Fun Ideas for Spring Break!

I am doing these with my own kids and there just isn't time for boredome here!
These are some things that I think are just out of this world fantastic and easy to do with your kids:

1. This is my absolute favorite: Crayola MESS FREE Color Wonder Finger paintsI bought mine at Michael's Craft store, but if you don't have one of those or maybe want to find it on the cheap, just take a look and compare prices here.

If you haven't heard of this stuff it is like the greatest stuff ever... for parents and kids! Your kids can finger paint with this stuff and it won't leave a mess for you to clean up anywhere! It only colors on the "special" color wonder paper that comes with it (you can buy it separately as well) but I was getting pretty sad cuz we are renting you know, and I just can't afford to have my 3 year old spilling paint on the carpet or some other nightmare. For me, this has been the ultimately perfect decision. I don't have to be nervous when she's painting. just enjoy watching her paint and not even have to clean up after her! You have to try this stuff if you haven't already! I am in love :)

2. Put a Puzzle together
I bought one with 50 pieces and pretty easy, but enough that it's fun for us (the parents) too. I put together the more difficult pieces, and kids love to sit there and play with the puzzle pieces and help you put it together. It really gets you and your kids together so you can bond. You can find some really cool 50 piece puzzles here.

3. Painting easter eggs
I'm sure everyone is going to be doing this sometime this week and this is loads of fun as well. I found some really awesome kits here.

4. Read a book about spring or St. Pats day
Kids love to be read to, and it's especially fun on special occasions to read books about whatever it is. I found some really adorable books here for fantastic prices.

5. Cook something together

Well, I think these five ideas will keep you busy enough today and through the week, so Happy St. Patricks Day and Have Fun!

How to Make the Perfect Easter Basket for Your Toddler

Author: Arlene Pellicane



Article:
Browsing online, I saw a toddler Easter basket selling for $65.
Since when does a parent have to spend so much money on a basket
filled with a stuffed animal, candy and plastic grass for a
two-year old? You can spend a lot less and create a basket
that’s even better because it’s tailor made just for your
child.

Here’s how you make a perfect Easter basket that will not
break the bank and make a great impression on your terrific
toddler:

1. Start with a basket you already have at home. Don’t buy
that Easter basket at the grocery store that you will use once
and then pitch into your garage to be lost forever. Can’t find
a basket? Look for a small plastic storage bin, decorate a
shoebox, or extra plastic wastebasket. Nix the cellophane wrap.

2. Skip the candy and load up on healthier treats instead. Your
toddler’s favorite fruits or crackers will do just fine. Or
try a new brand of cracker. If your toddler is asking for candy,
just include one small chocolate egg or a few peeps. Remember
the less your toddler is exposed to candy, the better!

3. Instead of filling plastic eggs with candy, fill them with
beans instead. Tape them up with colorful electrical tape and
you’ve got a new shaker instrument. You can also fill the eggs
with small toys or stickers.

4. Include items you need to buy anyway: a toothbrush with one
of your child’s favorite characters, nice socks, new character
underwear or pajamas.

5. Great toys to include are inexpensive items like crayons,
sidewalk chalk, coloring books, toy cars, stickers, play doh,
rubber duckies and other toys for the bath.

6. Celebrate the coming of spring with some outdoor activity
toys like a Frisbee, bubbles, or ball.

7. Write them a simple note that says “I love you” or
“Happy Easter.” Encourage them to say each letter in your
note.

Create your basket with your toddler in mind. Include some of
his or her favorite things and you’ll be sure to have a hit!
And it will cost you a lot less than $65.