Love is in the air, and it doesn’t always have to be about fancy flowers and tasty treats. We’ve found 18 unique DIY Valentine’s Day gifts that kids can make (they’re no joke!) and that you (or whoever the lucky person is) will actually want to keep. Get ready to create something unique that comes straight from the heart. Don’t forget to check out our favorite homemade Valentine’s Day cards too!

Illustrated Magnets

We love this sweet DIY Valentine’s gift idea! All you need is glass marbles, white cardstock, pens, Modge Podge, and hot glue.

Black Glue Heart Art

Black glue might not be top of mind when you think about homemade Valentine’s gifts, but this project is stunning and good for all crafting levels. Get the details and the printable template from Red Ted Art. 

Heart-Shaped Tea Bags

These adorable heart-shaped tea bags will make tea lovers smile as they steep their morning cup.

Heart Decorated Jars

Decorate these jars with hearts and Valentine’s Day designs, then fill them with whatever treat you’d like.

Heart-Shaped Pencil Toppers

heart-shaped pencil toppers are an easy DIY Valentine's Gift
The Best Ideas for Kids

Pencil this idea in, and you have a pretty gift for your Valentine. We love The Best Idea for Kids use of pipe cleaners and Valentine pencils to put together this clever craft that becomes a heartfelt gift.

Coffee Filter Hearts

Simple Fun for Kids

What better way to say "I love you" than with a pretty coffee filter heart? Simple Fun for Kids shows the how-to for this craft that makes a perfect gift. You’ll need coffee filters, markers, and an eyedropper (or something similar) then let your little artist go to it.

Paper Airplane Valentines

Pink Stripey Socks

This DIY Valentine’s gift soars above the rest. Mom Leslie over at Pink Stripey Socks gives the step-by-step on how to make these adorable paper airplane Valentines. Not only are they fun to make, but also they make a cool gift.

Related: 28 Easy Valentine’s Day Cards You Can Make at Home

Heart-Shaped Paper Clips

heart-shaped paper clips are an easy DIY valentine's day gift
How About Orange

If you’re down to the last minute and need a quick (and cute!) gift, then these heart-shaped paper clips do the trick. Click through to How About Orange for the how-to. Even more, add a sweet note or a new book, and you're done.

Heart Tea Towels

Clumsy Crafter

What’s more fun than stamping your heart out? We love Clumsy Crafter’s cute and elegant DIY heart tea towels. Grab those potatoes, carve, stamp, and follow the directions. You’ll have tons of fun!

Shake Painting Heart Gift

No Time for Flash Cards

Your budding Picasso can make a Valentine’s Day gift with this easy-to-do shake painting. Head over to No Time for Flashcards to find out how to do this fun craft. Pick your colors, throw in hearts, and shake. It's the perfect present.

Heart Magnets

heart magnets are an easy DIY Valentine's Gift
Idlewife

For a gift that will stick around past February, these heart magnets from Idlewife are awesome. They’re pretty easy to make, but leave yourself enough time to let them harden after you’ve sculpted them.

Love Monsters

love monsters are a creative diy valentine's gift
Eighteen 25

How cute are these little love monsters from Eighteen 25? Using yarn, pipe cleaners, and googly eyes, they’re super fun to make, and we love that each one is unique.

Related: 12 Creative (& Easy) Valentine’s Day Card Box Ideas

Candy-Filled Tackle Box

candy tackle boxes are a cute diy valentine's gift
Close to Home

If you’ve got a fisherman in your life (or a candy lover), she or he will get a kick out of this clever gift from Close to Home. Fill up the tackle box with Swedish fish and gummy worms, then attach a little tag.

Decorated Coffee Mugs

Inside My Hideaway

Here’s a heartfelt gift that budding artists can make with a cup, glossy paint, and a small paintbrush. Get the instructions from Inside My Hideaway.

Paper Bookmark

a heart-shaped paper heart is a fun DIY Valentine's gift
How About Orange

Who’s number one in your book? With just a few creases and folds you can make this origami bookmark heart. Make a few and give them to friends who love to read. Go to How About Orange for the simple tutorial.

Antique Wood Hearts

a heart-shaped wood ornament is a cool DIY Valentine's Gift
Melissa via Fireflies and Mud Pies

While not for the faint of heart (see what we did there?), we adore this DIY Valentine's Day gift from Fireflies and Mud Pies. Your kids can make one using paint, an antiquing medium, a wood heart, and twine.

Related: 19 Sweet Valentine’s Day Recipes for Kids

Colorful Sun Catchers

Kristina via Toddler Approved

Hearts will be full when the kids hand off a brightly colored heart sun catcher this Valentine's Day. Give your kids a salad spinner, coffee filter, paint, and paper, then watch them create from the heart. Mom Kristina gives us the know-how over at Toddler Approved.

Simple Knot Bracelets

The Nerd's Wife

These heart-shaped bracelets will help your kid let her BFFs know that life would knot be the same without them. Head over to The Nerd’s Wife for an easy tutorial that requires a paracord and scissors.

Love Bugs

DIY Valentine's Gifts
Katie via A Little Pinch of Perfect

Go buggy with this cute craft from A Little Pinch of Perfect. You can help your kids make one with a tin can, craft paper, googly eyes, and a pipe cleaner.

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.

 

Cue the fireworks—it’s the season for red, white, and blue!

Get into the patriotic spirit by getting crafty with the kids. We’ve gathered up a bunch of easy, festive Fourth of July crafts that will give your Independence Day a little extra oomph. They’re super simple and you probably have a lot of stuff on hand already. From DIY noisemakers to star-spangled slime, and even 4th of July crafts for toddlers, scroll down to see them all!

Fourth of July Painted Rocks

A sweet and simple way to celebrate the Fourth of July. Kids can paint them in advance and hide them around your neighborhood for their friends to find.

Fourth of July Popsicle Stick Garland

Check out the quick video above, and add this to your list of easy Fourth of July crafts.

Fourth of July Firework Rings

One of the best use of pipe cleaners we’ve seen in a while, this is another easy and fun project to add to your list of Fourth of July crafts for kids!

Paper Plate Purses

Your kids will be the most fashionable ones at the Fourth of July Parade with these simple paper plate purses from Pink Stripey Socks.

4th of July Firework Craft

Your kids will love the creative freedom of this Fourth of July craft and you’ll love the easy clean up. They can use the Q-tip to make fireworks with dots, lines, swirls, or anything they come up with.

Paper Towel Print Firework Craft

This simple firework craft is one of our favorite 4th of July crafts. It requires almost zero skills, takes little time, and is always fun for kids.

Coffee Filter Fireworks

This coffee filter craft is a simple and fun Fourth of July craft for your kids! Simply have them draw their firework design on the coffee filter, cut the edges, and spritz with water.

Rocket Launchers

a rocket launcher made from paper cups and rubber bands as a fourth of July craft
KiwiCo

Gather up cups and rubber bands and in minutes you’ll be watching a fire-free backyard rocket-launch contest. We love that this is an interactive, fun activity that you can do before darkness falls. Check out the easy-peasy way to make your own rocket launchers at KiwiCo’s blog.

 

Lollipop Topiary

a bouquet of lollipops for a fourth of July craft
Gluesticks

Expecting a crowd this Fourth of July? This delicious lollipop topiary dreamed up by Gluesticks is an easy, kid-friendly centerpiece sure to make any party pop. Don’t be surprised if they sample a few of the supplies as they work!

 

Patriotic Paper Chain

red, white and blue paper chain for a 4th of July craft
A Pumpkin and a Princess

We love this paper chain from A Pumpkin and a Princess because it’s so easy to make with the little ones. Drape this 4th of July craft over your mantle or table for an extra festive touch.

Firecracker Noisemakers

Metal cans decorated red, white and blue to look like firecrackers for a 4th of July craft
Paging Supermom

Let freedom ring with these firecracker noisemakers. The project comes together in less than five minutes and is sure to have your whole crew celebrating in style. Grab a metal can, wrap it in a patriotic pattern from Paging Supermom, then get ready for serious noise. 

Statue of Liberty Accessories

A Paper crown and torch like the Statue of Liberty as a fourth of July craft
Buggy and Buddy

America’s gal comes to life with this patriotic Fourth of July craft from Buggy and Buddy. Drama kings and queens will love getting the chance to dress up as the Statue of Liberty and parade around with a crown and torch. 

4th of July in a Jar

red, white and blue glitter in a jar to look like fireworks for a fourth of July craft
504 Main

Capture the spirit of Independence Day in a jar with this whimsical no-fire fireworks craft from 504 Main. It reminds us of a patriotic snow globe! 

Flags for the 4th

Cupcake liners colored to look like the American flag for a fourth of July craft
Make and Takes

This fun Fourth of July craft from Make and Takes will have everyone begging to sit at the kids' table. Leftover paper plates make the perfect canvas for this after-dinner activity. 

Red, White, and Blue Windchime

Metal cans painted like the American flag for a fourth of July craft
Creative Green Living

Forgo the craft store and instead scavenge materials for this eco-friendly project directly from your recycling bin. Using basic tools and a little craft paint, Carissa at Creative Green Living transformed tin cans into a festive and functional wind chime for the backyard.

Star Stained Glass Window Decal

A patriotic window suncatcher in a star shape for a fourth of July craft
Kinder Craze

Maria of Kinder Craze created this awesome project to get her kindergarten class into the stars-and-stripes spirit. Your kids will love layering the red, white, and blue tissue paper to create their very own “stained glass” window, and this colorful Fourth of July craft doubles as great window décor for your celebration. 

Spark-less Sparkler

A plastic handle with red, white and blue metallic material gathered at the end to look like a sparkler as a fourth of July craft
Merriment Design

While the ’80s kid in us still mourns for real-deal sparklers (the fiery kind), the 21st-century parent in us is totally relieved that it’s no longer acceptable to send your kids out with fire sticks. That said, we’re thrilled to get our sparkler fix with a super cool craft like this sparkless sparkler from Merriment Design. Break out the chopsticks, ribbon, and party garland, then craft your way to the coolest, safest sparkler around. 

Super Cute Centerpieces

Cupcake liners connected to straws to become fourth of July craft flowers
Fireflies and Mudpies

We love a craft that does double duty, and these cute cupcake liner flowers from Fireflies and Mudpies do just that. They would make a really fun centerpiece for any backyard BBQ, and the kids will love that their Fourth of July crafts are taking center stage. 

 

Don’t be afraid of holiday hairstyles that include braids. These tutorials make it easy

Between the hustle and bustle of wrangling your little elves, baking cookies for the exchange, and figuring out what appetizers to bring to the neighborhood gathering, you might not have a lot of time to get gussied up.  But the good news is, producing all that holiday magic doesn’t mean you have to forgo the fun of getting glammed up for the holiday season. There are plenty of quick and simple ways to dress up your tresses. Here are a few of our favorite easy holiday hairstyles that glam you up for the season.

Save this entire list on Pinterest.

Messy Side Bun

Who knew a messy side bun could look so chic? This is an easy holiday hairstyle to do at home.

Modern French Twist

The French twist is a classic for a reason: it’s a timeless and elegant holiday hairstyle! This simple tutorial from Alex Gaboury takes what was once thought of as a difficult ‘do to a simple style that any mama can pull off. Cheers!

Twisted Holiday Pin-Up

This twisted pin-up is a great holiday updo for natural hair that keeps it protected and looks amazing. Check out the full tutorial here.

Related: Easy Hairstyles That Put the Mom Bun to Shame

Rope Braid Crown

A rope braid crown is a fun holiday hairstyle
Missy Sue via YouTube

Easier and quicker than a regular braid, this Rope Braid Crown updo from Missy Sue is going to give your coif a ton of attention! Delicate rope braids are made around the head to form a crown that really kicks up your holiday 'do effortlessly.

Easy Twisted Updo

A twisted updo is a fun holiday hairstyle for moms
Abby Smith/Twist Me Pretty via YouTube

While this style looks like something out of a magazine, it's actually just a lot of twisting and a few bobby pins! Abby Smith from Twist Me Pretty uses several elastics to secure and twist locks across the head and then finishes off this look that's fit for a queen, effortlessly. 

Quick Messy Updo

This quick messy updo is an easy holiday hairstyle
Lainey Marie Beauty via YouTube

You had us at messy!  This trendy look is actually just a ton of twisting and bobby pinning and can be pulled off in just five minutes. Lainey Marie Beauty gives a simple tutorial on her YouTube channel on this style that's perfect for holiday get-togethers, date nights, and any other fancy event.

Easy Triple Braided Updo

This triple-braided holiday hairstyle is easier than it looks
The Effortless Chic

There's nothing more frustrating than not being able to whip up an updo on your own, and that's why we love this Easy Triple Braided style from The Effortless Chic. Three simple braids and then wrapped around each other to create this million-dollar look and works just as well at a holiday soiree as it does on the playground.

Related: Mom Buns That Are Actually Stylish

Hair Bow

Tony Odisho

What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with a festive bow? Professional stylist, Tony Odisho, shares a cute and easy way to dress up your hair for the holidays by turning it into a bow. You can get all the easy steps to creating this look and the tools used here.

French Braid

A french braid can be a good holiday hairstyle
SweetHearts Hair via YouTube

Sure, you wear french braid's often but not like this! Rather than learn an entirely new style for the holidays, use this simple tutorial from SweetHearts Hair that involves a little extra oomph to take your braids from drab to fab this Christmas.

Faux Hawk

A faux hawk is a good holiday hairstyle
KayDee TV

Keep your natural hair protected and festive with this twisted Faux Hawk. You can watch the full tutorial video from KayDeeTV to get the look.

Twisted Half Up-Do

Tessa Rayanne

A half-up holiday hairstyle is a great way to let your tresses down while still keeping them out of your face because who are we kidding––you're still a mom that’s going to be chasing a toddler at that holiday party. Add some waves, a simple twist, and a pretty hairpin to take that basic mom hairdo to party mode. Get easy-to-follow instructions for this look from blogger Tessa Rayanne here.

Elegant Updo

an elegant updo is a great holiday hairstyle
Tony Odisho

For that grown-ups-only party when you finally score a sitter, you might want to a more elegant look, but with kids demanding your attention while you get ready, you need something that doesn’t take hours to achieve. Stylist Tony Odisho’s Elegant Updo gives your hair that gorgeous look with very little effort. Check out the tutorial here.

Top Bun

a top bun is a good holiday hairstyle
Lexie Barnhorn via Unsplash

Swap out that basic mom bun for something a little more dramatic by sweeping your hair up on top of your head. Avoid those stray, static hairs when you pull your hair up by maintaining your hair’s natural oils to keep it nourished. Stylist Michelle Cleveland suggests, "Using a detangling brush such as “WETBRUSH” comb through your hair, evenly disbursing that scalp oil from roots to ends. The natural oils will help protect the hair from breakage. Next, reach for a dry shampoo and be sure to spray only at the root area, massaging it in with the pads of your fingertips to ensure complete absorption of oils only at the scalp.”

 

 

 

 

Need an activity that doubles as a learning moment? Writing a limerick is actually simple when you learn the basics of its structure and it’s an excellent way to practice rhyming words with kids. While the origin of the limerick is unknown, many people believe it refers back to an Irish soldier’s song, “Will You Come Up to Limerick?”. Read on to get the simple tutorial on writing your own limerick with the kids!

1. Rhyme Time

A limerick has five lines.
The first, second and fifth lines all rhyme with each other.
The third and fourth lines rhyme with each other.

  1. To
  2. Who
  3. Lock
  4. Stock
  5. Glue

2. Feel the Beat

The first, second and fifth lines (which all rhyme with each other) have the same rhythmic pattern:

Ba dum ba da dum da da dum (8 syllables)

The third and fourth lines (which rhyme with one another) have this pattern:

Ba dum ba da dum (five syllables)

3. Try it out

  1. There once was a kid who was sad
    (Ba dum ba da dum da da dum)
  2. He made up a lie to his dad
    (Ba dum ba da dum da da dum)
  3. His pop knew the trick
    (ba dum ba da dum)
  4. And called it out quick
    (ba dum ba da dum)
  5. And now the kid’s ice cream’s gone bad
    (Ba dum ba da dum da da dum)

A famous example:

Hickory, dickory, dock
The mouse ran up the clock
The clock struck run,
And down he run,
Hickory, dickory, dock!

4. Get creative!

Want to make it easier on little ones? Try a “fill-in-the-blank” method. Just take away a few of the rhyming words and have them guess the answers.

There once was a _____ from the farm
Who had sixteen hairs on his ______
Dog gave them a pull
Cat laughed like a _____
They never meant him any ____.

RELATED STORIES

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Beyond Mother Goose: Best Poets for Kids

Social distancing is good for our health, but not getting as many hugs is hard on everyone! Whether your loved ones live across the country or across the street, this easy card will brighten someone’s day. Read on for the simple tutorial.

What you’ll need:

 

White card stock paper

Construction paper, various colors

Printer to print picture*

Glue or tape

Markers

Scissors

*Don’t have a printer — or want a more traditional hug card? Check out this adorable and simple “Hug In An Envelope” project from MummyDeals.com

Step 1: Trace those hugging arms

Have your kids put both hands (and as much of the arms as can fit) onto a piece of colored construction paper. Trace, then cut out along the lines.

Tip: Want to make a few cards at once? Just stack a few sheets together and cut them all simultaneously.

 

Step 2: Strike a pose… then cut it out 

Get those adorable huggers against a wall and tell them to "Say cheese!" with great, big, outstretched arms. Then, print out your photo and cut out your little person's picture.

 

Step 3: Glue picture onto the card

Fold a piece of card stock paper in half to make an instant-card. Then, glue your child's picture onto the inside so that your kiddo's outstretched arms fit onto the page (if one or both arms goes over the edge of the paper a little, it's OK to cut off the overhang — you'll be glueing paper arms on top in the next step anyway).

Note: You could end the project here and you’ve got a pretty awesome card to personalize and send to the grandparents. But if you want something that gets you one step closer to a real, live hug, move onto the next step… 

Step 4: Give your card some arms

Glue your child's traced arms onto the inside of your card so that they cover the arms on your child’s picture. Then, wherever the arms reach the paper's edge, fold inward so that they stay inside when the card is closed.

 

Step 5: Get ready for some serious “Awwwwws.” 

Have your young scribes decorate the front of the card and write a fitting note to go with their hug. Then, find an oversized envelope that will hold your custom-made greeting and send it to anyone who needs an instant pick-me-up.

 

— All photos and copy by Melissa Heckscher

RELATED STORIES 

Ways to Connect with the Grandparents from a Distance 

A Letter to Our Teachers: Thank You for Keeping Us Going

Random Acts of Kindness for Kids & Their Grown-Ups 

 

 

Photo: Tinkergarten

It seems clear that masks will play an important role in how we all navigate public spaces safely again. When we can’t be sure that our kids will be able to keep six feet away from people outside the family, masks can help keep them safe. They also provide us with a feeling that we are more secure when we have them on—as if a piece of our shelter-in-place cocoon stays with us as we venture out into the world. 

That said, masks can be challenging. They look strange, even scary to kids. Many kids do not like to have their face touched at all, never mind by an irksome mask. This is especially true for kids whose sensory systems are extra sensitive to touch. 

But, kids can make friends with masks. Humans are wired to prefer that which is familiar to us, but kids are much better than we are at accepting new things. That in mind, we can introduce masks in ways that help masks become a normal and even fun part of life. Here are a few simple steps that can make masks work for kids:

  • Babies and toddlers do not need masks. The CDC does not recommend masks for children under 2 or for anyone with difficulty breathing, so it is OK not to worry about cajoling your toddler into their mask. 
  • Make sure kids can take off their masks. Kids older than 2 should be able to take a mask off, but that requires that you provide a mask that is easy for kids to take off. Masks that tie in the back, for example, may provide too much challenge for kids, where a mask that tucks around the ears is easier for kids to remove if needed.
  • Make sure masks are comfortable. In a rush, we whipped together poorly sized masks made from particularly scratchy bandanas, safety pins, and hair ties—a bad move. It took much convincing to get our 5-year old to even try a new mask after that. Lesson learned. To the extent you can, make sure your child’s mask is soft, properly sized, and easy on the ears. 
  • Pick fun masks. If you can, pick masks made in colors or patterns that your kids like. The masks will be less scary—even fun to look at—in the mirror. Click here for soft and effective kid-sized masks. 
  • Let kids pick their masks. If you have a child who is sensitive to how clothing rests on their skin, and you are able, pick more than one soft mask and welcome your child to pick the mask that they like best. My middle child is really jazzed about this mask he can color in himself. Feeling in control of that selection can make all the difference to kids. Plus, all kids will be more likely to wear their mask if they feel it reflects them!
  • Practice at home. Identify times during the day here and there for the family to wear masks at home. Keep the time short and sweet at first, then make it longer each time. Kids will build their stamina every time you practice, and they can get used to wearing their masks and to seeing you wear yours. 

Sing silly songs in your mask and giggle at how funny they sound. An impromptu dance party to a favorite song can also work wonders. Take photos and send them to loved ones, or have a family video call in masks. These simple moments help them associate masks with positive and joyful feelings.

While we’re at it, mask practice can help us reinforce the rules. 

When you are working on normalizing masks, you can also reinforce good practices by modeling them and explaining them to kids in gentle ways. A few examples:

  • Per the CDC, you should wash your hands before and after you put on a mask, why not add “washing our hands” as a step. It can’t hurt to reinforce hand washing!.
  • Experts also recommend not touching our masks, once we’re out and about. I’ve told my kids to get their mask comfortable, then don’t touch it again. Mom or Dad can take it off for you. 
  •  For the grown-ups in your kids’ lives, remember that the CDC also recommends that we wash masks after we have used them in public. If you don’t have a washing machine at home, really hot water and soap should do the trick. 

Need help finding masks for kids? 

People Magazine has sizable lists with a range of mask types for kids along with this 60 plus-comprehensive list of face masks. You can also search for “organic kids mask” and find sustainable masks, too. Want to make your own? Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has a pretty simple tutorial, and Jennifer Maker’s mask includes an optional filter pocket, too.

The idea of moving from shelter-in-place to re-open feels like a frightening leap of faith, but just like our kids, we’ll likely feel more ready if we get a chance to make friends with each of these ways to stay safe. And, through the eyes of our kids, we may even have some silly fun in the process!

This post originally appeared on Tinkergarten.

After 18 years as an educator, curriculum developer and school leader, Meghan has her dream gig—an entrepreneur/educator/mom who helps families everywhere, including hers, learn outside. Today, Meghan serves as co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of Tinkergarten, the national leader in outdoor play-based learning. 

You don’t have to live in the brooding mansion atop Spook Hill to flash a little haunted house style all your own. Welcome a monster into the home with this easy, DIY Halloween decoration for kids: the transformation of an ordinary door into a ghoulish delight.

Using an inside-door opens up the possibility for materials (no weather-proofing needed) but you can also adapt this to your entryway or exterior door if you want to wow trick-or-treaters. Read on for a simple tutorial on turning any portal into a monster worthy of Dr. Frankenstein’s lab.

You will need:

A door

Scissors

Any combination of the following materials:

Tape—masking or painter’s tape works great, comes in many colors and doesn’t peel off the paint when you remove it.

Paper plates or construction paper—can be used to make the eyes as well as the nose or teeth.

Felt, faux fur, ribbons—The possibilities are endless. Great way to use leftover costume making supplies.

Plastic bags—work well for outside-dwelling door monsters.

Googly eyes, puff balls, yarn, etc.— anything you can think of to make eyes, a nose and a mouth.

Adhesive stuff—glue, double-sided tape, scotch tape. You’ll want something like double-sided to attach the eyes, nose, etc. to the door as well as glue or tape to create things like the eyes.

Gather your supplies. You’ll want to cut out eyes, nose and mouth before hand, and assemble anything like eyes before attatching. Hair can be made from strands of tape, faux fur, slices of paper or yarn.

These eyes are giant, glow-in-the-dark googly eyes, attached to paper plates. Let the kids draw the squiggly “bloodshot” lines on the plates. And remember, this is a monster. One, three and even twenty-one eyes are all acceptable. Attach you eyes, nose, mouth, hair and eyebrows. Embellish with stitches or other fun ideas. Voila! You have created a monster.

Did you create a Door Monster? Share your pics with us at #redtricycle #rtdoormonster on Instagram or Facebook. 

—All photos and story by Amber Guetebier

Daily
Today Is #Worldwide Candle Lighting Day
Fuel the flame.
1

Making your own candles is easier than you think if you follow our simple tutorial.

2

Click here to find out more about world today’s global candle lighting for lost children, plus learn other candle-based holiday traditions.

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Go flameless with a handmade menorah the kids can create.

{ Today’s ideas brought to you by Wicks }

If you’ve got a little writer in your house, try this easy way to transform an ordinary ballpoint into an old-fashioned quill pen worthy of scribing a masterpiece. Read on for the simple tutorial.

You will need:

A ballpoint pen (like a simple Bic pen)

A feather

Scissors

Tape

Step 1. Deconstruct.
Take your ballpoint pen apart. You shouldn’t need scissors or a knife for most pens. You need the little ballpoint pen part hiding inside that tube of plastic. (Caution: pen can leak ink so put away your white table linens).

You should choose a feather with a decent sized quill (this is the hollow part of the feather also known as the calamus) because this is where you’ll be stashing the “guts” of the ballpoint pen.

Step 2: Quill It Work?
Make a small snip at the end of the quill. Slide the thin ballpoint pen inside. If the fit is not tight enough, use a little scotch tape to secure it by wrapping the quill to bind the pen inside. It’s also a good idea to wrap the part of the pen that sticks out with scotch tape, to help avoid leaks onto tiny fingers. 

Step 3: Pen It!
Voila! You’ve got a modern vintage writing implement! Now write a haiku or poem. Or your memoirs.

Tip: If your feather isn’t big enough to hold the pen, or if you prefer to use a pencil, you can just lash it to the pen using tape or yarn.

Do your kids have a penchant for pens? 

—All photos and copy by Amber Guetebier