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.
Fun, Folding Mother's Day Card Ideas
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
The Easter Bunny is getting ready to hop up to your house—and we have just the thing to add a little magical fun to your Easter celebration. Check out these creative Easter ideas for Easter Bunny fun, like making a bunny trail and the Easter Bunny tracker. Once you know how he’s going to make his arrival, be prepared with Easter games for kids and hilarious Easter jokes.
Easter Bunny Tracker
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Track the Easter bunny on your smartphone! Compatible with both Apple and Android phones, download the app and then, on Easter Eve 2024, March 30 at 5 a.m. you'll be able to follow the Easter Bunny as he delivers treats to kids around the world.
We know there will be some eye-rolls over this idea for Easter Bunny fun, but how cute would a pastel-themed Easter tree be? It’s also a fun place to have the furry guy drop Easter baskets filled with goodies. Go for an all-white tree like this one, and go wild with Easter decorations. This is also a perfect place to leave a plate of carrots the night before!
The Easter Bunny can drop a winding trail of jelly beans to the kitchen—with this delicious bunny fairy bread serving as the treat at the end of the trail. Skip over to Hello Wonderful to find out how to set up this easy idea for Easter Bunny fun. Pair it with pastel-colored milk made with a few drops of food coloring in your little one's morning glass of milk for a festive breakfast. Note: if you have animal friends who'd gobble up a jelly bean trail, the Easter Bunny can leave a trail of inedible white cotton balls through your house instead.
The clever Easter Bunny doesn't leave baskets out in the open: he hides them at the end of a tricky scavenger hunt. Happiness is Homemade put together a free printable packed full of treasure hunt clues, with each one leading to the next. You'll be able to drink your morning coffee while your kids decipher the clues.
We love this extra-sweet tradition for Easter bunny fun! Simply gather a handful of jelly beans and, with your little one, plant them outside. While your bunnies sleep, you can swap out the beans for lollipops. Voila! Your kids will wake up to a magical lollipop garden on Easter morning. If you're worried about your dog gobbling up the jelly beans outside, or if it's too chilly for an outdoor planting session, you can bring the magic jelly bean fun inside with this easy lollipop garden craft.
What will the Easter Bunny be sure to leave as he hops through your house? Paw prints! You can create a bunny trail that leads through your house with a template and white flour. It's an affordable way to sprinkle a little egg-stra magic on Easter morning. Find all the DIY tips here. If your bunny's in a hurry, simply pick up a pack of oversized pink-and-white paw print decals and spread them out on the floor. Get them here.
The Easter Bunny's surprises don't have to end with candy-packed baskets. Bake a hidden bunny chocolate and vanilla funfetti cake for a sweet Easter brunch finale. It's easier to make than it looks! The Itsy-Bitsy Kitchen has step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process for this fun Easter idea for kids.
Make your own Easter Bunny fun hideaway with these super fun steps from Allison Murray from Dream a Little Bigger. You can simplify with some paint and stencils for a quick DIY project.
When it comes time to plan your kids’ birthday bash, it’s enough to try and figure out the cake, the games, and the party favors. The last thing you need to worry about is the party theme. No worries. From the Taylor Swift birthday party ideas to the still-popular princess and Super Mario Bros. party themes, we’ve got the goods on the hottest kids’ birthday party ideas for 2024.
Unicorns are always a popular birthday party idea for kids, but in 2024, with Thelma the Unicorn heading to Netflix, we think they’ll be even bigger. Get some ethereal inspiration from San Diego’s Starry Eyed Events’ gorgeous Elegant Pastel Unicorn Soiree gallery (because, you know, unicorns don’t do parties. They do soirees).
Want to keep young unicorn lovers busy? Try this DIY unicorn horn headband that is an absolute must for your little guests.
There are three secret ingredients to pulling off this party: tulle, gold glitter, and a princess cake. Skip on over to Mint Event Design to see more inspiring pictures. And check out our review of Cakest and other DIY baking kits.
Messy Parties
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Ditch the nice clothes and let your kids get messy! Our original messy art party uses squirt guns, mega-canvases, shaving cream, and paint-filled eggs to get kids' creative juices flowing. You can also throw a slime party (check out our favorite videos on making slime here), a DIY craft party or a mad scientist party complete with a potion-making station.
Sleep-Under
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Instead of a sleepover, why not a sleep-under? Perfect for younger kids or kids who aren't ready to make the jump to a whole night, invite friends over around dinner time, and plan fun "nighttime" activities like karaoke, a dance party, glow-in-the-dark games, outdoor games you can play in the dark or even crafts.
Does your little gamer love Sonic? Turns out, a lot of other people’s kiddos dig the feisty blue hedgehog, too. Since Sonic 3 hits theaters in 2024, we’re betting this kids’ birthday party idea will be everywhere this year. Find a plethora of Sonic birthday party supplies on Amazon.
The new Super Mario Bros. movie is now streaming, and kids love it just as much as when it was in theaters. Since the classic Nintendo game never goes out of style, we think this birthday party idea will be even more popular in 2024. Get inspired with tons of ideas over at Kara's Party Ideas.
Spa Party
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Who wouldn't want to celebrate their birthday with a full spa treatment? Drop cucumber slices in water, offer cozy robes and slippers, and twirl their hair up in a towel for a day of pampering that includes manicures, pedicures, and facial masks.
The Star Wars franchise may be decades old, but the force is still going strong thanks to The Mandalorian, Andor, Ashoka, and the Star Wars attractions at Disney parks. Young Jedi will love this party plan that includes DIY lightsabers, a droid-decorating station, and a Death Star piñata from Spaceships and Laser Beams.
Want something female-centric for your budding Rey? This Millennium Falcon party from Kara's Party Ideas will get your little girls ready for action.
Gather round, swifties! Between her sold-out Eras tour and being Time’s Person of the Year, Taylor is hotter than ever. Expect her fans to want to celebrate with friendship bracelets, her songs on shuffle, and a lip sync contest.
Booking time at a ropes course, zipline, rock-climbing venue, trampoline park, or laser tag arena is a kids’ birthday party idea that’ll still be strong in 2024. While most of these courses tend to be for children ages 8 and up, it can sometimes depend on kids’ comfort levels. It’s always good to let parents know in advance, usually a necessity because waivers need to be signed and grownups need to have some kind of activity alternative for kids who decide against it at the last minute (including the birthday kid) like a simple art or hands-on craft. Most places will have a party room for rent.
Video Game Truck Parties
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If you have a game-obsessed kiddo at home, consider renting a video game truck to show up for a few hours. This birthday party idea has been popping up more in the last year or so, and we expect it to be even bigger this year.
With so many new family movies coming in 2024, a fun kids' birthday party idea we think will be extra popular is a movie theater party! Either look into options for renting out a theater or opt to purchase a row of seats for your kid and their friends.
If you're looking to entertain the always-hard-to-please teens and tweens or give younger kids a challenge, an escape room birthday party can provide hours of entertainment (and boost critical thinking skills). Either plan your celebration at a professionally crafted escape room game spot in your neighborhood or create a DIY escapist birthday party at home.
This birthday party theme was huge in 2022, and we expect the trend to get even bigger this year. Play “name that TikToker,” try a (safe) TikTok challenge, do TikTok dances, and make a TikTok with your party guests. Click here for more ideas.
Even if you’ve traded in your pre-kid St. Patrick’s Day activities, with a little luck, there’s still plenty of fun to be had. Whether you’ve got preschoolers (hello, St. Patrick’s Day coloring pages) or older kids (Shamrock slime, anyone?), we’ve gathered up a bunch of festive St. Patrick’s Day crafts for kids that will get your crew excited about the holiday. Be sure to top off the holiday fun with a batch of Irish Soda Bread scones!
Perfect for working on fine motor skills, this St. Patrick’s Day craft is ideal for toddlers and preschool kids. The supplies are safe (and tasty), and you can do anything from a rainbow to a shamrock.
A lesson in gratitude as well as a fun St. Patrick’s Day craft for preschool and kindergarten kids, you can buy the template from Teachers Pay Teachers by clicking here.
Your kids will have a sham-rocking time making up stories about these happy shamrocks. Find out how to make a few of these cheerful characters over at Typically Simple.
It's icky, it's gooey, but it's also so pretty! This Shamrock Slime from As The Bunny Hops is bound to not only entice your neighborhood leprechaun but also provide hours of fun, too.
St. Patrick's Day is all about enjoying rainbows and leprechauns! Help the kids craft this whimsical Rainbow Wand Shaker from Happy Mothering. Made with household supplies you probably already have lying around, this brightly colored (and noisy) project will keep your kids busy all afternoon.
Whether your kiddo is looking to make a gift for a friend, or just expand their jewelry collection, this rainbow bracelet from Simple Everyday Mom is perfect. Brightly colored rainbow beads are strung up on stretchable cord, then attached to a cute, free printable!
Let your kids get their craft on with these fun mosaic paper shamrocks from Happiness is Homemade. Simple paper shamrocks are covered in multi-colored squares for a handmade and unique craft that's perfect for St. Patty's.
Perfect for little learners, this preschool St. Patrick's Day rainbow craft from The Nerd's Wife is a great way to spend the afternoon. With just three supplies, this colorful DIY project is simple enough to avoid a trip to the craft store, but it still packs tons of fun.
Hide pots of gold around the house with this cute craft from Willowday. All you need to pull it off is a paper cup and some colorful ribbons. Click here to get the scoop.
Let your little leprechauns get messy with this cute creation from Kids Craft Room. They’ll have fun experimenting with paint colors and making different shapes.
If you’ve got paper plates and paint on hand, you’re all set to make a leprechaun mask like this one from Kids Craft Room. Complete with a leprechaun’s signature hat and ginger beard, kids will have a blast wearing their creations around the house.
Chasing a rainbow is not as tricky as it seems, thanks to Craft Knife’s clever use of marzipan in place of clay to make lucky rainbows. Best part? They can eat their creations without getting sick.
DIY Fairy Garden
Sara Olsher
The Irish have a long-standing relationship with The Little People of lore, and the leprechaun is one of the most famous this time of year. Craft a fairy garden for your little visitors using houseplants, doll furniture, and more. Click here to learn how to DIY it for the wee folk.
Kids can make a sweet rainbow out of colorful mini marshmallows—and maybe snack on a few while they're at it. Head over to No Time for Flashcards to get the instructions for this easy St. Patrick's Day craft.
Hands On As We Grow came up with this light-catching craft that's perfect for tiny tots. Kids can go wild arranging tissue paper and glitter, then just keep it in place with contact paper.
How adorable is this little guy from Moments of Mommyhood? Put your old toilet paper rolls to good use by crafting wee leprechauns to display around the house.
Brighten up your wintery scene with these beautiful rainbow sun catchers that are the perfect touch for your St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Melissa Lennig of Fireflies and Mudpies breaks it all down for you.
This simple St. Patrick's Day rainbow coloring page opens up a world of possibilities for your little artist! Sarah McClelland from Little Bins for Little Hands has it for you, along with a great recipe for puffy paint!
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.
It’s summertime, and the parties are easy—especially birthday parties! With great weather, water, and a little creativity, you can have plenty of fun in the sun. We’ve gathered the best outdoor birthday party ideas for your summer kiddo, from messy art parties to twists on water play. Sit down, grab a popsicle, and prepare to take your party to the next level with the inspiration we found from the best party planning pros out there.
Take that drippy, messy, delicious treat outside with an ice cream sundae-themed party. This fun party kit adds a festive touch and kids can enjoy the rest of the event by playing outdoor games. Eat up the best ice cream sundae tips here.
Magic Rainbow Party
What’s waiting at the end of the rainbow? A fantastic outdoor birthday party. Rainbows make for a natural outdoor party theme that’s easy to pull off with brightly colored decor, Skittles-sprinkled desserts, and a rainbow pinata.
With a few blankets, picnic snack ideas, and balloons, you can set up a perfect outdoor birthday! What we love about this is that you can find a park with a playground and keep your party activity planning to a minimum. See our other favorite picnic party ideas here.
While it’s true you can have a big top-themed party any time of year, in the summertime, it’s your chance to be a little extra. Know anyone who can juggle or make balloon animals? This is their time to shine.
Field Day Fun Party
Take a cue from everyone’s favorite day in elementary school and host a field-day-themed party. Tug-of-war, relay races, and wheelbarrow races: it’s easy to put together fun activities for this party. It practically plans itself! If you need more ideas and want to add to the classic field day events, check out our favorite classic yard games that are easy to repurpose for a field day birthday party.
Add an extra dose of color with an outdoor art party. Set up big canvases like the ones shown above—or just tape butcher paper to the fence—and let your guests' inner Picassos come out. Some other supplies that are perfect for throwing an artsy bash include mini canvases, paintbrushes, and lots of washable paint.
Popsicle Fun Outdoor Birthday
Buckets of frozen treats and bins of water toys in Giggles Galore’s popsicle party go a long way with the kiddos on a warm (birth)day with this simple outdoor birthday party idea.
With flowers blooming, summer is the perfect time for an outdoor tea party. Add a whimsical activity and turn the party into a fairy garden with a fairy house craft. Check out The Garden Spot for more fairy tale tea ideas and find our fave tea time snacks here.
Get out into the great outdoors with a summer-camp-themed birthday party complete with a delicious s'mores cake. We love the clever merit badge activities that Alison of Just Add Confetti dreamed up for her son's fifth birthday. Bonus: you can use her free printable for your party. Find out all the details at Just Add Confetti.
Score loads of points with a soccer-themed birthday party. Get inspired by this soccer-themed party over at Catch My Party—jerseys double as decoration and plastic trophies are full of munchies. Plus, the activity is a total no-brainer. Up for a game of soccer, anyone?
Kori Clark transforms soft blooms in coordinating colors into a fresh, beautiful take on the standard princess party. Pick a color palette and just add (lots of) flowers, homemade and otherwise.
One of our favorite outdoor birthday party ideas is to have a luau! Not only are the colors fun, but you can serve plenty of fruit, and pulled pork sliders, do the limbo, make a tropical mocktail for kids, hand out plastic leis and sand buckets for party favors, and so much more.
Bloom Designs starts with colorful tickets as invites and adds a booth of the kiddos’ favorite game day snacks, and TBH, we can’t think of a better excuse for nachos and cheese puffs. Throw a few inflatable balls onto the lawn, and you’ve got an outdoor birthday party home run.
Under the Sycamore’s clever-themed party uses boxes, tires, string, and other obstacle-worthy props to create the ultimate outdoor birthday challenge. Bonus: parents will thank you at the end of the night (think pooped-out kids falling straight into slumber!).
A family-friendly flick, munchable sides of popcorn, and a basket of blankets for when the night cools down complete the ingredient list for an awesome outdoor birthday movie night. Wondering what you’ll need? Check out our favorite outdoor movie night ideas and our favorite movie night snacks!
This easy homemade bubble recipe by Happy Hooligans is sure to cause some bubble mania (with the most gigantic bubbles ever!) amongst the littles. Pair the recipe with different kinds of wands, have towels on hand, and let the suds take over.
This outdoor birthday party idea might just be the perfect opportunity to introduce the kiddos to your favorite '70s playlist (Bee Gees, anyone?). Plus, partygoers get to take home a fun “to dye for” party favor that lasts longer than candy or trinkets from your standard goody bag. Chaotically Creative gives inspiration for helping party-goers get their groove on.
A market full of fresh fruit in vibrant ripe colors is the perfect inspiration for your (organic) farmers-in-training to celebrate a birthday—or at least an excuse to nosh on something other than candy, as Eye Heart Pretty Things beautifully demonstrates.
Summer is berry season, so it's natural to throw a sweet berry-themed bash. Bright red touches make this party fabulous and will put a smile on any fruit lover's face. Hello Wonderful will show you just what to pick to throw your own berry bash.
These coloring pages, color-by-number printables, mad libs, printable mazes, and activity pages for kids are all free
Our best remedy for long winter days? A healthy supply of printable activity pages for kids—because when it’s too chilly to go outside, exercising their brains is the next best thing. We’ve rounded up the coolest printables with a timely winter theme, from mad libs to paper snowflakes, free coloring pages, color-by-number printables, and more. Fire up the printer!
In what might be the cutest winter-themed activity page for kids we've seen, have your little ones 'apply' to be an elf at the North Pole. They'll have to answer questions like "Can you make a snowball?" and "Do you like candy canes?" and there's a spot for them to pick their preferred job in Santa's Village. Download it here.
This printable activity page for kids from Twisty Noodle is perfect for chilly days. Kids can flex their tracing skills, and then color in the hat however they like.
Create a silly story with these fun winter-themed Mad Libs. Get the printables (including ones about a snowstorm, ice skates, and winter facts) from Woo! Jr.
Thanks to Mr. Printables, it’s ridiculously easy to make your own paper dolls. Just print out the doll printables and winter-themed clothes, then roll them up and glue your creations together.
This activity from KCEdventures requires a bit of pre-planning, but it’s totally worth the effort. Print out the gingerbread people and hide them around the house, then let the kids hunt for them all!
Let your budding artist unleash their creativity on these snowflakes from First Palette. Available in different sizes and designs, they can color them, cut them out, and even use them to make a garland or another craft.
The kiddos can practice counting and work on their fine motor skills with this genius printable from Itsy Bitsy Fun. Plus, they’re always lured in by playdough!
This cute activity sheet for kids from The Resourceful Mama is sure to be a hit with your little ones. If you’ve got dot markers, they can fill them in with those, or you can use pom poms or regular markers.
Stuck inside during a snowstorm? This I Spy game from Simple Play Ideas will be a lifesaver. It’ll put your kids’ finding and counting skills to the test.
We love this winter printable from Life Over C’s that’s sure to keep the kids occupied for an afternoon. Once you’ve printed out the pieces, encourage your littles to create different patterns on their mats.
If your kiddo’s got a handle on reading, you’ve got to use this word search printable from Real Life at Home. Hunker down by the fire while looking for words like reindeer and blizzard.
Let the tots work on their fine motor skills with these cute lacing cards from Living Life and Learning. The set includes a snowflake, reindeer, and gingerbread man.
Keep it simple by printing out this fun coloring page from Trail of Colors. Kids will love decorating the mittens, hat, and scarf whether or not it’s snowing where you live.
Even if it doesn’t snow where you live, kids can still build a snowman thanks to this clever worksheet from Totschooling. Plus, they’ll get to practice matching shapes while they’re at it.
Print out this page from You Clever Monkey to help your kids build fine motor skills. Have them decorate the tree with playdough, buttons, or small beads. You can even make it into a counting or alphabet game.
To keep the kiddos occupied for an afternoon, print out and laminate this winter scene from Living Well Mom. Then they can get creative building and decorating snowballs and snowmen.
If you’re stuck inside on a cold day, this cool printable game from Gift of Curiosity will keep the boredom at bay. Print out the cards and place them on a cube (or just shuffle them in a stack)—each card directs kids to do a different action.
Kids can sharpen their scissor skills and learn about symmetry with these cool activity pages from Itsy Bitsy Fun. Once they’re done cutting out the shapes, they can decorate them with markers or crayons too.
Keep the cabin fever away on your next snow day by trying out this genius twist on bingo from All Free Kids Crafts. Kids can cross out a bingo square for each activity they do, from drinking hot cocoa to having a dance party.
If your littles like playing with hole punches, this activity from Early Learning Ideas will definitely be a winner. They can go to town punching the holes, and then they can decorate their snowflakes with crayons or glitter glue.
You don’t have to let winter break brain drain set in thanks to this awesome activity from The Measured Mom. Similar to a board game, it can be adapted to any word list.
Make your game plan for the rest of the season with this cool idea from 3Dinosaurs. There are versions available for kids to write their wishes down or to draw them out if they’re not writing yet.
Perfect for preschoolers and kindergarteners, these wintry mazes from BrainyMaze are super fun. Each page includes a maze and a counting and writing activity.
Here’s a fun activity from Education.com to help combat cabin fever—kids can color their own snowman, then cut out the pieces and glue them all together.
Party favors that don’t end up in the trash are a huge win in our book
If you want to take your kid’s birthday party from fun to fantastic, the secret ingredient is creative party favor ideas for kids that won’t get tossed aside. Whether your little one digs sports, crafts, or princesses, there’s something just right for your celebration. We’ve found 21 amazing party favors for kids that are sure to put a smile on your guests’ faces. These affordable ideas include easy DIY options and a few that even double as party activities. Just add a birthday cake, and you’ll be ready to party in no time!
Bubble gum lovers will pop over these mini bubble gum dispensers. The tiny treat holders add a bright touch to any festivities and can be customized with gumballs that match your party decorations. Minted Julep will tell you how to make your own sweet rainbow-colored favors.
Personalized Sand Buckets
Canva
You can never have enough sand buckets, especially in the summer months! This is one of the easiest party favor ideas for kids we've seen because it only requires a few colorful buckets, a market, and, if you're feeling up to it, sunglasses, a shovel, or any other warm-weather accessories.
Complete your camping party with a to-go bag of s'mores ingredients, like mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham crackers. Spotted at Catch My Party, this delicious snack bag adds a yummy touch to post-party goodbyes. Plus, snack bags like these make for an affordable kids' party favor option.
We love party favors that double as a party activity—and they're even better when they rely on stuff that you already have around the house. These affordable, fun cup and ball game party favors use paper towel rolls or toilet paper tubes that can be customized by your party guests. Check out all the step-by-step directions at Hello Wonderful.
You'll win big points with this printable party favor box. Perfect for sports-loving kids, this treat box can be customized with your favorite take-home treat. Just add candy, gum, or bouncy balls. She shoots she scores!
Pass out a squeaky clean favor with these DIY Tattoo Soap Bars that are a solid choice for good, clean fun. This easy party favor can be customized with your kids' favorite temporary tattoos. Slide over to Gluesticks to learn how you can make your own.
Seed packets like these eco-friendly favors are perfect for garden-themed parties or tea parties. You can pick up a batch of flower seeds for under a dollar each, and add your own custom labels. Grow on!
Nothing could be sweeter than a pastel mouse filled with your guests' favorite candies. These adorable felt mice are perfect take-home gifts for an animal lovers party. Find out all the DIY tips at Minted Julep.
Send your guests home with a stack of sweets. These eye-catching candy kabobs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Head on over to Catch My Party to find out how to make your own, and don't miss the money-saving DIY tips! Bonus: there might be a little candy leftover to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Kids love to color, so send guests home with these adorable coloring pages from Something Turquoise. Cleverly packaged with a set of crayons and a sturdy coloring surface, head over to the blog for the free printable and assembly instructions.
These LEGO Minifig snowglobes from Mini Eco are double the fun. They're a party activity and favor in one! Your master builders can put together a tiny scene with a few bricks and a Minifigure. Then you can follow Minieco's instructions and turn their creations into a winter wonderland.
We heart these DIY crayons from My Frugal Adventures. Save broken or worn down crayon pieces and fill a heart-shaped mold with the colors of your choice. Make solid hearts or mix colors together to create swirling designs.
How does your garden grow? With ballpoint pens and faux flowers! These adorable pens are so easy to make, Musings From a Stay at Home Mom turned this craft into a project for the whole family. Pair with a fun notepad or place them in a bouquet by the door for guests to take as they leave the party.
Charlotte’s Web, Harold and the Purple Crayon, the Olivia series, and more. Whether you decide to personalize a custom book or choose one of the classics, books make great favors and welcome additions to your guest’s libraries.
Guests will burst with excitement over these bubbly favors. Upcycled baby food jars topped with figurines that reflect the party theme make this idea easy and customizable. Pop over to A Bubbly Life for the how-to and a bubble solution recipe.
This favor from Momtastic breaks the mold. Packaged in personalized containers, this edible play dough is super easy to make and fun to play with. What a delicious idea!
Get ready to boogie with a mix of your tiny dancer’s favorite tunes. Choose a selection of kid-friendly hits and create your own labels for a playlist guests will be listening to on repeat. Head over to Catch My Party to see all the celebratory details.
Earning an A for creativity, Rachel at Maison de Pax created personalized chalkboards for each guest at her son’s birthday party using pre-cut letters and chalkboard paint. Colorful chalk wrapped in twine were the perfect finishing touch.
We adore this bright idea from By Wilma. Ordinary sunglasses get a high-fashion makeover with a little cardboard, glue and creativity. Get the camera ready! These shades make for adorable photo ops.
Custom capes are a super favor idea! Plan a little extra crafting time, and find instructions to make a custom set for your superheroes-in-training here. Psst! It’s not as hard as you think to make a few capes for your superhero and her sidekicks.
Cast a spell on your party princesses with these affordable wands. We love that Aesthetic Nest's wands are both easy to make and full of magic. They make the perfect finishing touch for Frozen superfans.
—with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton and Lauren Hill
Holiday party season is here and these family Christmas games bring all the cheer
Make your next family game night extra special with fun family Christmas games that are sure to keep the kids (and grown-ups!) entertained. Those who enjoy minute-to-win-it games will get a real kick out of the Gingerbread Shuffle, and those who want a good laugh should go for Christmas Mad Libs or Christmas Scattergories. This list has a game for every day leading up to Christmas so get ready for some family fun!
We love the holiday flair that has been added to our favorite game of Scattergories by @michelletripple. Head over to her profile to print off the cards for a fun night filled with laughs.
Elf Monopoly
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Buy, sell, and trade your way to Christmas cheer in this Elf-inspired version of Monopoly. The game tokens include fun figurines like maple syrup, a mailroom coffee cup, Santa's sleigh, and more. Buy it here.
Who’s the smart cookie of the bunch? We love this holiday game because all you need is cookies and no hands. Head over to Not Consumed for the details on how to play this game with the half-pints.
Smells good! Grab your Santa hats, it’s time to play the Christmas smell guessing game. Using seasonal scents like peppermint, pinecones, gingerbread, and cinnamon sticks, your little elves will love this. Head over to Kid Friendly Things to Do for a tutorial on how to play.
Let the games begin! We love this Christmas version of tic-tac-toe you can snag from SCATTERCRAFTED. It's perfect for a quick moment with grandparents or when you're just trying to keep the littles from bouncing off the walls.
Hide-and-seek! If the littles need a game to spice up the holiday magic, Toddler Approved has the perfect Christmas game idea. We love it because kids practice matching numbers, adding, and spelling, while having fun.
Run, run, as fast you can, you can't stop now—it's the gingerbread man relay! The materials for this Christmas game for kids are easy to pull together (think gingerbread cutouts and spatulas), and it's sure to inspire a ton of giggles. Learn more over at Teaching Heart Blog.
Give your holiday party an extra dose of silliness with this Mad Libs game from Happiness is Homemade! The kids will love coming up with a kooky story—and it's a built-in vocab-builder too.
Look no further for a fun Christmas party game! This activity from Play Party Plan involves dice, a wrapped gift from each guest, and a whole lot of laughter. Get started with the free printable, and then see what surprise you end up with!
Charades are always a party hit, which is why we love that A Girl and a Glue Gun whipped up a Christmas-y version. Grab the free printable and get ready to act your heart out!
This Christmas party game from Chanele at Good Life of a Housewife is extra brilliant because it takes a classic game that your kids are probably familiar with (Spoons!), and gives it a peppermint twist.
Does this game ring a bell? Gather your guests around and try this fun idea from I Can Teach My Child. The best part is that this game uses Hershey's Kisses—so no matter your memory, you'll end up with a treat!
Name That Holiday Tune
Ryan J Lane via iStock
Who can hum the best? Give your holiday party a musical upgrade by having everyone hum—and identify—popular holiday songs. Can't carry a tune? Play a game of musical chairs (holiday edition) instead. Head over to Play Party Plan for the perfect playlist!
We love this simple and sweet game. It’s festive, easy, and teaches motor skills, too! Even better: You don’t need a ton of supplies. Find out how to stage your own over at There’s Just One Mommy.
Ring in the holidays with a party game that guarantees a jingle-jangle good time! This obstacle course idea is sensory, active and only requires a little bit of DIY-ability. Learn more at Childhood 101.
Grab a few dozen candy canes and a timer, and host your own candy cane hunt! You can hide your peppermint treats in newly fallen snow or around the house and see how many kids find in 1 minute, 2 minutes, etc. You can even award a prize for the “golden” candy cane—a simple bow or ribbon around the special cane results in an extra special treat.
Turn your house into Whoville and celebrate the day that the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes. Using a cut-out heart as a marker, spin your party guests around and let them match the ticker to the Grinch. Head over to Mom’s Tot School for more info.
Three cheers for a fun Minute to Win It game! With this idea, you’ll race the clock in a silly “snow” shoveling activity. It’s a guarantee for giggles and super simple to put together, too. Get the how-to at Housing a Forest.
You may remember a version of this game from your last Halloween party. Here, the mummy wrap with toilet paper gets a Frosty-style twist. Don’t forget the hat, black paper buttons, and orange carrot nose for an extra-special touch. Find out more at Party Wishes.
Do you like warm hugs and party games? This genius idea combines everyone’s fave Frozen sidekick and an easy-to-set-up bowling activity. Best of all, the materials can be found around your house or at your local Dollar Store. Find out more at The Crumby Mummy.
Hold a gift-opening relay race that adds a silly oven mitt challenge. The frenzy to unwrap boxes will be even more fun when the kids are slowed down by mitts. Find out more at Karen’s Ideas Galore.
Want to get in the snowy spirit? This holiday-themed game for kids has all the fun of a snowball fight, without any of the drippy-dirty mess. Make your own snowballs or grab some at your local craft store! Get all the info you need at Just Make Stuff.
Blindfolded Coloring
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Put a twist on a classic childhood activity. Coloring was never so much fun as when you try it blindfolded! The folks over at A Subtle Revelry break it down.
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A cool pumpkin carving stencil will make all the difference
Your kids have picked out their favorite Halloween costumes, and you’ve decided whether you’ll go trick-or-treating or attend a Trunk or Treat. Now it’s time to carve out a place of honor for your pumpkin in the neighborhood Halloween parade with one of our cool pumpkin carving templates. Whether you want a Ninja Turtle, Peppa Pig, or classic witch carving stencil, you’ll find a little bit of everything (and all skill levels) in our collection of pumpkin carving stencils. Feeling extra creative? Try your hand at these other amazing Halloween crafts for kids, DIY Halloween decorations, and easy Halloween-inspired treats.
What’s the History Behind Pumpkin Carvings and Jack-O’-Lanterns?
The tradition of carving pumpkins has origins in the Irish myth of Stingy Jack. People began carving faces in turnips to keep Jack’s (and other evil spirits) soul away, and when immigrants came to the United States, they started using pumpkins. Halloween is rooted in the Gaelic celebration of Samhain, which starts on Oct. 31 and ends on Nov. 1 and celebrates bringing in the harvests and ushering in the dark winter months. People would go from house to house in search of food and drink. They would also often carve makeshift lanterns out of potatoes and other root veggies, and as the years passed, several of these traditions blended to become what we now celebrate as Halloween.
How to Use a Pumpkin Carving Template
So, you’re ready to pick your pumpkin carving stencil and get to work. But, do you know the tips and tricks for carving a pumpkin? We love this tutorial from HGTV that offers advice on how to get the best-looking pumpkin on the block. We also recommend using tracing paper with a dry-erase marker or pencil on your pumpkin and having the best tools at the ready. A serrated knife is a must, as is a big spoon for scooping out the seeds and a paring knife is good for carving. You can also invest in a pumpkin carving kit, which will include everything you need to get started.
The live-action remake of The Little Mermaid was a smash hit, and while we adore Melissa McCarthy's take on the legendary Sea Witch, there's just something about the original animated form. Download the template here.
It's a jack-o'-lantern but with an ocean twist! This adorable California Sea Lion pumpkin stencil is one you won't see on many porches. Download the pumpkin carving template here.
Who says ghosts have to be scary? This adorable pumpkin carving template from Muse Printables is perfect for families with toddlers experiencing their first Halloween. Download it here.
Got a Lionel Messi fan in the house? Show your love of the game with a soccer ball pumpkin! If there's another sport that your family holds close to their heart, don't worry! There are pumpkin carving stencils for everyone. Check them out on Pumpkin Pile.
This classic Halloween-themed pumpkin carving template will look perfect next to your witch, zombie, or monster! Download the free printable pumpkin stencil at Free Stencil Gallery.
If your kid is a Minecraft fan, then this pumpkin carving stencil of Steve will thrill their little building hearts. Download the free pumpkin printable from pumpkinpile.com.
Donatello
The new movie came out this summer, so why not add one of your favorite teen turtles to the front porch? Download it here.
Peace Sign
This peace symbol pumpkin pattern will bring good vibes on Halloween night. Download it from Pumpkin Pile.
Simple phrases are fun, and this one is perfect for a house that has plenty of Halloween decor. Download the pumpkin carving stencil from Pumpkin Pile.
Hey, all you cool cats and kittens! This tiger pumpkin carving design is a way to give a shout-out to the docu-series that rocked our world when the pandemic hit in 2020. Download the pumpkin carving template over at SpookMaster.
Say it with an emoji this Halloween. Not only is this adorable, but this pumpkin carving design is perfect for beginning carvers. Download the template over at DLTK.
Witch Pumpkin Stencil
What's Halloween without a proper witch pumpkin stencil? We love this one from HGTV. It's a basic pumpkin carving template that'll pop at night.
Albert Einstein
Pumpkin Glow
This is an advanced pumpkin carving template, but it's an amazing one! Pay tribute to one of mankind's most luminous minds with this fun design. Download the template from Pumpkin Glow.
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley's iconic monster does not disappoint. We love Better Homes & Gardens version of the classic Halloween character.
Candy looters beware!! The Jolly Roger looms near. This fun skull and crossbones design is especially fun for pirate-loving folks. Grab the download over at Pumpkin Pile.
For your Jurassic Park fans, this fairly simple pumpkin carving template of an Indominus Rex is perfect. Download for free at Pumpkin Pile.
Meow
It wouldn’t be All Hallows Eve without a black cat lurking about, and we think this stencil from Woo Jr. is just the right balance of spooky and sweet.
In honor of the Emmy-nominated Wednesday, why not carve Wednesday's unforgettable face on your pumpkin this year? Download the design by leopard toes via Devian Tart.
Goofy Jack-O'-Lantern Template
A classic jack-o'-lantern is always fun, and this one gives a little goof to the iconic pumpkin carving template. Download the design from Pumpkin Pile.
Who You Gonna Call?
Keep the ghosts at bay with this perfectly themed template from Pumpkin Carving Templates. (And have your kiddo dress up as Holtzmann for bonus points.)
I Am Groot!
If you’re a Marvel fan, then you’ve got to make a Baby Groot pumpkin this year, even if only for the cute factor. Get the template from Pumpkin Pile.
Peppa Pumpkin
Everybody loves Peppa Pig, and she’ll look fabulous on your front step this Halloween. Grab the pumpkin carving template from Pumpkin Pile.
Pokemon is as popular as ever, and who doesn't love Pikachu? Parents, you’ll love how easy this design is to carve. Download the template.
Cool Cauldron
Double, double toil, and trouble! Give trick or treaters traveling by broom their own cauldron for the big night with this pumpkin stencil. The hardest part will be making sure the bubbles in the mysterious brew turn out just right. Grab the design over at Celebrating Halloween.
Super Mario
The Mario Bros. have a smash movie hit on their hands, and we are totally loving it! Keep the feels going with this fun carving template. Download the stencil over at Mario Mayhem.
Room on the Broom
Go the more traditional route with Home Life Weekly‘s classic carving, featuring the spooky silhouettes of a witch and her bat friend. Let the little ones carve the large parts like the witch’s hat, and you can take the reins for the details of the bat.
Simple Spider
Spiders love to drop in for Halloween, and with this pumpkin carving template, it's easy! The big sections that need to be carved out make this one perfect for beginners. Click here to grab the pdf.
If your Star Wars fans aren't so sure about joining the dark side, there are plenty of other characters to choose from too. See them all at Star Wars.
Owl Orb
Whoooo wants to carve a pumpkin? A simple and sweet design featuring an owl resting on a branch will make little ones smile. Get the pattern from Pumpkin Carving Templates.
We love the clever way HGTV uses a pumpkin to make a statement. With this candy arrow, no trick-or-treaters will be left behind.
Guide the Way
Little Wayfinders will be guided by the heart of Te Fiti when it glows brightly on Halloween night. This simple but stunning design will be a hit with the porch parade! Get the stencil over at Free Stencil Gallery.
Light the Way
For a different take on glowing pumpkins, try this candelabra design from HGTV. You can either go spooky with an eerie glow or make it classy with bright shiny light.
Vampire Pac-Man
This design from Woo Jr. takes us back to our days of Pac-Man and pinball machines—with a Halloween twist! The large blocks of pumpkin to be cut out make this a pretty easy design for little ones to pull off, too.
Spell It Out
This one simply says it all. Download it from Pumpkin Pile now!
Pirate Pumpkin
Arrrr! A pirate pumpkin is perfect for the plunder that is Halloween night. Your little buccaneers will even have a fellow matey to welcome them home after a night of collecting serious booty. Download the design over at Pumpkin Pile.
A classic Halloween character, this wrapped up moaning monster will be a fun addition to your porch this Halloween. Download the printable from HGTV.
Make sure to capture all the fall fun—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.