Printable Christmas Gift Exchange Game

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September 12, 2022 by administrator Filed Under: Christmas, Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media

Put a spin on traditional gift-giving with this printable Christmas Gift Exchange Game! It’s more fun than simply wrapping up a gift and sticking someone’s name on it. With this game, you won’t know whose gift (or what’s inside it) that you could possibly end up with!

Christmas Gift Exchange Game

This game is fun for giving gifts where the group of people are similar in age. Like with a sports team, boy/girl scouts, or during a classroom party. That way, everyone will be gifting items that all participants can enjoy.

Fun Christmas Gift Fact

Speaking of gift-giving, do you know why we give our family members and friends gifts at Christmas in the first place? According to Why Christmas?, gift-giving has become a holiday tradition because the Wise men brought gifts to Jesus at birth. He received gold, frankincense, and myrrh when He was born.

Though we give and receive very different presents today, it’s all because we want to remember that Jesus is the reason for the season…and that he was given gifts too.

Getting Ready for Christmas Gift Giving

To get started with this Christmas gift exchange game, everyone should agree on a date for the event. Make it a total evening of fun and laughs with finger foods and desserts, or go all out with a potluck dinner. Gifts are best given after a full belly!

You will also need a spending limit on the gifts you plan to exchange. You wouldn’t want to bring a $10 gift and go home with an item valued at $50! Setting a budget makes the game fair for everyone. Most people will probably be okay with a $25 budget.

Items you could give for this Christmas gift exchange include:

Comfy items (Blanket, slippers, cozy socks)
A basket full of treats
Gift cards to specific stores or restaurants
Cute coffee mug that would be meaningful to anyone playing

Playing the Christmas Gift Exchange Game

When it’s time to exchange your gifts, the real fun begins! Incorporate a fun holiday party game. Print the cards on cardstock paper so they will withstand the entire game – and for future years of use, if everyone enjoys playing.

Put the cards in a stack on a table and let everyone gather around with their gift in their hands. Take turns drawing cards and following the directions.

Example directions on the printable cards for this game include:

Swap gifts with the person to your left
Swap gifts with the tallest person in the room
Swap gifts with the oldest person playing
Swap gifts with the person whose birthday is next
Swap gifts with someone wearing a sweater

The more cards you turn over and follow, the more the gifts will get scrambled up around the room. Once everyone has drawn a card (or 2 cards, 3 cards….however long you want the gift exchange game to last), it’s time to OPEN the gifts!

This game is so fun, it’s easy for it to become one of your yearly Christmas traditions!

Christmas Gift Exchange Game Printable

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How to Print at Staples

I have a video to show you how I print my PDF documents at Staples.

We include a gift exchange dice game in our 19 Christmas Party Games List. This set of Christmas games also comes with Name that Christmas Tune and Christmas Charades Cards.

Turn uncommon and even common games into something unique. Every holiday on the calendar can have it’s own themed game. Learn how to transform party activities into holiday party games. Pin to Pinterest.

Looking for more ideas to make Christmas more memorable and fun? We have 25+ Christmas traditions for you to start right now!

Also, we have even more free Christmas printables for you to check out!

WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

Embracing Grandmillennial Style | Making Granny Chic, Grand!

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August 31, 2022 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Facebook, Home Improvement, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media

What is Grandmillennial Style? The word Grandmillennial blends together two words, Grandmother and Millennial. It is a decor style that creates living space bringing old-school design trends with a fresh spin for the 21st century. With these Grandmillennial Decor Ideas, let’s make granny chic, grand!

Grandmillennial Style

I am coming here to confess. I have fell down a rabbit hole and this hole has lead me more time on Facebook than I care to admit. Bear with me, let me explain.

I joined a group called Grandmillennial Décor on Facebook and there was not getting out. Yes, I could easily click the “leave group” button, but I was becoming transported in time, and ideas, and the nostalgia of my grandmother (and apparently everyone else’s grandmother too!)

What is Grandmillennial style?

To quote someone, Grandmillennial is Granny Chic. It’s modern traditional. Ranging in age from mid-20s to late-30s, Grandmillennials love home decor with a traditional aesthetic. Heirlooms are precious and preserved, but not in the farmhouse style that embraces greys or the shabby chic style that loved chipped paint. Grandmillennial love loud prints and bright colors. Finishes are flawless. Living spaces are in impeccably styled.

Included in the throwback aesthetic of Grandmillennial style are rattan furniture pieces, floral wall paper, blue & white ginger jars, brightly patterned prints, floral drapes, pink roses, needlepoint, bird cages, wicker, boxwoods, scalloped lampshades, and shinny lacquer finished dressers. On display are monogramed pillows and your grandmother’s China.

How do you turn a farmhouse home into a Grandmillennial home?

Before your go throwing out all your gray paint, chipped furniture, and farmhouse style home decor, read this first.

Farmhouse decor includes rustic/chippy finishes, signs with words, barn door motifs, cotton stems and rusty metals and burlap. These are the finishes to change out. You can keep some of your neutral and gray colors, but make sure you add a pop of color too. Transform an off-white room with a happy color like a kelly green accent wall. Pull out your family heirlooms and polish them to shine. Finish chipped painted furniture with a lacquerer finish. Opposite of chipped furniture, lacquer paint has a glossy, mirror-like finish and when done by a professional, is absolutely not streaky

To continue to transform from farmhouse to grandmillenial style, buy and sell. When your budget is small, swap out pieces you no longer like with pieces you love by buying and selling on Facebook Market Place. Many people are looking to get rid of their grandmother’s antiques and others are craving the farmhouse furniture you no longer want.

Examples of Grandmillennial Style

Let’s take a look at examples of Grandmillennial decor. From Grandmillennial living rooms, Grandmillennial paint colors, Grandmillennial bedrooms, Grandmillennial furniture and more.

Remember, the most meaningful homes tell a story. Pull out those anqitues, it’s time to get granny chic!

Author note: In Grandmillennial decor, you will see Asian elements with a European interpretations. Examples of descriptions include the term chinoiserie, which comes from the French word chinois, or “Chinese.” Also recognize elements of blue & white canton china patterns, for dining china and ginger jars. These decor pieces do not come directly from Asia but are instead a European interpretation of Asian culture and decorative arts.

This Grandmillennial entry way from Randi Garrett Design is simply styled with some of my favorite ginger jars and a blue hydrangea bush. Gather a few items you love and create a simple vignette to welcome guests into your home. Find a similar detailed wreath in antique French style with laurel leaves and ribbon.

Learn how to decorate with Chinoiserie. You can take your blue and white temple jars to the next level by adding elements of flowers, feathers, and greenery like Casa Watkins Living.

Alright, let’s talk Grandmillenial decor. This Eagle Convex Accent Mirror is currently $500. Now I want you to go to Facebook marketplace and set a search to notify you when one hits the marketplace. Come give me a comment with how low you are able to pick it up. I’ve seen them for $60 – $150 in my area. (Eagle Convex mirror also seen in Southern Charm’s Patricia Altschul’s House. Wallpaper: Mind the Gap Chinese Floral.) Pair a eagle mirror with free vintage bird prints.

Grandmillennial Bathroom

The easiest place to begin your Granny Chic transformation is in the half bath. It’s a smaller space that can typically be transformed with a bird and floral wallpaper print. Pottery Barn never disappoints when it comes to home decor, look how they transformed this small half bath into a beautiful Grandmillennial bathroom with a mirror, wall sconces, and a printed wallpaper.

What to know what is right about this Grandmillenial Style bathroom? Everything! From the Serena & Lilly white rattan mirror, the bright pineapple wallpaper {Katie Kime}, the touches of brass and the lacquer pink vanity this bathroom is screaming granny chic.

Grandmillennial Living Room

Take a look at this Grandmillenial fire place. Can you tell the features that pull together to create this style? Three things. Whicker Furniture. Bamboo Frames. Ginger Jars. Get inspired by Every Season’s Change & Brittany’s thrift store finds. Love the Audobon print? Get Free Audubon Paintings.

Custom high end curtains can be pricey. Follow this DIY Greek Key Trim Curtains tutorial {DIY Decor MOM} and add fabric Greek key trim to white IKEA Ritva curtains for a custom look on a budget!

Using a gingham fabric focus, Lauren Deloach transformed this Grandmillenial living space and music room. Highlights include pleated lamp shades, hanging plates on the wall, large brass wall mirrors, and skirted ottomans.

Texas Designer Meredith Ellis created a beautiful Grandmillenial library celebrating pattern, texture and color from floor to ceiling. This living space includes toile drapery, furniture skirts, oil paintings, curvy shapes, and layered contrasting decor.

Take your grandmothers style and add a breath of fresh. How beautiful is this formal Grandmillenial sitting area {Rachel Solar} with a touch of modern tiger print pillows!

One take away from recreating your grandmother’s living space is bringing old-school design trends with a fresh spin for the 21st century. These spaces are not the stuffy, formal rooms you might remember from childhood. They are warm, cozy and inviting. {Better Homes & Gardens}

Do you have a built in? Learn to style a Grandmillennial living room shelf by getting inspired by Marian at Miss Mustard Seed.

Grandmillennial Dining Rooms

Kerry Spears Interiors knows how to honor one’s grandmother. Take a look at this beautiful display of Grandmillennial elements included a reupholstered antique chair, a beautiful buffet with wallpaper paneling in the background.

Budget-Friendly tip on this lamp. You can spend a fortunate on a Grandmillennial lamp. Instead, find a beautiful solid color at a thrift shop and use gold Rub & Buff to paint the base. A small 30 minute weekend project.

Line a china cabinet with wall paper like Flower Mag. A cabinet filled with blue-and-white Canton pieces is complemented with a playful wallpaper. Touches of fruit and flowers allow bright colors to pop.

Tip: Learn how to wallpaper a built in bookshelf for as low as $45!

Don’t forget the amazing Bluewillowware. You can buy antiques in Facebook Marketplace, Etsy or on Ebay. Or get present day Blue Willow China pieces at Walmart and Amazon. The newer pieces are microwave and dishwashwer friendly. The patterns are pretty identical. With present day pieces, you do not run the risk of lead. If putting on display, it’s always nice to have an antique.

Accent a dining room with wallpaper panels. A set of three framed chinoiserie panels can cost 100s or even 1,000s of dollars. Create your own DIY Framed Wallpaper Panels wit this tutorial from Hunted Interior.

Grandmillennial Bedroom

KerrySpearsInteriors.com continues with the beautiful Grandmillenial home decor. Take a look at this Grandmillennial bedroom featuring antique fabric headboard, rattan night stand, antique bird print & brass swing arm wall lamps.

If you are looking for a Grandmillennial influencer, or Grandmillennial style blog take a look at Amy Berry Home. Her Grandmillennial Instagram account will have you swooming including this Grandmillenial bedroom nook pulling together beautiful antique pieces with a complimentary wallpaper.

Try to take a bamboo dresser and has a bright lacquered just like Style Your Senses. We love the elements of this pink lacquered dresser. The pink pulls forth the blue and white chinoiserie, green leaves and gold accents.

Want to create a grand Grandmillenial aesthetic home? Perhaps by someone famous? Take a look at Southern Charm’s Patricia Altschul House featured in Architectural Digest.. We especially love this master bedroom, where an oil painting artwork is displayed above a 19th-century chinoiserie bookcase.

Want more? Take a look at this Patricia Altschul Home Collection with mixes of Grandmillenial and Southern Charm.

If you really are into traditional home décor ideas, take a look at our Dish Gallery Wall Ideas & Plate Wall Decor. Pin to Pinterest.

Once your home turns into your grandmothers, make your you add granny’s crafts too! Not Your Grandma’s Embroidery Crafts & Designs. Pin to Pinterest.

Love birds? Also look at these Vintage Bird Prints + Audubon Free Downloads. Pin to Pinterest.

Elf Crafts | Elf on the Shelf Crafts for Kids

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August 26, 2022 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Christmas, Crafts, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media, The Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Elf on the Shelf Crafts for Kids. This holiday season, get crafting with these Elf Craft Ideas. New creative, funny, and original Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily.

We are back, so is the Elf on the Shelf! If you have been with us a long time, you know we have brought you a new Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily (in the months of November and December) for the past six years. You can view our Elf on the Shelf Master List for a full list of ideas including every idea we have ever done.

For many of these Elf on the Shelf ideas, make sure you have an elf that can bend. You can do that easily with our Bendable Elf on the Shelf tutorial. You also can shop our collection of Elf Printables for ideas to cover the entire season!

Shop Elf Printables + Digital Downloads

Elf on the Shelf Crafts for Kids

Get crafting this holiday season with these kids. We brought together some cute Elf Crafts to help you and your child get creative this holiday season.

One way to introduce this craft, is to have your Elf on the Shelf doll sitting with the craft supplies necessary. Then in the morning, you and your child can enjoy a day of crafting.

1. Paper Plate Elf from I Heart Crafty Things
2. Salt Dough Elf (turn it into an ornament) from Messy little Monster
3. Popsicle Stick Elf from Artsy Craftsy Mom
4. Cinnamon Stick Elf from Turning Clock Back
5. Elf Popsicle Stick Hats from Homeschool Preschool
6. Elf Family Portrait from The Inspiration Edit
7. Elf Paper Puppet from Red Ted Art
8. Paper Elf Craft with Accordion Arms & Legs from The Best Ideas for Kids
9. Easy Elf Craft from Stylish Cravings
10. E is for Elf from Must Have Mom
11. Handprint Elf from The Best Ideas for Kids
12. Paper Bag Elf from I Heart Crafty Things

A few of our own Elf on the Shelf Crafts to check out is our Elf House, including many ideas from others. Some of you have the best Elf on the Shelf House Ideas!

We also think you will like these Elf on the Shelf Rice Krispie Treats – you will never guess what cookie cutter we used to make these treats.

Elf on the Shelf Printables

If you are looking for more paper elf crafts, take a look at our free printable Elf template. Elf yourself with this cute and adorable Elf craft and elf on the shelf coloring page.

Our most popular Elf on the Shelf printables can be found in our Elf Store. Shop Elf costumes, our Elf Twister board, Jokes for Kids, our Magic Shrinking Machine and so much more!

Shop Elf Printables + Digital DownloadsWe also love sharing Elf on the Shelf free printables! Get all of our free Elf on the Shelf printables by entering your email address below. Look for an email to confirm you signed up. One you confirm, look for a second email in your inbox with a link and password!

Free Printables Step by Step Directions

1.) Enter your email address here.

2.) Look for a confirmation email in your inbox and confirm you requested a sign up.

3.) We will send you a Free Printables Welcome Email with link and passcode to all of our free printables.

4.) Enter your passcode at the top of the page here and click “Access Printables”

5. Enjoy your Elf on the Shelf Printables.

Elf on the Shelf on Social Media

Save these ideas because you will want to stay up to date on these ideas each Christmas season. We do our best to mix up easy and hard Elf on the Shelf Ideas.

Elf on the Shelf Facebook Page

Multiple ideas are added each day to our Elf on the Shelf Ideas Facebook page. This is a great way for you to share your own Elf on the Shelf Ideas and share our ideas to your page. There are some good ones! Be sure to like the page!

Elf on the Shelf Pinterest Boards

We also are in charge of a Elf on the Shelf Ideas Pinterest board. On this board, we have invited other bloggers to share their ideas and free Elf on the Shelf Printables too! Be sure to follow the board!

Our goal, to make Elf easy for you!

What is Elf on the Shelf?

Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas Tradition. The tradition has a book and a elf doll. The book is poetic and in rhyme sharing the purpose of the Elf’s visits. The Elf visits each Thanksgiving. He/She goes and returns from the North Pole each evening. Every morning he can be found in a new location in the house. The Elf has been found in the refrigerator, fishing in the toilet, writing messages on the mirror or hanging from the lights. It is VERY IMPORTANT, the Elf is not touch each evening or his Christmas magic will be lost! Each family is able to name their special elf. The elves return to their home (Santa’s North Pole Work shop) every Christmas Eve. An Elf’s Story can also be found on DVD.

Don’t forget all of our daily Elf on the Shelf Ideas. Pin to Pinterest on your Christmas and Elf Boards.

We have been doing Elf on the Shelf forever. See our Elf on the Shelf Master List. Pin to Pinterest.

Fun Outdoor Water Games – Backyard, Lake, Beach & More!

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August 23, 2022 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Birthday, Crafts, Facebook, Games, Home Improvement, Instagram, Party, Pinterest, Printable, Social Media

Cool off with our list of outdoor water games for kids and adults. These wet & wild activities include over 70 fun-filled water games from the basic ones for beginners to the elite games for the serious water athlete. Get ready to splash into fun!

Some of the silliest games, are the best games. Water games are brilliant for parties, gatherings or even family entertainment. Don’t just consider them to be a game for kids. Water games are great for bringing forth the inner kid in everyone. Take a look at these outside water game ideas. These games range from the basic ones for beginners to the elite games for the serious water athlete.

What are some fun water games?

Who doesn’t love a water balloon fight? Break out the inflatables and fill up those kiddie pools, because it’s time to get wet and wild! Let’s get started with the six classic games with water. Check out our favorite outdoor water games for a cooling summertime activity.

Water Balloon Toss

Water balloon games are a must. This classic game is a great way to beat the heat and have some fun with friends. All you need is a group of people and a bunch of water balloons. Form two lines facing each other, and give the first person in each line a balloon.

On the count of three, they’ll toss the balloon to the person across from them. If the balloon pops or someone drops their water bombs, they’re out! Keep going until there’s only one person left in each line, and then the two winners will face off against each other. Now, without a doubt, this is considered fun water games at home!

Sprinkler Races

This is a great game for young kids who love to run around and get wet. The hose is a great resource. Set up a sprinkler in your yard or park, and then have the kids line up at one end. On your go, they’ll race to the other end and back again. The first player to cross the finish line is the winner! You can even make this a team relay race full of challenges and obstacles.

Water Balloon Piñata

Pop! This game is a fun twist on the classic piñata. Instead of candy, fill up a water balloon piñata with water and tie it to a tree branch or other high surface like a clothesline. Then, have the kids take turns hitting it with a stick or plastic bat until it bursts open and drenches them with water! This game is must in the great outdoor water games for families list! It’s perfect for a very hot day.

Sponge Relay Races

Split everyone into teams and line them up at the start line. At the other end of the course, place a bucket filled with water. The first person in each team will dip their sponge into the bucket, run to the other end and wring it out over the next person’s head, then pass the sponge off. In this water relay, the team that finishes first is the winner!

You can twist this game up. Make it a challenge by mixing it up with some bubbles. Use Dawn, bubble bath or Johnson no-tear baby shampoo. Instead of pouring over the next player’s head, be the first team to move the most water from one bucket to the next with a sponge toss as the mode of transportation.

Squirt Gun Tag

This game is a blast for kids of all ages. One person is “it” and has to chase down the other players and tag them with their squirt gun. Once someone is tagged, they’re out. The last person standing is the winner! If you are looking for something with younger kids, this water play is a toddler approved game.

Water Obstacle Course

Sprinklers, kiddie pools, and slip and slides can bring together one amazing obstacle course with water. Gather all the water supplies you have include buckets, spray bottles, cups, t-shirts, and spray bottles. Map out your backyard as you navigate a path from one water activity to the next. Introduce as much water as you want with running sprinklers, hoses, water guns and more. You can time this DIY water course or just make it a fun challenge to master.

Where can I play water games?

Water games are perfect anywhere you can be outside. You can use these game ideas at a location or even in your own front yard. Play by a stream of water, at a large water resource or use a baby pool as your water resource.

Consider these fun places to play water games.

Backyard
Beach
Lake
Park
Camping
River
Creek
Birthday Party
Swimming Pool
Garden
Driveway
School

Games that include water are best for hot days which makes summertime or warm environments pretty ideal.

More Water Games for Outside

STOP – The fun doesn’t end here!

If those six water game ideas whet your pallet, then you are going to want to check out these additional splash-tastic water games. Enjoy 71 more outdoor water activities you can play in any body of water. Whether at the lake, pool, beach or even in your own backyard, we have a huge list of water games for adults’ and kids alike.

Minute to Win It Water Games

If you’re looking for quick and fun outdoor water games, then these 16 Water Minute to Win it Games are for you! They are super easy games to do outdoors and kids always love them. These games are great as ice breakers. These 60 second challenges are movers and shakers meaning if you are bored of one game, you move on to the next. Some of the games included are Pass the Water, Spray Off, and the Sponge Relay.

Pop the Balloons
Pass the Water
Spray Off
Squirt Gun Car Race
Sponge Relay
Puddle Jumper
Nose Mover
Ka-Broom
T-Shirt Party
Defy Gravity
Quarter Stuck in Teeth
Suck it Up
Water Bottle Toss
Water Balloon Game Toss
Penny Drop
Bottle Toss

Lake Games

Headed to the lake? While boating is always fun, there are time you want to enjoy activities and games along the waterline. These 19 Lake Games are perfect for a beach or grassy area near the lake. Fill a bucket of water or kiddie pool with lake water and let the games begin. These family friendly games are kind of like your own family Olympics. Play them at a family reunion!

Face the Cookie
Spoons
Fire Tender
Pass the Water
Bottle Flip
Sardines
3 Flies Up
Frisbee Golf
Water Bottle Toss
Flick & Sticks
Puddle Jumper
Snack Cap
Sponge Relay
Sleeping Bag Races
Flashlight Tag
20 Questions
I’m Going to the Lake House
Marshmallow Pong
Water Bomb Catch

Pool Games

If you don’t own your own pool, headed to a community pool or neighborhood swimming pool. These 18 Pool Party Games are ideal for a crowd. Excellent for a pool birthday party or teen youth group. There are classic games like wet shirt relay (the clean version) and Marco Polo or twist it up with unique games like the greasy watermelon (you will love this one!)

Invisi-bottle
Sea Horse Relay
Joust
Bottom Dwellers
Ball Squirt
The Greasy Watermelon
Hungry Hippos
Numbers Crunch
So You Think You Can Dance?
Pool Noodle Relay
Sharks and Minnows
Octopus Pool Tag
Duck Push
Pick-Up Sticks Relay
Marco Polo
Balloon Collector
Sponge Relay
Wet Shirt Relay

Beach Games

If you’re near a shore, there are plenty of 17 Beach Water Games you can play! Try building a sandcastle, playing frisbee, or going for a swim. If you have a ball, you can also play water polo or beach volleyball. Just make sure to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade often to avoid getting too sunburned. Grab a towel and enjoy the fun.

Mini Golf
Squirt Ball Relay
Beach Towel Parachute
Musical Towels
Beach Bowling
Shell Shuffle
Five Hole Sand Hole
Flick n Sticks
Frisbee Golf
Water Bucket Relay
Beach Blow
Hot Potato
Sponge Relay
Beach Theme Scavenger Hunt
Beach Ball Relay
Pass the Water
Wet Shirt Relay

Trampoline Games

Have you ever put a sprinkler under the trampoline. If not, you are missing out on some fun! The trampoline is a perfect place for backyard water games. These 16 Trampoline Games include a water balloon toss.

Rock Paper Scissors (with your body!)
Bombs Away
Pirate Leg Stand
Gaga Ball
Castle Attack
Bum Wars
Dodge Ball
Air Ball
Telephone
Crack the Egg
Birds in the Nest
Lava Ball (Poison Ball)
Freeze Bounce
Keep It Up
Reverse Limbo
Rope Snake

All of these printables include what you need to organize water games. These printable water games come with easy to understand water game instructions and a supply list so you are easily prepared. Just pick the game set that fits your environment and download and print.

Summertime is the perfect time to get outside and have some fun in the sun with these outdoor water games. So, grab your friends and family, get ready for water toys, and get ready to cool off! These outdoor water games for families and friends are a huge hit.

Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your outside water games ideas for teens, adults and young kids. Leave a comment here or on Pinterest! Let us know your favorites!

Ice Cream Cone Pumpkin – October Birthday Idea

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August 17, 2022 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Birthday, Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Halloween, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media

Want to take your pumpkin decorations a step beyond your typical carving? Take a look at this easy Ice Cream Cone Pumpkin tutorial. Not only is it an adorable idea for an October birthday celebration but it’s also a fun October craft for kids and adults alike.

I mean who wouldn’t love an October birthday? The weather is kind, the days are quite routine and there are plenty of activities to fill the days and weekends. If you are looking for ideas for an October birthday party or looking for a fun no-carve pumpkin idea, take a look at this blog post. We have some fun ideas for a fall birthday theme or a very easy pumpkin that people would pay big bucks to have sit on their front Halloween porch.

What are some October Birthday Ideas?

So there is a one and twelve chance you or someone you knows has an October birthday. I’m not very good at statistics but I know this to be true. If you are celebrating a birthday girl or birthday guy, take a look at these creative ideas for a month of October birthday.

Make caramel apples
Go apple bopping
Visit a pumpkin patch
Attend a fall festival
Decorate a scarecrow into a birthday guy or gal
Play fall themed party games
Make pumpkin cupcakes
Take a weekend road trip to see fall foliage
Have a Halloween movie marathon
Do a fall family bucket list
Have a costume party
Host a Halloween themed birthday party
Craft a pumpkin into an ice cream cone!

We got so inspired by our post un-carved Creative Pumpkin Decorations, that we took the challenge as well. While these pumpkins were pretty amazing, we think that we have the most exciting pumpkin yet!

Ice Cream Cone No Carve Pumpkin

My third child’s (Eli) birthday is in October and I am always thinking of what I can do to incorporate his birthday and Halloween (without it being too scary!) I first made these cute Halloween Spirit Drink Labels, to share with you, plus I put together some yummy Halloween Kids Food Crafts.

I wanted to take our next birthday party idea a step further with our front door. The front porch has all the Boo-tiful Halloween decor, but it lacked something special for celebrating Eli’s birthday – thus the evolution of the Ice Cream Cone Pumpkin. Drop the knife, this is a no-carve easy pumpkin craft.

What better excuse for a cute pink pumpkin that an October birthday. Let’s begin.

Supplies

These craft supplies needed for DIY ice cream cone pumpkins are quite simple Most you can find at your local craft store. We created a pink no-carve ice cream cone gourd but you could also use brown and/or white paint to create an entire Neapolitan fleet of pumpkins.

This could include really cute mini ice cream cones too. Make your own mixture with a pink pumpkin, white pumpkin and brown chocolate pumpkin ice cream cone! How adorable would that be?

Gather the following supplies for an ice cream cone pumpkin:

There are a few supplies needed for this project. I would say the most unique supply is the spray foam insulation. It was not something I had on hand. Keep this project in a well ventilated area. You have craft paint as well as the foam. Adult supervision is suggested for this project!

One thing to take in to consideration for this project is it takes time. You will need time for the pot to dry, the ice cream base, and the pink paint to dry. So about three different times where your project needs to “sit” before you move on to the next step.

Let’s take a look at these easy pumpkin directions.

How to Make An Ice Cream Cone Pumpkin

This October craft tutorial includes really easy directions. It will take a few days to complete as you will need to let different steps in the process dry before moving on.

First, protect your area by laying out a piece of newspaper or scrap paper in a well ventilated place. You will want to paint your terracotta pot tan and let it dry.

Once your pot is dry, you will place your medium pumpkin upside down into your large clay pot.

If you are doing this with the kids, this particular part is for ADULTS! Please read directions/precautions on your Spray foam insulation can. Put your gloves on and carefully spray a small amount of spray foam insulation around the bottom of pumpkin/top of the pot. Keep in mind that the foam will grow twice the size while it dries. You can always add more after it dries.

Let it dry until you are ready to move on to the next step.

In a well ventilated area, carefully wrap (or protect) the pot and spray or brush two coats of pink paint onto the pumpkin and dried foam. Let your pink paint dry.

The next step is for your cute ice cream cherry. Glue a red pom pom ball to the top center of the pumpkin and add a two ince bent green pipe cleaner in the center of the red pom-pom ball for the cherry and stem.

Cut your colorful pipe cleaners into 1/2” pieces and carefully hot glue them to the top and top sides of the pumpkin to look like sprinkles.

Measure and cut your tan pipe cleaners to be the same length as the bottom of the terracotta pot and glue vertically around the pot leaving approximately a 3” space in between.

Next, glue tan pipe cleaners horizontally around the pot leaving a 2-3” space in between to look like an ice cream cone.

To protect your pumpkin, bring your pumpkin outside and spray with a clear coat of spray paint and let dry.

More October Party Ideas

Hosting an ice cream party? Make sure you download and use these fun Ice Cream Party printables! These include ice cream party décor and ice cream party games for kids! At your October party, serve some tasty creamy pumpkin ice cream! Pin to Pinterest.

October birthdays are a great excuse for a Halloween party. For a Halloween themed birthday party – why not twist it up with a little bit of ice cream? You can also use these Halloween Party games for a little bit of fun and activity. Or if you love a good 60 second challenge, try these Halloween Minute to Win it games that your guests will love. When your games are all done, how about prizes for the winner? Your ice cream cone pumpkin could be that golden trophy! Pin to Pinterest.

Take a look at our other creative pumpkin decorations for Halloween – they go beyond your traditional carve with dozens of no carve pumpkin ideas. Pin to your Halloween and Craft Pinterest Boards.

Also enjoy these cute ideas for your front porch and front door – Halloween Porch Décor. These October porch ideas will add the most adorable welcome to your party guests when they arrive at the party. Pin to Pinterest on your Home and Halloween Boards.

If you loved this October Party Pumpkin, share to Pinterest. Tell us how your ice cream pumpkin turned out and how you celebrated a speical October birthday.

Enjoy your pumpkin party decoration and have a very happy birthday! We hope you get some great gifts.

Update: This post has been updated in 2022. It was originally published on October 11, 2018.

Zoo Animals Fingerprint Art for Kids

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August 15, 2022 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media

Make your own Zoo Animals Fingerprint Art with these step by step directions. Lions, Tigers, Snakes, Monkeys, and Giraffe step by step fingerprint animals thumbprint art tutorials.

Are you looking for a quick and easy science lesson for kids? What about a fun craft activity for kids? How about a mix of both!?

If you are looking for a cute craft and activity for kids, why not quickly explore fingerprints while creating a bit of fun fingerprint animals with your child.

What animals have fingerprints?

Before you begin a fingerprint activity, make sure you know a little bit about the background of fingerprints. Fingerprints are the tiny ridges on the edge of a finger. They are essential the folds of skin that create a unique print to primates. In addition to human men, women, and children, there are a few animals that are closely related to homo sapiens (aka humans) that also include fingerprints on the tips of their hands. Gorillas, chimpanzees and koala bears have fingerprints that are almost identical to human ones.

Other animals have paw prints. Paw prints can come in set of three, four or five pawprints.

Extend the lesson with a microscope. Using an inkpad, put human fingerprints on paper and place the paper under the microscope. Study the ridge patterns and notice that each human print is unique!

Now that we have learned a little bit about fingerprints, let’s have fun with human fingerprint arts and crafts for kids…. of course, incorporating animals!

How to Make Fingerprint Animals

We have the cutest tutorial for you, Zoo Animals Fingerprint Art. This is a perfect rainy day activity for the littles. We included a tutorial for giraffes, lions, monkeys, snakes and tigers. Once you get the hang of these five zoo animals, you can likely create your own animals mimicking these easy tutorials – crocodiles, hedgehogs, skunks, elephants and more.

Enjoy your work of art!

Supplies

Stamp Pads in Various Colors
Ultra Fine Sharpie Markers (also Watercolor Brush Makers will look nice)
Sketch Pad or White Paper (White Cardstock is a nice option)

Follow these step by step instructions for how to make fun animal fingerprint art with colored ink pads, human prints, and a little creativity.

Fingerprint Giraffe Art

Make a horizontal (sideways) orange thumbprint. This will be the giraffe’s body/belly.
Above it, make a second thumbprint, slightly pointing down. This is the giraffe’s head.
Connect the two with two long lines to form a neck with an orange sharpie marker.
Add four long orange rectangle legs.
Make a simple line for the tail at the end of the body.
On top of the head, make two pointy ears.
On either side of the ears, make the giraffe’s ossicones. These are the horns on top of the giraffe’s head.
Add a little hair down the giraffe’s neck and on top of the head.
Color in a bit of hair on the end of the giraffe’s tail.
Make a smiling face for your giraffe!
Cover your giraffe in brown spots.
Using a gray marker, make hooves at the end of each foot with a simple rectangle shape.

Fingerprint Lion Art

Start with a horizontal thumbprint. This is your lion’s body.
Make a second horizontal thumbprint right above the first. This is his head.
Using an orange sharpie, make two round ears on the top of the head, 4 legs and feet and a long skinny tail.
Using a brown sharpie, draw a mane around the lion’s head. Add a bit of fluff to the end of the tail.
Make your lion’s face with two eyes, a heart shaped nose, whiskers, and a mouth.
Color in the mane.

Monkey Fingerprint Art

Make a horizontal thumbprint. This is your monkey’s body.
Make a vertical (up and down) thumbprint above, to the side, slightly off the body. This is the monkey’s head.
Make a third thumbprint, horizontally, over the monkey’s head, connecting the body and head together. This completes the monkey’s face.
Using a brown Sharpie, add two round ears on top of the head. Also draw a long curly tail at the end of the body and four legs.
On the top part of the monkey’s head draw two eyes. On the horizontal part of the head, draw his/her two nostrils and a big smile.
At the end of each leg draw his feet.

Snake Fingerprint Art

Choose your colors of ink.
Make a horizontal thumbprint in the first color.
Behind that, using your pointer finger, use a different color ink to make a vertical fingerprint.
Then, go back to making a horizontal thumbprint.
Alternate between thumb and finger prints until your snake is the desired length.
Make an eye and a smile. Draw out a long pink tongue.

Tiger Fingerprint Art

Begin with a horizontal (sideways) orange thumbprint. This is the tiger’s body.
Make a second horizontal thumbprint above and off center of the first. This is the tiger’s head.
Draw 2 pointy ears on top and four legs.
Draw a long tail at the end.
Make ‘V’ shapes on the tiger’s face, back and tail for his/her stripes.
Finish your tiger with the face! Two eyes, a heart nose, whiskers and a mouth.

Usborne Books Fingerprint Activities

If you enjoyed these activities, extend your animals and take a look at Usborne Books Fingerprint Activities. This publisher created fun books include dinosaurs, under the sea animals, insects, bugs, cats, dogs and more. Each spiral book comes with a rainbow ink pad.

More Arts & Crafts for Kids

Let’s get creative! Also take a look at these Paint Chip Crafts. Make fun artwork using an index of colors, shapes and sizes. Pin to Pinterest.

Also get creative with these Upcycled Cereal Box Crafts. Recycle cardboard boxes for arts and crafts for kids. Pin to Pinterest.

Post has been updated. Originally published November 17, 2018.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

DIY Bathroom Vanity Makeover with Behr Grey Paint

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August 15, 2022 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: DIY, Facebook, Frugal Living, Home Improvement, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media

Looking for a weekend home renovation project? Transform your entire space with this bathroom remodel on a budget was under $50. Thrifty DIY Bathroom Vanity Makeover Tutorial plus the Best Grey Paint Colors form Behr.

DIY Bathroom Vanity Makeover

Frugal times call for frugal measures. We have been crossing off our Older Home Improvement Renovations off one by one. When we purchased this one, we had a bathroom that wasn’t very updated and I knew could be improved with a quick weekend project.

Our chalk paint vanity was slowly looking like a 100 year old farmhouse bathroom vanity. I don’t mean in the best way. I mean 100 year old in the sense that this bathroom needs some tender loving care. It was time to paint or replace the bathroom vanity. To save money, we dedicated a weekend to painting an old bathroom vanity.

Refinishing your bathroom vanity cabinets is a thrifty way to bring your entire bathroom to life. It can be done for under $50 with only a few essential supplies.

Bathroom Vanity Makeover Supplies

These are the supplies we had on hand before beginning our Bathroom Vanity Makeover.

Materials:

Vanity/Cabinet
Paint/Primer (we used Behr Marquee Flint Grey Paint)
180-220 Grit sandpaper
Paint brush (Home Depot Best Seller Wooster 2 in. Paint Brush)
Vacuum
Tack cloth
Screw driver/screw gun

When refinishing your bathroom vanity cabinets, also consider:

New cabinet hardware or hardware paint like Rust-Oleum All Surface Metallic Oil Rubbed Bronze Spray Paint and Primer in One.

The paint was about $35 and we actually had the rest of the bathroom makeover supplies. However, if you are in need of a some materials your will hit closer to the $50 threshold.

Refinishing Your Bathroom Vanity Cabinets

Follow these steps to update a bathroom vanity with paint.

First, clean your vanity/cabinet by scrubbing it with a sponge, dish soap and water and let dry.

Remove your cabinet doors, drawers and hardware with a screw driver or screw gun if you can. Label your doors and drawers do you know where they go.

Sand your vanity/cabinet with the grain of the wood.

Vacuum dust and paint from sanding.

Use a tack cloth to wipe the vanity/cabinet.

What is a tack cloth? A tack cloth is a specialized type of loosely woven cheesecloth that is treated with a tacky material for wiping away dust and fine particles.

Tape around your edges. Tape near the counter top, walls, white trim baseboard and flooring.

Paint a primer on your cabinet (my cabinet was painted white prior so I skipped this step) and let dry overnight.

Paint the doors and drawers on your cabinet and let dry. Then paint the rest of the cabinet. (My drawers were not removable, if yours are you can paint both at the same time) and let dry for at least 4 hours.

Paint a second coat on the doors, drawers and cabinet and let dry overnight.

Reattached the doors, drawers and add new hardware. If you don’t want to buy new hardware, you can always re-paint the ones you had. A great hardware paint is Rust-Oleum All Surface Metallic Oil Rubbed Bronze Spray Paint and Primer in One (comes in many colors.)

Behr Grey Paint Colors

Take a look at the best Behr grey paint for bathrooms. For our bathroom makeover, we used Behr Flint Gray Paint, but there are many beautiful shades of gray for vanities, walls, etc.

Part of Behr 2020 Color Trends in the grey paint called Battleship Gray. The Behr 2020 Color Trends palette was inspired by natural elements such as sky, earth, water and plant life.

Best Gray Paint Colors

Looking for a warm gray, dark gray, a light gray? There are so many different shades of grey.

We found more popular gray paint colors from Behr. Paint your dinning room, living room, kitchen or renovate your bathroom in one weekend too!

Grey or Gray

I felt a need to quick address this! You will see me use the two variations of gray and grey on this post. Gray is American spelling while Grey is British spelling. Depending on how Behr identified the color, was the version I picked up. Google will identify and interchange for you both colors when doing your own internet search.

Our Pinterest community and I would love to see how this worked out for you. Share your final bathroom vanity makeover or a space where you painted gray paint. Leave a comment and/or add a photo here on Pinterest!

Do not forget our Older Home Improvement Hacks & DIY Renovations. We love this photo (below) from Joanna Gaines who had an older green bathroom that could not be painted or changed. A few touches and the bathroom is chic and enjoyable. Pin to Pinterest.

Also enjoy these Bathroom Storage Solutions for Small Spaces. When redesigning your bathroom, take into account some of these bathroom hacks and transform your entire space! Pin to Pinterest.

Memorable First Day of School Ideas

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July 11, 2022 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Back To School, Crafts, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media

What didn’t I think of that – memorable first day of school ideas?! Create memories they will cherish with these First Day of School Ideas. Back to school printables, first day of school photo ideas, activities for kids and new family traditions you will repeat yearly.

Do I address what a crazy year 2020 has been or move on and act like all of us didn’t experience a terrible end of the year? While going back to school is always a milestone, this year is especially special. Celebrate the start of a new school year with these memorable First Day of School Ideas. We bet many of back to school ideas will become annual family traditions!

How do you start the first day of school?

Starting the first day of school can really establish the rest of the school year. It’s the fist day for re-establishing routines and it’s important to link those routines to positive feelings. The first day of school is very important because the feeling you child has walking through their classroom door can really set the tone for the rest of the year. Do they establish the feeling they love this day? Do they establish the feeling they like their teacher? Do they establish the feeling of self-confidence?

How do we celebrate the first day of school?

Living for the moment is important. Treasuring precious time with family and friends and looking for activities for bonding create a good first day of school experience. Celebrate the first day of school with a fun back to school treasure hunt to collect school supplies. Take a yearly first day of school photo. Eat a tasty first day of school snack when you get home. After school or after dinner, go for a first day of school ice cream treat. If the budget it tight, run to the grocery store and grab a cheap ice cream novelty box and take an evening walk to enjoy it. You can talk about the first day of school activities your child experienced at school!

First Day of School Traditions

You might find yourself asking, what are some (really awesome) school traditions? Back to School traditions are are first day of school ideas you want to continue and keep consistent every year. These can include first day of school lunches, first day of school photos, DIY crafts, back to school printables and mores. Start with a couple ideas and build on them year after year. You can always hault back to school activities you don’t want to stick for future years.

Love family traditions? Some of our birthday family traditions can be easily transferred into back to school ideas for the first day. Don’t forget these end of the year traditions too!

First Day of School Lunch

Make their first bite special with a First Day of School bento lunch box. Add a sweet Back to School Lunch Note. | Must Have Mom

Balloon Avalanche

This is one of those first day of school and birthday traditions you can use either way. We always keep balloons and streamers in our gift supply area. Whip it together when the kids go to bed and they will wake up to a pleasant first day surprise. | Side Tracked Mom (no longer active)

School Gitters Necklace

Have a nervous Nancy? This first day jitter glitter can go to school with your child on a necklace or can be sprinkled on them the night before school. | The DIY Mommy

German School Cones

Adopt a First Day of School German Tradition. Make these adorable DIY Schultüte, or school cones. Fill your homemade Schultute with treats and school supplies to make the start of school sweet for little ones. | Frog Prince Paperie

You can also purchase German School Cones.

Have a huge first day of school bus greeting. Host a water balloon or a silly string fight! Have a barrel of silly string and silly string guns. Gather the neighbors at the bus stop. | Source – Bower Power Blog

First Day of School Photo Ideas

There are so many first day of school photo ideas and we share many that have free downloads in our Back to School Printables post. For this list of First Day of School Photo Ideas, we are taking them outside the box. Instead of First Day of School Signs you can download, we are finding items you have to craft and create.

Sidewalk Chalk Photo

Spell it out on the driveway. This first day of school sidewalk chalk art is easy and adorable. Think you can continue it through 12th grade? | Blue Cricket Design (no longer active)

Reoccurring Photo

Create a reoccurring DIY Photo in Photo first day of school idea. Starting kindergarten year your child will hold no photo. Each consecutive year, your child will hold the previous years first day of school photo and you can watch your child grow. This will take planning ahead as you need to order the print. We recommend ordering from CanvasHQ. | She’s Making Cards (no longer active)

First Day of School T-Shirt Photo

This is an extra special idea your child will grow into. This DIY Back-to-School Shirt with Handprints for Every Grade! You can make your own first day of school shirt (with a silhouette cameo and iron) or you can pick up a handprint first day of school shirt on Etsy. | Where the Smiles Have Been

First Day of School Banner Photo

Announce a new school year with a colorful DIY First Day of School Banner. | Make it My Own

Balloon Photo

Using a white balloon. colorful stickers, and balloon sticks, write the school grade and year on a balloon! | Design Improvised

First Day of School Printables

These First Day of School free printables are helpful in creating memorable family traditions.

Time Capsule Printable

Conduct a school interview. Mark the changes school year with these yearly interview school printables fitting for kids from pre-school through high school. Add them all to a notebook or scrapbook for a printable time capsule!

Honorable mention at Mortiz Fine Designs

Back to School Breakfast Printables

Celebrate the first day a back to school breakfast with this free printable school table place setting. | The Real Housewife of Fresno (first day of school breakfast) & A Girl and a Glue Gun (table printables)

Back to School Supply Scavenger Hunt

Get the kids excited and have little fun collecting school supplies with a Back to School Scavenger hunt! 20 fun Back to School Themed treasure hunt riddles. This at home scavenger hunt leads them through a series of clues to collect their back to school supplies.

DIY Time Capsule

Make a printable Back to School Time Capsule. This adorable pencil time capsule is made with a Pringles can. | Aimee Ferre

Back to School Minute to Win it Games

Host a family game night with a Minute To Win It Back To School Edition Printable. You can also take a look at our list of Minute to Win It Game Night Ideas. | My Digital Creations.

Back to School Minute to Win it Games Printable Set

Classic Minute to Win It PDF Printable

Summer Party Minute to Win it with Water Printable

First Day of School Activities

Make going back to school to school exciting with memorable first day activities for kids.

Back to School Party

Get everyone together with a Back to School Party. So many beautiful tablescape ideas and goodies to welcome the first day of school. | The Sits Girls

First Day of School Ice Cream

When the school bell rings, bring the kids to get ice cream. This has been a tradition we have continued for years.

Encouragement Post It Notes

Begin a tradition of kindness and start the first day off right by hanging a positive affirmation sticky note each day. Add these messages as the days go on until they fill your child’s mirror. | Source

Backpack Fairy

Have a visit from the backpack fairy. Leave your backpack in a designated spot the night before school and in the morning the back to school fairy will leave a special gift! | Blissful Roots

Paper Chain Countdown

And before the first bell rings, start a countdown. Perhaps build each day with a special bucket list on the calendar. Make a paper chain with a different activity for each day until the night before school. | Brassy Apple

Back to School Printables

Take a look at these Back to School Printables – our favorite is “If you give a teacher a cookie” as a sweet treat on the first day of school. Pin to Pinterest.

School Year Traditions

Save for later these End of the Year Activities and Ideas. Pin to Pinterest on your School Board!