y little one just turned three and we’re still trying to hold the line on the birthday party escalation. Since she has a some friends, now, we had a few girls over for ice cream cake and crafts.

My daughter loves crafting and the party pack of small Calafant Toys cardboard toys from Creative Toy Shop was the perfect party activity and take-home toy favor…

I’m not sure who loves the new Harumika Fashion Design mannequin more, me or my daughter. Anyone who has an interest in fashion would have fun with this toy. Harumika sets make a great present for a kid or a fun desktop creativity toy for an adult harboring a secret dream to become a fashion designer.

Kids love to express themselves through crafts projects, personalized products, and colorful accessories.

Shains brings all of this together in a fun, hip, eco-friendly and affordable way! Kids can easily spell out words and add icons to a variety of fun bracelets, necklaces or other accessories.

And, according to Shains, all products and packaging are made of recycled and recyclable content and everything Shains produces is certified lead free.

Summer is a great time for enrichment activities. Free from the daily grind of classes and homework, your child can explore his or her creative side.

Shop for art supplies on sale at local craft stores, or find wholesale arts and crafts supplies online at DollarDays. Many moms have a craft box (or craft closet) full of supplies to keep their kids occupied during school vacations and on rainy weekends.

While some parents splurge on summer art classes and camps, activity books can inspire at a much lower price tag. LittleMissMatched’s The Artist in Me! costs under $12 at Amazon.

I wasn’t bored much growing up. On rainy days and lazy Saturday afternoons, I’d be engaged in some craft project or interesting game. My mother, a teacher, has a gift for finding and organizing fun activities on a moment’s notice. Now that I’m a mom, I appreciate how easy she made it all look.

Some organized moms dedicate entire closets to craft supplies and keep file folders full of craft-ideas clipped from magazines and newspapers on-hand. But if that’s not your style, you can still entertain and educate your children with the fabulous art kits from Eye Can Art.

The ultimate in customization (and super fun play) is to make your own toys. You don’t have to be an expert artisan to build and decorate a quality Calafant Cardboard Toys from Creative Toy Shop.
Calafant Cardboard Toys are a custom toy, imaginative craft, and enjoyable family project all in one.
These toys are easy to assemble. The cardboard is pre-cut so no glue or scissors necessary.  Small and medium sized toys come with non-toxic markers; large toys are best decorated with paints, not included.
Unlike most kids’ toys, at least half the …

We are so thankful that you have joined us throughout this year for our chic picks, hip contests and fabulous deals!
Enjoy your family and have a bountiful and happy Thanksgiving tomorrow.  If you are looking for some fun fall crafts to occupy the kiddos, we recommend:

Construction Paper Hand Turkey with a Twist from a Video Tutorial via MOMformation (my daughter loved how the Turkey was her footprints and handprints)
A Stuffed Hand Turkey from Bella Dia (for the less crafty, just use an old mismatched glove and glue or stitch up …

My daughter enjoys drawing, carrying her things in bags, organizing her toys (must have gotten that from Daddy). Doodlebugz offers Crayon Keepers, DoodleBags, Crayon Aprons and Toolbelts, and Crayon Purses and Duffle Bags that allow her to do all three.
These licensed Crayola products, available at Princess Linens, allow your little artist to keep supplies handy so she’s ready to create!
My daughter is especially fond of the DoodleBags ($25.50), which include a drawing pad and crayons on one side and a chalk board and chalk on the other.  On the outside …

One of the biggest challenges in traveling with children is keeping them occupied between stops. Time will fly by for your little artist with The Car Valet by Alex ($28 at Little Jet Set) and he can keep an illustrated journal to have a fun, personal record of the trip, too.
This adorable, easy to clean carrying case and fold out desk attaches to the back of front seats and the surface is adjustable for the convenience of young riders.
Snacks and art supplies are stashed in the zippered pockets or mesh …