Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you’re looking for a creative, non-candy idea for your little one’s daycare or preschool class, mini rubber duckies might just be the perfect fit! These adorable little toys bring smiles to kids’ faces without the sugar rush, making them a fun and practical alternative to traditional Valentine’s treats.
To make things even easier, I’ve created a free printable tag that pairs perfectly with the duckies! It’s simple to put together and adds a thoughtful touch to this already delightful Valentine.
Why Mini Rubber Duckies Make Perfect Valentines
If you’re tired of the usual cards and candy, mini rubber duckies are a refreshing change. Here’s why they’re a great choice for young children:
• Safe and Playful for Little Ones: Perfectly sized for little hands, these rubber duckies are great for kids of all ages, especially toddlers and preschoolers. No choking hazards, no mess—just good, clean fun!
• A Fun Alternative to Candy: With so many treats handed out on Valentine’s Day, it’s nice to have a non-edible option that parents will appreciate too. Plus, it’s allergy-friendly!
• Customizable with Printable Tags: The free tag makes it easy to add a festive Valentine’s message and turns a simple toy into a charming little gift.
How to Assemble Your Mini Rubber Ducky Valentines
Creating these Valentines is quick and easy! Here’s what you’ll need:
• Printable Valentine’s Day tags (download below!)
• Ribbon, twine, or small clear treat bags (optional)
• Scissors and a hole punch
Optional: Laminator to make tags thick and sturdy
Steps
1. Print the Tags: Download the free printable (link below) and print them on cardstock for a sturdy, professional look.
2. Cut Out the Tags: Use scissors or a paper trimmer to neatly cut out each tag.
3. Attach to the Duckies: Use a hole punch to make a hole in each tag. Then, either tie the tags to the ducks with ribbon/twine or place the ducks in small treat bags with the tag inside.
4. Optional Step: Add a personal touch by writing your child’s name on the tag!
And that’s it! These Valentines are easy to assemble and don’t require any special crafting skills—perfect for busy parents.
Download Your Free Printable Tags
To make your mini rubber ducky Valentines even more special, I’ve created a free printable tag that says, “You’re Just Ducky, Valentine!” These tags add a sweet finishing touch and make your gifts classroom-ready.
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to create heartfelt crafts that add a touch of love to your home or serve as unique gifts. This DIY air-dry clay tic-tac-toe board is a simple yet charming project that combines creativity and functionality.
Materials You’ll Need:
• Air-dry clay (white or your preferred base color)
• Rolling pin
• Craft knife or clay cutter
• Acrylic paint (in Valentine’s Day colors like red, pink, and white)
• Paintbrushes
• Ruler
• Small heart-shaped cutter (optional)
• Sandpaper (fine grit, for smoothing edges)
• Sealer or varnish (optional, for durability)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Clay
Start by kneading a chunk of air-dry clay to make it soft and pliable. Roll it out evenly with a rolling pin to about ¼-inch thickness. This will form the base of your tic-tac-toe board.
2. Shape the Board
Using a ruler and craft knife, cut out a square (approximately 6×6 inches or adjust as desired). Smooth out the edges with your fingers or sandpaper to ensure they’re even and clean.
3. Create the Grid
Lightly mark a 3×3 grid on the clay using the ruler and a craft knife or toothpick. Press gently to create lines without cutting through the clay. Roll thin pieces of clay and add to the dish, blending to make sure they stick together.
4. Make the Playing Pieces
Roll out additional clay and use a small heart-shaped cutter to create five “X” pieces and five “O” pieces. If you don’t have a cutter, you can shape the pieces by hand or use a knife for simple shapes. Smooth the edges of each piece.
5. Let the Clay Dry
Place all clay pieces on a flat surface and let them air dry for 24-48 hours. Be sure to flip the pieces occasionally to ensure even drying.
6. Paint Your Design
Once the clay is fully dry, it’s time to add some color! Paint the board in your desired base color—white or pastel pink works beautifully for Valentine’s Day. Use contrasting colors for the grid lines. Paint the Xs and Os in complementary shades like red and pink. I made mine with cherries.
7. Seal for Durability
If you want your tic-tac-toe board to last longer, apply a coat of sealer or varnish to the board and pieces once the paint is dry.
8. Assemble and Play!
Arrange the grid lines on the board and place your painted Xs and Os in a small bowl or bag for easy storage. Your Valentine’s Day tic-tac-toe set is now ready to use!
Creative Tips:
• Add personal touches by customizing the colors or painting tiny designs like polka dots or stripes on the playing pieces.
• Use glitter paint for extra sparkle!
• Pair the tic-tac-toe board with a small pouch for storage, decorated with hearts or love-themed patterns.
The holiday season is the perfect time to gather your friends, unleash your creativity, and make something festive together. Hosting a girls’ craft night focused on Christmas wreath-making is not only fun but also a unique way to kick off the holidays. Here’s everything you need to plan a magical evening your friends will be talking about all season long.
Step 1: Set the Scene
Create a cozy and festive atmosphere with:
• Twinkling Lights: String fairy lights around the room for a soft, magical glow.
• Holiday Music: Build a playlist with your favorite Christmas classics or soft instrumentals for background ambiance.
• Seasonal Décor: Deck the space with garlands, candles, and mini Christmas trees to set the holiday mood.
• Craft Tables: Cover tables with kraft paper or holiday-themed tablecloths to protect surfaces and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Gather Supplies
Make it easy for your guests by providing the essentials. Here’s a list to get you started:
• Wreath Bases: Grapevine, wire, or foam wreath forms.
• Greenery: Faux pine branches, eucalyptus, or fresh clippings from your yard.
• Decorative Items: Ornaments, ribbon, berries, pinecones, bows, and glitter.
• Tools: Hot glue guns, floral wire, scissors, wire cutters, and zip ties.
Pro Tip: Set up a “supply bar” where guests can browse and grab what they need for their creations.
Step 3: Choose a Theme
To keep things cohesive and easy, suggest a theme for the wreaths. Some fun options:
• Winter Wonderland: Silver, white, and frosted elements.
• Traditional Christmas: Red, green, and gold accents.
• Modern Glam: Metallics, monochrome palettes, and bold ribbons.
Encourage guests to bring their unique flair to their wreath while sticking loosely to the theme.
Step 4: Add Holiday Treats
No craft night is complete without snacks! Offer a mix of sweet and savory holiday goodies:
• Savory Bites: Mini charcuterie boards, spinach puffs, or warm cheese dips.
• Sweet Treats: Peppermint bark, sugar cookies, or hot cocoa brownies.
• Drinks: A hot cocoa bar with toppings, mulled wine, or festive mocktails.
Step 5: Plan for Fun Extras
Elevate the experience with a few thoughtful touches:
• Photo Station: Set up a backdrop with holiday props so guests can snap photos with their finished wreaths.
• Holiday Favors: Send guests home with a small gift, like a mini ornament or a holiday-scented candle.
• Friendly Competition: Have a lighthearted “Best Wreath” contest with a small prize for the winner.
Step 6: Enjoy the Night
The most important part of the evening is enjoying time with your friends. Don’t stress over the details; focus on laughter, creativity, and making memories.
Looking for a festive and soothing experience for your little one this holiday season? A magical Christmas milk bath for your baby is the perfect combination of sensory play, relaxation, and photo-worthy moments. Plus, it’s gentle on your baby’s skin and easy to make with natural, calming ingredients.
Here’s how to create your very own Christmas milk bath:
Why a Milk Bath?
Milk baths are wonderful for babies because they help hydrate and nourish the skin. Milk contains lactic acid, which can gently exfoliate and leave your baby’s skin soft and smooth. Adding Christmas-inspired elements makes this bath not only therapeutic but also a fun holiday experience.
Christmas Milk Bath Recipe
Ingredients
• 1-2 cups of milk: Use breast milk, cow’s milk, or plant-based alternatives like oat or coconut milk.
• 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda: To soothe any irritation.
• A few drops of baby-safe essential oil: Lavender or chamomile are perfect for calming; avoid strong scents like peppermint.
• Decorative elements (optional):
• Cranberries and oranges (for a pop of festive color).
• Fresh pine sprigs (ensure they’re non-toxic and baby-safe).
• Edible holiday flowers like red and white roses or marigolds (check for safety).
Optional Add-Ons
• Baby bath toys: Look for Christmas-themed toys like rubber snowmen or candy canes.
• Holiday lights: String soft, warm fairy lights around the tub (not in it!) for an extra cozy ambiance.
How to Prepare the Christmas Milk Bath
1. Set Up the Bath Space:
• Fill the baby bath or sink with warm water, about 3-4 inches deep, ensuring the temperature is perfect for your baby.
2. Add the Milk:
• Slowly pour in 1-2 cups of milk, mixing it with the water until it becomes cloudy. Adjust based on the size of your tub.
3. Add Baking Soda:
• Stir in baking soda to balance pH levels and create a soothing effect on your baby’s skin.
4. Incorporate Essential Oil:
• Add a drop or two of baby-safe essential oil and mix gently.
5. Decorate:
• Float cranberries, pine sprigs, and flowers on the surface. These elements add a festive touch and create beautiful photo opportunities.
6. Enjoy the Experience:
• Place your baby in the bath, allowing them to splash and explore while being supervised.
Safety Tips for Milk Baths
• Always check ingredients for allergies, especially if you’re introducing something new to your baby.
• Avoid using glitter or other non-edible decorations that may irritate your baby’s skin.
• Never leave your baby unattended in the bath, even for a moment.
• Make sure the water is warm but not hot, around 98-100°F (36-37°C).
The Perfect Moment to Capture
A Christmas milk bath is not just a fun bonding experience; it’s also a great opportunity for holiday photos. Dress your baby in a Santa hat or a cozy Christmas headband to complete the look. With the milk’s soft glow and festive elements floating around, you’ll have photos to cherish for years to come.
The holidays are here, and what better way to celebrate than with a festive and flavorful peppermint mocha cold foam cold brew? This peppermint mocha cold foam cold brew features the smooth, rich flavor of Chris’s Coffee as the base, complemented by holiday-inspired ingredients.
This is a sponsored post.
Why Chris’s Coffee Is the Perfect Choice
Chris’s Coffee is known worldwide for its exceptional quality and signature blends, making it a standout option for any coffee lover. As a leading importer of Italian-made home espresso machines, Chris’s Coffee also provides a wide range of products to enhance your at-home brewing experience. The unique, bold taste of their cold brew makes this peppermint mocha recipe truly shine.
2. Sweeten Your Coffee: Add 1 tablespoon of peppermint simple syrup to the cold brew and stir until combined. The peppermint syrup infuses the drink with a refreshing and festive flavor that pairs beautifully with the coffee.
3. Make the Peppermint Mocha Cold Foam: In a small mixing container, combine ¼ cup of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup, and ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Use a handheld milk frother to whip the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This rich cold foam adds a decadent layer of flavor to the drink.
4. Assemble the Drink: Gently spoon the peppermint mocha cold foam over the top of the cold brew. The creamy foam floats beautifully and infuses the drink with chocolate and peppermint goodness.
5. Add a Festive Garnish: Sprinkle crushed candy cane over the cold foam for a final holiday touch. The red and white candy cane pieces add a pop of color and a satisfying peppermint crunch.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
The combination of Chris’s Coffee and festive ingredients makes this drink a standout holiday treat. The bold, smooth cold brew pair perfectly with the creamy chocolate and refreshing peppermint. The drink is indulgent yet refreshing, perfect for celebrating the holiday season.
Enjoy the Holiday Spirit with Chris’s Coffee
This peppermint mocha cold foam cold brew is a simple way to bring holiday cheer into your everyday coffee routine. Using Chris’s Coffee ensures a rich and flavorful experience, making this recipe a must-try for any coffee lover.
If motherhood has you stressed and you feel like you’ve lost your creativity, I am here to help! Here you will find easy recipes, simple DIY’s, affordable styles, and what to read next. I believe we all have a creative side, some of us just need a little help to find it. I will help inspire you to have creative expression without standards.
