Kid Stuff

Homemade Play Dough Recipes For The Entire Year

February 17, 2021 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

With boys who love to build and construct, play dough has long been a favorite in our household. It didn’t take long for me to know that with how often the dough was being used, I needed to experiment with different recipes to find the best that would last the longest. After some exploring and testing, we found some great recipes. Our favorites, however, aren’t just the doughs that last the longest, but are ones that smell and feel the best too. Here’s our list of easy homemade play dough recipes that are perfect for every month of the year. June is a particular favorite of mine. Which one are you going to try first?

Halfpintpeeps.com is the best place to find fun ideas for kids of all ages! Find fun ways to stay creative indoors! These homemade play dough recipes are great no matter what time of year it is!

Easy Homemade Play Dough Recipes

1. January- Snow Dough

Make the most of those cold winter days spent stuck inside with glittery snow dough. This has sure saved us from boredom on a handful of occasions!

2. February- Valentine’s & Chocolates

Nothing says Valentine’s Day like pink and chocolate! Have fun playing with these scents of the season by making chocolate and strawberry shortcake playdoughs. These would make such perfect Valentine’s gift ideas instead of candy!

3. March- Rainbows & Pots of Gold

Celebrate the season of St. Patrick’s Day with gold treasure and rainbow sparkle playdoughs. No doubt those tricky leprechauns will want to join your kids in all the fun!

4. April- Spring Peeps Playdough

Whether you observe Easter or the season of spring in general, Peeps have become an American tradition around the month of April. I don’t really like to let my children eat these airy sugar bombs, but we compromise on using them in some super fun spring time playdoughs. To get more info on the recipe and directions, take a peep on Parenting Chaos. This is one of my favorite easy homemade play dough recipes!

5. May- Dirt Dough

The weather is drying out and summer is knocking on the door. It’s time to get outside and play! Just not in the dirt. But you CAN play inside with dirt play dough. This would also be great for school projects and models with biomes. Use coffee grounds to get the main color and texture with this recipe.

6. June- Coconut Quicksand

Welcome summer and the season of vacationing with coconut scented quicksand dough. All you’ll need is cornflour, sand, and coconut scented hair conditioner. Your kids will be ready to get out the sunblock and beach towels!

7. July- Patriotic Playdough

Skip on the heat of hot summer days by playing inside with these cool patriotic playdoughs. Each is scented for extra sensory fun. Get more information from Motherhood On A Dime.

8. August- Planetary Playdough

August is a time to spend your last days of summer under the stars. Have fun learning about the galaxy and then building your own with this perfect planetary playdough. Add lots of sparkles! Find the recipe and directions from Twodaloo.

9. September- Apple Cinnamon Playdough

To me, September is all about settling into a new school year. Fall is on it’s way, temperatures are cooling down, and evenings are best spent snuggled up with warm and pleasant pleasures. Apple cinnamon is the perfect flavor to represent all these things. Your kids will love the scent of this apple cinnamon playdough and will get hours of fun out of the soft and moldable recipe.

10. October- Spooky Sculpting Dough

Sometimes it’s all about the packaging! Take your favorite playdough recipe and put it into these adorable Halloween-inspired containers. I love this for a non-candy Halloween option to give to close friends and family.

11. November- Pumpkin Spice Playdough

Pumpkin spice and everything nice! What a perfect playdough recipe to make for the season of pumpkin pies. This is one of the softest playdough recipes we’ve made and we often choose to make it throughout the year. Get the directions and recipe from The Idea Room.

12. December- Gingerbread Playdough

Making gingerbread houses is a serious business in our house. We love everything about it from baking the dough to designing and constructing the house to decorating all the tiny details. It IS a rather expensive hobby though so sometimes we build our festive houses with gingerbread playdough instead. The best part is that unlike a real gingerbread house, you can deconstruct and build several houses each holiday season. We’ve also found that it makes for a fun neighbor and friend gift as well.

Which one of these easy homemade play dough recipes wil you try? Make sure you know how to clean play dough out of kids clothing!

How to Make a Pillow Bed for Your Kids

February 2, 2021 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

I totally get that throws and couch pillows are just that… pillows. They have stuffing in them, they’re on the couch, so why not use them for resting your head? It makes sense until you become the one who carefully takes the time to find or make the pillows and then watches as they become flattened, wilty, masses of fabric that no longer add charm to your home decor. My biggest struggle is when my boys sit on the pillows to play video games. I knew I had to learn how to make a pillow bed for them!

Halfpintpeeps.com is your guide to smooth parenting! Find loads of fun ideas for you and your kids. Get your kids ready for sleepovers and more with these easy to make pillow beds they're sure to love!

When I came across a DIY project for making a pillow bed, I knew I had found my pillow-saving solution. I made one for each of my boys using their choice of fabric. They get them out every time they play video games, when we have game night or movie night, or just when they’re hanging out between school, soccer, and every other thing they have going on. We love our pillow beds! I’ve also made a couple for my classroom for our reading nook (Teachers would LOVE to receive a pillow bed as a gift!) If you’re ready to make one too, here’s how to make a pillow bed for your kids (and you too!).

How To Make A Pillow Bed

Materials

Normally I’m fairly picky-choosy when it comes to fabrics for sewing projects, but I let my boys have total freedom (okay, ALMOST total) for this DIY. I always walk out of Joann’s pretty happy with their selection of fabrics. However, if you’ve not yet discovered the awesomeness of fabric.com, now is your chance! My boys had SO much fun picking out their favorite Star Wars and soccer prints. Here’s what you’ll need for the pillow bed:

– 2.25 yards flannel material in pattern 1 and 2.25 yards flannel material in pattern 2. OR, you can opt for 4.5 yards of ONE flannel material for pattern 1 AND 2.

– Sewing machine and thread

– Sharp scissors or rotary cutter

– Pins

– Measuring tape

– Pencil or water soluble marker

– 4 bed pillows

Directions

Step 1

Use scissors or a rotary cutting tool (use this Pickled Barrel article to help you work with one) to cut both pieces of flannel to measure 34.5″ X 75″.

Step 2

Match the two flannel pieces together with their right sides facing in. Pin around each side EXCEPT for one long side (3 of the 4 sides will be pinned).

Step 3

Sew the three pinned sides together, making sure to leave a 1/2″ seam.

Step 4

Trim the stitched corners off with scissors. Be sure not to get too close to the stitching!

Step 5

With the long side that has not yet been sewn, fold the material over twice and pin so you have about a 1/2″ seam. Sew the edge of the 1/2″ seam using your machine. Do NOT sew the two sides together! Turn right side out after the last edge has been stitched.

Step 6

Using a measuring tape and starting at either of the short ends, mark a line every 18.5″ until you reach the opposite short end. This will divide your fabric into 4 equal sections. Stitch along each marked line with the sewing machine to make the 4 pillow pockets.

Step 7

Stuff each of the 4 pockets with pillows and ENJOY!! Don’t have 4 spare pillows? Check out Amazon for some very affordable options.

Find more crafts at Half Pint Peeps:

10 Paper Plate Christmas Crafts for Kids

Cute Egg Carton Crafts for Kids

Find Fabrics, Supplies, and Ideas From:

Bed in a Bag Star Pattern for sale on Great Little Trading Co.

Fabric sold at Joann’s

Quality Fabric, Patterns, Craft/Sewing Supplies and more sold on Fabric.com

Pillows Sold On Amazon

The Absolute Best Pets For Kids

December 19, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

So your kids are begging for a pet? There are great reasons to get a pet, including helping your kids to learn more responsibility. But it can be hard to know what kind of pet is right for your kids. Today’s information on the absolute best pets for kids will help you make what can be a tricky decision a little easier.

The Best Pets For Kids

Dogs are the number one choice in pets for many families the world over. There’s plenty of reasons for that. Kids tend to bond with dogs like no other, and dogs are wonderful companions for kids and adults. Just know that there are important considerations to make first:

A dog {particularly a new puppy} requires a lot of care and training.
Research what breeds are best for families, because some are not well-suited for young kids.

So your kids are begging for a pet but you don't know what the best pets for kids are. You're in luck. We have a list of the best pets for kids. Guinea pigs are a great choice.

Some families adore having guinea pigs as pets. Do you know that guinea pigs are actually quite intelligent, and will respond to a child? They also handle well because they generally don’t bite. Guinea pigs are very social creatures! One of the considerations to be aware of is that guinea pigs need an abundant supply of vitamin C to be healthy.

So your kids are begging for a pet but you don't know what the best pets for kids are. You're in luck. We have a list of the best pets for kids. Birds are a great choice but they do require a bit of work.

One of the best pets for kids is a bird. Many kids enjoy birds, because they’re colorful to look at and fun to play with. Some types of birds learn melodies and will copy certain behaviors from your child. But be aware that some birds are noisy. It’s also necessary to clean the bird cage at least weekly–and it can get pretty dirty.

So your kids are begging for a pet but you don't know what the best pets for kids are. You're in luck. We have a list of the best pets for kids. Cats are always a good choice.

Cats are up there on the list of best pets for kids, probably right after the dogs! The main difference between having a dog for a pet, or having a cat, is the playful level. Dogs are definitely more playful than cats, but cats still like to cuddle sometimes {on their terms}. Cats are mainly independent, which is a bonus since they tend to take care of themselves. The downside of a cat is the chance of begin scratched, as well as changing the litter box.

Whichever pet you decide is best for your kids, don’t be afraid of the additional maintenance and care. Just add things like cleaning the litter box to your family chore chart!

5 Memorable Things To Do With Your Kids During Christmas Break

December 17, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

This Christmas break, be prepared for the possibility of bored kids with ideas of things to do with them. Christmas break is a great time to capitalize on family time and make memories with your kids to last a lifetime. Here are 5 memorable things to do with your kids during Christmas break.

Things To Do With Your Kids During Christmas Break

Not everything you do with the kids during Christmas break has to fun and games. In fact, some of the things you can do involve organizing after the influx of new toys. Here are some ideas!

If you're looking for things to do with your kids during Christmas break, you're in the right spot! Sledding is one of the funnest things you can do during their break from school.

If you live in a snowy climate, be sure to take time for winter sports during Christmas break. It’s the perfect time for skiing, snowboarding or sledding. If an ice skating rink is near your home, that’s a fun activity too.
One family takes the opportunity to build a giant snowman every New Years Eve day–provided the weather cooperates. After your snowman building activity, head back inside for hot cocoa and a favorite family movie.
After Christmas and before New Years is a great time to remember those who aren’t as fortunate. One of our favorite things to do with the kids during Christmas break is to head to a soup kitchen and help serve meals to the homeless. Another idea is to visit a local retirement home and entertain the residents.
A favorite family tradition is to open a new puzzle and spend the lazy, cold afternoons putting it together. It’s especially fun to find a puzzle with special meaning to your family, such as a picture of a favorite travel spot or activity.
Before Christmas, spend time collecting an assortment of new recipes the family wants to try. During Christmas break, take the kids shopping for the ingredients. Then spend time cooking and baking together and enjoying new foods!

Can you think of additional things to do with your kids during Christmas break?

Simple And Easy Holiday Decor For Kids Rooms

December 15, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

If your kids are like mine, they want to decorate their own rooms for the holidays every year. Once I discovered the secret of simple and easy holiday decor for kids rooms, I felt fine about letting them do it on their own. Here are some fun ideas to inspire you and your kids!

Simple Holiday Decor For Kids Rooms

Most kids love to decorate their bedrooms for the holidays. You will love these holiday decor for kids rooms, and so will the kiddos!

Even when your kids are small, it’s incredibly fun to bring a little of that sparkling holiday spirit into the nursery. A small string of lights brings magic into anyone’s room, and a giant Christmas stocking hung on the crib is just plain adorable. A few fun holiday figures on the dresser finishes the decor. Best of all, it all took just a few minutes to set up!

If you're looking for ideas for holiday decor for kids rooms, why not try out this adorable Christmas wall calendar. Your kids will love the countdown!

One of the really fun ideas in holiday decor for kids rooms is to use a giant advent calendar to decorate one wall. This particular example is made of square envelopes. Mount the envelopes in a Christmas tree shape. Not only is the room decorated in a festive way, but your kids get to have fun opening one envelope each day in December.

If you're looking for fun and easy holiday decor for kids rooms, why not put a small Christmas tree in their room. They will love it!

Most kids love the idea of their own mini Christmas tree to decorate however they want. An older child loves to choose the ornaments they like to use and where to set up the tree. Doing this doesn’t have to be expensive! Let your child choose ornaments at Dollar Tree. If any of them break it’s not a big loss. It’s also a great idea to let your kids make Christmas tree crafts for their own tree.

If you're looking for easy holiday decor for kids rooms, why not keep in simple by adding some garland around the room? They will love it!

Here’s an adorable example of how to incorporate holiday decor into kids rooms. A simple pine garland dresses the shelf and the teepee. And a small potted Christmas tree adds holiday flair but also fits the woodsy decor of the room. Such a cute room and simple holiday decor you can set up and take down in minutes.

How To Tell Your Kids About Santa Without Looking Like A Liar

December 12, 2020 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

As kids get older, it gets harder to keep the Santa secret. But how to tell your kids about Santa without looking like a liar? That’s a tough one, and a lot of parents are afraid of approaching the subject for fear of their kid’s reaction. Today we have some good advice for talking to your kids about Santa, so you can be prepared instead of scared.

How To Tell Your Kids About Santa

Look for the signs that your kids are ready to talk about it

Have you been getting questions from your kids about who Santa really is? Or have they just out-and-out asked you if you are Santa? These are telltale signs that it is time to talk to them about Santa. It’s definitely easier said than done, though! We all like to keep belief in Santa alive and strong, because it’s fun. But it’s also a good idea to let them in on it before they hear it at school, or get teased for still believing.

It’s helpful to know that the average age when a child starts to question whether or not Santa is real is somewhere in the years between 7 and 10, depending on the child. When your child does ask you if Santa is real, ask him what he thinks before you answer. Your child’s thoughts can help guide your discussion.

Santa is a big deal to kids, so it can be hard trying to figure out how to tell your kids about Santa. It will make the whole process so much easier.

Be ready for a range of possible emotions

When your child hears that Santa isn’t real, her reaction may vary from anger or sadness to excitement. She may feel anger that you lied, or she may feel sadness that Santa isn’t real. Some kids feel like being let in on the secret is a sign that they are growing up–you can help them feel some responsibility to help keep the secret from younger siblings!

Are you stressing over trying to tell your kid that Santa isn't real? Here are the best tips on how to tell your kids about Santa. They'll help so much!

Help your child transition from believing in Santa to becoming Santa

How to tell your kids about Santa is a question some parents love to take on, and actually look forward to it. Plan ahead for this important talk. Take your child somewhere special, just the two of you–such as out for lunch or a shopping trip. Explain that she is getting old enough to “help” with Santa, and this is a big responsibility! Little kids get to experience the magic of believing in Santa, but older kids and adults get to be Santa–and that’s the most fun of all!

Not only do your kids now get to help be Santa at home, but in the community. Challenge them to think about the spirit of Santa Claus and how they can help spread it around to those who really need it. Teach them to notice the people around them, and watch for opportunities to “be Santa” to people who need it.

Great news–if your older kids help with Santa, they can also help with your Elf on the Shelf!