Summer holiday activities for little (and big) ones

As UK school summer holidays break has officially started, I have been wondering what wonderful and creative activities I can do to occupy the time of the little sprogs. Something other than 24/7 ‘TV babysitting’ as that is frowned upon, apparently.

So I thought I would combine my requirements with my enjoyment of browsing on crafty websites. So below is a review of ten things which I thought might be of interest to parents looking for inspiration for their kiddies.

Make Your Own Terrarium Kit : $12.00 By ShaneLilyRain from Etsy store
Everything you need to make your very own landscape scene. Would be great for the budding gardener (no mess, or at least very little mess) and a good way to introduce the little ones to responsibility and tending for plants, even if it is only moss.

DIY Fabric Mobile : $20.50 By dandifabric from Etsy store
No sewing involved so perfect for most ages. Looks really funky and can double up as gift after the little ones have finished the project. Everybody is a winner!

Nature Journal : £8.50 By Slugs and Snails from Folksy store
A charming journal, the idea being you send the little ones off into the wilderness (or garden) with a journal, and jam jar and they record what critters and bugs they find! A very cost effective idea and you don’t have to venture further than beyond the back door.

Sewing Box : $38.00 By Themercshop from Etsy shop
A comprehensive sewing kit, containing everything you could possibly need to get sewing. Also has items to start mini projects. All beautifully presented in a wooden cigar box and can be lined to suit a boy or girl. A wonderful idea and if I trusted my almost 4 year old not to stab herself repeatedly with a needle or scissors (really cute looking ones), I’d be ordering a kit. Other creative kits available from the store, including wooden eggs, starter home and nested dolls. Something for everyone.

Design-an-apron : £10.00 By blueberrypark from Folksy store
Everything you need to design and decorate an apron. Get the little ones designing their own apron and then get them baking! Anything cake related is good as far as I am concerned.

City Stuff Sky Scraper Kit – Vinyl LEttering Wall Decals Original Graphics : $50.00 By Modwall from Etsy store
If you are thinking of redecorating during the holidays, why not get the little ones involved. This set of decals can be applied to any clean, smooth and flat surface. Walls, glass, windows, cars, wood, mirrors and the best thing is they are all easily removable too, so mistake free. More patterns and designs from the store if buildings are not your thing.

PDF Printable- Kawaii Pink and Green Ice Cream Trucks : $2.50 By paperglitter from Etsy store
Make your own very cute ice-cream 3D vans from a template. You get two in a set and it’s as simple as, print, cut and glue together. Great for little ones who like role playing and getting messy with glue (who doesn’t like getting messy with glue?). There are more fun printouts available in the store.

Decorate it Yourself Cake : $22.00 By Mysticwill from Etsy store
A plain cake made from felt, a decent 8×4 inches. You can decorate it with felt accessories and design your own cake again and again. Accessories can be purchased from the same store. Perfect for any budding cake maker. Mess free and really cute. You also get a felt piping bag! Adorable.

Mini Bunting Kit : £5.00 By SewRecycled from Folksy store
A comprehensive kit that contains 8 flags cut from various Vintage, Recycled and New fabrics, a selection of embellishments (buttons, beads,flowers and sequins) , a 1 metre length of Bias Binding and some instructions on how to construct your very own Mini Bunting. An easy to achieve project that should occupy the little ones for a few hours!

‘Yummy Wool’ crochet taster kit: £4.99 By RachelHendersonCrafts from Folksy store
Carrying on from the cake theme, a beautifully presented crochet kit. You get 3 rolls of ‘yummy’ wool and needles and clear instructions and project idea. A perfect way of introducing the little ones to the art of crocheting.