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How To Avoid Christmas Gift Overload This Year
Alright guys. I can be honest. My kids are spoiled. [NOT spoiled brats mind you, but a bit spoiled, sure.] Truly, I think a lot of kids these days grow up with MORE than enough. Working in social media, companies often send us toys to check out or books to read… That all adds up as the year goes on. Throw in generous aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc, and it can be tough to avoid Christmas gift overload. I’ve written before about our family decision to stick with just 4 gifts per boy each Christmas. Two years later, it’s still the way we shop. Read on to check out what our boys will unwrap this Christmas morning.
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored in any way.4 GIFTS EACH TO AVOID CHRISTMAS OVERLOAD
Four Gifts: The General Idea
If you’re new to the whole ‘4 gifts for Christmas’ movement, be sure to check out my earlier post about it. It talks about how we changed it up a bit to really work for our family. My original ‘4 gifts’ printable present tags are also available there, so you’ll want to check them out. Before I dive into our ‘4 gifts’ choices for Christmas 2018, here’s a quick review of the gift buying guidelines we use to avoid Christmas gift overload each year!
Each of my kiddos receives 4 gifts from my husband and I. We certainly take the boys’ holiday wish lists into account when shopping, but rarely buy directly from it. (That honor tends to be reserved for Nana + Grandpa, etc.) Each boy receives one gift from each of the following categories:
- A gift you need.
- Clothing to wear.
- Something to play with.
- A book to read.
#theLittleOne’s 4 Gifts 2018
A gift you need: In the next few weeks, the boys will start sharing a room in anticipation of baby brother’s arrival in March! #thelittleone will move up to a twin bed, so new bedding is definitely a necessity. We put a cute comforter on the boys’ lists to Nana + Grandpa, so we picked up some simple sheets that will get used a lot!
Clothing to wear: My hubs is the KING of dad jokes – a skill I’m pretty sure he inherited from my father in law. When I saw this adorable tee on clearance at Carter’s recently, I knew it was the perfect choice. I paired it with some simple sweat pants.
Something to play with: #thelittleone has been very adamant recently that he is now big enough to play with real LEGOS, just like his big brother’s. I chose a fun LEGO Juniors set featuring The Incredibles 2 for some building fun for him this Christmas.
A book to read: I was excited to come across Baby Loves Structural Engineering at the store. Ruth Spiro wrote the book, and Irene Chan illustrated it. It’s a perfect read for a young LEGO and building enthusiast. I can’t wait to read it with #thelittleone after he opens it!
#TheBigOne’s 4 Gifts 2018
A gift you need: Just like #thelittleone, #thebigone will open some super practical sheets this year, perfect for when his new bunk bed arrives! Christmas doesn’t have to be ALL toys and sweets. Something useful is a great way to avoid Christmas gift overload!
Clothing to wear: My oldest is starting to become a bit more opinionated about his personal style as he grows up. He’s a fan of pretty simple, comfortable clothes, and prefers to avoid a lot of characters. While I was at Carter’s, I grabbed him a basic pair of jeans, because we’re always finding grass stains or ripped knees after play time. The jeans pair perfectly with a camoflauge button down hoodie, which he’ll love because it’s simple but not too boring.
Something to play with: I think I mentioned somewhere before that Beyblades are a sudden new obsession for both of my boys. #thebigone is more into them, since he loves to tuck them into his backpack to play with with friends at recess. I found a Beyblades arena for a fairly reasonable price at TJ Maxx this year- definitely less than I had seen them listed most other places. Hopefully he’s psyched when he opens this one up!
A book to read: Full disclosure, #thebigone already knows about this gift, mainly because I had to pre-order it and can’t pick it up until Christmas Eve. My biggest bookworm is seriously psyched to go grab his new copy of Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man Brawl Of The Wild on December 24th. He’ll head to his dad’s house with it that afternoon, and I predict that he’ll finish reading it by Christmas morning!
WAIT! What About Santa?!
Ok, yes, technically, my kids get 5 gifts. Right now, the boys are 8 and 3, so they still believe in the big guy. I do make sure to choose one gift for each that Santa delivers. (Or sometimes, like this year, a joint gift to use together). I am always careful to make sure Santa brings something on the smaller side, for 2 reasons.
- Some parents can’t afford video games or smart phones for Santa to drop off. Keeping Santa’s choices modest makes sure that classmates aren’t left questioning why Santa didn’t reward their nice list status the same way he did for others.
- My parents were careful when I was young to be sure Santa didn’t bring THE biggest, most desired gift. They wanted to be sure that we never felt disappointed or nervous about growing out of believing in Santa Claus. If he brings something small, you don’t feel as deceived or let down when you ultimately realize it was really mom and dad stuffing the stockings each year.
I always make sure to wrap our Santa gifts in special Santa paper that I don’t use for the other gifts. It’s just a little simple touch to add a little extra holiday magic to the day when your kids are young.
Do you have a certain method you use when you’re shopping for your kids at Christmas? Maybe it’s more of a budget? Let me know what you’ve found that works for your family in the comments below.
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A Fresh Batch of New Silly Ideas From Our Elf on the Shelf
When an elf first arrived on our doorstep 6 years ago, I never imagined we’d still be moving him around all these years later. The simple truth is that both of my boys love their Elf on the Shelf. As a mama, I love seeing them enjoy a little extra holiday magic, so we’re sticking with the tradition for now. Keep reading to see what Pizza, our silly Elf On The Shelf has gotten into this year!
SUPPLIES WE OFTEN USE
Before we hop into everything Pizza has been up to lately, here’s a very brief list of go-to supplies we reach for all the time when our elf is ready to move.
- Felt boards and letters. These are super cute, very popular, and available all over the place at reasonable prices. I love them because it means I don’t have to print out notes from our Elf or worry about disguising my handwriting. (Plus, I use them all the time during other seasons too. They’re not ‘elf only’, by any means.)
- Glue dots. These are the way we pose Pizza or help him hold props. Double stick tape may also work, but I’ve never really tried it.
- Kitchen tongs. Ok, technically, these don’t get used for elf set up. But we end up grabbing these guys at least once a week, after #thelittleone has accidentally touched the elf and #thebigone is panicky about his magic. Our solution is to pick up the elf with the tongs and stick him in the fridge for the day to ‘recharge’ in a ‘North Pole like’ environment.
FRESH + SILLY IDEAS FROM OUR ELF ON THE SHELF
MC Hammer Inspired
#thelittleone accidentally touched Pizza the elf very early in the season this year. The next morning, the boys found him like this. Only my husband and I appreciated the lyrical nod to MC Hammer, but what can I say? We’re kinda old, and we think we’re funny.
Totally Tubular*
Sledding is one of our boys favorite winter activities, so they loved seeing that their elf enjoys it too. The inflatable snow tube was easy to set up, and the little extras were the perfect finishing touches!
Indoor Snowball Fight
I grabbed a pre-made set from Target for this set up (and a few slingshots too!) but a bucket of regular pom-poms or cotton balls would work just as easily. Assembling a pile of smaller ‘snowballs’ for the elf is a cute touch too!
Right In The Kisser
Winter weather is tough on my kiddos’ lips, so I picked up some Elf on the Shelf themed lip balm on a Target run. Paired with some Hershey Kisses, it’s a sweet and practical choice for the elf.
Family Movie Night*
Typically, there’s no screen time after dinner at our house, but we made an exception for this elf. Both of my boys LOVED the new The Elf On The Shelf Pets movie, St. Bernard’s Save Christmas. The film is cute, festive, and not too long, so it’s perfect for a special night together as a family!
Progress Reports
I found these cute little gift tags during a Target run- big shock, I know. I decided they would be a perfect little check in for the boys halfway through the holiday season. Our elf really doesn’t address behavior often- he’s more just a little bit of extra Christmas cheer for our family- but a not-too-subtle reminder with some Santa mail never hurts midway through the month! An Elf On The Shelf pen was the perfect extra detail to make the correspondence super official!
Must Love dogs*
The night after our family movie night, the boys couldn’t believe their eyes when they found a plush pup, book, and accessories waiting for them. Both boys fell in love with their new dog- they’ve been carrying it around and sleeping with it ever since! Plus, it’s adorable to hear them remind each other that ‘Jeff isn’t very happy with their choice right now’ when one is being naughty. [I don’t know where the name Jeff came from, but that is our St. Bernard’s name!]
Let It Rip
All of a sudden, the third grade seems to be OBSESSED with Beyblades. Pizza jumped in on the fun, spinning top obsession with a silly pun and a Beyblade Micro blind bag for each boy.
Time For Presents?
When the elf was feeling as impatient as my kids about presents, I grabbed a few chocolate cherry candies to sweeten up their wait.
Gangsta Napper*
This adorable sleeping bag and stuffed bear set from Elf on the Shelf was the perfect way for Pizza to snuggle in for a rest.
Yeti Or Not
My kiddos love all things Bigfoot, so I knew I had to find a way to work these adorable Target ornaments into our holiday fun! I think I pulled it off!
Building Memories
Both boys (but especially #thebigone) are huge fans of building with bricks like Legos. I found these adorable elf-sized Nanoblock sets that I thought would be perfect for a morning build.
What’s Crackin’?
(Get it?! Eggs… cracking… HA!) #thebigone’s been begging for some Hatchimals lately, and I’m not gonna lie… I honestly don’t know what they really are. But I saw these cute little packs on a Target run, and figured it was a good place to start!
Donut Miss This
Our elf Pizza knows that Saturday mornings mean donuts with Nana + Grandpa. He surprised the boys with this little tree one Saturday morning, trimmed with a set of donut ornaments I found on clearance in January. (Can’t beat $2!)
Vrooooom!
I’ve written before that my kiddos are obsessed with Driven and Tonka Tiny blind bags, so it makes sense that our elf would have similar interests! I found these World’s Smallest Hot Wheels at the hobby shop one day, and knew they’d be perfect for Pizza to have some fun!
Feeling Nutty
#thebigone has a friend who often has Nutella as part of her lunch, and it looks like a pretty sweet treat to him! When I saw these tiny jars of the chocolate hazelnut spread, I knew that my kids would be thrilled to have Pizza bring one to each of them. They’re the perfect size for an elf to tote around!
Is That You, Charlie Brown?
Since my kiddos are big fans of the Charlie Brown Christmas special, I took a little punny inspiration from the music… Some inexpensive slime from Target led to a morning of fun sensory play.
You’ll shoot Your eye Out, Kid!
Nerf guns, laser tag, and more… If it’s a fun way to have a friendly battle, my kids are all over it. I grabbed a set of 2 inexpensive little laser guns from the hobby store, as if they really need any more ammunition in their ongoing battle!
The Future Looks Bright
Another fun tiny find was this World’s Smallest Magic 8 Ball… Since my kids often rely on their full size version for important life decisions, it seems logical for Pizza to do the same with his own little oracle.
Making Himself at Home
The boys found Pizza lounging at home one morning, in a mansion he’d built for himself from some of our Shape Mags + MagnaTiles. It was a simple set up that the boys loved.
Monster Mash
The boys received favors from a friend’s birthday party tucked in these cute monster bags. Pizza decided to do a little monster dress-up one evening, and #thelittleone thought it was the funniest thing ever!
>>> DON’T MISS THIS ALBUM FULL OF ALL OUR ELF’S FAVORITE FUN IDEAS! <<<
I know that elves aren’t for everyone, but does your family play along? Let me know in the comments below!
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New + Unique Gift Ideas For Every Kid On Your Christmas List!
Holiday shopping is in full swing over here! Between friends, nieces, nephews, and of course, my sons, we have SO many kids to buy for this year! Since no one wants to be the aunt who wrapped up socks or undies, I’ve been on the look out for fun and unique gift ideas for everyone this year. Here’s a list of some of the coolest finds I’ve come across… Be sure to check them out since at least one is sure to be perfect for a little one in your life too!
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com.UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS FOR ALL THE CHILDREN ON YOUR LIST
Your Tech-Obsessed Kid
Every Christmas, I tell family and friends the same thing when they ask for gift ideas for #thebigone. “Anything hands on- something he can build.” Circuit Scribe totally nailed the ‘hands on’ theme when they created their line of cool, tech-y, DIY kits. #thebigone is so psyched to try building his very own drone with my dad. The idea of drawing circuits, instead of attaching wires, make this project totally approachable and do-able for anyone. Controlling the drone with an app just adds to the tech fun, so screen time fanatics will be fans. Of course, the mom in me loves the opportunity for STEM learning that is built into such a fun project. If you have hands-on, tech-obsessed kiddos, you’ll definitely want to take a peek at the Circuit Scribe Drone Builder Kit!
Connect with Circuit Scribe!
Instagram / Facebook / TwitterThe Crafty Kid
As tech-y as #thebigone is, #thelittleone is just as crafty. Give him an assortment of supplies like glue, pom poms, chenille stems and more- he’ll craft you a masterpiece! That’s why the Klutz My Clothespin Zoo kit is such a perfect choice for him. He loved working with my husband to create adorable little creatures. Plus, there’s tons of opportunity to incorporate fine motor practice and learning, so this mom is happy! His crafty older cousin is going to have a blast when she unwraps the Klutz My Simple Sewing kit on Christmas Day! I can’t wait to see what she is able to put together using the kit.
Connect with Klutz!
Instagram / Facebook / TwitterYour The Kid Who Loves Story Time
It will surprise literally NO ONE that books are often a go-to gift in our home. (Often… always… Same difference, right?!) The only downside to having a large home library is that it can be tough for friends or family to come up with unique book choices while they’re shopping. David Ezra Stein’s new book Interrupting Chicken and the Elephant of Surprise is the perfect choice! The new sequel to Interrupting Chicken from Candlewick Press is filled with bright, vibrant illustrations and an engaging story. It’s a great option for a read-aloud or bedtime story.
If you need more unique gift and book ideas for a little one that loves to read, be sure to visit Candlewick Press. Plus, those ordering in the US can save 25% on all books when they use code CANDLEWICK at check out!
Connect with Candlewick Press!
Instagram / Facebook / TwitterA Kid with a Sweet Tooth
My husband and I just celebrated our anniversary last month. Instead of a romantic date night (what’s that?!) we took the boys to see the new The Grinch movie. Their excitement could not be controlled when they discovered a set of cute PEZ The Grinch character candy dispensers in an adorable themed tin! (There may have been a few moments of fighting over who got to keep the Fred dispenser, but we worked it out!) My boys were equally excited for the chance to try a new-to-them PEZ flavor- sour green apple is definitely a new family favorite! These sweet little treats are fun to collect, and perfect for tucking into a stocking or tying on a package.
Connect with PEZ!
Instagram / Facebook / Twitterthe Magic Obsessed Kid
#thebigone’s dad introduced him to Harry Potter a few years ago. Since then, he’s become a fan of all sorts of fantastical fun- books, toys, movies, and more. He could NOT wait to break into the Funko 5 Star Albus Dumbledore Pop Figurine that arrived. My boys honestly can’t get enough of small figurines and toys- they love using them for pretend play, bringing books to life, etc. I know that this colorful little Dumbledore is going to be taking part in SO many of their imaginative adventures going forward. The toy is sturdy, with the perfect little accessories to really bring Harry Potter story time to life! And since #thelittleone firmly believes he is just as grown up as his big brother, the illustrated editions of Harry Potter books, like this volume of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, are the perfect read aloud choice for our family. #thelittleone can check out the beautiful artwork and illustrations from Jim Kay on each page, making chapter books more accesible to his age range.
You’ll find great deals on Funko collectibles and all sorts of Harry Potter merchandise when you shop on Deep Discount. If you have magic and fantasy loving kids to shop for this year, Deep Discount should absolutely be your first stop! Plus, through midnight CT on January 2, 2019, you can save 10% sitewide* when you use coupon code ‘Babbleboxx’. [*Excludes video games, video game consoles and certain turntables].
Connect with Deep Discount!
Instagram / Facebook / Twitter
So what am I missing? In the comments, let me know what sort of unique gift ideas you’ve come up with for the kids in your life this year!
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Exciting Ideas For A Super Silly Santa Sensory Story Time
#thebigone was never much of a ‘sensory seeking’ child. He’s always been more easy going and adaptable than his younger brother is. It took me some time to realize that my youngest needs more sensory input than his brother did at this age. A weighted lap pad, back rubs, and even things as simple as keeping touch-and-feel books in the house can make a huge difference for #thelittleone. Check out these fun options for a Santa sensory story time with your family!
Disclosure: This post is not sponsored in any way.A SUPER SILLY SANTA SENSORY STORY TIME
Our Inspiration for Santa Sensory Story Times
I spotted Have Yourself a Hairy Little Christmas on a recent Target run. The adorable illustrations of a hipster-esque Santa caught my eye. When I saw all the touch-and-feel panels built in, I knew my boys would love it. Even though it’s technically very young for my oldest, even he loves reading it with his younger brother and feeling the textures throughout. Dawn Machell created the illustrations throughout the book. Have Yourself a Hairy Little Christmas was published by Make Believe Ideas Ltd. The book is filled with bright, graphic images of Santa searching for the perfect beard style. Every other page features a fun sensory experience, from knit to glitter to fur and more.
Santa Sensory Story Time Crafts + Ideas
I created 2 bright, bold printables inspired by Have Yourself a Hairy Little Christmas. There’s a variety of fun ways to use both. Before beginning, be sure to check your home for supplies you may already have on hand! I’ve included photos of some of what we chose, as well as a larger list of what you might like to use.
Santa Sensory Material Ideas:
- Sequins
- Rhinestones
- Stickers
- Beads
- Craft foam
- Puff paint
- Pom poms
- Cotton balls
- Yarn
- Ribbon
- Ric-rac
- Felt
- Feathers
- Faux fur
- Chenille stems
- Textured paper
- Wrapping paper
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic cling wrap
- Shredded paper
- Beard ‘texture’ drawn on with white crayon, and covered with water color paints
- THE IDEAS ARE ENDLESS!
Kids love creating a variety of sensory Santa beards on the printable with the smaller Santas. They can use tape or glue to attach the variety of materials in whatever way seems right to them- the sillier the better! Or your child may want to focus on just one Santa using the other printable. Either presents a great option for creating a fun, festive project.
Looking To Get A Little Messier?
By pairing the Santa printables with laminating sleeves, you can easily create a reusable mat for slightly messier sensory Santa play! I find the bigger printable with just one Santa is ideal for this, but the smaller version works as well. Pair the laminated pages with any of the messier ideas below. For the most part, they’ll wipe clean to be reused later!
MESSIER Santa Sensory Material Ideas:
- Slime
- Play-doh
- Clay
- Floam
- Shaving cream
- Dry erase markers
>>> SINGLE Santa Sensory Printable <<<
>>> MULTIPLE Santa Sensory Printable <<<
Do you have kiddos that also love sensory fun?! How do you incorporate it into story time? Let me know in the comments below!
- Sequins
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The 8 Best Blind Bags For Stuffing Stockings This Christmas!
Have your kiddos discovered blind bags yet?! My boys are totally obsessed. There’s a huge assortment of types and themes out there, making it a bit overwhelming to shop for them. In honor of Black Friday shopping, today I’m sharing our choices for the best blind bags out there. These little toys and trinkets are perfect stuffed into a holiday stocking. Keep reading to see which series made our list!
THE 8 BEST BLIND BAGS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON*
*IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER
Imaginext
Imaginext is well know for their multiple lines of figures for imaginary play. My youngest is especially enthusiastic about these toys. He simply can’t get enough of the superhero line blind bags. I love that the characters are pretty sturdy, and small enough to tuck several in the diaper bag when we head out on errands.
Driven
Both of my boys are totally NUTS over these little vehicles. It’s not uncommon to find an entire Driven village taking over my kitchen floor. The small box doubles as a garage. Each contains a few pieces of track, and a mini vehicle. Collect enough, and tracks can take over your kitchen too! They’re tiny, adorable, and keep my boys entertained for quite a while.
Ryan’s World
This line was inspired by the mega popular YouTube star that kids can’t get enough of! There are a few different blind bag options, including putty, slime, giant eggs, and more. My boys (especially #thelittleone) are big fans of the squishy figure series, since they love the sensory aspect of it. My 3 year old loves acting out all sorts of fun imaginative play with his Ryan’s World figures. The toys are available at Walmart, Target, and several other retailers. If you have a kid who can’t get enough of online toy reviews and un-boxings, these are definitely the best blind bags for their Christmas stockings. Bonus points if you let them upload their OWN un-boxing videos!
Poopeez
I won’t lie, this series is not MY personal favorite, but the boys think it’s hysterical- especially #thebigone. Kids love getting to open the toilet paper roll box and discover which potty themed figurines are inside. Anyone who’s a fan of potty humor is going to be thrilled to fin Poopeez in their stocking Christmas morning!
Roblox
#thebigone is a huge fan of the online game Roblox. He loves collecting the blind bag characters and seeing what wacky figures are inside. My kiddo is also a huge fan of the fact that Robux codes come in each box. The virtual funds can be used to buy online swag during game play.
LEGO Mini Figures
I’ve written before about what LEGO fanatics my kiddos are. It’s not surprising that LEGO mini figures are consistently a top choice with them. There are so many cool series for blind bag characters, ranging from superheroes to Harry Potter, and so much more. No matter what your little architect loves, you’ll be sure to find a blind bag series perfect for them.
Surprizamals
Both of my boys are total cuddlers, so sweet little stuffed animals are a hit at our house. Surprizamals come with small plushed animals stuffed inside. The blind bags are available in a few different sizes, but the smallest have been a big hit here. (My kids just LOVE anything miniature. Tell me they’re not the only ones?!)
Minecraft Mini Figures
Similar to his love of Roblox, my oldest is also a fan of Minecraft. This series of blind bag figurines is fairly new to us, but he’s become a big fan already. Creeper, zombie, pig, and more- which mini figure will your kiddo open this year?
Are your children as obsessed as mine are?! What would they vote as the best blind bags this holiday season? Let me know in the comments!
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3 Fun Thanksgiving Books For A Silly + Creative Math Story Time
Thanksgiving is nearly upon us now! While my boys are dreaming of pumpkin pie and sweet potatoes, I’m dreaming up story time ideas inspired by our favorite fun Thanksgiving books! This story time is geared for kids around my youngest’s age. Read on for fun, creative ways to reinforce early math skills while getting in the holiday spirit!
Disclosure: This post is not sponsored in any way.FUN THANKSGIVING BOOKS TO INSPIRE STORY TIME
Favorite Fun Thanksgiving Books
Tony Johnston wrote Ten Fat Turkeys. Rich Deas created the illustrations. It’s a simple rhyming book that counts down from 10 to 1, an important skill for young mathematicians. The comical facial expressions and scenarios the turkeys find themselves in will amuse young readers.
>>> Enjoy 10 Fat Turkeys? We used it last Thanksgiving for another fun story time! <<<
Salina Yoon created Five Silly Turkeys, which has quickly become #thelittleone’s favorite recent book. It’s a lyrical rhyming book, counting down from 5 turkeys to 1. So lyrical in fact, our kiddo insists we only sing the book when reading, to the tune of ‘5 Little Ducks’. The shimmery, crinkly feathers along the side add an extra bit of sensory fun to story time, so it’s engaging for many ages.
Aly Fronis authored This Little Turkey, while Miggy Blanco illustrated the book. Both of my boys immediately recognized that the story was a nod towards the classic rhyme, ‘This Little Piggy.’ That familiar sing-song format makes it a favorite for both of them. It lends itself well to fingerplays and singalongs.
CREATIVE IDEAS FOR A FUN THANKSGIVING STORY TIME
The beauty of the ideas I share below is that they don’t have to be paired with any specific book. I’m sharing them according to the inspiration I drew, but they easily mix and match with many Thanksgiving themed picture and board books. Chances are good you already have a few perfect titles in your home library!
Ten Fat Turkeys
Ten fingers, ten turkeys… coincidence? I don’t think so! Here’s a perfect hand print craft to create ten fat turkeys.
Supplies:
- Printable fence page, or plain paper.
- Brown paint or ink.
- Crayons, colored pencils, or markers.
- Optional: stickers, glue, yarn, scissors, colored paper, etc.
Instructions:
- Print one fence page per child.
- Use brown paint or ink to add both of each child’s hand prints to the fence.
- Sensory-sensitive kids may prefer to have their hands traced instead.
- When ink or paint is dry, use crayons, colored pencils or marker to add fun details to each of the ten turkeys (fingers).
- If you’re up for extra fun, use extra art supplies like stickers, paper, glue, etc to create additional details for each turkey.
>>> Download your printable fence page right here! <<<
Five Silly Turkeys
Magnetic play allows kids to easily retell and recreate stories on the fridge, front door, or even on a cookie sheet on the go.
Supplies:
- 5 turkeys.
- I used some 3-d scrapbook stickers. Foam shapes, computer print outs, etc. would also work well.
- Adhesive magnetic sheets.
- Scissors.
- Fridge, cookie sheet, etc. for magnetic play.
Instructions:
- Stick turkeys to adhesive magnetic sheets.
- Use scissors to trim around turkeys.
- Adults can move turkeys around the cookie sheet while reading aloud, or encourage child to follow along with the countdown by moving the magnets. Later, kids can retell the story, engage in imaginative play, or simply practice counting independently with the magnets.
Printable clip cards and clothespins give little fingers a fine motor and math work out at the same time.
Supplies:
- Printable turkey clip cards.
- Scissors.
- Laminating pouch. (Optional for sturdier, reusable cards).
- Clothespins.
Instructions:
- Print out turkey clip cards.
- Cut out each clip card.
- Laminate cards if you choose to, and cut them out.
- Provide children with clothespins and clip cards.
- Encourage kids to count the number of turkeys on each card, and clip the clothespin to the correct number.
>>> You’ll find the turkey counting clip cards here! <<<
This Little Turkey
‘This Little Piggy’ is known for counting on wiggly toes, but This Little Turkey is a perfect choice for a fun finger play instead!
Supplies:
- 1 pair of inexpensive gloves.
- 8 turkeys, or the supplies to create them.
- I was unable to find ready-made turkey figures, so I made my own instead using.
- 8 wooden buttons.
- 16 small wiggle eyes.
- 8 feather bodies cut from various shades of felt.
- 8 yellow beaks cut from a sheet of felt.
- 8 red waddles cut from a sheet of felt.
- Craft glue.
- Scissors.
- I was unable to find ready-made turkey figures, so I made my own instead using.
Instructions:
- Cut 8 simple feather bodies from sheets of felt.
- Glue a button head to each body.
- Cut 8 small red teardrops from felt. Glue one waddle to each button.
- Cut 8 small yellow triangle beaks from felt. Glue one beak to each button, above the waddle.
- Glue 2 small wiggle eyes to each button, just above the beak.
- Allow some time for the turkeys to dry.
- Once dry, glue one turkey body to each finger of the gloves.
- I skipped the thumbs.
- After the gloves are dry, slip them on. As you read through the book, wiggle each turkey finger as you reach it in the book. Kids can also take turns trying.
- *** Due to small parts, be sure to supervise young readers to minimize choking risk.
- Alternatively, you could skip the gloves entirely and use the felt-backed turkeys in conjunction with a felt board at story time.
While we’re talking turkey this Thanksgiving, you know I have to ask… Light meat or dark meat?! Which is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
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3 Fun + Easy Ideas For The 12 Days Of Thanksgiving Story Time
Thanksgiving always feels like the official start of the holiday season. The weeks before are a rush of cleaning, baking, and preparing for a family feast. During that crazy time, I love having some easy, low prep ideas to pull out for #thebigone. These 3 fun ideas for The 12 Days of Thanksgiving story time are a perfect choice. Read on to see how to use the same activities with your kiddos.
Disclosure: This post is not sponsored in any way.THE 12 DAYS OF THANKSGIVING STORY TIME
reading The 12 Days of Thanksgiving
Jenna Lettice authored The 12 Days of Thanksgiving. Colleen Madden created the bright, cheerful illustrations. My kiddos love the books in this series since they mimic the classic Christmas carol ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’. They love the lyrical, repetitive text, which helps very early readers gain confidence. The basic number skills presented throughout are a great way to reinforce basic counting skills in a low key way. I personally love seeing such diversity represented within family in this book- cousins of all races, uncles busy baking in the kitchen. It gives a fresh look at a modern Thanksgiving week which is great for kids to see.
THE 12 DAYS OF THANKSGIVING STORY TIME IDEAS
Printable Seek And Find
Inspired by all the Thanksgiving icons listed in the book, I created a simple seek and find printable that kids can work on to combine art, basic math, and some early reading skills. (Color name sight words, anyone?!)
Supplies:
- Printable seek and find page and icon list.
- Colored pencils, crayons, or markers.
Instructions:
- Provide each child with the papers and coloring utensils.
- Kids can go through the list, finding and coloring each holiday icon according to the directions.
>>> Grab your seek and find printable here! <<<
Paper Chain Countdown
Let your kids countdown to the big day with simple paper chains!
Supplies:
- 12 strips of colored paper.
- You can cut these yourself, allow your kids to work on scissor skills, or take the lazy route I did and use pre-cut scrapbook strips!
- Glue, tape, or stapler.
Instructions:
- Assemble 12 strips of colored paper.
- Create a loop with one strip, and secure with glue, tape, or stapler.
- Add additional loops in the same manner to create a paper chain.
- Starting 12 days before Thanksgiving, kids can tear off one loop each day, providing a visual countdown to the holiday!
Thanksgiving Counting To 12
Super quick set up using materials you likely already have on hand, make this a perfect choice for some Thanksgiving math fun!
Supplies:
- Printable Thanksgiving number page.
- 12 cup muffin pan.
- Scissors.
- ‘Thanksgiving’ manipulatives- erasers, small figures, etc. often work well. I chose to use assorted dried beans, since they have a very ‘harvest’ feel to me, and are cheap and easy to find.
- Optional: small tongs or a spoon for additional find motor practice.
Instructions:
- Assemble all materials.
- Cut out each number circle.
- Place one circle in each cup of the muffin pan.
- Encourage kids to count out the appropriate number of manipulatives for each cup of the muffin pan.
- Introducing a spoon or small tongs to transfer manipulatives to the pan can add an extra fine motor challenge for kids who need that practice.
>>> Click here for your Thanksgiving number page! <<<
This story, with the uncles baking, has pie on my mind, so I want to know… What’s YOUR favorite pie to follow the Thanksgiving feast?! Drop your answer in the comments below.
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Simple Ideas For a Sweet Donut Inspired Birthday Party
My oldest and my (current) youngest both celebrate birthdays in early August. I love having the opportunity to combine the celebrations into one big party with family and friends. This year, we chose a donut inspired birthday celebration, since my kids LOVE all breakfast foods. (And weekly donut outings with my dad are their favorite part of the weekend!) Keep reading to check out all the fun donut details we worked into their recent birthday brunch!
IDEAS FOR A DONUT INSPIRED BIRTHDAY PARTY
Make Your Mark
I wanted to create a simple ‘guest book’ of sorts, to remember everyone who came to celebrate with us this year. I grabbed a 12″ x 12″ wooden panel from the painting section of the craft store, as well as some white and brown acrylic paint. Using a pencil and some bowls, I sketched out the outer + inner circles of a donut on the panel. I free-hand drew some frosting squiggles, and then painted each part with a few coats of paint. Next I used a black fine tip permanent marker to trace the shape outlines. At the party, I set out a jar of several colors of extra fine tip permanent markers, so guests could sign their names. It turned out so cute, and the boys are excited to hang it in their new room. (In the next few months, the older 2 will begin sharing a room in anticipation of the baby’s arrival!)
Donut Decorating
Whenever we have a big group of kiddos coming together, I like to put out a simple craft to help keep them busy. This one was perfect for the theme, and a wide range of ages enjoyed working on it. They even got extra creative and turned their paper donuts into donut hats, so clearly, this was a hit!
Supplies:
- Thin white paper plates.
- Scissors.
- Crayons / colored pencils / markers / gel pens.
- Stickers. (Optional, but fun!)
Directions:
- First, cut the center circle from the paper plates to create a donut.
- Encourage kids to use crayons, etc. to add color to their donuts.
- Sprinkles, frosting, etc. are all perfect add-ons to draw onto donuts.
- Have kids add stickers to their paper donuts for a special touch!
Brunch Menu
I wanted to keep our menu as easy as possible. I chose 3 basic slow cooker recipes for the main dishes, so I would not be worried about cooking as guests arrived. We ultimately served a breakfast bake loaded with veggies, eggs, and meat; some cheesy hash brown potatoes; and a blueberry cinnamon french toast bake.
To round out the menu, we also set up a cereal + yogurt bar. Guests loved creating their own parfaits using vanilla yogurt, several kinds of fresh berries, and honey. We also offered a few types of cereal, as well as bananas. Guests could choose coffee, orange juice, white milk, or chocolate milk to drink with breakfast. Because the day was so warm, we also supplied plenty of bottled water as well.
Of course, no donut inspired birthday brunch would be complete with donuts! Along with a variety of donuts, we also served bagels with butter or cream cheese, and several kinds of muffins I had baked the evening before. Everyone said they loved the idea of serving brunch, and even the pickiest little eaters found something they liked.
Decorations
I decided to keep the decorations as easy as I could. At our local dollar store, I got lucky when I found donut wall decals in packages of 6. These were so simple and cute that I bought 5 packages to use as the bulk of our decorating. I also grabbed a large package of donut inspired party cardboard signs at the craft store, and hung them with tape. I chose basic white round tablecloths from the dollar store for the majority of the tables, but did grab a few sprinkle-printed ones for the activity tables. For centerpieces, we filled Mason jars with generic fruit rings cereal, and put a bright flower in each- so simple, colorful, and perfect for a brunch! I used my felt letter boards to spell out what each station was, making it easy for guests to see what was available.
Sweets + Treats
We ordered some simple cupcakes from the grocery store for the main dessert. I added some donut cupcake toppers I created using stickers and toothpicks.
For one fun extra goodie, I created some simple sweet ‘bacon and eggs’ bites that were inspired by this cute idea from Meal Hack.
#thebigone really also wanted some donut cookies, so I found a way to create some miniature versions of cream filled donuts- a fammily favorite!
Ingredients:
- Nilla Wafers
- Chocolate ready made cookie frosting.
- Vanilla or cream cheese style ready made cookie frosting.
- We bought our cookie icing at the craft store, already packaged in a piping bag.
- Colorful nonpareils or other sprinkles.
Directions:
- Lay out Nilla Wafers on a baking sheet.
- Use chocolate cookie frosting to cover top of each cookie.
- The icing tip does not need to be fine for this- larger works a bit better.
- Allow chocolate frosting to settle and set slightly.
- Use white cookie icing with fine tip to drizzle icing across each cookie.
- Add sprinkles or nonpareils to white icing.
- Allow cookies to set for 4 hours before stacking.
Donut Hole DIY
This activity was seriously a HUGE hit with the kids at our party! It requires some adult supervision because of the heat + skewers, but it’s totally worth it. Honestly, the grown ups seemed to enjoy it too!
Supplies:
- Plain (‘old fashioned’) donut holes.
- Bamboo skewers.
- Long lollipop sticks would work also.
- Candy melts.
- Assorted sprinkles + decorations.
- We used muffin tins to hold ours, which worked perfectly. Regular bowls would also be fine.
- Somewhere to melt the candy.
- We wanted to keep it simple, so we filled a crock pot with water. We put a smaller container filled with candy melts in the water, letting them heat while the party started.
Directions:
- Use a skewer to pierce a donut hole.
- Dip the donut hole in the candy melt.
- Dunk the candy covered donut hole in your desired sprinkles.
- Next, let the donut hole cool a bit.
- Finally, enjoy your custom created treat!
Wardrobe
My boys and my husband each had special shirts I ordered for the party! My friend Amanda owns Sweet Ginger Studios, and we worked together to create these adorable shirts. They were a huge hit at the party- everyone commented about how perfect they were. I know all three of them will continue to wear them going forward, so they were a great purchase. If you’re looking for custom shirts, bags, or anything else, be sure to contact Amanda and see how she can help your vision come to life!
Have you ever attended or hosted a donut inspired birthday celebration? What other themes have been some of your favorites?
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Top 10 Must Haves For The Best Family Bike Rides
My family has always enjoyed riding bikes together, but recently we’ve become even bigger fans. The boys love heading out on their bikes with my parents, or my husband and I. Family bike rides are a great way to enjoy the outdoors while getting some exercise as a family. Plus, they’re just super fun! Over the past few years, we’ve gathered a collection of must have items to keep our family bike rides safer and smoother. Read on for our suggestions before you hit the bike trail again!
10 MUST HAVES FOR THE BEST FAMILY BIKE RIDES
1. Helmets
These are number one on my list for a reason! They are such an important, basic step towards safety on family bike rides. At a bare minimum, the kids NEED to be wearing helmets every time they get on a bike. We tend to keep some extras around the garage, so visiting cousins or friends have a helmet to wear too if needed. In our family, everyone wears a helmet- including the adults. It models the safety measure for the kids, but also protects our heads in case of accident.
2. Trailer
This is a newer purchase for our family, but we’ve been loving having a trailer available for #thelittleone. He loves to sit back and watch the scenery pass as we ride. The trailer can be switched pretty easily from one bike to another. And he loves having extra space for a friend once in a while.
3. Infant/Toddler Seats
We’ve been riding with the boys since #thebigone was quite small. He started out in a front-mounted infant seat. I loved being able to keep an eye on him, and found balancing easier with him in the front of the bike. For a while, we used back mounted toddler seats for the boys. The boys loved those as well, and they made family bike rides that included everyone much easier.
4. Mirrors
As a child, I never missed having a mirror on my bike. But after I grew up and learned to drive, I found myself very often checking ‘mirrors’ out of habit. So we purchased some cheap add-on mirrors for our bikes. They’ve made a big difference in terms of safety- if I’m in the lead I can keep an eye on #thebigone riding behind me, as well as traffic approaching from behind.
5. Leg Straps
Riding in the fall or early spring, it’s frustrating to get our pant legs caught it the bike gears and chains. We used to use rubber bands as a quick solution, until my dad found these handy, inexpensive hook and loop straps. No more greasy, torn pants!
6. First Aid Kits
The bicycle first aid kits from SJ Works are a new addition to our family bikes, but I’m so excited to have them! They have several different styles available, so you’re sure to find a kit that fits your bike as well as needs. We had the chance to try both the Classic kit and the Smart Phone kit, and have been loving them both. Both kits are compact, lightweight, and packed with first aid essentials you may need in case of accident. As a mom with 2 young boys (who aren’t exactly biking pros!) I’m often concerned about scrapes, cuts, and falls. I love the peace of mind I have when we head out on family bike rides together now with our SJ Works bicycle first aid kits. They come stocked full of gauze, bandages, wipes, and even a small first aid guide. So practical and extremely valuable if an emergency or accident happens!
Be sure to check out the options they have directly from their site shop, or grab some from Amazon! (Hello, 2 day shipping!)
Amazon: Classic / Saddle / Smart Phone7. Water Bottles
Staying hydrated on family bike rides is important, so a rack to hold a water bottle is a great (and minimal) investment. Definitely a must-have, especially in the warmer weather!
8. Bells/Horns
My boys think bells and horns are a totally necessity for bike riding, because kids love noise, of course! We have some on the adult bikes as well, to let us signal to others as we approach or pass. I’ll be honest though, mostly, they’re just a lot of noisy fun for us!
9. Locks
We live close enough to #thebigone’s school to ride our bikes over and enjoy the playground, or an evening school function. When we do, it’s important to keep our bikes safe and secure. A simple bike lock is exactly what we need to be sure our bikes are still at the rack when it’s time for us to ride home.
10. Baskets/Racks
Our family loves taking picnics to the school playground, or other snacks and goodies along with us on our rides. Baskets and other racks make it safe and easy to tote them along. We tend to attach bigger racks and baskets to adult bikes only, and our boys have small bags to attach to their bikes. That way they’re limited to how much they can carry (action figures, small treasures, etc.) and less likely to be thrown off balance by awkward or heavy items.
Bonus Goodies!
- A kickstand may not come standard on all bikes, so definitely add one if needed for your bike. No one wants to lay their bike down, so help it stay standing!
- Training wheels may not be for everyone, but they can help new riders feel more comfortable in the beginning. Definitely a worthwhile purchase for those new to riding on 2 wheels!
- If you’re not comfortable, you’re not likely to ride often. The right seat can make all the difference. Options with all variations in size, shape, and padding are available, so find the seat that’s right for you.
- A bike training handle can save your back if you’re helping a little one learn to ride. We used on while my oldest learned to ride without training wheels, and it was a lifesaver!
- You may not right at night often as a family- I know we try to avoid it with our kiddos. But riding as dusk can be a bit risky still. Small bike lights (like those included in the SJ Works kits, or others) and additional reflectors can make all the difference in terms of visibility and safety.
Do you enjoy family bike rides together? Where are your favorite places to pedal as a family?
![Family bike rides are the perfect opportunity to spend time together outdoors. Check out our must-haves to make our rides smoother and safer, including some innovative Bicycle First Aid Kits from SJ Works. [ad] #FamilyTime #Biking #FamilyBiking #FamilyBikeRides #BikeRides #FamilyFun #GetOutside #BeSafe #FirstAid #SJWorks](http://www.homeboundbuthopeful.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BIKES-1.png)
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Pucker Up! 3 Exciting Experiments for Summer Learning With Lemonade
The summer sun may be winding down a bit, but that doesn’t mean our warm weather fun has to end yet. The boys and I have turned to some summer time favorite flavors to both quench our thirst and inspire some hands on summer learning ideas. Read on to see how much fun we’ve been having learning with lemonade, and find out how to perform the same experiments with your own family!
SUMMER LEARNING INSPIRED BY LEMONADE!
Erupting Lemon Volcanoes
Supplies:
- Whole lemons/limes.
- Lemonade.
- Baking soda.
- Knife.
- Tray.
- Liquid dish soap.
- Food coloring.
- Spoons.
Instructions:
- Cut a small portion off the bottom of your lemon or lime to allow it to sit flat.*
- Cut a small hole (1-2″ in diameter) from the top of your fruit.*
- Use a spoon to muddle some of the lemon flesh. You want to release some of the juices and make room to add materials, without completely destroying the shape of the fruit. (Allow the juice to collect within the fruit.)
- Add a splash of lemonade into the fruit.
- Place a few drops of food dye in the fruit.
- Squeeze some liquid dish soap into the fruit.
- Make sure your fruit is sitting on a tray or protected surface before proceeding!
- Spoon baking soda into each lemon or lime. Observe the reaction that occurs. Stir the contents to bring on more eruptions!
BONUS! What happens when you stir a small amount of baking soda into a cup of lemonade? Give it a shot and see! Do a taste test as well! Do your kids prefer the classic or the fizzy variety?!
Lemon Taste Test + Data Collection
Supplies:
- Free printable data collection page. (Scroll down to grab yours!)
- You’ll need one page for each child participating in the taste test.
- A collection of 6 lemon flavored edible goodies to taste.
- We chose lemonade, lemon cookies, lemon pudding, lemon frosting, lemon cakes, and raw lemons.
- Pen or pencil (1 per child) to record data.
- Drinking water. (Optional, but helpful if you have picky kiddos!)
Instructions:
- Gather all materials. Distribute data pages + pens to children.
- One by one, encourage children to sample each lemon flavored item and record their reactions and thoughts.
- Kids can use the data page to record the strength or lemon flavor, degree of tartness, and overall preference for the food.
- After tasting and recording data for all 6 items, encourage the kids to discuss their findings. Did everyone like the same foods the best? Did they disagree on which was the least lemon-flavored? Noting differences and similarities is a great way to get young learners thinking like scientists.
- Finally, have children answer the conclusion questions at the bottom of their data pages. These questions are a great way to have the kids look back at the evidence they gathered, and use it to synthesise final ideas.
Lemonade Invisible Ink
Supplies:
- Plain white or lined paper.
- Small cups/bowls.
- Lemonade.
- Iron.
- Thin towels.
- Small paintbrushes.
Instructions:
- Provide each child with paper, a small dish of lemonade, and a paintbrush.
- Allow the iron to begin heating up. I used mine on the cotton setting, with no steam.*
- Encourage the child to use the paintbrush to paint ‘invisible’ messages or drawings on the paper.
- Allow the lemonade to dry entirely on the paper. Be sure to observe how difficult it is to see the images.
- Place a towel over the dried paper.
- Press the iron to the towel, allowing the heat to reach through to the paper underneath.*
- After several minutes of pressing, peel back the towel to reveal the change to the hidden messages! Kids will be amazed, and want to try this over and over again!
*Knives and hot irons should be handled by adults, or used only by older children under close adult supervision.
>>> Don’t forget to grab your free Lemon Taste Test Data Sheet! <<<
BONUS: Sweet Coloring Activity!
Just because my kiddos can’t get enough of anything art related, I put together a simple coloring activity inspired by our lemonade lessons. Grab some crayons, your free printable pages, and see what sweet image develops!
>>> Free Lemon Coloring Page <<<
Do you have special ways to make summer learning extra fun? Tell me about them in the comments below!
![If your kids love blind bags as much as mine do, you may be wondering which will be perfect in their stockings this Christmas. Check out what my kiddos rank as the best blind bags out there! [ad] #ChristmasShopping #StockingStuffer #BlackFriday #blindbags #toys](http://www.homeboundbuthopeful.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/blind-bag.png)
![Family bike rides are the perfect opportunity to spend time together outdoors. Check out our must-haves to make our rides smoother and safer, including some innovative Bicycle First Aid Kits from SJ Works. [ad] #FamilyTime #Biking #FamilyBiking #FamilyBikeRides #BikeRides #FamilyFun #GetOutside #BeSafe #FirstAid #SJWorks](http://www.homeboundbuthopeful.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/BIKES-2.png)
