https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:26:48 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fathers-day-gifts-2#post-2928278 Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:04:57 +0000 Lahela017 2928278@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Anyone have any good ideas for a Father's Day gift for a Grandpa who doesn't need/want any "Grandpa" stuff (already has mug and hat, and wouldn't want much else)</p> <p>He doesn't golf or grill much, so none of the regular ideas I see on lists are very appealing.</p> <p>All I can think of is a restaurant gift card, but that feels kind of lame...</p> <p>Help! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/gift-ideas-for-men#post-2927692 Sat, 03 Dec 2022 22:57:22 +0000 Chuckles 2927692@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have 4 men I need to buy holiday gifts for, and I never know what to get them. I bet you all will have some good ideas! Here are the guys...<br /> My Dad - in his 70s, likes playing guitar, reading, and playing strategy board games</p> <p>My brother - late 30s, has 2 young kids, likes being active, and I'm honestly not sure what else 😬 He appreciates nicer clothes and is not a big reader</p> <p>BIL 1 - late 40s, a chef, likes a wide variety of music and plays the bass, no kids</p> <p>BIL 2- mid 40s, likes gaming and running, watching movies, has 2 young kids</p> <p>Help! Any ideas? I'm also totally fine with generic gift ideas. Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/happy-halloween-1#post-2927615 Mon, 31 Oct 2022 07:31:53 +0000 Lahela017 2927615@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Happy Halloween everyone! We had a busy weekend filled with Halloween activities. Tonight we'll go trick or treating in the neighborhood and get a jack-o'-lantern pizza for dinner! 🎃</p> <p>Here is my little pumpkin and "witchy vampire". Let's see all the fun costumes! </p> [attach=8162/22/rkmat6.450x600.PXL_20221030_231511590.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/kids-halloween-movies#post-2927544 Thu, 13 Oct 2022 09:00:35 +0000 LadyDi 2927544@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What are some good Halloween movies for kids? Mine are 3, 4, and 7 with not a very high tolerance for scary. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/summer-bucket-list-1#post-2927110 Wed, 08 Jun 2022 07:56:10 +0000 LadyDi 2927110@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Anyone have anything good on their summer bucket list? </p> <p>I am definitely wanting to hit up some local lake beaches, hike some easy trails, and go to a drive in movie! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mothers-day-ideas#post-2926937 Fri, 29 Apr 2022 09:21:04 +0000 LadyDi 2926937@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've accepted that if I want something or to do something for Mother's Day then I need to just spell it out for DH. That being said, do you have any plans or want anything specific? I need some inspiration. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ideas-for-dh-for-birthdayfathers-day-conundrum#post-2926825 Thu, 21 Apr 2022 09:56:11 +0000 Mommy Finger 2926825@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I need some ideas! So every 6 years or so, DH gets screwed as his birthday falls on Mother's day and DS2's birthday falls on Father's day. Now normally the answer is that the day doesn't matter and you pick another day to celebrate one of the holidays as DH and I are adults and don't really HAVE to celebrate a birthday/mother's/father's day on that actual day. But I'm struggling this year b/c DS1 has a baseball game at like 6 pm on May 7th so we can't just go out for his birthday the night before. We normally get together with my mom and other family on mother's day. And my niece is having her graduation party on Saturday, 6/18, so I can't adjust Father's day. </p> <p>Also, I have absolutely no ideas on what sort of gift to get him this year. I've asked him for ideas and he has given me nothing. He needs nothing for the yard or the grill. He doesn't drink. I even suggested that we go away for a weekend, just the two of us and he didn't jump at the idea. He's been sort of a homebody so maybe that is the answer I have to force him to have fun. :) </p> <p>So otherwise I'm stumped. Anyone more clever than I? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/easter#post-2926756 Fri, 15 Apr 2022 07:06:10 +0000 LadyDi 2926756@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Easter is my favorite holiday, we usually host but it's always so much more relaxed than traveling all over the place for Thanksgiving or the crush of presents at Christmas. If you celebrate the holiday, what are you doing? What are you cooking? What's in your baskets? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-do-you-decorate-your-christmas-tree#post-2925851 Wed, 22 Dec 2021 02:18:19 +0000 mrs.kiwi 2925851@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For those who celebrate Christmas… how do you decorate your tree? Pictures would be nice too!!</p> <p>Last year was the first year we had a full sized tree (we just had mini ones before kids, and none since having young kids). I had collected a few ornaments and received some as gifts, but was pleasantly surprised that I had enough to fill out 7 foot tree. It helps that it’s in the corner so I didn’t bother decorating the side that no one sees! So, it didn’t look amazing but we had lights and ornaments and called it a good Christmas. I had a newborn at that time so that was good enough for me!</p> <p>This year I added a popcorn garland, more pine cones, and some dried lemon ornaments to make it a bit more rustic themed. I also let the kids put up all their art projects that could potentially be an ornament… snowflakes, window art, clay creations- I let them put them all up. So our tree is still a hodgepodge of random ornaments but with a rustic vibe. Definitely not Pinterest worthy but a bit more put together than a kid tree.</p> <p>I’m wondering if I’ll get pickier next year and not let the kids put up as much, or if I’ll want to coordinate better to make it look nicer… what do you do?? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-on-your-holiday-wish-list-2#post-2920274 Tue, 03 Nov 2020 14:48:09 +0000 catgirl 2920274@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We've had a lot of posts about what we are getting for other people but I'm wondering what you are hoping to receive. It could be things you know you'll be getting, things you hope someone will get, or things that are completely unlikely but you dream about getting.</p> <p>Figure it's always helpful to get ideas from others! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/white-elephant-gifts#post-2925575 Tue, 23 Nov 2021 08:10:09 +0000 LadyDi 2925575@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What is your favorite white elephant gift? DH's family is doing a white elephant for the adults. The parameters are: $40 max, no gag gifts, no gift cards. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/stocking-stuffers-for-dh#post-2925392 Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:06:55 +0000 Jess1483 2925392@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I really dropped the ball on Christmas for DH last year. We usually go very small on holidays, preferring to save money and use it on a house project or vacation, so I don't need "big ticket" items, but I am looking for thoughtful or useful. And I'm crowd-sourcing so I don't just buy a bunch of crap. (I blame the pandemic for my fail last year, but probably need to get my act together now.)</p> <p>His interests:<br /> Wine<br /> Fly fishing<br /> Coffee (a little--he doesn't like flavored coffees, though)<br /> Reading<br /> Video games<br /> Surfing (but since we live in a landlocked state, he doesn't get to often. But we are traveling to Costa Rica next year)</p> <p>I would love ideas especially for stocking stuffers, but I don't really have gift ideas either. Please help me not fail him at Christmas again ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-costumes-2021#post-2925313 Sat, 30 Oct 2021 22:54:17 +0000 Lahela017 2925313@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I remember past years looking at all the cute costumes! Would anyone like to share?</p> <p>I'll start, my DD is 2.5 and loves Sesame Street. Her favorite character is Big Big. She's been so excited to dress up. We had a couple fun outdoor activities at local nature centers today. We will probably trick or treat tomorrow at just a couple neighbors' houses. </p> [attach=8162/21/r1tpkb.502x600.Screenshot_20211030-225447-2.png] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beach-chairs-and-umbrella-recommendations#post-2923986 Mon, 07 Jun 2021 10:21:49 +0000 catgirl 2923986@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We need new beach chairs and an umbrella - anyone have any favorites to recommend? Or any bad ones to avoid?</p> <p>We go to the beach or lake 2-5 times a week so they get used a lot! </p> <p>Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/mothers-day-1#post-2923616 Wed, 05 May 2021 07:50:50 +0000 LadyDi 2923616@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What are your plans? Gifts for yourselves or the moms/mom figures in your life?</p> <p>DH and I are fully vaccinated, as are our families. I made myself a pedi appointment on Friday. My first in FOREVER. I wanted to have a picnic at a state park on Saturday but the weather looks terrible. On Sunday we're having both of our parents and SIL/BIL over for a cookout. DH and the dads are responsible for all of the food/cooking. DH knows I expect a gift, I have a feeling it will be an air fryer lol. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/easter-basket-ideas-1#post-2922845 Mon, 08 Mar 2021 22:11:25 +0000 winter_wonder 2922845@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What are you putting in Easter baskets this year? I'll probably do sidewalk chalk, but I need a few more ideas! Maybe some cute spring jammies? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/large-christmas-gift-wwyd#post-2921312 Fri, 04 Dec 2020 14:17:05 +0000 PinkElephant 2921312@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Back story: DD2 has asked for (and is receiving) a new bike for Christmas. Not sure whether Santa will bring it or if it will be from us, but I don't think that really matters for this question. </p> <p>DH thinks that the bike should remain hidden for the initial "tree reveal" when the kids come down on Christmas morning - that we should put it in the garage/basement, and wrap a bike accessory like a bell or basket with a note to look in the garage. We've done something similar with physically large gifts in the past. However, DD2 is REALLY banking on this gift, and hasn't asked for much of anything else. </p> <p>My concern is that if she doesn't see it under the tree, she'll be very disappointed and get in a foul mood that will spoil Christmas morning..it's not one of her best character traits, but she can get really grouchy/stubborn when things don't go the way she is expecting them to....and my feeling is that there are plenty of times to make an example of expectations/good behavior/handling disappointment, but Christmas morning isn't really one of them.</p> <p>Where would you put a large present like this (bike, dollhouse, etc.) - somewhere immediately visible, or hide it til the end of gift opening? Or do something else entirely that I'm not thinking of? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thank-you-cards-2#post-2921644 Sun, 27 Dec 2020 13:48:59 +0000 catgirl 2921644@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you have your kids write thank you cards?We do and we have upped how much of the process DD is required to do each year, but this year she is being a grump about the whole thing. She gets to use all gifts on Christmas day and for two days after but then we put them away until the cards are done. That was great motivation last year, but this year she doesn't seem to care :silly: </p> <p>This is how we have done it each year:<br /> Age 2: we had her color (mostly scribble) on the cards<br /> Age 3: we had her sign her name and color a picture<br /> Age 4: we had her write Love, name<br /> Age 5: she wrote the names of who the card was for and signed love, name<br /> Age 6 (now): we are having her write the whole note. She has a very simple template - literally two sentences. And we are letting her do combo cards for people who gave birthday and Christmas gifts since her birthday is two weeks before Christmas. </p> <p>How do you handle thank you cards in your house? Any advice to encourage DD to just get them done? She has 12 to do total and has done 3 so far... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-you-baking-this-year#post-2921521 Thu, 17 Dec 2020 22:04:30 +0000 minimalistmom 2921521@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love holiday baking! Typically speaking, I make a ton of treats, bag them up, and hand them out to friends. Since we are keeping more to ourselves this year and working from home (no holiday work parties,) there has been a lot less.<br /> This year, I made snickerdoodle cookie dough truffles, millionaire bars, and peanut butter Christmas crack (even better than regular Christmas crack.)<br /> What are you making? Any amazing recipes you have to share? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/elf-on-the-shelf-2#post-2921223 Tue, 01 Dec 2020 16:07:46 +0000 erinbaderin 2921223@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My kids came home from school today asking why their Elf didn't come. I've gotten away from it every other year, but this year they seemed really hurt and disappointed that their friends had elves and they didn't. I have no problem acquiring one (except that they're sold out everywhere!) but I do have a problem telling them that the Elf reports back to Santa on their behaviour.</p> <p>If you do Elf on the Shelf but you don't use him as a surveillance tool for good behaviour, what's your story? He's just an elf who comes to visit during Christmas to spread holiday spirit? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holiday-meals#post-2921426 Fri, 11 Dec 2020 08:45:38 +0000 JennyPenny 2921426@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What do you usually do for your holiday meals? What are you doing differently this year?</p> <p>In the past we've usually done Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day lunch/dinner with my parents. Since we'll likely be foregoing that this year, I figured this is a nice opportunity to decide what kind of tradition I'd like to do moving forward, assuming I'll be doing more of the hosting in the future. I'd love some inspiration and to hear what everyone else does! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/at-homecovid-friendly-holiday-activities#post-2921155 Mon, 30 Nov 2020 08:18:44 +0000 LadyDi 2921155@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Since there will be no visits to Santa, no holiday parties, etc. this year, I am trying to make a small bucket list of fun things to do at home or in a socially distant way throughout the month. We'll do one or two light drive throughs, make cookies, decorate cookies, make pretzels with chocolate and m&amp;ms, and I have a couple Christmas crafts that we'll do when we're bored. We also have Christmas countdown chains and advent calendars. </p> <p>What are you doing this month for a little holiday magic? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/3-random-questions-on-giving-christmas-gifts-to-your-kids#post-2921199 Tue, 01 Dec 2020 12:10:45 +0000 Mommy Finger 2921199@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ok 3 random questions on how you handle Christmas gifts at your house when you have multiple kids.</p> <p>1) We are a family that passes out gifts and then one person opens their gifts at a time. We always go youngest to oldest. In DH's family, it was always a free for all. They would just start handing out gifts and as soon as you got one you opened it. I always felt like this is too chaotic and you don't see what other get. Or maybe I just like seeing the faces when they open it. :)</p> <p>2) If you are like me above and one person opens at at time, if you are giving the same gift to multiple kids, do you have them open the gift at the same time or do you still just have each kid open up their gifts and then move on to the next one? I have memories of going to my grandparents house for Christmas and they would get me and like 5 of my cousins the same shirt but different colors and we'd all have to open at the same time. :)</p> <p>3) Lastly, my boys are 8 and 5.5. The 8 yo is starting to ask for things that are more expensive. I like to spend the same amount of each. Unfortunately, this might mean that it would appear that the older one gets less presents bc I bought him a $100 Lego set and I can buy 5 $20 items for his brother. I've started to talk to DS1 about how he's asking for more expensive things to set the stage and normally he would get it but in his mind, the elves make all of the presents so money doesn't matter. So we've gone down the road of Santa needing to pay the elves for their work... Any other suggestions? No I'm not ready to have the "Santa isn't real" conversation yet. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-for-fun-gingerbread-houses#post-2920885 Mon, 16 Nov 2020 21:53:45 +0000 meadow 2920885@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you make Gingerbread houses with your children, do you eat them afterward?</p> <p>(I am using the term gingerbread house loosely here...For example, I just saw a tutorial on making one out of poptarts...that kind of variation is totally fair game in this poll :-p ) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thanksgiving-with-your-household#post-2920900 Tue, 17 Nov 2020 12:23:30 +0000 Corduroy 2920900@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you're doing Thanksgiving with just your household this year...</p> <p>Are you doing anything to make it special? Are you making modifications to the meal? How are you connecting with distanced friends and family? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/window-candles-recommendation#post-2920639 Tue, 10 Nov 2020 08:41:13 +0000 greencraftycello 2920639@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Does anyone have any recommendations for battery operated window candles for the holidays? Looking for something that will last and is sturdy, but not crazy expensive. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/halloween-2#post-2920153 Sat, 31 Oct 2020 20:16:03 +0000 catgirl 2920153@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Happy Halloween! Does anyone want to share costume pictures? I would love to see them!</p> <p>In early September DD decided to be RBG. She contemplated changing once she found out about her death, but she decided to stick with it. I’m so glad! </p> [attach=6706/20/qj3fir.428x600.93F8A7D9-D831-4910-88C5-86778A72D464.jpeg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/holidays-and-coronavirus#post-2918537 Mon, 24 Aug 2020 19:05:39 +0000 cat620 2918537@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know the holidays still seem like a ways off, but I'm a planner and I'm trying to figure out how we can make it work this year. We usually spend Thanksgiving at my in-laws or have them come to our house with my brother/sister-in-laws. Of course this year we'll be dealing with Coronavirus, so that changes things. I have one BIL who would have to travel from out of state (he may not want to do that) and one SIL who is only spending time with those who are self-quarantining (so she may not feel comfortable coming). </p> <p>Has anyone put any thought into this yet and how it will work or not work? It's making me sad to think about spending the holidays by ourselves this year. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-are-you-spending-the-holiday-weekend#post-2916930 Thu, 02 Jul 2020 08:25:38 +0000 josina 2916930@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How are you spending July 4th this year in light of the current situation? </p> <p>Ideas for at-home fun? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-you-doing-for-easter-dinner#post-2913284 Fri, 03 Apr 2020 09:14:00 +0000 Mommy Finger 2913284@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ok, so we'll still be "sheltered in place" for Easter, which means no big family meet up for dinner. Super bummed about that but want to think about what to make for dinner to make it special for the 4 of us. If I'm being honest, I'm not a huge fan of ham and I'm worried I'll only be able to find a big one for our small family but I've been outvoted. So ham it is and a lot will go into the freezer. :)</p> <p>What are your holiday dinner plans? I have absolutely no idea what to make for sides. We're actually not a huge mac n cheese family because my husband is weird and doesn't like cheese. That really cuts out a lot of delicious things I would normally make! I would love to hear what your plans are to give me some ideas! I love to cook and am not turned away by complicated recipes. I do just want to be mindful of having to go to the store for specialty items and know that might drive what is ultimately on the table. Thanks! </p>