Informative — holidays

10 Memorable Holiday Gift Ideas 0

The holiday season is here with us again. It is time to plan the gifts for your friends and family. But the problem is finding creative holiday gift ideas for your family can be challenging. When the time comes, consult this list of the best holiday fit ideas to show people that you care for them no matter your budget.

You can choose food gifts because everyone loves food, from homemade foods to holiday baskets with ready-to-eat treats. Gift boxes are a welcome surprise to most people, not only for birthdays and anniversaries but also top the list of thoughtful holiday gift ideas. From food gift baskets to books and personalized gifts, here are 10 amazing holiday gift ideas homemade treats are the point of holidays because you gift people close to you. Happy gifting!

1. Mother Earth Products Gift Card

Do you want to shop for your loved ones but are unsure what to give them? A gift card is a perfect holiday gift idea when you prefer the person to choose how to use them, like in the case of your colleagues. Give them the gift of choice with a Mother Earth Products gift card for $10. We deliver gift cards via email with instructions on redeeming them at checkout with no additional processing fees.

2. Make A Fruit Gift Basket

It's no secret that food is a way to most people's hearts. Moreover, more people are now health conscious and prefer healthy gift boxes to snacks or sweets. Freeze dried packs make up special gift boxes and healthy snacks for foodies.

Gift your loved ones a fruit basket with organic freeze dried fruit to let them enjoy fresh organic fruits. The fruits are organic, have retained 99% of their nutritional value, and have zero additives. The best part is that they can last longer because of the extended shelf life of freeze-dried foods.

Make a tropical assortment of freeze dried mango, pineapples, bananas, papaya, and apples. Another assortment could be made up of berries such as freeze dried blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, cherries, and raspberries. Be creative with your choices.

3. A Vegetables Gift Basket

Chances are your friends have used freeze dried products before and loved them. This holiday season, surprise them with an assortment of freeze dried vegetables they can use with their recipes, especially for people who love to cook.

The best part about freeze dried vegetables is that they have a long shelf life, and you don't need to limit what to buy. Moreover, the vegetables are picked at their peak season and dried while preserving taste and nutritional value. A good veggie combo includes broccoli, peas, corn, red bell peppers, and green beans. You only need to rehydrate before using it, and it's ready to use, thus making it a more convenient and time-saving option.

Make a DIY gift box with boxes at home or buy decorative gift baskets at the local craft store. Add a handmade card to your gift box with a handwritten message to make it memorable. It is also an excellent opportunity to teach your kids to wrap gifts at home.

4. Personalized Gift Items

Personalized gift items are unique holiday gift ideas that are memorable. Consider a custom family portrait with all the family members if you are making a gift for your parents. Other ideas include personalized notebooks, digital photo frames, pillowcases with their names, or mugs with pictures of your loved ones.

5. A Chocolate Gift Box

You will never go wrong with a chocolate gift box for the holiday season. Everyone loves chocolate. You can choose from regular chocolate or chocolate truffles, or candy bars. Don't know if they will be impressed? Why not add their favorite wine or drink? If you are gifting a close person, buy their favorite brand and couple it with flowers and wine in the gift box.

6. A Book

As they say, readers are leaders. Reading broadens your perspective. If you want your family members to love reading, start by gifting them a book or two. You can get them to choose their favorite by buying a gift card from a local bookstore or paying an Audible or Kindle unlimited subscription on Amazon for them.

7. Family Board Games

If you want to surprise your family, you need to think outside the box when looking for unique holiday gift ideas. The holiday season brings people together after a long year of working. What better way to make people have fun together and make memories than by playing games such as scrabble, chess, monopoly, or puzzles?

8. Gift Them a Journal

Nothing shouts "I care about you" more than a thoughtful journal. It is the perfect gift for people who love writing their goals and plans. Add a bookmark or two with motivational quotes. They'll appreciate the creativity. You can buy beautiful journals from Amazon, including gratitude journals, self-love, or goal-setting journal.

9. Cookie Decorating Kit

A cookie decorating kit is the perfect holiday gift for a family that loves cookies, considering that most families love to make cookies for the holiday season. Gift your teenage daughter or niece who loves to cook with cookie decorating kits and make cookies for the family with her. Add sprinkles and frosting for decoration and any other cookie supplies.

10. Breakfast Basket

A breakfast basket gives thoughtful holiday gift ideas when visiting your friends and family. No one can resist their favorite foods in a gift basket. Fill your basket with foods they would ideally make for breakfast. Consider a high quality coffee hamper and fruits such as freeze-dried mango, bananas, or strawberries for making breakfast smoothies or bread spread, cookies, cake mix, and granola. Don't forget to add a bouquet of fresh flowers to seal it off.

Spice up your family's holiday celebration with these ten holiday gift ideas. Which holiday gift idea did you like and want to try out? Let us know in the comments below.

References

1. https://blog.vantagecircle.com/amazing-christmas-gifts-for-employees/
2. https://www.bhg.com/christmas/gifts/homemade-food-gifts/

9 Thoughtful Ways to Celebrate Father's Day 0

Celebrated on the third Sunday of June, Father's Day has always been the perfect time to honor the father figure in your life – whether it's your Dad, grandpa, stepdad, or even uncle. And yes, a card, a gift, or a simple phone call is enough to show that you care. But wouldn't it be nice to make them feel special and create lifelong memories with them? Just pick any of the following Father's Day activities based on his interests and hobbies. Equal parts thoughtful and fun, all these activities have exactly what it takes to make this day memorable not just for your Dad but for the entire family.

1. Take a Hike in the Woods

If your Dad, grandpa, or father-in-law is a fan of the great outdoors, take them out for a hike to the nearest park or forest. Equip yourself with the necessary gear, trace the best possible trail (a.k.a. the one he'll like the most), and pack enough food to fuel your adventure (trail mix, anyone?). If you're feeling playful, you can even hide a small present for him at the end of the trail and leave a list of riddles and clues along the road so that he'll follow them and head straight to his gift.

Perfect for: Outdoorsy Dads

2. Have a Backyard Movie Night

Another great way to make this Father's Day memorable is to turn your backyard into a personalized movie theater. Just set a projector on a table and a big screen against your wall/fence and give your Dad the cinema experience he deserves. To make things more exciting, have every family member write down their movie suggestions, and pick one at random. You can even make some snacks in advance and serve them during screening.

Perfect for: Cinephile Dads

3. Go for a Family Bike Ride

Between personalized gifts and wishes created just for him, Father's Day may often feel like a standardized interaction between a man and his child. But this year, you could make Father's Day a family matter and engage all family members in one shared activity. And what better Father's Day activity than going on a family bike ride?

All you have to do is to scope out your Dad's go-to trails in advance or maybe ask him to take the lead and show you his favorite ones. You can even plan for a picnic at a nearby square or pick a cozy spot as your ride through the park.

Perfect for: Active Dads

4. Throw a Backyard BBQ

If your Dad knows his way around a smoker or a grill, give him an excuse to fire it up by throwing a backyard BBQ party. Soak up some of his wisdom by learning all about his signature marinades and how he helms the grill. Introduce him to some of your recipes or tricks, and wow him with the sides you'll make to compliment his perfectly grilled burgers and veggies. You can even invite non-family members to this party (like neighbors or close friends) and honor him by sharing fun stories and memories of him.

Perfect for: Dads who are Masters of the Grill

5. Tend the Garden

If your Dad likes spending time in the garden, it'd be a good idea to join him this Father's Day in this calming hobby. Go next to him and see how he takes care of the plants, ask him what you can do to help, and maybe pick the fruits or vegetables that are fully ripe. You'd be surprised at how you two can bond by talking about tomatoes and herbs. You can take this whole gardening experience a step further (and into the kitchen) by cooking a meal with the produce you just harvested.

Perfect for: Dads with a Green Thumb

6. Make Family Crafts

Crafting is another excellent way to bring the family together on Father's Day and create some beautiful gifts that are 100% tailored to Dad's needs. So, depending on his personality and interests, you can make anything from a hammer card⁽¹⁾ (if he's handy) to a tin can pencil holder⁽²⁾ (if he cares for the environment). Whether he's into arts or not, we're sure he'll want to get his hands elbow-deep in paint – especially if they're all creating something for him. PS: If the kids' creations are good enough, they can double as homemade gifts. So, it's a win-win!

Perfect for: Artsy dads

7. Have a Family Game Night

Let Dad lean into his gaming side by playing some of his favorite board or video games (Monopoly, Jenga, Fortnite, etc.). You can also start working on a puzzle together or play a round of cornhole in the backyard (that is, if he's more into active games). You can even have a family trivia night that'll build your brain power and make you laugh all in one go.

Perfect for: Gamer Dads

8. Make Science

While a pair of atom socks or a Pi tie would look great on a brainiac Dad for Father's Day, nothing would please him more than to conduct his own experiments with you by his side. So, pick which elements or phenomena would be the coolest to explore, gather all the necessary equipment (such as goggles, bottles, test tubes, etc.), and start working on the experiments. Depending on which science field you want to delve into, you can make anything from your own lava lamp⁽³⁾ to a balloon-powered car⁽⁴⁾.

Perfect for: Brainiac Dads

9. Visit a Museum or Nearby Historical Site

A Dad with a knack for history would love nothing more than to celebrate Father's Day at a local museum. Surrounded by artifacts and remnants of the past, he'll rejoice at the chance to share his knowledge and perhaps learn a thing or two about his favorite era. If there's no museum nearby, you could also visit a local historical site and let him go through the gobs of info, memorabilia, and photos that they have on display.

Perfect for: History Buff Dads

So, how do you plan on spending Father's Day? Got any special plans? Let us know in the comment section down below!

References:

1. https://realcreativerealorganized.com/Fathers-Day-Card/
2. https://buggyandbuddy.com/tin-can-pencil-holder/
3. https://www.homesciencetools.com/article/how-to-make-a-homemade-lava-lamp-science-project/
4. https://www.scprolab.com/post/balloon-car

Everything You Need to Know about Johnny Appleseed Day 0

Johnny Appleseed Day is an opportunity to honor the man who passionately introduced apple trees across many parts of the country.¹ He was also a missionary and among the first American conservationists.²

While other people celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day on September 26, on his birthday, others celebrate it on March 11, which coincides with the prime planting season for apples.¹ Either way, it is important to commemorate the works of the man who made apple trees bloom all over the nation. His works should never go unnoticed.

Where was Johnny Appleseed born?

Johnny Appleseed was born John Chapman on September 26, 1774, in Leominster, Massachusetts. He had two siblings, including his brother who died at infancy.² When his mother died when he was two years old, his father moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, with him and his sister.¹

Johnny started propagating apple seeds in Pennsylvania and moved steadily to West Virginia, Ohio, and Indiana. He moved further to Illinois and Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin. He planted orchards, and he would occasionally visit to take care of them.²

He would also teach people on the teachings of Swedish theologian, Emmanuel Swedenborg. He planted the apple seeds free, along with the lessons.³ He would sell the orchards once they developed, and used the proceeds to buy books written by Emmanuel Swedenborg, which he would give people for free.¹

He mostly traveled by foot, often shoeless, and always wore brimmed pasteboard to keep the sun away from his eyes. Other times, he traveled by horse or canoe. He walked for miles every day and slept outdoors. True to his name, he always carried a bag with apple seeds. He was widely known for his kindness that people consistently showed up when he came calling.¹

One admirable thing to note about his love for tending to apple trees, he would travel many miles to nurture an ailing orchard when he was learned of its poor condition. Bringing such trees back to health was his chief endeavor. ² Known for his strict stand on treating animals with kindness, including mosquitoes and rattlesnakes in line with the Swedenborgian doctrine that insisted that a life of religion is to do good to both people and animals.³ He always shared his wisdom, care, and kindness to people. Many people believe that John Chapman died on March 18 at the age of 70 years.

How to commemorate Johnny Appleseed Day

There are various landmarks over the country to honor Johnny Appleseed. In his hometown Springfield, Massachusetts, there is a park named after him. In Pennsylvania, people claim his first tree nursery is in Mansfield, and there is his monument in South Park.² Consider visiting a landmark for Johnny Appleseed near you. Share the stories about him with others, and don’t forget to post #johnnyappleseed and #motherearthproducts on social media.

Although the day is not a popular holiday, people who celebrate it do by planting apple trees or savoring apples or apple products. Savor a delicious apple and share it with your family and friends. Here are three apple recipes you can try out to commemorate the Johnny Appleseed Day.

1. Baked apples⁴

This dessert is perfect when you need a quick last-minute dessert fix. It is delicious and budget-friendly. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

• 4 apples
• 5 tablespoon granola
• ½ tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon soft brown sugar
• ½ orange zest and juice
• 1 ½ butter
• Vanilla ice cream to serve

Method

• Preheat the oven to 400° F.
• Mix the granola, the sugar, cinnamon, orange zest, and juice.
• Heat oven to 350°-400° F. Mix the granola, the sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest and juice. Core apples and put them on a baking tray. Spoon the granola mixture into the hole, spooning over any juice left. Top each one with tablespoon of butter and bake for 30 minutes until soft and sticky. Serve with a scoop of crème fraîche or ice cream.

2. Spinach Apple salad⁵

Ingredients

• 1 apple
• 1 pear
• Your favorite dressing
• ½ cup walnuts or pecans
• 3 cups spinach
• 3 cups mixed greens

Method

• Make glazed walnuts or pecans by coating them with pure maple syrup. Simmer the nuts and maple syrup for 6 to 8 minutes in a non-stick skillet. Stir constantly to avoid it getting burned. Then remove from the heat. Place them in a parchment paper and let them cool at room temperature.
• Prepare your favorite salad dressing. You can prepare it in advance and keep it refrigerated, but keep it in room temperature right before serving.
• Remove the core from pear and apple. Then, cut them into thin slices.
• Place the mixed greens and spinach on serving plates then top with the apples, pears, and walnuts. Pour the dressing. You can add machego cheese when you serve.

3. Apple Salad⁶

This apple salad is delicious and refreshing with the tart from lemon and pop of the marshmallows. Your family will thank you for it. Toast the nuts before adding for a crunchy feel.

Ingredients

• ½ inch cubed apples
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Method

Toss apples and lemon juice in a large bowl. Add celery and marshmallow, and stir in mayonnaise. Cover and refrigerate until ready for serving. Stir in the pecans before you serve.

Happy Johnny Appleseed Day from us at Mother Earth Products. Do try out these recipes with our freeze dried products and share your feedback in the comments section below.

References

1. https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-johnny-appleseed-day-september-26/
2. http://www.holidayscalendar.com/event/johnny-appleseed-day/
3. https://www.britannica.com/story/was-johnny-appleseed-a-real-person
4. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/granola-baked-apples
5. https://www.acouplecooks.com/spinach-pear-and-apple-pecan-salad/
6. https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/delicious-apple-salad/

6 Fun Things to Do With Your Kids on President's Day 0

Let's be honest: When people think of February, they immediately conjure up images of Valentine's Day desserts and homemade soups. But, honestly, these are just a few of the perks as the leap month is also "host" to a very special celebration: President's Day.

The annual holiday honors all past presidents and the presidency itself and could serve as an opportunity for you to teach your little ones about the importance of the institution. So, if you want to keep them engaged during that long weekend, here are six fun things you can do on President's Day with your family and/or kids.

What is President's Day?

Also known as Washington's Birthday, President's Day is an annual federal holiday that is celebrated on the third Monday of February. The red-letter day was established by the Congress in 1885⁽¹⁾ in honor of the first U.S. president and founding father, George Washington.

Initially, the holiday was celebrated on February 22th, which was Washington's Birthday. But, in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act⁽²⁾, which moved several holidays from fixed dates to designated Mondays to increase the number of three-day weekends throughout the year.

By moving the date, many were led to believe that President's Day was also meant to commemorate Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday was on February 12th. That's why the celebration ended up serving as a tribute to all past presidents and their contribution to our country.

6 Fun Ways to Celebrate President's Day

1. Schedule a Road Trip to a Historical Location

If you live within a reasonable driving distance from a historical location (i.e., a national landmark, a district with historical significance, or a presidential birthplace), it'd be a good idea to go on a road trip with your family. In fact, depending on the proximity of the location, you could organize a day trip or spend the entire three-day weekend there as you sink into its history. It's totally up to you!

And if you live near Washington, D.C., note that you'll be hard-pressed to find a more appropriate place than Alexandria, Virginia. The city holds the country's largest President's Day Parade with marching bands and historical reenactments filling the streets where Washington himself once roamed.

Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens is another praiseworthy destination as it offers an array of special events such as wreath-laying ceremonies, storytelling demonstrations, and other historical activities that kids can't help but love.

2. Take a Virtual Tour

The Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., features a permanent exhibition called The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden ⁽³⁾. This presentation grants visitors an insight into the lives and contributions of the men who led our nation since its founding through 900 historical objects and artifacts.

However, heading to D.C. and paying a visit to the museum isn't for everyone – which is why you could take your little one on a virtual tour of the exhibit. The online platform allows you to look up each president and read everything regarding the objects featured and their connection to the presidency. The tour also provides online visitors with glimpses of the day-to-day life in the White House.

3. Make Themed Crafts

Another fun way to celebrate President's Day with your kid is to engage in some good old crafts. The best part about this activity is that it doesn't require any fancy equipment. All you have to do is get creative with the things you already own, i.e., coloring pens, paper, glue, glitter, etc. Lincoln's signature top hat and the presidential powdered wig (out of cotton balls) are two very easy options. But, if you feel like taking things up a notch, here's a short list of all the crafts you can take up:

• Bald Eagle Magnet⁽⁴⁾
• Future President Collage⁽⁵⁾
• Log Cabin Craft⁽⁶⁾

4. Dine Like a President

We all know that long weekends are the perfect chance to get the family together and enjoy some of the tastiest home-cooked meals. But, given the holiday's theme, you could add a little presidential flair to the mix. That being said, recreate some of the dishes that made our former presidents weak in the knees ⁽⁷⁾, whether it's Roosevelt's beloved Yum Dogs or Nixon's favorite meatloaf. The Mount Vernon website⁽⁸⁾ even shares some of George Washington's go-to recipes, allowing you to feast like it was 1799 all over again. But, if you don't feel like going that fancy, you can stick to basics by baking a flag pizza⁽⁹⁾, whipping up a batch of these regal eagle cookies⁽¹⁰⁾, or popping a bowl of blue, white, and red popcorn⁽¹¹⁾ for the kids. The options are endless!

Friendly tip 1: You can even ask your mini-me’s to help around in the kitchen and make this occasion a family matter.

Friendly tip 2: Since some of the recipes could be tricky, you can simplify the process by adding dried vegetables or freeze dried fruits. They are just as tasty and nutritious as the real deal and are already chopped, which shall cut your prepping time in half.

5. Put on a Play

This activity may sound like a lot of work, but it's totally worth it, especially if your little one is a natural at acting. That said, you can have them reenact the most memorable presidential speeches (in their own way, of course) or play out a "Day in the Life" as instructed by several children's' books. To get things started, design his/her costume (don't worry if it's not perfect), practice a few lines here and there, and let them have at it. You can even set up a play date with other parents, and along with your kids, write your own story about a president, and then have them star in it.

6. Write a Letter to the White House

It's never too early to teach your kids that speaking your mind is a good thing – especially if you have something valuable to bring to the table. So, for this President's Day, have your little one write a letter to the President or even the First Lady. Urge them to share their hopes, feelings, and ideas for the future, and forward their message to the White House. Just make sure you follow the guidelines ⁽¹²⁾ so that their letter doesn't get rejected.

How will you celebrate President's Day? Let us know in the comments down below!

References:

1. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/presidents-day
2. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-82/pdf/STATUTE-82-Pg250-3.pdf
3. https://americanhistory.si.edu/presidency/
4. http://funfamilycrafts.com/bald-eagle-magnet/
5. http://www.icanteachmychild.com/2011/02/future-presidents/
6. https://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2013/02/presidents-day-craft-for-toddlers-kids.html
7. https://food52.com/blog/9784-17-presidents-favorite-foods-for-presidents-day
8. https://www.mountvernon.org/inn/recipes/
9. https://www.marthastewart.com/1117961/american-pie
10. http://www.lindsayannbakes.com/2013/06/july-4th-regal-eagle-cookies.html
11. https://blog.onlinelabels.com/2018/02/05/patriotic-popcorn-for-presidents-day/
12. https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
13. https://www.rd.com/culture/celebrate-presidents-day-children/

National School Success Month: 6 Tips for a Successful School Year 0

September is National School Success Month—a perfect time to set the stage for your child’s best school year yet. With a bit of planning and consistency, you can help your child develop healthy habits, set achievable goals, and stay motivated throughout the year. From goal-setting and daily routines to healthy eating and meaningful school connections, here are six powerful tips to support your child’s academic and personal success. It all starts with a plan—and a lot of love.

10 Exciting Grandparents’ Day Ideas To Do With Your Children 0

National Grandparents’ Day is more than just a sweet sentiment—it’s a chance to celebrate the love, wisdom, and support that grandparents give every day. Whether you're planning a heartfelt visit, whipping up a favorite recipe together, or crafting homemade gifts, this day offers countless ways to honor their legacy. Explore meaningful ideas—from interviews and games to family trees and photo books—that help kids connect with their grandparents and create lifelong memories.