Holiday Inspirations

It has been a long time since I’ve done a post on this blog, but this whatdowedoallday.com column recently crossed my desk and since it features some of my favorite books & STEM toys, I thought I’d share it in case anyone is looking for last-minute gift-giving inspiration.

TOP 10 STEM GIFTS WITH BOOKS TO MATCH

from the column: “STEM learning is a big deal in our home. For several years I created a book and toy combination gift guide and this year I am focusing on STEM gifts. That’s Science-Technology-Engineering-Math.  The good news is that all of these ideas can be considered good options for STEAM learning, too. (A is for Art and design.)”  Read it here: Home / Gift Guides / Top 10 STEM Gifts with Books to Match

More last minute gift ideas:

• Best games to give as gifts
• Creative gift ideas for tweens
• Train themed gifts: toys, games and books

And ways to spend time with your family over the holidays:

• Free planner with screen-free winter break activity ideas.
• Paper snowflake wreath: easy winter craft for kids
• Easy "woven" Swedish heart ornaments. All the cuteness of the originals, none of the fussiness! Be sure to check out this list of Swedish winter holiday books.
• Make a tomten garland (after reading the titles on my list of tomten books, of course!)
• Try one of the easiest holiday crafts ever.
• Check out the non-board family board games here.

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Looking to usher in 2019 with your family? – Morristown First Night is a fun way to do it!

 

27th First Night^® Morris County

December 31, 2018 marks the 27^th year of New Jersey’s biggest and brightest First Night, a New Year’s Eve family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration of the arts—with more than 100 artists, 81 events in 23 venues—representing dance, theatre, music, world cultures, visual arts and children’s programs.

Every venue is indoors and a free shuttle will take you to nearly all locations.

Children’s/ Family Programs: Who could resist Dinoman Dinosaurs! with Bob Lisaius’ life size, inflatable dinosaurs? Rizzo’s Reptile Discovery shares livereptiles (and other animals)—under the watchful eye of a seasoned animal handler. Catch the clowns, face painting and glitter tattoos at The Children’s Fun Festival or visit Transformations Facepainting where each face becomes a living work of art.  Perennial favorite and skilled circus performer, Mr. Fish explores The Mystery & History of Magic, making things float in the air, appear/disappear and replicating signature feats of legendary magicians. Another favorite, Storyteller Julie Pasqual, brings her uniquely playful, physical theater skills, sharing stories from around the world. (Above: L-R: The clowns Glitter and Juggles at Children’s Fun Festival; Transformations Facepainting; Art 4 Kids; Dinoman Dinosaurs!; Mr. Fish with the History & Mystery of Magic!)

The early session for younger children (4:45-6:45pm) includes hula hooping with Whirled Revolution, art making activities with artist Samantha (“Sam”) Matthews’ Art 4 Kids and Fun with LEGOs®. New to this year’s early session is the NJTAP2, an ensemble of young tap dancers, sharing their skills in rhythm tap dancing as well as Square Dancing with Caller, Mary Moody, with fun for the whole family.

For more information, the latest program updates, to volunteer or to purchase tickets, please visit the First Night® Morris County website at www.firstnightmorris.com or call the First Night Morris official ticketing partner, the Mayo Performing Art Center Box Office at (973)539-8008.

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Wishing everyone Happy Holidays and a healthy, safe, and kindly 2019. My resolution is to try to get this column out more regularly if I have time and there is interest from all of you.  All the best, Carol Simon Levin