Materials

• Printables: dino egg2
• Craft or wooden easter eggs
• Paint
• Brush (we used a sponge brush for a textured surface)
• Scissors
• Glue (you could use a glue stick,  white/craft glue or a glue gun)
• Markers (if you would like to colour your own)

We always find these items useful too: 

Directions

• Print your dinosaur parts.  There are coloured ones or ones to colour yourself.

• Paint your eggs and allow them to dry.

• Cut out your dinosaur pieces  (this is an activity meant for older kids or you may need a bit of adult help with this) and fold the tabs.  Folding them out makes them easier to attach, but folding them in allows you to hide the tab.

• Glue the end of the tail and then attach the the tabs a few centimetres apart.

• Do the same for the head.

• For the leg portion, wrap the long tab around and glue it to the line.

• Gently set your egg into your leg portion.

Items to add to your Easter Basket or for Spring Break:

*Please note:  These are not sponsored posts, nor do we use affiliate links, these are things we just like and thought you might too!*

• For the cousins and neighbourhood friends, we are giving out rainbow coloured Easter items, including this new book The Awesome Airplane Book for Kids by Stefania Luca of (https://nontoygifts.com/)  You can purchase it at

Indigo: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-awesome-paper-airplane-book/9781646116935-item.html

Amazon (Canada): https://www.amazon.ca/Awesome-Paper-Airplane-Book-Kids/dp/1646116933/

Amazon (US): https://www.amazon.com/Awesome-Paper-Airplane-Book-Kids/dp/1646116933/

• My niece who loves to create is going to so enjoy this Sew a Softie book to make items with my daughter over Zoom from Trixi Symonds of Sew a Softie .  You can see a project from us in the book too!

Indigo: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/sewing-simple-softies-with-17/9780764361272-item.html

Amazon (Canada): https://www.amazon.ca/Sewing-Simple-Softies-Amazing-Designers/dp/0764361279/

Amazon (US): https://www.amazon.com/Sewing-Simple-Softies-Amazing-Designers/dp/0764361279

• Whether it be for Easter baskets or teacher gifts at the end of the year, aren’t these Justine Ma Design & Hand Lettering (https://justinema.ca/) pieces both beautiful and encouraging!?

If you like this idea, we also have:

Find the printables here: http://make-it-your-own.com/easter-counting-addition-game-feed-the-bunny/

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Purpose

• Recognizing various symbols of celebrations such as Easter!

Safety Notes

• We suggest that you use a tray and a smock to protect your clothing and surfaces.
• Use scissors and a glue gun with care and direct, adult supervision.

The kids made many of these as they thought it would make a nice plate to put treats like chocolate or tea to drop off at the school for the teachers! 

Materials

• Printables: Rainbow Paper Plate2
• Cardstock
• Paper plate (we used inexpensive white ones to paint, but you could use green ones too)
• Scissors
• Glue
• Paint or crayons, pencil crayons, markers etc.

We always find these items useful too: 

Directions

• Print the rainbow that you like.  We used sturdy cardstock so the rainbow could stand.

• Paint or colour it or chose a pre-coloured rainbow if you would like.

• Paint your paper plate.  We used an inexpensive white one, but you could also use a green paper plate from the party or dollar store.

• Allow it to dry and cut it out.

• Fold the tabs at the bottom of your rainbow ends.

• Glue the tabs and stand up your rainbow on your plate.

• This will now make a little world for your small toys to enjoy some time under your colourful rainbow!  Add any other things that you might like to enhance your play!

If you like this idea, we also have lots of other rainbow ideas:

Find them all here: http://make-it-your-own.com/?s=rainbow

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Purpose

• Recognizing symbols associated with particular holidays.
• Creating play opportunities.

Safety Notes

• We suggest that you use a tray and a smock to protect your clothing and surfaces.
• Use scissors and a glue gun with care and direct, adult supervision.

* Some of them we purchased ourselves, while others we given a copy to review, but we only share things that we truly enjoy!  (Nor do we use affiliate links)*

Literacy Invitations to Play Cards from Imagination Tree

• This is fantastic way to develop your child’s understanding of literacy (all that encompasses reading and writing etc.) in hands-on ways.  When I was an educator that was always my preferred method of teaching!  These cards are written by an experienced teacher and mother of 4, Anna, whose website The Imagination Tree (https://theimaginationtree.com/) and membership group has lots of dedicated followers for a reason!  You might be familiar with her Kindness Elves (https://theimaginationtree.com/kindness-elves/) and her Sensory Invitations to Play Cards as well.  The introduction of the cards talks about why learning through play is important particularly for early learning (my kids are school age and love the activities in the cards), how to build literacy in your home and/ or school, how phonics, sight and high frequency words work and then over 50 different things to do to develop these skills.  Each card has a list of needed items, a “Make” and a “Play” section and the purpose of the ideas.  I would give this to friends that have kids (perfect for preparing kids for schooling and wonderful within themselves) and those that are teachers as the ideas are great for in the classroom setting and the cards are in a handy, easy to use format!  See one of the projects we tried below!

• Find them here: https://theimaginationtreestore.com/pages/invitations-to-play

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Super Sensory Bins

• Happy Toddler Playtime (https://happytoddlerplaytime.com/) is a website full of neat ideas to do with your little ones at home.  Mandisa, mother of 3 (and shout-out to a fellow Canadian) just recently published this sensory bin book that I ordered for my nephew along with things that he has loved seeing the cousins play with over Face Time. (Can’t wait until we can be together again! When he and his mom would come over, we would always have a sensory bin set up for him in the kitchen.) Our kids could literally play with sensory bins for hours even still as older children.  When we lead yearly programs in the summer, the children always flock to the daily sensory related bins and activities (from ages 6-10) and on more than one occasion I have seen parents at groups etc. dive right in there with the kids having a great time!  Sensory bins are a great opportunity for play, learning, exploring different textures and materials and interacting with others.  We have seen the success of them in our children’s pre-K, Play school and Kindergarten experiences so this book would also be great for educators!

• Here is the  printable label entitled Sensory Bin (SensoryBin ) and either the Happy Birthday (Happy Birthday) Printable Tag or the Happy Holidays (Happy Holidays) Printable Tag.

Find the book here (full list of retailers)  https://happytoddlerplaytime.com/exciting-sensory-bins-for-curious-kids/

• Canadians:

- Chapters/ Indigo: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/exciting-sensory-bins-for-curious/9781645671688

- Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Exciting-Sensory-Bins-Curious-Kids/dp/1645671682/

• Americans: 

- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Exciting-Sensory-Bins-Curious-Kids/dp/1645671682/

Here’s a video about what we popped into our bin (our nephew likes seeing dinosaurs playing in lava hence the baking soda and vinegar addition).  We recommend a SHALLOW BIN for sensory play (we ordered ours online and accidentally got the wrong one!). What would you add to your Sensory Bin?

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Happy Tot Shelf

• Growing up, I was so lucky to have two wonderful sisters and now my children have that opportunity with siblings.  Being home during the pandemic and doing online school together, the kids spend a lot of time together!  We are unable to see other families (aside from our house to our neighbours/friends at the sidewalk), being immunocompromised (The kids definitely connect with their pals on Facetime, on the phone and through the mail.) so this book is perfect for the kids!  We spend a lot of time on building strong sibling bonds in our family and Fynn of  Happy Tot Shelf  (https://happytotshelf.com/) has written this great book of learning, play and creating together!  These projects are still excellent opportunities for a single child to do with a friend and/or to do as a collaborative activity in a classroom.  Fynn’s background is in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)- she holds a degree in Chemical Engineering, a post graduate diploma in Education and she was was a Math and Science teacher.   Now she shows you accessible ways to infuse learning into your home (and hers!) for multiple children of multiple ages!

• Find the book here:

• Canadians:

- Chapters/ Indigo: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-happy-learning-book-for/9789811224348-item.html  - Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Happy-Learning-Book-Siblings-Activities/dp/981122434X/

• Americans: 

- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Learning-Book-Siblings-Activities/dp/981122434X/

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Mini Masterpieces

• We consistently enjoy The Innovation Press https://www.theinnovationpress.com/ for their diverse set of published books- particularly their biographies, stunning picture books and their focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math).  This book is written by Laura Lohmann of Painted Paper (https://www.paintedpaperart.com/).  It is a great way for children to explore art history and the styles of various artists through projects using different mediums!  This would make a lovely gift for the winter holiday from school along with some art supplies or give it to a teacher to use in their classroom to bring their art curriculum alive!  Art was always one of my favourite things to teach- we would learn the concept, the students would apply the ideas in their own way and then we would listen to music and talk while we created- the best way to spend the last period of a Friday afternoon!

• Find it here: https://www.theinnovationpress.com/minimasterpieces

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Sewing Simple Softies

• Trixi of Sew a Softie (https://www.sewasoftie.com/) formerly Coloured Buttons has been teaching sewing for almost thirty years and it shows.  I like her approach to children’s creating this craft form, focusing on learning the process, with lots of handy tips!  She is a softie designer and has written books for both parents and educators to use.  Each year Trixi also hosts Sew a Softie events online (often in July and sometimes like this year, during the Festive season) with contributors from all over the world!  Trixi has collaborated with another author (Deborah Fisher) on this book and seventeen other designer including US!

• Find it here:

• Canadians:

- Chapters/ Indigo: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/sewing-simple-softies-with-17/9780764361272-item.html

- Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Sewing-Simple-Softies-Amazing-Designers/dp/0764361279/

• Americans: 

- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sewing-Simple-Softies-Amazing-Designers/dp/0764361279/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=sewing+simple+softies&qid=1599656860&sr=8-

SOME OTHER BOOKS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

Parade Family Book Club

• Want to get your kids digging deeper into understanding reading while connecting with them?  Reading together is my favourite time of the day with the kids and this e-book allows you to extend that experience in meaningful ways.  Written by Children’s Librarian and one of my favourite book reviews, Lauren of  Happily Ever Elephants https://happilyeverelephants.com/, you will be impressed with the thoughtful suggestions of books and how to explore the themes in them!

• Find the full review here: http://make-it-your-own.com/book-review-parade-family-book-club/

• Get the ebook here: https://happilyeverelephants.com/childrens-book-club

Paper, Recyclable & Nature Crafting

The recycling bin is a constant source of inspiration for kids to create with!  And paper is something that is often inexpensive and readily available.  Here are a few books that the kids  (and other we have gifted them to) have enjoyed from various authors:

• Easy Paper Projects: Written by the lovely, long time kids’ creator (she has even been on T.V.!) Maggy of Red Ted Art (https://www.redtedart.com/), this book is great as it has different seasonal projects and tonnes of neat ideas!  Read the full review here http://make-it-your-own.com/book-review-easy-paper-projects/ and how to order your own copy!  I have given this one as a gift and people love it!

• Fun and Easy Crafting with Recycled Materials: Written by Kimberly of The Best Ideas for Kids https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/, this is fantastic way for kids to be creative while taking care of the earth, reusing items for different purposes.  We could tell this book was a hit when we sent it to my niece as a gift this year because she sent us tonnes of photos of the creations and a book filled with stickies to make so many more!  We have given it to both kids and teachers alike! Find the full review and where to buy it here: http://make-it-your-own.com/recycled-craft-book/

• Sticks and Stones: Written by Melissa of Fireflies and Mudpies (https://www.firefliesandmudpies.com/), this book has the most beautifully photographed projects!  We are lucky to live close to a river valley so our children have had the opportunity to have once a week Forest School in this beautiful green space.  Getting out and appreciating nature is so important to children’s development!  This book takes items found in nature and shows you how to create with them.  We have given it as a gift to teachers!  Find the full review and how to purchase this book here: http://make-it-your-own.com/book-review-sticks-and-stones/

• Paper Crafts for Kids: Written by Stefania Luca of Non-Toy Gifts for Kids,  https://nontoygifts.com/we gave this book to my niece who loves to make stuff for Canadian Thanksgiving!   This is a good book for kids who are just getting into making items as there are templates included which they can use and then expand upon as they learn how to put things together!  It would make a great stocking stuffer (just gently curve it)!  Find the review and where to purchase the book here: http://make-it-your-own.com/fall-fingerprint-cards/

• Rock Art Handbook: Written by Samantha Sarles of Color Made Happy (https://colormadehappy.com/), this book is THE go-to for rock painting!  It honestly has the best suggestions for materials that work really well and tonnes of creative projects to get you started.  When asked, I always send people to this book if they like creating with a rock canvas!  Find the full review here and how to purchase the book: http://make-it-your-own.com/rock-sunflower/

Picture Book

• My Colour is Rainbow: https://www.hellowonderful.co/post/my-color-is-rainbow-a-playful-children-s-book-on-kindness-love-and-acceptance-shop/:  The kids sure enjoyed this book and if you are familiar with Agnes of Hello, Wonderful (https://www.hellowonderful.co/) and her family, they support lots of Kindness initiatives!  Add this to some colourful items- toys, crafting materials, food colouring and different containers for a colour lab to make a bright holiday gift!  Here a few ideas: http://make-it-your-own.com/my-color-is-rainbow-3-gift-ideas/ *Be sure to switch out the plastic straws for paper ones or substitute for coloured dowels*

What books would you add to this list?

Materials

Coloured Rainbow

• Rainbow printable: 1 page: rainbow 1 page colour  4 page: rainbow 4 page colour 6 page: rainbow lines
  
• Decorating materials

Blank Rainbow

• Blank rainbow printable: 1 page: rainbow 1 page bw  4 pages: rainbow 4 page bw 6 page: rainbow lines no colour
• Paints, crayons, markers, paint sticks etc.

Rainbow Booklet

• Rainbow booklet printable rainbow writing
• Scissors
• Stapler
• Pencil, eraser
• Colouring materials

We always find these items useful too:

Directions

• Chose the size of rainbow that you would like based on your window or the space on your wall that you want to hang your rainbow.  Print that size of rainbow.

Coloured Rainbow

• Print the coloured rainbow.

• Glue items to decorate the different areas of each colour- pom poms, tissue paper, beads etc.- whatever you have on hand.  We show you an idea to make a tissue paper rainbow craft.

• Allow to dry overnight.

• Trim the edges of your papers and then glue the pieces of your rainbow together.

• Have an adult help you to hang it up in your desired spot!

Blank Rainbow

• Print the blank rainbow.  Colour or paint it and allow it to dry overnight.

• Trim the edges of your papers and then glue the pieces of your rainbow together.

• Have an adult help you to hang it up in your desired spot!

Rainbow Booklet

• Choose the cover that you would like for your booklet.  We printed a front and back cover on cardstock so that they would be a bit more sturdy and then the lined pages on regular paper to record our thoughts.

• If you go with the narrative writing option, here is a story planning template that you might find helpful: story planner.

• We printed some extra copies of the writing pages so we could make a rough copy to have an adult edit with us, before writing a good copy.

• Cut out the good copy if you like and then staple the the left hand side of your rainbow together.

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Purpose

• Creating community.
• Writing for a variety of reasons.

Safety Notes

• We suggest that you use a tray and a smock to protect your clothing and surfaces.
• Use scissors with care and direct, adult supervision.
• Small decorating items such can be a choking hazard, therefore be sure to keep them out of the reach of children ages 0-3 years of age or those that tend to put things into their mouths.

Materials

• Polymer Clay (FIMO, Sculpey:  We recommend you use the KID version or SOFT)
• Rolling pin
• Clay board, placemat etc.
• Old butter knife
• Strong glue (to be used by an adult)
• Jewellery parts: pin backs and post earring pieces (You can buy these online or at craft stores)
• Baking sheet
• Cooling rack
• Oven mitts
• Card template: St Patricks

We always find these items useful too:

Directions

• Follow the directions with whatever product that you chose.  We recommend that you use the KIDS version or the SOFT one as they are easier for children to manipulate.

• We cut one strip of the clay (it has often has lined sections), kneaded it and then rolled it into a ball and then into a tube/ snake.  (We were making several pieces so you may not need this much if you are making one or two).

• Create the arches of your rainbow, starting with the outside and working in, pushing the colours gently together.

• Cut out your clouds with a old butter knife and then softening the edges with your fingers.  Our daughter made them about the width of the rainbow. Attach them on with a little press!

• To make the pot of gold she then took a small ball, pressed it down with her finger (to about the width of 1 mm t0 2 mm).  Roll a thin tube for the rim of the pot and some tiny little balls for the gold.

• Place all your creations on a baking tray (making sure that they are not too close together) and have an adult bake them according to the product’s directions.

• Once your work has thoroughly cooled have an adult attach the jewellery pieces with strong glue.  Allow them to dry overnight.

• Put your pieces into a box and then attach the provided card if you like, giving them to a friend!

Other Rainbow and St. Patrick’s Day Ideas You May Like

• Rainbow Mobile: http://make-it-your-own.com/rainbow-mobile/   

Making the Secondary Colours from the Primary Colours: http://make-it-your-own.com/rainy-day-fun-colour-exploration/

St. Patrick’s Day Play Dough with Loose Parts: http://make-it-your-own.com/st-patricks-day-play-dough-loose-parts/

Create with the Rainbow: http://make-it-your-own.com/create-with-the-rainbow/

Colour Mixing Clovers: https://www.hellowonderful.co/post/KID-MADE-WATERCOLOR-SHAMROCK-CLOVER-CARDS/

Rainbow Necklace: http://make-it-your-own.com/handmade-rainbow-necklace/

Rainbow Building Kit: http://make-it-your-own.com/my-color-is-rainbow-3-gift-ideas/

Find the Rainbow Game: http://make-it-your-own.com/find-the-rainbow-game/

Rainbow Sensory Foam Play: http://make-it-your-own.com/magical-sensory-play/

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Purpose

• Recognizing the symbols associated with various holidays and cultural celebrations.
• Learning the colours of the rainbow.
• Developing one’s fine motor skills- kneading, rolling, manipulating the clay.

Safety Notes

• We suggest that you use a tray and a smock to protect your clothing and surfaces.
• Use an old butter knife with permission, care and direct, adult supervision.
• Small pieces such as the jewellery parts or the finished pieces can be a choking hazard, therefore be sure to keep them out of the reach of children ages 0-3 years of age or those that tend to put things into their mouths.
• The oven and strong glue should be used by an ADULT.
• Follow the product directions and safety notes.
• Remember that pins can be sharp- have an adult assist you with putting this craft on.

Materials

• Rainbow template: rainbow
• Cardstock
• Scissors
• Paint/Marker/Paint Sticks etc.
• Fishing Line or yarn or floss
• Beads
• Pin/ cloth (to be used with direct adult supervision for older children) or Hole Punch

We always find these items useful too:

Directions

• Print the rainbow template on thick paper such as cardstock.

• Colour the first side of your rainbow and allow it to dry overnight.

• Cut out the rainbow pieces and colour the backside.  (You can skip this step if you just want to do the wall hanging)

• Now that everything is dry, if you find that your arches are curling put them under a stack of books overnight.

• It is now time to assemble your mobile or wall hanging:  We punched a small hole at the top of the big arch of the rainbow using a stick pin over a cloth.  This idea is for older children with direct adult supervision (or have the adult do it if you feel more comfortable with that) or you could use a hole punch for the same purpose.

• Loop your fishing line through and attach a few beads at the top and to make a hanging loop.

• Attach some beads to the bottom of the arches if you like.  We painted some of them white to look like clouds.

• Attach the two arches together with your fishing line and add some more beads if you like.

• Have an adult hang up your mobile from the ceiling!

Other Rainbow or St. Patrick’s Day Ideas you Might Like

Making the Secondary Colours from the Primary Colours: http://make-it-your-own.com/rainy-day-fun-colour-exploration/

St. Patrick’s Day Play Dough with Loose Parts: http://make-it-your-own.com/st-patricks-day-play-dough-loose-parts/

Create with the Rainbow: http://make-it-your-own.com/create-with-the-rainbow/

Colour Mixing Clovers: https://www.hellowonderful.co/post/KID-MADE-WATERCOLOR-SHAMROCK-CLOVER-CARDS/

Rainbow Necklace: http://make-it-your-own.com/handmade-rainbow-necklace/

Rainbow Building Kit: http://make-it-your-own.com/my-color-is-rainbow-3-gift-ideas/

Find the Rainbow Game: http://make-it-your-own.com/find-the-rainbow-game/

Rainbow Sensory Foam Play: http://make-it-your-own.com/magical-sensory-play/

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Purpose

• Recognizing the symbols associated with various holidays and cultural celebrations.
• Learning the colours of the rainbow.
• Developing one’s fine motor skills in lacing beads, cutting etc.
• Learning what potentially makes things move- how can you get your mobile to spin?

Safety Notes

• We suggest that you use a tray and a smock to protect your clothing and surfaces.
• Use scissors and a pin with care and direct, adult supervision.
• Cord, yarn, fishing line etc. can be a strangulation hazard, therefore be sure to use with direct supervision and for its intended purpose.
• Beads can be a choking hazard, therefore be sure to keep them out of the reach of children ages 0-3 years of age or those that tend to put things into their mouths.
• This mobile is NOT intended for young children 0-3 (or those that tend to put items in their mouths) and should not be hung over a crib, toddler bed etc. because of the small components.

*EACH YEAR WE WILL BE ADDING MORE, SO PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR NEW IDEAS*

1) Llama Valentine Box

This is definitely our most popular Valentine box!  It comes with free printables with several variations.  Add some pom poms or cotton balls and you have a fluffy llama craft that you can now decorate to “make it your own”:

Find the printables here: http://make-it-your-own.com/llama-valentines-day-box/

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2) Rainbow Valentine Box

This 3-D box allows kids to create with the light weight model magic clay to create a colourful rainbow and clouds!  (We have heard that people have also used the idea to make a leprechaun home or trap too)

Find all the details and tips here: http://make-it-your-own.com/rainbow-valentine-box-card/

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3) Flower Garden Valentine Box & Card 

This Valentine box comes with free flower printables or you can create your own florals.  We show you how to make some easy flower stems that stick into your Valentine box to give it the 3D effect of flowers growing!

Find the printables here: http://make-it-your-own.com/flower-garden-valentine-box/

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4) LEGO Valentine Box & Card

Kids just building blocks and we provide you with a free card printable card that folds into a LEGO brick for you to give some real ones to your classmates.  Again we use a tissue box to create a simple box to match the card!

Find the printables here: https://www.redtedart.com/lego-valentines-box-card/

5) Baby Yoda Valentine Box

This is definitely one of the kids’ favourite characters in the Star Wars series and they wanted to create some fan art in the form of a Valentine box.  My daughter’s teacher dressed up as Princess Leia and so she thought this would make a good Valentine box for her!

Find the printable here: http://make-it-your-own.com/baby-yoda-valentine-box/

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6) Robot Valentine’s Box

This is an adorable idea that you could use for all types of learning afterwards!

Find the printable here: http://make-it-your-own.com/robot-valentine-box-and-cards/

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6) Ancient Egypt Valentine’s Box

When I was a teacher the kids LOVED learning about Ancient Egypt and this fun Valentine Box is sure to inspire further learning!

Find the printable here: http://make-it-your-own.com/ancient-egyptian-valentines-day-box/

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Materials

• Rainbow Card Printable: valentine Rainbow
• Kleenex box
• Model Magic
• Toothpicks
• Paint brush
• Paint
• Rolling pin
• Butter knife or clay tool

We always find these items useful too:

Directions

• Remove the plastic liner from your kleenex box carefully.

• Paint your tissue box with a few thin layers of paint, allowing drying in between.

• Chose your rainbow colours.  Roll the model magic into balls and then roll it into “snakes” as the kids call them (tubes).  The outer colours will have to be the bigger of the balls.

• Lay your snakes one within the others, gently pushing them together to form a rainbow.  Trim the edges and insert about half way into your toothpicks.  This will help your rainbow to stand.

• Roll out your cloud colour like dough and cut out your clouds.  Insert your toothpicks into these too.

• Allow your rainbow and clouds to dry.  (Remember to flip them to allow for even drying)

• Have an adult insert your clouds and rainbows into your box.  *Once inserted, trim off the sharp ends in the box!  We also suggest removing your clouds and rainbows prior to taking out your cards to avoid any accidental pokes*

• Print off the rainbow cards, address them and cut them out.  Attach them to a package of crayons, a paint palette or any other rainbow-y item that you might like!  Give them to your classmates!

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Check out some of our other Valentine Box ideas

• Llama Valentine Box

• Find LEGO boxes, baby Yoda, a flower garden and lots of printable card ideas here:  http://make-it-your-own.com/?s=valentine

Purpose

• Recognizing various traditions associated with celebrations.

Safety Notes

• We suggest that you use a tray and a smock to protect your clothing and surfaces.
• Use a knife/ clay tool with care and direct, adult supervision.
• Toothpicks can be sharp.  Use caution with them and an ADULT should insert them into the box!

Donations

1) In lieu of gifts, we give donations for the adults in our family and close friends.  These are organizations that are important to ourselves or the recipient.   However, we like to attach a handmade ornament to the donation card.  Here are a few we have made in the past:

Snow person: http://make-it-your-own.com/silvery-snow-snow-person-ornament/

Santa, Mrs. Claus & Elf Ornaments:

http://make-it-your-own.com/christmas-ornaments-santa-claus-mrs-claus-and-the-elves/ 

Clay Faces: http://make-it-your-own.com/clay-portrait-ornaments/

Shrink Art Ornaments: http://make-it-your-own.com/snow-globe-shrink-art-ornaments/

AND Our favourite handmade cards:

Snow People: http://make-it-your-own.com/handmade-cards-make-your-own-snowperson/

Ornament Card: http://make-it-your-own.com/handmade-cards-ornaments/

Snowy Forest: http://make-it-your-own.com/handmade-cards-snowy-forest/

Candle Cards: http://make-it-your-own.com/handmade-cards-candles/

2) We do give gifts to teachers and help Santa with the stockings of our family members so here are a few items we like to add:

• Plantiful: https://plantiful.ca/  I wear Plantiful’s lip butter every day (and night)- I just love it!  With their new compostable tube with 3 times the amount of lip butter in it, I pop in my coats, purse and have one beside my bed.  My kids like to have one by their bed and in their back packs for school too!  We love their vapour balm (I literally have it on while I am typing this), face masks, hand creams, pain remedies and make-up remover (so good for face paint).  I like that all their products are plant based.  My friends and the kids’ teachers can attest, that their products make lovely gifts!

• Justine Ma Designs: https://justinema.ca/ Since my kids just love making, I think it is always important to support makers and Justine is a favourite of our whole family!  She has beautiful, handmade ornaments, cards (which I am always giving my family members) and cake toppers.  If you look at Justine’s site, she participates in many events in her community, promotes and donates to initiatives and is a lovely friend!

• This year we are adding all sorts of re-useable items to our adult stockings such as metal straws, veggie bags, wax wraps etc.  My husband always likes consumables too- hot sauce, chocolate etc.  And my mom always taught us to include some practical items such as nail clippers, combs etc. as well.

• For teachers, if we know that they like something in particular, we try to align our gift ideas to that.  So for example, give bakers things to use in their kitchen, cook books etc.  Other gift ideas include:  stationary, throws, winter wear, candles, body care items, tea/ coffee, books gift cards etc.  We include a handmade piece of art, or an ornament, along with a personal note of appreciation.   We will also try to include a children’s book with an inscribed note.

Kid Gift and Stocking Ideas

We generally don’t give our kids tonnes of gifts as we travel for the holidays to visit family and try to focus on experiences such as lessons, activities etc.  However, we select one toy to share and help Santa with the stockings!  Here are a few ideas:

• Craft and art materials:  Our kids love things like paint pens (Posca), Paint Sticks (https://www.thepencilgrip.com/collections/kwik-stix-super-quick-drying-solid-tempera-paint-sticks), paint brushes and our new favourite place to order wooden craft materials for open-ended creating and crafts: Wood Pecker Crafts https://woodpeckerscrafts.com/

• Melanie Shanks: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/MyBigWorldPlayscapes Melanie makes beautiful, hand-sewn felt PLAYMATS and our kids just love playing with figurines (animals, fairies, sea creatures etc.), so these play mats are perfect for play in both your home or classroom.

• Adventures in a Box: https://www.adventure-in-a-box.com/shadow-puppets/ Liska and her family create these intricate, detailed SHADOW PUPPETS.  We have used them in groups, given them to friends and teachers and they have always been a hit!

• Pink NouNou Stuffies: https://www.pinknounou.com/shop_/ If your child would like a “lovie” to treasure, Ana’s creations are unique and designed by her.

• This year our children’s gift to share is going to be Connetix Magnet Tiles: https://connetixtiles.com/.  We have heard such great reviews about their magnet strength and can’t wait until they are available for order here in Canada!

• In the past our children have enjoyed Schleich figurines, Playmobil, various building items such as LEGO, forts and cardboard blocks.  They love items for dramatic play such as puppets and costumes as well.  Board games have also been a hit as they have grown.  If you want age specific toy recommendations the developmental information behind those selections Toy Ideas is a good site: https://www.toy-ideas.com/

• This year the cousins are getting a Building Kit from us or

• A Gingerbread Kit  (video coming out soon)

Books

We just love Children’s picture books and novels and here are a few of our favourite sites for book recommendations:  (we give our neighbours books if they have children and treats/ hot chocolate/ tea if they don’t)

• Innovation Press: https://www.theinnovationpress.com/our-books I like that the Innovation Press illuminates the careers and contributions of women to STEM related fields.  Here are some of their newest titles that we have been reading:

• My Colour is Rainbow: https://www.hellowonderful.co/post/my-color-is-rainbow-a-playful-children-s-book-on-kindness-love-and-acceptance-shop/:  The kids sure enjoyed this book and if you are familiar with Agnes and her family, they support lots of Kindness initiatives!

• Happily Ever Elephants: https://happilyeverelephants.com/ Lauren has good, thoughtful book suggestions with titles that lend to discussion and debate!

• Here Wee Read: http://hereweeread.com/ This is such a great site for diverse titles which is something that I always tried to focus on as teacher and in our family in expanding our library.

• Kid Art Lit: https://www.kidartlit.com/  Megan and Julia have created a subscription box that combines their love of Children’s picture books and art, delivered right to your door!

Project Books:

These make lovely gifts for little friends with a few supplies in a basket, along with the book.  Here are a few that we have enjoyed lately:

• Babble Dabble Do’s The Bot Book : https://babbledabbledo.com/the-bot-book/ If you have a child who enjoys STEAM or you would like to get them into more of it, this is a great book for creating!

• Best Ideas for Kids: https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/ . Kim’s new book is all about recyclables which is great for the earth and I know my kids are always using the recycling bin as place to get inspiration!

• Red Ted Art Paper Project Book: https://www.redtedart.com/my-new-paper-crafts-for-kids-book/ . This book is great in that it uses one material that we all have on hand in so many unique ways!

• Sticks and Stones Outdoor Activity Book: https://www.firefliesandmudpies.com/outdoor-activity-book/  We love collecting nature- sticks, rocks, acorns and pinecones and this book of Melissa’s is great for showing your projects that you can make with those nature finds!

• Color Made Happy Rock Painting Book: https://colormadehappy.com/  Our youngest just loves rocks and so we are often creating with them.  Sam’s book had the best recommendations for supplies to use and potential ideas for projects!  We truly feel like it took the kids’ rock creations to the next level!

We’d love to hear your holiday gift recommendations!  We hope you have a most wonderful one, with the greatest gift- the warmth of family & friends! 

Materials

• Play dough (see below for our favourite recipe or buy commercial play doh)
• Loose parts (see below for some suggestions)
• Tray for organizing the parts (we used a veggie and dip one)
• Trays, placemats or clay boards to work on

We always find these items useful too:

Directions

Play dough 

• Make or purchase your play dough.  Here is our favourite recipe: http://make-it-your-own.com/fall-fun-pumpkin-pie-playdough-gift-jar/.  You could colour as well, but we went with a sparkly white so the pieces would stand out.  If I was working in the classroom, I would make 4 batches of the recipe for one centre.

• We put our loose parts in the centre of the table where they were accessible.  Arrange your trays around your loose parts.  Depending on your classroom space and dynamics, decide on how many children could work on this activity at a time and put out that many trays, placemats etc.

• Explore with the loose parts to create images or something more abstract.  As you can see, we have done this a few years, showing you a few options for organizing your space.

Rotate you loose parts throughout the week.  As you can see, we tried- GOLD like treasures found at the end of the rainbow, GREEN which is synonymous with the shamrocks of St. Patrick’s Day and RAINBOW for the rainbow itself!

Loose Parts Ideas

Use items that you might have that are washable.  Here are a few ideas:

• buttons
• beads
• marbles
• bingo chips
• wood slices
• glass gems
• game pieces
• lids
• marbles
• blocks
• shells
• nature finds
• wooden pieces (popsicle sticks, small dowels etc.)
• wooden curtain hooks
• spools
• stones
• tiles

• You could document your creations with your camera and then return the parts for the next person to create with.  (This is a great way to practise sorting!)

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Purpose

• Manipulating loose parts allows for developing one’s fine motor skills, experimenting with design, exploring in an open-ended fashion as loose parts lend to unique combinations for each learner.

Safety Notes

• We suggest that you wear a smock and use a craft tray to protect your clothing and surfaces.
• Small items can be a choking hazard, therefore be sure to keep them out of the reach of children ages 0-3 years of age or those that tend to put things into their mouths.
• The play dough should be made by an adult and directly supervised during use due to the salt content of homemade play dough.