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

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

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

One Little Project

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.

Related: 14 Perfect Easter Paper Crafts for Kids

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

Let's Do Something Crafty

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

Fantastic Fun and Learning

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

The Pinterested Parent

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

Pink Stripey Socks

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

Hello Wonderful

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

Teaching Every Day

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

egg cart craft penguins
Green Owl Art

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

My Kid Craft

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.

Related: 33 Easter Egg Decorating Ideas That Don’t Use Dye

Egg Carton Ocean Craft

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

 

You’ve finally arrived. You’re ready to give your home the attention it deserves, whether that be new toy storage in the kids’ room or giving your pantry a facelift. And the good news is, while your social feed may suggest otherwise, there’s no reason to rush out and blow your entire budget on stackable baskets and (perfect! cute!) containers for the kitchen. Instead, inspired by some of our favorite design-centric parents, these ideas are all about organizing with IKEA products and might be the answer to all of your makeover dilemmas. 

Why do people love organizing with IKEA products?

The Scandinavian design company has long been a place for folks to pick up affordable and functional furniture, but the products also tend to be fairly basic in design, so you can glam it up, and with a little creativity, use it in areas you might not normally think about. Plus, the storage options are endless, and anyone with kids knows how important that can be.

The Best Ideas for Organizing with IKEA Furniture

1. KALLAX Changing Table

IKEA’s KALLAX storage unit becomes a versatile piece in H.isforHome’s nursery as a changing table with plenty of storage ready at hand. The greatest part about this hack is that later when her son Grayson outgrows the changing table, there’s a seamless transition into simple storage and shelving pieces (click here to check it out).

2. IKEA Closet Organizer Idea

Creating an open toddler closet might be the most creative use of the HUTTON wine racks we’ve ever seen.

3. LURÖY Bed Slat Wall Hanger

Your bed slats are so much more than support for your bed. Use this awesome idea from Kristina of Ich Designer to make an amazing wall storage space for your family using the LURÖY Slatted Bed Base from IKEA. Hang baskets, magazines, notebooks, and more to get your everyday must-haves out of the way.

4. BILLY Bookshelf Mudroom Lockers

IKEA shoe organizer is a good IKEA organizing idea
Polkadot Chair

Whether you have a mudroom, or just have a bit of extra space in your entry, Melissa from Polkadot Chair has a hack that will revolutionize your storage life. Using the BILLY bookcase, you can create lockers for everyone’s coats, bags, shoes, and more.

5. IKEA Drawer Organizing Idea

Lifeflix

If you’re looking IKEA organizing ideas to help you keep the clothes in order, the KOMPLEMENT storage boxes are perfect. They require almost no assembly and can help you organize piles of laundry in a snap.

6. 2-in-1 Kitchen Island

If you’ve got a small kitchen but dream of having an island, this IKEA organization idea from Craftydust is right up your alley. Using KALLAX shelves and the KARLBY kitchen worktop, you can have an island that not only folds in half but can also be used as a bar cart.

7. Rolling Under Bed Storage

under the bed organizing with IKEA frames
Faith Towers

Under your bed doesn’t have to be wasted storage space. Transform it with a helping hand from Faith Towers at Curbly. Believe it or not, her amazing under-the-bed storage boxes are made of frames—specifically the IKEA RIBBA Frames and a set of casters from Amazon! Check out her tutorial to get started.

8. IKEA LEGO Table

We know this project seems like a lot of work, but the result is worth it. Nele Cole has a great tutorial on how to make a LEGO table using the TROFAST Storage System from IKEA that not only has room for all the kids but all the bricks too.

9. BEKVÄM Spice Rack Kids’ Book Storage Hack

When it comes to books, give the kids a place all their own. Using BEKVÄM spice rack shelves, simply attach them to the side of your bookshelf and rotate their favorites in and out.

10. A Gallery Wall for All the Things

You want to display their best artwork as well as some of the things you’ve collected along your life journey, but you don’t want it to feel too cluttered. Solution? Snag some IKEA RIBBA frames and get to work.

11. A Rolling Storage Container with Style

Using the TINGBY side table and the RÖDEBY bamboo armrest tray, you can create a storage container that works great in an office and looks amazing, too. You’ll need extra hardware for this one, so be sure to watch the video!

Related: Surprising IKEA Hacks to Transform Your Kid’s Room

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

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

All images courtesy of retailers and creators as noted.


Start your family band by crafting some awesome homemade instruments. Most of these are super easy to make, and kids will have a blast banging on a tin can drum, shaking DIY maracas, and making some tunes. Looking for other creative projects for kids? Check out our collection of crafts for toddlers, classic paper crafts for kids, and things kids can make with toilet paper rolls.

Why Are Homemade Instruments Important?

Making and playing homemade instruments allows kids to use not only their artistic creativity but their musical creativity as well. In addition, according to the Ethnomusicology Review, “When fully engaged in musical invention, children can develop their naturally imaginative and participatory approach to learning.”

Our Favorite DIY Instruments You Can Make at Home

Cardboard Rain Stick

A rain stick makes the prettiest sound, and it’s very easy to make one at home with a few simple items. We love the tutorial for this found over at Kid Made Modern.

Cardboard Guitar

a picture of a cardboard guitar, a homemade instrument
Pink Stripey Socks

Perfect for toddlers who aren't ready for the real thing, we love this cardboard guitar spotted over at Pink Stripey Socks. You can paint it in any design, too! 

Hand Drums

a picture of DIY drums, homemade instruments
Minted

Kids can twist and twirl these homemade hand drums to their heart's content! Find the tutorial over at Minted.

Bongo, Shaker, Güiro All in One

Mama. Papa. Bubba

This fun little instrument is really three in one! Kids will enjoy shaking it or playing it as a drum and it's super easy to make. Get the tutorial over at Mama.Papa.Bubba.

Jingle Ring

picture of jingle rings, which are a homemade instruments
Buggy and Buddy

This adorable nature-themed tambourine-like DIY instrument is the perfect addition to a May Day celebration or even just a day outside. Easy to make, you can find the tutorial from Buggy and Buddy.

"Do-Re-Mi" Xylophone

Chelsea Foy of Lovely Indeed, in Partnership with The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization

If you've got a serious hankering for DIY projects, this adorable xylophone kids can play along to "Do-Re-Mi" from The Sound of Music fits the bill. From Lovely Indeed, you'll need to make a trek to the home-improvement store for all the materials, but the chic design and good sound quality mean you'll want to keep it out instead of stashing it away somewhere. Be sure to check out all the other adorable projects over at the Sound of Music Crafting Corner

CD Cymbals

picture of little girl using homemade CD symbols
Jackie Currie via Happy Hooligans

Happy Hooligans makes good use of CDs. We especially love these "cymbals" because they don't sound like real cymbals. 

Singing Straws

Handmade Charlotte

We love Handmade Charlotte's take on the pan flute. Not only does this homemade instrument make music, but it's also as bright and colorful as can be.

Rainbow Xylophone

a picture of a rainbow xylophone, a DIY instrument you can make at home
And Next Comes L

This super cute and colorful homemade instrument is as much fun to make as it is to play. Get the scoop on how to do it yourself over at And Next Comes L

Paper Plate Tambourine

a picture of a paper plate tambourine, a DIY instrument
Gabby Cullen

This little DIY instrument packs a jingle and it's a great use for paper plates left over from a birthday party. If you have the plain white ones, even better, though because then your little maestro gets to decorate her own. Get the complete step-by-step here

Didgeridoo

courtesy KiwiCo.

It's one of the world's oldest instruments, and your kids can make their colorful version in one afternoon. The secret to making it look real? Earth-toned paint colors. You can find the entire tutorial over at KiwiCo

Chicken in a Cup

homemade instruments
All for the Boys

For an outside-the-box take on a homemade instrument, you’ve got to try this “chicken in a cup” from All for the Boys. It’s super easy to put together using household items, and kids will get a kick out of the squeaky sound it makes.

Cereal Box Guitar

Made by Joel

If you've got a cereal box and a couple of rubber bands lying around, you've got a guitar! Made by Joel has the super simple how-to. Older babies and toddlers can help you decorate the cereal box with stickers or washi tape, then get to strumming. No cereal box? Rubber bands stretched around a loaf pan will produce a similar effect.

 

Homemade Tin Can Drums

Keep it simple (but still super fun) with this sweet DIY instrument idea from Red Ted Art. Kids can paint the “drums” however they want, and then they’ll have a blast discovering the different sounds they can make with kitchen utensils.

Backyard Concerts

homemade instruments
PreK K Sharing

Banging on a pot with a wooden spoon is practically a rite of passage in babyhood. Why not take it a step further and construct an outdoor music wall for your kids like this one from PreK + K Sharing? Scour your house for any seldom-used odds and ends that make a fun sound (or hit up your favorite thrift store), then use a hammer and nails to secure a section of fencing. 

Easter Egg Maracas

Picture of Easter Egg maracas, which are a homemade instruments
iStock

Shake to the sound of rice with these easy-peasy maracas. All you need is rice, plastic spoons, easter eggs, and tape! Best part? These shakers have been tried and tested by lifestyle blogger and mom of three, Katelyn Fagan of What’s Up Fagans, and they are certified to play at a decent volume without being too annoying. 

Kazoo

homemade instruments
Buggy and Buddy

Explore sound and science with Buggy and Buddy’s homemade kazoo. With simple materials that you’re bound to have at home, this kazoo is perfect for vocal tots who love to spend their days humming and singing. What a fun homemade instrument!

Shoebox Guitar

picture of a shoebox guitar, a fun homemade instrument
Minieco

Did you know empty containers hold a secret melody? All you need are some rubber bands, a shoebox, and split pins; then your quick-fingered tot can get their twang on. For the key to perfect, magical sound, check out the tutorial over at Minieco.

Mini Mandolin

Picture of a homemade mandolin, a fun DIY instrument
Hello Bee

With a little more time and effort, your wooden mandolin is set to last much longer than your musician’s first gig. Hello Bee has an awesome tutorial on making a mandolin that’s worthy of being part of a kid-sized Philharmonic. 

Pin Strummers

homemade instruments
Josie via Pi'ikea Street

Strum up a tune with bobby pins. This experiment and discovery project by Pi'ikea Street explores how different sounds can become just by changing one object.

Bell Shakers

homemade instruments
Hello Bee

Ring in a merry afternoon with these bell shakers. This tutorial from craft blog Hello Bee requires some drilling, but the modern look and long-lasting build are worth it. Now your littlest can join the family band with just a wriggle of the wrist!

Sensory Bin Shakers

a picture of sensory bin shakers, an easy homemade instrument
Fun-a-Day

We love these sensory bin shakers because they'll extend sensory play time. It's also easy for your kids to make on their own. Head over to Fun-a-Day to see how to make your own. 

with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton, Amber Guetebier, and Gabby Cullen

 

 

From money envelopes to dragons, here are the best Chinese New Year crafts for preschoolers and beyond

We’re squealing with excitement over the upcoming Lunar New Year. This family-centric celebration starts on the first day of the new moon on the Lunar Calendar, and we’ve searched high and low for ways to involve the whole crew. From paper lanterns and red envelopes to lunar calendars and more, find your favorite Chinese New Year crafts to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. We’ve also got fun dragon crafts for kids!

Toilet Paper Roll Dragon

Make this amazing dragon craft with the simplest materials. Tissue paper, pom poms, a toilet paper tube, glue, and googly eyes are all you need for this craft, but let your kiddo be creative and use whatever they’d like.

Origami Rabbit

Chinese new year crafts
Easy Peasy and Fun

It's the Year of the Rabbit! Celebrate the lunar new year with this adorable origami rabbit craft from Easy Peasy and Fun.

Chinese Lanterns

Happiness is Homemade

Light up your new year with these simple sparkle Chinese lanterns made from colored paper, jewel stickers, tape, and glue. Put them up in pairs, but remember—four is an unlucky number! If your little crafter is on a roll, eight lanterns strung together are lucky and bring wealth. Heidi over at Happiness is Homemade gives us the how-to-do.

 

Chinese New Year Craft Firecrackers

This Lunar New Year craft sparkles and shines! You can find most of what you need at home, but be sure to click the picture to see the details.

Related: 14 Asian Food Recipes You’ll Think Are Takeout

Paper Dragon

Allison McDonald via No Time for Flashcards

Your little reveler can bring good luck and have fun creating this paper dragon craft. It's easy to make with things from around the house: paper, paint, a rolling pin, bubble wrap, and googly eyes. Psst ... this can be an afternoon activity if you make a really big dragon! Get the step-by-step at No Time for Flashcards.

 

Lunar Calendar

Nikki Walsh

Since the Chinese Calendar is based on the lunar calendar with each month beginning on the first day of the new moon, have your little ones fill out the different phases to see where the New Year's month begins. You’ll need a calendar, circle stickers, and scissors. Find a quick tutorial, here.

 

Accordion Tangerine

Buggy and Buddy

Tangerines and oranges symbolize good luck and wealth for the new year. Your little moon can bring this bright and vibrant happy color into the house with this cute Chinese New Year craft by Chelsey at Buggy and Buddy. It’s easy to make with colored paper, brown yarn, scissors, and glue. 

 

Money Envelopes

First Palette

What tot can resist those red envelopes? Usually filled with money (of even denominations) and given out at the celebratory dinners, if you have time, you and your crew can make these little envelopes and decorate them too. We love the version from Sue over at First Palette because it comes with a printable template!  

 

Cherry Blossom Fans

In the Playroom

Lunar New Year is also known as the Spring Festival, so what better way to celebrate than by letting your little artist finger-paint cherry blossoms on Chinese fans? Just grab some colored paper, a black pen, paint, and tape. The instructions can be found over at In the Playroom.

Calligraphy

Chinese new year crafts
Tinkerlab

Your little scribes may not be ready to master Chinese characters, but you can still introduce them to the art of calligraphy. Once you've gathered the basic supplies of a pen, ink, and paper, you can follow Rachelle Doorley's guide over at Tinkerlab.

 

Chinese Gong

Chinese new year crafts
Kid World Citizen

Get musical by making a Chinese-inspired gong, like this one from Kid World Citizen. You can even experiment with different pan sizes for different types of sounds. 

Chinese New Year Sensory Bin

Let littles get hands-on Chinese New Year-style exploring in this sensory bin. First, color the rice red to bring good luck (A quick how-to at Little Bins for Little Hands). Then add chopsticks, old Chinese coins, teacups, spoons, Lunar New Year sayings, red envelopes, and our favorite, a Buddha. Be sure to supervise toddlers while they enjoy this fun experience.

Find out everything from how old you have to be to have a YouTube Channel to how to create a YouTube channel and why screen time limits are still important

Does your kid obsess over YouTube gamers and videos like they’re the only thing on a screen worth watching? It’s only a matter of time before they want to know how to create a YouTube channel themselves. But what does that mean, exactly? More importantly, is it OK? The answer, says Common Sense Media, is mostly yes—as long as parents keep a watchful eye over their kids’ online endeavors and follow a few basic guidelines to help safeguard their kids’ privacy. Here’s everything you need to know about how to create a YouTube channel for kids.

Why the Obsession with YouTube?

It may seem foreign to parents, but making a YouTube video isn’t all that much different from wanting to stage a talent show for friends and family; it’s just the audience that’s bigger.

“Even though you may have concerns about the risks of broadcasting on the web—and they are legitimate,” says this article from Common Sense Media, “your kid may see it as a way of expressing herself, learning digital video skills, sharing with friends and experimenting creatively. It’s important to balance your concerns with the benefits she can reap.”

“With your guidance and support, she can do it safely, and it might be a fun project that may be useful down the road. In fact, more and more kids are using their online channels—whether it’s a Tumblr blog, an Instagram photo collection, or a Snapchat story—as digital portfolios to showcase their work to employers, colleges, and potential collaborators.”

At What Age Can You Start a YouTube Channel?

two kids learning about how to create a YouTube channel
iStock

Officially, YouTube forbids children under the age of 13 from creating their own accounts, and children between ages 13 and 17 are only allowed to open accounts with parental permission. Of course, these rules don't say anything about parents opening an account for their child; this is allowed. Ryan, the eight-year-old star of Ryan's World, is one of YouTube's biggest stars, with over 24 million subscribers tuning in to watch him play and review toys, do science experiments, and more. It's no paltry gig—Ryan earned a reported $24 million in 2019, which includes revenue from not only his YouTube Channel but also his line of toys that can be found at big box stores everywhere. 

"Ryan was watching a lot of toy review channels—some of his favorites are TheTubeFamily and Hulyan Maya—because they used to make a lot of videos about Thomas the Tank Engine, and Ryan was super into Thomas,” his mother said in an interview with TubeFilter. "One day, he asked me, 'How come I’m not on YouTube when all the other kids are?’ So we just decided—yeah, we can do that. Then, we took him to the store to get his very first toy—I think it was a LEGO train set—and it all started from there.”

How to Make a YouTube Channel for Kids

iStock

1. Create a Gmail account for your child if they are under 13 years old. This will give them a YouTube account but not a YouTube channel.

2. Create a YouTube Channel by clicking "Select My Channel" on the sidebar on the left of the YouTube homepage. This is where users can select the name to be associated with their YouTube channel. For kids, do not use their real/whole names since these names will be broadcast to anyone watching the videos.

3. Set the privacy settings so that everything is private or unlisted. Private means that only those you invite to view the channel can watch the videos; unlisted means only those with the particular video links can see them. Also, turn off comments so your kid won't have to read unkind or inappropriate remarks from other users. Note: These privacy settings mean that only friends and family can view your child's page, which is great when it comes to keeping them safe; not so great if they're trying to build a following.

For more details on creating a YouTube channel, click here. For points to consider before doing it, click here

Tips for Keeping Kids Safe Online

tween girl on phone late at night
iStock

Edit for Privacy Purposes
Since putting up videos on YouTube essentially allows anyone (depending on your channel's privacy settings) to see and hear your child, parents must keep a close eye on what their kids are doing to make sure they aren't accidentally revealing any personal information. We recommend that you don't allow your children to show their faces in their videos. This means OK to narrating Minecraft games, sporting events and stop-motion animation shows, and yes to a stuffed animal or puppet performances where they do the voices.

Also, YouTube has new safety measures when it comes to kids. Parents will be able to create a supervised Google account, which will come with content settings and limited features. You can see all the details here

Be Their #1 Viewer
Be sure to watch all of the videos your child posts. This can be tedious, but you have to make sure your kids aren't accidentally revealing any personal information (where they go to school, where they live, etc.).

Put Limits on Recording Time   
Like any other screen time activity, it's best to limit your child's recording sessions to 30-60 minutes. 

Make Videos with Them
It can be a fun family activity if you help your kids make a video to publish online. They'll love getting YouTube time, and you'll love being able to add some grown-up finesse to the project. Here's our step-by-step tutorial that'll give you all the details, plus the best gadgets to buy. 

 

 

 

Let your Halloween door decorations do the spooking for you this year

It’s October—Halloween has officially arrived! Now is the time to get your house ready with your favorite Halloween inflatables and pumpkins (be sure to use one of our pumpkin stencil designs), but what about Halloween door decorations and front porch Halloween decorations? From rustic door panels, crow silhouettes, and even a witch who has a wrong turn, we’ve got 11 easy ideas to make your front entrance shine this Halloween. When you’re done with the decor, plan a movie night by picking one of the best Halloween movies on Netflix, and don’t forget the movie night snacks!

Monster Halloween Door

Would you believe us if we told you there’s no need for a kit when it comes to re-creating this monster Halloween door decoration? Just lots of poster board. We are so inspired by @liz.morrow’s gorgeous setup. For another idea, check out our monster door tutorial.

Pretty in Pink Halloween Door

 

Who says Halloween door decorations have to be scary? This adorable setup gives us just as many thrills as something a little more spooky might.

Halloween Door Panels

Amazon

These rustic signs are made from fabric that is weather-resistant, washable, and easy to put away to use in future years.

Get the look here

Spider Web Halloween Door

spider web halloween door decorations
Ashley & Hallman via Jane Can

This spider web door from Jane Can is too cute to spook! Grab yarn, Styrofoam balls, pom poms, and pipe cleaners to make this large spindly web and multi-legged spiders. 

Get the look here.

 

Related: 14 Genius (Almost) Homemade Halloween Decorations

Shadowy Silhouette Halloween Door

Wayfair

This shadowy silhouette is an easy one to fix up. Plus, there's no adhesive, and you can use it year after year.

Get the look here.  

Mummy Halloween Door Decorations

mummy Halloween door decorations
Carol Speake via Always The Holiday

Little ghosts will brave the walk to your front door when they see this welcoming mummy. A breeze to create with white streamers, black and yellow construction paper, and tape. 

Get the look here.

 

Witch Crash Halloween Door Wreath

Alison Faulkner via The Alison Show

Your little pretties will be bewitched by a crash-landing witch wreath! 

Get the look here.

Eyeball Door Wreath

Nicole & Candace via Crafty Sisters

All eyes are on the costumed guests! Add a little eerie to your door with an eyeball wreath like the one spotted over at Crafty Sisters

Get the look here

Related: DIY Halloween Decorations to Deck Your Haunted Halls

Moving Spiders

Delia Creates

Add a little creep factor with magnetic spiders (that you can move!) like these from Delia Creates.

Get the look here.  

Eek! Door Light

Settle this in next to a few spiders and cobwebs around your door, and it'll be a sweetly scary way to light up your front door on Halloween. 

Get the look here. 

Crows Flying Halloween Door

silhouette birds halloween door decorations
Idle Wife

There’s something eerie about swirling crows (thank you, Alfred Hitchcock), and we love the look spotted over at the Idle Wife.

Get the look here

 

From a DJ booth for the big kids to butterfly wings for the littles, you can use your old cardboard boxes to create these unique Halloween costumes

It’s that time of year! The weather has that autumn chill, everything is pumpkin-flavored (just look at TJ’s latest pumpkin offerings!), and the kids are buzzing with family costume ideas. Instead of breaking your budget on a store-bought costume, why not reuse those Amazon boxes you have stashed away? They’re called “boxtumes,” and with just a little crafty inspiration and your child’s imagination, you can create any number of cardboard box costumes that will make for a happy Halloween. Looking for some more DIY inspiration? Check out these Halloween crafts for kids, super-cool pumpkin carving stencils (your neighbors will flip!), and haunted Halloween decorations.

Minecraft Creeper Heads Box Costumes

Your little builders will love painting these Minecraft heads for their Halloween costumes this year. What’s especially nice is that you’ll need a reasonably-sized box, not a huge one you’ll have to find.

Rockstar & a Mixed Tape Box Costume

We love this sibling costume idea—a mixed tape and a guitar made out of boxes. Bonus: Your kids can wear comfy clothes for the rest of the costume, which means you’ll win Halloween.

Zoltar

DIY Halloween costume Zoltar
Kate Loweth

Get ready to read some fortunes with this Zoltar costume you can create using a cardboard box. Suspenders help to hold it up and you’ll want to add some accessories like a genie lamp and colorful magic ball to channel the sorcery of it all.

Vending Machine

A girl has used a box to create a vending machine Halloween costume
Christy Palmer via Thrifty and Thriving

This is an easy and great idea for using up all those boxes from Amazon! Just be warned— this cool costume could have other trick-or-treaters trying to get the candy to dispense. A Slinky, paint, and a few other items are all you’ll need to make your version of this tasty get-up. Head over to Thrifty and Thriving to get the entire tutorial.

 

DJ

A boy dressed up like a DJ booth using an old box
Kate Loweth

Snag a shirt from your favorite band, some headphones, and some chains and you'll be on your way to building a fantastic DJ costume. Use your box to make the turntable and grab a record from Goodwill. Super easy! 

Related: 34 Incredible Homemade Halloween Costumes for Kids

A Macaron

A girl is dressed up in a box for Halloween to look like a pink macron
Studio DIY

Oui, oui, your child is a fabulously French macaron. This scrumptious costume looks good enough to eat. Sadly, you can't, but it’s fun to create and your child will get a kick out of being their favorite dessert. Check out the design from Studio DIY.

 

A Kid in a Box

A boy uses an Amazon box to create a Halloween costume
Kate Loweth

This illusion costume is super fun and easy to build. Just use a mask from last year and a hoodie to create the creature who is carrying you. Then you get to be carried in the box. Super fun! 

Paper Doll Costume

We love this creative option that would be super easy to cut out and decorate this Halloween! Find instructions for this box costume here.

X-Ray

A little girl is dressed up for Halloween in an X-Ray box costume
Rachael Burgess

How cute is this little X-ray costume? Not only is the skeleton totally on point for Halloween, but have a sibling or a parent dress up as a doctor, and boom—it's a family costume. Find out how to make one with your Amazon box by heading to Rachael Burgess

A Pair of Dice

Two girls are dressed in matching Halloween costumes made of cardboard that make them look like a pair of die
Mandy Beyeler via Sugar Bee Crafts

Try your luck at making a set of dice this Halloween. Perfect for twins or BFFs, one of the best things about this costume is that it doesn't take a ton of supplies to make. Get the tutorial over at Sugar Bee Crafts

A Daring Dino

A boy is dressed as a dragon for Halloween in a box costume
Liska Meyers via Adventure in a Box

Go Jurassic this Halloween with an adorable dinosaur cardboard box Halloween costume. Your kiddo can fit inside the box, making it easy to wear (in other words, no tight suits or itchy head coverings that your tot will surely refuse to even touch). And bonus, your kiddos can paint their dino any way they want. Get the full instructions from Adventure In a Box.

 

UFO & Alien Cardboard Box Costume

Get yourself some foil and craft a UFO out of those cardboard boxes for an out-of-this-world costume!

Related: 27 Family Halloween Costume Ideas to Copy This Year

An Envelope

A girl is dressed up like a letter using a cardboard box
Studio DIY

Someone has mail. No, not email—a real letter that’s made from paper. Okay, so the letter isn’t exactly all paper and pen marks. It’s cardboard! With a box and some creativity, you can build your child a cute airmail costume. Get the details from Studio DIY.

 

 

Thomas the Train

Your preschooler can’t stop going on and on about his favorite little blue engine. He’s totally into Thomas the Train and is begging (like every 30 seconds) for a costume that features his fave. Well, here’s where this costume from Sugar Bee Crafts comes in. It’s artsy, fun, and something you can DIY at home.

Airplane Box Costume

You’ve seen Disney’s Planes something like a trillion times. And now your child wants to play one of the roles. For Halloween, that is. Don’t worry about finding a ready-made L’il Dipper costume at the mall (or online). Check out this cardboard box version from Desert Chica.

Cardboard Wings

Fairy wings made from a cardboard box are worn by a little girl for Halloween
The Sweetest Occasion

Whether it’s princesses, fairies, or butterflies that interest your child, this cardboard costume is everything. It’s super simple but still artsy enough to get your creative kid into the crafty creation process. Learn how to turn your old boxes into a crown and beautiful butterfly wings over at The Sweetest Occasion.

 

Related: 23 Last-Minute Costumes You Can Totally Pull Off

Fire Truck

A cardboard box is painting red to look like a fire engine and is worn by a little boy for Halloween
Repeat Crafter Me

You don’t have to keep the cardboard for the costume itself. This sweet firefighter outfit is easy to make—you can probably pick plenty of items from the dress-up bin to use. Here’s where the cardboard comes in. Use it to create the cutest fire truck wagon ever! Get the details from Repeat Crafter Me.

 

 

 

Get out that gauze and get ready to recreate a few of these mummy craft projects that are just the right amount of creepy.

Pumpkin carving might not be so easy (unless you have these pro templates) but these mummy crafts are actually very simple to pull off. Spend an afternoon with the kids and make a festive decoration that will last for Halloweens to come. If you’re looking for other Halloween crafts for kids, we’ve got those too!

Moving Eyes Mummy Craft

How cute is this idea? Even the big kids might get in on the fun with this Halloween craft. Get the details over at Kids Craft Room.

Glowing Nose Mummy Craft

This is a lot easier than it looks, and the kids will love to watch these mummies light up after dark! Get the tutorial over at Non-Toy Gift Ideas.

Toilet Paper Roll Mummy

Even if you don’t “do” crafts, you can still do this. Save a few rolls, buy string and googly eyes, and get to work. You can paint them, or not, it’s up to you and your kids.

Masking Tape Mummy

Masking Tape Mummy Craft
Somewhat Simple via Eighteen25

We love this sweet and simple masking tape and construction paper mummy craft by Eighteen25 that's perfect for preschoolers who are still honing their fine motor skills. And if you want to extend the playtime after the mummy's made, just add a popsicle stick to the back, and voila! You've got yourself a puppet!

Bendable Mummy Figures

a bendable mummy craft
Family Chic from Camilla Fabbri

Your kids will love bending these DIY mummy figures to fit their needs. Who knows? You may just find a chain of them dangling from the chandelier, your rearview mirror, or even the showerhead. Check out Family Chic for inspiration and how-to.

Wood Block Mummies

Mummy Craft
Craftaholics Anonymous

Yes, there is a possible trip to the hardware store for this one, but your reward will be an adorable DIY decoration that you'll pull out every Halloween for years to come. We love this tutorial by Craftaholics Anonymous. Can't stomach the thought of loading up a carload of kids and navigating the lumber yard? Try substituting cereal boxes for a temporary decoration, instead.

Pumpkin Mummies

Hands on As We Grow

Hands On As We Grow has an idea for the friendliest little mummy pumpkin you'll ever meet, and you can get the step-by-step here. Googly eyes and no-mess cuteness? Yes, please!

 

 

We’ve rounded up sweet Halloween crafts for kids guaranteed to give your little goblins thrills, not chills

Are frightening zombies, spooky spirits, and menacing mummies a little much for your little ones?  We’ve got 18 Halloween crafts for kids that are way sweeter than they are scary (just like these Halloween jokes). You’ll find smiling jack-o’-lanterns and googly-eyed bats that’ll leave you and your crafty little pumpkins cackling with glee. Go ahead and make a night of it with easy Halloween treats, kid-friendly ghost stories, and Halloween games (including minute to win it games)!

1. Halloween Castle Craft for Kids

This one is more of a time-consuming project, but what an exciting one! This could be a fun activity for the family or a big Halloween craft for kids, but either way, it’ll be amazing.

2. Painting Pumpkins with Apples

You can’t go wrong with these little pumpkin paintings! Your kiddos will have fun using something different (halved apples!) to paint with.

3. Toilet Paper Roll Mummy

This is a classic mummy craft that your kids will enjoy making! Switch it up by adding whatever type of eyes or string you’d like.

4. Candy Corn Nature Craft

Get out into nature before it’s too chilly and find some leaves to make this fun Halloween craft for kids. They will have a blast searching for their leaves outside and cutting and gluing their candy corn pieces. Use petals for the white section if you have some around.

Related: Cackle Like a Witch at These Printable Halloween Jokes

5. Bunny Pumpkin

This bunny pumpkin couldn’t be scary, but it is super adorable! This project might be good for young kids, but this is also a good craft to accessorize. Add eyelashes, a hat, or anything you’d like to make your bunny unique.

6. Ghost Jar Halloween Craft for Kids

These ghost jars will make an adorable glowing decoration for Halloween! Safety Tip: Use battery-operated votive candles to keep things safe. You can also use multi-colored string lights to make things more fun!

7. Painted Leaves

These painted leaves are super cute ways to let your kid be creative and it doesn’t require many materials! The best part? This Halloween craft for kids won’t consume too much of your time.

8. Ghost Painting Halloween Craft

Your kiddo will love trying out this ghost painting! They can paint any sort of accessories like hats, bows, or anything they’d like to give their ghost some personality.

Related: 27 Not Too Spooky Songs for Your Halloween Playlist

9. Macaron Pumpkins

Macaron Pumpkins are a cute Halloween craft for kids
Craft Box Girls

Nothing spooky here! This sweet pumpkin craft from Craft Box Girls transforms an ordinary craft gourd into a macaron with a little paint, glitter, felt, and glue. And let's be honest, it's a whole lot easier than making real macarons!

10. Batty Silhouette

a batty sillhoutte art project is an easy Halloween craft for kids
Mini Monets & Mommies

Explore the idea of silhouettes with this batty Halloween craft for kids. Your kid can create a vampire bat, using plain black construction paper. Fold the paper book-style, and draw half the bat starting at the center. Keeping the paper folded, cut the bat out. Unfold the paper to reveal the whole creature. Glue the silhouette to a painted paper sunset to complete the craft. Get the tutorial at Mini Monets and Mommies.

11. Crafty Bats

bat crafts are a fun Halloween craft for kids
Buggy & Buddy

These happy nocturnal creatures are the perfect Halloween decor for your bat cave. You might even have everything you need lying around the house, too! Fly over to the tutorial at Buggy and Buddy.

12. Not-So-Spooky Spiders

Paper plate spiders are a fun Halloween craft for kids
Living In Happy Place

Creepy crawlies don't need to be super scary. This paper plate spider has more crafty cuteness than venomous fright. Think of it as treat, and not a trick! Get the Halloween crafts instructions from Living In Happy Place.

Related: 23 Last-Minute Costumes You Can Totally Pull Off

13. Sugar Skull Skeleton Craft

Skeleton craft for Halloween
Gabby Cullen

This sweet skeleton is perfect for kids to display all the way through Dios de los Muertos! We love that there's a free printable template you can use and that kids can decorate however they see fit. Get the tutorial here

14. Handprint Spiders

Fun at Home with Kids

Let the kids lend a hand (or two) to create these adorable arachnids from Fun at Home with Kids. Make a new one every year to document growth!

15. Halloween Rock Magnets

Magnet rocks are a fun halloween craft for kids
This Heart of Mine

This rockin' craft from This Heart of Mine is perfect for hanging your little monsters' artwork on the fridge. 

16. Footprint Bunting

Mamma.Pappa.Bubba

Put your left (and right) foot in to create this adorable party decor from Mama.Papa.Bubba. From ghosts to cats, candy corn, and more, let the kids decorate each footprint as their favorite Halloween characters. 

Related: 12 Halloween Minute-to-Win-It Games For Kids

17. Glittery Jack-o-Lantern Mason Jars

Mason jar halloween craft for kids
Life is a Lullaby

We love how Life is a Lullaby transformed tiny mason jars into whimsical, shimmering jack-o-lanterns that double as candy holders and decor. The kids will love crafting their own toothy grins.  

18. Popsicle Stick Witch

a witch popsicle stick magnet is a fun Halloween craft for kids
This Girl's Life Blog

This googly-eyed witch from This Girl's Life Blog is wickedly cute. Part of a collection of magnets that includes a festive scarecrow and pumpkin, it's the perfect Halloween craft for the spooky season.

 

 

 

Keep the heart of the house running like a well-oiled machine

We’ve all put in enough time trying to figure out what’s for dinner, making lunches, and dishing out an unknown number of snacks to know that the kitchen is the heart of the house. Having a space that’s organized and enjoyable doesn’t have to be stuck in your social media feed; with a little help, it’s something you have IRL. We’ve gathered some of our favorite kitchen organization hacks that will keep you out of the disaster zone and help you transform the way you use the family’s favorite space.

Have a Dedicated Kitchen Tablet

Jeff Sheldon via Unsplash

Cut down on all the clutter that gathers in a kitchen by dedicating a tablet to the workspace. The family calendar, recipes, shopping lists, and bills are just a few of the things you can digitize to cut back on clutter with this kitchen organization hack. 

Clean Out the Fridge

cleaning out the refrigerator is a good kitchen organization hack
iStock

From where to store your milk to the best inserts to keep it all straight, check out The Kitchn's easy tricks to keeping your fridge clean.

Hang Kitchen Utensils

hang kitchen utensils for more storage space
iStock

Give larger kitchen items (or items without handles) the spot in the cupboard by hanging saute pans and cooking utensils on a wall rack. 

Related: 17 Storage Hacks Every Parent Needs

Organize Things Where You Can See Them

When organizing your pantry (or anything, really!), it’s a good idea to put things in clear containers or to set them up in a way where you can see what they are or how much you have left. That way, you can easily access them and know when to put them on the grocery list.

Use Air-Tight Sealing Jars

Pantries can get overrun quickly, especially when you can’t see what you have. If you put all of your pantry foods into clear jars, you’ll be able to see what you have. Make sure to use jars that have tops with a tight seal so that you don’t have any unwanted visitors!

Add a Lazy Susan to the Fridge

Another useful kitchen organization hack: for easy access to all of your favorite jams and condiments, try using a lazy Susan turntable in your fridge. The perfect swiveling action will give you constant access to all of your favorite sauces without having to take everything out of your fridge to get to them.

Related: 34 Time-Saving Food & Prep Hacks That Actually Work

Use Wine Racks and Plastic Bins to Organize Water Bottles and Kid Cups

When it comes to keeping all the moving parts of a sippy cup or a water bottle organized, the struggle is real. This kitchen organization hack uses wine racks, shelves, and plastic bins to give each one a home.

Use Labels in the Pantry

If you’re committed to having an organized pantry, it’s not enough to just put everything in boxes or containers. To create your dream pantry, what you really need are labels. Whether you use adhesive labels or notecards, labeling all of the containers will make it easier to store, stock, and find everything.

Properly Store your Cords

Dreaming in DIY

When it comes to kitchen organization, one of the most important things to have is counter space. And the biggest challenge is all those appliances and their cords. (and can be pretty dangerous for the little ones). But what if you didn’t have to worry about them? Try this awesome hack from Dreaming in DIY. All you need to do is attach Command hooks to your appliances, and you have instant cord storage.

Organize Your Pot Lids with a Towel Bar

This kitchen organization hack falls into the “why didn’t we think of that” category. By putting them on the cabinet door with a towel rack you’ll save room for the actual pots and pans.

Related: 10 IKEA Organizing Hacks Every Family Could Use

—with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton