This Colorful Baby Lounger is Essential for Adventurous New Parents

Dec 09, 2019

Got a friend who's expecting a wee one? Or maybe you've got a bun in the oven yourself? Or perhaps you just had a baby and she won't settle down so you're looking into any and every baby sleeping / soothing / lounging product on the market ;) Well, I've been there… twice. And the sweet little lounger you see my babe Indira giggling in has been a lifesaver this second time around.

Anjelika Temple here, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Brit + Co, mom to Anokhi (2.5 years old) and Indira (4 months old), and big fan of the DockATot lounger (and wish there was one in my size?!). That's why when the folks at DockATot asked me to share some of my favorite patterned covers as part of my pattern-on-pattern series, it was an easy "heck yes!" Plus, we're offering readers 15% off any purchase between now and December 23rd — just use the code BritandCo15 at checkout.

Before I get to the crazy colorful goodness, a little more about me and my fam. Within the first 10 weeks of Indira's life, we went on three family vacations. Two small ones (Sea Ranch + Big Sur) and one big one (Maui for two weeks!). We get cabin fever easily and like to be on the move, which isn't always easy with a newborn *and* a toddler. When embarking on this new chapter of parenthood, we wanted to use a lounger that could go with the flow, whether we're at home, at a friend's place, camping, or at the beach.

Here's what made DockATot essential to our first few months as a family of four.

Super easy to travel with! We keep one in the car at all times and recently took it on a two-week vacation to Hawaii.
The fact that it's soft makes it inviting for a big sister or brother to come and play close to the new baby, while still guarding the perimeter (parents with more than one kiddo, you know what I'm talking about).
Easy to set up on the floor, a big bed, a lawn — wherever you need to keep your baby cozy and comfy.
You can carry it easily with one hand thanks to handles on every side. I really don't know why more baby-related things don't have handles — new parents are basically one-handed all the time.
It comes in so many different colors and patterns, and you can get extra covers to change things up!

Let's be honest, your baby is going to be lying down a LOT — it's nice to have a photogenic spot for them to lay around ;) Scroll on to see my favorite colorful covers and my darling Indira sporting complementary patterns to go with each cover, obvs.

Cyclo: This pattern will forever remind me of those first few precious weeks with Indira. I love the airy vibe and Grecian feel of this design.

Kindred: Sand art meets rainbow meets a very sweet and colorful spot for your kiddo to wiggle about.

Desert Palm: For those of us who'd like to be magically transported to the desert air of Palm Springs in the chilly winter months, this design is a must.

Splash: Calling all water babies!

Sail Away: Dreaming of all the vacations you'll take as a new family? This photographic pattern is sure to inspire wanderlust.

Catalina: Zen out with this beachy sunset.

Night Falls: A forest fairy in the making ;)

The Big Blue: The illustrative quality of this pattern reminds me of some of my favorite childrens' books and imaginary tales.

Head to Dockatot to check out dozens more patterns and covers, and don't forget to use our discount code BritandCo15 for 15% off any purchase between now and December 23, 2019.

22 Holiday Gifts For New Parents

The first year of parenthood is filled with a mix of emotions: pure joy, shear exhaustion, and the realization that your life will never be the same, but in a really good way. New parents sacrifice a lot for their babes, so why not treat them to something special this holiday? From prepared meals to self-care for two to adorable holiday pajamas for their new little bundle, here are 21 gifts for new parents who deserve a little celebrating.

William Sonoma Five Days of Entrées

New parents are focused on feeding their babies and not so much themselves. Send them five days' worth of meals, like Beef Stroganoff, Polenta Dolcetta, and Zuni Stew, from Elephants Delicatessen in Portland, Oregon. Your pals just need to bake for a simple, satisfying meal. No meal planning, shopping, or actually preparing necessary! ($205)

H&M 3-piece Cotton Set

New babes can celebrate their first Christmas in this cotton set full of holiday cheer, from H&M's conscious line. Gift new parents a long-sleeved bodysuit, elastic-waistband pants, and matching reindeer hat in soft cotton jersey. It's a sweet reminder of their first holiday together. ($10)

Esembly Cloth Diaper Try-It Kit

Esembly's Try-It Kit is a simple intro to cloth diapering for eco-conscious parents. This adorable bundle comes with three soft organic cotton inners for absorbency, one waterproof outer diaper, a waterproof drawstring pouch for storing your dirties till laundry day, washing powder, and rash relief cream. ($70)

Hatch Restore Smart Sleep Assistant

New Parents: All I want for Christmas is sleep! This personalized system helps your sleep-deprived pals create a routine to help them fall asleep, stay asleep and wake up bright-eyed and bushy. There's a soft reading light, soothing sounds and lights, a custom alarm, and a free companion app for better sleep. ($130)

Etsy Birth Star Map

Give this personalized print of their newborn's birth star map - the perfect gift for any nursery. Parents can hang it up to always be reminded of the day the stars aligned and their babe came into the world — plus, it makes for a beautiful holiday keepsake. ($12)

Nunona Mama Balls

Healthy babies start with healthy mamas. Nunona's weekly nourishment boxes focus on keeping new moms healthy with the proper nutrients and superfoods. Choose from 5 delicious flavors, like Almond Coconut and Cashew Matcha, all packed with plant-based nutrition to keep moms energized throughout the day. ($35)

First Foods Set

Babies are starting to eat their first foods by 4 to 6 months. These popular anti-tipping and easy-to-clean bowls make the experience fun for kids and parents. ($38)

H&M Cotton Jersey Set

You only have one first Christmas, right? This Santa dress for babies is comfy and cozy and will stand out as a jolly gift for new parents. It's super affordable too! ($8)

Jeni's Ice Cream New Born Baby Collection

Four pints of Jeni's ice cream with a newborn onesie makes the perfect gift for new parents. You get to choose the parents' favorite flavors from this clean ice cream brand that doesn't use synthetic flavorings, dyes, or off-the-shelf mixes in their recipes. Yum! ($60)

Welcome Home Newborn Gift Set

Welcome new parents home with this sweet set for eco-minded parents. Packaged in an FSC-certified paper reusable box, the set includes soap-free wash and no-tears shampoo, apricot nourishing face and body lotion, and fair trade handmade whale rattle toy. ($42)

Postwell Postpartum Recovery Set

Childbirth ain't easy on our bodies. This customizable recovery set helps new moms heal while settling into being a mom. Each box is thoughtfully curated with products for mom and baby — delivered in 100% recyclable packaging. All boxes come with a handwritten note and custom candle too. ($99)

Boober New Parenting Classes

Boober offers classes and on-demand care providers like lactation consultants, doulas, mental health therapists, and more to help new parents ease their way from pregnancy to postpartum. Classes include Infant CPR, Infant Sleep, Pelvic Floor Exercises, and more. ($45/class)

H&M Shirt and Pants

Gift this long-sleeved shirt and pants in soft jersey for the baby elves on your list. The shirt comes with suspender detail and sweet velvet bow tie, making dress-up cozy and cute. ($20)

Agni The Mama Box

This yummy box of organic double chocolate chip cookies, organic oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, sesame nori seasoning, and tulsi cinnamon tea is designed for new moms. Ingredients are chosen to support digestion, breast milk production, restful sleep, immune health, hormone balance, and replenishing key nutrients for mom and baby. ($65)

Spoonful Comfort New Parent Care Package

Give tired parents a break from cooking with a cozy meal perfect for holiday time. Think several servings of soup, toasty dinner rolls, and a dozen cookies for dessert(s). You can customize these care packages and personalize with a note - they even come with their own ladle. ($80)

Letters To My Baby Book

New parents can fill these twelve envelopes with memories and hopeful thoughts for their little ones. Each letter begins with unique prompt like "on the day you were born...," "my wishes for you are...," "your first home was like..." Then they can seal with included stickers and save the letters to gift to their grownup kiddo as a paper time capsule. ($11)

DockATot Portable Lounger

B + C parents are big fans of the DockATot. It's travel-friendly and the perfect perch for everything from tummy time to quick diaper changes. ($175)

Goop "The Martini" Emotional Detox Bath Soak

Leave it to GOOP to create an emotionally detoxing bath soak for crazy days (A.K.A. most days in early parenthood!). Vegan and gluten-free ingredients include Himalayan pink salts to help relax, destress, and ease muscles; chia seed oil to hydrate skin; and wildcrafted frankincense to help calm and soothe the mind. There are three cups of bath soak in every bag. ($35)

Harry & David Holiday Founders' Favorites Gift Box

New parents need snacks - at all hours of the day. Enter this holiday gift box filled with everything from seasonal pears to a popcorn + chocolate mix to dried salami and cheese for a quick and easy charcuterie plate for two. Wine optional! ($100)

YETI Roadie 24 Cooler

Inspire parents to get out and about again with the YETI Roadie. It's portable enough for one person to haul while still being roomy enough for 18 cans (or bottles?). ($200)

Atlas Coffee Club World of Coffee Sampler

International travel may not be top of mind for new parents, but this coffee box will perk them right up with a tasty trip to four different countries via their coffee cup. The sampler comes complete with postcards from each country with tasting notes too. ($25)

Viktor Jurgen Neck Massage Pillow

The next best thing to a spa getaway? This deep-kneading shiatsu massage neck pillow. They'll relax in no time, at least until the next feeding. The pillow is ergonomically designed and fits perfectly behind neck, shoulder, lower and upper back, belly, calf, and thigh areas. You might want to give them two. ;) ($40)

Find more holiday gift ideas on our Pinterest page.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others and earn commissions, but we always offer genuine editorial recommendations.

20 Trader Joe's Finds That Will Make You Want To Eat Healthy This Year

Trader Joe’s, though very tempting with their vast array of sweet treats, is truly a secret weapon for eating healthy and sustaining a healthy diet. TJ’s aisles are packed full of nutritious (yet delicious) options, all of which are often easy to prepare and even easier to devour. Whether you’re focusing on fueling your workouts with protein, cutting back on sugar, or simply eating more whole foods in 2025, Trader Joe’s has plenty of affordable, wholesome finds to keep your diet inspired.

Below, find the best Trader Joe’s products that make sticking to your 2025 resolutions a breeze!

Trader Joe's

Creamy Dreamy Hummus

Hummus is an instant snack hack if you're trying to eat a high-protein diet – this $3 one from TJ's boasts a "thick, rich, and exquisitely creamy" texture. Slap it on a wrap or dip in some veggie sticks to give your meal a nice boost.

Trader Joe's

Vegetable Root Chips

These veggie root chips make a deliciously healthy swap for your traditional potato chips as they're packed with fiber and plenty of color to enjoy!

Trader Joe's

Organic Super Bread

Though you might not guess it at first glance, this loaf contains whole wheat flour, organic rye flour, organic rolled oats, organic millet, organic pumpkin seeds, organic flax seeds, organic sunflower seeds, organic carrots, organic dried apple, and organic dried banana – that's a mouthful! If your 2025 goal is to eat more whole foods without sacrificing a ton of familiar foods, this is the bread for you!

Trader Joe's

Cut Sweet Potatoes

These 'taters come already cut, so all you gotta do is toss 'em in some olive oil and spices, bake on a sheet pan, pair it with a protein, and voila! Dinner is served.

Trader Joe's

Organic Dried Ataulfo Mango Slices

These mango slices make a great healthy snack to enjoy on the go. They taste just like candy, except without all the excess processed sugar.

Trader Joe's

Solid White Albacore Tuna

Protein fiends already know what's up with canned tuna. It's the perfect base for tuna salads, wraps, and bakes. Plus, one can goes for just $2 at TJ's – stock up!

Trader Joe's

Caesar Broccoli Bake Kit

This pre-made kit makes getting a side dish on the table super easy and healthy. It comes with all the fixings, like Caesar dressing, crouton crumbs, and Parmesan cheese.

Trader Joe's

10 Minute Farro

Traditionally, farro takes anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes to fully cook. This bag of Trader Joe's farro defies all tradition and is ready in just 10 minutes! The whole grain is really rich in protein and fiber, so you know you'll be eating healthy when you choose to chow down.

Trader Joe's

Vanilla Bean Whole Milk Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is *the* breakfast hack to rule all breakfast hacks. It's high in protein, plus is typically packed with plenty of probiotics to keep your gut real healthy. Enjoy a heaping scoop with some fresh (or frozen) fruit, granola, and honey to get a tasty start to the day.

Trader Joe's

Rainbow's End Trail Mix Bars

Healthy snacks can be really hard to track down at TJ's, especially since they have so many sinful goodies on their shelves. Luckily, these trail mix bars exist, bringing a yummy medley of oats, nuts, raisins, and chocolatey bits to satisfy that sweet tooth without weighing you down during the day!

Trader Joe's

Carb Savvy Tortillas

If you're set on watching your intake of carbs, these tortillas are a must-have. They contain 21% of your daily recommended value of fiber (6 grams each) according to TJ's, and make an excellent addition to wraps, quesadillas, or just as a snack.

Trader Joe's

Organic Brown Rice Cake Thins

These rice cakes may be thinner than most, but they still boast an enjoyably dense texture, perfect for layering on some peanut butter and banana for an easy, fulfilling snack.

Trader Joe's

Pulled Chicken Salsa Verde

This fully-cooked chicken is ideal for people seeking a convenient, time-saving meal. The salsa verde flavoring instantly qualifies them for delicious tacos, quesadillas, burritos, burrito bowls, nachos – the list goes on! Just pop it in the microwave for 4 minutes, and boom – time to eat!

Trader Joe's

Perfect Bar Peanut Butter Protein Bar

This protein bar is called the Perfect Bar because it's literally perfect. The sweetness is at just the right level, the texture is so satisfying, and the high protein content (17 grams) fills you up easily if you're seeking a substantial mid-day snack.

Trader Joe's

Classic Greek Salad

With this ready-made salad kit, you won't have to think too hard at all about what you're having for a healthy lunch. Feel free to grab 5 at a time, because you will be hooked. Add some chicken or salmon on top to bulk it up with extra protein!

Trader Joe's

Stir Fry Veggie Blend

Why pick up 5 or more individual ingredients for stir fry when you can just grab this $3 bag, cook it, and call it a day? We highly recommend cheffing this up with TJ's Soyaki sauce and your protein of choice.

Trader Joe's

High Protein Organic Tofu

One serving of this tofu contains 14 grams of protein, which is higher than what you can typically find elsewhere. Plus, it's certifiably organic, so it's always gonna be clean eating-friendly.

Trader Joe's

Organic Tricolor Quinoa

Quinoa makes an impressive grain base for bowls and salads. This one boasts a healthy mix of white, red, and black quinoa for some good variety!

Trader Joe's

Crunchy Curls

These 100% vegan bites are the ultimate movie snack and are way healthier than your average bag of theater popcorn. They're made with lentil flour and potato starch for a superb texture every time.

Trader Joe's

Organic Brown Rice & Quinoa Fusilli Pasta

This organic, gluten-free pasta delivers 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per serving, making each meal nutritious as ever.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more of the best Trader Joe's products!

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This Founder Is Changing the Baby Registry Game

Office Depot® OfficeMax®

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When you're an entrepreneur you're faced with a lot of "no's" but that first "yes" can be the big sigh of relief and jumpstart you need. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're chatting with Selfmade alum Lisa Wojcik-Kiser, founder of UpBring, a baby goods subscription service, about her first yes. (BTW, score 15% off on your UpBring purchase with code BRITKIT).

B + C: How did you know Upbring was your business to start?

UpBring came to me because I literally was like 'I wish someone would just curate what I needed for my baby and then send me various types of things so I could try them.' I had my daughter Quinn in December and I thought I was the registry queen. I did so much research. I pulled in tons of information from friends, blogs, influencers, and books about what you need to raise a baby. I thought I had it all figured out. I registered for everything and got most of it, and then when I brought Quinn home from the hospital I realized my baby was unique and had different needs.

It was such a backwards process of buying all these things for someone who you've never met before. And as you go through parenthood you realize more and more how your child becomes their own person with their own preferences.

B + C: What do you think set you on your entrepreneurial path?

I'm still in the midst of my career. My day job is working with my family. We make adhesives, from consumer to industrial. My great-grandfather started the business and working in a small business really helps you navigate the entrepreneurial space because you have to be quick and nimble and savvy to navigate different issues. Quinn and my experience as a mom inspired me to start the brand, but working at a small business really helped me figure out what questions to ask and how to get on the path to starting my own business.

B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?

Everything was valuable! I loved Selfmade and I can't speak highly enough about it. I'm always looking to grow and learn, and I think Selfmade came at a perfect time for me. I had a ton of work at the time, and I needed to some growth businesswise. It really gave me the confidence to feel like if you have an idea you should just try it and see what happens. What is the worst that can happen? It taught me to have a lot of self-confidence, to not be afraid of failing. I met so many great connections. I even met a woman who lives a block away from me!

Lisa with her daughter Quinn

B + C: What's the biggest challenge you face as a small business owner?

Definitely money! Building a business is really expensive, even just to get your LLC started is $800. This is a high inventory product so I have to source all of the products, get everything shipped here, and it takes a lot of money. That being said, there is always a way to work it out. I learned about pitch competitions, fundraising, VC funding, and negotiating during Selfmade. My coach was so great at negotiating, it was her strong suit, and I think it is so important to know. My biggest obstacle has been funds and money but through Selfmade I have gotten such a better sense of how to fundraise.

B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?

Any time there is a 'no' there is going to be a 'yes'. One person will say yes. When I was emailing manufacturers in the beginning and I only had a story — no physical products or mockups — I got a lot of no's. Then I had my first yes, and I was reinvigorated and it kind of snowballed from there. Once you get one yes you can keep going, then you'll have two, then five. Keep track of your wins! I always hype myself and my team up with weekly recap emails. Keeping that positive mindset is really helpful.

B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?

Think global not local. I hear a lot of people say things like "Oh no, this brand already does what I want to do, or there is competition in this area, or my LLC name was taken." I always come back to this: Casper reinvented mattresses. If Casper made mattresses cool —a very saturated space — you can still give your idea a shot. So don't be intimidated if there are people in the same space and you think there is no opportunity. Look at what is out there and know that as long as you're better or different you can be successful.

B + C: How do you stay motivated?

My baby! I'm always the type of person who needs to achieve more and get to the next level but I think having a daughter has made me want to show her that you can be more than just a mom. You can succeed in your career and be a good mom. Now that I'm going back to work and we have childcare for Quinn, it's interesting to hear people say, "Don't you feel bad and miss her?" But I tell her why I go to work, and how it enables me to be a better mother.

B + C: How do you stay organized? What tools or apps help you stay productive?

My coach in Selfmade told me about time blocking and I think that is really helpful when you're first starting a business, to say "I'm going to spend 3 hours doing X." When you're more up and running it's harder because everything is just flying at you.

Thanks Lisa! You can follow Upbring @upbringsimple and @Upbringsimple.

Perseverance is key to being an entrepreneur and so is finding support wherever you can. From signs, posters & banners to get your business noticed, to marketing materials to keep your customers informed, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a full suite of business services & solutions to help you & your business get to the next level.

Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last.

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25 "Deep" Questions To Ask Yourself Before 2025 Begins

So, you've found your 2025 word of the year and are ready for the biggest reset of your life. Now all you have to do is map out how you're going to get there. You could opt for vague ideas that live only in your head, but when has that motivated you to achieve your goals in the past?

If you think we're putting you on the spot, we're not! We're here to encourage you to dream boldly by being detailed about what you actually want. Of course, we have the perfect list of deep questions and journal prompts so you can tap into the life you want to live.

Here are 25 deep questions to ask yourself and journal about to guide you toward your 2025 vision of personal growth and self-improvement:

Marcus Aurelius

Questions About Your Daily Routine

Please don't throw eggs at us! We know you don't want to feel governed by a schedule like you're in grade school, but there are benefits to having something to guide you daily. According to Northwestern Medicine, you can "reduce stress" and even "get better rest" by having a routine.

If you've been promising yourself to improve in these areas, here are 5 questions to ask yourself:

How many of hours of sleep do I typically get per night?
What distractions can I eliminate before bed so I'm not groggy in the morning? (i.e., no more binge watching my favorite TV shows or scrolling mindlessly on TikTok)?
Do I have a morning routine or do I rush through taking a shower, brushing my teeth, and eating breakfast?
How do I usually feel when I get to work?
Am I okay with setting a reminder for myself to take a break during the work day so I can stretch my legs, eat lunch, or go for a quick walk?

SHVETS production

Questions About Your Self-Care

Making time for your self-care is a part of your daily routine, but we want to dig deeper by sharing questions that'll help you reflect on how you treat yourself.

How do I want to feel about myself in 2025?
Did I have moments I looked in the mirror and didn't like the way my skin or body looked this year?
Have I been prioritizing my mental health?
Did I make space for exercising (i.e. walking, yoga, running, etc.)?
Did I create healthy boundaries with family, friends, or someone I'm dating?

Brit + Co

Questions About Your Career

We almost said, "Here comes the fun part," but that would be unfair for people who consider other areas of their lives more important to chasing a career. If you are focused on pursuing something you're passionate about or simply want to earn a new promotion, here's what you can ask yourself:

What are my biggest career accomplishments this year?
What skills do I need to sharpen that align with the position I want?
How do I respond to constructive criticism?
What is my usual response to change or tight deadlines?
Do I ask for help when I don't understand a project or concept?

Brit + Co

Questions About Your Home

Your home is anywhere that you live even if you're renting or living with your parents for the time being.

How did the energy in my home feel?
Did I do anything to make it feel like me?
How can I create a relaxing environment in my room that promotes rest and relaxation?
Do I want to have a certain aesthetic for my living room, office, etc.?
What does having a clean and organized home mean to me?

SHVETS production

Questions About Your Relationships

Have you been making excuses for toxic friends or ignoring red flags? If it's okay, we're going to sit by you and gently suggest it's time for a change. The kind of life you want to live can't be weighed down by old habits of yours or some of the people you've been spending time with, especially if you've been feeling uncomfortable.

What kind of friendships do I want to have in 2025?
Do I have a reliable support system?
What did I love about my romantic relationship this year?
Are there certain conversations I need to have with family members, friends, or my partner that I've been avoiding?
Do I need to change the way I show up in my platonic or romantic relationships?

Get a jumpstart on transforming your space for 2025 with easy feng shui tips!

new years resolutions journal prompts journal challenge questions holidays

10 Epic Stores From The '90s We Can't Believe Are Gone

The '90s were a great time, according to millennials. It was a time of rollerblading, listening to cassette players, playing Super Mario Bros. on Nintendos, having birthday parties at Chuck E. Cheese, and more. Besides this and other pop culture moments that went viral before social media existed, the '90s gave us classic stores we used to frequent as kids.

Despite meeting their demise as the Y2K age took over, we'll never forget the fun memories (and maximalist vibes) these stores gave us!

Take a walk down memory lane by revisiting our favorite '90s stores that will take you back in time (and make you feel old):

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1. Party City

Our hearts are hurting because we don't understand why one of the most popular decor stores is closing. The brand was apparently facing "financial challenges," according to it's CEO Barry Litwin (via CNN). There were other issues behind the scenes, but everything trickled down to money, or a lack thereof.

It's so shocking because some of us just picked up a few holiday items from Party City this month! It was one of the stores that seemed to have everything we needed before Amazon became the mega wholesaler that it is today.

I guess this means we should've cherished Party City a little more because it's officially gone.

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2. Blockbuster

Long before streaming platforms like Netflix and Peacock existed, people used to spend Friday nights looking at rows of VHS movies to rent. If you were lucky, your parents would stop by Blockbuster before picking up pizza for dinner. It was the ultimate '90s treat…until it wasn’t.

When we want to remember what it felt like visiting Blockbuster, we fast forward to that one scene in I Am Legend where Dr. Robert Neville is going to 'rent' movies. It's a little cringe now that we think about it, but it's the closet memory we have of spending at least 30 minutes picking out the VHS or DVD to watch.

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3. Circuit City

Raise your hand if you remember getting your first CD player or computer from Circuit City. The name alone conjures fun memories of running up and down the aisles pretending we could afford all the fun electronics. We watched desktop computers slowly morph into laptops, which seemed like an exciting time. Also, some of us watched our parents lament the cost of the required Texas Instrument calculators we needed for math class.

Although Circuit City isn't around like it used to be, we'll never forget watching the world change through its eyes.

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4. Virgin Music Store

If you wanted to be a part of the cool crowd, you visited the Virgin music store. We aptly remember the neon sign and memorable displays that beckoned to us. Although we could find some of the same CDs at Circuit City, the store’s design didn’t feel stuffy.

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5. Radio Shack

This one’s personal because we stood in lines with our parents when they bought their first cell phones and DVD players. Also, one of our parents may or may not have purchased a very coveted Bratz convertible that played music from Radio Shack.

Even though it wasn’t the biggest store, it gave us a taste of what the future had for us. Little did we know we’d lose this sweet store though.

6. Border's

As much as we love recommending books from Amazon and local bookshops, we miss when Border’s was around. There’s not much to say about this store besides how grown-up we felt when our parents would let us spend time there while they shopped at their favorite stores in the mall.

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7. KB Toys

Aside from Toys ‘R’ Us, we also remember when K.B. Toys was popular. Not unlike today, there wasn’t such a thing as having too many toy stores. Sometimes we found things at K.B.s that felt like a treat. The cluttered aisles probably annoyed our parents, but we were always happy when we were allowed to pick something out.

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8. Wet Seal

Yes, Wet Seal made the list of stores we loved in the '90s. Unlike Goody’s, it was specifically geared towards pre-teens and teens who wanted to wear the latest fashions. It was one of the the places to discover your style at the time even if it meant leaving piles of clothes for weary store associates to put back (sorry!)

Though we miss it, we hope no one tries to revive it because we’re sure we’d see a few outdated fashion trends.

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9. Esprit

This was another store that screamed 'All American Teen Store.' Unlike Wet Seal, the store's layout and clothing were a little more 'sophisticated.' It spoke to teens who are now adults with a sleeker preppy style. It sounds like a reach, but it's not if you think about it. This store could give you logomania, tenniscore, or something that resembled the outfits from Saved By the Bell at the same time.

10. Goody's

Were you really a '90s kid if your mom didn’t drag you to Goody’s? Shockingly enough, we hardly ever complained because it felt like a huge store we could play in. Plus, it had clothes for everyone.

And if there were a sale during BTS season? You could always count on our moms to leave the store with stuffed shopping bags.

Which '90s stores do you wish were still open? Let us know on Facebook!

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