Preparing Your Child For School: 4 Ways To Start The New Year On a Good Note

A new school year is exciting, but it’s a transition for both children and adults.

New teachers, new classmates and a new schedule can be daunting. You’ll want to make sure your child is putting their best foot forward in the new year. Here are a few ways children and adults can prepare for a new school year:

1. Communication is Key

Ask your children how they are feeling about the new year. What are they excited about? Staying positive is important, but be sure to ask about their concerns, too. That way, you can approach any potential problems head-on. Let them know that they’re not the only ones feeling a little nervous.

It may be helpful to arrange a playdate with other children who will be at the same school before the first day. That way, they’ll begin the year with a few familiar faces and know that they’ll make even more new friends as the year continues.

2. Lay Out Their Day

Let your kids know what’s on their plate each day. Make sure they are clear about what time they start school and when the day ends. It may even be helpful to visit the school in person and take a practice walk through their schedule before the first day.

Don’t begin and end their schedule with the school day. You can also create a checklist of things that need to be done both before and after school. They’ll feel more prepared when they know exactly what to expect.

3. Goodbyes Don’t Need to be Sad

A positive goodbye routine can make a world of difference at the beginning of each school day, leaving your child excited for the day to come instead of sad about leaving. Your routine might be a hug, high-five or secret handshake. Whichever you choose, keep it brief and be sure to let them know you’ll be back to pick them up. They’ll feel good about the day ahead and safe knowing they’ll see you again soon.

4. Look into After-School Activities

For many children, after-school activities can turn school from a place you go for the day into a community. It can be a way for both kids and adults to make new friends and become more involved in your neighborhood. Research even suggests that sports teams make kids better people!

How To Get Organized After The Holidays

The holidays are a joyous time. All of that prep work and celebrating during the holidays brings joy and warm feelings to families all over the country.

Once they’re over, however, you might feel a little differently about the holidays. Remembering the organization and budgeting it takes to get your family back on track can bring feelings of a very different kind.

Getting back on track isn’t impossible, however. Follow these top tips for how to get organized after the holidays.

1. Clean out Your Refrigerator

After the holiday fun, you may have a lot of leftovers in your fridge. Not only do leftovers take up extra space in your fridge, holiday leftovers take the place of healthier foods. Instead of letting them take up space or ingesting the extra calories, take the time to clean out your refrigerator.

2. Ditch the Sweets.

They’re everywhere during the holidays so this one will be difficult to do, especially for
the kids. Although they (and maybe even you) may protest ditching them, your teeth and
health will thank you later.

You don’t need to throw spare sweets away. You could bring them to the office to share with coworkers. Another option is to teach your kids about community giving by creating care packages for those in need. 

3. Get Back on Your Exercise Routine

You might not have had time to exercise during the holidays. The season keeps many of us busy helping with school events and planning and hosting your own holiday parties. Now that the holidays are over, start again by making small goals, then gradually increase your goal until you’re back to your pre-holiday workout routine. Get your family involved by visiting local rec centers or gyms to play family-oriented games together.

4. Get Plenty of Sleep

With most holidays, you may begin to lose sleep. You and your family have so much fun, you don’t follow your normal bedtime routine. Your kids may protest at first, but getting everyone on the same bedtime routine as soon as the holidays are over will benefit everyone, including yourself.


Now that you have these great tips to get organized, you and your family will feel like your pre-holiday-selves in now time.

When it comes time to fundraise for your school or prepare spring events, contact Gifts ‘N Things. We have everything to keep you organized, no matter the season.

Life Skills Your Kids Learn From Fundraising

You might perceive fundraising as a pesky part of your child's schooling. When the catalogs of products roll out, it can be hard to envision much more than the work it will take for your child to raise the money expected of them. But hosting a fundraiser is more beneficial to your kids than you think. Here are some life skills your kids learn from fundraising.

Customer Service

Assisting individuals as they pick out which items they would like to purchase is a task most everyone in their lives have done at some point. Great customer service requires knowledge of the products, patience, honesty, politeness, and the ability to follow through on promises. What better way for your child to learn how to deliver great customer service than fundraising? This is a stepping stone to what will likely be a skill needed in their first job.

Financial Responsibility

Oftentimes, fundraising is one of the first opportunities your child has to experience handling a significant amount of money. Besides this, the important aspect of financial goal setting is introduced. Be sure your child takes on as much financial responsibility as possible during the fundraising process. They will gain a lot of confidence when it comes to dealing with money and learn some hard earned lessons about achieving, or not achieving, financial goals.

Communication

Communication skills do not develop in a classroom alone. Fundraising will surely advance your child's communication skills. It is not easy to ask adults or strangers for contributions. It is not easy to have the courage to speak in uncomfortable situations. Fundraising offers these life lessons for your child if you simply let them to take charge. You will be impressed with how poised your child can be speaking to an adult if you allow them the practice.

The next time your child's school begins a fundraiser, approach it as a learning opportunity for your child. Remember the positive aspects it will bring as it forces your child to grow into a more sophisticated and capable person.

4 Essentials To Prepare When Flying With Your Kids

Getting on a plane for the first time for anyone can be frightening. Kids, especially, require some preparation. It is important to explain to them what the experience will be like, and think about how you are going to occupy them during the trip.

1. Airplane Books

Books are a great place to find worthwhile information. Since most kids love to have books read to them, go on a hunt for books with airplanes in them. This will not only get your kids familiar with airplanes but also help them to look at airplanes as a fun adventure to get from place to place. This is the perfect place to start when you know you have a flight with the kids coming up.

2. Kid-Friendly Snacks

The right snacks can get kids through almost anything! This being said, gather up your kids’ favorite snacks. It is smart to have multiple options so you can switch, depending on the length of your flight. Plus, having something to munch on may prevent your kids from having the “plugged ear” feeling.

    3. Games and Movies

Allowing your kids to watch a movie or play a game - depending on their age - will help your kids relax and maybe even catch some sleep while flying. Try finding a new movie to catch their attention or resort to a favorite to ensure they will be interested. This is great for distracting your kids if you find out flying isn’t their favorite pastime.  

    4.  Plan Carefully

The right planning can go a long way. Whenever possible, it is very helpful to consider your kids sleeping schedules when booking flights. If you strategically choose good flight times, your kids are sure to enjoy their flying experience a whole lot more.

Remember to educate you kids on how flying works through kids books and your own experiences. When you pack the right things, flying should go smoothly. These steps will ensure you are well prepared!

Hosting a Spring Break Party

Spring Break is just about here, and for many parents, that means keeping kids entertained while they are out of school. Some families go on vacation, others do special activities around their hometown, but have you ever thought about throwing a spring break party with your kids? Check out some tips below for a fun-filled day of spring break activities:

Fuel up!

Take this time to make special snack time treats for your kids. Many snack time staples like wings, cheese dips, and chips, are already kid-friendly. If you invite other tiny spring-breakers over to enjoy the party, limit time spent in the kitchen by setting out a simple taco or chili bar. Adults and kids alike will love loading delicious toppings onto a steaming bowl of chili or taco meat. Check out these links for ideas for your own chili bar or taco bar.

For more recipes that are sure to score big with both adults and kids:

Corn Dog Pops

Mini Taco Bowls

Ranch and Wing Dip

Hawaiian Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

Breadstick Snails

Don’t forget about these sweet treats:

Strawberry Creme Crepes

Spirit Fruit Cones

Chocolate Coconut Bars

Butterfinger Cookies

Play some Games

Have some small games and activities ready for the kids to enjoy. A face painting station can help kids get creative. Have some bright colors and simple design ideas (like flowers, baseballs, dog/cat faces, etc.) on hand. Kids can decorate their own t-shirts using markers. If you have a large group, break the ice with a fun spring-themed photo booth. Compile some flower petal hats, funny mustaches, sports gear, and other spring-themed props for a memorable time.

With weather permitting, play a game of flag football, dodgeball, or your kids’ favorite sport to liven up the party. Challenge the kids with guessing games, like memory games or the classic “how many jellybeans are in the jar” game. For older kids, make an elaborate scavenger hunt filled with different items and clues to keep them occupied all afternoon.

For more game and activity ideas and printables, check out:

Printable Bingo Cards

Coloring Sheets

Party Games

Springtime Décor

For a big event at home, you don’t have to buy elaborate decorations. With a visit to your local hardware shop and some time spent crafting with kids, you’ll have a wonderfully spirited and decorated house.

With construction paper and paint, kids can help create and decorate spring themed banners, placemats, nametags and more. They can also help decorate by taping up paper designs, hanging up streamers and paper chains, and decorating table tops with confetti. You can find green turf at most hardware shops, and decorate your buffet table like fresh spring grass. Use confetti to add flowers, ladybugs, butterflies, and more to have a festive, springtime table.

The last thing you want for your kids during their spring break is to see them planted on the couch with an electronic device attached to their hands. The added duties spring break brings can be stressful for parents, but with mounting activities, homework, and other school stress, your kids - as well as yourself - deserve a break. Give your kids a productive and fun break this year with a spring break themed party - it just might become a yearly tradition!

Donating: Not Just A Holiday Theme

The importance of donating is a much-needed lesson to teach your children. Many organizations do incredible work for their communities based off the giving of others and take little to no profit for themselves. There are many reasons to teach your children about the importance of giving, especially once the holidays are over. Here are a few to get you started:

Donations Are Always Needed

The holidays are the most popular times for donations, as shoppers see Red Cross volunteers ringing bells and are told that donations are tax deductible for the upcoming tax season. The truth is, after the holidays are over, many organizations are still in need of toys and other donations - perhaps even more so.

Declutter Your Child’s Space

To most children, the glamor of new toys begins to wear off after some time. Have your children think about older toys (perhaps from last year’s holiday gifts) that they no longer play with, gather them together, and have them pick out toys they are willing to donate. This helps declutter your child’s room and gives your family a jump start on spring cleaning

Teach Your Children the Value of Giving

Giving to those less fortunate should be a year-round theme, not just during the holidays. Teach your children about the importance of giving and appreciation of what they have by donating some of their unused toys. This lesson can be taught much easily shortly after they have just been given new toys to play with. Let them know that there are some children that are not so fortunate to receive new toys, clothes, and other things they may take for granted.

Understanding that they are fortunate to have what they have will give your child a greater appreciation for the people and things in their life. Help your kids build character and help their community at the same time by donating some of their toys to worthy causes. Perhaps you have a local favorite organization that is near to your heart - if not, check out some of the top-rated charities in America at charitywatch.org.  

Throwing a Halloween Spooktacular Party for Your Kids

Zombies, ghouls, witches, oh my! Everybody’s favorite and spookiest holiday is right around the corner, so what better way is there to celebrate than by throwing a Halloween spooktacular party for your kids? Get in the spirit early with these tips for a kid-friendly Halloween party. From decorations, games, food, and treats, we’ve got you covered. [Note: Costumes and a spooky fun playlist are an absolute must.]

Devious Decorations

From streamers and balloons to spider webbing and pumpkins galore, where do you get started with colorful and fun Halloween décor for kids? A simple way to start is to set out tall vases and bowls full of orange and black candy around your house. This will serve double as decorations and treats, and if you have kids guess how many candies are in each vase or bowl, it can serve as a game, too!

For more devious decorations:

DIY Bat Garland
Spooky Eye Wreath
Monster Doors
Monster Tissue Pom Poms
11 Easy and Awesome Halloween Decorations

Ghostly Games

For starters, have a Mummy Relay Race in your backyard. Divide kids into teams of three, and have them choose one teammate to be the mummy. Have all the mummies stand on one side of the yard. The remaining members of each team will start on the opposite side of the yard, and on a count of three, they will run to and wrap the mummy in toilet paper as fast as possible. Whichever team makes it back across the line with their mummy wins!

For more ghostly games:
Pin the Spider on the Web
Tin Can Bowling
Halloween Bingo
Trick or Treat: Poke-a-Pumpkin
Apple Bobbing

Spine-Tingling Snacks

Have some spooky snacks and drinks on hand between games and activities, like these mummy juice boxes: Grab a juice box and wrap it in white tape. Add some googly eyes, and there you have a wrapped mummy surprise juice box.

For more spine-tingling snacks:
Witches’ Broom
Magic Potion Punch
Jack ‘O Lantern Burgers
Ghostly Pizza
Mummy Dogs

Terrifying Treats

For more than store-bought sweets and decorated cupcakes, cookies, and cakes, set out a DIY decorating sweets bar. Set out frosting bags and a variety of little candies for your spooky little guests to decorate pre-baked cupcakes for DIY fun. Get creative and use black-dipped sugar cones for witches’ hats or Milano cookies cut in half for sweet tombstones.

For more terrifying treats:
Frozen Ghost Pops
Frankenstein Marshmallow Pops
Pumpkin Krispies
Gooey Monster Cookies
26 Healthy Halloween Snacks

Prickly Party Favors

Send some favors home with each guest along with any leftover treats and candies. (It’s only once a year, right?) One simple and healthy party favor? Grab mandarin orange fruit cups, and draw a pumpkin face on the plastic lid. These are simple, healthy, and yummy.

For more prickly party favors:

5 Candy Boxes
Fizzy Orange Water
Healthy Halloween Treats
Popcorn in a Jar
Glitter Slime Pumpkins
Halloween Smencils

Planning Your Next Fundraiser

Summer vacation is nearing its end, and parents everywhere are thankful for the lack of homework, soccer practices, and extracurricular obligations that come with the school year. One thing you can start to think about is planning the upcoming school year’s fundraiser. Waiting until the last minute while school is in session can mean your child’s fundraiser is messily put together and not as successful as it can be. There are a few things in mind to think about when you begin to plan your next fundraiser:

Choices, Choices…

There are a ton of different options to chose from when it comes to picking a fundraiser. From online shops, to frozen foods, brochures, holiday gifts, direct sales, school spirit items or a color-a-thon blast, making a decision on WHICH fundraiser to choose can be the most difficult. Keep in mind the most important factor- your child. How old is your child? a ten year old may shy away from a brochure fundraiser, or a teenager might scoff at the idea of going door-to-door with holiday gifts. Play to your child’s skill sets.

Timing is Everything

Think about what time of year you are going to conduct your fundraiser; is the event you are raising money for in the spring or fall? Do you plan on conducting an outdoor event or going door-to-door around the neighborhood? In that case, a January event may not be the best choice. Holiday gifts are going to sell much better at the end of November than in the beginning of April. Keep in mind some of the fundraising trends and changes in 2015.

Skill Development Preparation

Your child may be motivated by prizes, but conducting a fundraiser develops many skills you child can use later in life, like interpersonal skills, leadership, communication skills, and learning how to market yourself. Talk about these skills with your child ahead of time. Give them some ideas about approaching people and presenting themselves. Preparation on this front is key to develop those oh-so-important soft skills of fundraising.

Plan the upcoming school year’s fundraiser ahead of time and see the difference it can make. Better yet- conduct an event in the summer! With Gifts ‘N Things, the options for fundraising are nearly endless; the hard part is picking the right one for you. Follow a few of these tips and your next fundraiser is sure to go off without a hitch.

How to Keep Your Kids Entertained and Happy on Road Trips

Summertime is the perfect time for a family vacation. You can show your kids natural wonders or enlighten them with cultural and historic points of interest. However, whether you are traveling to the Grand Canyon, Disneyland, Yellowstone, or your family cabin up north, your memories can depend on how fun or how big of a headache the journey was. Below are some tips to keep your kids entertained and happy on road trips.

Help Them Visualize
Provide your kids with a map of your trip, pit stops included. It will help dampen the incessant “Are we there yet?” questions if your child can visualize where they are and where they are headed. Plus, being able to read a map is a useful life tip that they can learn. In addition to providing a map, give your child a briefing of the itinerary, such as how long the trip will be and how much time there will be between stops.

Set Expectations and Reward Good Behavior
Kids are never too young to learn a lesson. In addition to practicing patience, setting expectations on how to behave on a long trip can help your child practice good behavior especially if they are awarded. No complaining from “point A” to “point B” can be rewarded with an ice cream cone or control over the radio. Being helpful with siblings could be rewarded with getting first pick on which sight to see or pool time at the hotel. Remember that a little incentive never hurts.

Eat Well, Take Rests
For everyone’s sanity, make sure to make somewhat frequent pit stops. While trying to reach a destination as quickly as possible may be tempting, getting out of a stale car to stretch your legs will go a long way in maintaining a positive outlook for you and your kids. Think about eating healthy and non-messy foods—not just McDonald’s or gas station goods—to stay refreshed. Pack your own small snacks, maybe even meals, to satisfy your appetite and prevent overtiredness and crankiness. Nuts and dried fruit are portable snacks that provided a great pack of nutrients and energy. Also, remember the importance of water and staying hydrated. Stick with healthy habits on your trip because healthy kids are happy kids.

Be Prepared
Parents probably can’t stress this enough: be prepared for every situation. Prepare yourself for bored kids, tired kids, temper-tantrum-throwing kids, and sick kids. Have enough healthy snacks and a variety of medicine and vitamins in case you find a drugstore unavailable. Have each child bring a favorite toy, book, or blanket for some comfort away from home. This will go a long in helping everyone have the best time they possible can.

No, Really. Be Prepared
Pack activity kits for each child. App games and DVD players can be nice to distract your kids, but have a small variety of toys, paper activities, crafts, books, and games so your child can flex their creative minds. You can give them a new activity after every stop so they have something new to look forward to as well.

Simple tips and habits will help you and your kids have an excellent time on your family travels and will help to ensure exciting and hopefully, fantastic memories.

Fundraisers Help your School and your Child!

Fundraising is a great way for any school or organization to raise money. Fundraising can help with a wide range of goals; whether you are looking to add a new playground, buy new books, or raise funds to go on a field trip. All of the benefits can often be overlooked. Here is a list of ways fundraising can help your school and child!

1. Improved Facilities

One of the most important reasons to fundraise is to improve your school’s building and equipment. Successful fundraising builds entire jungle gyms or playgrounds for schools! Schools can always use improvement and fundraising is an effective way to provide them with funds to make their goals a reality. Improving facilities doesn't just benefit the school, but the hundreds of students that use the equipment.  In turn, this helps create a great learning environment for everyone!

2. Increased Funds

Fundraising isn’t just for schools! Fundraising can benefit clubs, churches, sports clubs, and so much more. Does your team need new uniforms? Fundraising can help. Is your church going on a retreat and need some money? Fundraising can help. Is your band wanting to perform in a big parade? Okay you get the point, fundraising can benefit anyone who needs extra money and is willing to promote growth.

3. Parent Involvement

Parents are always looking for ways to get involved in their children’s lives and fundraising is a great way to get involved! Children want to win the cool prizes that are usually the incentives for the top seller and need their parents’ help. It can be a fun way to strategize and work as a family for a good cause.

4. Selling Skills

Fundraising helps children gain valuable skills.  Going door to door and talking to new people isn’t always easy, but experience with fundraising promotes self- esteem and is an excellent confidence booster.  It gives them skills that they will be able to use in the future and will teach them the importance of persistence.

5. Creates a Community

The sense of community that fundraising gives may be its best benefit. It is rewarding to see entire schools come together for a common cause and showcase their school spirit. It also creates team mentality and shows that with hard work, anything can happen. There is no better feeling than when a school reaches its goal and creates a better environment for an entire community!

As you can see, there are many benefits of fundraising! At Gifts N’ Things, we provide many options that satisfy your school or organization’s needs. We want to help your school reach its goal. We’d love to hear how fundraising has impacted your school!