23 Trader Joe’s Products That Taste Even Better in the Air Fryer

by Kate LowethFebruary 10, 2024

Having an air fryer was a big deal a few years ago, but you may find yourself fresh out of ideas for whipping up dinner that everyone hasn’t eaten 100 times by now. There are only so many times you can “fry” up zucchini sticks, after all. That’s where your favorite neighborhood market steps in to save the day. From Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken in the air fryer to Trader Joe’s mac and cheese bites, there are tons of quick ways to put a new twist on your favorite frozen foods when you have an air fryer to work with. Get ready to get inspired with these Trader Joe’s air fryer foods just in time for Super Bowl Sunday (or any night you need a quick dinner solution!).

Trader Joe’s Appetizers for the Air Fryer

Mini Chicken Tikka Samosas

Trader Joe's air fryer food like Samosas are delicious

Sure, you can pop these in a conventional oven, or you can toss them in the air fryer for an extra crispy take on Tikka Samosas.

Southwest Style Chicken Quesadilla

Nab yourself some guac and cook these babies up in the air fryer for a quick lunch the whole family will love.

Herbaceous Cheesy Bites

We love these flavorful bites that pack a nice crunch. These have just the right amount of spices to balance out the cheesy goodness and heat up well in the air fryer.

Ratatouille Bites

These veggie-forward bites are lovely crisped up in your air fryer and then dunked in some tzatziki sauce. Trust us. The kids won't even catch on that they're packed with veggies.

Chicken & Chimichurri Empanadas

Bake these up in your air fryer and serve with your favorite salsa and you will have some happy guests at your next family party.

Seasoned Waffle Cut Fries

You know that ketchup sprinkles everyone is raving about? Shake some on these fries after they've had some time in the air fryer to crisp up. No dipping sauce needed.

Coconut Shrimp

These are a kid favorite and perfect when served with the Thai Sweet Ginger Sauce for dipping. They get extra crispy in the air fryer which we love.

Fried Olive Bites

Not a fan of olives? You will be after air frying these olive bites that are packed with cheese. Yum and yum.

Colorful Carrot Coins

Have a sweet craving but looking to go more healthy? These colorful carrots are a quick air fryer option and a great way to test out all those dips that TJs is known for.

Herbs de Provence Potato Wedges

If you haven't tried these savory bites, definitely add them to your rotation when you cook up a steak on the grill. The air fryer does wonders for its crispy outside and soft inside.

Mini Beef Tacos

Keep these mini favorites (and their twin sister the chicken version) on hand for when the kid hangry hits. They cook up in a flash via the air fryer and you'll have happy kids in no time.

Tempura Shrimp

You can never go wrong with extra crispy tempura and these shrimp will come out finger lickin' good.

Mac & Cheese Bites

Put Trader Joe's mac and cheese bites in the air fryer

If you haven't tried Trader Joe's mac and cheese bites in the air fryer, you don't know what you're missing.

Vegetable Spring Rolls

Avoid the nastiness that is a soggy spring roll when you pop these babies in the air fryer. Sweet ginger sauce is its BFF.

Scallion Pancakes

Brighten up the flavor in a big way by tossing Trader Joe's scallion pancakes in the air fryer for crispy perfection. They go great with the mandarin orange chicken or really are pretty much the best at any time.

Kibbeh

Hearty and flavorful, this Kibbeh appetizer will become a family fave. Made with ground beef, onions and seasonings, these appetizers pair well with almost any dip and are great for the air fryer.

Crispy Vegetable Pouches

These only come out around the holidays and are a delicious, vegetable-forward option with excellent results in the air fryer.

Trader Joe’s Air Fryer Entrees & Sides

Trader Joe's Salmon

Trader Joe's air fryer salmon — Trader Joe's

Salmon is pretty much our favorite in the air fryer. Top it with your favorite teriyaki or barbecue sauce and dinner will be on the table in minutes.

Trader Joe's Hashbrowns

Be warned, these are addictive! And it's super easy to cook them up in the air fryer whenever the cravings hit. Top with a fried egg for an easy breakfast.

Impossible Chicken Nuggets

It's darn near impossible to not love these after they've taken a trip in the air fryer.

Breaded Fried Ravioli

You had us at "fried!" Kid-friendly and easy to whip up in the air fryer, these fried ravioli are made with semolina pasta, and five kinds of cheese that includes ricotta, mild Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Asiago, and Parmesan.

Cauliflower Pancakes

Sneak in that cauliflower with no problemo by serving these air fried.

Trader Joe's Mandarin Orange Chicken

Put Trader Joe's orange chicken in the air fryer

This dish has long been a fan-fave product, but air frying it? It's next-level delish.

Additional reporting by Karly Wood

Gender-Neutral Nursery Inspiration That Isn’t Just Yellow

by Kate CartiaOctober 10, 2023

Your gender-neutral nursery will be anything but boring

Gender-neutral baby gear, clothes, and accessories have become very accessible, and nurseries are no exception. Whether you’re going the neutral route because you’re skipping the ‘gender reveal‘, you want to be able to plan for hand-me-downs for future babies, or just because you like the hues, there are lots of options for a gender-neutral nursery. It can be a bit of a challenge to keep things neutral and cohesive. These decorating options are easy to mix and match, plus, it’s all absolutely adorable. Oh, and boho-loving moms? There are a ton of earthy colors in this collection that you’ll love. You can’t go wrong with these.

Pick bold patterns or muted prints, or pair a little of both for a unique and darling room your babe will be able to grow into. Another major plus to neutral spaces, right? Of course, you’ll want to add baby and family photos, plus their own touches as their personalities start to show. Here are a few of our favorite choices.

Passport 20" Kids Pendant Ceiling Light by Leanne Ford

This fun ceiling light is an adorable addition to any kiddo's room. Who wouldn't want a hot air balloon floating through their space? We know we do.

Passport 20" Kids Pendant Ceiling Light by Leanne Ford ($199.00)—Buy Here!

The Moon's Birthday Crib Sheets

100% cotton sateen, this illustrated crib sheet from Rookie Humans is like creating a storybook in their nursery. If the moon isn't quite your style, check out their full collection of stunning crib sheets, too.

The Moon's Birthday Crib Sheets ($42.00)—Buy Here!

Birch 3-Tier Shelf

A little rustic and a lot cute, this woodsy, whimsical shelf holds their favorite toys, keepsakes, books, or baby supplies to keep them within reach.

Birch 3-Tier Shelf ($189.00)—Buy Here!

Acrylic & Metallic Nursery Storage

Aside from being so cool-looking, clear storage helps you find what you're looking for fast and fits into any decor (including your gender-neutral nursery) because, again, clear.

Acrylic & Metallic Nursery Storage ($41.65)—Buy Here!

Goodnight Moon 3-Piece Celestial Nursery Crib Bedding Set

This sweet crib bedding set includes a quilt, fitted crib sheet, and a crib skirt. "You are my sun my moon and all of my stars" is embroidered on the soft moon. That covers every parents' sentiment, doesn't it?

Goodnight Moon 3-Piece Celestial Nursery Crib Bedding Set ($159.99)—Buy Here!

Wood & Felt Mobile

Each piece of this charming mobile is made of environmentally-friendly materials, including the lightweight felt pom poms.

Wood & Felt Mobile ($22.98)—Buy Here!

Boho Two-Toned Blackout Curtain

We have a feeling you're going to want blackout curtains in the nursery. Afterall, between being able to darken the whole room on your terms, and keeping the temperature regulated, there's a good chance your little one will sleep better with them.

Boho Two-Toned Blackout Curtain ($62.00+)—Buy Here!

'Welcome to My Crib' Wooden Sign

A super cute decorative nursery sign that's laser cut and engraved from birch and white eucalyptus wood. They're available in 3 different sizes, with 12 different frame finishes to choose from.'

'Welcome to My Crib' Wooden Sign ($18.00+)—Buy Here!

Giraffe Plush Head Wall Decor

Handmade details, cotton fleece, and yarn combine to create an artisanal feel that's totally gender-neutral, too. Stick with the giraffe, or add the antelope and lion, too.

Giraffe Plush Head Wall Decor ($34.99)—Buy Here!

Smokey the Owl Pendulum Clock

We're actually very in love with all the clocks from Birch Lane, but Smokey the Owl is an easy fave. Made from baltic birch plywood that's ethically sourced & printed with non-toxic, water-based inks, too.

Smokey the Owl Pendulum Clock ($99.00)—Buy Here!

Ava Neutral Wallpaper

WallpaperMural.com makes absolutely beautiful wallpaper, and the Ava Neutral design warms up any nursery or kids room. It's comfy, cozy, and has just the right about of whimsy, too. That's right, we said whimsy.

Ava Neutral Wallpaper ($34.64/m sq.+)—Buy Here!

Modern Teepee Nursery Prints

The soft colors with a little extra punch make these prints a great way to add neutral hues to your little one's gender-neutral nursery. (Note: these are a digital download.)

Modern Teepee Nursery Prints ($12.95)—Buy Here!

Grey Chenille Blanket

A soft chenille blanket with darling detail in a neutral hue is exactly what a nursery needs.

Grey Chenille Blanket ($27.92)—Buy Here!

Muslin Organic Cotton & Bamboo Receiving Blankets

This set of 3 receiving blankets in the 'Forest Theme' palette is not only pretty, it's hard to go wrong with soft and breathable organic cotton and bamboo fabrication. Plus, you can never have enough receiving blankets, right?

Muslin Organic Cotton & Bamboo Receiving Blankets ($24.99)—Buy Here!

Macrame-Inspired Play Mat

From the cactus to the alpaca, this little play mat is not only a fun focal point, it'll get a ton of use, too.

Macrame-Inspired Play Mat ($49.99)—Buy Here!

Easysleep White Noise Machine

This sound machine has 30 looping white noise sounds and 12 nightlight colors, and although it comes in black and white, this wood finish makes it part of the decor.

Easysleep White Noise Machine ($24.99)—Buy Here!

Stuffed Animal Storage Hammock

Babies aren't always terribly interested in stuffed animals until they're a bit older, but we know you already have quite the collection. Store them in style with this macrame storage hammock, featuring a string of LED lights for a soft glow in a gender-neutral nursery.

Stuffed Animal Storage Hammock ($13.99)—Buy Here!

Teddy Upholstered Glider Rocking Chair

A chair style that comes in multiple colors, the soft and fuzzy teddy upholstered options have won our hearts, especially for a nursery.

Teddy Upholstered Glider Rocking Chair ($158.98)—Buy Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

12 Creative Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Day at Home

by Allison SutcliffeNovember 14, 2022

Whether you choose to look back on the past year, or forward to 2023, your family will enjoy doing these New Year’s Day activities together

It’s that time of year and you’re going to need a stash of fun indoor activities for kids. While we can’t provide any mimosas with your New Year’s Day brunch, we’ve definitely got awesome traditions to start, activities to try, and other creative ideas to help you start the year right (there’s even a printable calendar craft for kids!). Scroll down to see them all. Happy 2023, y’all!

1. Tradition Kick-Off
2022 has been a memorable year, to say the least. Start an annual tradition by writing letters to open the next year. As the mini-time capsule gets going, you’ll have a memorable way to look back and ahead.

2. Make a Handprint Calendar
Using a printable calendar, you can make a handprint calendar for 2023. Get the tutorial here.

3. Indoor Campout
No matter where you live, it’s likely too chilly for the real deal, so pitch a tent in the living room, roll out sleeping bags on the couch, fashion a campfire and make sure to include some hot cocoa. Get inspired by these next-level indoor forts!

4. Cook Out
Staying home is always a little sweeter when you can smell something delicious coming from the kitchen. We've got the best snacks for your hungry crew right here.

5. Movie Marathon
Whether you cue up all three Cars, back-to-back Descendants, or you’re ready to commit the next generation to every single Star Wars installment, loosen up those screen time limits and go big for once. Psst! If you need more ideas for what to watch, check out our ultimate list of movies for kids.

6. Out with the Old
You know when all you have to do is move the furniture around to get a brand-new perspective on it all? Show the kids how liberating it can feel to go new. Suggest a bedroom swap, a relief-effort donation round-up of old toys and clothes to make room for everything Santa may have just dropped off, or maybe even a fun (temporary) hair color!

7. Game Day
Let the games begin and see who the New Year will crown the champion. Pick crowd-pleasers like Bugs in the Kitchen or Apples to Apples, build an ultimate Magna-Tiles mansion, or set up that sure-fire bet that may last well into 2023: Monopoly. This list has our favorite new board games that even parents will enjoy.

8. Bucket List Décor
The new year is the ultimate opportunity for a fresh start. Keep up that energizing NYE energy with family plans for 2023: a new place to travel, an activity or sport to try, or an organization to help out. We love the idea of hanging your ideas up on the wall for year-long inspiration. Another great way to display goals for the new year is to create a vision board,

9. Craft It Up
Get your Pinterest pins at the ready and tag some adorable crafts for the kiddos to create on New Year’s Day. Read through these helpful tips that will set you up for crafting success.

10. (Get to) Know Your Neighbors
With everyone off from work and school, why not host a mugging for your neighbors? As nefarious as it sounds, muggings are a completely innocent (and oh-so-easy) way to entertain friends. Have each guest bring a coffee mug to use as a plate. You provide warm comfort foods that they simply ladle into their mugs (chili or soup, anyone?). The best part? Partygoers big and small can easily mingle while they munch, mug in hand.

11. Build A Puzzle
Building a puzzle can be a long or short process, but it's always better with family. Carve out some time in your new year's day to dedicate to a puzzle everyone will love. At the end, the final product can even be made into a framed picture if you glue it with puzzle glue.

12. Photo Time
No matter what your family does to ring in the New Year, we love the idea of streaming your “Best of 2022” photos on the TV to set the mood. Focusing on the family is what it's all about, after all.

17 Ways to Turn Cardboard Boxes into Epic Creations

by Gabby CullenOctober 10, 2021

No matter how shiny the gift inside, time and time again kids want to play with the box. We’ve found 17 epic transformations of an ordinary cardboard box that will make you forget its humble past. From mini-golf to airplanes to castles, flip through our slideshow to get inspired.

Click here to save this list on Pinterest for tons of fun.

Indoor Golf for Preschoolers

Don’t let the rain or cold get in the way of your golf game. Just makeover a cardboard box to keep practicing your swing no matter the weather. Great for hand-eye coordination for the preschool set, it also can serve as a math lesson. Have the kiddos help keep track of their points as they score. Learn how to make one yourself over at Craftulate.

3D Nature Suncatcher

Dreaming of the outdoors? This 3D suncatcher from The Artful Parent is so cool no one will believe it was once a humble cardboard box. Plus, you’ll have as much fun gathering the materials for this project as you will making it. The stained-glass windows make it an elegant little lamp, too.

The DIY Mailbox You Can Actually Do

Inspired by the postal service, this super cute (and super easy) cardboard mailbox can be used for pretend play and messaging the kids! Drop the occasional postcard or note in there to thrill them no end. With little more than paint and tape, you can transform a box you have hanging around the house in no time. Get the complete step-by-step here.

Add Up for Fun

We’d still love this cardboard cash register even if it wasn’t painted in a bright, cheery yellow. Besides the basic box, you’ll need hot glue, a calculator and a plastic tupperware container. Find out how to measure the space just right and how to get your drawer to slide in and out over at Handmade Charlotte.

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Castle

Turn those boxes into a fairytale dream house when you stack them high and deck them out like a castle.

On the Road Again

Check out this sweet camper. Perfect for unlimited vacations to wherever the kiddo’s imagination took them, this cardboard camper also makes a great rainy day activity. Head over to The Merry Thought for the tutorial.

Blast-off! Box

If there’s a better material than cardboard to build a spaceship, we haven’t found it. Get inspired by the rocket spotted over at Kate’s Creative Space; the bright colors pop and side-positioned gadgets and gears are genius. The look on your mini-astronaut's face as she blasts off into space will totally be worth the time you spent haunting the local U-Haul for a big box.

Cardboard, Ahoy!

From the queen of cardboard comes an arrrrg-uably awesome pirate ship. Probably one of the easier projects you’ll find over at ikat bag, your little mates will be able to help raise the mast and set sail!

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Mini Foosball

How creative is this? Turn your boxes into mini foosball games that you can play after school!

Auto-Box

We bet Lightning McQueen would trade his whitewalls for one of these garages. Using a shoebox and paint, it’s easy to give your motor-revving, tire-screeching tyke a place to park all his special cars. Get the low-down here.

Suds-Free Washing Machine

Doing chores has never been this much fun! Don't be surprised if this DIY washing machine jump-starts your kid's love for cleanliness. To get the details on making this uber-cool cardboard creation, head over to Ooh La Wawa.

Make Your Own Maze

Work on a range of skills with your kiddo (shape identification, predictions and gross motor) during an empty afternoon with a quick and easy ball maze like this one from A Happy Wanderer. This project takes about two items and maybe 20 minutes to complete.

Perfect Puppet Theater

Ah, here is one classic box creation that every kid loves. This mom turned her son's puppet theatre into a lovely venue with some curtains, chalkboard paint and a pretty show sign. Head over to Kidoinfo to see how to make your own puppet theater.

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Colorful Masks

Whether they're part of your all-cardboard Halloween costume or just fun masks for a backyard play, cardboard is a great medium for mask making.

Kitschy Kid Kitchen

Okay, so maybe you don’t have the time (or space) to create a full-sized play kitchen for your busy kids. How about an adorable doll-sized version? You probably receive the perfect-sized box from Amazon on the regular, so start collecting and when you’ve got the material you need, head to Mer Mag Blog for the tutorial.

Going Up?

Here's an elevator with push buttons that’ll take your little one on an up and down ride. Mom-crafter Sarah made this tot-approved gadget with a few boxes, googly eyes and a brad tack. Get her DIY instructions over at her website Repeat Crafter Me.

For Which It Stands

Now, this is one store we wouldn’t mind spending forever in. From the back to front, this grocery stand is filled with clever details like windows, shelves and drawers that really make it a one-stop-shop. See the other (equally and amazingly detailed) side of the store at ikat bag.

— Christal Yuen & Gabby Cullen

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14 Creative Ways to Paint without Brushes

by Susie ForesmanOctober 3, 2021

For your next painting session, challenge your little ones to skip the brushes. Believe it or not, there are countless ways to paint without paintbrushes, using everything from balloons to fly swatters. Your budding artists will get a kick out of these off-the-wall ideas. Keep reading to get inspired.

Pick a Pinecone

For this simple activity, No Time for Flashcards switches a paintbrush for a pinecone. It’s all about experimenting with the materials and seeing what happens when you roll the pinecone around. At the end of it, you’ve got some pretty cool abstract art too!

Let’s Roll

Kids can make their own wrapping paper with this cool idea from Childhood 101. Gather up a bunch of different textured items from around the house to make different prints, like bubble wrap, rubber bands and mesh bags.

Brick by Brick

If you’ve got a LEGO lover in your family, they’ll be obsessed with this craft from Pink Stripey Socks. They can start by making a design out of blocks, then dip it into paint and stamp it on paper. They can also experiment with using individual bricks as stamps—the sky’s the limit.

Bubble Painting

Little ones love bubbles, so it’s not surprising that they’d also get excited about bubble painting. Artful Kids has the scoop on three different ways to paint with bubbles. They’re all fun and easy, and don’t require a ton of supplies.

Freeze Paint

Popsicle painting could be the coolest way to paint… literally. With this simple idea, freezing paint is not only a fun setup process, but it’s pretty easy to clean up, too. It's a perfect project for indoors, but the icy paint also works great on the pavement outside, too! For more info on where to pick up those handy popsicle sticks, head over to Learn with Play at Home.

Crafty Combs

New combs are the best way to get clean, clear pictures, so be sure to hit up the Dollar Store before trying your own version of this bright idea from No Time for Flashcards. The drop and drag skills needed can be tackled by even the tiniest artist, making this a great weekend project—the whole family can join in on the fun!

Splatter with Swatters

Art is definitely not what comes to mind when you imagine a fly swatter. But, with the right supplies (butcher paper, tape, a wall and willing swatters) you’ll see creativity flying around in a few seconds flat. You’ll be Lord of the Flies all afternoon. Zip over to Munchkins and Moms for the how-to.

Cotton Ball Crafts

The family supply of cotton balls will be in major need of replenishment after trying this project, but it’s worth watching your tiniest creator get in on the action. Ideal for toddlers on up through preschool, using clothespins and cotton balls is an excellent lesson in fine motor skills; and it helps the littles keep colors separate! Find out what you can use if you don’t have a muffin pan handy, over at Domestic Mommyhood.

Bust a Few Balloons

Pop Art just got literal. To re-create, add balloons to poster board carnival-style, and let the kids pop to it. While this scores pretty high on the mess-o-meter, the fun factor is also sky high. Want to know how it’s done? Artistic mama Crystal explains how to get just enough paint in every balloon over at Growing a Jeweled Rose.

Create with Condiment Bottles

Squeeze a little more fun out of the afternoon by mixing up a batch of microwave puffy paint. We love the recipe and tutorial perfected by Asia of Fun at Home with Kids. We really love the condiment bottles that are used as both paint container and applicator, rolled into one.

Sponges as Stamps

You’ll be pulling a few out anyways, so why not use sponges to make art? Create shapes and characters, or keep it simple with one style. We can’t get enough of the adorable ode to Very Hungry Caterpillar spotted over at Buggy and Buddy.

Use Baking Tools

There’s nothing cookie cutter about this creative use of everyone’s favorite baking tool. Instant stamp-like prints (perfect for filling in later!), easy handling for little hands and one-step cleanup make this idea from Mama.Papa.Bubba a sweet way to fill an open afternoon.

Use Things that Vroom

Make tracks for the toy box and pull out the biggest, baddest monster truck, right on down to the teeniest, tiniest sports car, and watch your kids zoom their way into creativity (extra points for making vroom noises while they paint!). Cleaning up the tires may take a little more time, but the twofer on artistic and imaginary play can’t be beat. We like how mom Jeanette over at Craftwhack set up her little painter for an afternoon of colorful tread-burning fun.

Fun with Food

They’ll have a whole new appreciation for veggies after this project. First, slice apples, potatoes, bell peppers, celery (you can even use broccoli!) or any other fresh food you find in the fridge. Then, give each kid their “stamp” and watch as they dip and print. You can even talk about why each print looks just so, adding a little science to their art.

—Susie Foresman & Gabby Cullen

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10 Creative Games You Can Create with LEGO Bricks

by Susie ForesmanAugust 8, 2021

LEGO bricks might just be the best toy out there since they offer so many different playtime possibilities. With so many options, sometimes little ones need a spark of inspiration to think of something to build with them. That’s why we’ve rounded up a bunch of cool LEGO games to add to your arsenal. They’ll get your kids building, thinking and giggling in no time. Read on to get your build on.

Tallest Tower Challenge

This game from Little Bins for Little Hands comes with a free printable with the challenges built right in! We love that it's designed like a game board but uses LEGO bricks you already have as the game pieces. Download the printable by clicking here.

LEGO Duplo Ring Toss

Turn your favorite carnival game into a LEGO challenge dreamed up by Samantha of Stir the Wonder. It’s a great way to build hand-eye coordination and foster a bit of friendly competition. Get all the details by clicking here, and check out Samantha’s book The Unofficial Guide to Learning with LEGO for more ideas.

Make Your Own Board Game

Get your kids’ imagination going with this bright idea from What Do We Do All Day? They’re encouraged to design the board and come up with rules themselves. To get all the details, click here.

Disaster Island Challenge

We’re obsessed with this creative challenge by The Lego Librarian—kids build a deserted island for 20 minutes, then they get to pick a Disaster Card and build a solution to the problem they’re presented with. Click here to get the details (and printable cards), along with lots more fun LEGO challenges.

Roll, Build and Create

Sometimes kids get stuck and can’t figure out what to build, and that’s where this game from No Time for Flashcards comes in. A roll of the dice determines what piece to pick up next, and your kiddo’s imagination can take it from there. Get the details by clicking here.

LEGO Party Games

Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls has a great rundown of LEGO party games, but they’re just as fun in smaller settings, too. Kids are challenged to build structures with just one hand, build a tower with a blindfold on, and more. Click here to see all the games.

Tongue Tower

This hilarious game from Play. Party. Plan. will get your whole crew giggling. It involves building a LEGO tower on a tongue depressor—while holding it in your mouth. Get the details, plus more game ideas by clicking here.

Tell a Story

Take a cue from LEGO themselves and challenge your kids to tell a story through their creations. It’ll help them work on their short-term memory as they retell a story back to you. Click here to get the details, along with more easy memory games.

LEGO Card Game

Try out a printable card game from One Mama’s Daily Drama. The cards have different tasks for kids to complete, like building their name or a spaceship to go to Mars. To get the details, click here.

Chopstick Challenge

Get inspired by Kids Craft Room to play a Minute to Win It–style game using LEGO. Craft your own chopsticks, then use them to move the bricks around (it’s trickier than it looks!). Click here to discover more, quick but super fun, games.

Easy & Awesome Bike Decor Your Kids Will Love

by Abigail MatsumotoMay 13, 2021

After a long winter, bike season has arrived, but don’t settle for the same old ride. Get your kiddos in gear with these super cool (and surprisingly easy) ways to trick out their bicycles and tricycles with serious flash without a ton of cash. Scroll down to get inspired.

Tape the Frame

Who knew that everyone's favorite fix-it material could also be used for a majorly cool bike makeover? You can forget standard industrial duct tape, because these days, it's a snap to find pretty nifty patterns and colors that any kid will dig. The actual makeover process is as easy as it sounds, and you can get the whole sticky scoop at Skunkboy Blog.

Make Your Own Streamers

Ah, don't you just love when a craft looks cool, but is oh-so-easy to create? That's the deal with these handlebar streamers, which can be whipped up in just a few minutes using a hair tie and ribbon. Customize the colors for your kid and you're ready to roll! Get the uber easy how-to over at Green & Gorgeous. And while you're there, get inspired by tricking out the spokes, too.

Add a Basket

Order a cute basket from Amazon and give your kiddo a place to hold her treasures or to bring a stuffie along for the ride! Snag one here.

Decorate the Spokes

Talk about wheely cool bike style! We're loving how this idea is part pinwheel, part optical illusion. You can get as creative and colorful as you want, and use different kinds of paper, tape, and even shiny materials. For all the info you need, head to this Instructables page.

Add a Painted Bike Bell

Ring ring! We're pretty sure the only thing better than a cheerful bike bell is one that's been painted and personalized for your little rider. All you need is paint, and maybe an artistic kid or two. Learn more at Idle Wife, and order a bike bell here.

Make a Name Plate

Does your mini cyclist have a license to drive? This cute sign is not only a great way to personalize a bike—it'll also keep track of which wheels are yours when there's a group ride. You can use your kid's name, or even create a funny vanity plate: SPD RCR, anyone? Get inspired over at Jana Eubank.

Give It a Costume

We can't get over how cool this idea is—or how perfect it is for any kid who pretends his bike is a trusty steed. And not to worry, cowpokes, this is actually easier to pull off than you might think. Start gathering cardboard, practice your horse sketching, and you're halfway there. For the full handy instructions, gallop on over to Makedo's Instructables page.

Add LED Wheel Lights

How much fun are these LED lights? Easy to install and battery operated, you and your crew will be the star of the sunset community ride. Buy them here.

Add a Friend to the Front

This piggy bike basket is over-the-top cute and doesn't require any huffing or puffing to make, either. Materials include cardboard, paint, and a few other things you probably have around the house. For the complete instructions, hit up Pink Stripey Socks.

—Abigail Matsumoto

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How to Provide Healthy Meals for Kids Attending School at Home

By Rae Steinbach

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

April 1, 2021

Photo: Jimmy Dean on Unsplash

If you’re homeschooling your children by choice, or you’re doing so because of COVID-19 shutdowns, it’s a challenge. Homeschooling your children can be rewarding, but there are also a lot of things you have to overcome. One issue you may be facing is how to keep giving your kids healthy, nutritious snacks and meals while they’re spending so much time at home. The kids’ meals you feed your family, as well as their snacks, are what will fuel them to perform at their best level during their homeschool day, and the following are some tips and ideas.

1. Use a Meal Delivery Service
One option that can be convenient and perhaps a lifesaver, especially if you’re working from home at the same time as teaching or overseeing learning, is a meal delivery service. A meal delivery service will bring kid-approved, fresh, and prepared items right to your door. It eliminates the need to do meal prep, and if you go with a delivery service like Yumble, their items are specifically geared toward even the pickiest of eaters.

2. Create an Idea List
If your kids are a bit older and you want to take some of the work off your plate, you can create a list of meal and snack ideas, perhaps monthly or weekly. Stock the house with the items from that list, and then your kids can refer to it when they’re hungry. They can use it as inspiration to make their own meals and snacks based on what you have at home and what they’re in the mood for. You can make it part of your kids’ responsibilities to mark off any ingredient or food items that you run out of from the list, so you know when to replenish them.

3. Prep Snacks
You may already be meal prepping for lunch when you’re homeschooling, but don’t forget about snacks. Snacks are an important part of kids’ days and they fill-in nutritional gaps with items they might not get during mealtime. If you meal prep, make time to prepare snacks ahead of time as well. Packs of cut-up vegetables with dips are a good option, as are hardboiled eggs and muffins.

4. Get Inspired
The following are some ideas you can use as inspiration for lunch ideas when your kids learning at home:

Cheese quesadillas on whole wheat tortillas
Breakfast for lunch with things like scrambled eggs and pancakes
Mini pizzas on pita bread
Almond butter and jelly sandwiches

5. Choose Accessible Tools & Storage
Finally, when you’re making lunches and snacks for your kids during the homeschool day, there are some tools and storage containers that can make things easier. You can use mason jars to store items like soup, salads, or fruit and vegetables that you prepare ahead of time. Silicon muffin cups are a fun way to make dips accessible for fruits and vegetables. You can also use color-coded plates and Tupperware so kids can easily find the items meant for them.

It can be a bit of a challenge to also handle lunches and snacks when you’re homeschooling your kids, but with a little planning, it’s also more than possible.

Rae Steinbach

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

"Rae is a graduate of Tufts University with a combined International Relations and Chinese degree. After spending time living and working abroad in China, she returned to NYC to pursue her career and continue curating quality content. Rae is passionate about travel, food, and writing (of course)."

3 Easy Lunch Hacks for the Homebound

By Alexandra Gabalda

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

February 28, 2021

What’s for lunch? Staying at home, confined, is a challenge for every family’s daily routine, starting with mealtime. The good news is that the Teuko community is your ally to stay inspired and motivated when it comes to feeding your tribe. As you are juggling your new reality, we’re happy to remind and share with you 3 simple tricks that can save you time and your sanity!

1. Get Inspired & See What Others Do Daily on Teuko
Teuko is the one place where you can find inspiration by browsing ideas from other parents, but not only. Don’t forget to check the School Menus category: you will find there simple and healthy kids’ lunch menus designed and validated by professionals for schools in Paris, San Francisco, or Tokyo!

Browse with your kids, choose together what inspires you the most, or search for ideas by an ingredient you like, and hopefully, you’ll keep on being inspired for a happy and healthy lunchtime.

2. Build Your Pantry “Survival Kit”
If you’re lucky enough to get some food items from your supermarket, you may be interested to know what simple food can make the difference in your pantry and your freezer. From cans, sauces, and frozen foods… these staples are indispensable in the pantry to prevent these days when “there is nothing left at home.”

3. Make the Most of Meal Kits
When the food supply is short, or your motivation low, meal kits stay a reliable resource to consider. The good news is that companies are developing new delivery services with the kids’ specific needs in mind. If they are convenient, we also like the fact that these kits can make it easier and more fun to get your kids to discover and try new ingredients and new recipes from home.

We hope that these few tips are useful for you. If so, please share them with members of your families or friends as they are probably facing the same challenges.

This post originally appeared on Teuko Blog.

Photo: Photo by kazuend on Unsplash

Alexandra Gabalda

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Teuko is the first platform that empowers families to simplify lunch packing. Using Teuko, they can find and share kid-approved lunchbox ideas, recipes, and tips, all in one place. Teuko is transforming the lunch packing experience by boosting inspiration and motivation week after week.

The 5 Golden Rules of a Healthy School Lunch

By Alexandra Gabalda

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

February 28, 2021

#NationalNutritionMonth is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all the mums and dads who pack lunches every day for their kids despite their busy schedules! Because we want to help you make lunch packing a better experience, we asked Cecile Cottus, a Registered Dietitian in France, to share some of her tips to make things easier for you on a daily basis. Cecile is bringing us her expertise after years of validating menus for schools in Paris.

Why Lunch Is So Important for School-Aged Kids
Did you know that lunch is actually the real most important meal of the day for a school-aged kid? Breakfast sets us up with energy for the day ahead, after the body has had time to recover during the night. But when it comes to filling up the body and power our kids through their intense school day, lunch definitely holds the place of the most important meal of the day.

In other words, if you are packing lunch for your kid, make time to pack a healthy lunch and take this as an opportunity to provide your kids with all the resources they need to stay active, grow healthfully, and learn successfully throughout the day.

How to Make It Easy, Tasty… but Healthy?
Lunch packing doesn’t have to be complicated. There are small food choices that you can make to simplify lunch packing while covering your kids’ nutritional needs and helping them to develop healthy eating habits.

Here are simple food habits that will help you cover your kids’ nutritional needs while making your lunch packing routine simple:

1. Fuel their body: Mix grains and veggies

2. Help them grow: Choose 1 low sugar dairy

3. Make them chew: Choose 1 raw fruit or veggie

4. Build them: Choose 1 protein a day is enough

5. Pleasure: Treats are ok, but not every day

More Tips:

Grains: Choose whole grain if possible.
Dairy: Less than 10 grams of sugars per serving is ideal.
Proteins: Fish fingers and “charcuterie” (deli meat) are not recommended: Choose non-fat proteins like poultry, 5% fat proteins.
Treats: Don’t mix bad fat treat with a sweet treat.
Check out more of Cecile’s Lunchbox Ideas on Teuko.com

Free Resources to Get Started with Healthy Lunch Packing
1. Check out this free printable: 5 Basics you need to know before you get started with lunch packing. GET IT NOW
2. Get inspired: Visit Teuko.com and see what other kids actually eat. VISIT TEUKO

This post originally appeared on Teuko Blog.

Photo: http://www.teuko.com

Alexandra Gabalda

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

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