Pocket Wonders

A Canadian family oriented craft and tech blog.

Best toys for your 6 month old for 2020

Can you believe your baby is already 6 months old? Your little one is beginning to communicate with you and will be starting solids. At six months, your baby may already be sitting unassisted and ready to start interacting with objects and toys. With so many toys out there, it can be hard to know what is appropriate for a six month old, and what toys would even like to play with. I’ve listed some of my daughter’s favourites when she was six month old as well as the reasoning behind why they are on this list.

[Read more…]

Best Gifts for Moms 2020

Moms usually have the hardest job of all and most are just looking for a break. Whether the mom you are buying for is a working mom, a stay at home mom, athletic mom, or techie mom, we’ve got you covered.

These gift ideas are great for valentines day, mother’s day or her birthday so don’t forget to save this page and come back to it when you have any excuse to show mom how much you appreciate her. These gifts can also be purchased last minute since they are all readily available on Amazon.

If you’re looking for gift ideas for dad, take a look at our long Christmas stocking stuffer ideas for him for some!

[Read more…]

Toys to entertain a one year old on a plane

One year old’s have an attention span of approx. 2-3 minutes. With even a short-haul flight, that’s a lot of activities you need to come up with occupy that time. And don’t forget about the airport entertainment too!

If you are like me and forgot to book a flight during naps, then you’ll need all the entertainment tools possible, without taking up too much space in the luggage and toys that allow for multi-purpose play.

In order to keep our babies busy, I’ve compiled some of the best toys to entertain a one year old on a plane. Most of these are readily available, cheap to find and will definitely buy you some time on both your departure and return flights.

[Read more…]

Travelling to Mexico with a baby or toddler

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas is just around the corner, there’s snow and it’s minus 10 degrees. Unless of course you’re one of the lucky ones that get to escape to warmer weather. This year, my family went to Mexico to escape the cold and travelling to Mexico with a one year old is no easy feat. 

Do I need a Visa to travel to Mexico?

If you are travelling to Mexico from Canada, the only travel documentation you need is a valid passport. Canada and the United States are among the 67 countries that are exempt from a visa to enter Mexico. Make sure you’ve given yourself enough time to get a passport for your baby. Sometimes during the busy season, Passport Canada can take weeks to months to process your application. We had ours done when our daughter was around 8 months.

TIP // I’ve found that Costco has the best price for passport photos. They have a lot of experience with getting a good photo with babies as well. 

[Read more…]

How to Make and Fold Dumplings [With Video]

how to make dumplings

HOW TO MAKE DUMPLINGS

My absolute favourite meal is Chinese dumplings.  I grew up with them as a little girl and would always request my parents to make them. Have you ever wondered how you can make dumplings at home?

Traditionally, Chinese dumplings are eaten on special occasions since meat was not affordable back in the day. Now you can enjoy it whenever you’d like!

The most difficult thing about dumplings is folding them. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to fold dumplings properly so you have dumplings that look like they were bought from the store.

It should also be noted that this recipe can be modified by simply switching the dumpling wrappers with wonton ones and presto, you have wontons.

Portion size: Enough for 4 people (or 2 really hungry ones)

Prep time: 1-2 hours (dependent on folding speed)

Cook time: 20 mins

WHAT YOU NEED

how to make dumplings, the ingredients

MEAT FILLING

  • 500lb Ground Pork
  • 1 bunch of dill
  • A blender
  • A mixing bowl
  • 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
  • 2 Tbsp Sesame oil
  • 2 Tsp black pepper (adjust according to preference)

FOR FOLDING

  • 1/4 cup of Flour (for sprinkling trays and keeping your hands form sticking to the dough)
  • Trays or plates to put folded dumplings on
  • Dumpling wrappers
  • A small spoon (a teaspoon is good)
  • A small bowl with water

SAUCE

  • Chinese Vinegar
  • Garlic
  • Soy Sauce
  • Chili Oil (optional)

[Read more…]

70+ Advent Calendar Ideas for the boyfriend or husband

70 Advent Calendar or Stocking Stuffer Ideas for the Boyfriend or Husband

70+ Advent Calendar or Stocking Stuffer Ideas for him (the Boyfriend or Husband)

Update: The original advent calendar list was from 2015. I’ve recently updated this to include advent calendar ideas for 2020 and will be continuously adding as ideas come.

I have a tradition in my house. Every year, I do an advent calendar of small wrapped gifts for my boyfriend, now husband. Last year’s advent calendar was only “13 days of Christmas”. This year I did 25 days of Christmas. I thought I’d share what sort of things I’ve wrapped up (including ideas that I didn’t use). These would also make great stocking stuffers or Valentine’s Day gifts for him.

[Read more…]