The other night was “wine night” for a few moms in my neighborhood. We do this every couple of months when we get together for our “PTO meeting” where we stay out too late, pour one too many, and hit the alarm clock more than we should the next morning. The most recent one was last week. I desperately needed a glass of wine and some girl talk, but having a five-week old baby meant that I also desperately need sleep.

Wine or sleep? Wine or sleep? (The struggle is real!)

Then the voice of a good friend came through with some words of wisdom, a piece of mom advice that I always refer back to when I’m stuck in a situation where I really want to do something, but question whether I can fit it all in.

Let me tell you this is one of the best pieces of parenting advice that I ever received. It’s simple. It’s easy. It’s a no-brainer. But for some reason, it’s something that I always had a hard time implementing until recently. Ready for it?!

Say no to things that you may really want to do if it will make your life easier.

Sounds easy, right? Who doesn’t want to make their life easier? I mean we’re told in the workforce to say no all the time. It’ll help advance your career path. It’ll lighten your load. Heck, we say no to our kids all the time! Recently I have even seen books on why it is healthy to say no. But for my type A personality I always feel like I can figure out a way to make it all happen all the while stressing myself in the process—its just my personality. For better or worse I am a people pleaser which makes exercising this “rule” pretty hard at times. It’s hard to turn down things that you or someone in your family really want to do (like go drink some wine down the street).

Truth be told, putting it into action has literally saved me time and sanity. Let me give you some examples…

That birthday party for your kid’s classmate that starts at 7:30 pm when your kid goes to bed at 8 pm. Say no. When you’re invited to somebody’s house for a weekend get-together and you already have two other things to do right before then, say no. When school asks for you to help with volunteering for the next event but you’re not sure you can pick up your other kids and make it there in time, say no. When you get invited to Adele’s concert but you’re not feeling well and coming off a work trip, say no. When you want to catch some zzz’s even though you want some gal time, go for the sleep!

I found that there is always another time for these events, invitations, volunteering, etc. There will always be more birthday parties, get togethers, school fundraisers, and even concerts to attend. Your sanity, health, and time are more important! So do as we teach our kids when it comes to drugs—JUST SAY NO! You’ll thank me for it.

Erin is a working mom of two exploring ways to embrace change and find new hobbies in her search for life outside of Corporate America. She lives in Bucks County Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids, and Boston Terrier. She also loves ice cream and chocolate. A lot.

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!

If you need more birthday party fun, check out our favorite birthday desserts that aren’t cake, party favors kids will actually use, outdoor birthday party ideas, and the best indoor birthday party ideas around!

birthday jokes are fun at a party
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1. What do you say to a rabbit on its birthday? 

Hoppy Birthday! 

2. Why do candles always go on the top of cakes?

Because it's hard to light them from the bottom. 

3. What do cakes and baseball teams have in common?

They both need a good batter. 

4. What goes up but never comes down?

Your age. 

5. What does every birthday end with?

The letter Y.

6. What did the pirate say on his 80th birthday?

Aye matey. 

7. What did the tiger say to her cub on his birthday?

It's roar birthday! 

8. Why did the girl put her cake in the freezer?

She wanted to ice it. 

9. Why did the cupcake go to the doctor's office?

It was feeling crumby. 

10. What one thing will you get every year on your birthday, guaranteed?

A year older. 

kids holding balloons and telling birthday jokes
iStock

11. What do you give a 3100 lb. rhino for his birthday?

I don't know, but you better hope he likes it. 

12. Why did the baker laugh in the bakery?

Because the eggs kept cracking jokes. 

13. Why did the little girl hit her birthday cake with a hammer?

It was a pound cake.

14. Did the teddy bear want cake on his birthday?

No, he was stuffed. 

15. Why did we have to send the cake to the doctor?

It was feeling crumby.

16. Why did the student eat their homework?

Because the teacher said it was a piece of cake!

17. Why did the robber break into the bakery?

She heard the cakes were rich.

18. What kind of music is bad for balloons?

Pop. 

19. What do clams like to do on their birthdays?

Shell-ebrate.

20. What song do you sing a Snowman on his birthday?

"Freeze a jolly good fellow..."

birthday jokes are fun for toddlers
iStock

21. Did you hear about the tree's birthday celebration?

It was really sappy. 

22. What did the cake say to the ice cream?

You're cool. 

23. What kind of cake do ghosts like?

I Scream Cake.

24. How do pickles celebrate their birthday?

They relish it. 

25. What kind of candle burns longer than the others? 

None, silly—they all burn shorter. 

26. What's the cleanest type of birthday party joke?

One that's a soap-prise. 

27. What happens when you invite a thief to your birthday party?

They take the cake! 

28. What kind of cake do you eat if you are sick on your birthday?

Coffee cake. 

29. Why can't kids remember past birthdays?

Because they are too focused on the present. 

30. What did one candle say to the other?

Don't birthdays just burn you out?

31. Why was the birthday cake so hard?

It was a marble cake! 

32. Knock knock! 

Who's there?

Wanda.

Wanda who?

Wanda wish you a happy birthday! 

33. What do you say to a kangaroo on their birthday?

Hoppy Birthday! 

34. What's hairy and covered in fondant? 

A coconut cake. 

35. What did the cake say to the donut?

You're looking glazed over. 

little boy smiling at a birthday joke
iStock

36. What happens when your dad chugs 8 sodas at your birthday party?

He burps 7-Up. 

37. What do you call a bunch of balloons in the bathroom?

A birthday potty. 

38. What do frogs drink at their birthday parties?

Diet croak. 

39. If you have a dozen eggs in one hand and 10 cupcakes in the other, what do you have?

Crazy-big hands. 

40. How do cats bake cake?

From scratch! 

—young reader Jacey

41. What did the cake say to the fork?

You wanna' piece of me?? 

42. How did Darth Vader know what Luke Skywalker was getting for his birthday?

He felt his presents. 

43. What happens if no one comes to your birthday party?

You can have your cake and eat it, too. 

44. What kind of music do balloons hate?

Pop music. 

45. What do you call a spaghetti noodle pretending it's his birthday?

An impasta

46. What did the birthday card say to the stamp?

Stick with me, we're going places! 

47. What is a tornado's favorite party game?

Twister! 

48. Why did the cupcake cross the road?

It had muffin else to do! 

49. Why don't owls give each other presents on their birthdays?

Because they don't give a hoot! 

50. What did the King of the Underworld say when Zeus gave him boring socks for his birthday?

I Hades! 

51. What did the mama say to her baby on his birthday?

Nappy Birthday! 

52. What did the ocean say on its birthday? 

Nothing, it just waved. 

53. Why isn't Elsa allowed to have a birthday balloon? 

Because she'll just "let it go." 

54. How do you make sure a birthday party in outer space is super fun?

You planet. 

55. Knock Knock

Who's there?

Bacon

Bacon who?

Bacon a cake for your birthday! 

 

 

The birthday invite didn’t come. They didn’t get the part in the school play. Their best friend moved away. Sound familiar? As parents, we have the (unpleasant) task of watching our kids learn the same life lessons we did in our childhoods. It can be hard to resist the urge to make sure they never have to experience the frustration or sadness that comes with not getting what they want, but disappointment is a healthy emotion for kids and can contribute to their social and intellectual development, as noted in Psychology Today. The caveat? It only works if kids understand that being disappointed at times will help them achieve their goals in life. And that’s where we come in.

Even if they do understand (or at least try to), that doesn’t mean it feels good or comes easy. That’s why we’ve enlisted a few experts to offer tips for parents when it comes to helping kids learn how to deal with disappointment. 

1. Empathize with Their Feelings

Licensed professional clinical counselor Melissa Marote says that, first and foremost, it’s essential to validate your kids’ feelings; really empathize with what they’re going through. Listen to their feelings and respond with things like, “This must be frustrating.” You should avoid compounding the negativity, however. As you discuss the things your kids are missing out on, Marote explains, try to put a positive spin on it. For example, encourage your kids to save up their excitement for all the things they will eventually get to do in the future.

2. Give Them Reassurance

Child development expert and creator of The Moodsters Denise Daniels, RN, MS, tells us that it’s important to remind kids that this is only temporary—the playdate will happen when it isn’t raining, and they’ll have the opportunity to try out for the team next season. It might be hard for young kids to picture life beyond the current day or week, but still, Daniels suggests having kids make a list of things they want to do in the future because there will always be another opportunity to try. 

3. Teach Self-Calming Skills

a sad little boy learning how to deal with disappointment
iStock

 

Emotions can run high when kids are anxious and sad. Teaching kids how to calm down and manage their feelings is an essential tool for how to deal with anxiety. Marote suggests giving kids a breathing technique to oxygenate the brain and help kids think more clearly. Show your kids how to take a deep breath in and then blow out, like they’re blowing out birthday candles or making bubbles. For younger kids, blowing real bubbles is another excellent method, Marote says.

One more tip for the little kids: talking to a stuffed animal. Kids are so close and connected to their stuffed animals, which makes them a great comfort for kids who are dealing with hard feelings. Tell your kids, “Talk to your teddy bear about how sad you are,” Marote says.

4. Give Them a Choice

So, a trip to the indoor playground or a group trip with friends to a nearby amusement park is out. Naturally, your kids will be disappointed, but you can give them some power (especially when they’re smaller and they feel like they have none) by offering them a choice. “Our plans have changed, and your outing with friends has to be postponed. What if you pick the movie for family movie night and we’ll look for another day that works for the group?”

5. Redirect Focus

For kids that become very hyper-focused on negative feelings, it can be helpful to use distraction techniques when learning how to deal with disappointment, Marote says. Suggest an impromptu game of “I, Spy” or get creative by asking kids to draw a picture about how they’re feeling. Other ideas include reading a funny book or watching a silly video, asking them trivia questions, and telling them jokes. This is especially important when it’s close to bedtime and you’re trying to keep things positive before sleep.

6. Don’t Fix It

a mom helping her son learn how to deal with disappointment
iStock

 

This is a hard one. Whether you want to make your kids feel better or you figure you can just take care of it (fix the toy, help find the sock, bring the forgotten homework to school), it’s more effective to act as a guide when kids are learning how to deal with disappointment, according to PBS. Ask questions that will help them troubleshoot what happened and how they feel about the problem. “How did you feel when that happened? What do you wish had happened instead? How can we turn this into something good?

7. Stick with Your Normal Routine

In times of stress, encourage kids to keep regular times of going to bed, eating meals, and doing homework, Daniels says. Having a basic plan for the day is essential because kids thrive on predictability. When something doesn’t work out, at least they’ll know what should happen down the line. 

8. Find Time to Have Special Moments

If your kids are bummed because they can’t attend their friend’s birthday or their favorite ice cream flavor isn’t available or they missed the final shot on goal, take the opportunity to plan something else fun. This doesn’t mean you have to take them to the amusement park or invest tons of money; just spend quality time together and you’ll see their moods lift.  

9. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Hugs

Close contact, like hugs, can go a long way to providing kids with comfort when they’re learning how to deal with disappointment. That way, they’ll know you might not fix the problem, but you’ll always be there to offer comfort. Marote also suggests encouraging younger kids to hug their stuffies when they’re feeling sad or anxious. If you’re dealing with disappointed tweens or teens, look for signs that they’re ready for a hug or having you in their personal space. If it doesn’t happen, remember that being nearby and ready to listen is just as important. 

Related: 9 ‘Harmless’ Phrases That Hurt Kids More Than You Think

—with additional reporting by Gabby Cullen

February’s birthstone represents empowerment and inner strength

Babies with a February birthday are pretty unique, as some only have a birthday every four years! Plus, those with February birthdays might be more creative (if they’re Pisces), be taller than their peers, and be revolutionary (if they’re Aquarius). If you want to know more fun facts about kids with February’s birthdays and even a few silly facts about February’s birth sign, we’ve got it all right here. 

February birthdays are more uncommon, and Leap Year birthdays are rare

Not only is it a short month, which leads to fewer February birthdays, but a Leap Day baby only gets to celebrate the actual day every four years. According to Unity Point Health, 1 in 1,491 people is born on February 29th, so although you might celebrate on a different day most years, it’s fun to throw an extra-special birthday party every four years. February 2024 is a Leap Year, so get ready to celebrate in a big way if you’ve got a Leap Day baby!

Your February baby might be taller than others

A Harvard University study of over 21,000 kids shows that winter babies are consistently born longer, heavier, and with a larger head circumference. The study was conducted over seven years and tested kids at birth, eight months, age 4, and age 7; researchers believe that seasonal issues for both pregnant moms and babies, like diet, exposure to sunlight and temperature, and viruses, may play a role in a baby’s characteristics.

But babies born in February have a higher chance of being born early

According to a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, there’s a significant spike (nearly 10%) in early births for women who conceived in May, which means their delivery dates fall in February of the following year. What’s the reason? These moms are in late-term pregnancy during peak flu season, which is known to cause pre-term births.

A February birth sign can be Aquarius or Pisces

Will your baby be innovative, a team player, and a rebel at heart like others born under the sign of Aquarius? Or will your kid show signs of empathy, compassion, and being creative like other Pisces? More importantly, how compatible are you with your child? Check out our parent/child compatibility chart to find out.

February’s birthstone is the amethyst

People with February birthdays claim amethyst as their birthstone. The stunning purple variety of quartz has mesmerized people for thousands of years and can often be found in royal jewel collections in Europe and Asia. The gem represents empowerment and inner strength.

Your kid shares their special month with these celebrities born in February

Many celebrities and historical figures share your kiddo’s celebratory month: Abe Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Steve Jobs, Jennifer Aniston, Elizabeth Taylor, Henry Golding, Danai Gurira, Laura Linney, Charles Darwin, George Washington, Nina Simone, and more. 

 

There’s a new addition to this list of fee-free national parks days

As we navigate a crazy winter season, the thought of a getaway in 2024 sounds pretty magical. Once the dust has settled, heading to a national park is an awesome way to enjoy the great outdoors, especially when it’s free! Get your kids set up with the Junior Ranger booklet in your park of choice and see what the whole family can learn about these amazing areas of the country.

The National Park Service has just announced the list of days when all national park will waive their admission fees. New for 2024, Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19) has been added as a national parks fee-free day. Juneteenth was signed into law as a national holiday on June 17, 2021, commemorating the abolition of slavery in the United States.

“National parks are places that awaken senses, inspire curiosity, encourage reflection, and foster joy,” National Park Service Director Chuck  Sams said. “The entrance fee-free days expand opportunities for people to visit their national parks and experience the beauty and history of our country.”

When can you get into the National Parks without paying?

family in yosemite national park
istock

The 2024 free admission for everyone days include:

  • Mon., Jan. 15: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday
  • Sat., Apr. 20: First day of National Park Week
  • New for 2024: Wed., June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
  • Fri., Aug. 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
  • Sat., Sep. 28: National Public Lands Day
  • Mon., Nov. 11: Veterans Day

With more than 400 parks across the country, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re planning a fall foray, a winter getaway, a spring fling, or a summer trip, you can find a free admission day for every season.

Even though admission is free on these special days, other paid activities are not. You may need to pay amenity or user fees where applicable. These fees include the cost of activities, such as camping, as well as boat launches, transportation, or touring fees.

If the six annual free days don’t fit your schedule, some of the national parks are fee-free every day of the year (or at least every day they’re open). Some of the most notable entrance fee-free parks include:

Got a fourth grader? You can grab a free pass to the national parks for their entire fourth-grade year. This includes visits to places like Alcatraz, Yellowstone, the Great Smoky Mountains, and more. The Every Kids Outdoors program is an excellent way to teach your kids about the national parks and get everyone out in the fresh air at the same time.

Known for being enthusiastic and cool, babies with a November birthday also have some serious star power

If you know a few nonagenarians whose birthdays are in November, it might not be a coincidence. According to research, being born in November may well mean having a longer lifespan, among other unique traits. Sure, babies born in August are known for their positive attitudes, babies born in September are said to have strong bones, and babies born in October might be just a little bit taller. But people with November birthdays? Well, they stand out from the crowd, and we’d like to tell how. 

child with a november birthday
Humphrey Muleba via Unsplash

They Have Some of the Rarest Birthdays

Turns out, November is one of the most uncommon months to be born. In fact, according to this handy chart compiled using data from the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics and the U.S. Social Security Administration, six of the rarest birthdays of the year, including Thanksgiving Day, are in November. 

Related: Why September Babies Are More Successful

Children with a November birthday are known for being athletic, like these kids playing soccer
iStock

They’re Athletes

Not everyone can make the first string, but there are fewer bench warmers among this bunch. According to a study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine, kids with a November birthday are often fitter and stronger than those born in other months when measured for cardiorespiratory fitness, handgrip strength, and lower-body power. There's a clear physical advantage for those born in fall, researchers indicated, while also using this information to explain some bias in sports selection, particularly those leagues and schools with September age cut-off.

They're Strong at Heart

While heart disease is an unfortunately common ailment, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association found that those born in November are least likely to be diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. A look at 10 cardiovascular conditions showed that people born in autumn are more protected than those born in winter.

A happy little girl in fall celebrating her November birthday
iStock

 They Lead Longer Lives

It’s pretty rare to live to be 100. Less than 1 percent of all Americans will make it to a full century, but if you’re born in November, chances are better that you’ll be among the few. Researchers from the University of Chicago found that babies born from September to November are more likely to become centenarians (or 100-year-olds) than those born in any other month. Being female, having good genetics, and a higher socioeconomic status can also help get you into the 100-plus birthday club.

Related: October Babies Are Totally Winning At Life, According to Studies

A little boy with a book is shocked to learn that he is more likely to be left handed because he has a November birthday
Ben White via Unsplash

November-Born Boys Are More Likely to be Lefties

Left-handers make up just 10 percent of the population, but if you have a November birthday, you may well be one of them. More specifically, boys born during November are more likely to be lucky lefties, according to research published in Cortex journal. Scientists suspect this may be tied to pregnant women's early exposure to sunlight, which can increase testosterone levels and result in left-handedness. 

They’re A-Listers

Just about every month has a few birthday claims to fame, but none quite as stellar as November. Celebrities born in November include Leonardo DiCaprio, Scarlett Johansson, Martin Scorsese, Jodie Foster, and Ryan Gosling. It’s pretty clear that November babies are destined to be among the accomplished award-winners.

Related: This Is the Most Popular Birthday in the US

Two little girls celebrate their November birthdays together
Victoria Rodriguez via Unsplash

They Are Brave and Enthusiastic

If you or your child has a November birthday, that means you or they are either a Scorpio (birthdays through Nov. 21) or a Sagittarius (Nov. 22 on). The ever-passionate Scorpio is known for being intuitive, brave, and hard-working, while fun-loving Sagittarius kids are recognized for their honesty, enthusiasm, and spontaneity. So, what does that mean? It means that if you're born in November, you must have a pretty great personality!

They Are Cool as Cucumbers

November babies have two birthstones: the topaz, which symbolizes calmness, and the citrine, also known for its tranquil energy. The stones both signify the serene, as well as prosperity, fortune and joy. No wonder people born in November are so cool! And both of these beautiful birthstones are more affordable than others, making a jewelry-related gift for people with November birthdays a bigger and better possibility. 

 

Birthday coloring pages are an easy way to keep young party guests entertained

It’s party time! You’ve decided on the birthday theme and you’ve picked your birthday cake recipe. All that’s left is to figure out what to do with your guests. How about fun birthday coloring pages? We’ve gathered up 14 of our favorites in all kinds of themes ranging from farm animals to Star Wars. They’ll keep the kids busy, and as a bonus, lots of these printouts double as birthday cards! We’ve even got printable placemats that make perfect table decorations.

I Spy Printable

birthday coloring pages
Brittany De Leon Paper Trail Design

We love Paper Trail Design’s I Spy printable birthday worksheet. The page is packed full of tiny treasures for little ones to circle, and it’s a fun, free, quiet activity that will occupy birthday kids before dinner. Find this birthday activity at Paper Trail Design.

Birthday Cake Coloring Page

birthday coloring pages
courtesy

Chocolate or vanilla, any cake is a good cake. We love that this toddler and preschool-friendly birthday cake coloring page comes without candles, so your birthday kid can draw on just the right amount. Head over to Crayola to find this coloring page.

Fox & Friends Printable

Super Coloring

This adorable bright-eyed and bushy-tailed fox is just right for an animal or forest-themed birthday celebration. Print out extra copies of this birthday coloring page so every birthday party guest can color in their own fox friend. Find this fox at Super Coloring.

 

Draw Your Own Princess Page

princess birthday coloring page
Sharee Miller

Here's a coloring page that is fit for birthday royalty. Author and illustrator Sharee Miller’s Draw Your Own Princess page features a bright frame waiting for your budding artist’s own creation. We suggest printing out a dozen to have a pack of unique princesses when it's party time. Scroll down on Sharee Miller’s site to download and print.

 

"Star Wars" Printable Birthday Placemats

Karen via Desert Chica

Star Wars fans will flip for Desert Chica’s Star Wars Birthday Placemats. With tic tac toe, a word scramble, and even droids to decorate, birthday party guests will be occupied while they wait for their pizza and Star Wars-style blue milk. Zoom over to Desert Chica to download your own free printable.

Related: 17 Activities That Double as Birthday Party Favors

Spot-the-Difference Printable

Super Coloring

If you have a swashbuckling pirate captaining your ship, print out this spot-the-difference free printable. They'll be too busy using their eagle eyes to find the seven differences between the pirate ships to pillage his presents. Sail over to Super Coloring to download and print your own.

 

Furry Friend Birthday Coloring Page

puppy dog birthday coloring page
Super Coloring

Kids will flip for the sweet puppy on this birthday coloring page. When decorated, it makes a great card for a dog-loving kid to receive from a buddy, or the birthday girl can color it in and display it on the fridge. Find this friendly fuzzball at Super Coloring.

 

Tea Party Free Printable

B. Nute's

B. Nute’s Mad Hatter Tea Party Printable is fit for birthdays and un-birthdays alike. We love that this festive party table lets your little one doodle her own favorite characters and tea party treats. Whether you take one lump of sugar or two in your tea, you’ll love this coloring page. Visit B. Nute’s blog to download and print.

Birthday Breakfast Printable Placemat

Hello Creative Family

Your local diner’s placemat doesn’t have anything on the birthday party placemat created by Hello Creative Family. With a word search, a countable pile of sprinkles, and a maze that leads to a party hat, this free birthday worksheet will give your little one something fun to do after they devour their birthday morning pancakes. 

 

Dragon Coloring Page

dragon birthday coloring page
Super Coloring

Blow out the candles before this fire-breathing dragon has a chance. Fans of mythical beasts will love decorating this dragon birthday coloring page with colorful scales. Don’t worry—he’s a friendly fire-breathing dragon! Super Coloring has the download you need.

Farm Animal Printable

Jessie and Jade

Toddlers who love a good petting zoo or go ga ga for cows will be delighted by this farm animal coloring page. The free printable from Jessie and Jade awaits their colorful scribbles. Visit Jessie and Jade to download and print your own menagerie.

Related: 15 Cool Coloring Pages & Worksheets for Kids

Printable Scratch Art

Hello Wonderful

It might be a little more work than the other birthday printables on our list, but this homemade scratch art will keep elementary-aged kids busy (at least a bit!), as they'll be creating a coloring page of their own. Head over to Hello Wonderful for the instructions. 

Space-Themed Birthday Coloring Page

Jessie and Jade

Blast off to the moon with a space-themed birthday coloring page. This rocket doubles as a placemat and is just right for kids who dream of Mars and freeze-dried ice cream. Find your own at Jessie and Jade.

Dot-to-Dot Ice Cream Birthday Worksheet

Super Coloring

This dot-to-dot ice cream cone adds a little extra challenge—instead of following numbers, kids follow the alphabet from start to finish. After that, birthday guests can color in their favorite flavor. Download and print your own at Super Coloring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’ve got “Paw Patrol,” unicorns, dinosaurs, trucks and more!

It’s easy to make your toddler’s birthday celebration extra special with free printable coloring pages. We’ve gathered up birthday coloring pages featuring toddlers’ favorite things (Think dinosaurs and unicorns!). These free printables are perfect as placemats, and you can also print them on card stock and pair them with new crayons as an affordable take-home party favor for your kiddo’s buddies.

Birthday Cupcake

Lena London via Super Coloring

What could be better than a delicious birthday cupcake? We love this sprinkle-covered cupcake from Super Coloring pages that's ready for coloring and looks good enough to eat. This free birthday printable coloring page is a simple classic; to download a yummy cupcake or two, head over to Super Coloring.

"Paw Patrol" Coloring Pages

Paw Patrol and Friends

Everybody's favorite rescue pups are ready for action on these free printable Paw Patrol birthday coloring pages. We love the badges that feature each of the Paw Patrol pups because once decorated they become wearable badges with a little tape. Find the Paw Patrol coloring badges and other birthday printables here.

A Birthday Bulldozer

Super Coloring

This bulldozer coloring page is perfect for toddlers who wear their hard hats to breakfast and can tell an excavator from a cement mixer. Drive on down to Super Coloring to find all the construction vehicle coloring pages you need for your little one's birthday, including this big bulldozer.

A Very Hungry Caterpillar Birthday

Eric Carle via Read Brightly

Eric Carle's beloved ravenous caterpillar climbs on the candles atop the cake on this birthday-ready coloring page. We love that this coloring page's simple illustration features one of our favorite picture book characters. You can find this and more The Very Hungry Caterpillar coloring pages on Read Brightly. Pair this free printable with a copy of Happy Birthday from the Very Hungry Caterpillar for a celebration that will make your favorite two-year-old smile.

DInomite!

Craft Play Learn

These dinosaur birthday coloring pages feature a party-ready T-Rex and a festive stegosaurus. Though these are printable puzzles, when printed in black and white, dino-loving kids can color them before you cut them into strips to make number puzzles. Download five different puzzles at Craft Play Learn.

An Elephant for Your Birthday

Super Coloring

If your toddler's favorite activity is a visit to the zoo, then we have the perfect birthday coloring page for you. This festive elephant wishes your little one a happy birthday with a trunk full of balloons. You can find this free coloring page at Super Coloring.

A Friendly Farm

Samantha Jade Duque via Jessie Jade

Whether you're taking a birthday trip to a petting zoo or waving at cows from the car, animal-loving toddlers will adore this farm birthday coloring page. We love that it doubles as a placemat and party decoration, too! Find all the cows and sheep your toddler needs at Jessie + Jade.

Magical Birthday Unicorn

Super Coloring

Lovers of all things magical will leap for this adorable unicorn birthday coloring page. Featuring a friendly unicorn, this page is ready to print and drench in glitter. Fly over to Super Coloring to print out your copy.

Birthday Favorites

Taylor Heery via Unsplash

Add a memorable element to birthday coloring with a birthday questionnaire. We love this free printable that gives you an easy way to capture your little one's favorite food, color and toy, year after year. Print out a copy and, while you quiz your toddler, give them a blank piece of paper and crayons to make a self-portrait that you can put in their memory box alongside the filled-out form.

Rainbow Bright

What Mommy Does

A rainbow coloring page will keep away dark clouds on your toddler's birthday. We love the simplicity of the extra-large rainbow featured on this birthday coloring page that can be decorated with watercolors, crayons or markers. Download and print a dozen rainbows at What Mommy Does.

Wild Birthday

PBS Kids

Wild Kratts lovers will roar for an animal-themed birthday certificate. We love that you can turn this into a birthday morning placemat or a special surprise sign on the birthday kid's door. Printing it in black and white gives kids a chance to add in their favorite colors. Head over to PBS Kids to download and print a free birthday certificate to celebrate your animal fanatic.

The tunnel is our Rube Goldberg favorite

Need some craft ideas that aren’t your usual? Raid the recycle bin, bust out any toilet paper rolls lying around, and get crafting! From Star Wars characters to bird feeders and even flying fish, the possibilities are endless when you’ve got a stash of toilet paper rolls on hand!

Animal Puzzles

If you had one of those flip puzzle books that allowed you to create animals with different tops, middles, and bottoms, then you’ll appreciate this adorable idea.

Cactus Toilet Paper Roll Craft

How adorable are these cacti?! These would be fun decorations for a kiddo’s room or party!

Sliced Toilet Paper Roll Design

Swipe through the images in this post to see the spray-painted final products of this toilet paper roll craft! This is one you could make as detailed or as simple as you’d like. You could also hand-paint it for some extra fun.

Toilet Paper Roll Snake

toilet paper roll crafts
The Clumsy Crafter

This adorable toilet paper roll craft will have kids creating their own snake out of multiple toilet paper rolls. After your kiddo is done and the paint is dry, it's playtime! Get the tutorial from The Clumsy Crafter

Birthday Crowns

toilet paper roll crafts
Creative Jewish Mom

What a cute idea for a birthday party favor! Kids can make their own crowns and wear them throughout the whole event. Get the tutorial over at Creative Jewish Mom

Bird Finder Binoculars

toilet paper roll crafts
Art Bar

Whether you're on an outdoor adventure or peeking at birdies from your window, these adorable Bird Finder Binoculars from Art Bar are perfect for exploring. All you need are some empty toilet paper rolls, string, and colorful masking tape to make your own.

 

Related: 33 Easy & Fun Paper Crafts for Kids

Star Wars Characters

toilet paper roll crafts
Hello, Wonderful

The gang's all here! This cast of Star Wars characters from Hello, Wonderful is perfect for your young Jedis. Great for an entire afternoon, these mini crafts use up that collection of TP rolls you've been collecting.

Flying Carp

toilet paper roll crafts
Squirrelly Minds

Everyone's day can use a little more color, especially in the form of whimsical and cheery flying carp from Squirrelly Minds! With basic supplies like tissue paper and double-sided tape, your littles will be running around with a few flying fish in no time.

Collage Animal Marionettes

toilet paper roll crafts
Art Bar

How adorable are these Collage Animal Marionettes from Art Bar?! Make your own with simple supplies, including bright beads and tissue paper.

Happy Birthday Sign

toilet paper roll crafts
Super Make It

If you have a stack of old TP rolls lying around, why not turn them into a useful sign like this one? Color the tubes, do some specific cutting and you have a truly unique way to say "Happy birthday!" Get all the details over Super Make It.

Super Hero Cuffs

toilet paper roll crafts
Reading Confetti

You don't need special powers to make these awesome wristlets with your little hero. After painting the tubes, let your kids decorate them with stars, flowers, lightning bolts, or anything that they think gives them special powers. Find out how to make the slits for little arms just right over at Reading Confetti.

Slinky Snake

toilet paper roll crafts
Eighteen 25

Practice dexterity and scissor cutting by whipping up one of these googly-eyed reptiles. Start by painting a toilet paper roll and letting it dry. Next, have your little one use safety scissors to snip a spiral shape into the roll. Decorate the bouncy creature with stripes or dots and a pair of inquisitive eyes. The gals over at Eighteen 25 have the low-down on how to get this toilet paper roll craft just right.

 

Related: 27 Adorable Toddler Crafts You Can Pull Out Anytime

Shape Stamps

toilet paper roll crafts
Mama Papa Bubba

Mama Jen of Mama Papa Bubba wows again! This toilet paper roll craft is the ultimate win-win. While the bambino brushes up on shapes and colors, you get to upcycle all of those saved rolls. On a rainy day, use the shapes to make cards or just let your kiddo go stamp crazy on the poster board.

Confetti Poppers

party poppers are one of the best New Year's Eve party ideas
Gabby Cullen

Speaking of parties... turn your kid's next one into the shindig of the year with these confetti poppers crafted out of a tied balloon wrapped and taped over a toilet tissue roll. Pour confetti into the open end, gently pull the end of the balloon... and POP! Check out our tutorial here. 

Bird Feeder

toilet paper roll crafts
Fireflies and Mud Pies

Keep an eye on your feathered friends by whipping up this easy feeder. All you have to do is spread the shortening onto a toilet paper roll and then roll the tube into bird seeds. The seeds will stick to the roll, and you can hang it up porch-side or stick it on a branch. Fireflies and Mud Pies has the details for this awesome toilet paper roll craft.

Cardboard Village

When you need to keep it simple, a mini village made from toilet paper rolls will do the trick. Pull out the markers, ribbon, paper, and whatever else the kids want to use, and get crafting!