Thanksgiving is not here yet, but many of us are thinking ahead preparing for Christmas and Hanukkah.

If you need a little inspiration, I’m excited to share my gift guides for the holidays. You may notice a few items from previous Mother’s and Father’s guides that I would still suggest gifting.

Tis the season to hug your loved ones tight and gift them something special to close out the year on a high note. In my guides, I’ve included a practical mix of gifts for everyone on your list.

|| FOR THE KIDS ||

Toys your child will enjoy playing with – yes, even the wooden ones.

Although plastic toys have made their way into our home, I’ll admit sometimes it’s hard to resist those bright flashing lights, but most of the time we are mindful, purchasing toys for Wesleigh that are non-toxic and focus on the Montessori method. We introduce toys that are composed of natural materials that enhance learning and discovery. Wooden toys are safer, sustainable and can be enjoyed for years to come.

Here are our favorite picks that develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, encourage creativity and develop problem solving skills. They also are aesthetically pleasing since let’s face it, toddler toys inevitably wind up all over the house.

|| GIFTS FOR HER ||

The homebody, the homemaker, the accessories fan, the beauty junkie and the one who lives in athleisure wear.

|| GIFTS FOR HIM ||

For the guy who never shops for himself, gift him the things he really needs. Replace those 10 year old jeans with a fresh pair, new weather proof sneakers and a phone charging station so his cell is never out of juice.

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The post 2020 Holiday Gift Guide first appeared on Lindsey Boova.

As we continue to stay mostly inside our home, movement songs have been a great activity for Wesleigh to get her wiggles out through dance. Children are born musicians, they can feel music physically and emotionally and there is a lengthy list of developmental benefits to the combination of music and movement instruction.

Literally speaking, research suggests music supports language development, the precursor to reading. Music and movement strengthens listening, improves balance and spatial awareness, as well as many other things.  This is a terrific way to foster processing both left (language) and right (visual) sides of the brain for optimal learning.

While I’m not a child development professional, my mother-in-law is a children’s speech language pathologist and emphasizes how these songs relate back and reinforce daily activities which we have found to be helpful. Additionally, this past winter, USC announced it received a grant advancing studies into how musical training boosts childhood brain development. After Wes gets her dance moves and the lyrics down, looks like we’ll have to pick up an instrument and learn to play…

Until then, I’m sharing twelve songs (including a few well known classics) that have become a part of our day, keeping Wes entertained and stimulated for our own type of indoor recess.

Baby Shark, Pinkfong

Blippi, Fire Truck

Clap Your Hands, The Kiboomers

Freeze Dance Song, The Kiboomers

Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes, Mother Goose Club

If You’re Happy, Cedarmont Kids

Itsy Bitsy Spider, Barney

Shake My Sillies Out, Raffi

The Elmo Slide, Elmo

The Wheels On The Bus, Cedarmont Kids

This Is The Way, Super Simple Songs

Walking, Walking, Super Simple Songs

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The post Fun Movement Songs For Your Toddler first appeared on Lindsey Boova.