Toddlers are always busting at the seams to score some fun. So why not turn downtime at home into an opportunity to expand their imagination with crafty projects that are both simple to pull off and highly entertaining? We’ve gathered more than 25 arts and crafts for toddlers that parents can turn to whenever their little one craves instant amusement.
The Best Arts and Crafts for Toddlers That Don’t Take Much Prep
1. 3D Flower Cards Look for bright days ahead with this 3D Flower Card craft for toddlers from Hello Wonderful. Help your little one draw vases on the card and then tape a single bloom inside the vase. Whether you get outdoors to pick flowers or you use silk flowers, it’s a simple craft to inspire all the senses.
2. Counting Hands
Fun and educational crafts? Yes, please! If you have a toddler that’s learning to count, check out this cute counting hands craft that offers a visual way to learn.
3. Rainbow Bookmark
Foster your kiddos’ love of books with a cute and colorful felt rainbow bookmark. Growing Up Gabel whipped up these easy-to-follow instructions for this sweet project that can be completed in just 20 minutes, with help from an adult.
4. Popsicle Stick Tent Get your little adventurer excited for the next camping trip with this easy DIY toddler craft from Glued to My Craft.
The Artful Parent
5. Sticky Wall
Combine arts and crafts with hand-eye coordination skills and set up a Sticky Wall. The Artful Parent shows us how you can create hours of fun with a simple roll of contact paper and just about anything you have that can stick to the paper. Find, stick, repeat. This is a very low-mess activity and very simple to set up. And did we mention so much fun?
6. Paper Plate Dragons Take to the skies when you engineer flying dragons. To complete this simple project, grab paper plates, paints or markers, and download this template from Pink Stripey Socks. Print, cut, color, play!
7. Stamped Paper Sheep
Make sweet sheep with paint, paper, and a few of your child’s other favorite art materials. This springtime craft is perfect for preschoolers. And bonus: it’s easy to adapt to your toddler or grade-schooler. Get the details on how to get artsy with DIY stamping from Buggy and Buddy.
8. Medieval Crown Craft This craft from First Palette is fit for the pint-sized royalty in your life. You’ll have a new addition to the dress-up bin with construction paper, crepe paper, and as much sequin bling as you can find. Head here for the full instructions.
A Girl and a Glue Gun
9. Salt Paint Draw a pretty picture with glue. Load up color and water. When you touch the salt—the paint spreads like magic. If you need help trying to figure out what to draw, check out A Girl and a Glue Gun for ideas and a full salt paint tutorial. Just remember to keep it simple. It takes forever to dry.
10. Crayon Resist Art An oldie but a goodie, this crafts technique is often used because it’s easy, quick, and adaptable. Simply draw on paper with crayons or oil pastels, and then paint over with watercolors and watch as the paint resists the wax. Check out a full how-to here, and for more resist techniques, check out these from the Artful Parent.
11. Magic Torch Reveal
This one takes a little more work from parents, but is so cool, and toddlers and preschoolers will love it. Plus, more than likely, you have everything you need already at home. Check out the YouTube tutorial and step-by-step instructions at Paging Fun Moms.
12. DIY Mini Roads Set
Pick a lane, any lane. This ten-minute craft becomes a DIY game you can break out and play anytime. Check out all the ways this mini road set, made out of popsicle sticks, can stimulate your little one’s imagination and spark joy.
13. Egg Carton Catepiller Help your toddler transform an empty egg carton into a colorful caterpillar while filling an hour of downtime with good old fashion fun. This little project from My Bored Toddler is almost too easy to set up.
14. Paper Plate Crafts
This cat craft is a great evergreen activity you can bust out any time of the year, and the best part is it’s made out of a paper plate, that you probably already have on hand. I Heart Crafty Things has many adorable ideas for paper plate crafts, so once you perfect your cat, you can keep crafting. We love this Panda Bear too.
15. Footprint Unicorn Those toddler hands and feet get so big so quickly. Use your downtime at home to make some hand and foot prints. As a bonus, you can save these to give to the grandparents the next time they visit. This unicorn from Live Learn Eat Love may inspire other ideas like dinos, birds, or trees.
16. Mosiac Earth
Don’t wait until Earth Day to celebrate and teach kiddos the importance of taking care of our planet. This Earth Craft Mosiac from Crafts by Amanda is a great way to talk to your toddler about ways to protect the planet while having fun and making something special together.
17. Cardboard Rain Stick
A rain stick makes the prettiest sound, and making one at home with a few simple items is very easy. We love the tutorial for this musical craft found over at The Imagination Tree.
18. Simple Nature Prints
The best post-walk arts and crafts activity is nature prints. Besides breaking out Play-Doh in various colors, gather a bit of nature like twigs, flowers, and leaves, and then get ready to combine two things toddlers love: crafting and the great outdoors.
19. Singing Straws
We love Handmade Charlotte’s take on the pan flute. Not only does this homemade instrument actually make music, but it’s also as bright and colorful as can be.
20. Paper Pig Activity Have friends over and set out enough materials so each kid can paint their own pig. It’s super simple, and you probably already have everything you need on hand. Plus, the easy tutorial from Oh Creative Day takes the pressure off of you.
21. Fork Tulips
Who says your crafty kid needs a brush to paint? This paper art activity celebrates spring with a paint print and a fringe of green grass. Learn how to make these cute tulips with Growing Up Gabel’s tutorial.
22. Crazy Hair Toilet Tubes For all the scissor-obsessed toddlers, grab a kid-friendly pair and let your tot practice their fine motor skills by giving their toilet paper pal from My Bored Toddler a funky haircut.
23. Paper Cup Whale Paper cups are such a handy resource to have amongst your craft supplies. This play idea transforms a humble paper cup into a fun-having whale that can add an element of drama to your child’s play.
24. DIY Animal Necklaces
Grab a few plastic animals and get crafting. These DIY necklaces from Hello Bee are colorful, adorable, and wearable.
25. Book Monsters
If you’ve got a budding bookworm in your family, you’ve got to make this adorable project from Easy Peasy and Fun. There’s lots of room for creativity—you can add eyes, teeth, horns…the sky’s the limit.
26. Painted Pasta Necklaces Dip into the pantry for this colorful craft. Then, pop over to Pickle Bum for all the details. You’ll quickly see the options are endless and the results are five stars.
27.Paper Tube Caterpillar Pom Pom Craft and learn colors with this adorable paper tube caterpillar. Color coordination never looked so fun.
Make sure to capture all the photos of your crafty tot—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.
Looking for dye-free Easter egg decorating ideas this year? We’ve combed the web to find genius, non-smelly (no vinegar) Easter egg coloring ideas, and we found a bunch of unique ways to decorate. Using everything from tissue paper and Cool Whip to tempera paint and sprinkles, some are still messy (these are kids we’re dealing with, after all), and some are more like Easter crafts—and they’re all super fun.
Check out these adorable ninja eggs from Ohoh Blog—they’re sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. You’ll just need some paint, toothpicks and a ribbon.
Get your groove on with what has to be one of the sparkliest Easter egg decorating ideas we've seen. Since a craft blade is a required tool, this one is best for older kids or just parents who love to get crafty. Get the details from The Incredible Egg.
This Easter egg decorating idea from Sugar and Charm is pure gold. Using delicate gold leaf, the project requires some patience, but the results are worth the effort. There’s one of a simple bunny silhouette we especially love.
A crown made from baby’s breath adds a whimsical touch to these charming eggs crafted by Flax & Twine. Make them your own by adding different colorful buds to the crown or personalizing them with sweet faces.
Create faux watercolor eggs by using brush pens, a little water, and a lot of imagination! These less-messy decorative ideas from Color Made Happy bypasses traditional dyes and lets your littles create one-of-a-kind works of art.
These dyed eggs use fluffy Cool Whip and food coloring to create an edible and kid-friendly craft. Simply swirl small amounts of food coloring into a tray of the whipped topping and roll eggs! Get all the details on this dye-free activity over at Boulder Locavore.
Temporary tattoos give the illusion of a hand-painted masterpiece, but we promise these awesome eggs only look time-consuming. Made in just minutes, they can feature anything from bugs to ballerinas or your kids' favorite superhero. The sky is the limit! Check out the how-to at Brit + Co.
Have a confetti party with this festive idea from Brit + Co. Kids can pick out their favorite colors of tissue paper, then brush the confetti on the eggs with a layer of Mod Podge. Sticky, but so worth it!
Uplifting phrases or quotes for Easter? Sounds perfect for this Spring holiday. Have your kids help you pick what you want to write on your Easter eggs, and then follow the simple instructions from The Incredible Egg.
Adorn this year’s eggs with a little bling. Paper & Stitch used sparkling jewels and gems to create fun shapes and patterns in a variety of shimmering hues. Visit Momtastic for the how-to.
The perfect project for even the youngest artist, we love these pastel eggs from A Pumpkin and a Princess. Whether you prefer a marbled look, ombré gradation, or a tie-dye effect (minus the dye), there’s no wrong way to decorate with watercolors.
With soft, pipe cleaner ears and sweet hand-drawn faces, these adorable rabbits are perfect for getting your little bunny ready for Easter. Consider dressing up these simple eggs by adding googly eyes or a pompom tail. Easy enough to make with your preschooler, learn how over at The Nerd’s Wife.
If no text message is complete without a yellow face to express your every thought and feeling, then you’ll love the Emoji Easter eggs designed by Studio DIY. Check out the steps for recreating your favorite emoticon, from winks to grimaces, express yourself with eggs this Easter.
What can't you create with washi? We are totally inspired by these gems from Lovely Indeed. Parents can cut the tape into different shapes, and tots can stick the pieces in whatever design they dream up.
Keep things super simple (and super cute!) with this fun idea from Ginger Snap Crafts. Your budding artists will love drawing the chick faces onto their eggs.
Use up those stubby bits of crayon by making these genius eggs from The Nerd's Wife. The heat from freshly boiled eggs melts the crayons into awesome abstract designs.
Razzle dazzle just about everyone with these sparkly eggs from Lil' Luna. Kids will get a kick out of making the squiggly designs with glue and following up with glitter on top.
Grab paint in springy colors to create vibrant eggs like these adorable ones from Paper & Stitch. Artsy kiddos will love channeling their inner Monet to make an Easter masterpiece.
For a similar look to traditional dyed eggs without the crazy mess, try this cool idea from Aunt Peaches. The tissue paper turns the eggs into a rainbow of vibrant colors—it'll make your Easter table pop.
Flowered Eggs
iStock
A little bit of paint, a tiny paintbrush, and a steady hand are what you'll need for this creative decorating idea. Five dabs of paint make one cheerful flower, and your kids can combine colors or make all the flowers the same.
— with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton and Karly Wood
Every school year, parents reach out to their children’s teachers to inquire about any number of things. Sometimes it’s over a concern over their child’s academic performance or a conflict between students. Other times, these questions for teachers can be a bit more invasive, like when a school parent demands to know why certain things are being taught, like in the recent instance of a small faction of parents getting upset over Michaelangelo’s statue of David being shown in the classroom. But for every one of these situations, there are a slew of other questions that teachers would love to hear from the parents of their students. We asked several current and former teachers what questions they would love to hear from parents, and here’s what they said.
“What are my students’ strengths in your classroom?”
Jessica Matoian, an 8th-grade social science teacher at Sequoia Middle School in the Fresno Unified School District, says she would love to hear this question from parents, along with questions about how they can help develop those strengths outside of the classroom. “I believe in a growth mindset in my classroom. If I can work with parents and guardians on developing their students’ strengths, instead of highlighting their weaknesses, I find students are willing to take ownership of their strengths and build on them on their own,” says Matoian.
“Is my child happy? What lights them up?”
Brooklyn-based Christina Soriano, who taught elementary school art, social and emotional wellness, and Kindergarten summer school from 2006 through 2022, says she never heard any parent ask this, but wishes she had. “These questions are important because they are child-centered and strengths-based. It’s sometimes second nature, or sometimes cultural, that we go straight to how to make a child ‘better’ in a subject. Of course, that is a main point of schooling and learning, but it’s equally important to know what makes a child excited and joyful during the school day,” she says.
“How can I help my child succeed in your classroom?”
Victoria Taylor, a teacher with 20 years of experience and founder of BestCaseParenting, says she appreciates when parents take an interest in their children’s work. “Simply asking about ongoing projects and assignments can be extremely helpful to students and teachers alike. I understand it’s a lot for busy parents to stay on top of everything, but small gestures such as sending in student supplies or helping their child stay organized can make a huge difference,” says Taylor.
The same goes for Christina Collura, a full-time kindergarten teacher, autism advocate, and mother of two. “I am a firm believer every child has strengths (and weaknesses), and building and teaching children based on those strengths are vital to forming and building on a successful learning path,” says Collura.
“What supplies or materials do you need restocked/refilled for the classroom?
Amanda Dexter, who has been teaching middle and high school for eight years in Missouri’s St. Joseph School District says she would like parents to inquire about supplies long after the school year has begun. “At the beginning of the year, classroom supplies are usually fully stocked, but come a few months later and we’ve run out of glue sticks, construction paper, whiteboard markers, Kleenex, disinfecting wipes, pencils, etc. You’d be amazed at how quickly a class can burn through what seems like ample supplies in the beginning,” says Dexter. “Usually it is up to the teacher to restock supplies out of their own pockets.”
“Are there any educational activities or resources you recommend?”
“Parents who ask this question are actively seeking ways to enrich their child’s learning experiences. As a teacher, I can suggest educational apps, websites, books, or hands-on activities that align with the curriculum and support their child’s interests and learning style,” says Donna Paul, a Montessori teacher turned blogger at That’s So Montessori.
“How can I help my child develop independence and life skills?”
This might not be a typical question asked by parents, but Paul, who has over 10 years of in-class Montessori elementary teaching experience, says those who do inquire about this recognize the importance of preparing their children for future success. “I can provide suggestions on age-appropriate tasks, organization strategies, and opportunities for problem-solving that empower children to become self-reliant and confident individuals,” she says.
While supporting a child’s education in the classroom is essential, Paul feels that parents should also look into how they can extend this into their homes. “By asking this question, parents show their commitment to their child’s education and seek guidance on how to extend learning beyond the classroom. As a teacher, I can provide valuable insights, resources, and strategies for creating a supportive learning environment at home,” she adds.
“What can I do to support my child’s social and emotional well-being?”
Nowadays, more parents and teachers are learning about the importance of social-emotional learning on top of academics. “Parents who ask this question demonstrate their understanding of the vital role social and emotional development plays in a child’s overall success. By seeking advice, parents can gain insights into how to foster healthy relationships, resilience, and emotional intelligence in their child’s everyday life,” says Paul.
“Does my child behave at school (and) are they respectful?”
Julie Navitka, a former middle school teacher (from 2008 through 2022) at Robert Andrews School in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, suggests parents ask this question to gain better insight into their child’s behavior. Why? While teachers will generally inform parents when their students are crossing the line with their behavior, it’s a good idea to check in with teachers to see if there are inklings of problematic behavior that can be addressed early on.
“Does my child get their work finished (and on time?)”
Navitka, who briefly taught high school and has since started blogging at Successfully Sustainable, also recommended this question. Questions for teachers like this can not only help prevent any academic slides but also potentially detect a larger issue if the student is having a lot of difficulty staying focused and completing tasks, such as a learning disability or a cognitive disorder like ADHD.
“Does my child distract others from their learning?”
While parents should always ask questions related to helping their own students, it doesn’t hurt to inquire about how they are ensuring the success of the entire classroom. “Teaching can be extremely stressful, and even though it’s not the only (or biggest) factor, dealing with unsupportive parents plays a role in this stress,” says Navitka. Being proactive in addressing issues like these can make difficult conversations about behavior issues smoother.
“How can I help contribute to the classroom?”
While donating supplies is always helpful, Birney Elementary School teacher Robert Garcia wishes parents would ask how they can help contribute to the classroom in other ways. “It could be volunteering, donating special incentives, or just making a guest appearance,” says the 6th-grade teacher who has taught in Fresno Unified School District for 29 years.
“What skills is my child struggling with that may not be covered in class?”
Eddie Maza, an 11th and 12th-grade English teacher at The Idea School, a private school in New Jersey, says it can often be difficult for teachers to address individual students’ needs at the beginning of the school year. “As a high school English teacher, I encountered students who required assistance with fundamental grammar issues. While I would have liked to provide them with additional support, the nature of teaching a large class made it challenging to offer supplementary content. By asking the teacher about specific areas that need improvement and how to develop those skills, you can create a plan to help your child catch up with the class,” says Maza.
“How can I support my child’s work without completing it for them?
According to Maza, “Parents naturally want to assist their children with school work, but it’s important to ensure that working through challenging assignments, collaborating with peers, and communicating with teachers remains part of the learning experience. Involvement from parents is valuable, but asking this question helps ensure that your efforts to support your child’s education do not deprive them of the essential learning experience.” Alternatively, he says parents can ask, “What are the objectives of this assignment?”
If you want to make Mother’s Day 2024 extra memorable, you can’t go wrong with a homemade card. Since we know moms go gaga for all things heartfelt and handmade, we’ve rounded up the easiest, cutest Mother’s Day card ideas that kids can whip up themselves. They’ll pair perfectly with your Mother’s Day gifts! These are our favorite ideas that are sure to make Mom smile.
Is there anything more classic than a construction paper craft for Mother’s Day? They’re easy, sweet and take little time. We love that this is one of the easiest Mother’s Day card ideas for kids.
This adorable idea is so personal! You can snap your kiddo blowing kisses or doing another cute pose, then let them decorate construction paper to their heart’s content.
When you have too much love for a standard card, bust out this awesome accordion idea from Sarah Hearts! As far as arts and crafts for kids go, this project is perfect—don't forget to customize it with Mom's favorite photos!
Attention, little artists! Start collecting those crayons and get ready to color: these printable cards from Sarah Renae Clark are an easy and creative canvas to show Mom some love.
We love how these typography cards from Lovely Indeed spotlight Mom's superstar qualities. Whether she's a Mom Boss or makes a killer PB&J, these cards call out those qualities that make Mom so amazing.
This cute Mother's Day card is bright and cheerful and with the template from Fireflies and Mudpies, it's an easy craft for kids to do at home. It gives kids creative freedom to color as they see fit, and they can even glue the flowers on by themselves.
This Mother's Day card idea is a sweet surprise! You'll need to download the free flower envelope for tracing, but the rest only requires markers. Get the details from Hello Wonderful.
If anyone deserves to treat herself, it's Mom. That's why these cards from Studio DIY couldn't be more perfect—especially if you pair them with an at-home spa day.
Give Mom a one-of-a-kind gift with this printable poem card from Lil’ Luna. Put your kiddo’s handprint on the front, then have them sign the inside—easy peasy.
This is one of the most unique Mother's Day card ideas we've seen! Grab some dried flowers and put together this sweet card from Make and Takes. Finish it off with white glue and a little drawing.
If you’re not the crafty type, go for this printable from Weekend Craft. It’s as easy as getting some cardstock, cutting it down to size, and adding a personal note inside.
We heart this rainbow painting project aspiring artists can make for mom on her special day. The Artful Parent is where you’ll find out how to create this card that’s meant to be treasured.
You don’t have to be a crafting genius to stitch together these lovable cards for mom. It’s a perfect preschooler activity. String, card stock, and helping hands are what it takes to wind up this Mother’s Day project without breaking a sweat. Get the details at Hello Wonderful.
Finally, a card that's big enough to match your little one’s love for Mom. Find out how to assemble this larger-than-life, undeniably stylish option at The Merry Thought. It's perfect for a Mother's Day picture!
Even if mom's not a bookworm, she can still find a special place for this photo collage in disguise. Use a photo booth fave, or crop some silly selfies to take center stage on the front, then follow the tutorial at Make and Takes so your card will make its mark!
Let your veggies pull double duty this Mother’s Day with a creative rose print card designed by Jen from Mum in the Madhouse. Whether your mini-me pairs this beauty with a sweet-smelling bouquet to match, or pens flowery best-mom-ever sentiments inside, it’s an easy option mom is sure to love.
With just a few items you probably already have in your pantry, you can create this turtle-themed card, one of our favorite Mother's Day card ideas to make mom smile. The tutorial from Sugar Aunts via Coffee Cups and Crayons will help you get it done.
This adorable flower bouquet by Melissa from Fireflies and Mudpies is not only easy to make, but it also has the sweetest printed message on the inside of the vase.
No matter how many kiddos are part of your crew (one, two, three, or more) this classic paint and press will come in handy. Have each kiddo make his or her own card or combine handprints of different sizes and colors into one beautiful bouquet. Get the deets at The Trendy Treehouse.
with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton and Aimee Della Bitta
Whether they insist on sleeping with one arm flung out of their swaddle or giggle uncontrollably every time they hear the song “Shake It Off,” it’s probably become clear that your baby has a mind of their own—and they don’t need any words to tell you what they like (and strongly dislike!). Beyond their day-to-day preferences, to get a sense of what your infant’s interests, strengths, and challenges might be as toddlers and beyond, look no further than their unique natal astrology. Although it’s just one piece of the complex puzzle that is your baby’s birth chart, their sun sign—the zodiac sign that the sun was moving through when they came into the world—can give you a sense of what their personality will be like. That’s because your baby’s astrology can influence their self-identity, self-image, and confidence.
As an astrologer and the author of Raising Baby by the Stars: A New Parent’s Guide to Astrology, I’m passionate about teaching parents how to use astrology to gain more insight into their little’s distinct perspective—and to hold space for that tiny human to grow into their authentic selves. So let’s dive in and look at each sun sign to explain how it colors your baby’s budding personality.
Aries (March 21-April 20)
With Mars, the planet of action and energy, as their ruling force, your little Aries will need to engage in a lot of physical activity to burn off all that steam. In other words, the minute they’re on the move, you’re going to be getting some boot camp-level cardio just trying to keep up. As the cardinal fire sign, your Aries baby will be a restless go-getter who initiates games and has just about zero tolerance for losing at anything. And because they’re the first of all 12 signs, Aries is considered the baby of the zodiac, so even as they get older your babe will remain super playful and a bit wide-eyed. Key personality traits: Active, competitive, direct, fiery Favorite things: Fast-paced physical activity (jumping, running, or even chilling in the jogging stroller while you zip the two of you through the park); winning and being declared #1 (so make sure you have a space in their room for the trophies they’re going to start racking up); being silly and laughing at slapstick humor. Tantrum fuel: If anything takes too long, moves too slow, or just feels straight-up boring for eager, fast-paced Aries, they’ll quickly lose their cool. The good news is that they do everything at lightning speed, including tantrums, so just as quickly as they explode they’ll be back to their bouncy, happy selves and on to the next thing. To help them move through a bad mood quickly, lean on physical activity or a competitive game.
Taurus (April 21-May 20)
Born under the fixed earth sign ruled by Venus, the planet of luxury, art, and beauty, your Taurus baby adores being comfy and sticking to what they know to be tried and true. This is a kid who is more attached to their lovey than any other and who will really dig their heels in when it comes to trying new foods or routines. The positive flipside of this obstinacy is that they’ll be incredibly dedicated to the activities—and people!—they love and are especially engaged with following through on tasks or goals. As an earth sign, they’re also in touch with nature and love hanging out outside. Key personality traits: Down-to-earth, stubborn, slow-paced, practical Favorite things: Snuggling and getting cozy; enjoying activities that engage as many senses as possible (like smelling flowers in the park while listening to birds and eating a yummy ice cream cone); expressing themselves artistically, perhaps by painting or singing. Tantrum fuel: The good news: Taureans are known for their long fuse. The bad news: They absolutely hate to be rushed or pushed to change anything faster than the pace that comes naturally to them. And as the sign associated with the Second House of Material Possessions, losing a favorite toy or any tactile object they’re attached to will likely result in a major meltdown, so buy backups of that lovey ASAP. When they’re raging, speak to them in a calm, soothing voice and point to the practicalities of any given situation (e.g. “You need to wear this jacket because it is very cold outside”).
Gemini (May 21-June 21)
It’s no wonder Gemini toddlers are super social and raring to go; the mutable air sign is ruled by Mercury, the messenger planet that oversees communication, transportation, and technology. They want to take in as much information as possible and then share it, so don’t be surprised if your tot’s a total chatterbox. Mercury also makes them really active listeners, and they’ll be the first kids to mimic or do impressions (so you’ll want to watch your language around this one!). There’s a good reason the sign is symbolized by twins, as you may notice that your Gemini baby vacillates between two distinct personality traits—they could be incredibly shy one moment and extroverted the next. Key personality traits: Curious, communicative, dualistic, social Favorite things: Lively “chats,” whether that’s simply listening to you talk or fully engaged in a tête-à-tête; being read to and, later, reading on their own (they’re lovers of language from a young age); going on road trips or long-distance journeys where there are lots of opportunities to soak up new information. Tantrum fuel: Having to engage in quiet time or missing out on social time (maybe it’s their bedtime, but Grandma’s visiting) will send your Twins kid into a tailspin. They also loathe any circumstance that limits their mental stimulation and ability to express themselves and connect with others. That said, you can tackle a tantrum by holding space for them to talk through their feelings or work through them by scribbling with crayons on a piece of paper.
Cancer (June 22-July 21)
Born under the cardinal water sign ruled by the moon, which oversees emotions and intuition in astrology, your Crab baby is a total softie. Family-oriented and heartfelt, it might sometimes feel like they’re literally glued to your side. They’re also big on being near the water, whether that’s your go-to beach for annual vacays or just a tub full of their fave bath toys. Since the moon moves through the zodiac quickly, changing signs and setting a different emotional tone every two-ish days, you’ll notice your Cancer’s disposition tends to ebb and flow, too. That’s why they have a reputation for being a bit moody, but even when they’re retreating into their shell, they’re total lovebugs. Key personality traits: Sentimental, goofy, sensitive, nurturing Favorite things: Time spent with you and other family members, ideally feeling closely bonded by saying “I love you” (and showing it); creative outlets that allow them to lean into their innate caring side, like playing doctor with you as the patient; helping you make—and noshing on—yummy comfort foods in the kitchen. Tantrum fuel: Crabs need to feel emotionally secure and connected to their parent or caregiver even more than the average kiddo, so sensing that you’re not in sync and attuned to them could set them off. Reassuring them that you’re always there for them and love them can go a long way.
Your little Lion will be a bit of an attention fiend from the start, but they come by it naturally—it’s the fixed fire sign ruled by the gleaming, brilliant sun. They adore being the star of the show and earning all of the applause, and they just can’t help it since they’re usually pretty magnetic, upbeat, and charming. Plus, their sign’s association with the Fifth House of Self-Expression makes them naturally creative performers. They’re also direct, confident go-getters who believe being sunny and self-assured will get them across any finish line. Like all the fixed signs, they’re apt to become kind of infatuated with their favorite pastimes—whether that’s watching Ms. Rachel or staging their own plays. Key personality traits: Charismatic, optimistic, fun-loving, confident Favorite things: Soaking up the sunshine (they’re happiest during their warm, playful, summery season) and the spotlight; expressing themselves through an art form, like dancing or theater—ideally one with an adoring audience; setting the stage for friends to emulate them and leading the charge on play dates. Tantrum fuel: Leos are innate leaders and have a bossy streak, so learning that they’re actually not the one calling the shots can drive them up a wall. Feeling like you’re not seeing and/or hearing them will also likely fuel a lot of roaring. Offer them a sense of control and to feel heard by giving them a choice between limited options (like two different rainy day activities to do).
Virgo (August 23-September 22)
Born under the mutable earth sign ruled by Mercury, the information-gathering planet, your little one is eager to be helpful, a bookworm in the making, and a super communicator with an aptitude for critical thinking. They love hearing and telling stories as well as learning and sharing what they’ve learned. And, lucky you, because they might actually be eager to help out with detail-oriented chores as a result of Virgo being associated with the Sixth House of Daily Routine. As a true mutable sign, they might just be a bit more adaptable than other kids, but on the flip side, they also struggle to make up their minds as a result of overthinking. Key personality traits: Cerebral, diligent, kind, pragmatic Favorite things: School supplies—even before they’re in school, they’ll gravitate to pencils, journals, or just blank pages of construction paper perfect for working on their communication skills; reading books, perhaps especially on Mercury-ruled topics like technology or transportation; a tidy, organized space that contributes to them feeling calm. Tantrum fuel: As a result of their ruler, Mercury, Virgos need to feel like they’ve had a chance to gather information before they make a decision, so feeling pressured into a conclusion before they’ve had a chance to do that can cause your Maiden kiddo to get frighteningly cranky. They also tend to overthink and worry quite a bit, which can contribute to moodiness—and is also a case for fostering grounding mindfulness skills, which can also be the perfect antidote to a grouchy mood.
Libra (September 23-October 22)
With Venus, the planet of relationships and art, as your Libra kid’s ruler, they can’t help but be partnership-oriented and beauty-loving. The benefits of having an aesthetically appealing space are probably lost on a lot of littles, but not a Libra who will be more inclined toward peacefulness if the color of their nursery walls and the amount of sunlight in their room is just so. The sign is also associated with the Seventh House of Partnership, so your wee Libra prefers one-on-one bonding with you, other loved ones, and friends—and may be quick to declare a playmate their BFF. They’re also people-people and complete social butterflies. Key personality traits: Social, peace-seeking, artistic, free-spirited Favorite things: Art supplies that will allow them to create something beautiful of their very own; soothing surroundings (music, colors, lighting) that set a harmonious tone in their living space; parties and other opportunities to hang out with a bunch of fun, friendly faces. Tantrum fuel: As a result of their ruler, Venus, which is the planet of harmony and peace, little (and, tbh, big) Libras will go out of their way to avoid conflict or any kind of bumps in the road. As they grow up, in an effort not to lose their cool, they sometimes steer toward passive-aggressiveness. It’s a case for showing them that all feelings are equally important and worthy of acknowledging and working through.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21)
If your kid was born under the sign of the Scorpion—the fixed water sign—they’re magnetic, dynamic, powerful go-getters. That’s in part because their modern ruler is Pluto, the planet of transformation, and their traditional ruler is Mars, the planet of action and energy. Though they experience emotions in a super-intense way, they’re prone to keeping them to themselves and sharing only once they are absolutely ready (and generally only with VIPs). Key personality traits: Family-oriented, fearless, intuitive, self-possessed Favorite things: A security item like a blanket or lovey that has been and will be theirs forever; games, activities, puzzles, or stories that involve a mystery they can solve; time spent at the beach or swimming, because, just like other water signs, they find being near or in the water centering. Tantrum fuel: Driven and resolute, little Scorps absolutely hate being told “no”—yes, even more than the average toddler. It’s enough to make them dig their heels in even further. Making sure they feel heard can make a difference. And remind them that they can let you know how they feel whenever, given that your Scorpion prefers to open up about big feelings on their own time.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)
A little one born under the mutable fire sign Sagittarius is gregarious, free-spirited, independent-minded, and probably fairly outspoken—even if only in the form of top-volume shrieks or giggles. Thanks to Sag’s ruler, Jupiter, the planet of abundance and fortune, they’re glass-half-full kids and also believe bigger and more is always better. In other words, skip the mini cupcakes and opt for a totally over-the-top cake with a giant Bluey figurine. Being associated with the Ninth House of Adventure, they’re full of wanderlust right off the bat. You can typically guarantee a Sag kid is one you can plunk in a carrier and take with you wherever—on a hike, a train ride, or overseas—without all that much fuss. Key personality traits: Adventurous, unfiltered, buoyant, independent Favorite things: Any opportunity to learn about different languages or cultures given their innate penchant for soaking up knowledge and globetrotting; lots of silly jokes because they’re natural comedians; lots of wide, open spaces to play, run, and feel free. Tantrum fuel: As free-spirited as they are, Sagittarians absolutely hate boundaries, restrictions, and limits more than most kids, so talking to them from a young age about how following rules can actually create space for more freedom would be wise.
Capricorn (December 22-January 21)
Born under the cardinal earth sign ruled by taskmaster Saturn, the planet of commitment and boundaries, Cap kiddos are serious, driven, and wise beyond their years. They’re also eager to put in the work to achieve their goals, and they’ll set ambitious ones. Your Sea Goat is a natural-born leader who enjoys taking the initiative, likely catching you off guard when they actually want to help you file away bills or put away dishes. As a toddler or older, they’ll be the kid who kicks off a round of a new game with friends and then makes sure everyone understands the rules. Key personality traits: Precocious, grounded, traditional, industrious Favorite things: Spending time working toward a goal, especially in nature, like helping you garden; big-picture goals they’re able to hit via a step-by-step plan and possibly a sticker chart; learning about history as they’re old souls with a reverence for the past. Tantrum fuel: Being thought of as foolish is your Cap’s worst nightmare, so if they make a mistake or have an accident, they’ll be deeply upset. Don’t expect a fire sign-style freakout; their tantrum style is a bit more restrained as they may struggle to let their guard down. So relay that it’s OK to mess up, because we’re all human, and it’s also OK to have big feelings.
Aquarius (January 22-February 18)
Your science-minded, super-social kiddo was born under the fixed air sign, symbolized by the Water Bearer. Quick to make friends with just about anyone, your little one will also want to be fiercely themselves and strike out against convention, thanks to Aquarius’ modern ruler, Uranus, the game-changer planet. So if you want to encourage them to do something, telling them that all the other kids are doing it will get you, well, just about nowhere. Celebrating what makes them unique and different and allowing for a lot of experimentation is the fast track to a happy Aquarius. Key personality traits: Future-minded, inventive, friendly, rebellious Favorite things: Working as part of a team or group, maybe even joining you when you volunteer, because Aquarians take a lot of pride in connecting with and contributing to their community; technology of all kinds, given that Uranus is the planet of electricity and innovation; lots of opportunities to go against the grain, whether that’s by listening to quirky music or wearing wildly clashing colors completely on purpose. Tantrum fuel: Because they’re so defensive of their independent spirit, your little Water Bearer could very well go berserk as a result of being told they have to do, well, just about anything, especially if it’s because everyone else is doing it. And while all toddlers love to ask “why” repeatedly, Aquarius is especially prone to this, and if you don’t play ball, they’re sure to get wildly aggravated. Nurture their curiosity and lean on creative learning when they’re feeling down (think: STEM activities or putting together funky outfits).
Pisces (February 19-March 20)
If your baby was born under the mutable water sign Pisces, they’re empathic, sensitive, and intriguingly in tune with the mystical, spiritual aspects of life. Heck, they may even be psychic They can’t help but pick up on the energy around them, which means from a very young age, it’s smart to work with them on identifying and owning their own emotions. Incredibly imaginative, as a result of their modern ruling planet, Neptune, the planet of spirituality, your Pisces might have vivid dreams and would do well to have lots of artistic outlets for expressing themselves and their deep feelings. Key personality traits: Emotional, imaginative, tenderhearted, perceptive Favorite things: Whimsical, fantastical stories and entertainment that allow them to escape the humdrum of everyday life; an artistic way to share their emotions, whether that’s a beginner’s musical instrument or canvas and paint set; time spent with you learning about everyday magic (like how flowers bloom or the tides are linked to the moon). Tantrum fuel: Sensitive Piscean kids are easily overwhelmed by not only their own feelings but other people’s emotions they often pick up on, and feeling totally exhausted by being the littlest empath can really set the stage for a tearful tirade. In turn, you’ll do well to work with your Fish on self-soothing techniques like meditation or toddler yoga.
As parents, there’s nothing quite like a homemade Valentine’s card for mom. We’ve searched the web and carefully curated everything from Valentine’s Day crafts for toddlers to easy Valentine’s Day cards for school, and all of them are sweet as can be. These Valentine’s Day recipes will sweeten any Valentine’s Day plans and these Valentine’s Day games will tucker them out. Choose your favorite ideas for making homemade cards for Valentine’s Day 2024.
Who doesn’t love plants? This homemade Valentine’s card can grow! Follow the instructions to make a seed heart that can be planted. Grow plants like wildflowers, herbs, and small vegetables.
Our kids love mandarin oranges (aka cuties), and this easy homemade Valentine's card from It’s Always Autumn is the perfect way to use them. Buy a big bag at the grocery store and you’re halfway there.
Build super cute homemade Valentine's Day cards this year with this printable from The Resourceful Mama. The only other things you'll need are LEGO bricks and plastic bags.
Your littles will soar to the top of the class with these awesome plane valentines from Crap I’ve Made. Snag toy planes on the cheap on Amazon or at a party store.
Since kids will be loading up on candy all day, we love this change of pace from Pretty Prudent. Pick from crayons, bubbles, glitter, or bandaids—all of which have their own clever puns.
If you want to get crafty for your Valentine this year, this idea from The Nerd’s Wife is an awesome option. Plus, you’ll get to put all your broken crayon stubs to good use.
Here’s another gift that keeps on giving: Play-Doh. Just add a fun label to the carton (Random Thoughts from a Supermom has a convenient printable), and the whole class will be sculpting hearts and flowers for their special someone.
We love the quirky character of these homemade Valentine's Day “cards” from My Paper Crane. The supplies are easy to round up, there's lots of room for kid participation, and the results are oh-so-cute.
Good news for little snake charmers! A Subtle Revelry has ultra-cute easy Valentine's Day cards that only require a teensy amount of effort and a handful of Dollar Store snakes.
What, you didn’t think those festive Valentine’s Day cupcake liners were only good for cupcakes, did you? Urban Comfort has a crafty idea that’s easy to make but oh-so-impressive.
A loving message and a treasure hunt all in one? Yes, please! A Mom with a Lesson Plan has a great idea for adding a little “I Spy” to your V-Day. It’s a great excuse to roam the neighborhood (or a good way to entertain house-bound little cupids).
You can’t help but love this idea from Art Bar Blog. With washi tape, alphabet stamps, and lots and lots of upcycled hearts, you can make gift bags for storing cards or holding other V-Day treats.
We can’t get over the cute factor of these Valentine's Day cards for school from Domestic Mommyhood. They’re easy as pie to print, cut, and distribute—and they also make excellent lunchbox love notes.
What’s the ultimate show of support for your special valentine? A Subtle Revelry has the answer in the form of a printable high five. This nifty idea is easy and sure to be a classroom fave.
Even big kids like getting Valentine’s Day cards, and this one is cute, to the point, and includes a fun beauty gift. Get the printable from All Things Thrifty.
From magical dragon eggs to a no-sew mask, we’ve rounded up fun projects to make your little ones roar
They soar through your little adventurer’s imagination breathing fire, challenging knights of the realm, and guarding magical eggs against would-be thieves. In short, dragons are epic. And your half-pint can’t get enough of them. Indulge their fiery dreams with one of our favorite dragon crafts. And, since 2024 is the Year of the Dragon according to the lunar calendar, even more reason to break out the supplies and get crafty just in time for the Lunar New Year.
After you decorate dazzling dragon’s eggs, pretend to be Harry Potter whisking it out from under the Hungarian Horntail’s nose, while your Gryffindor team cheers you on. Get the details from Quite Frankly She Said.
Bet you can’t guess what gives this Chinese dragon craft its scaly design. Find out at No Time for Flashcards, where easy step-by-step instructions walk you through this serpentine creation.
Take to the skies when you engineer flying dragons. To complete this simple project, you need paper plates, paints or markers, and the downloadable template designed by Pink Stripey Socks. Print, cut, color, play!
Dragon's Eyes
Allison Sutcliffe
Paint gleaming dragon’s eyes with this painless craft. We love the big payout this quick, arty activity has for tiny dragon lovers. To make your own, check out the how-to video from Our Peaceful Planet.
Create a fire-breathing dragon with leftover toilet paper rolls. One Little Project spells out the need-to-know info to make this manually activated, monstrously fun craft.
Colored construction paper is the main ingredient for this delightfully easy-to-put-together dragon hand puppet, designed by Sarah at Ruffles and Rainboots. We love these playful guys!
From money envelopes to dragons, here are the best Chinese New Year crafts for preschoolers and beyond
We’re squealing with excitement over the upcoming Lunar New Year. This family-centric celebration starts on the first day of the new moon on the Lunar Calendar, and we’ve searched high and low for ways to involve the whole crew. From paper lanterns and red envelopes to lunar calendars and more, find your favorite Chinese New Year crafts to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. We’ve also got fun dragon crafts for kids!
Make this amazing dragon craft with the simplest materials. Tissue paper, pom poms, a toilet paper tube, glue, and googly eyes are all you need for this craft, but let your kiddo be creative and use whatever they’d like.
Light up your new year with these simple sparkle Chinese lanterns made from colored paper, jewel stickers, tape, and glue. Put them up in pairs, but remember—four is an unlucky number! If your little crafter is on a roll, eight lanterns strung together are lucky and bring wealth. Heidi over at Happiness is Homemade gives us the how-to-do.
Your little reveler can bring good luck and have fun creating this paper dragon craft. It's easy to make with things from around the house: paper, paint, a rolling pin, bubble wrap, and googly eyes. Psst ... this can be an afternoon activity if you make a really big dragon! Get the step-by-step at No Time for Flashcards.
Since the Chinese Calendar is based on the lunar calendar with each month beginning on the first day of the new moon, have your little ones fill out the different phases to see where the New Year's month begins. You’ll need a calendar, circle stickers, and scissors. Find a quick tutorial, here.
Tangerines and oranges symbolize good luck and wealth for the new year. Your little moon can bring this bright and vibrant happy color into the house with this cute Chinese New Year craft by Chelsey at Buggy and Buddy. It’s easy to make with colored paper, brown yarn, scissors, and glue.
What tot can resist those red envelopes? Usually filled with money (of even denominations) and given out at the celebratory dinners, if you have time, you and your crew can make these little envelopes and decorate them too. We love the version from Sue over at First Palette because it comes with a printable template!
Lunar New Year is also known as the Spring Festival, so what better way to celebrate than by letting your little artist finger-paint cherry blossoms on Chinese fans? Just grab some colored paper, a black pen, paint, and tape. The instructions can be found over at In the Playroom.
Your little scribes may not be ready to master Chinese characters, but you can still introduce them to the art of calligraphy. Once you've gathered the basic supplies of a pen, ink, and paper, you can follow Rachelle Doorley's guide over at Tinkerlab.
Get musical by making a Chinese-inspired gong, like this one from Kid World Citizen. You can even experiment with different pan sizes for different types of sounds.
Let littles get hands-on Chinese New Year-style exploring in this sensory bin. First, color the rice red to bring good luck (A quick how-to at Little Bins for Little Hands). Then add chopsticks, old Chinese coins, teacups, spoons, Lunar New Year sayings, red envelopes, and our favorite, a Buddha. Be sure to supervise toddlers while they enjoy this fun experience.
When my son, George, returned home from preschool that first day in December, he couldn’t wait to tell me about their new class elf, Snowflake. “She made a snow angel on our teacher’s desk!” he said, giggling.
Each day, he came home with new stories about Snowflake: she built a fort out of peppermints, she played in a ball pit of M&Ms, she got herself stuck on the ceiling fan. I laughed at each report, thankful for the creativity and care his teachers invested in curating this magical, new tradition.
About a week into the festivities, though, George arrived home with a question: “why don’t we have an elf at home?” I gulped and shrugged my shoulders as I unloaded the dishwasher.
“I guess, well, because Mommy doesn’t want one,” I replied.
“Why wouldn’t you want one? They’re so fun.”
“They seem like a lot of work to me,” I said after a short pause.
I actually couldn’t imagine taking on more responsibilities. Between work and motherhood, I could hardly keep the house plants alive. I felt myself falling short in every area of my life. And I had the perpetual sense that someone was watching me, evaluating my performance, taking note of each time I served chicken nuggets for two meals in a row or bribed my kids with candy to take their baths.
I had a list of unwritten rules about what was required to be a good mother. Each day we did not work toward our goal of 1,000 hours outside or 30 minutes of read-aloud time, I sensed that I was receiving a demerit. That someone, somewhere, was going to place me on the naughty list.
The idea of adding an elf—a figure I had to move, arrange, and play pretend with, all after tucking my kids into bed—to my already full load felt like an unwelcome burden.
Still, George wanted an elf. He was enamored… and persistent. So I conceded to his wishes and placed an order for our own house elf. When it appeared on our doorstep, my son was ecstatic. He nodded at me as I lifted the elf from his package. In it, there was a book: one that detailed a narrative about the elf. There, we were also introduced to a list of rules.
According to the Elf on the Shelf book that accompanies the figure, kids are told that 1) they can’t touch the elf without it losing its magic, and 2) the elf leaves each evening after bedtime to visit the North Pole and returns in the morning. After reading the book aloud, I said to my son, “but that’s not how the elf is going to live here.”
I proceeded to invite my son to take charge of the elf. I told him that he got to touch him and move him—that he was responsible for creating the magic. At first, he resisted: “that’s not what they let us do at school,” he replied. But then I told him, “not all elves have to live the same way.”
He accepted my logic. And it ended up being such a success! While I cooked dinner, my son made the elf a wardrobe out of construction paper. As I tidied the house at night, he built the elf a palace out of Magna-Tiles. On more than one occasion, I overheard him singing the elf a lullaby before they both went to sleep, together, in the same bed.
These new rules, where my son was in charge, fostered pretend play and imagination. It didn’t have to go this way, of course. There is no textbook for these sorts of things. The magic was in the freedom. By refusing to follow a formula, I gave myself a holiday—one where I could bear witness to just how good, how perfect, my son is without my micromanagement.
I found, too, that I could have an actual vacation whenever I resisted some of my internalized beliefs about good motherhood. I purchased grocery store brownies for a potluck rather than dirtying the kitchen to make homemade. I counted Christmas movies not as screen time but as memories. I prioritized my own joy rather than some projection of perfection—and my whole family had a happier holiday because of it.
Wondering how to gift wrap a box like a pro? We’ve got answers
‘Tis the season for trying to figure out how to wrap a present or two! Despite how tempting it is to pop everything in a gift bag, there are plenty of hacks that will take your wrap job from drab to fab. So whether you run out of tape, or bows or need to know how to wrap a gift box (even the odd-shaped ones), we’ve got the best gift-wrapping hacks around. When you’re done, be sure to check out our favorite 3-ingredient appetizers that’ll save you even more time.
Paper and fabric bows are so last year. This year, make your package even sweeter by topping it with a candy bow inspired by Happy Go Lucky. Pick your family's favorite candy, then tie it to the front of the gift for a special treat.
Short on paper? Check out that stash of shiny packing material or that huge roll of aluminum foil gathering dust in the kitchen and dress up some gifts like Honestly Modern. The best part? Options like this mean you are reusing products you already have and creating less waste.
Instantly dress up any gift with a snip of pine or another festive frond. The recipient of your gift will love the fun fragrance, and the non-traditional topper is a nice break from a paper or fabric bow.
Use the Takashimaya Wrapping Method
Japanese department store Takashimaya is famous for its quick maneuvering when it comes to getting presents wrapped. If you're looking to bust out all your presents in one sitting then you'll want to watch this video which uses three pieces of tape and less than 30 seconds.
Whether you make your own or plan on using an old garland from your last birthday, finishing off a package with a strand of garland is always a good idea! The hack gives a homemade yet stylish look to your wrapped gifts in a cinch.
Mini TP Roll Package
Allison Sutcliffe
Wrapping something tiny and can’t find an itty bitty box? Try using a TP roll by folding down one side, taping it, putting the gift inside, folding the opposite side in, and finally taping it closed. Finish it off with baker’s twine and a small bow, and you’ll have the ultimate budget-friendly package.
If you’re looking for a unique way to wrap a gift box guaranteed to impress, try using a vintage map. It's perfect for wrapping almost anything because it's large, can be opened flat, and has natural seams that make it super easy to cut.
Gift your sweet treats in style with this amazing idea from Aunt Peaches. Grab a waxed paper or aluminum foil box, craft paint, and twine to create a dazzling gift box. Fill the box with your favorite baked goods to put a smile on everyone’s face this season.
Cereal Boxes as Bags
Allison Sutcliffe
Don't worry if you run out of gift bags this season. If you have cereal boxes, you can make a fantastic DIY gift bag. Grab a cereal box, cut out the top or side (depending on the shape of your gift), and wrap it with your favorite holiday paper. Remember to leave the top open, punch holes, and thread yarn or ribbon to create the handles.
Seriously, who doesn’t love sticky notes?! But, did you know you can actually use them to make unique and colorful gift wrap for boxes? Take a peek at the new book Stick It! to discover all the ways you can use these amazing little guys.
Let’s face it, everyone’s lost the edge of their tape at some point. Keep your sanity intact by using a bag clip to hold your place, and you’ll never lose the tape edge again! A genius gift-wrapping hack if we've ever seen one.
Grocery Bag Gift Wrap
Shutterstock
Create your perfect brown paper packages on a budget with paper grocery bags. Cut the seams so that the bag lays flat, and you’ll have a lovely sheet of paper to wrap your best holiday finds. Bonus points if your grocery bag already has pre-printed winter scenes on it!
If you know you’ll be wrapping a lot of gifts this season, Wrap Buddies are a definite must-have. These gadgets clip onto the edge of your table to hold the paper down and also double as a tape dispenser!
Give your gifts that “wrapped at the mall” look by using double-sided tape where the wrapping paper overlaps. It’s so clean, your little ones will think you’re magic!
Tape Alternatives
Allison Sutcliffe
No clear tape, no problem. Try using your favorite festive stickers, photo mount tape, or glue dots to keep your packages perfectly wrapped.
Making DIY gift tags is actually easier than you think. All you need are playing cards, construction paper, and a little bit of twine. Get the details for this hack and upcycle your playing cards over at Family Chic.
There’s always that one gift that doesn’t fit any bag, box, or sack. No need to have a late-night breakdown! Here's how you'll gift wrap the box like a pro—by fashioning a perfectly-sized gift bag using the wrapping paper you already have with a little help from this video!
Say goodbye to boring, solid wrapping paper with this cool idea from Housing A Forest. Make your very own patterned paper with a potato stamp. Yes, you read that right! Grab a potato, a cookie cutter and paint to create a craft that gets your kiddos involved with the wrapping process.
Cut down on the confusion with this ingenious trick. Try assigning each family member a color or wrapping paper pattern, and forget about all of the gift tags!
Glitter Ribbon
Allison Sutcliffe
You might never buy ribbon again after trying out this glittery hack. Stick some double-sided tape onto your wrapped gift, create a “T” shape or double parallel lines, roll the package in glitter, give it a quick tap, and voila, you’ve got a sparkly finish to your gift.
If you’ve got an oddly shaped gift that’s not too big, you can always try the candy method. This sweet method is all about taping the paper or tissue at the center of the package and tying the ribbon at both ends. For a more detailed tutorial visit Jones Design Company.
