If you are a regular reader of the blog, then you will know that we love crafts! It is so fun to create something new; the kids have a blast with it too. If you are here for the first time then now you know that we love crafts. As a result, I thought it might be fun to share with you some of the ways I save when I buy my craft supplies. As well as where the best places to look for craft supplies. If you have got dreams of creating a Pinterest perfect home or craft, then you need the right supplies. So here I will share some of my wisdom. I hope that you find it useful.

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Where to Shop?

There are a ton of places that sell craft supplies. If you are kind of new to it all, you might not know about these outlets just yet, though. You shouldn’t have to look too hard. First off, you will want to decide if you want to shop online or in an actual store? Sometimes shopping online can be tricky, as you can’t see the true colors of things. Sometimes the sizes of things might be incorrect, or the fabric not as you imagine it. I don’t want to put you off buying craft supplies online. It is just something to bear in mind when deciding.

If you choose to shop online, then there are so many places to look. You could start off with eBay for starters. You can things in bulk when you buy on there. So it is perfect if you are doing crafts for a school project or even making decorations for a wedding. You can find some little trinkets and things like ribbon on stores like Etsy too. If you are after personalized items, like labels or ribbons, then that is a good place to look. Save-on-Crafts is a great online store if you are looking to save some money on your supplies too.

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If you are looking to go into an actual store, then there are plenty of options for you too. It does depend on where you live, as to how many options you have. Michaels and JoAnns are the most common names that you will know for crafting. If you are looking for more places, though, you could try small and independent wool and supplies stores. They are quite often just one of a kind and are more likely to be found in city center locations. So do a little research as to what is around where you live.

How Do You Save Money?

Crafting can be expensive if you’re not savvy about it. One of the things that I always like to do, though, is looking for coupons. You know if you find Michaels Coupons that you are onto a good thing! Then you can get some money off the things that you want to buy.
I also find that buying in bulk is best in the long term. If you run out of all your supplies, all at the same time, then it is going to be costly. So buy as much as you can, when you can. Things like hot glue gun sticks are great to stock up on, as well as fabric and cardstock.

What was your favorite activity as a kid? If your answer includes something that you can do outdoors … then you’re not the only one! Both children and adults alike love being outdoors, getting fresh air, and soaking up the sunlight. For this reason, we’ve listed five activities below so your kids will be sure to have a blast outside.

1.) PLAYING CATCH – That’s right, it doesn’t matter what sport is involved. There is something universal about having a catch. One of the most fun ways kids can enjoy throwing a ball around is to pick up the legendary Velcro pads and ball set called Pitch-N-Catch Velcro Game (though it might also go by other product names). What’s great about them is they float in water, so you can have fun with family and friends in the pool or at the beach. It’s also a safer alternative to baseballs and softballs.

2.) RIDING BIKES – One of the most popular activities for kids, of course, is to go bike riding with friends around the neighborhood. Many of us might be reminded of the first training wheel experience, and the excitement behind riding without them. Well, that’s when you’re usually late for dinner! As for the right bicycle, sometimes it’s better to go with city bikes instead of mountain bikes, since they have more suitable tires for a paved environment. Brooklyn Bicycle Company has some excellent models to choose from if you live in a more urban area and can ship to a local dealer near you.

5.) SWIMMING – It’s often funny how most children are drawn like magnets to water. It doesn’t matter if it’s the pool, lake, or the beach, the earlier you have kids enjoying the water and taking swim lessons the better. A great resource is EnjoySwimming, which shows the traditional swim methods like the butterfly, backstroke and breast stroke. Even though your kids might be too busy with sand castles, at least you’ll be able to introduce swim safety lessons over time.

4.) ROLLERBLADING – This fun sport is also called ‘inline skating’ and was a popular version of roller-skating back in the 1970s. Instead of 4 wheels set in a rectangular pattern, the 4 wheels are in line with each other from front to back of skate. In addition to be great activity for kids, LiveStrong reports that it can also build up muscle endurance, stamina, and burn calories faster than running or jogging can.

5.) HIDE AND GO SEEK – Yes, that famous evening and night-time activity kids will always love! Finding that best tree or rock to hide behind, the game involves 1 seeker who counts down from a number, and when the countdown reaches zero, time’s up! The seeker has to go find the hiders. The evidence of how fun this game is can clearly be found at BoredPanda, where they go through a series of funny bloopers where kids think they’re hiding … in plain view.

So there it is folks, just a few ways kids can have great outdoor fun without costing an arm, a leg, an iPad, or an iPhone.

Pic via Flickr

A garden is a perfect place for kids to have fun, get healthy and learn new things. Yet many parents find it difficult to get their kids to spend any time in their outdoor space. This is often because kids see spending time indoors as a more appealing option. As parents, it’s our responsibility to change this opinion and make our gardens seem more enjoyable. So if your garden is not currently accommodating to your kids, now is the time to do something about it. Here are some useful suggestions you can use to get your kids regularly using your garden with ease.

Buy outdoor playsets

Your kids will find it hard to resist spending time outside when they have a new playset to play with. These can provide hours of fun while also boosting their imagination and playtime. Swings and slides are popular playset options as they can be used by children of all ages. But if you don’t have enough room for a playset, why not consider a playhouse or trampoline for kids instead. Think carefully about your available space and which playset your children would enjoy the most. Always have your outdoor playset set up by a professional for optimal safety before your kids play with it.

Build a treehouse

Building a treehouse in your garden is an excellent way of encouraging your kids outside. Not only can they play with it once it’s constructed, but they can also get involved in building and painting it. This project will teach your kids new skills while also allowing your family to bond in the fresh air. Start looking online to see what treehouses other people have made and start assessing the trees in your garden. They need to be strong and secure enough to support a structure and keep your children safe. Your kids will love the process and having somewhere to call their own. You may even find it difficult to get them inside once it’s built. Seek assistance from experts at your local hardware store to help you get your treehouse started.

Start a vegetable garden

Another outdoor activity your kids will love is starting their own vegetable garden. Choose a small area in your garden where your children can get planting their seeds. This is ideal for kids who love to get messy and can teach them more about where their food comes from. Once planted, put them in charge of looking after their patch. They can water it, remove weeds and log how much their vegetables have grown each day. If your kids aren’t interested in vegetables, consider giving them flowers or fruit bushes to care for instead. Being responsible for their own patch will make them more eager to get outside more often.

As you can see, getting your kids to spend more time in your garden doesn’t have to be difficult. You just need to show your kids that your garden is an attractive and appealing space to spend time in. So make the most of the summer sunshine and utilize your outdoor space more.

Planning a break to the UK anytime soon? Whilst London certainly has plenty of attractions, other parts of the British Isles also have lots to offer. Plus, you can avoid the hustle and overpopulation of larger UK cities by venturing out to some of its lesser-known gems. Get nostalgic and revisit days of old by taking a trip to a traditional seaside town such as Blackpool.

Situated on the West Coast of England, and bordered by the Irish Sea, Blackpool is one of England’s oldest seaside resorts. Up until the 18th century, the town was nothing more than a sleepy coastal hamlet. However, at the turn of the century it started to become fashionable for British people to have their holidays at the coast. British seaside culture started to emerge and the Blackpool as we know it today began to emerge. With plenty of things to do in Blackpool this year, take a look at our top picks suitable for all the family.

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Go for a walk in Stanley Park

With 390 acres to its name, Stanley Park offers some stunning horticulture and plenty of activities available too. Take a stroll through the Italian gardens and take in the various statues and water fountains. There is even a lake on which you can hire various kinds of boat. Or, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, rent out a couple of inflatable giant hamster balls for you to float around in! If all that walking and adventuring tires you out, stop off for some lunch at the Art Deco Cafe, which offers spectacular views across the park. Another great outdoorsy attraction is the Marton Mere Nature Reserve, where you can try and spot different kinds of wildlife.

Sandcastle Waterpark

Been hit with some unfortunate British weather during your stay in Blackpool? Shelter from the rain whilst still enjoying some seaside fun at Sandcastle Waterpark. It is the biggest indoor waterpark in the whole of the UK, offering 18 amazing slides and an 84 degree tropical atmosphere. There’s also some more relaxed options such as the free flowing action river for those who don’t fancy too many thrills and spills!

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Sea Life Blackpool

Get closer than ever to life beneath the waves at Sea Life Blackpool. Walk through over 50 incredible displays featuring a whole array of exotic creatures. One of the residents, Nobby the giant lobster, is believed to be over 100 years old! If you want to get even closer to nature, opt for a Snorkelling With Sharks experience package. Trained divers will take you into the beautiful ocean tank where you will be able to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures. Of course, if staying on dry land is more your thing, spectators tickets are also available!

Blackpool Beach

Make the most of the sun shining and pay a visit to Blackpool’s famous beach. The town’s tourist trade was built around its beach, so this is not something to be missed. Live the traditional British life for a day and paddle in the sea before relaxing in a deckchair with an ice cream. Blackpool also features three traditional piers which host a number of attractions such as amusement arcades. If you’re going in summer season, try to catch the Blackpool Donkeys too!

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Madame Tussauds/Ripley’s Believe It Or Not

Who said you had to go all the way to London to see some of these iconic British landmarks? Blackpool offers it’s very own Madame Tussauds museum, so you can get closer than ever to a whole host of famous faces. You can catch everyone from Shirley Bassey to Shrek there in all their waxwork glory. Another London staple, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, also made it to Blackpool. Situated on the world renowned Blackpool Pleasure Beach, the museum offers a range of weird and wonderful oddities to entertain the whole family.

Blackpool Zoo

The 32 acre Blackpool Zoo is also a must-visit on your trip. Situated in 32 acres of stunning parkland, the zoo plays host to a whole range of animals from across the world; including lions, penguins, giraffes and elephants. All the enclosures closely mimic the animal’s natural habitat. There’s a number of cafes on site and also a great gift shop so your kids can take a cuddly friend home with them after their visit.

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The Blackpool Tower Dungeon

Fancy testing your nerve? If horror and comedy is your thing, the Blackpool Dungeon is not one to be missed. Situated underground deep below the famous Blackpool Tower, delve into the region’s murky past as your guide shocks you will gruesome tales and scary stories.

Do you know someone who lives and breathes sports? Who swings the bat in his dreams? Who yells and throws stuff at the TV during football season? Who has a panic attack when the sports page was inadvertently left out of his Sunday paper? Yep, we know that guy, too. And if you’re buying a gift for him for his birthday or the holidays, you might be stumped on how to get him front row seats at the next Knicks game. Don’t stress. We know the perfect gifts for the sports lover in your life. Read on to find out.

Sporty Duds

You don’t have to write a fashion blog to understand what the sports lover in your life likes. All you have to do is simply listen to him talk. He’s probably mentioned that he loves the official “unis” that the Indiana Hoosiers basketball team wear. Or that Kris Bryant is his favorite Chicago Cubs player. He’s probably talked excessively about one sports team all his life. Simply getting him a jersey, a cool tee, and/or a hat from said team or athlete would make him think, “Gee, she really does listen to me. Huh.” Of course, you’ll want to buy it at a quality store and not as a last-minute pickup at your local Walgreens. Grown men wearing cheap looking sports attire is not good. Not good at all. And if you really love him, you could even buy yourself a tee that supports his favorite team. But, please, whatever you do—don’t buy the exact same one, as matching couples outfits are the worst.

If he’s a sock guy, he’ll love these comfortable basketball socks from Stance. Just because you’re getting your sweat on doesn’t mean you have carte blanche to look like a slouch.

Tickets Are So Money (And Everyone Knows It)

And we mean that in the literal sense, too, as tickets to sporting events can be very pricey. If you plan enough in advance, however, you can do some research on what ticket outlets to use to get the best price for whatever sporting event you think he’d enjoy. Give a shoutout to friends on Facebook and see if anyone has any connections. And, of course, there’s always StubHub. Plus, it’s not out of the question to consider the so-called “nosebleed seats” or the bleacher sections. Chances are he’ll just be glad to be there, cheering on his fave team. He’ll also likely be quite moved that you’ve decided to join him in supporting the good guys.

Movie Tickets

Of course, this is best when there is a movie playing about sports but, these days, that’s more common than not. From Moneyball and Concussion and the documentary about Steve Bartman and Jerry Maguire, it seems that there’s always something to watch that is sports-related. Don’t forget the extra buttery popcorn!

Man Crates

We know, we know, this sounds a bit Caveman-esque but man crates are pretty darn cool. Each crate is personalized to your guy’s tastes. With a Pizza Grilling Crate, an Exotic Meats Crate, a Whiskey Appreciation Crate, and much more, there aren’t many men that won’t be pleased when receiving these. Your sports fan will undoubtedly love the Legends of Baseball Man Crate. Filled with four MLB Cooperstown pint glasses, four coasters/bottle openers “immortalizing” the best players from each team, ballpark peanuts, BEER NUTS, pistachios, and BIGS Sunflower Seeds, he might have to sit down lest he break down in tears at the beauty of it all.

Quick ‘n’ Quirky

This list from Uncommon Goods has a ton of sports-themed gifts that are nothing if not completely unique. From the Portable Table Tennis Set and the Hockey Stick BBQ Set to the Desktop Golf and Snow Ski Wine Rack, this stuff will blow your sports fan’s mind.  We especially love the Golf Club Rocking Chairs!

Have a super fan in your house? Follow this guide to hit a homerun when buying gifts for the sports lover in your life.

1. Getting the kids to get off their butts isn’t always easy. Some of them love to run around at any opportunity, but sometimes all they want to do is play video games. If you’re struggling to remove them from in front of the TV, a day out might be just the thing you need. You can take them for a treat and get them to do something active, without it feeling like you’re forcing exercise on them. You don’t want to turn exercise into a duty for your kids, or they might struggle to connect with it when they’re older. So instead of pushing them into a walk or bike ride, try one of these fun and active days out.

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Rope Courses and Ziplines

If you’re not one for heights, this option may not be for you. You can always watch from the ground, but it’s more fun if you join in with your kids. On the other hand, it’s a great way to get over your fears while helping your kids to conquer theirs. You can show them that it’s alright to be scared but that you can also push past your fear to have fun. Rope courses and ziplines can be great fun for all the family, and you’ll get a great workout by climbing about. Of course, sailing down a zipline is a little less active, but getting to the top often takes some work.

Laser Tag

Kids love to chase each other about anyway, but throw some pretend combat into the mix, and it’s even more fun. Laser tag is great for some friendly rivalry or maybe to help form camaraderie among your kids. Maybe you could team up as kids against parents to encourage some sibling bonding. You can spend a good few hours doing this activity, and it’s excellent for kids birthday parties too. Everyone is sure to be tired out by the time you’re finished. Paintballing is another, similar activity, which can also be great fun.

Trampolining

Jumping on a trampoline is an incredible way to be active. You might not realize it, but it’s great cardio exercise. In fact, ten minutes on a trampoline is worth as much as a 30-minute run. There is a growing number of places to go to where the kids can jump about on giant trampolines. You can usually book a session for a few hours. If you don’t have one of these places close to you, there’s always the option of a trampoline in your own backyard.

Walks and Bike Rides with a Purpose

For adults, the experience of walking or cycling and some beautiful scenery is often enough to keep them entertained. But kids sometimes don’t see any point in walking or cycling just for the fun of it. They want their journey to have a purpose, so why not give them one? You can spice up a trip by creating some activities or finding a trail where there are already things to do. You could have a scavenger hunt, look for mythical creatures, or make up a story along the way.

There are lots of fun ways to get out and about with the kids without boring them. Choose an activity you can do together to make keeping fit exciting.

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There are two things that all parents of boys know to be very true.

Number one: boys aren’t easy!

Number two: the teenage years aren’t easy!

So what does this mean? That when your sweet little boy suddenly turns into your teenage son, it can be difficult for everyone!

The first thing to remember is that you are not alone. Many parents have been on the receiving end of an angel turning into the devil seemingly overnight. Whatsmore, there are things you can actively do to make this period of your lives a whole lot easy.

One of the most important things you’re going to have to start doing for your teenage boy is being less overbearing. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you have to let go of the reins completely, and let them do whatever they want! But what it does mean is that you can do a number of far more subtle things, that while small, can make a big difference.

Naturally, their health is going to remain of great importance to you. How you keep it in check needs to be savvy. So, are you worried that their hearing isn’t great? If you book a Doctor’s appointment, don’t have it at a time when he will have to miss something. He’ll only resent it (and maybe you!) if you make him miss his weekly football match with friends for example. If you’re worried he’s spending too much time gaming, invest in some gaming glasses to protect his eyesight. You can pick some up from places like PC Gaming Corners.

Another huge health-related battle you may come across is what he eats. If you want him to eat a healthier diet, you need to be wise. You may not have total control of what he eats when at school or with friends. However, you perhaps can control what he eats at home. Set a good example by following an equally healthy diet. But don’t skip the taste!

If you crave a healthy and safe lifestyle for him, he surely craves a little privacy for himself! Teenagers go through a lot, after all; physically, mentally and emotionally. So, how can you give him that privacy and still feel like you can look after him? By giving him his own space in the home. If he asks you to knock before entering his room, knock. Show that you have that respect for him. If there isn’t room for him to do his own thing in the home, can you create that room? Maybe you could renovate the shed for him, or clear out the attic or basement? You might fear that this private space might encourage him to misbehave. But surely it is better he experiments inside your home or in the garden, rather than elsewhere?

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Our parenting skills have to be taken to another level now that we live in an age where bullies can verbally abuse our kids in the safety of their own bedroom. We want to raise kids who know how to speak up for themselves and for others. Kids who don’t simply ignore cyberbullying when they see it and kids who know how to take action in the right way.

There is a way of raising kids who are Digital Avengers and the following seven tips will help you to do this.

Teach them not to be passive: Your kids have to learn that ignoring cyberbullying is another way of encouraging a bully and making the victim feel worse. 90% of teens have admitted to ignoring cyberbullying when they see it. Don’t let your kids be passive towards this social issue.

Teach them to shut down the bully: Your kids should know that they can help in the fight against cyberbullying and reporting posts to the social site in question or to an adult is one way of shutting down the bully.

Teach them not to participate: They may not be the ones bullying the victim directly but by sharing, liking or commenting on the post, your kids are still participating in cyberbullying and encouraging the bully to do more.

Teach them to speak up: Cyberbullying is not something that can be fought by one person alone. Teach your kids to turn to adults they trust and to tell them if they are being cyberbullied or if they know of someone who is.

Teach them to gather evidence: Cyberbullies can be caught or at least shut down faster if there is evidence. Teach your kids to save media likes images, emails and texts that adults can use to stop the bully.

Teach them about privacy: No matter how much they trust a person, your kids have to learn that certain data like passwords or inappropriate content of themselves should never be shared with others online as they can be used against them.

Teach them how to console the victims: From text messages to a note on social media, your kids’ kind words to a victim of cyberbullying can be the encouragement the victim needs to feel hopeful and less lonely. Teach your kids the power of words and encourage them to reach out to victims privately whenever it is possible.

Teach them to shut down the bully: Your kids should know that they can help in the fight against cyberbullying and reporting posts to the social site in question or to an adult is one way of shutting down the bully.

Teach them not to participate: They may not be the ones bullying the victim directly but by sharing, liking or commenting on the post, your kids are still participating in cyberbullying and encouraging the bully to do more.

Teach them to speak up: Cyberbullying is not something that can be fought by one person alone. Teach your kids to turn to adults they trust and to tell them if they are being cyberbullied or if they know of someone who is.

Teach them to gather evidence: Cyberbullies can be caught or at least shut down faster if there is evidence. Teach your kids to save media likes images, emails and texts that adults can use to stop the bully.

Also, be sure to check out a great infographic on cyberbullying HERE!!!!!

Going to the flea market can be a fun and family-friendly way to spend a morning or afternoon. It’s also a great way to pick up some really killer steals on premium, hand-crafted items, such as furniture, lighting, rugs and more. One of the things that most people forget, or don’t realize, about flea markets is that prices don’t really exist. A flea market is an old world, bazaar-style marketplace that is a throwback to the days of the barter system.

You can get some really super deals on great products, as long as you know how to haggle. Haggling is essentially a negotiation, between merchant and buyer, over a price that that lets both parties can walk away from the transaction satisfied.

Here are a couple of bargaining tactics that you can keep up your sleeves to ensure that you get the best deal possible on all items you get from a flea market!

Indoor vs Outdoor

While you are likely to find great deals on many items, there is a difference that exists between outdoor and indoor flea markets. Namely they are dependent on your particular region, climate and what season it happens to be – for example, if you live in the Midwest and want to go thrifting during the winter, you are going to have to find an indoor flea market. Whereas in balmier areas, you would need to find one that is outdoors. There are a variety of directories you can use to find indoor flea markets in your area if you don’t know where to start.

Put Your Poker Face On

Even if you spot the item that is exactly what you were hoping to find – do not act overjoyed. This signifies to the merchant that you really want this item and may cause them to hold firm on a set price. Pick up the item, note the price, then continue looking at the other items. After a little bit of feigned perusal, come back to the item and quietly express your interest.

Know Your Price Ceiling

Before beginning the bargaining process with the vendor, know how much you are willing to spend on the item and stick to it. Being firm in your price ceiling will make you appear confident to the vendor about how much you are willing to pay. The vendor will most definitely have a number in their head about how low they are willing to go on an item. Haggling is all about finding that sweet spot between your price ceiling and the vendor’s lowest sale cost.

Go Low, But Not Too Low

Your starting offer should be around half of what you are actually willing to pay for it – then the merchant will give you his price, which will be lower than the original ticket price. Be prepared to go back and forth with the merchant a few times, you will eventually find the sweet spot.

However, do not insult the merchant by going too low right out of the gate. Also, when you begin engaging the merchant in haggling, they assume that you are eventually going to make a purchase. If you are not positive about wanting to make the purchase, do not engage the merchant.

Hesitate

Many flea markets will be the home of some premium used or hand-crafted items, but If you see any flaws – don’t be afraid to point them out and hesitate about the price. Use damages to your advantage! If you’re stuck in a standstill with the vendor, be sure to point out the chip in the woodwork.

If the vendor’s final offer is still too high, hesitate and look worried. Then say that you’re going to look around and think about it – this will likely cue another round of bargaining by the vendor. Remember, they don’t make money by not selling anything.

But, the most important rule of all is to have fun! Don’t feel too defeated if you don’t get the item at exactly the price you were hoping for – it’s all part of the game!

It can be hard to believe that we are shortly going to be coming up to fall! It is the time of the year that the kids are all going back to school, so your mind does naturally turn towards the next season. A favorite holiday in fall when you have kids, has got to be Halloween. We’ll start to see costumes and Halloween candy on sale in stores soon. So it can never be too early to be prepared for it all. It can be much cheaper and easier to make your own costume. So if you like to do that, here are a few ideas.

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Super Heroes

It can be so easy to throw together a superhero costume for kids. The branded ones can be so expensive to buy in stores. So you just need to choose a color or theme and get a few bits that will match it. You could make a no-sew cape quite easily. Then you just need to get a mask or use some face paints. It is a fun costume to get the kids involved with making too.

Vampires and Witches

Dressing up as a vampire is a pretty safe option. Quite often you will have a lot of the clothing already in at home. The base of the costume is black pants, skirt or dress, with a white shirt for a vampire. Then you could just put together a cape and a witches hat. Just make sure that you get some of the best Halloween makeup, to complete the look. A bright white face and red blood for a vampire, and perhaps a green face for a witch?

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Animals

Animals costumes are fun and easy to put together too. You don’t have to be dressed as something scary on Halloween. Animals are cute, and you could dress from anything from a ladybug to a mouse. Butterflies and other bugs are quite fun to design a costume for. You can make the wings and legs that attach to the arms. Then if your arms are up in the air, you can see the costume in all glory. Animal ears are easy to attach to something like a headband. You can draw on whiskers on your face or things like panda eyes if you need to. A unicorn could be a fun animal to dress as too. Instead of attaching ears to a headband, you could put together a horn, using some cardstock. You could even take a little twist on the animal theme and choose a nursery rhyme animal. How about three of you being the three blind mice? You can be dressed as mice but just have dark sunglasses on too.

Puns

If you or the kids are going to a Halloween party, they will make an entrance if their costume is a funny one. If they dress as a pun or a funny phrase, it will make everyone laugh. The costumes are pretty easy to put together too. For example, ‘identify theft’ could be someone dressed in regular clothes, full of other people’s name stickers all over them.