Lynnette Nicholas, Author at Taste Recipes

13 Birthday Gifts for Kids of All Ages and Interests

Lynnette Nicholas — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 13:59:17 +0000

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For the Pen Pal

Lisa Frank Stationery Set

Writing beautiful handwritten letters doesn’t have to be a thing of the past! With Lisa Frank’s stationery letter-writing set, your young creative can let their imagination run wild. With its neat compartments, this birthday gift for kids encourages organization while inspiring little hands to embrace the art of writing. The adorable unicorn theme is simply the cherry on top! Have you seen our favorite birthday gift baskets?

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For the Pint-Sized Chef

Baketivity Cooking Kit

Ready, set, bake! Budding foodies will love the chance to test new kitchen skills (and whip up delicious eats) with a Baketivity subscription. This cooking kit for kids sends over a recipe, dry ingredients and activities every month. Little ones will master donuts, pretzels, cake pops and other treats in no time!

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For the Future Engineer

DIY Solar Robot

For all robotics lovers, this 12-in-one solar robot toy is absolutely amazing. Not only will your future engineer experience the gratification of seeing their creation come to life, but they’ll also be immersed in the power of solar energy. Yes, this 190-piece kit is actually solar-powered by the sun. Not only does this robotics toy have the capability to create 12 different types of robots, but it will also challenge your learner to merge many different skills.

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For the Animal Lover

Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Peculiar Pets

The Crayola Scribble Scrubbie peculiar pets set works for both boys and girls ages 3 and up, and it helps to inspire creativity in younger children. While many parents worry about marks and spills when their little one creates art, this set includes nine washable markers, a scrub brush, four Peculiar pets and a mat. Hello, easy cleanup! Discover more craft kits for kids.

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For the Creative Tween

Hand-Lettering Workbook

If you value the art of handwriting and are looking to pass on this beautiful art form to the next generation, then a hand-lettering kit is a fun place to start. Whether you want to encourage your child to have nice penmanship or to practice cursive writing, hand-lettering is a gentle, non-intrusive way to show the power and elegance of the written word. Tweens who are into astrology will also appreciate these cool Birthdate candles.

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For the Self-Care Queen

Preppy Patch Toiletry Bag

This preppy toiletry bag is ideal for the young travel enthusiast in your life who’s always on the go. Kids and tweens love this toiletry bag, because it allows them to show their creativity and individuality with the 12 styles. And, if you have a kid or tween with a Type A personality, then they will definitely appreciate that there’s a designated place for all their gear. It’s small enough to fit into a purse or backpack, yet big enough to carry essentials, like a small bottle of perfume, cosmetics and deodorant.

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For Small, Busy Hands

Wooden Geoboard

Sharing the gift of learning is one of the greatest birthday gifts for kids you can give. And, for small children, learning is truly their job. This wooden Montessori toy is ideal for ages 3 to 5 and for early learners who love to work with their hands. It’s sure to help with developing fine motor skills.

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For the Budding Scientist

Crystal Growing Experiment Kit

This engaging science kit comes with seven crystal science experiments and comes with clear display kits for showcasing the crystals. This set is best for both comprehensive learners and visual learners, as kids can literally watch their crystals grow right before their eyes.

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For the Young Beauty Fan

Libbi Nails Nail Polish

Who says that little ones have to rock boring nails? Libbi Nails is the kid and tween line designed by Liberation Nails, and with vibrant colors in lime green, neon yellow, soft pink and magenta, this line will help your kid stand out. You’ll definitely get cool points for encouraging their creative expression with the nontoxic, vegan nail polish. Plus, each shade has a fun name, including Daydream, 90’s Kid, Bright Light, Joy Quest and Kittens.

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For the Outdoorsy Kid

LED Light-Up Archery Set

The LED archery toy set is an active pick for boys and girls who love outdoor play. The light-up feature makes it easy to play during the day or night. Plus, it helps with eye-hand coordination skills. It’s a must-pack for your family’s next camping adventure!

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For the Old Soul

Professional Yo-Yo

Throwback alert! A professional yo-yo is a unique birthday gift for kids and tweens that love performing tricks. This yo-yo is beautifully designed and non-responsive, which means that users will have to learn the unique skill of getting the yo-yo to bounce back into their hands. This could be an easy way to get kids away from their computer screens and move their bodies—all while applying critical thinking skills. Older adults would love a yo-yo, too! It’s a nostalgic 50th birthday gift idea.

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For the Budding Artist

Tempera Paint Pens

As a parent or teacher, you no longer have to worry about the mess when incorporating art activities that require Tempera paints. The pen grip makes it easy for young kids to have a steady grip while creating their masterpieces, and adults do not have to worry, as this set is nontoxic and washable. Plus, the paint dries within 90 seconds for a mess-free birthday gift for kids and tweens!

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For the Future Astronaut

Flying Orb Ball

The Force 1 Orbiter flying ball is ideal for science and tech lovers who like drones. It comes with an easy-to-use remote control that won’t intimidate beginners, and it’s safe for indoor use. The best part? The orb ball also projects rainbow-colored LED lights onto the ceiling and can fly for up to 5 minutes at a time.

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Our Favorite Food and Home Decor Items from Black-Owned Etsy Shops

Lynnette Nicholas — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 01:37:39 +0000

The East African Connection Coffee Box

Whether you like your coffee light and creamy, or prefer a rich, dark roast, NoirePack has you covered. This Etsy shop specializes in creating sampler boxes with Black-owned and BIPOC coffee brands. Each sampler showcases diverse flavors from unique places around the world. The “East African Connection” coffee sampler box, for example, features medium and dark roast coffees from Ethiopia, Uganda and Crow’s Nest. It makes a great coffee gift!

Available for $27

Marbled Dinner Candles

Setting the dinner table just became a whole lot more fun. These pastel-colored dinner table candles will definitely set the atmosphere with joy and color. Each candle is individually hand-marbled and made of paraffin wax. If you love color or bold statements, these marbled candles by Nina Bombina Art are a must-have. They’re one of our favorite Etsy finds under $50.

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Macrame Plant Wall Hangers

Plant parents, this one’s for you. These macrame plant wall hangers, designed by Sweet Home Alberti, bring a Bohemian-chic aesthetic to your home. The macrame pieces are handmade from recycled cotton and wood dowels, and are customizable upon request.

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Personalized Family Cutting Board

Looking for a family heirloom? This stunning personalized family name cutting board from MorningJoyCo is one of our favorite gift ideas. It makes a sentimental wedding, new home or “just because” present. For more ideas, check out these beautiful handwritten recipe gifts.

49.0025% OFFAvailable for $36.75

Tupelo Honey

Tupelo honey is an all-natural raw honey harvested in the Apalachicola swamplands of Florida. This unique honey has a floral, buttery taste and boasts a longer shelf life due to its high fructose level. Florida-based Etsy seller The Honeydew Drop also gives back, donating 10% of its proceeds to a non-profit organization called Bees Beyond Borders. Adding to cart has never been so sweet!

Available for $21.25

Black Women Blanket

The Black women blanket by The Trini Gee showcases the diverse beauty of Black women’s hair and hairstyles. This cozy polyester blanket has a textile print featuring women with headwraps, beautiful scarves, bold braided styles, cute crew cuts and fun hoop earrings. It’s available in two sizes: 40×50-inch and 60×80-inch.

Available for $54.99

Raffia Coaster Set

Reflektion Design specializes in modern, African decor, and this blue and white woven coaster set is both serene and vibrant. This coaster set is ideal for anyone looking to have African culture on display in their kitchen or on their dinner table. Plus, it’s made from an all-natural material called raffia, which is known for being durable. These beauties will last a lifetime!

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Colorful Black Woman Print

African and African-American art is a great way to share Black history with visitors to your home, classroom or workspace. The colorful Black woman print set by YanniBByYanniB is a vibrant collection of beautiful brown women of various shades, and is perfect for those who love to showcase diversity in their home decor. After all, artwork that reflects diversity is a delicate (and sometimes even provocative) way to start a conversation.

Available for $100

Copper Foil Notecards

After your receive a gift for a birthday or holiday, sending a handwritten thank you note is a lovely gesture to show appreciation. These copper foil notecards designed by Patrina’s Paperie are simple, sophisticated and pretty. This stationary comes in a set of 40, and is customizable with your name. Choose from lined and unlined options, as well as a script or sans serif script fonts.

Available for $38

Pretty Honest Candles

If you’re looking for a candle collection that will fill up your entire living space, you will absolutely love the collections from Pretty Honest Candles. With scents like grapefruit & mangosteen, fresh coffee, cranberry marmalade and lemon lavender, the brand specializes in creating delicious smelling candles that leave a beautiful scent in your space long after the wick has been blown. All of these delicious-smelling candles are handmade in Charlotte, North Carolina using 100% soy wax and lead-free wicks.

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African Print Apron

Bespoke Binny specializes in African-print inspired kitchen accessories and home decor. Just take this African print apron, which showcases a vibrant print in fun, bold shades. Cooking has never been so colorful!

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These Mini Jam Jars Are the Sweetest Addition to Your Charcuterie Board

Lynnette Nicholas — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 21:26:12 +0000

There’s nothing like the taste of sweet, simple jam. And when it’s packaged neatly in adorable mini jars, it’s definitely a win. Seriously, what better way to jazz up a breakfast board, pancake spread or cheese platter than to add a nice medley of fruity flavors?

To make the season sweeter, we’re unwrapping the Bonne Maman assorted preserves selection. These mini-yet-mighty jars are a great way to sample more than one spread without taking up too much space. Plus, mini jam jars are a tidy little gift that is perfect for giving (and eating) all year long!

What are Bonne Maman mini jam jars?

Bonne Maman Assorted Preserves

These mini jam jars are the perfect addition to your charcuterie board.

Do you love fresh, sweet jellies and jams that are made from scratch without artificial ingredients? Well, the Bonne Maman mini jam jars include eight 1-ounce jars that are (ahem) jam-packed with lots of flavor. With this set of preserves, you don’t have to worry about choosing just one flavor to add to your favorite dish, charcuterie board or breakfast spread. This set includes a bevy of popular flavors: blueberry, strawberry, apricot, raspberry, cherry, orange, grape and honey.

And while each jar is definitely small in size, Bonne Maman mini jam jars definitely do not shortchange your tastebuds when it comes to delivering big taste! All Bonne Maman products are inspired by a quaint village in France known for family recipes and home-cooked, tasty meals where only the finest and freshest ingredients are used.

Bonne Maman jams and preserves do not include any artificial ingredients, high fructose corn syrup, preservatives or artificial coloring—the beautiful radiant color shining bright in each jar is courtesy of Mother Nature!

Psst! Have you seen the Bonne Maman Advent calendar?

How to Use Mini Jam Jars

Bonne Maman’s mini jam jars are a fun, diverse sampler. The unique flavors pair well with crackers and different types of cheese. For breakfast, spread these preserves on pancakes or waffles. They add an extra dash of flavor to holiday charcuterie boards, desserts and breakfast—and don’t forget about how lovely jam is when paired with scones and tea.

These mini jam jars are also a fun, innovative way to spice up a kitchen space. The vibrant colors of the preserves, small size and ornate appearance can easily add flair and drama to kitchen shelves and counter tops. And unlike other glass jars that are hard to open, Bonne Maman mini jam jars have an easy-grip top that’s easy to twist open.

The Best Amazon User Reviews

We’re not the only ones who can’t get enough of these petite mini jams. The set has racked up a healthy 4.4-star rating on Amazon.

Verified user, Cynthia Hoelscher, shares “I loved using these miniature jellies for cream tea and scones parties. I arrange them with a lace linen on a bone china dish. Should have taken pictures but we were having too much fun.”

Verified purchaser Sandra loves the mini jam jars. She states, “With the kids at college, my husband and I do not need to buy huge jars of anything anymore. These cute, little jars have all different flavors, and are not only very pretty but also taste amazing. Expiration dates vary for each jar, but are good for at least 7 months from now. Would recommend, and plan to buy more as presents for my friends.”

Peggy McCauley shares that the mini jam jars are “Tiny bottles full of deliciousness.” She quips, “This selection of jellies, preserves, and honey speak French all the way to your tummy. I’ve elevated my toast with a slather of Blueberry preserves, and Wild Grape jelly as well as turning my old faithful PB and J into a PB and wow! Makes a fine addition to your kitchen, and a memorable gift to special people in your life.”

Where to Buy Mini Jam Jars

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Bonne Maman Assorted Preserves

These mini jam jars are the perfect addition to your charcuterie board.

Mini jam jars are available on Amazon. Though this set constantly flies off of shelves, similar Bonne Maman mini selections are available at World Market and Walmart. Trust us—your charcuterie spread will never be the same.

FAQ

How long does Bonne Maman jam last unopened?

Unopened jars of Bonne Maman jam can last up to two years. Be sure to check the “Best if Used By” date printed on the side of the cap to ensure freshness.

How long does Bonne Maman jam last after opening?

All Bonne Maman products should be refrigerated after opening. Bonne Maman jams will last several weeks when sealed and refrigerated properly.

Is Bonne Maman jam really worth it?

Bonne Maman jam may cost a little bit more than other jams and jellies, but they are well worth it for the rich, robust flavor and fresh, homemade texture. The mini jam jars take your charcuterie boards to the next level, which is handy for special occasions or entertaining guests.

Why You Should Trust Us

Lynette Nicholas, the author of this piece, is a New York City-based reporter whose work has been featured in publications that include Taste Recipes, HuffPost Black Voices, Parents, Common Sense Media, Moms,com and Parade. Taste Recipes has earned a reputation as a reliable source for entertaining advice for more than 30 years, and every product we recommend is thoroughly vetted by our team of culinary experts and professional product testers.

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15 Best Kwanzaa Gifts for Gathering with Loved Ones

Lynnette Nicholas — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 17:04:56 +0000

Colorful Wine Glasses

Kwanzaa is a time of coming together, remembrance and looking ahead to the future. For hosts that appreciate the art of fine dining and exquisite decor, Estelle Colored Glass is a luxurious glassware line that is perfect for entertaining guests.

Inspired by the classic, vintage designs of times past, this brand draws inspiration from founder Stephanie Summerson Hall’s late grandmother, Estelle, who loved to go antique shopping. The stemmed wine set is ideal for gatherings and giving as hostess gifts. This sophisticated set of wine glasses comes in a diverse range of shades from lavender and fuchsia to royal blue and amethyst.

Handwoven Grass Baskets

Kwanzaa is a time of community and connectivity, and giving handmade gifts is customary. These handwoven grass baskets are made from sabai grass, naturally dyed fibers and date palm leaves. These Etsy gifts are uniquely designed, and the baskets are a beautiful way to add color and warmth to an interior space. Use them to store items or as decorative wall art.

Sicily Napkins

Embracing one’s African ancestry and taking pride in the history of Africa is central to Kwanzaa. And the historical connection between Sicily and the African Moors is interwoven. These vibrant, boldly textiled napkins bring the stylishness of Southern Italy to any dinner setting.

Mother Africa Shaped Cutting Board

Tired of the traditional, rectangle-shaped cutting board? Well, this Africa-shaped cutting board is definitely a far cry from typical. This item is a wonderful gift for those who love to show African pride and have Afro-centric decor in their homes. Not only is this unique cutting board made of maple wood, it can also double as a serving board or charcuterie board.

Red Glass Goblets

Red is a powerful color that carries great meaning during the days of Kwanzaa, symbolizing the struggle of many people of African descent. This 4-pack of red glass goblets are a perfect Kwanzaa gift and match other traditional Kwanzaa decorations, such as the three red candles on the kinara. For those who may choose to break away from tradition, this ornate, ethnic-print table runner definitely makes a statement as well.

Zinnia Napkin Rings

Sophistication, glamour and holiday cheer are what these Zinnia napkin rings bring to the table. With their luminous shades of green, these napkin accessories beautifully symbolize the future and hope of Kwanzaa. This detailed decorative accent clearly denotes that there are no limits when it comes to creativity.

Melamine Dinnerware Set

This melamine dinnerware set is perfect for kid-friendly family gatherings. Not only are the bright patterns warm and inviting, but this set is also break and chip resistant. It’s dishwasher safe, easy on the budget and comes with 12 pieces.

Mackenzie-Childs Tea Kettle

Coming together in a spirit of unity is at the core of Kwanzaa celebrations, and genuine conversations while sipping tea are a relaxing way to connect with others after enjoying a meal. This checked tea kettle is a beautiful and whimsical kitchenware item, and it’s the supreme Kwanzaa gift for tea lovers. Plus, it pairs well with Kwanzaa cookies, like these benne seed wafers.

Colorful Coasters

Seratonia coasters from Kazi Goods are a fresh, vibrant take on traditional drink holders. These earthy coasters add personality and spunk to holiday and home decor. Not only do they bring beautiful bursts of color to the dinner or living room table, they help to support women artists in Rwanda and Ghana.

Wine Breather Carafe

Looking for a Kwanzaa gift that is good for your taste buds and the environment? Well, if you have friends or family members that love red wine, this MENU wine breather carafe is ideal. What makes this wine gift a standout is that it allows you to sip wine while reducing waste, because its design allows for excess wine to flow back into the bottle.

HRLM Champagne

Building up Black communities and supporting Black-owned businesses is integral to Kwanzaa, and Black-owned brands like HRLM Champagne are grounded in principles of legacy, empowerment and cooperative economics. This elegant champagne brand stems from a collective of Harlem residents who believe in the power of collaboration and excellence. Just make sure you know how to open a bottle of champagne!

Revel Spirits

Revel Spirits is a Black-owned brand that is revolutionizing the spirits industry. The Revel brand is doing something unique with its agave-based Avila collection. This drink is hand-crafted and comes in three different expressions which include Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo. It’s a great gift for bartenders!

Mocktail Club

Not everyone that attends holiday gatherings drink alcohol, and mocktails are a great way to accommodate guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages. Mocktail Club is a female-led, Black-owned company that offers a variety of fun, zesty flavors. The Bombay Fire 4-pack will warm up any holiday gathering with flavors of pomegranate juice, agave, decaf tea and chili pepper.

What is Kwanzaa?

Kwanzaa is a non-religious, cultural holiday observed immediately after Christmas. It was founded in 1966 by activist and professor Dr. Maulana Karenga after the Watt riots during the Civil Rights Movement. Kwanzaa was born out of a desire to create more unity and to elevate the overall consciousness of Black and brown communities while simultaneously promoting Black economic empowerment. Celebrating one’s African ancestry, building up Black communities, making Kwanzaa recipes, celebrating family, giving gifts and empowering Black businesses all run deep within Kwanzaa tradition.

And, while Kwanzaa traditions may vary, one thing is for sure: It’s a time for celebrating, inspiring, cooking, decorating, remembering and honoring the past.

When is Kwanzaa?

We celebrate Kwanzaa internationally, as well as in America, from December 26 through January 1.

Who celebrates Kwanzaa?

People of African descent predominantly celebrate Kwanzaa. However, Kwanzaa is not exclusive to those of the African diaspora. Those desiring to learn more about the spirit of Black unity, collective economics and the principles of Kwanzaa also embrace the holiday. Do you know these Kwanzaa facts?

What are the 7 principles of Kwanzaa?

During Kwanzaa, there are seven principles to follow: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith). During Kwanzaa, many Black families decorate their homes with ornate African art, have family and community gatherings, share sustainable products and give homemade Kwanzaa gifts.

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