Disclosure: I was sent samples from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
Happy New Year everyone! I hope your holidays were lovely and that you are excited for a new year and making memories and enjoying time with family and friends. As I gear up for more family-friendly blogging for 2026, I wanted to get things started with my 16th annual Valentine's Day Gift Guide. I still can't believe I have been blogging for this long, and how I still love creating these fun gift guides to help my readers find the perfect gift for everyone on their holiday shopping lists (both children of all ages and adults). I try to find products and gifts that you may never have heard about, as these are usually the gifts people love getting and can't say they have already (you know for those people on your shopping list who say they have everything!). To kick of my gift guide, I wanted to dive headfirst into a world of cuddles, cuteness, and delectable scents with a brand-new offering from TeeTurtle that's sure to be a hit: the CloudHeads Teddy Berries collection!
If you're looking for a gift that truly encompasses warmth, comfort, and a whole lot of "awww," then look no further than these cuddle worthy plush from TeeTurtle. These aren't just any plushies; they're a delightful sensory experience wrapped in the softest, most adorable package.
Imagine this: your sweetheart unwrapping a plush toy that not only looks incredibly charming but also smells absolutely divine! That's the magic of the CloudHeads Teddy Berries. Each one boasts a soft, dessert-inspired scent that's subtle yet incredibly inviting, making them an ideal gift for anyone who appreciates a little extra sensory delight in their snuggles.
But these aren't just for romantic gestures! These weighted wonders are also a fantastic way to say "I love you" to your child or even your teenager. Their unique design, featuring oversized plush heads and compact, gently weighted bodies, makes them perfect for snuggling, providing a sense of grounding and comfort that's welcome at any age. They can sit easily on a desk, a nightstand, or be a comforting companion during homework or reading time.
Let's meet the irresistible lineup:
Cupcake – Strawberry Cake Red Panda: This little cutie is ready to bring a burst of strawberry sweetness into your life.
Mochi – Pineapple Cake Shiba: Get ready for a tropical hug with this adorable pineapple-scented Shiba!
Sugar – Cake-Scented Unicorn: A magical unicorn that smells like your favorite cake? Yes, please!
Muffin – Blueberry Cake Panda: This blueberry-scented panda is the perfect blend of cute and comforting.
Each Teddy Berry is designed to be both adorable and grounding. The gentle weight in their bodies provides a soothing, stabilizing feel, making them perfect for anyone looking for a comfort item, a post-holiday pick-me-up, or a simply delightful Valentine-ready gift. They're also wonderfully sensory-friendly, offering a calm and comforting presence wherever they go.
Don't miss out on these sweet sensations! The CloudHeads Teddy Berries are available now, individually or as a full set (while supplies last), at TeeTurtle.com and Amazon. Trust me, these plushies are more than just a gift; they're an experience! Happy gifting, everyone!
Disclosure: I was sent samples from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
Disclosure: I was provided with a screener from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
WITH AN EXCLUSIVE SING-ALONG AND OVER ONE HOUR OF BONUS CONTENT, INCLUDING DELETED SCENES, AN UNFORGETTABLE 50+ MINUTE MAKING-OF & MORE
Step into the Emerald City and get ready for a "thrillifying" experience! If your family enjoyed the first Wicked film as much as mine did, you’ve likely been counting down the days for the grand finale.
Wicked: For Good is officially out on digital, and it’s the perfect reason to gather everyone on the couch, pop some popcorn, and discover how this epic story concludes.
What is "Wicked: For Good" About?
Picking up right where the first movie left off, Wicked: For Good follows the shifting destinies of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande). As Elphaba is branded the "Wicked Witch of the West," she goes into hiding to protect the Animals of Oz and expose the Wizard’s corruption. Meanwhile, Glinda is crowned "Glinda the Good," struggling to balance her newfound fame with her loyalty to her best friend.
This second half of the story beautifully weaves in the events of The Wizard of Oz that we all know and love, showing us the origins of the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, all leading up to Dorothy’s fateful arrival.
A Mom’s Perspective: Is It Family-Friendly?
Like its predecessor, Wicked: For Good is rated PG. Here’s what you might want to know before your family movie night:
Positive Messages: The film is a masterclass in themes of integrity, standing up for the marginalized, and the power of a friendship that changes you "for good."
Intensity: This chapter is a bit more emotional and intense than the first. There are scenes involving the Wizard’s guards, the transformation of certain characters (which happens mostly through shadows and silhouettes), and the "Witch Hunt" atmosphere.
Musical Magic: The soundtrack is incredible! From the powerful "No Good Deed" to the tear-jerking title song "For Good," it’s a total treat for the ears. Plus, the digital release includes an exclusive Sing-Along version which is perfect for kids who know every lyric!
Why We Loved It
It’s rare to find a movie that captures the imagination of all ages all at once. The visuals are stunning, and the performances by Erivo and Grande are truly heartfelt. It’s more than just a musical; it’s a story about seeing people for who they truly are, rather than the labels the world gives them. We saw it in the movie theaters when it first came out, and can't wait to own the DVD and add it our Wicked collection, so we can watch and sing our hearts out, time and time again.
To make your Wicked: For Good family movie night truly "Popular," here are step-by-step instructions for themed snacks and crafts that will transport your living room straight to the Land of Oz.
Step-by-Step Themed Snacks
1. Elphaba’s "Witchy" Guacamole Cauldron
A savory, healthy snack that pays tribute to the Emerald City’s favorite witch.
Step 1: Mash 3 ripe avocados with lime juice, salt, and a splash of cilantro.
Step 2: Scoop the guacamole into a small black bowl (or a plastic "cauldron" from a party store).
Step 3: Surround the cauldron with blue corn chips (for a dark, "shadowy" look) or green veggie straws or celery sticks
Step 4: Top with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds or a few pomegranate seeds for a pop of color.
2. Glinda’s "Pink Goes Good with Green" Popcorn
A sweet and salty treat that represents the unlikely friendship of our two leads.
Step 1: Pop a large bowl of plain popcorn.
Step 2: Melt pink candy wafers in one microwave-safe bowl and green candy wafers in another (in 30-second intervals).
Step 3: Drizzle the pink chocolate over one half of the popcorn and the green over the other.
Step 4: While still wet, toss in some edible silver glitter or star-shaped sprinkles to give it that "Glinda magic."
3. "I’m Melting" Chocolate Fondue
Step 1: Melt dark chocolate chips with a splash of heavy cream in a small pot or slow cooker.
Step 2: Arrange "green" dipping items like green apple slices, green grapes, and honeydew melon.
Step 3: Add a fun label next to the bowl that says, "I'm Melting!"
Step-by-Step Movie Night Crafts
1. The "Galindified" Magic Wand
Perfect for Glinda fans who want to make an entrance.
Step 1: Take a wooden dowel or a sturdy cardboard tube and paint it silver or light pink. I have also found that paper straws also work well, if you have a few laying around the house.
Step 2: Cut two identical star shapes out of glittery cardstock or cardboard.
Step 3: Glue the stars together at the top of the dowel, sandwiching the stick in between.
Step 4: Tie long ribbons of pink and silver tulle around the base of the star so they flutter when you "cast a spell."
2. Elphaba’s DIY Grimmerie (Spell Book)
Turn a simple notebook into a powerful book of magic.
Step 1: Take an old notebook and wrap the cover in brown paper or dark green felt.
Step 2: Use gold paint or a metallic marker to draw a large "W" or mystical symbols on the front. Or, if you have gold foil paper or construction paper, you can cut out the "W" shape, too. I have had friends who use their Cricut machines to cut out wooden "W" shapes or vinyl "W" shapes. So, if you have a Cricut machine or know someone who does, you can go this route, too.
Step 3: Glue "ancient" looking beads or faux gems onto the corners.
Step 4: Inside, have the kids write down their own "spells" or their favorite lyrics from the movie.
3. Emerald City "Glasses"
See the world through green-tinted lenses!
Step 1: Cut out a glasses frame shape from green construction paper or cardstock. If you are really crafty you can attempt to create Emerald City within the glasses frame as shown above. But don't stress Mama's if you can't, as this is just supposed to be a fun craft, and kids will love it even if you keep it simple.
Step 2: Carefully cut out the eye holes.
Step 3: Tape a small piece of green cellophane over the eye holes on the back of the frames.
Step 4: Attach pipe cleaners to the sides to act as the ear pieces. Now, everything you see will look like the Emerald City!
Tip: Set the mood by playing the soundtrack while you craft! It gets everyone into the spirit before the movie even begins.
✨ GIVEAWAY: Win a Digital Copy of Wicked: For Good! ✨
I am so excited to give one lucky reader a digital code to own Wicked: For Good, thanks to the kind folks at Universal Pictures Home Entertainment! Now you can bring the magic of Oz home to keep.
How to Enter:
Comment Below: Tell me your favorite character from the Wicked movies! Are you Team Elphaba or Team Glinda?
Bonus Entry: Share this post on Facebook or X (Twitter) and leave a second comment below this blog post letting me know you did!
Giveaway ends on January 18, 2026. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email.
"Just in time for the New Year, fans can rejoycify and return to the Emerald City for the epic conclusion to the untold story of the witches of Oz, now from the comfort of their own home. After debuting at #1 at the global box office earning a thrillifying $223M and surpassing Part One as the biggest opening ever for a Broadway musical adaptation, WICKED: FOR GOOD will now be available to buy* or rent exclusively on digital platforms starting December 30, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Boasting a stellar “A” Cinemascore and Verified Hot with a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, WICKED: FOR GOOD is “a sensational conclusion” (Mashable). The film comes home with 2 versions of the movie, including an exclusive sing-along for fans and over one hour of bonus features, including deleted scenes, a 50+ minute exclusive look into the making of the movie with Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo and the cast and filmmakers, and more must-have behind-the-scenes featurettes. WICKED: FOR GOOD will also be available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray™ & DVD on January 20, 2026. There’s nowhere like home to watch WICKED: FOR GOOD.
In WICKED: FOR GOOD, Elphaba and Glinda are now estranged, each living with the consequences of their choices. Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), now demonized as The Wicked Witch of the West, lives in exile, continuing her fight to expose The Wizard. Meanwhile, Glinda (Ariana Grande) has become a glamorous symbol of Goodness, basking in the perks of fame and popularity. When a girl from Kansas crashes into their lives, Elphaba and Glinda must reunite and truly see each other—if they are to change themselves, and all of Oz. Bring home the adventure with an exclusive sing-along and prepare to be changed…for good.
The film is based on the generation-defining musical stage play with music and lyrics by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz and book by Winnie Holzman, from the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire. Directed by renowned filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Wicked, Crazy Rich Asians,), the film co-stars Critics’ Choice® Award winner and Emmy nominee Jonathan Bailey (Jurassic World: Rebirth, “Bridgerton”), Emmy® Award winner Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park, Independence Day), Oscar® and Golden Globe® Award winner Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once, Crazy Rich Asians), Screen Actors Guild® Nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s SpongeBob SquarePants, The Man Behind the Camera), Bowen Yang (“Saturday Night Live,” Isn’t It Romantic) and Marissa Bode.
*DIGITAL BUYER RECEIVES LIMITED LICENSE TO ACCESS CONTENT. SEE RETAILER’S TERMS FOR DETAILS.
EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES WHEN YOU BUY AT PARTICIPATING RETAILERS:
• SING-ALONG - ALTERNATE FEATURE-LENGTH VERSION – Rejoicify! The time has come to raise your voice and unleash the magic of Oz. Sing with all your heart as Elphaba and Glinda’s destiny unfolds in the spellbinding Sing-Along Edition of WICKED: FOR GOOD. • DELETED SCENES o Brick Making - A musical montage shows Munchkins busily shaping and painting brilliant golden bricks, bringing the Yellow Brick Road to life. o Glinda Train Tour - As Glinda leaves Emerald City, the citizens erupt into musical fanfare, sending her off with radiant cheers and lavish celebration - Featuring Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh and Bowen Yang o Even You, Fiyero* - Elphaba retreats to her lair, wrestling with the sting of Fiyero’s betrayal and the weight of her heartbreak - Featuring Cynthia Erivo o Return to the Governor’s Mansion* - Lost and abandoned, Elphaba returns to the one place she swore she’d left behind - her childhood home - Featuring Cynthia Erivo o Friendship Montage - A lively montage unfolds as Elphaba, Glinda, Fiyero, Boq, and Nessarose spend a carefree afternoon together—playing games, laughing, and relaxing over a cheerful picnic - Featuring Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Jonathan Bailey, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo o The Wizard is Sentimental - Glinda steps into her ethereal bubble to float above Emerald City, contrasted with the Wizard’s nostalgic hot air balloon ascension as he reprises “A Sentimental Man” - Featuring Ariana Grande and Jeff Goldblum • MAKING WICKED: FOR GOOD – Step behind the curtain for an exclusive look at the magic of Oz. Through never-before-seen footage and candid interviews, discover how the cast and crew brought this epic story to life—from the artistry of building Oz brick-by-brick to the challenge of filming two sweeping productions at once. A talent-led journey you won’t want to miss. • THE TRUE WIZARD - An exploration of why Jon M. Chu was the ideal director to bring WICKED: FOR GOOD from stage to screen. See how his inventiveness as a filmmaker and passion for WICKED are key ingredients for the humanity and joy we feel in every shot. • MORE THAN JUST A PLACE - A closer look at Elphaba's new song in WICKED: FOR GOOD. Cynthia Erivo, Jon M. Chu, Stephen Schwartz, and others reflect on its emotional resonance, Elphaba's vulnerability, and the expressive movement artists portraying the animal characters she sings to. • THE GIRL IN THE BUBBLE - A closer look at Glinda's brand new song for the WICKED: FOR GOOD film. Ariana Grande, Jon M. Chu, Stephen Schwartz, and more discuss how the song comes at such a pivotal moment for Glinda why filming the sequence was such a feat of technical mastery. • KIAMO KO - Return to Kiamo Ko, where the film's climax unfolds. Cast and filmmakers reflect on Elphaba's embrace of her identity as the Wicked Witch, the poignant reunion with Glinda, and the bittersweet consequences that follow in this emotionally charged sequence. • FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH DIRECTOR JON M. CHU"
FILMMAKERS: Cast: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, with Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum Choreographer: Christopher Scott Score By: John Powell & Stephen Schwartz Music & Lyrics By: Stephen Schwartz Costume Designer: Paul Tazewell Editor: Myron Kerstein ACE Production Designer: Nathan Crowley Director of Photography: Alice Brooks ASC Executive Producers: Stephen Schwartz, David Nicksay, Jared LeBoff, Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox Produced By: Marc Platt P.G.A., David Stone Based on the Stage Play with Music and Lyrics By: Stephen Schwartz And Book By: Winnie Holzman From the Novel By: Gregory Maguire Screenplay By: Winnie Holzman and Winnie Holzman & Dana Fox Directed By: Jon M. Chu
TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4K UHD: Street Date: January 20, 2026 UPC Number: US 191329276211 / CDN 191329276105 Layers: BD 100 Aspect Ratio: 16:9 2.39:1 Widescreen Rating: PG Action/violence, some suggestive material and thematic material. Languages/Subtitles: English, French Canadian, Latin American Spanish Sound: English (Dolby Atmos for Feature, Dolby Digital 2.0 for Bonus Content), French Canadian (Dolby Digital Plus 7.1), Latin American Spanish (Dolby Digital Plus 7.1) Run Time: 02:17:32
TECHNICAL INFORMATION BLU-RAY™: Street Date: January 20, 2026 UPC Number: US 191329276068 / CDN 191329275894 Layers: BD 50 Aspect Ratio: 16:9 2.39:1 Widescreen Rating: PG Action/violence, some suggestive material and thematic material. Languages/Subtitles: English, French Canadian, Latin American Spanish Sound: English (Dolby Atmos for Feature, Dolby Digital 2.0 for Bonus Content), French Canadian (Dolby Digital Plus 7.1), Latin American Spanish (Dolby Digital Plus 7.1) Run Time: 02:17:32
TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD: Street Date: January 20, 2026 UPC Number: US 191329276204 / CDN 191329276051 Layers: DVD 9 Aspect Ratio: 16:9 2.39:1 Anamorphic Widescreen Rating: PG Action/violence, some suggestive material and thematic material. Languages/Subtitles: English, French Canadian Sound: English (Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital 2.0 for Bonus Content), French Canadian (Dolby Digital 5.1) Run Time: 02:17:32
ABOUT UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT: Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (UPHE – www.uphe.com) is a unit of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG). UFEG produces, acquires, markets and distributes filmed entertainment worldwide in various media formats for theatrical, home entertainment, television and other distribution platforms, as well as consumer products, interactive gaming and live entertainment. The global division includes Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, Universal Brand Development, Fandango, DreamWorks Animation Film and Television. UFEG is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks and a suite of leading Internet-based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
Disclosure: I was provided with a screener from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
Disclosure: I was sent a copy of the book and goodies from the vendor in exchange for a write up. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
Calling all Stranger Things super-sleuths! If you've been devouring Season 5, Volume One, you've probably noticed a familiar title popping up in the Upside Down discussions, "A Wrinkle in Time," by Madeleine L'Engle. And for good reason! This classic novel isn't just a casual nod; it's practically a roadmap for understanding some of the most mind-bending elements of the latest season. Wondering how this book ties in with the hit series? One of the most thrilling connections right off the bat is how one of the episodes titles itself is "Escape from Camazotz." For those of you who've journeyed through L'Engle's universe, "Camazotz" instantly sparks recognition. It's the terrifying, conformist planet where individuality is crushed, and the chilling IT reigns supreme. Sound a little too familiar to the Upside Down's hive mind and the creeping control of Vecna? My girls and I thought so too as we watched the episode unfold!
The parallels between the two stories are fascinating. Both feature a young, determined protagonist (Eleven and Meg Murry) who possesses extraordinary abilities and a deep connection to their loved ones. Both stories delve into themes of parallel dimensions, the power of love, the fight against conformity, and the idea that there are forces beyond our comprehension at play. As we eagerly await the final episodes and furiously concoct our series finale theories, a read (or re-read!) of "A Wrinkle in Time" is an absolute must! It's not just a beautiful story in its own right, but it might just hold the key to unlocking some of the Upside Down's deepest secrets. Get ready to travel through space and time with Eleven and the gang, and maybe, just maybe, figure out how to defeat the ultimate evil!
Need a copy to aid your detective work? Macmillan Publishers, have you got you covered, with both a graphic novel version for a speedier read, or the classic prose version! I was sent a copy of the graphic novel for the girls and I to speed read through and start talking about our own theories. We have been having a blast trying to figure out how the two relate and coming up with ideas of what will happen in the remaining episodes of the Stranger Things series. Want to join us in playing detective? Grab a copy of the book today to read and then come back here and leave your theories in the comments section.
Graphic Novel Review: A Wrinkle in Time by Hope Larson (Macmillan Publishers)
The Macmillan Publishers graphic novel adaptation of Hope Larson's "A Wrinkle in Time" is a true treasure for anyone who enjoys a visual adventure. Whether you're a longtime fan or a novice, it's a fantastic way to enjoy L'Engle's timeless tale. The whimsical and frequently spooky ambiance of the original novel is expertly captured by Larson's creative flair. Her vivid black-and-white drawings vividly depict a variety of landscapes, from the comfortable Murry house to the bleak, gray conformity of Camazotz. Meg, Charles Wallace, Calvin, and the quirky celestial beings are all very relatable due to their unique and emotive character designs.
Larson's ability to distill the complex story without sacrificing its emotional nuance or thematic impact is what really sticks out. The reader is kept interested while the characters jump through dimensions because to the superb pacing.
The experience is made even more immersive by the graphic novel style, which heightens the sense of wonder and peril. For example, the tesseract's graphic depiction is exquisitely depicted, making the difficult idea understandable.
Disclosure: I was sent a copy of the book and goodies from the vendor in exchange for a write up. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
