15 Baby Shower Door Prize Ideas

Planning a baby shower and the date is quickly approaching?  The invitations are out, theme has been selected and the menu planned, but you completely forgotten about door prizes and the games.  Been there done that.   However, I have successfully hosted several baby showers for family and friends.  So, today I’m sharing parenting tips for baby shower door prize ideas.

 

baby shower door prizes

 

Great gifts to thank guests who are helping to make your baby shower the best ever is important.  After all,  your guests are the key to a successful shower and they’ve taken the time to honor the Mother To Be.  You don’t want them to leave empty handed.

 

 Baby Shower Door Prize Ideas:

  1. Candles – First, everyone loves candles.  You can find them in yummy scents or no scent.
  2. Set of Ice Cream Bowls or Sundae Cups – Great for family time.
  3. Coffee or Latte Mugs – Great for sipping coffee or tea.
  4. Kitchen towel set – So, who couldn’t use new kitchen towels.
  5. Loofah and Body Wash – Make someone’s day with a scented body wash and loofah.
  6. Stationary – Writing a personal note or thank you card never goes out of style.
  7. Coffee or Tea – Nice for week-ends when you can catch a moment to relax.
  8. Homemade Jam or Salsa – Bring out those jars of goodies that you’ve stored and share them.
  9. Gift Certificate – Everybody loves a free treat to Annie’s Pretzels, Dairy Queen, Rita’s Sweet Frog etc.
  10. Homemade Craft – Also, people love home made crafts.  Personally, I would rather have a homemade gift than a store brought one
  11. Pictures Frames – Look for frames that have family, friends Girls Night Out etc.  on them.
  12. Manicure or Pedicure Gift Card – This would be a great for someone who deserves to be or needs to be pampered.
  13. Premade Scrapbook Album –   I gave one of these to my daughter and she loved it.
  14. Matinee Movie Tickets – Great for date with hubby or significant other or a girlfriend.
  15. Consolation Gifts – Last, bake a batch of cookies or brownies and tie the bag with a pretty ribbon.

 

baby shower door prizes

 

Finally, check stores like Target, Big Lots, Dollar General, TJ Maxx, Michael’s etc for clearance items or the bargain bin.   I’ve scored baby shower door prize ideas there.  Use your imagination.  If you’re crafty, make a few of the gifts.

You may also like Baby Shower Game Ideas

Tips To Create Child Friendly Gardens

Getting out into the great outdoors is important for everyone.  But, when you have young children it gets a bit more difficult.  Today, we’re sharing parenting tips on how to create child friendly gardens.

 

child friendly gardens

 

 

Cover The Pond

When it comes to any water features, you want to be careful of children wandering and falling in.  Whether it’s a swimming pool or a small pond, water can be dangerous for those who can’t swim.  So if you do have a pond be sure to cover it over with pond netting.  The netting should be strong enough and secured in place so that little hands can’t lift it up.  You can find most pond netting at a DIY store near you.  This will ensure you won’t have wet children having to be pulled out of the pond!  As a side note, Tsurumi pond pumps are certainly a good thing to have when it comes to your pond water feature.

 

Buy A Playhouse

Children love outdoor toys.  What better way than to teach them about growing up than to have their own playhouse?  Playhouses can come in a variety of sizes.  Furthermore, they are perfect for getting little ones outside into fresh air. These playhouses will also keep them warm when the colder weather hits.  And, they’re usually made out of strong enough material that will help them last a long time.

 

child friendly gardens

 

Swings And Slides

Outdoor activities can encourage your children to be more active.  Swings and slide sets are still as popular as ever and provide parents with a great opportunity to connect more with their children. Swinging high into the sky is a wonderful experience for any child and is one that they will likely remember into their adulthood.

 

Pick The Right Plants

Children at young ages are receptive to exploring and tasting things they come into contact with.  That means that you need to be cautious about what plants and flowers you put into your garden.  Some are relatively harmless, but some of them can be poisonous.  And, if ingested could cause serious problems. Obviously, you want your child to be curious. But, also to be safe.  So, ensure all plants and flowers are child-friendly.

 

Add More Lawn

Replace some of your concrete with more grass.  Concrete can cause injury; however, grass provides a safe and soft area to run, jump and play. They may bring in a little grass stain, but nothing a little detergent can’t handle.

We hope our tips on creating child friendly gardens was beneficial.  Getting your children or grandchildren outside is very important and should be done so from an early age. You may also like:  Nature and Garden Tips for Children.

16 Ways to Celebrate Great Outdoors Month

Did you know that June is Great Outdoors Month?  Yes, school will be over for the summer and the kids will need to be occupied.  The Great Outdoors Month is opportunity to escape being inside.  So, today I’m sharing parenting tips on the Great Outdoors Month and activities for kids.  It’s a great way to get them off the electronics.  Furthermore, it’s a great to get them to exercise, blow off steam from the stresses of the school year and bond as a family.  Here we go:

 

 

 

National Outdoors Month

 

 

Bike Riding – Pull those bikes out of the garage and get your kids riding.  Encourage them to get the other neighborhood kids involved.  It’s a great way to get them to exercise and gives you a few moneys to exhale from having them for the summer.

Scavenger Hunt – Send them on a scavenger hunt.  Print our Summer Scavenger Hunt cards and let them explore and have fun.  Most of the items can be found in your backyard or neighborhood.

Chase Butterflies  – Purchase a few butterfly nets and let them run around the yard chasing butterflies.

Garden  – Introduce your children to nature.  Let them plant a few vegetables or a butter fly garden.

Plan a Picnic –  Next, grab your picnic and fill it with sandwiches, fruits, and drinks and spend time with the kids.  It gets them out the house, and allows you to bond with them.  You can spread out a blanket in the backyard or park.  Make it simple.

 

 

Great Outdoors Month

 

Hike – Take a hike through a local park or walk around the neighborhood.

Birdwatch – Head to one of your local reserves or your own backyard.  Birdwatching in your own backyard can be a wonderful experience.  It allows the kids to see what birds are native to your area and which ones they would like to lure to the feeders.

Horseback Riding –  Also, check out your local equestrian center for rates on an hour of horseback riding.  This may be a good time for the kids to take riding lessons.

Paddle Boating – Head to your local park, and spend some time on the water paddle boating.  Don’t forget your life jackets and the safety rules.

Camping – Planning a camping trip complete with tents and outdoor cooking with the kids.

 

 

 

Great Outdoors Month

 

Fishing – Take the kids fishing.  You can fry them up or throw them back.  Either way, the kids will have a great time.

Outdoor Movies – Also, set up a movie night and let the kids enjoy the stars and moon while watching one of their favorite movies.

Star Watching – If you kids love to watch the stars, bring out the telescope.  It’s a great way to look at the stars and learn about astrology as a family.

White Water Rafting –  Check your area to see if this activity is being offered.  It’s big in my area!

 

 

 

Great Outdoors Month

 

River Tubing –  Take a journey along your local river or lake and just enjoy the day as a family.

Go Karts – Last, my grandson and his friends love the Go Kart track.  It’s a nice family activity.

 

Finally, get creative.  The goal is to get outside and get physical.  Enjoy nature and make a commitment to get off the phone and get outside.  The possibilities on finding activities for the kids to do during the Great Outdoors Month is endless.   You may also like:  Camping Injuries and How to Avoid Them.  

 

 

 

Game Day Activities for Kids

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on game day activities for kids.  Super Bowl Sunday or any game day for that matter is the perfect time for gathering with family and friends. In reality, most game day activities are centered around adults.  Unfortunately, that leaves the kids wondering around and searching for things to do.  Video games are readily available; however, I’m all for intellectual stimulation.

 

 

game day activities for kids

 

 

So, I created these game day activities for the older kids.  There’s a Football Unscramble Game that uses  football terms including turnover, tackle, touch down, cheerleaders and more.  It also includes an answer key.

 

 

game day activities for kids

 

 

 

 

Another one of our game day kid’s activity is a football crossword puzzle.  It’s challenging, and will keep your football player/lover busy while you’re finishing the gameday menu or other festivities.

 

 

 

football crossword puzzle

 

 

If your child needs to work on their writing and grammar, we have writing game day activity for kids.  The activity will require the participant to write sentences using football terminology.  This would be a great group activity too, so print off several copies.

 

 

game day activities

 

Our last game day kid’s activities is a word search football terminology.  It contains around 20 of the most used football terms.  My 13 year old grandson loves word search puzzles.  It’s a football player too!

 

 

football word search puzzle

 

 

Set up a card table or area where the kids can play these games along with a few game day snacks.  These games are perfect for adults too.  My 6’2 240 pound son-in-laws loves working word search puzzles.  Form teams, and give out prizes to the first team who completes the Unscramble and Crossword Puzzle Games.  Or, you can print these activities to keep your guess busy while you finishing up snack trays.  Or, use them to keep the kids busy while you’re mingling and entertaining friends.  They will love the game day challenges and involvement in game day.  Download the printables here.

Why They Should Bring Back Drive-in Theaters

 

movie ideas

 

If you enjoy going to the movies, try a drive-in theater.  I have fond memories of going to the drive-in when I was teen. Drive-in theaters were popular in the 60’s and 70’s, but lost their popularity when colored TVs emerged. They are slowly making a come back across the country, and I’m jumping up and down.

I have one near by, so I decided to take my grandchildren to see The Grinch.  I’m always striving to do something different so they will have a great memory, and a drive-in is something they’ve never experienced.

 

 

Holiday Movies

 

I thought seeing The Grinch was a great way to begin the holiday season.  It was a perfect chilly Sunday evening with no school the next day.  So, we gathered our warm coats, hats, gloves and headed out to the Family Drive-in Theater.  Being out after dark and watching a movie in the car excited the kids.  It made me joyful too.  Making my grandchildren happy and creating memories is what it’s about as a grandparent.

The Family Drive-in Theater is the only one in the Washington, D.C./Northern Virginia metropolitan area.  It’s a family owned business that has been open since 1956.   The concession stand is how they make most of their money.  The theater itself is quite nostalgic.

When we reached the theater, a line had already formed.  We waited patiently.  Fortunately, the price for entry was reasonable.  It was $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children 4 -11.  My grandchildren fell into the $4.00 category.  Normally, there is a double feature playing.  Except for Sundays, only 1 movie is shown.   So, it was $20 for 4 of us.  We entered the theater area and found a great spot directly in front of the movie screen.  Arriving early has its advantages.  If you arrive early enough, the kids can play on the playground until the movies start.

 

holiday movies

                                                                     Movie screen at Family Drive-in Theater

 

We needed to use the rest room and than head to the snack bar area before the movie started.  The menu was surprising.  There was the usual popcorn and soda fountain drinks.  But, they offered chicken salad, angus burgers, tacos, and shrimp.  It was quite the menu.  Actually, better than any regular movie theater that I’ve been to.  My grandson ordered corn dogs and hot chocolate.  The corn dog was so good, he had to have another.  I ordered the shrimp basket, which included fries.  My granddaughter ordered popcorn.  It was quite the feast.

 

drive-in theater speakers

Speakers at Family Drive-in Theater

 

We headed back to the car to get settled before the movie started.  We had the option of tuning in on the car radio for the sound or using their speakers.  Or, you could also use a portable radio. We used their speakers. They hook on to your car window or sit on your dashboard.  The kids thought the speakers were cool.  They also thought it was cool to be able to sit under the stars, and watch the movie.  When they visit, they want to go to the outside movie theater again.  They also enjoyed The Grinch.  It was short, about 1 hour and 15 minutes, but entertaining.

If you have a drive-in theater in your area, load up the kids and head out.  It will be a memory they always treasure.  I can’t wait to take them back next summer.

 

 

The Nutcracker Activity Sheets

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on The Nutcracker activity sheets for kids. The Nutcracker is one of my favorite ballets.  Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms will be a Christmas classic forever.  I can’t wait to take my granddaughter to see The Nutcracker during the holidays.  She just completed her first year of ballet.

 

 

The Nutcracker

 

First, I remember seeing The Nutcracker as a little girl around the holidays.  We had favorites like Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, and the Charlie Brown Christmas.  But, I fell in love with the ballet and the music.

 

The Nutcracker Activity Sheets:

 

Sugar Plum Fairy

Next, my daughter danced in Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker.  Her first ballet was The Nutcracker.  I remember her costumes like it was yesterday.  She was a flower and snowflake.  The costumes were beautiful.  My granddaughter is dancing now.  So, I’m looking forward to taking her to the movie in November.  For those unfamiliar with The Nutcracker, it’s about a little girl named Clara.

 

The Nutcracker

Misty Copeland is the Prima Ballerina and Mackenzie Foy is the doll Clara.  All Clara wants is a key – a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box that holds a priceless gift. A golden thread, presented to her at her Godfather Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual holiday party, leads to the coveted key.

 

The Nutcracker Soldiers

 

But, the key disappears into a strange world.  Clara follows and it’s there that she encounters a soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight).  Additionally, there’s a gang of mice and the regents who preside over three Realms.  So, The Four Realms include the following: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers and Land of Sweets. Clara and the solider Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm.  Additionally, The Fourth Realm is home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren).  Finally, Clara and Phillip hope to retrieve Clara’s key and return harmony to the unstable world.

Also, the movie stars Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy.  The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is directed by Lasse Hallström and Joe Johnston.   E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale is the inspiration for the movie.

 

The Nutcracker

So, in anticipation of the movie coming to theatres in November, we have a fun activity pack.  The pack includes coloring pages, a maze and spot the difference sheet.  Most importantly, save the date!

 

The Soldier Philip

 

God Father Drosslemeyer

We hope you enjoy watching The Nutcracker this holiday season.  Additionally, we hope that your children will enjoy coloring and playing the activity sheets.  You can download them here.

Battling Boredom: How to Keep Your Kids Entertained

 

how to keep your kids entertained

Every parent will need to find ways to keep their children entertained.  Unfortunately, kids can grow bored quickly with the same routine each day.  Especially, when they are young.  So, you might also want to provide your kids with healthier activities.  Healthy activities are better than spending all their time on a smartphone, tablet or TV.

Thankfully, there are some superb activities for kids.  Check out our tips on how to keep your kids entertained:

A Trip to the Movies

One activity that’s bound to make your children smile is a trip to the movies.  Let them snack on popcorn as they immerse themselves into an animated movie.  We’re sure mom and dad will probably love it too!

Organize a Play Date

Add play dates to your list of how to keep your kids entertained.  If you want to entertain your child while strengthening their friendships, organize a play date.  Contact one of their friend’s mothers about the best day for your kids to get together.  Building friendships is important.  So is laughing, talking, and playing.

You could even take turns hosting a play date.  This option will give each parent time to relax or catch up on chores.  Additionally, you can enjoy a little downtime yourself while the kids play.

Watch Live Entertainment

Allow your kids to enter a whole new world by booking tickets to a live entertainment show.  For example, Disney on Ice or a concert for their favorite singer or band.  Check your local listings for kid-friendly shows being held in your area.  You may be able to find the perfect event for your little one in your town or city at Ticket Sales.

Bake Cakes or Cookies

Baking delicious cookies or cakes is the ultimate activity for a rainy day.  And, a great way on how to keep your kids entertained.  The kids will be excited to try the treats  fresh from the oven.  And, they’ll also have fun learning how to make cookie dough or cake batter.

Turn it into an educational experience.  They will learn to listen, follow instructions and master the art of patience. You can also help them to unleash their creative side by experimenting with multi-colored icing, sprinkles, and cookie cutters.  Most importantly, the activity could help them develop a passion for baking or cooking.

Build a Fort

Next, the moment your children start complaining they are bored, you should encourage them to build a fort.  Their bedroom is the perfect place.  They will need to gather blankets, pillows, chairs, and sheets so that they can create a cozy, private space.

They will have fun building the fort with you.  And, they will also enjoy their unique hangout once it’s done.  It’s a great way to keep them occupied until bedtime.

Enjoy a Day at the Beach

Last, if the sun is shining, grab the kids,  beach towels, sunscreen and make your way to a local beach. Your children will love building sun castles and splashing in the water.  We suggest that also pack a picnic for the whole family.  The kids will love it.

Tips for Helping Kids Excel at Sports

If kids are going to excel at a sport, they need to have a natural ability.   Additionally, they need to have a desire to take part in the sport of their choosing.  However, helping kids excel is not all about what the kids want.  No, parents have to be involved and help push them towards excelling too.  So, check out our parenting tips below on helping kids excel at sports.   

 

 

sports for kids

 

 

 

 

Make taking part in the sport a positive experience

 

The sport your son or daughter plays whether it is soccer, tennis, dancing or skiing needs to be a positive experience.  Additionally, your child must be able to maintain passion and love for the sport.  If not, it is doubtful that they will be able to carry on with it.  Furthermore, they must demonstrate that they want to be involved.  Helping kids excel is good.  But, only when they carry on when not required or asked to do so, will they be able to truly hone in on their skills.

So, make sure that you are not being demanding in regards to their performance.  If they have natural abilities, they will excel with the proper coaching and support.

 

children and sports tips

 

 

Have them play at the appropriate age level 

 

When you throw your child in at the deep end and they do not have the skills to play at that level, you will stunt their development.  Furthermore, they will miss out on the opportunity to acquire and improve on the skills needed for their personal growth.  Each age group provides the needed skill set.  So, if you want your children to truly excel at their sport, make sure you enroll them in age appropriate groups.

Also, if your child is interested in being developed in soccer check out FC Barcelona.  They are a powerhouse in the world of soccer.  You can find information at https://fcbcanada.com/fcb-academy/  They embrace the methodology of teaching children exactly what they need to learn, when they need to learn it and no sooner or later. By keeping to this myology, children learn the fundamental and basic skills needed for success in soccer.

Finally, helping your kids excel at sports will be simple with our advice.

10 Amazon Prime Holiday Movies for Kids

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on holiday movies for kids.  The holidays are here!  That means the kids will be home for the next two weeks, and we will need to occupy them.   It doesn’t take long for kids to lose interest and become bored.  If they’re not bored, it’s probably because they’re on an electronic device somewhere.  If you want them to take a break from the electronics, check out these Amazon Prime Holiday Movies for Kids.  They’re perfect for watching on Christmas Eve and anytime during the holiday season.  You can  you watch them on the Kindle, table or PC if you are a prime member.  So, check out our list:

 

 

Amazon Prime Holiday Movies

 

The holidays are here!  That means the kids will be home for the next two weeks, and we will need to occupy them.   It doesn’t take long for kids to lose interest and become bored.  If they’re not bored, it’s probably because they’re on an electronic device somewhere.  If you want them to take a break from the electronics, check out these Amazon Prime Holiday Movies for Kids.  They’re perfect for watching on Christmas Eve and anytime during the holiday season.  You can  you watch them on the Kindle, table or PC if you are a prime member.

 

Holiday Movies for Kids:

 

All I Want for Christmas Is You – First, this all-new movie features Mariah Carey’s music and narration in a story about little Mariah’s Christmas wish for a puppy.

If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie – If it’s holiday time in Mouse’s house then, that means Christmas cookies (including a special one for Santa, of course), caroling…and one nearly-destroyed holiday pageant.  Can they save the holiday pageant?

The Elf on the Shelf Presents:  An Elf’s Story – Add this one to your list of holiday movies for kids.  Chippey is assigned by Santa to restore Taylor McTuttle’s belief in Christmas magic.  Can he restore Chippey’s belief as Santa asked him to do?

The Snowy Day – Furthermore, Peter goes on a magical, snowy walk to his Nana’s house to bring home their Christmas Eve dinner.  What will he encounter on his magic walk?

A Christmas Tree Miracle –  Next, a family learns that miracles do come true if you only believe! A holiday movie for the whole family.

Christmas in New York – Ari has vague memories of a decorated tree and the gifts exchanged on one particular day of the year. A wise owl reveals to Ari and his friends that it is all about Christmas!

Click, Clack, Moo:  The Farm Christmas  – Additionally, it’s Christmas time and the farm animals have a problem: how to buy Farmer Brown the present of his dreams – a Tumbletron 300 clothes dryer.  How will the solve the problem?

Operation Christmas List – 12-year-old Barney has got a plan to beat the Christmas rush and buy the entire stock of the most sought after gift, Crabby Mousie doll!  Barney and his friends sneak into the mall afterhours, but things don’t go as planned.

A Country Christmas – Last, Santa loses his magical powers and becomes stranded in a barn.  Two children from the  farming community help him save Christmas.

The Cabbage Patch Kids First Christmas – Last, the Cabbage Patch Kids leave their patch to search for the Christmas spirit.

Finally, we hope that you enjoyed our list of holiday movies for kids and will select a few for movie night in your home.  You may also like:  30+ Rich and Delicious Hot Chocolate Recipes and 21 Christmas Movies recommended by Cosmopolitan.

 

 

9 Halloween Food Ideas for Kids

Planning a Halloween party or just want to do something special for your kids?  You’ve come to the right place.  Today, we’re sharing parenting tips and fun Halloween food ideas for kids.  Make them all or choose a few. 

 

 

 

Halloween Food Ideas

 

No matter, your children will love your creativity and devour these special treats.  Let us know which is your favorite in a comment.  I love the Bloody Fingers and Eyeball Cupcakes.  Disgusting!

 

 

Witch Fingers

Halloween Food Ideas

Pretzel Rods, candy melts, almonds, and black gel food coloring are the stars for these Witch’s Fingers.  The kids will love munching on these goodies.

 

Bloody Fingers

 

Halloween Food Ideas

There’s no recipe for the bloodied fingers.  Just remove a square of skin from the hot dog and place on a bed of bloodied hot dog bun.  My grandson and his friends are going to love these.

 

Spider Pizza

 

Halloween Food Ideas

This blogger used a Tombstone Pizza, black and green olives and pepperoni to create this master piece.  Hello, my grandchildren love the Totino’s Party Pizza.  So, this is the perfect treat in my household.  Also, if your children don’t like olives just make the pepperoni’s the star.

 

 

Spider Burger

 

Halloween Food

 

 

I love that this recipe is simple, and so cute.  A normal burger, a slice of cheese, raisins, and onion rings.  Perfect for lunch or dinner.

 

Halloween Potato Skin Pizzas

 

Halloween Food Ideas

 

Next, kids love pizza.  Here’s a twist on potatoes, turn them into pizza.  Yes, baking potatoes, pepperoni, mozzarella cheese and olives is all you need along with a little creativity.  The kids will love them.

 

 

 

Bloodshot Eyeball Cupcakes

 

Halloween Food Ideas

 

Disgustingly delicious.  Furthermore, these Bloodshot Eyeball cupcakes are sure to bring Ewwwwk.  But, they are sure to be devoured too.

 

Halloween Ideas

 

 

 

Jack-O-Lantern Mac and Cheese Cups

 

 

Homemade Mac and Cheese will work great for this recipe.  If you’re in a pinch for time, microwavable mac and cheese can be used.  My grandchildren love homemade mac and cheese.  They would eat it everyday if allowed.  A slice of cucumber or celery will work for the stem.  Make this a family activity, let the kids decorate the cups with a Jack-O-Lantern face.

 

 

Honeydew Bats

 

Halloween Food

 

Last, a honeydew melon and a bat cookie cutter is all that is needed to make these delicious and nutritious treats.

Finally, we hope you like a few of our Halloween Food Ideas for Kids and will create a few for your children.  You may also like 9 Fall Snack Ideas for Kids.