Fun Archives - Page 11 of 11

Top 10 Playdates

August 26, 2014/in Fun, Guide, Play/by Shine

Playdates are crucial to a child’s social development. For young children, play is the most important aspect of a get-together. Just hanging out, sharing toys, and using language is beneficial. But as children get older, playdates can be more than just toy time. Here are some of our favorite playdates to stimulate creativity, social growth, and keep both children and adults engaged.

1. Go on a scavenger hunt.
Whether indoors or out, it’s fun to put a written or picture list together and have children collect the items on it. Our favorite is a nature scavenger hunt in the park.

2. Hit a museum.
Choose one that is child-friendly or take on a smaller part of a bigger museum. We love to bring a sketch pad and some materials for children to create their own masterpiece based on a work they like.

3. Have a picnic.
Children love to cook, set up, and serve. Make a simple meal with them and then head to the park (or the playroom) for a picnic with all the fixings: blankets, baskets, and bounty. Read more

4th of July S’mores

July 1, 2014/in Celebrate, Fun, Taste/by Shine

Independence Day is one of the most family-friendly holidays of the year. Every 4th of July, families gather for neighborhood barbeques, picnics in the park, and fireworks on the beach. The day is filled with patriotic fun, sparklers (for the “big kids”), and of course, food. Celebrate the USA’s birthday by making these festive red, white, and blue s’mores with your kids. They’ll enjoy making them, and will enjoy eating them even more under the glow of fireworks while “America the Beautiful” plays on!

Ingredients:

8 graham crackers of choice, broken into two square halves, each (I chose crackers made from pea protein flour as a gluten-free version with less sugar)
8 natural or homemade marshmallows of choice
8 teaspoons of organic strawberry preserves, divided (no sugar added)
16 blueberries
8 small squares of dark chocolate

Playground Rules

June 29, 2014/in Fun, Guide, Play/by Shine

Indoor playgrounds are just as important to kids as they are to their parents. Whether it be for inclement weather, lazy afternoons, or a just a fun, familiar place to meet friends, they are provided for the enjoyment of the entire family. That is why we are so concerned with safety and appropriate playground etiquette.

HE SAID:
Aaron Goldschmidt, founder & director, Shine

Here are 5 golden rules to keep in mind when at an indoor playground with mixed-aged children:

Keep older children out of areas designated specifically for younger children.
Avoid bringing your own toys as they often create conflict.
Remove jewelry, glasses, and extra pieces of clothing.
Do not allow physical or verbal bullying, “clubs” or exclusive play, violent play like war, or pretend shooting.
Stay alert! The playground is not an opportunity to take a break from adult supervision.

If there is a problem, discipline quietly or accompany the child from the playground until he\she is under control. Abusive language is unacceptable by adults and children. A brief “time out” in a quiet area usually works as an appropriate consequence.

SHE SAID:
Erika Thormahlen, teacher

Rules keep children happy and safe, but they don’t have to take the “play” out of playground: Read more

Candy Corn Cups

October 30, 2013/in Celebrate, Fun, Taste/by Shine

Halloween is tomorrow but many of you may not know that today is National Candy Corn Day. Opinions are split about the merit of these seasonal treats but we at Shine have a soft spot them. It may be the childhood memories they evoke or our need for a quick sugar boost as the days get shorter and colder, but whatever the reason, you can always find some lying around our offices in late October. Here is Shine’s recipe for Candy Corn Cups. Sweet, decadent, and over-the top, they stray from our normal health-minded recipes – but Halloween and National Candy Corn Day only come once a year. Live it up!

Continue to shine your Halloween light –
Aaron Goldschmidt, founder & director

As the sun sets earlier in the October sky, there’s a slight chill in the air that can mean only one thing… It’s almost Halloween! There’s no better way to celebrate the ghoulish holiday than with candy corn, one of the most classic of Halloween candies. This candy corn-themed recipe is not for the faint of heart, as it is quite the tricky treat to make, but I guarantee these candy corn cups will be a scream at any family Halloween party!

Ingredients:

8 oz semi-sweet chocolate
1 qt white buttercream icing
Orange and yellow food coloring
24 candy corn pieces

Special Supplies: Read more

Halloween Tricks and Treats

October 14, 2013/in Celebrate, Fun, Guide, Make, Party/by Shine

Halloween can be a lot of fun for older children – creepy costumes, spooky stories and copious amounts of candy! But for younger children the holiday can be frightening, over-stimulating and difficult to process. Toddlers and pre-school aged children are not always capable of differentiating the real from the imaginary and Halloween can blur those lines even further. We would never think of taking our 2 year-olds to a haunted house. And how do we explain all the blood, gore and evil the holiday celebrates?

At Shine, we use the creative angle Halloween provides and really get children involved on a level to which they can relate. Here are some of my favorite tips to make Halloween fun for young children while reinforcing important skills, family bonding and the joy the season has to offer. Read more

Shine’s Top Picks from the January 2013 NYIGF

January 28, 2013/in Fun, Play, Style/by Shine

Every January and August, the creative team at Shine makes it a priority to attend the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) and see the latest products for children. It seems like it was just yesterday we were here cruising the aisles for inspiration and ideas for our classes and community. We are always amazed by new designers and the way classic, everyday children’s items are re-imagined to meet the needs of the modern family. We still love the companies and items we reviewed in August, so click here to read about those. Below are a few other picks from the current show at the Javits Center in NYC.

Party City

Honestly, gift bags at parties usually underwhelm us. When we produce an event we like to fill gift bags with quality over quantity and items kids will want to keep and use, not just candy or disposable toys. We were very inspired this time around. Our friends at Kido just came out with a really attractive and modern spin on some classic gift bag goodies. Their tops, bird whistles, animal bead tilts and wobble toys are perfect for young children. Read more

Shine’s Top Picks from the August 2012 NYIGF

August 20, 2012/in Fun, Play, Style/by Shine

Every January and August the creative team at Shine makes it a priority to attend the NYIGF and see the latest products for children. We are always amazed by new designers and the ways classic, everyday children’s items are re-imagined to meet the needs of the modern family. Here are our picks from the current show at the Javits Center in NYC.

BLOCK PARTY!

Blocks are fundamental for children’s development, but Uncle Goose has taken block play to a whole new level. Of course we’ve always loved the Classic ABC blocks, but the Foreign Language blocks are rocking our mundo! With 16 languages to choose from, these blocks are so special for children growing up with multiple languages or those just getting a head start on learning a second one. Other favorites are the President block set and Egyptian Hieroglyphics block set. Handmade in the USA and modern with a nod to the past, Uncle Goose blocks look fresh in any playroom and make the perfect gift.

Brinca Dada’s architectural blocks had our grown-ups drooling. Ideal for the playroom or the office, these blocks are sure to inspire children and adults alike.