Walking into a drab dorm room, with its cold cinder block walls and concrete floors, can be daunting for someone who just left home for the first time. It’s not always easy to see the design potential and envision this space as home right away. While posters and a mini-fridge can help breathe life into a dorm room, they don’t add any warmth.
To remedy this, we’re sharing our favorite cozy enhancements to help transform a dorm room into a warm and inviting space! And here’s the good news for you, parents — you don’t need to spend a ton of money to cozify your kid’s dorm room. A few small, inexpensive touches — a soft throw blanket for chilly fall nights, some colorful plants, and a furry throw rug — can really perk up a dull dorm room and make it feel like home.
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]]>If you’ve ever found yourself running to the store at the last minute for a birthday party gift or wishing you’d started your holiday shopping a little earlier, you’re not alone. That’s why Walmart’s Labor Day Sale is such a lifesaver. This year, the retailer is offering deep discounts on hundreds of toys — including top brands like LEGO, Barbie, Bluey, and PAW Patrol — with deals up to 50% off.
It’s the perfect chance to stock up and be prepared for every occasion on your calendar, whether that’s your own kids’ birthdays, your nephew’s holiday wish list, or the never-ending stream of school friends’ parties. Think of it as building your own “gift closet”: a stash of ready-to-go presents that keeps you from stressing (or overspending) when special events pop up.
And with prices this low, you can also get a head start on Christmas shopping, check off those big-ticket holiday gifts now, and maybe even tuck away a few surprises for family game nights or rainy-day play. From collectible dolls and dollhouses to STEM toys, board games, and plush favorites, these deals cover all ages and interests — and they’re available right now at Walmart.
Here are some of the best toy finds included in Walmart’s Labor Day sale.
LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle and Grounds Building Set
This detailed 2,660-piece LEGO set recreates iconic areas of the Hogwarts Castle, including the Chamber of Secrets, Great Hall, and the Astronomy Tower. It also features the Black Lake, Whomping Willow, and even five LEGO Harry Potter minifigures. A must-have for older kids, teens, or even adult fans of the Wizarding World, it’s the kind of set that doubles as both a gift and a display piece.
Play-Doh Fold & Go Playmat Starter Set
Perfect for younger kids, this Play-Doh starter kit comes with a foldable, easy-to-clean playmat, plus modeling tools and cans of Play-Doh compound. The portable design makes it simple to bring along to playdates or family trips.
Monster High Wednesday Addams Collectible Doll
Fans of Wednesday will love this collectible doll from Monster High, which comes dressed in the Nevermore Academy uniform and includes Thing as an accessory. It’s a great option for kids who love spooky style or for collectors who can’t resist a fan-favorite character.
KidKraft Uptown Wooden Dollhouse with 36 Accessories
Standing nearly four feet tall, this modern-style dollhouse features four levels, five rooms, and a rooftop patio. It includes 36 pieces of furniture and accessories, making it ready for hours of imaginative play.
Annexfun Magnetic Blocks (100-Piece Set)
STEM play meets creativity with this 100-piece magnetic block set. Kids can build towers, shapes, and structures while developing problem-solving skills. It’s a versatile toy that can grow with children as their building skills advance.
Vanmor Baby Musical Toys With Light-Up Projector
Designed for babies 12–18 months, this rotating ocean projector combines lights and music with a fun, interactive design. It’s a developmental toy that encourages sitting, crawling, and walking through sensory play.
Bluey Talking 13-Inch Plush
This interactive plush toy talks and plays phrases from the beloved Bluey series. At 13 inches tall, it’s perfectly huggable and a great pick for toddlers and preschoolers who can’t get enough of the Heeler family.
Flying Orb Hand-Controlled Mini Drone
This handheld drone toy features 360-degree rotation, LED lights, and safe, enclosed propellers. Kids and adults alike can toss it in the air and control its flight with hand gestures.
Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle Table With Drawers
For the puzzle enthusiasts in your life, this wooden jigsaw puzzle board fits up to 1,500 pieces and comes with four drawers for sorting, a cover, and foldable legs. It’s a thoughtful gift for teens and adults who love puzzles.
Catan Family Strategy Board Game (5th Edition)
This family board game classic challenges players ages 10 and up to collect resources and build settlements. It’s a staple for family game night and makes a fantastic holiday gift for tweens, teens, and adults.
Joyfy 19-Piece Realistic Dinosaur Figures Playset
This playset includes 19 dinosaur figures, trees, and a playmat that doubles as storage. Toddlers can immerse themselves in imaginative dino play while keeping everything organized.
PAW Patrol All Paws on Deck 10-Figure Gift Pack
This set includes 10 collectible PAW Patrol figures, making it an ideal gift for fans of the rescue pups. With multiple characters included, kids can play out endless rescue missions.
Polly Pocket Cutie Bear Picnic Mini Playset
This compact playset features a bear-shaped case, one micro doll, and eight accessories including a pet. Kids can set up a picnic scene and then pack it all away for on-the-go fun.
Barbie Skipper Babysitters Inc. Doll & Stroller Playset
This Barbie playset includes a Skipper doll, toddler doll, stroller, and accessories to inspire nurturing pretend play. It’s a classic choice for kids who love babysitting storylines.
If you’ve landed on this page, it’s most likely because you or your child are just as obsessed with Squishmallows as we are. Even though summer isn’t officially over for a couple more weeks, all the talks about Halloween has got us and so many other brands excited. Earlier in the summer, the viral toy company, Jazwares, kicked off spooky season early by dropping its coveted Halloween Micromallows Advent Calendar all the way back in June. Now, they’ve expanded their ghoulish collection with new Halloween-themed Squishmallows.
Real OG Squishmallow fans know the advent calendars are where it’s at. Every year, the toy company drops limited-edition countdowns to ring in our favorite holidays, and this year, they’ve dropped a 13-pack box to get you and your little one excited about the upcoming spooky season. The new Halloween Squishmallow Advent Calendar features 13 little Micromallows of some of our favorite ‘Mallows decked out in creepy costumes and details. One day, your child could open up Cam the cat in a red vampire cape or Alexie the purple cow eating yummy candy corn. And while some classic Squishmallows are in this box, there are some new ones we haven’t seen before. Plus, right now, it’s on sale for just $35 for a limited time.
But if advent calendars aren’t really your thing (or you’ve already pre-ordered yours), there are tons of other spooky goodies available for pre-order. If you’re a fan of jumbo-sized ones or love a good four-pack, you can secure Halloween versions of those, too. Amazon put a 20-inch magenta Bigfoot decked out in a black and orange clown costume on their site, along with a sweet four-pack of smaller-sized Halloween-themed Squishmallows, all available for pre-order.
And it doesn’t stop there. Amazon also dropped a ton of new ‘mallows that you can snag right now. We’re talking sweet ghostly ghosts that are anything but scary, sweet jack-o-lanterns, and even some from our favorite Sanrio characters, like Hello Kitty and Kuromi, all decked out in their finest costumes. Below, take a closer look at all the new Halloween-themed Squishmallows and the advent calendar available for pre-orde. They will be released and ready to ship on Friday, October 10. And add some cute and spooky ‘mallows you can add to your cart right now.
NEW HALLOWEEN SQUISHMALLOWS 2025
Squishmallows Original Micromallows 13-Day Advent Calendar
With this advent calendar arriving three weeks before Halloween, you and your kiddo will have enough time to count down to the big day. The keepsake box is decorated in bright colors and features adorable illustrations of all the Micromallows they’ll open.
NEW HALLOWEEN SQUISHMALLOWS 2025
Squishmallows Original 8" Hello Kitty Jack O' Lantern
Of course we find Hello Kitty to be cute no matter what she’s wearing, but we have to admit she’s downright adorable as a Jack O’ Lantern with her sweet purple bow.
NEW HALLOWEEN SQUISHMALLOWS 2025
Squishmallows 5" Halloween Hello Kitty Squish Value Pack
And if you love her and the rest of the Sanrio gang, you might as well snag this Hello Kitty value pack. Here you’ll get a five inch Hello Kitty, Kuromi, Cinnamoroll, and My Melody. Break it down, and you’ll get each Squishmallow for just under $9 a piece!
NEW HALLOWEEN SQUISHMALLOWS 2025
Squishmallows 10" Lester The Pumpkin Latte Plush Toy
It’s never too early for a pumpkin spice latte, especially when it’s a Squishmallow that’s this cute.
NEW HALLOWEEN SQUISHMALLOWS 2025
Squishmallows Original 10" Felize The Ghost
Although Felize the Ghost has “Boo!” written across the front, he’s anything but scary. With an orange and purple witches hat and kind eyes, he’s the sweetest ghost we’ve seen since Casper.
NEW HALLOWEEN SQUISHMALLOWS 2025
Squishmallows Original 10" Melfy The Ghost Devil
Now here’s a ghost who has a bit more spunk to it. Like the previous one above, Melfy also has “Boo!” written across the front. But instead of a witch hat, it’s wearing a set of devil horns, red wings, and a white skirt.
NEW HALLOWEEN SQUISHMALLOWS 2025
Squishmallows Original 20" Woxie The Magenta Bigfoot in Clown Costume
$50 is such a good price for this jumbo Bigfoot. Woxie is covered in the prettiest shade of Magenta and has an adorable little clown hat on their head covered in a fun pattern of bats, stars, and moon shapes. It also has two cute orange and black pom poms in the center. If you ask us, we’d say this is the friendliest Halloween clown we’ve ever seen.
NEW HALLOWEEN SQUISHMALLOWS 2025
Squishmallows Original 5" Halloween 4-Pack
If the spookiest time of year is their favorite time, then you have to give them this adorable Halloween four-pack. They’ll get four small Halloween-themed Squishmallows that are sure to amp up their collection. Now, since this set just dropped, there isn’t too much information about them, like their names — but they’re still worth getting, especially for just $20.
Before you go, check out our slideshow below:
When I was a sophomore in high school, my favorite teacher introduced me to a new concept. She called it a “daybook” — and before long, I called it an obsession. It was a blank hardcover journal, but it was more than just a place to write down my thoughts and feelings. It was a canvas to decorate, each page coming to life through photos and words I carefully cut out of the stack of old magazines that lived in the high school art room. My best friend Betsy and I spent hours poring through old issues of Cosmo and Seventeen, snipping out the tidbits that would best illustrate our feelings. We would even swap daybooks during study hall and make pages for one another.
I kept a daybook consistently throughout my high school years (ah, the ’90s) and well into my twenties, and I love to look at them now. Part scrapbook, part diary, they’re a chronicle of my teenage and young adult years, the little things and everyday details that would’ve faded from memory if I hadn’t written them down.
So when I heard it was becoming a thing again — just called a “junk journal” this time around — I was excited: now a new generation of kids can discover the joy and creativity of filling their own blank pages.
It isn’t exactly surprising; tech-weary Gen Z is increasingly embracing low-tech hobbies like knitting, puzzles, and book clubs, and leaning into ’90s and ’00s nostalgia in a way that makes those of us who grew up during those years feel gleeful. (Finally, the kids are discovering that we were actually cool!) A 2023 Harris Poll showed that 60 percent of the Gen Z-ers surveyed said they wished they could return to a time before everyone was “plugged in.” And conversations with members of our very own SheKnows Teen Council show that they actively seek out ways to not be glued to a screen. “I’ve been trying to get myself to do activities so I have a reason to not be on my phone,” 17-year-old Sophia told us. “Because otherwise I’ll feel like, ‘Oh, I’m not doing anything, I might as well be on my phone.’”
“I often hear people wonder if today’s young adults were born too late to reap the benefits of the pre-internet world,” said social psychologist Dr. Clay Routledge in a recent op-ed for The New York Times. “Our research gives me hope that the answer is no, because historical nostalgia is helping them to do just that.”
So if your teen has never tried junk journaling — or hasn’t even heard of it — now is a great time to introduce them to this fun, nostalgic mode of self-expression.
Artifact Uprising Junk Journal
With ten color choices and a personalized hard cover and spine, these customizable high-quality junk journals from Artifact Uprising have anywhere from 20-60 matte lay-flat pages. And since photos are mostly digital these days, you can upload yours to the Artifact Uprising website and they’ll put them in the book for you (once you choose your own layout, of course). Then it’s just up to you to embellish with your favorite stickers, sketches, scribbles, and scraps!
Covogoods CovoBook Real Hardcover with Blank Pages
If you’d rather go the completely low-tech route and use actual printed photos, these CovoBooks are a great option, with 14 color choices and 4 different size options. They’re also hardcover and blank inside — and have 336 pages, which gives you tons of room to fill it with cool stuff!
Now that I’m in my forties, I look back on my daybooks (er, junk journals) and laugh, cry, and cringe. They’re a beautiful reminder of the kid I used to be, and how cool she was — and I cherish them. And maybe that’s the real magic of junk journaling: it’s not about creating something perfect, it’s about capturing a moment in time. Whether your teen fills their pages with doodles, lyrics, clippings, or confessions, they’re building a keepsake of who they are right now — something they’ll flip through years from now and recognize themselves in. In a world where everything feels fleeting and digital, a junk journal is a reminder that some memories are best preserved on paper.
]]>I used to think cold season meant stocking up on tissues, NyQuil and hoping for the best. Then I had three kids.
It’s safe to say I know much, much better. Nowadays, cold season means someone’s always sniffling, coughing, not sleeping, and someone (usually me) is Googling “can your cat make your baby sick?” at 2 a.m.
With three kids under six, I’ve learned the hard way that once the germs start circulating, it’s not just one cold, but a full-on rotation that somehow always ends with me. And, just when we think we’re in the clear, someone starts sneezing yet again, reigniting the sickness inferno that essentially becomes our life until summer.
So instead of waiting for the chaos to hit (again), I’m doing what I can now to stay ahead of it. Even though the doctor’s offices haven’t officially started giving out flu shots like it’s Halloween candy, I’m replacing expired meds before I’m elbow-deep in the cabinet at midnight, stocking up on the things we always seem to run out of, and investing in a few tools that might help us bounce back faster—or at least survive with a little more sanity intact.
Because as any parent knows, cold season just hits differently when you’re deep in the trenches of early motherhood—you’re not just “mom,” but also the round-the-clock nurse, the snack-maker, the laundry-doer, the temp-checker, the “you can’t go to school with a fever” enforcer, and the only one who seems to notice when you’re down to one clean humidifier filter.
So if you’re in a similar season—or about to be—this list is for you. It’s everything I’m buying, organizing, and mentally preparing now to make the months ahead just a little less chaotic. Even if I can’t stop the sniffles from coming, I can make sure we’re not out of Children’s Tylenol when they do.
HOW TO PREP FOR COLD SEASON 2025
Zarbee's Children's Honey Cough Syrup + Mucus Day & Night
Coughs are inevitable, but it hurts my mama heart to hear one of my kids struggle. With three kids, I’m battling more coughs in a cold season than I can count, so I’m always sure to stock up on this each fall. I appreciate that it’s made with natural ingredients like dark honey and ivy leaf to loosen mucus and calm coughs. It’s free from dyes and is safe for kids ages two and up. My kids don’t mind the sweet taste and the night-time version helps lull them to sleep thanks to the addition of chamomile. I keep one bottle in the medicine cabinet and another in our travel bag—because let’s be honest, colds don’t care if you’re on the go.
HOW TO PREP FOR COLD SEASON 2025
Frida Baby 3-in-1 Cool Mist Humidifier
A humidifier is non-negotiable during cold season—and this one pulls triple duty. It works as a cool-mist humidifier, essential oil diffuser, and nightlight all in one (and actually looks cute on a dresser, unlike most clunky medical-looking ones). I keep it running in all three bedrooms pretty much every night from October through March to help ease congestion and eliminate dryness in the air. A few other pluses: the tank is easy to refill, the mist is nice and quiet, and the built-in light is perfect for middle-of-the-night check-ins.
HOW TO PREP FOR COLD SEASON 2025
Oilogic Stuffy Nose & Cough Essential Oil Roll-On
This is my secret weapon for easing congestion without meds—and a smell that’s become straight-up nostalgic to my three babies. I swipe a little on their chest right after bath and before getting them into their jammies. It has a blend of essential oils and gives off a eucalyptus scent that’s not overpowering, but very calming.
HOW TO PREP FOR COLD SEASON 2025
Braun ThermoScan 7 Digital Ear Thermometer
My oldest is six, so rectal thermometers no longer pass the vibe check. That being said, I’ve also tried just about every forehead swipe and under-arm thermometer out there and few seem to work well. Then I landed on this one — it’s fast, accurate, backlit so you can use it in the dark and totally worth every penny.
HOW TO PREP FOR COLD SEASON 2025
Frida Baby Electric NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator
If you’re a parent you’ve probably tried, or at least heard of, the “SnotSucker.” I was a sucker for it with my first two until I stumbled upon their electric version that does the sucking for you (thank goodness). It’s gentler than it sounds, surprisingly quiet, and works like a charm when your baby’s too congested to sleep or eat comfortably. The different tip sizes make it easy to use from infancy through toddlerhood, and the fact that I don’t have to do the manual suction anymore is a blessed game changer.
HOW TO PREP FOR COLD SEASON 2025
Genexa Kids' Cold Crush
When I’m not quite ready to jump to medicine, but I know my kids are feeling crummy, this is one of the few cold remedies I feel good about offering up. It’s a clean, homeopathic option that helps ease all the usual symptoms—cough, congestion, runny nose—without any of the artificial dyes, preservatives, or sweeteners you’ll find in conventional meds. The chewable tablets are flavored like organic acai berry, so my kids don’t fight me on taking them (a win in itself).
HOW TO PREP FOR COLD SEASON 2025
Genexa Kids’ Clean Pain & Fever Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a must-have when you’re dealing with fevers in babies and children, but you don’t have to subscribe to the brands that are filled with chemicals you can’t pronounce. I started using Genexa because it’s free of dyes, artificial sweeteners, and fillers, but still works just as well as the name-brand stuff. The organic blueberry flavor actually goes down without a fight (which is a win in our house), and I feel better knowing I’m giving my kids something clean when their bodies are already run down.
HOW TO PREP FOR COLD SEASON 2025
Beekeeper’s Naturals Kids Throat Soothing Lollipops
These throat-soothing lollipops were a game-changer for us during last year’s marathon cold season. They’re made with raw honey, vitamin D, and propolis (a natural bee product known for its immune-supporting powers). Like most, my kids love lollipops, so they considered this a treat during a time when they felt crummy. It actually helped soothe their scratchy throats without the sugar crash of typical cough drops—and I love that they’re made with clean ingredients and without artificial dyes or flavors.
HOW TO PREP FOR COLD SEASON 2025
The Honest Company Plant-Based Snot Removing Wipes
Cold season turns me into a straight-up booger snatcher. I feel like I spend half the day just waiting for them to sneeze onto their clothes, my furniture or my face. That’s why these gentle, aloe-infused wipes are a cold season staple in our house. They’re fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and EWG Verified so I feel good about using them even multiple times a day. I stash a pack in the car, the diaper bag, and every bedroom because they not only soothe tiny noses, but they also make cleanup a whole lot easier.
HOW TO PREP FOR COLD SEASON 2025
Little Remedies Sterile Saline Nasal Mist
I always buy this three pack ahead of the cold season, and write my kids’ names on them so that I don’t mix them up (let’s keep the germs from spreading even more). It’s safe for newborns, super gentle, and honestly the easiest saline mist to apply—even when your baby is squirming or mid-meltdown. I’ve tried a bunch of other sprays and drops, but this one actually helps loosen mucus so it can be suctioned out more easily.
HOW TO PREP FOR COLD SEASON 2025
Cure Hydration Kids Electrolyte Drink Mix
Ask any nurse and their best advice for crushing a cold will be to hydrate. That’s where these electrolyte drink mixers seriously come in handy. They’re plant-based, pediatrician-formulated, and naturally sweetened (no added sugar and artificial junk). My kids are a big fan of the fruit punch flavor so I never have to beg them to drink it. I always stash a few in our medicine cabinet, car and travel bag just in case.
HOW TO PREP FOR COLD SEASON 2025
BEKOOOL Soft Gel Sheets for Kids
When fevers strike in the middle of the night, these cooling patches offer instant relief and help me feel at peace knowing they’re helping to prevent temps from spiking. They’re easy to use—just unwrap and stick one to their forehead. They’re gentle, non-medicated, just the right size for toddlers and big kids, and start working immediately so you don’t have to deal with wet cooling cloths.
HOW TO PREP FOR COLD SEASON 2025
Frida Baby Natural Vapor Bath Bombs
My kids love a bath bomb—especially one that helps offer stuffy-nose relief when they’re sick. I toss one into bath time after dinner and the steam plus eucalyptus oils help ease congestion without being too overpowering. Each pack comes with three bombs (one for each of my kiddos). I also keep extras in the bathroom and travel bag for emergencies (or travel nights when bedtime needs that extra sensory reset).
Cold season with little kids is never easy and it always seems to hit at the most inconvenient times (like before a trip or important work presentation). That being said, having the right stuff on hand when duty calls is key. Trust me—when you’re up at 3 a.m. with the electric NoseFrida in one hand, a thermometer in the other, and sweatpants crusted with someone else’s snot, you’ll be very glad you prepped.
]]>Sure, it’s the beginning of September … but that’s practically Halloween Eve, right?! We have spooky season, and everything that comes along with it, on the brain — which is why we are obsessed with this adorable new Halloween LEGO set spotted on Amazon. It’s the perfect fall craft, a great alternative to carving pumpkins if you’re not great with a knife, and a fun family activity to do with your kids (or as a low-key Halloween party activity for the more introverted guests!). Plus, when you’re finished, you have a super-cute piece of Halloween décor.
Designed for LEGO lovers ages 9 and up, this 328-piece seasonal scene features a black cat and a little mouse who has found the perfect hiding place — a jack-o-lantern! The base manually rotates for a 360-degree view of your building block masterpiece, and is decorated with autumn flowers and leaves and little pumpkins.
With almost 400 nearly perfect ratings in a month (after selling out completely on the LEGO website!), it’s no wonder shoppers are giving rave reviews. “I bought two of these for my kids and they love them,” one said. “This set is just what you would expect from LEGO. Standard build but cuter than expected in-person! Highly recommend!!”
“My daughters and I loved putting them together. We use them to decorate for Halloween. Even my mom wanted one to decorate for Halloween. These are definitely for all ages,” enthused another reviewer, while a third said, “Really cute smaller sized LEGO set was fun to make and it’s frankly adorable!”
Whether you’re just looking to add some whimsy to your seasonal décor or seeking out the ideal project for “together time” with your kids, you can’t go wrong with the cutest cat and mouse around.
Before you go, check out our slideshow below:
When it comes to skincare, teens and tweens are no longer swiping random products from their mom’s bathroom cabinet. They know what they like, they know what works, and they definitely know what looks good on their shelf. That’s why we were so curious when Saint Crewe, a buzzy new skincare line designed specifically with Gen Z in mind, launched with products that promise glow, hydration, and fun packaging without the “sticky, gunky” aftermath.
Saint Crewe’s mission is to make skincare inclusive, accessible, and genuinely enjoyable for younger users — while keeping things high-quality enough (dermatologist tested!) that parents and skincare lovers will reach for it too. Think bold, cohesive packaging, gentle-yet-effective formulas, and a playful energy that makes building good skin habits feel fun instead of fussy. The line includes four hero products:
Clean Beam Balmy Dream, a lightweight cleansing balm that melts off makeup without stripping skin
Team Gleam, a glow-boosting serum that hydrates and brightens
Water Whip Cream, a moisturizer that keeps skin soft without the heaviness
Goji Glow + Go Mist, a refreshing spray that sets makeup, soothes dryness, and adds a glossy finish
To see if the products actually lived up to the hype, we handed them over to a group of real teens (and one mom!) to test-drive — and their feedback was, well, glowing!
A Glow Teens Actually Noticed
“I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about the Saint Crewe skincare products, but I really was pleasantly surprised!” says Chloe, 18, who usually struggles with sensitive, dry skin. She reported zero breakouts, no irritation, and even got compliments from friends and family on how clear her complexion looked. Her favorite? The Team Gleam serum, which she said “made my skin glow” without feeling heavy.
Maxine, 15, agreed: “My skin was glowing after. It felt very moisturized but not oily or sticky.” She especially loved the serum’s consistency and scent, calling it her favorite of the lineup.
Saint Crewe Team Gleam Serum
This daily water-gel serum is loaded with superfruit goji berry and microalgae, which helps balance your skin’s microbiome and fight against harmful blue light from screen time. Its weightless formula absorbs so quickly, it’s like it disappears into your skin.
Teen-Friendly Packaging
Saint Crewe’s playful packaging made a big impression. “It was really fun! I liked the color scheme, and the logo looks so good,” Maxine added. She suggested the brand go a step further with step-by-step numbers on the bottles (think: cleanser as step one, moisturizer as step four) — something that would make skincare routines easier for beginners.
The Clean Beam Balmy Dream cleansing balm got high marks for design, too, though it took a bit of work to dispense at first. And while Maxine wasn’t wowed by the mist’s spray nozzle, she admitted it still “felt really nice” once applied.
Saint Crew Clean Beam Balmy Dream Cleansing Balm
This lush cleansing balm formula takes off everything while soothing bisabolol, ginger, and calming turmeric leave your skin feeling amazing. Transforming from balm to foam during use, Clean Beam Balmy Dream melts onto the skin as a milky rinse-off cleanser that can remove sunscreen, makeup, and grime.
Boys Put It to the Test, Too
Teen skincare isn’t just for girls — and Saint Crewe passed the boy test. Coby, 15, said of the Water Whip Cream: “I like how it doesn’t make my face feel all sticky and gunky after I use it.” His younger brother Corbin, 13, gave the products a stamp of approval, too: “It smells good. Not girly.”
Even if they weren’t always sure what the products were doing — “I’m not sure what it does exactly but it makes me feel like I’m doing something good for my skin,” Coby confessed about the serum — the boys reached for them regularly.
Saint Crew Water Whip Gel Cream
This gel cream is light as air and expertly whipped for a flawless finish. With a boost of marine algae extract and vitamin E, it delivers deep soothing hydration and a natural glow.
Moms Are Fans, Too
Sometimes, the real test is whether a skincare-obsessed mom will use it — and in this case, the answer was yes. Corbin and Coby’s mom Rita admitted she used more of the Saint Crewe products than her sons did: “And I’m a skincare snob!” she confessed. “My skin gets really dry at night because I use retinol before bed, and I love waking up first thing in the morning and misting the Goji Glow + Go onto my skin and following up with the Team Gleam.”
Saint Crewe Goji Glow + Go Facial Mist
Packed with powerful microalgae and goji superberries to help keep breakouts at bay, this super mist balances excess oil while supporting your skin’s microbiome. It delivers a dreamy, glowy finish and helps fight against harmful blue light. A refreshing spritz delivers a burst of hydration and a mood-boosting pick-me-up, any time you need it.
The Verdict?
From glowing reviews to actual glowing skin, Saint Crewe proved itself as more than just Instagram-worthy packaging. The products delivered hydration, ease, and that coveted Gen Z gloss that made both teens and parents want to reach for them every day.
Bottom line: If your teen (or you!) are looking for skincare that’s fun, effective, and family-approved, Saint Crewe is officially worth the hype.
If you’ve got a teen, you know that as they get into high school and college, backpacks become less of a cute accessory and more of an important investment. No more adorable cartoon-themed backpacks (sniffle) — the older they get, the more stuff they need to carry (and the more tech that’s in need of protection, too). At the same time, they’re also getting more discerning about carrying a backpack that looks more mature, but still cool. If you have no idea where to begin looking for the best backpacks for teens that’ll fit all these suddenly-more-rigorous criteria, let us help.
Best Backpacks for Teens at a Glance
Best Preppy Backpack: Vera Bradley Large Bancroft Backpack, $120 (was $145)
Biggest Variety of Options: Redbubble, Mushrooms & Tiny Friends Backpack, $41 (was $51)
Most Trendy: Lululemon New Crew Backpack 22L, $98
Best at Target: JanSport’s Cross Town Plus Backpack, $40
Most Worthwhile Splurge: WAYB Daily Backpack, $265
Best Amazon Pick: Fjallraven Kanken, $90
Most Affordable: EastSport Rally Sport 2.0 or JanSport Crosstown DayPack, both $25
Most Innovative Features: STM Myth Backpack, $119
Best Rugged Backpack: Carhartt Kickflip Canvas Backpack, $118
Best Metallic: STATE Kane Kids Large, $130
Best North Face Backpack: North Face Jester Water Repellent Backpack, $75
Best Customizable Backpack: Stoney Clover Lane Classic Backpack, $148
Best Travel Backpack: Himawari Travel Backpack, $37
Best Large Option: Kipling Seoul Large Laptop Backpack, $100
What to Look for in a Good Backpack for Your Teen
Durability is key when looking for a new backpack for your teen. Choose backpacks with nylon and polyester fabrics. The combination of materials can withstand daily wear and tear, and it’s also easy to wash and spot clean. You also want to look for bags with plenty of room and compartments. A large interior allows for plenty of room for your teen’s textbooks, pencil cases, gym clothes, and more. And if they take a computer to and from school, select a backpack with a built-in laptop sleeve to protect their electronics from spills and hard throws.
What’s the Best Size for High School Backpacks?
Teenagers need room for everything under the sun, so be prepared to look for packs with a bottomless pit of room. If you can’t find one with copious amounts of room, 15 to 30 liters will do. You can check the bag’s tags to see the capacity before buying. Plus, the space also makes the bag the perfect length for them to carry, which saves them from staining their back and shoulders. (But speaking of, most of our picks for the best backpacks for teens have some sort of comfort feature for ergonomic friendliness.)
What Are the Latest Backpack Trends?
If your teen loves a classic look, the iconic Jansport backpack, available on Amazon, is a perennial favorite. Plus, you can pick up a few other items on their school supply list while you’re there. Have a child who likes to elevate their style, but also prizes premium function? Gift them a splurge-worthy bag from WAYB, State, or Beckmann this year. Of course, you can also stop at Lululemon for some seriously cool backpacks.
Ahead, see 18 of our favorite backpacks for teens.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Target is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
]]>Whether school has already started where you are, or your kids are wringing every last drop out of summer like it’s the final Capri Sun in the fridge, one thing’s consistent: parents everywhere are cracking open their wallets for those back-to-school buys. And if you’ve got a teenager, you know the real must-haves aren’t the notebooks and pens. It’s the clothes. The shoes. The backpacks, bag charms, and water bottles. (Cha-ching!)
And wow, are we spending. According to a new press release from National Debt Relief, 39 percent of parents admitted to going into debt during back-to-school shopping. That’s right — nearly half of us are willing to swipe the credit card just so our kid can show up in the “right” sneakers or with the exact water bottle all their friends have. That might sound extreme, but it only underscores just how central fashion and accessories have become to teens’ sense of identity and belonging. For them, the “first day ‘fit” is more than an outfit: it’s a statement, a social currency, and a way of showing up confidently among their peers.
So what are today’s teens begging for? We combed through this year’s trend reports, TikTok “BTS hauls,” retailer stats, and shopping guides to track down the hottest back-to-school fashion must-haves for 2025. Think of this as your cheat sheet to what’s about to flood the hallways this fall … with no studying required.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Sam’s Club is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
]]>Even though it still feels like summer outside, the “ber” months are on the horizon, which means it’s almost the holiday season! Not to cause panic, but with only 18 Fridays and Christmas, it’s never too early to start planning fun surprises to get the entire family in the holiday spirit. Luckily, brands like LEGO are already launching their seasonal Advent calendars that feature Minecraft, Star Wars, and more.
Advent calendars are exciting for kids of all ages, offering daily surprises leading up to Christmas. They get so excited to peek behind the doors to see what the day reveals. And LEGO Advent calendars are just the icing on the cake. Filled with themed builds and mini figures based on popular franchises like Minecraft, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and more, these are some of the most sought-after holiday experiences. Plus, they come with hundreds of pieces that keep the whole family entertained for hours. The only downside? These calendars fly off the shelves. Starting at $45, LEGO’s Advent calendars are already available for purchase ahead of the busy holiday season.
Ahead, see the newly launched LEGO Advent calendars you can add to your cart right now, before it’s too late!
LEGO Minecraft Advent Calendar 2025
Set your alarms because this coveted Minecraft advent calendar will be available for purchase on September 1, and you don’t want to miss it! The calendar includes 24 days of surprise treats, which kids can combine to create a Minecraft winter village set. There are over 300 pieces.
LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar 2025
LEGO also has an Advent calendar for Star Wars fans. Suitable for ages six and up, kids can create and play “droid-building stories,” thanks to the droids, extra droid parts, workshop equipment, and festive details included in this set.
LEGO Harry Potter Advent Calendar 2025
This spellbinding Advent calendar is also part of LEGO’s seasonal launch. Behind every door lies a new surprise, featuring Harry Potter characters in festive attire, magical creatures, potions, snacks, and more. In total, there are 10 collectible mini builds, six buildable figures, and eight minifigures from endless hours of play.
LEGO x Disney Frozen Advent Calendar 2025
We also can’t help but add the LEGO x Disney Frozen Advent Calendar to our carts, I mean, look at how adorable it is! Like the other LEGO calendars, this one prompts your child’s imagination for hours. The calendar features 24 construction kit mini builds and five Disney Frozen characters. Plus, the box turns into a Disney game!
Before you go, check out our slideshow below:
