From a DJ booth for the big kids to butterfly wings for the littles, you can use your old cardboard boxes to create these unique Halloween costumes
It’s that time of year! The weather has that autumn chill, everything is pumpkin-flavored (just look at TJ’s latest pumpkin offerings!), and the kids are buzzing with family costume ideas. Instead of breaking your budget on a store-bought costume, why not reuse those Amazon boxes you have stashed away? They’re called “boxtumes,” and with just a little crafty inspiration and your child’s imagination, you can create any number of cardboard box costumes that will make for a happy Halloween. Looking for some more DIY inspiration? Check out these Halloween crafts for kids, super-cool pumpkin carving stencils (your neighbors will flip!), and haunted Halloween decorations.
Your little builders will love painting these Minecraft heads for their Halloween costumes this year. What’s especially nice is that you’ll need a reasonably-sized box, not a huge one you’ll have to find.
We love this sibling costume idea—a mixed tape and a guitar made out of boxes. Bonus: Your kids can wear comfy clothes for the rest of the costume, which means you’ll win Halloween.
Zoltar
Get ready to read some fortunes with this Zoltar costume you can create using a cardboard box. Suspenders help to hold it up and you’ll want to add some accessories like a genie lamp and colorful magic ball to channel the sorcery of it all.
This is an easy and great idea for using up all those boxes from Amazon! Just be warned— this cool costume could have other trick-or-treaters trying to get the candy to dispense. A Slinky, paint, and a few other items are all you’ll need to make your version of this tasty get-up. Head over to Thrifty and Thriving to get the entire tutorial.
DJ
Kate Loweth
Snag a shirt from your favorite band, some headphones, and some chains and you'll be on your way to building a fantastic DJ costume. Use your box to make the turntable and grab a record from Goodwill. Super easy!
Oui, oui, your child is a fabulously French macaron. This scrumptious costume looks good enough to eat. Sadly, you can't, but it’s fun to create and your child will get a kick out of being their favorite dessert. Check out the design from Studio DIY.
A Kid in a Box
Kate Loweth
This illusion costume is super fun and easy to build. Just use a mask from last year and a hoodie to create the creature who is carrying you. Then you get to be carried in the box. Super fun!
How cute is this little X-ray costume? Not only is the skeleton totally on point for Halloween, but have a sibling or a parent dress up as a doctor, and boom—it's a family costume. Find out how to make one with your Amazon box by heading to Rachael Burgess.
Try your luck at making a set of dice this Halloween. Perfect for twins or BFFs, one of the best things about this costume is that it doesn't take a ton of supplies to make. Get the tutorial over at Sugar Bee Crafts.
Go Jurassic this Halloween with an adorable dinosaur cardboard box Halloween costume. Your kiddo can fit inside the box, making it easy to wear (in other words, no tight suits or itchy head coverings that your tot will surely refuse to even touch). And bonus, your kiddos can paint their dino any way they want. Get the full instructions from Adventure In a Box.
Someone has mail. No, not email—a real letter that’s made from paper. Okay, so the letter isn’t exactly all paper and pen marks. It’s cardboard! With a box and some creativity, you can build your child a cute airmail costume. Get the details from Studio DIY.
Your preschooler can’t stop going on and on about his favorite little blue engine. He’s totally into Thomas the Train and is begging (like every 30 seconds) for a costume that features his fave. Well, here’s where this costume from Sugar Bee Crafts comes in. It’s artsy, fun, and something you can DIY at home.
You’ve seen Disney’s Planes something like a trillion times. And now your child wants to play one of the roles. For Halloween, that is. Don’t worry about finding a ready-made L’il Dipper costume at the mall (or online). Check out this cardboard box version from Desert Chica.
Whether it’s princesses, fairies, or butterflies that interest your child, this cardboard costume is everything. It’s super simple but still artsy enough to get your creative kid into the crafty creation process. Learn how to turn your old boxes into a crown and beautiful butterfly wings over at The Sweetest Occasion.
You don’t have to keep the cardboard for the costume itself. This sweet firefighter outfit is easy to make—you can probably pick plenty of items from the dress-up bin to use. Here’s where the cardboard comes in. Use it to create the cutest fire truck wagon ever! Get the details from Repeat Crafter Me.
You’ve landed on your pumpkin carving design, bookmarked the easy Halloween treats you’ll whip up, and stocked the kids’ shelves with the appropriate Halloween books. All that’s left is deciding if you’re doing a Trunk or Treat instead of going door to door this year. If you do opt to go the Trunk or Treat route, you’re going to want to stand out with one of the best themes around. Whether you’ve got time to be crafty or you’re scrambling to decorate your car at the last minute, we’ve got the best trunk-or-treat ideas from super simple to frightfully fantastic. Feeling extra inspired? Entertain your pint-sized visitors with some cackle-inducing Halloween jokes and kid-friendly ghost stories.
Nobody knows candy like Willy Wonka, and with the new prequel about the candymaker’s life coming out this year, this Golden Ticket-themed trunk-or-treat is perfect for a sweet set up.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Trunk-or-Treat
Peanuts for peanuts! This trunk-or-treat idea uses dollar store props and well-crafted cutouts to create a low-budget Halloween scene—Linus sitting in wait for the Great Pumpkin. This clever Charlie Brown comic strip scene used plastic pumpkins, burlap to line the trunk, some fall fabric placemats and faux leaves plus a poster board Linus and a welcome sign. Head to Lynlee’s for all the details.
How colorful is this Day of the Dead trunk-or-treat theme? With a few paper garlands, blankets, pumpkins, and a sugar skull or two, you can easily pull this off. Get all the details over at Deonna Wade.
If you want to go big but want to find all the supplies in one spot, check out Party City's Themed Trunk or Treat Kits. You'll find The Nightmare Before Christmas, Super Mario Bros., and classic Halloween kits, and they all include balloons, serving bowls, streamers, and more!
We love this detailed Mary Poppins trunk-or-treat idea, spotted over at An Alli Event. The faux fireplace adds the perfect chimney sweep touch, and with costumes like these and a few props, you too will be ready for any event. A spoonful of sugar optional!
Harry Potter is always a favorite trunk-or-treat theme, and this incredible set up will inspire you for your own this Halloween. If your kids are fans, borrow all their dress-up accessories and then collect other tidbits to make a magical setting.
This DIY gumball machine trunk or treat idea is one we can chew on. We love that it coordinates with an easy apron costume and that it doesn't take much more than fabric, paper, and puff balls. Take a closer look here.
Spooky Graveyard
Gabby Cullen
If you love Halloween decorations, just use what you already own to create a spooky graveyard! Tombstones, giant spiders, candles, skulls, and cobwebs. Go bigger with a full skeleton or a fog machine.
Here's one of those easy trunk-or-treat ideas that will pop! Fill the car with yellow helium balloons accessorized as minions, and you'll be all set with a despicable display. You could also use blue balloons for an aquatic bubbly underwater scene or multicolored ones as gumballs.
A cave is the perfect Halloween backdrop whether you're a monster, ghoul, or bat. The stalagmites and stalactites for this bat cavern are made from styrofoam attached to the open trunk with paper bats hung on a string or attached with toothpicks into the foam. Head to Tikkido for the details.
A great Cookie Monster trunk-or-treat theme just requires the right color blue. This version from Love of Felt uses a wooden frame, a black fabric mouth, brown felt cookies, and poster board eyes. You can also have the open trunk as the mouth, blue fabric stretched in place, styrofoam balls for eyes, and cookies made out of cardboard.
Make sure to capture all the spooky fun—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
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With these ideas, there’s no need to cook or worry about what to bring to that BBQ
Who wants to spend a hot summer day cooking in the kitchen? Not us! With these ideas, there’s no need to cook or worry about what to make for dinner or bring to the family gathering. From caprese to Greek-inspired, bookmark these pasta salad recipes for all those hot summer nights ahead.
Tri-Color Pasta Salad
iStock
This go-to pasta salad recipe is as easy as they come. You can use cheese, olives, cucumber or any other assortment of veggies. You can even swap regular pasta for tortellini. Get the recipe here.
What do you get when you combine pasta and Caesar salad? This dish from Life Made Simple! It’s loaded with all the classic flavors you expect—crisp romaine, pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes and lots of cheese! For the recipe, click here.
Caprese is a great way to entice little ones to eat fresh fruits and veggies! Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil come together with the pasta shape of your choice in this recipe from Pip & Debby. Make as a tasty side dish or a meal, you can't go wrong with this perfect pasta.
Summer Orzo Pasta Salad
iStock
Oh, my, orzo! Here's why this pasta salad is a thing of beauty: it only has a few ingredients, the flavors are fresh and summery, and it's delicious cold or at room temp. Add it as a barbecue side or serve it up as the main course! Get the recipe here.
Homemade lemon basil vinaigrette and flavorful pasta come together in this recipe from Gimme Some Oven. Fresh ingredients like artichoke hearts, asparagus and cheese round out this perfect picnic side dish that may also just convince a picky eater to eat, too!
Bacon, lettuce and tomato plus pasta? We are SO in! This 15-minute BLT pasta salad recipe from Busy Budgeter means your dinner is ready in a flash. Top with your homemade salad dressing and enjoy not sweating it out in the kitchen.
Perfect for a potluck or meal prep, Plain Chicken's Greek pasta salad recipe is packed with flavor. Fresh ingredients like tomato, basil, and lemon juice make this dinner refreshing and will transport you straight to Greece!
Do your little ones love pizza? Then this dish from Dear Crissy is sure to be an instant hit! It's got the all-important pepperoni, and you can customize it with additional "toppings" that usually grace your 'za.
This idea from The Creative Bite has all the flavors of your fave tailgating dish and is super easy to whip up. It also has some sneaky veggies, and you can include crumbled bleu cheese on the side!
Tortellini is a kid favorite, so why not take a cue from Peas and Crayons and turn it into a delish cold salad? Toss with some homemade dressing and sneak in some healthy veggies and you're all set!
Pass the pesto! This nut-free sauce makes any pasta salad delicious and can be paired with all the additional ingredients you want. (Veggies? Cheese? Both?) It's a cinch to make—get the recipe here.
Bring on the broccoli with this dish from Boulder Locavore! Not only is it a great way to eat your green veggies, but it also skips the usual pasta salad mayo for a zesty dressing.
Looking for the most flavorful pasta salad around? Dive into this dish from Chelsea's Messy Apron, which has tons of veggies, an adaptable chili-lime dressing, and tons of summer corn! Trust us, you'll want seconds.
Amp up an average summer barbecue! This pasta salad recipe from I Wash You Dry sports crisp veggies and a creamy, flavorful sauce. Bonus: It calls for ramen noodles and rotisserie chicken—no muss, no fuss!
There's no reason vegans can't get in on the summer pasta salad fun! The Minimalist Baker has you covered with a dish that veers away from dairy and eggs.
Kiddos love grapes? Then it's time to bust out this great grape pasta salad recipe from Cooking Classy. It's got a slightly sweet dressing and makes for a refreshing addition to a summer picnic.
Need a pasta salad PDQ? This simple dish takes almost no time to make. Classic flavors, veggie-ful, and totally delish, it'll be your new go-to BBQ side dish. Get the recipe here.
Chances are you have spaghetti in the pantry—and this idea from Dinner at the Zoo is the perfect use for it! It's also filled with crunchy vegetables for an extra healthy kick.
Prepping for a picnic? Don't forget this gluten-free dish from Boulder Locavore! It's just like the old-school pasta salad that you had when you were a kid and even sports healthy twists like grated carrot.
This deli-inspired salad from The View from Great Island is a great way to please the meat lovers in your family. You can also customize it with whatever meats you have in the fridge for an extra easy summer meal.
Cue the fireworks—it’s the season for red, white, and blue!
Get into the patriotic spirit by getting crafty with the kids. We’ve gathered up a bunch of easy, festive Fourth of July crafts that will give your Independence Day a little extra oomph. They’re super simple and you probably have a lot of stuff on hand already. From DIY noisemakers to star-spangled slime, and even 4th of July crafts for toddlers, scroll down to see them all!
A sweet and simple way to celebrate the Fourth of July. Kids can paint them in advance and hide them around your neighborhood for their friends to find.
One of the best use of pipe cleaners we’ve seen in a while, this is another easy and fun project to add to your list of Fourth of July crafts for kids!
Your kids will love the creative freedom of this Fourth of July craft and you’ll love the easy clean up. They can use the Q-tip to make fireworks with dots, lines, swirls, or anything they come up with.
This coffee filter craft is a simple and fun Fourth of July craft for your kids! Simply have them draw their firework design on the coffee filter, cut the edges, and spritz with water.
Gather up cups and rubber bands and in minutes you’ll be watching a fire-free backyard rocket-launch contest. We love that this is an interactive, fun activity that you can do before darkness falls. Check out the easy-peasy way to make your own rocket launchers at KiwiCo’s blog.
Expecting a crowd this Fourth of July? This delicious lollipop topiary dreamed up by Gluesticks is an easy, kid-friendly centerpiece sure to make any party pop. Don’t be surprised if they sample a few of the supplies as they work!
We love this paper chain from A Pumpkin and a Princess because it’s so easy to make with the little ones. Drape this 4th of July craft over your mantle or table for an extra festive touch.
Let freedom ring with these firecracker noisemakers. The project comes together in less than five minutes and is sure to have your whole crew celebrating in style. Grab a metal can, wrap it in a patriotic pattern from Paging Supermom, then get ready for serious noise.
America’s gal comes to life with this patriotic Fourth of July craft from Buggy and Buddy. Drama kings and queens will love getting the chance to dress up as the Statue of Liberty and parade around with a crown and torch.
This fun Fourth of July craft from Make and Takes will have everyone begging to sit at the kids' table. Leftover paper plates make the perfect canvas for this after-dinner activity.
Forgo the craft store and instead scavenge materials for this eco-friendly project directly from your recycling bin. Using basic tools and a little craft paint, Carissa at Creative Green Living transformed tin cans into a festive and functional wind chime for the backyard.
Maria of Kinder Craze created this awesome project to get her kindergarten class into the stars-and-stripes spirit. Your kids will love layering the red, white, and blue tissue paper to create their very own “stained glass” window, and this colorful Fourth of July craft doubles as great window décor for your celebration.
While the ’80s kid in us still mourns for real-deal sparklers (the fiery kind), the 21st-century parent in us is totally relieved that it’s no longer acceptable to send your kids out with fire sticks. That said, we’re thrilled to get our sparkler fix with a super cool craft like this sparkless sparkler from Merriment Design. Break out the chopsticks, ribbon, and party garland, then craft your way to the coolest, safest sparkler around.
We love a craft that does double duty, and these cute cupcake liner flowers from Fireflies and Mudpies do just that. They would make a really fun centerpiece for any backyard BBQ, and the kids will love that their Fourth of July crafts are taking center stage.
Show Dad the L-O-V-E this year with a crafty card made at home
Father’s Day is nearly here! To celebrate the amazing job your special dad does every day, why not celebrate with one of these homemade Father’s Day card ideas? You don’t have to be a master crafter or daring DIYer to make one, so dust off your crafting stash and check out some genius Father’s Day cards!
This adorable handmade Father’s Day card idea is pretty easy, and it’s definitely one he’ll want to keep. Have your kids pick out the character they want to use, and have fun with it.
This Bomb Pop card is a super cute and easy way to make a card your kid’s “pop” will love! Also, take the perfect opportunity to follow it up with actual yummy Bomb Pops afterward.
This homemade Father’s Day card idea perfectly fits the bill for the handyman in your life.
Cricut-Made Father's Day Card Idea
Karly Wood
Is the dad in your life into everything? This DIY card is the perfect fit! Made with a Cricut Joy, we snagged this completely free design and let this mini machine do all the work. Peppered with images of outdoor activities, and typical dad icons, this card will perfectly communicate about your fave father.
For DIY-obsessed dads, we love this easy idea from Lil’ Luna. It’s a free printable, so all you have to do is print it out, cut it out and stick it on the gift card of your choice.
Get your little one involved in making this simple homemade Father's Day card idea from Solis Plus One. Tots can go to town filling the page with color.
Emojis are so yesterday. Use sign language to tell Dad how you really feel about him. Delia Creates has designed stylish (and free) downloadable templates that your sidekick can use to choose just the right message to tell Dad how much he means to everyone. It’s almost too easy!
Timepieces like this creative fill-it-out-yourself booklet designed by Hello, Wonderful are what memories are made of. Your guy will forever cherish the innocently hilarious answers his kiddos give to creative questions like, “the most fun thing I’ve done with my dad is…” and “my dad smells like…”.
Surprise Dad when he walks through the door on his special day with this colorful card that doubles as a banner. Let him slowly pull out the greeting, like a magician pulling an endless string of hankies from his sleeve. Then hang it across the mantle, so Dad really gets the message. Skip over to Modern Parents Messy Kids for the tutorial.
This coloring superhero card by Alpha Mom is an easy-breezy option that ranks high on the cuteness factor—the best combo if we say so ourselves. The kids can customize the fill-in-the-blank section to make it their very own.
Chalk, check. Driveway, check. Adorable kids that make your photo come to life, double check. That’s everything you need to make this sweet Father’s Day card we spotted over at Crafty Texas Girls. Looking for a gift too? Have the photo turned into a mug, mousepad, or keychain!
Between a great meal, a nap, a chance to cheer for his favorite team or dad-on-kid quality time, you can keep it simple when deciding on Dad's gift this year. This printable card from Julep is ready for him to spin the wheel of wish lists and decide just what he wants most for Father’s Day. Card AND gift completed.
Celebrate the spider-killing, boo-boo-kissing guy who waits patiently at the bottom of the slide so his cutie pie can slide confidently down, knowing he’ll be there, with this well-earned jar of goodies. Let your little one decide what to fill it with. And find the free printable at Tatertots and Jello.
This bow-tie card is a keeper, especially when you take a photo of your little one holding it and turn it into a gift or (even better!) dad’s new screen saver. The template and tutorial are available at Julep. This a perfect DIY card for the three and under set—easy-peasy—just the way we like it!
Time-saving hacks for busy moms who deserve a break
Ah, busy moms! The eternal jugglers of work, home, and a million other things. It’s a wonder how you manage to do it all in one day. Don’t worry moms; we know exactly how it feels. We also know a few ways (read: hacks) to stretch out those hours in the day and save some time. And no, we’re not going to suggest hiring a nanny or quitting your job (although if either of those is a good option for you and your family, we are here for it!). We’re sharing some of our favorite totally doable tricks to make you feel like your head isn’t spinning. There are some seriously brilliant tips for busy moms to save time out there. First off, remember it’s not about doing it all yourself; it’s about getting it done efficiently. Repeat that over and over when you’re tempted to forgo sleeping or eating or thinking straight in favor of doing it all. There. Now that we have that out of the way…here are a few of our favorite tips for busy moms to make it all happen!
HP Instant Ink is a Lifesaver
HP Instant Ink
With HP Instant Ink, busy moms can say “see ya!” to the stress of running out of ink in the middle of printing out important school projects, permission slips, or even work documents. And don’t even get us started on the hundreds of times a month we want to immediately print pictures of our families (maybe not “hundreds” but it’s a lot). Aside from getting our oil changed, going printer ink shopping is one of the absolute last things we want to do.
It’s super simple. Sign up and pick a plan (based on how often you print, not how much ink you use. Plans start as low as $1.49/month, too.). Print whatever you want (every page costs the same, so you can print high-res photos for the same price as black and color documents!). Don’t sweat running out, because your printer detects when you're low on ink or toner and automatically ships more when you need it. Oh, and you can easily recycle the cartridges thanks to the pre-paid return envelope, and you can cancel or change your plan anytime. HP Instant Ink $10 Credit—Check Out Plans Here!
Meal Prep for the Week
Canva
We know you’ve seen this idea, but it truly does save us so much time during the week (even if we’re having to fight skipping it on the weekend). Or, don’t worry about prepping so much as just planning out what you’ll be making or ordering for the upcoming week’s dinners! (And hey, you can print up the menu and pop it on the fridge since you’ll have worry-free printer ink refills, right? No more answering “Mom, what’s for dinner?”; just tap the menu.)
Grocery Delivery Apps are There for a Reason
Canva
Do you pay a premium for these services? Yes. There are possible delivery fees and definitely tips, but if you have the room in your monthly budget, the time savings can make it fully worth it. (Hint: we definitely recommend making notes and being as specific as you need to be when ordering. Believe it or not, your shopper will appreciate knowing exactly what you want!)
Rotate Childcare with Family and/or Friends
Canva
If there’s the option to trade off childcare, do it! It’s totally possible that you have friends, family, or neighbors that have schedules that jive with yours so you can switch off whose house the kids are at. If they’re working while you have down time, kiddos at your place. If you have to do softball practice 3 times a week while your friends/family/neighbors are at home and available, see about leaving your non-softball-players with them. It’s cost-efficient, great for the kids, and a win-win for everyone!
Automate Bills
Canva
Have you ever noticed that for some reason it requires getting through 7 different screens just to pay your cell phone bill? There are only so many times we can “Confirm” we want to submit our payment. Using autopay is ultra-easy, plus it usually comes with the option of paperless billing, so it’s one last piece of mail to toss.
We know we’ll never feel completely on top of everything. And that’s completely okay. You’re already supermom. But with these easy and fast tips, you can definitely breathe a little easier!
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This Valentine’s Day, take your festivities to the next level by whipping up some Valentine’s Day food for kids. We’ve fallen in love with these inventive recipes, from super-simple Valentine’s Day dinners for kids to drool-worthy desserts. We’re talking faves like a chocolate cake recipe, red velvet everything, puppy chow, mousse, and more.
These heart-shaped breadsticks from Meg’s Everyday Indulgence will make the perfect side for your V-Day meal. Made with just four ingredients, they’d be great alongside a big pot of soup or pizza (psst ... more on that below!).
For an easy treat, try this sweet idea from Kylee Cooks. Saltine crackers, caramel, and chocolate come together to create the most addictive dessert around—just don’t forget the sprinkles!
Heart-Shaped Fruit Puff Pastries with Vanilla Glaze
It’ll be love at first sight (and bite) with these heart-shaped puff pastries from Flour & Floral. They’re a breeze to put together with frozen puff pastry and your favorite fruit jam.
You can never go wrong with a big batch of Rice Krispy treats, and this Valentine-inspired twist from Salt & Baker is no exception. An old-school favorite, it gets even better when you throw in some colored candies.
Get all the flavors of cheesecake without having to spend hours in the kitchen, thanks to this genius dip from Tara’s Multicultural Table. Paired with graham crackers, berries, and pretzels, it’ll be an instant hit with your little valentines.
Mini pizzas and hearts—a match made in heaven. We love how simple these cheesy little bites are to make for a quick Valentine's Day surprise. Grab your cookie cutters and head over to Sarah Hearts for the recipe.
Chocolate-covered strawberries are a classic Valentine’s Day food, and this version from Eat Cho Food will definitely win over your kids. You can swap in your favorite type of chocolate (white, milk, and dark all work) and top them with graham cracker crumbs or chocolate swirls.
These little gems from Apple of My Eye are like chocolate-covered strawberries in cookie form (sign us up!). Get the kids involved in rolling out the dough and topping the freshly baked cookies with jam and chocolate.
Red velvet is the perfect pick for Valentine's Day, and this recipe from Show Me the Yummy is an easy way to make your loved ones smile. It's the perfect size for sharing, and it gets even tastier with the addition of vanilla ice cream and some chocolate syrup.
For a lighter dessert, whip up these pretty muffins from Garnish & Glaze. With strawberries dotted throughout and a lightly sweetened glaze on top, this one is sure to be a hit with your whole crew.
Keep things a little lighter but just as festive with this delish mousse recipe from Something Swanky. It may look complicated, but it's actually super easy to pull off using an instant pudding mix, cool whip, and some raspberries.
These chewy, moist cookies from Creme de la Crumb are heavenly when paired with a tangy cream cheese frosting. The whole fam will be impressed by how adorable these look with pink and red sprinkles on top—we're willing to bet they won't last 'til the 15th!
If your kids are fans of classic puppy chow (aka muddy buddies), chances are they'll love this Valentine-themed twist on that classic snack from Sarah Halstead. It'll come together in 10 minutes flat with red velvet cake mix, M&Ms, and chocolate.
This tangy but sweet treat might be the easiest of them all. Grab a handful of fresh raspberries and your favorite chocolate chips, then slip a chocolate chip in each berry. Done!
All you need to make these adorable little snacks are three ingredients. And chances are you already have them in your pantry. Check out A Taste of Madness to find out how to make them.
These super delicious cookies are also super easy to make, which is a total win when baking with kids. Sara from Bitz N Giggles adds M&Ms and sprinkles, giving them an extra boost of color.
Color-by-number printables are still considered cool coloring pages in our book
Time to stock up on some printer ink. We’ve rounded up super cool coloring pages and activity worksheets for kids. These free printable coloring pages include color by number, your fave Disney characters, dinosaur coloring pages, and so many more. If you’re looking for ways to keep the kids entertained at home, grab some crayons and check out these great printable activities.
This Tyrannosaurus is going fishing! Your budding paleontologist will love coloring the adorable dino. Click here to download the free printable from Super Coloring.
Angela Milnes from Craft Play Learn has the perfect boredom buster for the younger set. This stuffed animal inventory is a great way for kids to use their imaginations, practice writing and come up with stories for their stuffies. Get your printable version here.
Putting an educational twist on your coloring pages, Craft Play Learn's color puzzle matching page lets your preschooler match the word to the color. Download it here.
Go big—no REALLY big—with this supersized idea from Allison Murray from Dream a Little Bigger. With a little help from your local printer, you can get an extra-large coloring page that will keep the kids busy for hours! Check out all the details here.
If you're looking for a little coloring guidance, coloring by number is your best bet. Check out all these options (including this cute little bunny) at Super Coloring.
This activity is two-fold: first, kids have to connect the dots to show the image, and then they get to color it! Choose from dinosaurs like this triceratops or pick your favorite animal. All the printable choices are here.
This printable number puzzle will help kids learn how to count while putting the puzzle together. The best part: it's super simple to make. Check out Craft Play Learn for all the details.
A coloring page that also helps teach about morning routines? Yes, please! Mornings aren't always easy, and this helpful coloring page from Jen Kossovan at Mama Papa Bubba will surely help. Get your copy here.
A penguin piloting a helicopter? Definitely not something you see every day, but you can spark the kids' imagination by asking them to come up with the penguin's backstory as they color. Print the coloring page here.
Get out your picnic blankets and give your next outdoor summer gathering a little something special with simple picnic party ideas that’ll make you the envy of the neighborhood. We found incredible ideas from everywhere and highlighted their finest features. And, the best part? You don’t have to be a party planner to pull them off. Scroll down to get inspired.
photo: iStock
Picnic Party Ideas: Decor
While nothing screams picnic more than red and white gingham, there are plenty of other creative and artistic ways to add flair to your toddler’s gathering. See how to stun your guests from the get-go.
The Merry Thought
Set Up Shade
Get creative with the way you keep your guest cool by creating your own shade. With just a little prep, you’ll have a cozy outdoor space in no time.
Kin Li via Unsplash
Make a Welcome Sign
Smile before entering this vintage summer party! Party Loves greeted their guests with a colorful chalkboard, a cost-effective and unique idea that lets you get your art on.
Studio DIY
Picnic Party Hats
How adorable are these fruit-inspired party hats from Studio DIY? Easy to make, they can double as a party favor! We’ve got even more fun paper hats here.
Party Delights
Bee Hive Lanterns
Your guests will be buzzing with excitement over this creative and easy picnic party idea. Head over to Party Delights to find out what you’ll need.
Tiffany Arment Photography
Multi-Colored Plaid Banners
Who says picnics have to stay red and white? Go for checked blue, green, yellow and orange like photographer Tiffany Arment did for Adam’s first birthday picnic. Choose your tot’s favorite colors to add extra vibrancy.
Amie Bell Photography
Balloons and Blankets
Shutterbug Amie Bell used teddy bears and picnic baskets as weights to keep down those beautiful balloon centerpieces. If you’re planning a different picnic theme, just switch out the teddy bear with your guests’ party favors or another favorite item of the birthday tot.
Swoon Studio
Indoor Picnic Party Ideas
If your picnic has to be indoors, no worries, just follow Swoon Studio‘s lead and grab some vintage windows and checkered tablecloths for a real outdoorsy vibe. Plus, being inside just means you can totally put wicker baskets on the table without having to fret about dirt and leggy insect crawlers.
Lifeflix
Picnic Party Ideas: Food
Eating outdoors with toddlers can be a messy business. Here are a few ways to create stress-free lunches and eco-friendly snacks for those hungry tummies.
Deviled Eggs
What’s a picnic without deviled eggs? With this super simple recipe, it’s easy to ensure that your al fresco meal includes this delicious staple. Older kids can even make their own version! Grab the how-to here.
Single Salads
You can thank Hello Wonderful for the brilliant idea of having kids pre-pack their picnic foods in little jars. It keeps the mess to a minimum and gets your kids helping, too. See more fabulous picnic foods by clicking here.
Picnic “Lunchables”
Make sure each kiddo has their own picnic basket by sorting all their food into one picnic box. Fill your box with sammies, chips, celery, and dip, wrap it up with twine and include a picnic napkin for these adorable picnic “Lunchables”!
The Girl Who Ate Everything
Watermelon Sticks
Cut your watermelon into easy to hold sticks instead of cubes. This way you save on utensils. Freeze the sticks to make uber-healthy popsicles. Need tips on cutting that watermelon? The Girl Who Ate Everything makes life easier with picture tutorials.
Picnic for Pixies
Honey-Sweet Lemonade
Sweeten your lemonade with honey rather than sugar for bonus health points. We love how Picnic for Pixies, a South African party planner, had their party buzzing with extra excitement. Just look at how awesome that hive-shaped dispenser is! Check out our favorite lemonade recipes here.
The Nourishing Home
Fruit on a Stick
Try these fruit and cheese kabobs from The Nourishing Home for a healthy snack that packs a protein punch. Let little ones help you cut fruit and cheese into shapes and slide onto sticks. Mix things up with any kind of berry, melon or pineapple plus a variety of cheeses so they don’t tire of this treat. Just be sure to supervise since sticks can be sharp.
photo: iStock
Picnic Party Ideas: Games
What’s a picnic without games and fun? Whether you’ve planned for a relaxing party on the lawn or a day packed with excitement and fun, these easy backyard games are perfect entertainment for the kids.
Studio DIY
DIY Lawn Matching Game
How fun is this matching game from Studio DIY? The bright colors, fun patterns and large playing pieces are a perfect match for tiny hands. Find out how to make your own set by clicking here.
Lawn Day Twister
Spending a day on the grass? Katie Haines of You + Me turned the grass into a personal Twister game for her southern-themed picnic party. This is perfect for big parties where a Twister mat can’t fit everyone. After your little spray paint magic, let the birthday babe bark out the instructions.
Two Shades of Pink
Water Balloon Spoon Race
Got high-energy tots that love to run and scream? Here’s an egg race spin-off game that’ll have them zonked out by the end of the day. Use water balloons to make less of a mess (your local park will thank you), and if you have balloons left over… have a water balloon fight! Get the tutorial on decorating plain wooden spoons over at Two Shades of Pink.
Liz Stanley via Say Yes
Cloth Picnic Games
For a calmer playdate picnic in the park, play a cloth game that utilizes trinkets from nature. Kids will love searching for flowers to use as tic-tac-toe pieces. For a more complicated square game that works as a brain challenge for older kids, head over to Say Yes.
The Mary Frances Project
Fabric Tube Run
Embrace the elasticity of swimsuit fabric (nylon and lycra) and make a bouncy tunnel for kids to bop about in. Moms and sisters of The Mary Frances Project showed us this fantastic game for smaller kids, where parents stretch out the fabric and kids can run about, bouncing off the “walls.” Order a few yards of swimsuit fabric from eBay or The Fabric Fairy, and then follow the game tutorial here.
Picnic Party Ideas: Favors
Let your guests leave with a lasting impression. These party favors go beyond perishable food and small toys.
photo: iStock
Picnic Blankets
You can hand out blankets for your playdate picnic and let your guests keep them afterward. It’s a great gift that works for the entire family. They’ll remember your stellar party as they sit on the blanket to make new memories out in the park.
No Time For Flash Cards
Watermelon Playdough
Pack some green and pink dough and a handful of black beans in a little container so kids can bring the picnic home. Get the playful instructions (print them out and include them in your gift bag) from No Time for Flash Cards. It’s a great sensory craft for little hands.
Ao At Home
Picnic Fans
When it gets too hot at your summer picnic party, your guests will be thankful these cute fans are going around. And they’ll be ecstatic to know that they can keep them too! Find out how to make these beautiful summer coolers over at Ao At Home.
When you’re looking for easy dinner recipes, you want them to be tasty, budget-friendly and a hit with the kids. Luckily, we’ve rounded up some meals that check all three boxes. Keep reading to see 12 amazing cheap dinner recipes that are big on flavor, but easy on your wallet.
This super simple but classic pasta recipe requires about three ingredients and comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Get the recipe from The View from Great Island.
If you've already got soy sauce, honey and rice in your pantry, the only supplies you'll need to buy are the chicken thighs and the broccoli. This is an editor favorite, and it comes together in 30 minutes or less. Get the recipe here.
Stuffed shells are always a simple and versatile kid-pleaser. Now try upping the wow factor with the addition of spinach and crumbled bacon. On Sugar Mountain created this recipe that will definitely take your shells up a notch.
Gravy. Need we say more? Let your slow cooker do the work for you on this weeknight (or any night!) chicken and gravy recipe courtesy of Sarah Olson’s cookbook, The Magical Slow Cooker: Recipes for Busy Moms. Serve it over mashed potatoes or as an open-faced sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.
Kids love pizza. You love your Crock Pot. Mix them together and you’ve got … Crock Pot Pizza. This fun recipe takes the favorite flavors of pizza and puts them over pasta, all with the convenience of tossing everything into a Crock Pot. The next time you want to change up the recipe routine, give this one a try! Click here to get the recipe.
You’ll love all the color in this flavorful lentil and sausage soup, packed with fiber and veggies. Diane and Dave of Homemade Food Junkie created this easy recipe that’s also dairy- and gluten-free.
If you’ve got maple syrup and mustard in your kitchen, you’re already halfway to making this sweet and tangy chicken recipe. Ridiculously quick, inexpensive and a definite crowd-pleaser, this is one dinner recipe that you’ll return to over and over. Grab the recipe right here.
Sweet Pepper Linguine
Pasta is a great low-cost dinner option, and we love this simple version with just five ingredients. Sweet red pepper gives Vitamin C, as well as a nice pop of color on the plate. Click here to get the recipe.
Bacon, Corn & Potato Chowder
Make it a soup night with this creamy, smoky chowder from The Soupmaker’s Kitchen. Add a loaf of warm, crusty bread and a fresh salad, and you’ve got a cheap, easy meal for any night of the week.
Make a big batch of this easy turkey Bolognese, and you’ll have leftovers that you can stretch throughout the week. Courtesy of Sundays with Jennie, this is the perfect winter weather meal to have up your sleeve.
Crock Pot Tuscan Chicken & Beans
A Crock Pot is a must-have item for those chilly winter nights. Use yours to make this delicious and inexpensive five-ingredient recipe that couldn’t be easier. Toss the ingredients in your slow cooker in the morning, and dinner is ready to go. Add some brown rice, and you’ve got a complete meal to keep everyone warm and satisfied. Click here for the recipe.
Warm up with this hearty soup chock full of beans, pasta and a good dose of greens. Jen of How To: Simplify has the recipe that whips up in a snap and makes dinner easy. Want to make it vegetarian? Sub in veggie broth and use cheese-stuffed tortellini instead of sausage.