Winter Boredom Busters for Kids

Winter is here, and it seems like my kids want to do nothing but play fortnite. It is not that I am opposed to video games, but there has to be a limit to screen time! If you are looking for ways to break up the long nights and cold days while pulling your kids attention away from Fortnite you are in luck! I have rounded up some of my favorite toys, products and activities for kids to share with you.

Samples were provided to inspire this list.

Board games are always a fun thing to do with the family. Here are some of the games we recommended as gifts last year. 

Mad Matter is so much fun to play with. It combines sensory delight with imaginative creation, and best of all, this stuff never dries out! It is a lot like play doh, but is different in its own wonderful ways. My kids love to press this stuff into the included molds and serve up a helping of fun. Find it at Walmart, Kohl's and on Amazon starting at about $8 a pack.

A good story is always a good idea, especially on a cold, winter day! This adorable book by Alex Willan is perfect for snuggling up and getting lost in a story. Unicorns are the Worst! Will have your kids laughing and developing a love of reading. Order for about $18 from Simon and Schuster.

It has been almost a year since my girl has been to a birthday party, so I decided to bring the party to her with this really cool jewelry designer kit. This clay charm kit is perfect for making with a friend and wearing with pride. Order a Clay Chic You Unique kit starting at $18. They have a big selection so you can find the perfect kit!

The Bolean Box is awesome for kids of all ages because who wouldn't like to build their own computer with the raspberry system? This isn't just a computer though, it teaches kids to code, and lets them do lots of rad things like modify minecraft! The kits start at $150 and are a lot of fun to assemble. This makes a perfect snow day activity that will entertain the kids long after the snow melts. Order on the site or from Amazon. I know this list is for screen free ideas, but this is such an engaging option I had to include it on this list.

As for my house, we will love any and everything to do with cats. My 7 year old is crazy for our kitties so the 44 Cats Clubhouse Pilou's Place was a natural choice for her. This fun little set will have kids meowing for days with delight. It has all of the little accessories that any cat fantatic would want to play with! Find these at Target, from Amazon and from Walmart.

Bandai brings back a taste of my childhood with these awesome Tamagotchi Pets! The Hello Kitty Tamagotchi is perfect for portable fun and gives kids something to tinker with at anytime or any place. I love the small size of these and how they fit on a key chain or backpack. Find this Hello Kitty Pet for $20 at Walmart, Target, Game Stop and Amazon.

A classic toy gets a make over with these Charaction CUBE's from Bandai. These are fun little puzzles that challenge kids while engaging them with favorite characters like Gudetama and favorites from Dragon Ball Z. These are about $15 and can be found at Target or from Amazon.

We live in Ohio and we have already had several days with snow on the ground. My kids will happily head out to play in it, anytime, anywhere. These Gosili cups are awesome for warming them up with cocoa after some snow lay. They are durable, portable, and best of all unbreakable! These cups are about $15 and will help you reduce your carbon footprint.

I hope these ideas help you keep your kids entertained without relying on the screen this winter!

Button Stacking Fine Motor Activity

This button stacking activity is easy to set up and is really fun for little hands. With basic household supplies you can set up an activity that will challenge fine motor skills in your kids while giving them a fuss free boredom buster.

Summer is here, but, really, it feels like summer has been here for months already with the school year going as it did. My kids have been getting a little restless.  I have been finding easy ways to entertain them, and give them the quiet play options like this button stacking activity.

Kids of all ages will love this activity. It is perfect for preschoolers and kindergartners as it works their fine motor and pincer grip.  It is just as fun and beneficial for elementary aged kids because it gives them a chance to practice working with fragile materials like brittle spaghetti. My kids like to challenge each other to see who can build the tallest tower the fastest.

This post uses affiliate links, if you make a purchase I will earn a small commission.

Supplies:
Dry spaghetti
Play doh
Buttons

Directions:
Flatten a can of play doh.
Insert two dry spaghetti noodles into the play doh.
Offer your child a pile of buttons.

Encourage them to thread the buttons on the pasta. See how many they can stack up without breaking the pasta.
Or encourage them to make a pattern of colors for variety.

Or encourage them to race!

See who can make the tallest stack of buttons without breaking the pasta!

Find all of our fine motor activities here
Veggie Garden Sensory Bin

Fine Motor Counting

Fine Motor Pattern Activity

Fine motor and pattern making come together with this easy to set u activity for preschoolers and kindergartners. This activity is engaging and educational, and it is so much fun too!

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know that I love both fine motor and sensory play for kids.  I love to create easy hands on play ideas too. This one is perfect for kids, and it is so cheap to create too, which is more important than ever. You might have most of the supplies needed on hand, and if not, no sweat, your local dollar store will have everything you need.

As this activity does have small parts, be sure to carefully observe your kids while they complete this activity.

Supplies needed:

A pipe cleaner

small clothespins 

pearler beads

Directions:

Using the small clothespins, create a pattern. 

As you can see I went with green, yellow, purple.

Offer your child the beads and encourage them to thread the beads onto the pipe cleaner in the same pattern.

This is an awesome and engaging activity for small hands. They will benefit from the fine motor busy work later in their handwriting efforts, and the pattern making skills are also pretty important as it helps them make predictions about what comes next while putting their logic and reasoning skills to use.

Harper is now in the first grade, but she still enjoys pulling this activity out of our busy bags and making some eye catching deigns.

You can find more fine motor activities here.

Reader favorites include:

Fine Motor Counting

Feather Beading Pattern Activity

Apple Tree Addition Activity

This apple tree addition activity is perfect for kindergarten and first grade students. It gives them a hands on chance to practice their skills and work hands on play into their lessons. This is an all around engaging way to teach addition to kids.

This semester both of my kids are attending virtual school. They have a great curriculum that they follow, and the kids seem to be ok with the change in how we learn.  But, I like to make sure they are learning offline too. This apple tree math activity is perfect for little kids who are just grasping math concepts. Plus it is easy to set up and it is a lot of fun to work with. 

Using play doh is a great way to make this more than a math activity. Play doh is great for sensory play as wee all know. Adding it to math? Thats an equation for fun learning! Adding pony beads gives the activity a fine motor element, so I guess this math lesson has a lot of layers to it!

Supplies:

Green and Brown Play Doh

Pony Beads

Small wooden letters or stamps

Directions:

Encourage your child to roll out a tree trunk with brown play doh.

Instruct your child to flatten out a can of green play doh for the leaves of the tree.

Select two numbers and stamp them into the leaves. Add a +  between them.

Offer your child a few pont beads.

Encourage your child to count out enough for the first number and press them into the doh.

Instruct your child to count out enough beads for the second number and press them into the doh.

Ask your child to count all of the beads to get the sum.

Remover the beads. 

Remover the "leaves"

Smash the green doh into a fresh pile of doh.

Repeat with more numbers.

If you liked this easy math lesson idea you might like these reader favorites:

Fine Motor Counting activity

Play Doh Pumpkin Faces

Hair Cutting Activity for Preschoolers

 If your kids are anything like mine, they have an interest in cutting their own hair. YIKES! To combat that urge, I created a safe alternative that will keep everyone happy. This hair cutting activity for preschoolers gives kids a chance to put their scissor skills to work while satisfying the curiosity of little ones. Plus this is the perfect use for empty toilet paper rolls.

This is such an easy activity to set up. Chances are you have everything you need to do this with your little ones. I love crafts and activities that I don't have to buy any supplies for! Even the least crafty parents can set this cutting activity up in no time.

Supplies:
Empty toilet paper rolls
Scissors

Sharpie

Directions:

Cut small strips into the top of one end of the toilet roll. Make the cuts varying in length to offer some variety on the cuts for your child.
Draw a fun face on the paper roll.

You might want to create a few of these because your kids are going to have so much fun cutting hair!

Offer your child some scissors and invite them to give their new friend a hair cut.

Observe your child doing this, for safety.

This activity is awesome for kids because it gives them a chance to work on their scissors skills while having a good dramatic play session! Harper LOVED this activity and she always asks me if I will save toilet paper rolls for her to do this again.

If you are looking for more toilet roll crafts. You might want to check out this Easy Butterfly Craft.

Homemade Play Dough Recipes: A Fun and Easy Way to Keep Kids Entertained

 Play Dough Recipes: A Fun and Easy Way to Keep Kids Entertained

Play dough is a great way to keep kids entertained for hours on end. It's also a great way to help them develop their fine motor skills and creativity. And best of all, it's easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Here are a few of our favorite play dough recipes:

Ice Cream Playdough by Bitz n Giggles

This playdough idea is perfect for a mess free ice cream play session with the kids.

Thanksgiving Playdough by Making Frugal Fun

Make this for the family feast, and give the kids something to do while they wait to have dinner!

Shimmer Makeup Playdoh by In the Playroom

Who knew you could make playdough with make up?! This is a fun idea for girls who love all things glam.

Cornstarch and Lotion Playdough by The DIY Nuts

This recipe makes for the softest playdough ever. You are going to want to squish this a few times before letting the kids have it.

Pumpkin Spice Playdough by Suburbia Unwrapped

Playdough is always fun, but when it smells of pumpkin spice, the experience is twice as nice.

Super Soft Fairy Dough by Little Bins for Little Hands

This recipe for fairy dough is so soft it feels nothing short of magical!

Glittery Pumpkin Pie Playdough by Retro Potluck

A pinch of glitter takes this pumpkin pie play dough experience to the next level.

Glow in the Dark Playdough by Our Wabi Sabi Life

This playdough glows in the dark for an incredibly fun experience for kids.

Kool Aid Playdough  by The Best Ideas for Kids

This playdough is made with kool aid for such a vibrant color!

Chocolate Play Doh by Rainy Day Mum

Make a batch of chocolate play doh for kids to play with!

5 Minute Playdough by Made in a Pinch

This recipe only takes 5 minutes to make and is just the thing for a rainy day activity!

Color Changing Playdough by STEAM Powered Family

This recipe makes for a magical color changing dough that kids are going to love to play with.

Extract Scented Play Doh by The Typical Mom

This dough is scented with extracts for a sensory experience that kids are going to love.

Glittery Blue Playdough by Tikkido

This glittery blue play doh is perfect for a Frozen themed play session.

Conditioner Playdough by Sweet Silly Sara

Make this recipe with conditioner for a really soft playdoh to share with the kids.

Play Dough Variations There are endless possibilities when it comes to play dough variations. Here are a few ideas: Add glitter or confetti for a festive touch. Add essential oils for a calming aroma. Add herbs or spices for a sensory experience. Add different types of flour for different textures. Add salt dough to make ornaments or other crafts. With a little creativity, you can make play dough that's perfect for your kids. So get started and have fun!

Find more play doh ideas here:
Play Doh Food Puzzles
Play Doh Pie Counting

Weekend In the Woods With The Kids, Family Time

 With technology at our fingertips, it's hard to tear families away from their gadgets and get them outside. But unplugging and spending time together in nature have tons of benefits for both children and adults. So if you're looking for ideas on how to spend a fun weekend in the woods with your kids, look no further! This blog post will provide tips on everything from camping to hiking to enjoying nature crafts and also give you some great ideas for family-friendly activities that will keep everyone entertained all weekend long. So pack your bags and get ready for some outdoor fun!

1) Camping:

Camping is a great way to spend quality time with your family and bond with nature. It's also a fantastic way to teach kids about Leave No Trace principles and how to respect the outdoors. When camping with kids, be sure to pack plenty of activities to keep them occupied, as well as snacks and food that everyone will enjoy. And, of course, don't forget the marshmallows for roasting over the campfire!

Via Pexels

2) Hiking:

One of the best ways to explore the woods is by taking a hike together as a family. Kids will love getting out and seeing all the different plants and animals, and you can even turn it into a learning experience by teaching them about different species of trees or birds along the way. If your kids are young, be sure to bring along a carrier or pack so they can take a break when needed. And always remember to pack plenty of water and snacks!

3) Nature Crafts:

Another great way to spend time in the woods with your kids is by doing some nature crafts together. There are tons of different ideas out there, but some of our favourites include making leaf rubbings, painting with rocks, and creating woodland creature puppets out of sticks and leaves. These activities not only get kids interacting with nature, but they'll also have a blast being creative and using their imaginations.

4) Picnicking:

What could be more perfect than enjoying a lovely picnic lunch surrounded by nature? Pack up some sandwiches, snacks, and that easy mashed potatoes recipe with cold meats and drinks and head out to a nearby park or forest. Let the kids run around and explore while you relax and enjoy the scenery. And don't forget to save some room for dessert!

5) Geocaching:

Geocaching is a great way to combine spending time outdoors with a bit of friendly competition. Families can search for hidden "caches" that contain treasures using GPS coordinates. It's a perfect activity for kids of all ages and a great way to explore new areas.

In conclusion, there are tons of great ways to spend a weekend in the woods with your kids. Whether you're camping, hiking, picnicking, or doing nature crafts, your family is sure to have a blast spending time together outdoors. And who knows, you might even find that you all enjoy it so much that you want to make it a regular weekend activity!

Best Gifts for Boys

The holidays are near, and I have been looking for great gift ideas for boys. I have found some unique options that work for all budgets, and cover a variety of interests. I know you will find a gift or two on this list that would delight the boys on your shopping list.

Samples have been provided for inclusion.

Boys that like to build will be into this tool set from Stanley Jr. This set has safety glasses, a hammer, a functional tape measure and screwdrivers to get little ones started. Order from Amazon.

Laser Pegs are awesome for holiday gifting. They take a favorite activity for boys, like building and combine lights for a really fun experience. Laser Peg kits start at $8 so this is a gift that works for even the tightest budget. They offer a variety of kits so you are bound to find one that matches the boy on your lists interest.

The Mega Cyborg Hand from Thames & Kosmos is an awesome stem kit that kids will want to get a grip on! They can build this hydraulic hand and then wear it for a giant dose of fun. Order it online for about $40.

Clixo offers an open-ended play system that combines the magic of paper origami, the ease of classic building blocks, and the power of magnets. This unique toy brings building to a modern level. Order a pack or two for curious boys on your list starting at about $24.

Snap Ships are awesome gifts because it combines building and battling which are two things that most boys dig. Parents will love that this creative building toy  adds dramatic play to the table and that all parts are interchangeable, so that the building fun continues into new creations. Check out the line of options from Play Monster, or find some of the exclusive kits at Target. Kits start at $12,

Molotow Mini Subwayz are unique and fun. These little train cars fold and are ready to graffiti for a fun activity. Boys will love to collect these, and in some way fulfill a fantasy of what it would be like to be a graffiti artist, in a safe way. Order the cars starting at about $13.

K'nex is always a great gift idea. These kits are challenging to build and absolutely impressive to admire! The Eiffel Tower Kit stands over 29 inches high and is the perfect way to spend a snowy afternoon. Order this awesome option from the Basic Fun amazon store for about $50.

Boys will love this table tennis set from Pro Spin. It will give them a chance to get some active play in, anytime, anywhere. The set contains a retractable net, balls, 2 paddles and a carry case. Order for about $35.

Blinks by Move38 is a incredibly unique gift option for game loving boys. Each Blink is a game cartridge and a game tile. Blinks connect to other Blinks. Together they become an interactive board game. You can get the three pack which has 18 games for about $300.

Tifosi Optics makes stylish and useful sunglasses that will protect their eyes this winter. We usually equate sunglasses with summer, but make no mistake, kids need eye protection in the winter too, as it can be so bright when it snows.  Check out the assortment of swanky styles and find styles starting around $25.

Boys will love Flipover Frog the game. This strategy game is loads of fun for kids and only takes about 15 minutes to play, for a quick game anytime boys need a dose of fun! Order this option from Hub Games for about $13.

Boys who love trains will want to play with the Action Tunnel Circle Set by Brio all day long. This train set is perfect for the youngest conductors to explore. This set is comparable with all of the Brio train gear, so that the set can grow with your child. Order from amazon for about $100.

Smarty Pad is one of my favorite gifts for preschool and kindergarten aged boys because it combines play, education, technology and sensory all in one portable, engaging package. Order one for a boy who loves to learn from Amazon for about $35.

City Spies makes a great gift for boys who love to read. This book has excitement, suspense and a chance at redemption. It makes for an enjoyable read for elementary aged kids. Order from Amazon starting at $11.

Little Justice Leaders is a monthly subscription for kids that will inspire them to make changes to the social justice system while empowering! This subscription includes goodies like books and colored pencils, among other fun items that kids will get excited about receiving monthly. Prices start at $45 a month.

My kids love Little Learning Hands boxes, because they are fun! I love them because while we are not traveling this year, we can still explore the world while learning from home. These 3d Puzzles are awesome for a snow day activity, or a chance to make learning hands on. Check out the puzzles on amazon where they start at about $17. Check out the subscription boxes on the Little Learning Hands site.

If your kids love Ryan on Youtube, then run to Walmart to get this epic Vending Surprise! This has 16 surprises inside and makes such fun sounds! You even get to build your own Ryan from this vending surprise machine, which is bound to be a lot of fun for kids. Get this offering from Just Play Toys at Walmart for about $40.

Relay makes for a great gift for kids who want a little independence, and parents who want a little peace of mind. This device keeps tabs on where the kids are, and gives them a way to call for help if needed. Order a Relay device for a boy on your shopping list for about $35. 

Upbrainery Technologies offers kids a hands on chance to learn! These kits include everything kids need to build something epic, like a digital photo frame, or a bluetooth speaker to name a few. Check out the site to find something epic for your kids to create.

Brushing teeth doesn't have to be a bore. This year gift an awesome boy a way to turn brushing his teeth into a fun game with Brite Brush. Find this interactive toothbrush at Walmart or Amazon for about $20. Chances are you won't need to argue about brushing anymore!

Learn together how to solve the Rubik’s in a fun and interactive way, play games and battle online with other cubers around the world. This is the perfect STEM toy, it is educating and fun and adds tons of value to screen time. Order Go Cube Edge for about $80.

A great sports watch never goes out of style, and this Fila watch is handsome and durable making it a perfect watch for a school aged boy. They have a ton of options so finding the perfect watch is fuss free. Plus you can find some awesome options for about $30.

Give boys ages 3 to 9 a hands on lesson in coding with Osmo. The starter pack breaks down coding into a fun play session so that kids can start learning something super useful in a very kid friendly way. Order the Osmo Coding Starter Kit for about $80.

The Powerup Paper Airplane Kit is awesome for boys this holiday season! This unique idea takes the art of folding paper planes to a whole new level, powered up, of course! Build 10 awesome planes and give them a boost of flying power thanks to technology! This kit costs about $115.

Boys who love space will love building the Mars Space Base from Goju Adventures Toys. This kit has everything needed to build a space station, including some astronauts! This creative building set costs about $45 and can be found on Amazon.

If you are shopping for a dinosaur loving boy this year, look no further than the Egg Mazing Dinomazing Egg Decorator. Find this really fun art kit on Amazon for about $28 for a roaring good time!

Pizza Party Throwdown is an awesome game for boys who like pizza and fun! This game has you tossing and hopefully landing toppings to create pizzas! Order it for about $20 from Amazon or find it at Target.

 Go Noodle offers mindful videos for kids and they have a shop filled with fun! I love the Cookie Decorating Class which includes cookie cutters, an apron and the online lesson on how to make the cookies! Order for about $75 or check out the other goodies in their shop.

I hope these gift ideas help you find some epic gifts for the boys in your life.

While you are here why not check out all of my gift guides?