While most of us love this time of year, depending on your traditions it can be a busy and emotional time with jam-packed agendas. So this is when it’s a good idea to have a few new bags of tricks to keep the family or your young guests entertained. The following suggestions are great for toddlers on up.  Children may explore the items very differently, however, rest assured these items are safe, enjoyable and lots of fun.

Blocks

Blocks are something children of all ages can enjoy; they are not just for kids, but also the big kids at heart. As children develop more creativity it is fun to see their structures and play schemas become more and more elaborate.  To keep block building a novelty, you can try the Tegu magnetic wooden block set. It’s a new spin on your typical block set. The magnets allow for new structures and add a new, fun and exciting component to explore!  They have magnets safely embedded in the eco-friendly, sustainably-sourced wood. They are safe and non-toxic.

Play Dough

 

Play dough can also be an exciting thing for children of all ages to explore and create with.  The benefit with the eco kids eco dough is that it is made from natural plant, fruit and vegetable extracts and is safe and non-toxic even if younger ones choose to explore it with their mouths. The eco kids dough is one of the original brands in the natural dough market and the essential oils keep the dough soft and moist.

For the Builders

Children love to fix things and build new objects.  Tools are a great way for children to explore what they can create, practice fixing, or assist adults with in their own projects.  The Janod Redmaster magnetic DIY trolley gives kids a traveling nuts and bolts adventure.  The tools attach to the trolley through magnets and there is clever storage inside for all the loose hardware.  This trolley allows basic building to turn into vivid imaginative play! It is easy to clean up, easy to move and is very durable for our young builders.

For the Problem Solvers

Puzzles are a wonderful activity for the whole family. Older kids will enjoy finding and fitting the right pieces to complete the puzzle. The Janod Our Blue Planet puzzle is out of this world! Explore the planet Earth and learn about different populations, landmarks and animals. This great puzzle is covered in amazing illustrations of the continents and includes intricate details about the people people who live on those continents, the animals that live with them and what clothing they wear. The 208 piece puzzle stores easily in a stylish hat box with handle.

For the Budding Chefs

Kids love to mimic adult activities such as cooking and food preparation. If too many little hands are a distraction in the kitchen, why not set up their own Gourmet Kitchen. The Hape Gourmet Kitchen will help kids cook a variety of dishes with just a little imagination! Perfect for every little chef and baker, this kitchen features an oven, stovetop, sink, red knobs to turn the burners on and off, and a shelf to hold cooking utensils and ingredients. Encourages children to develop their creative thinking and fine motor skills while practicing basic cooking techniques. Made from wood sourced from environmentally sustainably sourced forests. Durable child-safe paint finish and solid wood construction make this a toy your child will love for years to come.

Face Paints

Face painting can be the hit of the party for kids. Let children paint each other’s faces or have a chance at painting their own.  See what creative designs they come up with.  Who doesn’t find face painting fun, especially from a parent’s perspective when it is non-toxic and can nourish your skin! The Natural earth face paint kit is the perfect choice it is made from clay and mineral based paints.

Holiday Helpers

In addition to the specific activities above children always love to be helpers.  If you can give them special jobs to help you decorate or prepare a special meal they will learn a great deal from what you are doing and it might take a small load off of your plate.  Have them help mix something; explain what you are making it for and why, they will have a sense of pride in helping you complete the task.  If you are decorating something explain the significance of it.  Allow them to help build and expand your family’s holiday traditions.

Happy Holidays! Now enjoy the fun with the family!