21 Egg Carton Crafts for Kids That’ll Keep Them Entertained & Creative

by Abigail MatsumotoFebruary 15, 2024

With Easter just around the corner, chances are you’ll soon have some extra egg cartons on your hands. Put them to good use with these simple egg carton crafts for kids of all ages that extend far beyond Easter. From flowers to colorful chicks, these crafts that use egg cartons are a must this spring.

Looking for more Easter fun for kids? Check out our Easter games, Easter jokes, Easter movies for kids, and Easter paper crafts.

Chicken “Egg” Cups

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How cute is this egg carton craft from Red Ted Art? Not only are they easy to create, but they make great decorations for the kids’ Easter dinner table too.

Bunnies in the Burrow

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This adorable idea from Jumbletree is so fresh and fun, and kids will love using it to play with their bunny pals. Making the burrow is simple, and making rabbits requires a few supplies you probably already have. Get the tutorial to make the rabbits here.

Candy-Filled Egg Carton Chick

chicken egg carton craft for Easter — One Little Project

This candy-filled chick from One Little Project is a project and a fun treat all in one! Fill it with your or your kiddo's favorite Easter sweets.

Egg Carton Jellyfish Puppets

jellyfish egg carton craft — The Art Kit

Create whimsical jellyfish puppets when you use this adorable design from The Art Kit. Egg cartons, paint, yarn, and googly eyes are pretty much all you need to create these under the sea creatures!

Egg Carton Pots

egg carton flower pots — Journey Into Creativity

This craft uses a different part of the egg carton—the pointy part that touches the lid. All you have to do is cut out that piece, fill it with soil, and then top it with an adorable and tiny succulent. Attach string and hang for your very own hanging planter. You can find all the details at Journey Into Creativity.

Egg Carton Flower Prints

flower prints are a fun egg carton craft — Meaningful Mama

Let your little Picasso get creative by making egg carton flower prints! This craft from Meaningful Mama is simply fun and perfect for some Spring crafting. Put these works of art in a frame, or get the kids to make some cards for grandparents—you can't go wrong!

Dancing Egg Carton Fish

These dancing fish are a cool egg carton craft — Brainy Beginnings Network

A perfect craft for big kids, these Dancing Fish from Brainy Beginnings Network involve painting and a little sewing. Once assembled, make these gorgeous fish dance or hang them up as a super cute decoration.

Egg Carton Craft: Ladybugs

Turn your old egg cartons into adorable ladybugs with this tutorial from One Little Project. Gather pipe cleaners, pom poms, and googly eyes, and get crafting.

Egg Carton Art on a Canvas

this flower bouquet is a cool egg carton craft. — Mod Podge Rocks

Crafty kids will love making this flower bouquet canvas from Mod Podge Rocks. With brightly colored paint, a little glue, and a layer of sparkly Mod Podge, it’ll come together in an afternoon.

Spring Chicks Egg Carton Craft

these colorful chicks are a fun egg carton craft — Typically Simple

These cute chicks from Typically Simple can double as an Easter project—and they’re a super fun way to make use of egg cartons. They’re also easy to make with items you probably have on hand.

Egg Carton Toy Camera

Thanks to Let's Do Something Crafty, your kids can snap the perfect pretend photo. Though this egg carton craft may need a bit more grown-up involvement, the kids can help out with painting, braiding the camera strap, or arranging the different elements of the "camera."

Egg Carton Sea Life Craft

Create an entire underwater world with just four supplies. You’ve got the egg cartons; find out what else you’ll need at Fantastic Fun and Learning. One down, three to go!

Egg Carton Building Blocks

Using egg cartons as building blocks? Pure genius. Once you’ve cut up your stash, have the kids paint it all in bright hues. After that, the possibilities are endless. Take a peek at the great tutorial for this craft that uses egg cartons at The Pinterested Parent.

Egg Carton Bugs

These little guys are more cute than creepy and use up plenty of egg cartons. Parents, you'll probably have to handle the task of arranging the pipe cleaner legs just right. Get the how-to over at Pink Stripey Socks.

Related: 13 Easter Games for Kids

Egg Carton Flower Crown

It’s a project that requires help, but your kiddo will be the queen or king of spring if you decide to tackle this cool flower crown. You can handle the glue gun, they can design their flowers. Find out how to make this egg carton craft over at Hello Wonderful.

Egg Carton Owl

owl egg carton craft — Art and Soul Preschool

Who-who-who's up for transforming an egg carton into a feathered friend? This clever craft from Art and Soul Preschool is super easy. If you have a decently stocked craft drawer you likely have the googly eyes, feathers and paint ready to go.

Egg Carton Masks

This egg carton mask craft from Teaching Every Day is great fun for a masquerade dress-up bash. You only need a few supplies, and it's easy enough that younger crafters can handle most of the steps. Customize with the kids' favorite colors or add feathers for additional panache.

Egg Carton Penguin

How cute are these penguins from Green Owl Art? They're just the right size for little hands and don't require a lot of materials or time. Couple the activity with a viewing of Happy Feet, and you've got one eggcellent afternoon.

Egg Carton Crocodile

Here's a smile, crocodile! This green grinner from My Kid Craft is a lot of toothy fun. Best part? It requires three egg cartons—ideal for using up a big supply.

Spring Robin Egg Carton Candy Box

spring robin candy box egg carton craft — Almost Unschoolers

These adorable little robins are made from recycled egg cartons, and as a bonus, they have a little treat inside! Not only are they filled with your favorite candy, but they're also super easy to make. Check out the step-by-step tutorial from Almost Unschoolers here.

Egg Carton Ocean Craft

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Let your kids learn their imagination is as deep as the ocean with this fun egg carton ocean craft. Use the container as a vignette, where little ones can paint with colors of the sea, then fill it with ocean creatures and plants. Get the details from The Imagination Tree.

—with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton and Karly Wood

7 Groundhog Crafts Kids Will Totally Dig

by Allison SutcliffeJanuary 15, 2024

Whether there will be six more weeks of winter or an early spring, these cute projects will help you pass the time.

Excitement is building in your house. Your little critter can hardly wait for the Punxsutawney prophet himself, Groundhog Phil to make his annual prediction. Will he grant your snow baby six more weeks of snowman building or is it on to spring tulips and rainy day puddle jumping? Craft while you wait with one of these simply adorable Groundhog Day crafts for kids.

geometric-groundhog-almostunschoolers-com — *Almost Unschoolers*

1. Almost Unschoolers has the scoop on how to make this geometric groundhog that’s a perfect fit for preschoolers.

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A post shared by Allison (@playroomprek)

2. Put that sensory box to good use by having your little ones search for tiny groundhogs and match them to a printout like this fun idea from @playroomprek on Instagram.

groundhog-shadow-craft-allison-sutcliffe — *Allison Sutcliffe*

3. No matter how your aspiring artist chooses to paint or color this cute groundhog, his shadow will always be close behind. Get the template, instructions, and a cool texture painting idea at allkidsnetwork.com.

girl-with-groundhog-pop-up-craft-allison-sutcliffe — *Allison Sutcliffe*

4. Your kidlet can play peek-a-boo with this groundhog puppet, who loves popping in and out of his grass-lined toilet paper roll to look for his shadow. Print your own cuddly paper puppet template online to get this project rolling!

heart-shaped groundog day craft — *Allison Sutcliffe*

5. We dare you not to love this simple cut-and-paste, googly-eyed groundhog who’s a Pinterest fave. Three hearts make up his face, teeth, and button nose, followed by ears and eyes trimmed freestyle. All you need is a glue stick at the ready to assemble this furry friend!

6. Our friends at Kids Activity Blog have the how-to on this adorable, paper-bag craft.

a picture of a fun Groundhog Day craft, groundhog finger puppets — Housing a forest

7. We can’t quite put our finger on what makes these petite puppets so adorable, but we bet your little ones will love making them. Housing a Forest spells out the necessary steps to construct this easily animated guy.

27 Easy Valentine’s Day Cards You Can Make at Home

by Susie ForesmanJanuary 5, 2024

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.

1. Seed Paper Hearts

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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.

2. Hot Air Balloon Heart

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A post shared by Cars, Castles & Capes: Susanne (@cars.castles.capes)

Try out this adorable hot air balloon card that can easily serve as a decoration for February.

3. Embroidered Hearts

a picture of a homemade valentine's card — Hello, Wonderful

Kids can hone their skills with a needle and thread to make these cute homemade Valentine's Day cards from Hello, Wonderful.

4. Goldfish Snacks in a "Bowl"

How cute are these Goldfish-filled valentines from Backless Shirt? This candy-free idea doubles as a little afternoon snack, too.

5. Cutie Valentines

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.

6. LEGO My Valentine

a picture of a cute homemade valentine card — The Resourceful Mama

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.

7. Toy Plane Valentines

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.

8. Rubber Duckie Valentines

a picture of homemade valentine cards — Simple Enchantments

We love a good pun, and this card from Simple Enchantments is definitely a winner.

9. Candy-Free Valentines

homemade valentine's cards — Pretty Prudent

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.

10. Pirate Puns

Pirate-obsessed kids will love this clever valentine from MerMag. A pirate pun, a heart eye patch—it just doesn’t get much cuter than this.

11. Glow Stick Valentines

Check out this cute idea from Eighteen 25—with a few packs of glow sticks, it’s pretty easy to put together.

12. Kool-Aid Fun

If your little one is a Kool-Aid lover, they’ll get a kick out of these cute Valentine's Day card idea from My Name Is Snickerdoodle.

13. Star(burst) Cards

Fancy up your valentines this year with this idea from It’s Always Autumn. Crafty kids will enjoy decorating each card with a potato stamp.

14. Origami Cards

Whether you’re an origami expert or just a beginner, these easy DIY valentines from Omiyage Blogs will be a winner.

15. Crayon Cards

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.

16. Blow Pop Butterflies

We love this fun (but super easy) take on valentines from Skip to My Lou. The kids will love the sweetness and creativity of this one.

17. Cute Sheep Valentines

Crafty kids will love making this valentine—just print out the cards from Hello, Wonderful, and then let them glue on pom poms for the sheep’s “wool.”

18. Play-Doh Packages

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.

19. Valentine "Cards"

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.

20. Toy Snake Valentines

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.

21. Cupcake Liner Creativity

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.

22. I Spy Surprise

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).

23. Upcycled Valentines

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.

24. Joke Boxes

Brace yourselves, this idea from Delia Creates combines puns, Laffy Taffy, silly bands, and LEGO-inspired boxes. It sounds like a win-win to us.

25. Bear-y Cute Valentine

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.

26. High Fives

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.

27. A Homemade Valentine’s Card for Tweens

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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.

A NY Camp is Encouraging Kids to Keep Learning Even When on Holiday Break

by Marianella OrlandoOctober 11, 2022

School holiday breaks are an exciting time for kiddos. There are no alarm clocks to wake them bright and early and they essentially have free rein to spend their day as they wish—don’t we all love breaking our normal routine every once in a while?

While lounging around, watching TV and playing all day is a child’s perfect lineup, inevitable boredom can quickly set in. Fortunately, parents can turn to iCAMP, a New York-based camp, during the holidays to keep little ones entertained and engaged in learning.

iCAMP provides drop-in, holiday camps for children ages four to 10 years old throughout New York City, Westchester and the Hamptons. With a motto that “kids are creators,” iCAMP offers a custom curriculum that features unique STEAM lessons. Children may participate in workshops, including science, coding, robotics, studio and graphic art, filmmaking, video game design or 3D printing classes.

Campers are also encouraged to learn by doing and are led by skilled instructors to achieve hands-on projects that are thought-provoking and interactive. These activities can include building a robot, flying a drone, creating a work of art, or conducting a science experiment.

“Our mission was, and is, to create the program we wanted in the world for our children,” said iCAMP co-founders Lulu and Brendan Manley in a joint online statement. “We created somewhere for kids to learn creativity, confidence, and critical thinking through the mediums of physical and digital creative tools.”

How does iCAMP stand out from others in the state?

iCAMP provides children the opportunity to learn more about their interests in an environment that fosters creativity and curiosity, while also offering all the benefits of a traditional camp. Campers can learn exciting new STEAM-based subjects and build lifelong friendships, create memorable experiences, and grow on a personal and developmental level.

With an average five-to-one staff-to-camper ratio, iCAMP ensures that all kids are given the proper attention and guidance. As STEAM specialists, instructors also strive to make campers feel like they’re truly learning and are supported during each activity they participate in.

Which dates are available for children to join iCAMP this holiday season?

This fall, your youngsters can join iCAMP during the following school holidays:

Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day: October 10
Election Day: November 8
Veterans Day: November 11
Thanksgiving Break: November 21-26
Winter Break: December 19-24, and December 26-31

Camp schedules can differ by location. Be sure to check the available dates at your preferred iCAMP location.

What real parents love about iCAMP

“I can’t thank you enough for the program you have put together. It’s a dream come true! So ambitiously and smartly curated. It’s a joy to see the group of local young people you’ve brought together to teach, lead and share themselves. The philosophy, the location, from top to bottom, Bravo!” - Erin B.

“My boys LOVE attending iCAMP. They love making things and creating. iCAMP helps them do that by creating projects we could never do at home. The instruction is top notch.” - Jay B.

“Best STEM class around. Period… The mix of art and technology is just perfect. They know how to cater to curious kids who want to learn and build new skills while having fun and being kids.” - Kal B.

To keep your children busy during this fall’s school holidays, be sure to register them today at iCAMP.com!

9 Festive Recipes That Deserve a Gold Medal

by Abigail MatsumotoJanuary 30, 2022

You don’t have to be a world-class athlete to get ready for China. First thing’s first: food! Whether you’re hosting an Olympic-themed party or just planning to park yourself in front of the TV and watch the games 24/7, it helps to have some festive fuel. Flip through the slideshow below for Olympics-inspired dishes that score big points for being fun, easy, and tasty, too!

Veggie Torch Cups

How easy is this fun snack? Cut up veggies, buy some gold torch cups and add ranch for Olympic-inspired bites. See the whole party over at Project Nursery.

Olympic Rice Cake Snacks

Healthy snack alert! We’re loving how these rice cake bites are equal parts tasty, healthy, and customizable (Slather on your fave spread, whether that’s peanut butter, light cream cheese, or another non-nut option.). Adults or big kids can slice the fruits, while little ones can get down with the decorating. Learn more at See Vanessa Craft.

Olympic Rings Pizza

Pint-sized pizza lovers (and adults, too!) will love making this Olympic-centric pie. The best part? Those Olympic rings are the perfect excuse to add lots of colorful veggies to your pizza. Learn more at Living Well Spending Less.

Olympic Doughnut Rings

If celebrating the Olympics with colorful donuts is wrong, we donut want to be right. Whether you make your own homemade donuts or go for store-bought, the key ingredient for these delish treats is a variety of sprinkles. Learn more at Whatever Dee Dee Wants .

Olympic Cookies

Need a quick and easy dessert to celebrate the Olympics? These cookies fit the bill. Make ‘em from scratch or pick some up at your local store—just don’t forget the oh-so-necessary M&Ms! Learn more at Love to be in the Kitchen.

Oreo Gold Medals

With just a wee bit of assembly (and zero baking!) you can pass these treats out to the hungry masses or use them as edible awards after your own backyard Olympics. Learn more from Mirabelle Creations.

Olympic Ring Bagels

Talk about the breakfast of champions! We can’t get enough of these colorful bagels—and we’re betting your family will love them, too. Serve them up for a healthy breakfast option and you’ll be ready to face the day! Learn more at Baby Budgeting.

Olympic Torch

Thanks to some flat-bottomed ice cream cones, you’ll be able to recreate the passing of the Olympic torch and then munch on your own version of the world-famous flame. In this case, the fire comes in the form of caramel corn—but you can always sub in a healthier option like orange sherbet. Learn more at Cook with Kids.

Froot Loop Snack Mix

Separate Froot Loops into the colors of the Olympic rings and mix with your favorite snack mix for a great Olympic-watching treat!

—Taylor Clifton & Abigail Matsumoto

Featured image: Nick Torontali via Unsplash

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How to Make Chalk Paint at Home

By Julia Morrissey

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

December 7, 2020

Photo: Apartment Guide

Chalk paint is a type of paint that you can create at home and use on various surfaces. It’s simple to make, easy to work with, and a fun activity for both kids and adults. It’s also inexpensive—in fact, you probably have all the ingredients you need to make it at home. Keep reading to learn how to make your own chalk paint and different ways to use it with the family.

What you’ll need:

Cornstarch
Water
Food coloring
Muffin pans or small bowls
Paintbrushes
Stencils (optional)

Follow these instructions for easy DIY chalk paint

Step 1: Combine cornstarch and water in equal parts.

Step 2: Next, pour the cornstarch mixture into a muffin tin or small bowls.

Step 3: Finally, add food coloring of your choice until it gets to your desired color. Now you’re ready to paint!

How to Use DIY Chalk Paint

One of the best aspects of chalk paint is that it’s a great way to get creative. Even better, it easily washes away, making cleanup a breeze. Chalk paint is similar to chalk, but you use paintbrushes instead of chalk pieces to create your artwork. DIY chalk paint is a great activity for people of all ages and you can do it both indoors or outdoors! Chalk paint, like traditional chalk, works great on the sidewalk or driveway. It can also be used to decorate chalkboards to display in your home.

Ways Kids Can Use Chalk Paint

Chalk paint is a great way to keep the kids busy for hours. With many extracurricular activities being canceled this year, it’s been more important than ever to find some at-home crafts for the kids.

Practice letters and numbers: For the younger kids, you can use chalk paint as a way to help teach them their letters and numbers when they are out of school. It makes learning fun!
Practice spelling and math: For the slightly older kids, you can also use chalk paint in the summer months, but up the difficulty level with spelling tests and multiplication tables. It makes practicing their schoolwork more fun when they can do it outside!
Paint their pets: Challenge your kids to paint their dog or cat. Mix a bunch of colors and go crazy.
Create games: Classic games that you would use with chalk are perfect for chalk paint! Hopscotch and foursquare are the most popular chalk games.
Make fun stencils: There are many places that you can find printable stencils online, or you can create your own! Kids will love making different stenciled designs and painting them with the chalk paint they helped create.

Ways Adults Can Use Chalk Paint

No, chalk paint isn’t just for kids. There are many ways that adults can use it too. Here are some ideas for chalkboards.

Create a weekly dinner menu: For those who are always dealing with the “what’s for dinner?” question, use your chalk paint to make a pretty menu so that your kids or spouse can check throughout the week.
Use it for a daily quote, joke, affirmation: Using chalk paint as a way to display inspirational quotes, funny jokes, or daily affirmations can help start your day right.
Paint your favorite bible verse: Painting the bible verse that means the most to you will be a comforting display to look at throughout the day.
Christmas countdown: Make a Christmas, birthday, or special event countdown. We all need a little extra cheer this holiday season, so counting down to Christmas can help keep up the excitement this time of year brings.

Tips for Your DIY Chalk Paint

Chalk paint doesn’t dry instantly—Unlike regular chalk, the paint takes some time to dry. Be careful not to touch your art for a few hours—otherwise, you may smudge it.
Add more water or cornstarch depending on thickness—It’s hard to mess up chalk paint, so if you think it’s a little runny or too stiff, just add a little more cornstarch or water and you’ll be good to go.
Chalk paint color will dry darker—As your painting, you may be tempted to go darker or paint more layers. Remember, the paint will dry darker than when you first paint, so you’ll get a good idea of what it looks like after it dries.

DIY chalk paint is a fun activity for kids and adults. It’s easy to make and you probably have most of the ingredients you need already in your pantry! Make some fun games for the kids and they’ll stay busy for hours.

Julia Morrissey

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Julia is a dog mom and content creator. When she's not writing or playing with her pup, you can find her playing tennis or chowing down on a vegan burger.

Thanksgiving Baking with Kids

by #MomLifeOctober 18, 2020

Ashley Hutchings

I’m a mom to two little ladies and an avid cook, writer and crafter! I’ve raised my girls in London and New York City, but you’ll currently find me getting back to my country roots in a rural area of Connecticut!

Is it realistic to cook every meal with your kids? No. They will slow you down and mom life is busy! But, is cooking with your kids tons of fun, and does it foster healthy eating habits, food appreciation, and all types of education? YES! So, why not put on your matching aprons and get in the kitchen! Whether it’s for dinner prep, an afternoon baking project, or a festive fall or Halloween treat, your kids will appreciate being your little helpers!

The most efficient way to get your kids involved is with meal prep. It can keep them busy and close while you focus on getting dinner on the table. Give them a task like stirring, scooping out the seeds from a squash, or being the one to put the pre-measured ingredients into a bowl. My kids are 3 and 1, but older kids can be trusted with leveling the cups!

When I have more time, and am not on a dinner mission, I will get my girls involved in a baking activity. This is so great to explore the senses. Kids love the feeling of flour between their fingers, the smell of vanilla extract, the shapes dough can make, and seeing and eating a delicious treat at the end of the experience! Pies are a great dessert to bake with your kids and perfect for this time of year. I like to trace my daughter’s hand in dough for a personal touch to bake on the top of a pie! Try out this Apple-Cranberry Pie! I also love making personal pies in a muffin tin for adorable portion control. Check out these Mini Chocolate Pies! I also recommend going from an apple orchard to the kitchen to really show your kids a full scope on how food ends up on our tables. It’s a really special learning experience!

And with fall comes Halloween! This is a great time to get creative and use imaginations! Turn cupcakes into black cats or drizzle with red icing for a bit of gore. Turn white chocolate-covered skewered marshmallows into spooky ghosts. I love a cupcake decorating buffet setup where kids can really go wild (end inevitably overboard) on sprinkles, candy corn, marshmallows, gel icing, and more!

Those are just a few ways to get your kids involved. Whatever you manage to do with your kiddos will create memories they’ll never forget! I still remember licking that brownie batter-covered spatula and adding the shredded cheese to my grandmother’s mac’ & cheese recipe. Special moments, for sure. So, happy fall and happy cooking!!

1

Williams Sonoma Bay Stripe Adult & Kid Aprons

Get excited to get in the kitchen with these matching aprons.

$49.90

Gear up for kitchen projects with your favorite young chef. You'll look and feel like true culinary pros with our classic striped aprons.

BUY NOW

2

OXO Good Grips Pastry Mat

Who doesn't love Pie?

$19.99

Pies are one of the best things to make with the kids! This Pastry Mat will guide and teach them sizing as they learn to work with dough! I use this even without my kids!

BUY NOW

3

Mrs. Anderson's Baking Pie Crust Shield

Another pie-making necessity

$5.99

Mrs. Anderson's Baking Pie Crust Shield allows pies to rise, reduces spillage, and prevents pie crusts from burning or over browning.

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4

Mrs. Anderson's Baking Pie Weights

Don't forget the weights!

$5.99

Pre-baked pie shells often bubble up, shrink and crack during baking. These pie weights can help prevent this from happening because they conduct heat evenly and they hold the pastry in place while it bakes.

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5

Williams Sonoma Fall Pie Punches

Punch it up with these Fall Pie Punches

$19.95

One of the best ways to decorate a pie is one your kids will love! They’ll have fun with these Fall Pie Punches!

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6

Disposable Thanksgiving Dinnerware

Casual can still be pretty!

$9.99

A backyard, distancing Thanksgiving looks like paper plates for us. Find some beautiful ones for the big day!

BUY NOW

7

Hand Warmers

A Cozy and Useful Gift for Guests!

$29.95

We'll be offering these hand warmers attached to our outdoor Thanksgiving bash's place cards! A way to keep an outdoor dinner nice and cozy!

BUY NOW

8

Tumblers for Kids

Because milk goes too well with dessert!

I just love the tumblers from Pottery Barn Kids for my girls, and their turkey-themed seasonal ones are a perfect way to get festive!

BUY NOW

9

Thanksgiving Turkey Headband

The perfect Thanksgiving accessory!

Adults and kids around the Thanksgiving table will get a kick out of these turkey headbands!

BUY NOW

10

Pure Food by Estee Chocolate Sesame Butter with Cocoa

Enjoy the goodness of great-tasting snacks without all the allergy-inducing ingredients.

19.99

My favorite new food product! A nut-free, gluten-free chocolate spread that is perfect for drizzling over desserts, adding to the center of cupcakes, or just eating by the spoonful!

BUY NOW

How to Apply Sunscreen to a Wriggling Toddler (Successfully) & Other Tips

by Melissa HeckscherJuly 15, 2020

Putting sunscreen on a toddler is about as easy as trying to bathe an angry cat: They squirm. They try to run away. They whine. So what’s a parent to do to protect those baby-soft faces, other than give up entirely and head indoors? We looked around and gathered the best sunscreen application hacks to help you out. Keep reading to see them all.

Get Creative with Applicators

If you'd rather use lotion sunscreen (which in our opinion is best for an even spread), give your kids novel ways to slap the stuff all over their bodies. Makeup sponges—or even paint brushes—can work well and make sunscreen application fun for kids. Or try this awesome sunscreen applicator that was mom-designed specifically for kids to use themselves.

For applying to faces, if you don't have a stick, try using cotton swabs, cotton balls or even popsicle sticks to help glide on the sunscreen without getting it in the eyes.

Use a Stick—Followed with a Spray

Stick sunblocks are great for kids who perpetually scream "I want to do it myself!" And even if they don't do it by themselves, swiping across the nose and cheeks is way easier for mom or dad, too. Since younger kids won't likely get their entire face covered, let alone their bodies, you'll still need to help them spread the stuff on (or use a spray) once they've covered the bulk of their uncovered skin.

Put Long Sleeves and Hats on When Possible

If you just can't get your squirmy little one to sit still for a proper sunscreen application, at least make sure she's got a hat and sun-protective clothing on to keep her safe, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m.-2 p.m.).

Make a Game of It

Kids love making their "best time ever," so try it out with sunscreen application. Set a timer to keep track of how long it takes, or race them yourself! You can also get siblings to apply to each other in a taking-turns (don't get it in the eye) way.

Make It Part of the Routine

Put the sunblock right by the front door, so that everybody lathers up when they leave the house. The more you make it part of your routine, the easier it will get to get stubborn kiddos in on the game.

Store the tube of sunscreen in a water bottle, in the ice chest.

Double points for creativity here. First, keeping the cream cold will entice kids to dry off long enough for reapplication. Second, keeping the tube of sunscreen stashed in a water bottle will prevent spills.

Do Their Faces While They're Strapped in Their Car Seats.

That whole squirming toddler thing is not a myth. Consider getting their faces covered properly while they're still strapped into their seats.

Read Stories or Watch Shows That Emphasize Being Safe in the Sun

girl laughing with mom reading jokes for kids fun happy — iStock

It's always good to hammer in little lessons via stories and TV shows that kids will want to read and watch. This PBS-sponsored short about why sunscreen matters is easy for kids to understand. You can also get this "Sun Show" DVD that is packed with fun segments about sun safety. If you'd rather read to your tiny tot, this free eBook from Sun Safe Schools will teach your kids a little about sun safety.

Distract with a Song (and Your Phone)

Not only will your wiggle worm be distracted by this adorable "Sunscreen March" on YouTube, but it will also mean that you'll likely be handing her a smartphone, which almost always works to keep kids still.

—Melissa Heckscher with Gabby Cullen

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Stick ‘Em Up! 6 Terrific Tape Crafts

by Abigail MatsumotoMay 26, 2020

Get stuck for an afternoon with an activity that requires one thing: tape! This handy dandy material can lead to all kinds of creative possibilities—which works out great when you need a craft that’s as simple as it is entertaining. Whether your arts and crafts drawer is stocked with duct tape, scotch tape, or colorful washi, scroll down for a few ideas that take tape to the next imaginative level.

photo: Hands on as We Grow

1. Simple Leaf Garland
A festive craft and an excuse to for your little explorer to roam the great outdoors? We dig it. This idea from Hands on as We Grow is super simple (just snag your scotch tape!) and a fun way to learn more about nature. It’s adaptable, too–make a festive garland to celebrate autumn, gather up spring flowers, or just see where the wind takes you! Learn more here.

photo: Clumsy Crafter

2. Duct Tape Beads
If you’re looking for a craft that will entertain everyone from Big Bro to Little Sis, the Clumsy Crafter (a.k.a. Bobbie Byrd) has you covered. As Bobbie says, this idea is “simple enough for a preschooler to make but interesting enough for elementary and middle school age kids”. That means that the whole crew will love making these sweet duct tape beads. Learn more here.

photo: A Crafty LIVing

3. Washi Tape Dominoes
We have to give major props to A Crafty LIVing for this super simple craft that doubles as a learning game. How simple is it? Well, there are 2 steps and 2 supplies. The littles can help make it, and then practice number and color recognition, matching, and more! Learn more here.

photo: MADE Everyday

4. Homemade Maracas
Ready to make some noise? With leftover plastic Easter eggs, some masking tape, and just a few other around-the-house ingredients, you’ve got the makings for a musical afternoon, courtesy of MADE Everyday. In fact, it’s hard to say which part your little Mozarts will love more–crafting their own maracas or shake-shake-shaking to their own beat. Learn more here.

photo: Holly’s Arts and Crafts Corner

5. Watercolor Salt Painting
This idea from Holly’s Arts and Crafts Corner is a kid-approved combo of science and art. It gets bonus points for being quick-drying (always a plus with impatient artists!) and an interesting way to learn about the way salt interacts with water. For extra artsy angles, don’t forget the key supply–painter’s tape! Learn more here.

photo: Theresa’s Mixed Nuts

6. Duct Tape Bookmarks
Tiny bookworms rejoice! Theresa’s Mixed Nuts has just the thing to tuck into your favorite read. Made from colorful duct tape, these bookmarks are easy to whip up and practically indestructible, too. Give ’em as gifts, stick them in party bags, or just make sure they’re handy when storytime rolls around. Learn more here.

—Abigail Matsumoto

16 Mother’s Day Paper Crafts Kids Can Easily Make

by Susie ForesmanMay 7, 2020

Mother’s Day will be here before you know it, so it’s the perfect time to help your kiddos make a craft to show Mom how much they love her. We’ve rounded up a list of easy paper crafts that kids can make themselves, from tissue paper flowers to patterned notebooks. Read on for some serious crafting inspiration.

1. A Tasteful Topiary

Grab some dried flowers and put together this sweet card from Make and Takes. Finish it off with white glue and a little drawing. To get all the details on this DIY, click here.

2. Patterned Notebook

How cool is this personalized notebook from Sisoo?! Grab a simple notebook and origami paper, and you’ll have the perfect gift ready in no time. Best of all, it’s something Mom will happily use. To get the details on how it’s done, click here.

3. Mother’s Day Questionnaire

If you don’t have time to make an elaborate craft, this cute questionnaire from Lil’ Luna will fit the bill. Your little one can fill out facts about Mom, and then they can draw and color a one-of-a-kind picture of her. To get the printable, click here.

4. Mother’s Day Book

This kid-made book from Hello, Wonderful is guaranteed to melt Mom’s heart. The printable template includes prompts for them to write their favorite things about their mom. Get all the details by clicking here.

5. Easy Silhouette

Professional silhouettes can be expensive, but you can actually DIY one that looks just as good, thanks to Homemade Ginger. You’ll be surprised by how easy it is—click here to get the step-by-step instructions.

6. Flower Art

We’re obsessed with this colorful and creative idea from Hello, Wonderful. Just head outside and collect spring flowers and foliage, then use them to decorate a special portrait of Mom. To get the details, click here.

7. Paper Flower Bowl

We love this craft idea from B-Inspired Mama—it’s a gift that can be put to good use as a candy bowl or a trinket holder. Find out how it’s made and print out the colorful flowers by clicking here.

8. Printable Card

If you’re not the crafty type, that doesn’t mean you can’t still surprise Mom. Just print out The Bird Feed NYC’s cute card template, then let the tots fill it in with all the things they love about their mom. Grab the printable by clicking here.

9. Sequin Paper Plate Heart Suncatchers

Break out the paper plates to make these cute suncatchers from Kids Craft Room. With a bit of paint and some sparkles, your little artists will make a keepsake that will melt Mom’s heart. Click here to get the instructions.

10. Butterfly Handprint Cards

Take inspiration from The Best Ideas for Kids to transform your kiddo’s handprint into a pretty butterfly card. They’re super easy to make with construction paper and a little glue. To get the instructions (plus a cute poem to include with the card!), click here.

11. Best Mom Ever Medals

Remind Mom she’s the best with these adorable medals from Chica Circle. You’ll have these done in no time thanks to the handy printable. Click here to get the instructions and the templates (there’s a template for the Best Grandma Ever too).

12. Teacup Cards

If Mom is a tea drinker, she’ll love getting a fun card inspired by In the Playroom. Made with egg cartons, pipe cleaners and her favorite tea bag, this card is sure to be a hit. Click here to get all the details.

13. Crepe Paper Flowers

Break out the crepe papers to make a bouquet of colorful flowers like this one from The Art of Simple. You can use pipe cleaners instead of floral wire to make it easy for the kids to take over. Click here to see the step-by-step instructions.

14. Tulip Painting

Try out Fun Littles’ cool and colorful take on painting for Mom. Three-pronged forks become painting utensils, so you’ll have a pretty tulip garden in no time. Get the details by clicking here.

15. Woven Hearts

Little ones will love making woven paper hearts like this one from Maya*Made. You can experiment with different types of material, from vintage maps to newspapers to burlap. To get all the details, click here.

16. Tissue Paper Flower Card

For a last-minute gift, we love this easy idea from Buggy and Buddy. Kids can decorate a card with tissue paper flowers, then fill in the inside with drawings or notes for Mom. Click here to get the instructions and free printable.

—Susie Foresman

Feature photo: Pexels

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