Orland Park teens sort Giving Tree clothing for OPPL drive | Bamboo Baby Onesie

The books, hygiene products and other gifts remained inside her Chrysler 300 parked outside until someone stole the car in the overnight hours between Dec. 22 and 23.

For anyone who’s ever lost half a day trying to finagle a tiny thumb into the correct slot, we present the Veyo Mittyz. These thumbless mittens are a dream to put on, with their wide opening and long cuff. And the buckle and elastic pull keep snow out and mittens on.

There’s no reason you have to buy those overpriced protein bars at the gym or health food store when Target sells them in multi-packs for less money. We suggest stocking up on One Protein Bars in flavors like Peanut Butter Pie, because a box of four sells for less than $8, a significant savings compared to the impulse selection by your gym’s register. They’re loaded with 20 grams of protein and only one gram of sugar, so you’ll be happy with all the muscle mass you’ll be supporting at a very affordable price.

The Muddy Puddles Puddlepac is our Best Buy as it is a nicely designed waterproof jacket at a fair price. Alongside the Joules Skipper, it was the most popular with our younger testers, while the older tester liked the Helly Hansen Block IT, Columbia Sportswear Watertight and the Quechua Hike 900, the latter from Decathlon representing great value for money. For less frequent use we’d recommend the Dry Kids All In One overall or Freedom Trail set.

“Perfect sleep dress! The fabric is very soft and comfortable. The neck is sized just right to keep me warm (I do not like V-neck sleepwear because I get cold), and it is simple — no buttons or itchy lace, which I love! I bought a size up from what I would normally wear, for extra room and comfort.”

If you’re already loading up on the best gifts for men, you’ll want to add Every Man Jack from Target to your list. The Every Man Jack Sandalwood Gift Set retails under $15 and comes complete with a deodorant, 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner, and a full-size body wash. Plus, the modern packaging will enhance just about any shower.

Other parents have shared their tips for keeping children warm in the car and outside while also keeping them safe.

‘This time around being almost in summer is getting to me. I think I’ve been submerging my lumps in water everyday.’ 

This soft baby rattle is carefully crafted from organic cotton with shiny gold thread and a sweet embroidered face. And it contains a bell that makes a gentle sound Baby will love. $20 at Flora & Henri (Pioneer Square) and florahenri.com

Tacoma author Marcia Crews, who also wrote “Three Bears of the Pacific Northwest,” localizes another fairytale in her new book, set once-upon-a-time on the Salish Sea. Seattle artist Jeremiah Trammell’s fun, fresh illustrations make the story friendly and accessible to young locals. $18 at booksellers

A night at the luxurious retreat costs $450 a night, but it is unclear if Nikki paid for her stay or if it was part of an advertising deal. 

24. “The Sick Boy and the Sitter” (Season 1, Episode 1)This series premiere deftly introduces its classic characters in the broadest terms. Rob is the college-educated “egghead” head comedy writer, Buddy Sorrell the old school show business veteran, and Sally the husband-hunting gag writer. Moore is in the initially thankless role as wife and mother who doesn’t want to attend a party at Alan Brady’s because she fears son Ritche might be getting sick. (“How often is one called upon to be a responsible parent?”). At the party, Sally does her Jimmy Durante imitation, Buddy tells jokes, and Rob does great physical shtick. Laura remains on the sidelines.