Tag: family fun

108 Non-Candy Easter Basket Ideas 2026

Easter is just around the corner! Are you stepping into the role of the honorary Easter Bunny? For many families, preparing Easter baskets for kids is a cherished holiday tradition. Your fillers do not have to be limited to candy. There are a variety of other items that can make great additions to the baskets. If you’re seeking inspiration, explore these creative non-candy Easter basket ideas.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualified purchases.”

happy easter signage
Photo by Kindel Media on Pexels.com
  1. Toy cars like Matchbox or Hot Wheels
  2. Lego sets
  3. Barbie dolls and accessories
  4. Baby dolls with toy bottles and other accessories
  5. Tote bag and beach towel (Consider getting a themed-beach towel)
  6. Swim goggles
  7. Beach ball and other floaties
  8. Sunglasses and beach hat (If you are filling a basket for a teen, add sunscreen and other essentials for a day at the beach)
  9. Sandals, water shoes, or flip-flops
  10. Shovel and pail
  11. Sand castle molds
  12. Frisbee
  13. Scrunchies or other hair accessories
  14. Hairbrush and comb set
  15. Kite (Don’t forget the string)
  16. Jump rope
  17. Bubbles
  18. Baseball and glove
  19. Baseball cap
  20. Basketball
  21. Football
  22. Soccer ball
  23. Bouncy balls
  24. Sport-themed tee shirt or jersey
  25. Trading Cards
  26. Pokemon Cards
  27. Non-sports cards
  28. Movie Passes
  29. Movie-themed tee shirt
  30. Concert Tickets
  31. Museum/Art Gallery Passes
  32. Amusement Park Tickets
  33. Music Download Subscription
  34. Streaming or Gaming Subscription
  35. Plastic Eggs with Cash Inside (teens love this one)
  36. Bookmark
  37. Stickers
  38. Books
  39. Comic books
  40. Activity books
  41. Magazines
  42. Etch-A-Sketch
  43. Bug Catcher and butterfly net
  44. Mini garden kit
  45. Toy gardening tools
  46. Compass and binoculars
  47. Pocket guides and field journals (small memo pads work well)
  48. Magnify glass
  49. LED flashlights
  50. Travel kit
  51. Travel mug
  52. Travel games
  53. Construction paper, sketch pads, or other art paper
  54. Markers, crayons, and paints
  55. Creative scissors
  56. Rubber stamps and ink pads
  57. Color books and note pads
  58. Diamond art kits
  59. Model clay
  60. Craft kits
  61. Beads and other jewelry making supplies
  62. Writing paper
  63. Journal or diary
  64. Composition books
  65. Writing pens or calligraphy supplies
  66. Washi tape
  67. Sharpie markers
  68. Pencil case or other carrying case
  69. Backpack (which is also a great alternative to an Easter basket)
  70. Make up kit
  71. Manicure set
  72. Nail polish
  73. Lip gloss or chapstick
  74. Bandannas or other hair accessories
  75. Bubble bath
  76. Bath toys
  77. Bath bombs
  78. Wind up toys
  79. Model kits and supplies
  80. Dinosaurs
  81. Farm animals
  82. Army men
  83. Parachute people
  84. Action figures
  85. Kazoo or harmonica
  86. Jacks
  87. UNO or other card games
  88. Remote control car
  89. Yo-Yo
  90. Slinky
  91. Stuffed animals or Suishmallows
  92. Silly Putty or slime
  93. Earbuds or headphones
  94. SD cards
  95. Science kits
  96. Glow-in-the-dark stars
  97. LED light stripes
  98. Glow sticks, glow necklaces or glow bracelets
  99. Character band-aids
  100. Themed mug
  101. Watch
  102. Slap bracelets
  103. Fidget toys
  104. Fuzzy socks
  105. Reusable themed straws
  106. Bag charms
  107. Phone stand
  108. Photo light

Happy shopping! Happy Easter! Enjoy!

Drawing Prompts for April 2026

April is almost here! Are you ready for a new month? A new day or month is a perfect time to start a hobby. One of the easiest ways to let your creativity flow is drawing. If you need inspiration, check out the following drawing prompts for April.

kid on white table painting
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com
  1. April Self-Portrait
  2. Easter Scene
  3. Good Friday
  4. Celebrations
  5. Happy Easter!
  6. April Showers
  7. Pastel Colors
  8. Family and Friends
  9. Baby Animals
  10. Favorite Animal
  11. Landscape Scene
  12. Insects, Bees, Ladybugs…
  13. Food
  14. Patterns
  15. Door, Lock, and Key
  16. Secret Place
  17. Map
  18. Sky Scene
  19. UFO and Aliens
  20. Shapes
  21. Words
  22. Eyes
  23. Woodland Animal Scene
  24. Bigfoot or other creatures
  25. Love
  26. Out a Window
  27. Favorite Spot
  28. Shack, Playhouse, or Shed
  29. Peace
  30. Artist’s Choice

Happy April! Keep drawing and creating!

Easter Bucket List 2026

The Easter holiday is getting closer. Are you trying to think of activities to do with your family or friends? Create an Easter bucket list together. If you are searching for inspiration, check out the following Easter season bucket list ideas.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

blue egg on white table
Photo by Polina ⠀ on Pexels.com
  1. Do Easter family photos
  2. Attend church services
  3. Take Easter themed selfies.
  4. Decorate your living space.
  5. Honor Holy Week.
  6. Create an Easter wreath.
  7. Do Easter crafts.
  8. Book a photo session with the Easter bunny.
  9. Watch It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown
  10. Make Jello eggs.
  11. Decorate, dye, or paint Easter eggs.
  12. Send out homemade Easter cards.
  13. Host an Easter dinner.
  14. Create an Easter diorama with Peeps.
  15. Buy Easter Lilies, one to keep and one to give away.
  16. Create an Easter themed centerpiece.
  17. Go to the library to check out Easter themed books.
  18. Bake an Easter ham.
  19. Bake or buy an Easter bunny cake.
  20. Wear an Easter bonnet or hat.
  21. Dress up for Easter.
  22. Host an Easter brunch.
  23. Host an Easter egg hunt for kids.
  24. Host an Easter egg hunt for adults.
  25. Bake traditional Easter bread.
  26. Learn about Easter celebrations or traditions from different cultures.
  27. Start a new family tradition. (Yes, you can do a new tradition with your cat).
  28. Make Hot Cross Buns from scratch.
  29. Make Easter themed pancakes for breakfast.
  30. Buy a new Easter outfit (yes, thrift store finds count).
  31. Watch the sunrise on Easter or attend sunrise services at church.
  32. East Jellybeans.
  33. Eat a chocolate bunny.
  34. Wear bunny ears.
  35. Create Easter baskets for family and friends.
  36. Try a new recipe.
  37. Host an Easter themed scavenger hunt.
  38. Take group and candid photos on Easter Sunday.
  39. Make an Easter scrapbook.
  40. Relax and enjoy Easter.

Happy Easter!

40 St. Patrick’s Day Books for Kids

Are you excited about St. Patrick’s Day? Would you like to engage in a simple yet enjoyable activity with your children? Visit your nearby library or bookstore to discover St. Patrick’s Day-themed books. Dedicate an afternoon to reading together. If you need some suggestions, here are a few wonderful titles to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with kids.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income on qualifying purchases.”

A colorful children's book cover titled 'I Spy with My Little Eye: Leprechaun Luck & Find', featuring a large green shamrock and various illustrated characters, including leprechauns, a unicorn, and other whimsical elements.
  1. “I Spy With My Little Eye Leprechaun Luck & Find” (2022) – Cottage Door Press
  2. “How to Catch a Leprechaun” (2016) – Adam Wallace
  3. “Wilford and Blue, Paddy’s Day Pincher” (2022) – Rebecca McDonald & James McDonald
  4. “It’s Laugh O’Clock – Would You Rather? St Patrick’s Day Edition” (2022) – Riddleland
  5. “Liam the Leprechaun Loves to Fart” (2021) – Humor Heals Us
  6. “Happy Leprechaun” (2020) – Cottage Door Press
  7. “Valerie Fox and the Leprechaun’s Box” (2022) – K.A. Devlin
  8. “The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day” (2009) – Natasha Wing
  9. “Spot’s Lucky Day” (2022) – Eric Hill
  10. “Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Crayons” (2024) – Drew Daywalt
  11. “The Berenstain Bears’ St. Patrick’s Day” (2021) – Mike Berenstain
  12. “Thing One, Thing Two and the Leprechaun” (2022) – Dr. Suess
  13. “Leo the Farting Leprechaun and the Great Rainbow” (2022) – Emma Sill Publishing
  14. “Silly McGilly” – A Big Treasure Publication
  15. “The Itsy-Bitsy Leprechaun” (2018) – Jeffrey Burton
  16. “Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Curious George” (2014) – H.A. Rey
  17. “Timmy Green Hands and the Leprechaun’s Gold” (2026) – Johnathon Vine
  18. “Whiskers Finds His Luck” (2024) – Shana Gorian
  19. “I Spy St. Patrick’s Day: Find Leprechauns, Shamrocks & Magical Treasures” (2025) – Marlies Larch
  20. “Elmo’s Lucky Day” (2020) – Andrea Posner-Sanchez
  21. “The Mysterious March Wind” (2025) -Jessica Bryan
  22. “St. Patrick’s Day” (1994) – Gail Gibbons
  23. “Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato” (1997) – Tomie dePaola
  24. “Saint Patrick’s Day Unscrambled” (2026) – Pamela Pettyfeather
  25. “The Secret Life of Leprechauns” (2020) – Luna James
  26. “Rosco the Rascal at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade” (2017) – Shana Gorian
  27. “The St. Patrick’s Day Rescue (PAW Patrol)” (2026) – Random House
  28. “St. Patrick’s Day in the Morning” (1983) – Eve Bunting
  29. “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover!” (2012) – Lucille Colandro
  30. “Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland” (1992) – Tomie dePaola
  31. “That’s What Leprechauns Do” (2009) – Eve Bunting
  32. “Luck from The Very Hungry Caterpillar” (2026) -Eric Carle
  33. “Pout-Pout Fish: Lucky Leprechaun” (2019) – Deborah Diesen
  34. “The Friendly Leprechaun” (2026) – Eloisa Desmond
  35. “Pete the Cat: The Great Leprechaun Chase” (2019) – James Dean
  36. “Why Leprechauns Pee Green” (2025) – Jackie Case
  37. “Ten Lucky Leprechauns” (2013) – Kathryn Heling
  38. “Tim O’Toole and the Wee Folk” (1992) – Gerald McDermott\
  39. “Lucky Day” (2020) – Matt Donnelly
  40. “The Leprechaun Who Stayed for The Day: A St. Patrick’s Day Family Tradition” (2026) –  Cydney Gregware

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Enjoy reading!

Ideas for a Family-Oriented Valentine’s Day Scrapbook

Are you celebrating Valentine’s Day as a family? Creating a family-focused scrapbook is a wonderful way to capture memories of your celebrations. Your Valentine’s Day scrapbook can be one for the entire family. Or let older children create their own scrapbook for a personalized keepsake.

If you are searching for inspiration for mixed ages, check out the following ideas for family-oriented Valentine’s Day scrapbooks. Tailor the ideas for your family to  feel meaningful, not cheesy.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

heart shaped cutouts on pink background
Photo by Karolina Grabowska http://www.kaboompics.com on Pexels.com

Family Valentine Scrapbook Ideas

1.  Create a Title Page

  • Call your title page, “Our Family Is Made of Love” or “My Part in the Family Valentine’s Day Celebration”.
  • Print photos for your title page like one large family photo or create a collage from multiple photos.
  • Cut out hearts for each family member. Add a name and one word they’re known for on the heart. For example, add words like kind, silly, brave, or artistic.
  • Great opener page for your family scrapbook.

2. One Page Per Person

Layout idea for each family member. (Yes, you can include your cat).

  • 1–2 photos of that person
  • A “Why We Love You” journaling block
  • Add handwritten notes from kids. If each child is doing a scrapbook, make multiple notes to share.
  • Add embellishments like stickers, Washi tape, or tiny envelopes with a secret note inside.

3. “Love Looks Like…” Family Spread Page

Divide the page into boxes to emphasize love comes in many ways.

  • Love looks like a movie night.
  • Love looks like helping with homework.
  • Love looks like hugs before school.
  • Love looks like laughing at the same joke.
  • Add candid photos to the pages.

4. Interview Each Child for Your Questions Page

Ask your children to answer the following:

  • “Love is…”
  • “I feel loved when…”
  • “I show love by…”

Older children can write out the answers. Remember do not rewrite their words—their spelling makes the questions page magical.

5. Family Traditions Page

Title ideas:

  • “Our Valentine Traditions”
  • “How We Celebrate Love”
  • “Our Family’s Valentine’s Day Celebrations”

Include all your Valentine’s Day activities, like:

  • Pancake breakfast photos
  • Baking treats together
  • Exchanging small gifts or notes
  • Movie night or game night

6. Interactive Pocket Page

Create pockets or flip-ups for:

  • School valentines
  • Candy wrappers
  • Tiny drawings
  • Small heart cut-outs

7. Gratitude Heart Page

Fill the page with hearts that say:

  • “I’m thankful for…”
  • “My favorite family memory is…”
  • “I love our family because…”

Ask each person to fill out at least two hearts. Encourage them to do more hearts with various memories.

Your scrapbook does not need to be neat. The messier the better. All your family’s creativity flow through each page. Enjoy the process of creating.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Creative Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day as a Family

Are you planning for Valentine’s Day? Would you prefer to steer clear of bustling restaurants? You may also want to stick to your budget and avoid unnecessary expenses. Instead of dining out, consider celebrating a family-friendly Valentine’s Day at home. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are some imaginative ideas to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your family.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

colorful heart paper cutouts
Photo by Inga Seliverstova on Pexels.com
  1. Valentine’s Day Scavenger Hunt
    Create clues on small pieces of paper or note cards. Each clue leads to small treats, love notes, or heart-shaped items hidden around your home. The last clue could lead your family to a stuffed animal or favorite dinner.
  2. Family Game Night with a Valentine Twist
    Play classic games with a Valentine’s theme. Try “Cupid’s Bingo” or “Pin the Arrow on the Heart.” If you do not have a Valentine themed game, do not worry. Set up your favorite board or card game.
  3. DIY Craft Party
    Make Valentine’s cards, friendship bracelets, or other heart-shaped crafts together. Prepare salt dough or clay heart shapes before Valentine’s Day. Use these shapes to paint.
  4. Heart-Themed Dinner Night
    Cook a family meal with a heart theme—heart-shaped pizzas, pancakes, or sandwiches. Eat your meal by candle light for extra fun.
  5. Movie Marathon
    Watch family-friendly love-themed movies. Enjoy films like Beauty and the Beast and The Princess Bride. Consider watching Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown. You could also choose Lady and the Tramp.
  6. Kindness Projects
    Write cards for neighbors. Bake cookies for friends. Assemble care packages for a local shelter as a family.
  7. Storytime
    Go to your local library and check out Valentine’s Day themed books. Read books about love, kindness, and friendship. For instance, try Guess How Much I Love You or The Day It Rained Hearts.
  8. Family Photoshoot
    Dress in Valentine’s colors and take fun family pictures. Set up a backdrop and use props like heart balloons or love signs. Print photos and create scrapbooks together.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Enjoy!

Creative Christmas Art Box Ideas for Teens

Are you busy making your Christmas gift list for your family? Do you have a creative teen bursting with artistic passion? Whipping up a delightful Christmas art box is the perfect present for your young artist! If you are searching for ideas to fill your teen’s Christmas art box, consider the following festive tips!

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

  1. Basic Essentials: Start with basic supplies. Packing essentials into your Christmas art box is a great first step. Include various size sketchbooks and a set of quality pencils. Add both regular and colored drawing pencils. Put in charcoal pencils, chalk, erasers, and a good sharpener.
  2. Variety: Add different art mediums. Put in watercolor paints or acrylic paints. Include various size canvas and brushes suitable for different techniques. Consider adding some high quality markers or pens.
  3. Think Beyond Basics: Consider unique items like metallic or neon-colored pencils. Add brush pens for hand lettering. You can also add a small set of pastels for variety.
  4. Paper Variety: Include different types of paper suitable for various mediums. Include watercolor paper, mixed media paper, or even a small canvas pad.
  5. Organization: Consider adding a small art supply organizer or a portable box. Find one with compartments to keep everything neat and easy for your teen to access.
  6. Extras: Add some fun extras like a blending stump for shading and a kneaded eraser. Consider adding a small booklet on basic drawing techniques or art inspiration.
  7. Personal Touch: Add your teen’s favorite colors or themes, try to incorporate those into your selections.
  8. Quality Matters: Invest in good-quality supplies within your budget. High-quality can make a big difference in your teen’s artistic process.
  9. Art Gallery Passes: Do you have an art gallery in your hometown? Consider purchasing passes. Walking around an art gallery is a fantastic way to get inspiration.
  10. Presentation: Use a decorated box or tote that your teen can reuse for storing their art supplies.

Enjoy the process of buying art supplies! Remember there’s no right or wrong way to create a Christmas art box for your teen.

Merry Christmas!

Non-Traditional Christmas Gift Ideas for Teens

Are you searching for the perfect Christmas gift for your teens? Are you searching for ideas? Consider a non-traditional Christmas gift or experience. Do you need ideas? Check out the following list of non-traditional Christmas gift ideas for teens. The activities are creative, fun, and tailored to what Gen Z actually wants (and might not expect!).

  1. Concert Mystery Envelope: Is there a group or solo artist your teen wants to go see inc concert? Include tickets to a show or gift card to a ticket site.
  2. Local Adventure Day: Be a local tourist. Plan a scavenger hunt, museum trip, escape room, or unusual local experience.
  3. Subscriptions: Purchase an annual membership or subscription to your teen’s favorite site. For example, Prime Video, YouTube, music or gaming platforms are wonderful choices for teens.
  4. “Open When…” Letter Set: A bundle of letters to open during specific moments. For example one letter states “Open When Bored.”. The contents would include movie tickets or gift card.
  5. DIY Smash Journal or Aesthetic Kit: Add a journal and art supplies, Include Washi tape and stickers. Print various photos from the year’s events for your teen to create a personalized journal.
  6. Build-Your-Own Tech Kit: Add items like a DIY retro gaming console, robot, or mood lamp.
  7. Escape Room in an Envelope or Puzzle Gift: Does your teen like a challenge? Give your teen clues to solve a puzzle to reveal a hidden gift code or message.
  8. Themed Book Box: Choose your teen’s favorite genre. Purchase one or two books. Then fill the box with related goodies, snacks, flameless candles, and quotes.
  9. Sustainable Fashion Fix Kit: Does your teen have an interest in fashion or design? Add fabric paints, a portable sewing machine, patches, fabric glue, iron-ons, and thrift store cash. Include any other essentials like sketch pads and pencils for your teen to design a one of a kind outfit.
  10. Language and Culture Box: Examples of boxes include Japanese anime with themed snacks. Or another option is Korean K-pop with stationery, journal, and a music subscription.
  11. Room Glow-Up Kit: Does your teen’s room need a minor upgrade? Add cool LED lights, magnetic posters, mini projector, or a custom neon sign to their Christmas box. Consider a new blanket or themed pillows for extra flair.
  12. Polaroid Journal Starter Pack – Instant camera film, markers, frames, and themed prompts.

Have fun! Look for unexpected Christmas items for your teen.

Merry Christmas!

Family Traditions: Christmas Eve Pajama Party

Do you want to start a new family tradition this year? Hosting a Christmas Eve pajama party for your family is a cozy and magical way to celebrate together. If you are searching for fun and heartwarming tips to make your Christmas Eve pajama party extra special, check out the following.

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

1. Set the Mood

  • Dress Code: Everyone wears their favorite Christmas pajamas. Or open new pajamas as part of the Christmas boxes or early presents.
  • Decorate: Use soft lighting (fairy lights, candles), cozy blankets, and Christmas-themed pillows.
  • Scents: Simmer cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices for a festive aroma.
  • Turn on the Christmas Tree: Allow the lights from the Christmas tree add ambiance to the room.

2. Fun Activities

  • Christmas Movie Marathon: Vote on a few family favorites—like Home Alone, The Grinch, or Elf.
  • Read Aloud: Gather around to read The Night Before Christmas or another holiday story.
  • Game Time: Play board games, Christmas trivia, or pajama charades.

3. Snacks & Treats

  • Hot Cocoa Bar: Offer toppings like marshmallows, crushed candy canes, whipped cream, and cinnamon sticks.
  • Christmas Cookies: Bake and decorate together.
  • Snack Platter: Include popcorn, fruit, cheese, and holiday sweets.
  • Pizza: Make homemade pizza together. Shape the crust like a Christmas tree.

4. Create Keepsakes

  • DIY Ornaments: Craft simple ornaments together with supplies like clear balls, paint, glitter, and paper.
  • Photo Booth: Set up a festive backdrop for silly family photos in pajamas.

5. Wind Down Tradition

  • Gift Exchange: Do a small gift exchange.
  • Christmas Eve Box: If you have younger children, open a shared box. Include a book, snacks, and a new game or movie. For older children or teens, create individual boxes tailored to their individual tastes. But use a movie for family time before bed.
  • Bedtime Countdown: Let little ones track Santa on NORAD or set out cookies and milk.

Relax and enjoy the moment. A Christmas Eve pajama party does not have to be perfect or elegant, just spend time together.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Stocking Filler Ideas

How’s your Christmas shopping going? Did you finish already? Do you still need to buy items for Christmas stockings? If you are searching for fun Christmas stocking filler ideas, check out the following.

a christmas stocking hanging on a tree
Photo by Guzel Sadykova on Pexels.com

Please note: “As an Amazon affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”

For Kids

  • Mini puzzles, note pads, sketch pads, or activity books
  • Stickers or temporary tattoos
  • Crayons, markers, colored pencil sets, or water paints
  • Hot cocoa packets or fun-shaped marshmallows
  • Mini Lego packs or collectible figurines
  • Fun socks or mittens
  • Light-up bouncy balls
  • Slap bracelets or novelty jewelry
  • Slime, Play-Doh, or Silly Putty
  • Stuffed animals

For Teens

  • Lip balm or face masks
  • Mini perfume/cologne sprays
  • PopSockets or phone charms
  • Scratch-off notes or mini journals
  • Keychains
  • Gift cards
  • Candy, gum, or quirky snacks
  • Playing cards or puzzle cubes
  • Sunglasses
  • Books or comic books
  • Craft or jewelry making supplies

For Adults

  • Gourmet chocolate or coffee samples
  • Jerky
  • Travel-size hand lotion or sanitizer
  • Fancy tea bags or hot drink mixes
  • Socks
  • Mini tools or gadget accessories
  • Reusable straws or bottle openers
  • Pocket calendars or mini notebooks

For Pet Lovers

  • Catnip toys or squeaky balls
  • Pet-themed magnets or stickers
  • Treats in festive packaging
  • Pet bandannas or bow ties

Remember to tailor your Christmas stocking fillers to your child or adult’s age and interests. Have fun and enjoy every part of the Christmas season!

Merry Christmas!