Have you noticed we’re getting a little jazzed for New Year’s Eve around here? This is the first year I’ve really considered doing something special with the kids and my brain has been nearly exploding with the possibilities.
Today we’re sharing our top 10 ideas from around the web for spending the night celebrating as a family.
Ready? Here we go…
1) Make Countdown Bags to Be Opened Each Hour
We Love the look of these bags from The Idea Room. Unfortuantely, there doesn’t seem to be an updated 2014 version of the printables but you can use them as some pretty inspiration to make bags of your own. And for ideas on what to put inside each one, check out and these 16 Countdown Goodie Bag Ideas from Inner Child Fun.
2) Make a Family New Year’s Resolution
Our list of the Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Families is full of great ideas on how to grow closer in 2014 and it’s one of my favorite posts from all of 2013! (I’m working on a fun project to help with #3 on the list too – so stay tuned.)
3) Start a Tradition: Fill Out the Same Printable Each Year
Of course, New Year’s Eve is a great time to look both backward and forward with the family. Get the kids to each fill out this lovely printable from Wonderful Joy Ahead and repeat each year from now on.
4) Eat Sparkly Jell-O Treats
Kids love Jell-O and adding a little sparkle makes it all the more special. What puts it totally over the edge? Push pops! Check out our recipe for Sparkling Jell-O Push Pops (and don’t miss the grown-up version from Perpetually Engaged).
5) Make Family Vision Boards
Traditional resolutions a little too pedestrian for your brood? I’m over on eHow’s Mom Channel this week sharing a vision board project for families I think you’ll love (great hands on craft for the kids plus magnetized chalkboard to make our homes look chic).
6) Make Party Hats & Noise Makers
No New Year’s celebration would be complete without some festive headwear. Check out the kid-friendly projects being offered up by Spoonful, Paper Source, and Sweet Little Peanut.
Where there are fun hats, noise-makers must follow. Sweet Little Peanut has a great idea for these as well (and be sure to check out the sprinkle milk shots while you’re there too).
7) Toast with Special Drinks
Speaking of beverages, make that midnight (or maybe 9:00?) toast something to remember with these mocktail drink ideas from Parents and don’t forget the festive DIY stirrers.
8) Make a Family Time Capsule
We love this version from Kelli Crow that takes items from all year long and bottles them up in a cute mason jar display for the shelf.
9) Make (and Smash) Countdown Pinatas
If you’re really up for some New Year’s crafting, skip the countdown bags and do count down pinatas instead. A Subtle Rivalry has free number pinata templates and helpful instructions at your disposal.
10) Have a Midnight Balloon Drop
Kids allowed to stay up late enough to watch the ball drop will LOVE this one. And, aside from blowing up a lot of balloons, there’s minimal work required. Just order your handy dandy balloon drop on Amazon here (psst – there’s a sparkly Disney version and a Spider Man version available too).
Question of the Day
How do you celebrate New Year’s Eve? A date night out on the town or staying in with the kids?
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