These Indoor/Outdoor Play Toys Keep Your Littles Active All Year Round

Anyone else desperate for new kid activities that involve climbing, jumping and make-believe and *don't* involve couch cushions, your body as a jungle gym, or cardboard boxes?

When I spotted Wiwiurka's imaginative play structures in my Instagram feed, I had to know more. Do kids really like playing on these things? (YES). How much can you really do with a few simple pieces? (A WHOLE HECK OF A LOT!). With these gorgeous handmade Montessori-inspired pieces, you can truly turn any indoor or outdoor space into an open-ended play area.

Anjelika Temple here, co-founder of Brit + Co and mama to two adventurous little babes. My older daughter Anokhi is 3 1/2 and my youngest gal Indira is 1, and both of them have loved exploring all the different ways to play, climb and improvise with our Wiwiurka pieces. Scroll on to check it out. And for a limited time we're offering Brit + Co readers an exclusive discount — just use the code BRIT+CO10 for 10% off any product on the Wiwiurka site.

Outdoor Setup

We love all the different ways you can set up each of the pieces. As a mini climbing wall, a slide, a rocker, a bridge and more. In just a few weeks of playing with these items, we've noticed both girls' physical confidence totally increase.

We went with three foundational items:

  • XXL Rocker Balance Board
  • Rock Climbing / Slide Ramp
  • Pikler Triangle

Scenes from a pandemic — definitely not the worst place to be stuck with the kiddos.

Even little Indira is climbing her way up to the tippy top!

Anokhi likes to make believe that she's the captain of a ship and we are all along for the ride. We've also used the Pikler Triangle as a fort that Anokhi can get cozy and read in, and the balance board flips over to be a pretty sweet rocker for the whole fam.

I know it's just a matter of time before this girl is climbing, sliding and balancing on anything and everything.

I chose the "Earth Tones" color palette to seamlessly blend with our outdoor space but they have a ton of crazy colorful options as well.

Now, onto the great indoors!

Indoor Setup

Inside is a cozy take on more of the same: climbing, sliding and playing.

Get it, girl. Oh and PS if you're jealous of these jammies, they're Anokhi originals -- DIY here!

She legit tore down the slide at least a dozen times during this shoot.

Anokhi is the head chef and owner of a renowned Marin coffee shop dubbed "Pastaland." You've probably read about it on Yelp. Adding this gorgeous counter to the scene really up-leveled the quality of her offering ;)

Cheers!

Toys that look good and encourage imaginative play, physical confidence and creativity? We are IN.

Now off to squeeze my babies! And remember, for a limited time we're offering Brit + Co readers an exclusive discount — just use the code BRIT+CO10 for 10% off any product on the Wiwiurka site. Happy playing y'all!

I love my mom so much, it sometimes feels like finding the "perfect" gift won't ever be enough to celebrate her greatness. I mean, she literally gave me life. Nevertheless, gifts serve as the ultimate act of appreciation. They don't always have to be perfect, but our curated list of gifts for mom comes pretty dang close!

To me, a gift is all about capturing the recipient's personality, style, and habits while adding a dash of uniqueness to truly make giving it feel special. These gifts for mom range from sentimental to practical, something moms of every kind will appreciate – whether it's your real mom, step mom, chosen mom, or even the 'mom' friend in your friend group.

Check out our top 50 gifts for mom:

Find our favorite gifts for mom to give in 2024 below!

Nordstrom

Dyson Special Edition Airwrap Multi-Styler

The Dyson Airwrap is like the Lamborghini of hair tools. It's bougie, for sure, but it's oh-so good. This premier hair tool can dry and style strands simultaneously, all without heat damage. Mom can easily customize her hairstyle with the 6 attachments – she'll never need another blow dryer in her lifetime.

Amazon

Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Studio Electric Gooseneck Kettle

I use this kettle every single day, so I can confidently say it's well worth the splurge. If your mom's a major tea (or coffee!) drinker, she'll appreciate that this kettle heats up quickly, can hold its contents at a custom temperature for however long she wants, and provides a very even pour. It also just looks like a total work of art when it's sitting on the countertop, so it won't mess up whatever feng shui she's already got goin' on in her kitchen.

Nordstrom

UGG Tasman Slippers

As reliable as a gift house shoes can be, giving her a pair that'll actually last is a way better choice than opting for cheaper styles that'll crap out after a few months of use. These UGG slippers are super durable, thanks to their grippy outsoles. That way, she's not relegated to only wearing them inside the house – she can easily take them outside to check the mail or run errands. If your mom lives somewhere where it gets extremely cold in the winter, these wool-lined bad boys will also keep her toesies ultra-warm!

Soft Services

Soft Services Smoothing Set

Mom's new skincare routine is loading! This trio helps revive dry, flaky skin with a gentle exfoliating bar that doesn't dramatically strip the skin's moisture, a soothing gel exfoliant for the bod, and a lightweight lotion that delivers deep hydration for softer skin. Soft Services' packaging is also so beautiful and feels like a nice, somewhat-bougie upgrade from the products your mama may use on the daily.

e.l.f.

e.l.f. Celestial Winter 10-Piece Eyeshadow Palette

I know my mom goes crazy for an eyeshadow palette, which is why this one from e.l.f. caught my eye. Inspired by a winter's night sky, this 10-shade palette hosts the ideal mix of warm and cool tones, plus a good variety of matte, shimmer, and metallic hues. The range of this palette makes it a great fit for any eye color, too. This will allow her to create so many different looks in one easy-to-use product!

Anthropologie

BrüMate Era Straw Tumbler Water Bottle

I like to think of this water bottle as the famed Stanley tumbler but (dare I say it) so much better. I sip from it on the daily to hit my daily water intake goals, and it's an absolute delight – I know your mom will think so, too! What I love most about it is the leakproof lid. And it's not just one of those leakproof lids that's not actually leakproof, it really lives up to its name: I haven't spilled once! Plus, this bottle's stainless steel lining helps keep its contents cold for over 24 hours for an ice-cold sip every single time.

Baggu

Baggu Large Nylon Sling Bag

If your mother is a lady on the go, there's no question she's in need of a large bag to help her tote her stuff around. This pick from Baggu will definitely earn her major style points, as it emulates a lot of the trendy bucket bags we're seeing rise in popularity. I like that it offers the convenience of a large tote bag without the taxing upkeep of leather or suede – Baggu's signature nylon material is easily machine-washable when it's time for a refresh! This bag comes in 5 different colors so you can track down the one that really suits her vibe.

Dieux

Dieux Glow Trinity Skin Set

Every single skincare product from Dieux is super gentle, yet effective. This set includes their Baptism cleanser, Deliverance serum, and Instant Angel moisturizer, which all work wonders on their own, but operate better together. The cleanser is my personal favorite of the three – it always leaves my face feeling clean without really stripping any of its existing moisture. This power trio will save mom's dry winter skin in an instant!

Nordstrom

Breda Jane Bracelet Watch

Is it a bracelet? Is it a watch? This time, it's both. This style from Breda feels especially jewelry-like, but offers practical use by telling the time. I like how minimalistic the design is – mom will be able to rock it across all different kinds of looks, from workdays to dinner parties. The 14k-gold plate, quartz, and mother-of-pearl construction make it perfectly elevated and elegant as a gift.

Quince

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

A good cashmere sweater can run you upwards of $100, but this style is just $50. Plus, it comes in 14 different colors. Mom will want to bathe in its "irresistibly soft" fabric all winter long!

Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods Modular Honeycomb Serving Set

This is the coolest gift idea for the hostess with the mostess! This innovative serving set connects magnetically, so mom can fashion it however she pleases. From busy get-togethers to chill movie nights at home, she'll be able to set out snacks in perhaps the most aesthetically-pleasing way possible. Once the snacking's over, each component conveniently stacks on top of one another for easy storage!

SeaVees

SeaVees Acorn Trainer Sneakers

Step up mom's shoe game with these sleek sneaks! I promise they're going to be one of the softest shoes she's ever (literally) step foot in. Though super lightweight, the thick, cushiony memory foam footbeds of these sneakers provide unparalleled comfort and support. Plus, the '90s-inspired sporty silhouette can work with a variety of outfits, thanks to the chilled-out color palette.

Flamingo Estate

Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle

'Heaven in a candle' is the only way I can accurately describe this scent. Encapsulating of "balmy summer nights in the garden, where tomatoes hang heavy from freshly watered vines and the leaves become their most fragrant," it burns the most delicious herby, peppery, potent smell. This makes a refreshing gift for the moms out there that simply can't stand floral- or vanilla-forward candles!

Amazon

Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug

Mom is too good for microwaved coffee. Help her keep her brew fresh with this self-warming mug! It can keep 14 ounces of liquid warm for up to 80 minutes on a single charge, or even a full day if she keeps it connected to the coordinating coaster. The set-up itself is very compact, so it can fit on her desk fuss-free.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

If you're anything like me, you treat Christmas like a whole fashion show. Whether it’s a wholesome family dinner or a (not so wholesome) party with hometown friends, I always plan to pull a look or two.

As opposed to years past, I’m looking to shake up my Christmas outfits a bit, playing with multiple patterns, cozy (yet stylish) layers, and, of course, a good pair of boots. Looking for inspo along those lines? We’ve got all the Christmas outfit ideas you need to stun at this year’s festivities.

Check out these 12 Christmas outfit ideas you have our full permission to copy this season!

Kayla Walden

Sparkles are extremely festive this time of year – go all out with a sequined dress to really embrace the Christmas spirit! You can find so many similar options at Anthropologie and Nordstrom. When paired with some cute ballet flats, you'll be feelin' like a little Christmas fairy in no time.

Haley Sprankle

A blazer will never fail to make your Christmas outfits look sophisticated. Layer one on top of a basic cable knit sweater for a classic feel (that'll also keep you super warm)! From there, trousers or tailored jeans will do. Don't forget to accessorize with red Christmas nails and a bold red lip color!

Jasmine Williams

Layers, layers, layers: it's the name of the Christmas outfit game, especially if you live somewhere super cold. But a practical 'fit doesn't have to be boring! Start with a comfy turtleneck and pants (over some leggings for extra warmth), then go crazy by mixing colors and patterns. This plaid + leather combo will be on repeat. Step into your favorite winter boots to bolden up the look!

Ali Ives

Statement jackets are the way to go. This leather one is lined with a furry material that not only holds in your body heat during outdoor excursions, but looks so chic, too. Layer one with some leggings, a black mini dress, and a bright red sweater like this one so you feel cozy all day long! Don't forget the boots, either! 😍

Haley Sprankle

Hair bows are the perfect accessory to rock alongside your Christmas outfits. From sleek sweaters like this one to more formal dresses, they fit the occasion oh-so nicely.

Haley Sprankle

For a *spicier* holiday get-up, don't hesitate to reach for your fave tall boots and little black dress. It's a no-fail combo! With an all-black situation like this one, you won't have to spend extra time worrying about if your outfit is matching perfectly or not. Wear the two pieces with some sheer black tights, or get creative with colored ones, like a bold red or sparkly white.

Kayla Walden

If your personal style leans more preppy, this is the Christmas outfit idea to copy: loafers and a pleated skirt instantly make you look dressed up, but the nice part is you're not sacrificing comfort for style one bit. This outfit formula can span over endless color combos, but we particularly love the burgundy-leaning look with this one.

Meredith Holser

You can never go wrong with a good green or red plaid dress. Bonus points if it's vintage, like this one! You can easily dress it up with tights and a cardigan, with boots or ballet flats to match!

Kayla Walden

Velvet dresses have our hearts (and closets). The material evokes a very vintage-y Christmas vibe that you can style over and over again. We're currently eyeing similar styles to this one from Target and Anthropologie!

Rachael Sprankle

Sequins shine again! If it's Christmas party time, you truly cannot go wrong with an eye-catching ensemble like this one. You'll leave the whole crowd stunned. A sequined dress also makes for some ahh-mazing Instagram pics! 📸

Ali Ives

Bundling up this winter doesn't have to be drab. Throw on a plaid scarf on top of a layered look to embrace all the Christmas vibes!

Kayla Walden

Playing with different materials and non-traditional color combos might just surprise you when it comes to creating the coolest Christmas outfits. For instance, this 'fit combines leather and suede, which contrast each other beautifully. You also might not immediately think of black and brown working well together, but this outfit idea defies all fashion "rules" in that regard.

Haley Sprankle

For a Christmas-y night out (ahem, bar crawl, anyone?), don your cutest holiday sweater with some comfy jeans and boots. We've found some really great options for fun holiday sweaters that are still super stylish!

Haley Sprankle

Get you a good tall black boot, and your Christmas outfit ideas will go far. They work wonderfully with everything from maxi dresses to midi skirts!

Kayla Walden

No matter what you wear this Christmas, there's always room for a playful (and festive!) hair bow.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Gwyneth Paltrow's kids were destined to be in the spotlight the moment she announced the name "Apple." Unique name choices aside, we've watched Gwyneth's kids grow up over the past couple decades. Given all this time, I shouldn't be so surprised to find out these "little ones" are in college now, but WOW — I guess this means we're all officially old now.

Wondering what Apple and Moses are up to these days? Here's everything you need to know about them — including how Gwyneth's processing the "empty nest" life.

How many kids does Gwyneth Paltrow have?

MJ Kim/Getty Images

Gwyneth has two children — Apple and Moses Martin — with her ex-husband Chris Martin. She's been very vocal about them throughout the years, so it's totally bittersweet to see how fast they've grown.

How old are Gwyneth Paltrow's kids?

Harry How/Getty Images

Apple is currently 20 while Moses is — gulp! — 18 years old. I told you time flew by fast!

Why did Gwyneth name her daughter Apple?

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

How gorgeous is Apple? She's the perfect blend of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, giving her a stunning visage that channels Tyra Banks' 'smize.' But many people have wondered why Gwyneth decided to name her Apple. In 2004, she sat down with Oprah Winfrey to dish about the inspiration behind her daughter's name, and we can't help but fully stan the meaning.

"When we were first pregnant, her daddy said, ‘If it’s a girl I think her name should be Apple.' It sounded so sweet, and it conjured such a lovely picture for me," she said. "Apples are so sweet and they're wholesome, and it's biblical."

Gwyneth went on to explain that even though the name sparked "international outrage," she'd actually heard of a few other Apples out in the world since then! Still, we know this Apple's been one-of-a-kind since day one. Gwyneth said, "The first morning we woke up together in the hospital bed, and we were facing each other, and I opened my eyes, and she's got these huge blue eyes...She was just staring at me with this unbelievable intensity."

Name aside, it's clear Apple Martin was destined to be unique!

How has Gwyneth Paltrow approached motherhood over the years?

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Last year, Gwyneth talked about what made her put acting on the back burner — and it was probably the realest thing she could've said as a mom. "Well, it's kind of ironic because I really stepped away from acting when Apple was born," she admitted to PEOPLE. "When I had her, it just, everything felt redefined for me, and I thought, 'I'm not sure that I want to do this so much as a career. I definitely don't want to...I'm not going to go away for months on end,'" she remembers thinking.

In 2021, the Goop founder also opened up about becoming a stepmom to her husband Brad Falchuk's two children — Isabella and Brody. Talking to actress Gabrielle Union — who's also been vocal about her own parenting journey — on The Goop Podcast, Gwyneth said, "When I became a stepmother, when I knew I was going to become a stepmother, I was like, 'S–t, I have no idea how to do this." However, she added that stepping into that role was an "interesting challenge" and that she's "learned so much" about herself.

Where do Gwyneth Paltrow's kids go to college?

Getty Images

Apple has been at Vanderbilt University for the past two years (The Zoe Report). Located in Nashville, Tennessee, it's well over 2,000 miles away from where Gwyneth lives in California (via US Weekly). On the other hand, Moses goes to college at Brown University (via News Week) which is even further away — as in a little over 3,000 miles far.

As a first-time mom, I can only imagine how it feels to know the babies you've raised are so far away!

How does Gwyneth Paltrow feel about having an empty nest?

Leon Bennett/Getty Images

Being a mom is a wild ride of emotions whether you're a celebrity like Gwyneth Paltrow or not. Gwyneth revealed her feelings about her kids no longer living at home during a Q&A session she had on her Instagram stories Tuesday. Someone asked, "How's life as a free bird?" according to PEOPLE, and it made Gwyneth reflect about her outlook. After she thanked the person for their question, she said, "It's very different. I have waves of grief and sadness."

From pregnancy to the newborn stage to the land of unruly teenagers, there's never a time where things like mom guilt cease to exist. But more often than not, moms have an overwhelming amount of love for their kids and experience a new pang of hurt when they leave home and leave an "empty nest". It's something Gwyneth Paltrow's finding herself dealing with now that her babies are now adults and don't live with her anymore.

Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

But it's not all doom and gloom! Now that Gwyneth Paltrow's kids are finding their way in the world as young adults, she's entering a season where she's learning more about herself. "I am kind of getting back in touch with this part of myself that I haven't felt like since I was in my 20s before I had kids," Gwyneth shared. "Like, a little more space and imagination, maybe. A little more inner space for what I might want to do that day, stuff like that. So, it's evolving. It's interesting."

How do you feel about Gwyneth Paltrow's comments about having an empty nest? Let us know on Facebook!

As I type this, I'm sipping on chai tea, wrapped in a blanket covered in hedgehogs holding candy canes, while twinkly lights hang on the wall behind my head. That's right baby, it's Christmastime!! (Well, almost). It might not be Thanksgiving yet, but we're getting in the holiday spirit early, because...well, why not? A few Christmas music, a taste test of Taylor Swift's chai tea cookies, and A Charlie Brown Christmas are all surefire ways to make any cloudy, dark-before-5 pm day merry and bright. After you've watched Snoopy prepare dinner for all his friends in A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, press play on the oh so sweet A Charlie Brown Christmas!

Here's everything you need to know about how to stream A Charlie Brown Christmas for the 2024 holiday season.

How To Stream 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'

You can stream A Charlie Brown Christmas is streaming on Apple TV+ this year, which is also where you'll find It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. So if you're wondering, 'Is A Charlie Brown Christmas on Netflix?' unfortunately, no, it's not.

But while the $9.99 cost for an Apple TV+ subscription gives you access to literally so many other titles, it's understandable if that's a deal breaker. Good thing there's a 7-day free trial! Apple TV+ is also airing the special for free on two days during the holiday season: December 14 and December 15. Mark your calendar!

Check out Everything Coming To Apple TV+ In 2024for a look into the streamer's newest projects!

What happened in A Charlie Brown Christmas?

CBS/Apple

A Charlie Brown Christmas Plot

In A Charlie Brown Christmas, our titular main character is not feeling merry and bright. Even though the world is cheery (and snowy) around him, he simply can't break out of his funk — especially when he tries to direct his friends in the local Christmas play and they all make fun of him. But thankfully, Linus, and one special little Christmas tree, help save Charlie Brown's Christmas spirit.

The special definitely struck a chord in audiences. According to TODAY, almost half of the entire country tuned into the premiere, and A Charlie Brown Christmas ended up winning an Emmy in 1966 for Outstanding Children's Program.

When did A Charlie Brown Christmas come out?

CBS/Apple

A Charlie Brown Christmas Release Date

A Charlie Brown Christmas first aired on CBS December 9, 1965. Even though Charles M. Schulz's comic strip introduced characters like Charlie Brown, Sally, Linus, and Snoopy in 1950, this was the first time the characters appeared in a TV special.

Can I stream the music from A Charlie Brown Christmas?

Concord Music Group

Yes you can listen to the A Charlie Brown Christmas album (which has sold more than 5 million copies) on streaming platforms!

Why is A Charlie Brown Christmas not airing?

CBS/Apple

After Apple bought the rights to the Charlie Brown specials in 2018, A Charlie Brown Christmas, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown haven't regularly premiered on TV. 2022 marked the last time Apple allowed PBS stations to air A Charlie Brown Christmas once during the holiday season.

Will ABC show A Charlie Brown Christmas?

Check out 60 Unique Christmas Card Ideas That Also Make Great Instagram Captions for more inspiration!

This post has been updated.

Let's be honest...I'll watch just about anything Reese Witherspoon or Will Ferrell are in, but I'm especially ready for You're Cordially Invited! While I was already hooked on this dynamic duo just based on the two of them alone, the trailer just dropped — and it did NOT disappoint. From wrestling alligators to wearing big, fuzzy zebra costumes, there's a lot of really funny stuff to unpack with this upcoming movie. Let's get into it!

Check out the You're Cordially Invited trailer here!

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Okay, let's address the elephant — or two-time Superbowl-winning quarter back — in the room first. Hello, Peyton Manning! I swear, this man is everywhere right now, and I'm so here for it! I'd be lying if I said I didn't laugh at his "Paintin' Manning" commercials lately.

Anyway, back to the plot at-hand! When Reese Witherspoon's sister and Will Ferrell's daughter get engaged, the both manage to book the weddings for the same day (June 1)...and at the same venue! Classic conundrum! Instead of rescheduling, the two groups are forced to work it out between the two of them, and things get a little hairy.

Throughout the hilarity — and chaos — that ensues, we see a lot of good stuff. This includes (but is not limited to):

  • Will Ferrell doing his daughter's hair in giant rollers
  • The two wedding parties battling over the sunset ceremony
  • A giant, fluffy zebra knocking a cake over during a conga line
  • Male strippers that are totally giving Magic Mike vibes
  • Will Ferrell wrestling an alligator?!

Needless to say, there's a LOT going on in this movie. If I'm already laughing that much at the trailer, I just know this is gonna good!

Catch You're Cordially Invited on Amazon Prime on January 30, 2025!

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