Must-Have October 2015 Finds For Babies and Kids
The 16 Must Haves Every Mom Should Have on Her Shopping List This October
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Some moms can't wait for Fall — the end of kids complaining of Summer boredom — while others bemoan the start of crisper weather, knowing full well a long Winter is around the corner. But, no matter which side of the seasonal spectrum you're on, we hope to make the transition easier with some amazing products you'll actually want to add to your shopping list (which is probably looking a little bare, anyway, now that back-to-school supplies have all been acquired). We've got your family's official October must haves right here, from a new, much smaller take on the diaper bag to inspiring children's books to a camera that does something a little more important than taking selfies.
1 ELARI Diaper Wallet
Like the Coach clutch of your teen years and the Michael Kors wristlet of your prebaby life, this diaper wallet ($70) is compact, is easy to carry around on its own or throw into another bag, and holds the essentials — a diaper, changing pad, wipes, and some cash — for quick outings.
— Alessia Santoro, Moms assistant editor
2 Happy! by Pharrell Williams
I don't know a kid who doesn't love Pharrell Williams's "Happy." My kids are still bopping along to it more than a year after its release. And his interview with Oprah Winfrey about the song turned me into an eternal fan. On Oct. 6, the Grammy Award winner will release a book by the same name ($20), and it's one that you'll want to get your hands on. It's a photographic picture book placing the song's lyrics over photos of kids expressing their happiness. It really is a beautiful book and one that your kids — even those who aren't reading on their own yet — will love reading with you! Along with the book, for every tweet about why reading makes you happy using the hashtag #readHappy, Penguin Young Readers and First Book will donate a book to low-income families. Now that's something we can get happy about!
— Rebecca Gruber, Moms editorial director
3 "I Woke Up Like This" Statement Tee
For the mom who loves a pop-culture graphic tee, Enjoy Essential has them for all ages. So, if you want to rock mommy-and-me "More Issues Than Vogue" tees with your baby or just buy an "I Woke Up Like This" shirt ($18) for your little lady (who very likely did just wake up like that), they've got every of-the-moment option.
— Kate Schweitzer, Moms editor
4 Logi Circle
This portable home camera ($200) definitely seems like any other camera straight off the bat, but rather than using it for security purposes, this camera is all about keeping you and your loved ones connected. The accompanying app allows you to view what's going on in real time from your phone at any point throughout the day, but it also highlights moments you may have missed but would like to watch and cuts out the sections where nothing is happening. The coolest feature, in my opinion, is "Day Brief," where all of the notable clips from the day are smashed into a 30-second video — like a time-lapse but more fun. With another awesome feature — two-way talk — you can say goodnight to your kids or just be present in a moment that you aren't physically able to be a part of. It's an amazing concept.
— AS
5 Disney Playmation
Disney's Playmation ($120) just may be the hottest toy of 2015, and it's the one your kids will be begging for come the holiday season. The new line of toys completely transforms kids into their favorite Disney characters using motion sensors and wearable technology without a wire or WiFi device to be seen. Think of them like this: your little Avengers fans can put on Iron Man's "repulsor" arm pieces and engage in missions (handed down from J.A.R.V.I.S.) that require them to run, jump, and tumble their way around their room. As they play out their missions, their hand and finger movements are tracked, and the arm pieces can shoot and block enemy shots just like they do in the movies. When you push a button to shoot at an enemy, the whole arm piece vibrates as a reaction. When an enemy shoots you, the lights on your palms change colors. You child is essentially Iron Man. The starter pack, which comes out on Oct. 2, includes one piece of Avenger Gear (Repulsor), two Power Activators, and two Smart Figures — a superhero (Captain America) and a supervillain (Iron Skull).
— RG
6 It's Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspired and Get Going by Chelsea Clinton
Chelsea Clinton's new book, It's Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspired and Get Going ($19), encourages little ones to take on the big challenges around them. By combining facts, charts, photographs, and stories, this book inspires tweens to make a difference one small step at a time. The worldly book engages kids in issues ranging from homelessness to climate change and teaches them that you're never too young to get involved.
— Lauren Levy, Moms assistant editor
7 Joe B Maxi Skirt
If you're still not back into your prepregnancy skinny jeans but might just lose it if you have to wear your maternity duds (or another pair of boring black leggings) one more day, these ultrasoft, elastic-waist Joe B maxi skirts ($12, originally $30) are the perfect addition to your Fall wardrobe. And at that price, we insist you buy one in every color.
— KS
8 "Just a Slice" Onesie
This pizza onesie ($70, originally $100) from the Freshly Picked and Beloved collaborative collection is too much to handle. There are three print designs in the collection — kitty, pizza, and skeleton — and each is featured on a onesie and pair of moccasins, as pictured. Though the pizza onesie is sadly sold out already, there are other options from the collection still available.
— AS
9 Ninja Nesting Dolls
These ninja nesting dolls ($20) are an adapted version of the traditional Russian Matryoshka dolls, and they're absolutely hilarious. What better way to hide a ninja — or a treasured item — than inside a ninja?! Genius.
— AS
10 Joe Journeyman NFL Search-and-Find Book
For any little football-lover, this book ($25) featuring Joe Journeyman, the only man to play on all 32 NFL teams, is not only a fun fiction story, but it's a search-and-find activity as well. It's like Where's Waldo for a sports fanatic — your kiddo will be searching for Joe, his friends, and various football items for hours.
— AS
11 Mountain Buggy Juno
There are so many carriers to choose from, but if I could do it over again, I'd grab the Mountain Buggy Juno ($180) for many reasons — not only does it grow with your baby from the newborn stage (it comes with an infant insert) all the way to toddlerhood at around 24 months, it's actually possible to carry a toddler comfortably thanks to the ergonomic design and luxe shoulder strap padding as well as the multiple hold positions to choose from. Plus, I love the "hands-through connection" it offers and the fact that the expandable waistband pockets are big enough to hold my keys, credit card, and cell phone.
— KS
12 Skeleton Pajamas
These adorable skeleton pajamas ($12, originally $23) are cute not only for Halloween night but for the whole month of October!
— AS
13 Tommee Tippee Pump & Go
Every mom can agree that breast-pumping isn’t at the top of the list for most enjoyable parenting pastime. Thankfully, Tommee Tippee just launched a new Pump & Go ($100) that takes (almost) all of the annoyance out of the process of expressing milk. The suite allows women to pump directly into pre-sterilized, recylable milk pouches that click right into a custom bottle frame. No more spills, and better yet, no more cleanup!
— KS
14 The Nonsense Show by Eric Carle
Forgive me if I get a tad bit excited about a new Eric Carle book! The author of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and The Very Hungry Caterpillar will always be a favorite, even if my kids are well beyond the beginner book years. The latest, The Nonsense Show ($19), hits stores on Oct. 13 and is sure to be a hit. Each page is filled with funny images that are truly nonsense, but as the author points it, it's also surrealism. Consider this book your child's first lesson in art history!
— RG
15 Bugaboo Comfort Wheeled Board
Parents of two (or more!) who don't need a double stroller but have kids who aren't quite ready to walk all day will rejoice with Bugaboo's latest product. The Bugaboo Comfort Wheeled Board ($125) is more than just a place for your little kid to stand; when they're tired of that, they can sit on the attached stool. This is your ticket to plan an entire day out!
— RG
16 Stride Rite Star Wars Retro Skywalker Sneaker
The force is already strong, even if the new Star Wars movie won't be released until the end of the year. If your little one can't wait, you'll want to sign up today to be notified when Stride Rite's Star Wars Retro Skywalker Sneaker ($45) will be released. And, because mini Star Wars sneakers aren't enough, the company will be introducing grown-up ones ($100) at the same time!
— RG
