Home Depot Kids Workshop

 Check out this cool battery organizer.  Who doesn't need one of these right after the holiday's?  The Home Depot workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children. Workshops are for kids 5 -12 years of age.
In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.

New Year's Eve Noisemaker

Materials:
Empty plastic water bottle
Beans, rice, or other items to place inside
1 sheet tissue paper
Scraps of tissue paper in various colors, cut into small squares
4 pieces of 24 inch ribbon, various colors
White craft glue
Water
Scissors

Instructions: Place a handful of beans or rice inside the clean, dry water bottle. Run some glue ( I like to use a hot glue gun for this) around the mouth of the bottle and replace the cap. Make a mixture of 1/2 white craft glue and 1/2 water that will be enough to cover the bottle a few times over. Tear tissue paper into large chunks, approximately 4”x2”. Paint a small section of the outside of the water bottle with the glue mixture. Place a torn piece of tissue paper onto the glue mixture and paint over it with the glue mixture. Repeat this process, covering the entire bottle with 2-3 coats of glue. Apply small colorful squares of tissue paper randomly over the white tissue paper to resemble confetti. Tie ribbon around the neck of the bottle.  Allow to dry for several hours.

You are ready to make some noise at midnight. 

Picture from Kaboose

Where is Santa?

Your kids can keep track of Santa's progress
http://www.noradsanta.org/en/index.html

http://santa.lanl.gov/

http://www.santaclaus.net/SantaTracker.asp

Merry Christmas

Kid Kapers will be taking a holiday break while we enjoy Christmas and New Year's with the family.  Wishing you all the best and a joyous Christmas.  We will be back with some great ideas and deals for you in the New Year.

Kelly and Ashley

Swagbucks Holiday Bucks

Swagbucks has introduced their holiday BUCKS. Earn all 5 special BUCKS between now and December 31st and earn a BONUS 50 BUCKS.  Go here to learn more about Swagbucks or here to sign up.

Lego Deal

My boys loved army men when they were little and this would have been such a hit.  At this price, I am tempted to buy it for old time sake. LEGO Toy Story Army Men on Patrol (7595) is only $5.99 (originally $14.99) today onAmazon. 

Clay Pot Christmas Trees

Amanda over on Impress Your Kids made these cute clay pot trees with her children as part of their advent activities.  Aren't they adorable? 
Materials:
Green acrylic paint, various colors of green
gold, yellow, red, blue, white acrylic paint for ornaments
clay pots
foam or wooden stars
glue
gold glitter
Instructions:
Paint the clay pot with green paint and let dry.  Stack pots and paint on dots for ornaments (personally I would use the kids fingerprints to make the dots).  Cover the star in glue and sprinkle on glitter. Shake off excess and glue star on the top of the pot.
Do various sizes for added interest.  The oldest child could make the biggest one and so on.

Snowman Marshmallow

     

In a attempt to do a somewhat mess-free kitchen activity with my toddler we made snowman marshmallows. Super easy and you can make them with whatever you have on hand, get creative. I love making things where I don't have to run to the store to buy the ingredients/materials to create them. They do not have to be perfect as you can see with our "snowman" in the picture (he took a tumble before I could snap a picture). The hardest part in making these is keeping your child from eating the snowman before it is created!

Ingredients:

• 1 bag large marshmallows
• A little cake icing
• 2 ounces melted chocolate
• Assorted small candies of your choice- I used Twizlers for the scarf, pretzels for the arms & Reese's Cup for his hat

Preparation:

1. “Glue” two marshmallows together by placing a small blob of icing on top of one of the marshmallows, and placing another marshmallow on top of the icing.
2. Repeat this procedure with a third marshmallow, so that you end up with three stacked marshmallows, stuck together with icing. This is your snowman body.
3. Give the snowman arms by sticking two pretzels in the sides of the middle marshmallow. Chow mein noodles would also work for this purpose.
4. Draw on face & buttons with melted chocolate. You could also use orange tic tacs for the nose & buttons.

5. Finish decorating the face and body with whatever candy or decorations you have. Try adding sprinkles, red hots, or M&Ms.  Hair can be created using shredded wheat cereal, or you can make a hat using wafer candies or Reese's Cup. Let your creativity run wild!

Ages: 1+ year

  ~Ashley

Snowman Ornament

Add a festive touch to your tree with this cute ornaments your kids can make in minutes. 
Materials:
Three white cotton balls (or pompoms)
Two wiggle eyes
Red, black and orange felt
Tacky glue or hot glue
Popsicle stick
Yarn or string

Instructions:
Glue cotton balls to popsicle stick.  Cut an 1/2" inch wide by eight inch strip of red felt for the scarf. Tie the "scarf" around the snowman's neck.  Glue on wiggle eyes. Cut a small triangle from the orange felt for the nose. Glue on snowman.

Cut a rectangle out of black felt three inches by four inches long. Glue the short ends together to make the hat. Trace around the top of the hat to make a circle to fit. Cut out and glue on one end of the hat. Trace around the bottom of the hat, making the circle slightly larger to make the brim. Cut out. Stuff the hat lightly with felt scraps to help it keep the shape. Glue the brim to the bottom of the hat. Glue the hat onto the snowman's head and anchor onto the popsicle stick.

Cut buttons out of scraps of black felt and glue on snowman. 
Make a loop from a piece of yarn attach to the back of the popsicle stick.  Let dry before hanging on the tree.

Alternative - Attach a magnet to the back and use to hang art on the refrigerator or attach a pinback so you can wear it.

LeapFrog Storewide Sale

LeapFrog is one of my favorite educational toy companies.  They offer quality products at a great price and right now you can save even more. Save extra 20% on top of prices already marked down 25-75%! Use promo code WINTER20. Offer valid 12.17 through 12.22.
Free shipping is still available and guaranteed 12/24 delivery if order is placed by 12/20.

Leapster Learner is just $39.99

Books start at $3.99 and up.

Pink Tag is $19.99.
Happy Shopping!

You can make family game night a tradition at your house with Wits & Wagers Family from Amazon for only $16.67.  Grab this deal now because prices at Amazon change often.

Make-It Take-It Button Ring

Purchase your  buttons and learn how to make your own vintage-inspired whimsical button rings at Michael's.  This wonderful make and take will be held Saturday, Dec.18th from 10 AM - noon. These rings will make great last minute gifts. While supplies last.

Scented Pine Cones

Scented pinecones can fill your home with wonderful holiday smells and make great gifts for kids to make for teachers, neighbors, grandparents, troop leaders, coaches, or aunts.  Below are two easy methods anyone can do.
Method One:
Gather a variety of pinecones. Rinse under running water and lay on a old cookies sheet and bake at 200 F until the pinecones open up (kids will like to see the change).  This will help kill the bugs and melt the sap. Lay dried pincones on newspaper. Using a foam brush coat pinecone with glue. Mix cinnamon, ginger, cloves and nutmeg together and sprinkle on pinecones. Allow to dry overnight.

Method Two:
Gather a variety of pinecones. Rinse under running water and lay on a old cookies sheet and bake at 200 F until the pinecones open up (kids will like to see the change).  This will help kill the bugs and melt the sap. Pour cinnamon, clove or Christmas blend essential oil into a spray bottle with a little water and spray cones until they are damp. Place scented pinecones in a plastic bag and seal for 24 hours.

Place in basket with greenery and berries or wrap in netting or mesh and tie with a pretty bow. 


Picture from Allfreecrafts

New Daily Deal Site: No More Rack

 

No More Rack is a new daily deal site like Groupon or Living Social but they sell items including kid's toys, board games, and clothing for up to 90% retail price. The Crayola item pictured above was only $4! If you sign up today you get a $10 gift card to spend on orders of $20 and shipping is only $2/item. A box to sign up and apply gift card should pop up as soon as you click on site. I would suggest signing up now because I don't know how long this offer will last. Most items are sold out today but they will have more tomorrow at noon. Sign up here.

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic - Train Series

Have you been going to the Lowe's for the Build and Grow clinics this month?  Well, Saturday, Dec. 18th is the final week of the three part series. This week, you will complete your train by building the engine. Even if you have missed either of the other two, your child is sure to love this kit! All clinics are at 10:00 AM.  Be sure to register.

Great Deals on LeapFrog Toys

$7.99 or less! Deals you don't want to miss. Offer valid 12.3 through 12.21.

LeapFrog Learn and Groove Drum

I bought is adorable drum just a few weeks ago for a one year old little boy and paid $20.00 for it at Target.  Right now you can grab the LeapFrog Learn and Groove Color Play Drum for just $9.99 on Amazon. 

Peppermint Marshmallows

This homemade treat is a sweet gift that is delicious in hot chocolate or straight from the bag.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
2 (1/4 ounce) envelopes unflavored gelatin
1 1/3 cups sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy
1/8 teaspoon salt
Optional: red food coloring
 
Directions:
Into a small bowl, sift together the confectioners sugar and the cornstarch; line a 13X9 inch baking pan with non stick foil and spray foil with non stick cooking spray; sift 2 tablespoons of the sugar/cornstarch mixture into the pan, tilting to coat the pan; set the rest of the mixture aside for later. Then, place 2/3 cup water in a large bowl; sprinkle with gelatin; let soften for five minutes. 

In a medium heavy bottomed saucepan, heat sugar, corn syrup, candy pieces and salt over medium heat until sugar and candy pieces are dissolved, stirring occasionally; slowly mix into bowl with gelatin.  Beat gelatin/sugar mixture on high speed with electric beater until light and fluffy, about 15 minutes (a freestanding mixer comes in handy). Spread into prepared pan and smooth top.

Optional:  Working quickly, drop dots of red food coloring across surface of marshmallow. Using a toothpick, swirl food coloring into marshmallow to create a marbleized effect.

Dust with 2 tablespoons of the reserved sugar/cornstarch mixture and let set at room temperature for  3 hours.

Lift marshmallow block from pan using foil; with a wet knife, cut into six squares.

Spread remaining sugar/cornstarch mixture onto a baking sheet; invert marshmallow blocks onto baking sheet and cut each square into 9 smaller squares.

Toss marshmallows in sugar/cornstarch mixture and set on a pan to set for an additional hour; store loosely covered at room temperature.

 Package them in clear cellophane bags, tie with a ribbon and give them along with a jar of hot chocolate mix and mug. 

Alternative: Cut with small cookie cutters dipped in water and then coat sides with the sugar/cornstarch mixture. 

Picture from Martha Stewart

Swagbucks

It only takes 450 swagbucks to get a $5.00 Amazon gift card. 


Want to earn money, gift cards or prizes for searching the web? Does it sound too good to be true? Well, I started using Swagbucks just a few short months ago and have made $175.00. You won't get rich but a few extra bucks never hurts and all you have to do is use Swagbucks as your search engine instead of Google, Yahoo etc...

How do you get started? It is so simple. Become a member on Swagbucks. Then download the toolbar ( you earn swagbucks for adding this) and use Swagbucks to do your searching . Throughout each and every day (2-4 times a day), you will earn Swagbucks which you put towards gift cards or merchandise. I feel the $5.00 Amazon gift card to be the best bargain. I use gift cards to purchase merchandise and gifts.
 I use Swagbucks mainly for searching but here are other ways to earn.

1. Sign up here or use the SwagBucks icon at the top.

You will receive Swagbucks for signing up.

2. Download the toolbar. Use Swagbucks to search each and every website you go to. I’ve found that I will earn swagbucks 2 -4 times each day by doing nothing more then my regular internet searches. Fridays are Mega Swag Bucks days and sometimes you earn larger amounts. In my experience this is not always true.

3. Codes. Almost everyday they post a code. It can be found in the blog, toolbar, swidget, facebook etc... Check the facebook page throughout the day and they usually let you know when a code is posted.

4. Special Offers. Click through (do not need to sign up) the special offers daily for 1 swagbuck. There are other offers that you can do to earn larger amounts. If you do these set up a separate email account because you will get a ton of SPAM mail.

5. Watch videos. This is an easy way to get additional bucks. These can be found in the special offers.

6. Daily poll. It takes only a second to answer the daily poll and you will get 1 Swagbuck.

7. Surveys and Profiles. Complete these when you qualify or just visit daily for 1 Swagbuck.

8. Referrals. When your friends sign up you receive a Swagbuck for everyone they win SEARCHING.! (Up to their first 1000 swagbucks earned).

9. Swagbucks TV. You can earn up to 5 swagbucks just for watching videos. Some are pretty hilarious.  This is so easy and is adding about 25 extra Swagbucks to my daily total.

Do you use Swagbucks? What do you think about it?

Playdoh Cake Making Station

Amazon has this Play-Doh Cake Making Station for just $7.49. Kids will have countless of hours of fun with this paydoh set.  It is a wonderful way to encourage creativity. Make your own scented playdoh to add an additional flair.

Holly Jolly Christmas Party at Borders

Saturday, Dec 11th, at 11:00 AM Borders will be hosting a  Holly Jolly Christmas party for 3 -8 year olds with games, sing-alongs, stories and much more.   To get all the details or to find a Borders near you check out their webpage.

Wrap up the Magic Gift Bag Make-It Take-It

 While your out shopping this weekend head to Michaels and discover festive ways to wrap up your presents.  Make a holiday gift bag for the perfect holiday gift at Michael's on Saturday, Dec. 11th from 10 -11 AM.  This is for adults only, while supplies last.

Melissa and Doug 20 Animal Magnets in a Box.

    Melissa and Doug offer a great selection of quality toys.  I used a variety of their items in my classroom and they handle up under the constant use they received.  On Amazon, you can get Melissa & Doug 20 Animal Magnets in a Boxfor only $7.98.  Magnets can provide children with hours of creative play and storytelling.

Nilla Dippers

This is a delicious recipe from Kraft that your kids can make for a special holiday treat for their class or give as a gift for their teacher.  As a former teacher, I always loved the gifts that the kids made themselves.

Ingredients:
24 NILLA Wafers

4 Tbsp. peanut butter
2 squares BAKER’S Semi-Sweet Chocolate

Instructions:
SPREAD half of the wafers with peanut butter. Top each with second wafer to make twelve cookie sandwiches.
MICROWAVE chocolate in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 30 sec. or until melted.
DIP each cookie sandwich halfway into melted chocolate. Place on waxed paper; refrigerate 10 min. or until chocolate is set. Enjoy!

Alternatives: Make using graham crackers.  Add holiday sprinkles.

Blockbuster Free Rental Codes

Christmas break is just around the corner and the kids will need to be entertained until Santa arrives.  Blockbuster Express has a free code out that will not  expire until 1/7/11! Go to a Blockbuster Express box and enter XU14A to get your free rental.

Thanks PPP

Snowman Footprint

 

When the weather starts getting cold I am always looking for indoor activities to do with my daughter that are simple and don't create too big of a mess. I saw this idea to use your child's foot to create a snowman.

Materials:

White paint

Colored paper

Felt, construction paper, or ribbon

Glue

Glitter

Directions:

1. Paint the bottom of your child's foot with the white paint and the press onto your colored paper.

2. Sprinkle glitter onto paint while wet. (I waited till after it dried & used glue which worked fine

too)

3. After the paint dries make a hat & scarf out of felt, construction paper or ribbon.

4. Make eyes, nose & buttons with a marker or pen. 

You could put this in a frame or make it into an ornament so that you have a keepsake you can decorate with every year.

Ages: All

Crayola Glow Station on the Go

 Amazon always has the best deals. Crayola Glow Station - On-the-Go is ONLY $8.99 ( reg. $20.98) right now on Amazon.  It also qualifies for Free Super Savers shipping.  Don't forget you can use your Amazon Gift Cards from Swagbucks.  If you haven't signed up do so it now.  It is an easy way to earn extra money.  Check out details about Swagbucks here.

30% off and Free Shipping from Gymboree

Gymboree is offering 30% off for a limited time as well as FREE shipping on any size order.  I love when you can shop online and get it shipped for free.  Think of all the money you save on gas.  Happy shopping.

Free Call from Santa

What would your kids do if Santa called them?  Well, you can find out. Send a Call From Santa, sponsored by Google Voice, will place a personalized phone call to your kiddos from Santa.   The phone call will come within minutes of entering the information so make sure your kids are nearby. 
Kids can also track Santa on Google maps. 
Note: There is an advertisement at the end so feel free to disconnect if you do not want to hear it.
Thanks PPP

Free Shipping at Disney Store - TODAY ONLY

The Disney Store has an awesome deal going on today- you can get FREE Shipping on your entire order with any toy purchase! You can add any items to your cart as long as you include ONE toy.  Use the code TOYMANIA at checkout to have your entire order ship FREE!  Don't forget to look at the clearance section. 

Thanks Totally Target

Hasbro Game Coupons

Grab these quick to score some good  deals on toys.   Hasbro just released additional printable coupons on their Family Game Night Site.  You can get the travel Hungry Hippo for free and  Pictureka card game for just 24 cents.  This will make great stocking stuffers, gifts to donate or save for birthday parties. 
Here are the coupons you can print:

$5/1 Elefun, Gator Golf, Hungry Hippos, Pop Goes Froggio


$5/1 Sorry! Spin, Twister Hoopla, Bop It Bounce or U-Build Game


$5/1 Cranium Scribblish, Funglish, Scrabble Flash, or Pictureka Game


$5/1 Trivial Pursuit Bet You Know It, Taboo, Game of Things, Electronic Catch Phrase

Thanks  One Momma Saving Money

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic

Part two of a three part train series is scheduled for Saturday, Dec 11th at Lowe's.  In this sessions kiddos will complete the passenger car.  In addition to the train each participant also receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project. Advance registeration for the 10 AM workshop is required.

Stay tuned for the final session.  I am guessing it must be the engine!!

 

Post It Holder

I think it is wonderful when children can give homemade gifts to family, friends, teachers, coaches, etc..  This is the perfect gift for almost anyone.  It would be great to place by the phone or on your desk.  It is quick, simple and inexpensive.

  

Materials:
Clear, acrylic 4 x 6 frame
Post It notepad, 2 x 2 - You can find decorative, theme notepads in the Dollar Spot at Target
Cardstock, paper, or photo cut to fit in frame

Instructions:
Create a piece of artwork.   Insert into the frame.  Stick notepad on to the leftside of the frame. It is that easy!!!  Include a pen and extra notepads to complete the gift.

Other ideas:
Little ones can fingerpaint a picture.
Use scrapbooking paper to make the insert.
Use sticker, ribbon or fabric to decorate insert.
Put a photo in the frame.
Make a different insert for each month of the year.

Thank you Blissfully Domestic for the idea.

Letters to Santa

My granddaughter is writing a letter to Santa and she will be so excited if Santa writes back.  I found a few sites that offer email responses or printable letters but does anyone know of any other sites where they actually mail a letter? It is so much fun to get REAL mail. 
Northpole.com offers an e-mail style Letter to Santa.

Get a personalized e-mail letter from Santa from Write Santa at Home.

Send Santa your Christmas list at Write to Santa Claus.

Free printable customized letter from Santa here or here.

The Knack at Michaels Free Family Event- Tree Ornament

Michael's  is offering these FREE family events this weekend.   This is a great way to squeeze in some family time during this hectic month and give the kids an opportunity to create a few crafts or gifts to give to family and friends.  You might be able to get a little shopping done, too. These events are for 3 and up while supplies last.  



 

Finger Scraf 12/4 from 10 -11 AM









 



 

 Ornament 12/4 from 11 AM - noon



 

Luggage tag 12/5 from 1- 2

  
Ornament 12/5 from 2 -3 PM