Top Ornament Trends for 2025

Can you believe it's time to start thinking about your Christmas decor already? Our local shops already have Christmas decorations out even though we haven't had Halloween yet!

If you are wondering what is happening in the world of Christmas tree ornaments I thought I would share a few of this year's trends with you.

Christmas Color Trends for 2025

First let's look at the colors we'll be seeing more of this year:

Bold Monochrome is set to be big for people looking to make a dramatic themed tree - black and white is the main palette, but you could also do a red and white tree. This look also looks good if you combine another trend for 2025 - oversized ornaments - using a few on your tree will help create even more drama.

Mixed Metallics are also big - metallics have been on trend for a few years now, but in 2025 it's all about mixing them - gold, silver, copper and bronze (even adding in champagne - not a metallic, but a great color to add to them). Add a mix of shiny, matte and glitter finishes to add dimension to your tree. This is a very luxe tree theme.

Pastels & Playful Candy Colors are also back in 2025 for a whimsical Christmas tree. Think blush pink, lavender, mint and pale blue. Balance these ornaments out with white Christmas ornaments. You can add candy ornaments for a playful tree.

To see the full range of colors for 2025 check out The Christmas Ornament Color Trends Guide.

Ornament Trends for 2025

Layered Textures - in 2025 it's all about textures so think velvet ornaments, feathers, beaded ornaments and sequins. Layering lots of textures on the tree will add depth and richness which can result in a very glamorous looking tree.

Make sure you alternate textures so no two similar ornaments sit next to each other, adding sprays and feathers as well as your ornaments will really help to bring this tree together beautifully. This works very well with colors like emerald green and burgundy.

Transparent Glass Ornaments - glass ornaments filed with glitter, snow or tiny trinkets are very trendy in 2025 and are perfect for an elegant or minimalist Christmas tree. Buy your own fillable ornaments and add small trinkets that are personal to you or small models of something pertaining to a hobby or a place you've traveled to. This also makes the tree more personal to you and leans into another trend for 2025.

These ornaments are great as they reflect light around the tree so you can combine them with fairy lights and silver ornaments to help add an ethereal glow.

Handmade Touches are huge in Christmas ornaments this year as sustainability continues to influence Christmas decoration. If you're no good at making ornaments yourself you can find rustic wooden stars and felt animals to purchase and still stay on trend when you hang them on the tree!

These handmade or natural ornaments are perfect for a rustic or farmhouse themed tree. You can even get the kids involved and make paper chains or paper snowflakes to adorn your tree.

Check out the full list of 2025's Top Ornament Trends for Christmas.

Shop a Couple of the Trends

Here's a couple of sets that can help you shop the trends:

Pastel Christmas Ornament Set from Amazon

The set above hits one of the color trends of 2025 - pastels as well as also hitting the layered textures trend as well. A perfect set to add to your tree in order to update your look. 

Black & White Ornament Set from Amazon

The set above is all you need for the bold monotone themed tree - it even includes a tree topper.

I hope you've enjoyed looking at the top Christmas ornament trends for 2025, let me know if you'll be following any of these trends or not.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Halloween Must-Have Decorations Review

 As spooky season approaches, this year is shaping up to be one of the most creative, expressive years yet for Halloween decor. As I walk or drive around the neighborhoods this year, I see some very creative decorations, from tech-enhanced animatronics to vintage charm and classics.

I'm most impressed with the large 12-foot skeletons and animatronics. Our neighbor, who lives around the corner from us, has a 12-foot animatronic witch. When you walk by, it lights up and screams at you.

These large decorations have instant curb appeal, and the kids love them. Keep in mind that if you purchase something this large, you will need a place to store it.

I also see a lot of the classics, such as inflatables in all shapes and sizes, ghosts, and pumpkins.

We decorate our yard with two inflatables, one 7-foot Grim Reaper and a 4-foot pumpkin. We line the walkway to the front porch with six lighted carved pumpkins, three per side. For a lighted ambiance, we wrap lights around both railings on the porch.

This is our front yard for Halloween. The witch in the cauldron has since been replaced with the Grim Reaper and Pumpkin inflatables.

Find all of your Halloween needs in my Amazon Storefront

All About Halloween

Find more Product Reviews on ReviewThis Here:

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Wednesday Addams American Girl Doll Review

Wednesday is a popular Netflix series based on Wednesday Addams of the Addams Family. The first season, which aired in 2022, saw Wednesday, who is played by Jenna Ortega, try to solve a murder at Nevermore Academy. 

The series received positive reviews from the critic with Wikipedia saying that it was "the second most watched English Netflix series." The second season was released in 2025 and the show has since been renewed for a third season.

DOLL DESCRIPTION

The show is popular enough to have created some interesting merchandise including the American Girl doll named Wednesday who appears here on this page. The Hollywood Reporter says that the American Girl doll company has “gone goth.” For this doll, American Girl partnered with Amazon MGM Studios.

Packed in a special collector box with a certificate of authenticity, she sold for $295 U.S. According to American Girl Fandom, she was released on July 21, 2025 and sold out six days later on July 27, 2025. The limited-edition doll, with a run of 6,000 individually numbered dolls, was available on both the American Girl and the Amazon websites. 

Wednesday is like many other Truly Me American Girl dolls, measuring 18-inches with opening and closing eyes, a vinyl head and limbs and a soft body. This doll, of course, looks like the Wednesday character that many love. She has black pigtails, bangs that are called ‘curtain bangs', painted eyelashes, feathered eyebrows and freckles. Her black velvet dress has a white sateen Peter Pan-style collar and long sleeves. The dress features an embroidered pattern that looks like a floral print and has interesting black buttons. She wears black tights and panties and shiny black patent kitten-heel Mary Jane-style shoes. Her accessories include a Thing figurine, two bags of piranhas and a fake silver-colored obsidian necklace.

Better Homes and Gardens predicts that, at least in part because of the popularity of Wednesday, this Halloween will see a trend to “dark academia, gothic, Victorian, and downright spooky style and decor.” I agree and think that this doll would make a great part of anyone's Halloween decor collection. Plus, because of the fact that it is a limited-edition doll, I believe that it will increase in value in the years to come. 

UNBOXING VIDEO

Here's a short video unboxing of Wednesday:

BUY WEDNESDAY

Since Wednesday is sold out, you will have to look to resellers to find her. Click here to find your Wednesday Addams American Girl doll on eBay. If you can get your hands on one of these dolls, you’ll be doing the Wednesday Dance for sure!

OTHER MERCHANDISE

Other Wednesday Addams toys have included a Monster High doll and a Fisher-Price Little People figurine set.  You will find thousands of new, used and vintage Wednesday Addams-themed merchandise on eBay by clicking here. I even saw a pair of Dr. Martens Wednesday themed boots!

Don't miss out on the Wednesday merchandise at Amazon, either! Click here to see the collection there. 

Happy Haunting!

Brenda

MORE HALLOWEEN & AMERICAN GIRL DOLL READING:

Play-Doh's Count Creepyhead Playset.

Discover Jim Henson's General Mills' Monsters Cereal.

What is Summerween?

American Girl Doll Items in my eBay store!

American Girl Doll Sewing Patterns.

A Locker for American Girl Dolls.

  

 

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The Witchy Boo-Boos of Halloween Night - A Chaotic Short Story

 

The Witchy Boo-Boos of Halloween Night

The Spell Gone Wrong

Hazel, Griselda, and Moondrop weren't your average witches. For one thing, their brooms had more duct tape than straw, and their black cat had defected to the neighbor's porch two Halloweens ago.

But this year, the sisters had big plans.

"We're taking over the town!" Hazel declared, waving her wand like she was conducting an orchestra. "Every man, woman, and child will croak as frogs by midnight!"

Unfortunately, Hazel had a small problem: she never read instructions all the way through. So, when she mispronounced the spell, instead of turning the townsfolk into frogs… she turned herself into one. With a pop and a puff, there sat Hazel, slimy and green, blinking her bulgy eyes.

Griselda laughed so hard she fell into the cauldron. 

But before she could crawl out, poof! she too was a frog. Then Moondrop, in her attempt to "fix it immediately," only managed to hop right into the same trap.

Three frog-witches croaked in chorus under the moonlight, glaring at each other from the pumpkin patch, so much for world domination.

From Frogs to Goats - Total Incompetence!

As frogs, the sisters had limited spell-casting power, but Griselda—always the bossy one—was determined to fix their slimy situation. She hopped onto a toadstool, puffed up her throat, and croaked out a forgotten rhyme she half-remembered from Witch School:

"Eye of newt, tail of bat,
Get us out of this, and fast at that!"

The air shimmered, the ground shook, and then—BOOM! Gone were the frogs. Success? Well… not exactly.

Instead of returning to their witchy selves, they were now goats. Yes, goats. With witch hats perched between their horns and long, crooked noses somehow still attached, they stood bleating on the side of a windswept mountain.

Hazel tried to bleat with authority: "We're… still… powerful!" But the only thing that came out was "Maaaahhh!"

The goats slipped and slid on the rocks, their robes caught on branches, and one of them even started nibbling on her own spellbook. Scary? Not so much. Spectacularly ridiculous? Absolutely.

Bikini Witches in Bali - It All Went South!

By now, Moondrop was done. "We are never going to make it to town at this rate," she bleated, stomping a hoof.

Determined, she concentrated harder than ever before, her goat-eyes glowing green. "This time, no mistakes!"

The mountain swirled. The goats spun like tops. A burst of fireworks filled the sky. And then—swoosh!—the sisters found themselves lying on soft sand with the sun beating down.

WHAT!

They were back in their witchy bodies! But there was one small catch: instead of flowing black gowns, they were now squeezed into neon bikinis!

Hazel's funky swimsuit sagged in all the wrong places, Griselda's hat flopped over her sunglasses, and Moondrop's green skin was already turning a suspicious shade of sunburn.

Each held a martini glass that didn't even have a paper umbrella, staring in disbelief at the turquoise waves rolling in.

Hazel finally slumped back in her lounge chair. “Maybe… just maybe… Halloween isn't our thing."

Griselda raised her glass. "To ghosts. Let them handle the haunting! We suck."

The three witches clinked their witchy potions together in defeat. 

And so, on that Halloween night, while the rest of the world celebrated spooks and scares, three witches in bikinis sat in Bali, drinking martinis, and admitting once and for all—they were better at beach vacations than at being scary.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Vintage Play-Doh Count Creepyhead & Friends Playset Review

If you've always loved Play-Doh, monsters and/or Halloween, Kenner's Count Creepyhead and Friends Play-Doh set is one you should own. It allows you to create your favorite monster faces and includes four masks representing Dracula or a vampire, a werewolf or the wolfman, a mummy and an evil countess, villain or queen.

The set includes the figure or body, his hair, a cape and the four masks referenced above. It is recommended for individuals aged 3 and up and is marked set number 24210 with the UPC code 076281242101. 

Here's the original television commercial for the set:

And here's a review by Mike Mozart from The Toy Channel on YouTube. Mike does a great job of reviewing the toy in action and of making you want to own the set.

Unfortunately, it is a vintage 1984 playset, which means it is retired, rare and expensive. What is it worth today? The price does vary and I have seen a new set sell for $399 but today's results are somewhat lower than that and, of course, you can find used sets for considerably less. See for yourself what the Count Creepyhead and Friends Play-Doh set is valued at today by clicking here to eBay.

What an great addition to a Play-doh or Halloween-themed toy collection!

Happy Haunting!

Brenda

Treasures By Brenda

MORE PLAY-DOH:

Play-Doh in my eBay store.

You never know what sets and or accessories I might have in store for you!

Play-Doh's Jake and the Never Land Pirates Playset Reviewed.

Know a fan of Jake and the Never Land Pirates? You might want to check out this set.

Play-Doh Airplane Explorer Starter Set Review.

Perfect for airplane fans or anyone who works in the airline industry. Don't miss this set!

Play-Doh's Medical Doctor or Operation-Themed Set.

Finally, this set is perfect for anyone who works in the medical world.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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What is Summerween?

 

I have long known that Halloween is the biggest selling holiday in America. With all the costumes, candy and decorations that people buy, that comes as no surprise. But I have just discovered a trend known as Summerween that I will review here.

The stores have long put their Halloween merchandise out during the late summer. However, Good Morning America says that stores launched their Halloween items extra early this year at least in part hoping to catch a piece of this trend. People are not just buying their Halloween supplies early but they are actually celebrating the holiday twice. That is, in October and in June or July and hence the term Summerween.

According to the magazine Real Simple, the holiday may have originated from the Season 1, Episode 12, Disney Channel episode of Gravity Falls, in which the residents celebrated Halloween with jack-o-melons and trick-or-treating in the summer on June 22nd or the second to last Friday of the month. The Pioneer Woman points out that if this is the origin, it took more than a decade for the trend to translate from the screen to reality, which it has done in 2025.

Summerween is enjoying succes at least in part because of the nostalgia surrounding Halloween though  Summerween-themed merchandise tends to include our favorite themes with some brighter, summery colors like those shown in the photo at the top of this page. You will find an endless variety of items like these for your Summerween celebration here on eBay.

The new ‘holiday’ is I suppose whatever you make it but it tends to be a blend of summer and Halloween with both non-traditional Halloween items like the aforementioned melon jack-o-lantern, icy drinks and flamingoes to traditional items like Frankenstein, skeletons and ghosts. You can have a pool party and a BBQ. You can read fireside stories at the campfire. You can watch spooky movies outdoors!

What a great way to get double the value out of your Halloween collection. If once a year is not enough for you and you want to do Halloween twice, you’ll find lots of ideas for celebrating a traditionally non-traditional Summerween in your social media feed but let me take this opportunity to share a few great ideas here:

MORE SUMMERWEEN CELEBRATION IDEAS

Harley Quinn Costume 

A Harley Quinn costume might even be better in the summer than in the winter because you don't have to worry about being warm!

A Barbie-Themed Apron

How about a Barbie-themed apron? I think it would make a perfect part of your costume in the summertime especially if you are serving up some pink cocktails.

Here's How to Celebrate Summerween

A Summerween party with recipes from Delish that seem appropriate to the original holiday hosted in summer. Mummy hot dogs, pumpkin s'mores cookies and a black widow cocktail are just a few.

Creepypasta

Perfect for your Halloween-themed storytelling, fall or summer, creepypasta is definitely not edible.

Wait Until Dark

Audrey Hepburn's Wait Until Dark is a perfect psychological thriller considered "one of the most intensely frightening movies in movie history."

Halloween Treats Jigsaw Puzzle

Puzzles aren't just for wintertime. If you find you have more time on your hands in the summer or you just enjoy puzzling all year long, you will enjoy this Halloween Treats puzzle.

SOUND UNNATURAL?

"Summerween?" says the Gravity Falls character played by Kristen Schall. "Sounds unnatural." What do you say?

Happy Summerween!

Brenda

Treasures By Brenda

SUMMERWEEN MERCHANDISE

Find the Summerween-themed pieces shown at the top of the page -- including Frankenstein's bust (and his bride, not shown here), a pumpkin flamingo, assorted skull ice cream cones and the female Scream movie character and so much more -- here, on eBay.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Jim Henson Muppet Monster Cereal by General Mills

Fans of The Muppets and Jim Henson, of Halloween and of General Mills’ Monster Cereals are going to love this review of this limited-edition, monster-themed cereal. It’s a collaboration between the two companies. That is, The Jim Henson Company and the General Mills Company and it shares new artwork with the popular monster cereal characters of Count Chocula, Boo Berry and Franken Berry as Muppet-style puppets.

General Mills says the boxes are tactile and ‘soft-touch fuzzy’ though I have not had the opportunity to actually touch one and I have seen mixed messages about when it is supposed to be released. One article said October and another said August but I see that some boxes with this artwork are already on store shelves and on eBay as I write this post on August 11, 2025. It does make me wonder if there is a non-fuzzy and a fuzzy version. If you know, be sure to let us know! 

The back of the boxes feature more Muppet pictures and celebrates 70 years of “A Monstrous Legacy.” The box is collector worthy whether you collect Muppet, Halloween or cereal-themed items and is supposed to retail for $7.70 per box at Walmart. Of course, being a limited edition, that price will not last once the supply is sold out. If you don't find the box or boxes on the cereal shelf, you will likely have to pay more to obtain the boxes when they are retired.

General Mills says, “Whether you're reliving fond Halloween memories or making new ones, Monsters Cereal promises a season of frightful fun, fuzzy feels, and puppet-powered nostalgia.” Though not a particular fan of this cereal myself, I agree.

Note that more merchandise and collectibles are available here on Jim Henson’s website featuring the Monster Cereals.  Eventually, I am sure, they will arrive on eBay, too.

Click here to see what Jim Henson Muppet-themed Monster Cereal merchandise is available now on eBay.

Happy Halloween!

Brenda

Treasures By Brenda

MORE READING    

Find General Mills and The Muppets in my eBay store.

The Muppets Exclusive Deluxe Plush Toys.

I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story.

Haunt Your House With Lego's Haunted Mansion set.

  

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Insulated Lunch Boxes for School Children Reviewed

The right lunch box is very important to any child.  They reflect personalities, preferences, or interests at a glance.  

When my children were in elementary school, carrying the right lunch box was just as important as having a "cool" backpack for the first day of school.  Because so many schools require uniforms now, lunch boxes and backpacks are often the only things that allow students to show their individuality.  In our family, one of our favorite adventures before school started each year, was selecting a new lunch box.  

Favorite featured "characters" change with each year so it is important to let kids select what they want when you can.  Like Halloween costumes, whatever video game, cartoon or movie character is a hit, that is often the most sought after character design for a lunch box.  

There were years when my children wanted dinosaurs, animal or space related "everything" regardless of what else was popular.  While my children were most concerned about the pattern on the fabric, I was concerned about the closure, pockets, straps, weight, size and whether or not it was sturdy enough to last the school year.  

 Kulle Lunch Box for Boys,Insulated Lunch BagsCheck Price

I preferred a lunch box that had a separate interior pocket for an ice pack.  I always liked to include a dessert like a fruit cup or a pudding cup along with a sandwich in their lunches.  Because those choices must be kept cold, I added a reusable ice pack to their lunch boxes.  I wanted the ice pack in a pocket so it would not get thrown out with their food packaging trash.  Even juice boxes need to be kept cool, as well as any sandwich that has lunch meat or refrigerated condiments, so those ice packs were imperative. 

I also wanted their lunchboxes to have a zippered external pocket for napkins or a separate morning snack, which was allowed in kindergarten and first grade.  I didn't want them to have to search inside of their lunch box for the snack.

Back then, we were limited to what was available in our local stores.  Today's generation of school-age children have a plethora of online stores to search for just the right lunch box or lunch bag. 

Parent and Student Approved Lunch Boxes or Bags 

Depending on the age of the child, the size will be a big part of what a parent will need to check before purchasing a lunch box for their student.  For instance, a kindergarten student could not easily carry an adult size lunch tote filled with food.  A small child will most likely need a lunch box that measures approximately 8.5" x 9.5" x 3.25" while an older child can carry a larger lunch box.

 Lunch Bag for Girls Leather Insulated Lunch Box with Water Bottle Holder and Shoulder Strap (White Bunny)Check Price

Other Lunchbox Considerations and Preferred Features 

• Insulated
• Shoulder Strap & Handle Options
• Size & &Weight 
• Interior Pocket for Ice Packs or Separation
• Water Resistant
• Exterior Pocket for Bottles or Thermos 
• Exterior Pocket for Napkins 
• Easy to Wipe Clean Interior 
• Easy Zipper 

 Animal Fox Insulated Kids Lunch BagCheck Price Insulated Lunch Box for Boys Girls, Game Lunch BagCheck Price Bluey Kids Soft Insulated School Lunch BoxCheck Price

As kids get older, they will most likely prefer specific artwork, or a solid color lunch tote.  However, they will still need the same lunch box construction features itemized above.

 Lunch Box for Boys Girls - Reusable Insulated Lunch BagsCheck Price

Read More Product Reviews On
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Insulated Lunch Boxes for School Children Reviewed  written by:

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5 Smart Tips for Using YouTube Playlists to Grow Your Channel

 

Why Creating Playlists Has Made a Big Difference for My YouTube Channel

I'm not a YouTube guru, and I'm definitely not one of the big-time experts with millions of followers—but I do have a YouTube channel called Stumped Riddles, and I've spent countless hours researching ways to improve it.

Along with learning about YouTube's new Algorithm, one of the best pieces of advice I picked up—and something I've personally found incredibly valuable—is the power of creating playlists.

If you're new to YouTube or haven't tapped into the playlist feature much, let me walk you through the reasons why it's something you shouldn't overlook.

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1. End Screens + Playlists = More Watch Time

This is the biggest benefit I've found so far.

When uploading long-form videos, YouTube allows you to add an end screen at the end of your video. One of the options you can add to that screen is—you guessed it—a playlist.

Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, so what? It's just a playlist." But here's why it matters: you control what goes in that playlist. If you've several videos on a particular topic (in my case, riddles), you can link viewers directly to related videos using the playlist feature.

And here's where it gets better:

• On desktop, the full playlist shows up on the right-hand side of the screen. That means even if someone doesn't click the box on your end screen, they might glance over and click another video in the list. Your list occupies that real estate!

• On mobile, that playlist appears below the video, making it easy for viewers to continue watching your content.

This increases your watch time, and that's something YouTube loves.

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2. The Master Playlist: One Place for All Your Videos

If your videos all fall under one broad theme, like mine do, it's a good idea to create a master playlist, along with other category playlists.

The master playlist will contain every video you've published that fits within your channel's overall theme. 

As you keep creating, that master list keeps growing—and that's a good thing. People can easily binge on your content, which again boosts your channel's watch time.

This master playlist can also be used on end screens or discovered in searches (more on that below). And just like before, people on desktop see it to the right, and mobile users see it below the video.

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3. Break It Down: Organize Your Content into Logical Categories

Besides having a master list, organizing your videos into specific topic-based playlists helps your audience find exactly what they're looking for.

Here are some of the playlists I've created on my channel:

• Christmas Riddles

• Halloween Riddles

• Riddles for Teens, Adults, and Seniors

• Emotion & Virtue Riddles

• Food Riddles

• Nature Riddles

• What Am I Riddles

• And a special one for the Riddle Sisters, a new series I've started

• and more....

You can even put one video in multiple playlists if it fits into more than one category. This gives your content more chances to be discovered through different search paths.

Here’s One of My Playlists (Featuring the Custom Cover I Designed):

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4. Give Each Playlist a Unique Cover Image

This may seem like a minor detail, but I've found it extremely helpful for visual organization.

You can upload a custom image for each playlist, so that when people visit your YouTube channel homepage, they can instantly spot the difference between categories. I've done this for all of mine—it gives your channel a more polished look and helps guide viewers more easily.

If you're new to it, you'll need to research how to do this, but it's relatively straightforward once you've learned the basics.

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5. Write Descriptions for Your Playlists (They Matter!)

This is one thing that's easy to skip, but it's essential: make sure you write a solid description for each of your playlists.

YouTube treats playlist descriptions as part of your searchable content. So, if someone types "Christmas riddles" into the search bar, your "Christmas Riddles" playlist (with the right keywords in the description) might show up, not just your individual videos.

In other words, your playlists can be searchable assets. That's extra real estate on YouTube to help people find your content.

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Final Thoughts: Don't Get Overwhelmed—Just Keep Building

If you're just getting started with YouTube, it can seem overwhelming. I've been there—and truthfully, I'm still learning every single day.

My best advice? Don't try to figure everything out at once. Focus on one piece at a time. Playlists were one of those "a-ha" moments for me, and once I got the hang of them, I saw how much they helped, not only with organization but also with growth.

So take it step by step. Learn a little more each time you post a video. And when it comes to playlists, trust me—they're worth the effort.

Time to Solve a Riddle!

Take a breather and try to crack this fun riddle from Wild Roxy of the "famed" Riddle Sisters! It's a YouTube Short—and I'll be sharing tips on Shorts along the way too!

Enjoy!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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A Review of Halfway to Halloween ~ or Halfoween

We are all familiar with Christmas in July.  Now we have a midpoint Halloween Holiday called Halfway to Halloween ~ or Halfoween.

Halfoween or Halfway to Halloween Fun Facts

Halfoween is a celebration midway to All Hallow’s Eve, usually occurring on or about April 30th or May 1st. It has become a great time to enjoy some early spooky fun. Many celebrate with themed events or other activities.

This halfway Halloween holiday often finds people putting up Halloween decorations, preparing and eating Halloween-themed snacks and drinks, and having special events like watching favorite spooky movies or putting on a costume and enjoying a Halloween party or attending a festival.

*Personal Note: My daughter-in-law will be thrilled to learn of this special halfway holiday, as Halloween is her VERY favorite holiday for which she has TONS of decorations for both inside and outside the house. Now she will be able to use them twice a year! :) 

This holiday hasn’t been around very long, but it is interesting to note that this date of Halfway to Halloween occurs around the date of Walpugis Night, or Walpurgisnacht (‘Night of the Witches). This is a pagan festival celebrated on April 30th each year. The tradition involves lighting bonfires and singing Celtic folk songs to mark the arrival of Spring.

The Disney Parks “Halfway to Halloween"

In recent years, the Disney Parks have adopted this Halfway to Halloween celebration as an annual event where the Disney destinations announce and preview their upcoming Halloween celebrations. They have parties like “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party" at Walt Disney World and the 'Oogie Boogie Bash' or Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. You can check out the upcoming new offerings, plus early looks at Halloween decorations and merchandise on the Disney Parks Blog. 

Summary

A really exciting way to celebrate the Halfway to Halloween Holiday is to attend one of the many festivals (or spooky film festivals) being held around the country around the end of April or the first of May. Do an online search to see if there is one happening in your area, or plan on attending one that appeals to you.

The most fascinating one I spotted for this year is the Wicked New England Festival being held on May 3rd in Salem, Massachusetts (home of the Salem Witch Trials in 1692). Quite an appropriate location for a Wicked Halfway to Halloween Holiday Festival. The event is for anyone who can't wait for Spooky season!

So, mark April 30/May 1 on your calendar to celebrate Halfway to Halloween in your favorite 'celebrate Halloween' way. 

Related Post:

• Crafty Cuties for Halfoween

*Halfway to Halloween Holiday Review written by Wednesday Elf

Halfway to Halloween Stuff! 

Womens Halfway to Halloween Retro 70s Flowers Groovy Floral Ghost V-Neck T-Shirt

Happy_ 1/2 Halfway to Halloween Tote Bag

Womens Halfway to Halloween V-Neck T-Shirt

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Review Post Holiday Bark Recipe

Leftover Holiday Candy? Repurpose leftover holiday candy and nuts into yummy candy Bark with ease. So easy for any holiday or party any time of the year! Christmas, Halloween and Easter Holidays definitely produce a variety of candy (or sales to stock up!)

How To Make Holiday Candy Bark

Materials

Baking sheet

Parchment Paper

Glass bowl

Ingredients

Leftover Candy

Chocolate or White Chocolate melted, 1 bag of chips or 1-2 Bag of melts

Sprinkles optional.

How To Make

Prepare all the candy, nuts, decorations. Unwrap candy, chop nuts, chop candy if needed. 

Prepare the baking sheet with parchment paper. 

Melt the chips or melts in the microwave in a glass bowl or the bowl of your choice which is microwaveable. 

Microwave on high 1 minute and check. Use 30 second increments after the first minute. After each 30 sec check the chocolate and stir. Check if the chocolate is melted to a spreadable consistency.

With a spatula spread the chocolate mixture over the parchment paper. Thickness should be enough to cover the paper, about 1/4 inch thick.

Add the chopped or whole candy, nuts and sprinkles if desired. Randomly sprinkle over the chocolate mixture.

Freeze or put in refrigerator to set.

Break apart into triangles pieces. Store covered and can store in refrigerator if in danger of melting. 

Which Candy, Nuts, Raisins Work Well

There can be trial and error with choosing the best leftover candy. Chopping the candy into bite size pieces is helpful. Raisins, coconut and nuts can usually be used from the package. 

Leftover candy canes work well but should be chopped. 

Leftover Easter Bunnies work well but should be cut up into smaller pieces.

Chocolate can be testy when melted and each type of chocolate has its' own correct temp to melt. I have found using the microwave on high for 1 minute, check and stir, then in 30 second increments does work well.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Holiday Themed Gifts for Newborn Babies

 As the holidays approach, we may find a new name or two added to our shopping lists this year in the form of family/friends' newborn babies. 

This gift guide may be helpful in deciding on the perfect gift for a new baby.

Genius Baby Toys The Original My Baby's First Thanksgiving Playset with Turkey, Teddy Bear, Pumpkin Pie, Native American Girl

First Thanksgiving Sensory Toy by Genius Baby

A cute developmental toy for the new baby to enjoy, My Baby's First Thanksgiving Playset comes with a Tom Turkey who has jingle sounds, a Pilgrim Teddy Bear who squeaks, and a crinkly Pumpkin Pie toy. The Native American Girl is also a rattle. These soft plush interactive toys fit inside a tote bag hand-embroidered with a  turkey applique and the words “My 1st Thanksgiving”. 

My First Thanksgiving Bib

inktastic My First Thanksgiving with Turkey and Leaves Baby Bib

What would be more appropriate for a newborn for this holiday mealtime than the gift of a darling baby bib with a sweet baby turkey and the words “My First Thanksgiving” printed on it. This soft cotton bib would make a really cute holiday baby gift.

First Christmas Tree Ornament

Since my daughter was born just one week before Christmas, I know what it’s like to have a newborn at holiday time.

Baby's First Christmas Tree  Ornament

A very appropriate newborn gift for an infant’s first Christmas would be a personalized ‘first’ ornament. 

This one especially appeals to me with an image of a reindeer and a sleigh filled with a Christmas Tree, along with 1st and baby’s name and the year. 

This ceramic ornament is lovingly handmade by the Etsy Store called NorthPoleGiftsUS. 

First Christmas Outfit

Personalized Newborn Romper With Hat

First Christmas Outfit

One of the cutest and most clever personalized baby outfits I’ve come across is this absolutely adorable “Sorry Santa, I drank the milk” newborn romper.  

The sleeves have the fold over mitts and a fold over foot cuff for a footed romper option. The bottom snaps open to make easy access for the quick diaper changes. 

The outfit comes with a knotted beanie hat that will be personalized with the baby's name in the same font and colors as the romper.

This outfit and a wide variety of other 1sts are available in the Etsy Shop called Qatasta.

Summary

Happy Holidays to all, and an especially warm holiday welcome to the newest babies.

Related Reviews:

• Gift Review for Baby’s First Halloween
• For More Gift Guides, Check out ReviewThisGifts.com

*Holiday Gift Guide written by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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