Remember - a casual t-shirt costume doesn't have to equal a lazy costume. With a few accessories, these costumes will be unique, original, and made to suit your personality :-)
Batgirl
What is better than items you can wear all year? Batman tights clearly go with everything, socks are a necessity, and gloves are needed when it's cold out! We also found a super cool Bat Girl utility print belt that goes oh so well with the theme. Put on your bat-mask and now you're ready to fight crime in a comfortable fashion.
Wonder Woman
We all know that Wonder Woman must have her lasso, braces, and tiara for the iconic look. Tights are comfortable for everyday wear and soft gloves are an extra level of cozy. Wearing a bomber jacket with this outfit just shows that this super hero is super prepared!
Super Girl
If you are familiar with super heroes, then you know that Super Girl is straight forward and simple. So why complicate the outfit? Wear simple blue hero gloves and a mask, and add a beanie sporting her logo (to keep warm while trick or treating)! Have some comfortable leggings and socks that show your hero pride and we're done!
Elsa
Elsa, the elegant ice queen, is no stranger to style. Keep the color theme going by pairing ice tones of light blue and teal together. Find some Elsa socks and leggings to compliment the outfit. Now you're only missing the accessories of this queen. Carry around an ice wand, wear a regal crown, and have on sophisticated gloves.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse
Mickey and Minnie are a classic duo so it wouldn't be right if we didn't have them on here. The two need their iconic gloves and ears. Now just focus on the bottoms - a simple pair of red shorts or polka dot skirt and you're all set!
If you're more into our costume dresses, check out our post about accessorizing a costume dress.
Check out all of our Costume T-Shirts:
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Vampirina “Vee” Hauntley: She hides her vampire identity so that she and her family can live a comfortable, "normal" life. She’s a positive, quirky, energetic child that enjoys singing and dancing (and there's a lot of Broadway style songs in the show to back this up). Being that she is younger, she hasn’t mastered all the abilities that a vampire has. When she get's nervous, she gets a case of the “battys” which makes her transform into a bat from her regular human-form. She’s also the lead singer/guitarist for the band Ghoul Girls, which she formed with Poppy and Bridget.
Oxana and Boris Hauntley: These are Vampirina’s parents. It was Oxana’s dream to open up the Scare Bed & Breakfast so the family left their Romanian home. Her personal hobby is gardening. Boris has a silly personality and loves sports, his favorite team is the Transylvania Trolls. Being adult vampires, the two have incredible agility and control of their shape-shifting abilities. Fun fact: Oxana is over 500 years old (she looks great for her age, no?)!
Poppy Peepleson: She becomes Vampirina’s best friend throughout the series. She has a twin brother named Edgar who has an online supernatural show. She's aware of Vampirina's true identity and helps keep it a secret from the public. She plays the drums for the Ghoul Girls
Bridget: She’s a nervous, shy girl that often keeps to herself. She can be seen as cowardly because she easily gets scared from monsters she has never encountered before. Once warmed up to, she shows her funny, friendly, and smart side. She is also the bassist for the band.
Demi and Gregoria: Demi is a blue ghost with a pink bow tie that takes care of Vampirina when her parents are away. He usually tags along with the girls when they're going on adventures but end up either making it worse or being the sole reason the "adventure" was created. He’s clumsy and forgetful but very supportive and loyal. Gregoria is an old, wise gargoyle who’s often grumpy and sarcastic but is very loving deep down.
Check out the trailer and all of the products we carry for Vampirina!
Let us know any facts or trivia that we may have missed in the comments below!
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We sell the costume, but it's your job to accessorize and give your costume that extra pop and unique look. We've complied a couple of our favorite costumes with accessories to act as a thought starter. You do the rest. Enjoy!
For the classic Wonder Woman, her tiara and arm bracers are iconic, and who could forget her golden lasso of truth? Add high top red boots for a signature look.
The newest movie version of Wonder Woman carries along a lasso but has a different variation on her accessories. Her tiara points downwards and her arm braces are more detailed. She also wears a more detailed arm cuff. Add some boots or gladiator sandals (or sandals you already own) and you're all done!
The Supergirl costume has several different variations based on the comic book, tv series, animated show, etc.. We decided to mash up a couple of these for a unique look. Be sure to have red tights and long blue gloves. Have a blue headband to keep the hero's hair back and a mask to hide her identity!
Who could forget Batgirl? Our Batgirl costume dress has an attached cape so it's one less thing to worry about. A pair of yellow boots would be a perfect addition to this costume, but you wouldn't believe how hard they are to find. An easier (and cheaper) solution is to find boot covers. Wear black tights and put on gauntlets to complete the whole super hero ensemble. Don't forget the mask or else her identity will be found out!
We have non-superhero costumes, too! Our current Hermoine costume has it all- the cape, the tie, and the sweater all in one (and the cape is detachable!). That does not mean you can't accessorize to make it your own. The younger Hermoine would often wear knee high grey socks and black mary jane shoes. She is always prepared so why not add a simple wand and of course on those chilly trick-or-treating adventures an iconic Gryffindor scarf would be perfect.
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Now that you have a brief history, let’s get to know each of the main characters!
Connor aka Catboy: Connor is the leader of the PJ trio. His amulet transforms him into a blue cat costume with ears and a tail. He has the abilities of super-hearing, super-jumping, and super-speed - just like a real cat! His biggest flaw is that he’s impulsive which can give the villains an edge during battle. Overall, he's smart, energetic and loves his friends. Along with a cool costume, he also drives the Cat Car to get him to locations of distress.
Amaya aka Owlette: As her regular day self, she wears glasses and a red dress. After her transformation, she gains feature of, you guessed it, an owl. Her eyes allow her to see objects that are far away - so there is no need for those pesky glasses, her wings manipulate wind and her strong claws allow her to carry things. She uses the Owl-Glider to swiftly move around. Owlette can be a bit impatient at times and prefers to act quickly in situations. She loves birds (not a big surprise there) with her favorite being, you guessed it, owls.
Greg aka Gekko: His costume is a green reptilian that gives him a tail and fins on the top of his head. His super abilities allow him to go invisible, have super strength, amazing climbing ability, and he can even run on water. He can travel using the Gekko-Mobile which allows him to blend into his surrounding and travel underwater. Greg's downfall is that he can be distracted easily as he tends to be in his in own world. As Greg, he can be insecure, but as Gekko he is bold and strong.
PJ Robot: He is a robot created by Romeo to spy on the PJ masks. Purposely made to appear cute, friendly and unsuspecting, he easily wins over the trust of PJ Masks. Although this secret mission works for awhile, PJ Robot begins to care for the heroes and changes his mind about being a villain. Although we never hear PJ Robot speak, he does express his emotions silently with his screen/face.
Romeo: He is one of the main villains of the series. He is a crazed, mad scientist with the main goal of world domination with the use of his inventions and robots. He wants to rid the world of PJ Masks. Although, intelligent and creative, he is cold and determined on making the world love him, oh and world domination.
Night Ninja: He is another one of the villains that wants to take over the PJ Mask Headquarters. He rarely ever engages in combat and leaves his henchmen, the Ninjalinos to do this. He wears a full body costume covered in stars and has an overachieving goal is to be best at everything.
Luna Girl: She can sometimes be a villain or an anti-hero depending on the situation. She’s always being followed by Luna Moths whom she cares deeply for. Luna is greedy and takes whatever she wants. She’ll easily express her anger and frustration, but despite her negative aspects, she’s very artistic and intelligent. Luna Girl's favorite mode of transportation is her Luna Board which allows her to hover (when are they going to make this available in real life?!).
Wolfy Kids: The trio consists of Howler, Rip, and Kevin. These villains turn into werewolves whenever a full moon is out. They love to cause trouble in the city and mark their territory. They enjoy stealing vehicles and making secret dens. They have the ability to "Sonic Howl" which causes objects to move away from them. Oh, and be sure to stay away from their sharp claws!
Who is your favorite PJ Mask character and why?
]]>1. The Ways Of A Woman In Love released in 1958 from the album Sings the Songs That Made Him Famous.
"I walked by your house tonight and I hoped that I might see
The Guy who’s got you in the spin I wish that guy was me
I don’t know why it’s you I’m dreamin of"
2. I Still Miss Someone released in 1958 from the album The Fabulous Johnny Cash.
"At my door the leaves are falling
A cold wild wind will come
Sweethearts walk by together
And I still miss someone"
3. If I Were A Carpenter released in 1970 from the album Hello, I'm Johnny Cash.
"Save my love through loneliness
Save my love for sorrow
I'm given you my oneliness
Come give your tomorrow"
4. Daddy Sang Bass released in the 1969 album The Holy Land.
"though the circle won't be broken
by and by, lord, by and by
daddy sang bass (mama sang tenor)
me and little brother would join right in there
in the sky, lord, in the sky"
5. Jackson released in 1967 on the B-side of Pack Up Your Sorrows.
"Well now, we got married in a fever, hotter than a pepper Sprout,
We've been talkin' 'bout Jackson, ever since the fire went.
I'm goin' to Jackson, and that's a fact.
Yeah, we're goin' to Jackson, ain't never comin' back."
6. You're The Nearest Thing To Heaven released in 1958 from the album Sings the Songs That Made Him Famous.
"You're the nearest thing to heaven yes you are
I have searched for happiness so long and far
But my search for love was through the day that I found you"
Edited copy:
we can agree that his songs were definitely aimed towards adults. He sang about depression, fights, political issues, heartbreak, and love. Several of his love songs were sung as duets with his wife June Carter. Here at KnT, I’ve compiled a list of some songs that I tend to sing when in the car with my nephew. There are some songs that go over his head and I’ll skip some songs with heavier lyrics. Ring of Fire isn’t on this list but I doubt there’s any real harm.
Here's a quick little biography in case you aren't well versed on the man in black. John R. Cash (February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003) was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor, and author. He is one of the best selling musicians of all time having sold more than 90 million records worldwide. He signed onto Sun Records in 1955.
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1. Smoothies are amazing. Just grab items, stick in a blender, push a button and viola, we're done! They're perfect for when it's hot, perfect for athletes, perfect for anything. Throw in some Strawberries, Bananas, Yogurt, Ice and a dash of milk makes a great fruit smoothie! Another favorite combines a few scoops of peanut butter, banana, a dash of chocolate syrup, vanilla ice cream or yogurt and bam you have peanut buttery deliciousness. Letting your little ones decide what to throw in the blender makes it even more fun - but make sure you're the one pushing the button! They're more prone to eating it if they knew they had a hand in help make it :-) It makes it more fun to throw it in a special bottle! hint, hint.
2. Pancakes. Now this may take some bit of preparation time but they cook extremely quickly so it counts. We've made the on the go version of the classic flap jacks. We suggest wheat banana mini pancakes or cinnamon apple ring dippers. Smaller pancakes make its easier for little hands to dip and eat (and especially makes it easier to take on the go for those rushed mornings). Feeling a little more fancy and have the time - everyone loves the classic Mickey Mouse pancake shapes (just scoop out three circles and you're done!) Put some syrup into a cup and some dippers into a bowl or cup. Just dip, munch, and let's hit the road jack!
3. Yogurt parfait. Yogurt, fruit, granola is all that's needed for this simple dish! You can prep this the night before and leave it to chill in your kid's favorite cup. Add the granola on top the next morning to avoid soggy oats. They'll have fun looking at all the layers and excited to eat it. They'll enjoy the sweet cupped treat and it may be a nice surprise from a bowl.
When on the go, plastic canteens with bottom food containers are extremely helpful - especially to keep the granola separated!
4. Maple berry oatmeal. Oatmeal contains everything you need. But it may be hard to get one to like those earthy oats unless you jazz it up. Add honey or even a bit of maple syrup. Cut up fruit and make your own toppings. You can even find baked recipe options if you want to get creative.
5. Peanut butter and Jelly Muffins Cooking in bulk is such a time saver. Bake up some breakfast for the week (while you're also working on the school's bake sale). Make your muffins with creamy peanut butter fillings and add cinnamon, raisin and bananas to your muffin mix for extra nutrition. When serving you can even put jelly on the side!
Does the photo have you mouth watering for them? Then check out Minimalist Baker for the full recipe!
6. Breakfast Banana Split Who doesn't like banana splits? Add your favorite toppings like granola, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes. Instead of ice cream, because who eats ice cream for breakfast??, use yogurt. Your kids will get a kick out this one as it looks like a legit banana split!
]]>1. They are lightweight, Compact, and Easy to Pack! Ponchos don't take up much space as they're made of a thin durable film of plastic that can easily be folded up for storage and ready for use at a moment's notice.
2. Convenience. Ponchos allow you to have your hands free to do whatever fun activity you're doing in the rain!
3. Less Expensive Option. Ponchos are smaller investment for those specific situations you're going to want to use it. But, they're just as effective!
4. Amusement Park Rides. Trust us, you don't want to use an umbrella on your favorite water ride.
5. Protects your other belongings. It may not look the coolest, but ponchos are great at keeping your backpacks, purses and other belongings from getting soaked.
6. Not just for Rainy Weather. Use for your next painting project!
7. Style! Anything that's functional and fashionable is a huge plus! Check out all of the character prints we have to offer for kids and adults.
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1. Nirvana. This heather blue shirt sports the infamous Nirvana smiley logo in a yellow print. It's classic, it goes with everything, we're not surprised that our Nirvana t-shirt always stay strong
]]>1. Nirvana. This heather blue shirt sports the infamous Nirvana smiley logo in a yellow print. It's classic, comfy, it goes with anything- we're not surprised that our Nirvana t-shirt always manages to stay strong.
2. Sublime. Maybe it's just nostalgia but there's just something about the boombox graphic that gives this tee a high ranking. Technology may move quickly, but nothing really beats a heavy raw bass sound from an old speaker.
3. Johnny Cash. This cotton blend grey tee shows off an acoustic guitar graphic right under the Sun Record Company logo. It's lightweight, comfy, and hey it has a hood!
4. AC/DC. Our baby red romper is a top seller in our baby apparel! Glad to know that some of you are getting your little ones into the spirit of rock n' roll once they're out the womb.
5. The Who. We have a lightweight grey burnout shirt with a distressed graphic of the band's logo. We have this shirt from 12 months up to 4T, so all young kids have a chance to rock out to the Who!
]]>The next band that we're tackling is The Who. Who, you ask? The Who is who! It's the UK rock band that is definitely on the upbeat side of Rock and Mod. So upbeat that they would routinely destroy their instruments on stage after a show. Banded together in 1964, this group has sold over 100 million copies of their albums worldwide. The Who even performed at the famed Woodstock Festival. So take a break from those repetitive kid's tunes and get your little one into a band you love. Here's our top 5 list of kid-friendly The Who favorites.
The Kids are Alright from the band’s first album My Generation released in 1965. Fun fact: "The Kids are Alright" wasn't released as a single until six months after the LP's initial release.
I don't mind other guys dancing with my girl
That's fine, I know them all pretty well
But I know sometimes I must get out in the light
Better leave her behind with the kids, they’re alright
The kids are alright
I’m Free from the Tommy album of 1969.
I'm free
I'm free
And freedom tastes of reality
I'm free
I'm free
An' I'm waiting for you to follow me
I’m One from the band’s 1973 rock opera album Quadrophenia.
But I'm one
I am one
And I can see
That this is me
And I will be
You'll all see
I'm the one
My Generation from the 1965 album My Generation. My Generation has two points on this list!
Why don't you all f-fade away (Talkin' 'bout my generation)
Don't try to dig what we all s-s-s-say (Talkin' 'bout my generation)
I'm not trying to 'cause a big s-s-sensation (Talkin' 'bout my generation)
I'm just talkin' 'bout my g-g-g-generation (Talkin' 'bout my generation)
Relax from the album The Who Sell Out released in the year of 1967.
Relax and settle down
Let your mind go round
Lay down on the ground
And listen to the sound
Of the band
Hold my hand
Bonus Round!! It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t add this song to the list. Heinz Baked Beans from the album The Who Sell Out released back in 1967. Since the song is pretty simple, we just included the entire lyrics. Sing along now!
One, two, three, four!
What's for tea, Mum?
What's for tea, darling?
Darling, I said, "what's for tea?"
What's for tea, daughter?
Heinz baked beans
Not even sure who the Paw Patrol is? For shame... Start with the basics here.
Here are your Paw Patrol cool facts:
1. Spin Master president Ben Gadbois confirmed that the sixth season is "already in development" during the company's 2016 Fiscal Conference Call. Paw Patrol is barely starting it's fourth season in 2018, so we're excited to know that these pups will be staying around with us for a while!
2. Spin Master Entertainment, a Canadian toy production company, owns the intellectual rights to the show! Spin Master is best known toys such as Hatchimals, Etch A Sketch, Zhu Zhu Pets and Tech Deck (those cool little finger skateboards super popular in the early 2000s) among many, many more.
3. The show was created by British TV producer, Keith Chapman. He us also the creator of the late 90's kid show Bob the Builder - which came back on PBS Kids in 2015 (with a completely new look). Mr.Chapman knows how to create awesome series considering Bob the Builder currently has 355 episodes! (Bob sure has matured!)
4. You’ll notice the “PAW” in the official Paw Patrol shield logo is written out in all capital letters. Spin Master filed trademarks in which PAW is an acronym for “Pups at Work” and “Protect and Wag” but decided not to use it for any marketing or ads. YET. There's more seasons to go so who knows what Spin Master has in store for the franchise.
5. Paw patrol can be seen in over 160 countries! Talk about being popular! Paw Patrol is clearly a show that is world approved. These pups are highly recognized in Europe, mainly in the U.K. and France where they have a huge following.
6. We mentioned that Paw Patrol is a Canadian production. Did you know that in Ontario, Canada, a law limits you to having six cats and three dogs? Well, now it makes sense that Mayor Humdinger has six cats in the Kit-tastrophe Crew! Any more and he'd be in legal troubles! More than he already gets himself into anyways...
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It has been 14 years since the original movie was released, so there is a good chance some of you or your little ones haven’t seen it yet. The first Incredibles movie made a huge impact at the box office as it made over six times its budget! ($633 million to be exact). Did you also know it won two Academy Awards, an Annie Award (an award for accomplishments in animation) and a Hugo Award (an award for achievements in science fiction or fantasy works).
Now you have a few cool facts about the original, let's get to the most important part - getting to know the Incredibles family and some of their friends! As we mentioned, it’s been fourteen years since the first movie came out, so we don't blame you for not remembering, but don’t worry; there will not be a quiz at the end of this post.
If you just can't wait for the movie, check out the teaser trailer:
What are you most excited to see in the newest film? Let us know in the comments below!
]]>1. Disney Dad Hat Gift set. Get dad our classic Disney "Dad" baseball hat gift set that contains a hat and a tote or hat and key chain. The hat features the text "Dad" with Mickey Mouse ears embroidered on the front in black and red. It's a one size fits all as it has an adjustable hook and loop back strap. The tote can be used a gift bag for the hat and for carrying all his essentials! The key chain has the same logo as his hat (we know you're always trying to get dad to match his clothes).
2. Fun "Dad" Novelty Socks. He can proudly dress up his feet and let the world know who the "#1 Dad" or "Best Dad Ever" really is! Just this one day, he's allowed to wear his socks and sandals. But he can easily rock these socks all year long, as long he wears shoes. Our #1 Dad socks are made of a high quality cotton that's soft to the touch. #1 Dad makes a strong statement to the world, but if you're looking for an even bigger ego boost, go with the "Best Dad Ever" variety. Can't decide? Get the special 2 Pack set!
3. Disney Rain Poncho. A practical gift for the Disney fan in your life that shows you care for his well-being! You wouldn't want Dad to be caught in the rain so here's a helpful poncho to protect him on your next visit to the parks! Durable and lightweight fabric is the way to go when combating rain. We have three different types of ponchos for any Disney or Star Wars fan.
]]>In case you don't know yet, Paw Patrol is a Nickelodeon show that revolves around a group of puppies that go on rescue missions and better helping their community. The show teaches little ones creative problem-solving and working with others. Teamwork is the number one point they get across. But enough about the TV show, if you're interested you can read more about that here.
Paw Patrol Live! is the perfect production for young children and toddlers. In their "Race to the Rescue" live show, there's interaction from a few of the actors and catchy songs your little ones will recognize from the TV show. They encourage the audience to sing along and cheer for the pups throughout their adventure. The TV show encourages viewers to express themselves and the live production picks that up.
In this live show, the actors are actually in the puppets they are controlling. It's really creative Howe they designed the character so and the the show is so entertaining that you forget the puppeteers and just focus on the pups as they are intended. Their largue size makes it easy for the audience to see them and follow along. It's also super adorable to see giant pups dominate for attention.
The plot revolves around the town race. Mayor Goodway is missing but the Paw Patrol is here to help! They find her injured and unable to finish the race. They rescue her and help her finish the race by going in her place. Their rival Mayor Humdinger and the kitten catastrophe crew are there ready to get in their way to ruin their mission but each pup gets a chance to show off their skills when faced with challenge.
The set does not shy away from the use of explosive colors and design as there is a projector that changes up the settings for each scene for an immersive feeling. Settings change from snow, ocean and more! (We mentioned snow so you know everyone's favorite husky is going to make an appearance). But keep in mind that she doesn't show up until the second half of the show. Sorry Tracker fans, because he is a new pup on the team he isn't part of this live production.
Your little one can meet the rest the pups in person with a VIP (Very Important Pup) pass after the show. The VIP package also includes a lanyard and drawstring bag. Paw Patrol also has a second live production called "The Great Pirate Adventure" where the pups find a mysterious map. Will they find treasure or greater secrets? Check out the official Paw Patrol Live! site for information on a show nearest you!
If you're interested in finding helpful information on how a child should behave for a live show, check out our other post.
We've included some of our own licensed Paw Patrol gear so you can pick up all your favorite pups before you get to the show! Shirts, duffel bags, backpacks, and patches we have it all at low prices and free shipping.
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Plastic flowers and a small bear is cute but... let's be practical. This may be a last minute gift, but that doesn't mean the gift itself needs to appear last minute.
The Disney Mom Hat is what you're looking for and we have two gift sets perfect for this special occasion (psst... it works for birthdays and other holidays, as well). You can choose between the set that includes a pink Minnie Tote bag with sturdy handles or a hot pink Minnie Mesh beach bag that can surprisingly fit a ton of goodies!
We hope you have a great Mother's Day!
First and foremost, shopping for a backpack should be fun! With your guidance let your little one help you pick out which is their favorite (after you narrow down which size you're looking for). Kids love to wear the characters that they know - it's a simple way of expression! If they're a Mickey or Paw Patrol fan, they will proudly wear that backpack every day!
Just remember - backpacks are not created equal. They may serve the same purpose to carry things but each one is different from the next. You may be asking: What size would work for my child? What is the difference between a 12" backpack and a 15" backpack? What features in this backpack does my child need? How many pockets should I care about? See below for our best attempt to answer these questions and more!
Here is our official marketingbytesblog.com guide to backpacks. Enjoy!
10" or 12" Mini Backpacks:
15" and 16" Full Size Backpacks:
Backpacks with Detachable Lunch Bags:
Sling Bags:
Special Exclusive Backpack and Lunch Bag Sets!
If you're shopping for backpacks and supplies look around for special multi-piece sets!
We offer great sets that include with your backpack:
Buying these together with the backpack or lunch bag will help you save some dough, plus the accessories are also officially licensed!
All-In-One Backpack Sets:
Want to just get everything you need in one single stop? We recommend looking for "Deluxe" Backpack combos/bundles. It may sound over the top or even a bit pretentious at first but it's actually quite the deluxe package. Some of these come in five pieces and mainly contains: a full sized 16" backpack, a lunch bag, water bottle, pencil case, and a miscellaneous item (carabiner clip or pencils). Deluxe packages carry along the same theme so the aesthetic matches all the accessories.
Kids Duffel bags:
Additional/Must have items:
Food containers. Plastic containers get the job done and they come in many variations. Bowls, squares, or bread shaped containers are widely available in different colors and characters. Even better, they're reusable!
Pencil cases. You're going to need something to store all of your writing utensils. There's tin cases, fabric pouches, soft shell cases. They can even have eyelets to be safely stored in a binder.
Pencils. Do you like to have similarly themed pencils to express yourself? If you find your little one using specific pencils, that may mean they're more inclined to do work with their favorite character.
Stickers/Patches. Make your items you. Stickers and adhesive patches allow you to be creative and customize your items.
Notebooks. Depending on grade you might be looking at college ruled or wide ruled. Once you get that out of the way, you can move on to the fun part of choosing characters or colors to each class or subject.
Folders. There's really no debating this. Folders are a requirement and the best way to show off your personality.
]]>So you're thinking on taking your kids to their first trip to the theater? With the emergence of more family-friendly shows such as School of Rock The Musical, Disney's Lion King and the brand new Frozen The Musical on Broadway we thought it would be helpful to you, the inquisitive parent to provide some tips to make your experience at a live show more enjoyable!
Going to a live play/musical differs greatly from watching a movie or even other live Family events (such as Monster Jam, Disney on Ice, etc..). There is something special that makes a live performance so unique and we think it's awesome to let your little one experience it for themselves. You do need to keep in mind, that the audience at these shows has a great responsibility of being respectful to not only the huge cast and crew, but also to other audience members. These family-friendly shows still require the same respect of the crowd that others do.
Here are some quick tips on bringing your kids to a live performance. Let us know if you have any helpful tips to make your theatre-going experience a memorable one!
(1) FROZEN is intended for children at least 8 years old. Make sure that your child is the correct age and is okay with sitting for extended amounts of time. Live performances have intermission breaks - so be sure to get in those restroom trips when you can. Find out where the restrooms are before hand just in case you have to make a mad dash. A ten year old may be patient enough to wait an hour while a younger child may not be so forgiving.
(2) Guaranteed your child will want to wave, yell, call out their favorite character's name. Prep your little one in advance, that this isn't a good idea. Your children should not attempt to get a character's attention. Shows set aside special time for this. For the new Frozen Musical, actors will be available after the show for photographs and signings. We suggest checking official theater sites for information, scheduling and most importantly, if you need a special ticket to participate in these interactions. Set the expectations with your children that they may be able to meet some characters (maybe not the one that they wanted, though).
(4) This may seem obvious, but be sure to eat before the show. Food policies differ with each theater as some don't allow outside food but some do sell snacks. To avoid grumbling stomachs and a grumpy child, eat before. This may work as a money saving tip as well since we're all too familiar with the prices of food and drink at any special event.
(5) Make sure that your child actually wants to go. If you or an older child want to go and just decide drag along a younger sibling, expect things to turn sour. They may not have the patience to sit through a completely new experience that they didn't want to go in the first place. Talk up the show in advance, get your kids excited and make it a big deal.
(6) Explain to them what it means to be a good audience member for a live performance. Actors use a lot of exaggerated motions or speech to get their expressions across so let them know that the actors may be acting somewhat funny. Try to explain how sets may be moving around and that your kids may see some "behind the scenes" activity (which your little ones will probably mistake for the performance). Let them know it's ok to laugh and have emotions during the show, but it may not be the best place to play with toys, talk loudly, or be a disruption to others in the audience.
(7) Now the fun part, outfits!! Depending on the show, you may deem it appropriate for your child to sport a costume or attire related to the performance. For example, if you are going to the Frozen Musical, why not let your little girl wear her Anna dress or special Frozen T-Shirt or bring along her Frozen backpack. If the opportunity allows it, why not be creative and have some fun with it. It will make your little one feel involved meaning they'll be even more excited for what's to come. We always have a great selection of Frozen items (and it will be much cheaper than what they will be selling at the show)
(8) After the show, take them out for a treat! Okay so this one doesn't really count but it really does help provide for positive memories of the experience you just had! Obviously, remind your child how great they were during the show. This will help encourage good behavior and etiquette which will provide for great experiences at future shows! It is also a great time to talk about the show, your favorite parts, favorite songs, etc.. and reconnect with what made it so magical! Fun fact: It is customary in New York to get cheesecake after watching a Broadway show.
Have more questions? Check out this Official Frozen The Musical FAQ
Hope you've found our 8 tips useful - See you at the show! Have any tips to share? Comment below.
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This year Sublime with Rome kicks off with a summer tour starting April 27th for the Sandjam Music Festival in Florida. They'll be traveling North America and Japan for the rest of their tour. You have until mid August if you want to catch them!
Date |
Venue and State |
April 27th Friday |
Sandjam Music Festival in Panama City Beach, FL, US |
April 28th Saturday |
Convention Hall in Ashbury Park, NJ, US |
April 29th Sunday |
Back to the Beach in Huntington Park CA, US |
May 6th Sunday |
Sunfest Musical Festival in West Palm Beach FL, US |
May 26-27th Saturday - Sunday |
Greenroom Festival at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse in Yokohama, Japan |
May 28th Monday |
Ebisu Liquid Room in Ebisu, Japan |
June 9th Saturday |
Spencer Smith Park in Burlington, ON, Canada |
June 29th Friday |
Greeley Stampede in Greeley, CO, US |
August 10th Friday |
The Sandpoint Festival in Sandpoint, ID, US |
For more information on the shows check out these helpful links:
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Let's face it, listening to kids music day in and day out is a drag (Plus it's even more embarrassing when you're at work humming "The Wheels on the Bus"). Sometimes we just want to put on some classic rock and jam. But with the kids around we don't want to introduce those impressionable minds with inappropriate messages.
So I set out to find a balance and created a Best of Pink Floyd list that are cool to play for the little ones. I’ve compiled the top 7 kid appropriate Pink Floyd songs (that still rock) with my favorite verses from each one. Enjoy!
Brick in the Wall from their The Wall album released in 1979. It’s always fun to sing this song when school’s over. Link below is for parts 1-3.
We don't need no education
We don't need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Teachers leave them kids alone
Hey! Teachers! Leave them kids alone
All in all it's just another brick in the wall
Shine on You Crazy Diamond from their Wish You Were Here album of 1975.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
You were caught on the crossfire of childhood and stardom,
Blown on the steel breeze.
Come on you target for faraway laughter,
Come on you stranger, you legend, you martyr, and shine!
High Hopes from their album The Division Bell of 1994.
Looking beyond the embers of bridges glowing behind
To a glimpse of how green it was on the other side
Steps taken forwards but sleepwalking back again
Dragged by the force of some inner tide
At a higher altitude with flag unfurled
We reached the dizzy heights of that dreamed of world
A Pillow of Winds from their 1971 album Meddle.
Sleeping time when I lie
With my love by my side
And she’s breathing low
And I rise like a bird
In the haze the first rays touch the sky
Fearless is also from the album Meddle. Everyone needs a pick me up song.
You say the hill's too steep to climb
Chiding!
You say you'd like to see me try
Climbing!
You pick the place and I'll choose the time
And I'll climb
The hill in my own way
San Tropez is you guessed it- also from the Meddle album.
Sleepin' alone in the
Drone of the darkness,
Scratched by the sand that
Fell from my love,
Deep in my dreams and I
Still hear her callin'
If you're alone
I'll come home
Wish You Were Here is also from their album of the same name released back in 1975. This probably my favorite Pink Floyd song despite how sad it can sound. But it's so fun to sing along with!
How I wish, how I wish you were here
We're just two lost souls
Swimming in a fish bowl
Year after year
Running over the same old ground
And how we found
The same old fears
Wish you were here
If you think we’ve missed any great kid appropriate Pink Floyd songs, please let us know in the comments section below!
]]>What if the superheroes that we know and love were transformed into relatable teenagers that go to high school? By relatable teens I, of course, mean super power wielding individuals. And by high school, I mean Super Hero High. DC Super Hero Girls is an American animated web series, created by Warner Bros, that is currently hosted on YouTube. That is about to change, and your kids are going to soon be begging you to watch this show.
With its popularity online, mixed with the nostalgia of Superwoman and success of newer titles with Wonder Woman and Harley Quinn, the series will soon be launching on Cartoon Network in the Spring of 2018. With the focus on female superheros, the show is clearly being marketed as superheros for girls, but that doesn't mean everyone can't enjoy it. This show may be new to you but your kids probably already know all about it. Here's your quick guide to the main characters of DC Super Hero Girls.
Wonder Woman, who you may already be familar with from her blockbuster movie, is a natural courageous born leader, she comes from paradise island of Themyscira, a place full of warrior women. Wondy, as she is called, uses her modified Themysciran steel shield, bulletproof bracelets, and lasso of truth to make the world a better and safer place. She’s eager to learn more about Earth lifestyles.
Batgirl is a genius tech wizard. She was accepted to Super Hero High solely based on her intelligence. Her skill sets include martial arts expertise, well-honed detective skills, and amazing technological smarts.
Bumblebee is a character you will probably be less familiar with. She is an energetic social butterfly (insect pun intended), selfless and believes in the powerful effects of teamwork. Her powers include shrinkability (if that isn't a word, it should be), sonic blasts, and enhanced strength. She uses her abilities to spy on villains to ensure that her team is prepared for whatever may come.
Harley Quinn, who you may remember from her self-titled movie, is a quick-witted acrobat that can get herself in and out of trouble using her limber skills. She’s a proud class clown that dedicates herself to pranks and puns. This unpredictable jokester makes it her job to create fun.
Supergirl (not to be confused with Superwoman) is a kind and noble person; she is always ready to save the day and help others even when it means risking her own life in the process. Her personality can be clumsy but she is no klutz when it comes to wielding her powers that include heat vision and super-strength.
Katana loves to blend her love of art and fashion to create a killer look. Fearless Katana is a skilled martial artist and a skilled swordswoman. She considers her blade a part of her.
Poison Ivy is a garden misfit. She gained her earth-based abilities from an experiment gone wrong. This shy science genius can not only control plants but also accelerate their growth. She enjoys being a part of the science club as she has a fondness for chemistry.
Take a look at Cartoon Network to check out the show here.
Tell us who your favorite Super Hero Girl is in the comments below.
]]>Is it time to show your little one what rock n' roll is all about? It's time to let them experience the best songs by AC/DC. But, let's be honest, there may be a few to stay clear of. But, that's why we're here. We did the digging and found the top ac/dc kid-friendly songs.
To be fair, I had a little help on this one - my nephew is a huge AC/DC fan. So, I started with the expert The band has been categorized under different genres but they’ve always said in interviews that they’re all about good ol’ fashion rock n’ roll. So get ready to rock with me as we roll down this list (I'm really nailing these puns)! 🤘🏻
TNT from the 1975 album T.N.T. This is the song that had caused my entire family to just say “Oi” instead of the regular hello. Nephew is the third gen of this, we’re going on strong.
So don't you mess me 'round
'Cause I'm T. N. T. I'm dynamite
(T. N. T.) and I'll win the fight
(T. N. T.) I'm a power load
(T. N. T.) watch me explode
T. N. T., (oi, oi, oi)
T. N. T., (oi, oi, oi)
Rocker from again the TNT album. Fun fact: This album was only released in Australia. Most songs from the album were released in the international album High Voltage. The more you know!
I'm a rocker
I'm a roller
I'm a rocker
I'm a roller
A rockin' rollin' man
Let There Be Rock from the 1977 album of the same name as the single.
Let there be sound
There was sound
Let there be light
There was light
Let there be drums
There was drums
Let there be guitar
There was guitar
Oh, Let there be rock
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) from the 1981 album, For Those About To Rock We Salute You.
The sky's a-light with the guitar bite
Heads will roll and rock tonight
For those about to rock, we salute you
For those about to rock, we salute you
Stormy May Day from Black Ice released a decade ago in 2008.
A flash of lightning,
At times a frightening,
A wind is coming, and the sun don't shine,
Rainy day, May day,
May day, stormy rain day,
Thunderstruck from The Razor’s Edge album released in 1980.
Thunder, thunder, thunder, thunder
I was caught
In the middle of a railroad track
I looked round
And I knew there was no turning back
Let us know you're favorite AC/DC song in the comments below!
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Are you tired of watching your kids' shows but not having any background on the characters? Sure your kids love them, but sometimes it would help to get a little bit more information so you can be more involved. That is the reason we created our own Paw Patrol Wiki page We're here to help! (The pups use this phrase often, remember it, there may be a test at the end of this post). In this series we will dissect your children's favorite programs and give you the important details you need to know.
Paw Patrol, a Canadian TV series created by Keith Chapman, quickly became an extremely popular show for kids as it follows rescue dogs based on real life professional careers. The TV series can be found on Nickelodeon (in the US) and also has live events in select major cities around the globe. There's also a few movies available on DVD so you can watch them with your little ones whenever!
Now let’s get to know the pups from the shore side community of Adventure Bay so you can impress your kids. We have included pictures and gifs to assist.
Ryder is ten year old boy who is the leader of the PAW Patrol. He gives the pups their missions and builds all of the equipment they use, including each unique vehicle! He's creative and extremely intelligent.
Chase is a serious German shepherd whose role serves as the cop/spy dog. A natural born leader, he’s the second hand man, err.. dog in charge of the team. He’s a faithful pup as he wants to keep his friends and community safe. He’s unfortunately extremely allergic to cats!
Marshall, a Dalmatian, is the trustworthy firefighter and medic for the group. He's the joker of the pack. He gets easily excited which causes him to be extremely clumsy as he collides into his friends often.
Skye is an adorable Cockapoo (a cocker spaniel and poodle mix for those aren’t too savvy with dog breeds - I had to google it, too) She loves to fly in her helicopter or with the wings in her pup pack. Ironically, she has a fear of eagles, but is very brave, nonetheless, in all of her missions. She is also very competitive in nature.
Everest, an intelligent Siberian husky snow rescue pup enjoys the finer things in life - digging holes and eating anything liver flavored (Yum!!!). She lives at Adventure Bay’s ski resort and is just a short call away when needed. She's definitely a reliable one!
Rubble is a small but strong English bulldog that takes care of construction. He likes to get down and dirty making him a very hard worker. Rubble was a stray but was then adopted by the Patrol after accompanying Chase on a mission.
Zuma is an adorable chocolate Labrador pup whose main job is to work in water rescue. It only makes sense that he also loves to surf. Zuma has the odd but acceptable phobia of ghosts (but who doesn't). His vehicle is a cool hovercraft than can convert into a submarine.
Tracker is a bilingual white and brown Chihuahua who works in jungle rescue. He’s not a fan of being left alone in the dark and lives with his human caretaker.
Rocky, unlike the rest of the pups, is an unknown mixed breed. He lives and breaths being eco-friendly and recycling. He enjoys to re-purpose items while proclaiming “why trash it when you can stash it”. He has a phobia of water, as he prefers to be on land as much as possible.
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Let us know your favorite Paw Patrol character in the comments below!~
]]>The other day I was thinking about how to get my nephew to share my interests in music. I was raised with Grateful Dead and I would love to pass on the musical torch and let him experience one of my favorite bands. With Valentine’s Day coming up soon, I thought what better way to introduce him to this genre than with some love songs. But, for anyone who is familiar with Grateful Dead, knows there may be some songs that may not be ready for just yet. So I combed through their albums (yes, albums!) to find the top 5 kid-friendly Grateful Dead love songs I could jam out to with my nephew. Maybe we'll also grab a pint of Cherry Garcia, just because.
Corrina was recorded in 1993 but released in the 2009 album Road Trips Volume 2 Number 4.
"If, what, where and how
Don't mean a thing to me
I would love you even if
You flew away from me
I'll just stand here waiting
On the far side of the sea
There is no fear that lovers born
Can ever fail to meet"
Easy To Love You from the album Go To Heaven in 1980
"Little stranger, don't try to hide now
You look so young and you're afraid
There is no danger but from the devil
And he may want you but I'm in his way
You don't know how easy it is
You don't know how easy it is to love you"
From The Heart Of Me from their 1978 studio album, Shakedown Street.
"Love calls echo in the valley Dream come true tonight
Remembering you hold me tight
In tomorrow morning's light
I will find you
When I awoke the stars were out
And shining, shining for you and me
All I ever want to be
Safe and warm
In your arms
All I have from the heart of me"
They Love Each Other from Jerry Garcia’s standalone album Reflections from 1976. Technically not Grateful dead but it’s a song that needs mentioning
"Lord, you can see that it's true
He could pass his time, around some other line
But you know he chose this place beside her
Don't get in their way, there's nothing you can say
Nothing that you need to add or do
They love each other"
If I Had A World To Give also from their Shakedown Album. It’s an awesome album, don’t blame me
"If I had the world to give
I’d give it to you long as you live
Would you let it fall or hold it all in your arms?
If I had a song to sing
I’d sing it you as long as you love
Lullaby or maybe a plain serenade
Wouldn't you laugh, dance, and cry
Or be afraid at the change you made"
If you think we missed any age-appropriate Grateful Dead songs feel free to leave them in the comments below! Rock on!
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In honor of Minnie Mouse's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, we wanted to enlighten you with some interesting and little known facts about Minnie Mouse
From now until November 27th, save 20% on your purchase of $40 or more with promo code: SAVE20. Plus, all orders over $25 will receive a free Mickey/ Minnie Tote bag!
Get Disney, Paw Patrol, Marvel, DC Comics, Star Wars, Shopkins, Peppa Pig and more at prices that cannot be beat anywhere!
Happy Holidays!
]]>Enjoy our Disneyland Gift Guide:
1) Luggage Tags. When traveling, bag check isn't one of the most exciting things to experience. Being reunited with your items do bring comfort. Everyone's bags kind of look the same when all clumped together. So here's a life hack, attach something to the zipper pull or handle of your luggage so you can tell it apart from others. Keeping true to the Disney theme, why not choose from our Mickey and Minnie face or costume luggage tag set.
2) Hats. If it's not a rainy gloomy day, then the sun is going to be in your face. It's a fact of life that we must accept. Or we can be rebellious and keep those sun rays of off our faces with hats! Choose from our selection of Disney hats and visors (some have ears)! Maybe a matching set for the family? Maybe a bright hat to tell yourselves apart if lost in a crowd?
3) Duffel Bags. Pack your kids with these cute duffel bags and give them the responsibility of carrying their own things. Don't want your arms full? Throw it in the bag. See something cool in stores? Throw it in the bag. Need some snacks? Check your bag! All hail the mighty duffel bag! But in all seriousness, these are super handy for how roomy they are.
4) Rain Ponchos. If you're traveling in December, the weather can be unpredictable (even in "Sunny" California). Mix and match various styles with our transparent icon ponchos. Pack these away and stay dry while exploring the parks. You can also wear them for the water rides!
5) Backpacks. Maybe you're a two strap type of person and the duffel bag weren't tempting. We have backpacks in all different sizes and characters designed for all ages. These are great for kids to carry their own things on the airplane or in the car. Check out the mini backpacks perfect for toddlers! Have any questions on backpacks, check out our backpack post here LINK.
6) Water Bottles. Staying hydrated on your travels and walking around the park is super important. Save yourself time in line buying bottled water and get your little ones bottles of their own. And look at you being all eco-friendly! ;D (Some even have a little attached container for snacks!)
7) Plush Dolls. Collect all of your favorite Disney Plush Dolls before you get to the parks. Because, let's face it- any item at the park will be sold much higher.
8) Hoodies. They protect you from the cold, wind, and sun. They're comfy, fashionable, features your favorite characters, and c'mon- how many more points do I really need to put? Come to the parks already decked in your Disney -themed gear. Here's a few of our favorites.
We hope these gift ideas were helpful for you and hope you have a fantastic Disneyland vacation! For more great gift ideas, visit www.marketingbytesblog.com.
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Wonder Woman Costume for Girls and Toddlers:
To say Wonder Woman was the biggest hit of 2017 would be an understatement. Everyone will be running out to get the same costume as everyone else (if they're still available). Set yourself apart from the rest with these amazing Girls Wonder Woman Dresses! Add some homemade arm bands, head piece and a shield and your costume is complete (and super original).
Superman and Supergirl Costumes for Boys and Girls
It's always fun to go as a classic superhero, but the ready-made costumes for these characters may be a bit stale at this point. Spruce things up and put the costume together by yourself. For Infants, this is a piece of cake - grab a Superman or Supergirl Costume Bodysuit! For Girls, similar to the Wonder Woman dresses, there are some awesome Supergirl dresses that are very unique (one has a cape already attached). Accessorize your own unique style with a homemade eye mask, cool boots and some bracelets! For Superman, grab a pair of blue pants, Clark Kent-esque glasses, a wig (complete with front curl) and a costume t-shirt or hoodie.
Batman Costume For Kids
I'm Batman. You know your little one will be repeating this all night... but it's cute, right? Start your little one off with a costume t-shirt or hoodie (which by the way, can be worn throughout the year and not just on Halloween), some cool black gloves, a cape, black boots and a DIY utility belt if you're feeling adventurous. Your child will look like a real super hero!
Batgirl Costume for Girls
The elements of the Batgirl are different enough to warrant it's own write up. Our Batgirl items are out of this world. Take a look at the dresses and find something unique for your costume. From there, it's super simple - Buy or make yourself a cute cape and some arm covers (as pictured below) but don't forget the eye mask! Your superhero will be collecting candy in no time (and hopefully sharing some with Mom and Dad).
]]>We have all been there. We're here to help with some great (easy, and inexpensive) ideas even for the most novice DIYer. Your kids will have a great Halloween, score a lot of candy and be the envy of all their friends in their homemade Star Wars costumes.
Yoda Costume for Kids
This Costume Easy it is. Ok, that was a terrible Yoda-ism but you got the point. Start with an all in one hoodie/mask and add brown pants, a robe and maybe some green hands/feet to add some effect. But, don't forget the cane, light saber and a touch of green make-up before calling it a day.
Stormtrooper Costume for Kids / Groups
The key with this one is to keep it simple with a bunch of white clothing. Find some cool white pants (maybe even sweat pants) and add some depth with some sharpie (if you're feeling dangerous). Accessories with white gloves, white boots or boot covers, a utility belt and finally our Stormtrooper Hoodie with Mask which finishes off the costume. This is a great costume for a group, too!
Darth Vader Costume for Kids
This is a perfect addition to your Stormtrooper group costume. And with pretty much the opposite them in mind - the key is finding items in black to accessorize with your Costume hoodie. Purchase some black gloves, a black cape and black boots which are essential for this costume to work. Buy a toy light saber or make one on your own at home. This Darth Vader costume is easy and fun! On the plus side, your little one can enjoy the costume hoodie long after Halloween has ended.
Chewbacca Costume for Kids
Are you trying to avoid a big expense (and hassle) with a full head to toe Chewbacca suit? Yes, aren't we all. Check out this Costume Hoodie complete with a faux fur print! Purchase some furry slippers, gloves, a satchel, brown face paint and voila! Your little one has been transformed. Just be ready for the Chewbacca sound effects to continue all throughout Halloween.
Let us know which Star Wars character you dress up as this year!
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