includes an apron, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, knives set, kitchen timer, rolling pin, egg brush, scooper, whisk, spoon, spatula, recipe cards and a container to store everything inside.

The set also includes 5 delicious and simple recipes that your little one can do on their own with just a little bit of assistance.

The recipes are easy to follow with clear directions.

What other gift ideas for 7 year old girls do you have? I’d love to hear in the comments!

This makes it difficult to shop for gifts for 7 year old boys, but not impossible!

Here are some great gift ideas 7-year-old boy would love – and as a BONUS, they’re divided by hobbies that will have them excited for Christmas morning, birthdays and other special occasions.

Gifts for a 7 year old boy who loves to read:

1. A library card

A library card would be a great gift for a 7 year old boy because it would allow him to borrow books and read them for free. It would also give him access to other resources like movies, music, and online articles and show him all that the library has to offer!

2. A Kindle Fire

A Kindle Fire (cheaper version and only one year older version HERE) would be a great gift for a 7-year-old boy because it has a lot of features that he would like. The Kindle Fire can also be customized with his favorite games, books, and movies that he can watch and play.

• Kindle books can be read on devices like an iPad too! Read how to get the Kindle app here.

3. A subscription to a magazine they love

The surprises continue throughout the year when a child is gifted a magazine subscription!

Magazine Ideas for a boy that’s 7 years old include:

• National Geographic Kids
• Ranger Rick
• Boys’ Life
• Highlights for Children
• National Geographic History
• National Geographic Little Kids

4. New book releases from their favorite authors

When a child loves reading, it’s definitely best to keep that love alive! Below are some of the most popular authors that 7 year old boys like.

• Jeff Kinney
• Roald Dahl
• Rick Riordan
• J.K. Rowling
• Suzanne Collins
• Lauren Myracle

5. Book Series Sets for 7 Year Old Boys that he doesn’t have

Some of the most popular book series  to give as a gifts for 7 year old boys for this age group include:

• The Harry Potter series: The Harry Potter series is one of the most popular book series of all time. The series follows the adventures of Harry Potter, a young wizard who attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Over 500 million copies have been sold worldwide and the series is being translated into over 80 languages.
• The Percy Jackson series: If you’re looking for a great gift idea for a 7 year old boy, the Percy Jackson series is a great choice. This kid-friendly series follows the adventures of Percy Jackson, a young demigod who must save the world from terrible monsters. Your child will love following along with Percy’s exciting stories, and you’ll be happy to know that the series is educationally sound as well.
• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Chronicles of Narnia is one of the most beloved children’s book series of all time. The story follows the four Pevensie children as they enter the magical world of Narnia and learn about its customs, creatures, and dangers. Over the course of their journey, the children grow up and come to understand the true value of courage, friendship, and family.
• Artemis Fowl: The world’s youngest criminal mastermind is back in Artemis Fowl. This time, he’s on a mission to save his kidnapped father. With the help of his trusted bodyguard, Butler, Artemis must battle his way through danger and rescue his dad before it’s too late.
• Eragon: This is the first book in The Inheritance Cycle by American fantasy writer Christopher Paolini. Eragon is a skilled fighter and a powerful magician. He has been trained by some of the most powerful people in the world and is now oneof the most feared opponents on the battlefield. His skills with a sword and his mastery of fire magic make him a fearsome opponent indeed. Great book for boys with an imagination!
• The Hunger Games: The Hunger Games may be a work of fiction, but the issues it raises are very real. The story of a young girl forced to compete in a deadly government-sponsored event resonates with readers all over the world. The themes of hope and resilience are also powerful driving forces in the novel. Although the odds are stacked against her, Katniss Everdeen never gives up. Her journey is an inspiration to us all.

6. Customizable bookmarks

How fun are these customizable bookmarks that are handmade? What a thoughtful gift idea for a 7 year old who has everything!

7. A bookmark light

If a Kindle isn’t in the budget, maybe a bookmark light is? He can stay up late taking in his favorite author’s work!

8. Colored pencils and a sketchbook for drawing and taking notes in books

There are special pens and pencils for taking notes in books – and, maybe your budding reader will even want to draw out how he imagines characters from the book might look like in real life …. this makes a sketchbook a great gift idea!

9. Novelty glasses

When he gets tired and still wants to read, these Horizontal Mirror Lazy Readers Glasses are perfect. While laying his head on his pillow he can still read the words in his book – bonus!

10. A scholarship to a summer writing camp

A simple search will show reading and writing camps to take advantage of in the summer. Looking in local parks and recreation summer guides is a good start.

Board Games for 7 Year Old Boys

When thinking of toys for 7 year old boys, don’t limit yourself to gifts that only he can play with. Board games are a great way to get members of his family involved, and make the fun last longer than just a couple weeks.

Here are some games that a 7 year old boy would like to have!

1. Guess Who?

The game of Guess Who? is a two-player game in which players take turns asking each other questions in order to figure out the other player’s mystery character.

On a player’s turn, they ask the other player a question about their mystery character. The other player responds with either “yes” or “no”, and the game players will play until one person guesses the others person!

Such a fun game!

2. Apples to Apples

To play Apples to Apples, each player must start with seven red apple cards. The object of the game is to create the best possible hand by matching apples to corresponding green apple cards and the game is over when one player has reached a predetermined score, typically 10 or 20 points.

Apples to Apples can be played with anywhere from four to 10 players, so it’s awesome for a larger group, too!

Apples to Apples is a great game for groups of friends or family members of all ages. It’s a fun and easy way to pass the time and enjoy some friendly competition.

Apples to Apples is a great game for 7 year olds because it helps develop their critical thinking and reasoning skills. The game also promotes team work and communication, both of which are important life skills.

In addition, the game is just plain fun! It is fast-paced and full of surprises, which keeps kids engaged and entertained.

3. The Game of Life

The Game of Life is a great game for 7 year olds to play because it helps them learn how to make decisions and how to deal with different types of situations.

It also helps them to understand the value of money and how to save up for things that they want.

The other nice part about this board game is that it can be played over and over again without getting boring.

4. Monopoly

Monopoly is a great game for 7 year olds to play because it helps them develop strategic thinking and planning skills.

Additionally, it teaches kids about money management and property ownership. By playing Monopoly, 7 year olds can learn how to negotiate, make deals, and think ahead.

These are all important life skills that will benefit them forever!

5. Scrabble

Scrabble is a great game for 7 year olds to play because it helps them develop their vocabulary and spelling skills. It also helps them learn about strategy and how to think ahead. Plus, it’s just plain fun!

6. Jenga

Jenga is a great game for 7 year olds to play because it requires them to use both their hands and minds to win. The game also helps improve their hand-eye coordination.

Additionally, Jenga can teach kids about planning ahead and strategic thinking.

Just remember to play the game while no one is sleeping – it can get LOUD!

7. Operation

Operation is a great game for 7 year olds to play because it helps them develop their fine motor skills.

Additionally, the game requires players to use logic and problem solving skills in order to complete the tasks, which can help aid in their cognitive development.

This was one of my favorite games as a little kid!

8. Connect 4

Connect 4 is a great game for 7 year olds to play because it helps them develop strategic thinking skills. The game is also simple enough that it is not overwhelming for young children. Additionally, Connect 4 can be played with friends or family, which makes it a great game for social interaction. Playing Connect 4 can help 7 year olds develop important life skills such as planning and problem solving.

9. Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride is a great game to play with friends. There are a few different ways to play, but the most common way is to play with two to four players. Each player starts with a certain number of trains, and the goal of the game is to collect train cards in order to claim railway routes on the map. The player who collects the most points wins the game.

A fun (and ultra-competitive) way to play Ticket to Ride with friends is to race to see who can claim the most railway routes first. The player who claims the most routes wins the game. Another way to play is to see who can collect the most points by claiming routes and completing objectives. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Ticket to Ride is a great game for all age, really. It is easy to learn and quick to play. It is also a great game for families or groups of friends who want to spend some time together.

Gifts for 7 Year Old Boys Who Like to Draw:

1. Crayola Marker Maker

A 7-year-old boy who likes to draw would like the Crayola Marker Maker because it allows him to be creative and design his own markers.

He can choose the colors he wants, and he gets to watch as the machine creates his markers. Fun for a creative/builder type too!

2. 3D Pen

With a 7 year old boy who loves to draw, and a great imagination, there’s nothing a boy wouldn’t love about this!

The adjustable feed lets him regulate speed & flow for optimal control of the material while he’s drawing and his art will come to life since it’s a 3D pen!

3. Video Games

•  Madden NFL

If the boy in your life loves football, this game is extremely competitive and requires split-second decisions (hello fast-paced fun!)

This can help the child develop his hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills.

And, with Madden, he can socialize and interact with other players online, making new friends and learning how to cooperate and communicate with others.

All of these elements combine to create a highly entertaining and beneficial experience for the child that will surely be enjoyed for many hours! He will thank you!

• FIFA Soccer

Soccer lovers, unite! Fifa Soccer features some of the best soccer players in the world, which makes it even more enjoyable for fans of the sport!

• NBA 2K

Basketball anytime, anywhere. That’s why a basketball loving boy would LOVE to get the newest NBA 2K game!

• Gran Turismo

The graphics in Gran Turismo are extremely realistic and boys tend to love anything that involves cars or racing.

This game offers a great deal of challenge and boys always enjoy trying to beat their previous score or time – fun for all!

Outdoor Gifts for a 7 Year Old Boy Fishing and Camping, Hunting and Nature Themed Gift Ideas

1. Fishing rod and reel

A fishing rod and reel is a great gift for a 7 year old boy who loves to fish. It’s something that he can use to enjoy his favorite pastime, and it will last him for many years to come.

Plus, it’s a practical gift that he can use over and over again.

2. Hunting knife

A hunting knife would be a great gift for a 7 year old boy who loves to camp and hike because hunting knives can be used for skinning and gutting game, cutting wood, and even preparing food.

They are also small and easy to carry, making them perfect for taking on camping and hiking trips.

Plus, they are sharp and can be used to defend against animals or other potential threats.

Teaching a boy this age how to use a tool like this is a good idea, as well as teaching him how to use it resposibly.

3. Camping tent

Give him a sense of independence and responsibility by gifting him his very own camping tent!

He would have to take care of his own gear and make sure everything is in working order.

Additionally, it would allow him to explore the great outdoors on his own or with friends, even if it is only uses in the backyard for the time being. Camping is a great way to bond with nature and build lasting memories.

Finally, it would be a fun and unique gift that he is sure to love.

Any boy would be thrilled to receive his own Camping tent!

4. Binoculars

There are many reasons why getting a 7 year old boy his own binoculars would be a good idea.

For one, it would give him the opportunity to explore the world around him in a new way.

He could use them to look for birds, or other animals, and he would have a great time doing it.

Binoculars are a great way to teach children about science and nature.

With his own pair, he would be able to learn about different types of animals, and their habitats.

Finally, binoculars are simply fun! Your son is sure to enjoy using them, and he will love showing them off to his friends.

Football Gifts for 7 Year old boys

If the 7 year old boy that you’re buying a gift for is into football, there is no shortage of football gift ideas in this blog post! Hear are some football gift ideas for a 7 year old boy – that he will love!

1. Football

2. Jerseys

3. Helmets

4. Cleats

5. Dressup Football Pads

6. Gloves

7. Water Bottles

8. Sweat/Cooling Towels

Gift Ideas for 7 Year Olds Who Love Basketball

1. A basketball – He will love his very own top notch basketball to play with at the gym!

2. A basketball hoop – Of course an outdoor basketball hoop is awesome, but that’s a substantial gift. Go for this indoor basketball hoop instead, boys love these!

3. Basketball shoes or a gift card to a place like Finish Line

4. Basketball jerseys

5. Shot Tracker

6. Shooting sleeves

7. Wristbands

8. Headbands  – Especially if the 7 year old that you’re buying a gift for is into the long hair trend!

STEM related gift ideas for seven year old for boys who love building things

1. Tinkertoy Classic 100-Piece Set

Tinkertoys are a classic toy that has been around for years, they are very affordable, and they provide hours of fun and creativity.

Tinkertoys are a great way to encourage a child’s imagination and creativity. There are endless possibilities of what a child can create with Tinkertoys. They can build houses, castles, rocket ships, and much more. It is a great way for a child to express their imagination and creativity.

Tinkertoys are also very affordable. You can usually find them on sale at most stores or online. This makes them a great option for parents on a budget.

Finally, Tinkertoys provide hours of fun and creativity. A child can play with them for hours on end and never get bored. They are the perfect toy for a rainy day or a long car ride.

2. K’NEX Education – Intro to Simple Machines: Levers Set

This K’NEX set helps with fine motor skills, hand eye coordination, and problem solving skills.

It is also a fun activity that can be done alone or with friends.

The K’NEX Levers Set is a great way to teach your child about how levers work and how they can be used to create different types of motion – awesome for a boy who loves to build things!

3. LEGO Minecraft The Cave

LEGO Minecraft The Cave is the perfect gift for the 7 year old boy in your life who loves Minecraft. He’ll have a blast putting it together and playing with it, and you’ll love seeing his imagination come to life.

This LEGO set includes everything he needs to create his own little Minecraft world, including a cave, spider, and Creeper figures. He can use his creativity to bring the world to life however he wants, and you can be sure that he’ll have hours of fun with this gift.

4. Meccano MeccaNoid

The Meccano MeccaNoid might be just what you’re looking for if you’re looking for 7 year boy gift ideas. This amazing robot comes to life right out of the box – no assembly required! Just charge up the battery and watch him come to life, moving and grooving to his own beat.

With over 60 different motions, MeccaNoid is sure to keep your little guy entertained for hours on end. And if that’s not enough, he can also be programmed to carry out various tasks and commands. So if you’re looking for a gift that will really wow a 7 year old boy, the Meccano MeccaNoid is definitely worth checking out!

5. Air Hogs Thunder Trax All-Terrain Radio Control Vehicle

If you’re looking for an amazing gift idea for a 7 year old boy, look no further than the Air Hogs Thunder Trax All-Terrain Radio Control Vehicle! This awesome RC car is perfect for boys who love exciting adventures and thrilling challenges.

Thunder Trax can go anywhere – over snow, sand, grass, and even wet muddy terrain! It’s built tough to take on whatever terrain your little guy can dream up. Plus, it’s super fast and has cool LED lights that make it even more fun to drive. Just imagine the look on his face when he opens this present!

He’s going to be so excited to get outside and start driving Thunder Trax around. So if you’re looking for a gift that will really make a 7 year old boy happy, the Air Hogs Thunder Trax is the perfect choice.

6. MiP Arcade – Interactive Self-Balancing Robot

The MiP Robot is the all-new, award-winning self-balancing interactive robot that also features 20+ app-enabled games and RC modes, plus bonus screenless games.

The 7 year old (and parents) will love that this robot also has brain train games, including Test Your Mind, Memory, Reflexes and more! 

7. littleBits Rule Your Room Kit

Is your little guy always causing mischief around the house? Or maybe he’s always asking to take things apart to see how they work? If so, he’ll love the littleBits Rule Your Room Kit!

This unique kit allows him to create his own automated devices to wreak havoc on your house – in a good way! With easy-to-follow instructions, he can make a motion-activated sprayer, a door alarm, or a hand-sanitizer dispenser. And the best part is, you get to be in on the fun too!

The Rule Your Room Kit is the perfect gift for any boy who loves to tinker and build. So go ahead and let him rule the roost – with this kit, he can do it in style!

8. Sphero SPRK+ STEAM Educational Robot Ball

If you’re looking for a gift idea for a 7 year old boy, the Sphero SPRK+ STEAM Educational Robot Ball might be just what you’re looking for. This innovative little robot ball is packed with features that will keep your little one entertained and engaged while they learn about science, technology, engineering, and math.

The Sphero SPRK+ is controlled via a free app on your smartphone or tablet, which means that your child can have hours of fun exploring all the different ways to make it move. They can also program it to do tricks and stunts, or even create entire games to play with friends. And because this coding robot is powered by Bluetooth, there’s no need for any messy wires or cables – making it super easy to take with you wherever you go.

If you’re looking for a unique and educational gift that will provide hours of entertainment, the Sphero SPRK+ is the perfect choice.

9. Snap Circuits Jr SC-100 Electronics Discovery Kit

If you’re looking for a unique and engaging gift for a 7 year old boy, the Snap Circuits Jr SC-100 Electronics Discovery Kit might be a great option. This fun and educational kit allows kids to create 100 different electronic projects, including a lighted fan, a flying disc Launcher, and an AM/FM radio.

Not only is the Snap Circuits Jr SC-100 Electronics Discovery Kit a blast to play with, it’s also a great way for kids to learn about electronics and engineering. They’ll love watching their creations come to life, and you’ll love seeing their faces light up with excitement as they learn. It’s the perfect gift for any curious kid.

7 Year Olds Love Things that Move!

1. Razor A3 Kick Scooter

If you’re looking for a great gift idea for a 7 year old boy, consider the Razor A3 Kick Scooter. This scooter is perfect for zipping around the neighborhood or even taking to the skate park. It’s built tough with an aluminum frame, so it can handle all kinds of abuse. And it folds up easily for transport or storage. Best of all, it’s lots of fun! Your little guy will love cruising around on his new scooter.

2. Micro Sprite Scooter

If you’re looking for a great gift idea for a 7 year old boy, consider the Micro Sprite Scooter. This scooter is perfect for kids who want to get around in style. It’s also great for getting exercise and fresh air. The Micro Sprite Scooter is built with a durable aluminum frame that can support up to 220 pounds. It also has a easy-to-use folding mechanism, so it’s perfect for taking on the go. The scooter comes in a variety of colors, so you’re sure to find one that your little boy will love.

3. Maxi Micro Deluxe Scooter

The Maxi Micro Deluxe Scooter is the perfect gift for the special 7 year old boy in your life. He will love zipping around on this stylish scooter, which is also durable and easy to ride. The scooter has a sturdy aluminum frame, puncture-proof tires, and an adjustable handlebar to grow with your child. Plus, the unique lean-to-steer design makes it easy for kids to learn how to ride. He’ll have hours of fun riding his Maxi Micro Deluxe Scooter!

5. Segway miniPLUS Personal Transporter

If you’re looking for a unique and exciting gift for a 7 year old boy, the Segway miniPLUS Personal Transporter is a great option. This cool device lets kids zip around effortlessly, and it’s sure to be a hit with any little adventurer.

The Segway miniPLUS is perfect for getting around the neighborhood or even just cruising around the block. It’s easy to use and lots of fun, so your child is sure to love it. It’s also super safe, so you can rest assured that your little one will be well-protected while using it.

If you’re looking for a gift that will really make a 7 year old boy smile, the Segway miniPLUS Personal Transporter is the perfect choice. He’s sure to enjoy hours of fun with this cool toy, and you’ll love knowing that he’s safe while he’s riding it. Order yours today!

6. Razor Power Rider 360 Electric Tricycle

With its three wheels and powerful motor, the Power Rider 360 is perfect for cruising around the neighborhood or taking on tougher terrain. The electric tricycle also has a built-in music player so kids can enjoy their favorite tunes as they ride.

7. UNI-SUN Hoverboard

This hoverboard has awesome reviews! And, it’s the perfect size and speed for kids new to riding on a hoverboard.

The 6.5″ wheels with high-quality rubber tires and comfortable foot pedals provide a smooth riding experience. And, the smart self-balancing system makes it easier than ever for beginners to learn to ride a hoverboard.

Love this hoverboard for a beginner!

It can be hard to shop for a 9-year-old boy because they usually have a lot of interests and like different things, and they’re typically all over the place with their liks and dislikes.

They might love video games, Legos, sports, and cars all at the same time – or maybe they just like one thing more than anything else. So it can be hard to know what are popular toys for 9 year old boys!

Another challenge in shopping for 9 year old boy gifts is that they are becoming more particular about what they want.

When shopping for toys for 9 year olds they probably don’t want just any toy or game – they want something that is something that they specifically love, for example, a player on a team, rather than that team.

It takes some extra effort but it’s worth it to see the look on their face when they open up a present that is exactly what they wanted, and they didn’t even know that they needed!

In our search for the best gifts for a 9 year old boy we found several great ideas, both common and unusual gifts for a 9 year old boy – and, since all boys are different we’ve broken them into categories based on what 9 year old boys seem to love the most.

We are going to start off this collection with gift ideas for a 9 year old boy who likes sports:

Basketball Gift Ideas for a 9-Year-Old Boy:

If the 9-year-old boy you know loves basketball, there are lots of gifts and sports toys for 9 year olds. You could get him a new basketball, or a basketball hoop to put in his backyard.

He might also like some new clothes to wear when he plays, or a book about the sport.

10 gifts for 9-year-olds who love basketball:

1. An outdoor or an indoor basketball for the 9-year-old boy who loves the sport.
2.  A new basketball hoop for the backyard
3.  Some new clothes to wear when playing basketball, like some Nike Elite gear.
4. A book about basketball that the 9 year old boy will love to read.
5. Tickets to a professional basketball game so the 9 year old can see his favorite players in person!
6. A basketball jersey with his favorite player’s number on it.
7. Basketball shoes that he’s been wishing for and will help him play his best game ever.
8. A trip to a nearby amusement park that has a giant arcade where the 9 year old can play all of his favorite video games featuring basketball!
9. Customized print of himself playing hoops with an amazing slam dunk – perfect for hanging on his bedroom wall!
10. If you have some money to spare, why not get your 9 year old boy the newest and most popular NBA video game so he can enjoy playing as his favorite team and players all day long?

Video Game Gift Ideas for a 9-Year-Old Boy:

If the 9 year old boy you know loves video games, there are lots of great gift ideas for him too that kids love.

You could get him a new video game console, or some new games to play on his existing one. He might also appreciate a gaming chair or headset, so he can be comfortable while he plays.

10 gift ideas for a boy who loves video games:

1. A new video game console
2. New games for his current console
3. A gaming chair
4. A gaming headset
5. A gift card to his favorite video game store
6. A subscription to a video game magazine
7. Tickets to a video game convention
8. A toy car or replica weapon from his favorite video game
9. A T-shirt or hat with his favorite video game logo on it
10. Custom-made figurines of his favorite in-game characters

Board Games for 9-Year-Old Boys:

Board games are a great way to introduce 9-year-old boys to the concept of winning and losing, and help them learn how to handle defeat.

Playing board games is a great way for 9-year-old boys to develop their skills in a number of different areas, and as a bonus, all of these games are perfect for family game night!

One such area is learning how to win and lose. Board games often involve taking turns, so the 9-year-old boy has to wait his turn before he can make his move. This teaches him patience and how to control his emotions – both important skills for life.

Board games also teach critical thinking skills. The 9 years old boy (as well as 9-year-old girls) needs to figure out which moves will give him the best chance of winning, and which ones will put him at a disadvantage. This helps him learn how to think ahead, plan strategically, and make decisions under pressure.

Finally, board games are good for social development. Playing with others allows 9-year-old boys to learn about teamwork and cooperation, as well as how to compete fairly and respect other people’s opinions.

Here are 10 great board games for 9-year-old boys:

1. Chess
2. Checkers
3. Connect 4
4. Shut the Box
5. Mastermind
6. Tic Tac Toe
7. Dominoes
8. Scrabble Junior
9. Monopoly Jr.
10. Battleship

Football Gift Ideas for 9-Year-Old Boys:

Nine year old boys love the NFL and the sport of football in general because it is an exciting and physical sport.

They enjoy watching the players play with speed, agility, and strength. Furthermore, they appreciate learning about the rules and strategy of the game.

This allows them to develop a deeper understanding of the sport and how it is played.

Ultimately, watching and learning about the NFL is a fun and informative experience for 9 year old boys, which is why they might just love some new NFL swag!

1. A new football
2. Tickets to a live NFL game
3. A jersey or shirt of his favorite team
4. A hat or cap with his favorite team’s logo on it
5. A football helmet
6. Football cleats
7. Football gloves
8. A football coach’s whistle
9. A foam finger with his favorite team’s name on it
10. Custom-made bobblehead of his favorite NFL player

Nature-related Gift Ideas for 9-Year-Old Boys:

If the 9-year-old boy you know loves nature, there are lots of great gift ideas for him. You could get him a book about the natural world, or a subscription to a kids’ nature magazine. He might also like some new hiking gear, so he can explore the outdoors more comfortably.

1. A book about the natural world that the 9 year old boy can immerse himself in
2. A subscription to a kids’ nature magazine, like National Geographic
3. Binoculars for exploring the outdoors
4. A magnifying glass for taking a closer look at nature.
5. A journal for recording all of the interesting things the 9-year-old boy finds while exploring nature.
6. A field guide to help him identify different plants and animals he sees outdoors.
7. A birdhouse or squirrel feeder to attract wildlife to his backyard.
8. A weather station so he can track the conditions outside.
9. A hiking backpack with all the necessary gear for a day hike.
10. A camping tent for spending nights under the stars

Gift Ideas for 9-Year-Old Boys who Love Music:

If the 9 year old boy you know loves music, here are some great gift ideas for him. You could get him a new instrument, or some music lessons. He might also like a new stereo system, or some concert tickets to see his favorite band.

1. A new instrument
2. Music lessons
3. A new stereo system
4. Concert tickets to see his favorite band
5. A gift card to a music store
6. A T-shirt or hat with his favorite band’s logo on it
7. Custom-made figurines of his favorite musicians
8. A subscription to a music magazine
9. A toy microphone or guitar
10. A CD or vinyl record of his favorite album

Gift Ideas for 9-Year-Old Boys Who Love Reading:

If the 9-year-old boy you know loves reading, here are some great gift ideas for him.

You could get him a new book, or a subscription to a kids’ reading magazine. He might also like a new bookmark, or some headphones so he can read in peace and quiet.

1. A new book
2. A subscription to a kids’ reading magazine
3. A bookmark
4. Headphones
5. A new set of encyclopedias
6. A dictionary
7. A thesaurus
8. A world atlas
9. Books about his favorite topic or hobby
10. Custom-made book covers with his name on them

STEM Gift Ideas for 9-Year-Old Boys:

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These subjects are important for 9-year-old boys to learn about. And, as a bonus, they’re fun too!

Science is all about learning about the natural world around us. Technology is about using machines and computers to do different tasks. Engineering is about designing and building things. Mathematics is all about solving problems and figuring out patterns.

Encourage kids to enjoy learning all about STEM by getting them gifts that they can use at home!

1. A science kit
2. A technology kit
3. An engineering kit
4. STEM Kits
5. A subscription to a STEM-focused magazine
6. A microscope
7. A telescope
8. A Crystal Growing Kit
9. A robotics building kit
10. Custom-made bobblehead of his favorite scientist

What categories have we missed? Feel free to reach out with any interests that you may need some help with!

They’re no longer a 7-year-old, and definitely not into what 5-year-olds would be into, yet they’re not quite a teen yet either.

Finding cool gifts that are the best toys for boys that will be exiting the “play years” soon can be hard, but we’ve rounded up the 31 BEST birthday gifts you can get for the eight-year-old in your life!

This gift guide features the best gifts for 8-year-old boys, including 8-year-old boy gift ideas, gift ideas for 8-year-olds and gift ideas for boy 8th birthday.

1. Toys for 8-year-old Boys

Boys at this age are full of energy, and they love to run around and explore. The best gifts for 8 year old boys will get them outside and moving. A great gift idea is a toy that encourages outdoor play, like a football or basketball.

We are LOVING the reviews on this capture the flag game that seems to be really popular and can appease several boys at once!

Other outdoor toys that make great gifts include trampolines, swingsets, and water guns like the NERF Super Soaker Zip Fire.

I am not sure that I’ve ever known an 8 year old boy that would turn down a 3D Dinosaur water bottle! This water bottle lights up to show the printed dinosaur even better at night time and dusk.

Bonus, he’ll be drinking more water and you’ll be able to use this as a night light for him as well.

Another favorite toy at this age is the Stomp Rocket. I love giving this as a gift for kids this age! No batteries are required and it’s an outdoor game!

Kids use the launchers to launch rockets using the power of their foot stomping on the launch pad! However hard they load their foot is how far the launcher is going to go!

And, there are also Stomp Rockets that glow-in the dark!

See the Stomp Rocket selection here!

2. STEM toys for 8 year olds

STEM toys are a great way to get 8 year old boys interested in science, technology, engineering, and math. These types of toys are designed to promote critical thinking and problem solving skills.

A few great STEM toys for 8 year old boys include Lego sets, robotic kits, and coding toys.

Sillbird STEM 12-in-1 Education Solar Robot Toy

Kanoodle Extreme Puzzle Game

3. Video Games for 8-year-old Boys

There are a lot of great video games for 8 year old boys. Some of the most popular ones are games that require strategy and critical thinking skills. Games like Lego Ninjago, Mario Kart, and Minecraft are perfect for boys this age.

These games are challenging and fun, and they keep boys engaged for hours on end.

On the same line of video games, a tablet is never a bad idea, especially if you plan on traveling in the future. Every mom loves a good downloaded movie to make some of the trip easier!

4. Sports Gift Ideas for 8-year-olds

If the boy in your life is into sports, then some new sports equipment would make a great gift. Boys who are into baseball would love a new bat or glove.

Boys who play basketball would appreciate a new basketball or pair of sneakers.

And boys who like to swim would adore a new pool toy, pool gadget or goggles.

Make them really get out and play with a GoTrax kick scooter with amazing reviews to get them around the neighborhood.

You gotta love that! This scooter is more for beginners, but there are tons of other scooters that you can buy that go faster and farther!

5. Clothing and Accessories for 8-year-olds

Clothing and accessories are always welcome gifts for 8 year old boys.

Boys this age are starting to pay more attention to their appearance, so it’s important to get the items that they’ll actually want to wear.

Popular clothing items for 8-year-old boys include t-shirts, sweatshirts, jeans, and shorts, and they’re usually still willing to sport their favorite athletes and characters as well, so keep that in mind when you make your purchase.

For accessories, consider sunglasses, belts, and hats.

6. Books for 8 year-old Boys

Books make great gifts for 8 year old boys, especially if they’re into a particular series.

Some of the most popular book series for boys this age include Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

If the boy in your life isn’t into reading, there are plenty of other great books for 8 year old boys, like activity books, comic books or joke books.

7. Gadgets for 8-year-old Boys

Gadgets are always a hit with 8-year-old boys. The latest must-have gadget for boys this age is the Apple Watch, which is perfect for keeping track of their activity levels and staying connected to their friends and family.

Other popular gadgets for 8-year-old boys include remote control cars, drones, and video cameras.

8. Bedroom Decor for 8-year-old Boys

If you’re looking for a gift that the boy in your life can use to personalize his bedroom, then some new bedroom decor would be perfect.

Boys this age love to express their individuality, so items like posters, LED lights, bedding sets, and storage containers for all of their collectibles are always appreciated.

10. Musical Instruments

Musical instruments make great gifts for 8-year-old boys who are interested in music. Boys this age often enjoy playing the drums, guitar, or piano.

If the boy in your life doesn’t have any interest in music, then a musical instrument might not be the best gift for him.

11. Gift Cards

If you’re struggling to come up with a gift idea for an 8 year old boy, then a gift card is always a safe bet. Gift cards can be used to buy just about anything, so boys can use them to get whatever they want.

Some popular places to get gift cards for 8 year old boys include Amazon, iTunes, and Walmart.

12. Money

Money is always a good gift for an 8 year old boy. They can use it to buy whatever they want, and get whatever sweets & treat they want, which makes them happy.

Plus, it’s always useful to have some extra cash on hand.

13. Gift Basket

A gift basket is a great option for an 8 year old boy because it can be customized to their liking. You can fill the basket with their favorite things, which makes them happy.

Some good gift basket options include a movie night basket, a gaming basket, and a sports basket that you fill with several puzzles, maybe a card game, or a fun toy that they love. Use your creativity to add different things that kiddos love!

This can be so much fun for the whole family!

14. Whatever They Want!

The best gift for an 8 year old boy is whatever they want! This way, they are guaranteed to be happy with their gift.

So, ask them what they want and get them something that they’ll love.

This is the perfect age for introducing a huge love for learning and understanding that will last their entire life through toys and gifts that engage them in fun, creative and educational ways.

There are some amazing 2 year old boy gifts and toys that make the best gifts for 2 year old boys because they give them hours of fun, burn some of that overflowing energy, and help encourage strong skills as they reach all those important developmental skills that we as parents delight in watching unfold!

And I have more than 45 of the very best rated toys lined up for you right here in this article, sorted by the types of play pediatricians recommend for learning and growing healthy and happy toddlers so you can pick the perfect, best gift for 2 year old boy who has everything.

Whether you’re looking for birthday gifts for 2 year old boy,

The Best Gifts for 2 Year Old Boys

As a mom of a two year old boy, I find myself constantly looking for ways to direct his energy into channels that will be fun for him, spare my house from destruction, and help him to learn important skills in the meantime. Having a little boy is so different from when my daughter was little, and I find myself constantly reaching out to other moms and scouring the internet for gift ideas for the best toys for 2 year old boy that will capture his attention and that he will play with and love for years to come.

You may be on the same quest as I am, and also wondering what to get a 2 year old boy for his birthday, so I’m thrilled about sharing with you this giant, one-stop kind of gift guide for toy gifts for 2 year olds. Child development professionals and Pediatricians recommend a variety of toys that offer unique and interesting play opportunities to develop fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and hand eye coordination.

But there are so many amazing educational toys out there for little ones that it’s is hard to know which ones to go for! To make this easier for you, I tried to break it down into categories that include active, creative, and educational toys that are just so much fun and make perfect gifts for holidays and birthdays. I believe that keeping these categories in mind will help you to choose the best gifts for 2 year old boys that will not only be FUN but help them grow as well.

Just browse these top rated toys that are fun children and that will give us parents so much joy to what our children enjoy!

Things to consider when choosing the best gifts for a 2 year old boy:

As a parent of a toddler, I want to give my little 2 year old boy everything he needs to learn and develop from a baby into a healthy, active and strong child.  What you and I both want most for our toddlers is for them to thrive and have FUN with play and exploring.

And 2 year olds need stimulation and activity to keep them engaged.  When I talked to child development specialists, their advice was to choose a variety of toys and suggested an easy checklist to keep in mind when choosing a new toy or finding the best gift for 2 year old boys:

• Choose toys that your child can grow with and still enjoy.
• Choose toys that encourage your child to be active and move their bodies.
• Choose toys that encourage problem-solving skills and exploring skills.
• Choose toys that activate your child’s imagination and give them a chance to “pretend” with real-life toys.
• Choose toys that challenge them and help expose them to the educational skills they will use later.

Keeping these tips in mind, I tried to create this amazing guide that highlights some of the very best toys that check ALL of these boxes to bring your child the highest levels of joy and fun!

How the Developmental types are broken down in my gift ideas for 2 year old boys article:

Grow With Me Toys: imaginary play, fine motor skills, multi-developmental stage fun
Move with Me Toys: active play, gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, energy-burning fun
Explore with Me Toys: problem-solving, discovery, self-directed play, fine motor skills, strong self-thinker skills
Imagine With Me Toys: creative play, imaginative play, pretend play, storytelling skill-building, lifestyle skill-building, vocabulary growth
Learn With Me: early learning experiences, introduction to concepts, developmental milestone play
Play with Me: teamwork, turn-taking, following directions, interacting with others, multi-age level play skills

Grow With Me Toys for more than one developmental stage

Some of our fondest memories center around the toys we loved and cherished for years as children ourselves and seeing our children love and treasure toys that are created to span developmental leaps bring me as a mom so much satisfaction and pleasure.

At two, sorting plastic animals into containers and moving the wheels on trucks and cars may provide endless fun, while the same toys will still be a big part of imaginary play as our little boys get older. The toys in this section make some of the best gifts for 2 year old boys because they will love and enjoy them in different ways over the years and make great bases to collections that they will have fun adding to in time.

*Note, we picked animals that are larger to reduce the choking hazard that some of the smaller plastic animal sets may present.

1. 12 Piece STEM Educational Plastic Dinosaurs and other Plastic Animal Friends

There are endless possibilities for fun when kids get their hands on this set of realistic plastic dinosaur pals. Let their imagination go wild, and teach them the names for each of these favorite dinosaurs as they play and make up stories to act out with their toys.

Made with BPA free material, so it’s safe for little mouths, these make the perfect gift for the dinosaur loving 2 year old in your life.

If you have a little farmer on your hands, picking out something like these high-quality Farm Animals Educational Learning Cognitive toys that include all of our beloved farmyard friends will be sure to bring a smile to his face.

Or, give them a Safari adventure with this 12 piece gift set of Jumbo Wild Zoo Animals. These are my kids’ absolute favorite kinds of toys and they make the perfect birthday and Christmas gifts for toddlers!

2. Wooden Race Track Car Ramp And Wooden Cars

Kids are absolutely delighted with anything that they can make zoom. This wooden car ramp has the perfect cars for little hands, and they get a huge kick out of watching the cars zip down the ramps to the bottom and then doing it all over again!

These are great for improving visual tracking and for problem-solving as while our kiddos figure out how to make the cars race the fastest!

3. Green Toys Dump Truck

If you are like me and would prefer to pick toys that are friendly to our world, you are going to love Green toys! We can’t get enough of the sturdy, fully functioning dump truck and it’s made out of 100% recycled materials. You can even pop it into the dishwasher. If you want a earth-friendly option to add to your “best toys for 2 year old boys” list, this is your toy.

Every little boy I know loves playing with the green toys dump truck, and I was delighted when I discovered they make a lot of other fun things, like this green toys fire truck, too!

4. Push and Go Toy Trucks/Construction Vehicles

These are the perfect toy for your car-lovers. They fit so well in little hands and hearing all those car sounds as my little guy drives around makes my day! They are great indoor and outdoor toys, and make a fun addition to the sandbox where they can scoop and fill that dump truck and drive them for hours on end!

5. Disney Pixar Pull Back Mini Racer Cars

There’s nothing quite like seeing my little guy’s face light up as he recognizes some of his favorite characters in a new toy. That’s what’s awesome about these mini racer cars that are based on the beloved Pixar Cars characters.

Getting to drive Mater or Lightning McQueen around is an absolute hit. And they are the perfect size for little hands to grasp, too!

Add in a fun carpet playmat with roads and buildings, and there will be hours of play fun for years to come!

The best way to up the fun for a little guy who already has an epic car collection is to give him roads to drive his prized wheels on! Grab one of these carpet playmats and suddenly he has places to go and things to see and those cars will rarely get to rest their wheels.

This is a fantastic gift for a 2 year old who has everything else, and gives a wonderful “grow with me” kind of experience.

6. Melissa & Doug Wooden Train Cars

What little boy isn’t fascinated with trains? My toddler will connect his magnetic wooden trains in different configurations and pull them around our coffee table. He gets a big kick about making the train whistle at every curve.

These wooden trains come in an amazing compartmental box which is another toy in and of itself, giving busy little hands something to sort and dump over and over.

7. Magnetic Wooden 12 piece Train Set with bonus animals

The only thing better than a wooden train set is a train set that you can put treasures in! Your 2 year old will have a blast filling up these train cars with his favorite little toys or treasures. And as a bonus, if you already have a few wooden magnetic trains, these fit right into the collection!

8. Jellycat Bashful Black and Cream Puppy Stuffed Animal

One of the great joys of childhood is finding that favorite stuffed animal. I picked up a jellycat stuffie for my oldest, and it immediately became the favorite snuggle buddy because it’s just the perfect size and shape for little arms to hug and hold.

They have a plethora of options to choose from, but these little scruffy puppies are just too cute for little boys!

9. Farmyard Animals with Farmer (Old MacDonald’s Farm!)

I adore this two year old stage where they’re starting to make connections between their favorite songs or shows and the things they play with. These adorable little farm animals and farmer in the little red barn give my kids so much fun acting out “Old Mac Donald” and I love that the little animals are just the right size for easy play, but are a style that they’ve just loved for years!

You could create a totally awesome collection and use it as learning moments to introduce animals around the world with these other absolutely precious little sets for Talking Stuffed Jungle Animals, Forest Friends Plush Animals, Stuffed Sea Animal Playset and these super adorable little Plush Dinosaurs. Talk about hitting the best gift for 2 year old boys theme out of the park!

10. Bath Toys Boat Set Water Toys for Boys and Girls

You know the saying that everything can be fixed by a good bath? It’s the truth. When we’re having a long day, or a cranky day, or just need a reset of some sort, there’s nothing like a little bit of water play to get us all back on track. Having some good bath toys is a great way to extend the fun.  I am particularly fond of this boat set because it’s built with enough details to interest boys for as long as they want toys in the tub!

11. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Double-Sided Tabletop Easel

This tabletop easel includes a dry-erase board and chalkboard, a built-in wooden paper roll holder, a 50-foot-long paper roll, dry-erase marker, 5 pieces of colored chalk, an eraser, and 36 letter and number magnets.

I mean, how much more can you pack into one toy?

Another plus is that this easel folds flat for easy storage.

Melissa & Doug has been a top toy maker for years and years – always sturdy toys!

12. Little Tikes Fish & Splash Water Table

Those hot summer days bring the desire to be outside, but the heat makes it near impossible to stay outside for long.

This water table is the perfect solution! This set is so fun with many small toys included!

Move with Me Toys for active, energy-burning play time

Nothing can match the energy level of my 2 year old boy. He craves action and needs good outlets for all that movement that don’t include jumping off the back of the couch.

Outdoor time is a lifesaver for little boys, and these are some of the best gifts for 2 year old boys that will let them burn off some energy, develop some good hand eye coordination and motor skills all while having an absolute blast.

1. VTech Smart Shots Sport Center

This is one of the hottest toys for 2 year old boy birthday gifts, and it would make a perfect Christmas gift as well! With the light up score screen and all the fun sounds, this one is going to be a sure winner when it comes to favorite toy ever for your favorite little 2 year old.

It’s a fun way to encourage hand eye coordination, and is a great introduction to toddler sports. Your boy will have a blast making those baskets and goals!

2. Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Giddy Buggy Crawl-Through Tunnel

This tunnel is a blast. My kids are a huge fan of the caterpillar, as they call it, and ask for it regularly when we do outside time! It folds up into an easy to store circle and is a hit with all their little friends when we do playdates, as well.

What I love about it is that even in the winter when it’s too cold to play outside, I can pull out the caterpillar tunnel and it’s a great indoor play option to get those wiggles out!

3. Diggin Hop Mini Toddler Trampoline with Handle Baby Indoor Jumping Toy

This is definitely a *must buy* for any high energy 2 year old who lives anywhere, but especially helpful if you live in a cold climate where you can’t get outside to burn off engery without getting too chilled.

My kids loved jumping at this age and would ask for me to get their mini trampoline out almost every day. The laughter is just over the top adorable while they bounce!

4. Toddler Ball Pool Indoor Outdoor Ballpit with mini hoop 

Not to be corny, but little boys have a BALL with these ball pit/pool toys. It’s a great sensory activity and there’s something about balls that little boys especially love to play with.

Getting an indoor-outdoor active toy is a great choice so that it gives you options for keeping up with all that energy, regardless of the weather. Don’t forget to grab a pack of ball pit balls if the ball pit you choose doesn’t come with some!

5. Fisher-Price Harley Davidson Tough Trike (Amazon Exclusive)

If you’re looking for the hot toy on the market right now, this Harley Davidson Tough Trike is THE thing. With crazy awesome rave reviews and some pretty cool features, it’s a trike that your child is going to feel proud pedaling around the drive on. Plus, let’s be real. Can it get much cuter than a little boy on a mini Harley ride? I really don’t think so.

6. Classic Radio Flyer Red Rider Trike

This has to be one of the best toys for 2 year olds. Who doesn’t love an old classic like the gorgeous Radio Flyer Red Trike we all knew and loved as kids ourselves? With a little compartment for favorite toys or other treasures boys love to collect, it’s the perfect gift for any occasion!

7. Strider Balance Bike

All my mom friends absolutely RAVE about the strider balance bike. It makes learning to ride a real bike a breeze and their kids spent hours and hours on theirs. I had to grab one for my 2 year old and he feels so proud to match his sister as she rides her bike around the driveway.

Of course, you’ll want to grab a helmet to go with it, and if you’re wanting to minimize initial scrapes and bruises, this set of toddler protective gear is soft and easy to put on even wiggly boys who just want to go play already!

8. Cute as Bugs Tools for digging  and Small wagon to load up and empty

This is guaranteed to be one of your child’s favorite toy sets. Little boys love getting into the dirt and mine is absolutely obsessed with loading and unloading his little wagon. This is easy for small people to maneuver and the tools are just perfect for sand or digging in the garden right alongside you! What a great chance to make some awesome memories while providing something that’s practical and useful as well!

9. Fisher-Price Corn Popper

Hands down, this may be one of the best $10 I ever spent on toys for my little boy. From day one, he has gone crazy with it, pushing it at top speed all over the house. It’s amazing for burning off energy on rainy days, and if you have a smooth paved area outside, your child may have a blast running it around outside too! The popping is gentle enough on the ears too, which is a huge plus!

10. Cartoon Remote Control Cars

How fun is this? Get your little guy moving with these remote control cars. This is a great gift if you’re looking for something that he can get up and follow and move around with.

The music and sounds including sirens, honking and even flashing headlights will keep his interest for quite some time as well, which is a bonus!

This set is designed to be easy to use as your child’s first remote control toy car, so it’s easy to manuever and you’ll love the size, making for easy storage, as well!

Please note the battery requirement of 10 AA batteries while you’re buying, you might want to grab batteries as well.

11. Package of Soft Sports Balls

Perfect that hand eye coordination with a package of balls for your little guy to play with!

Included in the set is a soccer ball, basketball, baseball, tennis ball and a Football. This also comes with a mesh carrying case perfect for taking to the backyard or the park.

12. Bubbles

There’s nothing more simple and fun (not to mention, inexpensive!) than bubbles!

This bubble machine looks like a leaf blower, but instead of just air, he’ll get bubbles floating out the end of the leaf blower – how cute!!!

Explore With Me Toys for problem solving and fine motor skills

One of my favorite things about this age is the love of exploring everything within reach. I know that it’s never too soon to start giving my kids the gift of great problem-solving skills in age-appropriate ways.

A great way to start introducing and developing the ability to be a strong self-thinker is with toys that will give them a chance to figure something out on their own or with just a little bit of guidance.

Seeing my little guy’s extreme satisfaction of figuring it out on his own is really the best thing ever! So, if you find yourself asking “what gift should I give to my 2 year old boy that improves fine motor skills”, you’re in the right place.

These toys are great for encouraging fine motor skills, so if that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll love these!

1. Fat Brain Toys Kids Spinagain Toy