{CHEERS} to 2016!

The countdown to the NEW YEAR is on and we've put together this easy -DIY- "{Cheers} to 2017" kit to help ring in the new year with your little love(s)! 

(Most of the items we used can be found around your home or can be picked up at your local Dollar Tree/Dollar Store.)  Feel free to make the most of this activity by having your little one help you assemble it on NYE or you can prep a few of the bags during the days leading up to it.  Don't forget to download our {FREE} Printable Here!

Supplies:
Brown paper bags
Washi Tape *optional*
Plastic baby food container/empty water bottle
Glitter
Bells
Confetti
Hot glue gun
Balloons
Mentos
Soda
Gallon Ziploc bag
Duct tape (jazz it up with a fun color/print)
Paint
Glitter
Wooden spoon
Scissors
Paper

Now onto the fun part - ASSEMBLE your party kit!

1. .. PAINT the town RED .. 

Assemble a paint sensory bag by putting some paint and glitter into a gallon sized Ziploc bag.  Make sure to tape the bag shut to help avoid any messes! Put it in a brown paper bag and attach the {CHEERS} to 2017 #1 tag.

2.  ::DANCE THE YEAR AWAY::

Put a party hat or music speaker in a brown paper bag and attach the {CHEERS} to 2017 #2 tag.  Before the clock strikes midnight -or- bedtime -or- anytime,  dance the rest of the year away with your little to their favorite songs.

3. || Have a PoPPiN' good TIME ||
Take a handful of balloons and put them in a brown paper bag and attach the {CHEERS} to 2017 #3 tag.

4. Shake-Shake-Shake
Help your little(s) assemble a {shaker} by putting bells, glitter, and confetti (feel free to add any other fun miscellaneous items you may have/find) in a plastic container.  Apply hot glue around the rim of your container and quickly twist/press on the top of the container to seal it.  Wrap duct tape around the container to make sure it's extra secure so your little one can't open it.  Put your {shaker} in a brown paper bag and attach the {CHEERS} to 2017 #4 tag.

5. -BURST- with ExCiTeMeNt
Put a bottle of Coke and a Mentos candy into a brown paper bag and attach the {CHEERS} to 2017 #5 tag. Go outside with your little and quickly place the Mentos in the soda. *stand back* and enjoy the show.

6. RiNg iN ThE NeW YeAr

Add a spoon to a brown paper bag and attach the {CHEERS} to 2017 #6 tag.  Once the clock strikes midnight -OR- bedtime, have your little one make some noise by banging a spoon on some pots and pans.  This really is a timeless tradition that children of all ages will love.  

We hope you have fun ringing in the New Year with these fun, engaging, and hands on activities with your baby. If you download our free printable, please show us some -love- by commenting below or sharing our post.

{Cheers} to 2017!

xoxo,
L+K

Christmas Sensory Bottles

These -Sensory Bottles- are the Merriest!

Since it's the most wonderful time of the year, why not make a Christmas themed sensory bottle with your little one to really get them into the Christmas spirit (if they aren't already)?  Savannah and Tenley are in LOVE with their sensory bottles and honestly, this is the perfect affordable yet engaging toy to keep them entertained during the busiest time of year for us parents. They are the perfect "grab-and-go" toy to use while traveling, Christmas shopping, or while at a holiday gathering.  These sensory bottles are super quick and easy to make and they will quickly become one of your little one's most favorite toys!

To assemble, you can either use materials you already have around the house or stop into your local Dollar Tree to make this a more budget friendly craft. The littles love to stare at the glitter and objects in the bottle as it is entertaining but calming at the same time (so make sure to pick up some glitter if you don't have any on hand).

Make an activity out of this by having your little one help you assemble their sensory bottle as it makes for quality bonding time which us parents sure do treasure. Your little one can work on their finger grasp by placing the objects one by one into the bottle. You can also introduce new Christmas vocabulary and color words to your babe while assembling the sensory bottle.  Don't forget about practicing sorting and counting.  These are just a couple of ways you can discretely make this a learning experience for them while having fun.

We do want to share a few secrets with you that we have learned along the way. DO NOT put the bells in water as they will rust. Aren't you glad we tried it first? Anything that has metal on it may rust, depending on the type so just use caution. If you're unsure, place the objects in a glass of water for a few days to make sure it will be OK for the bottle.

Feel free to add as much as you would like into the bottle or as little. For this bottle, we added water, however, we enjoy making them without water as they become more of a shaker bottle. The shaker bottles are perfect for babies six months and under as it's easier for them to handle since they're more lightweight.  We hope you have a very merry time making these sensory bottles with your little love! 

What You Need:

Water Bottle *We use Voss Water Bottles*

Food Coloring (optional)

Glitter

Confetti 

*We got the "Merry Christmas" and adorable Chrismas Pic Confetti at Hobby Lobby*

Metallic Pipe Cleaners

Straws

Jewels

Glitter Pom Poms

Patterned Duct Tape

Hot Glue Gun
Water (optional) 

Directions:

1. Cut up the straws and pipe cleaners into smaller pieces.

2. Have your little one put all the objects into the bottle. (Look at Tenley go!)

  

3. Dump LOTS of glitter into the bottle to add *Sparkle*

4. Fill with water. Add 2 drops of food coloring if you wish.

5. Add hot glue around the rim of the bottle and screw the cap on tightly. Check to make sure it is secure.

6. Wrap duct tape around the bottle top.

7. Shake it up and let your little one enjoy!

We recommend sealing the bottles with hot glue and then once more with duct tape. Adult supervision is always recommended just in case your little one happens to break it. We find that these bottles are quite durable and we have never had an issue. It's entirely up to you what you decide to put in the bottle. This bottle can easily be made with all items that are not a choking hazard. 

Be creative and don't forget to tag us on Instagram (@Loverly_Learning_Co) or Facebook (Loverly Learning & Co) with pictures of your creation(s)!

xo,

L+K