Posted in Lifestyle, Printables

Best Christmas Movies for Kids

(With age ratings + what parents might want to know)

One of my favorite ways to make Christmas feel extra magical—without spending a ton—is a cozy family movie night. Pop some popcorn, grab the fuzzy blankets, and print out these FREE Christmas movie tickets to hand out like you’re running the world’s cutest home theater. Kids instantly get excited when something ordinary feels official, and suddenly you’ve created a whole memory out of just… sitting on the couch together. It’s simple, it’s sweet, and it’s exactly the kind of holiday magic we’ll actually remember. 🎬✨

1️⃣ Home Alone
⭐ Ages: 8+
👀 Notes: Slapstick violence, scary burglars, mild language
💛 Why it’s great: Funny + teamwork + big sibling energy

2️⃣ Elf
⭐ Ages: 7+
👀 Notes: Mild language + potty humor
💛 Why it’s great: Pure joy and belly laughs

3️⃣ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
(choose animated or live-action)
⭐ Ages: 5+
👀 Notes: Some Grinch scariness for littles
💛 Why it’s great: Kindness + growth + Cindy Lou Who 🥹

4️⃣ The Santa Clause
⭐ Ages: 8+
👀 Notes: A parent “disappears,” Santa lore changes, some sass
💛 Why it’s great: Magical + heartfelt father/son story

5️⃣ A Christmas Story
⭐ Ages: 9+
👀 Notes: A bit of bullying, mild language
💛 Why it’s great: Nostalgia, family humor, iconic moments

6️⃣ It’s a Wonderful Life
⭐ Ages: 9+
👀 Notes: Emotional themes (depression), black & white
💛 Why it’s great: Teaches value of a life well loved

7️⃣ The Polar Express
⭐ Ages: 6+
👀 Notes: Some intense sequences, uncanny animation
💛 Why it’s great: Magical wonder + Christmas spirit

8️⃣ Arthur Christmas
⭐ Ages: 5+
👀 Notes: Silly chaos
💛 Why it’s great: Hilarious + big heart + modern Santa ops

9️⃣ Klaus
⭐ Ages: 7+
👀 Notes: Bullying themes early on, mild peril
💛 Why it’s great: Stunning animation + kindness message

🔟 The Star
⭐ Ages: 5+
👀 Notes: Cartoon peril, animals are goofy
💛 Why it’s great: Faith-based Nativity told in a kid-friendly way

Posted in Lifestyle

48 Free Craft Supplies for Kids: Creative Ideas Using Recycled & Household Materials

Looking for ways to spark creativity without breaking the bank? You’d be surprised how many free craft supplies you can find right around your home or in nature! Whether you’re planning a kids’ craft club or simply want to engage in some fun DIY projects, using recycled materials, nature finds, and everyday household items can offer endless possibilities. In this post, we’ll share a list of crafty treasures that cost nothing but will keep your little ones busy, entertained, and inspired!

1. Recycled Materials:

  1. Cardboard Boxes (from shipping or old products)
  2. Egg Cartons
  3. Cereal Boxes (great for making sturdy structures)
  4. Toilet Paper Rolls or Paper Towel Rolls
  5. Food Containers (like yogurt cups, bottle caps, or milk cartons)
  6. Plastic Bottles (can be used for various crafts)
  7. Cans or Jars (for making lanterns or planters)
  8. Bubble Wrap (can be used for textured art or printing)
  9. Old Shoeboxes
  10. Tin Foil (for creating shiny textures or sculptures)

2. Natural Materials:

  1. Leaves (for pressing, stamping, or collages)
  2. Pinecones (great for decorating or creating animals)
  3. Twigs/Branches (for building structures or tree decorations)
  4. Stones/Pebbles (for painting or mosaic crafts)
  5. Acorns (perfect for seasonal crafts)
  6. Flowers (pressed for art or used in nature collages)
  7. Bark (for textured art or rustic crafts)
  8. Moss (great for fairy houses or natural decorations)
  9. Seashells (used in coastal-themed crafts)

3. Paper Scraps:

  1. Old Magazines (cut out pictures or create collages)
  2. Newspapers (perfect for decoupage or crafting paper beads)
  3. Old Greeting Cards (cut into shapes or use for collages)
  4. Old Maps or Calendars (for unique artwork)
  5. Scrap Paper (leftover from past projects)
  6. Old Wrapping Paper (perfect for collage or paper beads)
  7. Envelopes (can be cut, folded, or used in collages)
  8. Old Paper Bags (great for making puppets or wrapping)
  9. Tissue Paper (leftover from gift bags or craft kits)
  10. Paper Plates (for mixing paints or crafting)

4. Fabric Scraps:

  1. Old Clothes (old shirts, socks, or fabric scraps)
  2. Old Bed Sheets or Towels (for cutting into fabric shapes or patchwork)
  3. Old Socks (can be turned into puppets or stuffed animals)
  4. Lace or Ribbon Scraps (for adding textures)
  5. T-shirt Strips (perfect for weaving or knotting crafts)

5. Office Supplies:

  1. Scrap Paper from Old Office Printing (can be used for drawing or cutting shapes)
  2. Old Postcards (used in collage or as greeting cards)
  3. Paper Clips (can be used to make sculptures or other crafts)
  4. Rubber Bands (can be used for weaving or creating shapes)
  5. Binder Clips (for unique 3D projects)

6. Found Objects:

  1. Bottle Caps (great for making jewelry or 3D artwork)
  2. Buttons (from old clothing or spare button jars)
  3. String or Yarn (leftover from other projects or items you no longer need)
  4. Corks (can be used for stamps, cork boats, or even building materials)
  5. Keys (old or spare keys can be repurposed for jewelry or art)
  6. Broken Jewelry (for upcycling or adding to mixed-media projects)

7. Old Toys or Small Items:

  1. Plastic Figurines or Small Toys (can be painted or repurposed for craft projects)
  2. Legos (great for building or creating 3D art)
  3. Old Puzzle Pieces (can be painted or used in collages)
Posted in Christmas, Mom Life, Printables

24 Days of Meaningful Thoughtful Activities to Do With Kids for Advent

Creating an advent calendar with meaningful activities for kids is a wonderful way to engage them in the holiday season while teaching values like kindness, gratitude, and creativity. Here’s a list of 24 kid-friendly, meaningful activities that can be incorporated into an advent calendar:

1. Write a Letter to Santa

Encourage kids to express their wishes, hopes, and gratitude in a letter to Santa. They can also add drawings or stickers.

2. Do a Craft Project

Create simple holiday-themed crafts like snowflakes, garlands, or handprint ornaments.

3. Make a Paper Chain Countdown

Let the kids make a colorful paper chain to count down the days until Christmas.

4. Read a Christmas Story

Read a holiday book together, like The Polar ExpressHow the Grinch Stole Christmas, or The Night Before Christmas.

5. Donate Toys

Have your child go through their toys and donate gently used ones to children in need.

6. Bake Cookies Together

Bake Christmas cookies and let the kids decorate them with frosting, sprinkles, and candy.

7. Write a Thank-You Note

Help your child write a thank-you note to a family member, teacher, or friend.

8. Give a Compliment

Encourage your child to give a genuine compliment to a friend, family member, or teacher.

9. Make a Gingerbread House

Put together a fun gingerbread house using a kit or homemade gingerbread pieces.

10. Have a Family Movie Night

Watch a holiday movie together, like ElfHome Alone, or Frozen.

11. Do a Random Act of Kindness

Help your child perform a small act of kindness, like helping a sibling, drawing a picture for someone, or sharing a treat.

12. Create Holiday Cards

Let the kids make homemade holiday cards to send to family or friends.

13. Build a Snowman (or Paper Version)

If you have snow, go outside and build a snowman. If not, make a paper snowman with craft supplies.

14. Go Ice Skating

If possible, take the kids to an ice skating rink for a fun winter activity.

15. Have a Pajama Day

Spend the day in cozy pajamas, watching movies, playing games, and enjoying indoor activities.

16. Make Hot Chocolate

Have a fun hot chocolate bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, and toppings for a cozy treat.

17. Create a Holiday Playlist

Have your kids help you make a playlist of their favorite holiday songs to play during the season.

18. Do a Puzzle Together

Work on a holiday-themed jigsaw puzzle as a family.

19. Make Snow Globes

Craft simple snow globes using jars, glitter, and mini figurines.

20. Sing Christmas Carols

Teach your kids a few Christmas carols and have a family sing-along.

21. Color a Christmas Coloring Page

Print out holiday-themed coloring pages and let the kids get creative with crayons or markers.

22. Make a Holiday-Themed Craft for Others

Encourage your child to create a simple craft (like a hand-painted ornament, a holiday card, or a small wreath) to give as a gift to a friend, teacher, or family member. It’s a great way to teach them the joy of giving and spreading holiday cheer.

23. Do a Christmas Scavenger Hunt

Set up a holiday-themed scavenger hunt around the house or yard, with clues or items like candy canes or ornaments.

24. Write a Kindness Journal

Help your child start a journal where they can write down one kind thing they did or saw each day.

These activities focus on connection, creativity, and spreading joy, while also allowing kids to engage in hands-on learning, kindness, and reflection. They’re great for fostering a sense of holiday spirit and family togetherness.

FREE PRINTABLES FOR ADVENT COUNTDOWN CALENDAR :