From the presents to spending time with family, the holiday season is a fun-filled time for many kids. For parents, this season can be expensive and a lot of work. We're here to help bring the magic and joy back with some easy, budget-friendly holiday ideas to make this year special for you and your kids! Don't worry, none of them involve waking up at 5 AM to move your elf on the shelf somewhere the dog can't reach. Read on for our top 10 holiday activities!
1. Everyone loves holiday cookies! You can use
cookie cutters or even
make your own from soda cans at home. Just be sure you make some extra cookie dough to taste before you bake.
2. Grow some crystal candy canes in a science experiment at home. All you need is borax (we know you have it- you need it to make slime), pipe cleaners, and water. The experiment is simple (find instructions
here), but the results are amazing!
3. Make a
life-sized gingerbread man! Trace around your child's body on a large piece of paper to make the gingerbread outline, and then let them decorate!
4. Decorate with a
DIY garland. This citrus garland is simple and made with a few inexpensive materials. You can get your kids involved to help them string the pieces onto the twine.
5. Switch up your gingerbread house and go for a
Rice Krispie treat gingerbread house! It's easier to build with, and it tastes better than a stale gingerbread kit. You can use anything you have around the house as toppings, from cereal to leftover Halloween candy!
6. Get your kids crafting and have them create
beaded snowflakes. The only things you need are pipe cleaners and beads! You can hang these around the house for decoration or let your kids use them as ornaments on a tree if you have one.
7. Make a
paper chain holiday countdown. Kids can make their own advent calendar by decorating paper strips that you form into a chain. As each day goes past, let them take a chain off! We'll be counting down until the New Year- 2020 was a long year.
8. Turn your kid's favorite action figure into a
snow globe. You can glue a figurine or family photo to a mason jar, add distilled water, and top it off with some glitter for an impressive snow globe.
9. Add some decorations to your lawn with a
colorful ice sculpture. All you need are some different size containers that are safe for the freezer and some food coloring. Freeze colorful water in various sizes, put on some gloves, and get building!
10. Go caroling virtually. If you have some festive clothes, get dressed up, and record a video of your kids singing their favorite holiday music. Help them send it virtually to their friends, and see if you get any carolers in your inbox!
With just a few materials you probably already have lying around at home, this holiday season will be one for the books! If you try these out, tag us on social so that we can see them! With the money you save from these budget-friendly activities, consider contributing the extra cash to your 529 plan. PS - There's never been a better time to share your plan with friends and family because this December we are matching all outside contributions to your plan.
