I absolutely loved LEGOs as a kid and it's looking like the apple doesn't fall far from the tree - we already have 3 different size LEGO sets at home. Lately, I've been noticing a ton of LEGO inspiration around the web so I thought I'd do what I do best and put together a little round up for you. Whether you're looking to throw an all out LEGO bash or just need a few new ways to play with them, I've got you covered (and then some). Paper punch set to be used with LEGOs … [Read more...]
Adding a Little Science to Playtime
I'm over at momtastic today posting ideas on how to inject a little science into your summertime fun. Speaking of summer, I have two announcements to make: You may recall that I recently posted about Melissa & Doug's trunki on my facebook wall and added it to MPMK's favorite things for traveling. Well, guess what, just in time for your summer travels - select models of the Melissa & Doug Trunki are currently 40% off at Amazon. Since I live in Seattle I feel like I have … [Read more...]
Got Bored Kids? Get Out the Camera!
I was recently part of a contest that required I make a home movie reviewing a toy. Although I didn't win, I had a great time making the video and, more importantly, so did C. All week he's been asking to see the footage and he cracks up watching himself on playback, in part because of the fast and slow motion effects and in part because he just thinks he's a funny guy. That got me to thinking about what great boredom busters cameras are (both the photo and video varieties). I'm … [Read more...]
DIY Toys that are Totally Worth the Effort
Is it just me or are there an inordinate number of cool DIY toy projects floating around lately? I was planning on doing a Mother's Day gift roundup today but, honestly, you should have already bought a gift by now (I haven't). And if you don't know what to buy yet, then you're either the kind of person that has a hard time making decisions or the type that has a hard time getting things done on time (right here). Either way - yet another "you should buy this" round up will probably only … [Read more...]
DIY Veggie Garden Sensory Box
If you've been here since the beginning, then you'll remember the "diggers and dumpers" sensory box I made for my son as a Christmas present. It was a big hit and he still enjoys it but I've been feeling like it's time to change it up. So a few weeks ago I exchanged the pinto beans for black beans (to imitate soil) and put together this vegetable garden sensory box. I found a lot of my supplies at Target. (The gloves, trowel, and watering can were in the dollar section. The yellow tub was … [Read more...]
Every Baby Should Have a Treasure Basket – Here’s How to Make One
photo via The Imagination Tree Remember the sensory box? Well, say hello to his little brother, the treasure basket - a super simple sensory box for babies. The concept is easy - just fill a container with objects of varying texture, weight, shape, etc. and let baby go at it.According to Anna, an early education and art specialist from The Imagination Tree, treasure baskets benefit babies age 6-18 months by: encouraging them to use their senses to discover, explore, … [Read more...]
Easter’s Over, Now What?
I know it's been Easter-central here for about a month now. I'm just about ready to put it to rest and move on to lots of new and interesting stuff for May, I promise. But before I do, I've got one more post I know we could all use. Because aren't we all incessantly tripping over plastic Easter eggs, haphazardly strewn about the house, right about now? And if you're anything like me, you probably cringe a little at the thought of chucking all that plastic into a landfill somewhere … [Read more...]
Anatomy of a “Creative Play Easter Basket”
I hinted about this post last week, so here it is - C's "Creative Play Easter Basket". I had 3 goals for this basket: No candy allowed Absolutely every part of the basket has to be usable for play Inexpensive to make (and by that I mean CHEAP!) Thanks to a lot of clever bloggers and the dollar section at Target, I was able to meet all three of my goals. I'm really happy with how it turned out and I think C will be thrilled. Click through and I'll share all my resources so … [Read more...]
Free Printable: Easter Memory Game
When I rolled out the Easter toy I made for S's basket, I also mentioned I had a few more projects up my sleeve. So today I'm sharing a memory game I made for C's basket. To make these patterned bunnies, I used Photoshop and a few of the awesome (and free!) patterns over at Sprik Space. If you haven't been there yet, be sure to stop by and check out the whole series. There are 13 different patterns in 25 colorways, which is enough for all kinds of cool projects. To make your own set … [Read more...]