Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Lehigh Valley Holiday Gift Guide 2018





We're thrilled to partner with a number of local businesses and organizations to share some awesome gift ideas that are 100% local! Shopping local is what keeps our community healthy and thriving. For every $100 you spend at locally owned businesses, $68 will stay in in our local economy, thats $25 more per $100 spent compared to shopping big box retailers! 


Aside from the economic benefits of local shopping you can really get some incredible gifts that you can't find anywhere else! While we certainly understand the conveniences of online shopping and love how easy it is to check things off our list the feeling you get from buying from someone who is not a giant money hungry big big store seriously gives you warm fuzzies! I Promise! 

Plus shopping local doesn't mean you can't do it online most of our guide feature businesses offer a way to shop and/or purchase right from home!! 


Don't forget to read all the way to the bottom to find out how you can WIN something from every one of these local businesses during our 11 Days of Giveaway Celebration!




Offerings:
Handmade Jewelery
Ornaments 
Experience Gifts (Classes)
Gift cards for classes or for someone to select their own piece.


Shop Online

Shipping?
Yes!


House of Metalworks is located in Emmaus they hand forge jewelry and teach classes in their own studio! Their retail shop is available for browsing and shopping during their weekly business hours but  it also is a real live metal studio that is always cranking out something new.  Their gift selections can be customized to cater to each person you are gifting to! 





The focus of House of Metalworks is simple - to make eco-friendly, sustainable jewelry that is comfortable to wear everyday and will last for a lifetime of love. Each and every piece is Designed + Created in the studio. Every handmade piece is a great gift idea for friends and loved ones. 





Customers can gift wrap and include a personal note with a gift receipt upon request. They ship using recycled packaging (Biodegradable cello bags, paper tape, locally recycled packing peanuts and biodegradable peanuts) to cut down on our carbon footprint. Purchase classes as an experience gift for both children and adults - classes range from child friendly to adult BYOB night outs.



Offerings:
Gently Used Children's Toys, Gear and more! 
Maternity Clothing 
Gift Cards

Shop Online
No, but you can see recent items added to their inventory that are shared on their Facebook Page! Like and follow their page for sneak peeks!

Shipping?
No, But the store will hold items you are interested in for 3 business days.


Located in Germansville, just north of Schnecksville this independently owned consignment store is set to help you find new or nearly new items to make every child on your list happy! 



Let's Play Tag is a Children and Maternity Consignment store offering everything from clothing, toys, baby gear, furniture, electronics, diapers and more. The owners are extremely picky and only take the best of the best items!

The quality and affordability are what people love about their store. They are complimented daily on the cleanliness and quality of items. They are family owned and it will always be the family members who owns the shop to greet you when you come in!


Join Let's Play Tag Consignment for Photos with Santa on 12/15/18 from 11am to 2pm. Photos are complimentary and e-mailed to everyone for printing at their convenience. 


If you are looking for a way to give back this holiday season Let's Play Tag is doing a food drive for the local school districts' Angel Network for families for the holiday season. This food drive include 7 giveaways. 1 ticket per each non-perishable item into a drawing of your choice. Find the list of giveaways and details for the collection right here! The event runs from 11/14/18 through 12/15/18.



Offerings:
Private and Group Swim Classes  for all ages
Small groups (3:1 student to teacher ratio)
Open Swim + Pool Parties
Monthly Events
Heated Pool
Gift Cards


Shop Online
Sure, browse their class offerings and additional locations.  Enroll in person or over the phone!

Shipping?
Gift cards can be purchased over the phone and shipped to you!



What could be a better gift than the skill of swimming! The ability to swim provides safety to children while around water, boosted confidence and an introduction to an amazing and competitive potential sport. Five Star Swim School's beautiful facility and small student to teacher ratios make for a wonderful environment for even the most hesitant swimmer to get into the water! 


Five Star Swim School instructors are dedicated to the success of each student. They can help all swimmers of all abilities - from people with fear to experienced swimmers looking to improve their skill!





Mention Find&GoSeek when you call to schedule! 






Offerings:
Private and Group Classes for all ages (babies +)
Lessons for piano, guitar, drums, ukulele, voice, and more
Parent Child Kindermusik Classes
 Gift certificates available starting at $33. 

Shop Online
Sure, browse their class offerings and location information.  Enroll by clicking here!

Shipping?
Not Applicable

Learning a musical instrument can be exciting and beneficial at any age! Studies show music improves language development, increases spatial awareness, and enhances skills in reading and math. Give the gift of music this holiday with a gift certificate for music lessons at CMS!




The benefits of early music introduction are highly researched and prove to be both fun and educational for both children and their caregivers!  Young children often don't understand gift giving anyways! Giving a Kindermusik Session is an amazing way to promote bonding and love or music and a fun weekly activity. 


The next sessions of Kindermusik with Sing N Move at Community Music School, Allentown begin on November 28 and January 9. Space is limited - join the fun & enroll today! 
Level 1 (0-2) http://bit.ly/2x8WGJE and Level 2 (ages 2-3) http://bit.ly/2PTE211



Holiday Recital Community Music School (CMS) students will perform a free recital to the public on Sunday, December 9 beginning at 2:00 pm in CMS's new recital hall at 1544 W. Hamilton Street! The recital will feature CMS students of all ages and disciplines, performing a variety of musical genres for your listening pleasure. 


Doors open at 1:30 pm and the recital begins at 2:00 pm, with a holiday reception of cookies and hot chocolate will follow. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Free Parking!



CMS Modern Band teaches kids to perform, improvise and compose using the popular styles that they know and love including rock, pop, Latin, reggae, hip hop, R & B, and other modern styles. No experience needed. Modern Band classes feature guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, vocals, ukulele, bucket drums, and more! Learn more http://bit.ly/2TloTXY




Offerings:
Children's Books
Family Events
Adult Titles 
Children's toys, games and puzzles
Gift Wrapping
Gift Cards
Book Clubs and special events
Membership discounts!

Shop Online
You bet! Browse their vast inventory anytime here! Order special selections online for in store pick up or select shipping at check out.

Shipping?
Yes


As the only general interest, full-service independent bookstore in the Lehigh Valley (new books only) this family owned and operated bookshop is the coziest warmest little shop you will find! With 3 floors of things to discover you might never want to leave!  


Books are everywhere! If you have something specific in mind you can surely find it and just in case its not in stock you can easily order it with their super fast online or in store ordering system! 


Book Store events for December! 
Click links or times for tickets - these highly popular events often sell out!

Book Advent Calendar Event (11/28)

Princess Caroling (12/1)

The Polar Express 12/7 6pm and 8pm 


The Grinch (12/15 & 12/16



 Santa (12/22) 4pm, 5pm and 6:30pm 







Offerings:
Children's Art Classes
Adult Craft and Painting Events
Private Parties
Gift Cards 

Shop Online
You bet! Browse their classes and programs anytime here! Call for gift card information or register online for classes! 

Shipping?
Not Applicable



The Art Den offers a broad variety of creative classes for both children and adults. Located in the heart of Nazareth, this independently owned studio provides an inspiring space for you to explore your full artistic potential! Here is just a sampling of what is to come in December. You can find more information on their classes, gift cards, programs and gift ideas on their website https://artdenstudio.com/

December Events at The Art Den



Saturday, December 1, 2018 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
All Ages are welcome at this event! 
"All Aboard!!!" Welcome to The Polar Express! The Art Den will be the train station for the night. We welcome all of you to enjoy some holiday crafts, music and other fun! Most importantly Hot Chocolate with extra marshmallows of course! Seating is limited, so grab your ticket now! All supplies, instruction and fun included! Feel free to dress in your favorite PJ's. 




Holiday Wreath Making 
Saturday, December 2, 2018 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Ages 18+
Winter/Holiday Wreath Join us for a late afternoon of creating a beautiful winter/holiday wreath. So, break out your favorite bottle of wine, grab your friends and come create with us! Complimentary Coffee, Tea and Hot Chocolate will be available! There will be a variety of different ribbon and embellishments to choose from. Instruction as well as all supplies are included. 



Saturday, December 8, 2018 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
 All Ages Family Event
Christmas in Nazareth-Elf Trail We are participating in the Nazareth Christmas Elf Trail this year! So, grab your map and come find our studio Elf!! All ages welcome and encouraged. 



Mr. Grinch Christmas
Saturday, December 15, 2018 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
All Ages Family Event
Calling all painters! We invite you to Whoville for to create your very own version of Mr. or maybe Mrs. Grinch. Fun to be had by all! All instruction and supplies included. You will all go home with a one of a kind 12x12 canvas of your very own Grinch! 


Harry Potter Christmas
Saturday, December 22, 2018 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
 All Ages Family Event
 Calling all Witches, Wizards and Muggles alike!!! It's a Harry Potter Christmas here at The Art Den!! You can visit Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff to create a magical craft that Harry Potter himself would be proud of! Then make a stop at the Sweet Shop to create a sweet treat, while you sip on a mug of Butterbeer! It will be a magically good time for all!! All supplies, instruction and fun included! Feel free to dress in your favorite HP attire! 



After School Art Clubs There are several different options to choose from when it comes to our after-school art clubs. Each lesson begins with art history, artistic techniques and methods and incorporate each in that day’s project. All lessons are instructor led and designed to develop core skills. Check out our calendar on-line for dates and times of classes 






Katie Reitenauer
Offerings:
Free Disney Planning Services 
Additional vacation options

Shop Online
You bet! Connect with Katie to ask how she can help with your planning needs.

Shipping?
Not Applicable

Katie Reitenauer works for an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, specializing in Disney Destinations! Her services can help you book you Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney and Aulani vacations! Katie can be reached at any time at Katie@nevergrowupvacations.com.  Katie's planning service is completely free and there is no commission or fees paid for by families when booking with her. 

What could be a cooler gift than announcing you are taking a Disney Vacation in 2019!



As a family who previously booked a Disney vacation, having a travel specialist on your side while planning is seriously priceless. These services don't cost you anything and their advice is worth a million bucks! Katie can tell you where to dine, when to book, how to travel and where you want to stay to best fit your needs and budget. There is no need to generate a giant spreadsheet of information on your own because she will have your back 100%!


Offerings:
Charater Meet and Greets
Season Tickets
Apparel + Gear
VIP Experiences
IronPigs Clubs

Shop Online
You bet! Take a look at everything the IronPigs has to offer online at 
https://www.milb.com/lehigh-valley Many options can be purchased online. 

Shipping?
Yes, order your IronPigs gear or tickets online and have them shipped to you! 


The Lehigh Valley IronPigs offer a vast variety of authentic merchandise for Adults and Kids of all ages! You can shop online with pick up or shipping or stop in to the Majestic Clubhouse Store during their regular business hours. 


Have a Paw Patrol Fan?

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs have announced that their Sunday, June 30, 2019 contest against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders will be Nickelodeon Day at Coca-Cola Park featuring Chase from Paw Patrol. Grab tickets for this adorable experience now while they last! Would make an amazing experience gift for a little Chase fan. Click here to view more details or buy tickets.

Upcoming IronPigs Sales and Offers







ZYX Sticks


Offerings:
Unique Building Kits for the whole family

Shop Online
You bet! Shop at 
https://www.buildzyx.com

Shipping?
Yes, order online for FREE shipping right to your home!

ZYX sticks were invented in the Lehigh Valley by a female Lehigh Valley local and mechanical engineering graduate of Lehigh University.  ZYX Sticks  are all about open-ended collaborative play for children ages 3 and up. They offer a modern twist on your favorite building logs but build in a whole new way. No instructions or rules are needed to build creative and amazing structures. 


ZYX Sticks are fun for the whole family - many adults can’t put them down and want to keep building and building! 



ZYX Sticks were created to encourage open ended building a collaborative play for kids of all, genders, ages, and abilities. ZYX Sticks are incredibly inclusive and fun for the entire family. When you purchase you are supporting the dreams of a local Lehigh Valley born and raised entrepreneur! 


ZYX sticks make an incredible gift for the little builder in your family! 









Offerings:

Children's Art Classes
Adult Art Classes
Craft programs 
Art supplies and materials 
Gift Cards

Shop Online
Browse classes here

Shipping
Not Applicable 



smARTivities Showcase is a Creative Center where anyone can imagine, create, and celebrate the Arts! We offer art supplies, handmade gifts, art classes, workshops, special events and artist studios. Our educational classes include, drawing, painting, sculpture, pottery, glassworks, mosaics, and much more for all ages! Our kids classes focus on student centered learning and exploration.




smARTivites Showcase offers children's classes that make an amazing experience gift! See their full calendar of events to find a class for your little artist.






Classes for adults are available too! You are never too old to learn a new skill or art form! Gift a class to a friend or family member and turn your gift into a unique experience. smARTivities is family owned and run. They support the Artist Community in Easton and the greater Lehigh Valley. Buy from them and support local families!




 

Join smARTivities to shop for a unique shopping experience on December 8th at their Heritage Holiday Showcase!


Their location is at 60 Centre Square Easton, PA 18042 in Easton! 

Stop by and tell them we sent you!







Offerings:
Family attraction/outing and experience gift
Gift Cards
Single Day Tickets (Valid for 1 year!)
Season Passes

Shop Online:
Yep! Order tickets online here.

Shipping?
Print your passes right from home! No shipping needed.






The Crayola Experience is a wonderful place to visit while trying to fill those days at home during the holidays. Take the whole family out for a day of colorful fun! 





Save $4 on every ticket you buy for stocking stuffers or gifts this season by using the above link to purchase!











GIVEAWAY WINNERS

Check back daily winners! Don't miss out on entering to WIN our next prize! Click here to enter.



Day #1 Winner: Heather Imhof Mobilio
Day #2 Winner: Arysa Molina
Day #3 Winner: Nicole Renée Grim
Day #4 Winner: Samantha Walls Laudenslager
Day #5 Winner: Tiffany Stein
Day #6 Winner: Kristen Milne
Day #7 Winner: Johnny Danaher
Day #8 Winner: Nicole Thomas Farres
Day #9 Winner: Deb Delong
Day #10 Winner: Christen Davis
Day #11 Winner: Melissa Eckert


To make sure to enter each giveaway as they are posted! For A FREE entry into every upcoming giveaway comment on this blog post and tell us about a local business in the guide that was NEW to you!

Don't forget to Like and Follow our page on Facebook

























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 or be 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.



Sunday, November 18, 2018

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

This article contains affiliate links that give us a tiny commission each time someone buys through our links at no cost to buyers.  These help us continue to create great content and share information with our families.


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

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





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. 


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




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!



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.

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Just Between Friends Fall 2018 Sale Details




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*

                                       




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








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.