* = 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.

What make Christmas Science Experiments so fun? It’s the themed exploration of everyday occurrences! 

Here are 25 fun Christmas themed science experiments to brighten up the subject this holiday season! 

Check out the giveaway at the bottom to help your homeschool this Christmas!

25 Christmas Themed Science Experiments!

Magnetic Christmas Science and Sensory Bottles – Mom Inspired Life

Ice Ornaments – Kids Get Crafty 

Fizzing Candy Canes – Teaching Mama

Christmas Tree Homemade Slime – Little Bins For Little Hands

Make homemade slime with this Christmas inspired slime recipe!

Exploring Pine Trees – Inspiration Laboratories

Candy Canes Oobleck – Science Sparks 

Dissolving Candy Canes – Lemon Lime Adventures 

What melts candy canes? Find out in this fun experience that is great for elementary students.

Pine Needle in a Bottle – Teach Preschool

Growing A Crystal Tree – Playdough To Plato 

Dancing Jingle Bells Christmas Science – Modern Preschool 

Growing your own Christmas Tree Sponge – Gifts of Curiosity 

Egg Down the Chimney – The Scientific Mom 

Fizzy Candy Cane Eruptions – Preschool Powol Pockets 

Holiday Science Experiment Sink or Float – Discover Learn Connect 

Christmas Science with Magna-Tiles & Jingle Bells – And Next Comes L

Jingle Bell Bottles – Laly Mom 

Christmas Candy Chemistry Science Experiment – Left Craft Brain Brain

Winner Wednesday –  Polar Express Science 

Cool Peppermint Slime – Schooling a Monkey 

DIY Snowman Stress Balls – Parents

Candy Cane Experiment – Play Learn Grow 

Candy Cane Rice Sensory Bin – Coffee Cups and Crayons

Fizzy Elf Lab – Science Sparks

Hot Chocolate Science – Creative Family Fun 

Christmas Play Dough – Pocket of Preschool 

Jingle Bell Marble Run Visual Tracking Activity – The ToolBox 

Which of these Christmas science experiments will you try in your homeschool? 

Christmas Blessings Giveaway!

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us. And some of the best things about this time of year is that it’s a time of gratitude, togetherness, and celebration.

I have teamed up with some pretty generous bloggers for the 9th annual Christmas Blessings Giveaway to bless FIVE families this year. In the past we have had two winners for this giveaway, but this year we wanted to give to even more families – we are giving away $200 gift cards to 5 families!

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!

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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 14th through Wednesday, November 23rd (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.

The post 25+ Christmas Science Experiments (Plus a Giveaway) first appeared on True Aim.

Christmas Gifts Kids Can Make

Christmas is the season of giving. While getting gifts can be a fun part of Christmas, it’s also important to remember that giving can be more important than getting. These gifts are great for grandparents, neighbors, friends, or siblings.

Simple Gift for Neighbors Kids Can Make – True Aim Education

Help foster a spirit of giving with this simple gift for neighbors. This can also be modified to make a care package for the homeless!

Polymer Clay Beads – Babble Dabble Do

Have kids use these fun and colorful beads to create a masterpiece for their family or friends this Christmas!

Felt Embroidered Cup Cozies – Craft Whack

These felt cozies are perfect for hot drinks this holiday season. Have kids create their own and then gift them to their parents or grandparents this Christmas.

Glittery Snowball Playdough Recipe – Yellow Bliss Road

This recipe is a great gift for kids to give to their friends this Christmas. It’s an easy dough to create and is perfectly themed for the holidays!

Homemade Bath Bombs – Spaceships and Laser Beams

Your kids will need help with this gift, but making it together would be so fun and it’s the perfect thing to package up for others!

Easy Homemade Christmas Soap – Hello Wonderful

These soaps are easy to make, fun for the kids to be a part of, and holiday themed which makes them the perfect Christmas gift!

Personalized Dish Towels – Crazy Craft Lady

These towels are another way for kids to get a lot of their creativity out and are useful gifts to give away this Christmas.

Tin Can Lanterns – Kids Craft Room

This is an easy project for kids and such a precious keepsake. They can gift their parents some light during the gloomier months of winter with this sweet homemade Christmas gift.

Artwork Candles – Come Together Kids

This is a unique craft that’s perfect for the holiday season. Have the kids create their own Christmas scene and transfer it onto a candle to light during the holiday.

Craft Stick and Buttons Snowflake Christmas Ornament – Easy Peasy and Fun 

This is not only an easy project, but one that you can keep throughout the years. This ornament is so simple that kids can essentially craft it on their own!

Crayon Resist Fridge Magnets – Happy Hooligans

This mess free project will capture kid’s attention and is such a fun thing to showcase in your home.

Reverse Fingerprint Christmas Tree Card – Rhythms of Play

Create homemade cards to give out to the kids’ friends this Christmas season! Use their fingerprints for a personalized touch.

Homemade Picture Frame – iHeart Crafty Things

Another easy project that kids can customize so that this year’s gift really comes from the heart. This picture frame can be crafted from things you most likely already have around the house!

Sharpie Mug – Kids Activities

These mugs are easy to make and can easily be created to fit the Christmas theme. Make a snowman, tree, reindeer, or just spread red and green colors around it for someone!

Homemade Gift Bags – Parenting Chaos

Create these small gift bags with the kids that they can decorate and fill them with goodies for loved ones this holiday season!p

DIY Clay Bowls – Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

These small clay bowls are another great practical gift to give and fun gift to make!

Homemade Coasters – Playground Park Bench

These coasters are fun to create and make the perfect gift for parents or grandparents this Christmas season! This is another sweet project that makes a great keepsake.

Plastic Perler Bead Bowls – Meaningful Mama

This is a classic craft to tackle with the kids and something easy to giveaway during the holiday season. These bowls can be used as decor or to place small keys and other items in.

Christmas Candy Cans – Homan at Home

These cans are something that the kids can be creative with and then help fill with goodies to give away this holiday season.

Handprint Christmas Tree – I Can Teach My Child

This project is fun for kids to create and lets them get some of that Christmas excitement out. Parents will love to look back at their child’s homemade handprint gift!

What gifts have your kids been able to make?

The post The Very Best Christmas Gifts That Kids Can Make first appeared on True Aim.

Free Printable Christmas Bingo Game

There are 5 Bingo cards in this pack. Whether you’re trying to fight boredom, plan a family game night, or wanting something for a long car ride, play this Bingo game! Bingo is interactive and can be a way to keep the kiddos off of electronics for a bit.

In Bingo, the goal is to get five in a row vertical, horizontal, or diagonal.  Hand out a Bingo card to each child. Designate a “caller” or cut one of the cards up. The caller should pull out an image, and each player should cross off that image on their Bingo card. The first person to get five in a row wins!

The Bingo cards can be downloaded below.

Print Your Free Christmas Bingo Game Here!

The post Free Printable Christmas Bingo Game first appeared on True Aim.

Chipmunk Charity

This ornament was inspired by a story from the Big Book of Character. Here is a little summary and why these acorn ornaments are so special!

There once was a busy Squirrel who was hard at work collecting acorns for the winter. As he was searching he bumped into something. At first he thought it was just a rock, but then he heard the sobs of a chipmunk. All of chipmunks food she had stored was stolen by a racoon and she didn’t know what to do. Squirrel was too worried about himself to help, but he assured her someone would probably help her and scurried off to hide his bounty. As he stuffed acorns into a hole in a tree stump, he worried that the chipmunk might have followed him and spied his secret hiding place. He thought he should secure it with a large rock, but as he was moving it another animal was watching.

Racoon offered his assistance to Squirrel and proceeded to lift up the rock and eat all of the acorns! Poor squirrel watched in dismay and gave up all hope of surviving winter after that. He laid down and closed his eyes as the first snow started to fall. There was a light blanket covering him as who would happen to bump into him, but Chipmunk!

Will she leave him to fend for himself like he did to her? I think you can guess, but if you want to read the whole story, you can download it for just 1 dollar or buy the whole collection of 5 different stories in paperback. Each story features reflection questions and a Bible verse or two that goes with the story. Like Hebrews 13:16 for Chipmunk Charity, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

Kid Made Acorn Ornament

Before I came up with this one, I had the kids try to make an ornament with yarn, glue and balloons. Let’s just say, it didn’t go so well. So, I came up with this one on a whim. Pipe cleaners and wooden beads were the only things left in my craft drawer that went together and I love how the acorn ornaments turned out!

They are so easy and just gorgeous. Definitely a memorable ornament for your Christmas tree.

To prepare for the craft, you’ll need to cut the pipe cleaners. You’ll need one full length pipe cleaner for the acorn cap and one cut about 3/4ths length. The 3/4ths length pipe cleaner will be the one that the kids put beads on. You can also cut some short pieces to decorate the acorn cap if you’d like, but you don’t have to.

You may want to try and make a model ornament first so your children can see an example. Have your kids string the beads onto the 3/4ths length pipe cleaner, leaving room on both ends to attach to the cap.

Form the cap of the acorn ornament by putting both ends together and twisting about 2 inches down for the stem. Then put your thumb and pointer finger in between the folded part of the pipe cleaner and extend your fingers to make an elongated oval shape.

Attach the shorter, beaded pipe cleaner to the acorn cap by twisting the end onto the bottom. You can then add shorter pieces of pipe cleaners to decorate the acorn cap.

Hang the kid made acorn ornament on your tree and remind your children that no matter how little we have, we can always share it.

What to see more kid-made ornaments inspired by books?

Check these out:

Teach Beside Me – Christmas Music Tree

The Life of Jennifer Dawn – Patchwork Ornament

Kitchen Floor Crafts – Polar Bear Ornament

Arty Crafty Kids – Twig Christmas Tree

10 Days of a Kid-Made Christmas Series!

The post Teach About Charity with Kid Made Acorn Ornament first appeared on True Aim.

If we want our kids to be thankful for what they have, to be content, and to have a servant’s heart, it’s clear that we’re going to need to intentionally fight back against the cultural norms of the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.  So, how’s a family to navigate the holidays and help their children develop an attitude of gratitude rather than thinking the world revolves around them?

7 ways to help our kids develop an attitude of gratitude around the holidays:

1 – Visit a nursing home

It’s good for our kids to be around people who have less than they do – or who have needs they are able to fill.  The elderly people who live in nursing homes get very lonely.  Their families often live a distance away and can’t visit as often as they would like.  Most nursing home workers are happy to show you residents who would appreciate conversation or even just a smile.  And the residents will be thrilled to have kids in their midst – even if they are on the quiet side!

2 – Write thank-you notes

When children do receive gifts, have them write thank-you notes to show their appreciation.  This small gesture can go a long way toward helping them to realize how fortunate they are – and it’s appreciated by the giver as well.

3 – Recognize those who serve us

Have your kids make homemade gifts for the mailman, teachers, tutors, etc.  You can also take a batch of cookies to your local firehouse or police station!

4 – What are you grateful for?

At the end of each year, it’s a great discipline for each family member to make a list of things they’re grateful for that year.  Keep these lists in the same place so that you can review them from time to time.  Sometimes, it’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong in our lives.  This activity helps us to remember everything that’s going right.

5 – Look for ways to serve

Have your children set a goal to help someone out at least once a day without being asked.  This is a wonderful discipline for people of all ages.

6 – Have kids help out with chores

There’s a lot of work that goes into keeping a household running smoothly.  Kids will feel entitled when everything is done for them and they don’t have to pull their own weight.  Make sure your kids help out with the household chores.  This is a great way to give them more appreciation for the work it takes to keep the house clean.

7 – Model an attitude of gratitude

Children model their behavior after that of their parents.  Make sure they hear you saying “Please” and “Thank-you”.  Tell them things that you’re grateful for.  Let them see your servant heart.

This year, as you navigate the holidays, make an intentional effort to help your kids develop a grateful heart.  More than any other gift, helping them learn to be content and appreciative will be something that they will carry with them the rest of their lives.

Have you seen kids develop an entitlement mentality around the holidays? Have any other ideas for helping kids to be grateful and appreciative?  Please leave a comment below.

The post 7 Ways to Help Our Kids Develop an Attitude of Gratitude 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

Kid-Friendly Christmas Recipes

Adventures in Cookie Decorating – Lambert’s Lately

25 Healthy Christmas Snacks Your Kids Will Love – Fit Body, Full Life

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe – 3 Boys and a Dog

Oreo Ball Snowman – Live Over C’s

Cucumber and Smoked Salmon Appetizer – Do It All Working Mom

Would you like to participate?

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

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The post Kid-Friendly Christmas Recipes and Mom’s Library #169 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

Christmas Crafts

Gingerbread Crafts for Kids – Year Round Homeschooling

Everyone loves a good gingerbread craft!

Winter ABC Sorting Mats – Homeschool Preschool

For younger kiddos, practice the alphabet with these adorable winter-themed sorting mats!

Christmas Melting Ice Art – Mini Monets and Mommies

If you don’t mind getting a bit messy, try this Christmas melting ice Christmas tree.

Salt Dough Ornaments – The Practical Mom

Salt dough ornaments are a great and easy way to personalize your Christmas tree. Here are some great suggestions!

Sight Word Snow Globe – Life Over C’s

Gather some fake snow and sparkles, and practice sight words with this adorable (plastic!) snowglobe.

Gingerbread Man Counting Games – Pre-K Pages

Practice counting with this fun gingerbread game!

UP NEXT WEEK: Christmas Recipes with Kids!

Would you like to participate?

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

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The post Christmas Crafts and Mom’s Library #168 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

Christmas Printables

God Made Snow – Children are a Blessing

Christmas Manners Printable – Christian Montessori Network

Free Nativity Themed Thank-You Cards – 3 Dinosaurs

Do You Want to Build a Nativity? – Sight and Sound Reading

Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost – Tina’s Dynamic Homeschool

Christmas Tracing Worksheets – Living Life and Learning

Free Christmas Language Arts Pack – Embark on the Journey

Nativity Themed Handwriting Sheets – Multi Taskin Mom

Christmas I Spy – Life Over C’s

Free Christmas Math Pack – Embark on the Journey

UP NEXT WEEK: Christmas Crafts!

Would you like to participate?

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

* by linking up you give Mom’s Library Bloggers permission to use photos from your post with a link back.

The post Free Christmas Printables and Moms Library #167 first appeared on True Aim.

“We were just so tired” my sweet 83 year old Grandma Palmer wearily recalls. She loves this story and she loves what the Christmas Trap has become. As she rocks back in her cozy recliner she relives that memory. “Everything was in boxes and had to be put together. So many things to build. And then to wrap. And then clean up. We were just so tired when it was all done.”

It was Christmas Eve and my grandparents were finally finished creating Christmas. The boxes, the bows, the wrapping paper, and ribbon. All of the work was finally done. But their children were notoriously early risers on Christmas morning, and the thought of a 4 am wake up was exhausting. But Grandpa had a playful streak and hatched an idea that was worth losing a bit more sleep.

He gathered a few tarps, went outside to the children’s windows, and covered them so not even a sliver of Arizona sunshine would peek through those windows that Christmas morning. He then headed to the bedroom and set all the clocks a few hours back. This might just earn him a bit more sleep.

Sure enough, when the kids awoke to dark rooms, they assumed it wasn’t morning. It took a few hours before one of the older brothers realized that the single star in a very dark sky was actually a hole in the tarp. It is still debated who bested whom that Christmas. Uncle Denny thought he was so clever discovering that they’d been tricked. But Grandma and Grandpa relished the extra two hours in bed. The playful debate was ended by a promise from Grandpa, “Just you wait till next year. We’re gonna getcha ya good.”

And ‘getcha ya good’ they did for many years to come. Instead of a trick that next year, it turned into a trap. A trap designed to alert Grandma and Grandpa that their children were trying to get to their presents. And the trapping has been carried into their grandchildren and great grandchildren’s Christmases.

Over the years, the traps have evolved to include all manner of obstacles, towers, alarms, barricades, ropes, boxes, and every type of (friendly) booby trap under the sun. The tradition not just invites but demands teamwork and creativity, a winning combination for creating memories and building unity in a family. As extended family, we can reminisce on these memories not just for the days following Christmas, but for months and years. In the words of my cousin Natalie “The trap is one of my three favorite things about Christmas, like, more than presents.”

Here’s a glimpse of some of my Christmas’s growing up:

1. My 1st Trap: I was 4 years old. I woke up Christmas morning, opened my door, and a tower of brown paper bags stacked to the ceiling stood looming over me. It was confusing at first, what was this? After yelling for my dad, he took a bag off the top, peeked over and said “Knock it down Kara!” I came crashing through with a smile on my face.

2. Balloons and Bells: One year my parent’s taped painter’s plastic around the doorway of the room we were sleeping in and stuffed it full of balloons. But not just regular old balloons, these had jingle bells inside. If we opened the door and the balloons came cascading out, it would have sounded like Santa Clause himself had just arrived in our bedroom. We cracked the door barely wide enough to painstakingly remove balloons one at a time.

3. Trip Wires: One of the more difficult elements of many traps I went through was a web of black thread, which is almost invisible in the dark. The thread can be rigged to topple a tower of pots and pans, sound an alarm, turn on a light, or pop a balloon. To beat these kinds of traps requires agility and carefully guiding each sibling as they bob and weave through the web.

4. Deception: After a few Christmases, we expected a trap in and around every corner. My dad would often leave a misleading clues to deceive us. One year there was a single red light in a silk plant and we were sure it was some sort of alarm. Turns out it was just a light from the VCR which he had stuffed into the plant’s foliage. And my uncle once used alarm stickers on all the doors; his kids actually thought he had installed a home alarm system over night. And then there is one of my favorite stories about my cousin Nathan.

5. Clues: These types of traps are a bit of a departure from the typical booby traps my parents set up. Instead of trip wires and popping balloons, we had to use wit and skill to navigate the series of clues so we could find Christmas. And they weren’t easy. We had clues we had to retrieve from the bottom of the swimming pool, at an Uncles house on the other side of town, and even at a gas station where we had to sing a Christmas carol to the attendant to retrieve the clue. Here is an example of a clue based trap we used one year: Grinch Who Stole Christmas.

So, what do you think about the Christmas Trap? Will you try it with your children this year? Learn more about the Christmas Trap here!

The post Fun New Tradition – The Christmas Trap first appeared on True Aim.