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Sep 7, 2016
Catholic Influencers&middot Resources

4 Toys for 4-year-old Boys!

toys-958693_1280Whether you are shopping for a nephew, grandson or one of the dozen birthday parties you have on the calendar this month – I figured I would offer some insight from my vertically challenged, adorably bright, teacher I spend a lot of time with šŸ˜‰

Plus, Santa needs to be conservative this year. Ā When I finally start Christmas shopping, or when someone asks, what should we get for X . . . I want to make sure my response is NOT, “I had ideas, but now I forget them all”!

I hope these suggestions help you in your shopping! Ā The best part about this list is you can shop right from it – and not have to leave your home or enter a toy store!

The links below are affiliate links. Ā If you click on them and decide to make a purchase, I make a small percentage. Ā Thank you for supporting prayerwinechocolate!

Our son LOVES playing with a flashlight. Ā He enjoys being read to as well, and we want to keep that love of reading in his heart! Ā So my first idea is to get at least one of the Shine-A-Light Books!

Shine-A-Light Books

shinealightrain.jpg

On the Space Station ( A Shine-A-Light book)

On the Train (A Shine-A-Light Book)

On the Plane (Shine-Light-Book)

shinealightbooks.jpg

Our son picks up random objects (like paper towel rolls) and looks through them, pretending that it is something that is helping him see better, so I am thinking . . .

Binoculars

TheĀ Shock Proof 8×21 Kids Binoculars SetĀ looks perfect and has incredible reviews!

binocularspic.jpg

Matchbox Cars and Sets

My friend’s son left matchbox cars here . . . and my son loves them! Ā We have cars, and a pre-school track, but I think it is time to upgrade! Ā Amazon suggested other tracks that were “more affordable”, but honestly, I think he will love and play with this one the best!Ā Matchbox 4-level Garage Playset

matchboxplayset.jpg

Let’s not forget the cars and theĀ Matchbox 72 Car-Case. Ā This gift is for mom just as much as it is for that adorable little boy! Ā We need a place to call “away”!

carcollage.jpg

A Game that is NOT Chutes and Ladders or Candyland

Not that there is anything wrong with those games . . . except that mommy and daddy would appreciate something different. Ā We also have a Paw Patrol game that my son LOVES . . .but, it’s CandyLand and Chutes and Ladders together so . . . it’s like we play those games all.the.time! Ā Here are two games that are fun and a nice break from the traditional.

Thinkfun ZingoĀ andĀ Spot It

zingo-09-07 at 4.27.58 PM.jpg

Do you have a suggestion for an awesome gift? Ā What does your four year old love to play with!?

 

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Comments

  1. Shannon Kramer says

    September 8, 2016 at 10:02 am

    Love these ideas Amy!! Definitely going to check out those binoculars, my littlest also uses anything, including holding his hands up to pretend and look through his “noculars”.
    Thanks for this!!

    • Amy says

      September 14, 2016 at 10:26 am

      Thank you!

  2. Alicia says

    September 8, 2016 at 12:41 pm

    These are great suggestions! We just found Tegu magnetic blocks, and they are a new favorite. I like that they are responsibly made as well.

    • Amy says

      September 14, 2016 at 10:29 am

      Thank you!

  3. Angie says

    December 1, 2016 at 9:43 pm

    We have zingo, the phonetic/easy spelling version and as much as I love the concept it has a ton of those tile pieces that often get strewn all over the house. And can be found in smaller children’s mouths…gah! Paw Patrol is big with our 4 year old son, too. He would probably love the game you have. Legos are on our list (much like matchbox it is important to give them a home. And I was looking at getting all my kids headlights…which actually might pair nicely with the flashlight books. šŸ™‚

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Be Yourself! Journal

Journal for tweens and teens

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I’m Amy Brooks, I connect Catholics! Make Catholic friends that love a GNO! Attend a retreat, start a parish group! Author of Be Yourself Journals šŸ™‚

When I was a little girl, I vaguely remember a sil When I was a little girl, I vaguely remember a silver and blue medal fastened to my school uniform with a pin. My mom put that medal on my uniform. I don’t remember asking any questions, but I still think that blue was so pretty.
Fast forward about 9 years, and another memory surfaces… my Dad took our family to a church in a neighborhood we had to drive to. I remember parking across the street and entering the front doors of the @miraculousmedal Shrine. I recall the pads of paper placed on the marble in front of the different statues. These little memo šŸ“ pads were notes to God, asking Our Lady to intercede for us. I loved that I could write an intention but that one of the suggestions was ā€œfor a Catholic boyfriendā€ I was 15, I checked that box.
But honestly, I wasn’t a ā€œMaryā€ person when it came to prayer.
Any personal prayer addressed Jesus or God.
10 years later my friend’s Mom gave me a Miraculous Medal keychain. I put it on my keys and life went on…

And over a decade later… it was that shrine I went to with this big idea about a Catholic gift guide and a giveaway.

But confession, many times in between those years each and every time I was going through something hard,I visited that place.
I poured my hearts desires on those little memo papers.
I asked Our Blessed Mother to pray for me.
I begged God to answer my prayers.

And He did.

Without me knowing the details of the Miraculous Medal.
But that time I went in there with the gift guide and giveaway idea… I was asked if I was only going to write one blog post.

That question inspired a second.
I researched the Miraculous Medal and read that Our Lady promised graces, especially to those who wore it around their neck.

More graces? Yes please 

I wrote a postā€¦ā€ 5 Reasons Why I wear a Miraculous Medal and maybe You Should Tooā€.
Church Pop @churchpop asked if they could publish it.
It went viral… at least viral for me.

And a few weeks ago, I brought about 30 women there for a retreat.

I didn’t pursue Mary, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal… I pursued her Son.
My pursuit was sloppy.
Like any mother, she couldn’t resist helping me a little.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you
No one is EVER beyond God’s abundant love, generos No one is EVER beyond God’s abundant love, generosity and power.

#Hope #yearofhope #empireofhope #Godismerciful
10 years!!!!! #prayerwinechocolate #prayerwarrior 10 years!!!!!

#prayerwinechocolate #prayerwarriors #catholicsonline
Here it is!!! The 2025 Catholic Stocking Stuffers Here it is!!! The 2025 Catholic Stocking Stuffers Gift Guide!!!
Hope you find a gift that will raise a h art closer to Christ and find joy in sharing THE GOOD NEWS!!!

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I’m so excited!!!! Who wants to see the whole list I’m so excited!!!!
Who wants to see the whole list ASAP!!

Comment ā€œstockingā€!!! 

Special appearances by @heavenshandmaid and @novenaroseco 

#Christmaslist #Christmascatalog #Advent #stockingstuffers #Catholicwoman #Catholicman #coffeeandJesus #CatholicsOnline
ā€œThis was the BEST RETREAT I have ever been to!ā€ ā€œThis was the BEST RETREAT I have ever been to!ā€ 

I forgot to create a feedback paper again, but thankfully one of the attendees made sure to tell me this before she left! Someone else told me later they overheard the same words in the ladies room!
Woohooo!!! I am so happy and grateful!!!

If you missed it, please know I have created resources for you so that you can make one of these events happen in your community!

I will be thanking the many sponsors of the 2025 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat all week… but let me give a few shout outs now!

@dr.monique.ruberu bought the chocolate candy we enjoyed with the wine!

Raina from @giveloveandblessings provided each attendee with a beautiful Rosary bracelet.

The Basilica Shrine of the Miraculous Medal @miraculousmedal provided a spectacular day for all of us. I am so happy this year’s retreat day was at this incredibly special and holy place.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you!

#Catholicretreat #Catholicpilgrimage #Catholicmom #Trustandhope #Catholicwomen
I did not plan to start a ministry that included a I did not plan to start a ministry that included an annual retreat…
But wow, God is so good!

The friends I have made and met through this work are such a blessing!!!

I’m sure glad you’re here reading this!

I’m so grateful for this mission… to foster, encourage and nurture friendships that put faith first.

Join me in making praying with friends just as normal as drinking wine with friends!
 
Let’s joyfully invite others to see the love God has for each one of us.
 
The adventure is just beginning!
@craftymom714 @lotvministry 

#trustandhope #prayerwinechocolate #Catholic
As a busy Catholic mom, I want to do as much as I As a busy Catholic mom, I want to do as much as I can to promote a culture of life…

Here’s one thing I can definitely fit into my schedule!
Follow  @sevenweekscoffee and keep loving them both ā¤ļøā¤ļø

#prolife #lovethemboth #Catholic #Adoptivefamily #JesusandCoffee
BACK IN STOCK!!!! AND… anyone who orders a Journal BACK IN STOCK!!!! AND… anyone who orders a Journal from me this weekend will get a physical Cozy Catholic Christmas catalog mailed with the Be Yourself Journal!!! 

This book is a fantastic gift for girls… ages 8 to 15!

Remember to give one when you are donating a toy this year too! If you pick a girl in this age range, add some gel pens and stickers and it’s the perfect gift!!

Amazon has it on sale now too!
It is TRULY a great gift!!!

Who wants one!??? I’ll put the link in my bio and in my stories!

#BeYourself #tweengirl #Middleschool #girlgifts #Catholic #Christian #Catholicfamily #Faithandfun #stayprayedup #slambook #genx
WIN a physical Cozy Catholic Christmas Catalog!! I WIN a physical Cozy Catholic Christmas Catalog!!
I want to send 5 of you this catalog through the good old fashioned mail!

Enter to win:

Follow @catholicsonline and @prayerwinechocolate 

Tag 3 friends!

That’s it! Do this by Sunday, November 8, 2025 and I will choose 5 winners!
Make sure your settings allow me to message you! 

The fine print:
-You must be 18 or older and have a U.S. mailing address.
-The deadline is Sunday, November 9,2025
~ This is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Instagram 

#CreativeCatholic #Catholicgift #Catholicmom #Catholic #RomanCatholic #manyhailmarysatatime #Catholicgifts #stayprayedup
If we want to bring more of our loved ones back to If we want to bring more of our loved ones back to church… we need to invite them.

If we want our parish’s to have stronger communities, we need to meet the busy women where they are… and encourage faith filled friendships.

Praying the Rosary with others is powerful and life changing.
Let’s do this!
Who wants the link to learn more? Comment PARISH if you want more information!

#prayerwinechocolate #trustandhope #heartofthehome #Catholicparish #DRE #OCIA #Catholicfriends #catholicfellowship #Catholicwomen #Praytogether #PraytheRosary #faithandfriendship
October 2025…quickest month ever!!!! October 2025…quickest month ever!!!!
Wait for it. Discuss ā¬‡ļø #EucharisticAdoration Wait for it.
Discuss ā¬‡ļø

#EucharisticAdoration
I needed candles. Yes, I NEEDED them! Jill’s can I needed candles. Yes, I NEEDED them! 

Jill’s candle company is called Contemplative Candles @contemplativecandles 

Jill’s candle company if featured in the @catholicsonline Cozy Christmas Catalog!!!

I definitely bought myself a gift… but it’s for the whole family!

Our homes are domestic churches ā›Ŗļø 

I think the big Catholic influencers call it liturgical living ;)

@manyhailmarysatatime @onehailmaryatatime 

#Catholic #praytheRosary #Catholiccontent #Catholicwife #Catholicgift
ā€œI can’t go this year, but next year I hope to!ā€ ā€œI can’t go this year, but next year I hope to!ā€

I hear this every year when I’m planning the Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat.

And every year I thinkā€¦ā€ I don’t know if I’ll be able to do this again next year.ā€

Each year- each day- is a gift.
Getting to plan a retreat for women that truly serves their minds, their souls and their hearts is truly a gift.
But the truth is, I never know if I’ll be given this gift again.

Jesus reminds us all in the Gospels that we all really don’t know what will happen in the future.
I don’t know what next year will bring…

But I do know that when women attend a Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat for a day, they say things like

ā€œI needed thisā€
ā€œI would have paid you moreā€
ā€œIt’s like Christmas for Momsā€

I understand life is busy. I feel strongly that the busyness is a distraction from the stillness Our Lord is calling us to.

If you really can’t attend this year’s Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat, may I make a suggestion?

Get out your calendar and schedule a day to go to confession,
A day to go to Mass that is not Sunday,
A day to get together with someone else to pray the Rosary out loud and a day to spend time with another woman that needs your prayers.

All of these things are available on November 15th.
There’s still time to register!

If you want to join us this year, comment ā€œRegister ā€œ and I’ll send you the details.

If you definitely can’t make it, drop a prayer intention in the comments- or message me- and we will bring your intentions with us!

Photo credit šŸ“ø: my 8 year old daughter 

#busymom #busywife #busywoman #workingmom #Catholicwoman #Catholicretreat #catholicliving
I swear my laundry is multiplying… I need to get o I swear my laundry is multiplying… I need to get out as much as anyone..

ā€œI’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.ā€ —Lucy Maud Montgomery, Ann of Green Gables

#Catholic #Catholicauthor #beyourself
The 2025 Cozy Catholic Christmas catalog is out!!! The 2025 Cozy Catholic Christmas catalog is out!!! Want to see it?!! Comment ME! And I’ll send it to your inbox… or go to catholicinfluencers.com for it!!!

#earlyshopper #shopCatholic #Christiangifts
I know I NEED one!!! Join us for prayer and holy, I know I NEED one!!!
Join us for prayer and holy, humorous friendship!
Want details? Let me know!

#Catholic #Catholicwoman #Catholicretreat #pilgrimage
I have a LOT of situations! I heard if you revere I have a LOT of situations!

I heard if you reverently bless yourself with the sign of the Cross, demons flee.

Imma gonna go bless myself… a few times!

Who’s with me?

#stopscrolling #sayyourprayers
Tired? Need some peace? Want to refill your cup? Y Tired? Need some peace? Want to refill your cup? Yes to any of these? The good news is you can still register for the 2025 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat! It’s November 15th… just in time to recharge before the busyness of the holiday season is in full swing.

Schedule time for prayer, sacramental grace, holy friends and a meal you don’t have to cook!

Message me or comment if you would like more details!

Share if you have ever been to a Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat and enjoyed it!

#retreat #Philadelphia #Philly #PhillyCatholic #Catholicretreat #holyfriends #catholicfellowship #Catholicfriends #Catholicwomen
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