Get Busy with Spring Break Crafts for Kids

Yarn Eggs by Mod Podge Rocks

The kids are home for Spring Break, and chances are you could use a few craft ideas for entertaining them. Here are 5 Spring Break arts and crafts that are sure to keep them busy!

1. Yarn Eggs

Our first Spring Break craft idea from Mod Podge Rocks could pass as an Easter-time craft, but really it works any time of year. It’s a fun project for school-age kids who will love the process and the end result – big, colorful orbs to hang in their rooms. You’ll need thin cotton yarn, balloons, craft glue, newspaper, waxed paper, a clothespin and a hanger. The project involves making a watered-down glue mixture, dipping strands of yarn in it and and wrapping around a balloon. Once dry, you pop and remove the balloon, and you are left with a funky, colorful egg.

2. Spring Blossom Painting

The blogger from Toddler Approved created the idea for this gorgeous painting that is worthy of hanging on a prime spot on your walls. Check out her handy tutorial for a detailed how-to that includes photos of each step. Be assured that it’s a simple project involving materials you likely already have in the house, which is perfect for crafts for Spring Break… watercolor paper, paint and a Sharpie is all you need!

Blossom Painting by Toddler Approved
Blossom Painting by Toddler Approved

3. Chalkboard Flower Pots

We’ve tweaked this Spring Break craft a bit to make it more kid- friendly.  The day before you tackle this project with the kids, paint a few flower pots with chalkboard paint. The ingenious paint now comes in nearly every color of the rainbow.  Once dry, big kids they may enjoy embellishing the pots with trim, ribbon or buttons (similar to the project shown here). Kids of all ages will love using the colorful pots to plant a few fast-growing seeds or actual flowers or plants you’ve picked up from the home improvement store or local nursery, and then decorating their pots with chalk drawings that can be erased at whim.

Chalkboard Flower Pots by Paint Me Plaid
Chalkboard Flower Pots by Paint Me Plaid

4. Button Flowers for Counting

This cute craft helps young kids count and learn to associate numbers. It’s simple, too.  Help kids use green Wikki Stix  (wax covered yarn sticks you can bend and mold to any shape) to make stems and leaves for flowers and attach to a piece of white paper.  Children can then attach a button to the top of the stem (the Wikki Stix will adhere the button so no glue is necessary). Label the stems of the flowers with any numbers the children are working on.  Have the children place the corresponding number of buttons on top of the flowers.

Button Flowers for Counting by Sixty Second Parent
Button Flowers for Counting by Sixty Second Parent

5. Bunny Paper Plate Photo Frame

Here’s a cute Spring Break craft that even the tiniest tots can handle. Simply cut the middle out of a paper plate, paste cotton balls on the remaining circle, and staple two bunny ears made from additional plates and also covered in cotton balls You can either paste it around a photo of your child’s face (like a frame) or tie a string from side-to-side on the back and make a fun mask.

Bunny Love by I Love 1st Grade

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10 Easy Spring Break Staycation Ideas for Busy Families

boy scootering in the spring time
kids baking cookies with sitter

Spring break is coming. And if you’re staying home this year, you’re not alone.

With travel costs up and schedules packed, more families are choosing staycations. The good news? You don’t need a big trip to make the week feel special.

Here are simple, low-prep ideas that keep kids happy—and give you a little breathing room too.

  1. Have a backyard picnic

    No park? No problem. Lay out a blanket, pack easy snacks, and let your kids help choose the menu.

    If the weather does not cooperate, move the picnic indoors. A living room picnic still feels fun and different.

    Prep: Low
    Parent perk: Keeps kids busy for a while

  2. Plan a DIY movie day

    Turn your home into a mini movie theater. Let your kids pick the movie, grab blankets, and make popcorn together.

    You can make it extra fun with homemade tickets and favorite snacks.

    Prep: Low
    Parent perk: Built-in quiet time

  3. Go on a neighborhood adventure walk

    You do not have to go far to make the day feel new. Take a walk and explore like tourists.

    Try a simple scavenger hunt or let kids lead the way.

    Prep: None
    Parent perk: Gets everyone out of the house

  4. Try a simple baking day

    Skip anything complicated. Cookies, brownies, or boxed mixes are perfect.

    The goal is fun, not perfection.

    Prep: Low
    Parent perk: Activity and snack in one

  5. Set up a craft hour

    Pick one easy project. Painting, sticker books, or DIY cards all work well.

    Keep supplies simple to avoid a big cleanup.

    Prep: Low
    Parent perk: Focused play time

  6. Have a “yes day” (with limits)

    Pick a few fun things kids can say yes to. Ice cream before dinner or extra screen time.

    Set clear boundaries ahead of time to keep it manageable.

    Prep: None
    Parent perk: Fewer negotiations

  7. Visit the library or bookstore

    A quick outing can reset the day. Let kids pick new books to bring home.

    Build in reading time later for a calm activity.

    Prep: Low
    Parent perk: Quiet time later

  8. Plan a mini water day

    If the weather is warm, bring out sprinklers, buckets, or water toys.

    No pool needed to have fun.

    Prep: Low
    Parent perk: Burns energy fast

  9. Do a playdate swap

    Team up with another family. You host one day, they host another.

    Kids get social time, and you get a break.

    Prep: Medium
    Parent perk: Real time to focus or rest

  10. Book a sitter for a few hours

    Spring break is not always a break for parents.

    A few hours of child care can help you reset, catch up, or relax.

    Prep: Very low
    Parent perk: Everything

The takeaway

You don’t need a packed itinerary to make spring break memorable.

A few simple activities can go a long way. And getting a little help along the way? That can make all the difference.

Find trusted sitters near you and take back a few hours this week.

Looking for a babysitter or nanny?

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Get Crafty with Spring Crafts for Preschoolers

Dare we say it for fear of jinxing ourselves? Spring is almost here! Despite the cold weather most of the country is still fighting, Spring is officially only weeks away. Let’s mark its long-awaiting arrival with some fun, simple crafts for parents or sitters to tackle with preschoolers who will love creating these adorable bunnies, chicks, flowers, Easter eggs and rainbows.

 

Spring Crafts for Preschoolers

Happy Cloud and Rainbow
Spring showers often bring rainbows – create your own with curly ribbon. Instructions via Meet the Dubiens.

via Meet the Dubiens
via Meet the Dubiens

 

Shaving Cream Easter Egg
Promised to be far less messy than it appears, this craft is pure tactile fun for little hands! Instructions via Little Wonders’ Day.

via Little Wonders' Day
via Little Wonders’ Day

Toilet Paper Roll Bunny
It’s always nice to pull art supplies from the recycling bins, and who doesn’t love a project with googly eyes!? Little ones will need some extra assistance gluing tiny pieces and drawing the bunny face. Instructions via Eco Scrapbook.

via Eco Scrapbook
via Eco Scrapbook

Fabric Scrap Garden
An adorable garden made from scrap fabric, pipe cleaners and popsicle sticks. This one looks cute as a wall hanging. Instructions via Spoonful.

via Spoonful
via Spoonful

Paper Plate Chick
Super simple, super cute craft for little ones. Instructions via Simple as That.

via Simple as That
via Simple as That

For more great ideas for creating fun art and crafts with kids, check out UrbanSitter’s Pinterest Board – Crafts for Kids. 

Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids

How about arming your babysitter with Valentine’s Day craft ideas and supplies for your kids to create special treats for family and friends? You’ll have happily occupied kids, a grateful babysitter and a few special gifts, too.

Here are five sweet ideas for your little ones to get crafty:

1) Fun Craft for Bigger Kids – Matchbox Valentine Boxes

matchbox valentines by inchmark.squarespace.com

Kids love tiny things, and who can blame them? These tiny packages made out of matchboxes and filled with candy are adorable. (You’ll want one, too!) Easy to create, the boxes can be customized with as much or as little as your crafter likes. Tape a strip of craft paper to cover them [Cut a piece of paper 2″ high (or the height of your matchbox) and about 4″ long (enough to wrap it around)], slap on some stickers, or paint or draw your own decorations… and tie with a bow. Since they are so teeny, a bag of candy is all you’ll need to fill a whole slew of them. M&Ms work well, and you can buy the pink and red ones for VDay.

2) Homemade Valentine’s Day Cards with Crazy Crayons

crazycrayons by innerchildfun.com

We love this crazy cute Valentine, particularly because it includes a kid-approved treat that isn’t candy – Crazy Crayons. Here’s the perfect use of all the bits and pieces of broken crayons you undoubtedly have at the bottom of your arts and crafts box. Crazy Crayons take what’s old and turn it into colorful, useful, Valentine gifts for classmates and friends. Your kids will love the crayon “demo” and the big reveal (once the bits bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes, then chill in the frig). A heart muffin tin is especially cute to use, and these free printables stapled to the top of a Ziploc bag make the Valentine especially easy to package.

3) The Perfect Project for Preschoolers – Heart Flowers

Photo by Puttisworld

You’ll need red, pink and green construction paper, craft or popsicle sticks, glue, scissors and a couple of markers to create these happy Heart Flowers. Your sitter can help by cutting out four red/pink hearts for the flower and two smaller green hearts for the leaves of each flower. Your child can glue them to the paper, overlapping to form a flower, adding the stick for a stem and leaves, too. Once dry, draw a face and any Valentine’s Day message you choose. Instructions and photos here, thanks to Putti’s World.

4) Get Cooking for a Tasty Snack (or Gift)

Photo by Workathomegal.com

Take it easy on your sitter by leaving her all the trappings for a low-fuss treat she and the kids can bake and decorate. Depending on your child’s age and familiarity with baking, choose either a roll of refrigerated cookie dough, a boxed mix for cupcakes, or the easiest route – premade, undecorated cookies or cupcakes from the bakery or grocery store. Most will agree the best part of baking holiday treats is decorating them, so go all out on decorations. You could include several colors of candy sprinkles or sugars, maraschino cherries, dried coconut, tubes of frosting, chocolate chips, and candy hearts.

5) Homemade Decorations to Cherish Year After Year

Photo by Kaboose

We know, we know, it’s another craft with crayons, but we couldn’t help ourselves. This craft is worth picking up an extra set of crayons so you can tackle it, as well as the melted crayon Valentines. So pretty to hang in a window, these stained glass hearts are a perfect way to brighten dreary winter days. You can make them by melting crayon shavings between waxed paper using an iron set on low. Hang them with a loop of string or ribbon after cutting out hearts. Experiment with different color combinations, and make sure the sitter knows not to take her eyes off the hot iron or melted paper until they have cooled.

Hope you, your kids and your sitter love these Valentine’s Day Crafts for Kids as much as we do!

Cool Summer Activities for Preschoolers on Hot Summer Days

toddler summer activities, preschooler water play

Summer is chock full of opportunities for entertaining and enriching little kids’  development through new experiences and activities. Need some ideas for summer activities for preschoolers? Check out these ideas for summer activities for the 3-5 year-old set. They’ll come in especially handy during the dog days of summer, headed our way. 

1.  No-Stress, No Mess Water Play

Take advantage of a sunny day (or even a rainy one, provided there’s no thunder or lightning) to set your kids loose outdoors and let them burn some energy doing what all kids love to do as a summer activity – play with water. Fear not, city dwellers, simply set a big plastic container filled with water on whatever outside space you have and arm your tikes with any of the following, all which make for great water play for little hands:

Summer Activities for Keeping Preschoolers
Ice Cube Boat via Alpha Mom
  • Small plastic fish or animals
  • Barbie or Polly Pockets dolls
  • Sponges and a wash cloths
  • Small paint brushes for “painting” the sidewalk
  • Matchbox cars for washing
  • Boats – make your own Ice Cube Boats with nothing more than an ice cube molded in a plastic cup set with a drinking straw and flag for a sail.  These boats are adorable, and perfect for hot days.
  • Plastic cups for pouring and filling
  • A watering can for watering plants
  • A garden hose
  • Pull out the inflatable pool and let them splash for hours.

2. Easy DIY Crafts Just for Kids

Every kid needs a creative outlet, not to mention a quiet, inside activity once in awhile. We’ve found loads of great summer crafts for kids of all ages, some that can be made in minutes and others that will occupy a preschooler for the full duration of his baby sibling’s nap. Check out our Summer Crafts for Kids Pinterest board for ideas, including these adorable and easy-to-make Flowers.

3. Explore a Good Book

Be sure to save time in your summer schedule for the simple pleasure of reading with and teaching your preschooler skills that will help him learn to read.  You can encourage preschoolers to spend time with books by having them join older siblings in a summer reading program, whether it be one from a local library, Scholastic or a homemade incentive program. Encourage any form of reading, including pre-reading activities, like tracing or practicing their ABCs; “reading” to you or a sibling; or having a summer ritual of reading  together as a family, perhaps a chapter of an endearing family-friendly favorite like Make Way for Ducklings, by Robert McCloskey, before bed. Scholastic has a helpful list of book recommendations for kids of all ages, including good picks for 3-5 year olds.

4. Get Your Groove On!

Another good hot summer activity is getting your groove on. Turn a playdate into a musical instrument making extravaganza (hint, hint, call in a babysitter to help!) and create the neighborhood’s next musical sensation. Check out Meaningful Mama’s fantastic list of 20 DIY Musical Instruments for Kids and see how simple and easy it can be to make anything from a bottle-cap tambourine to a full-on drum set.

Summer Activities for Keeping Preschoolers
DIY Musical Instruments via Meaningful Mama

5. Master a New Skill (and give Mom and Dad a helping hand!)

Teaching kids new skills helps develop their independence and shows them that they are an important, contributing member of their family… and eventually of the bigger world. Early childhood education experts recommend building skills by assigning chores, and believe that most preschoolers are capable of any of the following simple “taking care of myself and my house” chores:

  • Setting and clearing their place at the table
  • Making their bed
  • Sorting their clothes from the dryer
  • Picking up and putting away toys and art supplies.

See our handy guide to age-appropriate chores for kids for more ideas.

After all the fun with these summer activities for preschoolers you might need a parents night out. Book an UrbanSitter and leave the entertaining to the sitter!

5 Fun Winter Crafts for Kids

With kids spending a lot more time indoors during the dreary winter months, be sure to arm yourself and your sitter or nanny with a few fun DIY art projects to keep them occupied and entertained. Check out these five creative projects that are sure to keep everyone happy.

5 Fun Winter Crafts for Kids

1. Better than Play Doh
Why not whip up a batch of new play dough or goop for your kids to knead, mold and shape to their hearts’ content? Take your pick from one of these cool sensory play recipes that are sure to please. Whether it’s peppermint play doh, gold glitter goop or snowflake slime, you can’t go wrong. The recipes are quick and easy and truly can be rainy day lifesavers.

Play Doh via Raechel Myers
via Raechel Myers

2. Easy Stitch Cards
Try this not too easy, not too hard sewing project that works well for 4-9 year olds. It’s a budget-friendly craft that you can create with materials you likely have on hand or can easily find at any craft store. Thanks to Mini eco for proving the instructions AND free printable cards. Download the cards and print on colored card stock. She used orange, pink and yellow, but feel free to use your child’s favorites.

To make your sewing cards you’ll also need a hole punch, yarn, a blunt needle and a button or bead to tie at the end of the yarn as a stopper. Instructions via the blogger:

1) Simply print pdfs and cut out. Pinking shears can be used for extra flare.
2) Punch holes out (as pictured)
3) Have you child lace the yarn through the holes.

Sewing Cards via Mini Eco
via Mini Eco

3. Shimmery Snow Paint
Kids love a new art material and this one doubles as a fantastic sensory material. Plus, it’s perfect for winter. There are lots of recipes out there for paint that looks like snow, but this one tops the list for the most shimmery, realistic looking flurries. For the best results, refrigerate the shaving cream and glue overnight then let it warm up for about 10 minutes the counter before using.

Recipe via Growing a Jeweled Rose. You’ll need the following materials: shaving cream, white school glue, peppermint extract, and iridescent glitter.

Mix equal parts of glue and shaving cream in a bowl – you can eyeball the amounts. Sprinkle in as much glitter or buffalo snow as you like. Add a few drops of peppermint extract and mix. You can add more glitter, if need be.

It’s fun for kids to use their new paint to create wintery scenes filled with snowmen. Colored construction paper works well as a background.

Shivery Snow Paint via Growing a Jeweled Rose
via Growing a Jeweled Rose

4. Paper House
This really cute paper house puts all of those cardboard shipping boxes that pile up after holiday shopping to creative use. With the holidays just past, you’re sure to have a few lying around, too.

Choose a box that’s a good size and shape for a house, a barn, a school, or any other structure your child would like to create, and follow these kid-friendly instructions. All you’ll need is paper, glue, scissors and a pen. Rainbow shingles add a charming touch!

Cardboard House via Say Yes to Hoboken
via Say Yes to Hoboken

5. Bottle Cap Stamps
Create your own stamps with the bottle caps from water or juice bottles and small foam stickers. Keep kids entertained by merely visiting the recycling bin for bottle caps and the dollar store for a handful of stickers. Simply glue stickers to the tops of the caps and use either a stamp pad or paint for the ink. Kids, little and big, will have a ball creating all sorts of project with their stamps – posters, cards, signs, etc.

Bottle Cap Stamps via Vanessa's Values
via Vanessa’s Values

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What is the Definition of a Sitter?

another word for babysitter

Searching for another word for a babysitter? When it comes to the world of child care, the term “babysitter” has long been the go-to word for individuals who care for children. But what if this title doesn’t quite capture the full scope of your job responsibilities?

In this article, we’ll explore sitter definitions and alternative titles, offering a fresh perspective on how to best define your role in the child care landscape.

What is a Babysitter? The Basics

Before we explore alternative titles and another word for babysitter, let’s establish the baseline definition of a sitter. A babysitter is someone hired to provide temporary care for children without their parents or guardians. Babysitters ensure a child’s safety and well-being while engaging them in activities and providing basic care.

Types of Babysitters

Within babysitting, various types of caregivers cater to different needs and preferences. Here are some common types of babysitters:

  • Occasional Sitter: Provides childcare on an irregular or as-needed basis, often for date nights or special occasions.
  • Part-Time Nanny or Sitter: Offers childcare services for several hours per week, providing consistent care and support.
  • Full-Time Nanny: Assumes a more substantial role in the child’s daily routine, often including household responsibilities and long-term commitments.
  • Mother’s Helper: Assists parents with childcare duties while they are present, offering an extra set of hands and support.

Alternatives (if “Babysitter” Title Doesn’t Fit Your Role)

If the traditional title of “babysitter” doesn’t quite capture the essence of your childcare role, fear not! There are plenty of alternative titles that may better align with your role as a caregiver. Consider these options:

  • Childcare Specialist: A highly trained professional with expertise in providing comprehensive care and support for children of all ages.
  • Early Childhood Educator: A certified teacher fostering young children’s intellectual, social, and emotional development.
  • Youth Life Coach: An inspirational figure who guides and supports children in developing essential life skills, self-confidence, and resilience.
  • Tutor or Academic Coach: A dedicated educator who provides children personalized instruction and academic support, promoting their intellectual growth and success.
  • Family Assistant: Reflects a broader role, including childcare, household management, and errands.
  • Youth Mentor: Guides and inspires children as they navigate through life’s adventures.

another word for babysitter

Tips for Choosing the Right Title

When choosing an alternative title for your professional childcare role, consider the following tips to ensure it aligns with your expertise and aspirations:

  1. Reflect on your skills and expertise: If you have a particular area of expertise, such as early childhood education or functional needs care, incorporate it into your title.
  2. Consider your target audience: Think about the type of families you want to attract as clients. Choose a title that resonates with your target audience and communicates the value you bring to their childcare needs.
  3. Emphasize professionalism: Select a title that conveys professionalism and expertise, positioning you as a trusted authority in the field of childcare.
  4. Stay authentic: While choosing a title that positions you as a professional is important, staying true to yourself is also essential. Select a title that feels authentic and reflects your personality, values, and approach to childcare.

Conclusion

As you explore alternative titles for your role as a caregiver, remember that the most important thing is to choose a title that resonates with you and accurately reflects the value you bring to the families you work with. If the traditional sitter definition doesn’t align with your responsibilities, seize the opportunity to redefine the role of a caregiver. Join the UrbanSitter community today to connect with families seeking your expertise.

Related: How to Write an Impressive Babysitter Resume

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20 Funny Jokes for Kids

sitter telling joke

When you are interviewing for babysitting jobs in your area, parents understandably want to see how well you interact with their kids. With no prior experience with the children, this might feel uncomfortable and take a while to warm up. As a babysitter, it can be difficult to navigate these waters.

One fun way to break the ice with children is by telling a few lighthearted, age-appropriate jokes. Rather than relying solely on the typical funny jokes for kids, consider trying out some silly jokes for a change. These playful one-liners can not only break the ice but also create a fun and engaging atmosphere that resonates with both kids and parents.

Try These Silly Jokes for Kids:

  1. What do you call a song that you sing in a car? A cartoon.
  2. What do dogs say when they sit on sandpaper? Ruff, ruff!
  3. How did the farmer count all of his cows? With a cow-culator!
  4. What has a lot of keys but cannot open a door? A piano.
  5. Knock, knock.
    Who’s there?
    Snow.
    Snow who?
    Snow use! I forgot my name.
  6. What should you do if a bear is sleeping in your bed? Find a new place to sleep.
  7. What did the rug tell the floor? I’ve got you covered.
  8. What is loud and green? A frog horn.
  9. Knock, knock.
    Who’s there?
    Spell.
    Spell who?
    W, H, O.
  10. What did the mama broom ask the baby broom at night? Are you getting sweep-y?

More of the Best Jokes for Kids:

  1. Why did the egg laugh? Someone told it a yolk.
  2. What do you call a dinosaur that is sleeping? A dino-snore!
  3. What is fast, loud and crunchy? A rocket chip!
  4. Knock, knock.
    Who’s there?
    Owls say.
    Owls say who?
    Yep, they do.
  5. Why did the math teacher cry? Too many problems in the textbook!
  6. What does Tennessee? The same thing that Arkansas.
  7. When does bubble gum cross the road? When it is stuck on the bottom of the chicken’s foot.
  8. How did the pig get to the hospital? In a ham-bulance.
  9. What has only one horn and can give you milk? A milk truck.
  10. What do polar bears eat for lunch? Ice berg-ers.

Nail The First Impression

You get the idea – the best jokes are not only entertaining but also open up opportunities for interaction and laughter. Breaking the ice with kids while also making a great first impression with parents can be stressful, but the perfect solution is to tell a joke or two. Consider picking out a few jokes that are suitable for the children’s ages ahead of the interview. By doing so, you may more easily land the best babysitting jobs in your area.

Looking for a babysitting gig and maybe a chance to tell your best knock-knock jokes? Join UrbanSitter to create a free profile and search for jobs near you.

More jokes: ‍‍50 Hilarious Kids Jokes About School, 40 Funny Valentine’s Day Jokes for Kids

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7 Simple Kid’s Crafts for Mother’s Day

Mother's Day Art, Simple Art Projects for Mother's Day, Mom Art

Why not surprise a mom by helping her kids create a heartfelt, homemade gift to show their love this Mother’s Day? Roll up your sleeves, gather the supplies, and let the crafting begin! Here are 7 simple DIY gifts kids can create with a little help from you to make any mom feel special:

1. Mother’s Day Coupon Book

Download our Mother’s Day Coupon Book printable template to make an extra-thoughtful gift mom with coupons for “washing the dishes,” “folding the laundry,” and even “one hour of quiet time.” Have your little one color in and draw on each coupon to personalize it. Complement your coupon book with an UrbanSitter gift card!

mother's-day-coupon-book

2. Yarn Wrapped Bottles

Older kids can dive into a fun (and sustainable!) art project by creating yarn-wrapped vases for Mom. All you need are empty bottles, colorful yarn, and a pair of scissors. These beautiful vases are an easy and charming way to present a few flowers on her big day. 

  • Gather your supplies: Empty bottles, colorful yarn, scissors, glue.
  • Prep the bottles: Remove labels and clean thoroughly.
  • Start wrapping: Tie a knot at the top and start wrapping, securing with knots or glue.
  • Switch colors: Experiment with different yarn colors for a vibrant look.
  • Finish it off: Tie a knot at the end, trim excess yarn, and tuck loose ends.
via Huffington Post
via Huffington Post

3. Craft Stick Flower Pot

Another fun, easy craft for kids to do on Mother’s Day is to create a colorful flower pot. Find a recycled can or other small container, craft or popsicle sticks, and some glue. After the flower pot is finished, fill it with her favorite plant for a long-lasting gift that will keep her smiling.

  • Gather your supplies: Recycled can or container, craft sticks, glue, paint (optional), favorite plant.
  • Prep the container: Ensure it’s clean and dry.
  • Create the base: Glue craft sticks around the container.
  • Decorate: Add colors, drawings, or stickers for a personalized touch.
  • Fill it up: Fill the pot with Mom’s favorite plant once dry.
via Somewhat Simple
via Somewhat Simple

4. Baby Feet Butterflies

If you’re looking for an easy art project for Mother’s Day for a baby, using their fingerprints or footprints is a wonderful way to create sentimental art. One homemade gift for mom from a baby is to dip the baby’s feet into non-toxic washable paint and create footprints. After the paint has dried, turn them into butterflies with just a few swipes with a marker.

  • Gather your supplies: Non-toxic, washable paint, paper, and marker.
  • Dip and print: Dip baby’s feet in paint and make footprints on the paper.
  • Let it dry: Allow the paint to dry completely.
  • Add details: Turn footprints into butterflies with marker strokes.
  • Personalize: Write a message or date for an extra personal touch.
via Pinterest
via Pinterest

5. Tissue Paper Flowers

Truly a classic and perfect Mother’s Day craft for toddlers! Who doesn’t love a few tissue paper flowers, and even more so if they were created by the little ones they love. WikiHow tells you how to make them three ways. Gather the tissue paper, follow a few easy steps, and let the kids create a bouquet of love that Mom will adore.

  • Gather your supplies: Tissue paper, scissors, pipe cleaners.
  • Stack and fold: Stack several layers of tissue paper and fold accordion-style.
  • Secure in the middle: Use a pipe cleaner to secure the folded tissue paper in the middle.
  • Trim the edges: Round the edges or cut them into desired shapes.
  • Fan out petals: Carefully separate the layers to create a full bloom.
via Rust and Sunshine
via Rust and Sunshine

6. Craft Stick Jewelry Box

For the elementary kids, a simple Mother’s Day craft is this beautiful keepsake box. All they need to make this box are craft sticks or recycled popsicle sticks and embellish them with anything from beads, sequins, buttons, drawings, or even stickers. Mom will love storing her treasures here.

  • Gather your supplies: Craft sticks, glue, embellishments (beads, sequins, buttons), and paint (optional).
  • Create the base: Arrange craft sticks to form the base of the box.
  • Build the walls: Glue additional sticks to create walls.
  • Decorate: Add embellishments, drawings, or paint for a personalized touch.
  • Let it dry: Allow the box to dry completely before using or gifting.
via Spoonful
via Spoonful

7. Flower Photos

A free printable background, cupcake liners, construction paper, and favorite photos are all it takes to make these adorable flower photos. Photos of children’s faces are cut into 1.5-inch circles and pasted to the center of the flowers.  Once completed, these can be used to make a Mother’s Day card or a picture frame. For a picture frame, either buy a new frame or find an old picture frame and just remove the glass to make room for the 3D flowers.

via Raising Arizona Kids
via Raising Arizona Kids

 

More Mother’s Day Crafts…

As you delve into the joy of crafting DIY Mother’s Day gifts, why not expand your creative horizons with more crafting ideas? Consider handprint flowers, playful pom-pom projects, endearing handprint hearts, or versatile salt dough creations. Happy crafting, and may your celebration be filled with love and creativity!

Homemade Mother’s Day crafts like these are the ones that will truly touch her heart. She’ll appreciate the time and effort you made to help the kids create such meaningful Mother’s Day crafts. UrbanSitter.com gift cards make great gifts, too!

Simple St. Patrick’s Day Crafts for Kids

As luck would have it, there are oodles of St. Patty’s Day crafts to keep your kids happily entertained. We’ve rounded up 10 of our favorites that are just right for little ones.

Simple St. Patrick’s Day Crafts for Kids

Rainbow Streamers
A simple craft made from a paper plate, paints and tissue paper strips.

Screen Shot 2014-03-10 at 12.27.30 PM
via Activity Village

Handprint Rainbow
Kids’ handprints made in every color of the rainbow lead to a pot of gold.

via The Logan's
via The Logan Family of Five

Paper Bag Leprechaun
It’s double the fun when you turn a paper sack into a googly-eyed leprechaun who makes for a perfect puppet.

via Pin Inspired
via Pin Inspired

Rainbow Necklace
Buy a box of fruity O’s cereal and help your child string a rainbow (or make it leprechaun green) on a shoe string. You’ll have a fun project, cute necklace and a yummy snack. 

via Eighteen 25
via Eighteen 25

Shamrock Bouquet
Here’s a craft that’s as much fun for Mom as it is for the little ones. Make an adorable bouquet of shamrocks using the handy template provided here, and you’ll have a happily entertained crafter and a cute centerpiece for the table.

via Sweet and Lovely
via Sweet and Lovely

Paper Rainbow
A simple craft for even the tiniest tots. Glue dots make it even easier and eliminate the mess.

via Scrappin' Danielle
via Scrappin’ Danielle

Leprechaun Green Oobleck
If you haven’t yet played with the strange, non-edible substance called Oobleck, here’s your chance. Make a green batch!

via Oobleck
via Food.com

Green Pepper Shamrock Stamp
A green pepper easily becomes a shamrock stamp. Who knew?!

via Family Fresh Meals
via Family Fresh Meals

Pot of Gold
There’s a template for a shamrock and a pot, but we’re guessing you won’t need them to create this adorable pot of treasures.

via Play and Learn with Dana
via Play and Learn with Dana

Leprechaun Beard
Love, love, love this DIY leprechaun beard you can make for a fantastic dress-up accessory.

via No Time for Flashcards
via No Time for Flashcards

 

Search for crafty sitters on UrbanSitter.com! How will your family celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?