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Made for Play
Explore child development through play, find inspiration for your next DIY project, and discover tips for selecting the perfect toys for your little ones.
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Sustainable Toys for Sustainable Living: Let's Play the Eco-Friendly Way!
We all want to make choices that are not only fun for our little ones but gentle on the planet. But how do you avoid a house full of cheap plastic toys destined for a landfill when these products practically dominate the toy aisles? To help you make more earth-friendly choices for your household, we’re diving into all things sustainable toys: what they are, why they’re good for your kids, and how to spot them when you’re shopping! Understanding Sustainable Toys So what exactly makes a toy sustainable? There are a few things to look for: First and foremost, will the toy last? High-quality, durable toys can last for many stages of your child’s life and be re-used by younger siblings, reducing the number of toys you buy. (More on this below!)Secondly, what is the toy made of? Sustainable toys are crafted from responsibly sourced materials, often utilizing renewable resources and recycled or recyclable materials. Educational and Developmental Aspects of Sustainable Toys It's never too early to start teaching our children about the importance of taking care of our planet. Sustainable toys provide a fantastic platform to introduce environmental concepts and nurture a love for nature. As they play, we can engage them in conversations about conservation and the importance of protecting our environment. Sustainable outdoor toys or toys that emphasize a love of nature like the Lil’ Green World Collection make these conversations even easier!Sustainable toys are often developmentally-friendly toys as well. Why? Toys that are meant to last and grow with your child are usually geared toward child-led play, the kind that supports kids’ creativity and cognitive development. This is a far cry from gimmicky toys that simply entertain rather than engage children in meaningful play. Longevity and Durability We've all seen those flimsy, break-apart toys that barely survive a single play session. Sustainable toys are meant to be just the opposite! Sustainable toys are made from top-notch materials, and designed to endure even the most rambunctious play sessions. Also, consider how long your child will remain interested in the toy. If it’s made from eco-friendly materials but will only be played with a few times before it gets thrown away, it’s still wasteful. Open-ended toys that can grow with kids are the way to go – they don’t need to be replaced as often and are less likely to end up in a landfill.And that means we save money in the long run and give the planet a high-five at the same time! Best Practices for Choosing Sustainable Toys: So how do you find said magical, eco-friendly, long-lasting toys? Keep these principles in mind as you shop and research brands, and you’ll end up with high-quality toys that are easy on the planet: Go for toys made from renewable or recycled materials: Look out for toys crafted from natural rubber, cotton, and responsibly sourced wood, like bamboo or FSC-certified wood. They’re extremely durable and help protect our planet’s beautiful forests. Win-win, right? Check for non-toxic and eco-friendly materials: Safety first! Opt for toys that use low-VOC, non-toxic paints and finishes, because, let’s be honest, our little explorers will definitely lick them at some point. You’ll be looking out for the health of the planet too as VOCs can be a major contributor of greenhouse gasses. Choose quality over quantity: Want to minimize clutter, spark your child’s imagination, and stay eco-friendly by consuming less? Open-ended toys made from high-quality materials are the answer… because buying less is always the most eco-friendly choice. Toys like building blocks, art supplies, and pretend play props are the superheroes of imaginative play. They offer endless possibilities for play because they’re powered by our kids’ imaginations – not by gimmicky effects– so your kids can turn just a few toys into endless fun. And when you choose open-ended toys made from durable materials, you won’t need constant toy replacements. That’s a win for eco-friendly entertainment! Support brands committed to sustainability: Support the brands that are doing their part for the planet. Look out for companies that are committed to quality and are transparent about their materials. Eco-Friendly Toy Disposal We can’t talk about sustainable toys without talking about what happens when our little ones outgrow them. Let's explore a few methods that give our kids’ beloved toys a second chance at life! Toy Swaps: Try organizing a toy swap event with other parents in your community! It's like a fun playdate with a sustainable twist. Everyone brings toys their children no longer play with and swaps them for something “new” and exciting. It's a win-win: your child gets a new toy to enjoy, and you reduce waste by giving toys a fresh home. Donating: When your child has outgrown a toy, consider donating it to a local charity, shelter, or thrift store. Many organizations gladly accept gently used toys and distribute them to families in need. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also brings joy to other children who may not have access to new toys. Recycling: When it's time to bid farewell to a toy, check if it can be recycled. Some plastics, cardboard, and other recyclable materials can be sorted and sent off to recycling centers. Remember to check your local recycling guidelines – it’s a simple step that makes a big difference! Passing Down: Toys that are truly special (and especially durable) can be saved and passed down as heirlooms to younger family members. (One caveat here: Saving special toys now for future generations is awesome, but be extremely careful about giving heirlooms and antique toys to your children. Many don’t meet modern safety standards and may have high levels of lead, cadmium, phthalates, flame retardants, and other hazardous substances). The Takeaways We can make choices that prioritize our planet while creating magical memories for our little ones. When we prioritize high-quality, long-lasting toys that can grow with our child, we’ll consume less and leave a smaller carbon footprint in the process. At KidKraft, we create toys that are durable enough to last through the toughest toddler treatment and open-ended enough to grow with them through the school years. From our safe, non-toxic paints and finishes to our sturdy wood constructions, KidKraft toys minimize the plastic, maximize the fun, and will stick around for years to come! Shop our collection of high-quality and long-lasting toys today!
How to Create a Themed Bedroom for Your Toddler
Looking to makeover your baby’s nursery into a toddler’s paradise? First step: have a little cry because your baby is that big now! Done? Perfect. Second step: choose an aesthetic or better yet… go all out with a themed bedroom! Toddler room themes are a fun way to add some personality to their space and center the decor around something they love! Here are some simple toddler bedroom ideas to help you pull the whole look together! Choose a theme First things first, what does your little one love? And what can you live with as a bedroom decor idea? Think about what your little one is into. Do they love princesses and fairy tales? Dinosaurs? Race cars? Fire trucks? Once you've got a theme, you can start building your design around it Use color…but don’t feel the need to go overboard Of course, you want the colors you choose fit with your theme, but if the thought of a room swimming in hot pink or bright green makes you shudder, don’t worry. You can still keep an appealing aesthetic while incorporating colors that match your theme. If you’re going for a princess room, pastel pinks, peaches, and whites provide a softer look than bright pinks. For dinosaur or nature-themed rooms, neutrals and olive greens set the tone without making you feel like you’re lost in a jungle. And for themes that naturally incorporate bright colors (like the bright red of fire trucks or race cars), use a more neutral base, and keep the loud colors as accents in art, accessories, or accent stripes on the wall. Your little one will still love it, and you won’t feel like you need sunglasses when you walk into their room. Make the bed center stage Bedding is a great way to tie everything together. Sheets, comforters, and pillows that match your theme can make your toddler ecstatic for their new room even if the rest of the room isn’t heavily themed. And if you can find it, your toddler is sure to think that a themed bed frame –like a princess bed, race car bed or fire truck bed– is the coolest. thing. ever. (Plus, this excitement is a great way to ease the transition to a big kid bed!) Add those special touches This is where you can really have fun and get your toddler involved in picking things out! For a princess bedroom, hang a chandelier or add a princess vanity. For jungle/dinosaur rooms, some potted plants can brighten the space while adding to the theme. For race cars and fire trucks, you might add some tread mark wall stickers and a traffic light lamp. When you need direction, Etsy always has great inspiration for themed decor that still fits your home’s overall aesthetic. Remember that on-theme toys make great toddler room decor! So keep that prized race car track, fire station, or princess dollhouse on display… it probably gets played with every day anyway, right? There you have it! These no-fuss steps will help you create a themed bedroom that’s chic enough for you and, most importantly, fun enough for your toddler!
How Activity Tables Support Child Development
Let’s gather round the table – the activity able that is– for a chat about how these fun furniture pieces can support your child’s development. What are activity tables? First off, let’s cover what we mean by “activity table.” While the term is sometimes applied to bouncer-style toys meant for babies, that’s not what we’re talking about here. Our definition is a little more straightforward…as in a kid-sized table meant for activities. Simple enough, right? Usually, those tables will be meant for one of three activities: building bricks (such as LEGOs or similar plastic bricks), train sets, or arts & crafts. Plus, some tables offer a reversible table top, making them suitable for multiple activities. So without further ado, let’s dive into just how these tables can support your littles as they learn and grow! Improving fine motor skills Playing with building bricks and toy train tracks and utilizing arts and crafts supplies requires the use of fine motor skills, such as grasping, pinching, and manipulating small objects. Building a LEGO masterpiece, managing a pair of safety scissors, or adjusting the loops on a train track help build hand-eye coordination dexterity. Developing spatial awareness Spatial awareness is one of those developmental skills that’s not talked about a ton, but is super important for proprioception (awareness of our body in space) and even academic skills like learning to read and write from left to right. One of the best ways to build spatial awareness in young toddlers? Block play! Building with blocks or building bricks requires kids to visualize and manipulate 3D objects in their mind, which can help develop their spatial awareness and understanding of spatial relationships. Similarly, playing with train sets requires children to understand spatial relationships, such as how the train tracks fit together. Enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills LEGO bricks and train tracks offer kids endless opportunities to create their own designs and track configurations, and crafting lets kids get creative with a wide variety of different materials. And when those designs and ideas need adjusting? Kids get a chance to flex their problem-solving skills – a huge part of cognitive development – as they figure out how to re-build or troubleshoot their project. Encouraging persistence and resilience When those problem-solving skills come into play, your child’s persistence will too! And sure, persisting through a frustrating challenge can be super tough for a toddler. But letting them face these challenges is critical for building the grit and resilience they’ll need as they grow! So when the train track or brick tower doesn't work out as planned, it’s an opportunity to help your child develop a growth mindset, letting them realize that practice and persistence leads to improvement! Fostering social skills One of the best parts about activity tables is that they let kids engage in their favorite activities with a friend! The tables have that cool-factor that makes them a hit at every play date, and they’re spacious enough to let several kids join in on the project at once. Of course, you’ll probably spend a fair amount of time around the table as well, building, collaborating, and creating with your child. The takeaways… Overall, activities like train sets, building bricks and crafts offer a fun and engaging way to develop a range of cognitive and fine motor skills. And while you don’t necessarily need an activity table to do these activities, having one is a great way to encourage your child to engage in those activities regularly, providing a dedicated space that draws them in and lets them focus. Whether your kiddo is into building, crafting, or playing with train sets, you can find the perfect activity table for them here!
Choosing the Right Dollhouse Accessories for Your Toddler
A dollhouse isn’t a dollhouse without accessories, right? The cute-and-cozy furniture and handy doll-sized tools add an extra “cool factor” to spark your child’s interest and help them engage in imaginative play.Here are some factors to keep in mind as you shop around for the perfect dollhouse accessories for your toddler! Age appropriateness First thing’s first – small toys are a choking hazard for young toddlers. So if your toddler is still in the puts-EVERYTHING-in-the-mouth stage, some dollhouse accessories aren’t an option. If you still want your little taste-tester to get the benefits of doll play, you can try offering larger dolls (think baby doll or American Girl size) and larger accessories like beds and high chairs.You may also want to consider your toddler’s fine motor development. Some smaller accessories may be difficult and frustrating for them to handle. You know your child’s abilities best, so use your judgment here. Maybe picking up tiny plates will be a breeze, but if you think trying to wrangle doll clothes onto tiny doll hangers will lead to a major meltdown, maybe you save those accessories for later! Durability We don’t have to tell you that toddlers can be rough with their toys. It’s important to choose dollhouse accessories that are durable and can withstand the wear and tear of playtime. Look for accessories made from sturdy materials that are designed to last like wood or thick, durable plastics (as opposed to thinner, flimsy plastic or accessories made with cardboard pieces). Size & Scale Accessories that are too large or too small may not fit properly in the dollhouse and cause some major frustration for your toddler! Most dollhouses are sold to accommodate dolls that are 12” (Barbies and similar dolls), or 18” (American Girl and similar dolls). Size is pretty easy to eyeball if you’re shopping in person, but when you’re shopping online, it can be tougher to tell. Just be sure to read product descriptions to double check that the accessories you choose are the right size and scale for your toddler's dollhouse. Play value Opt for accessories that encourage creativity and imagination rather than “passive” play. For example, a doll-sized TV that lights up and makes noise may be cool to your toddler at first, but they can’t actually do much with it. A full set of kitchen tools or a home Gym set, on the other hand, let your kiddo’s imagination take center stage as they actively engage with the dolls and accessories. Accessories Included with your Dollhouse Most dollhouses come with accessories – some include basic home furniture, while others get way more elaborate. If you don’t have a dollhouse already, be sure to weigh the included accessories when you make your choice. We have options with everything from beach houses, telescopes and horse stables! Personal interests Finally, take your toddler's personal interests into account too. If they love baking cookies, they’ll probably love making their dolls bake cookies with our Kitchen Upgrade set. If they’re a little fashionista, our Master Closet set will let them display their favorite doll clothes and breeze through wardrobe changes. You can browse all of our doll furniture and accessories and our accessory-packed dollhouses here at KidKraft.com!
Creating a Functional Montessori Playroom
If you're looking to create a Montessori-inspired playroom for your little one, you may feel overwhelmed by the insanely aesthetic pictures you see on social media … or the price point of some Montessori toys! But no worries – we’ve got some great tips for designing your Montessori playroom without stressing about what you see on social media. Here’s how you can get started! Offer Montessori-style activities and toys Of course, a Montessori playroom should have Montessori-approved activities… but this is where many parents get hung up or discouraged. They may feel like their kids should only play with wooden puzzles or feel like they can’t implement Montessori unless they have the budget for expensive Montessori toys. The truth is plenty of Montessori-inspired activities can be recreated with items you already have in your home! And there are plenty of affordable, Montessori-style toys as well. These tips for doing Montessori on a Budget from Ashely Yeh can get you started without breaking the bank! (Plus, she offers the great reminder that Montessori is far more about respect for your child than it is about the stuff!) Observe your child We know, this tip doesn’t actually have anything to do with setting up a playroom, but observation is an essential part of the Montessori method! When your child plays independently, dedicate some time to watching them without interrupting or influencing their play. Take note of what captures their focus and of what challenges or problems they are interested in solving. Doing so will help you identify the types of toys and activities you should offer. Use natural materials Montessori emphasizes the use of high-quality, natural materials like wood, cotton, and wool. Whenever possible, choose these materials over plastics, but again, don’t stress over this. Limit the number of toys Montessori believed that too many toys could overwhelm a child and hinder their ability to focus and engage in purposeful play. By providing a limited number of toys, children are more likely to use them in a meaningful way, explore them in depth, and develop their creativity and imagination. So rather than filling the playroom with a ton of toys, try to keep it simple and rotate out toys as your child loses interest in them. Encourage creativity In most Montessori classrooms, kids can access art supplies any time they’d like (and they’ve been well-guided in how to clean up after themselves, so the messes are minimal!) You can recreate these art stations in your Montessori playroom by providing open-ended art supplies like modeling dough, paints, and other craft supplies. Incorporate practical life skills Montessori education emphasizes practical life skills, so consider adding things like a child-sized broom and dustpan, a watering can, and other child-sized tools to encourage your child's independence and responsibility.Pro tip: Montessori families often add a wooden play kitchen to encourage practical life skills and imaginative play. Many take it a step further by using the play kitchen as a functional kitchen. This means adding real utensils, plates, cups, and even real food ingredients (like simple snacks children can prepare themselves) to the play kitchen. Of course, you know your child best, so only provide the tools and food you know they can handle safely. Remember, your playroom doesn’t need to look Insta-worthy to be authentically Montessori. The most important thing is to create a space where your child feels and empowered to learn, focus, and play at their own pace!
What is Montessori?
Maybe you’ve driven by a preschool with “Montessori” proudly displayed on the sign. Or maybe aesthetic pictures of low, open shelves with simple wooden toys have started to fill your Instagram feed. Or maybe your mom friends are throwing around terms like “sandpaper letters” and “maximum effort.” However you first come across the Montessori method, it can feel equal parts overwhelming and confusing and enticing and attractive. We’re here to help make sense of the basics of Montessori, so you can get your bearings and decide which parts of the Montessori method might be right for your family. Who was Maria Montessori? Maria Montessori was an Italian physician and educator who lived in the late 19th and early 20th century. After graduating medical school, she became intensely interested in education and pedagogy. She opened her first school for underprivileged children in the impoverished areas of Rome in 1907. The results were astounding – the children learned, progressed, and thrived. It wasn’t long before her method of education drew attention, and Montessori schools began opening across Western Europe and the U.S. within just a few years. The absorbent mind Montessori believed that children under 6 have an “absorbent mind,” learning and soaking in information effortlessly. During this stage, children develop language, are driven to explore, and learn from the environment around them. Her method takes advantage of this stage by presenting those “absorbent minds” with opportunities to direct their own learning. The prepared environment An absorbent mind + a prepared environment = child-led learning as kids explore the work available to them in their environment. Montessori classrooms are filled with “Montessori materials,” different manipulatives that lead children to solve puzzles, increase problem-solving skills, develop fine-motor skills, and learn academic subjects like math, reading, geography, and more. Some popular Montessori-inspired materials for babies and young toddlers include: object permanent boxes where children drop a coin into a slot and eventually learn to retrieve it by opening a drawer ball droppers where children drop small wooden balls into a toy and watch it slide down levels of ramps, teaching them cause and effect the wooden egg-in-a-cup or peg-in-a-cup puzzle for babies simple puzzles with one to three shapes sorting and stacking toys For older, school age and preschool age children materials might include: sandpaper letters for teaching the alphabet through sensory experience a “moveable alphabet” of wooden letters for early practice in spelling and forming words puzzles of the continents or countries manipulatives for teaching counting and other math concepts tracing boards or sand trays to trace letters You’ll also find plenty of “practical life” materials in a Montessori classroom such as child-size cleaning supplies, child-size water pitcher and cups, or low sinks to enable independent hand-washing. Maria Montessori believed that children have an innate appreciation for beauty that should be cultivated and that learning happens best in organized, clutter-free environments. Therefore, Montessori classrooms are usually organized and aesthetic. The toys and materials themselves are usually wooden, beautiful, high-quality and are presented to the children on low, open shelving. The strikingly simple-yet-beautiful aesthetic of Montessori classrooms and homes make for eye-catching social media posts and is likely at least part of the reason Montessori has had a resurgence in popularity recently. The prepared adult Montessori teachers, known as “guides,” are trained in specific methods that allow children to lead their own learning. They are taught to observe the children closely to understand their interests and abilities. They present lessons to the children individually or in small groups when the child shows an interest in a particular subject or material. Above all, they begin from a place of deep respect for the child and their innate ability to learn. Freedom of choice As we’ve already mentioned, children direct their own learning in a Montessori classroom and can choose which materials they want to work with. By letting children explore their own interests, the Montessori method aims to inspire a true love of learning instead of rote memorization for a test. But don’t think that “freedom of choice” means “license to go crazy” – Montessori classrooms and homes still have limits and expectations, and in general, they cultivate a calm environment that lets children focus and explore. Independence One of Maria Montessori’s most quoted lines is “Never help a child with a task at which he believes he can succeed.” Montessori was all about teaching young children to be as independent as possible, and from a surprisingly young age, children in a Montessori environment learn to get dressed, practice personal hygiene, prepare food, and care for the home and the classroom. One way Montessori environments foster this independence is by offering child-sized furniture and tools. In a typical Montessori classroom, you’ll see a wide array of pint-sized objects, including tiny tables, chairs, cleaning supplies, water pitchers, and more. Learning from peers Montessori classrooms have mixed ages, allowing younger kids to learn from the older kids and the older kids to learn as they teach the younger. Typically, classes are divided into 3-6 year olds, 6-9 year olds, and 9-12 year olds. What about Montessori for parents? Now that you’ve got an idea of what a Montessori school is like, you might be wondering, “Why are so many parents crazy about Montessori too?” Because the Montessori method is meant to help the whole child flourish (as opposed to simply teaching them academic subjects), many aspects of Montessori transfer to home life as well. In fact, Maria Montessori wrote pretty extensively about the ideal environment for a child at home, even down to the type of bed a baby sleeps in. (Spoiler: it’s a floor bed… to foster freedom of movement and independence, of course.)So when a parent says that they are a “Montessori” family, they could mean that they are homeschooling their children and using Montessori materials and methodologies. But they could also mean that they are parenting with Montessori philosophies in mind. They might set up their home with child-sized furniture, provide Montessori-inspired toys, and encourage independence in self-care and practical life activities. For a deeper dive into how parents can implement Montessori, we recommend the “Montessori at Home” Youtube series from Montessori parent and educator Ashley Yeh. Further Resources Feeling inspired to dive into all things Montessori? The amount of resources available online can be overwhelming, so we’ve compiled a few below that are all great places to start. All are written or created by long-time trained Montessori guides and parents. Youtube channels: Hapa Family, Ashley Yeh Books The Montessori Baby: A Parent’s Guide to Nurturing Your Baby with Love, Respect, and Understanding, Simone Davies and Junnifa UzodikeThe Montessori Toddler: A Parent’s Guide to Raising a Curious and Responsible Human Being, Simone DaviesHow to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way, Tim Seldin Blogs The Kavanaugh Report, Nicole KavanaughGuide & Grow, Sylvia Arotin Podcasts: The Montessori Notebook, Simone DaviesShelf Help, Nicole Kavanaugh and Amy Dorsch
Best Vanities for Toddlers
Do your makeup brushes mysteriously disappear from time to time? Have you ever been given a “professional” makeover, courtesy of your toddler? Does your little one flip at the chance to wear a touch of lip gloss? If so, a toddler-sized vanity just might be the coolest. surprise. ever. Cue happy dance. But vanities aren’t just for the budding beauty enthusiasts. They’re also a favorite among Montessori parents who want to empower their kids to get ready independently. Our pint-sized vanities are perfect for both: the posh and the practical. To help you pick the right one for your toddler, here’s a quick breakdown of each of our toddler vanity sets. Princess Vanity & Stool As you could probably guess, the Princess Vanity & Stool comes pretty-in-pink with some serious royal vibes. The three-paneled mirror and drawer for storing makeup and hair supplies make it perfect for mini makeovers or just getting ready for preschool. And the golden crown accents will leave your little one feeling like a real princess! Medium Vanity & Stool The Medium Vanity & Stool comes in white, and is slightly smaller than the princess vanity. The simple, design and smaller profile make this vanity a great choice for anyone who wants to provide a child-sized “getting ready station” for their toddler. The table and drawer can hold all the essentials, including a Montessori-style water bowl, rag, and other hygiene necessities to facilitate independent grooming. And of course, if you just want a cute makeup and hair station, it’s great for all the beauty essentials too! Deluxe Vanity & Chair The Deluxe Vanity & Chair is our largest option, with a full cabinet, shelving, and an actual chair instead of a stool. Ample storage and table space means that this vanity can hold alllll the play makeup and can also function as a desk and homework station! This is also our most gender-neutral option, making it perfect for families who are looking for a Montessori-friendly “getting ready station” or a desk for their little boy. Dress Up Armoire & Vanity/span> Is your beauty junkie also a costume junkie? This armoire-and-vanity-in-one is for you! The mini wardrobe is the perfect place to hang dress up clothes, and the shelves are ideal for costume accessories and more! A mirror, stool, and small shelf sit on the side of the armoire, acting as the vanity.Want more details before you make your choice? You can shop our Vanities & Dress Up Section for more pics and detailed product specs!
10 Sleepover Ideas
As a kid, your first sleepover was a rite of passage. As a grownup, hosting your first sleepover feels like a rite of passage too – make it through this, and you’re officially a super parent! Whether it’s a birthday bash or just babysitting your nieces and nephews for the weekend, these 10 sleepover ideas will help you keep the kids busy and having fun! 1. Build-your-Own Dinners An easy way to make dinner time more fun is a “build-your-own” bar with plenty of toppings or fillings for the kids to choose from. Some kid-friendly classics are tacos and personal pizzas. Bonus points if you have cute child-sized tongs for kids to serve themselves. 2. Indoor S’mores Who says s’mores are only for camping? You can melt those marshmallows indoors in your fireplace, over a gas stove, or in the microwave. It’s a dessert that feels super fun and special for kids but involves very little prep for you. 3. Tents, TeePees, & Forts If you’re doing indoor s’mores, you might as well add to the camping theme with a little indoor camping. Whether it’s a real tent, a play teepee, or a homemade blanket fort, kids love playing inside – plus they double as an extra fun sleeping spot when it’s lights out. 4. Cookie Decorating/span> If s’mores aren’t your thing, try some DIY cookies for dessert instead. Most supermarkets have some type of cookie decorating kit on hand all the time, so you’re not on the hook for baking or mixing icing. You and the kids can get straight to the fun part– decorating! Oh and, of course, eating. What’s not to love about a craft-and-dessert-in-one? 5. Book Club Sleepover Trying to raise a kid who loves reading? Get their friends in on the fun, and host a book club sleepover. Depending on the kids’ ages and reading levels, you can read a short story book when they get there or have everyone read the same chapter book leading up to the sleepover. You can make meals, games, decorations, and fun photo booth props all inspired by the book! 6. T-Shirt/ PillowCase Decorating Something about getting to color on a t-shirt is surprisingly fun for kids. Maybe it’s just the novelty of coloring on fabric instead of paper – whatever it is, it’s always a hit, and it’s a pretty hands-off craft for you. Plain t-shirts and fabric markers are usually relatively inexpensive at craft stores. If you think the kids would appreciate a little inspiration, you can provide some stencils as well and make a model t-shirt to give them ideas. 7. Makeovers/Dress-Up Costumes and makeovers are a sleepover classic! If your kiddos are old enough to handle a little makeup and nail polish, go for it. If not, they’ll still have a blast with dress-up clothes and silly hairstyles. 8. Flashlight Tag Odds are your kids rarely get to play with their friends after dark, so take advantage of it with some backyard flashlight tag. 9. Glow Stick Dance Party For another after-dark game, hand the kids glowsticks after the sun goes down and let them have a dance party in the backyard – or just in the living room! 10. Movie Theatre Night Watching a movie in PJs happens at pretty much every sleepover ever, right? Make it even more fun for the kids by setting up a home “movie theater.” You’ll be the ticket taker/ concession stand worker/ and usher. You can print out pretend tickets ahead of time, give them coins to purchase bags of popcorn and other snacks, and walk them to their seats. Bonus: Reasonable Bedtimes To make sure the night ends on a good note, try to get elementary-age kids to bed no later than two hours after their normal bedtime (and even that might be pushing it for preschoolers). They’ll still feel like they got to stay up late, and they’ll get the rest they need to keep having fun with friends in the morning.