Make a slinky skeleton with the kids this Halloween season
Add a little spooky fun into the afternoon by making a simple (and not too scary) skeleton craft for kids. Keep it classic, or add color and sparkle for Día de los Muertos. Kids of all ages will enjoy creating this friendly bag o’ bones, especially because it adds fun Halloween decor to any home! For more inspiration, check out our favorite Halloween crafts, Halloween treats, and family costume ideas!
Supplies for Your Skeleton Craft
This craft activity is fun, and you probably have almost everything you need at home. Gather the following items: Cardstock quality paper, brass fasteners, pipe cleaners, hole punch, glitter glue, googly eyes, gemstones, markers, ink pens or just about anything else to get a skeleton ready for the holidays.
Skeleton Craft Printable
There are a lot of great (and free) downloadable skeleton templates floating around, so take the time to look for one the kids love. Our pick for an easy download is this happy little guy. His smile and big bones make for easy coloring and decorating; he most definitely won over the artist at our writer's home.
Lay Out the Bones to Decorate
After you've cut out the pieces, lay them out for easy decorating. This is also a great opportunity to squeeze in a little science lesson about bones and the body.
Ears and Eyes and Mouth and Nose
We decided to start with eyes so the skeleton could see "what was going on," but feel free to start decorating anywhere. At this point, kids can go wild with markers, jewels or whatever else they have on hand.
Glitter glue works great for kids who want to create a sugar skull for Día de los Muertos. Add black swirls and lots of color to make it pop.
Punching Time
After everything has dried, grab a hole punch; if there isn't one in the craft box a skewer works well, and make the holes at the designated points on the template.
Get It Together
Using the fasteners (also called brads), attach all the slinky pieces to one another. If the fasteners are too long, fold them up on the backside of the skeleton to conceal them.
Silly Dancing Bones
Finally, this slinky skeleton is ready for action. Create a wall hook with a fun colored pipe cleaner; attach it with glue or punch a hole at the top of the skull and loop through. This craft will be a perfect decoration to pull out year after year, and you can even have the kids create a new one each year!
With moving tentacles and that iconic smirk, six-foot tall Ursula is here to spice up your lawn. She is super easy to set up and take down and comes with both the stakes and tethers.
Mean green Oogie Boogie stands tall in any fun Halloween scene. Bright white LED lights illuminate the creepy creature and his minions in this inflatable that is versatile for both indoor and outdoor use. He inflates in seconds and comes with tethers and stakes so he stays put.
This five-foot long inflatable skeleton puppy is carrying a sweet pumpkin candy basket with matching floppy ears. With super bright LED lights built inside, this pooch is sure to be seen.
We found the perfect counterpart to your Oogie Boogie inflatable: Jack Skellington! The seven-foot tall blow up is dressed to the nines and works for both indoor and outdoor use.
This six-foot tall Coco Miguel and Dante Halloween Inflatable is available at Home Depot. This inflatable easily self-inflates in seconds for easy setup. With energy-efficient LEDs, it provides lasting, season-long illumination. Simply plug it in and stake in the ground.
“Every year when I sit down to design the new Día De Muertos dolls there’s a flood of emotions; I’m honored and excited to represent this holiday that is so close to my own heart. I understand how important this holiday is and am grateful for the opportunity to continue celebrating these traditions with Barbie respectfully. I love celebrating the Día de Muertos traditions with my loved ones each year and honoring my family and friends that are no longer with us. It’s such a powerful and meaningful way to remember them through stories and happy memories,” says Barbie Signature designer Javier Meabe.
Mattel
This year, three dolls make up the collection. Barbie wears a royal purple dress with calavera sugar skulls and flower details. She dons a cempasúchil flower and rose headband with streaming ribbons, with a bone belt to finish the look.
“Ken has a little more complex design than Barbie but I’m always up for the challenge! I wanted to make sure he felt different, and special from the first Día De Meurtos Ken,” Meabe explains.
Mattel
Ken sports a bright blue shirt under a vest with skulls, flowers, roses, and bones to make up his charro look. To finish his ensemeble, he wears a calavera sugar skull bolero tie and sombrero with a golden band.
This year, a special Barbie also joins the collection and is designed by Benito Santos. “I’m excited that we get to expand the world of Día De Muertos in the Barbie portfolio. We also get to see it come to life though the vision of Benito Santos, who also loves and celebrates the holiday,” says Meabe.
Mattel
A member exclusive, this doll wears a red-and-white embroidered gown with a layered mermaid hem, a cropped embroidered jacket, and a holiday-inspired headpiece. You can shop the new 2022 collection at mattel.com, where dolls range in price from $80-$100.
Right now, the Benito Santos x Dia de los Muertos doll is currently sold out, but it could come back in stock.
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There are plant people and then, there’s everyone else. From houseplants to succulents to botanical bling, these gifts for gardeners and plant lovers alike will be sure to make their fellow plant nerds green with envy.
Mini terrariums are old news: micro terrariums are where it's really at. This tiny set comes with real moss, soil, stone, and clay in a glass micro terrarium.
Based on the creations of eighteenth-century British botanical artist Mary Delany, each piece features scientifically accurate recreations of flowers including rhododendrons, water lilies, sunflowers and more. 12 cards and envelopes per set.
If you want to pick out the perfect plant in person, Wild Interiors is your go-to. They are stocked at dozens of stores around the country and offer pet-friendly, low-maintenance and low-sunlight options, among others.
Not only will these look adorbs on your couch or bed, for every purchase made the Green Philosophy Co. they've partnered with Trees for the Future, a nonprofit aimed at ending hunger and poverty by helping farmers across Africa plant trees and regenerate their land. For every product sold, Green Philosophy Co is helping plant trees: so it's an epic win-win for any plant lover.
Every gardener needs a pair of sturdy-but-stylish books for tromping around botanical gardens and muddy garden beds alike. We love these shiny red classics, that stand out in a sea of green.
Give the gift of green this holiday. The self-watering Mason Jar Indoor Herb Garden is not only a great way to bring life into an indoor space, but you can also choose between Organic Geneovese Basil, Organic Cilantro, Non-GMO Common Mint, Organic Greek Oregano, Organic Flat Leaf Parsley and Organic Sage when purchasing.
Say goodbye to ugly plastic watering cans and say hello to this chic one instead. We love the fact that it's made of galvanized metal to prevent rusting and that you can leave it out after your chores are done!
Did somebody say sugar skulls? It must be Día de Los Muertos (aka Day of the Dead)! From the history of the holiday to crafts, to food, and artisans to support, read on to get some inspiration for celebrating this important holiday with your family.
The Skull Truth: Día de Los Muertos Facts & History
Celebrated throughout the Americas, this tradition of Día de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, originated in Mexico. Kids will recognize the colorfully decorated sugar skull as the most common symbol. Your town or neighborhood may host a celebration, but not everyone knows the meaning behind it.
Did you know:
The Dia de los Muertos holiday is actually two days, held consecutively: Nov. 1 is marked as a day to honor lost children, as well as any lost or forgotten souls. Nov. 2, Day of the Dead official, honors all lost ancestors and loved ones.
The week preceding (and sometimes longer) is spent in preparation for the big night which often culminates in a procession to the town cemetery or a central place where altars have been erected.
Loved ones are honored with offerings including the departed's favorite foods, drinks, and objects.
Sugar skulls aren't necessarily to eat.
Click here to learn even more about the significance of sugar skulls, why it's such an important holiday in Mexican culture, and how you can participate.
Yes, we know you can get Day of the Dead decor at Target. But put some dollars into supporting Latinx artists to get your skeleton vibes and honor the roots of this holiday.
Kidstir has a special Day of the Dead activity and recipe kit, aimed at getting kids into the kitchen to help celebrate the holiday. You'll receive three iconic recipes for Mexican dishes like quesadilla skulls, Mexican hot chocolate and Sopa de Fideo (classic tomato soup with fried pasta), along with activities, a cooking tool, stickers and more inspired by the holiday.
You can purchase this activity kit on Kidstir.com.
Skulls and skeletons with flowers in their hair, hats, mustaches, suits, and more can be seen throughout the Day of the Dead holiday. Here are some sugar-skull-inspired crafts you can try at home with your kids this year.
If you've always wanted to try making your own sugar skulls at home, check out this site to get supplies, decor, and tutorials.
Because this is a time of celebration, feasting together, especially on your loved ones' favorite foods, is a significant part of the holiday. From Pan de Muerto—a sugar sprinkled yeast bread frequently placed on the altars to the dead—to traditional Mexican foods, check out these ten recipes to cook up something delicious.
Bone appetit! Turn your waffles into skulls thanks to the latest release from Dash. The Black Skull Mini Waffle Maker pumps out four inch creations that are almost too creepy to eat.
Not only do the waffles transform into skulls, but the waffle maker itself is covered in skull and crossbones pattern for an extra scary touch. It’s available for $17.99 now on Amazon and at other major retailers. Or you can get a plain black version for $10 at Target!
If you want something slightly different, Dash offers a variety of mini waffle makers, including an adorable pumpkin. They’re compact, lightweight and can be used for more than just breakfast: try a panini or biscuit pizza!
Ready to make weekend breakfasts feel extra festive? Your fam will love eating “waffle webs” thanks to this adorable new appliance that cooks up mini waffles in spiderweb shapes.
The Dash Spider Web Mini Waffle Maker is available to buy at Target now for $10. At a petite 2.8 inches high and 5 inches wide, it will easily slide into the smallest of kitchens. The nonstick cooking surface ensures that you’ll get get perfect creations every time!
If you’re hoping to make the first meal of the day slightly creepier, you can also buy a skull version of the waffle maker. This one’s a bit more expensive at $17.99, but it’s already racking up great reviews.
The appliances also come with recipe guides for both sweet and savory waffles. If you need even more inspo, check out our list of other foods you can make with a trusty waffle maker!
Who’s ready for some deadly decor? After navigating the hot summer, we are ready to welcome fall and these faux succulents from Target are just the ticket.
The Hyde and Eek! Boutique has just launched tons of ghoulish garnishes that start at just $5 that showcase spooky succulents and dreadful daisies. You can already start shopping the collection now at target.com.
Many parents are looking for fun alternatives to keep their kids busy on Halloween. This year trick-or-treating may involve indulging in sweet treats at home. Sprinkles has families covered with their newly released limited-edition Halloween DYO-TO-GO Cupcake Box.
Available on Sprinkles.com now until Oct. 31 for $25, these boxes are the perfect activity for families and kids to enjoy together this Halloween.
Each kit comes with:
4 unfrosted cupcakes (1 Red Velvet, 1 Dark Chocolate, 1 Sprinkle, 1 Pumpkin)
Frosting (2 Cream Cheese, 2 Dark Chocolate Buttercream)
Celebrate Halloween in style with your favorite pooch. Today, Milk-Bone released three sets of limited-edition Halloween masks with matching bandanas so our four-legged fans can enjoy their “fun size” Mini Bones safely and in style. Limited-edition Milk-Bone Halloween mask and bandana sets come in three varieties – Skull & Crossbones, Pumpkin & Candy and Mouse & Cheese. Face masks come exclusively in adult sizes and bandanas are available in two sizes, for both large and small dogs.
“We knew that Halloween was going to look very different this year. Today, a mask is so much more than just a costume accessory, it’s a go-to staple for any and all public outings,” said Dave Latta, Senior Director of Marketing Communications, Milk-Bone. “Dogs have brought us so much joy during this difficult year, so they will absolutely be a part of holiday celebrations. We’re excited to see families dress up with these sets –even if that means simply posing for a selfie.”
“We know dogs and their parents often love to dress in matching costumes year after year,” said Kelly Huyler, Senior Brand Manager, Milk-Bone. “And it just seemed fitting that this would be the first year ever that we would make a limited edition ‘easy’ costume for Milk-Bone fans, humans and dogs.”
To ensure a Happy Halloween for all trick or treaters, Milk-Bone also launched Trick or Treat Packs, 20 individually wrapped bags of Mini Bones, made for dogs of all breeds and sizes. So this year, dogs won’t end the evening empty handed or need to sneak a treat from their human siblings’ treat sack.
Each set will retail for $9.99 exclusively on Amazon.com and comes complete with a Milk-Bone Mini Bone sample pack for man’s best friend.
To learn more about Milk-Bone, and see the full selection of Halloween mask and bandana sets, visit www.milkbone.com.