Disclosure: This is a post in a series of sponsored posts as a Brand Ambassador for the ARKANSAS BETTER BEGINNINGS program.  I believe in their mission and everything expressed will be my own honest opinion! #ARBB

How many times have you heard “I’m bored!” during a school vacation or even just a weekend?

Keeping kids entertained doesn’t have to be exhausting, and can be beneficial to everyone!

Here are some fun things for the kids that will help them cooperate to make holiday gifts and even learn while doing it!  (Don’t tell them!)

I let the kids choose a few homemade recipes for gifts that they wanted to make for teachers and friends.  (They had to cooperate with each other to make these, read and measure, and had fun! A great way to teach generosity as well.)

My children wanted to make Snow-Ball Bath Bombs and Play Dough.

These activities are a great way to get the kids using their science, math, and reading skills as well as cooperation and sensory fun!     

To make the bath bombs…
(This activity is safe as long as children are supervised.  I recommend it for preschool ages and up.)

 

*The citric acid is the hardest to find in this recipe.  I found  mine online, but you can get it at hobby stores or you can substitute a lemon, lime, or orange powder OR can use the canning preservative that says it’s main ingredient is Citric Acid.  

 

This play dough recipe is the best one I’ve ever found.  It takes time to make and I only let my children measure and put ingredients into the pan as it is very tedious and takes some strength.  It’s a great gift or just fun to have on hand and lasts a long time!  Wonderful for sensory play, learning letters by shaping, and much more!  Also, it’s non-toxic and safe for toddlers and up to play with.

*Put some dough in an airtight container with a couple of cookie cutters for a great holiday gift! 

 

Having children help make gifts is a great way to play together as a family!