Author: Mary Jane Duford

Snowman craft for preschool kids

This snowman craft turns a simple LED tea light into a glowing ornament that preschoolers can actually make themselves. It uses pom poms, googly eyes, and pipe cleaners, and the finished snowman lights up right on the tree. The cleanup is minimal, and the whole project takes less than 30 minutes. If you are looking…
Kids pom pom ornament

This pom pom ornament craft is one of those projects that actually works out. The supplies are inexpensive, the steps are simple, and kids end up with something they’re genuinely proud to hang on the tree. It works well for preschoolers and older kids alike, and it fits right in with our 14 Christmas ornament…
Pipe cleaner Christmas ornaments

Pipe cleaner Christmas ornaments are one of those crafts that are almost too easy. You need just three materials, there is no glue, and the mess is minimal. Kids as young as three can do most of the work themselves, which makes this a genuinely good activity for a December afternoon. The beading part is…
Button Christmas tree ornaments

These felt Christmas tree ornaments are a simple, satisfying craft to make with preschoolers and kindergartners. All you need is green felt, some buttons, ribbon, and glue. The result is a sweet handmade ornament that looks great on the tree. If you’re looking for more ideas like this one, we have a full roundup of…
Children’s clay Christmas ornaments

These children’s clay Christmas ornaments started as a simple afternoon project between my daughter and her Nana. We used Sculpey polymer clay in white, and the results were sweet enough to keep on the tree for years. Clay ornaments are one of those crafts that feel special without being complicated, and they hold up well…
Piñata Christmas tree ornaments

These piñata Christmas tree ornaments are a surprisingly fun craft for kids from toddler age all the way up to early grade school. They look festive, they take very little time, and kids can do most of the work themselves. If you are looking for a hands-on holiday activity that produces something actually worth hanging…
Pom pom star ornaments

Pom pom star ornaments are one of those crafts that are genuinely easy to pull off with a toddler or preschooler. The mess is minimal, the steps are simple, and the finished ornament actually looks good on the tree. You can keep things classic with white pom poms for a snowy look, or go with…
Reindeer craft for preschoolers

This reindeer ornament craft is one of those projects that comes together fast and ends up looking genuinely sweet on the tree. All you need is a mason jar lid insert, a few pipe cleaners, some googly eyes, a red pom pom, and a little glue. That’s it. It’s simple enough for preschoolers to do…
How to clean a sheepskin rug

Sheepskin rugs are beautiful, soft, and practical. They’re also easier to clean than most people expect. The key is knowing which method fits the situation. A lightly dusty rug needs something different than one that has soaked up a spill or months of foot traffic. There are five main ways to clean a sheepskin rug.…
What is a cookie crawl?

A cookie crawl is a community event where you pick up an empty box or tin, then visit a series of local businesses to fill it with cookies. It’s a simple idea, and it works really well for families who want to get into the holiday spirit without spending a weekend in the kitchen. Most…
What is a board book?

A board book is a children’s book made with thick, cardboard-style pages. The pages are so sturdy they feel like actual boards, which is exactly where the name comes from. These books are built for babies and toddlers who are still learning how to handle objects gently. They have fewer pages than a standard book,…
Paper bag princess costume

The Paper Bag Princess is one of those stories that holds up no matter how many times you read it. Elizabeth is clever, brave, and completely unbothered by what anyone thinks of her. She makes a great Halloween costume for exactly those reasons. This DIY version is simple, affordable, and takes about half an hour…
DIY baby Link costume

Halloween costumes are one of my favorite parts of the season, especially when someone in the family has the skill to actually make one from scratch. This knitted Link costume from The Legend of Zelda is a perfect example. My cousin Anna made this for her baby, and it was genuinely one of the best…
Petticoat tails shortbread recipe

This petticoat tails shortbread recipe comes from my Gran on my Dad’s side of the family. It has been passed down through generations and is one of the most treasured recipes we have. Petticoat tails are a traditional Scottish shortbread baked in a pie plate and cut into wedge-shaped pieces. They are simple, buttery, and…
Kombucha supplies

Brewing kombucha at home is simpler than most people think. You don’t need fancy equipment or a lot of counter space. A short list of basic supplies and a few good ingredients are all it takes to get started. This guide covers everything you need, from the jar to the SCOBY, so you can start…
Best potty training books for parents

Potty training is one of those parenting milestones that can feel surprisingly stressful. You know it has to happen, but it’s hard to know where to start. The good news is that other parents have been through it, and some of them have written really solid books about it. Reading even one of these before…
What to do in Kelowna

Kelowna, British Columbia is one of those places that manages to be beautiful in every season. Sitting on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake and surrounded by hills covered in orchards and vineyards, it offers a lot more than most visitors expect. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a weekend away, or a longer stay,…
PC Optimum review

PC Optimum is one of Canada’s most popular loyalty programs, and for good reason. If you shop at Loblaw banner stores, Shoppers Drug Mart, or fill up at Esso, this program is worth paying attention to. I’ve been using it for years, and my overall take is simple: it’s worth the effort. This review covers…