This post contains affiliate links. We are in the middle of our Christmas bedtime story tradition. Reading a Christmas themed book every night before bed is a fun and easy way to get excited about the holiday. We don't completely avoid Santa themed books in our house, but I try my best to be sure he isn't taking over the show. My favorite books from our collection are ones that focus on Christ, giving, or family. We want our children to look forward to Christmas for those reasons above all else. Here are 8 of my favorite Christmas storybooks from our personal collection that are Santa Claus free: 1. A Christmas Prayer - by Amy … [Read more...]
Our November Thankful Tree
When I came across Bargain Bound's Thankful Tree, I knew right away it was something I wanted to try. The craft side of it was simple enough for non-crafty me. Plus I loved the concept of expressing thanks each day in November. How It Works: Everyday in November, ask your kids what they are thankful for. Write it on a leaf. Place the leaf on the branches at the top of the tree. At the end of the month you'll have a tree full of thankful thoughts! Supplies Needed: Brown Paper - You can use butcher paper or bulletin board paper. I bought 6 feet of bulletin board paper from my local educational supply store for $0.55 … [Read more...]
Melted Crayon Art
This Saturday I found myself wondering, "How can I be the cool aunt?" My niece and nephew were spending the day with me and I was hoping to find something fun to do with them. What did I come up with? Armed with several boxes of crayons, some canvas boards, a hot glue gun, and a hair dryer, we got busy! We did two different melted crayon art methods. I learned about the first method from Meg at the blog Whatever. She has beautiful pictures of her hair dryer crayon art and it is even used in her blog's header. Hot glue new crayons onto a canvas and then set your hair dryer on high to melt the crayons. Don't forget to … [Read more...]
Water Play Busy Bag & Pool Fun That Doesn’t Cost a Thing!
My mom blessed me with a bunch of homemade busy bags for Grace. They have been great to pull out when I need some moments of peace and quiet! What is a busy bag? It is a simple activity meant to entertain little ones and ideally it can be re-used again and again. Perhaps my favorite busy bag that my mom put together was one for water play and pool fun. The best part is that it didn't cost her a penny! To make a water play busy bag, start by looking around your house for reusable items. Lids for scooping & pouring - My mom collected laundry detergent & shaving cream lids. These are great because they are often … [Read more...]
Lovin’ the Library: Not Your Average Color Book
The unique color books from A+ Books played a major role in Grace learning her colors. These beautiful books are full of color popping photography and clever rhymes written by Sarah L Schuette or Michael Dahl. The brief text makes them perfect for tiny ones. Plus each page has fun facts and simple crafts are at the end of each book, which makes them appropriate for older readers also. Here is a peek into Red: Check your local library to see if they have your child's favorite color. You can also find these books on Amazon for just $7.95 each: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Pink, Brown, Black, & … [Read more...]
3 Creative Free Stickers Options for Toddlers
My two year old, Grace, loves to play with stickers. She doesn't care what they look like or how they look once they are on the paper. The fun is the novelty of peeling and placing each sticky piece. Since Grace couldn't care less what the stickers look like, I've gotten a little creative. 3 Creative Free Sticker Options for Toddlers: 1. Calendar Reminders: Recently I received an extremely ugly, free promotional calendar in the mail. Before I threw it away (Yes, it was even too ugly to make envelopes out of it!) I snatched the sheet of reminder stickers that came with it. Grace loved picking out which sticker design to use next … [Read more...]
