#personalised kids cushions

[denturesmelbourne]

Best Mouthguards for Different Ages: Protecting Smiles from Kids to Adults

In the world of sports and physical activities, it is crucial to prioritise dental protection. Mouthguards play a vital role in safeguarding our teeth and smiles from potential injuries. Different age groups, from kids to adults, require specific mouthguards to ensure optimal protection.

Choosing the right mouthguard is essential to provide maximum comfort and safety. This blog post will explore the best mouthguards in Melbourne suitable for different ages and highlight their features and benefits.

Mouthguards for Kids

When it comes to children, mouthguards are a must during sports activities. Kids are more prone to accidents and injuries due to their developing motor skills and lack of coordination. Parents should invest in high-quality mouthguards to protect their teeth from potential trauma.

There are two types of mouthguards available for kids: custom and boil-and-bite. Dental professionals individually make custom mouthguards and offer the best fit and protection. On the other hand, boil-and-bite mouthguards can be moulded at home by boiling them in water and then biting into them to achieve a personalised fit.

When selecting a mouthguard for kids, it is important to consider key features such as comfort, durability, and ease of cleaning. Look for mouthguards in Melbourne that are BPA-free and have good shock absorption properties.

Mouthguards for Teens

As children transition into their teenage years, the need for mouthguards remains crucial. Teenagers are often involved in more intense sports activities, increasing the risk of dental injuries. Additionally, teenagers with orthodontic appliances or braces require special mouthguards to protect their teeth and appliances.

Specialised mouthguards tailored to teenage athletes' needs are available in the market. These mouthguards offer extra protection and comfort, ensuring that teenagers can focus on their performance without worrying about dental injuries. Some top mouthguard brands suitable for teens include Under Armour Armour Fit Mouthguard, Shock Doctor Braces Mouthguard, and Venum Challenger Mouthguard.

It is essential to consult an orthodontist when selecting a mouthguard for teenagers with braces. They can guide the most suitable options and ensure proper fit and protection.

Mouthguards for Adults

Even as adults, dental protection should never be overlooked during sports and recreational activities. Adults can face potential dental issues such as chips, fractures, and tooth loss. A mouthguard can cushion and minimise the risk of such injuries.

Various types of mouthguards are available for adults, depending on their specific needs. Custom-fit mouthguards, made by dental professionals, offer the highest protection and comfort. They are individually designed to fit the unique contours of an individual's mouth, offering superior fit and stability.

Night guards are another type of mouthguard suitable for adults. They are primarily used to prevent teeth grinding and clenching during sleep, which can lead to dental issues. Night guards are made from soft materials and offer comfort while protecting the teeth from grinding forces.

Some recommended adult mouthguards include Shock Doctor Pro Mouthguard, Venum Predator Mouthguard, and SISU Max 2.4 Mouthguard. These mouthguards are known for their durability, comfort, and excellent shock absorption properties.

Denture Wearers and Mouth Protection

Denture wearers face unique challenges regarding mouth protection during physical activities. Traditional mouthguards may not fit properly over top denture Melbourne, causing discomfort and potential damage to the dentures.

Specially designed denture-friendly mouthguards are available to address this issue. These mouthguards are constructed with a unique design that accommodates denture Melbourne comfortably while providing adequate protection to the natural teeth.

Denture-friendly mouthguards are made from flexible materials that adapt to the shape of dentures and natural teeth. They offer a secure fit, preventing movement or displacement during physical activities.

Conclusion

Dental protection through mouthguard usage is of utmost importance across different age groups. From kids to adults, mouthguards in Melbourne provide the necessary cushioning and shock absorption to prevent dental injuries. By choosing the right mouthguard, individuals can ensure maximum comfort and protection. Whether it's for kids, teens, adults, or denture wearers, numerous options in the market cater to specific needs and preferences. Prioritising dental protection through mouthguard usage is a simple yet effective way to safeguard our smiles and maintain oral health.

[cloudninetherapy12]

Occupational Therapy for Kids: Fun Activities You Can Do at Home

Occupational therapy for kids focuses on enhancing their physical, cognitive, and social skills through engaging and enjoyable activities. While therapy sessions with a professional are essential, parents can incorporate many fun activities into their child's daily routine at home to support their development and progress.

Benefits of Home-Based Occupational Therapy Activities

Engaging in occupational therapy activities at home provides numerous benefits for children's overall development:

1. Consistency:

Regular participation in fun activities at home reinforces skills learned during therapy sessions and promotes consistency in skill-building efforts.

2. Family Bonding:

Participating in activities  strengthens family bonds and creates opportunities for quality time spent together.

3. Convenience:

Home-based activities offer convenience and flexibility, allowing children to engage in therapeutic exercises in a familiar and comfortable environment.

Fun Activities for Occupational Therapy at Home

1. Sensory Play:

Sensory Bins: Fill a bin with materials like rice, beans, or water beads for tactile exploration.

Playdough: Encourage squeezing, rolling, and shaping playdough to strengthen hand muscles.

Sensory Bottles: Create sensory bottles filled with glitter, beads, or coloured water for visual stimulation.

2. Fine Motor Skills:

Stringing Beads: Practice threading beads onto a string to improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Puzzle Time: Work on puzzles of varying difficulty levels to enhance problem-solving abilities and finger dexterity.

Drawing and Coloring: Provide crayons, markers, and colouring books to encourage precision and control in drawing and colouring activities.

3. Gross Motor Skills:

Obstacle Course: Set up an indoor obstacle course using pillows, cushions, and household items to promote balance and coordination.

Dance Party: Turn on music and encourage dancing to improve gross motor skills and coordination.

Yoga for Kids: Practice simple poses to enhance strength, flexibility, and body awareness.

4. Social and Emotional Development:

Role-Play Games: Engage in pretend play activities like playing house, doctor, or grocery store to promote social skills and emotional expression.

Emotion Charades: Take turns acting out emotions and guessing each other's feelings to encourage empathy and emotional awareness.

Storytelling: Use puppets or toys to create and tell stories, fostering creativity, communication, and social interaction.

In summary, incorporating fun and engaging occupational therapy activities into your child's daily routine at home can be both enjoyable and beneficial for their development. Parents can support their child's progress and reinforce skills learned during therapy sessions by focusing on sensory play, fine and gross motor skills, and social-emotional development. Remember to tailor activities to your child's interests and abilities, and don't hesitate to seek guidance from occupational therapist Sydney for personalised activity recommendations. With creativity, consistency, and encouragement, home-based occupational therapy activities can contribute to your child's growth, confidence, and overall well-being.

[giftzmart]

Grabbing a customised cushion is relaxing for kids and adults alike. Get them made by us with your choice of colour,size,theme and personalise them as well # customisedcushions #personalisedgiftsforkids #personalisedcushions #cushions #giftzmart #giftzmartindia #cuddlecushions #theme #personalisedgiftsforher #personalisedgiftsforhim #personalisedgiftsforadults #lovegiftzmart #cushionlove #themecushions #vocalforlocal #msme #bulkorder #bulkorderaccepted #export #returngiftsforbirthdays #birthday #birthday returngifts #returngifts

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[totntalesuae]

Personalized Kids Gifts: Advantages and Things to Consider

It's a thrilling and enjoyable experience to purchase gifts for kids. It could be not easy to choose the ideal present, however. Selecting what to buy might be challenging with so many options available. This article will cover a variety of topics, including the advantages of giving kids personalized and customized gifts, things to remember, and more.

Personalized And Customized Gifts For Kids Have The Following Advantages:

Customized and personalized presents are quite advantageous because of their distinctiveness. Presenting the youngster with a personalized name frame demonstrates your thoughtfulness and hard work in selecting something unique. It's a wonderful way to show a child that you appreciate and adore them. Aside from that, customized presents can also be treasured for years to come by the youngster as mementos.

Personalized & Tailored Presents for Children:

Let's talk about some unique and customized gift ideas for kids now that we have discussed the advantages, dos and don'ts, and things to be aware of.

Accessories and Clothes with Personalization: 

Kids make excellent recipients of personalized t-shirts, caps, and backpacks. To make it even more special, you can personalize it with the child's name or a message.

Tailored Games and Toys: 

Personalized toys, board games, a noun-verb adjective game, and puzzles make interesting and enjoyable gifts. To make it unique, you may include a picture or a personalized message.

Individualized Books: 

A wonderful approach to promote reading and give a youngster a sense of specialness is through personalized books. The narrative will be more interesting if you include the child's name in it.

Tailored Artwork: 

One-of-a-kind gifts that will be treasured for years to come are customized artwork, such as a custom painting or a canvas print of the child's artwork.

Gifts with Personalised Photos: 

Personalized name frames, lunch boxes, pencil boxes, water bottles, cushions, mugs, keychains, etc.

To Sum Up

A kind and original method to express your concern for your children is through personalized kids' gifts. Your child will enjoy and treasure the gift you chose for years to come if you consider their age, hobbies, and safety. Make your child's day memorable by giving them a unique present that they will always treasure.

[patiolivings]

The Ultimate Guide to Designing a Kid-Friendly Patio Playground

Are you looking to transform your outdoor space into a kid-friendly paradise? Imagine your patio as a playground, a place where your children can have endless hours of fun and exploration. With the right design and a touch of creativity, you can turn your patio into a haven for your little ones. 

In this ultimate guide, we'll show you how to create a kid-friendly patio playground that will be the envy of the neighbourhood.

1. Planning Your Patio Playground

The first step in designing a kid-friendly patio playground is careful planning. Consider the size of your patio and how you want to utilise the space. Think about the age of your children and their specific interests. Do they love climbing, swinging, or playing in a sandbox? Knowing these details will help you create a layout that suits your family's needs.

If your patio needs an upgrade or expansion, don't hesitate to consult with patio builders Perth has to offer. They can offer valuable insights into optimising your space for both kids and adults. Additionally, they can help you choose the right materials for your patio, especially if you're considering decking Perth options for a safe and durable surface.

2. Safety First

Safety should be your top priority when designing a kid-friendly patio playground. Make sure to install proper fencing around the patio to keep your children safe and prevent them from wandering into potentially dangerous areas. Choose childproof locks for gates and doors leading to the patio.

When it comes to materials, consider slip-resistant decking Perth options to minimise the risk of accidents. Look for surfaces that are easy to clean and maintain, as kids are known for their messy playtime adventures.

3. Creative Play Zones

Create distinct play zones within your patio playground. Include a designated area for active play, such as swings, slides, and climbing structures. Incorporate a soft and cushioned surface under play equipment to prevent injuries from falls. Rubber mulch or foam mats are excellent choices.

For a more relaxed play area, set up a cosy corner with a sandbox or a mini garden where your children can learn about plants and gardening. This is an excellent opportunity to introduce them to the wonders of nature.

4. Shade and Comfort

Kids love spending time outdoors, but it's crucial to provide adequate shade and comfort. Consider adding a pergola, canopy, or large patio umbrella to provide relief from the sun's harsh rays. Make sure there's enough seating for both kids and adults to relax and enjoy the space together.

5. Personalise and Decorate

Lastly, make your kid-friendly patio playground truly special by involving your children in the decorating process. Let them choose colours and theme elements and even create artwork to adorn the patio. Personal touches can make the space feel like their own, fostering a sense of ownership and creativity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, designing a kid-friendly patio playground is an exciting project that can enhance your family's outdoor experience. By carefully planning the layout, prioritising safety, creating dedicated play zones, ensuring shade and comfort, and adding personal touches, you can create a space where your children can make cherished memories for years to come. 

Don't hesitate to consult with Patio Builders Perth for expert guidance on materials and construction to make your vision a reality. With the right design and a dash of imagination, your patio can become a haven of laughter and fun for your kids.

Source by - https://bit.ly/3thN9AB 

[gymleadernz]

The Evolution of Sporting Equipment: From Vintage Classics to Cutting-Edge

Hey there, fellow sports enthusiasts! Today, we're going on an exciting journey through time to explore the fascinating evolution of Sport Equipment for Sale. From old-school classics to the latest cutting-edge gear, we'll discover how athletes have enhanced their performance and enjoyment in sports.

So, buckle up and get ready for an informative and engaging read!

The Early Days: Simplicity and Grit

Back in the day, sports were all about raw talent and sheer determination. Whether it was the ancient Greeks competing in the Olympics or kids playing pick-up games in their neighbourhood, sporting equipment was as basic as it gets.

Think of handmade leather balls, simple wooden bats, and rough-hewn goals. But you know what? That didn't stop them from having a blast and showcasing their skills.

The Industrial Revolution: A Game Changer

As the world entered the Industrial Revolution, everything changed, including sports. With the advent of mass production, sporting equipment became more accessible to the masses.

Companies started crafting standardised balls, rackets, and other gear, making it easier for people to participate in and enjoy various sports. The playing field was slowly levelling up!

A Revolution on the Court: Tennis Takes Flight

One sport that saw a significant evolution in its equipment was tennis. From the dusty courts of the past to the pristine lawns of Wimbledon, tennis rackets have come a long way. Early rackets were heavy and made of wood, providing players with limited control and power.

But as technology advanced, lighter materials like graphite and titanium were introduced, transforming the game. Today, professional players wield powerful rackets that allow them to serve and volley with incredible precision.

The Basketball Metamorphosis

Basketball, too, has witnessed a revolution in its equipment. Dr. James Naismith's original basketball, used in the 1890s, was a far cry from what we see today. It was made of leather and had laces, making dribbling quite a challenge.

Fast forward to the present, and we have high-tech synthetic leather balls with a perfect grip, enabling players to perform jaw-dropping slam dunks and three-pointers.

From Heavy Leather to Feather Light Helmets: The NFL Transformation

When American football first took root, players wore minimal protective gear. Leather helmets were considered cutting-edge then but provided little protection against hard hits. Thankfully, player safety became a priority, and the sporting equipment evolved accordingly.

Modern football helmets now feature advanced materials like polycarbonate shells, cushioned interiors, and face masks, reducing the risk of serious head injuries.

The Tech Revolution: Smart Gear Enters the Arena

In the 21st century, sports and technology have become inseparable. Smart equipment has revolutionised how athletes train and perform.

Imagine basketballs with embedded sensors to track shooting accuracy or tennis rackets that analyse your swing technique. These innovations help players improve their skills and add a whole new dimension of excitement for fans.

Future Horizons: The Potential Ahead

As technology advances at lightning speed, the future of sporting equipment looks incredibly promising.

We might soon witness gear with built-in AI coaches, personalised training programs, and biometric feedback to optimise performance. The boundaries of human achievement in sports will keep expanding, fuelled by cutting-edge equipment.

Conclusion

From humble beginnings to high-tech marvels, the journey of sporting equipment has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. As athletes continue to push their limits and break records, we can't help but wonder what incredible innovations await us in the years to come.

So, the next time you step onto the field or court, take a moment to appreciate the evolution that has brought us to this thrilling point in sports history.

[giftdubaionline]

Mother’s Day - Special Gifts and Treats that fills your Mom with Joy and Love

Gifts for Mother's Day

As you Grow Older You Realise Mother’s Day makes more sense and importance than when you are Kid. We can Understand that as you are reading through this Blog because every mom is special and they should be loved, honored, and cherished especially this UAE’s Mother's Day March 21. Sending Gifts to for Mom can be hard especially if you are staying away from your Mother don’t worry we got you covered with GDO You can send Gifts to your Lovely mom in any part of UAE just to make her feel special again.

Now let's take a look at the Best Possible Gifts your Mom can receive this Mother's Day in UAE

Personalized Gifts for Mother's Day

Every Mother loves a good cup of Coffee once every day, Capture those Moments into a Beautiful memory that she misses you every time she holds that Cup with your Picture with Smiles and Love. With GDO you get the Best Personalized Mugs https://www.giftdubaionline.com/personalised-gifts/customised-mugs

If you feel your mom deserves a Goof Night Sleep present her with the Best comfortable Cushion for her head and Heart with a picture that will always dwell in her Heart and Dreams, Wondering to find such a gift take a look at https://www.giftdubaionline.com/cushions

TIP: How Is Mother's Day In Dubai Celebrated In 2023?

Sons and Daughters usually come together to celebrate the occasion and show their appreciation for all that their mothers day with Luxury flowers and Amazing gifts for Mom. Special meals are also prepared to celebrate mothers day.

Mother’s Day Gift Hampers

It must be Ages since your mom got a really nice gift hamper. A Good Hamper fills her Mind with Joy and Heart with Love. What are the best possible mothers day gifts that a hamper must hold? Let’s begin with Chocolates. Every Mom loves to take a bite of that delicious chocolate once in a while, it’s ok to have fun once in a while so let her have the bite all she wants with premium chocolates along with the finest cake and Flowers for Mom just to remind her youth never really left her soul. Let her fly like an angel one more time with her emotions and your attention. Get the Best Mother's Day Gift Hampers in town take a look at https://www.giftdubaionline.com/combo-gift-ideas

[callahancreation]

https://www.callahancreations.co.uk/product/boys-personalised-cushion/

when it comes to shopping for the Boys Personalised Cushion, you should need to find a leading store, such as "Callahan Creations". We offer the right kid's products to our customers at competitive prices. Shop it right now!

[lovemyteepee]

OLLIE’S SAFARI TEEPEE 🦁 This stunning personalised set was designed together with Ollie’s Nana and what a gorgeous combination we created. So many wonderful adventures ahead 🧡 Main colour - Ivory. Polecasements - brown. Motif - lion. Brown pompoms. Door flags. Blinds on both side panels. Inside toy pocket. Beige polka dot floor mat. Initialed green cushion. Green leaf pole toppers. www.lovemyteepee.co.uk #safari #teepee #kids #jungle #animals #personalised #handmade #uk #adventure #bespoke #teepeetent #lion #leafs #teepeetoppers https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl3TtyTr4Py/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[houseofsasha]

Personalized gifts for all

Are you someone who tends to put in a lot of thoughts when gifting? Do you wish you had the skills or the time to make the gifts by yourself? Have you stayed up all night to research the perfect gift online before placing the order? If yes, your struggle ends now! If no, your life is about to get much easier!

Gifting men is much more challenging as compared to women. You have a wide range of options to choose from when gifting ladies. Men have a limited option in accessories; also not all men are into accessories. Cool lapel pins for suits is a safe gifting option. Men have several occasions in life where they need to dress up in formals. Lapel pins can help you swiftly transition your outfit into a contemporary look.  Watches and perfumes may not be a wise gifting option if you are not well acquainted with the person. Wallets are also a safe gifting option.

Finding a gift for children may sound fun but maybe a little challenging. For kids, you have a wide range of options to choose from. You can choose from bags, clothes, toys, stationery and many more. Even though there are so many options you might not know what to gift. Gifting toys sounds a safe option. But they may have something similar. It's best to confirm which game exactly do they want. You can even try personalised stationery for kids. This can be a smart gift to persuade them to study. Their excitement to use the new set of stationery can help motivate them to spend more time studying. You can either get their name carved on it or with their favourite cartoon character.

You check out websites online that specialize in personised gifts. It will help you save time and worry and also build a beautiful bond with the person you are gifting.

[funcushions]

Available in stock personalised childrens cushions and personalised kids cushions in Surrey, UK. Personalised cushions for kids/children with your own personalized ideas.

[cm-designstyle]

Your Photo Boy Swinging on the Moon Throw Pillow. A fully customizable gift for children. Upload you kid’s photograph to this cute cartoon boy in his pajamas sitting on a swing that’s suspended from the moon. Further personalize by adding their name.

[oumaheroes]

Have you got any HCs about the UK bros and how they decorate their phone or laptop? Me and a friend were discussing mundane things like how a character would treat their phone or laptop or bag and it got me wondering about your characters!

All of them aside from North would be quite bland really.

England loses his phones too often to decorate them overly much. Even with new apps that let North track them down again Arthur's been scarred by the first non- smart mobile phones and his ability to place them down and walk away so he doesnt get too attached to them. England's phone contains apps for libraries so he can listen to audio books whilst out walking, a song collection he's moved to Spotify for safe keeping, and a gallery full of photos of his kids, pets, or pretty old boats that syncs regularly to the cloud to prevent loss. The background image and lockscreen is usually something America, North or Sealand put there for a laugh that he grows fond of and keeps

Scotland's phone contains a lot of useful apps, like quick DIY apps he can use if desperate but is actually the most barren of all of them. He's not fond of phones being so involved in modern life and prefers to keep it mainly as a phone. Very unedited phone, often has the default wallpapers, although it has a lot of selfies at times of North, who steals it specifically to take bad photos and then make them Scotland's wallpaper

Wales' phone is a notes mess. He make notes to himself and then either forget to check, or forgets to delete them. So he makes more. And more. And more. Same for reminders and alarms- Wales' phone is a glorified alarm clock that is most likely to be found ringing shrilly in the depths of a sofa cushion. A large e-book collection is in there too, and many photos of the countryside taken on walks that he's done. Contains a lot of voice memos as well, some of which contain his own poetry or singing. This folder is very locked.

North is a regular teenager glued to his phone. Whatever's in style he's got and he changes the fonts and colours every now and again to keep things interesting. Always a photo of either sentimental value or a meme as a lockscreen and wallpaper background, and he'll spend a stupid amount of time assigning ringtones, nicknames, and funny pictures to his contacts across whatever app he has them on

Ireland and North are quite similar, although Ireland uses his more for work than anything else and so doesn’t actually use it much more than he has to. It's usually got a picture of him and a friend or Scotland or North and he'll assign different ringtones and nicknames to his contacts. Personalised heavily but minimally used

They'd be the exactl same with laptops, although both England and Wales are less likely to misplace them.

[sensei-aishitemasu]

2020 Black-Owned Gift Guide!

2020 Black-Owned Gift Guide!

It’s that time again! Our SIXTH ANNUAL BLACK-OWNED GIFT GUIDE IS HERE!!!! This Black Friday, try and support a Black-owned business for all your gift-giving needs. For last years gift guide, click here. For the 2018 gift guide, click here. For the 2017 gift guide, click here. For the 2016 gift guide, click here. For the 2015 gift guide, click here.

Similar to previous lists, I kept every individual item listed under $100! Click on the links to be taken to the websites in order to peruse more yourselves: all businesses listed are Black-owned, and many are run by Black women, Black Americans specifically, manufactured here in the United States, and/or sustainably and ethically sourced with philanthropic causes attached to sales! Check them out. 

In addition, this year there are THREE NEW CATEGORIES! Check out items for the ‘Goth/Kawaii,’ for your ‘Activist Bae,’ and for the ‘Esoteric’ down below.

[As always, this guide has been split into categories to make it easier to get through, but feel free to mix and match for the person in your life that fits all of (or none of!) these categories!]

For the Homebody:

Lettie Gooch Small Safety Matches, $18 Lettie Gooch Amber & Moss Soy Candle, $20 Lettie Gooch White Concrete White Tea & Ginger Candle, $28 Lettie Gooch Planetarium Throw Blanket, $68 Lettie Gooch Soleil Throw Blanket, $68

Debra Cartwright ‘Bike’ Watercolor Print, $38 Debra Cartwright ‘Aura’ Watercolor Print, $87 Debra Cartwright ‘Astro Millennial Ladies in Quarantine’ Coloring Book, $5

Harlem Candle Company ‘Brownstone’ Luxury Candle, $45 Harlem Candle Company ‘Lenox’ Luxury Room Spray, $30 Harlem Candle Company ‘Langston’ Luxury Room Spray, $30

Jungalow Genie Vase, $89 Jungalow Handwoven Peach Planter, $49 Jungalow Azul Face Pillow by Justina Blakeney X Loloi, $89 Jungalow Soft Mint Pillow, $89 Jungalow Aja Wallpaper in Green by Justina Blakeney, $5 (per sheet) Jungalow Tigris Wallpaper in Onyx by Justina Blakeney, $5 (per sheet) Jungalow Cream Looped Wool Rug, $99.00 Jungalow Silvia Teal & Berry Rug by Justina Blakeney X Loloi, $69.00 Jungalow Striped Orange Outdoor Rug, $59.00 Jungalow Reindeer Games Hook Pillow by Justina Blakeney, $60.00 Jungalow Peace Vase by Justina Blakeney, $68.00 

Kashmir Viii ‘S is for Soul’ Print, $35-$45 

Galerie LA Rooted Incense Holder, $45

Duchess365 358 Art Print, $23.99 

Jeff Manning Art ‘Aplomb’ Art Print, $45 Jeff Manning Art ‘Pacific’ Art Print, $30

Kicky Mats ‘Get Naked’ Bath Mat, $30 Kicky Mats ‘Did You Wash Your Hands?’ Doormat, $50 Kicky Mats ‘Go Away, Come Back With Wine’ Doormat, $50 Kicky Mats ‘Did You Call First?’ Doormat, $50

228 Grant Street Candle Co. Tobacco + Patchouli Gold Travel Tin, $11 228 Grant Street Candle Co. Wild Blackberry + Absinthe Amber Jar, $21 228 Grant Street Candle Co. Oakmoss + Amber Apothecary Jar, $32

Shea Makery Strawberry Cheesecake Signature Candle, $40 Shea Makery Cinna-Bowl Signature Candle, $40

The Silver Room Cider and Cedar Leaf Candle, $34 The Silver Room Rose Water & Tea Leaves Diffuser, $28 The Silver Room Minnie Ripperton - Les Fleur Vinyl, $26

Rituals + Ceremony Anonomy Sculptures, $79 Rituals + Ceremony USB Travel Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser, $25

Handcrafted Ceramic Watering Cans, $64

Fill More Waste Less Natural Loofah Sponge, $2.50 Fill More Waste Less Food Huggers, $12. 99 

Ment Nelson Backwoods Baptism Print, $50 Ment Nelson Old Sheldon Print, $40

Quarantine Games!

Trading Races, $19.99

Winsults, $25

Cards For All People - Black Card Revoked (First Edition), $17.99

Trap Wars - The Urban Game Night Experience, $22.99

Lyrically Correct 90's & 2000's Hip Hop/R&B Edition, $24.99

Black Wall Street - The Black History Board Game, $49.99

Pull Your Card Music Trivia: Hip Hop Edition, $14.99

Spill It Card Game, $23

'Verified' A Party Game for Social Media Lovers (Original Edition), $19.99

For the Foodie:

Kashmir Viii ‘The Black Power’ Mixtape Coasters, $40 Kashmir Viii ‘Reclaim It’ Mug, $16 Kashmir Viii ‘I Slay.’ Clutch, $45 

Galerie LA Peak and Valley Balance Blend, $30 

‘The Cooking Gene,’ by Michael W. Twitty, $28.99 

‘From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes From the Boss Dog’s Kitchen’ by Snoop Dogg, $24.95 

Essie Spice Signature Sauce Collection, $42 

‘Your Guide to Tasteful Manners’ with Love Cork Screw, $19.95 

‘Deliciously Vegan’ Cookbook by The Chic Natural, $28.95 

EAT Apron, $30

Midnight Reflections Crowned White Ceramic Mug, $19.99

The Spice Suite Utensils + Oven Mitts, $50 The Spice Suite ‘The Little Black Spice Book’ (E-book), $30

Rituals + Ceremony Circle Mug, $40 Rituals + Ceremony Agate 6pc Plate Set, $24

Blk + Grn Stainless Steel Tea Ball Infuser, $4

Fill More Waste Less Reusable Tea Strainer, $14.99

Good Thoughts Tea Co. Tea Spoon Set, $12

KazvareMadeIt Personalised Alphabet Mug Tile Print, $20.99 KazvareMadeIt Banananana Cushion, $55.80

Addie Rawr ‘Addie's Cocktail Collection’ (Cards & Prints), $3.75

For the Beauty Guru:

Lettie Gooch Blends Perfume: Earth, $30 Lettie Gooch Bloom Perfume Blend No. 586, $48 

Galerie LA Hand Sanitizer, $10 Galerie LA Cream Cleanser, $16 Galerie LA Citrine Sea Tropical Exfoliator, $18 Galerie LA Botanica Rose Roller, $14 Galerie LA Botanica Lavender Roller, $14 Galerie LA Aurora Superfood Elixer (Face Serum), $27 Galerie LA Jade Eye Mask, $44 Galerie LA Rose Quartz Facial Roller, $28.00 

Shea Makery Scar Healing Serum, $23 Shea Makery Cinnamon Bun Body Butter, $25 Shea Makery Glazed Donut Body Butter, $25 Shea Makery Milk + Honey + Syrup Bubble Bath, $22 Shea Makery Honeycomb Bath Set, $16

The Lip Bar Cheek and Eye Palette, $15  The Lip Bar ‘Goddess’ Lipgloss, $14 The Lip Bar ‘Bawse Lady’ Liquid Matte Lipstick, $13  The Lip Bar ‘4:00 Stuntin' Fast Face Kit,’ $99 The Lip Bar Limited Edition Easy Holiday Glam Collection, $25  The Lip Bar ‘Lip Bar Littles,’ $18.99 The Lip Bar Minimalist Lovers Bundle, $36

Auda B. Beauty Soy Polish Remover, $26 

Breukelen Polished ‘Paid and Full,’ $11 Breukelen Polished ‘Get Me Right’ Treatment Set, $25

Beauty Bakerie ‘Milk & Honey’ Highlighting Brush, $18 Beauty Bakerie ‘Coffee and Cocoa’ Bronzer Palette, $38 Beauty Bakerie ‘Black Egg-cellence’ Beauty Sponges, $18  Beauty Bakerie ‘Sugar Cookies’ Palette, $28 Beauty Bakerie ‘The Butter’ Hydrasilk Primer, $24

Mented Mini Brush Trio, $10 Mented Everyday Eyeshadow Palette, $28 Mented Brush Collection, $45 Mented Holiday Faves Trio, $50

Blac Minerals Highlight Bundle, $32 

Danessa Myricks Beauty Oil, $30  Danessa Myricks Waterproof Cream Palettes, $36 Danessa Myricks Luxe Cream Palettes ‘The Nudist,’ $44

Pear Nova ‘Holiday Essentials’ Nail Set, $90 

Habit Cosmetics Nail Polish in Voodoo, $18  Habit Cosmetics Nail Polish in Midnight Cowboy, $18 Habit Cosmetics Nail Polish in Black Orpheus, $18 Habit Cosmetics Nail Polish in Scarab, $18

Hunny Bunny Cuticle Cream, $4.50 Hunny Bunny Grapefruit Sugar Scrub, $20

Taupe Coat in Good Fortune, $11

More Brands To Try:

People of Color Beauty

Mischo Beauty

Suite Eleven

Brown Butter Beauty

Beija Flor Naturals

Plain Jane Beauty

Ancient Cosmetics

Hue Noir

Lotus Moon Skincare

For the Fashion Conscious:

Merit ‘Fate’ Bucket Hat, $20

Chris Cardi Signature TwistDYE Tee, $33

Lettie Gooch Black Mineral Washed Jacquard Leggings, $68 Lettie Gooch ‘Smiling On The Inside’ Mask, $28

Kashmir Viii Face Masks, $16 Kashmir Viii ‘Around The Way Girl’ Clutch, $45-$60

Galerie LA Hemp Tie Button Down Sage, $90 Galerie LA Gratia Jumpsuit Tumeric, $100 Galerie LA Red Zipper Wallet, $45 Galerie LA Dopp Kitt (Makeup Bag) in Navy, $40 Galerie LA Lunar Star Earrings, $100 Galerie LA Meria Sunglasses Coral Pink, $75 Galerie LA Oda Ring, $45 Galerie LA Sabbath Cocoon Tunic, $85

Tree Fairfax Keychain, $22.50 Tree Fairfax Lois Belt, $45

LoveCortnie Polka Dot Leather Key Chain Clasps, $15 LoveCortnie Small Leather Tassel, $17 LoveCortnie ‘Color Me’ Coin Purse, $30 LoveCortnie Envelope Card Holder (Black & White), $32

Rue 107 ‘Toni’ Bikini in XOXO Print, $98 Rue 107 Signature Pencil Skirt in XOXO Print, $68 Rue 107 Tied Cropped Tank in XOXO Print, $48 Rue 107 Tied Cropped Tank in Vintage Rose Print, $48 Rue 107 Signature Pencil Skirt in Vintage Rose Print, $68

Grant Blvd ‘Sustainable Shit Only’ Fanny Pack, $26

Ebony and Green Mindfulness Earrings, $10

For the Bookworm:

‘Daymares’ by Kenya Moss-Dyme, $12.99

‘Hood Feminism’ by Mikki Kendall, $26

‘The Source of Self-Regard’ by Toni Morrison, $28.95

‘Tar Baby’ by Toni Morrison, $15

‘The Beautiful Ones’ by Prince, $30

‘In Her Hands: The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage’ by Alan Schroeder, $12.95

‘The Street: A Novel’ by Ann Petry, $15.99

‘Chasing Down a Dream: A Blessings Novel’ by Beverly Jenkins, $14.99

‘Rebel (Women Who Dare)’ by Beverly Jenkins, $5.98

‘Night Song’ by Beverly Jenkins, $8.99

‘Tempest’ by Beverly Jenkins, $5.98

‘Our Black Year: One Family's Quest to Buy Black in America's Racially Divided Economy’ by Maggie Anderson, $17

Rayo and Honey ‘Books Change Your Mind’ Pennant, $75

Jungalow Face Bookend Vase by Justina Blakeney, $98

Midnight Reflections Black Nerd Tote Bag, $18.99

Addie Rawr Book Club Dolls Stickers (Die Cut Stickers), $9.50

For the Kids:

Jungalow Leela Terracotta Rug by Justina Blakeney X Loloi, $89.00 Jungalow Pink Looped Wool Rug, $99.00

Galerie LA Kids Face Mask, $25

Duchess365 237 Canvas Print, $98.99 Duchess365 231 Tote Bag, $24.99 Duchess365 279 Art Print, $23.99 Duchess365 241 Framed Art Print, $47.99

Shea Makery PB & J Soap, $10 Shea Makery ‘Save A Life’ Mini Assorted Hand Soaps (Set of 12), $5

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History, $16.99

‘Clean Getaway’ by Nic Stone, $16.99

‘Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid’ by Mikaela Ulmer, $16.19

ABC Me Flashcards, $20

IkdKids Rag Doll, $40

KaAn’s ‘Living The Dream’ Denim Jacket, $40

Yinibini Baby Badminton Playing Octopus Tee, $23 Yinibini Baby Fox Pullover Sweatshirt Jogger Set, $41 Yinibini Baby ROAR Lion Hooded Pullover, $45 Yinibini Narwhal Toy, $28

For the Masculine:

ALWD Signature DC PROPER Sweatshirt, $40

Chris Cardi ‘Bastards’ Tee, $30.03

Merit Flannel Shirt (Green), $65

Kashmir Viii ‘Everybody Eats, B,’ Tee, $45 Kashmir Viii ‘The Knockout’ Tee, $45

Galerie LA ‘Mister’ T-Shirt, $45

Jeff Manning Art ‘Overflow’ Art Print, $30 Jeff Manning Art ‘The Golden Age’ Art Print, $45 Jeff Manning Art ‘Overflowed Emotions’ Art Print, $50

Levi Fisher Beard Bundle, $39.99

Scotch Porter Face Care Collection, $28.99 Scotch Porter Journal, $9.99

Shea Makery Beard Oil, $15

Enbois Matte Lava Rock Bracelet, $40 Enbois Benji Matte Sunglasses, $45 Enbois Bracelets Collection - Cocoa, $50

The Silver Room Tourer Backpack, $95

Urban Profile Black Panther Shirt, $24.99

Solo Noir Starter Kit, $28.99

Bevel Shave Starter Bundle, $89.95 Bevel Skin Starter Set, $61.95

For the Tech Savvy:

Enbois iPhone Case, $12 Enbois Power Bank, $15 Enbois Grip Socket, $4

Chic Geeks Brown Faux Crocodile iPad Case, $75 Chic Geeks Brown Snakeskin iPad Case, $75 Chic Geeks Emerald Faux Crocodile iPhone Case, $50 Chic Geeks Grey Marble MacBook Case, $80 Chic Geeks Black Faux Crocodile iPad Case, $75

Khristian A. Howell Cava Melon Sleek and Chic Phone Case, $39.99 Khristian A. Howell Cava Black Sleek and Chic Phone Case, $39.99

NSPRE ‘Inferno’ Bluetooth Sunglasses, $71.99 NSPRE Micro SD Card (128GB), $21.98 NSPRE ‘The Ombres’ Bluetooth Audio Sunglasses, $59.99  NSPRE ‘The Solars’ Bluetooth BlueTech Glasses, $59.99

For the Goth/Kawaii:

VickiBeWicked Vinyl Sticker Heart Drippy Mushroom, Laptop Decal, $4 VickiBeWicked Rainbow Unicorn, Black Girl Magic Laptop Sleeve, $30.99 VickiBeWicked AfroGirls Masked Up Laptop Sleeve, $30.99 VickiBeWicked Pastel Horn Face Resin Keychain, $12.99 VickiBeWicked Red and White Splatter Skull Dangle Earrings, $7.50

Kashmir Viii ‘The KeKe’ Print, $35-$60

Adorned by Chi ‘Goth Club Presidenct’ Unisex Raglan T-Shirt, $34.99 Adorned by Chi ‘Pro Black’ Unisex Raglan T-Shirt, $34.99 Adorned by Chi ‘Pretty Girls Like Anime’ T-Shirt, $32.99 Adorned by Chi ‘Awkward’ Iron-On Patch, $11.99 Adorned by Chi ‘I Need My Space’ Hard Enamel Pin, $12.99

The Colour Polka Dot iPhone XS ‘Creepy Cute’ Rainbow Phone Case, $40 The Colour Polka Dot ‘Creepy Cute’ Spoopy Ornaments, $12 The Colour Polka Dot ‘Kawaii Cute’ Face Mask Case, $16

Embrii Shop Blush Pink Laptop Sleeve, $36

Gothic Lamb Anti Social Goth Club Tee, $28 Gothic Lamb ‘FedUp’ Tee, $24 Gothic Lamb ‘Make America Goth Again’ Tee, $28 Gothic Lamb ‘Melanin Manson’ Tee, $24

For the Esoteric:

Behati Life Third Eye Vision And Prophetic Dreams Intention Oil, $22 Behati Life New Moon Bath Soak Herbal Mix, $22 Behati Life Lunar Goddess Moon Magick Intention Oil, $22

Lettie Gooch Ecuadorian Palo Santo Quartz Crystal Bundle, $18

Jungalow Chaya Wallpaper in Amethyst by Justina Blakeney, $5

The Silver Room White Sage Bundle, $6

Grandma Baby's Black Gold Lenormand Tarot Deck, $44

Pretty Spirits ‘The Truth’ Decks, $50

The Afro Tarot, $88

The Hoodoo Tarot: 78-Card Deck and Book for Rootworkers by Tayannah Lee McQuillar, $18.66

‘Rootwork: Using the Folk Magick of Black America for Love, Money and Success’ by Tayannah Lee McQuillar, $11.99

Rituals + Ceremony Palo Santo Pack, $7 Rituals + Ceremony Empowered Vibes Ceramic Incense Holder, $10 Rituals + Ceremony Adinkra Intention Candles, $23 Rituals + Ceremony Cleanse and Protect Ritual Kit, $34 Rituals + Ceremony Crystal Candles, $22 Rituals + Ceremony Crystal Bliss: Attract Love, Feed Your Spirit, Manifest Your Dreams Book, $14.99

Ebony and Green Raw Clear Quartz Earrings, $15

For Your Activist Bae:

Kashmir Viii ‘Kash’s Bacon Shack’ Clutch, $45 Kashmir Viii ‘Copy and Paste’ Tee, $45 Kasmir Viii ‘We Did It First’ Stickers, $5.25-$20 Kashmir Viii ‘Reclaim It’ Clock, $45 Kashmir Viii ‘The Black Family’ Tee, $45

Jeff Manning Art ‘MLK’ Art Print, $35 Jeff Manning Art ‘We Shall Prevail’ Art Print, $45

‘The Spook Who Sat By The Door’ by Sam Greenlee, $21.99 ‘The Black Panthers Speak,’ $20 The Black Power Mixtape: 1967-1975, $22.95 A Beautiful Ghetto by Devin Allen, $26.95 ‘Are Prisons Obsolete?’ by Angela Davis, $15.95

Angela Davis T-Shirt, $25

Legendary Rootz ‘Black Girls Are The Purest Form of Art’ Tee, $25

Alex Carter ‘BLACK BUSINESS OWNERSHIP’ Tee, $50

Rayo and Honey ‘Much To Be Done & Undone’ Pennant, $75 Rayo and Honey ‘Black Lives Matter’ Pennant, $75 Rayo and Honey ‘Joy Is An Act Of Resistance’ Tote Bag, $65

‘They Carried Us: The Social Impact of Philadelphia’s Black Women Leaders’ by Allener M. Baker-Rogers & Fasaha M. Traylor, $ 28.99

Midnight Reflections Black Radical Woman Tank, $25.00

The Colour Polka Dot ‘Fuck Racism’ Resin Heart Keychain, $8

Rituals + Ceremony Be The Change Scented Candle, $24

Grant Blvd ‘Disrupter’ Tee, $30 Grant Blvd ‘End Cash Bail’ Hoodie, $54 

Cards, Notebooks and Wrapping Paper + Holiday Ornaments:

VickiBeWicked ‘Skull Santa’ and Candy Cane Greeting Cards, $2

Harlem Candle Company Set of 10 Vintage Nightclub Greeting Cards, $30

Kashmir Viii ‘Nina En Printemps’ (Nina Simone) Notebook, $14 Kashmir Viii ‘Boo Yow!’ Notebook, $14

Midnight Reflections Wrapping Paper 3-pack, $26.97

Midnight Reflections Claus Ceramic Ornaments, $15.99

Midnight Reflections Emoji Black Santa Christmas Stockings, $24.99

Bylianarae Note Cards, $15

KazvareMadeIt Rap Lines Inspirational Coloring Book, $18.20 KazvareMadeIt Lemonade Notebook, $18.20 KazvareMadeIt Fried Egg Wallpaper, $4.88 KazvareMadeIt Diamond Retro Wrapping Paper, $4.88

Khristian A. Howell ‘Speak To Me’ Wallpaper, $12 (sample pack) Khristian A. Howell ‘Palm Springs’ Gift Wrap, $8.99 Khristian A. Howell ‘Sonar’ Gift Wrap, $8.99 Khristian A. Howell ‘Twinkle’ Gift Wrap, $8.99 Khristian A. Howell ‘Ansley Park’ Gift Wrap, $8.99 Khristian A. Howell ‘Rosy’ Holiday Gift Wrap, $8.99 Khristian A. Howell ‘Long Weekend’ Gift Wrap, $8.99 Khristian A. Howell ‘Bonjour’ Card Set (10 pk), $18

GreenTop Gifts ‘Clarence Claus’ HOHOHO Gift Wrap, $7.50 GreenTop Gifts ‘Clarence Claus’ Do Not Open Gift Wrap, $7.50 GreenTop Gifts ‘Clarence Claus’ Candy Canes and Trees Gift Wrap, $7.50

Addie Rawr 2021 Planners (Preorder), $30 Addie Rawr The Great Gratitude Journal, $20 Addie Rawr The Great Gratitude Journal, $20

[wiypt-writes]

What The Stark Spangled F**k?

A Stark Spangled Forever One Shot- Hairy and Scary!

Summary: Something hairy and scary is hiding in Harry’s toy box

Warnings: Bad language words…

A/N: This is inspired by an actual incident involving my nephew… hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar Katie Stark and the other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

Stark Spangled Forever Masterlist // Main Masterlist

“Make yourself at home why don’t you…” Steve looked at Bucky who had flopped down onto the sofa, kicking his legs up so they sprawled over the cushions. Sam gave a snort as Bucky merely shrugged, taking the beer Steve offered.

“Katie told me this is my home too so…”

“Well Katie ain’t here…” Steve looked at him. Bucky lazily raised a metal middle finger in the air and Steve scoffed, turning to Sam.

“Where are the other kids?”  Sam asked, taking the bottle Steve held out with a thanks.

“Emmy’s out with Queens, Jamie’s at Seb’s for the afternoon and Katie took Rori up to Pepper’s so we can watch the game in peace. Harry wanted to stay here with his toys” Steve glanced down at the current youngest of the Rogers clan who was sat on the rug, attention taken by the tonka toy he was pushing across the woollen surface, following the looping pattern as if it was a road, soft beeping and clanking noises coming from his mouth as he attempted to recreate the sounds the diggers made. They’d walked past the contruction site that morning whilst taking Stark for a walk and Harry had pulled on Steve’s hands and pressed his face to the fence, watching the machinery, waving to the workers who all politely waved back to him. Such a simple little thing had spiked such a pleasure in him, and they’d stayed there for a good 10 minutes until Steve had managed to convince him to leave. When he had gotten home he’d launched into a very garbled explanation to Jamie who had grinned and given his younger brother a heap of his old trucks that he was “too old for now” (his words, not Steve’s) and Harry had been over the moon with them. 

“Crashhhh"  Harry stopped at the leg of the coffee table before he rammed the truck into it, giggling. 

“Oh no buddy!” Steve grinned and Harry looked up at him, smiling “You crash?”

“Smash daddy!” he laughed, nodding, before his eyes narrowed and his lips pursed and he pushed himself up to his feet. He toddled over to Steve on his little 2 year old legs and Steve crouched down, placing his beer on the coffee table.

"What’s up pal?”

“I go to my toy chest daddy?”

“Tell you what, shall I bring it in here?” Steve smoothed his son’s light brown hair back. “I’ll move the table back so you can play.”

Harry nodded and Steve stood up.

“Want a hand?” Bucky asked, waving his metal one. Steve shook his head, rolling his eyes and headed into the den. The kids had more toys than could possibly fit in a chest, and a lot they shared but they each had their own personalised wooden toy boxes in which they kept their special, personal things. Steve had made and painted each of them, the colours and themes often changing as their tastes did. Smiling he looked at them as they were arranged against the back wall of the room. Jamie’s was dark green and decorated with baseballs and footballs, Rori’s was bright pink and covered in sparkly ballerinas and dancers,  Harry’s was a dark blue and decorated with the characters from the Disney film, Cars, and the one at the end was currently a plain wood as he had yet to paint it for the newest Baby Rogers which was due in 5 months. Striding forward he grabbed Harry’s and easily lifted the box, onto his shoulder, carrying it back through to the room. Bucky and Sam were currently lifting the coffee table, with Harry sat on it, as the tot giggled when Bucky gave it a wobble.

“You silly Unca Bucky!” he laughed as the table set gently on the floor flush to the wall which sported the large flat screen TV

“You ain’t wrong Squirt.” he smiled as Harry jumped down and headed to his box as his dad dropped it onto the rug.

“You need a snack pal or a juice box?” Steve asked and Harry shook his head.

“No fankoo.” he pushed the lid up so that the hinge locked and it stayed open, bending over to dig around for something.

Sitting back down, Steve turned the TV over to the Giants game, the 3 men settling into friendly chatter as they watched the build up, Steve every so often casting an eye on his son who was now building a traffic jam on the floor with his cars. They’d lucked out with Harry, other than his little stubborn streak which sometimes raised its head he hardly made a fuss, just got on with it. By far the easiest one they’d had to deal with, and Steve was hoping number 5 followed in his example and not Rori’s.

About 15 minutes into the game Steve saw Harry move back to the box for something out of the corner of his eye, and he had just turned his full attention to the game when Harry let out a loud yell, and thew himself backwards. Stark’s head shot up from where he was laying at the end of the sofa by Buck’s feet and Steve’s head whipped round as Harry fell on his butt, scrambling away.

“Woah…woah…” Steve jumped up as Harry picked himself up and ran to his dad. “What’s wrong?”

“I…don’t wike it…” he sobbed. “Make it go away.”

“Make what go away?” Steve frowned, scooping him up in his arms. He looked at Sam and Bucky who were both observing them, shocked looks on their faces as this was so out of character for the little boy.

“In my box!” he wailed “It’s furry and black and has a red stripe and…”

He buried his face in Steve’s neck, his little hands fisting in his henley as Sam got up, and approached the box with caution.

“Sounds like some kind of animal..” he mumbled. Steve’s brow furrowed further.

“A spider?” Bucky looked up.

“We don’t have anything like that in Brooklyn.” Steve shook his head. “As well you know.”

Bucky shrugged “I also know you used to be 5 foot 2 and a hundred pounds…strange times we live in Stevie…”

Sam paused, and looked at Steve. “He has a point, man.”

Steve took a deep breath and looked at Sam as he gently rocked Harry side to side “That’s…that’s not the same…”

“Well what is it then?.” Sam shrugged

“I dunno, I don’t have x-ray vision, that wasn’t something the serum gave me.” Steve said sardonically “Have a look.”

“You have a look!” Sam snorted

Steve hesitated slightly, before he looked down at Harry “Bud, you wanna get down whilst I check it out?”

“No!” Harry insisted, pushing his face further into Steve’s neck. With a sigh Steve shifted him so he was on his hip and cautiously approached the box. He couldn’t see anything at all that matched Harry’s description so he gave it a sharp kick and some of the cars on the surface fell away revealing indeed a fury little body with a red stripe. Steve jumped back slightly, before he narrowed his eyes, bending closer.

“I don’t believe it…” he rolled his eyes, snorting as he reached in to pull out the offending item. It was a stuffed penguin with a red scarf tied around his neck. Sam and Bucky both looked at one another before they fell about laughing and Harry shifted to look at them, curious as to what was so funny. He turned to look at Steve who held the penguin in his hand.

“It’s Sniffles.” Steve waved it at him.

“That’s Rowi’s” Harry said.

“Yup.” Steve nodded “Shall we put it back in her box?”

“Ok.”

“Thanks for your help fellas.” Steve shot over his shoulder as he headed out of the lounge to the den to replace the errant toy.

 **Original Posting**

[tagsecretsanta]

From @MissSquidTracy

to @scattergraph

Secret Santa does not own this work, full credit to the author above!

Gordon liked to think of himself as the fashionista of the family.

Sure, his Hawaiian shirts sometimes drew attention of the unwanted kind, but the aquanaut was a firm believer in using clothing as a means of non-verbal communication. John was living proof of this theory.

Unfortunately, all of the freedom associated with self-expression went down the toilet with a resounding ‘flush’ when tradition dictated your attire, even if only for a day.

“Seriously, grandma?” Alan grouched, his bottom lip poking out to form his signature pout when he spied the Tracy matriarch descending the stairs with an armful of colourful sweaters.

“Zip it, kid,” Sally rasped, her tone offering no room for negotiation, “This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Tracy Christmas Album, and I’ll not have your attitude souring the occasion.”

Scott and Virgil shared a look of mutual disgust as Sally handed them two hideously baggy and itchy looking jumpers.

“Don’t you two start as well,” Sally warned, yanking a loose thread off the sleeve of John’s before tossing it towards the redhead, “Anyone caught sulking will be in the kitchen with me for the rest of the afternoon. I’ve just finished a fresh batch of liver and onion stuffing and could use a taste tester.”

Five jumpers were yanked over five heads in perfect unison.

A nod from Sally affirmed her satisfaction with her grandson’s new-found cooperation.

Gordon grimaced and scratched absently as the coarse fibres tickled the soft skin of his neck. Posing for the annual Christmas album photograph was a tradition that stretched right back to their days on the ranch, yet he found himself becoming more disillusioned with it the older he got. Maybe it was the discomfort of wearing an unnecessary extra layer in Tracy Island’s heat. Maybe it was the disappointment of no longer having snow to wake up to on Christmas morning. Maybe it was the absence of his parents, and for the last three years, at least one of his brothers.

“Who’s on the roster for today?” Kayo asked, striding into the room and wordlessly scooping up the one remaining jumper that was equally as ugly as the abominations adorning the torsos of her male colleagues.

In an effort to preserve the family element of the season, Scott had devised a strategy where just one member of International Rescue acted as the primary point of contact for any rescue calls that came through on Christmas Day, be them sea, earth or space based. Last year, Virgil had volunteered and been called to Nigeria to deal with a flash flood. The year before, Kayo had drawn the short straw and ended up assisting with the evacuation of a small town in Chile when a nearby volcano blew it’s top. The year before, Gordon had helped clear away the debris caused by a three-way semi collision on one of Australia’s busiest highways. The aquanaut had been instrumental in ensuring three hundred people made it home in time for Christmas, despite it coming at the expense of his own.

Fairness dictated that Virgil, Kayo and Gordon were exempt from being called upon this Christmas unless absolutely necessary. Accordingly, the honour of being ATD (available to deploy) fell to Scott, John, and Alan to hash out.

One quick round of rock, paper, scissors later, and Scott found himself wondering what brothers three and five would look like with their heads shaved.

“Alright, scoot in!” Sally ordered, returning with Alan’s tablet which she held aloft in an attempt to get a good angle, “Scott and John, you two stand at the back. Gordon and Virgil, you kneel in front of your brothers. Kayo and Alan, I need you both to sit at the front. We’re going for a tiered approach this year.”

A healthy amount of shuffling ensued as each Tracy (plus Kayo) moved into position and tried desperately to make himself/herself look decent. Scott yanked on the hem of his jumper in an attempt to cover up his belt. Virgil tried to hoist his up so that he wasn’t rocking the off the shoulder look. John scrubbed at his nose as the acrylic material began to trigger one of his many allergies. Gordon fanned his face with a hand as sweat began to bead across his forehead. Alan tugged fruitlessly on sleeves that fell woefully short of his wrists, and Kayo demanded that Virgil tell her honestly whether the shape of her jumper made her look fat.

Sally was firmly of the opinion that jumpers had to be vomit-inducingly ugly in order to be ‘festive’. The designs adorning each of the six knitted atrocities in front of her offered indisputable visual evidence of this belief.

Scott was brandishing a bright blue snowman, while Virgil sported a dark green reindeer (complete with light-up antlers). John was the unwilling wearer of an orange gingerbread man, and Gordon was proudly modelling a yellow penguin (complete with a squeezable beak that sang Jingle Bells if you so much as looked at it). Alan appeared indifferent to the red elf plastered across his chest, and Kayo was trying to make the best of her rapidly unravelling black turtledoves.

“Smile!” Sally sang, her finger poised, “On the count of three, everybody say cheese! One…two…three!”

“CHEESE!”

Click.

Flash.

The end result was less than impressive. Scott had blinked at precisely the wrong moment. The grin plastered across Virgil’s face was nothing short of horrifying. John’s eyes were almost as red as his hair. Gordon was shamelessly modelling a chunk of leftover spinach in his right canine. Alan had twisted his head to peer at Virgil at the last second and was a blond and red blur…

Unsurprisingly, Kayo was the only one who’d managed to look straight at the camera and smile like a normal person. 

After reviewing her rather substandard snap and tutting in disapproval, Sally tightened her grip on the tablet and ushered her dispersing grandsons back into formation with a ‘shoo’ motion of her free hand, “Come on you lot, form up. Nobody leaves this room until we have a decent photo. How you boys can look so good in real life but so bad on canvas is beyond me. Your dad always said-“

The sudden departure of an elf wearing Tracy brought all dialogue to an abrupt halt.

“Sorry, grandma!” John yelled as he made a beeline for the stairs, the redness of his nose akin to Rudolph, “But this wool is giving me a nosebleed. You’ll have to take the next shot without me, or just make the one we have work. It might be for the best, as you know how Alan gets unforgivable gas whenever he’s forced to pose.”

The youngest Tracy let loose a honk of outrage, but was dutifully ignored as, one by one, his other brothers began to filter out of the lounge. Excuses of varying degrees of believability bounced off the walls as three more bodies scampered to freedom.

It took all of ten seconds for most of the lounge’s inhabitants to disperse, leaving Kayo and Alan alone with a somewhat disappointed looking Grandma Tracy.

“Oh well,” the Tracy matriarch sighed, reaching to pick up the blue snowman that had been ejected over the first floor bannister, “There’s always next year.”

Kayo smiled thinly and made a mental note to spend next Christmas with her father.

-x-

As well as being the family fashionista, Gordon was also a self-appointed expert in gift giving.

His affinity for making people smile helped tremendously, since it made the process of choosing something his recipient would find meaningful much easier. He wasn’t adverse to buying his brothers practical gifts that they could use in their everyday lives (the tea cosy he’d bought for John the Christmas of fifty four was still in active service), but he knew they had all of the utilitarian gadgets they could ever want or need, courtesy of Brains and their nine figure bank account.

Cue unicorn poo bath bombs, flamingo slippers, and personalised face cushions.

This year however, he’d outdone himself.

Unbeknownst to anyone outside of the family, Gordon was quite the expert on upcycling. He had a knack for seeing potential in things that other people had written off as trash (like Scott, for instance), and took great delight in working with his hands. 

It had taken several days, but he’d finally managed to relocate one of their dad’s old hoverbikes from the ranch to Tracy Island. It had taken up most of the room inside Thunderbird Four’s dry tube station, however he’d managed to offload it in the hanger and perform the desired modifcations in the (relative) privacy of Four’s module. 

Alan had stopped believing in Santa when he was seven. With Lucy dead and Jeff away for three quarters of the year, Scott had taken it upon himself to safeguard whatever remained of his youngest brother’s innocence. Every year on Christmas Eve, without fail, the eldest Tracy donned a red suit and beard and made a big (and often loud) show of depositing presents under the tree. Unfortunately, a rather heated debate one year over Santa’s handwriting (which looked suspiciously similar to Virgil’s), had culminated in the death of Alan’s wide-eyed belief.

Gordon had found the whole debacle rather heart-breaking. Sure, he’d been a year younger than Alan when he himself had stopped believing, but the process had been much gentler. He’d made the innocent mistake of asking John one year to help him with some basic calculations regarding the speed and size of Santa’s sleigh, however had ended up on the receiving end of a lecture from his redheaded brother on reindeer anatomy and wind resistance.

His belief had died peacefully in its sleep nine hours later. 

Still, having a belief squished verbally was a lot less harsh than having it squished visually. Poor Alan.

Gordon smiled to himself as he inspected his handiwork. He’d outfitted the storage compartment on the back of the red hoverbike he’d abducted to look like the back end of a sleigh. He’d toyed with the idea of enlisting the help of a couple of real life reindeer (or ponies) to act as draught animals, but had decided against it after reviewing the vaccination and transport requirements. 

Despite managing to complete the modifications inside Four’s module, Gordon had been forced to relocate his creation elsewhere when he and Virgil had been called away on an impromptu rescue involving a couple of unqualified divers. With his back against the wall, the aquanaut had picked the first alternative hiding place that had come into his head.

The roof.

As ridiculous as it sounded, the glass roof of Tracy Island’s lounge was anchored into numerous rocky outcroppings that, when utilised effectively, provided excellent cover. So long as nobody glanced up, of course.

A sigh of pride bubbled up Gordon’s diaphragm. He might not be able to reverse the damage caused by Virgil’s handwriting gaffe, but he could at least give his youngest brother a laugh and deliver his gifts in style instead.

So preoccupied was the aquanaut with buffing out an imaginary mark from the hoverbike’s bumper, that he failed to notice the Island’s automated weather system bark out the alarm for a storm warning.

Thankfully, John didn’t.

-x-

Scott had checked high and low.

And then high again, just to be sure.

The eldest Tracy was stumped. Gordon had somehow managed to vanish clean off the face of the earth.

Not that such a discovery would usually cause the eldest Tracy any concern (the aquanaut had a knack for evading capture), but Christmas lunch was due to be served any minute and they were one body short at the kitchen table.

“Gordon?” Scott called, shoving his head into the bathroom for what felt like the billionth time that hour. He’d tried calling the aquanaut’s phone, but had been sent to voicemail both times. His biometric tracker showed that he was still on the island, however couldn’t generate an exact location for him. EOS’s heat signature scans weren’t much better, courtesy of the wonky connection brought about by the oncoming storm. 

“I’m stumped,” Scott huffed, admitting defeat with a bemused shrug, “He’s gone. I’ve checked the hanger, the changing rooms, his room, the bathroom, and the gym. Nothing. It’s like he’s poofed into thin air.”

Virgil opened his mouth to reply, however was cut off by the arrival of John, whose expression was an expert blend of concern and flippancy. 

“I’ll give you three guesses as to his location,” the redhead began, “If you win, I’ll do your laundry for a week. If you lose, you have to eat my portion of grandma’s stuffing.”

Scott quickly did the math. It was a risk he was willing to take.

“Is he stuck inside his launch chute?”

“No.”

“Is he swimming in the lagoon?”

“No.”

“Is he hijacking Thunderbird One again?”

“No.”

….

“Well?” the eldest brother demanded, hands on hips. He had no interest in John drawing out his victory for any longer than necessary.

The redhead allowed a small smile to grace his face before gesturing with an index finger towards the ceiling.

Scott blinked as his blue gaze clapped onto a jean-clad butt scrabbling around atop the reinforced glass, oblivious to the small audience he’d amassed as he tried to evade the rapidly intensifying rain.

“The roof?” Scott honked, one hand fisting itself through his hair, “I take my eyes off him for two minutes, and he ends up on the roof?”

“Whoa, whoa!” a new voice piped up, it’s baritone depth failing to bring Scott any relief, “He’s where?!”

The eldest Tracy said nothing, opting instead to stab a finger upwards. Ever the cooperative one, Virgil cast his eyes in the desired direction, a small frown infecting his face as he did so.

“We should probably get him down,” the engineer announced, cringing when Gordon slipped on the now wet glass and starfished on his back, “He’s still wearing his Christmas jumper, and the blasted thing will short-circuit if it gets damp.”

A loud ‘thwack’ echoed around the lounge as Scott’s palm got itself well acquainted with his face.

-x-

John had never been one for big displays of emotion.

A polite smile or, in extreme cases, a shoulder pat were usually the preferred methods his brothers employed whenever they wanted to convey feelings of endearment towards him. 

Christmas was an exception, however, and it was without a shred of his usual awkwardness that the redhead enveloped his fish brother in a tight hug, the scent of singed fabric tickling his nostrils.

Virgil’s extraction of their younger brother hadn’t quite been quick enough, and it was with a suitable amount of humility that Gordon shuffled back into the safety and dryness of the lounge, a thin trail of smoke rising from the beak of his thoroughly soaked penguin jumper.

“How bad was it?” John queried, biting his cheek to keep his humour in check as he took in the static strands of hair atop Gordon’s head. The aquanaut looked as if he’d just stuck his finger inside a plug socket which, on reflection, wasn’t as much of an inaccurate analogy as the redhead had originally thought.

Gordon ignored his space brother in favour of slowly shuffling towards the staircase, an involuntary yelp escaping when his traitorous jumper suddenly gave off a stray spark.

Virgil snorted and flicked a hand through his hair to rid it of the rainwater it had collected, “Nothing to worry about on the health side of things, but man John, you should have seen it. He nearly took off like a firework.”

The redhead quirked an unimpressed brow, “Serves him right for skipping over the electrical safety briefings I sent down last week. You’d think he’d have a better understanding of how water and electricity don’t mix, what with his ‘Bird being the only one kitted out for aquatic reconnaissance.” 

  A shrug was offered by Virgil in lieu of a response, “I’m sure all will be revealed once he’s properly earthed himself. Meanwhile, I’d better get that hoverbike down before it crashes through the roof and lands on someone’s head. Can you send Scott up to help? I could use a couple of his grapples.”

John threw his brother a mock salute before breezing off towards the kitchen, only to stop when he caught sight of a familiar blue outline on one of the sofas.

“Be there in a minute!” Scott mumbled, his cheeks bulging like an oversized hamster as he chomped his way through an indulgent looking doughnut.

John felt his gaze darken as he took stock of the stray sprinkles in the corner of his eldest brother’s mouth, “Where did you get those?”

Scott held a finger up as he swallowed, thumping his chest when a stubborn piece of dough got lodged, “Mainland, to make up for grandma’s sprout and salmon tart. Help yourself, there’s plenty left. I’ve only had three.”

The lack of control Scott had when confronted with unhealthy snacks never failed to amaze his brothers.

“You want to take it easy,” Virgil warned, motioning with one hand to his waistline, “Too many of those could send you to an early grave.”

Scott flicked his hand dismissively and reached for a fourth doughnut.

“Don’t care. I won’t be the one carrying the coffin.”

- FIN -