From advent countdowns to activities, navigating travel to family photos and keepsakes… Family Entourage joins us with a Winter Checklist to make sure we’re ready to embrace the holiday season ahead.
OH THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!
It’s the time where travel is at it’s height, and this year especially we need to be prepared for any adventure either navigating the airport or over the river and through the woods to grandmas!
Vessi Boots and Sneakers are a staple for our family as they are 100% waterproof and able to handle any unpredictable weather from rain to snow, or even if you’re vacationing tropical this season. The bestselling Weekend Sneaker feels more like wearing a sock than a traditional shoe and don’t need a break-in period, so your feet won’t blister or chaf. These are perfect for running around town in unpredictable weather.
If you’re headed to colder conditions, or as the temps drop, Vessi’s Alta High Top is a cozy winter boot with a warm fleece lining. It’s been updated for a better fit and a more tailored feel and designed to keep your footing even in slushy conditions.
Or opt for the Uptown Chelsea that is a combo of both. This cool weather staple combines the comfort of a sneaker with the coverage and warmth of a boot. Plus don’t forget the kids! The entire family can stay dry for any upcoming adventure.
KIDS BUSY OVER BREAKS
Spark imagination and sensory exploration with Crayola’s Goo sets. These all-in-one kits let kids mix, decorate, and personalize slime that they make from scratch. The All in One Sensory Stations feature Galaxy or Unicorn-themed kits. Each comes with everything needed including powder, mix-ins, four containers and even a space to mix and create. Simply mix the powder with water and add fun mix em’s for texture and play. From glitter and beads to markers, our kids loved customizing their own slime. Don’t worry moms, they are designed for less mess and to maximize the fun.
Crayola Goo is made with a special formula that won’t stick on clothes or hands. It is also safe, non-toxic and whether you’re into unicorns, fantasy, space, or beyond, these sets will provide hours of creative fun. Priced at under $20, Crayola Goo makes a great gift this holiday season. Find Crayola Goo at Walmart in the toy aisle and Crayola aisles this holiday.
HOLIDAY CARDS AND KEEPSAKE BOOKS
Whatever traditions or family activities you enjoy the best part is being together and you want to make sure to capture all the magic, and not just have it live on your phone! From your annual family Christmas cards to photobooks and more, Mixbook makes it so simple to turn our photos into keepsakes.
Every year making a holiday card is a must! Of course we trust the #1 rated photo book brand, Mixbook not only because it’s so easy to transform our photos into beautiful holiday cards but because the award-winning Mixbook Studio allows for easy templates, design and also you can choose from AI-generated captions that speak to your photos and the story they tell. Plus you can let your photos shine with 150+ new eye-catching two-page spreads and it’s super easy to instantly change every page of your photo book to a new theme right inside your project.
Check out Mixbook’s Holiday Gift Guide where you can make flat-lay books, calendars, photo cards (yes, make sure your gorgeous family photo shoot actually makes it to the cover of your holiday card this year) and any other creative angle from recipe books to elementary art books. Mixbook customer service is always available and the quality is above all!
COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS
Kids love advent calendars as a countdown to Christmas, especially when they reflect their favorite brands like American Girl! The 2025 Baking Spirits Bright Advent Calendar is a 24-piece holiday advent calendar. Each day, reveals American Girl-themed baking accessories to sweeten the season. If you’re counting down the sleeps until the big morning, matching your doll is the way to go through pajamas and outfits. Our girls love the matching Raquel’s Gingham Ruffle outfit for girls. Another favorite is the Coastal Stripe Pajamas for Girls and matching for doll
In 1986, Samantha Parkington, Kirsten Larson and Molly McIntire were introduced as the first three American Girl Historical Characters. This year, American Girl’s celebrated its 40th anniversary and revealed its 2026 Girl of the Year – Raquel Reyes. A descendant of beloved original historic character, Samantha Parkington, Raquel continues a legacy of compassion and perseverance that has inspired generations of American Girl fans. She arrives in a gingham top and skirt, platform shoes with bow details, and a bow cuff bracelet – paying tribute to Samantha Parkington’s signature plaid style. With the announcement of Raquel, the Doll of the Year, you can bet that everything that aligns with her seaside vacation will be a hot gift under the tree like these Beach Chairs. The Canopy Bed is also a favorite for any of the American Girl dolls.
