065: Send Me the Link: Kids’ gift ideas & stocking stuffers
Also: Let’s bring back IRL trips to the toy store
Welcome to Two Truths, a bestselling newsletter & media brand exploring the many truths of motherhood from journalists & maternal health advocates Cassie Shortsleeve of Dear Sunday Motherhood & Kelsey Haywood Lucas of Motherspeak. Two Truths is rooted in the healing & affirming principle that two (or more) things can be true. It’s a “best parenting Substack” per Motherly; also seen in The Skimm, Vox, The Bump, Popsugar & more.
‘Send Me the Link’ is a special feature of Two Truths where we share the products, services, apps, experts & extras that make life better, brighter, more beautiful, or all-around easier. (We don’t think you need a lot of ‘stuff’ in motherhood, but this stuff is the good stuff.) Here’s the link to…
All five of our daughters will be wearing this dreamy dress for the holidays. Also obsessed with this one and this one. (Want to get 20% off your entire order? Click here, then drop your email and you’ll receive a code.)
Tired of ordering everything online? This IRL trip, where my daughters picked out dolls and accessories, dined alongside them, then explored a new city, brought me back to my childhood in the best way possible. —C
My budding artist spends hours with this guide that teaches kids how to draw cool stuff. —K
Add this under-$20 stuffie to a holiday list: When turned on, its tummy casts a circle of different-shaped lights onto the ceiling (hearts, stars, animals), making for a fun bedtime display; it turns off automatically, too. —C
My middle daughter is starting a collection of little porcelain dolls with some from my childhood. Adding this one this year. —C
Nostalgia, continued: I can’t wait to give my daughter this collectors-edition Polly Pocket — an exact dupe of my favorite compact (the castle!) when I was a kid. —K
This jet plane dashboard is perfect for little ones who love loud, light-up toys…and moms who love wooden ones.
My 5-five-year-old has three things topping her wish list: a watch that helps her learn to tell time, a set of walkie talkies, and some good Elsa gear (this collection has some of the cutest I’ve seen). —K
This Duplo set (with storage box!) is perfect for little builders.
Three random stocking stuffers: training chopsticks (for kids who love sushi), a wooden bird call (for kids who love nature), and a set of beaded dress-up jewelry (for kids who love to accessorize).
For budding readers: My five-year-old is loving this unicorn book series. —C
These gorgeous, Nordic quilts are crafted in a barn in England. Instant heirloom status.
Watching my son ‘steer’ this push car (with a very serious, focused look on his face) is priceless. —K
This is the ice cream set of all ice cream sets. (I have never met a child who doesn’t love this thing.) —K
These initial hats can be customized with a name on the back.
More and more hotels and resorts (I recently visited this one and this one) offer magical five-star add-ons for kids (in-room tents, personalized teddy bears, scavenger hunts, and more). The packages are certainly a splurge, but a gift everyone will love. —C
» There’s more! Scroll down to find the most-clicked links from the last issue…
[partner content]
Maybe it’s because the 2MamaBees swing sets and playhouses are some of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen. Or maybe it’s because the brand was founded by two mom friends who wanted to make a difference (sound familiar?). Either way, when it comes to timeless children’s gifts that the entire family will benefit from, we’re excited to introduce you to 2MamaBees — a brand dedicated to purposeful play that specializes in high-quality playhouses, swing sets, play kitchens, Montessori bed frames, and more. We love that it’s all crafted in America with the mission of nurturing bonds, sparking imagination, and inspiring growth. Two Truths readers can save 15% on everything at 2mamabees.com with our exclusive code, 2Truths.
A look back at top links from our last issue…
These new adorable ‘spring boards’ with tiles for everything from teeth brushing to soccer practice help curious kids actively engage in routine and understand what the day ahead has in store. Personalizable, stylish, and easy for small hands to use, they also double as cute kid decor. —C
I regret to inform you that succumbing to social media trends can actually be good for your health sometimes, because sipping from this has increased my daily water intake from about one ounce to one gallon. —K
I am currently wowed by this beautiful blue floral wallpaper now covering the sloped ceilings of my youngest daughter’s small bedroom. —C
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Resources and Support For Maternal Mental Health
Emergency assistance is available 24/7 at 911
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-TLC-MAMA or 1-833-852-6262) provides access to a trained counselor 24/7 and is available in Spanish and English
Postpartum Support International provides educational resources on PMADs, free support groups, webinars, advanced trainings for providers, and more
Postpartum Support International’s provider directory includes a list of thousands of trained professionals organized by state
The Motherhood Center offers counseling, support groups, and webinars
The Postpartum Stress Center offers educational resources, counseling, a referral list of trained providers, and advanced training for providers
SUPPORT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH WITH POSTPARTUM SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL (PSI). PSI is a global champion for perinatal mental health that connects individuals and families to the resources and support needed to give them the strongest and healthiest start possible. Visit postpartum.net for information on perinatal mental health disorders, access to 30+ free, online support groups, an online provider directory, the PSI HelpLine, local support coordinators, a perinatal mental health discussion tool, specialized support resources, and more. Call the PSI HelpLine toll-free at 1-800-944-4773 for basic information, support, and resources. Support via text message is also available at 800-944-4773 (English) and 971-203-2773 (Español). Remember: You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well.