Celebrating birthdays at preschool - 7 mini loot ideas for class celebrations

These days, food is pretty much verboten in the world of class birthday celebrations. Due to new nutritional guidelines in schools, as well as better allergy-awareness, many daycares, preschools and elementary schools are discouraging the old 'mom bringing cupcakes' type of birthday celebration.

So momstown Finds has gone on the hunt for some small, simple, and inexpensive ways for the birthday boy or girl to feel special and celebrate with his friends on the big day. Call it 'mini loot' - we've got seven suggestions that won't break the bank.

 

birthday ideas for preschool

 

For Toddlers and Preschoolers

birthday ideas for preschool lootThese cute and squishy puffer balls are only $1 at Target and are colourful and fun for the 2-5 age group.

 

 

birthday ideas for preschool loot

 

 

Buy a party pack of Hasbro's Play-Doh at Walmart, and give each child a mini pot - you could wrap in small cello bags and attach a personal note.

 

 

sidewalk chalk CrayolaBuy a box of Crayola's sidewalk chalk and give each child one stick, wrapped in a small cello bag with a personalized note - perfect for spring and summer birthdays!

 

 

 

 

birthday ideas for preschool loot

 

These Schylling mini pull-back cars are under $2 at Mastermind Toys, and a perfect token for the preschool class.

 

 

 

For School-Agers

hockey pencilNovelty pencils are a cheap and cheerful way to celebrate with classmates - this hockey pencil from Mastermind has the eraser built right in! 

 

 

 

 

birthday ideas for preschool lootA pencil set with stickers is also a fun token - choose your child's favourite design - these are under $1 each through Party Things Canada. 

 

 

 

 

novelty erasersErasers are useful  treat for school-age kids. We found these cool animal shapes at Graphite Pen and Paper company - when you buy a set they work out to only $0.44 each! 

 

 

 

 

 

How do you celebrate your child's birthday with their daycare, preschool, or elementary class?

Posted by momstown Finds on 04/08/2013 - 13:41
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10 craft cupboard must-haves; restock for spring!

momstown arts & crafts asked momstown Finds this month - what are the must-have items for the craft cupboard this Spring? It's hard to name just a few - and we know our readers have crafty kids of all ages and stages!

So we've found 10 must-have products - a mix of new and traditional favourites, and sorted them by age so you can restock this spring and get crafty with your kids!

 

craft cupboard must haves

 

Baby & Toddler

It's amazing to see what products are out there to suit little hands and messy toddlers. Washable and non-toxic are the labels to look for with this age group. Here are some of our favourites:

 

craft cupboard must havesWashable finger paints from the Alex Toys Jr line are perfect for little painters to try their hand at making art!

 

 

 

craft cupboard must haves

Finger crayons are a unique and fun way for little ones learning to draw - pop them on a figure (or just grab in a small fist) and get colouring!

 

 

 

 

craft cupboard must havesMy First Crayola is a great line for ages 12 months and up - the washable stampers fit into a toddler's palm and they're self-inking - no mess and no caps to lose!

 

 

 

Perfect for Preschoolers

Preschoolers are at such a great age to create - their imaginations run wild and they aren't held back by what something is 'supposed' to look like. Their fine motor control is also developing so it's a great time to let them loose with a few simple tools to create whatever they want!

 

craft cupboard must havesCrayola's Pip-Squeaks markers are the perfect size. Available in skinny or regular versions, they are scaled to march little hands. And of course, they're washable!

 

 

 

 

 

craft cupboard must haves

A simple set of crayons like these from Melissa & Doug are great for in the playroom or on the go. The unique triangular design means they won't roll off the table - they're durable and easy to organize in the fun travel case.

 

 

 

craft cupboard must havesFor a truly mess-free but fun activity, try Crayola Colour Wonder. Available in many designs, like the Barbie Dress Up Playset pictured here.

 

 

 

 

Smart for Schoolagers

There are so many options for crafts and creative activities as your child grows older. While we're still big fans of markers and paper, it's nice to have a few special craft kits on hand for gifts or rainy days.

 

craft cupboard must havesWe love Melissa & Doug's jumbo colouring pad for it's long play value. There are 50 colouring sheets (available in two different themes) with detailed designs for kids to colour - on jumbo-size, high quality sheets that will inspire kids to make a real masterpiece.

 

 

 

 

craft cupboard must havesWe've tested out Klutz's Clay Charms kit with boys and girls ages 6-8, and they love making the tiny charms. Easy to make and fun to play with - you can follow the many examples or make your own design.

 

 

 

 

craft cupboard must haves

Another favourite for at home or on the go are Melissa & Doug's Magic Velvet poster books. Available in a range of different designs, the velvet-flocked backgrounds create amazing contrast with the vibrant marker colours.

 

 

craft cupboard must haves

 

 

Finally - kids of all ages can create using momstown Find's favourite blank canvas - the Ikea Mala drawing paper roll. Use it on an easel or rolled out on the floor or driveway for big, fun creativity!

 

Posted by momstown Finds on 04/03/2013 - 10:36
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New Kraft Fruit & Veg Salad Dressing Pourables

kraft fruit and veg dressingAre you a salad family? Or a group of big dippers like we are? Is your fridge door filled with a variety of salad dressings like ours?

As a mom, I’m always amazed at the power of “dipping” or “dressing” and how it encourages my kids to eat more vegetables. It’s a simple tactic and the right dressing flavour literally makes the difference if vegetables are gobbled or picked over. 

Kraft has launched a new variety of delicious salad dressings made with fruits and vegetables for a bold new taste. Kraft Fruits & Veg dressings are all low in fat and salt, between 25-30 calories a serving and contain no artificial flavours or colours.

All yummy, the four new Salad Vinaigrette flavours are Berry Balsamic, Fire Roasted Tomato with Basil, Garlic Parmesan with Roasted Cauliflower, and my own favourite, Roasted Yellow Pepper, Garlic & Lime.

Find them all in the Kraft Salad Dressing section of your grocery store now!

Posted by momstown minds on 03/27/2013 - 12:26
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