Hello, friends, I know times are uncertain and many are facing difficult decisions. Many of you have reached out asking for ideas about what to do with your toddler while staying home. Here are our favorite resources for creative stay-at-home activities, and lots of learning fun too. We use common household items you probably already […]
Best Sand Toys for Kids
August 13, 2019 by
The best sand toys for kids can inspire hours of imaginative playtime fun for kids! These sand toys foster lots of time outdoors too. Whether it’s a trip to the beach, or a simple sandbox or sand table in your yard, these sand toys are sure to bring plenty of smiles! Know any kids celebrating […]
Teletubbies Are Back on Nick Jr!
December 4, 2016 by
This post is part of a sponsored campaign for Teletubbies. I received compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own. If you have young kids, you are probably already familiar with the Teletubbies and their adorable characters of Laa-Laa, Po, Dipsy, and Tinkie Winkie. Did you know that Nick Jr has launched new […]
Free Printable for Preschoolers: Bakery Play Mats!
March 17, 2014 by
Here’s a free printable for preschoolers that works as a great boredom buster, especially for kids who love to draw or play with play dough! These bakery play mats let kids decorate cupcakes and cookies however they would like. Keep the sheets in a binder, and you’ll have an instant (and free) play mat booklet […]
What to Do with Toddlers on a Snow Day
February 3, 2014 by
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 […]
Quick Craft: Modern Hand Painted Trivets
September 25, 2013 by
These modern hand painted trivets would make great hostess gifts for family or friends, and are easy enough for even the littlest crafter to make with great success! With just a few inexpensive materials, these can be custom-made to match any kitchen. My 5 year old was quite proud of how hers turned out, and […]
Quick Valentine Window Display
January 23, 2013 by
Need a quick Valentine’s Day craft idea for the kids? Looking for a fun way to brighten up an otherwise cold and dreary day? Do you have coffee filters on-hand?? Then this heart window display is for you! It has been awhile since we’ve last updated our front window with a new colorful display — […]
No-Bake Winter Forest Treats
January 15, 2013 by
Do your kids like to decorate cookies, cupcakes, and other treats? Are you tired of all that baking? Need a kid-friendly activity that is super quick and easy?? Then these no-bake Winter treats are for you! I liked that this was easy to set up, kept the kids happily entertained for a long time, and […]
Inspiring Materials for Budding Artists
January 13, 2013 by
1. Jumbo Watercolor Paints — I love the simplicity of this set of watercolor paints, and how it encourages kids to experiment with color mixing. The large paint pans make painting easy for even the youngest artists. Ages 3 and up. 2. Artist Canvas Boards — Nothing makes a kid feel like a real artist […]
Hot Air Balloon Window Display
July 13, 2012 by
It’s time for a new window display! (If you’re new to our blog, you can see our previous window displays here, here, here, here, and here.) This time we painted up coffee filters with watercolor paint! I love how these painted coffee filters each have a unique look. The filters hold up very well to […]
5 Festive Easter Crafts for Kids
March 26, 2012 by
1. Tiny Easter Baskets — Easter baskets are cute. Tiny Easter Baskets are ADORABLE!!! 2. Super Easy Last-Minute Carrot Card — Made with finger prints. 3. Easter Egg Thumbprint Card — with free printable! 4. Spring Chick Card — You won’t believe what we used to paint these Spring chicks. 5. […]
10 Simple No-Mess Crafts for Tots
January 18, 2012 by
Crafting with little kids doesn’t have to be a big mess — at least not ALL of the time. Here are ten of our favorite no-mess projects for those days when you’re stuck indoors and don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning up! Star Garland Heart Tea Tags Colorful Crowns Modern […]
10 Winter Crafts & Activities for Tots
December 21, 2011 by
The Winter months bring the challenge of keeping the kids entertained while indoors during cold and icy weather. Need a few Winter craft and activity ideas to help? Here are ten of our favorite ways to spend a Winter day! 1. Set up an “ice cream” shop for hours of pretend play fun! 2. Craft up […]
5 Simple Ways to Foster Gratitude in Kids
November 4, 2011 by
So much of the frugal lifestyle is filled with cultivating a sense of appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. A nice side benefit of learning to be grateful for what you already have — you’ll save money!! Yay for saving money! It’s never too early to start encouraging your kids to express thankfulness and gratitude. Here […]
Quick Craft — Halloween Photo Frames
October 13, 2011 by
Clara and I had lots of fun crafting these festive photo frames for Halloween, and we cannot wait to mail them off to faraway family and friends! It was a super-quick project that she could do with very little help from me. For the spider design, I cut the frame from a sheet of thick […]
Around the Web — Cardboard Vehicles
June 11, 2011 by
Cardboard is one of our all-time favorite crafting materials because it’s super-cheap (if not free), and can be made into all sorts of amazing toys or play spaces for kids (or those of us who are kids-at-heart). Here are a few inspiring ideas from around the web to try for some great frugal imaginative travel […]
10 Sanity-Saving Activities for Quiet Time
May 15, 2011 by
Every kid needs a bit of down time during the day, and so do most moms. Whether you have younger children who nap, or you need a few minutes of quiet to make a phone call, quiet time can be a BIG asset! Here are ten of our all-time favorite activities for that sacred time […]
Mandatory Picnic
May 12, 2011 by
We’ve been blessed with beautiful weather lately! You know, the kind of weather when it feels like a crime to be spending any amount of time indoors?? Yeah, that kind. As I was just about to do my usual boring reheat the leftovers from last night’s dinner for lunch thing, I looked at Clara and […]
