Shopping

Kids and “Stuff”

| Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

The holidays have arrived, bringing with them the ritual of gifting wish lists. Yet, as every parent knows, last year’s treasures don’t always stand the test of time. While some presents do become beloved companions and favored sources of entertainment, others unfortunately break, or gather dust, or get lost in the abyss. When asked about it, they simply shrug before adding a nearly identical (and equally useless) toy to next year’s list. UGH! The audacity…

As the season of giving begins, we can’t help but wonder: If kids want these toys so badly, why don’t they care for them? And if they don’t, why ask for them at all?  There must be a good explanation for this, right? Turns out, there is.

Continue reading →

Holiday Gift Guide 2025: Patti’s Wishlist

| Patti Webb

There are sometimes I think holiday shopping for women is so easy; all you have to do is pay a little attention to detail. We love a little trinket, a little cutesy thing, etc. We like getting gifted things we would’ve bought ourselves anyway, and we love a little field trip.

After the drama of this year, I just want a few of the little things. My wishlist covers the basics (something I want, something I need, something to wear, something to read). Still throwing in a hydrofacial and prep for our next trip in February.

Continue reading →

Holiday Gift Guide 2025: Mary’s Wishlist

| Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

‘Tis the season! You know the drill: as soon as the Thanksgiving dishes are cleared, the family Wishlist requests start rolling in. Last year, I was winging it. This year? I’ve got a game plan. Maybe I’ve just tuned in to what makes me smile, but my asks come with purpose. Here’s what I’m hoping to find under the tree this year…

Continue reading →

Holiday Gift Guide: Tweens, ages 10-12

| Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

This year, we’re introducing a new gift guide category just for tweens. With all the rapid growth and change happening in our families, we know they’re going to be firmly in this category soon. Even though it’s an awkward age group, they still have their own distinct developmental needs.

At ages 10-12, kids are no longer little but not quite teens. They ask bigger questions, challenge ideas, and start understanding how they learn. Language sharpens, conversations deepen, and puberty often begins, bringing physical changes and self-awareness. Emotionally, tweens explore identity, crave peer connection, and care deeply about fairness. Gifts for this age group should provide flexible structure, foster open communication, model emotional regulation, all while supporting their evolving interests.

You also want to be careful not to choose gifts that are either too adult or too infantile. They are right in between.

Continue reading →

Holiday Gift Guide: Preschoolers, Ages 3-5

| Mary Stoffel, MOT, OTR/L

Between ages 3 and 5, children rapidly grow as curious problem-solvers, expressive communicators, and imaginative players. They build friendships, develop empathy, and gain physical independence. This all lays a strong foundation for school readiness and future learning.

Continue reading →