7 games to play now

7 Family-Friendly Games You Should Play Right Now

With all the time we’re spending at home, now’s the perfect opportunity to brush up on your games. Whether you’re on the search for a quick game to pass the time or an immersive simulation, you’ll have a fun time with these picks:

1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Platform: Nintendo Switch

The timing of the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons could not be better: with most folks staying at home due to a global pandemic, the game offered a welcome relief from real-world stress. Players have spent dozens of hours on the game beautifying their islands, collecting rare items and creatures, and getting the best animal villagers–and it’s about time you join in the fun. 

2. Sid Meier’s Civilization VI

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, macOS, iOS, Macintosh operating systems, Linux

If world domination has always been one of your life’s goals, this game is for you. In this turn-based strategy game, you will be tasked to turn your early settlement into a world power by founding new cities, amassing a formidable army, engaging in trade and diplomacy, and discovering new technology. There are also game expansions available should you require a more difficult challenge.

3. Overcooked!

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

Imagine: You and your friends preparing a range of dishes and serving them to customers. Oh, and parts of the kitchen are moving or disappearing, your customers are getting impatient, you’ve run out of clean dishes, and whatever was on the stove is now on fire. That’s normal in Overcooked, the most chaotic cooking game this side of the Onion Kingdom. It’s up to you and your family to work together to become the best cooking team the game has ever seen.

4. Minecraft Dungeons

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

The latest Minecraft game will have you exploring several dungeons with monsters, puzzles, traps, and treasures. Use whichever armor and weapon you want to accomplish your goals. The gameplay is simple enough and the graphics are charming, making this a great multiplayer pick for kids.

5. Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Sword and Shield is the latest addition to the ever-expanding Pokemon world, introducing 81 new creatures to catch and train. Set in the Galar region (a place inspired by the United Kingdom), its new features include “Dynamaxing” and “Gigantamaxing”, which make Pokemon grow to a tremendous size; and Poke Jobs, which allow Pokemon to complete requests to gain experience points or special items. It’s definitely not the Pokemon game you grew up with–and that’s a good thing.

6. NBA 2K20

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, Google Stadia, Microsoft Windows

Basketball fans shouldn’t miss NBA 2K20, which lets you go on the court with real-life and customized players and teams. There are several gameplay options, meaning you’ll never get bored: You can play using your favorite NBA team, create an all-star team with your favorite players, control a single character in MyCareer mode, or face other players online. It’ll take some time to get used to the technicality of NBA 2K20, but don’t let the challenge deter you: As they say, this is why we play.

7. Just Dance 2020

Platforms: Wii, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Google Stadia

Just Dance is one of the most fun ways to burn calories. The premise is simple enough: you’ll just need to copy the on-screen dancer’s choreography using your controller to rack up points. Before you know it, you’d have spent a couple of hours dancing in front of your screen. Now, if you’re a bit uncoordinated, the more complicated tracks might prove challenging. But that’s what makes it more fun, don’t you think?

Don’t forget to take pictures of the fun times you’ll have with your family while gaming! Display them on a Nixplay Smart Photo Frame so you’ll have new moments of the past few months to keep close to your heart. 

fathers day gifts stay at home edition

Father’s Day Gifts: The Stay-at-Home Edition

Life’s annual celebrations look a little different this year. But if you give it even a moment’s thought, the reasons to be grateful sure do mount up. And during stressful times, it’s more important than ever—and more beneficial to your health—to focus on them. Are you grateful to have a fab dad in your life? Then celebrate your love for him with a thoughtful Father’s Day gift that’s just right for the moment.  

The Gift of Connection

Social distancing has lots of us looking for new and more engaging ways to stay in touch. Many of us have turned to social media, but by their very nature, they’re public places where you may not want to share your most personal thoughts and images. However, a Nixplay Smart Digital Photo Frame makes having a direct connection to Dad easy. It’s Wifi-enabled and compatible with your smartphone, so you can share images and videos in real-time. Dad can watch his granddaughter take her first steps or blow out her birthday candles along with you.

The Gift of Comfort

When you give a present to someone, do you ever wonder whether the recipient will really use it? Well, there’s one thing all of us do every day and that’s sleep. Upgrade your dad’s mattress and you can be sure your gift will be appreciated on a nightly basis. The best mattresses will give your dad a decade or more of comfort and support—not to mention the rest he deserves after raising you!

Gifts from the Garden

The world has gone greener since the global pandemic hit. More people are turning to home vegetable gardening as a soothing hobby. Gardening is a great, gentle exercise for people of all ages, and it puts food on the table at a time when fears about food shortages are top of mind. The more fresh veggies your dad puts on his plate, the better he’ll look and feel. From seeds and other supplies to trowels and trimmers, there are dozens of affordable gifts you can give to encourage Dad’s green thumb. 

The Gift of Companionship

Maybe you can’t be with your dad as often as you’d like, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep him company. One feel-good story that’s come out of the global pandemic is that pet shelters around the globe have seen a delightful dip in occupancy. A lovable mutt can brighten anybody’s day, after all! You can also adopt family-friendly dogs like golden retrievers (or less active breeds like bulldogs and Bichon Frises) from dedicated rescue organizations around the country.

Studies have found that pet owners enjoy better health and, statistically, they even live longer. And you want your dad to be around a long time, don’t you? Think of all the Father’s Day gifts you can buy—and how much fun he can have as he uses his Nixplay Frame to share photos and videos of his pup’s antics to you and the rest of the family!

The Gift of Good Health

New stay-at-home guidelines have us all doing more cooking. Nutritionists recommend grilling as one of the healthiest cooking techniques. Whether your dad’s grill skills are legendary or apprentice-level, a new gas grill, charcoal grill, or even a smoker could really up his game. And it can help him ease into socially-distanced outdoor entertaining.

Is he already armed for battle with grilling gear? You could try sending a box of perfectly-aged, organic steaks, or a subscription to a wine club (red wines have heart-healthy benefits!). If he’s missing his pub fries or Friday fish and chips, an air fryer delivered to his doorstep will give him the fried crispness he craves minus the calories and excess cholesterol. 

The Gift of Accomplishment

In homes across America, dads are checking stuff off of their to-do lists at speeds that were previously unheard of. That’s because, strangely, the coronavirus itself has given us one very special gift: the gift of time. And lots of dads are using it to be very productive around the home.

You’ve probably noticed the uptick of home improvement projects on your Instagram or Facebook feeds. Photos of newly painted decks, immaculately organized garages, and shiny refinished floors are popping up everywhere. Mechanical and power tools are a great way to support your DIY dad’s skills and help him tackle the projects he’s been wanting to complete around the house.

The Gift of Getting Away

Summer vacation season has taken a hit, with airline travel restrictions, beach closures, and other health regulations in place. But when you’ve been tethered to home for months, you don’t have to go far to feel like you’re getting a break from your routine. Why not plan a boredom-busting weekend for your dad at a nearby bed-and-breakfast? If your dad loves fishing, find one near a lake. If he’s golfer, find one located near the best course he can get to in a day-trip. 

fathers day songs 2020

9 Songs That Beautifully Capture Fatherhood

Want to give your father a heartwarming surprise on Father’s Day? You can curate a playlist for him with his favorite songs, interspersed with songs about the joys of fatherhood. It’ll be the perfect soundtrack for the Father’s Day activities you’ve planned with the rest of the family. Here are some songs you can add!

Just The Two Of Us” by Will Smith

Memorable Lyrics:

 I know I loved you more than life itself
Then to my knees, and I begged the Lord, please
Let me be a good daddy, all he needs
Love, knowledge, discipline too
I pledge my life to you

“Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon

Memorable Lyrics:

I’m gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you always know
As long as one and one is two
Ooh ooh
There could never be a father
Love his daughter more than I love you

“I Learned From You” by Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus

Memorable Lyrics:

I learned from you that I do not crumble
I learned that strength is something you choose
All of the reasons to keep on believin’
There’s no question, that’s a lesson
I learned from you

Right By You (for Luna)” by John Legend

Memorabe Lyrics:

And even when it all becomes too much
When you’re growing old and feeling out of touch
Ooh, listen to this song and just take care
And know that I will be there

Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle

Memorable Lyrics:

Oh, with all that I’ve done wrong
I must have done something right
To deserve a hug every morning
And butterfly kisses at night

“Daddy” by Beyonce

Memorable Lyrics:

No matter what mistakes I make you’re there for me
You cure my disappointments and you heal my pain
You understood my biz and you protected me
I treasure every irreplaceable memory

“Danny’s Song” by Loggins and Messina

Memorable Lyrics:

Pisces, Virgo rising
Is a very good sign
Strong and kind
And the little boy is mine
But, now I see a family
Where once was none

Papa Can You Hear Me?” by Barbra Streisand

Memorable lyrics:

I remember ev’rything you thought me
Ev’ry book I’ve ever read
Can all the words in all the books
Help me to face what lies ahead?

Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross

Memorable lyrics:

Back when I was a child
Before life removed all the innocence
My father would lift me high
And dance with my mother and me
And then
Spin me around ’till I fell asleep
Then up the stairs he would carry me
And I knew for sure
I was loved

Skills That Can Earn You Serious Cash

5 Skills That Can Earn You Serious Cash

In order to thrive and survive in today’s fast-paced, cutthroat corporate world, learning new skills is just as important as improving your existing ones. The good news is that there are several business skills that can give your resume a boost and open new opportunities for you to generate more income. By allotting the time and effort to learn these skills, you can easily gain an edge over your counterparts. 

Languages

Being fluent in another language can open the door to many opportunities. You can find full-time and part-time work as a translator or as a bilingual customer service agent–roles that can keep your language skills polished while paying you well.

Computer Programming

In the age of the internet, knowing a programming language like JavaScript or Python is a handy skill. The good news is that several programming resources are available on the internet, perfect for mastering the basics. When you’re more confident in your skills, invest in classes that offer certifications, which you can add to your resume to give it a boost.

Agriculture

If you have enough land, you can explore opportunities in agriculture. Growing your own plants is an essential skill that can save you lots of money and make you more cash in the process. You can focus on organic fruits and vegetables, which can command premium prices. If you don’t have a green thumb, you can try reselling herbs and ornamental plants in nice vases. It’s not easy money, but it’s definitely fulfilling.

Photo Organization

You probably have several photo albums and boxes at home filled with snapshots from times gone by. Have you ever thought about sorting the images, scanning them, and creating digital backups of your family’s memories? More importantly, have you considered doing this for others? By being a photo organizer, you can help people manage their printed and digital photo collections and tell their stories in the best way. The Photo Managers offers a certification course to get you started on this path.

Graphic Design

Artistic folks can monetize their talent by dabbling in graphic design. Mastery of essential design programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign can land you full-time or freelance work in several industries. There are several resources available online, both free and paid.

gifts for the dapper dad

8 Gift Ideas for the Dapper Dad

Still wracking your brain for the best Father’s Day gift for your stylish dad? We’re here to help. Here some handy suggestions:

Noise-canceling headphones

Give the busy executive dad a gadget he’ll be able to use a lot. A pair of noise-canceling headphones can be his perfect companion during conference calls, long-haul flights, and lazy afternoons spent listening to his ebooks and podcasts.

Try: Bose QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones II, Apple AirPods Pro

A grooming kit

For the dad who always strives to look his best–or who just needs to replace his ancient razor.

Try: Bevel Shave Kit, Kiehl’s Men’s Grooming Essentials

Stylish sunglasses

A handsome pair of sunglasses will always be appreciated by dad. Get him a classic pair that will stand the test of time and will keep him looking sharp during backyard barbecues, grocery runs, and everything in between.

Try: Ray-Ban Clubmaster Classic, Oakley Holbrook

Timeless loafers

The ultimate dad shoe. Comfortable, effortlessly stylish, and a certified classic.

Try: Sperry Plushwave Penny Loafer, Tod’s City Gommino Driving Shoes in Suede-Brown 

A Nixplay Frame

Does dad love taking photos? Make sure his snaps are perfectly displayed on the USA’s bestselling digital photo frame. Nixplay’s Father’s Day Sale is ongoing–now’s your chance to get up to 30% off on selected frames!

A bottle of his favorite alcohol

Didn’t manage to buy a gift in time? When all else fails, swing by the liquor store: a bottle of his favorite drink should do the trick. 

Try: The Glenlivet 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Aviation Old Tom Gin

A UV sanitizer case

These days, it’s especially important to keep your surroundings and things squeaky-clean. A UV Sanitizer should properly disinfect for dad’s gadgets, gizmos, and other small items.

Try: https://www.casetify.com/protects/uv-sanitizer

A book he’ll love

Delight dad with this easy but thoughtful gift idea: A tome about the things that interest him most. See our other recommendations here.

Try: The American House by Phaidon, The Loyal Son: The War in Ben Franklin’s House by Daniel Mark Epstein

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