Petite Picks: Five of my favorite things for kids right now
Although the word “influencer” always rubbed me the wrong way, “tastemaker” and “curator” both feel at home. After all, sharing some of my favorite things and places is one of the reasons why Petite North Fork was created. In this new series, I’ll be showcasing five of my favorite things for kids from books to board games and wellness sprinkled in too. Here we go!
All the feels
The Grand Hotel of Feelings written by Lidia Brankovic
In this relatively new-release picturebook, readers will journey through a hotel with varied guests staying within. Each “guest” depicts a different emotion helping readers to identify and label these feelings. This book has been a hit with both of my children. My six-year-old enjoys reading the book and understands the overall message that all feelings are welcome and the most important thing is identifying each feeling’s need, while my two-and-a-half-year-old has taken to pointing to the illustrations of the feelings and verbalizing what each is. I’d recommend this book for children ages two to eight or older as the message is an important one for people of all ages to embrace.
Where to get it: A Book Place in Riverhead, Burton’s Books in Greenport (see note at bottom)
Pick-me-up moments
Sunny Mood Children’s Uplifting Blend Roll-On by Saje Natural Wellness
The love for essential oils runs deep in this house. Not only do we diffuse Saje oils from dawn til dusk we also adore the roll-on blends they make. Sunny Mood is a favorite during winter when we have to work harder to find the light. This roll-on blend which is a gentle, child-safe formula, features red mandarin, bergamot, and orange for a vibrant, cheery scent that’s uplifting and perfect for those pick-me-up times all kids encounter.
Where to get it: Saje Natural Wellness
Kind words of affirmation
A Box of Confidence for Kids by Sharing Kindness
These 40 illustrated cards with the most beautiful characters and words offer a boost of confidence, peace, and kindness to anyone who picks them up. In our home, we like to choose one to read before bed, but after writing this, I’ve decided that I’m going to move this sweet little box next to our front door so we can pick and read it before heading off into our day. The thoughtful characters each have their own personalities and as you and your kids get familiar with the cards you’ll enjoy learning about each one.
Where to get it: Sharing Kindness
Get (and stay!) well
Kid’s Immune Fortifier by Herb Pharm
If your kids are non-stop sick this season they’re not alone. This winter has been especially harsh with two strains of Influenza, COVID, and a nasty stomach virus making their rounds and with extreme force! As our family faced back-to-back viruses in late October, I found myself desperately researching herbal immune supplements that were kid-friendly and effective and that I would feel confident giving to my children. That’s when I discovered Kid’s Immune Fortifier by Herb Pharm. With certified organic active ingredients including astragalus root, black elderberry, echinacea root, reishi mushroom, and cinnamon bark, this herbal concoction has made a massive difference in my children’s immune systems when given to them consistently.
Where to get it: Herb Pharm
Bring on the fun
Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza Card Game by Dophin Hat Games
We’re not huge on screen time in our home so we often opt for board or card games for family time. A recent favorite is Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza. This super fun, fast-moving card game keeps us laughing and brings competitive fun to our after-dinner routine. It’s best when played with three or more players but can be fudged with only two. Although the age recommendation on the box says ages eight and up, this game can easily be enjoyed by kids five and up. For a fun twist, look online for different versions of this game including a bilingual version!
Where to get it: Unfortunately, we haven’t found this at any local, smaller shops, however, big box retailers tend to stock this including Target and Walmart.
Ed Note: While you can purchase some of these picks from Amazon, I’d suggest shopping small (and local!) when and where you can. Keep in mind, for books, you can always head to your favorite local book store and ask that they order a book for you.