https://momtriedthese.com/Only the ones I kept. A working mom's finds for kids, home and life.enhttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/moving-countries-with-kids-first-week-box/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/moving-countries-with-kids-first-week-box/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000What to pack in a first-week box when moving countries with kids: comfort items, kitchen basics, chargers, and no-drill home fixes.Mom lifehttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/school-morning-routine/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/school-morning-routine/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000A realistic school-morning routine for working moms: what to do the night before, a simple checklist, and the gear that saves minutes.Mom lifehttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/diwali-snacks-to-make-with-kids/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/diwali-snacks-to-make-with-kids/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Simple Diwali snacks kids can help make: coconut ladoo, chocolate barfi, unniyappam, namkeen mix and fruit-and-mithai platters.Foodhttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/after-school-snacks-not-biscuits/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/after-school-snacks-not-biscuits/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Easy after-school snack ideas for hungry kids: lassi, makhana, fruit chaat, popcorn, egg bites and nut-free bars.Foodhttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/lunchbox-ideas-for-picky-eaters/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/lunchbox-ideas-for-picky-eaters/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Five days of lunchbox ideas for picky eaters: pinwheels, mini paniyaram, pasta salad, DIY crackers and cheese, and breakfast-for-lunch.Foodhttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/playdate-snacks-everyone-eats/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/playdate-snacks-everyone-eats/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Easy playdate snack ideas that work for every kid: a divided snack platter, fruit, popcorn, cheese, and allergy-friendly options.Playdateshttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/too-hot-to-go-out-playdate-ideas/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/too-hot-to-go-out-playdate-ideas/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Indoor playdate ideas for hot days when kids can't play outside: water play, karaoke, marble runs, slime, and indoor obstacle courses.Playdateshttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/zero-setup-playdate-ideas/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/zero-setup-playdate-ideas/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Seven zero-setup playdate ideas for kids 5 to 10: card games, story dice, building challenges, a dance-off, and parallel crafts.Playdateshttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/the-ten-minutes-that-are-yours/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/the-ten-minutes-that-are-yours/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000A short note on protecting ten minutes a day for yourself as a busy mom, and a few small things that make those minutes count.Mom noteshttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/having-help-is-not-a-confession/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/having-help-is-not-a-confession/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000A note for moms in help-supported households: having a nanny, a cook or a cleaner doesn't make you less of a parent.Mom noteshttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/festivals-far-from-home/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/festivals-far-from-home/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000A note for moms raising kids far from home during Diwali, Eid, Christmas and every festival in between. You are building their version of home.Mom noteshttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/you-dont-have-to-do-it-all/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/you-dont-have-to-do-it-all/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000A short note for busy moms: doing enough is not the same as doing everything. On letting the small stuff go.Mom noteshttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/to-the-mom-who-forgot-costume-day/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/to-the-mom-who-forgot-costume-day/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000A short note for the mom who missed the school email, forgot costume day, or packed the wrong thing. You're doing better than you think.Mom noteshttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/instant-pot-weeknight-dinners/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/instant-pot-weeknight-dinners/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Five easy weeknight dinners for an Instant Pot when you're tired: dal, khichdi, rajma, pulao and chicken curry.Foodhttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/magnetic-tiles-worth-it/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/magnetic-tiles-worth-it/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Why magnetic tiles are worth it: open-ended play that grows with kids from toddler to tween, plus which set to start with.Kidshttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/school-small-stuff/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/school-small-stuff/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000The small school essentials that save mornings: ID badge holders, spare socks, light shoes, bag hooks, a good water bottle and lunch gear.Schoolhttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/travel-games-we-bought/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/travel-games-we-bought/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Travel games for kids we bought this year: GiiKER Tic-Tac-Toe Bolt, travel Shut the Box, Train of Thought and magnetic tangrams.Travelhttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/the-squishy-shelf/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/the-squishy-shelf/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000The squishies and sensory toys we've bought this year: NeeDoh, glitter dumplings, butter squeeze, sugar bears and more.Kidshttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/homemade-dahi-yogurt-maker/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/homemade-dahi-yogurt-maker/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Make homemade dahi (yogurt) daily with an electric yogurt maker. Easy, consistent and great for raita, lassi and lunchboxes.Foodhttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/no-drill-renters-toolkit/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/no-drill-renters-toolkit/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000No-drill home upgrades for renters: stick-on shelves, adhesive hooks, a towel rack, cordless wall sconces and cable fixes.Homehttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/kitchen-organizers-i-bought/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/kitchen-organizers-i-bought/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Kitchen organizers that make a small kitchen work: magnetic fridge racks, a knife bar, pan rack, clear fridge bins, a sink caddy and a coffee station.Homehttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/indoor-plants-ac-apartment-with-kids/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/indoor-plants-ac-apartment-with-kids/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Grow plants in an air-conditioned apartment with kids: propagation stations, LECA, coco coir pellets, self-watering pots and lucky bamboo.Homehttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/make-home-smell-like-a-hotel/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/make-home-smell-like-a-hotel/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Make home smell like a luxury hotel: hotel-inspired diffuser oil, reed diffusers, incense done neatly, and warm lighting.Homehttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/hallway-shoe-chaos-fix/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/hallway-shoe-chaos-fix/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Fix the shoe pile by the door: clear shoe stackers, a storage ottoman that doubles as a seat, adhesive hooks for school bags.Homehttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/sun-safe-kids-kit/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/sun-safe-kids-kit/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000A simple sun-safe kit for kids in hot climates: a UPF 50+ hat, a rash guard swim shirt, mineral sunscreen and a cold water bottle.Kidshttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/paniyaram-pan-weekend-breakfast/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/paniyaram-pan-weekend-breakfast/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Why a cast iron paniyaram (appe) pan earns its spot: paniyaram, unniyappam, mini pancakes and falafel bites from one pan. Plus easy ideas for kids.Foodhttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/minecraft-t-shirts-and-keyrings/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/minecraft-t-shirts-and-keyrings/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Minecraft t-shirts, keyrings, pajamas, a light-up torch and a backpack: small Minecraft gifts and school-bag extras kids love.Kidshttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/early-christmas-finds-2026/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/early-christmas-finds-2026/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Early Christmas gift finds for kids and moms in 2026: LEGO advent calendars, Minecraft merch, Yoto, STEM kits, books and stocking stuffers before they sell out.Seasonalhttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/kid-safe-gadgets/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/kid-safe-gadgets/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Kid-safe gadgets with no browsing, no ads and safe volume: Yoto, Tonies, volume-limited headphones, no-internet smartwatches, ok-to-wake clocks and kids' cameras.Techhttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/gadgets-i-like/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/gadgets-i-like/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000The everyday gadgets a working mom actually uses: a 3-in-1 charger, robot vacuum, smart lights, a smart AC controller, a travel power strip and a Kindle.Techhttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/travel-friendly-products/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/travel-friendly-products/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Travel-friendly products for families: packing cubes, a luggage scale, vacuum bags, kid headphones, a foot hammock, tablet mounts and the mom carry-on.Travelhttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/lunchboxes-i-love/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/lunchboxes-i-love/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000The kids' lunchboxes I love: Bentgo, OmieBox, Yumbox, PlanetBox, the Smiggle Minecraft bento with removable dividers, plus bags and ice packs that make them work.Schoolhttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/water-bottles-that-work-for-us/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/water-bottles-that-work-for-us/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Water bottles that work for kids and moms: a Smiggle spray bottle, a numbered carry-on bottle, bottles with handles, football bottles, Owala and Stanley.Schoolhttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/minecraft-gifts-and-finds/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/minecraft-gifts-and-finds/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Minecraft gifts and finds kids actually love: LEGO Minecraft sets by age, plush, books that get them reading, walkie talkies, a smartwatch and the Smiggle lunchbox.Kidshttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/natural-self-care-that-lifts-my-mood/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/natural-self-care-that-lifts-my-mood/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Natural-ingredient personal care that lifts your mood in minutes: rosewater mists, mogra, Ayurvedic oils, lavender roll-ons, shea hand cream and ginger tea.Mom lifehttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/diwali-away-from-home/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/diwali-away-from-home/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +000030 Diwali best sellers for celebrating away from India: diyas, torans, urlis, puja essentials, mithai, namkeen and kids' kurtas, all on Amazon.ae.Seasonalhttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/unique-thanksgiving-products/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/unique-thanksgiving-products/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Unique Thanksgiving products that make hosting easier: a food warming mat, fat separator, gnome dish brush, LED tapers, plus kids' books and table activities.Seasonalhttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/halloween-top-20-picks/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/halloween-top-20-picks/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +000020 Halloween picks for kids that are actually selling right now: glow sticks, LED masks, easy costumes, spooky books and five-minute decor.Seasonalhttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/long-weekend-at-home-with-kids/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/long-weekend-at-home-with-kids/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000A simple screen-free plan for a long weekend at home with kids: one build, one game, one mess, one quiet hour, with the things that make it work.Kidshttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/stem-toys-for-8-to-12-year-olds/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/stem-toys-for-8-to-12-year-olds/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000STEM toys for kids 8 to 12 that hold attention: circuits, marble logic, robotics, 3D pens and LEGO machines, from my list and the current best sellers.Kidshttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/bentgo-vs-omiebox-vs-yumbox-vs-planetbox/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/bentgo-vs-omiebox-vs-yumbox-vs-planetbox/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Comparing the four kids' bento lunchboxes on my list: Bentgo Kids, OmieBox, Yumbox and PlanetBox, and which one suits which kid.Comparehttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/magna-tiles-vs-cheaper-magnetic-tiles/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/magna-tiles-vs-cheaper-magnetic-tiles/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Magna-Tiles vs PicassoTiles and other budget magnetic tiles: what you pay for, what to check before buying, and which to pick for your kid.Comparehttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/birthday-return-gifts-for-kids/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/birthday-return-gifts-for-kids/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Return gift and party favor ideas for kids' birthday parties that don't end up in the bin: squishies, Play-Doh, card games, sticker books and craft kits.Kidshttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/best-family-card-games/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/best-family-card-games/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000The best family card games for kids 6 to 10, from what's charting on Amazon US and UAE: UNO, Flip 7, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, Monopoly Deal and more.Kidshttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/lego-advent-calendars-2026/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/lego-advent-calendars-2026/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Comparing the 2026 LEGO advent calendars (Marvel, Star Wars, Disney Princess) by age and interest, plus a LEGO gingerbread house for a family build.Seasonalhttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/work-from-home-mom-tech/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/work-from-home-mom-tech/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Gadgets for moms who work from home, travel for work and parent: charging, smart home helpers and the travel tech that earns bag space.Mom lifehttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/kids-activities-that-hold-attention/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/kids-activities-that-hold-attention/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000Screen-free kids activities that hold attention for 30 to 90 minutes, sorted by kid type: builders, quiet thinkers, makers, storytellers and movers.Kidshttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/playdate-ideas-when-you-have-to-work/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/playdate-ideas-when-you-have-to-work/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000A playdate playbook for busy parents: setup, group games that don't need a referee, and parallel play that keeps kids busy.Kidshttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/long-haul-flight-with-kids-packing-list/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/long-haul-flight-with-kids-packing-list/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000What to pack in the plane bag for a long-haul flight with kids: headphones, mess-free activities, sleep help, and the mom carry-on.Travelhttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/10-minute-school-lunchbox-system/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/10-minute-school-lunchbox-system/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000A simple school lunchbox system for busy mornings: the box, the prep tools, the snacks and the small extras that save a sad lunch.Schoolhttps://momtriedthese.com/blog/what-to-stock-when-help-doesnt-show-up/https://momtriedthese.com/blog/what-to-stock-when-help-doesnt-show-up/Wed, 28 Oct 2026 08:00:00 +0000A working mom's backup plan for the day the help cancels: what to keep in the freezer, the pantry and the kid kit so the day doesn't fall apart.Mom life