From DIY dreidels to personalized haggadahs and scientific instruments on shemini atzeret, we found a LOT of really cool things to do with families and kids this year. Here are 16 not-to-miss activities that are fun to do any time of the year.
MAIL A HUG
image via Evolving Motherhood
This was one of the biggest hits we shared this year. What’s not to love about mailing a hug? It’s a perfect way to let a sick friend know you’re thinking of them, keep in touch with grandparents, or just send a little love out into the world.
LEGO DREIDEL
image via Bible Belt Balabusta
Okay, okay, you got us. We may have shared this already, and you may have already known about it, but come on - lego dreidels are so awesome, they can be made any time of the year. To get the directions click here.
RAIN STICKS
image via My Jewish Boston
We made these for shemini atzeret but they’re fun all year! Plus using recycled materials to make something new is a perfect way to practice bal taschit the Jewish value of not wasting needlessly.
GET ALONG JAR
A great tool for helping siblings get along together—especially during wintery days where it’s too cold to get outside. Learn more about the value of shalom bayit, peace in the home, here.
SKYPE STORY TIME
Inspired by Tea With Zayde, PJ families all over started reading together via Skype or other video chat apps.
GUITARS
image via The Frakers Acres
You can use old cereal boxes, bulk food boxes, or matzah boxes to make really cool guitars for your budding musicians.
HONEY PLAYDOUGH
image via Teaching Mama
In the fall we shared some ways to take advantage of the season while preparing for the upcoming holidays. You told us that the Honey Playdough recipe we shared from Teaching Mama was easy to make and smelled heavenly.
GRATITUDE WALL
image via What Do We Do All Day?
Cultivate your “attitude of gratitude” with this fun, visual, activity. This is a great activity to do just before the new year—us it as a family “year in review."
SAYING BLESSINGS
Learn to light the Shabbat Candles with the video above, from Shaboom! and be sure to check out our list of 10 blessings you can use every day.
TRANSFORMING TSHIRTS
Don’t toss your old tees, turn them into something new, like a quilt, a tie, a pillow, or something else. One simple trick we learned turns old tshirts into reusable tote bags perfect for carrying lunches, groceries, or picking up toys.
PLANTING PARSLEY
Last year we sent families parsley seed paper just before Tu B’Shevat. So many of you shared your parsley progress with us over the next few months and even had PJ parsley for your seder plate! Find some of our favorite recipes using parsley here.
MAKING CARDS
For Rosh Hashanah we made our own cards to send to family and friends. You can make cards for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or just because.
NO-SEW BLANKETS
PJ Library programs have been making these for awhile because they’re so easy and accessible for kids of all ages. Did you know that you can also take the technique and make scarves and sleeping bags with it too?
MENORAHSAURUS
image via Bible Belt Balabusta
When you see something this cute and creative, two thoughts run through your head: 1. THIS IS AWESOME! And 2. Why didn’t I think of that? It’s incredible. Make your own Menorahsaurus any time of the year and save it for Hanukkah.
ROAD TRIPS
Thanks to your help, PJ Library put together it’s very first list of summer travel spots that were both kid-friendly and had Jewish connections. You shared your favorite places with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and we put them in our list of 10 Kid-Friendly Cities to Visit on Your Summer Roadtrip.
GROWING FAMILY TREES
If you’re a PJ family of kids ages 2 and up, you’ll be receiving a Family-Tree decal kit with your January books. You can build your Family Tree together, filling out its branches, and talking about the people who make up your tree. How far do your roots go down?
Did you discover a new activity last year that you really love? Tell us about it on Facebook!
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December 28, 2016