Easter Basket goodies don’t need to be expensive. I love finding fun things and yummy treats to put in my children’s baskets every year, but it can really start to add up! I am also impressed every time I go to Dollar Tree and see what they have to offer. You can find basket goodies for just about anyone on your list. I thought it would be fun to put together some ideas for different types of baskets you might be putting together. Whether it is for your own kids, your spouse, a friend or a neighbor- there are endless possibilities.
What to Put in an Easter Basket
So, what should you even put in an Easter basket? There is always a lot of talk on what you should do, and really, it’s up to you to decide how much or little you want to do for your family members.
Baby
Books
Toy Cars
Small Stuffed Animals
Bath Toys
Headbands
Bibs
Pacifiers
Sippy Cups
Water-filled Teether
Rattle
Shampoo or Body Wash
Washcloths
Socks
Toddler/Pre-Schooler
Bubbles
Kites
Character Activity Kits
Candy
Magic Towels
Stuffed Animals
Modeling Clay
Character Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
Crafts
Plastic Dinosaurs
Coloring Books
Sticker/Activity Books
Balls
Puzzles
Character Figurines
Animals Figurines
Play-doh
Play-doh tools
Non Candy Treats – Cheerios, Goldfish, Teddy Grahams, Fruit Snacks
Elementary Kids
Dry Erase and Chalkboards
Craft Supplies
Pokemon Cards
Foam Footballs
Wood Craft project kits
Candy
Markers
Slime
Notebooks
Building Blocks
Learn to Draw books
Licensed Character Cups
Notebooks
Teenagers and College Students
Cell Phone Cases
Charging Cable
Deck of Cards
Flip Flops
Game Dice
Beauty Products
Scrunchies
Body Wash
Sudoku Books
Candy
Nail Polish
Books
Adult Coloring Book
Sports Fan
Balls
Sports Trading Cards
Sports Themed Easter Eggs and Basket
Flying Discs
Salted Peanuts
Cracker Jacks
Water Bottle
No Show Sports Socks
Table Tennis Balls
Sports Headphones
Rubber Baseball
Sunglasses
Crafter/Artist
Crayons
Markers
Stickers
Coloring Books
Paint
Erasers
Paint Projects
Easter Dying Kits
Foam Shapes
Glue
Glitter
Notepads
How to Assemble an Easter Basket
Step 1: Find a Cute Basket
You might be thinking this is obvious, but we need to start somewhere. The size and shape of the basket will affect what and how many items will fit so it’s a good place to start.
Step 2: Find Items for Your Basket
There is a great variety of times at the Dollar Tree. I have listed some items organized above to get some ideas when shopping.
Step 3: Arrange Items in Basket
Stuff the bottom of the basket with some tissue paper or fake grass. Next, start by placing the taller items in the back and work your way towards the front.
I will always love shopping at Dollar Tree. You can shop there for all the people on your list and save money. Make sure you go into your local store to see what they have. There are always items that I find that I never would have thought of. Have fun this Easter!
These 24 titles are the best St. Patrick’s Day books for kids. They will have your children reading the whole month of March while they think about leprechauns, shamrocks, and pots of gold.
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you). The commission will help fund my coffee drinking habit. You find cool new stuff on amazon, and you’ll keep me supplied in caffeine. It’s a win for everyone, really.
When should I begin to gather St. Patrick’s Day Books?
This all depends on when you want to use them. If you are looking to find book from the local library, you will want to check them out a month in advance because holiday books go fast! I am always on the lookout for books to add to our different holiday collections. I like to bring out the books at the beginning of the month. The change of books makes it extra fun. If you are searching on Amazon, you can wait until the last minute and get your books in time. Just click on any of the links below.
How to Catch a Leprechaun: We love these books in our house. I get them for every holiday because they are so fun. This book is a bestseller for S. Patrick’s Day books. Get inspired to build leprechaun traps of your own at home. The book offers tips and tricks for catching a leprechaun, with cute illustrations and rhyming text. I’m excited to read this book and then build our own traps to see if they work.
The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day: This book follows two kids as they prepare for St. Patrick’s Day by setting traps to catch a leprechaun. It’s the night before St. Patrick’s Day and the kids are wide awake setting traps to catch a leprechaun! The next morning their dad is playing the bagpipes, and their mom is cooking green eggs. Will they find the leprechaun’s pot of gold?
The Berenstain Bears’ St. Patrick’s Day: I grew up on The Berenstain Bears’, so I love to incorporate it in my sons’ book collection. In this book you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Berenstain Bears. Join Papa, Mama, and the cubs as Gramps introduces them to some of the St. Patrick’s Day traditions most associated with the holiday, from enjoying a fun parade down Main Street to leprechauns and pots of gold.
Pout-Pout Fish Lucky Leprechaun: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Pout-Pout Fish: Lucky Leprechaun. Will Mr. Fish and his friends find their pot of gold? At an affordable price point, and with a page of stickers included, this new format is fun and accessible for Mr. Fish’s fans and newcomers alike.
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a twist on the classic song from the bestselling There Was an Old Lady series for kids! She’s Back! That lovely old lady has returned just in time for St. Patrick’s day. It’s spring and she is swallowing a clover, a butterfly, a daisy and more to make the perfect rainbow to hide a pot of gold.
Legend says wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, which like to pinch anyone they can see!
Pete the Cat and the Great Leprechaun Chase: It’s St. Patrick’s Day, and it’s also the grand opening of Pete the Cat’s leprechaun catching business. Pete gears up to trap a leprechaun for his friends. Catching a leprechaun is never easy – especially if it’s Clover, who’s full of tricks. Will luck be on Pete’s side? Or will Pete learn luck is actually something earned? This book also comes with a poster, stickers, and twelve punch-out St. Patrick’s Day cards.
Ten Lucky Leprechauns: Fiddle-de-fizz, ’tis magic, it is! Count from one to ten as one little leprechaun looking for treasure magically becomes ten silly leprechaun friends at the end of the rainbow. A humorous, rhyming celebration of St. Patrick’s Day!
How to Trap a Leprechaun: Legend has it that if you catch a leprechaun, he’ll grand you a wish. Be careful though because leprechauns are full of trickery. To catch one, you’ll need to be clever in crafting your trap. Grab some glitter and glue and get prepared for your visitors.
I’m a Leprechaun: I love having Little Golden Books in my collection. They are always a great classic to have. This book introduces the magical, mischievous leprechaun. Famous for hiding post of gold, did you know that leprechauns are also talented shoemakers? This book is fill with bold and colorful illustrations.
These books will have you seeing Green!
The Littlest Leprechaun: This new St. Patrick’s Day story is filled with luck, friendship, unicorns, and one adorable little leprechaun friend. Liam is the littlest leprechaun in his family. He may be little, but Liam knows this is the year he’ll be able to finally help out on St. Patrick’s Day. A leprechaun’s duties are a little difficult to manage when you’re so little. Will Liam be able to find a way to celebrate the holiday, or is he too little?
Three Ways to Trap a Leprechaun: This book includes tips on how to trap your very own leprechaun – just be sure to let him go! Claire is determined to catch a leprechaun to prove that these magical, mischievous, miniature marvels are real.
The 12 Days of St. Patrick’s Day: Count the 12 days of St. Patrick’s Day! On the first day of St. Patrick’s, I was lucky to find.. This festive story starts with a shamrock in a field of green, then adds TWO pots of gold, THREE top hats, and so on through twelve busy days leading up to St. Patrick’s Day. Young readers and their caregivers will enjoy counting all the details of the fun preparation for the big day. This simple rhyming story is paired with cheery illustrations and a full page of stickers, making it the perfect springtime gift for kids.
Ninja Life Hacks St. Patrick’s Day Race: The children’s book series, Ninja Life Hacks, was developed to help children learn valuable life skills. In this book the Ninjas have a very special day ahead to celebrate they are having a St. Patrick’s Day race! Come join along in the fun as Gritty Ninja finds out from a Leprechaun if they’ll need a four-leaf clover or a hard work ethic.
Liam the Leprechaun Loves to Fart: Liam the Leprechaun loves to fart. Sometimes, it makes him unpopular with the other leprechauns and other times, it saves the day. This book features a fun and silly storyline with colorful illustrations that will definitely make your kids laugh.
Spot’s Lucky Day: Help Spot celebrate in this shamrock-shaped board book. It’s St. Patrick’s Day, and Spot is having a party. Follow along as he dresses up as a leprechaun and even finds treasure at the end of a rainbow. It is perfect for little hands and a great addition to your collection.
Baby’s First St. Patrick’s Day: You’re never too young to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day! Baby’s First St. Patrick’s Day features all the familiar favorites associated with Ireland’s biggest and brightest celebration, making it the perfect gift for kids. It is clear and easy for babies and toddlers to follow, with one main image per page they can focus on, and the short text is enjoyable to read aloud and share with young children. Specially made for the smallest hands, this hard-wearing board book has a soft padded cover and safe rounded corners. Babies and toddlers will soon be turning the pages themselves, naming objects, joining in with the simple text, and learning all about St Patrick’s Day.
Thing One, Thing Two and the Leprechaun: Join Think One and Thing Two from Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat as they try to catch a leprechaun in this sweet book. It is a perfect gift for babies and toddlers, this is an ideal way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and introduce the very youngest children to the magical world of Dr. Seuss.
Elmo’s Lucky Day: A Sesame Street St. Patrick’s Day board book starring Elmo and his friends. Elmo wants everyone to celebrate. There’s a yummy meal of corned beef and cabbage, some high-kicking Irish step dancing, a fun holiday parade, and even a search for a leprechaun.
The Itsy Bitsy Leprechaun: This is a magical St. Patrick’s Day twist on the popular nursery rhyme “The Itsy Bitsy Spider!” The Isty Bitsy Leprechaun is ready for a St. Patrick’s Day adventure as he searches for a lucky four-leaf clover.
Five Little Leprechauns: This board book brings the classic nursery rhyme “Five Little Monkeys” to a new world. Little ones will love following five little leprechauns on a St. Patrick’s Day adventure as they hid in clovers and rainbows.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Curious George Tabbed Board Book: George loves a celebration, and St. Patrick’s Day means plenty o’ music, dancing, and feasting fun. He dresses up in his festive finest, looks for leprechauns, and learns some Irish dance steps. This book has fun tabbed pages that are ideal for little fingers.
Shiny Shapes: Happy St. Patrick’s Day: Learn all about the mysterious leprechauns―what they wear, the work they do, their quirky behavior, and their pots of gold! And find out what happens if you find one . . . it will be your luckiest day ever!
You Shamrock My World: Your little leprechaun will be over the rainbow for this board book. Show your little one that they’re worth more than any pot of gold! This delightfully lucky book for babies and toddlers features heartfelt rhyming puns and adorable, colorful illustrations including shamrocks, flowers, fairies, gnomes, ladybugs, and more that families will love to read together. Start a new holiday tradition and share the perfect St. Patrick’s Day gift with your lucky little clover or anyone you love!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Crayons: St. Patrick’s Day is almost here, and Green Crayon would like a break! His friends try to take over, but what’s a leprechaun without green clothing? And a four-leaf clover can’t be blue! And how in the world can the crayons make a rainbow without their good friend Green?
What are your favorite St. Patrick’s Day traditions? Do you dress in green? Do you put out gold coins and eat Lucky Charms? Do you read fun stories? Let me know in the comments below.
Even though the Super Bowl is right around the corner, there is no need to panic. You can still throw a Game Day party for your friends and family without a hassle. Entertaining doesn’t have to be stressful.
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you). The commission will help fund my coffee drinking habit. You find cool new stuff on amazon, and you’ll keep me supplied in caffeine. It’s a win for everyone, really.
Whether you are getting ready for the big game or a regular season game, these simple suggestions can help make it a fun experience for everyone.
Keep it Simple!
Plan ahead of Time. Decide on how many people you are inviting for your game viewing party so you will know how much food and drink you will need. Plan your menu ahead and do your shopping in advance.
Having Quality TV & Sound. If the whole purpose of the party is to watch a football game on TV, having a quality TV and good sound system is essential. You don’t need a giant TV but definitely one that’s large enough to see from across the room.
Have Comfortable Seating. Not everyone at the party will be sitting down watching the game at the same time, but you will want to have enough spots for at least 75% of your guests to sit at once. If you don’t have enough room on your existing living room furniture. Pull up some dining room chair or throw some large pillows on the floor.
Football Body Pillow Cover: This leather body pillow cover is perfect for Game Day and will be great to sit against on the floor.
If you have the option for an Outdoor Space, Use it. Having an outdoor space is good for a few reasons. Even if you are hanging at your apartment, having some sort of set up on your porch or balcony opens up options for people to spread out. Not everyone will be there just for the game. Some want to mingle, and an outdoor area is great to have set up for mingling and snacking.
Create a Space for the Kids. If you know the guests are bringing kids or you have kids of your own, it’s a great idea to create a space for them while you are enjoying the game. To create the area, load the space with fun treats and snacks. The adults will want to watch the game, so keeping kids busy will be important for the success of your party. I like to have several things ready for them to do like games, activity books, coloring books and toys.
Franklin Mini Football: This football is perfect for little ones on game day. They get to color it before having fun with throwing it.
Junior Size Football: Having some footballs to throw in the backyard is great to keep those little hands busy.
Football Coloring Poster: This is perfect to lay down on the kids table and let them color all over.
GameDay Food and Drinks
You can’t go wrong with appetizers. Serve some nachos, guacamole, chips and a variety of dips.
Popcorn is an easy snack and always a crowd pleaser. You can serve the traditional flavors or have a little extra fun with a spicy popcorn.
Football Paper Snack Box: This box is great to throw your popcorn in and eat in front of the game.
Your main food can be chili, wings, or even sliders.
Make a Build-your-own Hot Dog station. Grill up a bunch of Hotdogs. Provide ketchup, mustard, chili, cheese, jalapenos, and any other fun toppings you love.
NOTE: Make food easy to hold. Mini buckets are always a great choice for serving foods. Your guests can help themselves by filling up their basket with what they want.
Put out all your favorite alcoholic drinks. I like to have it be a bring your own 6 pack if it’s something specialty.
Have some non-alcoholic beverages such as juice, soda, and bottles of water available.
Inflatable Coolers: These stadium and football shaped coolers are perfect for your party. Just blow them up for the day.
Get a fun Plateware set to use.
These are super cute football Serving plates for your party.
Football Plates and Napkins Set: This set is perfect for your party. The set include 50 dessert plates, 50 paper dinner plates, 50 and football paper napkins.
Touchdown Decor
The atmosphere of your Super Bowl party is key. It starts with setting the right ambiance.
Team-Themed decorations cam amp up the liveliness, with banners and balloons with the colors of the Super Bowl contenders.
Purchase a Football Field table runner. I love this runner because it’s just faux grass. It gives the football field look and great texture.
Get a Disposoable Tablecloth. You just pull it up with whatever is left on it and toss it. You don’t want to be doing dishes all night after the game. This set is a 6 pack which is perfect for throwing on every counter.
Not having enough space. Create additional space by moving any non-essential furniture out of the room.
Having a TV that isn’t big enough. No one wants to watch the game on a tiny TV.
Not having enough ice, food or drinks. It’s a long game and there is nothing worse than running out of food, drinks or ice. Make sure you have enough ice too. Think about ice for drinks as well as refilling coolers.
Don’t Touch the Remote or Let Anyone Else. People want to watch the commercials during the Super Bowl so no one should be muting, pausing, or channel surfing during the game.
Are you excited for the Game, the Food, or the Commercials? Superbowl Sunday is just another day to get together with family and friends. Let me know below what your favorite game day snacks are.
Having a family movie night is always a great idea. Making it a Valentine’s Day movie night is a tradition all kids would love. Simply choose one of the Valentine’s Day movies for kids that the whole family could enjoy.
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you). The commission will help fund my coffee drinking habit. You find cool new stuff on amazon, and you’ll keep me supplied in caffeine. It’s a win for everyone, really.
How To Create a Perfect Family Movie Night
This is one Valentine’s Day tradition you can’t mess up, whether you watch a movie with microwave popcorn or go all out with Valentine’s decor and a fun snack. Check out the ideas below, then decide which ideas will create a family movie night that best fits your family.
Set the Stage
Set the stage by creating a snuggle spot for watching the movie together. You can pile blankets and pillows on the floor, or cuddle on the couch together. Have your kids decorate the room with pink and red crepe paper and balloons. Top it off with some cozy pajamas and you’re ready to go.
Make it a Phone Free ZONE: This is important. The point of hosting a family movie night is to spend time together as a family.
Serve a Fun Snack
Set up your snack bar on the coffee table. It will in front of the couch for easy access while watching the movie. Here are some fun ideas to choose from to make the night extra festive.
Heart Shaped Sugar Cookies
Valentine’s Day Candy
Conversation Hearts
Cinnamon Candy Hearts
Heart Shaped Marshmallows
To make it a little healthy you can always add some veggies and dip. Make it festive of course in a heart shaped bowl. Having themed snacks will help create a perfect movie night for your family. Making a fun treat will help create fun memories.
Popcorn Bar
What’s a movie night without a large popcorn? I always love picking a variety. Make sure to include your families favorites.
Buttered Popcorn
White Cheddar Popcorn
Caramel Corn
Kettle Corn
Pink Candy Corn
Serve them in white bowls or cute individual popcorn boxes. Each person can fill it with their favorite or have a combination. Thrown in some heart napkins for a fun and festive touch.
Valentine’s Drinks
When you are having salty popcorn you definitely need to have a drink with that. I am a big water girl but there are so many fun ways to make some festive drinks.
Pink Milkshakes
Pink Cotton Candy Drinks: Just add some pink cotton candy to the bottom of a champagne glass and pour in some ginger ale or sprite. Top the drink with a little more pink cotton candy for garnish.
Sparkling Wine
Get some cute glasses to use to make it extra fun.
Choose your Movie
There are so many great movie choices for a Valentine’s Day movie. Simply choose a movie with the theme of love – whether it’s romantic, family love. or a great story of friendship. I have a list of suggestions below. Some are great for very young kids and others would be perfect for tweens or young teens.
Shrek: Watch Shrek on his journey to rescue his princess Fiona.
Beauty and The Beast: Follow Belle on her journey of falling in love with an unexpected person
Gnomeo & Juliet: Caught up in a feud between neighbors, Gnomeo and Juliet must overcome as many obstacles as their namesakes.
Winnie the Pooh – A Valentine for You: Join Pooh and his pals as they set off on an exciting adventure to find the Smitten (love bug) they think has bitten Christopher Robin. Brimming with magic and delightful songs, A VALENTINE FOR YOU reminds us that there’s room in our hearts for both old and new friends.
Wall-E: A touching and visually stunning animated film about a lonely robot who finds love.
Sleeping Beauty: Aurora falls into a deep sleep and only her true love can awaken her.
Check out these movies for the older tweens and teens in your life.
The Princess Bride: A classic fairy tale adventure that is fun for the whole family.
A Cinderella Story: Deep in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, Sam a modern-day Cinderella, finds her Prince Charming on the Internet.
The Parent Trap: A heartwarming comedy about identical twins who are separated at birth and reunite as teenagers.
The Prince and Me: A student falls in love with a boy who she doesn’t know is a prince.
The Princess Diaries: An awkward teenager becomes a princess. Follow her on her journey to try and fit.
The Notebook: This is one of the greatest stories of love.
When Harry Met Sally: It is a comedy about the romantic travails of two neurotic New Yorkers who keep running into each other over a period of 13 years and form a friendship that constantly verges on romance.
Sleepless in Seattle: Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan star in Nora Ephron’s wonderfully romantic comedy about two people drawn together by destiny.
You’ve got Mail: Neigborhood bookstore rivals unwittingly become e-mail pen pals in this charming remake of The Shop Around the Corner
Sense and Sensibility: Based on Jane Austen’s classic novel, Sense and Sensibility tell of the Dashwood sisters, sensible Elinor and passionate Marianne, whose chances at marriage seem doomed by their family’s sudden loss of fortune.
Pride and Prejudice: Based on the beloved masterpiece by Jane Austen, it is the classic tale of love and misunderstanding that sparkles with romance, wit and emotional force.
Do you have any other great family friendly movie recommendations for Valentine’s Day?
Check out some of our other Valentine’s Day blog posts below:
I never used to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but it is all about spending the day with the ones you love the most. When I became a mom, I wanted to celebrate every single holiday with my kids. Creating holiday traditions are one of the easiest things you can do to create lifelong memories with those that mean the most to you.
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you). The commission will help fund my coffee drinking habit. You find cool new stuff on amazon, and you’ll keep me supplied in caffeine. It’s a win for everyone, really.
Here are 10 fun and easy ways you can celebrate Valentine’s Day with your kids. These ideas are simple, affordable and fun themed activities to spend time with your family. They will help you to create beautiful memories with your children and show them just how special you think they really are.
Make a Fun Snack Together. What kids don’t like snacks? Make this snack extra special by doing it together. Here are some fun ideas below:
Pillsbury Funfetti Valentine’s Day Bundle: This bundle is perfect for your family. It includes a Cake Mix, Brownie Mix, Pink Vanilla Frosting and Valentine’s Sprinkles. You can make a couple fun treats.
Have a Fancy Dinner. Set your table with some cute plateware. I like to buy the high-quality plastic for this. Have everyone get dressed up real nice and have dinner together. You can make their favorite meal like mac and cheese or pick up some takeout food. Having a fancy dinner is as simple as making dinner a little more special than usual. Throw in some festive cups for any kind of red juice and it’s perfect.
Watch some movies together. Get all your cozy blankets and pillows and snuggle up for a date. Check out this post for ideas to have a movie night together.
Read Valentine’s Day Themed Books. Snuggle and read some Valentine’s day themed books. Check out this post for a lot of fun Valentine’s Day books to choose.
You can go to the library and find some Valentine’s Books. Taking my 2 year old to the library is one of my favorite things to do. While he doesn’t fully understand it, I love watching him experience new things.
Write a Letter. Make a card or write a sweet note for your little one. Put it in their lunchbox, in the mailbox or during snack time. Use this as a way to tell your child how special they are to you.
You can even buy a fun kit if you want to get a little bit creative.
Make a Valentine’s Day Mailbox. I loved getting mail as a kid. I even love it now (as long as it’s not a bill). Get a box and help your kids decorate it with stickers and markers.
Valentine’s Day Sensory Play. Having a sensory bin is great for kids. It is especially great for my toddler that needs a little extra sensory learning.
Add some food coloring to your morning milk to make it extra festive.
Go on a walk and find hidden hearts. Getting fresh air outside is a great thing for your house and having your kids get some energy out. Why not make your trip extra fun and find heart shaped items.
Dashing through the Christmas Books. I love Christmas and creating fun experiences for my Boys. I hope this list of books will help you create that same thing too.
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you). The commission will help fund my coffee drinking habit. You find cool new stuff on amazon and you’ll keep me supplied in caffeine. It’s a win for everyone, really.
To make life easier I thought it would best to find you books that could all be purchased on Amazon. This time of year is filled with so many errands and Amazon is my go to for finding all things Christmas Books.
Little Golden Book
Elmo’s 12 Days of Christmas: In this book Elmo and his Friends celebrate the 12 days of Christmas in a really fun way.
The Night Before Christmas: The Night Before Christmas is such a classic book to have in your Christmas book collection. The Little Golden Version is even better.
Jingle Bells: The cover is cute and the story is even cuter. A bear family takes some of the village animals out for a spin in the sleigh-and ends up helping Santa deliver his toys!
The Little Christmas Elf: If the cover of this book didn’t sell you then check out what it’s about. Nina doesn’t finish the teddy bear she’s making in time for it to get loaded onto Santa’s sleigh but, encouraged by Santa Claus himself to not give up, she works far into the night. While Santa is out delivering presents, a baby is born.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: This book is another classic that you must have on your bookshelf. All of the other reindeer make fun of Rudolph and won’t let him play in their reindeer games because he’s different. But when Christmas is almost cancelled because of a huge snowstorm, Rudolph comes to the rescue with his wonderful shiny red nose.
Frosty the Snowman: Celebrate the holidays with everyone’s favorite snowman with a magic hat, a button nose, and eyes made out of coal.
Santa’s Toy Shop: Inspired by a 1932 Walt Disney Silly Symphony animated short, the Santa’s Toy Shop Little Golden Book was originally published in 1950. In this delightful story, Santa wants time to play with all the wonderful toys he and the elves have made, but he’s just too busy–until Mrs. Claus gives him an idea!
I’m a Reindeer: Young girls and boys will love this informative introduction to the adorable and fascinating reindeer. Find out where they live, why their fur changes from season to seaon, and lots more. But do reindeer fly? That’s for you–and Santa–to decide!
The Twelve Days of Christmas: Kids will spend happy holiday moments gazing at elaborate costumes, musical instruments, and, of course, a partridge in a pear tree.
Let’s Get a Christmas Tree!: Join an excited little girl as she heads to a Christmas tree farm with her parents and dog. Some trees are crooked. Some are too big. Will the family find a tree that’s just right for them? Other holiday traditions, such as admiring houses decorated with loads of Christmas lights, and drinking hot cocoa while hanging ornaments on the tree, are also mentioned in this Little Golden Book.
Baby’s Christmas: This is perfect Christmas card to have in your collection.
Christmas Stories: A must-have collection of Christmas stories that makes for a perfect gift this holiday season.
The Nutcracker: This lovely retelling of the famous ballet will be a perfect holiday gift for any child who loves the ballet, Christmas stories, and fairy tales!
‘How to Catch a’ Collection
We have all of these from the Christmas collection and LOVE them.
How to Catch a Gingerbread Man: This book is really cute. Follow along as the Gingerbread Man runs loose in a bookstore with the help of Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes, Peter Rabbit, nursery rhyme characters, and more! So much fun to encourage STEAM activities and creativity.
How to Catch a Snowman: Get ready for snow much fun as you travel through a winter wonderland with running, skating, and bouncing through trap after trap to catch the snowman and claim the winning prize. Will the snowman teach our heroes a lesson they’ll never forget? Who snows!
How to Catch Santa Claus: Do you have what it takes to catch jolly old St. Nicholas himself? Santa Claus is getting ready to deliver presents to children around the world, but the wily How to Catch Kids have set traps galore! With the help of his trusty Reindeer and Elf, Santa will have to use all his festive magic to avoid being caught.
How to Catch an Elf: It’s Christmas Eve and an elf is on the loose… in YOUR house! Do you have what it takes to catch him?
How to Catch a Reindeer: It’s Christmas Eve and Santa’s team is off to deliver presents when one of the trusted reindeer Comet decides to explore on her own… the perfect opportunity for our How to Catch Kids to trap her and prove Santa exists! Come along on this fun Christmas adventure to see if you can catch Comet!
Book Collection Favorites
Christmas Mouse: When the Mouse family moves into a cozy cottage just before the chill of winter, they are excited for adventures in their new house. But as Christmas creeps closer, Papa Mouse begins to worry that Santa Claus won’t be able to find their family’s new home in time to deliver his gifts! Can the Christmas spirit, family togetherness, and yummy treats help Santa find his way to the Mouse family in time to deliver a Christmas Eve surprise?
The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Snowy Hide & Seek: A Finger Trail Lift-the-Flap Book: Follow the trail for a snowy adventure with The Very Hungry Caterpillar! With flaps to lift, die-cut paths to explore, delightful rhyming text, and Eric Carle’s beloved illustrations, this festive board book is the perfect holiday present. Polar bears, penguins, Santa Claus, and his reindeer are all excited to meet The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Join along in all the fun this winter season.
Little Blue Truck’s Christmas: Little Blue Truck is spreading cheer by delivering Christmas trees to his animal friends. Can you help count each green tree from one to five and back again? Don’t forget to save one for Blue! Beep! Beep!
Construction Site on Christmas Night: Your kids will have fun discovering the special surprise awaiting each vehicle as much as they will love rhyming along with the story.
Little Red Sleigh: The Little Red Sleigh has one big dream―to one day become Santa’s big red sleigh! But all her life, she’s been told she’s too small, she’s too young, she can’t fly, and she certainly can’t meet Santa.
If I Were Saint Nick: After receiving a letter from Santa Claus, the Cat in the Hat contemplates how HE would run Christmas differently if put in charge of the “Whole North Pole Show.”
Green Is for Christmas: When Green Crayon claims that green is the only color for Christmas, other crayons let him know that there would be no Christmas without them either. No candy canes or Santa without Red, no snow without White, no bells or stars without Silver, and no cookies or reindeer without Tan! The crayons agree that they all need to come together to make Christmas special.
The Grumpy Reindeer: Teach kids about the power of kindness in The Grumpy Reindeer, through a journey to the North Pole to meet the grumpiest reindeer there ever was.
Merry Christmas Mom and Dad: Whether he’s making wreaths, eating gingerbread cookies, or putting the star on the top of the tree, parents and children alike will relate to this beloved story starring Little Critter.
The Biggest Snowman Ever: When the mayor of Mouseville announces the town snowman contest, Clayton and Desmond claim that they will each make the biggest snowman ever. But building a huge snowman alone is hard!
The Berenstain Bears Meet Santa Bear: Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic from Stan and Jan Berenstain. Sister and Brother are ready for Christmas and have made their lists for Santa Bear. But it’s up to Mama and Papa to show them that the true meaning of the holiday is about giving – not receiving.
The Littlest Elf: Oliver may be the littlest elf in the North Pole, but he has a big desire to discover his very special job in Santa’s workshop! But after getting lost in the toy shop, making a mess at the book shop, and falling in the mixing machine at the bakery, is the littlest elf just too little?
There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell: This time, the hungry old lady swallows a bell, bows, gifts, a sack, a sleigh, and some reindeer! She’s about to swallow a candy cane for dessert, when she hears a jolly “Ho! Ho! Ho!” Santa Claus is waiting for a ride!
My Butt is SO CHRISTMASSY: This delightful rhyming story follows our inventive young hero as he dreams about dressing up his plain backside in something festive “with layers and layers of green, with baubles that glow, bows in a row, and a star where it’s easily seen!”
Christmas Parade: Written with the irresistible rhythm of a lively marching band and illustrated with Boynton’s signature characters, including chickens with bassoons, mice with piccolos, a tiny bird with a large tuba, and a Santa rhino with a sack full of presents, Christmas Parade is a superb present for young children and families everywhere.
You’re My Little Christmas Cookie: With cut-outs and raised elements, this hands-on holiday book features rhyming text paired with adorable Christmas cookies, reindeer, snowmen, and more!
Llama Llama Jingle Bells: In Llama Llama Jingle Bells, little llama and his friends give gifts, sing songs, and decorate cookies. It’s a very merry holiday indeed!
Never Touch a Polar Bear!: We just got this book and my Toddler loves it. It is great for kids that need more sensory play in their life.
Let me know if there are any books you get on here or if there are any you already have in your collection. The Christmas Season is my favorite and I love sharing it with my littles.
Making a Pancake Charcuterie Board is a fun way to serve your favorite breakfast foods in a creative way. It is great for lazy weekends, brunches, holidays and special occasions. Fluffy pancakes, fresh fruit, and crispy bacon are only the beginning. Gather your favorite toppings and pass the syrup!
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you). The commission will help fund my coffee drinking habit. You find cool new stuff on amazon and you’ll keep me supplied in caffeine. It’s a win for everyone, really.
A Pancake Charcuterie Board is a fun and festive way to serve pancakes for breakfast, dinner, and even dessert. It is great for entertaining and feeding a crowd. It is really easy to customize, and everyone will love all the options for creating their own unique combinations.
The Set Up: Grab a large board or platter, 1-2 syrup pourers, and a few bowls for toppings.
The Pancake Prep: Whip up a batch of your favorite pancakes. Add pancakes to your board last so they stay fresh and warm. You can use any pancake recipe or mix. Check out these Buttermilk, Gluten Free, and even Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Check out a pancake griddle and pan. You can even use a fun smiley face griddle like this one for fun.
Breakfast Foods: Adding some bacon, sausage, and scrambled eggs makes a complete meal.
Pick a few Spreads: Creamy peanut butter, hazelnut spread, cookie butter, whipped cream and jam will work great too. Make sure to add lots of syrup.
Fresh Fruit: Fresh fruit is great to have with pancakes.
Finish off with some toppings: This can be chocolate chips, nuts and even powdered sugar.
Tips for a Pancake Charcuterie Board
When you plan ahead, this board makes your event effortless.
To keep pancakes warm, preheat your oven to 200 degrees F and place the pancakes on a baking sheet in the oven.
Cut up your butter into little squares so it’s ready to be put onto the pancakes.
Lay out dishes, napkins, utensils and prepare a self-serve drink station. Once the board is ready, your guests can serve themselves.
Make sure to have serving spoons and tongs ready so guests can have some fun customizing their pancakes.
Decide if you are going to do a small or large spread so you can have the right ratio of food. You want the board to look plentiful without any gaps or holes.
If you don’t want to invest in a wood charcuterie board, you can put out parchment paper on your table or counter and build it on the paper.
The Best Pancake Combinations
Strawberries, Whipped Cream, and Syrup.
Peanut Butter, Bananas, and Chocolate Syrup.
Nutella, Chocolate chips, and Whipped Cream.
Blueberries, Whipped Cream, and Maple Syrup.
Bananas, Walnuts, and Caramel Syrup.
Strawberries, Nutella, Chocolate Chips, and Whipped Cream.
Once you assemble your board, it’s ready to eat and enjoy.
Back to School time means it’s almost fall and that means this year is going by way too fast. Are you like me and love to shop for school supplies. Who says School Supplies have to be boring? Check out these super cute Pastel School Supplies.
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you). The commission will help fund my coffee drinking habit. You find cool new stuff on amazon and you’ll keep me supplied in caffeine. It’s a win for everyone, really.
Pens and Pencils
Pastel Ink Pen Set: This set is perfect if you have a favorite color. It comes with 11 black in pens and a highlighter. The color options are pink, blue, green and purple.
School might be starting soon but it is far from fall weather here. The summer heat is here to stay for a bit and that calls for an Ice Cream Sandwich Bar. Create Custom Ice Cream Sandwiches using different flavors, shapes and sizes of cookies. I think the process of making the ice cream sandwiches is almost as fun as eating them!
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you). The commission will help fund my coffee drinking habit. You find cool new stuff on amazon and you’ll keep me supplied in caffeine. It’s a win for everyone, really.
Tips for Putting Together an Ice Cream Sandwich Bar
The Cookies
By ‘Cookies’, it really means the ‘delicious thing that can sandwich a scoop of ice cream’. You don’t have to limit yourself to just cookies. Head to the bakery and have some fun. Anything that is sturdy enough to hold ice cream and not get immediately soggy is fair game, so be creative! Put out a selection of at least four different flavors and also make the cookies different sizes, a large and a smaller size. If someone wants to try a variety of flavor combos can go with the smaller cookies. Giving people lots of options makes the assembly process more fun.
Fudge Stripes Cookies
Waffle Cookies
Sugar Cookies ‘
Oreos
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Funfetti Cookies
M&M Cookies
Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies
Graham Crackers
The Ice Cream
Is the Ice Cream the best part? I guess it depends on who you ask. Use different pints of ice cream so you can include several different flavors of ice cream. It is nice to have a non dairy option available such as sorbet or a coconut based ice cream.
Vanilla
Chocolate
Strawberry
Mint Chocolate
Cookie Dough
Cookies and Cream
Coffee
Chocolate Fudge
TIP: Pre-scoop the Ice Cream. Scoop the ice cream onto a baking sheet and then freeze until you are ready to serve. To keep the ice cream from melting during the party, put the cartons in a big bucket of ice.
TIP: Have multiples of utensils and ice cream scoops so there is plenty to use for everyone.
TIP: I know having napkins is on your mind, but you should level up to wet wipes. These will get all of the stickyness off of everyones fingers.
Display: This 3 tier tray is great to display the ‘Cookies’ or the pieces necessary to hold the yummy Ice Cream together.
Bowls for the Toppings: These ramekins are great to put all of your toppings in. I also love having them in my Party Pantry to use at other parties.
Ice Cream Scoops: This set has 3 different sizes which is perfect if you are using different sized cookies.
Ice Cream Bowls: These are great for those people that don’t want to make a sandwich and choose to throw it all in a bowl.
TIP: Offer a selection of cones and bowls for those guests who don’t feel like an ice cream sandwich.
If this post doesn’t get you excited to throw an Ice Cream Sandwich Bar then I don’t know what will. Let me know what cookies, ice cream and toppings you add to your Bar. I would love to know what combinations are your favorite.
