These (mostly) easy elf ideas will keep you going until Christmas Eve
It’s that time again. Yup, your Elf on the Shelf is about to parachute in to make your life (slightly) more challenging for the next few weeks. Get ahead of the game and prep your bag of tricks with these brilliant ideas. From Elf on the Shelf clothes to setting last-minute Elf on the Shelf ideas that’ll make the whole family giggle, we’ve got enough easy elf ideas to last you the whole holiday season.
1. Elf held captive. If you have two Scout elves, this Elf on the Shelf idea is a lot of fun. Pull out the toy train, and string, and decide which elf is going to be extra naughty.
2. Dramatic rescue. Rescuing the family elf is always interesting. If you’ve got train tracks, going Wild Wild West is a super-easy way to keep him tied down!
3. Plan a hot cocoa party. This is fun on the first night or maybe on a weekend day, where the kids can help you set up and then maybe enjoy some themselves! Snag printables for the party here.
4.Spell it out. Do you have Scrabble tiles or Bananagrams? Then it’s a cinch to let your elf leave a sweet message for your littles to discover the next day.
5.Deeds worth doing. Since reporting good deeds to Santa is your elf’s duty, it’s the perfect opportunity to remind kids about the spirit of Christmas. We dig the free downloadable from Over the Big Moon.
6. Rock climbing wall. All you need are several pre-made bows to make a route for your elf.
7. Coloring elf. Take 30 seconds to scribble in a coloring book or on a printable, scatter crayons, and set up your elf. Giggles are guaranteed!
8. Window view. If you’ve got a window and a curtain rod, you’ve got a sweet spot to place your elf. Easy-peasy.
9. Cookies, please. Elves love anything made with sugar. Set yours up with the stuff to make cookies; not only will you be able to cross one day off your calendar, but you’ll get to spend quality time with your kiddos. Bonus: If you don’t get around to making them, a repeat appearance by your elf with a more urgent request for cookies is appropriate.
10. Zipline. This Elf on the Shelf idea is popular, but it does take a little time to set up. All you need is string or yarn, a candy cane, and a way to secure your elf to the candy cane!
11. Not-so-fresh Frosty. Looks like Frosty the Snowman found himself in a warmer climate! Head over to Picklehead Soup for more genius ideas.
12. LEGO throne. Whether you use DUPLO or LEGO, making a seat for Santa’s little helper can be done in less than five minutes.
13. Caught in the act. With this easy elf idea, you'll use a bag of M&Ms, chocolate chips, or even a box of sugar cereal, and position your elf with its backside out of the bag.
14. Put Elsa to Work. Let your elf take a dip in water and take a trip to the freezer before posing alongside Elsa.
15. Exhausted elf. All those trips up to the North Pole make for one tired elf. Let your little one in red take a day off. Psst! You don’t need an elf-sized sleeping bag. A doll blankie works just as well.
16. Elf spaghetti. Whip up Buddy the Elf’s favorite dish for your little helper. Hint: this is a great idea for the night you make pasta. You'll also need syrup (of course), marshmallows, candy, and chocolate syrup. Find out how to make a batch over at Instructables.
17. Riding the banister. Those naughty elves are always looking for an adrenaline rush! Use a frisbee and sticky tape to get your little buddy set up at the top and ready to ride.
18. Sitting pretty. Have your elf take a seat inside your wreath for a picture-perfect spot.
19. A Stuck Elf. This is a super easy elf idea, and you don’t even need the message board to pull it off. Just grab a mason jar and a prominent place to display your elf’s tight situation.
21. Elf in the kitchen. Got a play kitchen? Then let your elf whip up something yummy.
22. Super Elf! Your kids will love to find their family elf has gone superhero overnight. Construction paper or felt works great for a cape and mask.
23. On the road. With a toy car, your elf can go just about anywhere they want to go. Headed to buy a Christmas tree? Done. Want to take Wonder Woman out on a date? Totally!
24. Put the elf in the freezer. Your elf sure does miss the North Pole! Give him a little time to chill.
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25.Play Picasso. A dry-erase marker, a family photo, and a sense of humor are all you need. Give your kids beards and cat ears: See how much they laugh!
26.Toilet paper tricks. Add an elf to a roll of toilet paper and send them down the stairs. Don’t have a second level? Leave a trail down the hall with a written message instead.
27. Bath time. You don’t need a Barbie bath to let your Elf soak aching bones— a plastic bowl or storage container will do the trick. Add marshmallows for bubbles and you’re set.
28. Gone fishing. Your kids will love waking up to find the elf "fishing" for goldfish crackers in the bathroom sink.
29. Story time. Position the elf with a favorite holiday book and a captivated audience.
30. Hanging by a limb. Any elf will feel right at home when dangling from a branch of the Christmas tree.
31. Spa day. Wrap your elf in a washcloth, give them a loofah, and just like that, it's a spa day.
32. Puzzle play. Settling your elf in for the night with a puzzle is easy and fun.
33. Sweet snow angels. It’s not quite as cold down here as it is at the North Pole. When your elf gets antsy for chilly weather, make them a personal snow angel. We suggest using rice for easy cleanup!
34. All wrapped up. Give your elf the scissors, tape, and wrapping paper. Scatter shredded paper and tape around, and it'll be like they were caught in the act of wrapping up Santa's gifts!
35. Let it snow. Sprinkle some sugar as “snow,” and let your little rascal make snow angels on your counter.
36. S'more to love. Some toothpicks, roasted marshmallows, chocolate squares, graham crackers, and tea lights are all you need to set up this cozy and easy elf idea.
37. Read all about it. Prop them up on a favorite Christmas story or beloved book.
38. Take a seat. From Barbie's car to Santa's sleigh, having your elf take a ride is a riot.
40. Paper bag race. Take those lunch bags that have been cluttering your drawer and collect a few stuffies. Then, stage a sack race-style scene across your dining room table or kitchen island.
41. Don't move the elf. Well, it looks like your kids were so well-behaved that no North Pole reporting was needed.
42. Cards, anyone? You didn’t know elves love to play games? They do, and they love to be caught in the act.
43. Caught pink-handed. Have your elf stage a scene of questionable actions and tape up the area with crepe paper.
44. Making their mark. They can't help but make mischief, and marking up a festive photo is a silly way to say, "Elf wuz here."
45. Daring dino ride. If you’ve got a plastic dinosaur (T-Rex preferred), then you’ve got what you need to give your elf a prehistoric ride.
46. Elfie Selfie. Position your elf in front of the family laptop and snap a picture. Just be forewarned, if it's a laptop you use, you'll need to get it set back up before the kids get home from school.
47. Send the Elf back to the North Pole. Possibly our favorite easy elf idea, on Christmas Morning, make sure they're out of sight, and of course, leave a note.
If you haven’t introduced your little ones to the classic game Would You Rather, you’re missing out on some serious fun. It’s a simple concept: present a pair of hypothetical situations and choose which one you’d prefer. But don’t let its simplicity fool you; the game encourages creativity, critical thinking, and decision-making skills. Plus, you’ll get a sneak peek into their budding minds and learn about how they tick. We’ve got a list of whimsical and creative Would You Rather questions for kids to get you started.
The key to playing Would You Rather with kids is to make the options silly and imaginative so they stay engaged. It’s also helpful to set some ground rules. Make sure everyone understands that there are no right or wrong answers and that it’s all just for fun. We recommend starting with some easy questions to get the ball rolling, like “Would you rather eat pizza or ice cream for the rest of your life?” Then gradually ramp up the difficulty level. Before you know it, you’ll be knee-deep in debates about whether it’s better to have super strength or the ability to fly.
The Best Would You Rather Questions for Kids
Browse through our list and pick and choose the ones you think will work best for your family. You can always come back and try other ones next time!
1. Would you rather eat breakfast or dinner for every meal?
2. Would you rather dance in front of 1000 people or sing in front of 1000 people?
3. Would you rather be able to fly like a bird or swim like a fish?
4. Would you rather be a superhero with a cool costume or a wizard with a magic wand?
5. Would you rather have a robot servant or a magical genie?
6. Would you rather be able to talk to ghosts or time travel to the past?
7. Would you rather be able to freeze time or rewind time?
8. Would you rather have a pet dinosaur or a pet alien?
9. Would you rather be able to breathe fire or shoot lasers from your eyes?
10. Would you rather have a personal spaceship or a personal submarine?
11. Would you rather be able to slide down rainbows or jump on clouds?
12. Would you rather be able to turn invisible or be able to teleport?
13. Would you rather be able to breathe fire like a dragon or freeze things like Elsa from Frozen?
14. Would you rather have a robot that does all your chores for you or a personal chef who cooks all your meals for you?
15. Would you rather be a detective or a pilot?
16. Would you rather be in the Olympics for snowboarding or diving?
17. Would you rather brush your teeth with soap or drink sour milk?
18. Would you rather create a new sport or a new holiday?
19. Would you rather travel to outer space or visit every country in the world?
20. Would you rather go without shampoo for the rest of your life or toothpaste for the rest of your life?
21. Would you rather be the worst player on a team that always wins or the best player on a team that always loses?
22. Would you rather be the funniest person alive or the smartest person alive?
23. Would you rather only be able to whisper or have an incredibly loud voice?
24. Would you rather live without music or movies?
25. Would you be trapped in a room with a friendly tiger or ten bumblebees?
26. Would you rather buy 50 toys that cost $1 or one toy that costs $50?
27. Would you rather wear flip-flops when it’s snowing or five layers in the middle of summer?
28. Would you rather stand in knee-high ketchup or swim in ranch dressing?
29. Would you rather share a room with a T-Rex or a whale shark?
These not-scary Halloween movies for kids make a spooktacular fun family night at home
The night of trick-or-treating will be here soon, and what better way to get into the mood than with some not-s0-scary Halloween movies for kids? This list has something for everyone from toddlers to big kids, and the best part is none of them will leave littles with nightmares. If you have older kids who might be ready for more chills, check out our list of scary movies for kids. If you make a night out of it, consider making a Halloween-themed dinner too!
Barney Halloween Party
Everyone's favorite plum-colored T-Rex recruits his pals B.J. and Baby Bop for a night of tricks and treats. The crew is getting ready for a costume party held at the school gym, and you can bet there will be singing, dancing, and lots of chitchat about friendship along the way. But fear not: There are more giggles than gasps to be had in this Halloween adventure.
Curiosity gets this little primate into a lot of predicaments. On Halloween, that translates to an adventure with the Man in the Yellow Hat and some other friends to solve the mysterious legend of No Noggin. No need to hide behind the sofa, though; this treat is less Headless Horseman, and more horsing around. So, for a fun flick about friendship, teamwork, and candy, this one's for your brood.
Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto all head out to a haunted castle, where cinema's classic monsters are in the mood to party. We're talking Disney-verse takes on the Wolf Man, Frankenstein's Monster, and Count Mickula himself. Luckily, they can all carry a tune, because the movie culminates in a musical starring the gang's new monsterly friends that will thrill the little ones.
Facing your fears is easy when you have the support of your friends. That's the heartfelt message embedded in this sweet-as-honey Halloween story starring Pooh Bear and the rest of the Hundred Acre crew. It's Lumpy's first Halloween but the spooky antics of the Gobloon have him shaking in his stompers. Thankfully, tiny Roo is there to help Lumpy conquer his fears.
Ghosts and goblins have nothing on this six-year-old blondie. Not even the Plaza's most legendary former guest, Diamond Jim Johnson, who waits for October 31 every year to pay his old haunt a visit. When Eloise finds herself suspect No. 1 behind the scare tactics, she launches her own supernatural investigation. Grab the popcorn and settle in for three episodes of wicked fun.
No holiday is complete without the Peanuts gang. From Valentine's Day and Election Day to Thanksgiving and Christmas, these guys have an animated special for every occasion. And Halloween is no exception. Here, Chuck and company go trick-or-treating, while Linus and Sally hide out in a pumpkin patch to spy on the Great Pumpkin. Parents, you know this one never gets old.
A Very Brave Witch and More Great Halloween Stories for Kids
Part of a series that includes several animated Scholastic tales, A Very Brave Witch offers some mildly spooky fun for the littles. The story is narrated by Elle Fanning and follows a girl witch as she unravels the stereotypes of humankind and comes out the other side with greater understanding. Further fun comes in the form of "The Three-Legged Cat," "Georgie," and more.
According to lore, Count Drac is a sharp-fanged vampire who feeds on all blood types and shapeshifts for fun. But with Dear Dracula, we get to see a softer side of the Transylvanian nobleman. When Sam, a shy kid who doesn't fit in, writes to the Count, who feels rejected in today's monster mash, the two turn Halloween into a sweet night of getting their mojos back.
The good guys may always win in the end, but the baddies sure do have a lot of fun before their defeat. In this animated classic Halloween movie for kids, Disney's baddest bunch, from Jafar and Hades to Maleficent and Ursula, descend upon Mickey and Minnie's abode, with the mousey couple battling the iconic villains to save their House of Mouse.
Released in 1949, this two-story classic remains a sight to behold nearly a century later, its vibrant animation both impressive and nostalgic. Opening the film, Mr. Toad goes on an adventure through the willows before headliner Ichabod Crane mingles with the Headless Horseman. Now, this part is an adaptation of Sleepy Hollow, but rest assured it's about as spine-tingling as a tickling feather.
Alvin, Simon, and Theodore can hang with anyone–they are popstar royalty, after all. So, palling around with Dr. Frankenstein and his Monster is no thang for these 'munkies. Not to mention they're all scientific anomalies. What could go wrong? Set in a studio theme park under the night sky, the boys sing songs and learn that not all monsters are scary.
When we tell you there are a zillion Scooby spinoffs floating around digital libraries, we're not lying. Especially since no one has ever really defined "zillion." Nevertheless, Scooby-Doo and the Goblin King is one worth your time. Here, Shaggy and his goofy Great Dane head into the underworld to take on goblins and mortals with bad intentions. Up for another? Hunt down Zombie Island!
Hilary Duff makes her video debut with a silly spook-fest that costars the world's friendliest ghost. Duff plays Wendy, a witch with a heart of gold, and with Casper, the two take on the evil warlock wreaking havoc on their town. Kids will love the amusing slapstick and goofy shenanigans. Parents? There's actually some A-list talent here. See: Cathy Moriarty, Teri Garr, and Shelley Duvall.
He's green. He's mean. And he's always dressed for Halloween. He's Shrek, and he's the ogre at the center of this DreamWorks spinoff dedicated to the last day of October. Challenging his scaredy-cat pals to a night of ghost stories and haunted castle dwellings, Shrek sets out to crown the King of Halloween. And just like the other films in the canon, this one is all giggles, all the time.
Woody, Pixar's pull-string cowboy who can make adults cry like babies, teams up with the contents of his human's toy box for another adventure straddling the border between the human world and the secret life of toys. This time, the gang is trapped at a roadside motel when members of their crew begin to go missing. But if we know Woody, he's got this. Unless there's a snake in his boot.
The comedy duo extraordinaire put their slapstick brilliance into action with a story that sees the Wolf Man warning the bumbling pair that Dr. Frankenstein wants their brains for his creation. Hmm, who wants to be the one to tell the mad doc these two aren't the sharpest pencils in the box? Older kids, tweens, parents, and everyone will delight in this horror-screwball classic Halloween movie.
The kindly spirit stars in this collection of charming animated tales. A retro time capsule that includes adventures with Wendy the Good Little Witch, Baby Huey, and Little Audrey, the '90s series offers 51 episodes of Halloween fare that'll scare the boredom right out of the younger set. All that's missing is some boo-nanas and ghoul-aid.
Visionary director Tim Burton works his magic on a tale about a bony pumpkin king named Jack Skellington who stumbles onto a wondrous world of twinkling lights, happy faces, and snowflakes. It's called Christmas Town, and it's exactly what he believes his macabre town needs. Both kids and parents will get a kick out of the gothic creativity on display, as well as Danny Elfman's composition.
Not only a wonderful gateway film for kids into the family-friendly horror movie genre, Hotel Transylvania is a first-class father-daughter comedy that tugs at all the right strings. About a Count who runs a resort for monsters only, the film is a mash-up of signature Adam Sandler comedy and wonderful animated misadventures that will keep the kids howling.
For some, learning how their parents lived through the '60s is the most shocking revelation they'll hear. For Skylar Lewis, it's learning that her parents are monster hunters. After haphazardly releasing every monster her parents have captured, this Buffy-in-training and her friends are forced to face not only their demons but save their parents from the very monsters they'd hunted.
Just like Christmas, Halloween is always under attack. From evil forces to wicked monsters, the joyful night of trick-or-treating is just one dark spell away from vanishing into the ether. Luckily, we have Marnie, Aggie, and Gwen to rely on. Three generations of vigilant witches take to their broomsticks to save Halloweentown, their adventures kicking off in this franchise opener.
A clever holiday-fusing tale, this one has fun with science, football, and the spirit of the holidays. The story follows Andy, a kid who accidentally creates a monster. In a twist of irony, his monster is his mirror opposite: It craves sports, while Andy craves beakers and experiments. Helping each other become their best selves, the two kick off the best holiday season ever.
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We’ve rounded up the most popular kids’ Halloween costumes of 2023 (for kids of all ages!)
Halloween is right around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about kids’ Halloween costumes! Movies, TV shows, video games, and some tried and true classic Halloween costumes always seem to inspire the year’s most popular costumes. So, of course, we’ve got Barbie, Mario, Stitch, and Thor, along with lots more favorites. We’ve also made sure to divide them up by age and popularity, but there aren’t any rules. After all, it’s Halloween. These are also the costumes that tend to fly off the shelves the fastest, so unless you plan to make your own costumes this year, you’ll want to snag one of them before it’s too late.
New Kids Halloween Costumes for 2023
'Super Mario Bros.' Mario Costume
HalloweenCostumes.com
With the hit movie making waves this past spring, the '90s kids' fave Super Mario Bros. is more popular than ever. Available in kids sizes 4-12 and includes a jumpsuit, hat, pair of gloves, and, of course, a mustache!
Hi, Barbie! You had to know the iconic Cowgirl look from the hit Barbie Movie would be here, but we're not at all mad about it. This set comes with a jumpsuit and bandana, but keep an eye out for the matching cowboy hat that's coming soon!
Officially licensed and covered with the perfect details, this Captain Marvel costume will make your little one feel like they can take on the world (because of course, they can). It comes in sizes S-XL and includes the jumpsuit, belt, and mask.
Aliens are sort of having a moment this year, but we're also into one-and-done easy kids' Halloween costumes. It inflates fast and stays that way, so all they have to do is step into it and go!
It's hard to argue with a beautiful costume that only requires a fork as the perfect accessory (though you could totally add this awesome wig or this beautiful 2023 Ariel wig to create the whole mermaid vibe). This costume includes the sparkly dress and is available in sizes XS-XL.
It's the Season of the Witch, and they simply never go out of style. This one from PBK is designed with a cool web pattern on the hat and dress that glows when the lights go out, and 3D spiders crawl up the cape (why doesn't this come in adult sizes, we ask?!). The set includes a dress, cape, and hat and is available in sizes 3T-8Y.
Kids will always love ninjas and some of them dream of using their skills for good. Keep them agile with this Ninja Warrior costume, and consider using their costume choice as a chance to explain what being a ninja entailed historically. Encouraging research and learning leads to kiddos who are dressing as a historical figure/character versus a culture. How a costume is worn matters, according to Yuko Kaifu, president of Japan House in Los Angeles. This costume comes in sizes XXS-L and includes a jumpsuit, mask, belt, and throwing star.
Among Us has been popular for a long time, so it's no surprise it made the list again in 2023. This costume self-inflates fast and allows for vision and free hands, too! Comes in 4 colors/characters.
If you have a little slugger on your hands or just a kid who's all about girl power, Dottie Green is an easy pick! It's also a super cute group costume idea. It comes with a dress, hat, belt, and socks in sizes XS-XL.
Their favorite L.O.L. Surprise characters are here just in time for Halloween! They can pick between Diva and Queen Bee. Diva (pictured) comes with a dress, underskirt, belt, headband with bow, wig, and surprise gift!
2023 is seriously the year for blockbuster movies our kiddos can't get enough of, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back and better than ever. The Donatello costume comes with a jumpsuit, mask, elbow pads, knee pads, shell backpack, and a belt. It comes in sizes XS-L.
What kiddo doesn't want to save the day? Whether they choose Chase or one of the other Paw Patrol pups, they'll be cute and cozy, too! It comes with a jumpsuit (that includes mitts and shoe covers ) and a backpack. Available in sizes 4T-L.
This dino fave comes with battery-operated LED lights in the spikes on the head for a legendary costume. It's available in sizes 2T-6 and comes with a jumpsuit and headpiece (though you can be extra and add this fabulous matching prehistoric treat bag!)
Everyone loves Stitch, and this sweet costume is just as plush as the character! We also love that it's a one-piece jumpsuit that just requires a zip-up.
There are so many reasons to love Ms. Marvel, and her shape-shifting powers are no match for her foes. The costume includes a tunic with an attached scarf, pants with boot-tops, and an eye mask.
God of Thunder (or maybe your little lightning bolt)? We got you covered with this costume. It includes a full cape, an armor belt, a pair of gauntlets, and a jumpsuit.
Your Space Ranger's imagination will soar to "infinity and beyond" in this Buzz Lightyear costume. It features all the intergalactic essentials needed to defeat Emperor Zurg in no time, including light-up wings! Includes bodysuit, wings, gloves, and headwear.
We're pretty sure Minions will be one of the most popular costumes for kiddos for a long time, and with good reason. This little union suit is great for younger kiddos since it's another one-and-done.
If you've been humming 'The Family Madrigal' for months, then Encanto is probably a family favorite. The Mirabel costume includes a beautiful dress and signature glasses.
Too cool for just one name, she is known as Gwen Stacy, Ghost-Spider, and Spider-Gwen. Whichever name your kiddo prefers, this authentic Marvel Spider-Gwen costume will help them launch Halloween into the Spiderverse. This one comes with a hooded bodysuit, mask, and gloves.
T'Challa may be the Black Panther, but even powerful superhero brothers need their little sisters to help them out of sticky situations every now and then. It comes with a bodysuit, armbands, and gauntlets.
Another year, another popular Minecraft kid's Halloween costume! These blocky looks aren't going anywhere, and we really appreciate the square helmet to give the cubic look they love without a mask (that they might love a little less). It comes with an authentic 3D top, pants, and headpiece in kids sizes S-L.
Sisters! Perfect as a group costume or let them pick their favorite from Winifred, Mary, or Sarah Sanderson. Costume includes a sleeveless tutu dress with add-ons available to create the perfect look to put a spell on everyone they meet.
The lovely Ladybug from Miraculous is as heroic as she is awesome! This costume comes with a jumpsuit, gloves, eye mask, and iconic blue wig. Since the full-feature movie just dropped on Netflix, we're betting this kids' Halloween costume will be everywhere
Your little Maverick will be totally ready to take flight in this costume! Add a pair of aviator glasses to the flight suit and let them pick from the included interchangeable patches.
Most Popular Kids’ Halloween Costumes for Ages 10-13
'Fortnite' Drift Twofer
Spirit Halloween
Let them dance their way into Spooky Season with this Drift Twofer costume, including the signature kitsune mask. Add the included jacket and gloves and they're ready to go.
They'll be able to dance dance dance from house to house trick-or-treating in style with this ruffly party dress inspired by our favorite braided beauty, Wednesday Addams. This set comes with a dress, belt, socks, and braided wig and is available in sizes 4-13 years.
Robin totally rocked the Video Stop on Stranger Things and managed to defend Hawkins in her spare time. This kids' Halloween costume comes with a jacket + attached vest and a tie.
In true Addison style, this costume lights up for a true out-of-this-world style. The set has a printed jumpsuit, light-up skirt, and belt. We love the great wig, too (sold separately here!).
These fun stick figure kids' Halloween costumes have become super popular; probably because they look great at night. The costume comes with a jumpsuit, mask, gloves, and battery pack.
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These free Thanksgiving printables are the perfect way to keep them busy on such a long day
So you’ve already run through all your tried-and-true Thanksgiving games and activities. How about a few free Thanksgiving printables? Not only are they perfect for the kids’ table, but they’ll help your family achieve an unplugged Thanksgiving. From coloring turkeys and matching fall leaves to thoughtful lists and connect-the-dots, these Thanksgiving activity sheets are fun ways to keep the kids busy as you finish up the cooking.
Let your kids get creative while thinking about what they're thankful for with this printable "Give Thanks" poem prompter, and then, let them read it out before digging into the Thanksgiving meal. Download it at Doodle Art Alley.
Gobble, gobble! Little hands stay busy coloring this terrific turkey before the big meal. Even more, if you print it on card stock paper, you'll have instant placemats. Printing these placemats is as easy as pie over at Crafts by Amanda.
It’s a Thanksgiving word-fest! Little hands stay busy and learn about all things Thanksgiving by coloring in these terrific turkey day words. Head over to My Mini Adventurer for these word printables, grab crayons and you have happy little pumpkins while you finish cooking the meal.
Turn over a new leaf this year and print out these perfect placemats for half-pints to use. Your little pumpkins will have a fun time matching the shapes. Hop over to Saving Dollars & Sense for this free Thanksgiving printable.
Whether it’s what little diners are thankful for or their favorite Thanksgiving memory, this list will keep their minds busy. A special shout out to Jen over at Teacher Karma for this creative idea.
Activities galore! From a word scramble to coloring a cornucopia, there is plenty to do with this free Thanksgiving printable. We are thankful to Angie over at Real Life at Home for providing these. All you need to provide is the crayons!
Can you get the right color? We love this Thanksgiving activity for the kids' table. A high five to mom Amy who gives you the free printable. Head over to Rock Your Homeschool; print it out and your little ones will stay busy while you finish up dinner. Just make sure you have all the crayon colors!
This fun page from Artsy Fartsy Mama has a little bit of everything: coloring, a word search, a place to write what they’re thankful for, and tic-tac-toe.
Remind your little ones what Thanksgiving is all about with this printable from Hello Moments. In addition to a word hunt and tic-tac-toe, they’ll get to write a poem and jot down what they’re thankful for.
We love this cute coloring page from 1 + 1 + 1 = 1, especially since it has enough details to keep kids busy for quite a while. Get the printable, plus another adorable page with a turkey to color in.
If your kiddo loves mazes, they’ll definitely have a ball with this Thanksgiving activity sheet from Brainy Maze. They can also color it in when they’re done.
Kiddos can get some quiet time in while filling in this turkey connect-the-dots page from Big Activities. There’s also another version available that uses the alphabet instead of numbers.
Challenge your kids to write something they’re thankful for on each of these cute cards from What We Do All Day. Or you can have them make personalized place cards for the table.
Because all fine dining establishments have kid-friendly placemats, right? These particular mats come with a word scramble activity that's just right for little learners. Download the printable at Jinxy Kids.
This activity is a great way to immortalize your Thanksgiving meal—have the kids write and draw the most memorable parts of the day. You can even print the same page next year and compare. Get the printable at How to Nest for Less.
Happiness is a warm puppy and a fun Thanksgiving coloring page. We love this page that features everybody's favorite comic strip pup. Get this printable (and more!) at Best Coloring Pages for Kids.
This paint-by-numbers coloring page is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Little artists who like to get their artwork just right will like the easy-to-follow idea. Get this printable at Nicole's Free Coloring Pages.
Animal-loving kids will have a blast with this coloring page that gives a dog and a kitty the spotlight. As they color, talk about what your own pets might be thankful for—and why you're thankful for your furry friends. Get the printable at Coloring Pages for Kids by Mr. Adron.
Your own Thanksgiving turkey may be more modest, but the kids will get a kick out of the giant feast on this coloring page. Will they color it a delicious golden brown or go for something a bit flashier? (Blue turkey, perhaps?) Get the printable at Raising Our Kids.
How cute is this pilgrim boy coloring sheet? This tiny guy just needs your little one's colorful attention. Download your own pages at familyholiday.net.
Once your kiddo connects all of the dots, they'll have the chance to color in the pumpkin picture. It's a 2-in-1! Find the worksheet on Bigactivities.com.
Follow the numbers to find the colors to create this exciting Thanksgiving picture! It'll be such a festive way to celebrate the holiday. Get the worksheet from Education.com.
We’ve got “Paw Patrol,” unicorns, dinosaurs, trucks and more!
It’s easy to make your toddler’s birthday celebration extra special with free printable coloring pages. We’ve gathered up birthday coloring pages featuring toddlers’ favorite things (Think dinosaurs and unicorns!). These free printables are perfect as placemats, and you can also print them on card stock and pair them with new crayons as an affordable take-home party favor for your kiddo’s buddies.
What could be better than a delicious birthday cupcake? We love this sprinkle-covered cupcake from Super Coloring pages that's ready for coloring and looks good enough to eat. This free birthday printable coloring page is a simple classic; to download a yummy cupcake or two, head over to Super Coloring.
Everybody's favorite rescue pups are ready for action on these free printable Paw Patrol birthday coloring pages. We love the badges that feature each of the Paw Patrol pups because once decorated they become wearable badges with a little tape. Find the Paw Patrol coloring badges and other birthday printables here.
This bulldozer coloring page is perfect for toddlers who wear their hard hats to breakfast and can tell an excavator from a cement mixer. Drive on down to Super Coloring to find all the construction vehicle coloring pages you need for your little one's birthday, including this big bulldozer.
Eric Carle's beloved ravenous caterpillar climbs on the candles atop the cake on this birthday-ready coloring page. We love that this coloring page's simple illustration features one of our favorite picture book characters. You can find this and more The Very Hungry Caterpillar coloring pages on Read Brightly. Pair this free printable with a copy of Happy Birthday from the Very Hungry Caterpillar for a celebration that will make your favorite two-year-old smile.
These dinosaur birthday coloring pages feature a party-ready T-Rex and a festive stegosaurus. Though these are printable puzzles, when printed in black and white, dino-loving kids can color them before you cut them into strips to make number puzzles. Download five different puzzles at Craft Play Learn.
If your toddler's favorite activity is a visit to the zoo, then we have the perfect birthday coloring page for you. This festive elephant wishes your little one a happy birthday with a trunk full of balloons. You can find this free coloring page at Super Coloring.
Whether you're taking a birthday trip to a petting zoo or waving at cows from the car, animal-loving toddlers will adore this farm birthday coloring page. We love that it doubles as a placemat and party decoration, too! Find all the cows and sheep your toddler needs at Jessie + Jade.
Lovers of all things magical will leap for this adorable unicorn birthday coloring page. Featuring a friendly unicorn, this page is ready to print and drench in glitter. Fly over to Super Coloring to print out your copy.
Birthday Favorites
Taylor Heery via Unsplash
Add a memorable element to birthday coloring with a birthday questionnaire. We love this free printable that gives you an easy way to capture your little one's favorite food, color and toy, year after year. Print out a copy and, while you quiz your toddler, give them a blank piece of paper and crayons to make a self-portrait that you can put in their memory box alongside the filled-out form.
A rainbow coloring page will keep away dark clouds on your toddler's birthday. We love the simplicity of the extra-large rainbow featured on this birthday coloring page that can be decorated with watercolors, crayons or markers. Download and print a dozen rainbows at What Mommy Does.
Wild Kratts lovers will roar for an animal-themed birthday certificate. We love that you can turn this into a birthday morning placemat or a special surprise sign on the birthday kid's door. Printing it in black and white gives kids a chance to add in their favorite colors. Head over to PBS Kids to download and print a free birthday certificate to celebrate your animal fanatic.
Whether you transform the backyard into a sit-down drive-in or the living room into a theater, you always need a few good movies for kids
Few activities bring the whole family together for a few (mostly) quiet hours of fun than hosting a movie night at home! But whether you transform the backyard into a sit-down drive-in or the living room into a theater, you always need a few good movies that will keep both kids and parents happily entertained. From the nostalgia of old faves to the newest hits, check out the best movies for families with 7-9-year-olds.
This animated musical about a Pacific Islander Disney princess who leaves home to find a way to save her people (with the help of a few animal and magical friends) has become a beloved family favorite since it was first released in 2016. Full of delightful songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, heartfelt moments, and plenty of adventure, it’s a must for this age group and can be enjoyed on Disney+.
Up
Pixar Studios
This magical Pixar pick about finding meaning and second chances within unexpected friendships is an ideal animated movie for kids of all ages—especially your seven, eight, or nine-year-old. A great story that helps children understand lessons in persistence, patience, and kindness, though be mindful of the first 15 or so minutes which touch on the subject of loss (odds are you’ll cry more than they will, though). Rated G, the 2009 film is available to stream on Disney+.
E.T.
Amblin Entertainment
The 1982 iconic pic about a group of kids befriending and helping an alien still holds up today. Chances are, you watched this PG flick when you were eight or nine too! Starring a young Drew Barrymore, Henry Thomas (who you’ll recognize from many Mike Flanagan Netflix horror films), and some old-school special effects, this coming-of-age story should have your kids cheering by the end. Available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
The Lion King
YouTube
As if the original animated version wasn’t enough entertainment for the whole family, Disney went and remade the classic with a live-action 2019 version (rated PG). We honestly recommend watching both–kids will love the animated antics of the original, but the realistic look of the cubs in the remake is too adorable to be missed. Word of warning that Mufasa’s fate may prompt a few tears in more sensitive littles!
Charlotte’s Web
Paramount Pictures
Charlotte’s Web is a long-beloved book that teaches children about the importance of good friends and believing in yourself, while touching on the impermanence of life. The 2006 remake of the classic timeless tale featuring Dakota Fanning, Julia Roberts, and Oprah is a live-action animal-filled story your older child will absolutely adore, but we recommend reading the story and also watching the original from 1973 to compare and contrast.
Encanto
Walt Disney Pictures
Disney’s smash hit from 2021 will have (or already has) everyone singing about Bruno. It’s the story of the magical Madrigals, a Colombian family where everyone has a special gift, save for Mirabel. But the film serves as a reminder that you don’t need a special “gift” to be truly special. Enjoy this wonderfully diverse, animated musical with your entire household, now on Disney+.
The Princess Bride
Act III Communications
This quotable classic from 1987 is a great pick for when you’re looking for a family-friendly film that brings you back to your own childhood. A story about the lengths someone will go to to be reunited with their one true love (and the interesting friends they make along the way) is part adventure, part comedy, part romance, and all fun.
Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse
Sony Pictures Animation
Kiddos will love this fast-paced, often hilarious comic book hero film that introduces Miles Morales, an Afro-Latino teen whose life turns upside down when he becomes Spider-Man. It’s a great film with a diverse hero at the forefront to look up to, with an excellent soundtrack to boot. Watch it before the sequel comes out later this year! Available to rent or buy on Apple TV and other streaming services.
Matilda
TriStar Pictures
Based on the book by Roald Dahl, this classic story about a brilliant young girl with telekinetic powers who is frequently ignored and brushed aside by the grown ups in her life is a perfect movie for 7-9-year-olds. Kids will be thrilled to see all the creative ways little Matilda manages to get revenge and stick up for herself and her beloved teacher, Miss Honey. Make sure to read the book first!
Spirited Away
Studio Ghibli
Instill an early love of Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki films by watching this phenomenal, otherworldly film as a family. It follows Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl whose parents are unexpectedly turned into giant pigs while they visit an abandoned amusement park. It only gets wilder from there as Chihiro has to figure out how to reverse the spell that transformed her parents, all the while having to interact with supernatural creatures—some friendly and others foes.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Walt Disney Pictures
This popular stop animation film can be your child’s introduction to the work of director Tim Burton and is so good it can be enjoyed both during and after the holidays. Your littles will surely be singing along with Jack Skellington by the end of his journey from Pumpkin King to Sandy Claws—a journey that will teach them that you don’t actually have to change drastically in order to find a bit of joy in your life.
Mary Poppins” and “Mary Poppins Returns
Walt Disney Pictures
A true classic starring Julie Andrews, Mary Poppins features catchy sing-a-longs and enough entertainment to keep even the most tech-loving Gen Alpha littles happy. The story revolves around a magical nanny who shows up at a time when a family is struggling to connect and reminds them to take a moment to stop and appreciate one another. The 2018 sequel starring Emily Blunt and Lin-Manuel Miranda will also give you major nostalgic vibes as you watch it with your family.
By the time your kids reach this age, they’ll no doubt begin to hear about Star Wars from their peers, and for good reason. These films are among some of the most beloved for the last few decades and show children the importance of friendship, teamwork, and allyship in the face of adversity (in this case, the Dark Side). Some of the action and fighting sequences may be a bit much for some of the younger kiddos, so tread carefully.
Song of the Sea
GKIDS
This animated film (rated PG) follows a young Irish boy named Ben who discovers his mute sister Saoirse is a selkie (a mythical creature from Irish folklore). Together they set off to free the fairies from the spell of a Celtic goddess (and find her voice along the way). It’s a wonderful story about the bond of siblings, and with a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this movie for 7-9-year-olds will be sure to please the whole family.
Wall-E
Pixar Studios
If you’re looking to prompt a conversation about climate change and/or the importance of caring for our environment with your kiddos, this is the movie! It’s a cautionary tale about what might happen to our planet if we continue to pollute it to the point of being inhabitable, through the eyes of a sweet little robot. Watch this movie for 7-9-year-olds on Earth Day or any other day on Disney+.
Keep those little ones learning with these baby utensils
So you’ve figured out your little one is ready to start feeding themselves. And while it’s a super exciting time, it’s also a super…messy time. It’s totally worth it, but helping your babe learn to feed themselves is a lot easier with the right tools. Baby utensils have come a long way and we’ve found some of the best. Plus, these great products make the baby-led weaning thing far less daunting—for both you and your little learner.
Not only is this set soft and durable silicon, offers separated compartments in the shape of a smiley face, and comes in multiple colors, but it's also dishwasher- and microwave safe.
If your babe is used to their pacifier, it's easy to get that self-feeding thing down with this feeder. Fill it with soft foods, frozen liquids, and more.
Olababy
Olababy Soft-Tip Training Spoon for Baby-Led Weaning
Popsicles are super fun, but they're also a mess (especially for little ones). These molds are designed to prevent the popsicle from sliding off the stick, plus they let you control the ingredients your kiddo is eating in their treat.
These gentle baby utensils are perfect for the first stage of baby-led weaning. They're gentle and are shaped so they're super easy for little one's hands to grasp. They come in a bunch of colors, too.
No one promised that baby-led weaning would be a clean process (though totally worth it!), so mitigate the mess with these full-sleeve bibs that stay on while they're learning.
This cute set is created from natural rice husk to provide a BPA-free and eco-friendly alternative to other materials. Plus, all five pieces fit together for easy on-the-go feeding!
Keep their puree pouches and juice boxes secure in these flippable holders! They're designed to fit most pouches and boxes, so we recommend grabbing a few to keep on hand.
Yep, we're singing the song in our heads, too. These silicon bibs allow you to simply wipe for clean-up, offer multiple colors, and have a mess-catching design (though we apologize to all the family dogs laying by the high chair).
Spoons can be a lot easier to master than forks, and this set of baby spoons makes them even easier thanks to the no-wrong-way-to-hold design and no need to balance. This set comes with both a first and second stage spoon, too.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Does your child’s bedroom look like a toy tornado blew through it? Are you tripping over piles of clothes and stepping on Legos? If you’re a parent with major space needs, you’re in the right place. We know firsthand the struggle of trying to fit all of your kids’ belongings into their bedroom while still leaving enough space for them to play and sleep comfortably. Loft beds are the answer to all of your space-saving problems. These “lofty” goals may seem impossible, but thanks to these clever kids loft beds, the dream can now be a reality.
So, whether you’re dealing with a small bedroom or just want to give your kiddo the coolest bed ever, keep reading. These fun sleep setups not only save precious floor space but also provide a fun and adventurous sleeping arrangement for your little ones. out our favorite kids loft bed setups below, and be prepared to take their room to brand new heights. We know parents will love these:
This loft bed with desk hits all the right mid-century notes: from the classic wood color to the streamlined styling, we are pretty sure this piece will stick around long after the kids have moved on to their own abodes.
This workhorse not only delivers a spot to sleep, but the built-in shelving units also provide ample storage—whether your little one needs a spot for their dinosaur collection, books, or a place to display their sports awards.
Modern furniture maker, Oeuf, has done it again by applying their minimalist-yet-still-cool-for-kids look onto what can sometimes be a large and overwhelming structure in a room. Their "Perch" loft bed is as versatile a loft as the rest of them but with an eye for design thanks to its pared-down styling.
Amazon
Little Seeds Monarch Hill Haven Twin Metal Loft Bed
If your kid is begging to upgrade their little kid's room to a full-fledged teenager's oasis, this twin loft bed delivers design-worthy results with on-trend metal accents against clean lines. Plenty of space abounds below the sleeping area whether for a full desk setup or cozy lounge.
If you are and your kids still can't get enough of farmhouse chic, then install this rustic-inspired loft bed that also accommodates a full-size mattress—a nice perk for growing kids.
Who could ever wake up on the wrong side of the bed that has a set of stairs welcoming you to start your day? This loft bed, ideal for active kids, also includes handy pockets for storybooks and toys—keeping all their favorites within easy reach.
Do you have a Starbucks-loving teen? This convertible loft bed will make their mocha-frappucino dreams a reality thanks to this clever set-up that provides cafe-style seating underneath their sleeping quarters. Best part? If a playdate/study-sess goes late, the seating area can quickly transform into another bed, turning this loft into an instant bunk for sleepover fun.
Some say a coat of paint is the easiest way to transform a room but they must not have seen this loft bed available in 16 different colors! Pop this loft bed into your kid's room for a much-appreciated splash without any of those rogue paint splatters.
Complete with guard rails, storage shelf, and stairs, this all-in-one loft bed has everything a kid could want with all the safety reassurances parents need so parents can sleep easily too.
This adorable loft bed is designed to have the bed fit inside the classic house frame, surrounded by plenty of open windows and to be ladder accessible. This one is sure to be perfect for the adventurous kiddos.
For the kid who needs it all—a desk, a wardrobe, a place to play, and a spot to sleep, then look no further than ultra-convenient Ikea whose loft bed provides all of that and then some without taking up a ton of floor space.
This fun, stylish, and functional design is made of sturdy wood construction. It's available in many different colors to easily fit into any new or existing decor. Enjoy simple and traditional design, perfect for small spaces.
Target
DHP Junior Metal Loft Bed with Storage Steps and Blue Curtain Set
This loft bed is perfect to keep your little love's room nice and neat. The curtains create a private area (to hide things or to play!) and also has panels above the storage pockets to keep small toys and books neatly out of sight. Finally!
Merax/Amazon
Twin-size Loft Bed with Desk and Reversible Ladder
Maximize space and functionality with this awesome design. The loft bed comes with a wooden desk and two corner shelves, perfect for the older child who needs a study area and lots of storage space.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Turn open after-school time into a creative adventure in a flash
It’s a weekday afternoon between school and whatever practice is on the family calendar. Kill a few minutes with a quick and easy art activity for kids. With minimal supplies and almost zero set-up effort, we promise you won’t be holding back the urge to scream over complicated steps or time commitments. After all, when it comes to crafts, we’re all about less is more (most of the time).
We love this one because there’s no need to wash brushes when the kids are done. You can also use a pencil eraser and stamp pads for even less mess and easier cleanup!
Making tie-dye shirts is a multi-day process, so this activity from Little Bins for Little Hands incorporates all the fun of tie-dying without the hassle. Coffee filters are the perfect canvas to watch colors spread and combine, and they dry out pretty quickly too.
You can make these ice cubes ahead of time and have them ready to go. This art activity for kids is ideal if you have loads of those teeny tiny chalk nubs hanging around the bottom of your art bin. Grind them up, add some water, freeze, and let your child draw her afternoon away.
Ziploc Finger Painting
Shelley Massey
It doesn't get any easier than this, friends. With nothing but a ziplock baggie and paint, you've set your pint-sized Picasso (and yourself) up for endless fun. Another option is to tape the bag to a window or a door so you can see light filter through the designs, or add glitter to bags for extra sparkle.
Clay Finger Paint
Mini Monets and Mommies
You want your creative kid to go wild with rainbow finger paints. Um, but you’re not into the idea of spending your Monday night cleaning Jackson Pollock-esque splatters from the walls. Swap in soft modeling clay for the actual paints. Pull it into pieces and “paint” it onto cardboard. It’s a totally low-mess art activity that lets your little one create a textured "painting."
Reuse those old worksheets, tissue paper, and anything else in a collage. Glue these onto a cardboard base, creating textures and patterns. Kids can practice scissor skills, explore through their senses and create collages that are either abstract or look like “something” real.
If you've got Saran Wrap at home, you're halfway there with this art activity for kids from Buggy and Buddy. Even better, you'll need to leave the paper alone overnight to dry, so there's less chance of a wet mess.
Paintbrushes, who needs them? Not your child. Get some fresh air after school and gather a few natural items. When your child has plenty of pinecones, stems, sticks and other nature-y items ready, paint like Hands On As We Grow did!
Felt Patterns
Cut shapes out of craft felt in different colors. Your child can press the shapes against a full felt sheet to create patterns. Oh, and this one is reusable too.
Foam Prints
Reuse Styrofoam plates or trays. Use a craft stick to ‘draw’ a design, add tempera and press onto a piece of construction paper. Wash the plates and reuse them, making as many prints as your child wants—in different colors. When the prints are dry, add onto them with paint, chalk or markers.