Monday, December 13, 2010

Fun Holiday Projects to Do Together


As the holidays approach, it is all too easy to get caught up in the frenzy of shopping, decorating, and attending parties with friends, coworkers, and family. As you rush around, though, don't forget to keep the most important things in mind - such as the quality time you spend with your children. Take a step back from the bustle of activity and help your kids create those special holiday memories that will stay with them for a lifetime. Here are some fun and easy holiday project ideas that are perfect for kids of all ages.

Bake holiday treats together. Most of us have a favorite holiday treat that our parents or grandparents made every year around this time. Teach your kids to bake your childhood favorites, from cookies to pies to brownies. Even if you are not a baking whiz, you can purchase frozen cookies or baking mixes that you can prepare together.

Make holiday ornaments. Kids love to help decorate, and they feel even more special when they see the house decked out in ornaments they have made themselves. Be as creative as you like - you can purchase ornament kits, string popcorn and cranberries, or make colorful chains out of construction paper. Styrofoam balls, glue, and glitter are perfect for making tree ornaments, "snowmen," and other winter decorations.

Wrap holiday gifts. Kids are just as excited about giving gifts as receiving them; letting them help you wrap the holiday gifts for friends and family is a great way to get them involved and allow them to feel like they are part of the holiday preparations. Use kid-friendly scissors, and help smaller children with cutting and tape to avoid cuts and pinched fingers.

Prepare holiday meals together. One of the best ways to get kids to eat, and to enjoy your family's special holiday traditions, is to let them help you prepare your holiday meals. Using a sturdy step stool lets your children reach counter tops; you can teach them to safely peel vegetables, measure ingredients, stir batter, and more - supervise children any time they are near a hot stove, and guide them in the use of kitchen utensils.

While you are working together, teach your little ones to be safe. Tie long hair back, help small children with sharp kitchen tools, and use a safety stool, such as the Guidecraft Kitchen Helper Stool, to allow them to reach tabletops and counters. This handy kitchen stool is adjustable to four levels and has safety bars to keep children from tumbling backwards while standing at the counter. Make sure an adult is supervising at all times while kids are using the safety stool.

You can find the Guidecraft Kitchen Helper Stool, along with hundreds of other kid-friendly products, right here at A Kid Place. We make holiday shopping easy, giving you more time to spend with your loved ones this season.

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