The Best Gift That Wasn't On The List: Unique Holiday Gifts for the Whole Family

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Remember that $2 bus you bought at the garage sale 6 years ago that has been your kid's favorite toy for life?  Gifts can be so overthought and over the years we've been blessed to find some amazing toys that seem so simple yet are the most used, played with and well loved in our house. So we are thrilled to present "The Best Gift That Wasn't On The List"!

Radio Flyer Little Red Wagon

I picked this little guy up at a consignment sale recently. I jokingly sent a picture of it to my sister in law who was looking for a new wagon (to put children in).  I grabbed it on a whim because it was in really great shape and was priced fairly.  I had planned to sneak it away to gift for the holidays but I didn't get a chance. My 3 year old saw this thing and it was like the best day of her short life.  She hauls everything from ponies, to play food to dolls and rocks around it it! Even at the modest $15 price point this is a great buy that your kids will never see coming. 

            **Copy and save the link for later or paste it into a wish list** https://amzn.to/2CPloE2

Magnet Tiles 

These have become rather popular these days in day cares and preschools but in homes they can be a bit of an "investment" type toy since they can be a bit pricey. These get used daily in our house - they're used to build houses to put figurines in, castles, bridges and just about anything else. 

These car accessories are an awesome add on to extend your kids' play!

          Tiles **Copy and save the link for later or paste it into a wish list** https://amzn.to/2CJLd8x

    

Cars **Copy and save the link for later or paste it into a wish list**https://amzn.to/2pToY7u 

Kid O Magna Tab 

These magnetic tablets are some of the best money I've ever spent! The tiny holes have small secured magnet balls inside them that are gently pulled up with the magnet pens to create patterns, images or letters. These come in a variety of styles (including uppercase, lowercase, cursive and free play - seen in red below). These make incredible toys for restaurants or waiting while big brother/sister is at practice.

**Copy and save the link for later or paste it into a wish list** https://amzn.to/2NJdfBU

Balance Board

This was on "my" list to buy for the kids last year and while none of them ever asked for it, it is also one of the few things that get used every day! It may seem odd but this "toy" (if you can call it that) has endless opportunities for play. It is a slide, a bridge, a tool for balancing on, a stool, a rainbow the possibilities are endless! My children like to rock on it while they stand at a table and play or use it to help build a fort! Additionally its something that grows with them. It makes an amazing tool for a busy kiddo who needs to move while doing their homework - rocking on it while standing to complete worksheets or spelling papers if a great way to calm the body.

**Copy and save the link for later or paste it into a wish list** https://amzn.to/2PB2Eej

Indoor Pod Swings

Winter can be torturous especially in the North East, toys that help bring that active outdoor element inside are wonderful. We mounted one of these in our basement last winter and created a great little outlet for movement on cold days when we couldn't be outdoors. We personally recommend one that comes with a mounting kit*

**Copy and save the link for later or paste it into a wish list** https://amzn.to/2yEicqg

Three year Journal: Q & A Day for kids! 

Create lasting memories, meaningful conversations and a keepsake with this awesome book! ITs designed so that you ask you children one question per day for a year and the following years you repeat the questions documenting how their responses change over the years. 

         **Copy and save the link for later or paste it into a wish list** https://amzn.to/2FiLZeA

Family Games

I find that while my children really enjoy playing games with us at home they are not something anyone ever asks for.  Growing up we always had a tradition that we would get a new family game on Christmas morning. My dad would take the time to research the coolest most up and coming board or trivia game and we'd pass our lazy holiday at home playing that and many other games we had in the house. It is still something he does today even now that we're grown up! 

Here a few our of favorites! See a full list here. 

The Game of Things

This is a great one for older kids and adults. Its appropriate for mixes ages too. Very funny and entertaining.

Code Names

This Game is a TON of fun for the whole family (ages 10+ and adults) We had a blast playing it during the whole christmas break last year and right now it is 25% off!

Cat in the Hat: I Can Do That!

This one is perfect for eager preschoolers and younger children who want in on the game action! Some adult support will be needed but its a lot of fun and it keeps kids active and moving!







Spot It!


This is another great one for younger kids to get in on the game playing.  An array of cards is placed out on the table or floor and players have to look for multiple cards that have the same images of varying sizes, the first to shout "Spot it!" keeps the matching cards. Super simple, super fun and compact too. The price point is under $8 which makes it a great buy too!

Sponsorship/Affiliate Disclosure:


lehighvalley.findandgoseek.net only exists because of hours upon hours of work that comes directly from the heart of a mom who wants to make the Lehigh Valley a better place to raise your family. Because of our effort we publish a resource that makes your life as a parent easier, makes the Lehigh Valley more welcoming to a family new to the area and helps make the Lehigh Valley a more vibrant and engaging place for families to grow and live. All information included in this article is our opinion and has not been influenced in any way. In order to make it possible to continue doing this we must find ways to generate income orb e compensated for our work. This article contains affiliate links that give us a tiny commission each time someone buys through our links. At times you will see posts from sponsors who pay us a fee to help them spread the word about their business or event. Barters and fees that we receive from our sponsors and affiliates help make the website the best it can possibly be, they put food on our family's table and allow us to keep doing what we do! By patronizing the businesses who support us and by choosing to opt in to offers we share you keep lehighvalley.findandgoseek.net alive - making it possible for us to continue to provide information and engaging content for years to come. Without you and without our valued sponsors the website could not continue to operate. Opinions expressed in this article are 100% honest and real and are not in any way altered based on sponsorship agreements, barters or payments we have received as a media partner. We love all of our LVFGS Families and thank you for you support.

Just Between Friends Fall 2018 Sale Details

Just Between Friends Kicks off their Fall Sale! 

We LOVE previewing Just Between Friends Children's Consignment event! 

We always come home with some fabulous stuff for a fraction of the retail cost, and the sale is really fantastic, you can find just about anything you could possibly want there for your kiddos. Stock up on holiday gifts, winter gear, fall/winter clothing, toys, books, shoes and everything for baby too! 

I routinely score a TON of stuff for under 100 bucks!  This video outlines each of the items we got while shopping at their last fall sale. It mentions prices, brands and the quality of each of the items. We also share some great tips on what to buy and what to look for while shopping consignment sales! Looking for more tips on how to save? Check out this article! 

                                                   

Note* hours/dates mentioned in the above video refer to a previous sale*

                                       

Location

Their location is at the Lou Ramos Center in Allentown (Just minutes off of Airport Road and Union Blvd. The Address is 1344 N. Sherman Street Allentown, PA 18109.  It is easy to find and perfectly location right in between Allentown and Bethlehem just off route 22 for shoppers to access from any direction. 

           

                     

Sales Floor Previews

Get a exclusive look into their sales floor, eye up some must have items and take a look at how the space is organized!

               

Shopping Hours 

Prime Time Shopping - Presale Day

Want to shop BEFORE the PUBLIC to get the biggest and best selection and the best prices? Purchase a PRIME TIME SHOPPING pass!

Early Bird Shopping starts Wednesday 9/12 at 3pm! Make sure to check your ticket for your admission time!

Public Shopping Days

Thursday, Friday and Saturday are Public shopping days! Admission to the sale is $3 or FREE if your reserve your ticket in advance here Click here to get FREE general admission tickets.

Are you a first-time parent, grandparent, teacher or member of the military? You can shop at one of their special presales! Click here for tickets

Teachers, Military members and First Time parents/grandparents shop early at 6pm on Wednesday 9/12!

Sponsorship/Affiliate Disclaimer: 

lehighvalley.findandgoseek.net only exists because of hours upon hours of work that comes directly from the heart of a mom who wants to make the Lehigh Valley a better place to raise your family. Because of our effort we publish a resource that makes your life as a parent easier, makes the Lehigh Valley more welcoming to a family new to the area and helps make the Lehigh Valley a more vibrant and engaging place for families to grow and live. In order to make it possible to continue doing this we must find ways to generate income from our work. At times you will see posts from sponsors who pay us a fee to help them spread the word about their business or event. This article may contain affiliate links from businesses that give us a very small portion of your purchase should you decide to purchase from that affiliate sponsor.  Barters and fees that we receive from our sponsors and affiliates help make the website the best it can possibly be, they put food on our family's table and allow us to keep doing what we do! By patronizing the businesses who support us and by choosing to opt in to offers we share you keep lehighvalley.findandgoseek.net alive - making it possible for us to continue to provide information and engaging content for years to come. Without you and without our valued sponsors the website could not continue to operate.  Opinions expressed in this article are 100% honest and real and are not in any way altered based on sponsorship agreements, barters or payments we have received as a media partner. We love all of our LVFGS Families and thank you for you support. 

The Best Kept Secrets of Knoebels

Knoebels was really kind to us again this year and hosted our family again for another amazing visit.  We had a wonderful time in the part and are excited to change some our our favorite rides, food items and attractions!

It really never ceases to amazing me how really wonderful this place is.  I'm not an amusement park person - like really, its not my thing. But there is something special about Knoebels that just doesn't make it feel like an amusement park. Its really a lot more to me (and our family).  It is amazing to me to see how many of our friends build this place into their summer plans every year despite having one of the regions largest amusement parks quite literally in their backyard.

Last year we focused on sharing on top things you need to know before you go to Knoebels. This year I want to focus one some of my favorite hidden gems about this place.  Since there is a bit of know how required in order to find these hidden gems, we're excited to share these with you!

We have had multiple friends visit the park this summer some of whom we even unexpectedly ran into while we were there! Whenever people visit I was drop them a few tips on our favorite hidden gems. Knoebels offers some truly unique rides and food items - if you missed last year's write up on 10 things to know before you visit Knoebels make sure to take a look theres even more insider's information there!

Boom Its a Burger!

One of my favorite hidden food gems is the the Boom Shakla Laka Burger - its a mouthful both literally and verbally. Located at Phoenix Junction - and kind of on the outer end of the park this dining option is underrated in my opinion. You'll see far larger crowds elsewhere during the lunch rush but the burger really sets the bar high. Topped with an onion ring, and a tangy/spicy sauce and all the basic burger fixings this is a must have. You can also order with a chicken or veggie burger as the patty.  Phoenix Junction is an underrated food option in the park in our opinion. The crowds at the International food court can get pretty busy and while we LOVE the International for their vast and delicious options sometimes the kids (or you may not want to wait in lines to order).

Tiger Tails!

You'd never find this unless you were really looking. After seeing this treat posted on Instagram a few summers ago my sister and I hunted them down by asking a few staff members. The Phoenix Junction is also home to our favorite dessert treat - the Tiger Tail. A Sweet treat for just $2.50. These also are something that are pretty easy to grab in the evening hours (or any time) when the typical sweet spot stops are busy with lines! This hot pretzel is covered in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with caramel and chocolate and every bite is delicious!

Push Cart Fun!

Its easy to walk by this ride because its not flashy and doesn't have much flair but the attraction lies in the vintage charm it offers.  The hand cart ride in the kiddie section is such an old fashioned treasure. I can't think of anywhere else I've seen a ride like this.

It literally runs on the power of your kid's ability to crank the wheel. The track has a very satisfying clicking sound and built in hills that help the kids pick up a bit of speed as they go. All three of our kids (8, 5, and 3) were able to ride this and its adorable. Its one of their (and my) favorites.

Oh Pickles!

Deal alert! Pickle on a stick for $1 this just can't be beat! Its a refreshing treat on a hot day and the pickle is sizable too! We love these and you can find them at Totem Treats just on the end of the Kiddie area, near the band shell. I have also seem them offered in the small food cart across from the log flume.

Flying High!

I needed to let the kids have some say in their top picks - since they're the ones actually riding the rides. One of the most ridden this year were the Fighter jet airplanes (near the ferris wheel) Our middle kiddo last year rode like 3 rides the entire trip and really wasn't interested in riding much but these she liked and kept asking to go back to the "tiger planes" which we couldn't actually locate - we had no idea what she was talking about the other airplane ride we found in the kiddie area was NOT what she was looking for. The reason for this... these are not located in the kiddie section of the park. They're a newer ride and located on the outskirts of the park (near the whip). Make sure to track them down since there a bit off the beaten path.

Watch them Whip!

Kiddie Whip - This ride is so vintage and while the kids are happy to ride the adult version of this as well the intensity of this kiddie version is just prefect for a little thrill. The kids all rode this one many times and asked to go back over and over.

A Sweet Deal

A sweet treat at a sweet price! The Antonio sundae for $3.50 at the international - is a steal and offers a pretty darn good sundae for the money. It features vanilla ice cream, a cinnamon sugar coated fried tortilla shell, Caramel or chocolate sauce and whipped topping.  The Mill - Knoebels ice cream spot is often busy especially in the evenings so if you are looking for a great sundae without a wait stop by and grab one of these, you can choose to top yours with chocolate or caramel and the cinnamon tortilla is delicious.

     Bumper Car Fun!

Kiddie Bumper Cars - Auhentic Kiddie bumper cars aren't easy to find. These little cars run just the same way as the big ones and powering your own car is a pretty thrilling thing!

There tends to more aimless driving and turning in endless circles but these are really a blast and we're sure to hit them multiple times with each visit. Additionally watching the kids ride these might be more fun than the kids have while on the ride. Win win!

Splash and Play!

The Crystal Pool at Knoebels is something we've never really taken advantage of before in past visits. Either the weather wasn't ideal or the kids really weren't into it. This year though we made a point to spend time time here and the kids really had a blast. 

The splash area is really fun. Something to keep in mind with this element of the park is that if its hot it will get crowded. We visited on a pretty warm and sunny day and got there around the time the doors open (11am) and stayed until about 2pm, which was plenty of time of us. After about 2pm the place will get busier so if you prefer a more low key crowd we recommend visiting early in the day. 

I had in my mind for some reason that the pool passes here were expensive, which is why we never really took time to go there while we were visiting - they really aren't. I believe our whole family got a full day's admission for around $28.  You can upgrade for unlimited water slide riding as well for a few extra dollars or purchase individual rides as you like.  We definitely will be back here in the future.

   

Sponsorship/Affiliate Disclosure: 

lehighvalley.findandgoseek.net only exists because of hours upon hours of work that comes directly from the heart of a mom who wants to make the Lehigh Valley a better place to raise your family. Because of our effort we publish a resource that makes your life as a parent easier, makes the Lehigh Valley more welcoming to a family new to the area and helps make the Lehigh Valley a more vibrant and engaging place for families to grow and live. We received single day passes to Knoebels in exchange for this blog article. All information included in this article is completley out opinion and has not been influenced in any way. In order to make it possible to continue doing this we must find ways to generate income orb e compensated for our work. At times you will see posts from sponsors who pay us a fee to help them spread the word about their business or event. Barters and fees that we receive from our sponsors and affiliates help make the website the best it can possibly be, they put food on our family's table and allow us to keep doing what we do! By patronizing the businesses who support us and by choosing to opt in to offers we share you keep lehighvalley.findandgoseek.net alive - making it possible for us to continue to provide information and engaging content for years to come. Without you and without our valued sponsors the website could not continue to operate. Opinions expressed in this article are 100% honest and real and are not in any way altered based on sponsorship agreements, barters or payments we have received as a media partner. We love all of our LVFGS Families and thank you for you support.