Blog Posts by DailyCandy

Prepare for an all-night gabfest.


Courtesy of TattlyTattly Friendship Bracelets

Skip the arts-and-crafts portion of the night and stick on temporary tattoo friendship bracelets for thematic fun.

Available at tattly.com, $5.

Bath Products that Make a Splash

Courtesy of Willa

Make sure all the ladies at your soiree are covered with masks from Willa. The clay and aloe formula unclogs pores and moisturizes skin, so everyone looks as young as they feel.

Available at willaskincare.com, $18.

Courtesy of Essie

Finger painting might seem like a good idea for your gathering, but you're no pro. Skip chips and messy manicures with Essie's embellished stick-on solution.

Available at target.com, $10.

T.W. Stokes / Courtesy of RikumoBinchotan Toothbrush

A good host always stocks extra toothbrushes. This plaque-removing version made of charcoal from Japan is a helpful parting gift come morning.

Ways to get your house, purse, and life in order.

	Dirty Laundry We think you'll appreciate the large capacity of this hamper. More room for dirty clothes means less-frequent face time with your washing machine.
	An Even Clip Don't get all bent out of shape. Hang jammies, hats, backpacks, or anything else you want off the ground on these hooks.
	Do This When your lists have lists, it's best to buy notebooks in pairs. Lined paper helps keep your to-dos in order.
	Hand It Over A book in the hand is better than two on an out-of-reach shelf.
	Put a Plug in It People with kids don't leave the house without two binkies - and a pacifier holder that keeps the dirty from the clean.

Need inspiration to get yourself to the gym? Here are some of our favorite picks:

Essential OilsAddress the stress, release tension, and get yourself in gear with a little help from H. Gillerman Organics essential oil blends.

Available at hgillermanorganics.com, $48.

Grip SocksRaise the barre by adding stability to your next studio workout with a pair of socks that have a texturized grip.

Available at barresocks.com, $10.

Sports BraGet your girls in check with a sports bra from Alternative Apparel's new Move collection. The crisscross supporter made of soft Eco-Jersey holds tight with an elastic band.

Available at alternativeapparel.com, $42.

SneakersIf you're not brave enough to go au naturel and barefoot sneakers make you cringe, may we suggest the lightweight and breathable Minimus cross-trainers from New Balance.

Available at newbalance.com, $100.

CreamBefore you work up a sweat, dab your pits with Soapwalla's deodorant cream. Void of stinky chemicals like aluminum, the all-natural formula of

It's gray out there. Color your kid happy with an array of items in bright hues.

Courtesy of Kid O
Kid O Color Steps

Step it up a notch with a puzzle for beginners that teaches color and size one rung at a time.

Available at amazon.com, $19.

11 Kid-Friendly Recipes

Courtesy of Erupt Prints

Keep track of growth spurts with an Erupt Prints growth chart. The bursting-with-color measurement tool goes up to a whopping four feet, nine inches.

Available at etsy.com, $32.

Courtesy of Sunday in Color

Playon Crayon

Regular crayons just don't stack up, but these wax doodle sticks do. Plus, they're molded into a shape that makes it easy for little artists to get a grip.

Available at sundayincolor.com, $13.

Courtesy of RompSpirelli

A spiral aluminum wand is layered with rainbow-colored discs that spin out a musical rhythm when turned upside down.

Available at rompstore.com, $23.

Courtesy of Sunday in Color

Hip,

A look back on some of the very best new products for kids.

Best Beauty Finds of 2012
When it comes to research, we never shy away from a little dirty work. Read on for creams, serums, sticks (and shticks) we tested (and loved) and put your best face forward all (next) year.

Best Beauty Snoops
Say, you're not a celebrity who can afford personal trainers, nutritionists, and facialists at your beck and call? (Neither are we.) A house call to Manhattan skin guru Dr. Sherry Shieh is the next best thing.

Best Hair Fix
No three ways about it - braids hit it big in 2012. Thumb our coast-to-coast coverage, from L.A. twisters who come to you (some even serving cocktails with their fishtails) to Chicago's latest braid bar, plus a DIY waterfall and updo how-tos that won't leave you in knots. (Spoiler alert: We bet 2013 will be all about bangs, as evidenced by this new, low-commitment snippery that opened in NYC.)

Best Online Apothecary
North Carolina-based writer, photographer, and natural product junkie Jen Altman shared a virtual, shopable vanity

The Times Square ball has nothing on you. Toast to the New Year in a slinky sequin-adorned frock.

More from DailyCandy.com:
Make Your Own Clothing
How to Create a Smoky Eye
The Best Red Lipstick for Every Skin Tone

Whether you're traveling this holiday, or staying close to home, here are some of the best places to shop for your little ones.

Todd McHenry / Courtesy of Building BlocksFor a Wheel Good Time

She can push choo-choos around the train table while you browse, or trail you with a mini shopping cart of her own. Both Building Blocks locations are packed to the ceiling with a seemingly endless assortment of toys.

Building Blocks, 3306 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago (773-525-6200); 2130 West Division Street, Chicago (773-235-1888 or buildingblockstoys.com).

Kristen Bach / Courtesy of Treehouse Kids & CraftFor Future Craft Bloggers

Art school grad and Treehouse Kid & Craft owner Kristen Bach spreads her love of DIY with classes and a full range of craft supplies. Her obsession with handmade also extends to her stock, a mix of Etsy discoveries and familiar brands that include Jess Brown and Blabla.

Treehouse Kid & Craft, 815 West Broad Street, suite A, Athens (706-850-8226 or treehousekidandcraft.com).

Courtesy of Yoya

For City Slickers

Everything from cute threads to