We don’t know about y’all, but Mardi Gras might just be our favorite holiday! King cake, parades, beads, another excuse to wear a costume, spears, ice cold beer in the crisp NOLA air, crawfish, revelry and marching bands … what’s not to love?
To get in the spirit, we’ve teamed up with some of our favorite local companies to bring you an amazing giveaway! These are our favorite picks for the Mardi Gras season. Whether you’re looking for a unique parade-going outfit for your little one, personalized bead bags for the family or something to keep your beer cold, we’ve got you covered!
It’s Carnival Time! giveaway 1 (WINNER: Alissa)
- Personalized bead bag from Sip N See by LP ($13 value)
- Skirt from Small Habit ($24 value)
- Headband from Yeaux Yeaux Bows ($12 value)
- One piece or toddler tee from Nolafionnah ($22 value for one piece, $26 value for tee)
- Candle (king cake scented) from Southern Lights ($16 value)
- 1 dozen Mardi Gras themed cake balls from Stephanie’s Cake Balls ($24 value)
- “It’s Great to be a NOLA Kid at Mardi Gras” coloring book and personalized streetcar notepad from Let’s pARTy NOLA
It’s Carnival Time! giveaway 2 (WINNER: Tiffany)
- Bead bag from Two Sprouts ($12 value)
- Bow from Little Touches ($3 value)
- Two koozies from Embellished Bayou ($17 value)
- Applique shirt from Lisey Lu ($20 value)
- Storyville infant Mardi Gras tee ($20 value)
- 1 dozen Mardi Gras themed cake balls from Stephanie’s Cake Balls ($24 value)
- “It’s Great to be a NOLA Kid at Mardi Gras” coloring book and personalized streetcar notepad from Let’s pARTy NOLA
To enter, leave a comment on this post with your best piece(s) of advice for a mom about to experience Mardi Gras for the first time. Is there a specific place to hang out? Parade to catch (or skip)? Items to pack? Place to park? Our newest contributor Karen is new to the city and needs to know! We’ll pick two winners at random on Friday, January 11!
And if you like GIVEAWAYS, don’t forget that there are currently over 30 giveaways going on over at our network’s Facebook page, including the chance to win $400 in clothes (for real!)
Always bring something for the little ones to do because parades never start on time. bring lots of snacks and diapers. A portable crib is good to bring as well.
The Uptown day parades on Saturday and Sunday are so much fun and very family friendly!
I grew up in New Orleans and have done both Metairie and the New Orleans parades. Love them both for their own reasons. This will be my first year with a little one who will be almost one. We are so excited but I will say all the advice I can get would be great. I was thinking of taking what we normally bring for a day out of town visiting the in-laws and double it!
Bring an ice chest full of juice boxes, waters, etc. Also, don’t forget the sunscreen if it’s a day parade!
An item you just can’t go without is toilet paper! You just never know if that portable toilet will have toilet paper. 🙂
I second extra toilet paper, wet wipes, and an extra pair of clothes. Also, go with the flow and try to enjoy the experience bc it’s a lot of hassle with lil kids, but so worth it.
Finding a friend or family member near the route was the best because we didn’t miss nap time! I find Metairie on Mardi Gras Day the most family friendly, lots of kids. Prepare for rain or cold even if the forecast didn’t predict it, Nola weather is nothing if not unpredictable! And most of all, have a blast and take pictures. The years fly by 😉
We’ve only been in the area a little over a year. We avoided parades last year b/c we wanted to wait until our youngest was a little older. We’re hoping to venture out to some parades this year. Thanks for all the tips. I never would’ve thought to bring TP!
Bring snacks and drinks. Bring a stroller or wagon to carry everything in. Check the weather and dress appropriately. Bring something for the kids to do while waiting for the parade (bubbles, balls, frisbee, etc.)
1.Little Rascals is a great starter parade or try one of the Northshore parades to get your feet wet.
2.If you are in NOLA stand close to a church or school that has portapotties that you can pay to use. Lots of restaurants do not allow you to use their potties so don’t count on that.
3. if you are heading into to town for any parades I strongly suggest you get a ladder & seat (Harry’s Ace Hardware sells them) WITH WHEELS ON IT! Also paint and decorate it with your kids!!! Also Get the hubs to attach cupholders (can be done quiet easily!).
4. Bring cash- those little vendors with carts full of stuff (and cotton candy) will suck you in!
5. don’t bring your purse! Keep you valuables on your body. Get a backpack for a diaper bag.
6. Watch where you park your car. Metermaids and tow trucks do big business during this time of year! Where comfy shoes and be prepared to hike it if need be.
7. Or be like us and head out of town for Mardi Gras day 🙂 We hit the smaller parades but will leave the bigger ones until they are older and can enjoy it. It’s too long of day for our little ones.
I’m not even sure if a non-local can win, but my best piece of advice is just do it! Research what you need to (use the comments from this post!) and get out there and bring that LA culture to your little one!