I’ve found 25 of the coolest, under $20 stocking stuffers to gift everyone on your list, including yourself and your fur babies!

All of the stocking stuffers found here can be purchased on Amazon for less than $20 to make spreading some holiday cheer easier this season.

Happy shopping!

Best Stocking Stuffers for Mom Under $20

Mom’s stocking is often left sadly limp and empty so it’s totally fine to fill your own with any of the awesome under $20 stocking stuffers for Mom on this list.

Feel free to also forward it to your family members to give them so easy, affordable gift ideas.

Boot socks. These pair perfectly with your low Uggs and sneakers. Plus, they’re extra warm and cozy.

DIY Nail kit. Save Mom some money with this at home starter nail kit.

Face Masks. Mom will love to pamper her skin with a face mask. Give her a variety yo choose from.

Desk vacuum. Crumbs be gone! Help Mom keep her workspace clean with this little desk vac.

Shower steamers. Level up Mom’s shower with these relaxation inducing shower steamers.

Best Stocking Stuffers for Dads Under $20

Manicure kits. Keep those nails looking good with this mini manicure kit.

Screen cleaner. Anti-streak, all-in-one screen cleaner for phones that is portable and easy to use.

Portable charger. Help Dad stay connected with this multi-device portable charger that works for countless things.

Snowbrush and ice scraper. This detachable two-in-one snowbrush and ice scraper breaks down and fits into a small bag for easy storage.

Airpod cleaning kit. Keep Dad’s earphones in tip top shape with this handy cleaning tool.

Best Stocking Stuffers for Teens Under $20

Teeth whitening purple toothpaste. This one went viral on TikTok and teens will love it for getting those smiles pearly white.

Yankee Candle car air fresheners. Help keep your new driver’s ride smelling fresh and clean with these Yankee Candle scented hanging air fresheners.

Gua Sha. Help them get their skincare routine on point while relieving tension and reducing puffiness.

Pimple patches. Be the hero with these pimple patches that come in handy in a pinch.

Super tiny speaker. This one slides easily into a small bag to allow your teen to take their tunes anywhere they need to.

10ft Charger. So they can lay in bed and watch their phone without it dying.

Best Stocking Stuffers for Kids Under $20

Mini color changing night light. These whimsical lights keep the scaries away at night.

Fidget toy. If your kid needs a quiet way to keep their hands busy at school, fidget toys are the magic cure. This one has a variety of options on one handheld cube.

Stickers. For the sticker lover in the house, these fun animal stickers can be used to adorn all of their favorite things.

Kanoodle. My Dudes love this game and it’s one they still happily pull out on road trips.

Electric toothbrush. Making brushing more fun and more effective.

Best Stocking Stuffers for the Furry Family Member Under $20

Dog toothbrush. Keep Fido’s chompers in tip top shape with this stick toothbrush dental toy.

A fun toy. Not gonna lie, we have this toy and I am so excited when the batteries run out. But, I always put them back in because our little pup thinks it’s hours of fun.

Puzzle feeder. It’s a fun way to see if you can teach an old dog, or a young dog, new tricks.

Personalized collar. This one is really for Mom and Dad, but it comes in handy if your fur baby ever scampers off.

Today we drop the teen boy approved holiday gift list for 2023!

I have been creating this shopping guide for parents since becoming the proud mama of a teenager back in 2014 and I haven’t missed single year since. You can continue to count on us for another five years or so to be your go to gift guide for holiday shopping when it comes to teen boys.

Time to get shopping!

How exactly do we create this go-to holiday shopping list?

For authenticity purposes, I start at the source. With two teen dudes still calling my house home, I have a super easy resource for uncovering what truly lives on the wish list of today’s male teen.

The challenge here is that my son’s never ask for much for Christmas so I can’t just go on what they alone want. I ask their friends, I listen to their conversations when I’m chauffeuring them around, and I watch every single TikTok video they send me to determine what they and various other teenager boys are currently interested in.

Which brings me to the best and most informative resource for 2023: TikTok. If it’s trending on the Tok (no one calls it that, FYI), then there’s a good chance a teen boy in your life might enjoy finding it under his tree this holiday season.

A simple TikTok search for “best gifts for teen boys 2023” will help you uncover much of what you will find here, but you’ll be stuck weeding through a bunch of cringey videos and ads for stuff you have no need for but buy anyway.

That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you.

I’ve talked to the teens, I’ve watched the videos, I’ve read the reviews and I’ve come to the conclusion that THESE are the top 25 gifts any teenage boy in your life would actually like to have this Christmas.

Not that every teen boy wants every gift on this list, more that pretty much every teen boy will enjoy at least ONE or two gifts on this list.

You have to know a thing or two about the interests of the teen you’re shopping for, which is why I organize the list by interests.

Where to can I find these top 25 gifts for teen boys in 2023?

Everything I share on my list is available on Amazon.

I use commission links (so I can keep this list and all of the other informative and fun blog posts I bring you each year) live on this site, but also I want them to be easy to find without making you run rampant all over whatever town you call home.

Ain’t nobody got time for that, least of all mom.

So, click the links, add them to your shopping cart, check out and wait happily for your gifts to arrive.

You and your teenager will be merry, no cap.

Top 25 Teen Boy Approved Holiday Gifts for 2023

Best Gifts for Teens That They Can Wear

Pajama Pants

As much as I hate that they’ve made pajama pants the new sweat pants, I always make sure my teen sons have a fresh cozy pair or two in their stockings to start the new year.

Crocs

Another fashion choice I can’t say I agree with, Crocs are not losing popularity any time soon from what I can tell. The teenage guys in my life tend to prefer the fur-lined version.

UGG Slippers

I’m sure you’re sensing a theme here. Teen guys seem to lean toward comfort in their day to day clothing choices. These UGG slippers definitely fit the bill when it comes to relaxed style.

Best Gifts for the Active Teen

Massage Gun

If you’re the parent of an active teen, you know how many times a week they’re asking for a back rub or a leg massage or something because everything hurts. Consider a massage gun a gift for you and your young star athlete.

Spike Ball

This gift has found it’s way onto my annual gift guide for the past five to eight years straight and that is 100% because teenage guys love this game! I’ve not seen a summer get together with my guys that didn’t include a rowdy game or two of Spike Ball.

Foam Roller

My basketball playing dudes never head to the court without their foam rollers during the season. They are a super portable way to help them loosen up before the game to prevent injury.

Over the Door Hoop

You’ll get to enjoy the lovely sounds of them dunking in the safety of their own bedrooms while they work on their inside game.

Weight Bench

Help them get gains and reach their fitness goals with this one.

Best Gifts for Teen Boys to Spruce Up Their Spaces

The Human Dog Bed

It’s a cozy room addition your teen and their furry sidekick will love to cuddle up in together.

A Mini Fridge

It’s a great way to keep their favorite snacks, protein drinks, and other bevs cold and on hand in their rooms. And, if you have a son who is as on top of his skin care as mine is, he can store those “best kept cold” items there as well.

LED Lights

We snagged my youngest dude some neon strip lights for his room and there’s not a night I pull up to the house that he’s home that I don’t catch them shining out of his room. He loves these things! These LED light bars are the 2023 version.

Oversized Blanket

A plush blanket to wrap up in during those cold nights will be greatly appreciated. If you’re lucky you might be able to coax him out of his room to the couch to share it with you for a movie night or two.

LED Desk Clock

It doesn’t make them get out of bed any faster in the mornings, but it still looks cool.

Best Gifts For Guys That Game

Meta Quest 2

If you’ve got a true gamer at home then he’d probably love the adventure of virtual reality. With over 500 game titles on the platform and more to come, there’s sure to be something fun to play for every gamer.

Gaming Chair

Just like the right office chair matter, the right gaming chair matters! Especially if you have a hardcore gamer who spends several hours a week grinding on the game. Want to keep those backs and necks comfy.

Gaming Headphones

You’ll still be able to hear him screaming, but a great pair of gaming headphones will elevate his experience quite a bit.

Best Gifts For On the Go Guys

Portable Charger

My dudes can’t make it through a full day of school followed by practice without one.

Air Pods

They also can’t seem to make it through the day without their Air Pods. Something about tuning out the nonsense and allowing them to focus that comes from having their tunes close at hand.

Interior Car Lights

They look as cool in their car as they do in their rooms. These are a fun way to spruce up your new driver’s new space.

SHOP NOW

Portable Speaker

This is another gift guide standby. The portable, waterproof JBL speaker follows my guys from the shower to the beach and they’ve loved this brand for years.

For the Nerds at Heart

Big Boy Legos

These are a fun way for your teen to disconnect a bit and use their brains. Plus they make for cool room displays when they’re finished.

Light Saber

For the Star Wars lover in your life, you’re never really too old for a cool light saber.

Gifts to Enjoy with Your Teen

Popcorn Machine

One of the best gifts we’ve ever given our boys, our entire family loves movie nights with fresh made popcorn.

Table Tennis

When I’m feeling competitive or the winter blues kick in on snow days, we clear off the dining room table and take turns whooping each other in table tennis. I love how easy this is to take and play anywhere there’s a room with a table.

Magnetic Darts

We hung this one in the garage often come home to them taking on their friends in a friendly game. We get in on that action from time to time too.

I’m a huge Amazon shopper and I am always on the hunt for cool finds and good deals. The October Amazon Prime Big Deal Days are sure to give us both.

Below find some of my favorite products and top deals as well as everything you need to know about the October, 2023 Amazon Prime Big Deal Days event.

What is Amazon Prime Big Deal Days

Similarly to the annual Prime Day event most are familiar with that occurs each year in July, the October Amazon Prime Big Deal Days event will be a two day event featuring deals across several categories exclusively for Prime members.

The October event is scheduled to run for 48 hours on October 10th and 11th only.

If you like to get that holiday shopping taken care of early, this is the deal for you!

What to Buy During Prime Big Deal Days

While we don’t know exactly what will be on sale for this year’s Big Deal Days, we do know that it’s designed to prep for the holidays. That means we can expect toys, games, clothing, electronics, home goods, and much more to be a part of this year’s sale.

To get you ready, I’m sharing some of my favorite product picks from these categories (and more) below. I’ll be sharing sales announcements on Prime Day on my Instagram page so be sure to give that a follow!

Before you head off to fill your cart, be sure you’re a member of Amazon Prime by signing up here: Join Amazon Prime – Watch Thousands of Movies & TV Shows Anytime – Start Free Trial Now

Amazon Top Picks: Electronics

Amazon Top Picks: Travel Essentials

Amazon Top Picks: Kitchen Gadgets

Amazon Top Picks: Home Goods

Amazon Top Picks: Holiday Gifts for Teen Boys

I don’t know what it is about teenage boys, but they are notoriously difficult to shop for. At my house, it’s because they’re so low maintenance and rarely ever ask for new things. I find myself working extra hard to surprise them with cool gadgets and fun surprises that will light up their Christmas morning.

Because I know the struggle of shopping for teenage guys, I put this gift list together each year to make holiday shopping easier on family members.

This gift list will help you find:

• High quality gifts the teen guy in your life will get a lot of use out of.
• Gifts that are the best value for your money.
• Top gifts that are trending with teens.
• Great stocking stuffers and gifts at many price points.
• Easy to find products with great reviews.

Whether you’re shopping for your son, teen nephew, or other family friend, you’ll be the real MVP of the season if you share this list of great gifts with everyone in the family to make the hardest person to shop for a little easier to please with something special.

2022 Christmas Gifts Teen Boys Actually Want

Stocking Stuffers

Restaurant Gift Cards

My guys like to eat out with their friends on the weekends so grabbing them gift cards for their favorite spots helps them save money. We make this one an annual Christmas gift. Pro tip: these make great birthday gifts too.

Buy here: Restaurant Gift Cards

Protein Shaker Bottle

If your teen son is quickly turning into a gym rat, this gift is a great way to support that. These shaker bottles come in handy for helping them blend their protein drinks. The cool thing about these is they don’t require that annoying blender ball that bounces all over your kitchen and inevitably ends up in your garbage disposal.

Buy here: Protein Shaker Bottle

Protein Powder

This is my family’s all-time favorite protein powder. It’s smooth and has an amazing taste so they drink it like chocolate milk.

Buy here: Zhou Protein Powder

Acne Treatment

Since my boys are very active we are constantly in a battle with their pores. Another great gift idea I try to recreate annually is to buy them a couple of really good products for Christmas to help them get their skin game in order and I always include these acne patches.

Buy here: Mighty Patch

JBL Portable Speaker

This one will slide right into their stocking or their backpack for on the go tunes. They can play music in the shower and at the courts this summer. Super affordable with great sound.

Buy here: JBL Portable Speaker

Great Gifts Under $50

LED Strip Lights

Teens everywhere have been outfitting their room with these for the past year or so. It give it a certain aesthetic that they dig. The remote makes them easy to operate and the sticky back tape makes them super easy to install. This brand even has a music sync function that allows your lights to dance to the music in your room.

Buy here: LED Strip Lights

Anker Powercore Slim

There are few things kids hate more than a dead mobile device! Keep your teen charged, connected and on-the-go with this portable charger.

Buy here: Anker Powercore Slim

Essential Oil Diffuser

They had a touch of relaxation to their hectic space. This is a great gift for the kids who struggle a little to relax at bedtime and unwind for a full night’s sleep.

Buy here: Essential Oil Diffuser

Foam Roller

If you have active teen boys in your home, this one is a must own. My boys use it basically nightly post workouts and they even travel with it when we go out of town for games.

They purchased this at the recommendation of their trainer because they said it’s a great recovery tool that is comfortable to use and effective at penetrating the soft tissue layer of tired muscles.

Buy here: Foam Roller

Bindle Water Bottle

This one made Oprah’s Favorite’s list in 2018 so you know it’s a winner.

It’s a great addition to your teenager’s life because it allows them to stay hydrated while they’re out, but also acts as a place for them to store things like their car keys, money, and more.

Since my teenagers hate keeping things in their pockets, this one is a great innovation to solve that issue.

Buy here: Bindle Water Bottle

Acne Vac

Teen boys get acne and an acne vac can help them get rid of it!

This handy pore vacuum can be safely used on the face to achieve deep cleaning and effectively remove blackheads, whiteheads, and more.

Buy here: Acne Vacuum 

Grip Strengthener

If your dudes also want to have the strongest forearms and hands on the planet, a grip strengthener is a great gift. I find that it kind of works as a fidget for when they’re working through math homework as well.

Buy here: Grip Strengthener

Gifts Under $100

Foot Massager

You  might find yourself fighting your son for this one!

We got our boys a foot massager last Christmas and they love getting a relaxing deep tissue massage while they sit at their desks and do homework or game. Not gonna lie, I have found myself borrowing it quite a few times too!

Buy here: Foot Massager

Spikeball

There’s not a day of the week my guys would pass up a Spikeball challenge.

For some reason they’re obsessed with this game and gather with friends to do so multiple times a year.

Buy here: Spikeball

Apple AirTag

If your teenager is notrious for misplacing things, and Apple Airtag might come in handy.

You can attach these to anything that’s not already attached to your kid so they can track it down in a hurry if misplaced.

They come in a pack of four so you can tag multiple things like phones, backpacks, AirPods, and car keys.

Buy here: Apple AirTag

Portable Projetor

Tired of your child straining their eyes and neck to watch their phones? This portable projector pairs easily with a Smartphone so they can project what their watching on their handheld device onto available larger smooth surface. They work great in a dorm room for college students, but the entire family can enjoy it too if your teenager is home to share.

Buy here: Portable Projetor

Crocs

Accept it, they love these and think they are daily shoes. I buy my dudes a new pair every year because they’ve completely worn them out come Christmas. They like the fur lined ones.

Buy here: Crocs

Big Kid Legos

You may think your teenage son has outgrown fun toys, but even older teens will dig the challenge of putting one of these together. It’s especially fun if they’re super into Star Wars like my oldest is. They have other cult classics and set Marvel and DC enthusiasts will appreciate also. Throw in some Lego glue and these double as cool room decor. Click the link below and also search “Legos for adults” on Amazon.

Buy here: Legos

God of War Ragnarok

If your teen is into video games and you have a PlayStation lover at home, this is one of the most anticipated games releasing towards the end of the year. Buy the disk or give them a digital download of it so they have something to keep them entertained during the holiday break.

Buy here: God of War Ragnarok

Gifts for Those Who Don’t Mind a Splurge

Theragun Mini Massage Gun

If you have young athletes in your house you’ve probably heard about the miracle these little units are for pain relief and recovery. My kids never leave home for a game without theirs in tow.

The Theragun models tend to be pretty expensive, but they also seem to get the job done quite well. Just in case you’re not intersted in plopping down $200 or so for one, I linked a pretty affordable dupe below too.

Buy here: Theragun Mini or Cheaper Massage Gun

Apple AirPods Pro

The obsession with these wireless headphones just doesn’t seem to be going anywhere and my kids all consider their pods one of their most prized possessions.

Buy here: Apple AirPods

Ugg Slippers

They will wear them until they disintegrate. And you will defintiely slip them on to take the trash out.

Buy here: Ugg Slippers

If you’re anything like me, you may have found yourself caught in a loop of Amazon finds TikTok creators who are experts at tracking down the coolest kitchen gadgets on Amazon. I wish I had the energy to make a cool video about each of these Amazon kitchen finds – they more than deserve it – but in reality I’m better at writing about things anyway.

Each of the Amazon kitchen finds that have earned a spot on this list are legitimately in use inside of my home at this very moment. I have bought them, used them, and loved them enough to share them all with you, so I consider this my personal favorite Amazon kitchen finds list.

It includes everything from little gadgets that make food prep simpler to easy storage solutions designed to make your entire kitchen function better.

Whether you’re looking to organize your kitchen or give a meaningful gift to the foodie in your life, this list of Amazon kitchen products, featuring over 10 top-rated kitchen items, will be the perfect resource for you.

*Note: the following products contain affiliate links and may provide a small commission to me if you shop.

Top Rated Amazon Kitchen Finds

Space Saving Glass Spice Jars

Photo courtesy Amazon

I’ve recently been obsessed with organizing my kitchen so that it functions more efficiently for my family. Having my cabinets organized helps make dinner prep easier and speedier too.

These sleek, space saving glass spice jars fit easily into small spaces and helped save so much space in my kitchen cabinets. In fact, transferring my spices to these jars and using a lazy Susan (see below), freed up a whole shelf in my kitchen. Space saving indeed!

Added awesome: they come with preprinted labels featuring a ton of commonly used spices as well as circle stickers with a marker you can write on to label your own.

Buy here: Space Saving Glass Spice Jars

Rapid Egg Cooker

Sure, you could cook your boiled eggs in a pot on the stove the old fashioned way, but if you’re anything like me and have exploded an egg or two, you can see where doing that causes an issue for your attention span.

Enter this easy to use rapid egg cooker by DASH. It is super affordable and extremely easy to use, plus it takes up the tiniest little bit of storage space and counter space and looks adorable doing it!

You just pierce the eggs with the provided needle (it helps them cook evenly and peel more easily), add the designated amount of water for how cooked you want your eggs, pop in your eggs, and push the button to get them going. It will auto shut off when it’s done cooking but the alarm bell will continue to ring until you turn it off (super annoying if you’re on a call and can’t go turn it off so just be aware)!

Buy here: Rapid Egg Cooker

Airtight Containers to Keep Your Pasta Fresh

This is another great Amazon find perfect for freeing up space in your cabinets! The best part is that these airtight containers are also the answer for the never-really-closing pasta boxes most of us are left with after cooking a half a box of spaghetti. Transferring your unused pasta into these keeps your pasta fresh and eliminates the various different shaped boxes from taking up space in your pantry.

You can use them for other things as well like rice, cereal, or oatmeal.

Buy here: Airtight Containers

Silicone Stretch Lids

Tired of scouring your drawers for the perfect size bowl lid or pot cover? Don’t like wasting plastic bags to keep your haled fruit fresh? These silicone stretch lids are the solution you didn’t know you needed.

They come in a ton of different sizes and you just find the one that best fits whatever you want to cover. They are perfect for covering half of your watermelon or onion and any pot, pan, bowl, or dish that doesn’t have a lid – or at least not one you can find.

Buy here: Silicone Stretch Lids

Silicone Baking Mats

Another silicone miracle I don’t know how I lived without: silicone baking mats.

They cover your cookie sheets making them nonstick without the need for parchment paper or cooking spray. Even my burned cookies have slid right off this thing. I get the Amazon Basics ones and they work like a charm.

Buy here: Silicone Baking Mats

Silicone Baking Cups

Another piece of silicone magic from Amazon Basics, these silicone baking cups are reusable, allow for effortless food release and are also freezer, microwave, and oven safe.

Plus, the bright colors and some fun to whatever you’re baking.

Buy here: Silicone Baking Cups

Pan lid holder

Reusable Food Storage Bags

These BPA free bags are a super economical way to store your food and can replace all of the plastic bags in your kitchen. They come in multiple sizes, from snack size to freezer, and freezer safe and leakproof.

Buy here: Reusable Food Storage Bags

PowerXL Air Fryer

If you haven’t ventured into air frying territory yet, I’m not sure what you’re waiting for.

I received this air fryer years ago as part of a blogging campaign. I wasn’t a fan at first, but I quickly fell in love with how easy it is to cook all kinds of foods. And yes, your chicken comes out crispy still!

It’s the best thing we own for my teenagers to make their own convenience type frozen foods and it even comes in handy for adding an extra cooking space when I am making a large meal.

The thing I love about this one most, however, is that it’s not the common basket kind. It has separate racks so you can make more than one food at once without tossing it all in the basket together. I easily make sausage and French toast sticks for breakfast, or frozen pizza and chicken nuggets for lunch without it all melding together.

Buy here: PowerXL Air Fryer

Easy to Use Knife Sharpener

I’ve never known how to use those knife sharpeners that come in the knife block with your butcher knives. This one is the easy answer and a must have kitchen tool for every home cook.

It’s super compact and simple to use and your knives will be razor sharp again in moments!

Buy here: Knife Sharpener

Magnetic motion sensor lights

All in One Vegetable Chopper

I’ve raved about this handy gadget for years!  Not a meal goes by that this bad boy isn’t making an appearance in my kitchen. It is legit one of the all time best Amazon kitchen gadgets I’ve ever owned!

It’s a chopper, a grater, a slicer, and even a spiralizer all in one. It makes meal prep and chopping veggies a breeze so you can do all of your dinner prep in moments. It even comes with the hand slice protective gloves to keep you safe from the sharp edges so you don’t suffer an injury while using it.

Buy here: All in One Vegetable Chopper

Breakfast Sandwich Maker

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day so naturally I have an Amazon kitchen appliance to make breakfast making easier and more fun.

This little baby will help you make the breakfast sandwich of your dreams without a ton of effort or clean up.

I have the single sandwich, stainless steel option, but you can opt for a double sandwich maker, to cut down on cook time if you have multiple sandwiches to make, and there are several other color options to choose from as well.

Buy here: Breakfast Sandwich Maker

Whether you enjoy a mellower version of a historical ghost trail or an all out haunted trail of Halloween horror, Maryland has exactly the scare you are looking for.

I’ve rounded up some of the best haunted attractions Maryland has to offer, from haunted trails and other terrifying attractions to spooky fun for the entire family, you’ve come to the right place to find where to celebrate the Halloween season in Maryland.

Top 10 Haunted Halloween Attractions in Maryland

Ghost Tours in Maryland

Looking to enjoy some haunted history? Ghost tours are a great way to get a little fright while learning about true-ish historical events.

Savage Mill Ghost Tours

If you’ve been to Savage Mill then you already know that this location provides the perfect aesthetic for a little historical haunting.

This hour and a half long ghost tour explores the history of Savage Mill and leaves you trembling from the haunted tails of days gone by that may or may not be entirely true.

Recommended ages: none noted

Learn more here: Savage Mill Ghost Tours

Frederick’s Ghost Tour

Frederick is home to some of our state’s most interesting history so of course there are haunted elements threading through the city and county waiting to be told.

As Maryland’s oldest running ghost tour still in business, you’ll enjoy tales of Frederick’s “gruesome and bloody past”. You’ll get to visit some historical landmarks including one of Maryland’s oldest and largest cemeteries. It’s the perfect way to celebrate our spooky season and learn about some parts of America’s paranormal past.

Recommended ages: Not recommended for younger children

Learn more here: Maryland Ghost Tours

Haunted Houses in Maryland

A traditional scary attraction, these spooky haunted houses offer indoor frights that are the perfect option for the unpredictable fall weather in Maryland.

Bennett’s Curse

This all indoor attraction in Baltimore has been providing seasonal scares since 2001. With four separate frightening facilities you’ll get to experience all kinds of scary moments while you travel through each of the separate locations.

One unique attraction you’ll only find at Bennett’s is their 3-d attraction, Inferno 3D. Upgrade your experience by purchasing the 3D glasses (definitely do it, they’re only $1) to experience the entire immersive environment of this attraction in 3D.

Recommended ages: 10+

Learn more here: Bennett’s Curse

Laurel’s House of Horror

Laurel’s House of Horror makes it’s home inside the old abandoned movie theater at the back of Laurel Centre Mall. If you’ve ever been to the location then you know that is a fright fest waiting to happen! There’s an interesting ghost story to explain the location’s birth and it adds to overall spookiness of the entire experience. (read about it on their website!)

The all indoor location brings visitors into over 28,000 square feet of horror with a new experience every Halloween season. The attraction takes about 30 minutes to walk through.

They also host escape rooms and paranormal tours.

Recommended ages: 10+

Learn more here: Laurel’s House of Horror

The Nevermore Haunt

An homage to Baltimore, this haunted house in the heart of Bmore is a mix of horrifying history and modern day mystery that is sure to fright. Located in a for story, former department store, the location brings to life historical elements from the local area.

The experience takes about 30 minutes start to finish and is all indoor so no worries about weather. They have concessions stands servicing food and alocholic beverages for those old enough to indulge.

Recommended age: 16 and under must have an adult

Learn more here: The Nevermore Haunt

Fright Fest at Six Flag America

Hosted on select nights in September and October, this park wide fright fest is sure to get the blood pumping and offer a unique experience for those who have visited the park outside of Halloween season.

As if riding roller coasters in the dark isn’t scary enough, Six Flags amps up the horror with frightful shows, scare zones and tons of deliciously evil treats. You’ll spend the evening enjoying the fun of the amusement park cloaked in darkness and haunted by roaming zombies, blood thirsty cowboys, crazed clowns and more.

Recommended age: 12+

Learn more here: Fright Fest at Six Flags

Haunted Hayrides and Trails in Maryland

With all of the pumpkin patches and corn fields in Maryland, haunted ones are easy to come by. Check out this list of haunted corn mazes and creepy hayrides for a unique haunted attraction.

Field of Screams

They call themselves “the longest-most terrifying trail in the country”. I can’t vouch for that one, but I can say that this haunted trail receives top honors from my kids and their friends. They screamed so hard they lost their voices and they’ve gone back two years in a row for more.

They offer three attractions – the haunted trail, trail of terror, and the slaughter house – as well as a carnival games section. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to experience all of the spooky trails and haunted attractions, not including wait time. The attractions are outside and primarily uncovered so expect to experience the elements while you wait and when you enter the attraction. They will close for steady bad rain.

Recommended ages: 13+

Learn more here: Field of Screams

Legends of the Fog

Said to be one of the scariest haunted hayrides in the DMV area, Legends of the Fog provides an entire night of fear for those not faint of heart.

If you survive their haunted hayride you can test your mettle in their haunted hotel and haunted maze. In 2021, they added a haunted slaughterhouse to the mix that is sure to give you a fright like no other.

If all of this isn’t scary enough, they offer a blackout weekend where the entire location is shroud in additional darkness with little light to illuminate the haunts.

Recommended age: 10+

Learn more here: Legends of the Fog

Markoff’s Haunted Forest

Started as a traveling haunted bus, the Markoff experience has been scaring locals in the DC area since 1992. Their haunted forest in Dickerson is now home to the haunted bus and acres of spooky attractions.

In addition to their haunted trail, corn field and cursed mining town, they offer zip lines, bonfires, performances, face painting and, on some nights, live music to entertain you outside of the hay rides and dark corn maze. They also offer food as well as an on-site bar serving beer and wine in their concession area.

Recommended age: 12+

Learn more here: Markoff’s Haunted Forest

Family Friendly Halloween Experiences in Maryland

For those with younger kids who want to enjoy, exciting Halloween attractions, something more tame makes sense.

Zoo Boo

Entering its 39th season, Zoo Boo is a family-friendly, fun, safe trick-or-treat experience hosted at the Maryland Zoo. The event occurs Halloween weekend (10/29 and 30 this year) and is free with your zoo admission.

Families can enjoy games, prizes, contests, live entertainment, Halloween decor, and trick-or-treating as they experience the zoo.

Recommended ages: all

Learn more here: Zoo Boo

Bonus Family Friendly Event

Trail of Jack-o-Lanterns at Green Meadows Petting Farm

This annual family friendly event is perfect for families looking to enjoy a safe, and not-too-scary Halloween event. Their walking trail is easy to navigate and features lights and jack-o-lanterns of all shapes and sizes.

Enjoy the other farm experiences (for a fee), including their farm show and animal barn. Kids can wear costumes and trick-or-treat at the farm as well.

Recommended ages: all

Learn more here: Trail of Jack-o-Lanterns

He was sick and needed to be seen and, because time had gotten away from us as is so often the case, I had failed to transfer him to our primary care doctor.

So, there we were, sitting in too small chairs, surrounded by board books and wooden toys, vowing to make a change as soon as he was feeling up to it.

Choosing a primary care doctor can be challenging and time consuming. Doing it for the first time as a college student or young adult can be overwhelming, just like it was when you set out to select a pediatrician for them as babies.

After our recent experience at the pediatrician, I took my son for a visit to Patient First.

We’ve partnered with them on a variety of projects recently and we have always had a pleasant, informative experience in their facilities.

It’s no surprise that he decided to select them for his primary care services.

They are open 365 days a year, always have a doctor on staff, allow walk-in appointments, and offer a variety of services in house, including labs, prescriptions, and X-rays, to make getting care seamless and convenient.

They also offer telehealth appointments, urgent care, immunizations and physicals.

If your young adult child is in the process of transitioning from a pediatrician to a primary care doctor and aren’t sure how to choose a primary care doctor, here are a few things to keep in mind as you help them find a medical practice that fits their needs.

From Pediatrics to Primary Care: How to Choose a Primary Care Doctor with Your College Student or Young Adult Child

Help your child feel confident with their medical history.

From a young age we were very open with explaining our children’s medical diagnoses to them and having open discussions with them about treatment plans, prognoses, and the like.

We wanted them to be informed so they could be empowered to speak confidently on their feelings and desires when it came to their personal health and wellness.

We tried not to speak for them at doctor’s appointments and always encouraged them to speak up about what they were feeling. We supported them as advocates for the care and treatment they wanted and deserved.

Arming your children with knowledge to speak factually and confidently about their medical histories can help them be better advocates for their bodies and their own healthcare both when they’re young and when they are in charge of their own medical treatment as young adults.

Give your child plenty of practice with the process.

Not gonna lie, I asked my mom to call and make doctor’s appointments for me well into my adulthood.

She was just so good at it!

It can feel daunting and scary when you’re a young adult taking over all of these things your parents used to do for you, but giving them plenty of opportunities to practice alongside you can help.

Encourage your child to listen in when you call and set or cancel appointments and follow up on lab work and other important tasks when you’re with them so they can hear the questions you ask to get things done.

When they’re ready, give them a chance to call on their own while you’re with them. Have them put the phone on speaker and assure them that they are answering questions well and correctly while they do it.

Once they’ve done it with your support a few times, they will likely feel more confident doing it on their own as well, even if they still ask you to do it for them from time to time.

Help them choose a doctor that supports their specific health needs best.

For many teenagers and young adults, the need to visit the doctor only tends to arise for yearly physicals and the occasional illness.

If your child is in good health and doesn’t struggle with any chronic illnesses, selecting a primary care doctor can be somewhat simpler because they won’t really be spending a ton of time with them.

If your child does have a chronic health issue that requires frequent or more consistent visits, you’ll want to spend a bit more time selecting a provider that you know will understand their diagnoses and be supportive of their care. You’ll want someone who is on board with how they choose to be treated and who understands the various concerns and issues that they are dealing with.

Regardless of your child’s health status, you want to help them choose a primary care doctor that they will feel comfortable with.

It’s okay to test a couple different providers out before settling on one that you like.

If you’re not sure where to start, ask some of your children’s friends’ parents who their child sees and how they feel about going there. Personal recommendations are always a great place to start.

Make sure the office is convenient.

If your child is away at school, the on-campus clinic may be a great fit for away from home care.

But, for when they’re home, you want to have a place that provides quality care while also being as convenient and accessible as an on-campus clinic tends to be.

Anyone with a teenager or young adult at home can appreciate how fluid and unpredictable their schedules can be, so it’s important to find a medical practice that doesn’t have super long lead times to get appointments and offers a variety of services in one convenient location where possible.

Help them navigate insurance.

Insurance can be one of the most challenging parts of receiving healthcare in America.

Understanding who you can see, for what, when and why is overwhelming even for many adults so helping your child make sense of this aspect, particularly while you still carry them on your insurance will help eliminate a lot of frustration about the process.

Have your child with you when you call your insurance company to ask questions or confirm coverage. Let them be a part of the process when you have to get referrals or make appeals. They can learn the various idiosyncrasies of your insurance plan and how to make sure the coverage works for them alongside you.

And be sure to give them experience with the billing process, too. We all know how confusing those “explanation of benefits” letters from the insurance company can be.

If you want to maintain optimal health and wellness, consistent medical care is a must. Teaching your child how to find a primary care doctor that meets their needs is the first step in helping them transition to a healthy, adult lifestyle.

About Patient First

All Patient First medical centers are open every day of the year from 8am to 10pm – including weekends and holidays. Patients can come at times that best fit their schedules and when urgent medical attention is needed on days as well as at times when other facilities are closed. No appointments are necessary. Patients can walk into a Patient First center and receive prompt attention upon arrival. Patients who wish to see a particular physician or physician assistant can call ahead or click here to explore the dates and times when that person will be seeing patients. X-rays, lab tests, and prescription drugs are available on-site to save time and reduce the need for extra trips.  

These innovations, along with sophisticated, automated registration and treatment systems and their commitment to an excellent medical staff and quality of care have been widely accepted, allowing Patient First to expand considerably over the years. Patient First now offers both primary and urgent care services and participates in most insurance plans. There are currently 77 Patient First centers in the mid-Atlantic region.

Oh, and supporting local restaurants, of course.

As more people have begun to embrace take out options, restaurants have gotten much better at providing the service and at this point you can truly enjoy any type of take out in Frederick that you fancy.

Naturally, some remain better than others and if you’re looking for a list, this one is a great place to start.

I asked the local Everything Frederick Facebook group for their feedback on this one and of course they delivered smashing results to help you enjoy the best take out in Frederick, Maryland.

Note: Top pick in each category determined by number of mentions in Facebook post.

Where to Get The Best Take Out in Frederick, Maryland According to People Who Live There

Photo Courtesy Big Papi’s

Best Mexican/Latin Food Take Out in Frederick

Big Papi’s

Big Papi’s literally specializes in take out (you can’t eat there for the record) and have brought birria style eats to Frederick with a bang. I’ve been there more than once and the lobby is always packed with people placing and picking up orders.

Recommend you call ahead unless you just like standing around smelling delicious food while your stomach growls impatiently.

Besides the fact that they are insanely delicious, it is the perfect food for a gathering. I really miss west coast style tacos and these are the closest I’ve found here locally. It’s my go to when I have friends/family over. – Tara R.

Other Mexican/Latin Food Options Locals Love

Café Bueno

Cafe Bueno is a locally-owned Mexican restaurant in Frederick MD serving authentic Mexican cuisine for lunch and dinner Monday – Saturday. We invite you to our new and improved location in Historic Downtown Frederick, MD where you’ll find the same delicious, scratch-made Mexican cuisine and friendly service.

Fajita Grande

“Doesn’t matter what you get, it’s a bargain.” – Lynda S.Sardi’s

Sardi’s

“Sardi’s really is the best Peruvian chicken you really can’t go wrong with them. Don’t skip out on the yucca fries!” – Amanda A.

Photo Credit: Pistarro Ristorante Pizzeria Napoletana

Best Pizza Take Out in Frederick

Pistarro Ristorante Pizzeria Napoletana

Pistarro’s is one of my personal faves. I’m not a huge fan of pizza (don’t hate me, but I don’t love red sauce in any form), but I am obsessed with their Funghi pizza.

You can place your order online and just run in and pick it up.

Pistarro’s Pizza usually go with whatever the special of the day is. Their faro salad bowl is absolutely amazing – fresh lemony flavors!! – Ronya M.

Other Top Picks for Pizza

Pasqualle’s 

Pasquale’s Italian Pizza & Restorante offers a wide variety of Italian specialty foods. From the delicious salads, appetizers, pasta specialties, cold and hot subs, club sandwiches and of course New York style Pizza, Sicilian Crust and Deep Dish Pizzas. There is a children’s menu available. Dine In or Carry Out. Conveniently located in New Market, Maryland just off Route 75 and Interstate 70 in the New Market Commons Shopping Center. Pasquale’s does not have a liquor license but you are welcome to bring your own beer or wine. Outside seating available on the patio.

White Rabbit Gastropub

Get the Smashburger Pizza. It sounds crazy because it has pickles on it, but I kid you not when I say your taste buds will be sobbing tears of joy if you do it. – DudeMom

Photo Credit: Tulip Grill

Best Indian Takeout in Frederick

Tulip Grill

Not gonna lie, I am not a major fan of Indian cuisine largely because of my lack of experience with it (anyone wanna meet for lunch and show me the ropes?!), so I’ve not sampled any of these locations myself.

Tulip Grill had the most shout outs in the post so I’m going to take Frederick’s word for it on this one.

Best Butter Chicken in town, and their lamb dishes are fantastic. Honestly, everything we’ve had is top quality. -Marla T.

Other Top Picks for Indian Food in Frederick

Taj Mahal Grill & Bar – Indian Cuisine

Our family loves this place! Butter Chicken and Chicken Tikka Masala are our favorites. The garlic Naan is a must! Really large servings. – Tara R.

Clay Oven

Clay Oven Restaurant offers delicious dining and takeout to Frederick, MD.

Clay Oven Restaurant is a cornerstone in the Frederick community and has been recognized for its outstanding Indian cuisine, excellent service and friendly staff.

Our Indian restaurant is known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes and its insistence on only using high quality fresh ingredients.

Photo Credit: AKA Friscos

Best Place to Get a Sandwich for Takeout in Frederick

Starvin Marvin

They also do pizza at Starvin’ Marvin’s, but it’s their sandwiches that got the people of Frederick really talking.

I’ve run in for lunch a few times and am in love with their BLTs and fries. I am a sucker for Old Bay, but I hear some of their other options are top notch also!

I second Starvin’ Marvin’s! The Zorba salad is absolutely fantastic and my favorite thing to order! – Christine V.

Other Sandwich Shops Locals Love

Grilled Cheese Please 

Grilled Cheese Please best sandwich EVER! BAT = bacon avocado and tomato spicy ranch sandwich! It is the best sandwich I’ve ever had hands down! The flavors just dance in your mouth so much and you want to just savor the awesomeness! – Carolyn S.

Note: This is a food truck. 

Aka Friscos

Their food is always the most delicious, fresh, amazing food and even delivered tastes perfect! I love the Alcatraz sandwich and some exploded potatoes. – Tess P.

Photo Credit: Wok In Wok Out

Best Place to Get Steak Takeout in Frederick

Madrones

Pre-pandemic we were all about some of the other local steak houses for steak dinners and, while they’re still good for a night out from time to time, we fell in love with Madrone’s for take out.

I love getting steaks from them because when I say medium they know I mean it, and they have gotten pretty efficient at managing to-go even though they are also fully open.

Best place to get a takeout steak dinner is hands down Madrones. The steak is always cooked perfectly to your specifications. You want it medium rare? Then you are getting a seared brown outside and a slightly cool, reddish pink inside. You want your steak well done? Well, order from somewhere else because Madrones doesn’t do steak dirty like that, lol. Their sides are delicious–nice baked potatoes, thick grilled asparagus and the optional sauces, while not needed for their steaks, are also delicious. Don’t want steak? The salad options are unique and yummy. The Seafood Explosion would make Aquaman weep it’s so loaded with the bounty of the sea. And for appetizers, you can’t go wrong with their Goat Cheese Brulee dip. And if you really want to treat yo’ self, their special Le Grand house burger with Brie, thick bacon and truffle aoili is a cheat meal worthy of the Rock. I prefer dining in, but when you want to take your carry out order to the next level and have a special meal at home, you can’t beat Madrones! – Leeann W.

Best Place to Grab a Burger for Takeout in Frederick

Oscar’s Alehouse

I can’t attest to Oscar’s for takeout because it’s a little far from where we live to make it a reasonable or quick option, but it is one of my husband’s favorite local places to get a burger.

We’ve been doing carry out from Oscar’s Alehouse West just about once a week ever since the pandemic started. Delicious every single time. – Sean O.

Other Great Places to Grab Takeout

Canapes: Best Takeout Dessert (and more!)

Delicious – breakfast, lunch, dinner, everchanging “grab & go” menu, gluten free options, simple to order, simple to pick up, incredibly accommodating staff. And desserts. The. Best. Desserts!! – Leslie R.

Jerk and Jive: Best Takeout Caribbean Food

They are my go to place for carry out. I get the curry goat and rice. I literally hum while eating it and dance in my seat. Valentines, Mothers Day, Birthday don’t even ask because I’m going to say I want Jerk and Jive. – Bronte C.

Have you thought about teaching your kids how to invest?

One thing I struggle with as an adult is that I didn’t learn about investing as a kid.

I don’t blame my parents, they didn’t know either, and neither did theirs before them.

This idea of teaching kids to invest and empowering them with the tools and knowledge to do so at an early age didn’t develop widely until more recently.

Maybe it was a thing rich people did, but for us basic, everyday working folks, the idea of doing our own investing has just not always been a thing and, when you don’t do a thing yourself it’s also challenging to teach your kids to do that thing.

In today’s world, where our reliance on social security and pensions for retirement living has begun to wane, and technology has caught up to make investing online easily accessible, the idea of teaching kids to invest has definitely gained steam.

We all know our kids won’t have what our parents had when it comes time to hang up their work boots, so it’s important that we give them something else to rely on.

Teaching kids to invest gives them the power to not only live financially secure lives in the distant future, but also more immediately as they prepare to cover big expenses like first cars, international travel and college.

Why Teaching Kids About Investing is Important

We are fortunate to have savings set aside to help bear the burden of unforeseen expenses related to our kids and raising our family, but teaching our children about the idea of investing as a means for securing their financial futures is equally important. 

I want my children to have everything they need now, but I also want that for my children’s children and their children as well. 

The idea of generational wealth is something we are really working to instill in our children. We want them to understand that you aren’t just doing things for your own security and enjoyment, but also to pave the way for future generations of your family as well – to help give them a leg up when needed.  

Teaching your children this concept and instilling the desire to make good, long lasting financial decisions and investments is important to helping to create that generational wealth we all long for. 

Here’s how we are going about the process of teaching our kids to invest, perhaps these tips will come in handy for you too.

Teaching Kids to Invest: 5 Things Every Parent Should Do

Learn about investing yourself.

The first step is usually the hardest and this is also the case when it comes to teaching your kids to invest.

I had to take some time to learn the basics of investing myself.

I still don’t consider myself an expert by any stretch of the imagination and I don’t see a side hustle of day trading in my future, but I have taken the initiative to understand the basic principles and dip my toes into the investing waters a bit myself.

If nothing else it will help me have an intelligent conversation with my kids about investing as they learn and, eventually, exceed my knowledge in the area.

Talk about finances with and in front of your kids.

And not just the “no you can’t have that because we’re broke” conversation.

Kiplinger.com recommends that parents do this to help kids get generally comfortable with the concept of money.

Talk them about things like debt and setting financial goals. Share with them how you decide to make big purchases and how much you set aside for your savings. Let them see what the process of buying things like cars and houses is actually like.

I have to admit that I was shocked to find myself at a car dealership for HOURS the first time I bought my own new car. It’s not a thing my parents ever did or included me in so I had no idea there was so much paperwork involved!

You don’t want things like how much money you have and how you choose to spend it to be a mystery to your children.

It’s important to let your kids know that running a household in the present and planning to care for yourself financially in the future is part of your day to day decision making process.

Set realistic goals.

One of the most important things about investing with kids is helping them understand that it’s not a sure-fire, get rich quick scheme.

For the average person, investing is about long term goals and helping your child understand that this isn’t so they can buy the video game they want next Tuesday is important.

You want your kids to realize that investing is about the future, that it is more about stability than getting rich, and that it’s something they can (and should!) do no matter where they are in their financial journey today.

We started our kids by introducing save, spend, give envelopes.

When they got money for their birthdays or other special occasions, we would have them split it and decide how much to save, how much they could spend and how much they would donate to a cause they cared about.

Not gonna lie, they were always most excited about the give envelopes because they loved blessing others, but the opportunity to teach them about saving up for something they really wanted was just as important to us as parents.

Make investing easy and fun.

Because anyone with kids will tell you that if it’s hard and boring you’re probably not going to keep their attention with it for long.

There are numerous games you can introduce your children to that will help them gain general financial literacy and even learn about the stock market (here’s a list if you need it).

But even without a formal game, doing things like watching age appropriate moves about the process, reading books and just having fun family discussions about the topic can help make it feel more like an interesting part of life and less like a daunting task.

Get to know Early Bird (and tell your family and friends about it too!)

EarlyBird is a simple to use, interactive app that makes investing in a child’s financial future easy and fun.

They’ve simplified the investment gifting process while making it fun and memorable for families to give financial gifts to kids.

Their easy to use, interactive app means that family and friends can quickly and easily contribute to the financial futures of the kids in their lives in a safe, meaningful way.

It’s a great option for families who aren’t super stock market savvy and they offer a number of expert-guided options to help families make appropriate and safe financial investments with the money their children are gifted.

EarlyBird offers families a custodial investment account, which provides kids financial freedom beyond just saving for educational expenses, whether that is traveling the world, starting a business, or buying their first home.

To make the gifts even more meaningful, EarlyBird allows gifters to record video memories to personalize the gifts. I love the idea of gifting something to my nephew right now while he’s seven and attaching a video to it that he can watch in ten years when he’s 17 and heading to college!

And, unlike 529 plans and other college saving programs, the funds in your child’s EarlyBird account don’t have to be used on educational expenses. That means that if your child wants to go on a mission trip in high school or you want to allow them to use the money towards their first car, they can do those things as well.

EarlyBird provides a great way for families to introduce the idea of investing to their children in a safe, easy and fun way!

To learn more about EarlyBird, be sure to download their app today!

My kids are always excited to see what Santa shoved in their stocking each year so I always make it a point to find cool stocking stuffers for teen boys so they’re always pleased with their findings.

Do you need some ideas on what to put in your son’s stocking this Christmas?

This list of cool stocking stuffers for teen boys will help!

Cool Stocking Stuffers for Teen Boys

Fun Socks

Because if you’re going to be cozy at home on winter break, fun socks have to be a part of the experience!

Buy here: Fun socks

Popsocket

They’re just a cute way to prop up and grip your phone.

Buy here: Popsocket

Body Wash

Because everyone needs to use soap when they share, most especially your teenage son.

We usually pack their stockings with some of their favorite scents from Bath and Body Works.

Body Spray

For those times when they actually do skip the soap (which should be few and far between, FYI) and covering up that post game funk (this is what my sons use it for), a basic body spray actually goes a long way.

Buy here: Body spray

Cable Bites

They can finally say adios to fraying cords that won’t charge their phones!

Buy here: Cable bites

Sneaker Balls

More of a gift for you than for him since you’re the only one who seems to mind his shoe funk anyway.

Buy here: Sneaker balls

Electric Toothbrush

Especially great if your teen is still rocking braces, but either way, they make oral hygiene easier on everyone.

Buy here: Electric toothbrush

10ft Charging Cord

So they can lay in bed and charge without having to move.

Buy here: Charging cord

Cooling Towel

If you have an athlete in the family, these cooling towels can really come in handy when the summer temps hit.

Buy here: Cooling Towel

Facial Care Products

For teens who are experiencing the woes of acne, teaching them to use quality products on their skin early will help.

We are loving Bubble exclusively at Walmart and Honest Beauty which I usually order them on Amazon.

Buy here: Honest Beauty

Popit Phone Case

They like to fidget while using their phone?

Perfect solution!

Buy here: Phone case

Phone Card Holder

Since wallets are a thing of the past for todays teen, these card holders that attach to the phone case are a great alternative.

Buy here: Card holder

Chapstick

Because boys get chapped lips too!

Buy here: Chapstick

Gloves

With touchscreen compatible fingers so they can still use their phones and stay warm too.

Buy here: Gloves

Keychain Lanyard

Young drivers seem to love these lanyards for their keys. Easy to keep track of when they’re dangling from your neck!

Buy here: Lanyard

Airpods Case Cover

These are a fun way to identify your pods in a swarm of pods and having the keychain helps you keep track of them too.

Buy here: Airpods case cover

Color Changing Bluetooth Speaker

For the music lover who wants to jam out in his room.

Buy here: Color changing speaker

Controller Holder

It’s funny and it charges their controller for them too!

Buy here: Controller holder