Fairy Garden Gifts for Kids

2016-08-02T06:00:00.000-02:30

Fairy Garden Gifts for Kids

I'm a big believer in non-toy gifts for kids. Gifts that spark imagination, play, creativity and maybe even some learning! Recently I've been inspired by Fairy Gardens, what a magical gift idea for a child. Uncover inspiration here for your own fairy garden gift - including both DIY and pre-made options.

Build-Your-Own Fairy Garden Kits

Kits allow a child to build his or her own fairy garden using a variety of creative supplies. Here are a few gorgeous ideas to make your own fairy garden gift kit, or purchase a ready-made kit filled with fairy garden supplies.

Left: DIY Fairy Garden Gift Basket from How Does She
Top Right: DIY Fairy Garden in a Box from the Asylum

Bottom Right: Fairy House Kit in a Box from The Magic Onion

Gift a Fairy Garden

Another option is to gift a pre-made fairy garden. Here are a couple of my favourite ideas - I love both of these ideas because they can be used both inside and outside.

Left: DIY Teacup Garden - a full tutorial for creating this pint-sized fairy garden from Life is a Party. Right: This gorgeous little fairy garden from FairyElements is the definition of sweet.

Fairy Door Tours

I love the idea of gifting experiences - local business Fairy Door Tours in St. John's, NL takes children and adults on an enchanted woodland walk looking for fairy doors. We loved our tour, filled with opportunity to leave small treasures for the fairies, including sending notes in a fairy-sized mailbox (which of course is our FAVOURITE!). If you do not live in our area, check your local region for similar ideas!

How can you make an experience gift memorable?

Pair your outing with a fairy or gnome dress-up costume, a book about fairies, or a fairy garden kit. Take photos during your experience and present an image in a special frame after the fact as a reminder of all the fun.

You can find more non-toy gift ideas and inspiration here. Top image by my amazing friend september

Kids Dinosaur Fossil Dig

2016-07-31T10:00:00.004-02:30

Need some inspiration for your own kids dinosaur fossil dig at home?

Kids Dinosaur Fossil Dig

Here are some images from our sandbox fossil dig last year. NJ enjoyed it so much she's still talking about digging for fossils. The full instructions for making your own fossils and dinosaur bones are included with the subscriber link for Oliver Learns About Fossils.

Want to jump-start some fun learning about dinosaurs and fossils?

Order the Oliver Learns About Fossils Petit Mail story postcard (or a 3, 6 or 12 month subscription) and the perfect invitation to learn will arrive addressed to your child in the mail in a bright, fun envelope.

Your story postcard will introduce the concept of fossils in a simple and fun way. Reading together, your child can learn how fossils are created, then, the possibilities are endless. Use your story postcard as the inspiration to learn and explore at home.

7 Creative Non-Toy Gift Ideas For Kids

2016-07-19T20:41:00.000-02:30

It seems like many of the conversations I have with other moms lately revolve around the STUFF we are trying to get rid of.

For the past year, I've been on a decluttering spree and a move toward simpler, more minimalist living and for the past few years, my mind always comes back to KIDS GIFTS AND TOYS. I try to maintain some level of control over what comes into our home (within reason), and we donate old toys on a regular basis.

I don't know about you, but my kids don't need much. They play happily for hours with the simplest of things - what they really want is for someone to engage and interact with them. I always cringe a little on the inside when I hear other parents talking about their playrooms full of toys that never get used....it feels so wasteful.

A few months ago, I started to look for creative non-toy gift ideas for kids and put together a Pinterest board with ideas that inspired me.

There are other posts out there with non-toy gift ideas for kids, but they all seem really generic, like "a zoo membership" or "a subscription". I wanted to come up with some really practical, creative ideas that are a little more specific. My hope is that you find these inspiring, and that you can use some of these ideas for your own gifting this year.

1. Make a DIY KIT set inspired by the child's interests.

My niece loves to make her own cards, so this year, I decided to give her a DIY card kit. I've been gathering many more DIY gift kit ideas from other blogs over on the Non-Toy Gifts for Kids Pinterest board, including puppet kits, art kits, cookie kits, dramatic play kits, science kits, sewing kits, fort kits and so much more!

2. Plan an outing to pick out a special new outfit.

We gratefully receive 95% of our kids clothing passed along from other families that we know. For me, this is fantastic because the clothes is all in excellent condition and we save a fortune in clothing costs. However, it means that our kids don't go clothes shopping very often, making it a special treat. This year, for NJ's birthday - part of her gift was to go to the store and pick out a special "birthday outfit". She absolutely loved this. I chose a store where I knew the clothing was affordable and she picked a new dress, shoes, hairband and sunglasses.

3. Choose an affordable, engaging subscription

Our favorite is Petit Mail of course. Many subscription boxes and services are a lot of fun, but can be QUITE expensive once you add shipping costs. Petit Mail story card subscriptions cost $6 per month for Canada and US mailing addresses (a little more for International subscribers) and inspire imagination and creative play. Each month, read along with the adventures of Oliver + Olivia and connect as a family with science projects, nature exploration, art ideas, dramatic play and more. Ideal for ages 3 - early reader.

4. Dress Up Costumes

Dress up costumes could be store-bought or handmade. Think hats, shirts, masks, animal tails, capes and more. This gift could be one elaborate costume, or a whole dress-up box full of accessories. Your gift will provide hours of imaginative, creative play. You can find some DIY costume ideas on the Non Toy Gifts for Kids Pinterest Board

5. A custom-made piece of clothing, especially for them

Find a local dressmaker, or a maker that inspires you to make a custom piece of clothing for a child in your life. OR, make it yourself! This could be a dress, a hat, a costume of some sort (see number 4!), Make it into an experience that INVOLVES them in the process, not just something that you do behind the scenes. Take them to a studio to get measured, have them pick out the colors or designs they like the best.

6. Photo or Memory Albums

Our daughter NJ (age 5) loves looking at photos of herself when she was younger. If you have a child in your life that you spend time with and regularly take photos of, don't underestimate the value of something like this, even for fairly young children.

7. A sleeping bag, pillow, flashlight and book or movie

Need I say more. You could also include a coupon for a sleepover at your house, or a night of camping out in the backyard.

Free Online Yoga Resources for Busy Moms

2016-07-13T21:44:00.001-02:30

I tell anyone who will listen about how important my weekly yoga practice is.

It has been life changing.

For the past 8 months or so, I have been practising yoga for one 75 minute class per week.

This is my "me" time.

This is my stress release.

This is what makes me feel strong and fit.

Sometimes though, I want to do yoga at home.

Maybe I'm having a really stressful day (like today). I don't necessarily WANT to do yoga (in fact, I often resist it in my head), but if I can just get myself on my mat for 20 minutes, I feel so much better.

So here they are...

My 3 Favourite Free Online Yoga Sites

1. Yoga With Adriene - Words cannot describe how happy I was to discover this resource. Following along with Adriene is like doing yoga with your best friend. I seriously love her. Plus she has EVERY kind of yoga you could possibly imagine, from beginner to weight loss. Go check it out, I swear, you'll love it too.

2. If you have a little more yoga experience, I regularly use local yogi Melanie Caine's YouTube Channel for my home practice and am an occasional visitor to the Nova Yoga studio (which I love!)

3. I used the Web site DoYogaWithMe for prenatal yoga at home. There are a wide variety of online classes and instructors, so you have a lot to choose from.

You are important.

Make time for yourself.

If you feel like you don't have enough time, schedule 20 minutes into your calendar and stick with it, even if you don't feel like it.

Find an accountability partner to remind you how much better you will feel after you practice.

Self-Care makes you a better Mom.

How are you making time for yourself this week?

Finding the Quiet Moments: Notes from an Introverted Mom

2016-06-23T19:47:00.001-02:30

When I tell people that I'm an introvert, they give me this LOOK, the kind of look like I'm telling them a bold-faced lie.

Here's the thing,
Introversion is not about being anti-social
It's not even about being shy (although some of us can be)
It's more about ENERGY and how we feel after sensory stimulation. For me, high levels of social interaction (i.e parties, networking events, public speaking, a full day at work) need to be followed by some quiet time.

Society seems to tell us that there's something "wrong" with being an introvert. I strongly disagree, but there are aspects of being an introvert MOM that I find difficult - things that I'm still working on, and will probably ALWAYS be working on.

One of my biggest personality challenges is how I feel when I transition from one thing to the next.

In my "ideal" world, I need some quiet time in between activities, to process what's going on around me and to prepare for the next thing.
To rest.

One of my biggest transition times has always been the hour (or so) after work, when I transition from the office to home. It can feel overwhelming at times.

Even before I had kids, I wanted downtime when I came home from my busy day-job at a local non-profit organization. I would take 20 minutes or half an hour to unwind, think, process, maybe drink a cup of tea, maybe go for a walk.

They were uninterrupted moments that made a HUGE different to how I think and feel.

For anyone who doesn't experience this need, there is a both an internal and external aspect of this process. I can literally feel my body changing and relaxing during this time. My mind slows. If I have the beginnings of a headache, it usually goes away.

Enter children one and two.
I currently have a 5 year old and a 1 year old.

That hour after we get home from work is time for playing, supervising and supper prep. It is also usually a time when both kids get cranky, whiny and upset (commonly known in parenting circles as, the "witching hour").
We haven't even added homework into the mix yet (help!)
My partner shares all of our responsibilities - one of us cooks, and one of us "parents".

It often feels like there is NO TIME for me to have my much-needed downtime.

This has been one of my biggest struggles as a parent.

So, how do I find the quiet moments?

1. I recognize how I FEEL when I need a parenting break, and I take one (even if it's just for 5 minutes)

2. I exercise during my workday (my lunch break or coffee break), no excuses. This helps me keep my stress levels down during the day, and usually feeling less of a need for "downtime" right afterward (there are always exceptions!)

3. I change out of my work clothes when I get home into something less formal and more comfortable. This gives me a few moments to myself and helps me move from one thing to the next. I also often change from contacts to glasses during this time

4. I get outside. This isn't always possible - we live in a COLD climate, but when possible, I walk to pick up my daughter (5 minutes), we walk home. Maybe we walk to the mailbox (I've written about that here). It helps with the transition time between one thing and the next.

5. I talk to my kids about my need for quiet time. They see and hear it. I tell them, "it's important for Mommy to be alone for a few minutes, I will be back soon". It helps them understand my personality and also teaches them patience.

6. I go to yoga class one evening a week. religiously. It's my "me" time and it's very important to me. I treasure my quiet time there and always come home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

7. I shift perspective. I remember that if I can't find a quiet moment NOW, I just need to hold on, and there will be one SOON. I remember to focus on what matters most, and that these moments might be the only quality time that I have with them today. These moments are important. These moments are real. They are hardly ever perfect, but they are mine.

P.S. Are you familiar with Susan Cain's work at the Quiet Revolution? (great read!) Her TED Talk is also well worth your time to watch.

Gardening With Kids

2016-06-13T15:34:00.001-02:30

This month's Petit Mail story postcard theme is Olivia Plants a Garden.

Like you, I'm struggling to find quality moments to spend with NJ, especially during the week, and I want to make the most of our time together. Now that the weather is FINALLY getting nicer here, we have an opportunity to get outside and explore.

Doesn't matter if you live in an apartment in the middle of the city, or in a home in the sprawling countryside, we can all find ways to interact with our kids using our Olivia Plants a Garden theme.
When your child's envelope arrives in the mailbox this month, here are some suggestions for simple activities to plan together after you read your story postcard.

1. Visit the Library to Look for Summer + Gardening Themed Books

A visit to your local library is a great activity for a rainy day. NJ loves the library and does her thing, look for books, while I search for some books related to our monthly Petit Mail story card theme. Here are some that we enjoyed for our planting a garden theme.

2. Plant a Seed or a Flower

Take a little outing to a local gardening centre or plant nursery. There's lot's to see there! Pick up some seed packages or small plants - grow them in your window or a corner of your garden. This year, we are trying carrots from seeds. Follow the directions and have your little take responsibility for watering the seeds or plants as needed.

3. Gardening Set

If you don't already have them - look for a small, inexpensive gardening play set. I suggest a watering can, and a couple of child-sized garden tools. These can be used for both indoor and outdoor garden play.

4. Make A Raised Garden Bed

Last year we took a leap and built a raised garden bed in our backyard. It seems everywhere I look lately, families just like ours are trying their hand at urban gardening.

5. Visit a Botanical Garden

If you have a botanical garden in your area, make a weekend plan to go for a visit. Many also offer children's programming and other fun ways to interact!

Get Inspired!

I regularly share inspiration for gardening with kids on my Gardening With Kids Pinterest board. Be sure to follow me there for book ideas, easy planting and gardening ideas, garden crafts and more.

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Summer Bucket List for Kids in St. John's, NL

2016-06-07T07:57:00.000-02:30

1. Hike/Walk on Signal Hill

2. Get an Ice Cream at Berg's

3. Visit the seals and touch tank at the Ocean Sciences Centre

4. Go to the Farmer's Market and pick out vegetables to plant in our garden

5. Have a picnic at Topsail Beach or Middle Cove Beach

6. Feed the Ducks at Kenny's Pond

7. Cheer for runners along the route of the Tely 10

8. Visit the Salmonier Nature Park

9. Go on a Photo Nature Walk on Rennie's River Trail (some other great and easy trails: Octagon
Pond in Paradise, Power's Pond in Mount Pearl, or throughout Pippy Park)

10. Go to the library to find books about SUMMER

11. Make a fruit smoothie

12. Paint Rocks

13. Write a letter to a friend - get inspired by our preschool pen pal exchange and find printable letter-writing templates for newsletter subscribers.

14. Go to the Strawberry U-Pick at Lester's Farm - don't forget to visit all of the animals

15. Ride your bike on a new route

16. Take a day trip and hike to LaManche bridge

17. Make your own Ice Cream (there's a great tutorial for making ice cream in a ziplock bag here)

18. Visit a local site for free during Doors Open Days

19. Make S'mores

20. Paint a Walking Stick

21. Camp in Your Backyard or Living Room

22. Run the Canada Day Kids Race

23. Avoid the crowds and visit the concessions at the Royal St. John's Regatta the evening before for a sweet treat

24. Visit the Sunday afternoon family program at the MUN Botanical Garden - feed the ducks, do a craft, listen to a story and more!

25. Run through the sprinkler on a hot day

Enjoy this post?

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How To: Nature Walk With Kids

2016-05-30T12:14:00.000-02:30

Inspired by our Oliver Goes Camping Petit Mail story postcard, we've been going on a lot of simple nature walks this month.

There are so many benefits to nature walks, including:

getting outside
connecting with your kids
exploring with your kids
learning about the world around you

I love the beautiful simplicity of our nature collections.

If this is something you don't normally think of, it's so simple and kids LOVE it. Every weekend NJ now asks if we can go for a nature walk.

Here are some of my simple tips

How To: Nature Walk With Kids

1. Wear comfortable footwear

2. Bring a small bag, box or container for carrying your treasures

3. Take your time - this is not a walk for cardio exercise (at least not for you), it's a VERY leisurely stroll. Go at their pace (sometimes painfully slow) and enjoy the process

4. Encourage your kids to keep their eyes open

5. Don't pick plants from other people's gardens

6. Keep it Simple - start in your own neighbourhood - a walking trail or park (if you have one nearby). If they enjoy nature walks, you can expand into other areas of your city or town as part of a special outing

7. Name and describe things for your child - if you aren't sure what something is, try looking it up together when you get home

8. Have fun - if your child is enjoying the process, great. If not, try again another day

Another option is to try a PHOTO nature walk. Bring a camera with you and let your kids take photos of the things that interest them. Kids LOVE cameras. I'll be sharing more tips for our nature photos walks soon.

You can find more inspiration to GET OUTSIDE on the Camping with Kids Pinterest board.

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How To Turn Your Kids Into Book Lovers

2016-05-22T06:00:00.000-02:30

The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go. ~Dr. Seuss

In today’s media-loving world, encouraging a reading habit for children has become extremely difficult. Parents battle it out with a lot of competition towards their kids’ attention and time: TV, tablets, cellphones and computers.

However, not a lot of parents put a lot of time and effort to reading because they do not see its importance.

What role does reading play in the development of a young kid’s mind? Among the many benefits of reading include enhancing their vocabulary and memory, encouraging creativity and imagination, providing a loving and nurturing bonding experience and creating a thirst for learning are just a few examples.

So, how do parents raise their children into book lovers? Here are a few tried-and-tested ways to get little ones flipping the page even before they learn to read words on their own.

1. Start the habit early on

An old quote says, “Old habits die hard” and this is the time to take advantage of it. Exposing them to the written word early on helps establish the routine so that you do not have to force it when they are older.

Although they probably do not understand a word of it, babies love being read to as their parents’ voice (especially their mother’s voice) is enough to soothe them and make them feel comfortable.

2. Help them build their library

Surrounding kids with books help encourage reading further as it becomes harder to avoid it. You can start by adding books in strategic areas such as their play areas. If they have their room, you can also start assigning a special nook to hold their very own library. Instead of toys, ask your family and friends to give them books.

3. Create a cozy reading nook

In addition to a library, setting up a reading nook where they can read comfortably on their own is also highly recommended. You do not have to do anything grand -- a simple pillow fort where night time stories come alive should be enough.

A cozy area will encourage them to use it more often. Also, make sure that their library is just within reach, so they do not have to go far to get more reading materials.

4. Go for books with fun rhymes and/or pictures

Rhyming books to children are like songs to adults. When reading to very little kids, go for those that are fun to listen to so you can have an enjoyable memory associated with it. Little kids won’t be able to understand words so go for books with fun and colorful pictures as well. You can point out the pictures and say their equivalent words to help build their vocabulary.

5. Do activities related to the stories

The fun in reading books does not have to end with the stories. In fact, you can come up with really creative ways to incorporate the book’s stories and characters into your daily routines.

If you are stumped for ideas, head on to Pinterest to see what food you can make or games and activities, you can do related to the book you just read. Petit Mail's Reading With Kids board has some great ideas to get you started!)

6. Be a role model

Kids see their parents as the person that they want to be when they grow up. If you want them to follow your footsteps, then you have to start leading by example. Once they see you pick up books or even newspapers and practice what you preach to them, it shouldn’t be hard to convince them to start reading.

7. Visit a library together

What’s one of the most exciting things book lovers do? Visiting a library! Libraries are often considered a haven for many people because of the wealth of information stored in its every nook and cranny.

Some libraries have programs for kids such as story telling time and crafts, perfect for readers of all levels. Don’t forget to get them a library card and build up even more excitement!

8. Read aloud as a family

Kids often associate reading as a loving bonding experience that they can do as a family. Stories are best shared with other people and children will usually remember the closeness that you shared when reading certain books. Not only that, reading aloud as a family can open up discussion leading to a better understanding of the story. Plus, it helps in improving pronunciation, too.

9. Slowly introduce books beyond their reading level

Young kids can get bored very easily especially if you let them do the same things over and over again. If they have already mastered reading a particular book, why not introduce them to something a little more advanced?

Of course, make sure to build up excitement first and ask them what they think about the book. Help them figure out difficult words and their meanings and be there to encourage them when things get a little hard to understand.

10. Read books related to their interests

If your kids start manifesting a genuine interest in certain things such as airplanes, astronauts or dinosaurs, for example, introduce books that have them as subjects. Giving them reading material on something that they can easily relate to will help them not feel like reading is a chore.

11. Be flexible in your genres

You don’t have to get stuck with picture books -- why not introduce them to comic books? Classics are a must-read, but you can always opt for more modern reads from time to time. Exposing them to different genres and various types of reading materials will help make things constantly interesting and never boring.

Raising kids into book lovers help introduce them to new worlds and new concepts. Creating a reading habit piques their curiosity and encourages a habit of life-long learning.

About The Post Author

Petit Mail is pleased to welcome guest post author Pam.
Pam is a millennial mom who loves to read and explore the outdoors with her partner and their 3-year-old daughter. When not out for (mis)adventures, she moonlights as a freelance writer, blogger and ghostwriter. She also loves talking about their family travel and home adventures at Hey, Miss Adventures!

Garden Party Favors {April Showers Bring May Flowers}

2016-05-13T06:00:00.000-02:30

April Showers Bring May Flowers
Plant a Seed and Watch it Grow!
Thank You for Celebrating my Special Day

These are the party favors that I created for NJ's birthday a few years ago. They are simple + sweet, and give a great opportunity for family time when the party is over.

I wanted to share this post as a fun addition to our gardening Petit Mail story card theme: Olivia Plants A Garden.

How I made the Tags
To create the tags, I simply created my text in a Word document.
Then I printed the text on brown kraft paper
Cut into tag-sized shapes + used a corner punch to make rounded corners + hole punch to tie with baker's twine.

Supplies
It is probably easiest to source supplies in the Spring. Depending on your climate, seed packets and supplies might be harder to find in the off-season. Look for seed packets and small plantable pots at local home and gardening centres. Plastic child-sized gardening tools can be found at most large department stores and dollar stores.

Love this idea? Be sure to sign up for the Petit Mail newsletter for simple + inspired parenting resources and free printable templates for kids activities throughout the year.

A version of this post originally appeared on The Petit Cadeau Blog

5 Tips From A Muddy Mom

2016-05-07T15:44:00.000-02:30

Kids and mud go together like peanut butter and chocolate. Like strawberries and cheesecake. They were simply made for each other. Your kids will most certainly have a blast playing in the mud. Plus, you will get to relax and look forward to a good night’s sleep.

Prepare to get muddy!

I once made the mistake of sending my son outside to play in the yard with no direction or preparation. Next thing I knew, he was in the house, sopping wet and covered in mud! Seriously, what did I think would happen?! Now, I know a little preparation goes a long way.

First, I established the rule that muddy clothes stay outside. Second, I put a bucket of warm, clean water with a towel just outside the back door so he can dip his feet and dry them off before coming inside. Or, while he is playing, I will lay the hose in the sun to warm the water. When he’s done, I can hose him off with warm water before coming inside.

Less is more!

Mud play is an open ended activity. So naturally, open ended toys are the best compliment.

Open ended play is play with no particular direction or formula. It is driven only by the child’s imagination. Give your kiddo some toys for digging in the mud and watch him create a whole new world around characters and events that exist only in his imagination.

Here’s a list of open ended toys that are great for mud play:

● Sticks, rocks, leaves, feathers, and other found materials

● Trucks, cars, and toy construction equipment (excavators and dump trucks are our favorites)

● Animals, dinosaurs, or people figures (figurines with no moving parts work best)

● Small or play sized tools like trowels, rakes, sifting screens, and buckets

Truly, the best way to play in the mud is with a friend. My son (who is rarely engaged in one thing for more than 10 minutes at a time) played in the mud for 2 hours with his friend. So, invite a mom friend over, put your kids in the mud, get some coffee and enjoy the freedom!

No yard? No problem!

If you are an apartment dweller or don’t have space in your yard for a mud pit, don’t worry! Fill a large shallow container (think underbed bin) with play sand. I bought some from a hardware store for $4.50 for 50 pounds and used a quarter of that to fill up half of our water table. Sand cleans up a lot easier than regular mud and doesn’t stain.

Fill the bin about ¼ to ⅓ full of sand. Then get the sand thoroughly wet, but stop before there is standing water. If you’re really limited on outside space, you can even put a drop cloth or beach towel down on a hard floor surface and let them play inside.

Let them play and don’t worry!

It has been shown that playing outside, and specifically in the mud, helps your child’s immune system and overall health. Basically, a little dirt is good for you.

Babies and kids are constantly exploring the world around them. Babies know instinctively that introducing new things to their system helps build their immune systems. They are programming their bodies to know the difference between good and bad inputs.

So if your little one takes an experimental taste of the mud, don’t be alarmed! It’s natural and even healthy. Normal kids up to 3 years old eat up to 500 milligrams of dirt each day, about the same weight as two pennies.

Use the teachable moments!

My son doesn’t like to be dirty, but he loves to play in the mud (he’s 3, there is no logical explanation). So, I like to use our mud sessions to show him it’s ok to get your hands dirty sometimes and to work hard.

He loves to practice digging with his shovel, and I love to encourage him to work hard to achieve his goals. Sometimes it’s just filling up the dump truck; sometimes he wants to dig a swimming pool. Using this time to encourage him to persevere even when it’s hard (shoveling wet dirt is really hard work!) can foster a strong work ethic and remove the fear barrier of getting dirty.

Happy Mudding!

About The Post Author

Hannah is the wife to her very own viking and mom to two happy vikings. Together they live in Montana on their own little slice of valhalla. She owns and writes at happyvikings.net about family, simple and frugal living, and DIY projects for beginners.

5 Easy Indoor Camping Play Activities

2016-05-01T06:00:00.000-02:30

This month, our Petit Mail story card is all about camping. My ideas and inspiration for this month's theme involve spending time together as a family (indoors OR outdoors) AND finding new ways to explore nature.

It's still a little cold here for outdoor camping, so I wanted to share some of our activities this month that compliment the camping theme but can be enjoyed at home at any time.

Indoor Camping Play With Kids

1. Visit the Library to find Books about Camping and Nature

2. Grab a Sleeping bag and Pillow for a living room campout (even if it's just for the afternoon on a rainy day)

3. Make an Indoor Pretend-Play Campfire Together

4. Make Indoor S'mores in the Oven

5. Practice Shadow Puppets on the Wall

I've saved all kinds of inspiration for camping play on a special Camping With Kids Pinterest Board just for you - join me there!

Camping also goes hand in hand with Summer, and summer is the perfect time to send a letter.

I've created this free kids summer camp letter stationery for newsletter subscribers, sign up below and download this free paintable template to use as many times as you'd like!

DIY Card Kit for Kids

2016-04-22T19:47:00.002-02:30

I'm always really interested in non-toy gift ideas for kids and I love the idea of making DIY kits based on their interests.

My 5 year old niece loves to make her own cards, so I decided to make her a personalized card-making kit.

I picked up this small purple plastic "suitcase" and created a custom label for the outside. Inside, I gave her all of the tools she might need to write special notes - blank cards and envelopes, embellishments, stickers, and stamps.

Don't forget to include postage stamps so that cards and envelopes can be sent in the mail!

Your version could also include some of the free printable letter-writing templates I have available for newsletter subscribers - you can print as many as you like, and there are fun, colourful templates for preschoolers and early writers. Get access to the resources by signing up for FREE today.

I've shared many more DIY gift kit ideas from other blogs over on the Non-Toy Gifts for Kids Pinterest board, including puppet kits, art kits, cookie kits, dramatic play kits, science kits, sewing kits, fort kits and so much more!

Maybe this kit would be complete with an Olivia's Pen Pal story card - what do you think?

3 Benefits of Superhero Pretend Play

2016-04-05T19:26:00.000-02:30

This month's Petit Mail story card "Olivia The Superhero" is all about deciding on your child's very own personal superpower.

NJ LOVES to dress up as her own superhero, but you can take that love of pretend play, and turn it into some really important, deep-down learning and skill-building.

Here is my list of 3 Benefits of Superhero Pretend Play

1. Confidence Building
When children role play being good citizens (like "saving the day" as a superhero), it builds confidence in their own abilities. You can support this by giving your child specific compliments about his or her skills - "it was very kind of you to think of others first".

2. Self-Esteem Building
Have your child think up his or her own SUPERPOWER
Play a game that gets your child focusing on skills or tasks that focus on his or her own strengths. Ask "what makes you GREAT" "What can you do really well?". Use the answers to brainstorm some Superhero identities together.

3. Creativity
Superhero dramatic play allows your child to express his or her creativity. Need some ideas? Have her make her own mask, cape or costume using items you have around the house.

Bonus Superhero Mask Template

As a bonus, I have created a free printable superhero mask template, available to all Petit Mail newsletter subscribers. Sign up below to download the template, and print the mask as many times as you would like. Littles can color and decorate their own mask to match their superpowers.

Happy Mail for Sick Kids

2016-03-29T15:04:00.000-02:30

Nothing delights me more than young children who love receiving mail.

When I heard about a young girl who had a relapse on her childhood cancer journey was looking to receive some mail to brighten her day, I KNEW I had to send her an Olivia The Superhero story card.

The next time you hear about a child in hospital, or a child who might need some extra cheer, consider taking the time to send some snail mail in 3 easy steps.

Step 1: Gather your supplies - envelope, paper or card and postage stamp.

Step 2: Have your child help out. They can draw a picture, make a card, or write a letter, depending on skill level.

Step 3: Visit the post office or mailbox and send your happy mail on its way.

I am not the only one to do this, I've had several previous Petit Mail customers purchase story cards to be sent to sick children. Unlike our Petit Mail story card subscriptions, individual story cards can be purchased at any time and are addressed and sent directly to the child in a colourful envelope. What a wonderful way to brighten someone's day!

A variety of fun, double-sided story cards are available, including themes like art, nature, and science. Olivia The Superhero just happens to be one of my favourites, empowering and self-esteem building!

Of course, you can also choose to send a story card to a child just because.

Happy Mail is never a bad idea.

-Alison

10 Sources of Inspiration for Reading with Kids

2016-03-21T06:00:00.000-02:30

Our March story card "Oliver Loves Reading" has mailed out to subscribers and I've been having a lot of fun sharing kids book ideas on Instagram and Facebook.

I love discovering new books to read with NJ. There are so many options out there.

Here are 10 sources of inspiration for reading with kids

1. The Indigo Crew - Three Chapter Books for a Four Year Old

2. I Love Books and I cannot Lie on Instagram

3. Petit Mail's Reading With Kids Pinterest Board

4. Here Wee Read on Instagram

5. No Time for Flash Cards - 30 Books About Being Different and Being Yourself

6. KCE Adventures - Around the World in 30 Books

7. Life On Island - shares "morning books" inspiration on Instagram

8. Childhood 101 - 20 Classic Chapter Books to Read with 5-8 Year Olds

9. Growing Book by Book on Instagram

10. Library List by Tiffany Dahle on Pinterest

Top 5 Reasons to Choose Gift Subscriptions for Kids

2016-03-14T19:27:00.001-02:30

I've been thinking lately about gift subscriptions, and why they make the best gifts for kids.

Our kids. They want our attention. They want us to spend time with them. They want to know we are there, close by, engaged with them.

As a full-time working outside the home mom, I feel like my time for presence is SO limited. That's part of the reason why I created Petit Mail - a story card to read together, a link and ideas for easy activities we can do together. Sometimes it's hard to come up with activities on the spot - it's a little easier with a helping hand. Plus, snail mail is the MOST FUN. Don't you agree?

Here's a list of my Top 5 Reasons to Choose Gift Subscriptions for Kids

Reason 1

Gift subscriptions keep giving well past the initial "open". It is the age-old "gift that keeps on giving" when something new and fun arrives in the mailbox each month.

Reason 2

Kids LOVE to get mail. Mail with their name on it. Bright, colourful mail. It can be a really joyful experience, especially the first time a subscription arrives.

Reason 3

During gift-giving times, especially during the holidays, there are SO. MANY. TOYS. Yes, the toys are exciting for a short period of time, but often lose their appeal quickly. Subscriptions do not add to the pile. They offer something deeper. See reason 4.

Reason 4

Subscriptions spark learning and imagination in a fun way. They encourage creative play and quality time spent together as a family. They are the perfect non-toy gift.

Reason 5

Subscriptions offer you the ability to give the best gift of all - your presence. Your presence while you read together each month and your presence in the parent-child activities your subscription provides.

I created Petit Mail Monthly Story Card Subscriptions for kids for all of the above reasons.

Give your child the perfect non-toy gift. Each month, your child will receive a fun letter via snail mail. Petit Mail provides something to look forward to receiving and encourages quality time together as a family. Some months include little extras, like stickers and other goodies.

How Does Petit Mail work?

Order: Choose from Canadian, USA, or International subscriptions and from 3, 6 or 12 month options.

Receive: Check the mailbox together regularly, talk & connect, explore your surroundings

Read & Play Together: Read your story card & use the monthly adventure as inspiration for family time activities. Oliver's putting on a puppet show? You can too!

Connecting and spending time together through reading and play makes a perfect gift. Your PRESENCE is the best present.

Preschool Pen Pal Exchange

2016-03-01T10:29:00.001-03:30

Inspired by our Olivia's Pen Pal story card, I wanted to try a preschool pen pal exchange, to see what NJ would think of the experience. She already LOVES getting mail, so I thought this would be something fun to try.

So far, our pen pal exchange is exceeding my expectations, and has led to all kinds of exploration - learning about new places in the world, practicing our printing, learning how to address a letter, and more!

We have exchanged letters with two other four year olds (between Canada and the US). Obviously, writing a letter is hard at this age, so I created an easy-to-use letter writing template for kids, which our Petit Mail subscribers received in the envelope with their story card, to share some simple details like name, age, where I live, my favourite thing, etc. We also cut out a photo, so got in some scissor cutting practice as well.

I love the template, and the experience, so much, that I'm giving you the letter writing template for free. Sign-up below to receive your template. You can print it out as many times as you would like.

To make the experience a little more educational, I added a hand-written note from me, telling a little bit more about our family, where we live, and the things we enjoy doing together.

Given that it is still WINTER, one of our letters got a little wet, and our package turned into a little bit of a rainbow, but that's ok, we are embracing the wild color combination.

NJ was so excited to read something from another little girl her own age, and our "mom notes" back and forth sparked even more engagement. We looked up Michigan on a map, and compared it to where we live in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Madelyn wondered about what it's like to live near the ocean
(quick answer: our ocean is COLD and often stormy, but it's still oh-so-beautiful) so our project for our next pen pal letter will be to find a nice day and to take some pictures (if we are REALLY lucky, we'll find a day to get our picture taken with an iceberg in the background as it's almost iceberg season when pieces of ice start to break off in the Arctic and float their way South).

Maybe we will also share some fun facts about animals that we find here, like Puffins and Whales.

Photo Credits: Les Petits Clarks and Blissfully Insane

What Really Matters?

2016-02-08T16:27:00.002-03:30

I get asked this question all the time
"How do you do it all"?

I'm never quite sure how to respond.

I mean, what, exactly, is "it all"?
I used to provide a somewhat lengthy response

"oh, you know, I don't watch much TV....I have a very supportive husband who does a LOT....my house isn't really that clean........etc".

Lately, I've changed my answer. Now I say "you always have time for the things you put first". It sums up all of the above, and more. It says everything I want to say, without having to explain myself too much, and, most importantly, it's true.

Parenting is always a challenging undertaking. As far as I can tell, that never stops.
There are beautiful, magical, heart-warming days, and there are days when you feel like you will never come up for air again.

Lately, I'm focusing more on the little moments with my kids. The moments that I feel I can have some control over.

These moments, the moments where I put down my technology and spent 15 minutes drawing with my daughter.
These moments, where we keep our weekends as free as possible so that we can enjoy family time together.
These moments, when the supper table is magically free from whining, stalling and other general unpleasantness and we can talk about our days.

Focus

I'm focusing here, in these moments, and it has made me a lot calmer, and a lot happier.

I'm putting quality time first.

I plan ahead, so I'm less rushed.
I schedule carefully, so we don't overcommit.
I say no to some things, to make room for other things.
Always full of big ideas, I save many of those ideas for later. There will be time for those things, they don't all have to happen right now.
I try to let go when things don't go quite according to plan.
I simplify.
I make time for reading together. For playing together, even if that means that all of the laundry doesn't get finished today.
I make time for myself, which makes me a 100% better parent.

You always have time for the things you put first.

How Petit Mail Works

2016-02-04T16:42:00.000-03:30

As a mom with young kids, I usually feel like I am in a race with the clock.

Morning routines, bedtime routines.
Endless negotiating.
Trying to entertain, make a meal, tidy up, listen, diffuse tantrums, talk, remind.
Repeat.

Want to Spend More Time With Your Kids?
I Do.

I have two kids ages 5 and 1. I'm right there with you.
I am constantly looking for ways to slow down and BE with them for a few moments.
To remind myself to put down the technology.
To be present.
To connect.
My mission is to make it easier for you to connect with your kids through reading and creative play projects - delivered to your mailbox (yes, your mailbox, not your inbox!) each month.

Petit Mail is a double-sided story postcard, mailed in a bright colorful envelope and addressed to your child each month, featuring the adventures of Oliver + Olivia.

How Petit Mail Works

Order: Choose from Canada, USA, or International subscription options. Ideal ages three to early reader.

Receive: Check the mailbox together regularly, talk & connect, explore your surroundings

Read & Play Together: Read your story card & use the monthly adventure as inspiration for family time activities. Spark your child's imagination and encourage creative play. Oliver's putting on a puppet show? You can too!

Purchase A Petit Mail Subscription

With so much of our days filled with technology, it is a wonderful treat to receive real paper mail.

Give your child the gift of a monthly snail mail surprise.
Petit Mail provides something to look forward to receiving together and encourages quality time together as a family.

Canadian and US subscriptions cost $6 per month (or less) and all prices INCLUDE postage. International subscriptions are also available.

It's fun, affordable, and gives you a unique way to spend quality time with your kids. Let your story card inspire new ideas and new ways to play!

Each month, story postcards are:

(+) full colour, double-sided.
(+) printed on thick, quality cardstock.
(+) packaged in bright, fun colourful envelopes featuring stamps, embossing & tape.
(+) some months include little extras, like stickers & other goodies.

Want to Know More About Petit Mail?

I create Petit Mail with my heart + soul. Read more about how I was inspired to create this unique way to make small moments with your kids more meaningful.

What Parents Are Saying About Petit Mail

2015-02-09T16:16:00.000-03:30

My son "literally gasped when he opened it (he is almost 3 1/2). He was so proud to get his own special mail. Thanks again!"

- Kristine

"Petit Mail was a huge hit in our house today. If you have little ones and think they would like to receive very special snail mail I highly recommend you check out this site"

-Amy

Petit Mail

Holiday Gift Sets: Monthly Subscription for Kids

Free Petit Mail Story Postcard: Olivia's Acts of Kindness

Been thinking about a snail mail subscription for that special little in your life?

What's The Theme Of The Free Postcard?

Refer a Friend!

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