How to make DIY Plastic Egg Sensory Shakers

Want to know the thing I love most about Easter? No, it's not chocolate {although that is a bonus!}. What I love most are the plastic eggs. Weird I know, but they're just so versatile for play, and they're so cheap! Today I'm going to show you how you {and your kids} can turn plastic Easter eggs into sensory music shakers with just a few items from your pantry or craft drawer.

2021 Non Chocolate Easter Gift Ideas for Kids

Whether you have kids with allergies, want to avoid the sugar high that comes with chocolate, or just want gifts that will last longer than 5 minutes, there's something in this post for you. I've put together a heap of non chocolate Easter gift ideas for kids of all ages so the Easter bunny can bring something other than chocolate for the kids this year. There's gift ideas for creative kids who love art and craft, toys, games, books and gifts for tweens.

DIY Toilet Paper Roll Heart Stamp Painting

If you're after an inexpensive, easy to set up Valentine's craft activity for toddlers, preschoolers or school kids then look no further because heart stamp painting is about as easy as it comes. The best part is you can make the heart stamp yourself from empty toilet paper rolls or cardboard tubes you have at home. Heart stamping is also a great art activity for daycare, kindy or school and can be used to make Valentines gifts for family and friends.

Heart stamps can be used for painting on paper or canvases, making Valentine's cards, homemade wrapping paper or can be used to stamp in playdough {although they will probably disintegrate after a few uses}. They're also a great way for children to practice hand/eye co-ordination and hand strengthening as they push down the heart. Painting with them is also a fun process art activity as each piece of art will be different despite using the same stamp shape.

Kmart Playroom Storage Solutions & Hacks

If you want to set up a Pinterest or Instagram worthy playroom, but don't have a huge amount of cash to splash, don't worry Kmart has everything you need! Whether you want to add some style or just need things to be functional, Kmart Australia have playroom storage solutions for all different decorating tastes at really affordable prices. I've put together a list of our favourite Kmart playroom storage solutions and hacks for all the books, toys and general clutter that's taking over your toy room.

Where to Buy The Best Miniland Doll Clothes on Etsy

You've just bought an adorable Miniland doll {or 6 like me, eek} and now you want some gorgeous clothes to go with it. Most of them come either naked or with a cotton underwear set, but don't worry there are heaps of amazing handmade dolls clothes available to fit Miniland dolls. Whether you love vintage or modern styles there's a business that will make exactly what you're looking for. To save you spending ages searching for them, I've put together a list of the best Miniland dolls clothes on Etsy.

Image: Little Luna Nova

How to Prepare Preschoolers for Primary School: 7 Tips for Starting School

Starting school can be an extremely emotional time for children {and parents}. It's often the biggest change in routine kids have experienced in their lives and for many it will be the longest time they've spent away from their parents. Understandably children are likely to be anxious about the new environment, new rules and new people they'll meet at school. 

Many parents worry about academically preparing their kids for school and can often overlook other skills they'll need to know. While knowing the alphabet and numbers before school is helpful, there are many other important social, emotional and physical skills children will need to help make the transition as smooth as possible. Most children starting school {whether it's called prep, kindy, reception or foundation} are only 4-5 years old, so it can be a really scary time.

However, there are many ways we as parents can help to ease this anxiety for our kids and help them prepare for the transition to school. These are the 7 strategies we implemented to help our daughter when she started prep.

10 Easy Ways to Repurpose & Upcycle Kids Art

I know the thought of throwing out any of the kids masterpieces can be heart-wrenching, especially if you're a sentimental person like me who wants to keep everything, but at some point you'll have to face the reality of culling the hoards of pictures, paintings and letters that make their way into your home. 

However, just because you decide you don't want to store or display some of the kids artwork, doesn't mean it's destined for the recycling bin. In fact there are many creative ways you can upcycle kids art. I've put together a list of 10 easy ways to upcycle kids artwork and give them new life.

Kids drawings, paintings and even letters can easily be turned from scribbles on paper into practical objects. With a tiny bit of effort your scrap pile of art can be turned into free gifts for friends and family, homemade decorations and even functional items like placemats and envelopes. 

How to make Fireworks in a Glass

If your kids are scared of real fireworks try this fireworks in a glass activity at home instead. It's a fun science experiment exploring density and a great way to celebrate New Year's Eve at home with the kids. Plus you can do it with just a few items from your pantry!

If you have younger children then you will need to do the experiment for them, however older children will be able to do it themselves. My 7yr old did this experiment on her own and was fascinated watching the fireworks drop down and blend into the water. We did this experiment as part of our New Years celebrations for the kids because they never stay up late enough to watch the real fireworks {we also did fireworks salt painting and toilet paper roll fireworks}.

2020 Boxing Day Deals

Boxing Day is traditionally one of the busiest sale days of the entire year. After enjoying the festivities of Christmas Day hoards of shoppers eagerly line up outside shopping centres for hours before they open to score the best deals. I don't know about you but after working in retail for years, being in crowds at the shops on Boxing Day is not my idea of fun, but I do love a bargain. Which is why I've put together a list of the best online Boxing Day deals for 2020.

Easy Toilet Paper Roll Fireworks Painting for Kids

If your kids love fireworks, but don't love the loud bangs they make, try making some toilet paper roll fireworks paintings instead. This craft is a great way to get creative and a fun way for children all over the world to celebrate special days or festivals like New Year's Eve, 4th of July, Diwali, Hanabi Taikai, Chinese New Year or Bastille Day. We celebrated New Year's last year by making fireworks salt paintings, so opted for toilet paper roll fireworks this year. Both crafts are a great way for kids to practice their fine motor skills and are fun classroom activities too.