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Dramatic & Sensory Play for Preschoolers

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Goodnight Fox

  • Our Story
  • Sticker Club
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    • New Play Themes
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DIY Crystal Ball Party Favors or Classroom Favors for Kids: A Magical Halloween Craft

October 6, 2024 Kylie Tuosto

Looking for the perfect Halloween party or classroom favor for kids? These DIY crystal ball favors are not only enchanting but also easy to make! With glowing pluffle, starry charms, and a magical LED light that brings the whole thing to life, they are sure to impress at any Halloween gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or want a spooky-yet-fun classroom gift, these crystal balls will be a hit with children and parents alike!

Download & Print

Crafted using simple materials like clear plastic baubles, glow-in-the-dark pluffle, and acrylic charms, this DIY project is a fun and creative way to celebrate the spookiest season of the year.

Why These DIY Crystal Balls Are the Best Halloween Favors

  • Glowing Magic: With glow-in-the-dark pluffle and a tiny LED light, these crystal balls come alive in the dark, adding an extra layer of Halloween magic.

  • Easy to Make: You don’t need a ton of materials, and the steps are simple, making this a great craft to do with kids.

  • Customizable: Add different charms, glitter, and ribbons to match your Halloween theme, whether it’s cute and spooky or all-out magical.

  • Affordable: These party favors are budget-friendly and can be made in bulk for classroom parties or large Halloween events.

Supplies You’ll Need:

  • Clear plastic baubles

  • Glow-in-the-dark pluffle

  • Acrylic moon and star charms from GoodnightFox

  • Printable collars from GoodnightFox

  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks

  • Glitter (optional)

  • Small LED lights (battery-powered)

  • Ribbon

Download & Print

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather Your Supplies

To get started, make sure you have all the necessary materials. You can grab the acrylic moon and star charms and the printable collars from GoodnightFox. The glow-in-the-dark pluffle, plastic baubles, and other materials can be found at your local craft store.

2. Prepare the Bauble

  • Start by opening the clear plastic bauble.

  • Select a moon or star acrylic charm from GoodnightFox as the magical centerpiece of your crystal ball.

  • Using a hot glue gun, carefully attach the charm to the inside bottom of the bauble. Let it dry fully before moving on to the next step.

3. Add the Glow-in-the-Dark Pluffle

  • Now it’s time to add the mystical glow! Fill the bauble with glow-in-the-dark pluffle, enough to surround the charm but leaving space for movement. This soft, glowing material creates the perfect illusion of swirling mist inside the crystal ball.

  • For an extra touch of sparkle, sprinkle a bit of glitter into the bauble before sealing it. The glitter will catch the light, adding to the magical effect.

4. Insert the LED Light

  • To make your crystal ball glow at night, add a small battery-powered LED light to the bottom of the bauble. Choose a light that fits snugly underneath the base of the bauble for the best effect.

  • The LED light will illuminate the acrylic charms and the glow-in-the-dark pluffle, making the crystal ball shine with magical energy.

5. Secure with the Printable Collar

  • Close the bauble, ensuring it’s securely sealed, and add a printable collar from GoodnightFox around the top for a finished look.

  • You can glue the collar in place to keep everything secure, and it adds a professional touch that really completes the Halloween aesthetic.

6. Wrap with Ribbon

  • For a final decorative touch, wrap a ribbon around the top of the bauble where the collar meets the two halves. A black, purple, or silver ribbon will complement the spooky vibe of Halloween.

  • Tie a neat bow and trim the ends for a clean, polished look.

7. Display or Gift!

  • Your DIY crystal ball favor is ready to impress! Whether it’s handed out to trick-or-treaters, placed as a party favor, or given out in the classroom, these glowing crystal balls will be a magical hit.

Download & Print

Tips for Crafting the Perfect Crystal Ball Favor

  • Extra Sparkle: Adding a touch of glitter can really make the crystal ball shimmer, especially when the LED light is turned on.

  • Personalize It: Add small name tags or Halloween-themed labels to each favor to make them extra special for the recipient.

  • Experiment with Colors: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can switch up the color of the glow-in-the-dark pluffle or use multicolored LED lights for a truly magical effect.


Why These Crystal Ball Favors Will Be a Hit

  • Interactive and Fun: These aren’t just decorations – they glow in the dark! Kids will love playing with their glowing crystal balls and showing them off to friends.

  • Perfect for Halloween: The moon and star charms, combined with the glow-in-the-dark effect, create the perfect eerie atmosphere for a spooky Halloween celebration.

  • Unique and Memorable: Unlike traditional party favors, these DIY crystal balls are unique keepsakes that kids can enjoy long after Halloween is over.

  • Affordable for Bulk Crafting: Whether you’re making a handful for a small party or dozens for a classroom, these favors are affordable and easy to scale.


Create Spooky Magic with DIY Crystal Ball Favors

With just a few materials and a bit of creativity, you can craft enchanting DIY crystal ball favors that will add a magical touch to any Halloween celebration. Perfect for parties or classrooms, these glowing crystal balls are fun, affordable, and customizable, making them the ultimate favor for kids this Halloween.

Head over to GoodnightFox to grab your moon and star acrylic charms, printable collars, and start crafting today. With glow-in-the-dark pluffle, LED lights, and a sprinkle of glitter, these DIY crystal balls will shine as the highlight of your Halloween festivities.

Tags crystal ball, light up crystal ball, halloween activity for kids, sparkly activity, magic for kids, printable activities for kids
2 Comments

Ramen Noodle Shop Sensory & Dramatic Play Setup: Taste-Safe Sensory Play for Toddlers

September 30, 2024 Kylie Tuosto

Step into a world of imagination and hands-on learning with my Ramen Noodle Shop sensory and dramatic play setup! This ramen shop experience combines taste-safe sensory play with dramatic play elements, giving your little one the opportunity to explore textures, practice fine motor skills, and engage in pretend play. Let's take a look at the setup, step-by-step instructions for each sensory bin, and the learning benefits of this fun and interactive activity.

Ramen Shop Printable Play
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Ramen Shop Printable Decor

To bring the ramen shop to life, I’ve designed a set of printable decor, perfect for your play space. These printables are great for setting the scene and encouraging imaginative play.

  • Ramen Shop Flag & Banner: Hang the flag and banner to mark the entrance to your ramen shop, inviting little chefs and customers inside.

  • Shop Sign: The shop sign adds a personal touch, labeling your ramen stand as the best noodle shop in town!

  • Awning: Add the printable awning over your setup for an authentic ramen shop feel.

  • Menu: Display the ramen shop menu, listing the ingredients and ramen types your child can “prepare” in their noodle bowls.

Now, let's dive into the sensory play stations!

Download & Print
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Sensory Bin 1: Make Your Own Bowl of Ramen

Materials:

  • Cooked spaghetti (as ramen noodles)

  • Hard-boiled eggs (cut in half)

  • Frozen corn (thawed)

  • Small bowls and utensils

Instructions:

  1. Place the cooked spaghetti in the bin and separate the hard-boiled eggs and corn into smaller bowls.

  2. Provide small bowls and utensils for your child to scoop noodles, eggs, and corn to create their ramen dish.

  3. Encourage your child to add each ingredient to their bowl, exploring the different textures and practicing fine motor skills.

Learning Benefits:

Fine Motor Skills: Picking up noodles, scooping corn, and placing eggs require coordination and strength in small hand muscles.

Sensory Exploration: Children get to experience the texture of soft noodles, firm eggs, and cold corn, stimulating their sense of touch.

Imaginative Play: By pretending to make their own bowl of ramen, children engage in creative play, fostering cognitive development.

Ramen Shop Printable Play
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Sensory Bin 2: Cook the Ramen Soup on a Printable Stove

Materials:

  • Printable stove cover (available in the ramen shop printable kit)

  • Pots, pans, and ladles

  • Water or a clear liquid substitute for “soup”

Instructions:

  1. Place the printable stove cover over one of the small Trofast bins to create a pretend stovetop.

  2. Fill pots and pans with water or a clear liquid substitute, and provide ladles for stirring.

  3. Encourage your child to “cook” the ramen noodles and prepare a delicious soup by stirring the ingredients in the pots and pans.

Learning Benefits:

Problem-Solving Skills: Children learn how to simulate cooking, developing early reasoning as they navigate the process of preparing a meal.

Role Play: Pretending to cook fosters language development as children mimic real-life scenarios they observe in their own kitchens.

Coordination & Balance: Stirring the soup and transferring ingredients from the pot to the bowl challenges balance and hand-eye coordination.

Download & Print
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Sensory Bin 3: Be the Ramen Shop Owner

Materials:

  • Play cash register

  • Play money

  • Ramen bowls and utensils

Instructions:

  1. Set up a small bin with a cash register and play money for your child to pretend to be the ramen shop owner.

  2. Once a customer (you or another child) has created their bowl of ramen, they can take it to the register to pay for their meal.

  3. Have your child practice counting out money and giving the correct change.

Learning Benefits:

Math Skills: Handling play money introduces basic math concepts like counting, addition, and subtraction.

Social Skills: Role-playing as the shop owner helps children practice communication, turn-taking, and customer service.

Imaginative Play: Running a ramen shop encourages creative thinking and helps children understand real-world roles and responsibilities.

Ramen Shop Printable Play

Learning Through Taste-Safe Sensory Play

This ramen shop sensory play setup is a great way to introduce young children to new textures, role-playing, and early math skills in a fun and safe environment. Using taste-safe ingredients ensures that even if your little one decides to explore with their mouths, you can feel confident in the safety of the materials.

Download & Print

Vocabulary Words for Ramen Noodle Shop Play

Enhance your child’s language development by incorporating these vocabulary words into your ramen noodle shop play:

  1. 1. Noodle

  2. 2. Ramen

  3. 3. Soup

  4. 4. Bowl

  5. 5. Spoon

  6. 6. Ladle

  7. 7. Corn

  8. 8. Egg

  9. 9. Shop

  10. 10. Cash register

  11. 11. Money

  12. 12. Menu

  13. 13. Order

  14. 14. Customer

  15. 15. Owner

  16. 16. Stove

  17. 17. Pot

  18. 18. Pan

  19. 19. Boil

  20. 20. Steam

  21. 21. Chopsticks

  22. 22. Ingredients

  23. 23. Broth

  24. 24. Chef

  25. 25. Receipt

Ramen Shop Printable Play

With these engaging sensory bins and dramatic play elements, your child will have a blast pretending to run their own ramen noodle shop while practicing essential skills. From sensory exploration to role-playing and math, this setup encourages children to learn through play in a safe and stimulating environment. Don't forget to download the printable decor to complete your ramen shop experience!

By incorporating taste-safe sensory play, you provide toddlers with a hands-on learning experience that fosters curiosity, creativity, and cognitive growth. Happy ramen-making!

Tags ramen shop sensory play, ramen noodles play, sensory play, taste safe, taste-safe play for baby toddler
2 Comments

DIY Kids Robot Costume for Halloween: Step-by-Step Guide

September 27, 2024 Kylie Tuosto

DIY Kids Robot Costume for Halloween: Step-by-Step Guide

Looking for a fun and creative costume for your child this Halloween? A robot costume is an exciting, hands-on project that your child will love! I made this robot costume for my daughter when she was four, and she absolutely adored it. With some easy-to-find materials, a bit of imagination, and your crafting skills, you can create a magical robot outfit. Below is a detailed guide with all the materials and step-by-step instructions you’ll need to recreate this adorable robot costume!

Materials You’ll Need:

  • Cardboard boxes (for the body and head)

  • White Gorilla tape

  • Star-shaped ball pit balls (for decoration and antenna)

  • Light-up string stars (for embedding around the bottom edge) https://a.co/d/cF8Addn

  • Aluminum ducting (for arms and legs, available at Home Depot)

  • Glow-in-the-dark fidget tubes (for cuffs and decoration) https://amzn.to/3XFUsh6

  • Pastel purple and teal tubes for antenna https://amzn.to/3XFUsh6

  • Small battery-powered lights (for illuminating the star antenna) https://amzn.to/3MVB3Ui

  • 4x6 wooden frame (painted pink for the faceplate) https://amzn.to/3TCKEmP

  • Heart-shaped box lid (to create the heart plate) https://amzn.to/3zzqqUb

  • Pipe cleaners (to make a heartbeat line on the heart plate) https://amzn.to/3TBqidp

  • Duplo sized Legos (for building the front control plate)

  • Glow-in-the-dark googly eyes (modified with a popsicle stick to create a meter) https://amzn.to/3BgeyHj

  • Paint (for decorating lines on the googly eyes and the robot’s face) https://amzn.to/3ZE7PRC

  • Push lights (for the ears) https://amzn.to/3MZXHuO

  • White 18” zipper https://amzn.to/3XYMXCb

  • Hot glue, scissors, box cutter or exactly knife, white spray paint

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Creating the Robot Body

  • Start with the cardboard boxes: Find two cardboard boxes—one for the body and one for the head. Ensure the head box is large enough for your child to wear comfortably while the body box reaches their waist.

  • Cut holes for the arms and head: Use a box cutter to cut out armholes on the side of the body box and a hole on top of the head box for your child’s head. Secure the edges of the boxes with White Gorilla tape to make the structure sturdy.

  • Decorate the body: Use the Light-up string stars and attach them to the bottom edge of the body box, securing the stars in place with more white Gorilla tape.

  • Lego front plate: Arrange Legos in a fun control panel design on the front of the body box. This will give your robot costume a high-tech look.

2. Adding the Arms and Legs

  • Use aluminum ducting for the arms and legs: Cut the ducting to your child’s arm and leg lengths. Attach them to the body using white Gorilla tape, leaving enough room for movement.

  • Glow-in-the-dark cuffs: Slide Glow-in-the-dark fidget tubes over the ducting at the wrists and ankles to create glowing cuffs. This adds a cool effect in the dark.

3. Constructing the Head and Faceplate

  • Assemble the faceplate: Paint a 4x6 wooden frame pink and attach it to the front of the head box to create a faceplate for your child.

  • Googly eye meter: Modify Glow-in-the-dark googly eyes by adding popsicle stick meter and drawing meter lines around the edges with paint. Secure this to the top of the faceplate for an extra robotic touch.

  • Push lights for ears: Stick round Push lights on either side of the head box for ears, which can double as lights.

  • Antenna with star balls: Attach Pastel purple and teal tubes for antenna to the top of the head box as antenna. Secure Star-shaped ball pit balls to the top of each tube and insert Small battery-powered lights to light them up for a glowing effect.

4. The Robot Heart

Heart plate with heartbeat line: Use a Heart-shaped box lid as the robot’s heart plate. Bend a Pipe cleaners into the shape of a heartbeat line and attach it to the lid. Hot glue the heart plate to the front of the body box, just above the Lego control panel.

5. Finishing Touches

  • Ensure everything is securely fastened with white Gorilla tape. Add extra tape where necessary to reinforce the connections.

  • Finally, have your child try on the costume and make any adjustments for comfort.

Why This Robot Costume Stands Out

This DIY robot costume combines creativity with a bit of light-up magic. The star-shaped decorations, light-up antenna, and glow-in-the-dark features make it especially dazzling at night. Plus, the use of fidget tubes and playful materials like Legos adds a whimsical, child-friendly touch.

Crafting a robot costume for Halloween is not only a fun way to spend time with your child, but it also encourages creativity and imaginative play. Whether you’re recreating this exact design or putting your own spin on it, your little one is sure to love their unique, light-up robot costume. Happy crafting and have a fun-filled Halloween!

Looking for more creative costume ideas or sensory play setups? Be sure to check out more DIY ideas and educational play kits on our blog.

Tags robot costume, halloween costume ideas for kids, cute girly robot costume, cardboard DIY costume, Kids costume, Pink and white costume, glow in the dark costume
3 Comments

Cat Adoption-Themed Sensory Play Setup for the IKEA Flisat Table

September 21, 2024 Kylie Tuosto

Looking for a purr-fect way to introduce your little ones to pet care while keeping them engaged with hands-on sensory play? Our new Cat Adoption Sensory Play Setup for the IKEA Flisat table is a fantastic way to combine imaginative play with fine motor skills and early literacy practice.

This setup invites kids to participate in a pretend cat adoption process, complete with adorable decor that sets the scene for hours of creative play.

Cat Sensory Play Kits

Sensory Play Decor

To enhance the immersive experience, the setup features:

  • Adoption Banner: A colorful banner that welcomes each child to the “Cat Adoption Center,” making the space feel inviting and official.

  • Adoption Certificates: Every new pet parent can “adopt” their favorite kitty and write up a personalized adoption certificate to commemorate the event.

  • Animal ID Cards: These ID cards let kids pretend to register their cats, adding an educational twist to the setup.

  • Cat Breed Flashcards: Learn about different types of cats with these flashcards, sparking curiosity about various breeds.

  • Busy Littles Resin Cat Set: A highlight of this setup is the amazing resin cat set from Busy Littles. This set includes five adorable, different-colored cats, a cat house, and a yarn ball. It’s perfect for adding more imaginative play as kids interact with their new pet cats in a playful, tactile way!

Now, let’s dive into the three sensory bins that will keep your little ones entertained and learning through play!

Download & Print
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Bin 1: Goldfish Crackers – Feeding Time!

The first bin is filled with goldfish crackers—a favorite snack for both playtime and snack time! These crackers are perfect for a taste-safe sensory bin where kids can "feed" their pretend cats. This bin is excellent for crushing, scooping, and pouring play, all while reinforcing the concept of taking care of pets and their needs.

Pro Tip: You can use small bowls or cups to let kids scoop and serve the goldfish crackers to their pretend cats, adding an extra layer of interaction.

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Bin 2: Fluffy Poms and Feathers – Cat Toys Galore

What’s a cat adoption center without some fun toys for the new feline friends? In this bin, you'll find **fluffy pom-poms** and **colorful feathers**, representing cat toys. This sensory bin encourages kids to “play” with their cats, stimulating their fine motor skills by grabbing, tossing, and arranging the poms and feathers.

Pro Tip: Add in some tongs or tweezers to give kids the extra challenge of picking up the toys, refining their hand-eye coordination.

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Bin 3: Adoption Certificate Writing Station

The final bin features an **adoption certificate writing activity**. Kids can use pretend adoption forms and crayons or washable markers to fill out their own certificates after they “adopt” a cat. This bin adds a literacy component to the sensory setup, allowing children to practice writing and early language skills in a fun and meaningful way. You can even include some stickers or stamps to make the certificates more personalized and special!

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Play Tips

  • Encourage imaginative play by letting your child pick a name and personality for their new cat.

  • Use the **cat breed flashcards** to teach new vocabulary words, like "Siamese" or "Persian," and discuss how each breed has different characteristics.

  • For added fun, pretend to be an “adoption agent” who helps match the kids with their ideal cat based on the animal ID cards.

  • Let the kids arrange the **Busy Littles resin cats** in the cat house and play with the yarn ball as they interact with their adopted pets.

Vocab Word List

  1. Adopt: To take into one’s home and care for a pet.

  2. Certificate: An official document to prove adoption.

  3. ID Card: A card that gives information about a cat.

  4. Breed: A specific type of cat with unique characteristics.

  5. Feather: Soft, lightweight structures cats love to play with.

  6. Goldfish: A type of snack food, perfect for feeding pretend cats!

  7. Resin: A durable material used to create realistic toy cats and accessories.

This cat adoption-themed sensory play setup is perfect for inspiring your child’s imagination while providing them with tactile learning experiences. It's an engaging way to introduce responsibility and empathy through pretend play.

Download & Print
Tags cat sensory play, pet adoption play, pet activities for kids, cat lover activities, kids cat sensory play, feathers & poms play
2 Comments

Witches Brew Apothecary Shop Sensory Play

September 20, 2024 Kylie Tuosto

Creating Magical Moments of Learning Through Play!

The spooky season is here, and it’s time to bring out the cauldrons, potions, and spells! Today, I’m sharing a magical sensory play setup that transforms your little ones into apprentice witches and wizards with a full apothecary shop setup. This setup includes three different sensory bins, each packed with engaging materials to support fine motor skills, sensory exploration, and imaginative play.

And of course, don’t forget to grab the free printable potion kit to add an extra layer of fun to the setup!

Download & Print
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Sensory Bin 1: Quinoa, Dyed Rice, and Black Beans with Beaker Set

For this bin, I used quinoa dyed purple, green rice, and black beans to create a colorful and textured base. The Lovevery beaker set adds an extra science-lab vibe, making it perfect for little witches mixing their potions.

This bin is excellent for scooping, pouring, and sorting activities, which help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Plus, the combination of quinoa and rice offers a sensory delight, with their different textures providing a tactile experience that keeps little ones engaged for extended play sessions.

What You'll Need:

  • - Quinoa (dyed purple)

  • - Green rice

  • - Black beans

  • - Lovevery beaker set or any small containers

Benefits:

  • - Fine motor development through scooping and pouring

  • - Hand-eye coordination practice

  • - Encourages imaginative play as kids pretend to mix potions


Sensory Bin 2: Purple Slime with Printable Potion Toppings

Our second sensory bin dives into the gooey world of slime! I made purple slime as the base for this bin and paired it with laminated cut-out toppings and mix-ins from the printable potion kit.

This bin offers hours of slimy fun, allowing kids to decorate and experiment with their potions by adding pretend magical ingredients like bat wings, toadstools, or moon dust (all part of the printable kit). Laminating the printables ensures they stay sturdy, even after hours of play.

What You'll Need:

  • - Purple slime (store-bought or homemade)

  • - Laminated cut-outs from the printable potion kit

  • - Mixing tools like spoons or scoops

Benefits:

  • - Boosts creativity and storytelling as kids pretend to brew potions

  • - Strengthens tactile and sensory exploration

  • - Improves fine motor skills through slime manipulation

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Sensory Bin 3: Green Dyed Cooked Spaghetti with Squishy Eyeballs

For the final bin, we’re getting extra spooky! This bin features green-dyed cooked spaghetti, squishy eyeballs, candy bones, and plastic spiders for a creepy-crawly search-and-find activity. The soft texture of the spaghetti makes it irresistible for little hands, while the fun add-ins make this bin a sensory hit.

This setup encourages kids to search for specific items like eyeballs or bones, building their focus and concentration. It’s also great for encouraging conversations about what witches might put into their potions!

What You'll Need:

  • - Cooked spaghetti (dyed green)

  • - Squishy eyeballs

  • - Candy bones

  • - Plastic spiders or other Halloween-themed mix-ins

Benefits:

  • - Stimulates sensory exploration with slimy, squishy textures

  • - Enhances problem-solving skills with a search-and-find activity

  • - Supports language development as kids discuss their potions

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Add to the Fun!

Don’t forget to grab my Witches Brew Potion Kit! The printables are perfect for adding mix-ins, labels, and potion ingredients to your sensory play. This apothecary shop setup can be used for solo play or group activities, and it’s ideal for keeping little ones entertained while learning through play.

What spooky potions will your little witches brew today? Be sure to share your setups with me by tagging @GoodnightFox! 🎃

I’m so excited to make this setup for Sofie’s Halloween Activities. Here’s the recipe for her Witch’s Potion.

  • 1/2 Cup Elmers Glue

  • 3 Cups Foam Shaving Cream

  • 1/2 tsp Baking Soda

  • Purple Food Coloring

  • 1 tbsp Saline Solution

Toppings:

  • Purple Water Beads

  • Plastic Spiders

  • Fake eyeballs

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Tags halloween, witch, potion, brew, apothecary, toddler, sensory, bin, sensory play

DIY Light Bulb Party Favors or Classroom Favors for Back to School: A Bright Idea for Kids!

August 31, 2024 Kylie Tuosto

Kick off the school year with a bang by giving out these clever DIY light bulb party favors! Whether you’re hosting a back-to-school bash or want to surprise students with a fun classroom gift, these favors are the perfect way to start the school year on a bright note. Using simple materials like clear plastic baubles and yellow Legos, these light bulb-inspired favors will be a hit with kids and add a creative touch to any celebration.

With the easy-to-follow instructions below, you can create these charming light bulb favors that are not only fun but also a great way to symbolize new ideas and learning as the school year begins.

Why These DIY Light Bulb Favors Are Perfect for Back to School

  • Symbolic and Fun: What better way to welcome kids back to school than with a favor that represents bright ideas and creativity?

  • Budget-Friendly: These favors are cost-effective and use minimal materials, making them ideal for creating in bulk.

  • Customizable: Add your own flair with different ribbon colors, tags, and even personalized messages for each student.

  • Interactive: Filled with yellow Legos, kids can actually play with the pieces inside, making this a fun and functional favor.

Supplies You’ll Need:

  • Clear plastic baubles (to resemble light bulbs)

  • Yellow Lego pieces

  • Printable collars from GoodnightFox

  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks

  • Ribbon for wrapping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, make sure you have all your supplies handy. You can get the printable collars from GoodnightFox, which will give your baubles the finished look of a real light bulb. The rest of the materials, such as clear plastic baubles and yellow Legos, can be found at your local craft or toy store.

2. Assemble the Bauble

  • Open up the clear plastic bauble.

  • Fill the inside with yellow Lego bricks to create the “light bulb” look. The yellow pieces mimic the appearance of a glowing bulb, adding a fun and playful element to the favor.

  • Don’t overfill the bauble—leave enough space for the pieces to move around a little, adding some interactivity for the kids.

3. Attach the Printable Collar

  • Once you’ve filled the bauble with yellow Legos, it’s time to add the light bulb collar. Print the light bulb collars from GoodnightFox and carefully cut them out.

  • Wrap the collar around the top of the bauble, right where the two halves meet. Use a little hot glue to secure it in place.

4. Add the Ribbon

  • For a finishing touch, wrap a ribbon around the top of the bauble where the collar meets the two halves. Choose a bright color like yellow or red to complement the theme.

  • Tie a neat bow and trim any excess ribbon for a polished, professional look.

5. Gift or Display!

  • Your DIY light bulb party favors are now ready to shine! These make wonderful classroom gifts or can be displayed as fun decorations at your back-to-school event. Hand them out to students as a reminder of all the bright ideas and learning that await in the new school year.

Tips for Crafting the Perfect Light Bulb Favors

  • Add a Personal Touch: Consider attaching small name tags to each favor so kids feel extra special.

  • Incorporate a Message: You can add a short, inspirational note to each favor, such as “Shine Bright This School Year!” or “You’re Full of Bright Ideas!”

  • Experiment with Different Fillers: While yellow Legos are a playful touch, you can also use other yellow objects like beads, pom-poms, or small candies for a different twist.

Why These Light Bulb Favors Will Brighten Any Event

  • Symbolic of Learning: These favors are a fun way to remind kids that school is all about new ideas and creativity. They make a great gift for the start of a school year, especially as classroom favors.

  • Interactive: The yellow Lego pieces inside aren’t just for show – kids can take them apart and play with them, giving these favors an added layer of fun.

  • Simple and Cost-Effective: These DIY favors are affordable and easy to make in large quantities, making them perfect for teachers or parents hosting back-to-school parties.

  • Memorable Keepsakes: Unlike typical party favors, these light bulb baubles are something kids can keep and enjoy, long after the event is over.

Light Up the School Year with DIY Light Bulb Favors

With just a few simple supplies, you can create DIY light bulb party favors that are sure to brighten any back-to-school event. These creative and fun favors are not only budget-friendly but also a great way to celebrate the start of a new school year. Whether you’re a teacher looking for classroom favors or a parent throwing a back-to-school party, these light bulb baubles are sure to impress.

Head over to GoodnightFox to grab your printable collars and start creating these bright, fun-filled favors today. Your students or party guests will love this thoughtful, interactive gift as they head into a new school year full of bright ideas and exciting learning adventures!

Tags back to school, classroom favors, party favors, back to school crafts for kids, light bulb craft, science activity, you're so bright, ideas for kids, fun activities for kids
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Cute Back-to-School Supplies: Sofie’s Pastel Rainbow Vibe

August 31, 2024 Kylie Tuosto

As the back-to-school season approaches, creating a welcoming and motivating environment for your little ones can make all the difference. Whether it’s your child’s first day of kindergarten or they’re returning for another school year, setting them up with adorable and functional supplies can help them start the year on the right foot.

This year, Sofie’s back-to-school basket is all about that pastel rainbow vibe, combining style with substance. Let’s dive into her basket and highlight some fantastic products from both big-name stores and small businesses that are perfect for your own back-to-school preparations!

Basket from IKEA

Start with a versatile and affordable storage option like this basket from @ikeausa. It’s spacious enough to hold all the essentials while keeping everything organized.

Folder and Notebook from Target

Target never disappoints when it comes to cute and practical school supplies. Sofie’s folder and notebook from @target perfectly complement the pastel theme while providing the necessary tools for staying on top of schoolwork.

Pouch and Pastel Sharpies from Target

These pastel Sharpies and matching pouch, also from @target, are essential for any school year. The soft colors add a fun twist to the usual school supplies, making note-taking a bit more enjoyable.

Back-to-School Sign by Frankie and Betty Co.

A beautiful back-to-school sign by @frankieandbettyco adds a personalized touch to Sofie’s basket. It’s a great way to commemorate the start of a new school year and makes for a memorable photo prop.

Girl Boss Pennant by Frankie and Betty Co.

Empower your child with this inspiring Girl Boss pennant from @frankieandbettyco. It’s a cute and motivational addition to any study space.

Garland by Little Books and Nooks

The pastel garland from @littlebooksandnooks adds a dash of whimsy and color to Sofie’s setup, making her study area more inviting and fun.

Personalized Pencil Clip by Evie Pearl Handmade

Personalized touches make all the difference, and this pencil clip by @eviepearlhandmade ensures that Sofie’s pencils are not only organized but also uniquely hers.

Rainbow Palette by Oak and Co.

A rainbow palette from @oak.and.co brings creativity into the mix. It’s not just a functional item but a reminder that learning can be colorful and fun.

Note Pad by We Are Ooly

This note pad from @weareooly is perfect for jotting down ideas, assignments, or even doodles. It’s another example of how pastel tones can make school supplies feel more personalized and enjoyable.

Mindfulness Cards by Goodnight Fox

At GoodnightFox.com, we’re all about helping toddlers enjoy learning through play. Our **Mindfulness Flashcards** are a fantastic addition to Sofie’s basket. These cards encourage kids to take a moment for themselves, helping them manage their emotions and focus better during the school day.

Affirmations Flashcards by Goodnight Fox

Our **Affirmations Flashcards** are another great tool for boosting your child’s confidence. Each card features a positive affirmation that helps kids start their day with a positive mindset. These cards are a small but powerful addition to any back-to-school setup.

Back-to-School Flashcards by Goodnight Fox

Finally, our Back-to-School Flashcards are perfect for helping kids transition into the new school year. These cards are designed to make the start of school exciting and less stressful, offering fun prompts and activities that kids can look forward to each day.

Shopping for back-to-school supplies can be a fun and creative process, especially when you mix and match items from both well-known retailers and small shops. Supporting small businesses not only gives you access to unique, high-quality products but also helps nurture a community of creators and entrepreneurs.

Whether you’re putting together a pastel rainbow-themed basket like Sofie’s or crafting your own unique setup, remember that the little details can make a big difference in setting a positive tone for the school year ahead. Happy shopping!

Tags back to school, school basket, occasions baskets, back to school activities, back to school gift ideas, rainbow back to school
2 Comments

Fun with Laundry Mat Sensory Dramatic Play: Free Printable Kits and Activities

August 26, 2024 Kylie Tuosto

Laundry day has never been this exciting! Our laundry mat sensory dramatic play setup is designed to engage children in imaginative play while teaching them about household chores. Perfect for toddlers, these activities help instill a routine of helpfulness and responsibility. In this blog post, we'll explore three interactive sensory activities that will make laundry time fun for your little ones.

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Clothes Pins and Clothes Cut-Outs

Our first sensory bin features clothes pins and cut-outs of clothes that can be pinned onto a ribbon or string. This activity encourages fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as children pin up their "laundry."

Materials Needed:

  • Clothes pins

  • Cut-outs of clothes

  • Ribbon or string

  • Sensory bin

Activity Instructions:

  1. Set up a sensory bin with clothes pins and cut-outs of clothes.

  2. Attach a ribbon or string between two points (e.g., chairs or walls) to create a clothesline.

  3. Encourage your child to use the clothes pins to pin the cut-outs onto the ribbon or string, pretending to hang up laundry.

  4. Discuss the different types of clothes and the importance of drying them properly.

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Dryer Balls for Laundry Sorting

Next, we have a bin full of wool dryer balls for a fun and tactile laundry sorting activity. This activity helps children learn about sorting and organizing while providing a sensory experience with the soft texture of the wool balls.

Materials Needed:

  • Wool dryer balls in various colors

  • Sensory bin

Activity Instructions:

  1. 1Fill a sensory bin with wool dryer balls.

  2. Encourage your child to sort the dryer balls by color, size, or texture.

  3. Discuss how dryer balls are used in the laundry to help clothes dry faster and reduce static.

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Washer and Dryer Dramatic Play

Our third activity transforms the play area into a mini laundry mat using decor to make the doors of a washer and dryer. Children can sort "wet" and dry clothes into laundry bags, mimicking the real-life process of doing laundry.

Materials Needed:

  • Decor to create washer and dryer doors

  • Cut-out clothes (wet and dry)

  • Laundry bags

Activity Instructions:

  1. Use decor to create the doors of a washer and dryer on a wall or large cardboard boxes.

  2. Provide cut-out clothes labeled as "wet" and "dry."

  3. Encourage your child to sort the wet and dry clothes into separate laundry bags, pretending to load the washer and dryer.

  4. Discuss the steps involved in doing laundry, including washing, drying, and folding clothes.

Laundry mat sensory dramatic play is a fantastic way to engage children in imaginative play while teaching them valuable life skills. With our free printable kits and the detailed activities above, your little ones are sure to have a blast while learning about household chores. Dive into these fun laundry-themed activities and watch your child's helpfulness and responsibility grow!

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Laundry Mat Play Vocabulary List

  1. 1. Laundry

  2. 2. Clothes Pin

  3. 3. Dryer Ball

  4. 4. Washer

  5. 5. Dryer

  6. 6. Clothesline

  7. 7. Wet

  8. 8. Dry

  9. 9. Sort

  10. 10. Fold

  11. 11. Tumble

  12. 12. Wash

  13. 13. Spin

  14. 14. Detergent

  15. 15. Fabric Softener

  16. 16. Load

  17. 17. Unload

  18. 18. Iron

  19. 19. Starch

  20. 20. Hang

  21. 21. Rinse

  22. 22. Cycle

  23. 23. Basket

  24. 24. Routine

  25. 25. Chores

Explore the magic of sensory play with these laundry mat-themed activities and help your child develop a sense of responsibility and helpfulness. Don't forget to download our free printable kits for even more fun and engaging play!

By incorporating these sensory activities into your playtime, you'll provide endless entertainment and developmental benefits for your children. Happy playing and happy laundry day!

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Delightful Donut Shop Sensory Play: Printable Kits and Activities

August 10, 2024 Kylie Tuosto

Step into the sweetest sensory play experience with our donut shop-themed activities! Perfect for imaginative and tactile exploration, our free printable kits and dramatic play setups are designed to keep little ones engaged and learning. In this blog post, we'll dive into three fun and delightful sensory activities that your children will love.

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Felt Donuts Sensory Bin

Our first sensory bin features soft, colorful felt donuts that are perfect for imaginative play and fine motor skill development. This activity encourages creativity as children pretend to bake and serve their own felt donuts.

Materials Needed:

  • Felt donuts

  • Sensory bin

Activity Instructions:

  1. Fill a sensory bin with felt donuts in various colors and designs.

  2. Encourage your child to pretend to bake, decorate, and serve the donuts.

  3. Use this opportunity to discuss different types of donuts and flavors.

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Donut Shop Dramatic Play

Next, we have a donut shop dramatic play setup, which transforms your play area into a bustling donut shop. This activity fosters imaginative play and social skills as children role-play as bakers, cashiers, and customers.

Materials Needed:

  • Donut shop play setup (cash register, play money, menu, etc.)

  • Pretend donuts (felt, plastic, or homemade)

  • Sensory bin

Activity Instructions:

  1. Set up a donut shop play area with a cash register, play money, and a menu.

  2. Provide pretend donuts for your child to sell.

  3. Encourage your child to take on different roles such as baker, cashier, and customer.

  4. Engage in role-play scenarios to enhance social interaction and imaginative play.

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Pool Noodle Donuts with Shaving Cream Frosting and Sprinkles

Our third activity involves creating pool noodle donuts with shaving cream frosting and sprinkles. This activity combines sensory exploration with creative fun, allowing children to decorate their own donuts.

Materials Needed:

  • Pool noodles (cut into donut shapes)

  • Shaving cream

  • Sprinkles (real or craft)

  • Sensory bin

Activity Instructions:

  1. Cut pool noodles into donut shapes and place them in a sensory bin.

  2. Provide shaving cream and sprinkles for your child to use as frosting and decorations.

  3. Encourage your child to decorate the pool noodle donuts, exploring the textures of the shaving cream and sprinkles.

  4. Discuss the different ways to decorate donuts and the sensory experience of the materials.

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Donut shop sensory play is a delightful way to engage children in imaginative play while developing fine motor skills and creativity. With our free printable kits and the detailed activities above, your little ones are sure to have a blast while learning and playing. Dive into these sweet sensory activities and watch their creativity soar!

25 Words Donut Shop Play Vocabulary List

  1. 1. Donut

  2. 2. Bake

  3. 3. Frosting

  4. 4. Sprinkle

  5. 5. Shop

  6. 6. Customer

  7. 7. Baker

  8. 8. Cashier

  9. 9. Menu

  10. 10. Flavor

  11. 11. Decorate

  12. 12. Serve

  13. 13. Purchase

  14. 14. Pretend

  15. 15. Sweet

  16. 16. Glaze

  17. 17. Dough

  18. 18. Fill

  19. 19. Topping

  20. 20. Display

  21. 21. Order

  22. 22. Ring

  23. 23. Hole

  24. 24. Soft

  25. 25. Create

Explore the magic of sensory play with these donut shop-themed activities and let your child's imagination take flight. Don't forget to download our free printable kits for even more fun and engaging play!

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By incorporating these sensory activities into your playtime, you'll provide endless entertainment and developmental benefits for your children. Happy playing and happy baking!

Tags donut shop, donut shaving cream activity, donut sensory play, donut themed activity ideas, kids ideas for donut activities, donut play, dramatic play printables, free printable activities for kids
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Cool Down with Snow Cone Shave Ice Sensory Play: Free Printable Kits and Activities

August 5, 2024 Kylie Tuosto

Beat the heat this summer with our snow cone shave ice sensory play setup! Perfect for imaginative and tactile exploration, our free printable kits and dramatic play setups are designed to keep little ones engaged and learning. In this blog post, we'll dive into three fun and refreshing sensory activities that your children will love.

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Stackable Colorful Shave Ice Conical Cups

Our first sensory activity features a bin with stackable colorful shave ice conical cups. This activity encourages creativity and fine motor skills as children stack and play with the vibrant cups, imagining their own snow cone creations.

Materials Needed:

  • Stackable colorful shave ice conical cups

  • Sensory bin

Activity Instructions:

  1. Fill a sensory bin with the colorful conical cups.

  2. Encourage your child to stack the cups, mix and match colors, and pretend to serve snow cones.

  3. Add to the fun by incorporating pretend play scenarios, such as running a snow cone stand or serving friends and family.

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Ice Cube Sensory Bin

Next, we have a sensory bin filled with ice cubes for a truly refreshing play experience. This activity provides a unique tactile experience as children explore the cold, slippery texture of the ice cubes.

Materials Needed:

  • - Ice cubes

  • - Sensory bin

Activity Instructions:

  1. Fill a sensory bin with ice cubes.

  2. Allow your child to explore the ice cubes, feeling the cold and slippery texture.

  3. Enhance the experience by adding small tools or toys to manipulate the ice cubes, such as tongs, scoops, or small figurines.

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Hawaiian Shave Ice Machine with Rainbow Syrup Flavors

Our third activity brings the joy of a Hawaiian shave ice machine to your home. Using rainbow syrup flavors for toppings, this activity combines sensory play with imaginative fun, allowing children to create their own delicious shave ice treats.

Materials Needed:

  • Hawaiian shave ice machine

  • Rainbow syrup flavors

  • Cups or bowls for serving

Activity Instructions:

  1. Set up the Hawaiian shave ice machine according to the instructions.

  2. Provide cups or bowls for your child to fill with shaved ice.

  3. Allow your child to choose from the rainbow syrup flavors to create their own unique shave ice treats.

  4. Encourage imaginative play by setting up a pretend shave ice stand and inviting family members or friends to join in the fun.

Snow cone shave ice sensory play is a fantastic way to keep children cool and entertained while encouraging creativity and fine motor skill development. With our free printable kits and the detailed activities above, your little ones are sure to have a blast while learning and playing. Dive into these refreshing sensory activities and watch their creativity soar!

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Snow Cone Shave Ice Play Vocabulary List

  1. 1. Shave Ice

  2. 2. Snow Cone

  3. 3. Syrup

  4. 4. Flavor

  5. 5. Ice Cube

  6. 6. Conical Cup

  7. 7. Stack

  8. 8. Cold

  9. 9. Refreshing

  10. 10. Sweet

  11. 11. Machine

  12. 12. Rainbow

  13. 13. Serve

  14. 14. Mix

  15. 15. Colorful

  16. 16. Scoop

  17. 17. Texture

  18. 18. Freeze

  19. 19. Melt

  20. 20. Topping

  21. 21. Crunchy

  22. 22. Smooth

  23. 23. Chill

  24. 24. Delight

  25. 25. Create

Explore the magic of sensory play with these snow cone shave ice-themed activities and let your child's imagination take flight. Don't forget to download our free printable kits for even more cool and refreshing fun!

By incorporating these sensory activities into your playtime, you'll provide endless entertainment and developmental benefits for your children. Happy playing!

Tags summer kids activity, snow cone shop, snow cone printable play, snow cone flavor menu, shave ice flavors, sensory play for kids, ice sensory play, kids snow cone shop
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