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Baby Hand and Footprints – Tips and Tricks to Get Good Prints!

Baby Hand and Footprints – Tips and Tricks to Get Good Prints!

Baby Hand and Footprints – Tips and Tricks to Get Good Prints!

Baby Hand and Footprint Tips and Tricks

Getting baby hand and footprints can be tricky! These simple tips and tricks can make the process a whole lot easier! Keep on reading to find out!

Baby Hand and Footprints Make the Perfect Keepsakes!

There is no denying that kids grow up so fast! One way to freeze time is by making hand and footprints. During my babies first year of life, I try my best to get hands and footprints every single month because it is incredible to see how fast they grow! After the first year, I get their hands and footprints every birthday.

Plus, handprints and footprints make the perfect gifts and keepsakes. You can include them in a card, or use them in a piece of artwork as well!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

 

Skills: Early Math

Ages: 2 Years +

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Mess-Free Ink Pads versus Large Washable Ink Pads

In this video, I test out mess-free ink pads for babies and compare them to the large washable stamp pads.

There are definitely pros and cons to each of those that I further explain below! 

Alternatively, you can always use regular washable paint, though this technique is the most messy!

Mess-Free Ink Pads versus Large Washable Ink Pads

In this video, I test out mess-free ink pads for babies and compare them to the large washable stamp pads.

There are definitely pros and cons to each of those that I further explain below! 

Alternatively, you can always use regular washable paint, though this technique is the most messy!

mess free stamp pads Baby Hand and Footprint Tips and Tricks

Baby Hand and Footprints Using Mess-Free Ink Pad Technique

These mess-free ink pads are a great choice for infants and babies. Baby is able to place the hand or foot down on top of a non-ink side, thereby transferring the ink onto a piece of paper without getting any ink on themselves!

I found a set that comes in lots of different colors, not just the jet black one that you may have seen before or that hospitals often use.

No doubt, there is a big benefit in this being mess-free, but there are a few cons. First, these pads are small and won’t be usable for older kids. Second, the number of uses is extremely limited. I was able to get 2-3 prints only from each ink pad.

 

Baby Hand and Footprints Using the Large Stamp Pad Technique

These large stamp pads do require getting ink on the skin, but they solve the big cons associated with using the mess-free ink pads.

They are much larger and can be used by kids of all ages, even adults too! They also have a much longer life-span with lots of ink to create one handprint or footprint after another!

And while they are not contact-less, they are non-toxic and easily washable.

In addition to the two ink/stamp pads described below, you can also use regular old washable paint! It will do the trick just fine, even if it is a little bit messy!

stamp pads Baby Hand and Footprint Tips and Tricks

More Tips to Getting the Perfect Baby Hand and Footprints 

Clipboard. Use a clipboard, hard cover book, or another hard surface when making prints! Just using a paper is too flimsy and may result in not so perfect prints!

Heel to Toe. When making footprints, gently hold baby’s foot by the ankle and guide it from heel to toe onto the paper. The foot should open up and give you a nice print!

Open Hand. Getting an open hand from an awake baby can be really tricky! With that in mind, try to grab baby’s handprints while they are sleeping. If that’s not possible, make sure baby is happy and fed, and gently add pressure at the top of the wrist before placing the hand onto the paper. This will often open the palm for optimum placement!

simple subtraction free printable activity for kids

Create artwork with those precious prints! Pictured, is a fun project I did with my daughter after getting her footprints every month for her first year. You can also create lots of fun images out of handprints like this dinosaur, bee, and spider art projects!

Baby Hand and Footprint Tips and Tricks

More Tips to Getting the Perfect Baby Hand and Footprints 

Clipboard. Use a clipboard, hard cover book, or another hard surface when making prints! Just using a paper is too flimsy and may result in not so perfect prints!

Heel to Toe. When making footprints, gently hold baby’s foot by the ankle and guide it from heel to toe onto the paper. The foot should open up and give you a nice print!

Open Hand. Getting an open hand from an awake baby can be really tricky! With that in mind, try to grab baby’s handprints while they are sleeping. If that’s not possible, make sure baby is happy and fed, and gently add pressure at the top of the wrist before placing the hand onto the paper. This will often open the palm for optimum placement!

Create artwork with those precious prints! Pictured, is a fun project I did with my daughter after getting her footprints every month for her first year. You can also create lots of fun images out of handprints like this dinosaur, bee, and spider art projects!

 

More Ways to Create Baby Hand and Footprints

Here are some beautiful ways to capture baby’s hands and feet while they are still little!

Baby Hand And Footprint Kit 

This kit comes with everything you need, including the cute rustic frame. 

 

Baby Hand and Feet Casting

A beautiful way to capture those tiny hands and feet! This kit includes mold material, plaster, and detailed instructions!

clay handprint bowls footprint keepsakes

Handprint Clay Bowls

This set includes 38 polymer clay blocks in 12 different colors. It can make 3-6 handprint bowls.

 

Baby Ornament Keepsake

This kit comes with everything you need to create a lovely clay casting of your baby’s hand or footprint. 

What’s Next?

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Easy Heart Craft – A Fun Technique with Geometric Shapes

Easy Heart Craft – A Fun Technique with Geometric Shapes

Easy Heart Craft – A Fun Technique with Geometric Shapes

easy heart craft valentine's day

This easy heart craft is a fun project for kids! The hot glue border guides little artists to stay in the lines to make geometric shapes! 

Create Geometric Shapes with This Easy Heart Craft

If you are a young kid, creating geometric shapes inside a heart shape may not be the easiest task! That’s why creating a hot glue border is a genius way to help guide these budding artists to stay in the lines!

Kids will have fun filling in the shapes while utilizing the raised edges in between to keep colors separate and vibrant! This is a fun craft to do during Valentine’s Day or as a fun art project while learning about shapes! 

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills: 

Ages: 

Prep Time: 

How to Make This Easy Heart Craft

Setting up this easy heart craft for your kiddo can be done in minutes! You’ll see how I outlined the shape of a heart using hot glue and randomly created shapes inside.

Hot glue dries super fast, so in no time, my daughter (aged 3) enjoyed painting inside the lines with her huge watercolor set!

How to Make This Easy Heart Craft

Setting up this easy heart craft for your kiddo can be done in minutes! You’ll see how I outlined the shape of a heart using hot glue and randomly created shapes inside.

Hot glue dries super fast, so in no time, my daughter (aged 3) enjoyed painting inside the lines with her huge watercolor set!

Tips for Making This Easy Heart Craft

Hot Glue. You’ll need a hot glue gun for this, so make sure you heat it up in advance! 

Watercolor Paper. You’ll need some thick paper to create this art project! Hot glue will adhere to this kind of paper perfectly.

Heart Shape. One of the trickiest parts of creating this heart craft is the grown ups job of making the heart shape! If you find it is difficult to make a symmetrical heart freestyle, you can always trace in pencil first!

For more arts and crafts projects, be sure to visit our comprehensive list

easy heart craft valentine's day

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Step 1

Use a hot glue gun to make the shape of a heart.

Step 2

Inside the heart, make geometric shapes of your choice!

Step 3

Provide a watercolor set and paint brushes to decorate and paint!

Step 4

Cut the border around the heart, optional!

Step 1

Use a hot glue gun to make the shape of a heart.

Step 2

Inside the heart, make geometric shapes of your choice!

Step 3

Provide a watercolor set and paint brushes to decorate and paint!

Step 4

Cut the border around the heart, optional!

Valentine’s Day Themed Printable Activity Worksheets!

If you are looking for even more fun activities to do that have a Valentine’s Day theme, definitely check out our printable worksheets!

These Valentine’s Day activities are a fun way to play and learn! The set includes over 15 Valentine’s Day themed activities that strengthen early childhood education skills, including scissor skills, tracing, the alphabet, coloring, numbers, matching, writing, phonics, and so much more!

easy to make play dough recipe homemade no cook
easy to make play dough recipe homemade no cook

Valentine’s Day Themed Printable Activity Worksheets!

If you are looking for even more fun activities to do that have a Valentine’s Day theme, definitely check out our printable worksheets!

These Valentine’s Day activities are a fun way to play and learn! The set includes over 15 Valentine’s Day themed activities that strengthen early childhood education skills, including scissor skills, tracing, the alphabet, coloring, numbers, matching, writing, phonics, and so much more!

More Ways to Explore Artistic Mediums

Want more projects after doing this easy heart craft? Here are my top picks for arts and crafts kits that encourage hands on creations!

arts and crafts kit marbling

Water Marbling Kit

Create beautiful marbled art with this easy to use kit. This is water based art and comes with all the tools needed to create 10 masterpieces!

arts and crafts kit spin and spiral art

Spin and Spiral Art

This fun kit allows kiddos to explore both spin art and spiral art. The kit comes with 3 spiro gears, 6 markers, 3 ink bottles, 15 paper discs, and an art station base.

arts and crafts kit sand art

Sand Art Kit

This sand art kit comes with 8 different colors of sand to create sand bottles and pendant bottles. A great way to discover art through a different medium!

arts and crafts kit string art

String Art Kit

This kit is a fun way for kids to create and display amazing shapes and designs artistically made with string.  Use a pattern included in the kit or create your own!

What’s Next?

Valentine Handprint Craft – Make This Adorable Bee Mine Keepsake

Valentine Handprint Craft – Make This Adorable Bee Mine Keepsake

Valentine Handprint Craft – Make This Adorable Bee Mine Keepsake

valentines handprint craft

This Valentine handprint craft is so adorable! It’s a fun and simple craft for the kids to make for Valentine’s Day! Using a leftover toilet paper roll proves that once again, you can easily make something adorable out of items that you were just going to toss in the trash! 

Where a Valentine Handprint Craft Collides with Paper Tubes

Can we all just agree that heading to the store and trying to buy Valentine’s cards is a lot of work? It can be super stressful at times to try to pick out options from the ones that are left at the store.

This is why I love this fun Valentine activity. It allows the kids to be a part of creating their cute Valentine and lets us create fun memories together as well.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills: 

Ages: 

Prep Time: 

How to Make This Valentine’s Handprint Craft

This is so simple to make! You can see the easy steps that we took to create this fun Valentine’s Handprint craft. 

In the video, I demonstrate the process, but this is definitely a project that the kids can do from start to finish! Of course, they may need some help tracing their dominant hand!

How to Make This Valentine’s Handprint Craft

This is so simple to make! You can see the easy steps that we took to create this fun Valentine’s Handprint craft. 

In the video, I demonstrate the process, but this is definitely a project that the kids can do from start to finish! Of course, they may need some help tracing their dominant hand!

Tips for Making This Valentine Handprint Craft

Tacky Glue. We used tacky glue to create these Valentine handprint crafts because it is a strong adhesive that dries super fast!

Paper Roll. If you’d like to sterilize your paper roll before using it in a craft, you can bake it on your oven’s lowest setting around 200F for 20 minutes.

Handprints. Getting handprints from young children can sometimes be tricky. Instead of tracing, you may want to use a mess-free stamp pad instead!

For more arts and crafts projects, be sure to visit our comprehensive list

valentines handprint craft

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Step 1

Cut a yellow piece of paper the length of and width of your paper tube. Cut three black stripes of paper and glue them in a bee-like pattern on the second half of the cut yellow paper.

Step 2

Glue the yellow and black paper around the paper tube. Hold for 30 seconds while the glue dries. Cut two small stripes of black paper for the antenna, and for a festive Valentine’s look, glue two small pink hearts to the top.

Step 3

Glue the antennas to the paper tube.

Step 4

To make the wings, trace your child’s hands on white paper, and cut out the handprints.

Step 5

Glue the wings to the paper tube. Add googley eyes and a smile to make your bee come alive!

Step 1

Cut a yellow piece of paper the length of and width of your paper tube. Cut three black stripes of paper and glue them in a bee-like pattern on the second half of the cut yellow paper.

Step 2

Glue the yellow and black paper around the paper tube. Hold for 30 seconds while the glue dries. Cut two small stripes of black paper for the antenna, and for a festive Valentine’s look, glue two small pink hearts to the top.

Step 3

Glue the antennas to the paper tube.

Step 4

To make the wings, trace your child’s hands on white paper, and cut out the handprints.

Step 5

Glue the wings to the paper tube. Add googley eyes and a smile to make your bee come alive!

Valentine’s Day Themed Printable Activity Worksheets!

If you are looking for even more fun activities to do that have a Valentine’s Day theme, definitely check out our printable worksheets!

These Valentine’s Day activities are a fun way to play and learn! The set includes over 15 Valentine’s Day themed activities that strengthen early childhood education skills, including scissor skills, tracing, the alphabet, coloring, numbers, matching, writing, phonics, and so much more!

easy to make play dough recipe homemade no cook
easy to make play dough recipe homemade no cook

Valentine’s Day Themed Printable Activity Worksheets!

If you are looking for even more fun activities to do that have a Valentine’s Day theme, definitely check out our printable worksheets!

These Valentine’s Day activities are a fun way to play and learn! The set includes over 15 Valentine’s Day themed activities that strengthen early childhood education skills, including scissor skills, tracing, the alphabet, coloring, numbers, matching, writing, phonics, and so much more!

More Ways to Explore Artistic Mediums

Want more projects after doing this spider handprint activity? Here are my top picks for arts and crafts kits that encourage hands on creations!

arts and crafts kit marbling

Water Marbling Kit

Create beautiful marbled art with this easy to use kit. This is water based art and comes with all the tools needed to create 10 masterpieces!

arts and crafts kit spin and spiral art

Spin and Spiral Art

This fun kit allows kiddos to explore both spin art and spiral art. The kit comes with 3 spiro gears, 6 markers, 3 ink bottles, 15 paper discs, and an art station base.

arts and crafts kit sand art

Sand Art Kit

This sand art kit comes with 8 different colors of sand to create sand bottles and pendant bottles. A great way to discover art through a different medium!

arts and crafts kit string art

String Art Kit

This kit is a fun way for kids to create and display amazing shapes and designs artistically made with string.  Use a pattern included in the kit or create your own!

What’s Next?

Tummy Time Positions for Newborns and Babies

Tummy Time Positions for Newborns and Babies

Tummy Time Positions for Newborns and Babies

tummy time positions for newborns and babies

There isn’t just one way to do tummy time! Keep reading to find out about different tummy time positions for newborns and babies! 

Why is Tummy Time Important?

As you have probably heard tummy time is so important for newborns and babies! It strengthens babies neck and shoulder muscles and is, overall, fantastic for their motor skills.

Because babies sleep so much during the day, and the recommended position for sleep is on the back, the time they have to be on their tummies is limited. It’s important to take advantage of placing baby on their stomachs during wakeful moments so they can work on these important skills!

However, tummy time is not limited to being on the floor. You can also explore doing the football hold, tummy to tummy, and tummy to lap positions!

By 2 months, it’s recommended to do tummy time for 15 minutes a day, in 5 minute increments. However, I have found that I don’t need to count the minutes if I rotate all the different ways of doing tummy time throughout the day.

Skills: 

Ages: 

Prep Time: 

3 Alternative Tummy Time Positions for Newborns and Babies

In this quick video you’ll see the 3 alternative tummy time positions for newborns and babies that aren’t on the floor: the football hold, tummy to tummy, and tummy to lap.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

3 Alternative Tummy Time Positions for Newborns and Babies

In this quick video you’ll see the 3 alternative tummy time positions for newborns and babies that aren’t on the floor: the football hold, tummy to tummy, and tummy to lap.

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

black and white high contrast stimulation cards for babies newborns free printable

Get the FREE Printable Black and White Patterns for Babies

This free printable set of black and white cards for babies are a great way to keep babies alert and interested during tummy time. The set includes 12 different high contrast images. Plus, tape them together to make them stand up on their own.

Make sure that you are allowing your baby to view them at a close distance. Remember, everything gets very blurry after 12-15 inches away from them! 

And for even more printable activities, visit our Printable Shop. It is filled with easy to set-up activities that help strengthen early childhood education skills!

Other Benefits of Tummy Time Positions for Newborns and Babies

 In addition to strengthening neck and shoulder muscles, tummy time gets babies on track for developing other motor skills including rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and ultimately walking.

Another benefit of placing babies on their tummy during wakeful periods is that it can help them avoid developing flat spots on the back of their head!

For more activities for babies visit our comprehensive list!  

black and white high contrast stimulation cards for babies newborns free printable
black and white high contrast stimulation cards for babies newborns free printable

Other Benefits of Tummy Time Positions for Newborns and Babies

 In addition to strengthening neck and shoulder muscles, tummy time gets babies on track for developing other motor skills including rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and ultimately walking.

Another benefit of placing babies on their tummy during wakeful periods is that it can help them avoid developing flat spots on the back of their head!

For more activities for babies visit our comprehensive list!  

More Activities for Newborn and Young Babies

Here are my top picks for more ways babies can play!

black and white baby activities

Play Gym

This item is the ultimate play gym for babies with multi-sensory areas, 3 rattles, and lots of black and white cards!

black and white baby activities

Crinkle Activity Book

This black and white activity book includes a mirror as well as black and white images that prop up easily.

black and white baby activities

Take Along Mobile

This mobile has black and white colors, calming music, and an adjustable arm that can fit many different environments.

black and white baby activities

Rattles

This set of plush rattles have an animal design, black and white patterns, crinkly paper, and other sounds that are perfect for babies.

What’s Next?

Simple Subtraction Worksheets for Kids – Fun and Free!

Simple Subtraction Worksheets for Kids – Fun and Free!

Simple Subtraction Worksheets for Kids – Fun and Free!

simple subtraction free printable activity for kids

Kids can learn simple subtraction with these free worksheets. They are silly, fun, and a hands-on way to learn this important math skill! 

A Hands On Way to Learn Simple Subtraction!

There is something about cutting hair that keep kiddos engaged! Not only is it fun to give the worksheet people a hair cut, but it is such a visual way to understand subtraction!

If your kiddo is also learning simple addition, be sure to check out our “Add the Hair” activity – it’s another hands on way to learn a math skill, but this time using loose parts for giving the people hair and adding it up!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

 

Skills: Early Math

Ages: 2 Years +

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

How to Set Up This Fun Simple Subtraction Activity

Utilizing this free printable makes setting up this activity so easy!

All you need to do is print it and provide scissors for your kiddo to use to cut away the “hair.”

This activity doesn’t just help in learning a math skill, but it also strengthens fine motor skills! Using scissors and cutting is one of the best ways to strengthen muscles in the hands and fingers!

How to Set Up This Fun Simple Subtraction Activity

Utilizing this free printable makes setting up this activity so easy!

All you need to do is print it and provide scissors for your kiddo to use to cut away the “hair.”

This activity doesn’t just help in learning a math skill, but it also strengthens fine motor skills! Using scissors and cutting is one of the best ways to strengthen muscles in the hands and fingers!

 

simple subtraction free printable activity for kids

Get the Free Printable Here!

I wanted to make things extra easy for busy grown ups by providing this printable activity for free!

First, get some scissor skills practice by cutting along the lines to create strands of hair. Then, follow the equation by subtracting the number of hairs while physically cutting them away! Kids can count the remaining hairs to solve the problem and then write the answer in the space provided.

And if you like this, don’t miss some of our other free printables that focus on early math skills like our free Number Parking Lot printable and Count the Pizza Topping printable

For more printable activities, visit our Printable Shop. It is filled with easy to set-up activities that help strengthen early childhood education skills!

The Educational Benefits of This Simple Subtraction Activity 

Subtraction is all about figuring out what amount is left after taking a number away from another.

Just like addition, subtraction is part of our everyday life! Just think of all of the daily experiences that require us to use this skill – telling time, cooking, and money to name a few!

Learning subtraction at an early age will benefit children as they progress on their math journey as it is so fundamental to basic mathematics. 

simple subtraction free printable activity for kids
simple subtraction free printable activity for kids

The Educational Benefits of This Simple Subtraction Activity 

Subtraction is all about figuring out what amount is left after taking a number away from another.

Just like addition, subtraction is part of our everyday life! Just think of all of the daily experiences that require us to use this skill – telling time, cooking, and money to name a few!

Learning subtraction at an early age will benefit children as they progress on their math journey as it is so fundamental to basic mathematics. 

More Ways to Learn Simple Subtraction

Here are my top picks for early math games that have a focus on simple subtraction!

simple subtraction addition game

Addition and Subtraction Board Game

This Swamp game encourages kids to do basic math drills through fun game play!

simple subtraction addition game

Addition and Subtraction Puzzles

This includes 20 self-checking, 5-piece puzzles designed to help children develop automaticity!

simple subtraction addition game

Subtraction Flash Cards

This set includes 169 hole-punched math game flash cards so you can easily organize cards using the metal rings!

simple subtraction addition game

Motor Math Activity!

This set includes a transportation theme activity that will help learn counting, patterning, addition and subtraction!

What’s Next?

Shaving Cream Art – A Vibrant and Sensory-Packed Activity

Shaving Cream Art – A Vibrant and Sensory-Packed Activity

Shaving Cream Art – A Vibrant and Sensory-Packed Activity

shaving cream art for kids marbled craft

This vibrantly colored activity is all about making shaving cream art! It is easy to set up and such a rich sensory experience for kids!

Shaving Cream Art, Sensory Play and Fine Motor Skills Collide!

So many fun skills collide with this shaving cream art activity. Using droppers to transfer liquid watercolor on top of the shaving cream is great for fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Plus, after using paper and a squeegee to make marbled artwork, kids are left with a brilliantly colored shaving cream mixture they can use for sensory and imaginative play! My son enjoyed making “ice cream cones” out of it!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links

Skills: 

Ages: 3 Years +

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Watch How to Make Shaving Cream Art!

Setting this up takes all of a few minutes, and the rest is all for your kiddos to do! Well, except squeezing out shaving cream can be tricky, so kids may need a grown up to help! But once the shaving cream is out, that will be their canvas for creating some super fun and sensory packed artwork! And once the art has been made, definitely don’t toss the shaving cream mixture away! Use it for some fun sensory play!

Watch How to Make Shaving Cream Art!

Setting this up takes all of a few minutes, and the rest is all for your kiddos to do! Well, except squeezing out shaving cream can be tricky, so kids may need a grown up to help! But once the shaving cream is out, that will be their canvas for creating some super fun and sensory packed artwork! And once the art has been made, definitely don’t toss the shaving cream mixture away! Use it for some fun sensory play!

 

shaving cream art for kids marbled craft

Tips for Making Shaving Cream Art

Prepare for the Mess. Just remember that this is going to get messy – that’s all part of the fun! Try to do this outdoors so everything can be hosed down, but if that’s not possible, place a waterproof mat underneath the workspace and have a bucket of water nearby to wash off hands.

Colors. You can use either food coloring or liquid watercolor for this activity. We prefer liquid watercolor because, once diluted, it is washable!

Large Droppers. Using large droppers is a great tool to strengthen fine motor skills. We like these extra large droppers because they are not too tricky to use!

For more sensory-packed activities, visit our comprehensive list!

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Fill up a tub with shaving cream.

Step 2

Use a dropper and liquid watercolors to create a design on top of the shaving cream. Swirl the colors around if you want!

Step 3

Place a piece of paper on top of the shaving cream color design.

Step 4

Use a squeegee to remove the excess shaving cream in top of the paper to reveal a fun marbled-design artwork!

Step 5

Use the leftover shaving cream mixture for sensory and imaginative play!

Step 1

Fill up a tub with shaving cream.

Step 2

Use a dropper and liquid watercolors to create a design on top of the shaving cream. Swirl the colors around if you want!

Step 3

Place a piece of paper on top of the shaving cream color design.

Step 4

Use a squeegee to remove the excess shaving cream to reveal a fun marbled-design artwork!

Step 5

Use the leftover shaving cream mixture for sensory and imaginative play!

Beyond Shaving Cream Art 

Process art is one of the biggest benefits of this rainbow activity. It’s a great way for the kids to see the entire process from start to finish on how art can be easy and simple to create. 

They can then use that to understand the artistic impression and see if they can recreate or create a rainbow (or something else) all on their very own.

Plus, as mentioned above, this activity isn’t just about art! It’s a fun way to strengthen fine motor skills, explore sensory play, and tap into their imaginations! 

shaving cream art for kids marbled craft
shaving cream art for kids marbled craft

Beyond Shaving Cream Art 

Process art is one of the biggest benefits of this rainbow activity. It’s a great way for the kids to see the entire process from start to finish on how art can be easy and simple to create. 

They can then use that to understand the artistic impression and see if they can recreate or create a rainbow (or something else) all on their very own.

Plus, as mentioned above, this activity isn’t just about art! It’s a fun way to strengthen fine motor skills, explore sensory play, and tap into their imaginations! 

More fun for the ice cream lover!

Here are my top picks for ice cream themed play items you can buy.

Scoop and Serve

This wooden set is perfect for the ice cream lover! It comes with 28 pieces including ice cream flavors, toppings, cones, a cup, a menu, and the counter!

Life-Size Food Cart

This large scale imaginative play food cart is adorable! Plus it has two different food cart themes: sweets like ice cream, and snacks like pretzels and hot dogs!

Ice Cream Truck Walker

This adorable walker is a great gift for toddlers! Removing and placing the ice creams back into the holder is great for fine motor skills! 

Paint Your Own Ice Cream Cone 

Such a great arts and crafts set! Your ice cream lover will love decorating these magnetic scoops that stick together! 

What’s Next?

Color Matching Activity – Make Your Own Sorting Game

Color Matching Activity – Make Your Own Sorting Game

Color Matching Activity – Make Your Own Sorting Game

color matching activity with paper tubes and pom poms great for fine motor skills

Make your own color matching activity out of paper tubes and pom poms. This is a fun way to play with color recognition and fine motor skills! Keep on reading to find out how easy this activity is to make!

Where Color Matching Activity and Fine Motor Skills Collide!

This easy-to-make color matching activity is also a great way to strengthen fine motor skills. The kids will be able to use tongs and place the correct colored pom poms into the same colored tube all on their own! This is great for both finger muscles and hand-eye coordination!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

 

Skills: 

Ages: 

Prep Time: 

Watch This Color Matching Activity in Action! 

In this video, you’ll see how both preschoolers and toddlers can enjoy this activity! While many preschool aged kids can easily match colors, this game takes it to the next level by using tongs. This may be tricky for some kids to use, but the more they practice, the more their hand-eye coordination and finger muscles will strengthen. Toddlers who are not quite ready to use tongs yet, can use their hands to transfer the pom poms into the paper tube.

 

Watch This Color Matching Activity in Action! 

In this video, you’ll see how both preschoolers and toddlers can enjoy this activity! While many preschool aged kids can easily match colors, this game takes it to the next level by using tongs. This may be tricky for some kids to use, but the more they practice, the more their hand-eye coordination and finger muscles will strengthen. Toddlers who are not quite ready to use tongs yet, can use their hands to transfer the pom poms into the paper tube.

 

color matching activity with paper tubes and pom poms great for fine motor skills

Tips for Making This Color Matching Activity

Colors. Make paper tubes colorful by using acrylic paint, or an even faster process for grown ups to do is use spray paint!

Cardboard. Cardboard makes the best puzzle boards! It is thick and durable. But the best part? It’s a free resource if you have constant at-home deliveries like us! 

Tongs. For the added fine motor strengthening component of this activity, get some tongs that are kid-friendly! We bought a set that are for serving hors d’oeuvre – they are small and easier for kids to use.

For more color matching activities, be sure to visit our comprehensive list of ideas

 

 

Materials

  • Cardboard
  • Paper Tubes
  • Paint

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Step 1

Cut toilet paper tubes in half (or leave them whole for double the filling!). Paint tubes — acrylic paint, tempera paint sticks, spray paint, whatever you have on hand!

Step 2

Glue painted tubes down to a piece of cardboard. I used hot glue since it dries super fast. For the older kids, grab a tong and set aside pom poms, or bottle caps, or erasers, anything smallish that will fit inside. And watch those fine motor skills at work!

Step 1

Cut toilet paper tubes in half (or leave them whole for double the filling!). Paint tubes — acrylic paint, tempera paint sticks, spray paint, whatever you have on hand!

Step 2

Glue painted tubes down to a piece of cardboard. I used hot glue since it dries super fast. For the older kids, grab a tong and set aside pom poms, or bottle caps, or erasers, anything smallish that will fit inside. And watch those fine motor skills at work!

Get a Free Printable and Other Fun Ways to Explore Colors!

This printable worksheet is such a fun way to learn and match colors! Be sure to read all about this hands-on, sensory-packed way of learning colors!

To dive even deeper into learning colors, you have to download our All About Colors printable bundle. We shine a light on every color of the rainbow and beyond! Each color gets a dedicated page where kiddos can dive deep into learning all the vibrant details.

These pages are hands on and fun, integrating paint, scissor skills, and games too! If your kiddo loves colors, don’t miss our full printable bundle all about colors!

discover the colors worksheet printable color matching

We also have the following free worksheets: Dot the Rainbow, Rainbow Color Match using Cotton Swabs, and our bundle that is all about Color Mixing!

discover the colors worksheet printable color matching

Get a Free Printable and Other Fun Ways to Explore Colors!

This printable worksheet is such a fun way to learn and match colors! Be sure to read all about this hands-on, sensory-packed way of learning colors!

To dive even deeper into learning colors, you have to download our All About Colors printable bundle. We shine a light on every color of the rainbow and beyond! Each color gets a dedicated page where kiddos can dive deep into learning all the vibrant details. These pages are hands on and fun, integrating paint, scissor skills, and games too! If your kiddo loves colors, don’t miss our full printable bundle all about colors!

We also have the following free worksheets: Dot the Rainbow, Rainbow Color Match using Cotton Swabs, and our bundle that is all about Color Mixing!

 

More Ways to Explore Colors

Here are more color and rainbow activities that make great gifts!

wooden rainbow color sorting toy

Color Sorting Rainbow

Transfer pom poms or balls to color sort this rainbow! If you use tongs it is great for fine motor skills too! (Caution: small parts!)

rainbow wooden stacking toy for color recognition

Wooden Rainbow Stacker

This wooden rainbow stacker is  not only great for color sorting, it is also a fantastic open-ended play toy!

color sorting magnetic game color recognition

Color Sorting Maze

This wooden board has a magnetic wand and beads that can be sorted based on color! Great for fine motor skills too!

Color sorting game color recognition

Color Sort the Objects

This game is a great way to learn color recognition while strengthening language development.

What’s Next?

Activity for Toddlers – Colorful Taste Safe Sensory Play With Cereal

Activity for Toddlers – Colorful Taste Safe Sensory Play With Cereal

Activity for Toddlers – Colorful Taste Safe Sensory Play With Cereal

activity for toddlers colorful taste safe cereal sensory bin

This activity for toddlers is a colorful way to use stale cereal for sensory play that is also taste safe! Keep on reading to find out how easy this is to set up! 

A Taste Safe Activity for Toddlers

This activity is not about eating the cereal! Taste-safe and edible play are not synonymous. We prefer not to do edible play because to avoid the confusion of what sensory bases are safe to eat versus not safe to eat. I want my kiddos to assume that all sensory bases are not meant to be put in the mouth! 

Therefore, this activity is taste-safe. Allowing a toddler to explore the sensory bases while learning not to put it in their mouth. Of course, if a toddler were to eat some, grown ups will know that it will not be harmful!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills: 

Ages: 

Prep Time: 

How to Make This Activity for Toddlers

Watch this short video to see how easy it is to make stale cereal colorful. I want to emphasize to use stale cereal because there is no use in wasting good cereal you can eat! However, if you have cereal that would otherwise go in the trash bin, always think about how you could use it for sensory play first!

My daughter, two years old at the time, had so much fun scooping and pouring and mixing it all up!

How to Make This Activity for Toddlers

Watch this short video to see how easy it is to make stale cereal colorful. I want to emphasize to use stale cereal because there is no use in wasting good cereal you can eat! However, if you have cereal that would otherwise go in the trash bin, always think about how you could use it for sensory play first!

My daughter, two years old at the time, had so much fun scooping and pouring and mixing it all up!

activity for toddlers colorful taste safe cereal sensory bin

Tips for Setting Up This Activity for Toddlers

Bowls and Spoons. Make sure to include them in the set up! They are perfect tools for young kids to learn the practical life skill of scooping, pouring, and transferring!

Keep it stale! As mentioned above, we don’t want to encourage playing with good food that can be eaten. Instead, this is about utilizing stale cereal that would otherwise hit the trash bin!

Food Coloring. We used a gel-based food coloring as it spreads a bit more evenly. The water-based food coloring is likely to absorb too quickly into the cereal and not spread as well. Also, be sure to let the cereal dry before playing with it to avoid the color transferring to the skin. However, if it does, wash hands with baking soda as this has been an effective way to remove stains on skin.

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Step 1

In a sealed container, add 1/2 cup of cereal. We used Cheerios. Add a squirt of gel based food coloring. (It may help to squirt it to the side of the container, not directly on the cereal itself.)

Step 2

Seal the container and shake, shake, shake! Once the color is spread throughout, lay the cereal out to dry for an hour to minimize the color from transferring. Repeat for each color.

Step 1

In a sealed container, add 1/2 cup of cereal. We used Cheerios. Add a squirt of gel based food coloring. (It may help to squirt it to the side of the container, not directly on the cereal itself.)

Step 2

Seal the container and shake, shake, shake! Once the color is spread throughout, lay the cereal out to dry for an hour to minimize the color from transferring. Repeat for each color.

.

The Importance of Sensory Play 

It’s important to teach kids sensory play because it teaches them to learn with their bodies’ various senses. 

This also teaches them colors as well as lets them feel the shapes of the cereal and hold the various colors with their hands. 

Teach them the importance of not putting things in their mouth without understanding that it’s safe to do so as well. 

This is one fun colorful activity that is perfect for toddlers and younger learners.

activity for toddlers colorful taste safe cereal sensory bin
activity for toddlers colorful taste safe cereal sensory bin

The Importance of Sensory Play 

It’s important to teach kids sensory play because it teaches them to learn with their bodies’ various senses. 

This also teaches them colors as well as lets them feel the shapes of the cereal and hold the various colors with their hands. 

Teach them the importance of not putting things in their mouth without understanding that it’s safe to do so as well. 

This is one fun colorful activity that is perfect for toddlers and younger learners.

 

More Sensory Bases to Explore

Beyond this taste-safe cereal activity for toddlers. Here are some more sensory bases to explore!

slime kit sensory play for kids

The Ultimate Slime and Putty Kit

This kit includes 8 fascinating varieties of slime and putty, including premade putty, magnetic slime, glow in the dark putty, and so much more.

sensory sand play for kids

Sensory Sand

Sensory sand is moldable! This bulk pack comes with enough to fill an entire bin for lasting fun! Bonus points for including a storage bin!

mad mattr sensory dough modeling dough

Modelling Dough

This modelling dough compound NEVER dries out! It is a fun texture – it is stretchy like play dough, moldable like kinetic sand, and odorless.

play dough wild dough sensory

Premium Play Dough

This play dough is the cream of the crop! It is ridiculously silky and smooth, lasts for 6 months, and is scented!

What’s Next?

Peppa Pig Activity – Make This Adorable Play Dough Kit

Peppa Pig Activity – Make This Adorable Play Dough Kit

Peppa Pig Activity – Make This Adorable Play Dough Kit

peppa pig activity for kids play dough kit sensory

Looking for a Peppa Pig activity? This DIY play dough kit is adorable, so easy to make, and can be played with time and time again! 

The kids had a blast with the theme, and I could tell that their imagination was already working in overdrive from the moment that we started. When it comes to sensory fun and learning, you can’t go wrong with play dough kits.

Endless Hours of Imagination with Play Dough Kits

This Peppa Pig Activity, and play dough kits in general are one of those creations that are a win-win for everyone. Not only do they help to contain the mess, but they also keep everything together in one easy space so that the kids can open the lid and start to play. 

This activity must be supervised. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills: 

Ages: 

Prep Time: 

How To Make a Homemade Play Dough 

Once you get started in making this simple kit, you’re going to love the process. It’s fun and easy to do, and all you need are a few easy supplies to get started. 

Keep in mind that these are not only handy to have in the house for play time for the kids, but they’re great to gift to others, too. These make perfect birthday gifts or even fun take-home gifts for kids that maybe attended a birthday party at your house.

How To Make a Homemade Play Dough 

Once you get started in making this simple kit, you’re going to love the process. It’s fun and easy to do, and all you need are a few easy supplies to get started. 

Keep in mind that these are not only handy to have in the house for play time for the kids, but they’re great to gift to others, too. These make perfect birthday gifts or even fun take-home gifts for kids that maybe attended a birthday party at your house.

peppa pig activity for kids play dough kit sensory

How to Assemble This Peppa Pig Activity Kit 

In addition to this Peppa Pig activity, we have made so many other play dough kits – from ocean, to cupcake, to Frozen, and insect themed to name a few. 

I know that it’s important to keep the supplies on hand to make the kits, and I try to do that always! The following are what I think is important to have on hand to create play dough kits for the kids.

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Step 1

Create the homemade play dough and have the kids help decide the colors that they want to make it. We chose green for grass, brown for muddy puddles, and pink for the pig’s colored skin.

Step 2

Once the play dough has been made, make sure to let it cool down all the way and then store it in the container. 

Step 3

Put the rest of the play dough kit items inside, and you’re good to go! 

 

Step 1

Create the homemade play dough and have the kids help decide the colors that they want to make it. We chose green for grass, brown for muddy puddles, and pink for the pig’s colored skin.

Step 2

Once the play dough has been made, make sure to let it cool down all the way and then store it in the container. 

Step 3

Put the rest of the play dough kit items inside, and you’re good to go! 

Beyond Just a Peppa Pig Activity

Playing with play dough is so much more than just having playtime at home. The kids will use their hand muscles and dexterity to stretch and mold the play dough to create fun and new things.

This is great for sensory play and development and a simple way to have them think outside the box for creativity as well. Encourage independent playtime with play dough, too, as a fun way to work on that skill as well!

For more fun sensory play activities, check out our comprehensive list!

peppa pig activity for kids play dough kit sensory
peppa pig activity for kids play dough kit sensory

Beyond Just a Peppa Pig Activity

Playing with play dough is so much more than just having playtime at home. The kids will use their hand muscles and dexterity to stretch and mold the play dough to create fun and new things.

This is great for sensory play and development and a simple way to have them think outside the box for creativity as well. Encourage independent playtime with play dough, too, as a fun way to work on that skill as well!

For more fun sensory play activities, check out our comprehensive list!

More Sensory Bases to Explore

If your kiddo loved this Peppa Pig activity, here are my top picks for different types of sensory bases.

sensory sand play for kids

Sensory Sand

Sensory sand is moldable! This bulk pack comes with enough to fill an entire bin for lasting fun! Bonus points for including a storage bin!

mad mattr sensory dough modeling dough

Modelling Dough

This modelling dough compound NEVER dries out! It is a fun texture – it is stretchy like play dough, moldable like kinetic sand, and odorless.

play dough wild dough sensory

Premium Play Dough

This play dough is the cream of the crop! It is ridiculously silky and smooth, lasts for 6 months, and is scented!

slime kit sensory play for kids

The Ultimate Slime and Putty Kit

This kit includes 8 fascinating varieties of slime and putty, including premade putty, magnetic slime, glow in the dark putty, and so much more.

What’s Next?

Rain Cloud Experiment – Colorful Shaving Cream Science

Rain Cloud Experiment – Colorful Shaving Cream Science

Rain Cloud Experiment – Colorful Shaving Cream Science

rain cloud experiment shaving cream color cloud

This shaving cream rain experiment is a fun way to learn about clouds and rainfall! Make it vibrant by using all the colors of the rainbow! 

Easy to Set Up Rain Cloud Experiment

This rain cloud experiment is a fun way to demonstrate how rain falls through clouds. Best part for grown ups? It is super easy to set up! Whether you are creating one rain cloud or 6 like us, it only takes a few minutes to get everything together. 

I love that the supplies are simple and readily available so that you can conduct the experiment over and over again if you want to!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills: 

Ages: 3 Years +

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Watch How to Create This Rain Cloud Experiment

Watch this video to see how kids as young as 3 can get involved in creating and observing this experiment.

My 3 year old enjoyed spraying the shaving cream (with my help!) and using large droppers to place the food coloring “rain” on top of the “rain cloud.”

How to explain the science in preschool terms? If a cloud gets heavy enough, rain will fall from it!

Watch How to Create This Rain Cloud Experiment

Watch this video to see how kids as young as 3 can get involved in creating and observing this experiment.

My 3 year old enjoyed spraying the shaving cream (with my help!) and using large droppers to place the food coloring “rain” on top of the “rain cloud.”

How to explain the science in preschool terms? If a cloud gets heavy enough, rain will fall from it!

rain cloud experiment shaving cream color cloud

Tips for Setting Up This Rain Cloud Experiment

Clear Container. We decided to explore what rain would look like in every color of the rainbow, so I set aside 6 small, clear containers. These are actually tiny flower vases! Of course, you could use one container big, small, or anything in between!

Colors. The most common color used in this experiment is blue! But my kiddo wanted to use all the colors of the rainbow! This created an added skill for him to reinforce, which was color matching! I placed a dot sticker next to each vase so he could match his dropper filled with food coloring. You can use either liquid watercolors or food coloring for this experiment!

Large Droppers. They are great for fine motor skills and this experiment is perfect for kids to practice using them! Our set worked well for it because each dropper has a different color.

 

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

To make the “rain,” dilute your food coloring or liquid watercolor in water. You can do one color or many like us!

Step 2

Fill your glass(es) with water.

Step 3

Squirt shaving cream on top to make the cloud.

Step 4

Now is the fun part for your little one! Using a dropper, squirt the color(s) on top of the shaving cream. When the “cloud” becomes too heavy, the “rain” will rain down, making the water change colors.

Step 1

To make the “rain,” dilute your food coloring or liquid watercolor in water. You can do one color or many like us!

Step 2

Fill your glass(es) with water.

Step 3

Squirt shaving cream on top to make the cloud.

Step 4

Now is the fun part for your little one! Using a dropper, squirt the color(s) on top of the shaving cream. When the “cloud” becomes too heavy, the “rain” will rain down, making the water change colors.

The Science Behind This Rain Cloud Experiment 

This is a very simple demonstration of rainfall, which is perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners! 

Explain to your kiddo that the shaving cream is the “cloud” and the food coloring is the “rain.” When water gets too heavy inside clouds, gravity will pull it down through the clouds as rain.

By making the rain colorful, they have a great visual for seeing it fall!

For more science fun, be sure to visit our comprehensive list of activities

rain cloud experiment shaving cream color cloud
rain cloud experiment shaving cream color cloud

The Science Behind This Rain Cloud Experiment 

This is a very simple demonstration of rainfall, which is perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners! 

Explain to your kiddo that the shaving cream is the “cloud” and the food coloring is the “rain.” When water gets too heavy inside clouds, gravity will pull it down through the clouds as rain.

By making the rain colorful, they have a great visual for seeing it fall!

For more science fun, be sure to visit our comprehensive list of activities

More Science Experiments to Explore!

Here are my top picks for science experiment kits!

science experiment chemical reactions for kids

Science Kit for Kids

This science kit for kids includes 30 scientific experiments plus fun gear like a lab coat, goggles, and other scientific equipment!

chemistry set for kids chemical reactions

Chemistry Kits

This 3-Pack Chemistry Kits will ignite a passion for science. Including an electrochemistry lab, fire lab, and vortex lab.

science experiment set for kids

Earth Science Kit 

This kit lets your children learn hands-on about geology and chemical reactions in volcanoes.

chemistry set experiment for kids chemical reactions

Chemistry Station

Create glowing slime, fizzing reactions, oozing bubbles, colorful chromatography, and more!

What’s Next?

Toddler Fun – Cut Paper Tubes to Strengthen Hand Eye Coordination

Toddler Fun – Cut Paper Tubes to Strengthen Hand Eye Coordination

Toddler Fun – Cut Paper Tubes to Strengthen Hand Eye Coordination

toddler fun activity paper tube recycled hand eye coordination stacker

This stacking game made out of recycled paper tubes is toddler fun at its best! Super easy to set up and great for hand-eye coordination! 

Lots of Toddler Fun with This Paper Tube Stacker

Are you ready to see how simple it is to make toddler fun learning activities at home? The best part is that you don’t need a ton of supplies to make this happen. In fact, the next time that you use up all your paper towels, you’re just about ready to use them as a stacking activity. 

You can easily spend money on a stacker toy at the store but why would you when you can make one cheaply at home? It’s also a fun way to have older kids be involved in the creation process, too! They’ll be so proud that they helped make this!

This activity must be supervised. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills: 

Ages: 

Prep Time: 

Toddler Fun in Action!

Watch this video to see how much fun my toddler is having with this DIY stacking toy made out of paper tubes!

She is having such a good time stacking, and it is wonderful to see her working on her fine motor skills and hand eye coordination!

This is such a simple way to have fun, use what you’ve got in terms of materials, and strengthen some skills in the process!

Toddler Fun in Action!

Watch this video to see how much fun my toddler is having with this DIY stacking toy made out of paper tubes!

She is having such a good time stacking, and it is wonderful to see her working on her fine motor skills and hand eye coordination!

This is such a simple way to have fun, use what you’ve got in terms of materials, and strengthen some skills in the process!

toddler fun activity paper tube recycled hand eye coordination stacker

Tips for This Toddler Fun DIY Stacking Toy

Save all your paper tubes! These cardboard tubes are sturdy and such a great, free craft and play resource! So next time you finish a roll of paper towels, set it aside!

Cut it up! Big kids can work on their scissor skills by cutting up the pieces of cardboard. We made them about 2 inches wide, but you can mix it up based on your preference!

Make them colorful! A quick and fast way for adults to make paper towel tubes colorful is with spray paint. However, you can get the kids involved instead with non toxic paints and paint sticks!

Grab your paper towel holder! Borrowing a paper towel holder for this activity is best. However, if you don’t have one you could always glue a stick to a square of cardboard!

 

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Step 1

Cut up recycled paper towel tubes.

Step 2

Make the pieces colorful by using paint, paint sticks, or spray paint.

Step 3

Use a paper towel holder or stand and task your kiddo with stacking the cut up paper roll pieces. Older kids can practice patterning as well.

Step 1

Cut up recycled paper towel tubes.

Step 2

Make the pieces colorful by using paint, paint sticks, or spray paint.

Step 3

Use a paper towel holder or stand and task your kiddo with stacking the cut up paper roll pieces. Older kids can practice patterning as well.

Toddler Fun For Learning

Not only is stacking fun but it’s also great hand-eye coordination for the kids. They’ll love being able to create a fun pattern out of the colors and stack them any way that they want. 

This activity is also great for teaching patterns as well. Challenge them to stack reds and yellows and then count home many of each color there are. This works well for color identification and counting skills, too. 

The last major benefit of this stacking activity is that it focuses on fine motor skills. Each time that they pick up a ring and stack it on the tube, they’re working their hand and finger muscles which is great for dexterity.

printable fine motor skills activity

For more ways to strengthen fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, try this fun and free printable using dull toothpicks!

printable fine motor skills activity

Toddler Fun For Learning

Not only is stacking fun but it’s also great hand-eye coordination for the kids. They’ll love being able to create a fun pattern out of the colors and stack them any way that they want. 

This activity is also great for teaching patterns as well. Challenge them to stack reds and yellows and then count home many of each color there are. This works well for color identification and counting skills, too. 

The last major benefit of this stacking activity is that it focuses on fine motor skills. Each time that they pick up a ring and stack it on the tube, they’re working their hand and finger muscles which is great for dexterity.

For more ways to strengthen fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, try this fun and free printable using dull toothpicks!

More Fine Motor Activities to Explore

Here are my top picks for toys that will help your kiddo strengthen their fine motor skills!

fine motor skills buckles and strings toy

Buckle and Threading Pillow

This colorful pillow is fantastic for fine motor skills with 12 buckles to explore as well as a threading exercise!

fine motor skills pike the hedge hog toy

Spike the Fine Motor Hedgehog 

These chunky spikes are easy for little hands to grasp while strengthening muscles as they fit into the back of the hedgehog!

fine motor skills threading toy with beads

Big Lacing Beads 

Threading large wooden beads are great for strengthening fine motor skills! This set includes 30 beads and 2 colorful laces!

fine motor skills tissue box baby toy

Pull and Play Tissue Box

This fun toy is a play tissue box that comes with 12 reusable scarves to encourage grasping and fine motor skills!

What’s Next?

Christmas Cutting Activity – Free Printable Trim Santa’s Beard

Christmas Cutting Activity – Free Printable Trim Santa’s Beard

Christmas Cutting Activity – Free Printable Trim Santa’s Beard

christmas cutting activity trim santa's beard scissor skills free printable worksheet

This Christmas Cutting activity is such a fun way to strengthen scissor skills! Keep on reading to get the free printable worksheet to trim Santa’s beard!  

Scissor Skills with a Holiday Twist!

One of the best ways for kids to strengthen fine motor skills is through cutting activities! It takes time to build up the muscles in the hands and fingers, but activities like this make it fun!

This Christmas cutting activity is a super fun way to practice these skills during the holiday time! Kids will enjoy giving Santa’s beard a cut and a trim.

We made things extra easy for grown ups with a free printable worksheet. There are 4 different Santa’s each with different patterns on his beard to explore with varying levels of difficulty!

 

Skills: 

Ages: 

Prep Time: 

This Christmas Cutting Activity in Action!

This activity can be set up in no time! Since it is a free printable, all you have to do is grab the free printable from the link below, print it, and then either cut out the Santas yourself, or have your kiddos do it themselves!

Then, kids can have fun using scissors along the patterns to cut Santa’s beard and give it a trim if they would like too!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

This Christmas Cutting Activity in Action!

This activity can be set up in no time! Since it is a free printable, all you have to do is grab the free printable from the link below, print it, and then either cut out the Santas yourself, or have your kiddos do it themselves!

Then, kids can have fun using scissors along the patterns to cut Santa’s beard and give it a trim if they would like too!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

scissor skills cut santa's beard printable activity worksheet holiday

Get the FREE Printable Christmas Cutting Activity Here!

We understand that grown ups are busy which is why we often make free printable activities! For this Christmas, cutting activity, we’ve got you covered with this FREE printable!

We have lots of Holiday themed printables available. Be sure to check out our Christmas Bundle, Hanukkah Bundle, and Kwanzaa Bundle too! Each of these are filled with activities that will be sure to keep your kiddos busy before and during the holiday break!

And for even more printable activities, visit our Printable Shop. It is filled with easy to set-up activities that help strengthen early childhood education skills!

The Importance of Scissor Skills

Cutting with scissors is one of those practical life skills that will be useful for the rest of your kiddo’s life!

It also happens to be a wonderful tool for strengthening fine motor skills! Opening and closing a scissor will increase the muscle strengthen in kid’s hands and fingers.

This printable has a number of different patterns with varying degrees of difficulty. Each are great for supporting hand-eye coordination.

Overtime, as kid’s hands get stronger, their movements and accuracy will be more precise.

christmas cutting activity trim santa's beard scissor skills free printable worksheet
christmas cutting activity trim santa's beard scissor skills free printable worksheet

The Importance of Scissor Skills

Cutting with scissors is one of those practical life skills that will be useful for the rest of your kiddo’s life!

It also happens to be a wonderful tool for strengthening fine motor skills! Opening and closing a scissor will increase the muscle strengthen in kid’s hands and fingers.

This printable has a number of different patterns with varying degrees of difficulty. Each are great for supporting hand-eye coordination.

Overtime, as kid’s hands get stronger, their movements and accuracy will be more precise.

Store-Bought Scissor Skills Activities

Here are my top picks for scissor skill products you can buy!

Scissor Skills Workbook

This set includes 3 workbooks all about scissor skills. Each book includes a pair of scissors!

Apple Picking Game

This unique game includes magnetic apples that can be picked from the tree using a scooper scissor!

Travel-Size Cutting Book

This small book is packed with scissor skills activities for children as young as 2 years old!

Decorative Scissors

This fun set of scissors comes with 6 designs of patterns for decorating paper crafts!

What’s Next?

Christmas Sensory Activity – How to Make Candy Cane Oobleck

Christmas Sensory Activity – How to Make Candy Cane Oobleck

Christmas Sensory Activity – How to Make Candy Cane Oobleck

christmas sensory activity candy can oobleck

Candy Cane Oobleck is such a fun Christmas sensory activity. Plus, add tongs to pick out candy canes to strengthen hand muscles! Keep on reading to find out how to make it yourself in minutes!

Sensory Play During Holiday Time!

Oobleck is fun to play with anytime of year, but there is something extra special when you add some holiday twists! 

By making the oobleck look like candy cane colors, adding a peppermint scent, and small candy canes to be plucked out, this combination is sensory packed and great for fine motor skills too!

For more info about oobleck, check out this article where we share everything you need to know about it!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills: 

Ages: 3 Years +

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Watch How to Make and Play With This Christmas Sensory Activity

It is super simple to make oobleck! At the very least, you just need corn starch and water. Mixing it together and then placing it in a tray will take all of a few minutes to do!

In the video, you’ll see how my kiddos loved exploring the texture, picking out the little candy canes, and then mixing up the white and red colors to make pink!

Watch How to Make and Play With This Christmas Sensory Activity

It is super simple to make oobleck! At the very least, you just need corn starch and water. Mixing it together and then placing it in a tray will take all of a few minutes to do!

In the video, you’ll see how my kiddos loved exploring the texture, picking out the little candy canes, and then mixing up the white and red colors to make pink!

christmas sensory activity candy can oobleck

Tips to Make the Most of This Christmas Sensory Activity

A Bowl of Water. Have one nearby! Even kids who love to get messy will want to wash their hands off from time to time and this will really extend the play longer!

Tongs. Add some tongs to the set up to strengthen fine motor skills! Make sure you have a thin layer of oobleck, so that the candy canes don’t fully sink inside it! The texture of the oobleck when resting is hard, so this is a great challenge for kids to remove them using tongs or tweezers!

Add a scent! Peppermint makes the most sense for this set up! It really adds so much more to the sensory experience.

Dilute Before Disposing. When playtime is over, you can either dump the oobleck mixture straight into a trash can, or you can dilute it fully first with water and then flush it down the drain or throw it in the garden!

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

White Oobleck: Combine 2 cups cornstarch with 1 cup water and a 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint flavoring.

Step 2

Red Oobleck: Same as the white oobleck, just add a nice squeeze of red food coloring. 

Step 3

Add a little bit of each color to a bin, alternating colors. Oobleck spreads quickly, so keep that in mind.

Optional: drop mini candy canes on top for an added fine motor challenge.

Step 1

White Oobleck: Combine 2 cups cornstarch with 1 cup water and a 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint flavoring.

Step 2

Red Oobleck: Same as the white oobleck, just add a nice squeeze of red food coloring. 

Step 3

Add a little bit of each color to a bin, alternating colors. Oobleck spreads quickly, so keep that in mind.

Optional: drop mini candy canes on top for an added fine motor challenge.

More Holiday Themed Activities!  

This Christmas Activity booklet includes 18 playful learning activities to promote early childhood skills including, alphabet recognition, color recognition, scissor skills, early math, writing, and so much more!

It is a fun bundle to have during the holiday break to keep the kiddos busy, learning, and having fun!

For more printable resources be sure to check out our full collection of worksheets

fall sensory bin taste safe toddler baby foam
fall sensory bin taste safe toddler baby foam

More Holiday Themed Activities!  

This Christmas Activity booklet includes 18 playful learning activities to promote early childhood skills including, alphabet recognition, color recognition, scissor skills, early math, writing, and so much more!

It is a fun bundle to have during the holiday break to keep the kiddos busy, learning, and having fun!

For more printable resources be sure to check out our full collection of worksheets

More Sensory Bins to Explore 

Here are my top picks for sensory bins, toys, and books you can buy.

sensory bin build you own bin michaels

Build Your Own Sensory Bin Bundle

This fun bundle allows you to choose between different compounds, figurines and other accessories.

sensory bin marine creatures

Pre-Made Sensory Bins

Whether you want to explore the ocean, dinosaurs, ice cream shop and more. These pre-made kits make set up easy!

sensory play monster truck bin

Monster Truck Arena

This sensory-play item is perfect for the monster truck fan! It comes with 2 pounds of monster dirt and a monster truck!

fabric busy book

Sensory-Based Book

Sensory play doesn’t have to be messy! This fabric book is full of hands-on sensory-based activities!

What’s Next?

Counting Numbers 1 to 10, Awesome Dot the Animal

Counting Numbers 1 to 10, Awesome Dot the Animal

Counting Numbers 1 to 10 – Awesome Dot the Animal Printable

dot the animals printable activity learn counting 1 to 10

This free printable is all about giving animals their dots back! It’s a great way to reinforce recognizing numbers, learn counting numbers 1 to 10, and strengthening fine motor skills! 

Counting Numbers 1 to 10 and Fine Motor Skills Collide with This Dot Marker Activity!

This activity is such a fun way to engage with numbers while strengthening fine motor skills. 

Dot Markers are such a great arts and crafts tool because they are perfect for little hands that are just learning how to hold a writing instrument. Plus, they are tapping into their hand-eye coordination while they match up the marker with the dot outline!

All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

 

Skills: 

Ages: 

Prep Time: 

Watch How to Set Up This Activity for Counting Numbers 1 to 10

In this video, you’ll see how I used our free printable on a vertical surface! This allowed my daughter to stay engaged and on her feet exercising more motor skills beyond just fine motor! 

She enjoyed selecting which color dot marker she would use and then happily gave the animals their dots back!

Watch How to Set Up This Activity for Counting Numbers 1 to 10  

In this video, you’ll see how I used our free printable on a vertical surface! This allowed my daughter to stay engaged and on her feet exercising more motor skills beyond just fine motor! 

She enjoyed selecting which color dot marker she would use and then happily gave the animals their dots back!

dot the animals printable activity learn counting 1 to 10

Our Free Dot-the-Animal Printable Activity!

Save time from drawing your own animals and grab our free printable rainbow activity. You can use dot markers, dot stickers, paint and cotton balls, or simply color in the dots with crayon! There are lots of ways you can play and learn with this worksheet.

Our pizza counting topping activity is a great compliment to this activity and it also comes with a free printable to make set-up even easier for grown ups!

We have lots of other fun hands on activities for learning early math concepts. Be sure to check out our comprehensive list

And when your kiddo is ready to dive into addition, be sure to check out our add the hair activity!

 

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Step 1

Grab and print our free printable.

Step 2

To create a vertical set up, like us, cut out the animals.

Step 3

Glue the animal cut outs to a piece of cardboard.

Step 4

Write the numbers beside each image.

Step 5

Tape the piece of cardboard to the wall.

Step 6

Provide dot markers for your kiddo to give the animals their dots back!

Step 1

Grab and print our free printable.

Step 2

To create a vertical set up, like us, cut out the animals.

Step 3

Glue the animal cut outs to a piece of cardboard.

Step 4

Write the numbers beside each image.

Step 5

Tape the piece of cardboard to the wall.

Step 6

Provide dot markers for your kiddo to give the animals their dots back!

Why Playing With Dot Markers is Great

I think this dot-the-animal activity really stands out because it’s the perfect combination of fine motor skills and early math fun. The kids will use their finger and hand muscles to hold the dot markers and then use their hand-eye coordination to align it correctly on the cardboard.

Creating this activity on a vertical surface also helps little one strengthen gross motor skills, increases shoulder strength, and simply allows young kids to be more engaged while on their feet! 

dot the animals printable activity learn counting 1 to 10
dot the animals printable activity learn counting 1 to 10

Why Playing With Dot Markers is Great

I think this dot-the-animal activity really stands out because it’s the perfect combination of fine motor skills and early math fun. The kids will use their finger and hand muscles to hold the dot markers and then use their hand-eye coordination to put align it correctly on the cardboard.

Creating this activity on a vertical surface also helps little one strengthen gross motor skills, increases shoulder strength, and simply allows young kids to be more engaged while on their feet! 

More Ways to Play with Early Math!

Here are more fun ways to learn numbers and counting that also make great gifts!

counting numbers gift

Wooden Number Puzzle 

If you want something really simple, this is perfect! It’s a puzzle made of wooden numbers.

counting numbers gift

Pom Pom Counting Cupcakes 

This activity uses soft pom poms and wooden cupcakes for early counting. It strengthens fine motor skills too.

pre k math learning addition game wooden

Wooden Math Board

This handcrafted learning resource is great for learning counting and addition and subtraction of numbers up to 20.

early math learning for kids wooden blocks

Wooden Number Blocks

These wooden blocks resemble numbers and grow with your child’s advancing math skills. It also includes a math guide and activity cards.

What’s Next?

Lacing Activity – How to Make a Toy for Preschoolers

Lacing Activity – How to Make a Toy for Preschoolers

Lacing Activity – How to Make a Toy for Preschoolers

lacing activity preschool threading apple diy

This lacing activity is great for strengthening fine motor skills and hand eye coordination. A super easy to make DIY toy! All you need are a few simple supplies to create this too! 

A Budget Friendly Lacing Activity

This lacing activity is the perfect example of making something yourself instead of spending money on buying a toy! Of course, there are very similar products for sale that could definitely be purchased if your kiddo absolutely loves this lacing activity.

But making one out of cardboard and using very few supplies is a great way to test the toy out before making a bigger investment!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

 

Skills: 

Ages: 

Prep Time: 

The Lacing Activity in Action 

Here’s a snippet of my kiddo, 4 years old at the time, playing with this lacing activity. 

He got such a kick out of seeing the “worm” go in and out of the apple that it just brings a whole new element of imagination and fun. 

It’s a great way to have them excited about an activity that is working on their hand-eye coordination at the same time.

The Lacing Activity in Action 

Here’s a snippet of my kiddo, 4 years old at the time, playing with this lacing activity. 

He got such a kick out of seeing the “worm” go in and out of the apple that it just brings a whole new element of imagination and fun. 

It’s a great way to have them excited about an activity that is working on their hand-eye coordination at the same time.

lacing activity preschool threading apple diy

Tips for Creating this DIY Lacing Activity

Have fun with this activity! The kids can be a part of the process from start to finish! Let them draw the apple on cardboard, then cut it out! Great for scissor skills and confidence as well. 

Use cardboard! If you get a lot of packages (like me!), it is a free crafting resource that has a super strong and durable texture!

Use tempera paint sticks! For coloring the apple and worm, we used tempera paint sticks. They come out super vibrant on cardboard which is not always the case with paint!

If you don’t have an extra long hole punch, use a sharp knife to create the holes!

 

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Step 1

Cut out an apple and worm shape on the cardboard. Involve the kids if you’d like and have them color.

Step 2

Use a hole punch and cut out the holes. You don’t have to do very many, but I would say 8-10 are great. Make sure to put them all over. 

Step 3

Tie a piece of twine or yarn to the apple with the worm attached to the other end.

Step 4

Have the kids take the yarn and go through all the holes.

Step 1

Cut out an apple and worm shape on the cardboard. Involve the kids if you’d like and have them color.

Step 2

Use a hole punch and cut out the holes. You don’t have to do very many, but I would say 8-10 are great. Make sure to put them all over. 

Step 3

Tie a piece of twine or yarn to the apple with the worm attached to the other end.

Step 4

Have the kids take the yarn and go through all the holes. 

isThe Benefits of Lacing and Threading

Threading yarn through holes is a fun way to have kids concentrate and work their finger muscles. Lots of control and hand-eye coordination is required to get that yarn in the hole, but with a little patience, they can do it! 

Another everyday item to strengthen fine motor skills are using clothespins/pegs! This dinosaur-themed activity, is a free printable you should definitely check out! Kids use pegs to give dinosaurs their “spikes” back!

For more fine motor skills activities, be sure to check out our comprehensive list!

dinosaur activity printable fine motor skills color recognition counting
dinosaur activity printable fine motor skills color recognition counting

isThe Benefits of Lacing and Threading

Threading yarn through holes is a fun way to have kids concentrate and work their finger muscles. Lots of control and hand-eye coordination is required to get that yarn in the hole, but with a little patience, they can do it! 

Another everyday item to strengthen fine motor skills are using clothespins/pegs! This dinosaur-themed activity, is a free printable you should definitely check out! Kids use pegs to give dinosaurs their “spikes” back!

For more fine motor skills activities, be sure to check out our comprehensive list!

More Ways to Strengthen Fine Motor Skills

Here are some top picks for games and tools that will strengthen motor skills!

fine motor skills buckles and strings toy

Buckle and Threading Pillow

This colorful pillow is fantastic for fine motor skills with 12 buckles to explore as well as a threading exercise!

wooden sensory bin tools that are great for fine motor skills through play

Sensory Bin Tools

This set comes with 7 items including bowls, scoops, and a tong. A great set for learning practical life skills through sensory play.

color recognition sorting rainbow fine motor skills

Color Sorting Rainbow

Strengthen motor skills while using tongs to color sort this beautifully crafted rainbow! Caution: small parts!

fine motor skills alphabet recognition maze

Alphabet Maze

This magnetic maze activity is a fun way to strengthen fine motor skills while also building upon letter recognition skills!

What’s Next?

Play Dough Gift – Easily Assemble a Fun Princess Kit

Play Dough Gift – Easily Assemble a Fun Princess Kit

Play Dough Gift – Easily Assemble a Fun Princess Kit

play dough gift princess kit

Kids can enjoy not one, but so many princesses in this fun kit! These boxes are easy to assemble and make such great play dough gifts! Keep on reading to find out about not only what materials we used in this kit, but also how to use these kits as gifts and beyond! 

A Play Dough Gift and More

Play dough kits can be simple, fast, and easy to make. Not only do they make the coolest play dough gifts, but they are great for little ones to learn independent play,  creativity, and strengthen fine motor skills.

I love that these kits literally have everything that they need in them so that kids can take over and dive into their imaginations princess-style! Kits give them a great way to express their creative freedom and create something truly on their own.

This activity must be supervised. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.

Skills: 

Ages: 

Prep Time: 

How to Make Play Dough for Your Gift!

If you’ve never made play dough before, you may think it is going to be a lot of work! But, nope! Our simple recipe is super easy to make. There is no cooking involved, just using a microwave!

Making play dough together with kids is such a fun way to include them in the process. They can learn so much by just measuring and counting ingredients. Plus, if you’re like us, you’ll want to make it in every color!

How to Make Play Dough for Your Gift!

If you’ve never made play dough before, you may think it is going to be a lot of work! But, nope! Our simple recipe is super easy to make. There is no cooking involved, just using a microwave!

Making play dough together with kids is such a fun way to include them in the process. They can learn so much by just measuring and counting ingredients. Plus, if you’re like us, you’ll want to make it in every color!

play dough gift princess kit

Building the Perfect Play Dough Gift Kit

We make a ton of play dough gift kits. It’s my go-to for birthday presents for kids aged 2-5 years old! We have made kits for dozens of themes, but whichever you choose (ocean, cupcake, Frozen, insect, you name it!) below are the basics for the general types of items I look for to fill up a box:

 

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Step 1

Start by making homemade play dough. You can add glitter to it or use food coloring to make different colors based on your theme. In this princess play dough gift, I included 3 colors, purple, pink, and yellow, but feel free to switch this up however you prefer!

Step 2

Once the play dough has cooled down, add it to the storage containers.

Step 3

Use the above as a guide for deciding what loose parts, figurines, and other items you want to include.

Step 4

Close it up and cover in gift wrap if giving as a present!

Step 1

Start by making homemade play dough. You can add glitter to it or used food coloring to make different colors based on your theme. In this princess play dough gift, I included 3 colors, purple, pink, and yellow, but feel free to switch this up however you prefer!

Step 2

Once the play dough is cooled down, add it to the storage containers.

Step 3

Use the above as a guide for deciding what loose parts, figurines, and other items you want to include.

Step 4

Close it up and cover in gift wrap if giving as a present!

The Importance of Playing with This Play Dough Gift

Playing with play dough is one of those activities that can occupy your child for hours. When they want to play using their hands and minds, have them create with play dough! 

They’ll be able to pull, stretch, and mold and love having their kit to use. Plus, it’s so much fun to give them as gifts! Whether you make it as a gift, or for use at home or school, kids will love being able to have this kit to open and play with at any point in time. 

Having all of it stored neatly in a case means that you and the kids can have less mess and clean-up time and more time playing! This is a great way to motivate them to take care of their own personal kits.

play dough gift princess kit

For more fun sensory play activities, check out our comprehensive list!

play dough gift princess kit

The Importance of Playing with This Play Dough Gift

Playing with play dough is one of those activities that can occupy your child for hours. When they want to play using their hands and minds, have them create with play dough! 

They’ll be able to pull, stretch, and mold and love having their kit to use. Plus, it’s so much fun to give them as gifts! Whether you make it as a gift, or for use at home or school, kids will love being able to have this kit to open and play with at any point in time. 

Having all of it stored neatly in a case means that you and the kids can have less mess and clean-up time and more time playing! This is a great way to motivate them to take care of their own personal kits.

For more fun sensory play activities, check out our comprehensive list!

More Sensory Bases to Explore

Here are my top picks for different types of sensory bases.

sensory sand play for kids

Sensory San