Black Friday Ads

If you can believe it Black Friday ads are popping up!  Walmart has posted their "preview" ad on their website and the Target ad has been posted in various spots across the internet.  Check out the links below to view the ads!

Target Ad

Walmart Ad

20% off + Free shipping at Mattel.com.

Mattel is offering a special spooky deal tonight until 9am tomorrow morning...free shipping + 20% off your entire order! No code is needed! Check it out.

Mattel.com

Girls Twinkle Toes Skechers as low as $16 shipped!

Check out the link below to browse Skecher's Twinkle Toe shoes for girls.  Kohls has a few Girls' Skechers Shoes on sale. Save an extra 20% off with code PUMPKIN20. Shipping is free with code FUN4FREE. 

Skechers at Kohls 

Last Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

Halloween is right around the corner and for those of you who are still procrastinating shopping for a costume here are some last-minute, easy to make costume ideas!  And the best part of all is that they are so creative nobody will know you waited until a few days before Halloween to create your costume!

Last minute Halloween Ideas

**FREE** Halloween Card from Tiny Prints

Tiny Prints is offering a FREE Halloween Greeting Card when you enter the code AUTUMN11 at checkout. You can send it to yourself for FREE or you can send it directly to someone for 44¢ (the cost of a stamp).  If you have never ordered from Tiny Prints take the time to try it out...the cards are well made and so very cute!

Tiny Prints 

15% off iTunes Giftcards at Bestbuy.com

Best Buy currently has iTunes gift cards 15% off.  This is a great deal, and it is rare to see a discount on iTunes gift cards.  Might be a good idea to stock up now for Christmas!

$100 for $85
$50 for $42.50
$30 (3pk of $10) $25.50
$25 for $21.25
$15 for $12.75

Best Buy iTunes

**FREE** $15 Credit at One Kings Lane

If you have never heard of One Kings Lane, now would be a great time to check them out.  They are an awesome daily home decor deal site, and today they are offering a $15 credit when you sign up. Each day the deals are different, and most days include a few deals that would end up being FREE with this credit.  Think ahead to Christmas and scoring a FREE gift :)

One Kings Lane

**FREE** Lotion at Bath and Body Works This Weekend!

You might want to take a trip to Bath and Body Works this weekend because they are once again offering up a FREE body lotion!  Be sure to take this coupon with you to get a FREE 2 oz Be Enchanted Body Lotion!  I am thinking this would make a very good stocking stuffer:)  This offer is valid through Sunday, October 16th.

**FREE** BeingGirl All-In-One Survival Kit (Facebook)

Check out the BeingGirl Facebook Page, and “like” them, then click on the “Free Samples” tab to request a FREE All In One Survival Kit!  The kit includes 3 unscented tampons, 2 ultra regular pads and 2 thin pantyliners!

Toys R Us and Make A Wish

Did you know that you can help the Make A Wish Foundation grant even more wishes this Christmas Season?  And it is soooo easy....just have your kids make their Christmas Wish Lists on the Toys R Us website and TRU will donate $1 to Make A Wish for each list created:)  So not only does your Christmas Shopping get easier but you will be benefiting a good cause...at no cost to you!!

Toys R Us and Make A Wish

**FREE** Barista Prima K-Cup Sample Pack

Click the link below to fill out the form to request a FREE Barista Prima Coffeehouse K-Cup portion packs sample...yummy! 

Barista Prima 

FREE Amazon MP3 Download

Enter code FALLMP3S here on Amazon to get a FREE $2 credit for any MP3 purchase in the Amazon MP3 store.  It will be stored in your account until you are ready to redeem it.

When you sign up for the JC Penney Mobile service, you will get coupons and deals texted directly to your phone including one for $10/$30 purchase! To get yours, just reply back when they ask you text back “TEN”. The coupon should be valid thru 9/30.

You can also sign up for the JC Penney email and mailing list and receive valuable coupons (like a possible $10/$10), deals and more.

**FREE** MP3 Download from Lady Footlocker

Lady Foot Locker is offering your choice of 13 FREE Mp3 downloads including Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, and others.  You will need to enter the code ITSALADYTHING to download your favorite song.  This is limited to the first 25,000 people.

FREE Sample of Downy Unstoppables (Facebook)

Check out the Downy Facebook page“like” them and then click on the Unstopables tab. In addition to receiving a FREE sample, you’ll also be entered win a $1,000 gift card!

**HOT** Deal!! 200 prints for just $1.99 shipped from Kodak Gallery

This is an amazing deal!!!  Click the link below to the Kodak Gallery and you can get 200 prints for just $1.99 shipped!  This is the best deal I have ever seen for prints.  You are paying less than 1 cent per copy.

Here’s how to place your order:

• Click here and you should see the offer for 200 FREE 4×6 prints across the top area of the page
• Add 200 prints to your cart
• Shipping should be $1.99

This deal expires 9/14, but I would not wait as this deal is so hot they may pull it at any time!

Children’s Place HUGE Labor Day Sale: clothes starting at $1.99, FREE Shipping + EXTRA 15% off coupon!

Check it out...Children's Place currently has a HUGE LABOR DAY sale with clearance prices on clothes starting at just $1.99 plus FREE SHIPPING! Use coupon code Z4E2011 to get an EXTRA 15% off! 

Children's Place Clearance Sale 

Weekend Coupons

A.C. Moore:  Click here to print a 55% off one regular priced item coupon, valid 8/26-8/27 only.

Aeropostale:  Click here to print a $10 off $50 purchase coupon, valid through 9/18.

Barnes & Noble:  Click here to print a coupon valid for 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, or 50% off valid through 8/28.  You will have to wait until checkout to know the value of your surprise coupon!

Bath & Body Works: Click here to print a coupon good for a FREE Full-sized Signature Collection Item (up to $12.50) with ANY $10 purchase, valid through 9/6.

Build-A-Bear:  Click here to print a $5 off a purchase of $25 or more coupon as well as a $10 off a purchase of $40 or more coupon, valid through 9/6.

Coach: Click here to print a coupon for 30% off your entire purchase, valid through 9/5.

Famous Footwear:  Click here to print a coupon for 20% off your purchase, valid through 8/27.

JCPenney: Click here to print a $10 off $50 purchase coupon valid through 9/10 or click here to print a $10 off $25 purchase coupon, valid 8/26-8/27 only. 

Kirkland’s:  Click here to print a $5 off $25 purchase coupon or go here to print a $25 off $75 purchase coupon, valid through 9/14.

Kohl’s:  Click here to print a shopping pass for 20% off everything, valid 8/26-8/27 only.

Michael’s:Click here to print a coupon valid for 40% off any one regular price item as well as other store coupons, valid through 8/27 only.

New York and Company:  Go here to print a coupon for $50 off $100 purchase or $100 off $200 purchase, valid through 8/27.

Office Depot:  Go here to print a coupon for $20 off $100 purchase, valid through 10/1.

Old Navy:  Click here to print an exclusive 30% off your entire purchase coupon, valid through 8/28 only.

The Children’s Place: Click here to print a 25% off your entire purchase coupon, valid 8/26 and 8/27 only or a 20% off coupon valid 8/28 only.  Or head on over here to print a 15% off your entire purchase coupon, valid through 9/5. If you shop online, go here and enter promo code C7E2011 for 25% on 8/26 and 8/27 or use promo code D7E2011 for 20% off.

Yankee Candle:  Click here to print a $10 off $25 purchase coupon, valid through 9/25 or use the coupon here to save $15 off $45 purchase through 9/5!

$1/1 Nestle Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Coupon

Nestle Toll House is offering an awesome coupon if you head over and "like" their Facebook page...$1/1 Nestle Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie!  Don't judge me, but I just ate two of these cookies for breakfast (eek) and they are so very delicious!  I purchased them at Walmart for $2.50...so using this coupon it would take the price down to $1.50...that is a great deal for 24 super YUMMY cookies:)

Toll House Facebook Page

Weekend Coupon Roundup

Abercrombie & Fitch – 40% off select hoodies (exp. 8/23)

Abercrombie & Fitch – 50% off all jeans (exp. 8/30)

AC Moore – 50% off any 1 regular priced item (exp. 8/20)

Ann Taylor – 25% off 1 regular priced item (exp. 8/31)

Babies R Us – $3 off any laundry detergent (exp. 8/25)
Banana Republic Factory Store – 15% off any $100 purchase (exp. 2/29/12)

Barnes & Noble – 30% off List Price of new releases (exp. 8/22)

Bath & Body Works – Free Signature Collection Item with any $10 purchase (exp. 9/6)

Bath & Body Works – $10 off a $30 purchase (exp. 8/21)

Best Buy – 10% off 1 regular priced item (exp. 10/31)

Carter’s – 20% off a $40 purchase (exp. 9/7)

Carter’s – 20% off your entire purchase (exp. 8/22)

Express – $15 off a $30 purchase or $30 off a $75 purchase (exp. 8/22)

Family Christian Bookstore – 25% all regular priced items (exp. 8/25)

Famous Footwear – 20% off your entire purchase (exp. 8/20)

GNC – $10 off a $50 purchase (exp. 12/31)

Harbor Freight Tools – 20% off any single item (exp. 8/20)

Hobby Lobby – 40% off any single item (exp. 8/20)

Hollister – 50% off all jeans (exp. 8/30)

JCPenney – $10 off a $50 purchase (exp. 8/20)

Kohl’s – 15% off your entire purchase (exp. 8/25)

Michael’s – 50% off any 1 regular priced baking item (exp. 8/27)

Michael’s – 40% off any 1 regular price item (exp. 8/27)

New York & Company – $25 off a $60 purchase or $60 off a $125 purchase (exp. 8/22)

Office Depot – $10 off any $50 purchase (exp. 8/22)

Old Navy – 30% off any single item (exp. 5 days after print)

Payless – Buy 1, Get 1 half off + save an additional 30% off (exp. 8/21)

Payless – 20% off your entire purchase (exp. 8/31)

Rue21 – 20% off your next purchase (exp. 12/31)

Sports Authority – 15% off your entire purchase (exp. 9/9)

Staples – 20% off any 1 item (exp. 8/20)

The Children’s Place – 15% off your entire purchase (exp. 8/31)

The Limited – $15 off a $50 purchase (exp. 9/15)

Ulta – $3.50 off a $10 purchase (exp. 12/31)

World Market – $10 off a $30 purchase (exp. 8/21)

Yankee Candle – $10 off a $25 purchase (exp. 9/11)

$1/1 Bodycology Coupon = FREE body spray at Walmart

Head over to Bodycology's Facebook page and "like" them in order to score a coupon good for $1 off any Bodycology product!  There are no size restrictions meaning you can use this on a travel sized body mist with a cost of .97 cents...making the item completely FREE!!

Bodycology on Facebook

Weekend Fun for the Kids!

Build-A-Bear

Through August 18th, Build-A-Bear is having a $29.99 in-store only sale where you can chose ANY bear, ANY outfit, and ANY shoes for only $29.99!

Lowe’s Build and Grow Clinic

Saturday at 10AM, kids can make a School House Photo Holder. Click here to register and learn more.

Michaels

Saturday from 10AM-Noon, kids ages 3 and up can make a Bookworm Clay Pot perfect for holding bookmarks and other knickknacks (keep in mind that the purchase of the clay pot is required). From Noon-2PM, kids ages 3 and up can create a FREE Duck Tape Folder. 

Michaels will be hosting FREE Back to School Events on August 13th and 21st…check your local store for more details.

$10 off $25 at JC Penneys

I love this coupon...last weekend I got tons of great deals on back to school clothes using this coupon twice:)  It is only good today and tomorrow so do not wait!

JC Penney's Coupon

**FREE** Moisturizing bodywash from CVS

Hurry over to the CVS Minute Clinic Facebook page and “like” them, then click on the “Special Offers” tab for a coupon valid for a **FREE** full-size Moisturizing Body Wash at CVS! The coupon will be sent via email:)

CVS Minute Clinic Facebook 

20% off Payless Coupon by Text

Not only is Payless currently offering BOGO, but if you text BRASH to 747474 to score a 20% off your entire purchase coupon! Note that you will have to reply back with “y” to opt in to text alerts. You can always text back STOP at a later time to cancel the text alerts.  This is perfect for back to school shoe shopping, or if like me you need to purchase cleats for the fall season:)

**HOT** $10 off $25 at JCPenney's

Wow, JcPenney's is offering another great coupon...$10 off $25 good August 3rd to August 6th.  This will be perfect to use for back-to-school shopping!  Click the link below to print.

JCPenney's Coupon

**FREE** Subscription to In Style Magazine

Click the link below to sign up for a FREE subscription to In Style Magazine,  courtesy of FreeBizMag.com:)

In Style Magazine

$2 off 2 Starbucks Coupon

Yummy!!  Check out this coupon available for all you Starbucks Facebook fans! Just visit the Starbucks Frappuccino FB page, “like” them, then click on the $2 off Coupon tab and allow the app to print a coupon valid for $2 off any two 4 packs of Starbucks Frappuccino Coffee Drinks or Starbucks Doubleshot Espresso Drinks!  This is a rare coupon and will not be available long so do not hesitate:)

Starbucks Facebook Page

**FREE** Sample of Kashi

 Click the link below to request your FREE sample of either Kashi Cinnamon Harvest Cereal or Kashi TLC Peanuty Dark Chocolate layered granola bar!  Yummy!!

Kashi foods

John Frieda FREE Sample

Click the link below to score a FREE sample of John Frieda Frizz-Ease Smooth Start Repairing Shampoo & Conditioner and Original Strength Serum! Just fill out the form and answer a few questions. Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.

John Frieda Sample 

Wii + Mario Cart + $30 credit at Amazon

Are you one of those families that still does not have a Wii?  Well I have a great deal for you...Amazon is offering the Wii with Mario Cart for only $149 + you get a $30 promotional credit for future purchases from Amazon.  This is an awesome deal, and I doubt you will find the Wii any lower than this!!

Amazon.com Wii deal 

Snapfish 100 prints for only $1.00

I am desperately in need of this deal...I have so many pictures and I am so far behind on developing them!  To get 100 prints for $1.00 just enter code JULY100PRINTS from now until July 31 to get this great deal!  Now I have no excuse for not developing all of those pictures from Christmas:)

Snapfish

**FREE** Sample of Prilosec

Click the link below for a free sample of Prilosec!

Prilosec Sample 

Three **FREE** Tig Tagz Trial Bracelets

"Like" Tig Tagz on Facebook to request three FREE Trial Tig Tagz bracelets!  Plus, you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win your own personalized set of bracelets!  TigTagz  are personalized identification bracelets for kids...great for playgrounds, field trips, amusement parks...or anywhere a child might get lost.  Hurry and get yours now before they run out:)

Tig Tagz Facebook 

Friends and Family Children's Place Sale- 25% off

Today only the Children's Place is having a Friends and Family Sale offering 25% off.  Just enter code FRIEND at checkout.  Spend more than $75 and automatically get FREE shipping!  Click the link below and get a jump start on back to school shopping:)

The Children's Place

**FREE** Rental codes for Blockbuster Express

Looking for some free rentals this weekend?  Check out these codes for Blockbuster Express.  Don't forget these codes are limited to 1 per credit card. Movies are due by 9 pm the following day to avoid having to pay an additional $1 to rent the movie another 24 hours.

The following expire 7/15:

25HLG6
79CMEA5
49MLBJ2
43MDEB6
46ZGDB9
38EHJR9
56KBDJ9
79NCRP5
85VHAP3

The following expire 7/18:

83MDEB5
68ZGDB5
42EHJR5
24KBDJ5
45NCRP9
62SVEM7

Don't forget you can also register for Blockbuster Express emails and another free rental code!

Oscar Mayer Taste-a-Monial = High Value Coupon

Head over to the Oscar Mayer Facebook page “like” them, and share a TASTE-a-MONIAL on Oscar Mayer Selects to receive a high value coupon (it will be sent after August 15th)!  The more TASTE-a-MONIALS that are written, the higher the coupon savings will go, it is currently at $1.50, and it could go all the way up to a FREE package of Oscar Mayer hot dogs!  They’ll be giving away 60,000 progressive coupons during this promotion and you’ll receive an email once your coupon is ready after August 15th.  Click the link below to share your TASTE-a-MONIAL!

Oscar Mayer 

Burt Bees Grab Bag only $20 ($50 value)

Do you love Burt's Bees products...if so you do not want to miss this deal.  Click the link below to score a Burt's Bees Grab Bag valued at $50 for only $25...and to really make this offer awesome use code JUNE11 to save an additional $5, making this Grab Bag only $20 (+ shipping)! These bags contain 13 items including four full-size products… so you are definitely getting your moneys worth!  These make great gifts also!

Burt's Bees Grab Bag 

102 Fun (and Low Cost) Summer Activities Week 5

Yay!  It is week five and time for more fun summer activities!  I hope you enjoy them and that they inspire fun and creativity for you and your kids this summer.  If you missed last week's ideas look for the link at the top of my blog that says "102 Summer Activities" or Click Here!  I will add each week to the existing ideas and compile a complete list that you can print and save :)  Enjoy!

 

** WEEK FIVE**

51.  Visit your local farmer’s market.  This is a great way to score some fresh produce usually at low prices.  Let your kids pick out a new fruit or veggie that looks interesting and yummy to them and the incorporate it into tonight’s dinner.

52.  Celebrate a “silly” day such as backwards day, talk like a pirate day, cow appreciation day, etc.  Spend the day honoring your holiday of choice; create a special meal, design greeting cards, listen to music that you think would be appropriate.  Your kids will have a blast celebrating an unexpected holiday!

Silly Holidays

53.  Did you know that the television is on 7 hours and 40 minutes a day in the average American household?  How about having a “black out” day?  No television the entire day!  Spend the day making a list of alternative things to do besides watching T.V.  Plan a family fun night that takes place weekly or monthly.  This is a great way for families to stay connected.

Family Night Planning

54.  Test the power of the sun and learn to make delicious sun tea!  It is super easy to make and yummy on a hot, summer day!

Sun Tea

55.  A favorite in our family is breakfast for dinner.  Take it one step further and invite some friends to come over in their PJ’s for breakfast at dinner.  If you prefer you could always have breakfast for lunch…get the kids in their PJ’s, eat a yummy meal, and then lay out the pillows and blankets on the floor and watch a movie for a quiet afternoon break.  If your kids are old enough involve them in the menu planning and cooking.

Breakfast Recipes for Kids

56.  Get outside with a sketchbook and let the kids pick something to draw.  It could be your house, a flower, a tree, or anything that catches their eye.  It would probably be best to pick a stationary object in order to make sure they will be able to complete their sketch before it moves.  If you have access to supplies you could even given them paintbrushes and paint to really add dimension to their drawings.  If they really enjoy drawing take it one step further and check out some drawing books from the library….they have tons of how to draw books for kids on all sorts of different subjects.

http://www.hellokids.com/r_14/activities/how-to-draw-step-by-step-drawing-tutorials/

57.  Enter a contest!  There are many different types of contests such as writing, photography, drawing, etc.  Find one or two that interest your kids and help them to enter.  Your library would be a good place to look for kid’s contests…I know ours always has some writing, poetry, and drawing contest forms in the kid’s section.  You could also do a search online. 

Art Contests for kids

58.  Do you have a Sonic nearby?  Nothing is more fun than surprising the kids with night-time run for ice cream at Sonic.  Keep it a secret and wait until they are in their PJ’s and then pile them into the car for an ice cream treat.  If you do not have a Sonic nearby, any drive thru that serves ice cream will do the trick!

59.  Bake a treat for a neighbor.  This could be for any neighbor, but I bet if you have elderly neighbors they would be so very appreciative of not only a home-baked treat but also a visit from the kids.  Whoever you decide to bake for remember to keep dietary restrictions in mind.  No bake recipes are great when the kids are helping out and you will appreciate not turning on the oven in this heat!

No bake recipes

60.  The sprinkler, the running man, the electric slide…these are all fun dance moves that you probably remember from when you were a kid.  Spend the day teaching your kids some of your old favorites and then turn on their favorite music and challenge them to come up with their own dance moves.  Not only will they have fun creating the dance moves, but I they will especially love naming the new dance moves.  Record the moves with the video camera and have fun playing them back for friends and family.

Invent New Dance Moves

**FREE** Shout Wipe and Go Wipes sample

Click the link below, like Shout on Facebook, and request your free sample of Shout Wipe & Go wipes....easy, peasy ;)

Shout on Facebook

Weekend Coupon Roundup

Banana Republic Factory Outlet: 15% off $100+ purchase Exp 2/29/12
Barnes & Noble:  30% off select titles Exp 7/11
Bath & Body Works:  Free Signature Collection Travel Size Item with any purchase Exp 7/13
Carter’s:  20% off $40+ purchase Exp 7/11
Coach Factory :  30% off purchase Exp 7/10
Dressbarn:  20% off regular priced item Exp 7/10
Family Christian:  25% off purchase Exp 7/14
Fashion Bug:  Facebook Exclusive $10 off $20 Exp 7/9
Gap Outlet:  15% off $75+ purchase Exp 2/29/12
Hobby Lobby:  40% off regular priced item Exp 7/9
JC Penney:  $10 off $50 Exp 7/10 and Free Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Purely Nourishing Moisturizer deluxe sample with $25 Purchase Exp 7/25
Kirkland’s:  20% off single item Exp 7/14 or $5 off $25 Exp 7/14 or $10 off $50 Exp 7/10
Kohl’s:  15% off everything Exp 7/10
Michael’s:  20% off purchase Exp 7/9
New York & Co:  $30 off $75 or $70 off $150 Exp 7/11
Office Depot:  $10 off $50 Exp 7/11
Old Navy – Facebook Exclusive $5 off $25
Sears – Facebook Exclusive $20 off $100 Valid 7/8 – 7/9
Stride Rite – 25% off $50 purchase Exp 7/10

Target:  Various Coupons

**FREE** Veggies Tales Snoodle's Tale DVD (just pay shipping)

This is a great deal if you have some Veggie Tale fans in your house.  Veggie Tales is offering Snoodle's Tale DVD for FREE to all of their Facebook fans...just pay shipping which starts at $4.11 or free if you place an order of $30 or more.  Click here to "like" them on Facebook and then click the link below to create a VeggieTales.com account or log into an existing account.  Then be sure to use the coupon code snoodle at checkout to score your free DVD ( if you try applying the promo code before logging into your account, it will not work). 

Veggie Tales 

**FREE** Rouge Magazine Subscription

Click the link below to sign up for a free subscription to Rouge Magazine.  If you are not familiar with Rouge Magazine it is a quarterly magazine offered by Proctor & Gamble and best of all each issue typically has $20+ in coupons for P&G beauty products like Cover Girl, Crest, Olay, Pantene + plenty more. 

 Rouge Magazine

Teacher Appreciation Day at Staples

Are you a teacher?  If so, do not miss Staples Teacher Appreciation day.  The first 100 Teachers (at each location) will receive free thank you gift bags with coupons and sneak peek at new products.  Click the link below to search for your local Staples and the date of your local event :)

Staples Teacher Appreciation

**FREE** 3-Month Subscription to Fitness Magazine

Click the link below to get a free 3-month subscription to Fitness Magazine.  There are limited quantities so do not delay.  This is limited to one per household and only good in the US.  This offer is only available until tomorrow.

Fitness Magazine 

My Panera: Earn **FREE** food, drinks, pasteries, and more....

Have you signed up for the new Panera rewards program yet?  Just click the link below to sign up for free.  Once you sign up you will immediately have a coupon for a FREE coffee, hot tea or soda.

Once you visit your local Panera, you will get a hard plastic card. After you register your new card online, you will receive a free bakery treat on your next visit (valid for 60 days).  As a bonus throughout the year you will earn more freebies, rewards, birthday treatments, etc!  Sounds like an easy way to score some yummy treats!

My Panera 

**FREE** Sample of Honey Nut Cheerios

Click the link below to request your FREE sample of Honey Nut Cheerios along with a coupon!  Hurry because this offer will not last long!

Honey Nut Cheerios Sample

102 Fun (and Low Cost) Summer Activities Week 4

 

Yay!  It is week four and time for more fun summer activities!  I hope you enjoy them and that they inspire fun and creativity for you and your kids this summer.  If you missed last week's ideas look for the link at the top of my blog that says "102 Summer Activities" or Click Here!  I will add each week to the existing ideas and compile a complete list that you can print and save :)  Enjoy!

 

** WEEK FOUR**

 

41.  Shadow tracing.  This can be done indoors or outdoors, but in the summer it is more fun to get outside.  Wait for a sunny day and have the kids stand outside on the pavement and trace their shadows with sidewalk.  If you prefer to do this inside make sure you have some big pieces of paper.  Have them stand in funny positions to make this extra fun.  Once you trace their bodies the kids can then use the chalk to decorate and color in their bodies.  Take pictures with the digital camera and hang on the fridge so they are not too disappointed when the rain washes their bodies away!

Shadow Tracing

42.  Build a marshmallow structure.  This is a rainy day favorite here in our house.  All you need are marshmallows (we prefer miniature), toothpicks, and a dash of creativity.  You could also use spaghetti noodles if you are worried about the kids using toothpicks. Set the kids free and let them build a structure.  Big or small, simple or complex marshmallow structures are a blast to build (and eat when you are done)!

Marshmallow structures

43.  Learn about a foreign country and host a theme day.  It can be any country that your child chooses.  Spend the day learning about your country’s culture and customs, key phrases in your country’s language, watch a movie that takes place in your country, read a story that takes place in your country, and plan dinner based on that country’s cuisine.  For example if your child chooses France, you could spend the day learning French, researching facts about France on the internet, reading a couple of the Madeline Books, watching Ratatouille, and then eating quiche for dinner.  If you have a couple of kids and they are all interested in different countries consider hosting a “World Expo.”  Let each child set up a little booth with food, language, pictures, etc. specific to their country and family can take turns visiting each country.

World Culture Ideas

44. Straw painting is a fun and easy way to paint that kids will just love.  I prefer to do this outside as it could get a little messy with younger kids, but if you have older kids who are more careful I am sure you could pull it off inside.  Grab a piece of paper and drip a couple of colors of watercolor paint on the paper in different spots.  Next give the kids a straw and let them go to town blowing on the paint to create different designs.

Straw Painting

45.  Catch lightening bugs.  This is a fun and completely free activity with no explanation needed.  Although, feel free to click the link below to learn tons of information about lightening bugs before you go on the hunt.

Fireflies

46.  Have a spa day.  This works really well if you have girls…sorry, if you have boys you may want to skip ahead.  Plan a day to pamper yourselves.  Set up different stations that include nail/toe painting, facemasks, hairstyling, and maybe a relaxing bath.  Make it authentic by playing relaxing music and getting in your robes and cute flip flops, you can also plan a healthy spa-like lunch.  Click the link below to find some cheap and easy DIY spa recipes.

Homemade Spa Treatments

47.  So you had a spa day to pamper yourself and the kids…now what about your pets?  I bet your dog, cat, guinea pig, or lizard would love a day of pampering as well.  Of course, how much you can do will obviously be limited by your type of pet.  But for example, your dog would probably love a bath with some scented shampoo (I like to use kids shampoo because it is gentle but still has great scents).  Follow up the bath by some brushing and styling of the fur along with a scented spray.  If your pet is agreeable, toenails could be painted and bows or other fancy adornments could be added to their collars, fur, etc.  If you do not have any pets or your pet would never stand for this type of posh treatment, I bet your kids would like to set up a day spa for their stuffed pets.  This may require a little imagination, but they will have a blast!

48.  Make a scavenger hunt.  Kids love to hunt…especially if there is a prize at the end.  It does not even have to be an expensive prize just as long as it is something fun.  Check out the dollar store from some cheap prizes such as water guns, jump ropes, or other outdoor toys.  You can click the link below for ideas on creating an outdoor scavenger hunt.  It would be even more fun to invite some of the neighborhood kids to join in on the hunt.

Kids Scavenger Hunts

49.  Have a DIY greeting card session.  Make a list of your relative’s birthdays and spend the day making personalized homemade cards for each person.  Store them all together in envelopes by date and pull them out as needed.  Family and friends will love getting homemade cards from your kids!

50.  Publish a family or neighborhood newspaper.  Kids will love to hunt for news, interview friends and family, and write up stories.  If they are computer savvy they can use the Microsoft Publisher program to print up a newsletter, but writing it out on paper and making copies will work just as well.  If they write a family newspaper they can mail it to faraway family members to keep them updated on family news or if they are writing a neighborhood paper they can distribute it to your local neighbors.  Either way it is a fun project that can keep your kids busy for hours.

Newspaper writing for kids