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Learning to Dress the Kids for the Cold with Polarn O. Pyret

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Several months ago I agreed to partner with Polarn O. Pyret to help get the word out to parents on how to properly dress their little ones for the cold.  Today is the day I (finally!) get to share with you all that I learned.  As a result I have a lot to say - but hang in there and you'll be rewarded with a video (shot by yours truly) and a discount code!   Are you guys familiar with the story behind Polarn O. Pyret?  I first heard about them via Design Mom last January and have since … [Read more...]

Holiday Roundup

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left: photo via unskinny boppy, right: photo via MADEI got an email yesterday from one of my lovely readers, Brooke, requesting teacher Christmas gift ideas.  I'm a little ashamed to admit my first thought was completely self-centered as I realized I only had a day and a half to pull together C's hard-working preschool teachers' gifts (how did that happen?!).  Also, my camera broke yesterday (boo!).  Also, tonight was C's very first Christmas Pageant (sigh). As a result, I'm neglecting you a bit … [Read more...]

Rainy (or Snowy) Day Projects for Bigger Kids

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  I know I typically focus on the younger set around here but, with Christmas Break looming, I figured you could use some ideas for the older siblings too.  What follows is a list of activities to thrill and entice kids ranging from first grade and up (although many will probably entertain your toddler as well).  Enjoy! 1. Every kid loves a magic trick, especially when they get to be the magician.  Set them up with this tutorial, plus a few supplies, and let them amaze you. 2.  … [Read more...]

Smokin’ Deal for Making Busy Bags + Christmas Past

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If you read our recent busy bags post and started wishing for a laminator all your own for under the tree - I've got a deal for you.  Today only, Amazon has this Scotch Thermal Laminator for only $16.99 - grab it while you can!Finally today, I thought it would be a good idea to post some of the Christmas posts from last year's sneak peek before MPMK even officially launched (just in case you weren't one of the 6 people reading this blog back then.)Presents: How Many & What Kind are Best? … [Read more...]

My Very Best Finds for Stocking Stuffers

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For some reason, this year I just can't stop coming up with stocking stuffer ideas.  Maybe it's because I'm really trying to stick to my guns and pare down the number of gifts under the tree.  The one thing I didn't set a hard and fast rule for were the stockings, so (of course) I'm on the verge of going totally overboard.   In an effort to curb my madness share the love, today I'm sharing my very favorite picks with you... First up is the Kimochis Mini Bag of Mixed Feelings.  I was … [Read more...]

Christmas Gift Idea: DIY Playtime Mail Center

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Between last year's Sensory Box and Easy Handmade Gifts for Imaginative Play posts and this year's DIY dress up box post, you've probably figured that I really like the idea of a homemade creative play box for Christmas.  So it should be no surprise that I'm back today with yet another idea along those lines - the DIY Playtime Mail Center.   Playroom mailboxes have been popping up all over the web lately and it's not hard to figure out why.  Kids absolutely love getting mail and parents … [Read more...]

DIY Salt Dough Ornaments

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I'm over at momtastic today sharing one of the best Christmas crafts ever.  It takes only 3 ingredients which I can practically guarantee are already in your pantry (salt, flour, and water), it's appealing to kids of all ages, and it can be extended into an activity that lasts practically all day.  Plus the end product is a perfect grandparent gift.   Salt dough ornaments are essentially three favorite kid activities rolled into one.  First there's cooking, the little ones get to … [Read more...]

Christmas Gift Idea: Busy Bags (Great for Advent, Stockings, or Under the Tree)

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photos via MADE and the rigneys   The popularity of our current giveaway for a 6 month kid craft club subscription tells me that you guys are hungry for some quick and easy kid activities to fill up your winter months.  So today we're gonna talk about a magical little wonder know as "the busy bag".  If you're not familiar with the concept then it's your lucky day - this post may just change your world.   The definition of a busy bag varies somewhat based on who you talk to.  … [Read more...]

My Favorite Toy Brands

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It's Cyber Monday, which means if you weren't standing in line in the middle of the night on Friday then you may be preparing for some serious online shopping today (will the madness never end?). These are a select group of toy makers who (I think) have really figured out how to make fun, stimulating (and often green) developmental toys.  Under each brand are a few of my favorite items but they're there solely as a jumping off point.  Almost any toys made by these companies will be a sure … [Read more...]

Make a Reading & Art Advent Calendar with the Kids

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With two toddlers running around the house, I'm all for the trend of ditching the candy and filling the Advent calendars with Christmas activities instead.  I'm a little scared, however, of actually committing myself to a project or outing each day before I get a chance to see how it's shaking out.  After all, I do have a very young toddler who's nap schedule is still a bit of a moving target as well as an older toddler who inspired the recent "How to Maintain Your Zen When the Kids Have Lost … [Read more...]

It’s Almost December, Do You Have an Advent Calendar Yet?

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December seems to sneak up on me every year, which wouldn't be too worrisome except it means that I never seem to have my advent calendar ready in time.  Actually, to be fair, last year was the first year we decide to do an advent calendar.  But I was late then and I can already sense a pattern forming.  The solution to this problem is a simple one - man up and either buy or make a calendar substantial enough to be used year after year (sadly last year's version just doesn't fit the bill).  Then … [Read more...]