Looking for dye-free Easter egg decorating ideas this year? We’ve combed the web to find genius, non-smelly (no vinegar) Easter egg coloring ideas, and we found a bunch of unique ways to decorate. Using everything from tissue paper and Cool Whip to tempera paint and sprinkles, some are still messy (these are kids we’re dealing with, after all), and some are more like Easter crafts—and they’re all super fun.
Check out these adorable ninja eggs from Ohoh Blog—they’re sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. You’ll just need some paint, toothpicks and a ribbon.
Disco Ball Easter Eggs
Get your groove on with what has to be one of the sparkliest Easter egg decorating ideas we've seen. Since a craft blade is a required tool, this one is best for older kids or just parents who love to get crafty. Get the details from The Incredible Egg.
This Easter egg decorating idea from Sugar and Charm is pure gold. Using delicate gold leaf, the project requires some patience, but the results are worth the effort. There’s one of a simple bunny silhouette we especially love.
A crown made from baby’s breath adds a whimsical touch to these charming eggs crafted by Flax & Twine. Make them your own by adding different colorful buds to the crown or personalizing them with sweet faces.
Create faux watercolor eggs by using brush pens, a little water, and a lot of imagination! These less-messy decorative ideas from Color Made Happy bypasses traditional dyes and lets your littles create one-of-a-kind works of art.
These dyed eggs use fluffy Cool Whip and food coloring to create an edible and kid-friendly craft. Simply swirl small amounts of food coloring into a tray of the whipped topping and roll eggs! Get all the details on this dye-free activity over at Boulder Locavore.
Temporary tattoos give the illusion of a hand-painted masterpiece, but we promise these awesome eggs only look time-consuming. Made in just minutes, they can feature anything from bugs to ballerinas or your kids' favorite superhero. The sky is the limit! Check out the how-to at Brit + Co.
Have a confetti party with this festive idea from Brit + Co. Kids can pick out their favorite colors of tissue paper, then brush the confetti on the eggs with a layer of Mod Podge. Sticky, but so worth it!
Uplifting phrases or quotes for Easter? Sounds perfect for this Spring holiday. Have your kids help you pick what you want to write on your Easter eggs, and then follow the simple instructions from The Incredible Egg.
Adorn this year’s eggs with a little bling. Paper & Stitch used sparkling jewels and gems to create fun shapes and patterns in a variety of shimmering hues. Visit Momtastic for the how-to.
The perfect project for even the youngest artist, we love these pastel eggs from A Pumpkin and a Princess. Whether you prefer a marbled look, ombré gradation, or a tie-dye effect (minus the dye), there’s no wrong way to decorate with watercolors.
With soft, pipe cleaner ears and sweet hand-drawn faces, these adorable rabbits are perfect for getting your little bunny ready for Easter. Consider dressing up these simple eggs by adding googly eyes or a pompom tail. Easy enough to make with your preschooler, learn how over at The Nerd’s Wife.
If no text message is complete without a yellow face to express your every thought and feeling, then you’ll love the Emoji Easter eggs designed by Studio DIY. Check out the steps for recreating your favorite emoticon, from winks to grimaces, express yourself with eggs this Easter.
What can't you create with washi? We are totally inspired by these gems from Lovely Indeed. Parents can cut the tape into different shapes, and tots can stick the pieces in whatever design they dream up.
Keep things super simple (and super cute!) with this fun idea from Ginger Snap Crafts. Your budding artists will love drawing the chick faces onto their eggs.
Use up those stubby bits of crayon by making these genius eggs from The Nerd's Wife. The heat from freshly boiled eggs melts the crayons into awesome abstract designs.
Razzle dazzle just about everyone with these sparkly eggs from Lil' Luna. Kids will get a kick out of making the squiggly designs with glue and following up with glitter on top.
Grab paint in springy colors to create vibrant eggs like these adorable ones from Paper & Stitch. Artsy kiddos will love channeling their inner Monet to make an Easter masterpiece.
For a similar look to traditional dyed eggs without the crazy mess, try this cool idea from Aunt Peaches. The tissue paper turns the eggs into a rainbow of vibrant colors—it'll make your Easter table pop.
Flowered Eggs
iStock
A little bit of paint, a tiny paintbrush, and a steady hand are what you'll need for this creative decorating idea. Five dabs of paint make one cheerful flower, and your kids can combine colors or make all the flowers the same.
— with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton and Karly Wood
Wondering how to make hot chocolate bombs? It’s easier than you think
One of the best things about the colder months is settling in with a cup of hot cocoa. Rather than waste your tastebuds on a packet of instant mix, why not whip up a batch of something sweeter? Hot chocolate bombs can be made into all sorts of shapes, sizes, and all sorts of flavors, and fillings. Basically, it’s the sweetest afternoon activity. If you’d rather go with a traditional cup of hot chocolate, try these unique recipes!
Want to start with your basic, delicious hot chocolate bomb? Here's your recipe! It takes just three ingredients and a silicone mold to get your hot cocoa skills moving.
No need to buy an extra mold when you use this recipe that repurposes that silicone egg mold you have lying around! Grab your hot cocoa powder, marshmallows, and all the fixings you like in your hot chocolate and you have everything you need to make homemade cocoa bombs.
These magical treats are almost too pretty to eat. Using some creative icing decorations, unicorn hot cocoa bombs make the perfect treat at a little girl's party or as a gift!
Candy melts are the key to making your own LEGO man hot cocoa bombs. These sweet-tasting treats can be complimented with any number of fillings, especially tons of marshmallows!
You can stop looking for a Valentine's Dessert recipe! This adorably pink hot cocoa bomb is kid-friendly, doesn't require sealing two halves together, and uses your Instant Pot!
Snickerdoodle lovers: you're gonna want this recipe. White chocolate, cinnamon, and sugar come together that will not only have you gulping down the entire mug but maybe dipping a cookie in, too.
You won't want to let this recipe go. Frozen hot cocoa bombs are beautifully blue from candy melts that make the entire process a breeze. These are definitely Elsa-approved.
Calling all PB lovers! This decadent dessert pairs the world's best creations: peanut butter and chocolate with a simple process using just your microwave.
Need a little extra kick of cocoa? This four-ingredient recipe is easy to whip up and store in the freezer! When you're having a chocolate craving, just pop in your mug!
From witches brew to fairy potions, grab those wands and pick one of these magic potions for Halloween that you can make at home
Part classic science experiment, part Harry Potter, the following concoctions are safe for kids and totally fun to mix up. From fizzing and foaming to bubbling and bewitching, these magic potions for kids can be whipped up in no time. Looking for even more spooky fun? Try your hand at some Halloween crafts, tell kid-friendly ghost stories, and read these witch books that are only a little bit wicked!
Perfect for the spooky season, we love the cute mini pumpkins! Easy to set up and, if you keep it contained, a breeze to clean up, this potion for kids is magical.
Part love potion, part lava lamp, we're crushing on this concoction from Agnes at Hello, Wonderful. Using simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry, you can whip up your version in no time.
White clouds of witches' brew make these colorful drinks other-worldly. Dry ice is the key to this cool effect (with parent supervision, of course); hot water and soap can thicken the spell. Bubble over to Upstate Ramblings for the tutorial.
A little more effervescent than the lava lamp of the '60s, this potion made from oil, water, and Alka-Seltzer will get your kiddos all bubbly. These elixirs are easy-to-do and exciting to watch. Jamie from Hand On As We Grow has the instructions.
Sweet and colorful, this sugary brew makes the gradient with sugar, water, food coloring, jars, and a dropper. Your little wizard will be amazed at these layers, so pop over to Little Bins for Little Hands for directions.
Just glow with it. Potion-masters-in-training will need a little help from parents on this one, but the effort is worth the glow-in-the-dark effect. Ana Dziengel at Babble Dabble Do mixes corn syrup, baby oil, and water with a few "magic" ingredients for a luminous potion that doubles as a science experiment.
Easy to make with minimal mess, little mix-masters can craft their own swirling nebulas with a mason jar, cotton, water, glitter, and paint. You can thank Trisha over at MomDot for this mystical potion that just might get your little magician calm for her afternoon nap.
Potion-making is as easy as mix, whisk, color, and create! Have your little wizards gather half-bottles of household items like shaving cream, and shampoo, then add spice and dabble-e-doo! You’ve got a magic potion party. This fanciful fest was the inspiration of Bar Rucci over at ArtBar.
Is there anything more natural than kids whipping up a little garden-centric potion on a warm, sunny day? Probably not, which is why we love the setup from Jackie over at Happy Hooligans. With just a few ingredients, your kids can get their dose of outdoor play in a cool setting.
Skip the marinating and chopping with these quick options from Trader Joe’s
When it comes to getting dinner on the table, a stir fry always means a quick and healthy meal. Not only does it use a combination of both fresh and frozen ingredients, but it’s fully customizable which is great news for picky eaters! That’s where Trader Joe’s stir fry ingredients come in! From ready-cut veggies and savory sauces to pre-seasoned meats, these ingredients should be on your grocer list the next time you make a Trader Joe’s run.
Squiggly Knife Cut Style Noodles with Soy & Sesame Sauce
Tired of serving rice with your stir fry? Try these fun noodles, instead! This four-pack of Squiggly Knife Cut Style Noodles comes with sauce and takes just four minutes to cook. Cook alongside your wok, then toss with your finished stir fry for a fun new take on the dish.
Sesame Teriyaki Beef Skirt Steak
Trader Joe’s
Skip the hours of marinating when you grab this tasty Sesame Teriyaki Skirt Steak in the refrigerated section. It pairs well with almost any veggie and rice, and is the perfect thickness for slicing and dicing.
General Tsao Stir Fry Sauce
Trader Joe’s
Is it even stir fry without a stir fry sauce? Grab a jar or two the next time you’re at TJ’s of this savory, sweet, and spicy sauce made with chili pepper and garlic. Dinner has never been so easy!
Asian Style Vegetables with Stir Fry Sauce
Trader Joe’s
We love a good veggie chopping sesh as much as anyone, but this bag of Asian style vegetable that comes with sauce just makes sense. It comes with carrots, green beans, broccoli and fun baby corn that will hopefully entice your picky eater to give it a try. The best part is, this frozen food pairs with any meat or can be eaten on it’s own atop a bed of rice or noodles.
When it comes to Trade Joe’s stir fry ingredients, this meatless main is a must. Even though it’s not meat, the plant-based protein is still made with traditional marinade consisting of soy sauce, garlic, green onions and sugar, for an authentic texture and taste.
Stir Fried Garlicky Cabbage
Trader Joe’s
This Trader Joe’s stir fry ingredient couldn’t be easier: you can make on the stove top OR the microwave! The heat and then ready-to-eat side is made with a vegan stir fry sauce that really packs a savory punch and pairs well with almost any meat or fish main and rice.
Spicy Thai Shrimp Fried Rice
Trader Joe’s
Time is on your side when you pull out a bag of Spicy Thai Shrimp Fried Rice! It’s simply a matter of cooking this delicious array of rice, shrimp, Thai red chili, corn, baby corn and green peas in a single pan then serving. No other ingredients necessary!
Trader Joe’s Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons
Trader Joe’s
We love a fun twist on traditional stir fry, so why not toss some wontons in the mix? These chicken cilantro mini wontons are already fully cooked so it’s just a matter of heating, then tossing with rice and some veggies.
Trader Joe’s White Miso Paste is the ingredient you didn’t know your stir fry was missing! This versatile product can be used as a marinade prior to cooking or as a drizzle to top off your dinner with a savory, umami flavor.
Chicken Gyoza Potstickers
Trader Joe’s
While potstickers are normally a fun finger food, they also make a delightful stir fry main ingredient. The next time you’re at TJ’s, grab a jar of the Gyoza Dipping Sauce and Stir-Fry Frozen Vegetables. Pour the potstickers and veggies into a large skillet (add salt and pepper, if desired) and cook until warmed through. Pour in one cup of the dipping sauce, warm through, and enjoy a veggie-packed dinner!
Vegetable Fried Rice
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s Vegetable Fried Rice is another great one pan option for throwing together a stir fry. Prepare as is for a meat-free dinner, or toss in fun ingredients like a fried egg, green onions or shrimp.
Ready Veggies
Trader Joe’s
Can you curate your own mix of veggies for a stir fry? Of course. Can you also pick up a bag of Trader Joe’s Ready Veggies that make your life even easier? YES. This blend of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, red cabbage, kale, carrots, and snow peas is the ideal stir fry mix and is already chopped and ready to toss in your wok.
Trader Joe’s BBQ Teriyaki Chicken
Trader Joe’s
If you like a simple and straightforward stir fry, you can’t go wrong with Trader Joe’s BBQ chicken Teriyaki. The pre-marinated BBQ chicken comes with an authentic teriyaki sauce that will make you feel like you ordered from a restaurant. The bag heats up quickly and is easily served along a side of steamed veggies. Dinner is served!
Riced Cauliflower Stir Fry
Trader Joe’s
If it has “stir fry” in the name, you know it’s going to be a great start to whipping up dinner. Trader Joe’s riced cauliflower blend comes with green peas, red peppers, grilled corn, spring onions, tamari, all covered in ginger and sesame oil. It’s light, which makes it both a great option to pair with a meat main or to have all on its own.
The risotto recipe is packed with one of the best vitamin C foods for kids
Think vitamin C is only found in oranges? Think again. Boost those immune systems with these Vitamin C foods for kids that will upgrade your family’s daily dose of this all-important vitamin, starting with breakfast all the way through dessert. Doing this might even help stave off some of the impending sick days we know are on the horizon. From healthy Dole Whip to irresistible Brussels sprouts, these foods are high in vitamin C and worthy of any winter menu.
Brussels sprouts are an excellent choice if you want to boost your vitamin C consumption. And if you're looking for a recipe that'll be a winner with kids and adults alike, you're in luck. This dish is a comfort food classic, sporting bacon, and a cheesy sauce. Click on over toOat & Sesame for more!
If you're a fan of Disneyland's Dole Whip, we've got a double dose of good news. We have a recipe that not only promises a healthy version of your favorite treat but also includes a good dose of vitamin C, thanks to pineapple. Grab your Mickey Mouse ears and get the recipe from Almost Supermom.
Broccoli actually has more vitamin C than an orange, so it's a great green bet for your family's diet! This recipe from Savory Tooth is a kid-friendly way to welcome broccoli to your dinner table—and it doesn't require constant stirring!
Zucchini is a good source of vitamin C (the skin especially), and this recipe is great for a quick and delicious dinner. It has the melty cheese and pepperoni of your favorite pizza, but with a healthy twist. Best of all, it's a dump-and-bake kind of meal! Get the recipe from The Seasoned Mom.
Oranges may get a lot of the vitamin C glory, but lemons are a powerhouse source, too. The best way to take advantage? This one-dish meal that’s homey, tasty, and bursting with lemon flavor. Get the recipe here.
If your tots love tots, you've got to give this version, courtesy of Gimme Delicious, a try. Here, broccoli is the star, along with its hefty dose of vitamin C. Plus, they're baked, not fried, and perfect for a snack or main meal.
Cauliflower has a surprising amount of vitamin C, but the trick is finding a kid-friendly recipe spotlighting this particular veggie. Cue this chowder that pairs roasted cauliflower with sweet corn, bacon bits, and cheesy goodness. Get the recipe from Valerie’s Kitchen.
Just a cup of red bell peppers has a whopping amount of vitamin C and this recipe uses whole peppers in a super delicious way! They’re also so easy to make that kids can even help out. Get the recipe here.
This colorful smoothie bowl isn’t just a beautiful way to start your day. It’s also chock-full of healthy fruit, including vitamin C-rich mangos. And if you don’t live in a tropical climate? Just grab the majority of your ingredients from the frozen aisle. Get the recipe from Downshiftology.
We have just one word for this salmon dish: yum! It gets points for being easy to whip up, and there’s also a pineapple salsa full of fresh flavor and vitamin C. It sounds like a dinner winner to us! Get the recipe from Dinner at the Zoo.
There are tons of ways to enjoy strawberries and their sweet vitamin C benefits, but we’re partial to this three-ingredient agua fresca. It’s a perfect summer drink (or a perfect drink if you want to pretend that it’s summer). Get the recipe from Lola’s Cocina.
We salute you if you've got a kid who will eat kale chips. This homemade version is ultra-easy to make and features all the fantastic nutritional perks of kale (including vitamin C!). Get the recipe here.
The Green Goblin Smoothie
Lindsey Johnson
Not only can you prep all the ingredients for this smoothie ahead of time, but you can also feel good about those ingredients (Think healthy superfoods: spinach, oranges, pineapple, and banana.). Get the recipe here.
Did you know kiwi is a killer source of vitamin C? It also makes an excellent popsicle—and this no-fuss recipe is proof! Grab dixie cups and frozen peas (yes, peas!), and you’re halfway to enjoying a delish frozen treat. Get the recipe here.
The vitamin C train doesn't have to stop at dinner. Give your dessert the extra boost with this delicious creamy coconut tangelo rice pudding recipe from Boulder Locavore. Tangelos (a hybrid of mandarin oranges and tangerines) have a tangy kick that pairs well with creamy coconut milk.
If you can’t get to the wonderful world of Disney just yet, but really want to enjoy their cult-favorite Disney Dole Whip treats, you’re in luck. Earlier this year, the company released a look-a-like recipe for the famous Pineapple Dole Whip called the “Frozen Pineapple Treat.” So what exactly do you need to make one at home? Keep reading to find out.
Disney Parks
According to the recipe, you’ll need one scoop of vanilla ice cream, 4 ounces of pineapple juice, and two cups of frozen pineapple. Then add all to a blender, blend until smooth, and then add to a piping bag before swirling out the delicious Disney Dole Whip treat—because it has to look like it came straight from the ice cream machine, right?
Want a tree that can be a showstopper all year long? We’ve got just the thing for you!
The Succulent Artworks shop on Etsy is currently whipping up these 18 inch trees, made to order. The best part? These trees can be maintained for months, then disassembled and each bloom can be replanted!
They’re easy to care for, too. Simply water when the planting medium is completely dry, which should be at least two weeks since succulents store water in their leaves. The 18-inch tree is currently priced at $230 (there is a 14-inch option but it’s sold out right now) and can be ordered at Succulent Artworks on Etsy.
Just can’t wait until December to whip up festive treats?
Target’s Hyde & EEK! Boutique is giving us a spooky twist on a tradition typically reserved for Christmas with it’s new Halloween cookie decorating kits. Your little ghosts can cozy up with the likes of haunted meringues, Frankenstein and more for under $10!
The holidays are a few months away but now is the perfect time to lock in the perfect gift for that hard-to-please relative. Thank to a genius idea, you need look no further than Whisps.
America’s best-selling cheese crisps company is sharing the must-have gift for cheeseaholics: a personalized cheese carving. Yes, you can let award-winning cheese carver, Sarah Kaufmann, whip up a custom cheese sculpture for the ultimate cheesy gift.
The Whisps Personalized Cheese Carving ($200) knows no bounds. All you have to do is upload a hi-res image of your fave pet, place, item or person and allow two weeks for Sarah to do her magic. When finished, it will measure approximately 6.75”x3”x2.5” and will last up to two weeks when refrigerated.
If you’d rather give out a more affordable gift for your fellow cheese lover, look to the Whisps Cheese Carving Gifts ($49.99). The smaller cheese carvings are about the size of an ornament and include a 90’s-inspired flip phone, mini cheese grater and a dollar bill. They also last up to two weeks in the fridge and are totally edible!
Both gift items will be available from Oct. 1 through Dec. 10 on whisps.com.
Do you have a reader who hasn’t yet discovered the wonderful world of Harry Potter? This summer could change all that!
Wizarding World has just launched a free virtual hub that will transport first time Harry Potter readers like never before. Harry Potter Reading Magic is all about discovering the story and magic of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone/Sorcerer’s Stone through a five-week reading journey.
Over the course of the summer, readers can follow along with weekly experiences as they read. Not only will they be able to immerse themselves in the magical chapters, but young wizards and witches can whip up crafts, take quizzes, learn more about characters and rock chapter challenges. If this isn’t a parent’s summertime dream come true, we don’t know what is!
There are also lots of resources for parents, teachers and caregivers, and this fun initiative is poised to return annually.
But parents, you’re in more luck! Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is also available to stream free on Alexa from Audible now until the end of July. Just say “Alexa, read Harry Potter Book One,” and sit back to enjoy your quiet time.