Whether you’re actually putting on real clothes and entertaining this year or just want to up your holiday decoration game, with a little creativity you can make over simple, affordable objects into masterpieces. From clever ideas for hostess gifts to decorations you’ll treasure, scroll on for some seriously awesome #dollarstoredecor!
Amy at the Savvy Sparrow knows her way around a dollar store and this amazing farmhouse window is proof positive. It looks like the real thing! Find out how she did it over at thesavvysparrow.com.
Simple changes make all the difference. Jenni @Create and Celebrate is the queen of taking something basic like a dollar store holiday sign and adding just a few touches to make it her own.
How cute are these decorated tall votive candles? Not only are they from dollar-store candles, we love how @cassi_mills displayed them with her bottle brush trees.
This too-cute Christmas ornament is a cinch to make and calls for just a few creative materials you can grab at the Dollar Store. (Hint: nail polish is involved!) Best of all, this decoration could double as a toy if your elves need to get some emergency playtime in. Get the how-to over at The Things She Makes.
On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer ... on to the Dollar Store! Make a balloon run and make your own ultra-creative holiday decorations that are sure to brighten up any party. Plus, your little ones can help give each balloon a smiling face! Learn more at A Subtle Revelry.
Who knew an inexpensive pair of salt and pepper shakers could turn into super cute snowmen? With a little paint and a friendly face, these little Frosty wannabes are just the thing for a quick gift or table addition. Get the instructions (along with more snowman inspiration) at 20 North Ora.
Need a last-minute gift or a little something special to add to your tree? A Subtle Revelry has just the thing: a totally sweet garland! Colorful cellophane, string, and some HI-CHEWs (or other fave candy), and you're all set. Learn more here.
Greet your holiday guests with a cheerful snowman garland! It couldn't be easier to make since all you have to do is pick up some paper plates on the cheap. Then, enlist your holiday helpers to draw some smiling snowy faces and you're ready to go! Learn more at Real Life, One Day at a Time.
Customized oven gloves make the perfect hostess gift over the holiday period. Even better, you don't have to be particularly crafty, and you can still come up with a heartfelt homemade present. Head to Trish Sutton's blog for instructions and tips on the best dollar store gloves for the job.
These DIY paper wrapped candles will work as a gift as well as a dinner table centerpiece for any holiday get-together. Just customize the paper to your celebration, whether it's fall, winter or the new year. Pick up some winter wonderland gift wrap and dollar store sanctuary candles and head to Today's Creative Life for the details.
Ever wondered how to personalize a simple ivory candle? Well, here's one way of doing it with just packing tape! Head to It's Always Autumn for the instructions, and you'll have everything you need to give a beautiful personalized holiday gift to friends and family.
Some metallic primer on the lid and top of a simple dollar store ornament and the effect is pure vintage. These snow globe ornaments make the perfect addition to a winter tree or would work well on a mantelpiece, depending on the size. Little House of Four has all the details.
A plastic dollar store hippo can get a festive magnet makeover and be put to use hanging holiday cards. Pick out more seasonal winter animals like deer or bears if you like, but we reckon even an upcycled dollar store dinosaur will be a welcome gift of gold. Sugar and Cloth has the instructions.
The gift of hot cocoa mix is always going to be well received, but if it's packaged in these cute mason jar snow globes, you'll earn extra smiles. Pick up your packaging supplies at the dollar store and the cocoa mix at the grocery and head to A Few Shortcuts for the instructions.
When you want to add a little seasonal flair to your party platters, some dollar store cake pans and candle holders can be crafted into a festive tiered appetizer tray. Get all the instructions at Southern State of Mind.
Add some pizzazz to simple dollar store stockings with homemade pom poms! Head to Thistlewood Farms for the how-to and then deck the halls however you wish. If you have enough for every member of your party, they make clever silverware holders at the dinner table.
Instagram-worthy seasonal desserts are taking over our social media feeds. This year hot cocoa bombs have gained popularity among lovers of festive treats. Now you can make your own with easy-to-follow steps thanks to ALDI Test Kitchen.
If you are feeling extra festive you can drop the bombs into a cup of ALDI-exclusive O’Donnell’s Irish Cream for the ultimate holiday taste bud explosion.
Check out the recipe created by Chef Trevor from the ALDI Test Kitchen and captured by Heather at @brownedbutterblondie.
ALDI Hot Cocoa Bombs
Recipe Courtesy of Chef Trevor, ALDI Test Kitchen
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes (plus 25 minutes to chill and set) Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 25 to chill and set) Servings: 4
Ingredients:
1 package Moser Roth Dark Collection 70% Cocoa Chocolate Bar, finely chopped
1/2 cup Baker’s Corner Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
1 package Beaumont Cocoa Hot Cocoa Mix
Spangler Candy Canes, crushed
Baker’s Corner Miniature Marshmallows
Directions:
Prepare a double boiler over medium-low heat. Meanwhile, combine chopped chocolates and morsels in a small bowl.
Add half of the chocolate to the double boiler. Monitor temperature using a candy thermometer or other food safe thermometer. Do not allow chocolate to rise about 120° F at any point.
Once chocolate is melted and at 110-115°, remove from heat. In small batches, incorporate remaining chocolate. Be sure to melt what you’ve added prior to adding more.
Continue to monitor temperature and stir until temperature reaches 82°. Transfer back to the double boiler and bring to 91°.
At 91° remove from heat, add 2 tablespoons of chocolate to each half of the 3-inch silicone sphere molds. Tilt mold in all directions to properly coat the entire bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes. Reserve remaining chocolate.
The chocolate should have begun to set at this point. Use the back of a spoon to smooth out the inside of the half sphere. Chill for 20 minutes.
Peel molds away to release chocolate. Set aside.
Warm a small sauté pan over low heat. Lightly press one half sphere, open side down, on the sauté pan to even. Place back in mold.
Fill with 1/2 packet cocoa mix, and preferred amount of crushed candy cane and marshmallows.
Repeat step 8, instead pressing the halves together. Allow 5 minutes to set.
Bring remaining chocolate to 88°, drizzle over sealed bombs and decorate with remaining candy canes pieces.
There’s nothing like a warm mug of hot cocoa on a cold winter’s day. Now you can make your favorite seasonal sip a little more festive with Swiss Miss Peppermint Hot Cocoa. Stir with a candy cane for an extra holiday treat.
Not only is this cocoa mix made with real hot cocoa infused with peppermint flavor, but each packet includes peppermint flavored mini marshmallows.
Swiss Miss Peppermint Hot Cocoa is available at grocery stores nationwide. You can also find it on Amazon.
Grab your mugs and put a pot of milk on the stove. It’s time to decorate your tree and warm up with a cup of hot cocoa. Walmart is selling an adorable Starbucks ornament set that comes complete with cocoa mix.
These ornaments make the perfect present or you can decide to treat yourself. Each pack comes with six cups made to resemble Starbucks paper holiday cups. Inside each ornament is either double hot cocoa mix or peppermint hot cocoa mix.
Leave these ornaments on your tree for the season or countdown the days to Christmas with a sweet holiday sip.
You need an escape. Grandparents are coming. Or maybe friends with kids are arriving. Whatever the reason, these kid-friendly hotels offer perks and family-friendly festivities for you and your crew. Find your perfect place to stay and play from our picks below.
Hyatt Regency Lake Washington
Julietta Skoog
If the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington was a painting, the title would be "Chillin' by the Lake". Upon entering the vast but welcoming lobby, the lake view and Seattle skyline seem to envelop the back of the hotel, beckoning guests to grab a chair on the outdoor patio and let the relaxation begin. Opened in 2017, this hotel is already a neighborhood favorite and community staple. Brimming with goodies for the little ones, families can check in knowing their vacation or staycation will be spectacular. The safety first, faux-mini fire pit sets the mood and s'mores are just as tasty without the melted chocolate option. Grab pool toys and swimsuits for year-round indoor pool and hot tub splashing, or for lake side leisure in the warmer months. Water's Table is highly recommended as it masters the art of fine dining alongside family feasting. Also recommended to please carnivores is the Akaushi Tomahawk Ribeye, a platter of exquisitely cooked aged marbled beef perfect for groups sharing.
Can't-miss kid perks: Pre-order the Kids Glamping Package for $40. Well worth the delight in their eyes when they open the door and a tepee, replete with cozy pillows, soft blankets and s'mores plate greets them. The kid’s cookie decorating option is a creative way to entertain fidgety diners - it's complimentary so pre-order with ease.
Good to know: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle's Southport is conveniently located near Skykart Indoor Racing Center, Henry Moses Aquatic Center and the Museum of Flight for more group entertainment
1053 Lake Washington Blvd N. Renton, WA 98056 425-203-1234 Online: hyatt.com
Kimpton Alexis Hotel
Jennifer Finch/Kimpton Alexis
Seattle is synonymous with great music and downtown Seattle still plays that '90s beat if you listen carefully. The Kimpton Alexis Hotel cherishes its convenient downtown location and proudly displays art that hints to the Emerald City's iconic music scene. Good thing the rooms aren't from that era. The recent $14-million guest room renovation blends the backdrop of the Pacific Northwest with elegant simplicity—the colors seem to flow in from the sky, sound and evergreen trees. Families can experience this and more with the Junior Suite, an 825-square-foot room with elevated living space plus an extra TV and sofa. Plus, who doesn't love dress up fairy wings, dinosaur play sets, giant checkerboard and checkers, movie trivia and books that are among the available delights. For the budding photographer, parents can rent a mini Polaroid camera and film for eight hours of artistic exploration. Whatever you choose, the experience will be stylish and entertaining for the whole fam.
Can't-miss kid perks: Take it up a notch with on-demand packages for kids. The Movie Night Package ($75) delivers a popcorn machine and candy bars for a full theatrical experience. Or cozy up with the Hot Cocoa Bar ($32) that provides cocoa mix, house made marshmallows, flavored syrups, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings, plus a bonus for adults: add booze for an additional $9/person. The Kids Mystery Box ($25) offers toys and fun for three age ranges: 3-5, 6-9 & 10-12.
1007 1st Ave. Seattle, WA 98104 206-624-4844 Online: alexishotel.com
Westin Seattle
courtesy Westin Seattle
The Westin Seattle loves to welcome families and has incorporated that into their slogans. Wonder Awaits With Westin Family means all guests should leave feeling better than when they arrived, and kids are no exception. Westin Family programs were designed to ignite curiosity and creativity. In order to encourage this, the Westin Family Package offers up to 50% off a second room with connecting rooms based on availability. Bring the in-laws, grandparents and aunties, bring ‘em all! Plus, at check-in, children are welcomed with a Westin Family Travel Journal and a local activity guide full of engaging activities and plenty of pages for kids to jot down their findings. Grab the coloring pencils and pens and head out to the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Seattle Center, as all those sights are right in the Westin's backyard.
Can't-miss kid perks: Make meal times green (as in saving) because kids eat for free from the Westin Eat Well Menu for Kids, with the purchase of an adult entrée. Thanks to expert input from doctors, dentists and chefs at SuperChefs™, the options on the Westin Eat Well Menu for Kids are both delicious and nutritious. Happy parents, happy kids.
1900 5th Ave. Seattle, WA 98101 206-728-1000 Online: marriott.com
Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
courtesy Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
Four Seasons Hotel Seattle presents its artistic side and its delicious side right in the lobby when guests check in. The property has the most extensive collection of Pacific Northwest artwork outside of a museum or gallery, and features pieces of art from the '40s and '50s, selected and organized by Virginia Wright, Seattle’s most prominent arts patron and collector. Even better, afternoon treats are served in the lobby, from house made s’mores and ice cream cupcakes, to caramel apples and macarons every day after 3 p.m. What child wouldn't love a welcome snack while parents peruse fine art? At meal time, head to the in-house, upscale Goldfinch. The kids' menu is as much fun as the LEGO stacking utensils and coloring sheets that accompany it. After dining take advantage of the heated outdoor pool, available year-round, or the babysitting option for an additional fee. Then it’s time to enjoy Four Seasons Hotel Seattle's excellent location near Pike Place Market, shopping, theater, music and more. Wanna escape? The Family Getaway special offer is available: Mar. 14–Apr. 13, 2020.
Can't-miss kid perks: Make kids feel extra special with an age-appropriate welcome gift. Let the staff know your munchkins' ages so they can enjoy fun treats like cookies & milk for tiny tots or root beer & popcorn for tweens. Kid-sized robes and slippers are also available, as are cribs, baby toiletries and diaper genies. Whew! That makes packing easier. Add in other convenient touches like step stools in the bathroom so kids can reach the sink and bath toys for the deep soaking tubs and you've got a perfect home-away-from-home getaway.
Insider tip: Make room for everyone with 30% off a second guest room when booking two nights at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle.
99 Union St. Seattle, WA 98101 206-749-7000 Online: fourseasons.com
Fairmont Olympic Seattle
courtesy Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Families know that the Fairmont Olympic Seattle is the place to go for holiday festivity. Year-round the hotel lobby is decorated to the hilt with seasonal attire that provides hours of wonder and awe for small tots, juniors and the young at heart. This year the Fairmont Olympic Seattle will undergo a massive renovation with completion planned for summer 2020, welcoming a fully transformed lobby that will present a new social experience for guests and locals, introduce a new bar, and debut a new restaurant. In the meantime, take advantage of the Stay Longer deal with 25% off one to two nights, and 30% off of three or more night stays. The whole gang will feel pampered, while well-designed amenities for families will make the kids feel at home. After tucking them in for the night, arrange for a babysitter through the concierge service then hit the town and enjoy Seattle's burgeoning cocktail scene. Adults only. Check in to check out the transformation of one of Seattle's most renowned hotels.
Can't-miss kid perks: It's touches like children's menus that are available in the restaurants and via in-room dining that make this a great stay for families. Plus, tiny ones under five eat for free at Shuckers Restaurant. Kids' bathrobes and no-tear shampoo highlight the amenities that make everyone feel good about their stay.
411 University St. Seattle, WA 98101 206-621-1700 Online: fairmont.com
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle
courtesy Kimpton Hotel Monaco
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle boasts a jaw-dropping lobby as well as a dramatic, yet playful, ambiance throughout the hotel. The glitter and glam of the Greek-inspired meets Art Deco vibe must be seen to be appreciated. All the glamour could feel too stuffy, but Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle is an all-ages favorite. The property is pet-friendly, which allows parents to look like a superhero to Fido or Fluffy as well. The venue lies just steps away from major sights and sporting events, so grab your two-legged and four-legged creatures and set off on an urban adventure. Before you head out, be sure to ask for a custom lunch pail with activities, snacks and gum. This no-charge extra will help make the most of your day.
Can't-miss kid perks: We're crushing hard on generous (and complimentary) adds that let parents look like heroes without breaking the bank. It all starts with an adventure map to explore the best kid-friendly and free sights. The lending library in the lobby bursts with bedtime stories, and upon request, Land of Nod tepees and play tents will be delivered to the room for more magic-making at bedtime.
Tacoma is a hidden gem that surprises and delights. Just a quick jaunt down the freeway, Tacoma awaits, filled with family-friendly fun and the kind of artistic edge Seattle families love. This is a wonderful staycation option and an excellent educational trip for growing minds. Hotel Murano has museum-worthy glass art on each floor. Grab an adult bevvy and let the kids to do what they have always wanted to do: push every button in the elevator. The multi-level museum-quality glass display truly astounds. Book the Hey There, Hot Shop package and learn the art of glass-blowing to take home some art of your own making. Hotel Murano is just a hop, skip and a jump away from the Children’s Museum of Tacoma, the only pay-as-you-will museum of its kind in the United States. And the Pacific Seas Aquarium at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is just a year old, so amaze the kiddos and check out the juvenile hammerhead sharks. Whatever you and your crew decide to explore, The Mountain City Sea Attraction Pass was designed with families in mind. It's the best way to see the main attractions in Tacoma and Pierce County at a 50% discount on admission. "You'll Like Tacoma" is this city's slogan, but we think, "You'll Love Tacoma" is more like it.
Can't-miss kid perks: With the touch of a button kids can get a pint of hand-crafted ice cream delivered to the room, from local fave Ice Cream Social.
Insider tip: Use the family discount promo code TACOMA or book through this link for an exclusive discount.
Pro tip: February is Seattle Museum Month and that means big savings (50% off admission) for guests staying at these hotels (with the exception of Hyatt Regency Lake Washington & Hotel Murano) when they visit Seattle-area museums. With over 40 participating museums, there’s every reason to stay and play now. Think of it as the excuse you need to dive into Octopus Week at the Seattle Aquarium, visit the new Burke or get messy at KIDIMU. The full calendar of events has all you need to plan your stay.
