Beltway Bambinos

(re) discover Washington DC through the eyes of your children

Holiday Gift Guide for Families and Children + 5 Days of Giveaways!

Below are our holiday favorites in case you need some inspiration or ideas. Some ideas specific to Washington, DC while others are products or companies you may not be familiar with. There are also plenty of ways to incorporate giving into your holiday which doesn’t include actually giving a gift. Be sure to read through to the end where we explain our 5 days of GIVEAWAYS! 

Books (this is one category I could go on and on and on with, so if you want more suggestions, ask!):

Music

  • Mr. Jon & Friends CD, Rock & Rhyme
    From out of the DC metro area comes unanimous praise for the Parents’ Choice Award® winning kindie band Mr. Jon & Friends, powered for nearly a decade by the husband-and-wife duo of Jon and Carrie Lewis. Now kids and families across the country can tune into the energy, fun, and sweetness of Mr. Jon & Friends’ brand of Raffi-inspired good sounds with the band’s third album, Rock & Rhyme.
  • Marsha & the Positrons CD, Positronic
    Catchy songs about science and how the world works with subtle themes of friendship.
  • Alphabet Rockers debuted a collection of T-shirts which give young change-makers and their parents a chance to wear what they believe. These vibrant shirts were designed by original AlphabetRockersmember Stefanie Liang Chung, and feature song lyrics from their GRAMMY-nominated album, Rise Shine #Woke. 

Sports

Healthy snacks for stocking stuffers

Games

Toys

Class Drop-in Pass

  • Pearachute–Their mission is to inspire children’s curiosity and passion by empowering parents and caregivers through convenience and choice. Making the best kids’ classes and activities available to you at the touch of a button, allowing you to drop-in and explore during times that fit your schedule with the flexibility to accommodate late naps, stuffy noses, and unplanned visits from grandparents. Click link above for a discounted code when signing up.

Subscription Boxes

  • Subscription boxes have become a great way for kids to make memories, create something hands-on and have an experience where all of the necessary materials come delivered to their doorstep.

Memberships

  • Smithsonian National Zoo–Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) helps the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute save species through educational and fun experiences, the power of our members, and funding for critical work. Membership levels vary, but most come with free parking (a $23 value!) as well as carousel ride vouchers.
  • Port Discovery Children’s Museum— The premier children’s museum in the Mid-Atlantic and a place that values learning through play. Not enough space to say how great this museum is; lucky to live so close to it.
  • National Building Museum— Inspires curiosity about the world we design and build. Building Zone & Play, Work Build are permanent while the museum has rotating exhibits and events throughout the year.
  • Politics & Prose— Support one of our local and amazing bookstores!
  • Sign your Bambino and self (or nanny, grandparent) up for a session with Tinkergarten

Theatre tickets

Experiences 

  • Holiday tree lighting and fireworks began on Nov. 10, 2018 and take place each Saturday through December. Complete with Santa appearances, holiday movies and fireworks. Be sure and warm up inside the Gaylord Resort, see the hanging tree and Christmas Village and then bundle up to check out ICE!. Get your tickets in advance. Use code: SNOW18 for $4 off ICE tickets valid Sunday-Thursday through Dec. 20. 
  • Tidal Basin pedal boating and swan boat tickets
  • Ice skate at various rinks in DC
  • Take your Bambinos and experience holiday tea

Gift of Creativity

Functional 

Giveaway Rules: The giveaways will be posted each day on Instagram and/or Facebook depending on that day’s giveaway- so be sure to check both! You can enter as many giveaways as you want. Directions on how to enter will be on each individual post.

Giveaway Day 1: One copy of Laurie Berkner’s new book, Pillowland

Giveaway Day 2: “Lucky’s Happy Home” Playmobil

Giveaway Day 3: 8 boxes of fruit punch from ReThink Water

Giveaway Day 4: The newest Mr. Jon & Friends CD, Rock & Rhyme

Giveaway Day 5:  4 tickets to ride the Capital Wheel 

There are no affiliate links associated with the Amazon links that are included above. 

31 ways to survive Daylight Savings in and around Washington, DC with kids

Most of us dread that date in Fall that creeps up and turns our strict routine into havoc; Daylight Savings. For parents, it’s a few months where our time spent outdoors comes to a halt and we wonder how to occupy the remainder of the evening (that used to be so sunny) with our children. And contrary to popular belief, the answer is not an earlier bedtime. Let’s be honest, you can only put on an afternoon movie so many times. Here are a few ideas I’ve compiled from readers and my own DST adventures to help you get out of the house with your Bambino(s) this Fall & Winter. Don’t forget to check out our Indoor Fun Guide for even more options!  

Ideas for fun outside of your home-

1. Go for a dip at Wilson, Marie Reed or any of DC indoor swimming pools.

2. Bloombars has evening classes, events and performances.

3. Drop by a pet store to observe the animals and maybe see some dogs getting groomed.

4. DC Library holds late afternoon family programs and events.

5. Isn’t Target obvious?! (Try not to buy everything).

6. Grab a lane and try for a strike at Pinstripes. Dinner is served alongside bowling. Location in Georgetown & Bethesda.

7. Reserve a room at a public library and have a play date with friends. DC Library is open until 9pm Mon-Thur.

8. Hotel lobbies can be fascinating, especially around the holidays. Plus, they have bathrooms and heat.

9. Get creative at Treehouse Atelier, Red Panda Art Studio, District Dabble Lab, Little Loft Art, Anna Banana or All Fired Up.

10. Child’s Play and Politics and Prose can be great places for your kids to check out new toys and books. Child’s Play has many toys out and welcome kids to play with them. Again, try not to buy everything =)

11. Go out to dinner at one of these DC restaurants that offer entertainment for kiddos.

12. Speaking of dinner, there are so many restaurants that offer KIDS EAT FREE throughout the week and weekend.

13. Grab a flashlight and go on an adventure walk. Bonus if you have time to create a scavenger hunt.

14. Check the bus route and take a random ride.

15. Fairmont Hotel has a piano and a pretty garden, is fairly tolerant of children climbing up and down the stairs and enjoying the lobby’s holiday decorations.

16. Kennedy Center Millennium Stage has free, daily shows that usually begin at 6:00pm. Catch the show or just part of it, explore and walk the long foyer and look at the mirrors, ramps, etc. Go outside onto the terrace and watch the cars on the bridge or boats on the water.

17. Lace up those skates and go ice skate!

18. Enroll in a winter class or playgroup.

19. Dare I say, grocery shop….but my kids love making lists and my youngest loves pushing the cart while I pick up everything she knocks over with said cart. Bonus if you know of a store with a fun kid-car or kid-cart (Giant grocery stores are all I can think of).

20. Go see a movie! Splurge for some popcorn.

21. Drop into a Pearachute class

22. Happy Hour doesn’t have to wait until 5pm….Early dinner or apps (see $12)

Ideas for fun in your home in case you can’t escape-

1. Bake or cook something with your Bambino(s).

2. Make a fort, add pillows and blankets and watch a movie, grab a flashlight and/or read stories.

3. Put on a play, get out that old camcorder and record them– your iPhone will suffice too.

4. Arts and crafts can provide endless fun and messes (put your OCD tendencies aside).

5. Make your own play doh.

6. Download some educational apps on your device and set a timer.

7. Have your child help organize/fold socks when you’re doing laundry.

8. Get bath paints or crayons and let your child get artsy and messy in the bath– bonus they can get clean while having fun.

9. Playdates help the time go by, (unless the kids don’t play together) and in that case you’d rather be doing one of the above mentioned activities

Related Posts: 
Winter camps & classes

Birthday Party ideas for older Bambinos

Birthday Party ideas, venues & entertainers

Holiday tea for families in Washington, DC

Holidays are a time for creating memories, whether it be continuing a family tradition or beginning new ones. I’ve been lucky enough to go to a few high teas; my favorites was at The Plaza Hotel in New York with my best friend followed by a Holiday Tea at the Willard Intercontinental with family. For those of you looking to take your Bambinos or go without kids here’s a list of some places in our area that you can enjoy tea and crumpets, most with a holiday theme.

holiday-afternoon-teas-with-kids-e3851d8d0bca4c94a854db16b7817976

(Photo: Minitime.com)

Attached to Tysons II with lots of festive décor. Served Friday to Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., as part of the regularly served Afternoon $38 per person. Enjoy the Ritz-Carlton Tea experience with your young ones with a menu especially designed for our guests ages 12 and under.

$16 per person. Selection of Children’s Tea Sandwiches, Sweet Plate-Pastry Chef’s Choice of the Day, Hot Chocolate. To make an Afternoon Tea reservation please call (703) 412-2762.

They offer a Kids Dessert Tea Tour as well as high tea and various other kids events like O’Kids Playdates.

Join in December for Holiday Afternoon Tea, one of The Willard’s most cherished holiday traditions. Seated in the grandeur of Peacock Alley, among the festive decor and elegant sounds of the live harp, guests can enjoy a tantalizing array of festive teas, sandwiches and pastries. Holiday Afternoon Tea is offered daily in December from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., excluding December 24, 25 and 31st. Reservations are required. $65 per adult, $30 for children 5-12 years of age. Children under 5 dine complimentary.

The soothing sounds of local musicians fill the room, as you enjoy Afternoon Tea in the cozy atmosphere of The Shapiro Music Room at Strathmore. They do hold special events around various holidays so check their schedule to plan ahead.

Not holiday specific, however afternoon tea is served on Sundays. Seating is limited, so reservations are encouraged. $28.50 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity. All tea sandwiches and pastries are served family-style. 

Has many tea inspired events you can sign your kids up for. Including but not limited to Little Ladies Afternoon Fairy Tea, Toddler Tea and Tea with Santa Claus.

Enjoy a special dining experience with a variety of dainty tea sandwiches and assorted sweet treats. Several dates for Holiday Tea and Santa events.

Situated within Tyson Corner I mall with access to Santa, an ice skating rink, Pottery Barn Kids, the Disney Store and over-the-top holiday decorations! Great value for the price! See a guest review on an afternoon at Tysons.

Hotels that offer tea service (not necessarily holiday themed)

The Jefferson

The Mayflower

Park Hyatt Washington

The St. Regis

 

Related Posts:
Ice Skating, Holiday Lights and Outdoor Winter Fun

Holiday Shows, Ballets and Concerts

Beefsteak’s Little Sprouts event with a q+a from Bennett Haynes

Chef José Andrés’ invites you to Beefsteak’s Little Sprouts event, a seasonal friendly veggie celebration taking place at Beefsteak Tenleytown from 11:00am to 2:00pm on Saturday, September 22, 2018. 

Little Sprouts is an seasonal  program that takes place across Beefsteak locations, designed to prove to children that veggies are both delicious and fun. The complimentary event on Saturday, September 22 will feature kid-friendly entertainment with coloring books, raffles and a plant potting activity with ThinkFoodGroup’s Chief of Produce Bennett Haynes. Beefsteak will offer small bites to sample from the menu, and children 10 & under will receive a free JV Bowl with purchase of any full-size bowl, salad or burger (this same deal applies every Wednesday at Beefsteak as part of their “Kids Eat Free” promotion).

We had the opportunity to pick the brain of ThinkFoodGroup’s Chief of Produce, Bennett Haynes’ a bit and asked him for a few tips when it comes to Bambinos + healthy eating–

BB: What are some ways to get children interested and knowledgeable about farm-to-table?

BH: Start with the vegetables your kids like to eat and do a little research. How does this vegetable grow? What is its season here in DC? Teach your kids a little of what you learned and maybe you’ll find it’s something you can grow in your home garden or a planter on the front steps. I loved sweet corn growing up and remember growing my first row of plants, it helped me appreciate it in a whole new way. Otherwise, get out to a U-Pick farm this fall – Butler’s Orchard has a great list of fall crops to harvest yourself.

BB: What vegetables can we secretly add to our children’s meals without them knowing it’s been mixed in? 

BH: Peas! Boil them with some salt and then add a little butter or olive oil and smash with a potato masher or something similar. Smashed shelling peas are a great addition to mac and cheese or spread inside a turkey sandwich.

BB: What are some out of the box ways to introduce new vegetables to picky children?

BH: Transform the ingredients. Blend up broccoli or cauliflower with vegetable stock into a soup, or mince up pieces for homemade pizza toppings.

BB: Is it important for parents to continue to put dreaded vegetables on our children’s plates night after night and watch them get throw away or can we throw in the towel and wait a few years? 

BH: I didn’t think much of vegetables until middle school. But, I do know kids who grew up coming to my farm for CSA pick ups and they now understand more about produce than I could have dreamed. I think exposure to where and how your food is grown at an early age could help!

BB: Organic, non-GMO, local, natural…..what advice do you give parents when they are in the produce section? 

BH: Before going to the produce section, stop by your local farmers market. Even if you don’t do a ton of shopping there, the market will give you a sense of what is in season, locally. Wherever you shop, let the season guide the produce you use. I prefer to use organic produce but the best way to know your food is to know your farmer.

Best ice cream in Washington, DC

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream in Washington, DC! It doesn’t have to be summer for me to grab a scoop (or two). But with the weather we are having, all of us need a place to head to for a quick cool off which also involves a treat. There’s nothing like a good scoop of ice cream or an ice cold popsicle.

But first let me introduce you to FrutaPOP. They are a small-batch, hand-crafted ice pop company, specializing in natural fruit and juice ice pops, coffee ice pops and alcohol infused ice pops. FrutaPOP is the first of it’s kind to contain healthy, natural ingredients without any added sugars. All of the alcohol-infused ice pops, also known as “POPTAILS” contain 5% ABV or less. You can order in quantities of 12, 24, 36 & 48. Think Mimosa and Sangria Poptails and Fruit & Juice pops (non-alcoholic) for your next pool party! Use code: BELTWAYBAMBINOS for 15% your order; perfect for a summer bbq or sitting poolside. 

Did you know Maryland has nine dairy farms that offer fresh, delicious on-farm ice cream? Together, they make up the “Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail.” Visit each creamery and get a trail passport stamped to be named Maryland’s Ice Cream Trail Blazer! Sounds like a delicious summer bucket-list item.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

THE. BEST. (#notanad) Always a line, definitely worth waiting in, enough said, go and get some scoops, report back. 

The Baked Bear

Homemade cookies from original recipes and hand-scooped on site, cookies are made with the highest quality ingredients and baked fresh from scratch every day. Baked Bear craft ice cream is made with the highest quality ingredients around and is a step above the traditional, using an all-natural mix made only with rBGH-free cream, pure cane sugar and natural stabilizers. 

Trickling Springs Creamery

An old-fashioned dairy store serving ice cream, milk shakes, milk and cookies at Eastern Market. Do you want to take some ice cream home with you after hanging out at Union Market?  No problem. They have 3 full freezer doors stocked with Trickling Springs FarmFriend ice creams, Trickling Springs Organic ice creams, and Little Baby’s ice cream.

Ice Cream Jubilee

I found out about ICJ because of the mouth-watering Instagram photos everyone posts and then I realized you can order from UberEats! The best flavors come from the best ingredients.  They use only all-natural cream and milk from a local creamery, just 50 miles from our scoop shop in Washington, DC.  and are proud about the small-batch technique – just a few gallons at a time – allows to create the highest-quality product and the freshest flavors.

Millie’s

Brought to you by the owners of Surfside, Jetties, etc. Walk up to an outdoor ice-cream stand (attached to the take-out hut) and grab delicious scoops.

Class 520

The very first Thai-inspired ice cream establishment opening in the state of Maryland. Handcrafted rolls made with no preservatives or stabilizers, so you know it’s fresh.

Broad Branch Market

This extensive sweets shop is complete with homemade fudge and chocolates, freshly baked pastries and paninis—in addition to ice cream. The specialty here is the one-of-a-kind ‘blend ins’ with homemade ice cream. It’s not a place for the indecisive as they have a chalkboard full of flavors like peanut butter chip, vanilla cherry and our favorite, coffee Oreo. Keep in mind that the kiddie-sized cup is very large—about 2 scoops of ice cream.

Nicecream Factory

Handcrafted ice cream is our passion. We start our process by combining fresh milk and local ingredients from nearby farms. Using our freezing agent, liquid nitrogen, we freeze the ice cream on the spot in front of our guests, creating the freshest handcrafted cup of ice cream you can get.

Larry’s Ice Cream

This family business, open since 1985, is well-known for the owner’s surly demeanor and delicious, homemade ice cream. With classic flavors like cookie dough and unique flavors like Key West chocolate, there’s something for everyone here.

Thomas Sweet

This extensive sweets shop is complete with homemade fudge and chocolates, freshly baked pastries and paninis—in addition to ice cream. The specialty here is the one-of-a-kind ‘blend ins’ with homemade ice cream. It’s not a place for the indecisive as they have a chalkboard full of flavors like peanut butter chip, vanilla cherry and our favorite, coffee Oreo. Keep in mind that the kiddie-sized cup is very large—about 2 scoops of ice cream.

The Dairy Godmother

This summer, you’ll find some exciting new additions at this custard shop. Stick with what you know and get Wisconsin-style frozen custard in vanilla or chocolate every day, or try the flavor of the day. Tollhouse cookie and toasted almond are both on the schedule; see all the upcoming flavors of the day here. They’ll also be offering Exotic Ice Pops this summer along with Frozen Custard Cake and Puppy Pops—a treat for your dog!

Moorenko’s Ice Cream

This ice cream brand, which is sold around the NE corridor, is made right here in D.C.! They even have a small shop where you can go for freshly made, hand-crafted ice cream. They’ve got the classic flavors as well as some unique flavors like Guinness, Rice Pudding and Cotton Candy Gummy Bear.

Captain Cookie and the Milkman

What started as a food truck serving milk and cookies and ice cream sandwiches, now has 3 food trucks you can see schedule locations here. For those of us who can’t make it to a truck stop, there is an actual location. They also deliver!

Jetties

Serving Gifford’s ice cream, Jetties is not just an ice cream shop, but also well-known for delicious sandwiches and salads. It’s the perfect place to grab lunch and a scoop for dessert, with the option of adding toppings like sprinkles and crushed Oreos to your cone.

Sfoglina 

Italian Soft Serve Gelato: Your Choice of Tahitian Vanilla & or Strawberry Sorbetto. Sounds boring but I promise you will want to go back the next day for another!

Oldies but Goodies:

Dolcezza Gelato

Dolci Gelati

Pitango Gelato

Godiva

Ben & Jerry’s

YogiBerry

 

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(Photo: Pleasant Pops)

And for those who enjoy a nice, cold popsicle we didn’t forget you–

Pleasant Pops

All original recipes made with fresh ingredients. Flavors rotate constantly as they run out. To name a few; Can also be found at various Farmer’s Markets and Food Trucks, check site.

Whim Pop

Whim Pop integrates flavors of the world on a healthy, fresh and cool environment by creating unique delicacies in a variety of exotic flavors and presentations. Whim Pop is your answer for that unexplained desired of something unique and guilt free! Can also be found at various Farmer’s Markets, check site.

FrutaPop

A small-batch, hand-crafted ice pop company, specializing in natural fruit and juice ice pops, coffee ice pops and alcohol infused ice pops. FrutaPOP is the first of it’s kind to contain healthy, natural ingredients without any added sugars. All of the alcohol-infused ice pops, also known as “POPTAILS” contain 5% ABV or less. You can order in quantities of 12, 24, 36 & 48. Order online and use code: BELTWAYBAMBINOS for 15% your order!!!

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