• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Prayer Wine Chocolate

a spiritual journey to motherhood & beyond

  • Home
  • Wine and Chocolate
  • Faith
  • CSMI
  • Adoption
  • Life
  • Prayer Journaling
  • Resources
  • About
  • Contact
  • Be Yourself!: A Journal for Catholic Girls
  • Donate a Be Yourself Journal
  • Catholic Coloring Pages
  • Shop

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!?

 

Share
Tweet
Pin1
Share
1 Shares
Previous Post: « You’re Invited: The First Prayer, Wine, Chocolate Retreat! {And Giveaway}
Next Post: Remembering 9/11 »

Reader Interactions

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™‚

Primary Sidebar

       

Amy is the Co-Founder of CatholicsOnline.net

Free Resources for Lent

Free Resources for Lent

Free resources

Free resources

Shop Prayer Wine Chocolate Gifts

Shop Prayer Wine Chocolate Gifts

GUIDE: How to Plan your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat

Be Yourself! Journal

Journal for tweens and teens

prayerwinechocolate

I connect Catholics! Make Catholic friends that love a GNO! Attend a retreat, start a parish group! Author of Be Yourself Journals @catholicsonline

Saint Anthony is not my go to for parking spots ( Saint Anthony is not my go to for parking spots ( I mean, the guy deserves a coffee break or something… I’m constantly dialing his number!!!).

My unofficial patron Saint of finding a parking spot is SAINT POLYCARP!
 Years ago a coworker (fellow teacher, we taught in a Catholic High School together) told me she always asks Saint Polycarp to help her find parking and he never lets her down.
Her reasoning…she said, and I quote:

ā€œNo one is asking him for anything!!!ā€

All I’m saying is …it works.
Try it.

#CatholicSaints #patronsaint #Catholic #Catholics#CatholicsofInstagram
A funny thing happened at a recent Prayer Wine Cho A funny thing happened at a recent Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering…

Our Lady ended up at the table with us before we began to pray the Rosary.

And as if it was perfectly orchestrated by the Holy Spirit… she was located at the head of the table.

That night was so incredibly fun. I remember thinking about how Bishop Barron once said;

ā€œThe flag of the Holy Spirit is JOYā€.

That is what that night felt like to me. The Holy Spirit was there and moving!

Thank you Jessica (@sallykpub ) for successfully running a PWC group during the 2025-2026 year!

Thank you Betsy (@vacationlearning_blog ) for pioneering this adventure!!!

Comment below if you want more information about this parish ministry!!!

#Catholicwoman #Catholicfriends #Catholicwomen #Catholic #Rosary
Life has been extra busy lately. Here are a few mo Life has been extra busy lately.
Here are a few moments I’d like to share with you ā¤ļø

1. I recorded, edited and published a reel. I have many on my to do list but responsibilities have pulled me in so many directions lately. I really enjoy making reels. I hope to publish more soon!

2. I thought about backing out of the shore (that’s Philly for beach) field trip and keeping my son home too. I had fearful, anxious thoughts the days and night before. I’m so glad I didn’t cave to them. My oldest son had a fantastic day with his classmates. The chaperones and teacher had a great day too. I think God gave us all a mini retreat. I am so grateful ā˜ŗļø 

3. Colleen discovered @thelandmark.cafe serves @sevenweekscoffee a week before the trip and suggested we go there. I suggested we pray a Rosary on the beach. These kinds of friendships make all the hard things in life so much lighter. Plus, we bought matching sweatshirts. ā¤ļø you @colleeenm 

4. I was an assistant track coach this Spring! My daughter wanted to run and we even convinced her older brother to sign up too! This is extra special to me since this was a sport I participated in and coached for years before motherhood. I’m excited to see my children continue to put their best feet forward on the track and in the field events too.

5. I was a disgruntled, unenthusiastic assistant coach when I first received the Paper Plate Award assignment. As I took on this work, I truly began to enjoy it. I realized how little I do just for the sake of creativity and leisure. This assignment was a gift. I’m super proud of my surfboard and must give credit to YouTubers who make it possible for me to draw anything 

6. My husband had a birthday last week. He took off from work and we had lunch at Panera Bread while the kids were in school. It was lovely and delicious!

7. This year when I chaperoned the Churches and Cheesesteaks field trip I did NOT get a flat tire. This makes for a happier chaperone. I think I ate a Pat’s cheesesteak but it may have even Geno’s. Either way… good. I don’t mind being a tourist in my hometown of Philly. Honestly, I quite enjoy it.

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

#7quicktakes #fridayintroductions
We were not ease dropping on purpose… but I couldn We were not ease dropping on purpose… but I couldn’t help to listen when I overheard…

One young woman to another wearing a baby..
ā€œLook at his white hair!!!ā€

Mother wearing baby: I know, we picked out his name before he was born and when we came out we looked up what his name means and is means ā€œwhite hairā€

Other woman: No way!!!

Baby wearing Mama; ā€œThe Lord knows!ā€
Other woman: He sure does!ā€

Me to friend who also overheard this; ā€œOh I LOVE ā¤ļø this place!!!ā€

The Lord indeed knows!
Praise the Lord!

The Lord knew that I would be planning to make a reel for @sevenweekscoffee … but I didn’t know @colleeenm would have told me about this coffee shop that serves Seven Weeks Coffee and it just happens to be where we were taking our 8th graders on their class trip!

The Lord knew…
He also knew it would be the day of @thelandmark.cafe ā€˜s soft opening!

We got to order brunch and I must say not only the coffee was delicious but so was the GOAT Omelette!

Thank you @sevenweekscoffee for sending me some coffee! Thank you @thelandmark.cafe for an incredible experience and an amazing Golden Hour iced coffee!#catholic #catholicwoman #prolife #catholicwomen #catholicmom
Who lives in PA and wants to get together in June Who lives in PA and wants to get together in June 13th???

Let’s celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary together!

We will pray the Rosary, sip wine and enjoy snacks and I’ll share how this ministry will unite our hearts to our Blessed Mother and ultimately to the Heart of Jesus!

#boulderridge #ImmaculateHeart #Allentown #Catholic #Catholicretreat
ā€œCatholics see wine as a gift to treasure, not an ā€œCatholics see wine as a gift to treasure, not an evil to fear.ā€

I am delighted to share this book written by @emilystimpsonchapman with you!

On Mother’s Day I enjoyed a few moments of silence and solitude on my deck with a cup of coffee and this hardback book that I think is absolutely perfect for a coffee table.

Since I’m a total history buff and definitely appreciate a glass of wine šŸ· I couldn’t say yes fast enough when I was offered a review copy of this book!

I so appreciate Emily’s introduction which I devoured and even took notes (yes, that is me relaxing) on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

My top bucket list wish is to go to Italy one day… so the first chapter is helping me write my dream itinerary.

If you are looking for more Catholic inspired content or even a gift for a friend… I highly recommend this book.

Let me know if you have it or read it! 
If you want the link… let me know :)

Tag a friend who would LOVE this book!
Cheers!!! šŸ„‚ 

#Catholic #Catholicwomen #Catholichome #Catholicwoman #prayerwinechocolate
It’s that easy. Share your intentions; Pray a Rosa It’s that easy. Share your intentions;
Pray a Rosary tonight;
Enjoy some wine and chocolate.
Cheers!
It’s still Easter!

#Catholicwoman #Catholicmom #Catholicreels #Catholicwomen #catholicfriends
Honestly, I quickly realized that I was being rude Honestly, I quickly realized that I was being rude.
I would ever write a letter to a friend and immediately start talking about myself… and yet I wanted to dive right in there when praying to the Creator of heaven and earth?????

Prayer journaling truly helped me in many ways. This was the first way.

I needed to be more grateful.
Some days are really hard… but there is always something to be grateful for.

Shifting my attention was something that I needed; not only spiritually but mentally and emotionally.

Do you use a journal to pray?

Share your thoughts šŸ‘‡šŸ¼

#prayer #prayerjournaling #prayerjournal #Catholic #prayerjournalprompts
Host a Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering! A Prayer Host a Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering!

A Prayer Wine Chocolate gathering is, at its foundation, a Rosary group that incorporates time for friendship and fellowship.

Why start a Prayer Wine Chocolate group?

—>You want more Catholic friends but don’t know how to find them . . .

—>You want more Catholics to return to the faith, and you are looking for ways that will help them feel welcome!

—-> You are in a busy stage of life so a Bible study is not ideal, but you still want to gather with other Catholic women for faith and fellowship

If you are interested in starting a parish group, 
Comment FREE 
for a FREE resource that will help you talk to your Pastor about the benefits of having a Prayer Wine Chocolate ministry in your parish!

#Catholicwoman #Catholicmom #Catholic #Rosary #faithandfriendship
Infertility is a part of my life story… But so is Infertility is a part of my life story…
But so is hope, prayer and miracles.

One thing I know helped me through those dark, hard years were reading miracle accounts of others who had faced this same struggle.

I loved reading miracle stories about women and couples longing for a child or children.
The accounts that shared grief, despair and uncertainty but ended with a dream come true… oh how I rejoiced with them!

Reading these true stories gave me hope… if it could happen for others… why not us.

It felt like an eternity… but it wasn’t.

God gave us our miracle… then He did it again (and again).

It really is true… ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH GOD!

Don’t give up.
One day, someone will want to hear your miracle story too…

#infertility #lovethemboth #talkaboutadoption #believeinmiracles  #nevergive
Consider treating yourself to some Prayer Wine Cho Consider treating yourself to some Prayer Wine Chocolate gear and resources to support my shopping šŸ›ļø spree šŸ˜‚ 
Seriously though:
No show socks from @sockreligious LOVE

A Miraculous Medal necklace is my favorite accessory besides my wedding ring of course.

My house needs more crucifixes and @houseofjoppa has some beautiful options 

I love candles and the Easter set from @paxrosashop really caught my eye

My favorite coffee mug is from @thelittleroseshop and I’d love another!

I could go on and on… Comment what you would add!

#Catholicmom #Catholicmother #Catholicwoman #Catholic #prayerwinechocolate
My overwhelmed brain and life LOVE prayers like th My overwhelmed brain and life LOVE prayers like this…
Stop… pause… take a much deeper breath.
Let us make the sign of the cross…

Lead me Lord to the light of truth.
YOU LORD JESUS!
Amen.
Thank you for praying with me!!!

#busymom #prayalways #praymore #Catholicgirl #Catholicministry
Toothpick not included… actual scratch art sticks Toothpick not included… actual scratch art sticks are included!!!

Highly recommend these books from @epiphanycatholicco !

Kid tested, Mom approved!

Follow @prayerwinechocolate and @catholicsonline for more inspiring Catholic content and for a great Catholic community!

#CatholicChristian #Catholicmom #Catholickids #CatholicMass #EucharisticAdoration
I try to bring God’s light online as much as I can I try to bring God’s light online as much as I can… but THANK GOD others are also trying to do this too!
Here are a few people that have helped me see God more in this busy world lately:

1. Kristin Reilly over at @manyhailmarysatatime . I try to pray the Rosary with them in the morning and Kristin offers meditations and little prayers and this one ā€œThank you God for this beautiful life!ā€ resonated with me SO MUCH! The reason why is because of what she said after the prayer… she said ā€œif I turn this camera around you would wonder what are you talking about!?ā€ In other words… there’s a mess… but life is still beautiful and it’s all a gift. I started looking at my family and saying, ā€œThank God for this beautiful lifeā€! And oh the JOY!!!!! Thank you Kristin and Jill!!!

2. @siobhanfallonhogan has a podcast with @ewtnmedia called Catholics and Cappuccinos @catholicapps … the conversation with @patriciaheaton has more than one quote I’d like to share. Watch it and be assured… sometimes God says yes to BOTH!

3. @fatherdanreehil … if you are reading this THANK YOU! Wow, if you know someone who left the faith after the whole priest scandal… watch an interview with this priest. I highly suggest the one with @conorgallaghershow because I shared this clip with thousands of people… I’m not exaggerating… trust me, watch it. You’ll probably go down a rabbit hole like I did and honestly, it’ll refresh your soul.

4. The @catholicsonline community has so many inspiring, prayerful, persevering Catholics saying yes to God daily. Thank you @kyliemhein for turning my attention to Exodus 14:14 last week and @catholicwalkthewayeveryday for helping us increase our prayers for our priests.

Your turn… where have you found God online lately?

Ps. Did you come across any I mentioned?!

#findGod #Catholicsonline #prayerwinechocolate #Catholics #Godisgood
Scratch Art book is a HUGE WIN! A screen-free act Scratch Art book is a HUGE WIN!

A screen-free activity that children love!

Looking for ways to help the kids you love calm their body and mind plus nurture their hearts šŸ’•?

THIS.IS.IT.

@epiphanycatholicco has created these books that allow Mass time with younger souls to be a more prayerful, peaceful experience.

I have bought at least 5 of these!
I give them to my children; my Godsons and my nieces and nephews!

Comment ARTBOOK if you want more details!
Tag your friends who are awesome Godparents and who would just love these for gifts!!

Share in your stories!
God bless you!!

#Catholic #Sacraments #Holygifts #Catholicgifts #Scratchart
Highly recommend asking someone to pray the Rosary Highly recommend asking someone to pray the Rosary with you.

No matter what is on your heart and mind, you can ask Our Lord for anything and ask Our Lady to talk to her Son about it too.

Nothing is too big or small.

Life is hard, pray harder!
@lifes_hard_pray_harder 
 @prayerwinechocolate 

#prayaboutit #Catholic #prayerworks #praytheRosary #believeinmiracles
Jesus is my Lord and Savior. God speaks in the sil Jesus is my Lord and Savior. God speaks in the silence of our hearts. Mama Mary calms me so I can get to that quiet place and listen to and rest in Her Son.

Katie and I have been praying together for years… and 3 years ago she converted to Catholicism.
God does miracles, His mom likes to get involved ā¤ļø

Praying the Rosary out loud with a friend is sooo amazing.

Highly recommend.
10 out of 10 STARS

May the peace of Christ be in your heart ā¤ļø 
Come Holy Spirit!

#faithandfriendship #Catholic #Praymore #MamaMary #catholicwoman
What I have done and what I continue to do… becaus What I have done and what I continue to do… because I need all the help and prayers I can get!

I have a FREEBIE that is perfect this time of year! Use all that You aster candy to host a wedding be and chocolate pairing!
Tell your friends to bring their favorite wine and their Rosary!

Friends can write their prayer intentions or share out loud.

If you want the free wine and chocolate sheet comment FREEBIE

If you want ALL THE INFORMATION comment RETREAT!

Let’s keep getting together!

Tag a friend or share with others and start planning your gathering!

God bless you and Come Holy Spirit!

#Catholicfriends #Catholicfellowship #prayerwinechocolate #Rosarygroup #Rosary
Jk Baseball āš¾ļø practice in a few hours… #momlife # Jk Baseball āš¾ļø practice in a few hours…
#momlife #Catholicmom #Easter #Catholic #funnyreels
Holy Week with young children - bedtime Masses and Holy Week with young children - bedtime Masses and services are definitely not ideal… at least there weren’t for our family.

I once read or heard another mom suggest washing your children’s feet on Holy Thursday… she I tried it and my kids absolutely LOVED it!

In fact, they would ask to wash my feet!

Last year I took my 3 children (8 year old twins and 12 year old) to a Shrine as a sort of modified 7 churches visit.
It was like a holy adventure!

I had planned on taking them to 2 more churches but we stayed at the first place for awhile so we kept it to that one visit.

Holy Week offers many opportunities and invites much silence and contemplation, but young children make what is do-able different.

We want our children to see and understand God’s great love for us. I feel like these activities communicate that- at least partially.

Do you have suggestions for Good Friday or Holy Saturday?

If this was helpful, please share!
Follow @prayerwinechocolate if you seeking more Catholic content!

#catholic #HolyWeek #catholiclife #Christianmom #Catholicmom
Follow on Instagram

Footer

       
a spiritual journey to motherhood & beyond

Copyright © 2026 · Cultivate Theme theme by Restored 316