Handmade Holiday Gift Ideas

Need some simple ideas for handmade gifts this holiday season?? Here is a collection of some of our favorite handmade holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list. Added bonus, the kids can help make many of these, keeping them entertained while actively participating in the gift making process! Aren’t handmade holiday gifts the best?? […]

Handmade Holiday – Chili Mix in a Jar Recipe

Chili mix in a jar is a quick, simple, and frugal gift idea everyone is sure to love. Nothing takes the chill out of winter like a warm bowl of chili! The kids and I made these a few years ago, and they were a HUGE hit! The kids took turns measuring out the ingredients and […]

Ideas for Playing in the Snow

These ideas for playing in the snow are sure to delight kids of all ages! For those of you who are still getting snow, here are some of our favorite ways to take advantage of the last of the snow days and make some FUN memories with the kids this Winter. 1. Snow Bakery This […]

Fine Motor Craft – Winter Snowflake Ornaments

This fine motor craft to make Winter snowflake ornaments can be set up as a quick and easy “invitation to create” while celebrating Winter with the kids! Added bonus — some unique snowflake ornaments that are sure to add a little sparkle to your home. To make the Winter Snowflake Ornaments, you will need: craft […]

Valentine’s Day Montessori Trays

Valentine’s day is a time of giving and a time of love.  Getting our kids into the spirit of the holiday is often hard without a moose-sized dose of sugar.    But we can easily turn the things they normally do into special holiday crafts that create adorable keepsakes (and even better memories) with a […]

What to Do with Toddlers on a Snow Day

For many busy parents, keeping little kids entertained while indoors during a snow day can be a challenge. Here are some of our favorite activities that are quick and EASY to set up, while making lots of special Winter memories you and your kids are sure to treasure! What to Do with Toddlers on a […]

Learning in an Instant- Snowball Fight Math

Looking for a quick, easy, and FUN way to teach math this winter? Just add marshmallows! This snowball fight math activity is a playful way for kids to practice their math skills. And who doesn’t love a good snowball fight? Snowball Fight Math Items Needed: marshmallows magnetic numbers Directions: Use the magnetic numbers (or a […]

Quick Craft – Fluffy Snow Paint Recipe

My kids love to paint, so this quick craft and fluffy snow paint recipe was such a big hit with them! I love how something so simple can keep them happy entertained for such a long time. This is a great activity to try with a wide variety of ages too! My oldest painted portraits […]

Winter Craft for Kids — Snowflake Trivets

The kids are always looking for pretty gifts they can make for family or friends, and these hand-painted trivets are perfect (and useful) gifts. They are simple to make, and even the littlest artists can have fun with this easy project!! This is such a fun Winter craft for kids! To make your own snowflake […]

Let’s Have an Indoor Picnic!

Last week, my 5 year old came running over to me and excitedly declared, “MOMMY! We should put a blanket on the floor! In the living room! And have a picnic! *gasp* INdoors!!!!” She didn’t have to twist *my* arm.  It really was as easy as she described. She spread the blanket on the living […]

Books about Animals in Winter

Does your child want to learn more about animals in winter? Reading is a wonderful way to obtain new information and encourage children to use their imagination. Here are ten of our favorite children’s books about animals in winter. Books about Animals in Winter Stranger in the Woods by Carl R. Sams II and Jean […]

Birds in Winter

Last weekend, our region experienced extreme sub-zero temperatures. While outside watching bubbles freeze, my youngest son noticed a fluffy bird shivering on our neighbor’s air conditioner. “Mommy,” he began, “I feel so bad for that little bird! It must be cold!” His empathy and curiosity led him to a series of excellent questions: How do […]

Celebrating New Year’s Eve with Kids

Are you celebrating New Year’s Eve with Kids this year? Mark and I will be, and that means we’ll be ringing in the New Year with Rio de Janeiro (super-convenient since it is located a few time zones ahead of us)!! This morning we’re busy creating a Brazilian-inspired music playlist (with plenty of Sergio Mendes), and […]

Holiday Tips for Parents

For many of us, the time between Christmas and New Years can be hectic and busy! Fortunately, our team of writers here at Inner Child Fun have shared some of their best holiday tips for parents for making the most of this time of the year to savor with family and friends. Take some things […]

Holiday Craft for Kids – Recycled Wreath

Today’s holiday craft for kids is sponsored by our friends at Crayola, and it’s so much fun to make! As soon as I set out the washable paint, Clara squealed with joy and ran to find her craft apron — a sure sign that this project was going to be a huge hit with her! […]

Simple Holiday Crafts for Kids

Here are a few of our favorite simple holiday crafts for kids to do that are quick and easy to set up, perfect for keeping the kids entertained during Winter break! Many of these use common household materials you probably already have on-hand. Yay for simple activities!! Some of these crafts can even double as […]

Holiday Gift Kids Can Make — Peppermint Necklace

Here’s a quick and easy holiday gift kids can make using just a few materials, and you can even sneak in a pattern lesson while working on fine motor skills too! To make your own peppermint necklaces, you will need some string (or shoelaces), and cut up stripy straws to make beads that look like […]

Peppermint Mocha Teacher Gift

This holiday season, show appreciation and gratitude for your child’s teacher by giving her/him a mug full of delicious, sweet Peppermint Mocha Mix. Kids can help mix it, package it, and will experience the warmth and joy of giving. Ingredients: 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup instant coffee granules 1/2 cup cocoa powder 20 peppermint starlight […]