Non-Toy Gifts: About this blog!

We are Marv and Stef, two friends who are stay-at-home moms. This blog's idea came from the desire to keep our kids' toy number under control . We have young kids but despite their short time (1 to 4 years) to become toy owners, we still feel that our houses are packed with too many toys. Don't get us wrong, it's not that we are anti-toy parents, but we'd like to maintain a certain balance between toys and all kinds of other gifts. Having this in mind, we put together a list of 60 gift ideas which will create beautiful childhood memories through experiences, adventures, fun learning and so much more.

If you know, have heard or offered toy-alternative presents to your or other kids we'd love to hear your suggestions so we can add new ideas to the list. If you have blogged about them, send us the link and we'll be happy to share it with our readers.

We also make available a list of 25+ local freebies and activities for your children: gifts they can receive for free on their birthday, treats to enjoy year round and events and activities the kids can attend for free.

If you're looking for a place to celebrate your kids' birthday, all you have to do is go through our list of 40+ party venues. There are so many in the Twin Cities and we try to put them all together in one place. We need your help, send us new locations, if you know any, and we'll update the list. Share your thoughts about the places where you have organized your kids' birthday parties. If you can send us pictures, please do so. Have you blogged about it? Even better! Send us the link! Also if you are the owner of a place which offers a party room, please let us know. We charge nothing to add your name to the list.

We created this blog for all the parents in the Minneapolis and Saint Paul area, one place to go to when it comes to celebrating our kids and finding new ways in building them wonderful childhood memories.

Update: February 2015 - Marv stepped out from her role of co-author of this blog and became a collaborator. You can also find her at What to Cook Today where she shares her cooking experiences.