Give your child a starring role in a story alongside beloved characters with this deal from Shutterfly, which holds the Good Housekeeping Seal of approval as the best online destination for photo books:

• $ 19 ($ 40 value) for a hardcover personalized kids’ book
• Your child’s photo will be featured on the cover and throughout the book
• Choose Dora and My Rescue Adventure or Diego and My Zebra Rescue for ages 2-8 or My Adventure on Sesame Street for ages 1-6

“My son got this book from his grandma and loves it! He requests it every night and is amazed that he is in the story with Diego! Quality book, colorful pages, great story — just a great idea!” — Happy Parent

A Personalized Reading Adventure
Your son or daughter (or nephew or niece) will join Dora, Diego, or the Sesame Street crew for an exciting adventure. Simply upload your child’s photo and provide details such as your child’s name, birthday, and hometown to put him or her right into the action. Each high-quality 10.25″ x 8.25″ hardcover book features 38 or 40 full-color pages and an optional dedication on the title page.

Shutterfly’s Website | Facebook

From chasing his tail to barking when it storms, your dog’s tics are endearing — but his ticks, well, they are anything but. Protect your pooch and family with this deal from PetCareRx, a licensed online pet pharmacy founded by a pet lover in 1998:

• $ 15 for $ 30 to spend on a large selection of pet medication and toys
• Treat pesky problems with leading medications like Frontline, K9 Advantix, and PetArmor
• Stock up on vitamins, grooming products, and chew toys for dogs and cats

PetCareRx’s Website

You don’t have to have a coastal address to savor succulent seafood fresh from the ocean. Ready your bibs for Maryland Blue Crab Express, which ships delicious crabs, seafood, spices, mallets, and more:

• $ 20 for $ 40 to spend on crabs and more delivered to your door
• $ 40 for $ 80 to spend on crabs and more delivered to your door
• Steamed Maryland blue crabs, soft-shell crabs, crab cakes, lump crab meat, shrimp, lobster, and other delicacies

“[The] crabs were perfectly steamed and spiced. Thanks for making our Maryland crab party a huge hit. I think we made a lot of new crab fans out here in Montana.” — Satisfied Customer

Maryland Blue Crab Express’s Website | Facebook

Slurp delicious, homemade slushies all season long with a Slushy Magic. Stick the Magic Freezer cubes in the freezer, fill the cup with your favorite cold drink, wait a few minutes, shake, and enjoy:

• $ 10 ($ 30 value) for a regular Slushy Magic two-pack
• $ 15 ($ 50 value) for a light-up Deluxe Slushy Magic two-pack
• Each set includes a cup, Magic Freezer cubes, and a spoon-straw

Frozen Fun
The Deluxe Slushy Magic includes bigger cups, four Magic Freezer cubes, and multicolor lights that illuminate at the base of the cup. The regular Slushy Magic comes with three Magic Freezer cubes.

Blizzie’s Website | Facebook

The Escape Kit
• A One- ($ 139) or Two-Night ($ 239) Stay for Two in a Parlor Suite, Sundays through Thursdays, Plus One 30-Minute Massage for One
• Or, a Two-Night Stay for Two in a Parlor Suite, Fridays and Saturdays ($ 279)
• Combine Vouchers to Stay Up to Six Nights

The Destination
Excelsior Springs, Missouri, gained fame in the late 19th century when a serendipitous farmer found a mineral well that seemed to brim with healing properties in the shady woods near his land. Word spread, and the town quickly blossomed into a medicinal resort. Today, visitors come not only for a relaxing getaway, but also to check out antiques shopsae burgeoning local art scene, and fine dining.

The Digs
Shortly after the discovery of the area’s restorative waters came The Elms Hotel & Spa. It’s existed in various incarnations for more than a hundred years, and was twice destroyed by fire. Now, this grand dame of hospitality, fresh off a multimillion dollar renovation, exudes opulence inside and out, from its opulent limestone facade to the 16 acres of trees and gardens that surround it.

Luxury linens and understated décor lend the guest rooms an air of tranquility, and amenities include a spa with an indoor European lap pool, and contemporary Midwest fare at the upscale-casual Eighty-Eight at The Elms. Dishes like the Barham Farms chicken breast, served with polenta and roasted vegetables, sing with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, and a menu of classic cocktails, wine, and local beer complements each meal.

The Diversions
• Indulge in an array of luxe body treatments at the 25,000-square-foot spa
• Sip on a cocktail at The Tavern, an on-site pub-inspired lounge
• Drink in the countryside and some local wines at VanTill Family Farm & Winery
• Take home a taste of Kansas City at Wabash BBQ and Blues Garden