The Best Christmas Crafts for Kids: Top 5 Picks

Christmas crafts for kids

There’s no better way to add a sprinkle of festive joy to your home than with Christmas crafts for kids. If you’re searching for easy and delightful holiday crafts for kids, Christmas paper crafts, or preschool Christmas crafts, you’re in the right place. These projects will not only keep your little ones entertained but also add a dash of seasonal cheer to your home. 

holiday crafts for kids

 

1. Felt Christmas Ornaments

Let your child’s creativity shine with felt Christmas tree decorations. Cut out various shapes and let your kids design ornaments using felt, buttons, sequins, and ribbon. Hang them on the tree or give them as personalized gifts to family and friends.

For this easy felt ornament (via One Creative Mommy), you’ll need the following:

  • Assorted colored felt sheets
  • Jute, twine, or ribbon
  • Small sticks
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Buttons, sequins, and ribbon
festive paper plate wreath

2. Festive Paper Plate Wreath

Gather some green paper plates, colored paper, and glue. Cut holly leaves, berries, and a bowtie from the colored paper. Then, have your child glue them onto the paper plate. Hang it up on your door to welcome guests with a warm, festive greeting. Kinder Craze has step-by-step instructions and photos to lead you through this craft. 

For these festive paper plate wreaths, you’ll need:

  • Paper plates
  • Green tissue paper
  • Scissors
  • Red Pom Poms
  • Red Cardstock Paper
  • Glue
  • Marker/Pencil
  • Stapler
cardboard tube snowmen

3. Cardboard Tube Snowman

Don’t throw away those cardboard tubes! They can be transformed into these adorable snowmen Christmas crafts for kids. Paint the tubes white and decorate with buttons, construction paper, and a tiny scarf. These little snowmen are a great way to upcycle and craft the perfect holiday project for kids.

For these cardboard snowmen crafts (via Emma Owl), you’ll need:

  • Cardboard tubes
  • White wool, string, or twine
  • Googly eyes
  • Orange foam or cardboard
  • Buttons 
  • Marker 
  • Sticks
  • Pipe cleaner and pom-poms.
  • Glue 
preschool christmas crafts

4.Santa’s Reindeer Handprint

In search of fun preschool Christmas crafts? Look no further. Help your child paint their hand with brown paint and stamp it on paper. Add a red nose and googly eyes, and you’ve got a cute reindeer. It’s a fun way to create holiday memories with your little ones.

For the hand-print reindeer (via Simple Everyday Mom) you’ll need:

christmas paper crafts

5. Sparkling Snowflakes

Create your own winter wonderland with these sparkling snowflake Christmas crafts for kids. All you need are some white pipe cleaners, beads, and a little imagination. Have your child thread the beads onto the pipe cleaners, shape them into snowflakes, and voilà, you’ve got some beautiful Christmas paper crafts!

For this snowflake craft (via Toddler Approved) you’ll need:

  • Popsicle sticks
  • Hot glue gun
  • White glue
  • Sequins, buttons, glitter, or jewels
  • Dot Markers

Looking for more ways to celebrate the holidays with your children? Check out our post on Festive Kids’ Crafts That Are Good Enough to Eat. Now, roll up your sleeves, gather your craft supplies, and let the holiday fun begin!

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7 Holiday Sleep Tips For Your Babies & Toddlers

Baby in bed

The holidays are fast approaching, and if you’re like most people out there, your calendar is already filling up with holiday parties and visits with friends and relatives. But while these celebrations can be tons of fun, they can spell major sleep drama for babies and toddlers. Most little ones thrive on consistency, after all, and holiday celebrating can throw a serious wrench into your normally-predictable schedule.

So how can you enjoy the holiday season while also preserving precious sleep?

1. Use temperament as a guide. If your child is super-adaptable, then you may have nothing to worry about. Even if bedtime and naps are all over the place for a week or two, your kiddo may sleep just fine when you put her down. If you have a less-than-adaptable child on your hands, however, respect that, and don’t try to force her to adapt to a hundred different schedule disruptions. This means you’ll have to adapt to her needs.

2. Pick and choose your activities. Remember, not every holiday invitation requires that you RSVP yes! While you may have to take part in your in-law’s holiday dinner, do you really need to attend your co-worker’s girlfriend’s cousin’s cookie swap? It’s fine to agree to attend a few activities that will mess with bedtime or naps, but do so carefully, recognizing that saying yes to the event may mean sleep drama later.

3. Make the most of your “down” days. Use your quiet days at home to reinforce your child’s sleep schedule, and to make up for lost sleep. If you just spent all day yesterday towing your kid along on a holiday shopping spree, be sure that today, naps all happen at their usual times, and that you allow for more sleep than usual.

4. Keep late bedtimes to a minimum. A few late nights are fine for most children, but avoid an overabundance. They tend to result in overtiredness, which in turn means early-waking and nap issues for most babies and toddlers.

5. Prioritize the first morning nap. The downside of many of your holiday activities may be missed or shortened naps, and that’s okay—as long as you plan well. If you know your baby or toddler will have to skip his afternoon nap, be sure to prioritize the morning nap, as that nap tends to be more restorative, anyway. For that matter, avoid activities that will force your child to miss the morning nap; you’ll both be happier in the long- and short run.

6. Watch for the dreaded O! Most holiday gatherings tend to be on the noisy and crowded side. Be aware that while you may be able to cope well with the noisy crowds, your child may become quickly overstimulated. This happens particularly with sensitive and perceptive babies and toddlers , turning them cranky. This can make sleep even more challenging, as a cranky child is less likely to relax and fall asleep. If you sense your child is becoming overstimulated, take her into a quiet space and involve in a soothing activity you know she enjoys.

7. Plan for an adjustment period once the holidays are over. We all need this, actually, not just babies and toddlers! After a few weeks of rich food, busy activities, late nights, and out-of-the-ordinary schedules, everyone needs a few days to get back to normal. Plan a few at-home days during which you can get your child back to her usual eating and sleeping schedule. These days will no doubt feel “off” as you work toward resuming normalcy. But in the end, it’ll make getting back on track much easier.

By Nicole Johnson, The Baby Sleep Site®

Photograph by Giu Vicente, via Unsplash

8 Mindful Trick-or-Treating Reminders

safety tips for halloween

Halloween is an exciting holiday and especially fun for kids. If you’re having a trusted sitter celebrate the holiday with your family this year, you’ll want to share these important Halloween safety guidelines before sending her trick-or-treating. They’re also helpful reminders for you, even if you’ve led the candy collecting charge many times before.

Tips for Mindful Trick-or-Treating

  1. Use a flashlight to see where you’re going and take advantage of reflective tape or glow sticks to make kids visible in the dark. This protects them from cars and also makes it easier for you to keep an eye on them in the dark.
  2. Choose well-lighted neighborhoods with sidewalks and easy accessibility or opt for an organized trick-or-treating event at a local school, park or shopping center.
  3. Use crosswalks or cross at corners and remind kids to always look both ways before crossing the street. They should know never to dart out into the street.
  4. Have a Do Not Enter rule for houses and cars.
  5. Always stay in a group.
  6. Keep a phone on hand for emergencies, but make sure you aren’t glued to it instead of keeping an eye on the kids.
  7. Remind kids to stay away from candles and jack-o-lanterns with open flames.
  8. If no one is home at your own house while you’re out trick-or-treating, opt for a jack-o-lantern with an LED candle.

Choose Smart Costumes

  • Test make-up before Halloween night to make sure your child is not allergic to it.
  • Make sure costumes are safe and easy to walk in. Have kids wear comfortable shoes instead of unprotective slippers or dress- up shoes that can cause blisters and pinched toes.
  • Avoid masks or costumes that block or hamper vision. Make sure hats don’t slip over their eyes.
  • Check to make sure store-bought costumes are flame-resistant.
  • If kids’s costumes include swords, wands or other hand-held props, make sure they are short and not sharp.

Be Selective with Treats

  • Feed kids a healthy, satisfying meals before they go trick-or-treating to discourage them from filling up on candy.
  • Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.
  • Limit kids from eating too many sugary sweets.
  • Avoid homemade treats.
  • Don’t allow young children to have hard candy or gum that could cause choking.
  • Devise a plan for dealing with the loads of candy your child will bring home. Many families have kids choose a certain number of pieces, and trade the rest in for a toy or special activity.

You can make sure your family has a safe and fun-filled Halloween by taking a few minutes to remind yourself of these safety tips and to share them with your sitter. 

Crafty Kids: 3D Origami Spider for Halloween!

Origami spider

By Stephanie Martyn

Spiders don’t always have to be creepy! This sweet-looking barnyard arachnid will get lots of friendly pats if you leave him lying around the house when the trick-or-treaters come through.

When complete, this project lies horizontal. Construction starts at the head of the spider, which you’ll see at the bottom of the diagram. You’ll notice the pieces that stick out from the diagram: those are the legs of the spider. These pieces don’t need to be constructed until the main body is completed. Each leg has 3 origami pieces.

What you’ll need:
84 pieces of “Size B” black paper, folded according to the instructions below
All-purpose glue
Scissors
White paper for eyes
Black marker
Hot glue gun
Yellow Paper for mouth

Key:
Upside-down V: Rough side facing upward (structure lies horizontally)
Star symbol:  Placement of eyes

To start, fold the black paper into V’s like this (yes, there are a lot of steps, but they’re easy, we promise!):

1. Take a piece of paper and fold it in half the long way.

2. From here on out, it’s important that the opening to this folded piece is facing down. Fold down the middle the short way to make a crease, then unfold.

3. Fold down half the piece at an angle (on both sides of the crease) so that the folded edge lines up to the crease in the middle. Be sure not to overlap these folds.

4. Flip the piece over.

5. Fold the bottom right corner up diagonally.

6. Repeat symmetrically on the other side. Be sure not to overlap onto the top half, otherwise the pockets won’t turn out properly.

7. Fold one bottom triangle upward.

8. Fold the other bottom triangle upward so the whole piece now looks like a triangle.

9. Fold across the middle. (Flaps should be on the inside of the triangle.) Ta-da! Your 3D origami piece is complete.

10. These are the “pockets” for constructing. This is where the “points” will be inserted.

11. This is the “smooth side” of a 3D origami piece. It’s shown by a in the diagrams for each project.

ORIGAMIPIECEM.jpg

12. This is the “rough side” of a 3D origami piece. It’s shown by a V in the diagrams for each project.

Now, start constructing at the head of the Spider.

1. Your first row will have 3 pieces. Start by holding 2 black folded pieces next to each other with their points up and rough side facing you. With a third piece, hold it in the same direction and insert its pockets into the middle points of the first 2 pieces. This should join the first 2 pieces. Glue as you go.

2. You have 3 pieces attached to one another, which makes up part of row 1 and 2 of the diagram. To construct off of this, take another black folded piece and hold it right next to the 2 pieces from row 1. Use another black folded piece and insert it into row 2. This piece’s pockets will be inserted into the points of row 1, thus joining the pieces of that row. You should now have 3 pieces in row 1, and 2 pieces in row 2. Keep gluing!

3. Continue building and following the diagram. On all rows with 6 pieces across, the outer pieces must be inserted with the point into the inner pocket of that piece. This is so part of the folded piece will hang out from the body and you will have something to construct the legs off of.

4. Construct each leg by taking 3 folded pieces and inserting them directly into one another’s pockets (2 points of a piece will be inserted into the 2 pockets of another).

5. The legs will attach to the body at the 8 areas where the flaps are hanging out. Remember to glue!

6. Cut 2 small circles out of white paper and use a black marker to color a smaller circle in the middle. Hot glue the eyes to the structure.

7. Finally, cut the mouth out of yellow paper and hot glue it under the eyes.

9. He’s ready to crawl away!

Excerpted from 3D Origami Fun!: 25 Fantastic, Foldable Paper Projects by Stephanie Martyn. Copyright © F+W. Used by permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. Photography by Stephanie Martyn and Elisabeth Lariviere.

4 Fun Ideas to Celebrate Grandparents Day

grandparents day ideas

We all have stories about the wonderful ways our own Nana and Papa (or someone else’s) have touched our lives. Whether your stories are about the rich family traditions handed down to your children, the warmth of a home and the sweet smells that come from it, or about how these special people love your children as unconditionally as you do, find a way that’s just as unique as they are to show appreciation for all they bring to you and yours.

Here are 4 unique ways to celebrate Grandparents Day:

1. A great fun-to-make, heartwarming-to-give craft. This unique, paper flower photo frame that kids can help create comes together with just paper, glue, and a bit a love.

2. Customized calendar with photos of your family together. Services such as CVS make it easy to use photos you already have to create a last-minute gift that lasts the whole year. Be sure to include photos of you, your children, and grandparents (and great grandparents!) sharing special moments or occasions, holidays and milestones.

3. Our Grammy and Pops Book.  Together with your kids create a book chock full of all the things that make its recipients so special. Have your children draw pictures of their grandparents, and fill in sentences such as “I love it when my grandma and grandpa….” Even very young children can contribute to this project. Little kid drawings can be the most touching, don’t you think?

4. Family Dinner Celebration. Host a special night for your guests of honor, making it extra meaningful by tackling Grandma’s favorite recipes or serving foods that are family traditions. Children can cap off the meal by providing the entertainment, such as a dance performance, song or play.

Book a babysitter on UrbanSitter and let them take charge of Grandparents Day arts & crafts!

2023 New Year’s Eve Babysitting Rates & Tips

new year's eve babysitting rates

As we approach the countdown to the new year, parents are gearing up for a night of celebration. Whether you’re planning to make a big splash to welcome the new year or prefer a cozy get-together with friends, one question looms: What’s the price tag for a New Year’s Eve babysitter? 

We surveyed hundreds of parents across the United States to see if they plan to go out on New Year’s Eve, if they do, how much extra they are willing to pay for a sitter, along with tips and tricks and more.

The Highlights of New Year’s Eve Babysitting Rates

Wondering what to expect for New Year’s Eve babysitting rates this year? We’ve got the inside scoop based on UrbanSitter’s comprehensive booking data and factoring in inflation. We predict the average hourly babysitting rate on New Year’s Eve will be around $29 per hour for 1 kid and over $30 per hour for 2 kids.

new years eve babysitting rates

Parents’ New Year’s Eve Plans:

Are you part of the nearly 50% of parents considering heading out for the night, or are you among the other half choosing a cozy night in? Interestingly, this year’s data shows a shift from last year, with more parents opting for a night on the town. Parents are split 50/50 on going out for New Year’s Eve this year. This is up from last year, when 67% said they were staying home.

new years eve babysitter

How Much Are Parents Willing to Pay?

How much is too much when it comes to securing a babysitter? We’ve surveyed parents to get the lowdown on how much extra they will pay for peace of mind during their celebrations. The results might surprise you! Most families are willing to pay 1.5 times a sitter’s standard rate to book them on New Year’s Eve.

new years eve tipping

Quick Tips for New Year’s Eve Babysitting Success:

  • Book early: Secure your sitter well in advance to avoid last-minute hassles on the bustling New Year’s Eve.
  • Offer competitive rates: Recognize the occasion’s significance by providing fair and competitive rates for your sitter.
  • Additional perks: Make the night more appealing by offering extras like transportation reimbursement or a simple dinner.
  • Have a backup plan: Prepare for unforeseen circumstances with a backup sitter or plan in place.
  • Express your gratitude: Show appreciation with a thank-you note or a small token.

UrbanSitter Guides to New Year’s Eve Babysitting Rates – Past Editions

2021 New Year’s Eve Babysitting Rates & Tips

2019 New Year’s Eve Babysitting Rates

2018 Holiday Tipping New Year’s Eve Babysitting Rates

2017 Holiday Tipping Guide New Year’s Eve Babysitting Rates

2016 Holiday Tipping Gifting New Year’s Eve Babysitter & Nanny Bonuses

2015 4th Annual Holiday Gifting & Tipping Survey on Babysitter and Nanny Bonuses

2014 3rd Annual Holiday Gifting Survey on Babysitter Gifts and Nanny Bonuses

2013 2nd Annual Holiday Gifting Survey on Babysitter Gifts and Nanny Bonuses

Looking for the latest insights into holiday tipping trends? Check out our 2023 Holiday Tipping Guide.

Book your NYE sitter now and enjoy a night out without the kids!  

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Babysitting Gift Cards: The Best Holiday Gift

holiday gift card

As the holidays approach, simplify your search for the “perfect” gift. Every parent will appreciate the gift of babysitting, especially when it’s courtesy of UrbanSitter’s trusted and reliable caregivers. Make it easy this year – gift parents the ideal present: UrbanSitter babysitting gift cards!

Parents can enjoy a well-deserved break, whether a date night, a spa day, an overdue haircut, or a nap. The gift cards are easy to use and delivered instantly by email (or printed at home, if you prefer). Your gift recipient decides how to use the gift card—to book and pay a babysitter, get a membership, or both.

The perfect gift for every occasion

Imagine a parent’s joy in unwrapping a gift promising a break and self-care – that’s the magic of the UrbanSitter babysitting gift card. Here’s why it’s the best holiday gift:

  • Flexible and personalized: UrbanSitter gift cards, available in any budget-friendly amount, are tailored to diverse family needs and offer access to a range of services. So, we have you covered from babysitting to pet care, senior care, and household support.

  • Trusted caregivers: UrbanSitter is powered by a community of amazing caregivers. Each caregiver must pass an annual background check and their profile is reviewed by a member of UrbanSitter’s Trust & Safety team. Candid reviews from families give you the inside scoop when hiring. Our babysitting gift card extends beyond a present. It’s peace of mind for parents, backed by trustworthy local caregivers.

  • Gift of worry-free time: Amidst the holiday hustle, UrbanSitter gift cards offer more than just a present – they are a gift of relief and comfort. Parents can enjoy a well-deserved break during the festive season, knowing their little ones are in safe and caring hands.

urbansitter gift card

UrbanSitter Gift Cards

Part gift card, part lifesaver.

How It Works

  1. Purchase: Fill out the recipient details and choose an amount that fits your budget, from $50 to $250 or any desired amount.

  2. Deliver: Select your preferred delivery method—email for instant convenience or print for a more traditional touch. Then, the lucky recipients will promptly receive a notification with details on redeeming their thoughtful gift.

Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, baby shower, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or just a thoughtful gesture for a coworker, UrbanSitter babysitting gift cards are the perfect solution for every occasion. 

Buy a babysitting gift card now! Available in any amount to fit your budget.

Give the gift of babysitting

It’s the perfect gift for any occasion
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10 Fun Babysitting Games To Play On The Job

Finding the right activities to keep children entertained while babysitting can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Engaging the kids in fun and interactive babysitter games is a great way to create a positive and enjoyable experience for you and the children.

From classic games to creative crafts, these ten babysitting games are perfect for building connections and ensuring everyone has a good time. Remember to consider the children’s interests and abilities before selecting a game. Here are some fantastic options to get you started.

1. Hide and Seek

One babysitting game that will win over the children you care for is hide and seek. This is an excellent indoor and outdoor activity that both older and younger children can participate in. Before you get started, establish ground rules. For example, you may require that everyone stay on one floor of the home, and the person only needs to be found rather than tagged. For toddlers, you may simply hide a specific toy and hunt for that item together. This classic game never gets old and is a fun activity that engages kids in active play.

2. Age-appropriate puzzles and Board Games

Chances are several puzzles and board games that children love to play are stored in a closet or cabinet in the home. They may jump at the chance to play with these puzzles with you. Before the parents leave, ask them where they store their puzzles and games and which are the kids’ favorites. Take it further; you could bring a few games and puzzles. Children with access to new activities are often more engaged and excited about participating. This is a great way to develop motor skills and cognitive abilities in a fun setting.

3. I Spy

This is a quieter game that almost everyone can participate in. Depending on the child’s age and abilities, you can tailor how challenging it is. It can be played outdoors, when the weather is nice, or indoors. An alternative is to bring a search-themed book with you. Since these books are usually more challenging, they are better for older children. “I Spy” is a simple, interactive game that helps improve observation and language skills.

4. Freeze Dancing

Whenever you are looking for a fun, active babysitting game that will help children burn off some extra energy, freeze-dancing is a perfect idea. You turn on age-appropriate music. You and the children can do silly dances while playing a favorite children’s tune. When the music stops, everyone will immediately freeze in their exact position. This can add a funny balance challenge depending on the dance move that is happening when the music stops. This game is lots of fun and great for developing coordination and rhythm.

5. Simon Says

This classic babysitting game is perfect for kids of all ages. The rules are simple: you give commands starting with “Simon says,” and the children must follow them. If you don’t say “Simon says” first, and a child follows the command, they are out of the game. This game is fun and helps improve listening skills and attention to detail.

babysitter games, nanny games, babysitter puzzles, babysitter activities

 

6. Paper Plate Ring Toss

For this game, you’ll need a few paper plates and household items to use as stands, such as paper towel rolls or empty cans. Cut the centers out of the paper plates to create rings. Then place the paper towel rolls or cans at varying distances and let the children try to toss the paper plate rings onto them. This game is perfect for developing hand-eye coordination and is a fun indoor activity that can be set up quickly.

7. Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of items for the children to find around the house or yard. These can be everyday household items like a piece of paper, a kitchen object, or even a tennis ball. Give them the list and set a timer. The child who finds the most items within the time limit wins. Best of all, this fun indoor or backyard game can be tailored to different age levels and is an interactive way to keep kids engaged and moving.

8. Charades

Charades is a fantastic interactive game that can be played with children of various ages. Write down different actions or items on paper, and have the children take turns drawing a piece of paper and acting out what’s written without speaking.  For children who aren’t old enough to read, you can substitute words on the paper with simple sketches of objects or actions. The other children must guess what the action or item is. This game is great for encouraging creativity and teamwork.

9. Indoor Bowling

Set up a makeshift bowling alley using household items like empty water bottles as pins and a regular-sized ball. Let the children take turns rolling the ball to knock down the pins. This indoor game is perfect for rainy days and helps improve coordination and motor skills.

10. Craft Activities

Finally, engage the children with some fun and easy craft activities. You can use basic craft supplies like construction paper, plain paper, colored paper, and markers. A straightforward idea is to make pet rocks using smooth stones, paint, and googly eyes. This activity allows children to express their creativity and is a calm, relaxing way to spend time together.

Engage with Other Exciting Sitter Games & Activities

Some babysitters will bring a bag of games, books, and other activities, and others will use the items inside the home. When you actively play with the children you spend time with on your babysitting jobs, you can develop great relationships, keep them entertained, and pass the time constructively. Want more ideas? Here are even more babysitting activities to do. Jokes, too, are a hit with children!

Looking for babysitting jobs or nanny positions? Join UrbanSitter to create a free profile and search for jobs.

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?

5 Hints to Securing a Babysitter This Holiday

do you tip a babysitter

You cut your own tree this year and the stockings are already hung by the chimney with care — what’s next on your holiday list? Booking a babysitter for your many, many, many holiday parties. Don’t fret! Start with these 5 Helpful Hints for Securing a Babysitter This Holiday Season:

1. Don’t procrastinate. Book early…or right now! December is a busy month for parents and sitters alike, so send your requests now and make it clear that these dates are important to you and that’s why you’re asking so early.

2. Pay a little extra. Increase your sitter’s hourly rate by a dollar or two to entice her/him to agree to those busy weekend dates. And, try booking multiple dates with the same sitter, so she/he feels assured you’re providing a steady December paycheck.

3. Go for the Early Bird. College-aged sitters love booking early jobs, because that means they can hit the town afterward with their friends. Why not start your Saturday night date at 4 or 5 pm, so you’ll be home by 9 pm?

4. Opt for a weekday. If you have the luxury of choosing the day of the week of your event, opt for a weekday or Sunday. There is far less competition for sitters on the “off” nights, so you’ll have your pick!

5. Stay at home (well not exactly). Picture hosting a fabulous holiday party at your home. Get a sitter to watch the kids and keep them occupied while you entertain. You don’t have to hire the most experienced (read: expensive) sitter for this, since you’ll be there in case of an emergency. Always remember to explain your plan to the sitter when you book them, so there are no big surprises.

UrbanSitter has all your holiday sitter needs covered. Book early and you’ll have one less “to do” on your list!