With the “different” holiday season upon us, we have to make the best of the situation for our children, and for ourselves. Granted, there will be few Christmas cocktail parties and for many, a lot less travel- but there are still ways to keep the spirit alive, even amidst these trying times.
Here are 6 ways to keep your kids busy during the Covid Christmas break.
1. Get Crafty
All kids want is your time, and for those who are not the cliché Martha Stewart, “Creativity for Kids” is here to help. The company’s affordable array of art kits makes great daytime activities for you and your children to enjoy. My pick: the all-inclusive Pottery Studio and Glow in the Dark Rock Painting Kit.
2. Get Cookin’
Forget store-bought cookie dough… I’m the Chef Too has the coolest STEM cooking kits that whole family will enjoy. What’s better than cooking, eating and education combined?! Choose from an assortment of mind-blowing kitchen experiences, like concocting Galaxy Donuts or Edible Dinosaurs.
3. Get Spinning…
…the dreidel, that is. Sometimes Hannukah-celebrating kids can feel a little left out during this Santa-infused time of year, so why not get the ultimate Hannukah craft box from Tot Shabbat Box. The “Hooray for Hannukah” kit includes tons of festive goodies and DIY projects; scratch art, dreidel decorating, stickers, window décor, puzzles, stencils, cookie cutters and more.
4. Get Playing
While you might need to invest in earplugs, I’m all about instilling in kids the importance of learning instruments. For your little rockstar, opt for the coolest find for music buffs: The Pocket Drum Kit from Ludwig. Developed to meet the needs of a beginning 4-10-year-old, this drum kit has everything in an affordable package deal. The snares, cymbals and tom-toms will keep your kids stimulated and entertained; plus, it comes with free introductory lessons.
5. Get Riding
Have time on your hands? During holiday break, plan for daily family bike rides.
I’m seriously obsessed with Pacific Cycle’s debut Krate EVO bike, a fresh twist on the classic 1960’s Krate style. It includes a SmartStart frame, re-imagined racing banana seat, authentic “Slik” rear tire, and more. Made for kids aged 3-7, this sleek Schwinn-steeled bike is perfect for first time riders- and when ready, the training wheels can easily come off.
6. Get Swinging
When all else fails, encourage your kids to go outside and simply… be kids! The Oakmont Wooden Swing Set from Backyard Discovery is my kids’ haven and heaven. It’s affordable and compact- you don’t need a huge yard to accommodate this fantastic playset. There’s a cool clubhouse-style fort and bench; two swings; a slide; and trapeze bar. Plus, the physique is quite attractive made from 100% cedar.