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Back-to-School Favorites for …

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This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx.com. As always, all opinions are my own.

Back-to-School Favorites for Trendy Tweens

September is almost here and before I head off on one last vacation, I’m wrapping up all our back-to-school shopping. Today I’m sharing some favorite back-to-school favorites for trendy tweens with the help of Babblebox.

Stylish Back-to-School Backpack

Now that my daughter is entering fifth grade, she has very specific likes and dislikes when it comes to a backpack. Luckily, this shimmery pink Mermaid Flip Sequin Backpack from Justice has everything she needs to be comfortable and on-trend. Flipping sequins are super popular with the tween set but the sturdy construction (the top loop can hold 100 pounds!), roomy interior, and padded back straps won me over. The key chain loop is a must so kids can accessorize and the fuzzy pompom charm is super cute.

Start The School Year With a New Book

A new book always inspires my tween to curl up and get reading so I love to start off the school year with some new tales. She enjoyed reading Merci Suarez Changes Gears, a story about a Hispanic sixth-grade girl who deals with friendship drama, family relationships and the changes that come with Middle School. Since my daughter is close with her grandmas, she related Merci’s close-knit multigenerational family and their changing family dynamics. As an added bonus, my daughter picked up some Espanol as the book features Spanish words throughout.

Use the promotion code CANDLEWICK at checkout on www.candlewick.com for 25% off your book order (only valid to US purchases).

Safety First – First Aid Necessities From Me4Kidz

Medibuddy First Aid Kit: The adorable Medibuddy First Aid Kit is great for home and away. With 50 items (latex-free bandages, gauze, ointment, stickers and more) you will always be able to fix cuts, scrapes and blisters. I always travel with a first aid kit and you should too.

Little Buddy Antibacterial Wipes: Because life is messy, wipes should always be within reach. Little Buddy Antibacterial Wipes are perfect for cleaning dirty hands and faces as well as scrapped knees. They kill 99% of germs without stinging which is a win-win and this 32-count package is perfect for traveling.

Cool it buddy – Instant ice packs: Ice packs always seem to help most injuries so I always keep a few handy. Cool it Buddy – Instant ice packs are non-toxic and the convenient 2-pack is great for on-the-go travels as well as the playground.

Use code Babble2019 for 25% off Me4Kidz products now through 12/31/19.

Freezable Lunch Bags & Bento Container from PackIt

Keeping lunch items and snacks cool is a must and these freezable lunch boxes and snack bags from PackIt are game-changers.

Freezable Lunch Bag-Unicorn Sky – The original, bestselling lunch bag is roomier in all the right places. Just keep it folded in the freezer and you’ll always be ready to go.

Freezable Snack Bag-Spaceman – Designed for snacks, medicine and cosmetics, this small, collapsible bag is perfect for school, traveling and road trips. The tiny bag is so handy, you’ll be using it every day.

Mod Lunch Box-Mint – PackIt’s new customizable bento containers feature a modular system so you can keep your foods separate and fresh. Great for on-the-go tweens, the Mod Lunch Box has a leak-resistant lid and dividers and fits perfectly in the PackIt freezable bag.

Comfortable Scissors Make The Cut

My daughter’s school sends a list of classroom supplies but luckily she can choose her own scissors. These Kids Jellies Pointed Scissors from Westcott have squishy gel handles that makes cutting a breeze without getting tired fingers. They are designed for comfort and control (for lefties or righties) and easily cut through paper, photos, ribbon and yarn. Westcott is dedicated to supporting education and inspiring creative activities in the classroom and at home and these comfy scissors will get a lot of use this year.

Maglite® Solitaire LED and Mini Maglite® Pro LED – A Must for Every Backpack

Maglite® Solitare LED – Tweens love personalizing their backpacks with key chains, etc. and the adorable Solitaire® LED Flashlight by Maglite® is the must-have keychain flashlight for every girl’s bag (see backpack photo above). This tiny flashlight packs a punch with a beam throw of 50 yards. Plus, it will run nonstop for almost two hours on just one AAA battery (included). Best of all, it comes in an assortment of colors so tweens can pick their fave.

Mini Maglite® Pro LED Flashlight – The perfect compact flashlight for tweens and adults, this iconic flashlight has a powerful beam that can travel almost two football fields. Featuring spot to flood focusing, this flashlight is a perfect companion at home, on camping trips and at sporting events.

Discount Offer: Use code MAGBB15 (15% off online orders – Some restrictions apply. Outlet, seasonal shop and discounted items excluded. Cannot be combined with another offer or discounted item. U. S. Shipping addresses only. Promotion available for a limited time through September 15, 2019.)

Lunch Notes from MyWish4U

Tweens might be too old for mushy lunchbox notes but they will love finding these witty MyWish4U Notes in their lunchboxes. Each note contains witty jokes, fun riddles, wacky facts and other messages sure to get kids smiling. Each pack of tear-off lunch notes features 101 colorful, single-sided notes with blank backs for personalized messages or doodles. Affordable at just $4.99, the MyWish4U Notes are available in three versions at Target stores nationwide:

Facts & Funnies 2 – Featuring popular facts and funnies.

Riddles & Giggles 2 – Includes clever and funny riddles and jokes.

Wacky Facts & Laughs – Showcases wild and fascinating (and educational) facts to learn about our world.

Available nationwide now through September at all Target stores in the back-to-school section. Since you probably have a dozen Target runs planned before school starts, remember to throw some of these in your cart.

Hope you enjoyed reading about these must-have Back-to-School favorites for trendy tweens. Good luck to everyone on their first-day of school.

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Back-to-School Favorites for Trendy Tweens

All opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Must Have Travel Items for …

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Tis’ the season for family vacations! Planning a trip everyone will enjoy is never easy but you’ll be ahead of the game if you bring along these must-have travel items for family vacations.

Must Have Travel Items For Family Vacations

Emergency Bag – Load up on band-aids and ointment, bug spray, sunscreen and extras like tide sticks, ziplocs, bags for motion-sickness (these are life-changing for motion sick kids), wipes (regular and flushable), and other items depending on your destination like a beach tent and baby powder for summer vacations.

Medicine – Be sure to bring all prescription medicine (including a few extra days) along with a digital thermometer and fever-reducing medicine. Note: Always bring these items in your carry on bag.

Must Have Travel Items for Family Vacations

Tote Bags – A few lightweight bags are great to have on hand for extra purchases, carrying coats, etc. These Sesame Street Envirosax bags are a favorite for families with young kids.

Must Have Travel Items for Family Vacations

Packing Cubes are a Must Have Travel Items for Family Vacations.

Packing List – Give everyone their own packing list so they can check off items as they pack. I’m a big fan of using packing cubes to keep everything organized.

Identification Labels – Label everyone’s favorite items before you go.  It is much easier to locate lost items when they’re labeled. Order a set of Mabel’s Labels for every kid and you’re ready to go.

Must Have Travel Items for Family Vacations

Backpack/Travel Bag for Each Person – Have each person carry their own bag filled with snacks, water, journal and personal entertainment items and chargers.

Must Have Travel Items for Family Vacations

Headphones – Kids and adults will be happiest with comfortable headphones.

Must Have Travel Items for Family Vacations

Chargers and Surge Protectors are Must Have Travel Items for Family Vacations.

Chargers –  I always travel with a portable charger (and cords) for every device and a travel surge protector to use in hotels.

Must Have Travel Items for Family Vacations

Personal Safes – A portable personal safe is a must for water park visits.

Must Have Travel Items For Young Kids

Stroller Accessories – Heading to a warm climate? A clip on stroller fan is a must.

Lightweight Blankets – Muslin swaddles are great for swaddling babies, blocking sun on a stroller, sleeping and airplane blankets.

Must Have Travel Items for Family Vacations

Lightweight Booster Seats – Babies and toddlers will need their usual car seats on vacation but bigger kids can use the space saving mifold and bubble bum backless booster seats.

Must Have Travel Items for Family Vacations

Baby and Toddler Necessities – Never deal with another lost pacifier again with BooginHead Paciclip. For toddlers who drop everything, the BooginHead Sippigrip is a must have for car seats, high chairs and strollers. Keep a stash in your diaper bag and you’re good to go.

Must Have Travel Items for Family Vacations

Family Entertainment – Be sure to stock up on audiobooks, movies, and travel games before you go.

I hope this helps you get ready for your next family getaway. Bon voyage!

Pin this for your next trip:

Must Have Travel Items for Family Vacations.

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Cool for School – …

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September is almost here and back-to-school mania is in full swing. If you’re shopping for the elementary school set, check out my Cool for Back-to-School must haves for September and beyond.

Cool for School - Back-to-School Must Haves for September and Beyond

Cool for School – Back-to-School Must Haves for September and Beyond

BACK-TO-SCHOOL MUST HAVES – STUDENT NECESSITIES:

Cool for School - Back-to-School Must Haves for September and beyond

Cool for School – Back-to-School Must Haves for September and beyond. A sturdy backpack is a must.

Backpacks:
One of the most essential back-to-school items is a backpack so be sure to help your kids choose one that will be a good fit. I specifically look for a roomy interior, adjustable shoulder straps (plus for chest-straps), dual zippers, exterior compartments and side pouches for water bottles. My daughter uses a backpack when we travel so styles that wear well are a plus.
For third grade, my daughter chose this fun World of Disney Emoji backpack because her favorite vacation destination is Disney World (surprise, surprise). Some other backpack picks I like this year include JanSport Superbreak Backpack in Prism Pink Sparkle, J. Crew’s Glow-in-The-Dark Snaggletooth Monster Backpack, and Pottery Barn’s Mackenzie Navy Solar System Backpack. Don’t forget to grab some fun backpack charms like Whiffer Sniffer’s awesome scented foodie clips.

 

Cool for School - Back-to-School Must Haves for September and beyond. Lunchtime won't be boring with these colorful lunch boxes.

Cool for School – Back-to-School Must Haves for September and beyond. Lunchtime won’t be boring with these colorful lunch boxes.

Lunch boxes:
We’ve got a collection of lunch boxes and my favorites are the ones that don’t leak and clean up easily (think spilled yogurt). This year we’ll have these four on rotation. The coordinating World of Disney Emoji Lunch Tote, All Change London Tube Stations Bag we got in London, a rugged Bentology Kitty Lunch Tote which includes a bento box and a cute Bixbee Owl lunch box.

 

Cool for School - Back-to-School Must Haves: Cool School Supplies

Cool for School – Back-to-School Must Haves: Cool School Supplies

Supplies:

Depending on the ages of your kids, you’ll need to stock up on pens, pencils, markers, desk supplies and other fun items. My daughter’s teacher sends a wish list for class items but I love to have some fun supplies at home. This year, I choose some fun pencils from FlyingTiger, Crayola Silly Scents washable markers, indestructible Mabel’s Labels Back to School Combos with emoji designs, and a Bright Pink Poppin Stapler.

Cool for School - Back-to-School Must Haves: Fashion Picks

Cool for School – Back-to-School Must Haves: Fashion Picks

 

BACK-TO-SCHOOL MUST HAVES – FASHION AND ACCESSORIES:

Shopping for Back-to-School fashions is either fun or torturous depending on your child’s preferences. I choose to do a lot of my daughter’s shopping online so I can easily return items she doesn’t like.
This year’s styles are full of bright colors, shiny sequins and lots of emojis sure to please every girl in class. For sneakers, my daughter chose these bright emoji Stride Rite Phibians which are light weight and double as a water shoe making them great for travel. Customized denim is all the rage and my daughter had a great time decorating a vest with colorful sequin patches. So cute, right? My daughter hates when other kids have the same things so one-of-a-kind upcycled dresses from Courtney Courtney and hand crafted tanks, t’s and hoodies from Playdate NYC are great options for kids like her. And, don’t forget to stock up on accessories like kitty-cat headbands and giant “Jo Jo” hair bows.

 

Extra credit items for back-to-school season.

Extra credit items for back-to-school season.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL MUST HAVES – FOR EXTRA CREDIT:

A good night’s sleep is a must for students (and parents) so snag new pillows like the Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Kool-Flow® bamboo shredded memory foam pillow that can be customized for the perfect fit. I can’t talk about school without mentioning lice prevention so now is the time to stock up on these yummy scented Rosemary Repel products from Fairy Tales Hair Care. If you are having trouble getting young kids to listen (or do homework, or get to school on time, etc.) get rid of the sticker reward chart and try the new Kudo Banz which rewards kids with bracelet charms they can proudly wear. And last but not least, another awesome item to buy now is Hero Clean Odor Eliminator because even tiny shoes get stinky.

 

What’s your favorite back-to-school item? Tell me below in the comments.

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I received some of these items for review but all opinions are mine. This post contains affiliate links. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Back-to-School Must Haves for …

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Depending on where you live, kids go back-to-school sometime between now and early September. I love stocking up on back-to-school supplies and I especially love when my daughter can use these items on our travels.

Here are my favorite Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away…

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Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – Mabel’s Labels

Personalized Labels – If you didn’t already order these for summer camp, now is the time to stock up. I pretty much label everything my daughter takes to school (and on trips) like food and drink containers, school supplies, shoes, coats, hats, etc. Mabel’s Labels are the only ones that survive my super hot dishwasher so they’re my top pick. The Stylish Scholars Combo in the quatrefoil pattern was my opportunity to update some of our old kiddie styles with a more sophisticated look for first grade.

Back to school, snacks, must haves, Earth's Best, Gogo Squeez, Travel, kids

Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – Portable Snacks

Easy to Serve Snacks – For lunch boxes and road trips, easy to serve snacks are a must have. Depending on the ages and taste preferences of your kids, I recommend squeezy fruit pouches like GoGo Squeez, individually wrapped multi-grain snacks from Ella’s Kitchen and dried fruit like Crispy Fruit from Crispy Green for exotic palates and Earth’s Best freeze dried fruit snacks for toddlers. I also keep snack bars, fruit leathers and nuts on hand at home and away.

Colored Pencils, eeBoo, Travel, Kids, Coloring, Activities, Back to School

Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – Colored Pencils

Non-Messy School Supplies – I love stocking up on school supplies knowing that the non-messy items will be great to also use on car or plane trips. This year my daughter is really into writing and coloring and I found the most gorgeous colored pencil sets from eeBoo featuring metallic, watercolor and fluorescent pencils. These are so nicely packaged (and affordable) you’ll want to get a set for everyone you know. Just add the Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book for older kids (and adults!) and you’ve got a great gift idea.

Back to school, Activity books, kids, travel, lonely planet, adventures

Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – Activity Books

Educational Activity Books – As an after school surprise, I like to leave an activity book out with scissors, markers and glue. When we travel, I like to just bring along activity books that include stickers like the new Lonely Planet Kids series that includes Adventures in Famous Places, Adventures in Noisy Places, Adventures in Smelly Places and other fun titles. These are a great way to teach elementary age school kids about history and geography while holding their interest with funny facts.

back to school, backpacks, must haves, kids, travel, school supplies

Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – backpack

Sturdy and Stylish Backpack – Backpacks are a must for school and traveling. Last year my daughter got a Backpack Jr. from Garnet Hill Kids and this year she has a more fashion forward Kayla backpack from Matilda Jane Clothing.  I’ve previously written about the coolest backpacks for back to school if you need more inspiration. Be sure kids can open and close buckles and zippers on their own before school starts.

back to school, tablets, leap pad, fire hd6 kids edition, kids, travel, accessories

Back-to-School Must Haves for Home and Away – tablets

Kid Friendly Tablets – Older kids bring their tablets to school but kids of all ages use them when traveling. My daughter loves the LeapPad3 when we travel by car and I love that she can use it without needing help so I can focus on driving. For plane rides and long trips, I’ll bring out our latest addition, the Amazon Fire HD 6 kids edition which comes in its own kid-proof case and is great for watching movies and shows, taking photos and videos and playing apps.

What are your favorite back-to-school must haves?

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I received some of these items for review but all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

A Backpack Diaper Bag That …

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If you think its tough carrying around everything a baby needs on vacation in one diaper bag, try carrying around everything you and a five-year old need in one bag! This is the typical stuff I carry for a trip uptown to visit a museum…

Backpack diaper bag, diaper bag for traveling, family travel, kids, travel,

Backpack diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag? Yes, please…

Depending on our daily agenda, my bag choices vary but after breaking my wrist as I was adjusting a shoulder tote on the subway this spring (note to self: always hold on when the train is moving…), I decided it was time for a safer, hands-free option…

Backpack, diaper bag, Twelvelittle, globetrotting mommy, six flags new england, family travel, traveling with kids

Backpack diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag? Yes, please…

Enter TWELVElittle’s new Allure backpack in sapphire blue, a backpack diaper bag that looks nothing like a diaper bag. This stylish backpack (yes, I really do mean that) is a great option for those days when you need to carry along a bunch of stuff but want your hands free to open doors, hold kids hands, carry coffee and do a million other things moms do all day long. I loaded it up and took it for a test drive on a New England road trip last weekend and it was a lifesaver.

Backpack, diaper bag, Twelvelittle, globetrotting mommy, six flags new england, family travel, traveling with kids

Backpack diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag? Yes, please…

We spent a day at Six Flags New England amusement park and it was so nice having everything I needed safely on my back without having to worry about anything falling out as I strapped my daughter into the rides, etc. The water resistant nylon exterior made it perfect for wearing on the water flume rides as I was happy to have a safe spot to keep my camera dry. In addition, the padded shoulder straps were much more comfortable than my usual bags which tend to dig into my shoulders when overloaded.  Overall, slung over one shoulder or two, wearing a backpack made it so much easier to move around and chase after my daughter.  Win, win!

Backpack diaper bag, Twelvelittle, Allure Backpack, family travel, globetrotting mommy, travel with kids

Backpack diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag? Yes, please…

I also wore it sightseeing around Boston and it was so nice having snacks and drinks so easily accessible that my daughter could get them (and put them back) by herself. Boston is a walking city like New York and I really appreciated having my hands free to take photos and navigate along the way.

Backpack, diaper bag, Twelvelittle, globetrotting mommy, six flags new england, family travel, traveling with kids, travel, families, diaper bag

Backpack diaper bag that doesn’t look like a diaper bag? Yes, please…

Now that my stroller days are gone, I am always lugging around snacks, drinks, sweaters, sunglasses and sundries at home and away. I loved the Allure backpack’s many inside and outside pockets including two insulated drink pockets (perfect for baby bottles or water), a zippered pocket on the top flap (great for sunglasses or phone) and last but not least, a secret waterproof pocket on the bottom (ideal for messy wet stuff, bathing suits or an emergency outfit). I’m always that mom with the extra wipes, band aids, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, phone chargers, etc. (especially when I travel) and there were plenty of inside sections for all my goods. I also kept my valuable items safely zipped inside so there were no worries of being pick pocketed. And since it really is a diaper bag, lets not forget to mention the folding changing pad.

Sapphire blue is one of my favorite colors and I really liked the way the bag added a splash of color to my outfits.  I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve received from moms, non-moms and complete strangers. When I admitted to some close friends that it was really a diaper bag, they couldn’t believe it.

If you’re in the market for an easy to carry diaper bag that will last the test of time, the TWELVElittle Allure backpack is a great choice. Check out TWELVElittle’s website for more details and other styles.

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I was not compensated for this post but I did receive a bag for review. As always, all opinions are mine. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Back-To-School Giveaway …

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I’m super excited to join some of my favorite bloggers for a Back-to-School Giveaway!  If you’ve got kids you’re definitely going to want to enter.

It’s time to get ready to head back to school and a group of us got together to share some of our favorite products that make that first day a little easier for both parents and students.

Read on and enter below to win everything on the list…

Back to School, Giveaway

Now to introduce you to the awesome bloggers hosting this giveaway! Stop by and visit them to say thanks!  Destiny of Suburban Wife, City Life, Courtney & Julie of The Chirping Moms, Lyla of Globetrotting Mommy, Kris of My Strange Family, Elizabeth of MommieDe, Esti of Primetime Parenting, Lynda of Main Street Mama and Jessica of Peekababy.

Here’s a breakdown and brief description of the amazing giveaway items…

$50 Stride Rite Gift Card

“A century of quality crafted footwear, designed specifically for kids.” Nothing says Back to School like a new pair of shoes and Stride Rite knows what little feet need.

$100 RUUM Gift Card

American’s Kids Ware ranging from birth to size 14Y this company will have you wishing picture day was everyday.  The clothes are casual and stylish with quality at it’s finest.

Mabel’s Labels – choice of Stylish Scholars Combo or Ultimate Back to School Combo

A waterproof, dishwasher safe and microwave safe set of labels to put on anything you don’t want to risk losing.  Their slogan is “Labels for the stuff kids lose.”  To read a full review please visit Suburban Wife, City Life.

Vamousse – bottle of Lice Prevention and Lice Treatment

No one likes to talk about these unwanted visitors, but it’s best to be prepared and Vamousse helps to take care of both.  These products are non-toxic and pesticide free.  Killing the lice in as little at 15 minutes.  A great secret weapon to have on hand.

BubbleBum – an inflatable car booster seat

This booster seat is the perfect item to have on hand when your child is going to someone else’s house after school or you’re picking up another child for a play-date after school.  It meets all US safety testing standards and is appropriate for ages 4-11.  To read a full review please visit Globetrotting Mommy.

Spbang – three reusable snack bags

This mom invented, made in the USA, lead free, phthalate free, bpa free and food safe bags are going to make packing lunches so easy.  To read a full review please visit MommieDE.

Little MissMatched – backpack of your choice

A new backpack is much more than a place to hold your school supplies, but an expression of your child.  These super fun bubble backpacks are not only stylish, but also so roomy!

Peppercorn Kids – $25 Gift Card

Whether you wear a uniform or everyday clothes allowing your child to accessorize shows their personality and fashion sense.   Adorable hats, ties and bow ties for the little man of the house or a fun hair accessory or necklace for the little lady.

Skip-Hop – choice of zoo backpack and insulated lunch bag

Skip-Hop has been creating these adorable animal backpacks for years, and they have some new animals they’ve added to the family.  Watching as your little one walks into the classroom is a little easier when they are wearing something so cute and functional.  The insulated lunch bag is easy to wipe clean and perfect for on the go.

Sneakz Organic – case (12) of Chocolate Milkshake

If you have a picky eater, who loves to drink chocolate milk then you are set!  Sneakz Organic combines 4 veggies into a delicious chocolate milkshake making you feel like a sneaky parent!

HABA USA – choice of Wildlife Mini Backpack

Perfect backpack for both school and exploring.  A roomy inside with adjustable straps and chest strap there’s no worry for your little one sliding this off before getting to class.

Wall Pops – Learn to Write Chalkboard

You always say don’t write on the wall, but with this we encourage your child to!  Wall Pops are easily repositionable and removable.

Raffi – Love Bug CD

Raffi has long been a passionate advocate for children and a sustainable world for today’s youth. ‘Love Bug’ resounds with Child Honouring principles and affirms Raffi’s place as the legendary children’s artist we all know him to be.

We are so grateful to all of the sponsors who are helping to support this giveaway with over $450 worth of products.  This giveaway will run till Friday, August 15th at 11:59pm.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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