These funny and spooky ghost stories for kids keep that eerie vibe going through the night
There’s nothing like telling ghost stories over a campfire or at a sleepover. Of course, we don’t want your little ones to be scared during this special bonding time, so we’ve rounded up 30 scary stories for kids that will leave your little ones laughing instead. Curious about other ways to keep the mood creepy but cute? Try out some DIY magic potions, or watch a few scary movies for kids
Ghost Stories for Younger Kids
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Sneakers — Ready for a scary story about a pair of stinky shoes? This not-so-scary story is a great one to tell around the campfire.
The Ball Pit — While those pits full of plastic balls are some parents' worst enemies, this story isn't quite scary, but it has a spooky twist for kids to enjoy.
Dem Bones — A colorful skeleton band and the illustrated book teaches kids about anatomy, rhyme, and language through this traditional African-American spiritual song.
The Ghost of the Bloody Finger — With blood, fingers, and ghosts, you'd think this story is too much for the young camper. But rest assured—it's a great way to introduce scary stories to kiddos.
Tommy Knockers — The ghosts of California miners are featured in this story that has a twisted and silly ending.
Underpants — This ghost keeps haunting his former wife because he has an important message for her. But what happens when she's too afraid to talk with him?
Yellow Ribbon — Jane and Johnny fall in love, but Jane can't forget the feeling of a yellow ribbon around her neck. One day, she tells Johnny to untie the ribbon, and the kids won't believe what happens next.
Rap, Rap, Rap - A little old lady doesn't believe the rumors about her house being haunted. But then, one night, she hears a mysterious sound coming from downstairs. She follows the sound and what she finds is more silly than scary! Be sure to draw this one out with somewhat spooky sound effects.
The Hairy Toe — What happens when an old woman finds a hairy toe in the woods and decides to eat it? You'll be surprised to find out, and we promise a laugh too.
The Lady with the Emerald Ring — This scary story has a happy ending when a woman returns from the dead because her husband has summoned her back.
The Open Window — A little girl tells a neighbor a spooky story, but the prank is on her.
The Pink Jellybean — How is a story about a pink candy haunted? You'd be surprised to find out about the spooky aspects of where this jelly bean lives.
Magic Castle — A curious woman decides to check out a magic castle at midnight, despite being warned to stay away. Yet she keeps going further and what she finds is a big surprise.
Cow's Head — This ghost story is a twist on the classic "Cinderella." Young Oksana is tasked by her evil stepmother to go into the woods and find food. She encounters a spirit in a cow's head, and the rest is up to you to read.
The Coffin — This tale is about a haunted coffin that chases a camper. But rest assured, it's defeated in the funniest of ways.
Thing at the End of the Bed — One day, an old man sees something spooky at the end of his bed. But he's surprised to discover what lies at his feet.
The Thirteenth Floor — This ghost story is a little bit scarier than the others on the list! Find out why most buildings don't have a 13th floor according to this tale of a Halloween party gone wrong.
The Knife in the Grave — When two friends decide to make a bet about who is most scared, they learn a lesson about how fear is often just in your head.
The Shrunken Head — This story is more than a little eerie, so save it for the older kiddos!
Fifty-Cent Piece — A couple is traveling home in a carriage when they have to stop at a house for the night. Before leaving the next day, they're given a fifty-cent piece, and what happens afterward is a spooky tale that won't leave kids scared.
Ghost Ship of Captain Sandovate — A group of pirates learn a valuable lesson after they dehydrate their captain to death. After their ship sinks, it becomes haunted and the sailors end up needing water.
Golden Hand — When a man tries to marry a woman with a golden hand, he then decides to poison her to get the gold for himself. It works, but he learns a valuable lesson and pays a price in the process.
The Flying Dutchman — You might recognize the name from "The Pirates of the Caribbean," but there's a real story to be told. Word has it that this ghost ship has been unable to make port, doomed to sail the seas for eternity.
The Purple Gorilla — Nothing sounds scarier than a huge purple gorilla that's hunting people. But in reality, this beast isn't that scary after all.
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The Wendigo - Originating from Native American legend, this scary story tells the tale of how a monstrous creature came to be in existence.
The Guitar Player - This story is about a man who plays guitar and encounters a man who asks to play his guitar, but is it a man?
The White Cap - This one is a spooky story about a fearless girl who has an encounter with a ghost, but it does not end expectedly.
Blue Hands - Your kiddo will find this story freaky at the very least! Find out what happens to Jose when he meets a figure with glowing blue hands.
The Hitchhiker- A classic ghost story for kids about a mysterious girl who gets picked up late a night. This one is fun to embellish or make your own.
Something Was Wrong- This ghost story about a man who doesn't know he's a ghost is suitable for older kids because a little bit of gore is included!
What’s the cleanest type of birthday party joke? One that’s a soap-prise
It’s your kiddo’s special day so once you’ve figured out the birthday party theme and the birthday gift, you’re ready for a cuddle and a laugh. Our kid-friendly and kid-approved birthday jokes are perfect for their special day. Get ready for sweet laughs, and be sure to drop one in their lunchbox for some LOL fun!
Minute to win it games for kids make for instant fun
If you’re looking for a great way to spend the evening at home with the family or you’ve got a big party to plan, there’s a good chance you’re searching for fun games for kids. That’s where minute to win it games come in. (You can also try out some of the best jokes for kids, DIY magic potions, ultimate trivia questions, and amazing movie night ideas.) These completely creative games will make all the difference during your next rainy weekend afternoon, family game night, or birthday party.
What’s a minute to win it game?
Simply put, it’s a 60-second game using items typically found around the house. Participants attempt to see who can finish a challenge first or who can complete a task the most times in under a minute. You can even add a theme, like Halloween minute to win it games or holiday minute to win it games!
How to play minute to win it games
These quick, exciting games are good for parties, of course, but you can also do them with just one or two players! There are three basic ways you can play Minute to Win It Games.
Player vs. timer: In this style, a player races against the clock. They still have just one minute to complete the game and if they do win, you can move on to another game. If they don’t, you can choose to let them try until they do beat the clock or move on to another player.
Player vs. Player: In this version, which works great for small groups, have two people compete against each other (for a minute), and whoever completes the challenge first, wins! This way, you can rotate through your crew at a reasonable pace.
Group Minute to Win It Play: Here’s where you’ll split your group into two teams. Each team decides who goes first, and then those players compete against each other to win! This is fun for teammates too because they’ll be cheering on competitors in each round.
1. Dice Balance The kids over at Paging Fun Mums try to see how many dice they can get on the stick in one minute (the most dice win!). It's a little tricky and super fun to watch!
2. Sticky Situation This popular game requires players to bounce a ping pong ball just right, to land it on a piece of bread slathered in peanut butter. See the full instructions here.
3. Cup to Cup Have your players sit outside in a single file line (have the last player sit back to back with the second to last player). Put one bucket at the front of the line and one bucket at the end of the line. From there, players must fill a small plastic cup from the first bucket and pass it over their heads to the last bucket. The first team to reach the designated mark on the bucket wins!
4. Sock the Block Build several LEGO block towers and place them around the room. Players must use balled-up socks to knock over all five towers.
5. Nose Dive The secret weapon in this game? Petroleum jelly dabbed on the nose. Using their noses (no hands allowed), players must move five cotton balls from one bowl to another, before the minute is up.
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6. Defying Gravity Up and away! Using one hand, kids keep their balloons in the air for one minute. If this is too easy, for the half-pints you can add two balloons (or more!). Remember, no resting a balloon on a body part.
7. Wrap It Up A two-player game that involves wrapping one player up with streamers, ribbon, or toilet paper.
8. Ball Drop Have your player stand on a chair. Set a plastic cup on the ground in front of them and give them three ping pong balls. The object is to get all three balls in the cup without missing or having any bounce out.
9. Cereal Scramble Cut the front of a cereal box into equal pieces. Stack the pieces into a flat tower and set a timer for one minute. Each child has a minute to piece the cereal box together.
10. Movin' On Up Stack up 25 plastic cups of one color and add one cup of a different color at the bottom. Half-pints move the top cup to the bottom and see how far they can move the single-colored cup to the top in one minute.
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11.Stack Attack This one might not be as tasty as cookie face, but it's still pretty popular. Give the kids one single stack of 36 plastic cups. Each child gets one minute to stack all of the cups into a pyramid and then unstack them, making a single column again.
12. Johnny Applestack How about them apples? Another fun stacking game for kids using fruit from the kitchen—apples. Little ones have one minute to stack five apples (or three for younger kids) on top of each other and stay for three seconds.
13. Rubber Band Shooting Gallery Get some rubber bands and aluminum cans and have players stand 10 feet away. Start the clock and see how many they can knock over in a minute!
14. Junk in the Trunk Each player will need a tissue box, pantyhose and ten ping pong balls. Put the ping pong balls in each tissue box. Then, tie the boxes around each player. Kids have one minute to shake out (no hands) as many balls as they can.
15. Doughnut Chew A piece of cake! Of all the minute to win it games, kids will eat this one up. First, tie a string around a doughnut, then hang it between two chairs. Littles need to eat the doughnut within a minute without it falling to the floor.
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16. This Blows If you’re looking for a minute to win it game that your tween or teen will still get a kick out of, this is it. Each player has one minute to blow up a balloon and then use the air that’s inside of it to knock over as many plastic cups as they can. If they still have time on the clock, they can repeat the steps to blow down any leftover cups.
17. Chandelier Light up the fun! You'll need 15 empty soda cans and four paper plates. Kids have one minute to stack cans with paper plates in between to see how high they can go.
18. Sponge Run Place a kiddie pool or a bucket full of water on one side of the yard, and place an empty bucket on the other side. Players must soak up as much water in their sponge as possible and carry the sponge on top of their heads to the empty bucket. Once they arrive, players must squeeze as much water as possible into the empty bucket and head back to their teammates. The first team to fill their bucket to the line wins.
19. Noodling Around Start this minute to win it game with one strand of uncooked spaghetti. The player puts the end of the dry noodle in their mouth; they have 60 seconds to pick up six uncooked pieces of penne pasta—with the spaghetti. Oh, and without using their hands!
20. Scoop It Up Move six ping pong balls from one bowl to another, using only a spoon. Again, like some of the other minute to win it games, the kids can’t use their hands. Instead, each child will use a spoon—in their mouth.
21. Card Ninja Tweens and teens will get a giggle out of this minute to win it game. Slice a watermelon in half, securing it on a table or other flat surface. Give the kids cards to throw (kind of like throwing stars). Whoever gets the most cards into the melon in one-minute wins. Chica Circle has more details.
22. Puddle Jumper Set up a series of plastic cups. Fill them to the top with water and set a ping pong ball on the first in the row. The kids need to blow the ball from the first cup to the second. Keep going with more balls, racing to see who moves the most in one minute.
23. Penny Hose Players have to retrieve two pennies from the bottom of a pair of pantyhose. It's hard than it looks!
24. Nut Stacker It’s almost like the penny game, just slightly more difficult. Instead of stacking coins with one hand, each child has one minute to stack hex nuts onto a wooden stick or dowel.
25. Leaning Tower of LEGO Fill two bins/buckets with LEGO (the number depends on the age of the players). Players must stack all the bricks in the container. If the tower breaks, continue to stack. The first person to stack all their bricks wins!
26. Peep Face Game Got extra peeps? We love this twist on the cookie minute to win it that's a fun game for kids at Easter. Sunflower Mom gives her little chicks one minute to stick as many peeps as they can to their face! Little bunnies think this game is funny.
27. Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Toss Have players stand back from the table with mugs on it. Give players a designated number of marshmallows and see how many the team can throw into the mug in one minute.
28. Penny Tower How many pennies can your child stack in one minute? If they just guessed a million, they’re not exactly right. The trick to this game is that the child can only use one hand. And believe us, that makes it oh-so-challenging.
29. Cookie Face This is by far one of the favorites of kids just about everywhere. Not only do they get to play a super-silly game, but it’s all done with cookies. Cookies! Place a regular ol’ sandwich cookie on the child’s forehead. They’ll need to use their facial muscles to move it down their face and into their mouth—without using their hands.
30. Keep it Up As light as a feather! Little players keep two feathers in the air for one minute (or as long as they can). The catch is they can just use their breath. To make it easier for younger kids, they can use a straw.
31. Go Fish! Whether it's crackers or mini marshmallows, this fun game for kids is easy! You'll need straws and two plates. Little gamers have one minute (to win it!) to see how many fish they can transfer from one plate to another with the suction from the straw and no hands. See more Goldfish Minute to Win It Games over at Gingersnap Crafts.
32. Ping Pong Toss Players have one minute to try and toss ping pong balls in a container down the table. Three in a row wins, or, at the end of the minute, whoever has the most balls in their container.
33. Spin Doctor As far as a minute to win it games go, tweens find this a ton of fun. A player spins a coin on the table. A second player stops the coin with one finger on its edge (upright!). Either player can spin the coin, and it's a win when you stop the coin for three seconds within a minute.
34. State of Fun This minute to win it game uses brainpower! Get a sheet of paper and pencils for players, then have them write down as many state capitals as they can before the timer goes off. The player with the most correct state capitals wins the round.
35. Gummy Worm Search This minute to win it game is messy, so save it for warm weather or a summer birthday party! Fill aluminum pie pans with gummy worms and cover them with whipped cream. Players have to find the gummy worms using their mouths, no hands! The player who finds the most gummy worms at the end of the round wins.
Make sure to capture all the giggles—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
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When it comes time to plan your kids’ birthday bash, it’s enough to try and figure out the cake, the games, and the party favors. The last thing you need to worry about is the party theme. No worries. From the Taylor Swift birthday party ideas to the still-popular princess and Super Mario Bros. party themes, we’ve got the goods on the hottest kids’ birthday party ideas for 2024.
Unicorns are always a popular birthday party idea for kids, but in 2024, with Thelma the Unicorn heading to Netflix, we think they’ll be even bigger. Get some ethereal inspiration from San Diego’s Starry Eyed Events’ gorgeous Elegant Pastel Unicorn Soiree gallery (because, you know, unicorns don’t do parties. They do soirees).
Want to keep young unicorn lovers busy? Try this DIY unicorn horn headband that is an absolute must for your little guests.
There are three secret ingredients to pulling off this party: tulle, gold glitter, and a princess cake. Skip on over to Mint Event Design to see more inspiring pictures. And check out our review of Cakest and other DIY baking kits.
Messy Parties
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Ditch the nice clothes and let your kids get messy! Our original messy art party uses squirt guns, mega-canvases, shaving cream, and paint-filled eggs to get kids' creative juices flowing. You can also throw a slime party (check out our favorite videos on making slime here), a DIY craft party or a mad scientist party complete with a potion-making station.
Sleep-Under
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Instead of a sleepover, why not a sleep-under? Perfect for younger kids or kids who aren't ready to make the jump to a whole night, invite friends over around dinner time, and plan fun "nighttime" activities like karaoke, a dance party, glow-in-the-dark games, outdoor games you can play in the dark or even crafts.
Does your little gamer love Sonic? Turns out, a lot of other people’s kiddos dig the feisty blue hedgehog, too. Since Sonic 3 hits theaters in 2024, we’re betting this kids’ birthday party idea will be everywhere this year. Find a plethora of Sonic birthday party supplies on Amazon.
The new Super Mario Bros. movie is now streaming, and kids love it just as much as when it was in theaters. Since the classic Nintendo game never goes out of style, we think this birthday party idea will be even more popular in 2024. Get inspired with tons of ideas over at Kara's Party Ideas.
Spa Party
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Who wouldn't want to celebrate their birthday with a full spa treatment? Drop cucumber slices in water, offer cozy robes and slippers, and twirl their hair up in a towel for a day of pampering that includes manicures, pedicures, and facial masks.
The Star Wars franchise may be decades old, but the force is still going strong thanks to The Mandalorian, Andor, Ashoka, and the Star Wars attractions at Disney parks. Young Jedi will love this party plan that includes DIY lightsabers, a droid-decorating station, and a Death Star piñata from Spaceships and Laser Beams.
Want something female-centric for your budding Rey? This Millennium Falcon party from Kara's Party Ideas will get your little girls ready for action.
Gather round, swifties! Between her sold-out Eras tour and being Time’s Person of the Year, Taylor is hotter than ever. Expect her fans to want to celebrate with friendship bracelets, her songs on shuffle, and a lip sync contest.
Booking time at a ropes course, zipline, rock-climbing venue, trampoline park, or laser tag arena is a kids’ birthday party idea that’ll still be strong in 2024. While most of these courses tend to be for children ages 8 and up, it can sometimes depend on kids’ comfort levels. It’s always good to let parents know in advance, usually a necessity because waivers need to be signed and grownups need to have some kind of activity alternative for kids who decide against it at the last minute (including the birthday kid) like a simple art or hands-on craft. Most places will have a party room for rent.
Video Game Truck Parties
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If you have a game-obsessed kiddo at home, consider renting a video game truck to show up for a few hours. This birthday party idea has been popping up more in the last year or so, and we expect it to be even bigger this year.
With so many new family movies coming in 2024, a fun kids' birthday party idea we think will be extra popular is a movie theater party! Either look into options for renting out a theater or opt to purchase a row of seats for your kid and their friends.
If you're looking to entertain the always-hard-to-please teens and tweens or give younger kids a challenge, an escape room birthday party can provide hours of entertainment (and boost critical thinking skills). Either plan your celebration at a professionally crafted escape room game spot in your neighborhood or create a DIY escapist birthday party at home.
This birthday party theme was huge in 2022, and we expect the trend to get even bigger this year. Play “name that TikToker,” try a (safe) TikTok challenge, do TikTok dances, and make a TikTok with your party guests. Click here for more ideas.
You don’t have to do it all. Not only is that okay, but it’s healthy
You’ve got a fridge papered with to-do lists and an epic bookmark backlog of work-life balance articles. But, let’s be real: Something’s gotta give. And first on the chopping block should be that tired old trope that you, working mom, can have it all. Ya can’t. But there’s no shame in accepting this. Because you can easily kill it at this mom life/work life thing by ditching unnecessary stressors. Think of it as Marie Kondo-ing your life. Here are 13 ideas about what working moms give up to help them stay sane.
1) Scratch-made meals. every. single. night.
While family dinner is great for kids, and we’re all gaga over the idealized concept of the home-cooked meal, we’re all about the cheats. Consider a healthy meal-delivery service, buy a bag of pre-made pasta and stir in some veggies, or get your takeout on.
2) Chasing a perfect 50/50 family/work split.
Some weeks your family will need more attention. And others, you’ve got to play it like Sandberg and lean in at work. The trick (basic but effective) is communication—tell your partner if they need to step up and be honest with your boss about your sick kiddo at home.
3) Work happy hours.
Sure, you can go big at important events like holiday parties. But watching Ben from IT perfect his “Friends in Low Places” game at karaoke every Friday night isn’t going to make a difference come annual review time. Kick it at home with a glass of wine or some family-friendly mocktails instead.
4) Being a DIY goddess.
Bakesale? Store-bought cookies. Party favors? Etsy. Done and done. And even Halloween costumes can be hacked: hot glue, not sewing; hitting the thrift store, not the craft store. (But if DIY is your thing? By all means, keep it up, Martha!)
5) That social-media addiction.
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Life’s little moments don’t all need Facebook documentation, and studies show that scrolling through endless feeds of life presented as perfect (when it never is) leads to a major self-doubt spiral. Designate a time to catch up—say 9-9:30 p.m. And if you still find yourself scrolling during the day, try switching your phone’s color settings to grayscale, which makes it a lot less appealing, or take your social apps off of your home screens so they’re more tedious to find.
6) Making it to every practice and every rehearsal.
Be there for your kids when it matters—at the big game or on opening night. But it’s perfectly fine to tag-team chauffeur duty with a mom-friend. And if your pal is a SAHM who picks up your slack during the week, let her kids hang out at your place some weekends to give her a break.
7) Saying “yes” to every friend invite.
Real talk: Friend time is one of the first things to go when you have littles. And while losing your social life completely is a no-no—consider re-evaluating your friendships. Prioritize those who infuse you with energy and joy. And cut out anyone who leaves you drained.
8) Doing everything for your kids.
Little guys can be more self-sufficient than we give them credit for! Assign them basic tasks like folding towels or watering plants. And, as they get older, graduate them to making their own simple lunches, dusting, and dishwasher duty.
9) Giving up your house to your children (and their stuff).
Toy creep—it’s a problem. When kid stuff is strewn all over the place, it means more picking up for you and dad. Limit their toys to a single room. Or, at least, designate toy-free zones like your bedroom and the primary bath.
10) Overcommitting.
Three birthday parties in one weekend? Just no. Keeping up with the scheduling of parties and playdates is hard enough, let alone the driving, hosting, baking, and present-buying (not to mention the, ahem, cost). Declining some invites = less stress and more family time.
11) Getting up with your kids every night.
When they holler “Mommmm,” it’s A-OK if dad comes to the rescue. And while an every-other-night deal with the hubs might be unrealistic, prioritize who does the calming based on what you each have on tap the next day.
12) That idea of the “perfect” work persona.
While setting boundaries might seem scary, you’ll find that your coworkers will come to respect them—whether it’s no meetings after five or no emails on weekends. Consistency is key. And if you’re hourly, let it be known (politely) that your hours are firm, and no, you can’t cover for your slacker co-worker who’s MIA again. Standing your ground—while otherwise crushing it at your job—is one way to reshape the workplace for working moms.
13) Stalling on switching jobs.
Despite giving it your best shot, sometimes your company just isn’t (and will never be) parent-friendly. In this case, it’s time to bust out the ole resume and start your job hunt. And don’t feel bad about it! Put out feelers with working-mom friends because they’ll have your back. And for part-time work, do a little research. There are great companies out there (like us at Alice’s Table!) that let you make your own schedules, or that offer benefits packages even to part-time workers (Starbucks, Whole Foods, Home Depot).
And as for what you should never give up—ever? “Me” time (even if you’ve got to schedule it in), “us” time (even if it’s just Netflix and chill), and time to breathe. You’ve got this!
Full overhaul or a few pieces of fall home decor: we have it all
Even though spring is traditionally when everyone is in a cleaning/organizing/updating mood, we’d argue that fall is one of the best times to tackle it all. It’s cooler outside, making it much easier to feel motivated (if you’re us, at least, but we bet you’re similar). The -ber months are also great for knocking out those home improvement projects, small or large, ahead of the holiday season. Not to mention, the kiddos are back in school, so you might just find you have a little more bandwidth to check out fall home decor or YouTube some DIYs.
Going all out? We have ideas. Wanting a quick refresh? We’ve got suggestions. Maybe we’ve had a few too many Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espressos (it’s a mouthful, but they’re divine); maybe we’re just ready to be done with the heat. The point is, we’re all about fall this year. So whether you’ve had your fall home decor up since July, or you’re just looking for inspiration for the upcoming months, these fall refresh ideas are ready when you are.
The Nugget Play Couch in "Nuggeteer"
Nugget
You already love the Nugget, and they just launched this limited-edition color: Nuggeteer. We're swooning over this warm, vibrant orange hue that's oh-so-perfect for fall. The Nugget is both a piece of furniture, a fort, and a toy since it can be configured in any way your little ones want. Remember, Nuggeteer is only available in limited quantities—once it's gone, it's gone!
Known for their all-natural 100% soy wax candles that are handcrafted in an artisanal way, Unplug Soy Candles designs, pours, and packages each one with in Fishers, Indiana. Their fall and Halloween collection this year is absolutely adorable, plus they're designed so you pick your print and your scent. Choose from autumnal scents like Cranberry Chutney, Apples & Maple Bourbon, and Balsam & Cedar.
Totter + Tumble Play Mats Artisanal & Ikat Collection
Totter Tumble
Totter + Tumble thinks soft and cushy play mats should look great (and we obviously agree). We've loved all their prints, and their new Artisanal & Ikat Collection makes it easy to update your house for the new season, give your little ones a soft place to play, and a wipes-up-fast cleaning surface. They're available in multiple colors, sizes, and shapes! And did we mention they're reversible? Because they are.
NewAge Products Bold Series 7-Piece 24-Gauge Steel Garage Storage System in Deep Red
NewAge Products
If you've been wading through bins, boxes, and bags searching for your Halloween and fall decorations in your garage, you're probably swearing that this is the year you get it organized. Whether you need a little spruce up or a full overhaul, this storage set from NewAge is sure to finally get it all under control. With lockable doors, stain-resistant work surfaces, and multiple colors to choose from, this is an investment that creates a gift that keeps on giving.
We're already hooked on Pura. Their smart home (and car!) fragrance diffusers let us schedule, change strengths, switch between scents, and know when the fragrance vials are running low, all within the Pura app. Add scents that come from best-loved brand collabs (think: Anthropologie, Disney, NEST, and Homesick, to name a few) and your whole home will smell like a fall wonderland. It's a thing. Trust us.
One thing that's easy to miss about the summer is keeping your plants outside to soak up the sun. Instead of trying to keep them bundled up and safe from the cooler elements this fall, bring them inside and pop them under one of these chic Soltech Indoor Plant Lights. They're available in a bunch of different styles, so you can keep your plant babies happy and your cozy home aesthetic on point.
Why do reviewers rate this faux fur throw from Crate&Barrel 5 stars? Ultra-soft, perfect for the couch or foot of your bed, and machine-washable (so it'll even stand up against your kiddos)? That sounds 5-star worthy to us. Available in 7 fall-ready colors.
The summer heat makes it genuinely difficult to want to take on projects, outside or inside. Now that it's cooling off, now is the perfect time to tackle the big projects ahead of the holidays (There. We said it.). Modular Closets designs custom closets, pantry storage, and garage solutions (if you're anything like us, you might be dreaming of organizing all three).
The Hypnotizing Fire Candle from The Harmonist might become your go-to fall scent. Pimento berries, Bulgarian rose, cloves, and more, all blend together for a unique and downright addictive fragrance. Bonus points for the sleek candle jar, too!
Cookware that's pretty doesn't really do it for us unless it also works really well. The Meyer Cookware set delivers on both counts, and although we're partial to the Spark Edition colors pictured for the fall, there's also a grey-toned Cinder & Spark Edition that's so cool, too.
The Nest Learning Thermostat is a smart thermostat that learns your schedule and programs itself to help save energy (really!). You can control it from anywhere with the Nest app, and it works with Alexa and Google Assistant so you can adjust the temperature with just your voice. And it’s designed to be seen, with a big, bright display and several different metal finishes.
A new mattress? Don't mind if we do. There's a really good chance you don't realize how uncomfortable your old mattress is. Maybe you just wake up stiff, can't get comfortable, or end up sinking into the low part one one side or the other. The award-winning Nolah Evolution isn't just comfortable. It literally provides cooling, heat-dissipating support thanks to 9 full layers of technology (or magic. We don't really understand how they're this comfortable. We're just glad they are.)
Okay, we admit, this set is meant for the holidays, and while it's perfect for the winter months, the notes of pine, cinnamon, and amber are just as cozy for the fall. It also doesn't hurt to snap a set or two up for gifts this upcoming season!
Mirrors make a huge difference to any room, but one in the entryway? Chef's kiss. It opens up large and small spaces, gives you a place to hang your keys, and comes in several metal finishes, sizes, and shapes, too!
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Have you ever seen a baby costume that wasn’t adorable?
We love a good first. First smile, first time they sit up, and definitely first holidays. Halloween is a super fun one, thanks to the opportunity to put your little one in a costume that somehow makes them even cuter (before they have a strong opinion about what they wear for trick-or-treating, right?). Another bonus? Most baby costumes double as a cozy outfit they can wear while older siblings snag candy around the block on Halloween Eve. Plus, they make for the perfect family Halloween pictures. We’ve put together a list of the cutest and most popular baby costumes for 2023. Read on to check out our picks!
Baby Yoda Costume
Super Hero Stuff
We know his name is actually Grogu, but he'll always be Baby Yoda to us. Includes a robe and matching green ears cap.
We're really sorry for putting the song in your head, but you've gotta admit—it's catchy. Plus, if it leads to the adorable popover Baby Shark costume, we'll deal with the ear worm.
Everything about this sweet lion costume makes it oh-so-Instagram-worthy, down to the red ribbon on the tail! Includes jumpsuit, tail, hood, and booties.
Why wait until the holidays to get into the spirit? Your heart will grow 3 sizes when you see your babe all Grinched up. This costume comes with a hooded costume and shoe covers.
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These not-scary Halloween movies for kids make a spooktacular fun family night at home
The night of trick-or-treating will be here soon, and what better way to get into the mood than with some not-s0-scary Halloween movies for kids? This list has something for everyone from toddlers to big kids, and the best part is none of them will leave littles with nightmares. If you have older kids who might be ready for more chills, check out our list of scary movies for kids. If you make a night out of it, consider making a Halloween-themed dinner too!
Barney Halloween Party
Everyone's favorite plum-colored T-Rex recruits his pals B.J. and Baby Bop for a night of tricks and treats. The crew is getting ready for a costume party held at the school gym, and you can bet there will be singing, dancing, and lots of chitchat about friendship along the way. But fear not: There are more giggles than gasps to be had in this Halloween adventure.
Curiosity gets this little primate into a lot of predicaments. On Halloween, that translates to an adventure with the Man in the Yellow Hat and some other friends to solve the mysterious legend of No Noggin. No need to hide behind the sofa, though; this treat is less Headless Horseman, and more horsing around. So, for a fun flick about friendship, teamwork, and candy, this one's for your brood.
Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto all head out to a haunted castle, where cinema's classic monsters are in the mood to party. We're talking Disney-verse takes on the Wolf Man, Frankenstein's Monster, and Count Mickula himself. Luckily, they can all carry a tune, because the movie culminates in a musical starring the gang's new monsterly friends that will thrill the little ones.
Facing your fears is easy when you have the support of your friends. That's the heartfelt message embedded in this sweet-as-honey Halloween story starring Pooh Bear and the rest of the Hundred Acre crew. It's Lumpy's first Halloween but the spooky antics of the Gobloon have him shaking in his stompers. Thankfully, tiny Roo is there to help Lumpy conquer his fears.
Ghosts and goblins have nothing on this six-year-old blondie. Not even the Plaza's most legendary former guest, Diamond Jim Johnson, who waits for October 31 every year to pay his old haunt a visit. When Eloise finds herself suspect No. 1 behind the scare tactics, she launches her own supernatural investigation. Grab the popcorn and settle in for three episodes of wicked fun.
No holiday is complete without the Peanuts gang. From Valentine's Day and Election Day to Thanksgiving and Christmas, these guys have an animated special for every occasion. And Halloween is no exception. Here, Chuck and company go trick-or-treating, while Linus and Sally hide out in a pumpkin patch to spy on the Great Pumpkin. Parents, you know this one never gets old.
A Very Brave Witch and More Great Halloween Stories for Kids
Part of a series that includes several animated Scholastic tales, A Very Brave Witch offers some mildly spooky fun for the littles. The story is narrated by Elle Fanning and follows a girl witch as she unravels the stereotypes of humankind and comes out the other side with greater understanding. Further fun comes in the form of "The Three-Legged Cat," "Georgie," and more.
According to lore, Count Drac is a sharp-fanged vampire who feeds on all blood types and shapeshifts for fun. But with Dear Dracula, we get to see a softer side of the Transylvanian nobleman. When Sam, a shy kid who doesn't fit in, writes to the Count, who feels rejected in today's monster mash, the two turn Halloween into a sweet night of getting their mojos back.
The good guys may always win in the end, but the baddies sure do have a lot of fun before their defeat. In this animated classic Halloween movie for kids, Disney's baddest bunch, from Jafar and Hades to Maleficent and Ursula, descend upon Mickey and Minnie's abode, with the mousey couple battling the iconic villains to save their House of Mouse.
Released in 1949, this two-story classic remains a sight to behold nearly a century later, its vibrant animation both impressive and nostalgic. Opening the film, Mr. Toad goes on an adventure through the willows before headliner Ichabod Crane mingles with the Headless Horseman. Now, this part is an adaptation of Sleepy Hollow, but rest assured it's about as spine-tingling as a tickling feather.
Alvin, Simon, and Theodore can hang with anyone–they are popstar royalty, after all. So, palling around with Dr. Frankenstein and his Monster is no thang for these 'munkies. Not to mention they're all scientific anomalies. What could go wrong? Set in a studio theme park under the night sky, the boys sing songs and learn that not all monsters are scary.
When we tell you there are a zillion Scooby spinoffs floating around digital libraries, we're not lying. Especially since no one has ever really defined "zillion." Nevertheless, Scooby-Doo and the Goblin King is one worth your time. Here, Shaggy and his goofy Great Dane head into the underworld to take on goblins and mortals with bad intentions. Up for another? Hunt down Zombie Island!
Hilary Duff makes her video debut with a silly spook-fest that costars the world's friendliest ghost. Duff plays Wendy, a witch with a heart of gold, and with Casper, the two take on the evil warlock wreaking havoc on their town. Kids will love the amusing slapstick and goofy shenanigans. Parents? There's actually some A-list talent here. See: Cathy Moriarty, Teri Garr, and Shelley Duvall.
He's green. He's mean. And he's always dressed for Halloween. He's Shrek, and he's the ogre at the center of this DreamWorks spinoff dedicated to the last day of October. Challenging his scaredy-cat pals to a night of ghost stories and haunted castle dwellings, Shrek sets out to crown the King of Halloween. And just like the other films in the canon, this one is all giggles, all the time.
Woody, Pixar's pull-string cowboy who can make adults cry like babies, teams up with the contents of his human's toy box for another adventure straddling the border between the human world and the secret life of toys. This time, the gang is trapped at a roadside motel when members of their crew begin to go missing. But if we know Woody, he's got this. Unless there's a snake in his boot.
The comedy duo extraordinaire put their slapstick brilliance into action with a story that sees the Wolf Man warning the bumbling pair that Dr. Frankenstein wants their brains for his creation. Hmm, who wants to be the one to tell the mad doc these two aren't the sharpest pencils in the box? Older kids, tweens, parents, and everyone will delight in this horror-screwball classic Halloween movie.
The kindly spirit stars in this collection of charming animated tales. A retro time capsule that includes adventures with Wendy the Good Little Witch, Baby Huey, and Little Audrey, the '90s series offers 51 episodes of Halloween fare that'll scare the boredom right out of the younger set. All that's missing is some boo-nanas and ghoul-aid.
Visionary director Tim Burton works his magic on a tale about a bony pumpkin king named Jack Skellington who stumbles onto a wondrous world of twinkling lights, happy faces, and snowflakes. It's called Christmas Town, and it's exactly what he believes his macabre town needs. Both kids and parents will get a kick out of the gothic creativity on display, as well as Danny Elfman's composition.
Not only a wonderful gateway film for kids into the family-friendly horror movie genre, Hotel Transylvania is a first-class father-daughter comedy that tugs at all the right strings. About a Count who runs a resort for monsters only, the film is a mash-up of signature Adam Sandler comedy and wonderful animated misadventures that will keep the kids howling.
For some, learning how their parents lived through the '60s is the most shocking revelation they'll hear. For Skylar Lewis, it's learning that her parents are monster hunters. After haphazardly releasing every monster her parents have captured, this Buffy-in-training and her friends are forced to face not only their demons but save their parents from the very monsters they'd hunted.
Just like Christmas, Halloween is always under attack. From evil forces to wicked monsters, the joyful night of trick-or-treating is just one dark spell away from vanishing into the ether. Luckily, we have Marnie, Aggie, and Gwen to rely on. Three generations of vigilant witches take to their broomsticks to save Halloweentown, their adventures kicking off in this franchise opener.
A clever holiday-fusing tale, this one has fun with science, football, and the spirit of the holidays. The story follows Andy, a kid who accidentally creates a monster. In a twist of irony, his monster is his mirror opposite: It craves sports, while Andy craves beakers and experiments. Helping each other become their best selves, the two kick off the best holiday season ever.
Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out our ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org.
This pumpkin decoration from Target is not child-friendly
If you’re doing any shopping for Halloween decorations at Target, you might want to watch this video first. A mom picked up what looked like a super cute, innocent singing pumpkin decoration. But once she got it home and set it up, she realized that the lyrics it sings are a little bit, um, questionable.
In a viral TikTok video posted by a mom named Brooke, the pumpkin can be heard singing its song while her young daughter is playing nearby.
“This singing pumpkin had plans we didn’t need to hear,” she wrote over the video.
In the background, you can hear the pumpkin singing lines like, “I’ll be wicked for one night,” “til morning it will just be us,” “spoil you with my roasted pumpkin seeds,” and, “How would you like to scream all night?”
Brooke walks over to it with the camera to show that it’s pretty innocent looking—just a regular, orange pumpkin with an LED face that makes it look like it’s singing.
“This is very inappropriate,” she says as she spins it around to find the volume control. She turns it all the way down, saying, “I don’t know. We bought it from Target. We’ll let him just lip-sync.”
It’s definitely a head-scratcher. Maybe it’s supposed to be funny? But the joke falls pretty flat since Halloween is definitely a family holiday (even though most of those jokes would go right over kids’ heads like they seemed to go over Brooke’s daughter’s). Either way, it’s a good warning to test out decorations in the store before you take them home. While most of Target’s Halloween finds are great, this one can probably be left on the shelf.
All you need is some hot glue and an afternoon to pull off these easy Halloween costumes
Looking for a little DIY Halloween costume inspiration? TikTok is full of brilliant parents posting their DIY costumes and even tips on building them. Get yourself a fresh glue gun, some pipe cleaners, and a few hours this weekend and you can bust out one of these costumes that’s sure to impress all the neighbors!
All you need is some hot glue, coffee stirrers, and some tape and you are on your way to crafting the cutest porcupine costume in town. Bonus: this looks pretty darn comfortable to wear as well.
Fans of The Office will get a real kick out of this baby costume that features Kevin and his famous chili. Can we just say that a baby with a bald cap is our favorite?
We are just dying over the cuteness of this little one dressed as a paleta vendor. They’ll just need a push cart with some favorite snacks from your nearby Mexican market to give the full vibe for this DIY costume.
We are super impressed with the creativity that went into this costume that clearly needs to win first prize. An optical illusion makes it appear that the child is invisible. Amazing!
You don’t have to know how to sew for this amazing costume. Just grab a couple of pop-up hampers from the Dollar Tree and hook them together to make a Wacky Arm Inflatable Tube Man costume!
This DIY Halloween costume makes use of that clear umbrella you have sitting in your closet. Glue on some colored streamers and poof! You’ve got a jellyfish!
