There are some terrific deals going on this year. But I definitely don’t like making purchases just for the sake of buying stuff. I try hard to only purchase things that fill a need in our family. That varies for … Read More
Welcome to LPF Weekly Deals! These are our favorite, tried-and-true travel gear and home life items that have stood the test of time. With 7 people in our home or when we travel, we try to only purchase items that … Read More
While I love seeing a variety of different gift guides, what I love most of all is hearing what people are actually giving their real-life children! It always spurs some ideas for me, and it’s just fun seeing other parents’ … Read More
One of my favorite things about holiday shopping is finding small businesses to support – from activities to shops to virtual classes. Since creating my first small business guide about two and a half years ago, it’s been especially fun … Read More
Welcome to LPF Weekly Deals! These are our favorite, tried-and-true travel gear and home life items that have stood the test of time. With 7 people in our home or when we travel, we try to only purchase items that … Read More
Growing up, I remember dozens of Thanksgiving lessons in school. By the time I was in early elementary school, I had the story down cold – Pilgrims arrived in search of freedom, Indians helped the Pilgrims plant, Pilgrims invited the … Read More
This post was updated November 2025. Stockings may actually be my little kids’ very favorite part of Christmas morning. There’s something about pulling out little things and treats from a giant sock that is very exciting. The only problem is … Read More
For a while now, I’ve been considering hiring someone to help me out with the some of the work at Local Passport Family. I’m thrilled to finally be able to do that! These are some of the potential responsibilities for … Read More
We’ve gotten matching family Christmas pajamas on and off for about 6 or 7 years now. I used to just get matching sibling pajamas, but then decided it would be fun if the parents jumped in on the fun. We … Read More
This post has been updated November 2025. My philosophy on men’s stocking stuffers is the same as stocking stuffers for the whole family – they need to get used (and not just create clutter) and they need to be inexpensive. … Read More
Welcome to LPF Weekly Deals! These are our favorite, tried-and-true travel gear and home life items that have stood the test of time. With 7 people in our home or when we travel, we try to only purchase items that … Read More
We’ve had our Gabb phone and Gabb watches for a few months for our 3 older kiddos. My oldest, who just turned 11, primarily uses the Gabb phone and my next two (just turned 9 and almost 7) use the … Read More
There are some terrific deals going on this year. But I definitely don’t like making purchases just for the sake of buying stuff. I try hard to only purchase things that fill a need in our family. That varies for every different individual and family.
So while I’m not buying tons of stuff, here are a few things I purchased this year!
We’ve been using Virtu Academy for online violin lessons for my older 2 kids for a while now and LOVE their teachers. All the teachers are incredibly trained both in performance and teaching (I’m talking international performers and Julliard graduates) and it’s so convenient to do it right from home. My kids have improved so much in that time.
The rates are already really reasonable ($29 for a 30 minute individual lesson) but they’re currently having a Black Friday sale where if you purchase 4 classes, you get 2 free, or if you purchase 9 classes, you get 3 free. It’s an INCREDIBLE deal on something that I’ve been paying full price for, anyway. It brings the price down to just over $23/lesson!!
They have teachers in all kinds of different instruments and teachers for adults, kids, and anyone in between. Such a wonderful opportunity.
My older daughter’s bike helmet has gotten a bit small and I definitely want her to be safe while riding. These are my very favorite bike helmets (I have this one) and they almost never go on sale. The kid ones have also been out of stock every time I’ve checked the last few months. So when I saw it in stock and on sale, I was so happy to get this one for her!
My black flats that I’ve had for about 3 years are not in good shape, and also are incredibly painful. I’ve been considering investing in a nicer pair in hopes of having them not tear up my feet, so I’m giving this pretty pair a try while they’re on super sale.
I’ve done Audible a few times but am not a current subscriber, so I was really excited to get this offer for 3 months for $5.95/month. This is a smoking deal and allows you one audiobook credit each month (and you can keep that audiobook forever even if you cancel after the 3 months), plus access to thousands via Audible Plus. Perfect for car rides or at home for me or the kids.
I’ve LOVED Biossance for a couple years now – it’s amazing clean skincare that is just so so wonderful. I’ve tried probably over a dozen of their products and have loved them all. They have a 30% off sitewide Black Friday sale (code EXTRA30), so it was a great time for me to stock up on some items that I use every single day.
I stocked up on a couple each of the squalane + vitamin C rose oil, the resurfacing night serum, and the squalane + antioxidant cleansing oil. (I also adore this moisturizer and this reef safe mineral sunscreen, but currently have enough of those at home already.)
They also have limited quantities of a FREE 11-piece gift when you spend $75+. I purchase and use these products all the time anyway, so I was thrilled to pay less for things I”m already buying.
A friend gave me a Christmas tea towel a couple years ago and it just delights me every time I pull it out. But it definitely needs to be washed after a couple days any time we use it, so I’ve been wanting a couple more for each week. I got this one and this one and they are so cute.
We also love having a family activity to do together on Christmas day after present opening, so I got this very pretty puzzle. I can’t wait to work on it together! Use code HOLIDAY30.
I’ve long loved Piccolina and they’re having a sale of up to 50% off! My older kiddos have these trailblazer shirts, so I knew I wanted one for baby M, too. I love this RBG one the most.
A couple months ago, I had an earring catch on a kiddo’s hair (ouch!!). It sadly expanded my earring hole a bit and I can’t really wear any sort of longer earring in that ear now. I’m so sad about it!! So I’ve been trying to find a couple of pretty and lightweight studs.
I loved this pair of bow studs and this pair of sparkly flowers studs, and you can get them both for $35 with the code MAKEITTWO. I got a couple extras for gifts, as well.
