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19 Exciting Gifts for Active Kids

Gifts for Active Preschool Kids

Ring Toss Game

The Ring Toss Game is fun for the entire family. After all if your kids are anything like mine, they adore throwing things. So instead of dealing with paper planes flying across the house, set up this ring toss game in the yard.

Encourage the kids to toss rings, calculate points, and have a great time outside. These make perfect gifts for active kids!

Trampoline

Encourage your kids to jump with this 3 ft Trampoline designed for 3-6 year olds. Just set it up in the house and let your bouncing babies to jump to their heart’s content. No more babies bouncing on the sofa, jumping off the ottoman, or leaping across chairs.

They’ll now have a fun, safe, and sane way to jump on the trampoline for hours.

Standing Easel

This Standing Easel is great fun for preschoolers and elementary kids. Clip paper onto the easel for painting. Pull out the chalk and draw silly pictures on the chalkboard. Hand your kids dry erase markers to draw on the dry-erase board.

Your active kids will enjoy doing artwork when they’re standing at an easel.

River Stones

Have your children ever tossed pillows on the floor in a desperate attempt to keep out of the lava? Mine certainly have! These river stones make the perfect gift for kids trapped indoors. Kids can pretend to cross lava, dance across rocks over a river, or create an obstacle course in the house.

Save your pilllows and gift your children with these river stones. Everyone will enjoy hours of fun.

Super Sand Digger

Do you have a child fascinated with construction? I do! My sons have spent hours digging in the sandbox pretending they were construction workers digging a ditch.

This super sand digger makes pretending even more real when the kids actually dig like they’re using heavy equipment to dig a foundation for a skyscraper or pretend they’re Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel.

Hopper Ball Bouncing Toy

Did you ever play with one of bouncing ball toys for kids from 3-6 when you were small? I don’t know about you but I spent hours of fun bouncing around on these balls. They’re perfect for cold winter days when the weather keeps you indoors. They are relatively inexpensive so can get multiple gifts for active kids in your life.

Instead of having kids bouncing around underfoot, let them bounce around the house on the Bouncing Ball!

Tootle Turtle Target Game

If you have a child who loves to throw, let them throw self-stick beanbags at this cheerful turtle target. Hold competitions to see who can score the highest number. Encourage your kids to count by throwing at specific digits.

The Tootle Turtle Target game is wonderful for active kids and teaching math at the same time!

Pogo Jumper

Give your children the gift of a pogo jumper this year. The Foam Pogo Jumper is a fun jumping toy for kids of all ages. Since it holds up to 250 lbs, you can even give it a whirl.

Learn to balance while you jump with the Pogo Jumper for a fun exercise which your kids will love.

Active Gifts for Elementary Kids

Rocket Balloon Set

If your kids love watching regular balloons shoot around the room, they’ll love Rocket Balloons! Pump up these reusable balloons up to 40 inches in length. Then let them go and watch them fly. These are an exciting outdoor toy!

This package of 85 balloons and pump makes an awesome gift for kids 8 and up.

Twister

Have you ever played Twister? It’s an old classic game that’s perfect for active kids. If you haven’t played it yet, you’re missing an exciting game that tests your flexibility. One child spins to find out which hand or foot goes on which color. The players’ challenge is to remain upright while moving their appendages from one color to the next. The last person stand wins!

My kids adore pulling out Twister and playing a round on a rainy afternoon.

Dodge Ball Tag

My boys love playing dodge ball every chance they get. Here’s a fun gift which allows them to play dodge ball with sticky balls! Each player wears an air mesh vest and carries 3 soft and safe balls. The goal is to stick your balls to your opponent’s vest!

Dodge Ball Tag is a great gift for encouraging kids to get off the walls and heading outside to run.

Walkie Talkies

Did you ever run around the neighborhood with your friends playing spy? Walkie Talkies are the toy to have. You can chat with your friends, keep in touch with parents, and have a great time playing around the neighborhood.

A Walkie Talkie set is a classic fun toy to give to active kids.

Marble Run

Have you ever played Marble Run? The goal is to build an elaborate creation of tubes and ramps. Once it’s built, drop the marbles, and watch them roll.

It’s a game that affords hours of fun play as the kids set up the runs and watch the marbles go! Marble run is recommended for children ages 4 and up.

Construction Fort

Instead of having your active kids pulling out every blanket, book, and pillow in the house to build forts, give them a Construction Fort. The kids build an interlocking frame on which to throw the canvas.They can create a castle, tunnel, tent, or fort. This is a fun gift for historical reenactment as well.

Aimed at 5 and up, this gift will give your children hours of fun as they create and play in custom designed forts.

Dueling Stomp Rockets

Stomp rockets are simple rockets which fly from air pressure. The dueling stomp rocket allows kids to challenge each other. Who can send rockets soaring higher in the air?

This is a great gift for siblings, no bickering over who gets to stomp first!

Active Gifts for Older Kids

Croquet

My parents had a croquet set. It’s a fun game where you attempt to knock the balls between the hoops in the correct order. The first person to hit the stake at the end of the course wins the game.

This is the perfect game for lively children as well as adults. Everyone in the family, especially those over 6, will enjoy playing croquet in the backyard.

Stilts

Stilts are awesome for active kids. They develop balance and coordination while your kids are having fun seeing the world from a higher height.

Give your kids a set of stilts to walk around on this year.

Frisbee Disc

Frisbees are a wonderful gift to give to active kids of all ages. Kids can play catch with the Frisbee. As your kids age and become more skilled there are all sorts of Frisbee games they can play such as Frisbee tag or Frisbee bowling.

Give your kids a Frisbee Disc to throw around with your friends!

Laser Tag

Laser tag is a fun game for older kids to play at the park. There’s no need to worry about Nerf darts hitting an innocent spectator. Everything is done with lasers.

Your kids will love playing laser tag with their friends.

With these amazing gifts for active kids, your kids will have hours and hours of exciting play throughout the year.

What is your favorite gift for active kids?

Christmas Blessings Giveaway!

Let us help you check things off your Christmas list for FREE! I’ve partnered with a wonderful group of bloggers to bring you the Christmas Blessings Giveaway. We know the holiday season can be full of both joy and stress, and our hope is to ease that burden just a bit for a few families. Enter to win 4 $250 gift cards!

To enter, simply use the entry form below. We know it’s a long one, but each blogger personally contributed to make this giveaway happen, and your support means so much. Plus, the more entries you complete, the better your chances of winning one of the $250 prizes!

Wishing you a season full of peace, joy, and blessings!

Giveaway ends November 28th at 11:59pm ET.  Winners will be drawn and emailed the following day. The winners will have 48 hours to respond to email to claim the prize.  By entering this giveaway you will be added to the email lists of the participating bloggers. You must live in the United States or Canada to be eligible to win. 

For more Gift Ideas for Kids, Check out these Gift Guides!

Gifts for Art Lovers

Gifts for Young Sewers!

The post 19 Exciting Gifts for Active Kids and A Giveaway! first appeared on True Aim.

* = Affiliate Link: This does not affect the price of any item listed, it just means I will receive a percentage if you choose to purchase.

Don’t miss the giveaway below so you can purchase some of these amazing gifts for your kids!

Holiday Gift Guide for Kids

Gift giving to kids is all about balance, a gift must be fun but also add value to their life. Right now, I am going to share with you 5 holiday gift ideas that wont leave your wallet empty & will leave the child happy as can be.  

GIFT ONE: For the builder (*Amazon)

cossy Kids Magnet Toys Magnet Building Tiles, 120 Pcs 3D Magnetic Building Blocks Set, Educational Toys for Kids Children

With endless build opportunities, these magnet building tiles will make any master builders dream come true! (My son spends endless hours creating all different types of structures for his dinosaurs to roam in & destroy!)

GIFT TWO: For the sculptor (*Amazon)

Sago Brothers Modeling Clay Air Dry Ultra Light Molding Magic Clay 24 Colors, Best Kids Gifts Ever

So many kids love to create, smash, & create again. Modeling clay is the best way for a creative mind to flow; but the best part is once they feel their creation is just right, they can have it air dry and show it to the world. 

GIFT THREE: For the energetic (*Amazon)

Champion Sports Standard Scooter Board with Handles

The best gift you can give an energetic child, and their parents, is something they can use with siblings and friends. I remember LOVING these as a kid, didn’t you? This is a gift you know will not be a was of money on your end nor a bore on theirs! 

GIFT FIVE: For the scientist (*Kiwi Co)

KiwiCo

30% off with code Share30

The Innovation Factory.

KiwiCo is monthly hands-on science, art, & technology projects that inspire kids to learn and explore. Gift this monthly STEM box for your friends child, do one month or multiple, they will love the ability to try something new and see if their child truly loves it and would want to keep getting it. 

GIFT SIX: For the Techie (*Amazon)

Which ever you choose the kids will be over the moon & the parents ecstatic about it growing their child’s mind.  Purchased any of these gifts for your kids before? Share your experience with our holiday gift guide for kids in the comments below! 

Christmas Blessings Giveaway!

I’m teaming up with an amazing group of bloggers to bless several families this year!! With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we know a little extra something can go a long way.That’s why we’re giving away FOUR $200 gift cards to four winners—and you get to choose where you’d like to spend it.Whether you’re dreaming of a shopping spree, treating yourself to a fancy meal, or checking off your gift list, this is your chance to make it happen. 

Each winner will get a $200 gift card to wherever they choose – a restaurant, clothing store, grocery store, online retailer – any place that offers gift cards!

There are lots of entry options in the Rafflecopter form below – the more you enter, the better your chance of winning!  I know it can seem tedious and time consuming to go through all the entries, but isn’t a chance at $200 worth it? I think it is!  Plus, all of these amazing bloggers donated their own money towards the prizes, so this giveaway wouldn’t be possible without them.  I hope you’ll take the time to check out each one. Who knows, maybe you will find some new blogs to follow.

The giveaway will run from Monday, November 18th through Wednesday, November 27th (ends at 11:59pm EST). Winner will be notified by email shortly after the giveaway ends and will have 48 hours to respond to claim the prize or another winner will be drawn. By entering this giveaway, you agree to be added to the email lists of the participating bloggers.  Please be sure to read the Rafflecopter terms and conditions upon entering.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Holiday Gift Guide For Kids first appeared on True Aim.

This is a sponsored review. However all my opinions are my own. Please read my FTC for more information.

5 Essential Items for Your Baby Registry!

As a mother of multiple, I know it’s tempting to just buy everything that seems helpful, but only a few items are really ‘must haves’ for the new baby. I’ve narrowed it down for you!

Baby Registry Must-Have #1: Diaper Bag

When looking for a diaper bag two things run through my mind: How functional is it? How fashionable is it?

EliteBaby makes an amazing diaper bag that is not only cute but super functional for any mom. It’s also so adorable! Something that stood out to me is the quality of the zippers. It is so frustrating dealing with broken zippers on other cheap bags. The zipper itself is metal with a leather loop riveted to it; I love it! 

Every time I unzip the big pocket to grab a diaper, it feels sturdy like it is going to last a long time.

Another thing is that it is not a fish mouth diaper bag. This was a big deal for me because my first bag had that feature and it ended up being such a nuisance because anytime I needed something I had to unzip it all of the way to open it.

This may seem like a trivial complaint but when your teething son needs his rattler and you only have one free hand it becomes very inconvenient. All that to say, I love that EliteBaby chose not to implement the fish-mouth opening. I have also enjoyed the cellphone pocket. However, I don’t keep my cell phone in there but my wallet! It is super handy for shopping and easy access! Make sure to put this item on your baby registry!

Baby Registry Must-Have #2: Crochet  Rattler | Baby Teether

Aside from being adorable, this teether/rattler was a godsend! Babies can start teething right away and it can feel overwhelming when your baby is inconsolable because their teeth hurt.

This little crochet rattler/baby teether has been perfect for soothing sore gums on my babe by having different textures. My little guy is currently teething like crazy, I don’t know what he loves more, the wooden handle in his mouth or sucking on the organic cotton ears! 

Baby Registry Must-Have #3: Pacifier Holder | Soothie Pacifier Holder

Keeping a pacifier or a soothie clean is tough work and it is hard not to lose the little things. In my house the pacifier seems to vanish DAILY! They are always falling on the ground, and slipping out of my baby’s hands even when I have a rock solid clip.

These ‘must have’ pacifier holders have helped me and my husband keep track of the pacifier and keep it clean, not to mention safe from my little toddler who likes to collect all the trinkets she finds in the house.

Must Have #4: Magnetic Child Safety Cabinet Locks | Baby Proofing Cabinet Latches

Once you become a mom, all you can think about is how to keep your baby safe! Just put your mind at rest and get some baby proofing done! Seriously, these are a MUST-HAVE item for your baby registry! If you want to prevent your baby from “reorganizing” your cabinets, put these on your list! My favorite place to put the cabinet locks are under my sinks where I keep cleaning supplies, an obvious danger to your lil’ crawler.

The hook, size, and color have also been a life saver for me on the go. The bright color helps it to stand out among the toys and books I keep in the car so it is always to find. I keep one in my car and one in my diaper bag, I’ve also been able to keep at least two pacifiers in one holder which is awesome! 

Baby Registry Must Have #5: Adjustable Child Safety Locks | Child Proof Locks For Drawers

These go right along with what I said about #4 but these can be placed anywhere, not just cabinets. These safety locks can be applied to anything!

As soon as your child starts exploring you will be AMAZED at the things they can get into, for example, the TOILET! Yea.. I know.. Gross!!! That is why these locks are one of my ‘must have’ items. Let’s keep those little fingers out of places they might be eager to explore!

Even if it isn’t necessarily a place a baby wouldn’t explore, think of places where small fingers can get pinched like drawers and cat doors. Our son can’t help but put his fingers in the cat door to spy outside, and those tiny fingers have gotten stuck too many times. Keep those hands safe with these adjustable child safety locks. 

Make sure you visit Elite Baby for these must-have items for your baby registry! Trust me, they’ll make life easier for both you and your lovely new baby! Leave a comment below on your 5 Must Have Items to help all those new moms build their baby registries with more ideas!

The post 5 Must-Have Items for Your Baby Registry! first appeared on True Aim.

This post contains consultant links. For more information, please read my full disclosure.

Top 12 Books for Christmas

These are some of the most highly sought after books in the country right now, selling out in record numbers! I’m not kidding! Some of these listed might be out of stock as you read. Luckily there are several different titles of each type of book so you won’t totally miss out.

You can create your own 12 books of Christmas countdown and wrap up 12 of these unique books to create a new family tradition. Don’t have a big budget? Contact me about having a Facebook party for you and your friends to get FREE book rewards!

#1 – Pull Back & Wind Up Books

Pull back or wind up the toys in these books and let them go on the build in tracks through the story pages! These interactive books entertain even the wiggliest reader.

#2 – Muddle & Match Books

Young readers enjoy mixing and matching the characters in these books to make up their own silly stories. When read normally, the short stories use alliteration to describe the characters and help children practice letter sounds.

#3 – Shine-a-Light Books

This inexpensive unique book is for flashlight lovers everywhere! Shine a light behind the page to reveal an image. Each book talks about different environments and is the perfect book to introduce young readers to non-fiction. These make the perfect gift!

#4 – That’s Not My Books

Touchy feely books are perfect for babies and toddlers, but these are classic! There are over 30 titles to choose from and quickly become children’s favorites because of the collectable quality of the books. Each page features a little mouse that little ones love to seek and find, plus the thick black outlines of the picture help little eyes see the drawings.

#5 – Activity Packs

Each pack contains 4 themed paperback activity books for hours of fun! These are perfect for travel and make wonderful Christmas gifts.

#6 – Stocking Stuffers

The perfect size for stockings and are an awesome value! You could make your own countdown with just these books. The beginner reference books are non-fiction for ages 4-12 and the pocket activity books are great for almost any age 6+. Even some adults like the doodle books for quick color therapy sessions.

#7 – Phonics Readers

Silly stories children can read on there own? There are SO many to choose from and the simple rhyming text is a great way to develop essential language and early reading skills. Guidance notes for parents at the back of the book help you teach your child.

#8 – Beginner Chapter Books

Billie B Brown and Hey Jack are the best chapter books you can get for beginners! They have no more than 50 words per page and graphics on every second page. If your child is an avid young reader or wants to read chapter books but gets overwhelmed, this is the series for them!

#9 – Encyclopedias

There is no doubt that an encyclopedia is a classic book to have in your home! You’ll be surprised by how much your children like looking through these amazing books and you will catch yourself getting lost in the full color spreads too!

#10 – Wipe Clean Activities

These books and cards offer hours of fun with puzzles, doodle, and beginners writing activities! Each come with a dry erase marker and are perfect for travel, at a restaurant, or anytime you need a quiet time activity!

#11 – Lift the Flap Books

There’s a reason lift-the-flap books are loved by children. The fine motor skills engaged while reading these types of books helps children remember what they are reading. Let’s just admit it, there’s something fun about guessing what is under the flap!

#12 – Slot-together Sets

If you have a little builder in your home, they will love these slot-together activity sets that come with a book and pieces that fit together like a puzzle to create a sturdy little playset.

You’re invited! The Usborne Black Friday Weekend Sale is coming soon! Join us on Facebook for a look at the top 12 Books on Everyone’s Christmas List! Or shop online starting Friday Nov. 27th at 12am for up to 60% off and specials on Shipping!

Here are some more great book gift ideas for your kids!

Find even more great gift ideas for your kids below!

The post 12 Books of Christmas For Kids Gift List! first appeared on True Aim.

This post is sponsored by JM Cremp’s, the Boys Adventure Store! For more information, please read my full disclosure.

10 Adventure Gifts Your Boys will Love

You won’t find more unique gifts than these for your boys! They will have hours of fun while learning valuable skills at the same time. Get a FREE catalog from JM Cremp’s for even more gift ideas!

1. Wrist Walkie Talkie – Perfect for hiking and camping trips, these walkie talkies are voice activated for even the youngest adventurers.

2. 14 – in – 1 Educational Solar Robot – This science kit can be changed into 14 different robots, all solar powered and some of them even move in water! There are 2 levels for all types of young engineers.

3. Challenger II RC Tank Kit – Brick lovers won’t believe that this exists. It’s a remote controlled tank that is made of bricks (Lego Compatible) so you can build and drive to your hearts content!

4. The King Duct Tape Project Book – This book shows how to make a variety of weapons and armor all from duct tape!

5. Wolverine Bow Set – A beginner bow that is perfect for archers ages 5-9. It is lightweight and simple to use.

6. One Log Fire S’mores Set – This is a log that burns from the inside, perfect for smore’s. It is a small mess-free, non-toxic alternative to the regular campfire and great for some backyard fun!

7. Paracord Bracelet with Light – What young boy doesn’t like a flashlight? This is the adventurer’s best accessory that includes an LED white light flashlight and a bracelet that unravels into a rope just in case.

8. LittleBits Space Kit – Little scientists will love playing with this NASA inspired electronics kit. It includes 5 NASA lesson plans and 10 STEM/STEAM activities. You can even build your own Mars Rover!

9. The Swurfer – It’s a new backyard swing for your active kids! Children can calmly swing like normal or they can try air-surfing!

10. Stopmotion Explosion Animation Kit – Your young film maker will jump for joy with this amazing kit that teaches kids how to make their own stop motion movies. It includes everything they need like a camera, software and guide!

The post Top 10 Adventure Gifts for Boys! first appeared on True Aim.

Welcome to Mom’s Library

This post is filled with parenting tips, activities for young children, crafts, devotionals, recipes, and more!

Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the next Library!

Click here to see all Mom’s Library Posts

This Week’s Featured Posts…

Sugar Scrub

An awesome smelling recipe that comes with a free printable!

Mother’s Day Tea Craft

This is so cute and there are lots of other poems to help kids make their own cards if their mother’s don’t like tea.

Cherry Blossom Craft

I think this is a beautiful way to say Happy Mother’s Day!

Flower Q-Tip Painting for Toddlers

This makes painting practically mess free!

Free Mother’s Day Snack Tag Printable

Take the kids to the store and have them pick out a special snack to share with Mom!

Hand and Footprint Flower Art

So Cute! Make it a tradition and watch them grow!

Preschool Crafts for Mother’s Day

Lots of crafty ideas for preschoolers to make!

10 Non-Flower Mother’s Day Crafts

These are really fun and unique!

Would you like to participate?

Please follow me and support your fellow bloggers by visiting some links! Grab a button if you were featured!

The post 20+ Mother’s Day Gifts Kids Can Make first appeared on True Aim.

These candle holders are easy to make, and they are sure to bring a smile to the face of whomever your children present them to. I know my son can’t wait to give his to Grandma when she comes to visit for the holidays this year!

Christmas Candle Holder Craft for Kids

Here is what you’ll need:

• Small glass jar (A round jar would be easiest. You could even use empty baby food jars if you have them.)
• Tacky glue
• Paint brush
• Table salt
• Paper or styrofoam plates or bowls
• Glitter
• Decorative Christmas stickers

First, take the glass jar and use the tacky glue to draw a circle on the front. (This is where your stickers will go at the end.) The perfectionist in me insisted that I cut a circle out of paper, place it on the jar, and spread glue away from the edges to create an even circle. (Otherwise, it would have looked more like an amoeba than a symmetrical shape.)

Then, have your child paint the rest of the jar, except for the bottom and the top rim, with the tacky glue. The bigger the paint brush, the easier it will be to get the glue on before it dries. After applying the glue, your jar will look something like this:

Then, pour out some table salt into a disposable bowl or a plate and have your child roll the glass in the salt. You will have to pick up handfuls of salt and sprinkle it anywhere on the glass that does not get covered.

Don’t worry about excess salt at this point. Just make sure the glue is completely covered. Set the jar aside until the glue dries. (I let mine sit overnight on plates so that salt did not end up everywhere.)

Once the glue is dry, use your finger to rub off the excess salt until the jar is fairly evenly covered. Then, squeeze out some tacky glue into one bowl or plate and glitter into another. Have your child dip the jar in the glue upside down (supervising, of course, so that glue does not drip across the room) and wait for it to stop dripping. Then, dip the jar into the glitter.

Sprinkle glitter on any spots on the rim that don’t get covered. Now, have your child add the stickers to the circle on the front of the jar. You will want to use stickers that have either a clear background or no background behind the image. Stickers with a white or colored background will not look as crisp or let as much candlelight through. And you’re done!

I love having my kids make gifts for other people rather than buying something for the kids to just hand to someone. It really helps them get involved in the giving part of Christmas! It is so wonderful to see the joy they experience through blessing others.

Do you have any suggestions or ideas to add for this little project? Please leave a comment below! Merry Christmas!

The post Christmas Craft for Kids: Frosted Candle Holder first appeared on True Aim.

I wanted to come up with something personal and inexpensive for the kids to wrap their gifts in for their grandmas and grandpas this year. The kids had so much fun making this Christmas handprint wrapping paper using recycled brown paper bags and paint, and now they can’t wait to give away their gifts!

The kids created handprint snowmen and two different Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, as well as the wreath blob that my sweet daughter so diligently painted and decorated.

As a warning to Moms and Dads, you are going to have to stifle that feeling of control that wells up within you as you watch your children try to paint their Christmas creations. It is never going to look perfect or how you anticipated, so just let it go now and save yourselves the frustration.

Take notice of the border that was added by my son as an afterthought around the outside of our bag using all of the leftover paint! That being said, here is what we did.

Christmas Handprint Wrapping Paper

Here is what you’ll need:

• Brown paper bags
• Scissors
• Paper or Styrofoam plates
• Plastic spoons (optional)
• Washable paint or Finger paint – green, red, brown, and white
• Permanent Markers – black and orange

First, take your paper bags and cut them so that they lay open and flat. I cut mine down one long side from the top to the bottom corner, and then around the bottom of the bag. (I found that the bottom was unusable as wrapping paper because it had too many pieces to it.) Don’t worry if your paper bags have writing on them because you can just use the inside as the canvas. It will look something like this:

Then, I squeezed some washable paint onto a Styrofoam plate and spread it around with a plastic spoon so that it was fairly thin and spread out enough for the kids to get paint on their entire palm and fingers. I only squeezed out whichever color we’d be using right away because the paint tended to dry quickly when spread thin like that. (Spreading it thin is definitely the trick to non-goopy finger paintings that dry quickly!)

Now the fun part! We used white handprints to create snowmen, brown handprints to make Rudolph, and green handprints to form a wreath. For the snowmen, I used black and orange permanent markers to add eyes, a carrot nose, a mouth, and three buttons to each one.

For the standing Rudolph, I used black permanent marker to add antlers (I didn’t have brown markers), eyes, a mouth, a tail, and hooves. Then, a child’s pinky was the perfect size for a red fingerprint nose. Apparently, this Rudolph was female and pregnant.

For the other Rudolph, we made eyes using two white fingerprints and some black permanent marker, and then we made a nose with one red thumbprint.

For the wreath that was supposed to have an open center, my daughter just kept making a circle with her fingers always pointed toward the outside. Then, it was decorated with red and white fingerprints.

Finally, my son added some mixed color handprints at the end, so we ran with it and made a border around their creations using whatever paint they wanted that was left over.

There you have it! The kids certainly had fun and even took some photos that we can give to the grandparents as well.

To make this wrapping paper extra special, be sure to wrap it in such a way that it can be saved. Add the date it was made, and write your children’s names on there. Or, if they are old enough, have them write their names somewhere on it themselves. They could even write notes to their loved ones who are going to receive the gift they wrap instead of buying a card or gift tag.

I hope you enjoy making some good old-fashioned brown paper bag Christmas wrapping paper with your kids. I know they will!

Leave a comment below with any more creative ideas you have for this project and include any photos if you’d like of your children with their precious wrapping paper creations!

The post Homemade Handprint Christmas Wrapping Paper first appeared on True Aim.

Toys can be an important part of child development both physically and mentally and can truly inspire their imaginations. (My thoughts turn to all of the things that my son has built with his Lego set as I’m writing this!) But, kids crave quality time with their parents and loved ones and can benefit so much more from educational experiences and practical gifts!

This post contains affiliate links that help support this site.

So, when the grandparents ask for Christmas ideas for the grandchildren this year, use this list to come up with some wonderful options that won’t clutter your home or get lost in the back of a closet or under a bed.

Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Kids

As an added bonus, all of these ideas cost under $50, and most of them are significantly cheaper than that. So, they won’t break the bank, and they are either priceless experiences that will be treasured for years to come or items that will be used again and again!

Gift Cards / Tickets

• Bookstore or e-book store (i.e. Blue Manor, or Amazon)
• Museums
• Miniature golf
• Zoo
• Bowling
• Local ice cream shop
• Sporting event
• Train ride
• Theater play
• Horseback riding
• Concert
• Rock climbing
• Aquarium

Memberships / Subscriptions

• Zoo passes
• YMCA
• Children’s Museum
• Adventures in Odyssey
• Magazines (i.e. Answers in Genesis, Highlights)
• Educational or game websites (i.e. ABC Mouse)
• Sponsor a child

Lessons

(These can be more expensive, but you could always buy one month as a trial before making a longer commitment.)

• Instrument
• Voice
• Dance
• Martial arts
• Knitting / Sewing
• Cooking
• Sports
• Horseback Riding
• Art / Pottery
• Rock climbing

Outdoor Gear

• Camping (i.e. sleeping bag, flashlight, survival kit, etc.)
• Hunting (i.e. bow and arrow, slingshot, clothing, etc.)
• Fishing (i.e. rod and reel, bait, hooks, etc.)
• Pocket knife
• Winter clothing and accessories

Educational Gifts

• Books or e-books (Keep the Blue Manor e-books in mind!)
• Watch
• Craft or Science kits (i.e. Kiwi Crate)
• Basic tool set (Every little man needs one to help around the house!)
• Sewing accessories
• Art supplies
• Piggy bank
• Recipes and Cooking tools
• Magnifying glass or Binoculars
• Plants or Seeds
• Microscope
• Gardening tools
• Educational apps for phone, tablet, or computer
• Chalkboard or whiteboard

Christian/Inspirational Gifts

• Journal
• Bible
• Wall decor
• Bible cover
• Music (Useful for both Christian and academic education)
• Videos (i.e. Nest, What’s in the Bible?, Creation Adventure, Answers in Genesis)

My Dad made this sign in order for us to cherish a precious moment that my husband and son had while talking and praying at bedtime one night. My son’s face lights up every time he sees it and tells us what it says!

Practical Need Gifts

• Clothing (This could include dress-up items as well, though not as practical.)
• Bedding
• Favorite Snacks

Grandma combined practical and dress-up and got this guy a Spiderman sweatshirt. Here, he is SO excited because he is watching monster trucks with Daddy as a birthday present!

Fun Non-Toy Gifts

• Puzzles
• Family games

Homemade Coupon and Voucher Ideas

• Family camping trip
• Fishing trip with Mom / Dad
• Cooking time with Mom / Dad
• Family movie night with their choice of movie
• One chore performed by Mom / Dad
• Stay up 30 minutes past bedtime
• Trip to the library
• Special reading time with Mom / Dad
• Crafting or Project time with Mom / Dad
• Date night with Mom / Dad to restaurant of their choice

The coupons and gift cards for fun outings or experiences are my favorite options for both birthdays and Christmas! My children always end up appreciating our special times together or special time with grandparents so much more than toys, and they talk about them for years afterward.

I find that keeping the new toys to a limit each Christmas really helps with making sure that the holidays are truly all about the true Reason for the season and all that God has done for us.

Of course, remember to include something to unwrap with some of these ideas so that the kids have something to open that is more than just a piece of paper! For example, for the movie night coupon, you could wrap up some popcorn, or for a dance lesson, you could wrap whatever dance shoes may be required. You can be as creative as you want!

Do you have any great non-toy gift ideas to add to this list? Comment below! Please share any thoughts or experiences you and your family have had as a result of exchanging non-toy presents at Christmas as well.

The post The Ultimate Non-Toy Gift Idea List for Kids first appeared on True Aim.

I was THAT mom. The one who had to do everything for my baby’s first Christmas. I got a special ornament, bought a special outfit, got Christmas pictures, sent out photo Christmas cards, and wrapped my baby LOTS of presents.

After being a mom 4 times over, I know better. There is nothing wrong with doing all of those things, but I did miss out on something. While I lugged my baby around in her car seat past the bustling shops and through the busy streets, my baby’s hands were getting bigger. She was one step away from 7 yrs old and I didn’t notice until it was too late.

Now it is my son’s first Christmas, and I’m doing things a little different.

I’m spending as much time as I can, cuddling, rocking, and just enjoying his first Christmas. There’s still lots of pictures taken with my camera, but I’m more concerned with time and less concerned with all the presents, hustle and bustle.

Stress Less on Baby’s First Christmas

Instead of stressing about the little things like the perfect outfit, gift, ornaments, or traditions, I narrow my to do list and focus on spending quality time with baby.

One way I cut down on my work load is with Happy Family toddler snacks and baby food. While not having to worry about meals, I know my son is getting the nutrition he needs, like DHA and probiotics, with the best Organic ingredients. I’m also reducing 80% of the toxins he eats daily by providing him with organic choices. Visit the Happy Family website to learn about organic baby and toddler food.

Happy Family baby food comes in convenient food pouches that allow me to feed my son anywhere without a spoon. Also, my relatives are less intimidated and more willing to help with feeding time because of them, even my other children can help feed their brother now.

I always have some Happy Family baby food stocked in my diaper bag just in case we decide last-minute, to go to family or friends.

Having an easy, healthy, organic choice to help me spend more time with my baby during his first Christmas is priceless, but Enjoy a $1 off coupon for Happy Family baby food pouches now!

More ways I stress less during the holidays:

• Higher a sitter for 1 day before the holidays so I can clean & organize the house.
• Take laundry to the laundry mat and get it done all at one time.
• Shop online and shop early!
• Baby doesn’t need anything! I’m really just shopping for more to clean up.
• Freezer cooking is my friend.

Now, you have the chance to win FREE Happy Family products Join Happy Family on Facebook and enter to win during December’s #TistheSqueezin giveaways! 25 Days of Giveaways to make your baby’s first holiday easier and healthier.

TO ENTER:

Follow @Happysuperfoods and tweet us using the hashtag #TistheSqueezin to be entered to win one of two prizes available each day from December 1st – December 25th.

The post Help with Baby’s First Christmas first appeared on True Aim.