About the Illustrator

Melanie Hope Greenberg loves to celebrate Lunar New Year. She was an Artist-In-Residence at the Eric Carle Museum and her books have been featured as a NY Times Great Children's Read.

All year long she leads excellent workshops about the process of making children's books! Learn about how to bring her talk to your library or school, or request teacher's guides for her books at her blog here.

Melanie is an award winning author and illustrator of more than 15 children’s books! Her cheerful, vibrant illustrations can be found in her iconic book Mermaid Parade, which was lists as an essential Brooklyn book by the Brooklyn Public Library. Her many other books include Good Morning, Digger, Down in the Subway and A City Is.

*Terms of Service: this coloring page is used with permission from Melanie Hope Greenberg and is for non-commercial use ONLY. You many print out as many copies as you like fo

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We recreated the look of Scandinavian woven heart basket ornaments with a kid-friendly version using a sponge painting technique.

(Note: this post contains affiliate links that earn commission from qualifying purchases.)

Originally I planned to do the actually weaving part with my kids, and although woven hearts are not exactly rocket science, I knew that my kids would get frustrated very, very quickly. Remember, we only do EASY holiday crafts. Our version of the woven heart is so easy, even preschoolers or toddlers can make it.

The first step to making these heart ornaments is to read the SPLENDID book, Christmas in Noisy Village by Astrid Lindgren. This is my must read Christmas book. It's a cozy story about neighbor children preparing for the holiday. You can find the book(and more!) on my list of Swedish Christmas books. The book depicts a Swedish holiday tree adorned with the ornaments!

What you need:

• Red and/or green paper
• Heavy card stock or thin cardboard to make the template, or a heart shaped cookie cutter
• Pencil
• Glue stick
• Scissors
• White paint
• Kitchen sponge cut into a strip with a small square shape at one end

Instructions: 

Draw half a heart on the thin cardboard and cut out to make the template. If you have a heart shaped cookie cutter you can skip this step and simply trace your hearts using the cutter.

To make the heart for the ornaments, fold the red or green paper in half. Line up the template with the folded side of the paper. Trace and cut out. Unfold the colored paper for the full heart.

Cut out as many hearts as you want!

Dip the small square end of the sponge in white paint. Make impressions on the heart shaped paper in a checkerboard pattern to mimic the traditional design of Swedish woven heart ornaments.

Kids can decide if they want to mimic the look of a woven heart or just stamp freestyle. Follow your kids' natural creative instincts!!

Cut several narrow strips of paper red and green paper. These will be the handles. If you want the ornaments to be traditional basket hearts glue two hearts together, applying glue only along the bottom-side edges. Then, affix one end of a paper strip to the top of one heart, the other end to the top of the other heart to make a basket handle.

If want single hearts instead of baskets, simply glue the strip on the ornaments as a loop for hanging.

Finally, adorn your tree with the ornaments and then go read more Christmas picture books!

So what do you think? Is this "woven" paper heart not the easiest Swedish Christmas craft ever? If we can do it, so can you!

More: Swedish Christmas books and Scandinavian folktales are perfect for snuggle time after your ornaments are on the tree.

Or, make our cutest ever tomten garland and then read some tomten books.

The post "Unwoven" Swedish Heart Ornaments: Easy Christmas Craft appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Playing the dreidel game and collecting as much chocolate gelt as possible is a timeless Hanukkah tradition. Now that your kids have made their own dreidels, it's time for them to make their own gelt! (And not because you ate all the chocolate coins you bought last week. Oh, no, that is NOT the reason…)

Fortunately, this type of gelt will not require you to find specialty chocolate molds or figure out if you can get away with microwaving chocolate instead of melting it over the double boiler (who does that, anyway?).

MORE: Our favorite Hanukkah picture books

All kids look forward to receiving foil-wrapped chocolate gelt, but making paper coins is a fun and creative activity that uses way less sugar! Plus, if you are having a family gathering, making paper gelt is a fun Hanukkah party activity

Materials

You only need a few items, which you likely already have!

• Yellow, or golden-colored paper
• Markers, crayons or colored pencils
• Scissors
• Glue or glue stick (optional)
• Foil (optional)
• Stickers (optional)

Instructions

Making paper gelt is very easy. First cut out circles from yellow paper, in various sizes to make the coins. Depending on the age of the child, an adult may need to help with this step.

Next, the kids decorate the coins with markers, crayons, colored pencils. We also like to cut foil and glue it onto the paper coins. Kids can also use stickers for decorations.

How to Use

Once kids have decided they've made enough paper coins, divide the coins up and use them to play the dreidel game. Sure, some kids have probably made more coins than others and may balk at having to share, but a little reminder that the coins get redistributed during the game will be all you need to calm them down.

You can use them in conjunction with chocolate gelt, or on their own. Let me tell you, trying to win large piles of these paper coins can actually be pretty motivating!

Tip

The coins are also a fun touch to add to Hanukkah cards. Set out the paper coins with glue and paper, and the kids have a simple Hanukkah card for the grandparents!

For another fun Hanukkah craft, check out our LEGO menorah, an easy, fire-free way for little kids to participate with lighting the candles on Hanukkah.

See more super duper easy Hanukkah crafts for kids!

Idea and photos from Carolyn, formerly of the blog, The Pleasantest Thing.

The post Easy Hanukkah Paper Craft: Make Your Own Gelt! appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

But you don't need to be an interfaith family to enjoy this book list! Along with our favorite Hanukkah books, and multicultural Christmas books, these titles can be enjoyed by kids and families of any faith.

Note: this list contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a commission for this blog. Bookshop also supports independent bookstores.

Books about Interfaith Families

You don't need to be part of an multicultural and interfaith family to appreciate these books as long as you remember: Hanukkah is not the Jewish Christmas!

Daddy Christmas and Hanukkah Mama by Selina Alko

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In this cheerful story, a young girl describes her family's unique traditions like caroling to the neighbors, telling stories about both the Maccabees and the manger, and making latkes to leave for Santa. Family members from both sides come together for one large celebrations than having separate events for each holiday. There is also a recipe for Cranberry Kugel stuffing: the ultimate interfaith side dish!

The Trees of the Dancing Goats by Patricia Polacco

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

As Trisha prepares for Hanukkah with her family she learns that the neighboring Christian families are affected by a scarlet fever epidemic. Unable to enjoy the holiday celebrations while their neighbors are suffering, Trisha’s family work together to help them. A wonderful, positive story about finding joy in giving to others.

The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming: A Christmas Story by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Lisa Brown

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Tongue-in-cheek humor and an anthropomorphic potato pancake make this hilarious book one of my holiday favorites. After escaping from a hot frying pan, a Hanukkah latke runs through a forest encountering various Christmas icons like candy canes and holiday lights. Each one tries to convince him that Hanukkah is “just like Christmas, only different.” Eventually the frustrated latke finds his place with an understanding Jewish family. Unfortunately, they are just sitting down to dinner...

Light The Lights! A Story About Celebrating Hanukkah And Christmas by Margaret Moorman

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

For those looking for a secular exploration of the two holiday traditions, this book fits the bill. In a simple story, a girl describes how her family prepares for the two holidays.

My Two Holidays: A Hanukkah and Christmas Story by Danielle Novack, illustrated by Phyllis Harris

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

At school, Sammy worries that his friends won’t understand his interfaith family. Although it is hard to imagine anyone being embarrassed about celebrating both Christmas and Hanukkah, this is a nice, short story for teaching kids about the joys of practicing multiple religious traditions.

My Two Grandmothers by Effin Older, illustrated by Nancy Hayashi

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

Grammy Lane lives in the country, Bubbe Silver lives in the city. Their granddaughter loves both of them and their respective traditions but this year she decides it’s time to bring everyone together.

Elijah’s Angel: A Story for Chanukah and Christmas by Michael J. Rosen, illustrated by Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

This is a beautiful and moving story about religious tolerance. An African-American barber gives a Jewish boy a carved wooden angel. Michael worries that he will offend his parents and God if he keeps it. When he tells his parents of Elijah’s gift they share with him the joy of having friendships that transcend religious boundaries. The illustrations are gorgeous. Due to some sensitive subject matter, I recommend this book for ages 7+.

Eight Candles and a Tree by Simone Bloom Nathan

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

Sophie tells her friend Tommy about how her family celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas. In doing so, they learn the most important thing about the holidays is spending time with family.

Nonna's Hanukkah Surprise by Karen Fisman, illustrated by Martha Graciela Avilés

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

Rachel is headed to Italy to visit her grandmother. She worries that she will miss Hanukkah and takes along her menorah. When she forgets her menorah on the airplane, her non-Jewish grandmother steps in to save the day.

December's Gift: An Interfaith Holiday Story by Ashley Smith-Santos and Stasie Bitton, illustrated by Sandra Salsbury

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Clara spends December with her two grandmothers, baking Christmas cookies with one and frying latkes with the other. Like most of the books on this list, the overriding lesson is that holidays are about family above all.

MORE: Want more holiday picture books? Try one of these Multicultural Winter Holiday Picture Books.

Books about Community Hanukkah and Christmas Celebrations

The following books are not about interfaith families per se, but about the co-existence of Hanukkah and Christmas. Also check out our favorite winter picture books.

Red and Green and Blue and White by Lee Wind, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

This picture book is based on a 1993 incident in Billings, Montana. In a neighborhood adorned with red and green lights, one house stands out with its blue and white lights. Isaac's family celebrates Hanukkah and his friend, Teresa, who lives across the street celebrates Christmas. After Isaac's house is targeted in an anti-semitic attack, Isaac's family continues to light the menorah rather than hide. In solidarity, Teresa draws a menorah and places it in her window. The paper menorah becomes a catalyst for community solidarity. Includes author's note about the real life events.

MORE: Picture books about standing up for others

The Hanukkah Magic of Nate Gadol by Arthur A. Levine, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Think of this as a pourquoi tale for Hanukkah gifts! Nate Godol is a spirit who uses his magic to make things "last as long as they needed to." He loves bringing small joys to others as well as solving larger problems. In 1881, Nate Gadol watches the immigrant Glaser family suffer through a cold and hungry winter. But then he meets his old friend, Nick, whom he knew from "way, way back." Nick is having trouble with his sleigh and the two realize that if they help each other, they can bring joy to all families.

The Christmas Mitzvah by Jeff Gottesfeld, illustrated by Michelle Laurentia Agatha

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

Mitzvah is the Hebrew word for a good deed that is done to fulfill a commandment from God. In this inspiring story, Al Rosen, a Jewish man, performs mitzvahs for his neighbors every Christmas by working their shifts so they can celebrate their Christmas holidays at home. The neighbors return the favor on the Jewish High Holidays of Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah. Gottesfeld based his story on the real-life Al Rosen who performed the mitzvahs for many years, beginning in 1969. Includes author's note. Ages 5 and up.

Boris and Stella and the Perfect Gift by Dara Goldman

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Goldman's story about two bears is a retelling of O. Henry's short story, "The Gift of the Magi." Boris, who celebrates Hanukkah and is from Russia, and Stella, who celebrates Christmas and is from Italy are neighbors and friends. Each wants to get the other a special holiday gift, but both have limited funds. This is a sweet story about two individuals who seek to show kindness to each other.

Dear Santa, Love, Rachel Rosenstein by Amanda Peet and Andrea Troyer, illustrated by Christine Davenier

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Rachel is Jewish but she really wants to celebrate Christmas like her classmates so she secretly writes a letter to Santa. Santa doesn't visit, however. When Rachel's family has their Christmas dinner at a Chinese restaurant, she finds other families that also don't celebrate Christmas.

The Only One Club by Jane Naliboff, illustrated by Jeff Hopkins

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

Jennifer is the only Jewish member of her school class. When her classmates want to join her "only one" club, everyone discovers their individuality.

Oskar and the Eight Blessings by Tanya Simon and Richard Simon, illustrated by Mark Siegel

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

A boy arrives in New York after living through Kristallnacht. It is the 7th night of Hanukkah as well as Christmas Eve and he must walk 100 blocks to find his aunt. Along the way he sees the holiday sights of the city, encounters people who show him kindness, and passes landmarks which inspire him to reflect on his circumstances.

Don't miss our printable interfaith ornament!

The post Holiday Picture Books about Interfaith Families (Hanukkah and Christmas) appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Most families have something they do that they insist must be done every year or, "It just doesn't feel like Thanksgiving." Perhaps it is a game of Thanksgiving charades, or a few rounds of a favorite family game, or kid-made place cards. The activity doesn't have to be silly, but consider that laughter is a great way to bond as a family. And doesn't a little silliness make everything more fun?

Let me introduce you to our silly and oh-so-fun Thanksgiving weekend tradition that makes us laugh uncontrollably: GOURD BALL

The post A Unique (and Silly) Thanksgiving Weekend Tradition appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Peruse the following ideas and ask your kids which ones they would chose for this year's Halloween celebrations.

Family Time

Spending time with family is special! Embrace the opportunity to create some new memories!

Perform Halloween Poetry! I've created a list of Halloween poems that kids will love. Pick one or more, read them out loud in your spookiest voice. For longer poems, assign a stanza to each family member.

Read Halloween books. We have some excellent lists!

• Halloween novels for reading aloud, scary and not-scary choices
• Halloween picture books with a self-esteem theme
• Diverse Halloween picture books
• Halloween early chapter books

Watch Halloween Movies. Common Sense Media has an extensive list of movies organized by age.

Listen to a Halloween audiobook! Our list includes audiobooks suitable for families with kids of all ages, from preschoolers to teens.

Organize a family Halloween minute to win it competition!

Go for a Drive. Get in the car and drive around to check out all the neighborhood Halloween decorations. This is an especially good idea if your family doesn't decorate much!

Sweets and Candy

Make a Haunted Halloween Candy House! Turn gingerbread men into skeletons with a little icing, craft spiders out of licorice whips and tile the roof with candy corn! The Artful Parent shows you how.

Give Out Boo Bags. Boo bags are a simple way to spread cheer Halloween-style. But keep it simple! This post takes you through how to make a deliver boo bags. Be sure to include our Halloween brain teasers inside!

Make Halloween cookies, cupcakes or other treats! Get out the mixing bowl and make some yummy treats. The internet is full of recipes like this Frankenstein Rice Krispie treats or this Halloween cookie pizza.

Get Outside!

You don't have to ring doorbells to have a fun Halloween night. Just refrain from TP'ing the neighbors' houses, okay?

Scavenger Hunt

Try a Halloween scavenger hunt. Make a check list of items for kids to find around the neighborhood. Ideas include: happy jack o'lantern, white pumpkin, giant spider, blue house, orange flowers, etc. Lots of bloggers have created scavenger hunts so you don't have to do any work. Here are some great ones:

• Halloween letter hunt from Red Ted Art. I love how this can be a group activity.
• Halloween scavenger hunt printables:
  • From Red Ted Art
  • Pumpkin face hunt printable from Kids Activities
  • From Edventures

Games

Play these games outside if possible and don't forget your costume!

• Play Halloween charades! Here are some printable Halloween charade cards to get you started.
• Halloween ring toss.
• Halloween tin can bowling.

Arts and Crafts

You've likely made your jack-o-lanterns by now, but why not try one of these easy Halloween paper crafts, too?

Along with these Halloween finger puppets, make a Haunted House with our free printable template!

Print out a costume coloring page!

Forget paper dolls! Make a jack o'lantern paper chain.

Have Fun

However you decide to celebrate Halloween with your kids, remember stay safe and try not to eat all the candy in one sitting. And, if you want to convince your kids not to eat the candy, try our suggestion for reducing the amount of Halloween candy you kids ingest.

The post Halloween Activities as Alternatives to Trick-or-Treating appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

Note: this post contains affiliate links.

Thaumatropes

Learn about the scientific concept persistence of vision and challenge children to put their engineering and design skills to work by making thaumatropes. Make and design your own, or use our Halloween thaumatrope template to watch bats fly, spiders spin and pumpkins grin.

Tessellations

Tessellations are a great math art project. Your kids can get into the Halloween spirit by making black cat tessellations for very simple Halloween STEAM project, but it would be easy for students in a math or art class use our open-ended, standard tessellation instructions to create their own creatures like ghosts and monsters.

Halloween STEAM Kids

We've got so much more Halloween STEAM activities and STEM projects in our Halloween STEAM Kids ebook. Some of the projects include:

• Fizzing Pumpkins
• Spider Web Science
• Magic Potions Density Tower
• Milk Jug Skeletons

The digital format makes it easy to have all the instructions at your fingertips without having to go back and search for them all over the internet! PLUS, you get 31 Days of Halloween STEAM Challenge Cards FREE!!

The post Fun Halloween STEM Activities appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

These Halloween chapter books are generally for kids ages 5-10 (depending on reading level, of course!) and for kids who love comic books you'll find several more choices on the list of Halloween graphic novels. For chapter books for kids ages 8-10, that also make excellent family read alouds, check out these fantastic Halloween novels. And for many hundreds more early chapter books for kids ages 5-10 see all of my lists in the archives here.

Note: this list contains Amazon and Bookshop affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may earn a commission for this blog. Bookshop also supports independent bookstores.

Halloween Chapter Books for Ages 6-10

I made an attempt here to arrange the books from the earliest reading level to the latest. Nate the Great starts us off with a Halloween book that is close to an easy reader and Invisible Inkling easily qualifies as a middle grade book that is great Halloween reading for 8-10 year olds.

Nate the Great and the Halloween Hunt by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, illustrated by Mac Simont

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

This series is perfect for kids on the upper level of easy reader books who are excited about moving on to books with real chapters. Nate the Great is a classic, reliable series. In this book he helps a friend find her lost cat.

Dragon's Halloween by Dav Pilkey

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Words cannot express how much I love the hysterical misadventures of Dragon. This whole series is a hoot, especially if you like dry, tongue in cheek humor. It's Halloween and Dragon is going in search of the biggest pumpkin so he can make a super scary jack o'lantern. But all that is left in the pumpkin patch are 6 tiny pumpkins! This is a very easy to read, very early Halloween chapter book that will have kids in stitches.

Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Porcine wonder Mercy Watson is a seriously crazy pig and of course Halloween with her will be both disastrous and hilarious. It will also include buttered toast.

Princess Posey and the Monster Stew by Stephanie Greene, illustrated by Stephanie Roth Sisson

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

There are a number of early chapter book series that have Halloween editions. This Princess Posey edition is quite enjoyable. I found it surprisingly charming and it thoughtfully addressed anxieties over the Halloween scare factor.

The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale by Jon Klassen

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

I adored the weirdness of this tale. On a dark night, Otilla meets a talking skull who becomes her friend. Otilla aims to protect Skull from headless skeleton chases, which pursues him each night. More oddball than spooky, Klassen's signature illustrations and wry humor are on full and glorious display.

Crimson Twill: Witch in the County by Kallie George, illustrated by Birgitta Sif

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

In the sequel to Crimson Twill: Witch in the City, the eponymous witch invites her friends from New Wart City to Cackle County. Things go a little haywire, however, when it starts to rain rotten applesauce and magic broom straw causes Wesley to float away. Not to worry–with humor, word play and a cauldron of stew, Crimson Twill will figure things out.

Jenny's Moonlight Adventure by Esther Averill

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

Jenny and her urban feline friends gather together on Halloween to hear a performance from nose-flutist Madame Butterfly. But, oh no! The nose flute has gone missing. I love the Jenny and the Cat Club series and your kids will enjoy these classic books that easily stand the test of time.

The Best Halloween Ever by Barbara Robinson

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

The chaos-creating band of kids from the classic, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, bring just as much mayhem to Halloween as they did to Christmas.

Invisible Inkling: Dangerous Pumpkins by Emily Jenkins

Find it: Your Library | Amazon

I absolutely adore this series set in Brooklyn, and so do my two boys. This is the second book about fourth grader Hank Wolowitz whose invisible pet loves Halloween and decides to take charge of the holiday. Quirky, kooky and lots of crazy hijinks that will have your kids laughing out loud.

Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

I won't lie. I have never enjoyed horror genre books. However, that's not to say your kids won't love the very popular Goosebumps series. It goes without saying that this is the most Halloween-ish of Halloween chapter book series! Ghosts, monsters, witches, slime and spooky scares galore. There are several spin-off series, including Goosebumps House of Shivers.

If your child has a favorite early chapter book series, whether it be My Weird School or Katie Kazoo or Ready Freddy, check the shelves because there is sure to be a Halloween themed book in the series!

The post Halloween Early Chapter Books for Kids appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

I have a history of being cheap frugal but one year I finally broke down and spent money on an advent calendar for the kids and it was so much fun that I've never looked back. This year I even bought myself my very own advent calendar! Alternatively, you can invest in a reusable advent calendar so you don't have to buy one every year.

Here's a tip: if you love one of these unique advent calendars for kids, don't wait! The most popular advent calendars sell out quickly!

(Note: this post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through affiliate links may earn commission. Bookshop also supports independent booksellers.)

Build-It Advent Calendars

These advent calendars are so fun to build, but they sell out fast. Each day kids work to put together a village scene. The projects are excellent for encouraging kids to use their engineering skills, asd gives kids a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Plus, the completed project is very cute! There are three different calendars to choose from: Winter Wonderland, Santa's Railroad and Christmas Village.

Find all three: Kiwico Advent Calendars

Books-Themed Calendars

Children's book lovers rejoice! There are some great book-themed advent calendars.

Harry Potter Pop-Up Advent Calendar

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

This amazing Harry Potter Pop-Up Advent Calendar is new this year and my kids were so excited when Insight sent us one to try out! A large, sturdy book opens and up pops a huge Christmas tree. 24 doors open to reveal ornaments to hang on the tree each day. The final door reveals a large star for the top. There is also an unnumbered door that conceals a booklet filled with interesting facts about Harry Potter and the Harry Potter films.

The Yule Tomte and the Little Rabbits: A Christmas Story for Advent, by Ulf Stark and Eva Ericksson

Find it: Bookshop | Amazon

What could be better than a calendar that is actually a book! This book is separated into 24 short chapters, with marvelous illustrations. One story is read on each day of advent. Grump the tomte is waiting for Yule (Christmas) when all of a sudden a wind blows his mittens and hat away and into the hands of a couple of rabbits. The rabbits are delighted with their strange gifts, but the tomte worries he won't be able to bring Christmas to the forest without his necessary garments. A wonderfully delightful story.

Surprise Variety Calendars

Each of these marvelous surprise calendars features beloved characters and themes from popular movies. The calendars open like a book to reveal 24 envelopes. Inside each envelope is a small gift. The gifts are items such as ornaments, key chains, buttons, door hangers, booklets and more.

These advent calendars will turn the countdown to Christmas quite magical for a fan of any of the themes.

Star Wars: The Galactic Advent Calendar

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

The recipe cards for Star Wars themed treats are quite the delightful addition. Plus, I love the lightsaber pencils. That should get any kid writing with the Force.

Harry Potter Holiday Magic: Creatures of the Wizarding World

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

When your Harry Potter fan is hard at work studying for their O.W.L.S., they will love opening an envelope each day to find one of the magical creature-themed holiday surprises.

The Official Batman™ Advent Calendar

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

The kids in my house are bit comic book fans. If yours are too, they will love these advent calendar surprises inspired by Gotham City and its superheroes and villains.

Marvel: The Official Advent Calendar

Find it: Amazon | Bookshop

DC or Marvel? How does one choose which super-universe is superior. That is way above my pay grade. Only your child can tell you.

The Best Toy Advent Calendars

LEGO Advent Calendars

Find it: Amazon

We absolutely adore the LEGO advent calendars, and I started buying one for each kid every year. My youngest always wants Star Wars, and my oldest got the CITY set. Each door opens to reveal a minifigure or a mini-build. Some of the figures are exclusive to the set. The boxes fold out to create a scenic mat for pretend play. The best part of this set is that it keeps your kid busy for more than 30 seconds. This year there is also a new LEGO Marvel advent calendar (which my husband may be getting this year).

LEGO also has a new Harry Potter advent calendar. I may have bought one for myself. (Okay, I did.)

---

Jigsaw Puzzle Calendar

Find it: Amazon

Families who love jigsaw puzzles can find a variety of jigsaw puzzle advent calendars suitable for all ages. I like the old-fashioned illustration on this one. Each day a numbered box contains part of the puzzle so that by the time Christmas arrives, the entire puzzle will be finished! Just remember, Santa doesn't come until the puzzle is done, so no slacking!

Playmobile Calendars

Find it: Amazon

Playmobil has LOADS of advent calendar themes. I like this Christmas baking themed play set. Some of the other choices include:

• Horse Farm
• Bathtime Fun
• Back to the Future (yes, the movie!!)
• And more! See them all here.

Daily Advent Crafting Fun!

You can probably tell that I am super into advent calendar ideas that provide an activity! I bet you are always looking for easy ways to keep your kids busy and an art themed calendar is a great choice.

The Crazy Scientist Advent Calendar

Find it: Amazon

A science advent calendar is such a great idea. Inside 24 paper gift boxes is a different science experiment. It also includes a substantially sized book with detailed instructions on how to conduct each experiment.

Also available: Purple Cow Cool Science Tricks Advent Calendar

Purple Cow Arts & Crafts Countdown

Find it: Amazon

This groovy artsy calendar is from the same company that created the science advent boxes above. Each day a different and festive project, is hidden inside a paper gift box. Also includes a how-to book. A great way to keep kids busy while the cookies are in the oven.

Also available: Purple Cow Amazing Magic Tricks Advent Calendar

Family Games Advent Calendar

Find it: Amazon

I do understand this isn't "arts and crafts" but it is screen-free family fun! What could be better that using an advent calendar to encourage family bonding. I love the choice of games. Some will be familiar like Yahtzee and Farkle, but most will be new to you like Frog Race and Candle in a Bottle. Some are going to be your kids' new favorite, like balloon volleyball.

Reusable Advent Calendars

No need to buy a new calendar each year. These cute choices will last for a lifetime.

Magnetic Wooden Christmas Tree

Find it: Amazon

Leave it to Melissa and Doug to come up with a charming reusable wooden advent calendar. This tree is so adorable I can hardly stand it. There is currently a Santa ornament version and an angel ornament version.

Felt Nativity Advent Calendar

Find it: Amazon

For those of you who want a nativity scene, this adorable felt nativity advent calendar will provide joy year after year. The felt figures sit in numbered pockets and stick to the scene with velcro.

See more nativity advent calendars here.

Enjoy the season!

The post 15 Fun & Unique Advent Calendars for Kids appeared first on What Do We Do All Day.

You are tired, and busy, and trying not to focus on how much sugar your child will be ingesting in two days' time. (But here are some ways to reduce that Halloween sugar consumption, if you want!)

It is extremely tempting to buy a cheap Halloween costume version of your child's favorite licensed cartoon character. After all, they are cheap, take zero effort and with a certain online retailer, you can get it in two days' time.

Deep down you know you want to encourage your child to make their own Halloween costume, but you are definitely worried that you will end up doing all "made" part of "homemade."

You don't have to make their costume! (Spoiler alert: your child will make it.)

Even though you'd rather spend your time reading aloud a Halloween novel or a stack of diverse Halloween picture books, I'm here to encourage you to help your child make their own Halloween costume.

It might not be effortless, but it will probably be cheap (or free!), and you can definitely have it done in two days' time.

How to Make a Halloween Costume the Easy Way

Congratulations! You've made it this far and so you obviously value your child's creativity and encouraging their growth mindset by giving them a good challenge!

Give the challenge to your child

First. The hard part. Your child must finally make a firm decision about what they want their costume to be. My kids chose "school bus" and "subway train." (Yes, I know.)

The second part is also for your kid. (See, no work for the parent, yet!) Have them sketch out a design, or describe to you what they want their costume to look like.

Third, your child will tell you how they plan on making their costume. Note that I said, "how THEY plan on making their costume."

Offer a little help from grown-ups

The fourth step is where you come in. You might need to drive them to the thrift store or art store, or help them locate items in the home.

However, you can also encourage your child to ask others for help! The local thrift store clerk can help your child locate good items for piecing together pirate, princess or storybook character costumes. The local art store clerk can help your child figure out how to transform a cardboard box into a robot or train.

Finally, watch your child's face light up as they don their new, diy Halloween costume and head out to trick-or-treat, or for one of these alternatives to trick-or-treating.

Homemade Halloween Costumes Examples

My kids came up with ideas for their transportation-themed Halloween costumes, and I assisted at their direction. Yes, younger kids will need more assistance than older kids, but the more work they do, the prouder they will be with their costumes.

My older son decided he was going to be a school bus for Halloween. He fashioned it from a cardboard box. I helped him cut the yellow poster board and put on the straps, but he decided on the design of green windows, heart and smiley face, cut it out and put it together himself, with a little help from double stick tape. He was so excited about wearing it for Halloween.

In addition, we made this subway train costume, which was even easier. The train costume could have been made in the same way as the school bus, but again, when you let your child decide how to make the costume, it will look how they want it to. And it doesn't get much better than that!

Making Costumes Boosts Kids' Confidence

Designing and making their own Halloween costume builds kids' self-esteem! Not only will they be able to bask in a sense of accomplishment, but the reaction from the treat-handing-out-public to homemade costumes gives kids a super-charged confidence boost!

(Self-esteem is also a common Halloween theme in picture books!)

In fact, the boys' loved their costumes so much they wore them multiple years in a row. And reusing a costume is the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to make a Halloween costume that I can think of!

Also note I'm not the only slacker mom who doesn't want to make elaborate Halloween costumes!

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