ML Interest Tag: ornament

10 Cute Christmas Crafts That Use Baby’s Hand & Footprints

by Aimee Della Bitta

A holiday art project featuring your baby’s handprint or footprint is a fun, festive way to capture the moment

When there’s a new baby in the home, it’s practically a requirement that their tiny toes and fingers make their way into some sort of cute keepsake. Even if Christmas footprint art isn’t your thing (right now anyway), we’re betting the grandparents will think it’s the absolute best. We’ve rounded up our favorite ideas, and, one day, when the kids are grown, you’ll look back and marvel at how far they’ve come.

Cardboard Christmas Footprint Ornaments

So, these might not be the fanciest Christmas footprint art projects we’ve seen, but they are adorable, and you can make them with supplies you probably already have at home.

Mistle-toes Ornament

How adorable is this ornament? This Christmas footprint art project will win over even the most skeptical of parents. Check out this easy-to-follow tutorial from Midget Momma.

Thumbprint Heart Ornaments

Instead of little toes, use little fingerprints to create this adorable oven-baked clay snowflake with a heart in the middle. We also love the use of vibrant colors that don’t scream ‘holiday season.’ Get the tutorial from Made to Be a Momma.

Footprint Ornament Tile

A cute Christmas footprint art project
Make the Best of Everything

Capture those little piggies just as they are this holiday season with this Christmas footprint art project. We love the sweet saying that goes on the back of this tile ornament; find it and a full tutorial at Make the Best of Everything.

Salt Dough Ornaments

Christmas footprint art is a fun gift for grandparents
Viva Veltora

Create Santa and Rudolph using some salt dough, paint, and your child's hand and foot. Sturdier than paper and festive enough to display every year, these adorable ornaments are a great project to help you and your child get into the holiday spirit. Visit Viva Veltora for a simple tutorial.

Wooden Handprint Ornaments

Rustic Trims

To create these wooden ornaments, you'll need a little help from Etsy. You trace your child's hand, stamp it, or take a photocopy of it. Then you send that plus your child's hand measurements to the Etsy shop MadeWithMamaCo, and they'll craft a wooden ornament of your child's hand. They also burn your child's name and age into the wood and finish the ornament with a twine ribbon for hanging on your tree.

Christmas Penguin Plate

This penguin plate is a cute Christmas footprint art idea
Fun Handprint Art

Shake it up with a penguin plate instead of a footprint ornament. It's just as cute and can be displayed along with other Christmas decorations. The secret is all in the type of paint you buy. Get the details from Fun Handprint Art. 

Angel Handprint

Christmas footprint art angel
That Artist Woman

Your child is always a little angel, of course, and this DIY craft from That Artist Woman helps you prove it. It's easy to do and will be cherished forever. While your child's hands and feet are covered in paint, make multiples of this design to give to grandparents and other loved ones.

Mistletoes Printable Art

HappyHeartPrintables

Here's an easy way to keep it simple. Purchase a digital download of this template from the Etsy shop HappyHeartPrintables, and then break out the paint and your baby's little feet. Add your child's name and the year, then pop into an inexpensive frame for personalized decor or a fun present for grandparents!

Handprint & Footprint Kit

This clever kit from Bubzi Co makes it easy to preserve your child's tiny little toes and fingers forever. The kit comes with clay you insert into the frame and then gently press your child's hand and foot into. Pop two photos in the photo spots and your keepsake is done. You can buy the kit on Amazon ($18). Pro tip: If you suspect your child will be too squirmy or squeamish for the clay, wait until they're asleep to take their prints.

 

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Do You & Yours Celebrate the ‘Pickle Ornament’ Tradition?

by Amber Guetebier

Here’s what it means when you see a pickle ornament on a Christmas tree—and why you’ll want to add one to your own tree this year

Have you ever noticed something unique hanging on a friend or family member’s Christmas tree? For some families, hanging a glass pickle (usually tucked inside the tree’s branches so it’s a bit hidden from plain view) is part of a fun tradition. But what does a pickle ornament mean, and where does this tradition come from?

Spotting the pickle ornament on your family’s Christmas tree is supposed to be a sign of good luck. The tradition has a few different variations, but typically, the first child to find the pickle on the tree will have a fortuitous next year—and may get a prize or extra present, get to open the first present, or get to hand out presents to the rest of the family.

The custom is known as Weihnachtsgurke, which is German for “Christmas pickle.” That seems to point to pickle ornaments having German roots, but the origins of this tradition are actually a lot less clear-cut than that. In fact, YouGov polled 2,057 German people and found that 91 percent of them had never even heard of the Christmas pickle tradition.

The New York Times has reported that pickle ornaments are a common tradition in the Midwest (which I can confirm—many of my midwestern friends have celebrated this tradition for their entire lives). There’s even an annual Christmas Pickle Festival in the German settlement of Berrien Springs, Michigan.

The true origins of the pickle ornament tradition will probably remain a mystery, though. Some say it began with a story of a villanous innkeeper who trapped two boys in a pickle barrel, until they were rescued by Santa Claus. Another story says a German immigrant was captured as a soldier during the civil war, and he begged for a pickle, which magically sustained him until he could escape.

No matter the reason for the tradition, adding a hidden pickle ornament to your family tree can add some fun (and a little friendly competition) to the holidays. Happy pickle hunting!

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11 Holiday Paper Crafts You Can Do This Afternoon

by Erica Loop

Try these holiday paper crafts to keep your kiddo busy

Are you looking for some holiday paper crafts to carry your crew through the pre-holiday season? These easy ideas will keep the kids active and busy when it’s too cold to play outside, and as a bonus, you can use your little artist’s paper craft to decorate the house or as handmade holiday cards.

1. Jeweled Snowflake

This jeweled snowflake will put a smile on anyone's face. It may not fit in the mail, but it'll bring holiday joy to whoever receives it. 

2. Hand Print Polar Bear

Who doesn't love this polar bear? Your kiddo can use their creativity to make such cute cards out of their hand shape. They can even make the polar bear the bard itself (with no dark blue background).

3. Paper Poinsettias

Mini Monets and Mommies

Instead of spending on the real deal on the red and green leaves of a holiday flower only to see it fade away, help your child make a paper version that'll last year after year. Start with red and green cardstock paper, drawing a cloud-like spiral form with a pencil. Cut along the lines, fold the paper, and follow these directions by Mini Monets & Mommies to make pretty poinsettias. 

4. Hanukkah Bunting

holiday paper crafts
Creative Jewish Mom

Paper plus paint plus prints equals this fabulously festive bunting from Creative Jewish Mom. Hang this homemade Hanukkah decor during your eight-night celebration or send your child's cute creation to family and friends as a sweet holiday gift. 

5. Handmade Hanukkah Gift Wrap

Tori Avey

Homemade gift wrap is sooooooo welcome at this time of the year. Your always-crating kid can make their own paper to cover presents with this easy how-to from Tori Avey. 

6. Pop-Up Stocking

holiday paper crafts
The Soccer Mom Blog

What better way to use your child's pics than as part of a creative craft? Forget about keeping your child's precious photos on a cloud somewhere. Print them out and follow The Soccer Mom Blog's step-by-step instructions to make this picture-perfect pop-up!

7. Paper Snowman

Fireflies and Mud Pies

Are you looking for a holiday paper craft that doesn't go overboard on a Christmas theme? These sweet snowmen are easy for kiddos to create and perfect as non-religious holiday cards. Get the full how-to from Fireflies and Mud Pies.

8. Make-Believe Menorah

Mini Monets and Mommies

Paper art doesn't always have to start at the craft store. Chances are you have plenty of reusable paper sources at home. Before buying brand-new supplies, take a look around the house. Upcycle cardboard tubes, turning each one into an artsy candle for a make-believe menorah by Mini Monets & Mommies. Add finger paints and tissue paper to make this cute craft complete. 

9. Mini Christmas Letter Ornament

holiday paper crafts
Mama. Papa. Bubba.

Your child can magically transform a piece of paper into ornament awesomeness. Okay, okay, so technically they aren't 'magically transforming' the piece of paper. Instead, they can follow Mama.Papa.Bubba's instructions and learn how to make these adorable little letters. 

10. Dreidel Gift Box

Mini Monets and Mommies

Up your kiddo's artsy recycling game with this paper takeout container project. Whether you use washed and dried upcycled containers or new ones (you can buy new foldable takeout boxes at most craft stores), all your child needs is a cardboard tube, some tissue, paper, glue, and glitter paint to create these handmade gift boxes. 

11. Holiday Card Bookmarks

holiday paper crafts
Hands On As We Grow

Recycle last year's holiday cards, turning them into this year's crafty presents! Follow the directions from Hands On As We Grow and learn how to make these artfully amazing bookmarks. Keep a few of your kiddo's creations for yourself or give them out as holiday gifts. 

 

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Trader Joe’s Grinch-Inspired Trees Are Back

by Shahrzad Warkentin

All the Who’s down in Whoville couldn’t possibly come up with a more adorable holiday plant than Trader Joe’s Grump Tree.

Whether you’re feeling a little Grinchy or you’re short on space to decorate, these adorable little trees are the perfect accent to warm your home and your heart. The skinny evergreen Cyprus trees are wrapped in a red ribbon and topped with a single red ornament.

The trees are tiny now, but just like the Grinch’s heart they can easily triple in size if you plant and nurture them after the holiday season is over.

The Grump trees are now available at Trader Joe’s nationwide for $9.99 each.

 

 

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18 Tips & Tricks to Make Your Great Wolf Lodge Visit EPIC

by Aja Hannah

We’ve got ways to save money, how to maximize your water park time, and loads of other Great Wolf Lodge tips

With new locations coming up across the U.S., Great Wolf Lodge is the largest collection of indoor waterparks and resorts in North America. There are currently 17 locations in the U.S, and most are a skip-and-a-jump away from a major city. As soon as you walk in the door to the massive lobby, you’ll be immersed in the wilderness theme that leans into the “great outdoors” aesthetic. We checked out some of the Great Wolf Lodge properties and have a number of tips and tricks for you to make the most out of your indoor waterpark visit! 

Tips for Checking In and Staying Late at Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge

1. Get there early!

There is so much to do inside the doors of the lodge. Even if your room isn’t ready, you can ask to check in early in order to use the facilities and leave your luggage in the car. With daily events lined up, there is no time to waste. In October you'll have trick or treating and in the winter season, it's all about holiday crafts and storytimes. 

2. Check out the app

The Great Wolf app has the menus of all the restaurants under its roof, information on the attractions, and times of the daily events. It has everything you need to know in one place instead of continuing to call the front desk or check with an employee. You can also use it to check in and avoid the long lines!

3. Charge your phone. 

While you enjoy the park, leave your phone on so that you can get updates on when your room is ready. You can also text the Great Wolf Lodge number for any issues you have during your stay.

4. Check out and stay late

You don't have to end your water park day early on check-out day. You still have access to the water park until closing on your check-out day. Pack up your room and store your luggage in your car or with the front desk. You change in the locker rooms before heading home. 

Related: We Finally Got a Bay Area Great Wolf Lodge & You’re Gonna Love It

How to Get the Best Room at Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge

5. Upgrade your room to suit your family. 

Skip the standard room and go for a Wolf Den room or Kid Cabin so your crew can really spread out. Older kids will love their own pseudo-room within a room. For younger kids, the bunk beds' twin-sized mattresses can easily be taken down and put on the floor. Couches have pull-out beds and there is space to add another bed or crib and shift furniture for parents who co-sleep. There's even a TV in the kid room to keep everyone entertained when you need a little downtime. 

Related: Ditch the Campout & CampIn with Great Wolf Lodge This Summer

Great Wolf Lodge Water Park Tips

Great Wolf Lodge is one of the most popular water parks in Dallas Texas
Great Wolf Lodge

6. Set up camp at the water park

Even if you aren't planning on heading to the water park until later in the morning, it's a good idea to send an adult down once it opens to set up your home base for the day. On crowded days, chairs will get snagged early in the morning and you'll be forced to sit on the floor in a corner. Grab a few chairs and leave some flip-flops or other cheap gear on them with your towels. When you come to the water park, show the kids where your home base is located so they can find you if they are older and can explore on their own.

7. Snag a cabana

If you have a larger group or would like your own designated area with a waiter, a cabana is a good option. You have access to the cabana beginning at 10 a.m. and it includes water, sodas, a fan, and a little bit of privacy. You can also get your waiter to bring you lunch and drinks when you are ready so that you can avoid the lines. 

Other Activities at Great Wolf Lodge

 

Great Wolf Lodge

8. Find activities for everyone

If you have a child or two that’s not super fond of swimming, there are plenty of dry activities. Spend time in the arcade and running around the hotel to find treasure with an interactive witchy game called MagiQuest. There's a ropes course for older kids (be sure to bring socks/closed-toe shoes for this activity). 

9. Free Activities at Great Wolf Lodge

Consult the day's schedule on the app to see what is being offered for the day. You can typically find activities like crafts, yoga for kids, character meet and greets, and so much more. There's even more to do if you visit during Snowland or one of the other themed times of year. 

10. Buy a pass

To save money on those inevitable impulse purchases that kids on vacation want, buy a pass depending on your children’s interests and ages. From most expensive to least, there is the Wolf Pass, Paw Pass, and Pup Pass. This is especially good if you have kids that want to spend time outside of the waterpark on other activities like the arcade and ropes course. 

11. Leave space in your luggage.

You’ll bring home more than you left with whether it's sweet treats, magic wands, gemstones, souvenirs from the gift shop, or prizes. Some locations have additional attractions like ropes courses, mini-golf, arcades, or Build-a-Bear workshops. 

12. Save the Magic Wands

MagiQuest is the brand’s exclusive adventure game. If you’re planning on visiting another location or the same location at another date, save your wands to continue playing the game. This way you don’t have to buy a new one. 

Related: Now You Can Enjoy Great Wolf Lodge Without Staying the Night

Great Wolf Lodge Dining Tips

Great Wolf Lodge

13. Make dining reservations early

If your GWL restaurants take reservations, book yours early. We found that many of them book up early in the day on busy holiday weekends. 

14. Avoid lines and order food via the app

This was especially important when you are buying lunch in the water park, Avoid the long lines and order your food through the app. You'll be notified when it is ready for pickup. 

15. Get food delivered

Many GWL locations have restaurants nearby that will deliver. The Bay Area location in Manteca is connected to a Costco via the parking lot so you can walk over there and snag a large pizza to bring back to your room. You'll also have a mini fridge and microwave in your room to heat up food brought from home. Consider bringing a cooler with you and leaving it in your room (coolers are not allowed in the water park). 

How to Save Money at Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge

16. Get the email deals

Sign up for the lodge’s email club to receive alerts on deals and specials. You can also find GWL on sites like Groupon during the off-season. 

17. Grab a day pass

If you want to check out the water park, ropes course, and arcade but want to avoid the cost of staying overnight, snag a day pass. These are available at all Great Wolf Lodges, depending on capacity. 

18. Go during the off-season

Prices vary greatly depending on time of year and whether you are visiting on a weekend. You can save a lot by being flexible on when you visit. 

What to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge Southern California

Don't forget to bring these essentials with you: 

  • swimsuits and cover-ups for walking from your room to the water park
  • closed-toe shoes if your GWL has a ropes course
  • pool bag for schlepping your gear to the pool (so you can avoid returning to your room)
  • snacks to keep in your room (outside food is not allowed in the water park)
  • waterproof phone case so your phone doesn't get water-logged on the lazy river
  • goggles 
  • swim diapers
  • reusable water bottles
  • sound machine or white noise app
  • puddle jumpers (some kids prefer these to the life jackets available on-site)

Editor’s note: This visit was paid for by Great Wolf Lodge but all opinions belong to the writer. 

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21 Handmade Christmas Ornaments You’ll Actually Want on the Tree

by Abigail Matsumoto

Here are your new favorite homemade Christmas ornaments!

Take your tree trimming to the next level! We’ve made a list of the best DIY Christmas ornaments for kids that are sure to bring on the holiday cheer without the cringe. From stained “glass” to popsicle stick creativity, these craft ideas for kids are the perfect way to deck the halls.

Popsicle Stick Sled

Fireflies and Mudpies

This adorable sled ornament only needs a few supplies (we love that candy cane-style twine!) and is a classic ornament you'll be proud to display for years. Get the how-to from Fireflies and Mudpies. 

Wire Star

Alyssa and Carla

The hardest part about making this gorgeous ornament is setting up the template. You'll need an electric drill, nails and wood. After that, it'll come together easily. Alyssa and Carla will show you how it's done. 

Popsicle Stick Snowflakes

The Best Ideas for Kids

Let it snow! This cute craft from The Best Ideas for Kids is a fun way to spend an afternoon, and if you have a reasonably stocked craft drawer, you may even have the materials on hand. Let the kids go wild with their personalized snowflakes—who says snow can’t be colorful? 

Stained Glass Masterpiece

One Little Project

Who needs a stained glass window when your little artists can make their own melted bead ornaments? This idea, courtesy of One Little Project, is positively foolproof and oh-so-pretty. Round up some pony beads and cookie cutters, and you’re halfway there! 

Mini Christmas Letter Ornament

Mama. Papa. Bubba

It’s an ornament! It’s a keepsake! It’s an adorable idea from Mama. Papa. Bubba. This craft is a cinch to make and a great way to get the kids to practice their writing. Plus, you’ll be able to look back at these letters for years to come! 

Crayon Creative

Clumsy Crafter

Ready for a craft that’s crazy creative and pretty, too? These ornaments from Clumsy Crafter fit the bill! They use up your broken crayons, are super simple, and only take a few minutes to make. 

Trees for Your Tree

One Little Project

Top off your tree with more trees! It’s easy with this craft from One Little Project. The fuss is minimal, and the kids will love getting creative with Popsicle sticks. And the result? Too cute! 

Happy Trees

Trisha Brink Design

These tree ornaments from Trisha Brink Design are cheerful, colorful, and beyond easy to make! All you need is Popsicle sticks, some glittery bling, and a few other materials to craft up a storm.

Pretty Pinecones

Paging Fun Mums

Paging Fun Mums has a great reason to go for a nature walk and collect some pinecones. With a quick coat of paint, some bling, and an artistic kiddo, you'll be able to jazz up your finds up and add them to your own tree at home.

Mason Jar Magic

Aunt Peaches

Here’s the thing about these pretty ornaments from Aunt Peaches: they don’t require any special craftiness skills from you! And who couldn’t use a little more sparkle this holiday season? 

Gingerbread People

Mama. Papa. Bubba

Want to make your Christmas tree extra adorable? Just whip up a few of these ornaments from Mama. Papa. Bubba. Kids will love stirring up the gingerbread baking soda clay— not to mention the decorating! 

Harry Potter Holiday

Lemon Lime Adventures

Treat your young wizards to a truly creative ornament craft! Lemon Lime Adventures shows how to make fun and glittery potion ornaments that channel all your fave magical concoctions. Wicked!

Cute-As-a-Peanut Snowmen

Evermine Occasions

Who wouldn’t go nuts over these peanut snowmen from Evermine Occasions? The best part is that they’re pretty simple to whip up—and perfect for those wishing for a snowy holiday. 

Salt Dough Keepsakes

Mommypotamus

Ah, here’s a classic for you—courtesy of Mommypotamus. If you made salt dough ornaments as a kid, there’s no time like the present to start the tradition with your own little elves. 

Take It to the Baymax

This Fairy Tale Life

On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this ornament’s awesomeness? Little fans of Big Hero 6 will love this idea from This Fairytale Life. And it’s off-the-charts easy to make, too! 

Thoughtful Thumbprints

Little Bit Funky

Want to channel your inner Rudolph? Just take a cue from Little Bit Funky and add some reindeer thumbprint art to your tree! Best of all, these ornaments are super impressive but easy to make! 

Birdseed Celebration

Saltwater-Kids

If your kids love bird-watching, then you’ve got to check out these ornaments from Saltwater-Kids. They’re perfect for all the feathered friends that visit your backyard—just hang them on a tree near a window and enjoy! 

Recycled Poinsettias

Craft Klatch

Start saving those toilet paper rolls! With this super simple idea from Craft Klatch, you can turn regular ol’ cardboard into sparkly recycled poinsettia ornaments. 

Recycled Reindeer

Fireflies and Mudpies

‘Tis the season for a recycling craft! With the help of Fireflies and Mud Pies, you can turn an old jar lid into an oh-so-cute reindeer ornament. It’s a great way to upcycle materials! 

 

DIY Snow Globe Ornament

Jennifer Perkins

This super creative and easy-to-personalize ornament will surely be a family favorite. A DIY snow globe ornament! Jennifer Perkins breaks down what you need and how to create yours step-by-step here.

 

 

Brushstroke Christmas Ornaments

Squirrelly Minds

These DIY Christmas ornaments add a touch of glam to your tree, and they couldn't be easier to make. Get the details from Squirrelly Minds.

 

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17 Jolly Dollar Store Decor Ideas for Your Holiday Home

by Emily Myers

Whether you’re actually putting on real clothes and entertaining this year or just want to up your holiday decoration game, with a little creativity you can make over simple, affordable objects into masterpieces. From clever ideas for hostess gifts to decorations you’ll treasure, scroll on for some seriously awesome #dollarstoredecor!

A Farmhouse Window

The Savvy Sparrow

Amy at the Savvy Sparrow knows her way around a dollar store and this amazing farmhouse window is proof positive. It looks like the real thing! Find out how she did it over at thesavvysparrow.com.

An Upcycled Wreath

This genius wreath from Gina @aplayfilledlife  is not only dollar-store gold, it uses some unexpected items—like upcycled plastic caps.

A Customized Dollar Store Sign

Simple changes make all the difference. Jenni @Create and Celebrate is the queen of taking something basic like a dollar store holiday sign and adding just a few touches to make it her own.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CW18OWcpjHb/

Festive Candles

How cute are these decorated tall votive candles? Not only are they from dollar-store candles, we love how @cassi_mills displayed them with her bottle brush trees.

 

DIY Christmas Car Ornament

The Things She Makes

This too-cute Christmas ornament is a cinch to make and calls for just a few creative materials you can grab at the Dollar Store. (Hint: nail polish is involved!) Best of all, this decoration could double as a toy if your elves need to get some emergency playtime in. Get the how-to over at The Things She Makes.

Reindeer Party Balloons

A Subtle Revelry

On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer ... on to the Dollar Store! Make a balloon run and make your own ultra-creative holiday decorations that are sure to brighten up any party. Plus, your little ones can help give each balloon a smiling face! Learn more at A Subtle Revelry.

Snowmen Salt & Pepper Shakers

20 North Ora

Who knew an inexpensive pair of salt and pepper shakers could turn into super cute snowmen? With a little paint and a friendly face, these little Frosty wannabes are just the thing for a quick gift or table addition. Get the instructions (along with more snowman inspiration) at 20 North Ora.

HI-CHEW Holiday Garland

A Subtle Revelry

Need a last-minute gift or a little something special to add to your tree? A Subtle Revelry has just the thing: a totally sweet garland! Colorful cellophane, string, and some HI-CHEWs (or other fave candy), and you're all set. Learn more here.

Paper Plate Snowman Garland

Real Life, One Day at a Time

Greet your holiday guests with a cheerful snowman garland! It couldn't be easier to make since all you have to do is pick up some paper plates on the cheap. Then, enlist your holiday helpers to draw some smiling snowy faces and you're ready to go! Learn more at Real Life, One Day at a Time.

Handprint Oven Mitt

Trish Sutton

Customized oven gloves make the perfect hostess gift over the holiday period. Even better, you don't have to be particularly crafty, and you can still come up with a heartfelt homemade present. Head to Trish Sutton's blog for instructions and tips on the best dollar store gloves for the job. 

Paper Wrapped Candles Centerpiece

Today's Creative Life

These DIY paper wrapped candles will work as a gift as well as a dinner table centerpiece for any holiday get-together. Just customize the paper to your celebration, whether it's fall, winter or the new year. Pick up some winter wonderland gift wrap and dollar store sanctuary candles and head to Today's Creative Life for the details.

Personalized Candles

It's Always Autumn

Ever wondered how to personalize a simple ivory candle? Well, here's one way of doing it with just packing tape! Head to It's Always Autumn for the instructions, and you'll have everything you need to give a beautiful personalized holiday gift to friends and family.

Bottle Brush Ornaments

Little House of Four

Some metallic primer on the lid and top of a simple dollar store ornament and the effect is pure vintage. These snow globe ornaments make the perfect addition to a winter tree or would work well on a mantelpiece, depending on the size. Little House of Four has all the details.  

Animal Magnet Gifts

Emily Myers

A plastic dollar store hippo can get a festive magnet makeover and be put to use hanging holiday cards. Pick out more seasonal winter animals like deer or bears if you like, but we reckon even an upcycled dollar store dinosaur will be a welcome gift of gold. Sugar and Cloth has the instructions. 

Clever Cocoa Mix

A Few Shortcuts

The gift of hot cocoa mix is always going to be well received, but if it's packaged in these cute mason jar snow globes, you'll earn extra smiles. Pick up your packaging supplies at the dollar store and the cocoa mix at the grocery and head to A Few Shortcuts for the instructions.

Tiered Party Plates

Southern State of Mind

When you want to add a little seasonal flair to your party platters, some dollar store cake pans and candle holders can be crafted into a festive tiered appetizer tray. Get all the instructions at Southern State of Mind.

Pom Pom Stockings

Thistlewood Farms

Add some pizzazz to simple dollar store stockings with homemade pom poms! Head to Thistlewood Farms for the how-to and then deck the halls however you wish. If you have enough for every member of your party, they make clever silverware holders at the dinner table. 

—Emily Myers & Abigail Matsumoto

 

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Baby’s First Christmas: Holiday Traditions to Start This Year

by Suzanna Logan

Looking to start new holiday traditions with your new baby? Try out these great ideas that the whole family will love

New baby = new ways to celebrate! Make the holidays even more magical with special holiday traditions you’ll look forward to each year. Try these fun, festive ideas to make this season with your little one as merry and bright as can be.

Hanna Andersson

1. Rock some family Christmas jammies.
Fact: It’s not Christmas until the whole family has donned matching pajamas and snapped silly photos for posterity (or to post on Insta). If you’ve never taken a ride on the matching jammies bandwagon, now that you have a baby, this is your moment. Check out our favorite family jammies.

2. Turn on a holiday film.
Make it a family tradition to cozy up for the same Christmas movies every year. Your childhood favorites, like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman, are sure to be a hit, but don't hesitate to turn on older classics like It's a Wonderful Life or White Christmas. There's no such thing as "too young" when it comes to Christmas movies.

3. Make (or buy) an advent calendar.
Bring baby in on the fun of a holiday countdown with a chocolate-free, baby-friendly version. Or wrap a Christmas-themed book to open and read each night from December 1 to Christmas. To keep costs and clutter down, borrow them from the library and return them. You can then purchase any that become family favorites and build your collection for next year.

4. Take a Christmas lights tour.
Whether you stroll through a particularly festive neighborhood, cruise down a drive-through display, or visit a holiday-themed event at a local botanical garden, kids of all ages love watching the twinkling lights. And you'll love watching the wonder in your baby's eyes as they take in all the sparkly magic.

Related: 12 Things You Must Do for Baby’s First Holiday

holiday traditions
Oleg Sergeichik on Unsplash

5. Decorate a gingerbread house.
To minimize mess and maximize fun, keep decorating simple with white frosting and sprinkles. Assemble the house first; then let baby explore the textures (and taste!) of the frosting and develop fine motor skills by adding the colorful candies.

6. Start an ornament collection.
For year one, choose a keepsake ornament personalized with baby’s name and birthdate. In the following years, select an ornament that reflects your little one’s interests for that year. Then, when your child is all grown up and ready to start Christmas traditions of their own (we know; they're never going to leave you, but just in case…), you can send them off with a collection of ornaments that will bring back fond childhood memories.

7. Turn up the holiday tunes.
It's no secret that babies love music and that Christmas music > any other kind of music. Creating a music playlist of holiday tunes will keep baby happy all season long…through those long treks to Grandma's house or navigating the mall parking lot. For song inspo, check out our favorite Christmas songs.

8. Read Christmas stories.
Cozying up on the couch with your child and a special Christmas-themed story is the stuff that traditions are made of. Keep a collection of books—old classics and new favorites—within reach for guaranteed precious moments. Check out our favorite holiday books for babies and toddlers.

9. Attend a community Christmas event, in person or virtually.
Coming together with the people in your community, old and young, to share good cheer is one of the best parts of the season. Whether you prefer a town tree-lighting, a Christmas Eve religious service or a virtual holiday event, baby will love taking in all the friendly faces, colorful decorations and holiday tunes.

Related: 9 Holiday Keepsakes to Make with Your Baby

Holiday traditions
Anastasiia Chepinska on Unsplash

10. Design a holiday photo card.
With a baby on the scene, it's time for a personalized photo card. Dress up your child in a Santa hat or their holiday best, snap a few photos, and then share the beautiful results with friends and family. Or, go all out and do a professional family photo shoot. Find more holiday card inspo here: 9 Adorable (& Hilarious) Ideas for Baby’s Holiday Card.

11. Visit a Christmas tree farm.
Selecting your tree from a Christmas tree farm can be a magical experience for the whole family, and the smell of a real tree can't be beat. Your child won't remember that first experience but will enjoy looking back at photos from years past. If you don't have a tree farm nearby, make the tree-buying a family event to give it more holiday spirit.

12. Take a trip to see Santa.
This tradition has an expiration date—maybe at ten years old if your child has an active imagination (or a good sense of humor). So don't let the holidays pass you by without planning baby's first visit with the big guy himself. Even if your child goes into total meltdown mode, the first meeting with St. Nick is guaranteed to be an iconic moment. (Just google "Santa's lap photos" for evidence.)

13. Donate a gift to children in need.
If you have the means, donate a toy or warm clothing to holiday drives in your area. As your child gets older, include them in the process of selecting and donating to other kids to teach the true spirit of Christmas: caring and sharing with others.

14. Create photo books as gifts.
Take your baby's most precious memories from the year and capture them in a photo book from Tinybeans for family and friends to enjoy. it can make the perfect gift!

 

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