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Nestled in the heart of Austin's Brentwood neighborhood, Birdhouse Books and Gifts is a vibrant independent bookstore that opened its doors in September of this year. The store boasts a playful kids' corner brimming with books for readers of all ages and offers author readings, book discussions, and children's story times.

The holidays are here, and so is the hunt for the perfect gift! But, don’t stress, we’ve put together "The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: From Tots to Teens" to make give you some ideas. Whether it’s toys, games, or creative picks for every age, our guide has something for all the kids on your list. Let’s make their holidays unforgettable (and yours a little easier)!

Toys are important, and let’s face it—super fun!

The best ones ignite a child’s imagination, boost creativity, and make learning feel like playtime.

But let’s be real—many toys are just flashy packages waiting to be torn open on Christmas morning, a birthday, or any gift-giving occasion. They bring a quick thrill, then get tossed aside, forgotten, and eventually end up in a landfill.

Luckily, Austin is an amazing place to raise kids, and it’s packed with fantastic gift alternatives that go beyond toys. These options aren’t just fun—they’re meaningful, memorable, and perfect for the whole family to enjoy!

Today is World Kindness Day, and this non-profit organization from Dripping Springs shows why kindness is so important – today and every day.

The Peyton Heart Project was created in June of 2015 after being inspired by several stories, including that of a 13-year-old boy named Peyton James who died by suicide in 2014. Peyton was a  middle school student from Georgetown, Texas.

This is his and his family's story. See how you can make a difference.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Get into the holiday spirit by visiting the most authentic German Christmas Market in Texas.

The German Free School and its gardens transform into a festive winter wonderland, offering a truly German Christmas experience. Discover unique Christmas decorations imported straight from Erzgebirge, an East-German region internationally celebrated for its Christmas traditions. Sip on our famous German Glühwein (hot spiced wine), a must-have for any Christmas Market visit. The event is family-friendly, with activities for kids and St. Nick himself strolling around, passing out gifts.

Who needs the icy North Pole when you can experience the electrifying vibes at The Light Park? Charge up your holiday spirit as you cruise through millions of dazzling lights, synced perfectly to the rhythm of our festive tunes, courtesy of their very own DJ Polar Ice.

Amp up the fun with some tasty treats and zappy beverages, and get ready to be shocked by the sheer brilliance of it all.

The holiday season is typically associated with joy, love, and generosity. However, for many children in foster care or residing in homeless shelters, this time serves as a stark reminder of the difficulties they face. It is in these moments that acts of kindness and generosity shine the brightest. 

Here is a list of local organizations that are looking for Holiday sponsors this year.

Ever wish a bookstore could just roll into your neighborhood? That’s exactly what Lioness Books does! This awesome mobile bookshop cruises around Texas, bringing a handpicked selection of books right to your doorstep. Think of it as a book truck that offers more than just great reads—it creates community connections by hosting fun pop-up events, book signings, and author meet-ups. Perfect for those who want to dive into new stories and chat with fellow book lovers without ever leaving the neighborhood!

Recently, we discovered Hugg-A-Planet, which makes adorable cozy pillows that are “made for hugging and designed for endless exploration”. They invite you to dream big and discover our planet “one hug at a time”.

We're giving away one of their soft, huggable planet-pillows to one lucky reader. Read on for more information.

Join KidStrong for their exciting Trunk or Treat events this month!

There will be local vendors offering delicious treats and fun goodies for everyone to enjoy. Both athletic floors will be open for kids ages 11 and under to enjoy free play, with coaches on hand to supervise the fun.

Don’t miss out on this festive, family-friendly event filled with treats, giveaways, play, and community fun!

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