Frosty The Snowman...

Is our inspiration for kids crafts this week, headed into New Year's holiday weekend.  Still no snow at your house?  Get inspired!  If your kids can't get to the snowmen...bring the snowmen to your kids!

Clay Pot Snowman

How will you entertain your kids this weekend for New Year's?  Getting them all hopped up on peppermint cocoa and gingerbread might sound entertaining but really...not a good idea if you want them to go to sleep before the ball drops at Time Square.  So, that leaves us with Snowmen crafts!

Creative Snowman

Snowmen are fun, frolicky, and can be pretty fabulous!  (Yes, I know frolicky is not a word.)  Let your and your kiddos imagination run wild as you think of ways to personalize these snowman crafts and make them your own kind of "Frosty fabulous!"

Garbage Sack Snowman

Plus check out the seasonal section at The Idea Box to find many more free craft ideas to keep your kids entertained for the duration of Winter break and throughout the rest of the cold season.  Happy New Year!

New Year's Kids Crafts!

Happy New Year to you and your family, and may 2012 bring blessings and growth to your little ones!  The Idea Box is a great resource for moms and teachers alike, filled with songs, games, recipes, and crafts specifically geared for kids.

We love kids and we love helping you find new ways to teach and entertain your kiddos.  Below are just a few New Year's holiday crafts to keep little hands busy either New Year's Eve or January 1st.  Check out our holidays and seasons sections for other great crafts and games.

Enjoy!  And please submit pictures of your kids' results.  We love to see what your kiddos are up to and showcase their work!

Resolution Box

New Year's Shaker

Confetti Fun

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer...

Had a very shiny nose!  And if you have kids stuck in the house because the weather outside is frightful, you will be delighted with all of our reindeer themed crafts to keep them occupied.

Check out these and a bunch of other fun FREE craft ideas at The Idea Box.  (For Kids, For Fun!)

Rudolph Cookies

Reindeer Food Holder

Paper Plate Rudolph Mask

Reindeer Pin

All I Want For Christmas Is...

(Kids)...something fun to do until I can open presents and eat sugar plums!  And maybe also my two front teeth.
(Moms)...something to keep them occupied long enough for me to finish up my Christmas stuff!  And a 16 oz. peppermint mocha.

Ah, the anticipation builds and the countdown to Christmas is at 4 days by my calendar.  Tomorrow the inevitable and scary happens.  My son is dismissed for Winter break.  And I am faced with the challenge of keeping him busy for 3 (yes, I said 3) weeks.  Not only do we need to survive until Christmas morning, but then we have to brave New Year's Day and all the other days in between now and when I can send him back!

Lucky for me, and you, The Idea Box is jam-packed with great crafts, recipes, songs, and activities to keep our little rug-rats occupied and maybe even happy for the next few weeks of being stuck at home with M-O-M.  Try our Christmas section for some last minute holiday fun or any of our other sections for ideas to keep them busy when it's too cold to play outside.

Enjoy!  Remember to submit a photo of your results so we can brag on you and your kiddos too!

Paper Cup Angels

Santa's Elf

Marshmallow Snowman

Fruit Loop Christmas Tree

Brain-Cell Savers for Winter Break

As we get closer to Christmas Vacation/Winter Break (next Wednesday for us) it may be a good idea to plan ahead for some crafts...because on the morning of Day 2 of Winter break, you will hear this sound, "MOM! I'M BORED!"  It will resonate like a foghorn in your head and you will feel brain cells trickling out of your ears.  (Brain cells you cannot afford to lose since you are frantically gearing up for *shh* Christmas.)

So in the spirit of giving and preserving brain cells, here are some craft ideas to get you started.  If you run out of things to keep the brain cell bashers busy, just visit our site for a HUGE list of Christmas crafts and recipes that are Kid-friendly and brain cell approved.  (And mommie approved)  Enjoy!


                                 Snowman Soup

Santa's Elf

Reindeer Food Holder

Ornaments Comin' Out!

We understand the spirit of Christmas and do our best to impart that to our children.  But for kids part of the magic of Christmas is the tree!  And what builds magic into the tree?  The ornaments!  Some are old, some are new, some are hand-me-downs or hand-made, some are nothing but glitter and glue.  Whatever ornaments your tree is made of, they are sparkly and magical to your little ones (and big kids still enjoy ornaments too)!

Whether you're a teacher grasping for last minute "keep them busy until school lets out" crafts or a SAHM looking for ways to add a little Christmas cheer to your home, we've got some ideas that will put the twinkle in your eyes and in your tree!  Here are some ornament ideas to get you started.  They can be adapted or added to or completed converted...let your imagination run a little amoc!  (We've got alot more where these came from over at The Idea Box.)

Little Stars Ornament

Peppermint Wreath Ornament

Pinecone Ornament

Kids Are Hands-On!

Kids are hands-on when it comes to crafts and...just about everything else!  So, while I haven't finished all of my holiday baking/shopping/crafting/decorating/eating/wassailing/etc, I will squeeze in some kid-friendly hands-on crafts for my boys (and your kiddos) to make.

It will keep them occupied for a few minutes and the results make darling keepsake gifts.  I have even used these type of "hands-on" crafts to decorate the fronts of homemade holiday greeting cards.  Hope this keeps your little handy helpers hooked and happy as you countdown to Christmas!

Please send us a picture of your results.  We love to brag on your kids' crafts too!

Hand-Made Christmas Trees

Hand and Foot Angels

Keepsake Hand-prints

& some Holiday Bowling, just for fun!

Christmas Crafts For Your Kids!

If you've got Christmas baking/shopping/crafting to do and you've got kids...chances are you've got a dilemma. How do you get all your Christmas projects done, keep your kids entertained, and retain what small amount of sanity you still possess?  You want to enjoy the holidays, entertain family and friends, and effortlessly occupy your little ones (and not-so-little ones).  We have compiled some crafts we think might help you muddle through the next few weeks of caroling, wrapping & unwrapping, Christmas break from school, and ringing in the New Year!  (Well, at least these will get you through caroling?)

Don't forget to submit a picture of your results to our site, so we can brag on your kids too!

Easy Paper Rudolph

Hand and Footprint Reindeer

Hand and Footprint Angel

Fruit Loop Garland

Kids Love Candy Canes!

There are few other more iconic candies than the Candy Cane!  He is the granddaddy of them all.  When I come home with candy canes in my shopping bags, my boys freak out because they know they will be putting them on the tree, around the house, in the guest treat dish, crushing them and sprinkling them on cookies and baked goods, and maybe even...enjoying a candy cane while they watch their favorite Christmas movie.  


Here are a few other unique ways to incorporate more candy cane love into your holiday traditions.  They are fun for the kids, easy to do, and best of all?  Use up all the candy canes and mints you would normally have to toss out at Valentine's Day! 

Candy Cane Hearts

Candy Cane Mouse

Candy Cane Sled

Candy Cane Reindeer

Christmas Treats Your Kids Can Make!

With Christmas just a little ways off (try 3 weeks and 5 days), it's time to start thinking about gifts for:  teachers, coaches, friends, grandparents, and a whole slew of other important folks!  Over at Theideabox.com we have a long list of kid friendly crafts and recipes perfect for the holidays.  There are tons of great ideas to try that double as thoughtful, homemade gifts.  Here are some just to get you and your kiddos started!  Happy kid crafting!

Candy Jar

Cheerio Christmas Trees

Chinese Nutty Clusters

Christmas Bagels

(Kid friendly, parent kind!...And FREE!)

Anytime Is Snowman Time!

With only two days left of Thanksgiving Break (for most of our kids), the natives may be getting a little restless. Or Mom & Dad may be going a little stir-crazy.  Solution?  Go to The Idea Box for some crafty fun!  Whether you already have snow on the ground in your neighborhood or snow is but a winter dream...These simple and easy snowman crafts are just the ticket to keep the crazies at bay and the kids at play!

Please send us a picture of your results.  We love to brag on your kids too!

Marshmallow Snowman

Paintstick Snowman

Snowman Circles

Two Days Til Turkey Day!

There are only two days left until Thanksgiving!  What better way to celebrate all things turkey than to line up a few turkey-inspired crafts for your little turkeys to gobble up?  The Idea Box has tons of great Thanksgiving crafts and Kid recipes to help make your Thanksgiving afternoon a little more fun.  Gobble Gobble your way over to check out these and other great ideas.

Please send us a picture of your results.  We love to see what your little turkeys can come up with!

CD Turkeys

Best Turkey Hands Down

 Hand Turkeys

Oreo Turkeys

Try Some Turkey-Lurkey Fun Over The Break!

Let the leaves fall, let the wind blow, and let the kids yell "Happy Thanksgiving...Break!"  Wondering exactly how you will: prepare your menu for a house full of guests for Thanksgiving Dinner, scrub your floors and dust your bunnies for those same guests, and keep your kids corralled in the process?  If booting your kids outdoors is not an option, pull out these crafty ideas from your arsenal and set them to it...

BASKET OF THANKS

OREO TURKEYS

STUFF THE TURKEY 

Ideas for Thanksgiving Vacation

It's almost here...Thanksgiving Vacation!  Whether your kids have 2-3 days off or a whole week (like mine) you are going to need a little something up your sleeve to promote brain stimulation and fight holiday boredom.  Keep your family busy with some of these ideas for celebrating the season!

Please send us a picture of your results.  We enjoy admiring and sharing your efforts!

Fall Hand print Wreath

Fall Leaf Coloring

Fall Squirrel

Teach Your Kids Gratitude!

In preparation for Thanksgiving, how about exploring "Gratitude?" There are so many great things to be grateful for (and tons of great ways to express gratitude)! Teaching your kids to be grateful doesn't have to be painful or time-consuming.

1. Teach by example: express gratitude daily in front of your kids.
   
2. Give your kids the opportunity to give back. Some examples include: participating in a local charity to provide Thanksgiving dinner to less fortunate families (check your kids' school) or volunteering with your kids at a local shelter/soup kitchen.
   
3. Find something fun to do with your kids to reinforce "an attitude of gratitude."

While you're at it, visit our website and try one of these fun activities with your kids today!

THANKFUL TREE

THANKFUL TURKEY

BASKET OF THANKS

Harvest Adventures Await You!

Since November is Good Nutrition Month, why not help your kids learn how to stay healthy and have some harvest fun?  You could start with planning a family outing to your local pumpkin patch (include lots of walking!) to pick out some pretty pumpkins for making pumpkin pies.  If you don't live near a pumpkin patch, perhaps a visit to your local farmer's market will yield some results.  While you're there introduce your kids to all the varieties of squash, gourds, and other great seasonal veggies.  Make learning about healthy foods fun by turning it into an adventure!  Try one of these kid-friendly recipes to reinforce Good Nutrition Month!

Awesome Owl Snacks

Chicken Rollups

Goin' Fishing

Need Help Decorating For Thanksgiving?

Include your little ones in some "grateful" frolicking and decorating for Thanksgiving Day!  They will love these simple, toddler-friendly crafts!  You will love these for keeping the kiddos entertained and productive! 

Paper Bag Pumpkin

Mayflower Craft

Enter Our November Monthly Giveaway!

Sponsored by: Kid Smart Living

(Congratulations to Julie for winning our last giveaway!)

Enter to win a Cookie Cutter & Decorating Stencil Set/12!

EcoBamboo "Cookie Cutter & Decorating Stencil Set/12

Kids will have so much fun making treats this holiday season that are tempting to the eyes and taste-buds and so easy to make!

This clever and versatile cookie cutter and stencil sets includes 12 popular holiday and everyday shapes along with detailed stencils to make decorating lines, cutouts and adding sprinkles precise, easy and fun.

To buy your own, click here

To enter this giveaway, fill in your name and valid email address. One entry per day per person. Giveaway is open to those with a U.S. shipping address (do not need to reside in the U.S.). Must be 18 or older to enter. Entries will be accepted through November 30th, 2011, midnight CST.

Last Minute Treats For A Harvest Party

Let the holiday parties begin!  Yes, the party season seems to arrived far too quickly for you to truly be prepared for all your upcoming events, gatherings, and celebrations.  We can help!  Try one of these easy recipes; perfect for classroom treats at a school Harvest/Halloween party or even a fundraiser/bake sale.

Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin Cupcakes

Caramel Corn

Bats In Our Belfry? Nope! We're just batty for Halloween!

Are the natives getting restless and ready to "trick-or-treat" their way through Halloween?  Hold back the haunting jitters and try some of these crafts to generate a little spooky excitement with your family...

Bat Bells

Candy Jar

Hand print Spider

For more easy and affordable Halloween themed ideas visit:

Baby-food Jar Tea-Light Holder

  Cool Spider Treats

Batty Pencils

Footprint Bat

Ghost Footprints

We're Back- with more Fall Craft Ideas than ever before!

We are back and excited to share some New Crafts and Recipes just in time for Fall!

Cat Cookies

 Candy Corn Basket

Paper Witch Hat

 Halloween Door Hanger

Candy Corn Bingo/ games

 Haunted House

 Halloween Candy Tree

5 little Pumpkins craft/ song

Fall Handprint Wreath

 Ghost Party Favors for Halloween

 Frankenstein Heads

It's Our Monthly Giveaway- Our Most Requested item!

Sponsored by: Kid Smart Living 

(Congratulations to Sue for winning our last giveaway!) 

Enter to win a Doodle Bugs Chalk Cloth Placemat & Kid's Activity Mat -4 patterns! 

EcoBamboo "Doodle Bugs Chalk Cloth Placemat & Kid's Activity Mat

Kids of all ages will love this cute reversible chalk cloth placemat and activity mat that is fun for mealtime and on the go!

Doodlebugs reversible chalk placemats let you eat on one side and draw on the other! This great kid's placemat doubles as an activity mat, perfect for home and on the go since it rolls up to easily stow in a bag or purse. 

To buy your own, click here 

To enter this giveaway, fill in your name and valid email address. One entry per day per person. Giveaway is open to those with a U.S. shipping address (do not need to reside in the U.S.). Must be 18 or older to enter. Entries will be accepted through October 15th, 2011, midnight CST. Click here to enter!

Don't forget to enter our Giveaway!

Sponsored by: Kid Smart Living 

(Congratulations to Jane for winning our last giveaway!) 

Enter to win a Doodle Bugs Chalk Cloth Placemat & Kid's Activity Mat -4 patterns! 

EcoBamboo "Doodle Bugs Chalk Cloth Placemat & Kid's Activity Mat

Kids of all ages will love this cute reversible chalk cloth placemat and activity mat that is fun for mealtime and on the go!

Doodlebugs reversible chalk placemats let you eat on one side and draw on the other! This great kid's placemat doubles as an activity mat, perfect for home and on the go since it rolls up to easily stow in a bag or purse. 

To buy your own, click here 

To enter this giveaway, fill in your name and valid email address. One entry per day per person. Giveaway is open to those with a U.S. shipping address (do not need to reside in the U.S.). Must be 18 or older to enter. Entries will be accepted through September 15th, 2011, midnight CST. Click here to enter!

It's so popular we are doing it again! Enter Our Monthly Giveaway!

Sponsored by: Kid Smart Living 

(Congratulations to Judy for winning our last giveaway!) 

Enter to win a Doodle Bugs Chalk Cloth Placemat & Kid's Activity Mat -4 patterns! 

EcoBamboo "Doodle Bugs Chalk Cloth Placemat & Kid's Activity Mat

Kids of all ages will love this cute reversible chalk cloth placemat and activity mat that is fun for mealtime and on the go!

Doodlebugs reversible chalk placemats let you eat on one side and draw on the other! This great kid's placemat doubles as an activity mat, perfect for home and on the go since it rolls up to easily stow in a bag or purse. 

To buy your own, click here 

To enter this giveaway, fill in your name and valid email address. One entry per day per person. Giveaway is open to those with a U.S. shipping address (do not need to reside in the U.S.). Must be 18 or older to enter. Entries will be accepted through June 30, 2011, midnight CST. Click here to enter!

Enter our Monthly Giveaway!

Sponsored by: Kid Smart Living 

(Congratulations to Sarah for winning our last giveaway!) 

Enter to win a Doodle Bugs Chalk Cloth Placemat & Kid's Activity Mat -4 patterns! 

EcoBamboo "Doodle Bugs Chalk Cloth Placemat & Kid's Activity Mat

Kids of all ages will love this cute reversible chalk cloth placemat and activity mat that is fun for mealtime and on the go!

Doodlebugs reversible chalk placemats let you eat on one side and draw on the other! This great kid's placemat doubles as an activity mat, perfect for home and on the go since it rolls up to easily stow in a bag or purse. 

To buy your own, click here 

To enter this giveaway, fill in your name and valid email address. One entry per day per person. Giveaway is open to those with a U.S. shipping address (do not need to reside in the U.S.). Must be 18 or older to enter. Entries will be accepted through April 30, 2011, midnight CST. Click here to enter!

Enter our Monthly Giveaway!

Enter to win a Doodle Bugs Chalk Cloth Placemat & Kid's Activity Mat -4 patterns! 
Enter Daily here!

EcoBamboo "Doodle Bugs Chalk Cloth Placemat & Kid's Activity Mat

Kids of all ages will love this cute reversible chalk cloth placemat and activity mat that is fun for mealtime and on the go!

Doodlebugs reversible chalk placemats let you eat on one side and draw on the other! This great kid's placemat doubles as an activity mat, perfect for home and on the go since it rolls up to easily stow in a bag or purse. 

To buy your own, click here 

To enter this giveaway, fill in your name and valid email address. One entry per day per person. Giveaway is open to those with a U.S. shipping address (do not need to reside in the U.S.). Must be 18 or older to enter. Entries will be accepted through March 31, 2011, midnight CST.

Valentine's Day crafts for kids

Preschool and Kindergarten teachers, daycare providers and even homeschooling parents are planning out their projects for Valentine's Day. We've been adding some cute new Valentine's Day kids crafts, and here are some examples!

Love Bugs

Heart Doily Valentine

Craft Stick Heart Frame

Cone Treat Holders

Heart Hug Flowers

Conversation Heart Banner