8 Thanksgiving Crafts for a Memorable Holiday

8 Thanksgiving Crafts for a Memorable Holiday

/in , , , , , , , /by

There are so many blessings to celebrate at Thanksgiving time. With vibrant autumn colors just starting to fade, plucky turkeys waddling through farms and fields, and guests arriving at the house armed with pumpkin pies and side dish stuffing, what better time to celebrate your child’s creativity with a themed craft? Here are five of our favorite ideas to get you started.

Thanksgiving Table Turkeys – KiwiCo

If you’re expecting company, treat your guests to a special party favor: an adorable hand-sculpted turkey place setting. The body’s made of clay, with a pom-pom head, sticker beak, googly eyes, and felt toothpick feathers. Have your child write down the honored guests’ names or a special message of gratitude onto each placard.

Fall Colors Foam Weaving Placemat – Oriental Trading

Weaving is a timeless activity that’s easy enough for preschool children to learn. Simply guide the colorful foam pieces over-and-under through the pre-cut slits to create a beautiful and practical place setting for your holiday table. 

Beaded Pipe Cleaner Corn – One Little Project

All you need are a few pipe cleaners and pony beads from the Dollar Store to keep little hands busy, building manual dexterity and customizing their own corncob of color. It doesn’t get much easier than this! A four-year-old can easily spend 20 minutes just picking out colors, buying you time to get your turkey in the oven.  

Turkey Suncatcher Kits – Etsy

A tissue paper suncatcher always looks dazzling in the window when those first morning rays peak into the home. Your child will feel pride and joy upon gazing at the color combination he or she put together. This kit comes with sturdy black turkey cutouts, so your kids need only cut and add tissue paper with a glue stick. Help your child trim the edges for a polished finish. 

Thankful Pie – Country Living

Cut a red construction paper circle as the foundation of your pie, using the inside of a paper plate as your guide. Cut half-inch tan pieces of construction paper to glue into a lattice pattern that looks like the top of the pie. Cut out a slice and have each child at the party write down someone or something they are thankful for this year. Along the top of a paper plate, write “I’m thankful for…” and secure the pie with a brass fastener, so the empty slice can rotate to reveal different messages. 

Mason Jar Luminary – Create Craft Love

This craft requires a trip to the craft store for a mason jar, acrylic paint, twine, a votive candle, and a small piece of vinyl. First you’ll cut a leaf shape out of the vinyl—either by using a Cricut Explore or by tracing around an outdoor leaf—then you’ll stick it to the side of the mason jar. Paint over top of it in a festive color (like persimmon, for instance!) and wait for the acrylic to dry. Once it’s settled, peel off your vinyl leaf to leave an imprint behind. Add dried corn kernels to the bottom of the jar, wrap twine around the top, and enjoy the flickering light show. 

Creatology 3D Thanksgiving Truck – Michaels

This craft kit comes with 37 wood shapes, 56 felt stickers, 52 glitter foam stickers, 16 printed felt stickers, acetate sheets, craft blue, printed paper card shapes, bamboo sticks, shredded tissue paper, adhesive gems, a brush, and double-sided tape. What more could you want? The end result is a cute centerpiece that children have as much fun playing with as they do building it.

Personalized Craft Bags – Shine

Looking for something that can keep the kids busy at your Thanksgiving party, with minimal supervision required? Shine’s customized craft bags can holiday-themed or suited to your child’s unique preferences. We’ve gotten fantastic feedback on these fabulous little bags. Check out our highlight reel here and contact us to learn more about our all-in-one fun party boxes.

Food-Free Halloween Treats the Classroom Will Love To Death

/in , , , , , /by

When we were children, our parents sent us to school with bags of Reese’s Cups, Skittles, and M&Ms. But now that more and more teal pumpkins are cropping up and 1 in 13 children has a food allergy, many schools are kindly asking that parents send in food-free holiday treats.

Move beyond party favor knick-knacks destined for the trash with these food-free Halloween treats your child’s class will find frightfully delightful:

  • Mini Flashlights – a useful gift that’ll come in handy trick or treating and telling spooky stories around the campfire. These even come with lanyards and batteries.
20 for under $30 here

  • Halloween Stationary Set: Each child receives a treat bag containing a pencil, eraser, stamp, ruler bookmark, and sticker.
24 pack for $16.99 here

  • Halloween Sensory Squishies: Filled with non-toxic water beads, these characters are more cute than scary, but squeezing them is strangely relaxing.
20 for $40 here

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Picture4.jpg

  • Halloweek Rubber Duckies: All dressed up for the holidays, the class will love this twist on the classic bath and pool toy.
24 for $21 here

  • 24-Piece Halloween Jigsaw Puzzles: Encourage patience and focus with 12 different styles of Halloween puzzle. It’s affordable enough you can throw it into a goodie bag with other treats if you please.
Get 20 for $20 here

  • Halloween Wreath Craft Kits: It’s always nice when your child has fun creating, then that fun adorns the house for a month, and goes away until next year!
Get 24 for $38 here

  • Halloween Monster Mini Plush: There’s nothing more endearing than a child toting around a beloved character. For a 10-year window of time, the house can never have too many plushies.
Get 15 for $25 here

  • Glowing LED Ghosts: Glowing ghosts are not only fun toys to play with, but they make cute table or window decorations once the children have outgrown them.
Get 24 for $30 here

  • Super Hero Cape Costumes: Dress up is highly popular for the under 10 crowd. Role playing is good for language development, emotional regulation, and self-esteem.
Get 24 for under $50 here

If you’re a teacher looking for a unique in-class activity, ask us about our custom craft bags.

Bonus Read:

Parents, be sure to check out our Guide to a Perfectly Haunting Halloween Day from Dawn ‘til Dusk for games, snacks, movies, and activities to make this holiday extra-special for your children.

How To Enjoy Christmas in July

/in , , , , , , /by

July kicks off with a bang, as Independence Day fireworks explode in the night sky. Yet, if you live for celebration, it can feel like a long, uneventful stretch until Labor Day. If you missed Friendsgiving, no worries: there are still a few more weekends this month to slap together a Christmas in July.  

Food

The perfect dish varies from family to family, but a potluck makes planning easy.

Frills

The details bring the concept of Christmas in July to life:

Fun

There are countless ways to spice up a summer Christmas party:

  • Too early for Christmas music? Never! A microphone with a built-in speaker and YouTube is all you need for a Christmas karaoke party.
  • If you have a sandbox, you might have the kids build and decorate a “sandman” instead. Or you could fill red, white, and green water balloons for a fight. Christmas themed pinatas are always a hit with the kids, too!
  • Organize a “white elephant” gift exchange. Everyone picks a number out of a hat to choose a gift, with an option to steal. For a simple-yet-silly twist, have everyone wrap up a re-gift or something from their home they want to get rid of! Pick up a few items from the dollar store for the kids like a wiffle ball toss game, excavation eggs, chalk, glow-in-the-dark necklaces, or plush toys.
  • Play a game like Santa Cookie Elf Snowman or the 12 Games of Christmas.
  • Put on your favorite Christmas movie. Since the weather is much better than December, you might consider an outdoor movie experience with a projector and inflatable screen.

A Little Planning Goes a Long Way

Why wait until December to make memories that’ll last a lifetime? For more ideas on summer entertaining, contact The Shine Studio. We can bring games, crafts, and activities to entertain the kids at your next party or you can drop in for classes, workshops, and camps all summer long.

3 Gotta-Try Child Birthday Parties for 2022

/in , , , , /by

Okay, let’s be honest. How many dinosaur, unicorn, mermaid, safari, and super hero birthday parties have you been to? A ton, right? Every birthday party made with love is worth the effort, but you don’t have to settle for Encanto. Give guests an unforgettable Instagram-worthy experience with one of these unique child birthday ideas.

Bubbles and Brunch

“Pop on over for bubbles and brunch,” reads the invites. This simple theme is ideal for first birthdays and toddler parties. Balloon decor is always a hit, while kiddie pools filled with small clear beach balls occupy the littlest guests. Bubble wands, bubble machines, and giant bubbles add a whimsical charm to an outdoor event. Lay out omelet bites, pancake holes, grapes, and blueberries for your morning event. Mix up a sparkling punch for the kids and mimosas for the adults.

Lateovers

Move over, sleepovers. Lateovers are the newest trend—perfect for co-ed parties and kids who aren’t ready to spend a night away from home. Night time brings a whole new set of activities, including glow-in-the-dark dance parties, karaoke, musical instrument concerts, and outdoor movies with popcorn. If you’re serving up a movie, you might consider having kids arrive with sleeping bags and pajamas—though the perk here is that everyone leaves at 9:00 pm and gets their much-needed shut-eye. For a more active party, improv a kid-sized stage to see singing and dancing talents blossom. Nachos, pizza, and ice cream sundaes are low-stress snacks to serve up, along with a music instrument shaped cake.

Garden Art Party

If your child is a pint-sized Picasso, show off your family’s creative side with an art-themed outdoor garden party. Now that it’s finally warm enough to get out on the patio, you can set up tables with butcher paper and paint supplies. If paint-by-numbers aren’t your cup of tea, you can try these galaxy name paintings made with small canvases and masking tape. Decorate with whimsical woodland creatures or lumberjack prints and beautiful garden blooms. Serve up lemonade or tea alongside sandwiches cut into butterfly, mason jar, or flower shapes. Then invite kids to the cupcake decoration station where they’ll find everything from crushed Oreos, gummy worms, and sprinkles, to strawberries, whipped cream, and food-safe animal figurine toppers.

Plan Your Next Party with Shine!

Birthdays can be a lot of work when you’re juggling so much already. Shine can plan the whole party for you. We’ll bring staff, activities, supplies, and fun that matches the theme of your choice. Choose one of our classic themes or create a custom experience. Add-ons are available. Contact us to discuss how we can help create the East End event everyone will be talking about for years.

Q&A with Shine Founder Aaron Goldschmidt: All You Need To Know About the New Creative Arts Space for Children in The Hamptons

/in , , , , , , , /by

Shine has been the Tri-State’s leading provider of workshops, camps, pop-up classes, and events since 2004. Programming involves a unique blend of visual arts, science and nature, cooking, cultural immersion, music, and movement, geared toward ages 6 months to 12 years.

Over the years, meetings have taken place at some of the East End’s most iconic locations, like the LongHouse Reserve, Bridge Gardens, or CMEE, but Shine never really had a place to call “home base” – that is, until now!

The Shine Studio debuted to the public earlier this month. Inside, you’ll find three large studios and a café. Outside, you’ll find another café, garden space, an outdoor classroom, a stage, and direct access to the Long Pond Greenbelt trails. It’s an exciting space, designed to inspire creativity and learning.

East End parents are always looking for fun places to go. Whether you’ve experienced our programming before or this is all new to you, company founder Aaron Goldschmidt answers all your questions in this exclusive Q&A about the brand-new Shine Studio, located at 977 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, NY 11932.

Q: How did you arrive at the decision to create a physical space for Shine?

Aaron Goldschmidt, Shine Founder & Director: Shine has always been a mobile, pop-up business. That was the original idea, it has served us very well, and we will continue to offer those services.  But with our popular summer camp and growing business on the East End of Long Island, it felt like the right move at the right time. Also, I am a firm believer that things happen when they are supposed to — and I found the most amazing space that just felt like home the minute I walked in. I had to take this place, even without a plan.

Q: What seasonal events are you planning for The Shine Studio that you hope people will want to come back to, year after year?

A: We are hoping to have at least one seasonal or holiday-specific event per month. We’ve only had a small Halloween party this year and are gearing up for a Family Holiday Party on Saturday, December 18th from 1-4pm. The excitement is in creating and developing events this first year that will hopefully become tradition as we continue to grow and expand!

Q: Is anything exciting coming up over winter break?

A: We will be offering Winter Break Camp at The Shine Studio from Monday, December 20th through Friday, December 31st for kids 2-11 years old.  We want families to enjoy all the innovative and creative activities they love from our popular summer camp. Activities may include: music and movement, signature Shine craft projects, visits from performing and visual artists, outdoor play, and more! Families can choose from a full day session, or morning or afternoon sessions with the option to stay for lunch. And our Grand Opening Events will be mid-January.

Q: What paint palette, materials, and design aesthetic did you choose, and why?

A: I wanted to go with a clean, beach vibe.  Most of our materials are wood, glass, and natural elements with a slight nod to ‘old-school meets modern.’ We also took a lot of inspiration from our new website, as you can see on our graffiti wall. The Shine Studio offers outdoor and indoor spaces for a wide range of our signature activities. The space was renovated by a team of craftsmen from Benenaula Construction, a local Hamptons construction company, who worked with us on every detail to make our space inviting, functional, beautiful, and modern. We wanted the space to act as a canvas for all the art and energy we are going to create here. It is truly a dream come true.

Q: Which is your personal favorite part of the space and why?

A: That is a hard question! It’s all so new, and I’m discovering things I love each day! The outdoor stage/classroom and The Shine Studio graffiti street art behind it are really special to me. But I also love the Craft Studio. I could spend all day in there.

Q: Give us a virtual tour: Tell us how the different rooms function at the studio.

A: Currently, Studio 1 is our multi-use room: perfect for classes, parties, and a variety of our programming. Studio 2 is our Arts & Crafts Studio that has been custom-designed for the sole purpose of making art!  Studio 3 is currently being used by Our Fabulous Variety Show, the first artists-in-residence as a part of our @Shine program. Their state-of-the-art dance studio will provide a permanent space for classes, rehearsals, and boundless creativity. We are excited to partner with them on joint programming and help to foster their mission of bringing accessible and inclusive arts programming to the East End.

Q: Tell us how you started working with Our Fabulous Variety Show and why we should sign up for a class.

A: I met Anita Boyer, co-founder of OFVS, a little over a year ago when I hired her to teach some dance classes for Shine. I knew immediately if I were able to open a space out here, I wanted her to be involved. Our missions really go hand-in-hand. Kids should sign up for her classes because there is no better program for kids’ dance and theater around! She has an infectious energy and undeniable talent.

Q: Can parents rent out the space for private events? What can you offer hosts and their guests?

A: Absolutely.  The Studio lends itself to being a fabulous event space for gatherings of all ages. With our outdoor space, multiple indoor venues, 1.5 kitchens, lovely bathrooms, the possibilities are really endless. While we could organize an adult craft night, we encourage grown-ups to rent the space and bring in any kind of entertainment or food they desire.

Q: Are all classes, camps, and workshops being held exclusively at the studio now, or will you continue area partnerships with places like the LongHouse Reserve?

A: That’s a very good question.  The short answer is ‘no’. Part of what we do so well is show up in the most unlikely places and run our programming.  We’re hoping that by having a permanent space we can actually attract more local artists, artisans, and specialists to come and run exciting programming year-round! In terms of summer camp, we would never give up a day at LongHouse, so we are planning on offering MWF here at The Studio, Tuesdays at LongHouse, and Thursdays as our pop-up field trip day!

Q: Do you have any drop-in times or classes available for people who have no experience with Shine to check out the space?

A: As an introductory offer, we are allowing one-offs and small class packs that can be used to try a variety of our current programs running. Anyone interested should contact krissy@shinenyc.net to inquire.

Q: How does the new studio better help Shine deliver on its mission?

A: Our mission has always been to help all children shine the light they have inside.  We have been fortunate enough not to need a permanent space for that – and, in many ways, being mobile has afforded us the opportunity to inspire even more children. But setting down roots on the East End and having a space to create, collaborate, and congregate helps to solidify us as a brand and a part of the community. We can now be a destination for anyone who wants to shine their light!

Q: What’s next?

A: If only I knew. If you would have told me, four months ago, I would be sitting in my own process and creative arts studio in the Hamptons, I never would have believed you. I love the adventure that life provides if you follow your passion, work hard, and trust your instincts. We are hoping to begin filming more videos out of The Studio, so kids all over the country can have access to our content. We are also interested in showing local artists in our gallery space, developing branded curricula for a variety of programs, and throwing some pretty awesome parties!

Well, there you have it! All are welcome to check out our new space, we’ve got a few exciting events coming up, and everything you loved about Shine is still available. Contact us at info@shinenyc.net or 212.414.5427 to plan your next visit. 

Best Places to Shake Off Your COVID-19 Blues on Long Island’s East End

/in , , , /by

As we prepare to enter the fifth month of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s only natural to worry about the mental and emotional toll the isolation is taking on your child and family. You may yearn for normalcy, but worry about the risks of returning to family fun as usual. Many of the places you used to take the kids are still closed and highly anticipated summer events have been cancelled.

What’s a parent to do?

It’s important that we shine our inner lights, so our children remember this summer as a time of growth and enrichment, not stagnation. The places we love may be operating a little differently, but in some ways, timing your visit during this low-traffic time makes it better.

To help, we’ve curated a list of idyllic places to spend a safe, enjoyable summer afternoon on Long Island’s East End. Also, we offer the latest scoop on day camps that are running with expanded safety protocols, offering a fun, educational environment that isn’t so dependent on parental supervision.

LongHouse Reserve

LongHouse Reserve is a 16-acre sculpture garden dedicated to reflecting world cultures and inspiring creativity. Here you’ll find a maze-like environment of giant chess boards, lotus plant ponds, and futuristic solar panel art installations. Two hours should be a good amount of time to take in the surrounding beauty and 60+ works of art.

The garden re-opened to the public on June 17th — but due to COVID-19, visits are by timed ticket reservations ONLY. Day trips are $15 and Twilight Tours $30, but be sure to plan a week or two in advance, as tickets are selling out.  

Everyone is required to wear a mask, except children under two – who must be kept in strollers. Restrooms and water fountains are closed, benches are roped off, INstore is closed, and six-foot social distancing with other groups is advised.  

Bridge Gardens

The five acres of Bridge Gardens provides a welcome respite for birdwatching, painting, photography, and nature study in the heart of Bridgehampton. The mix of community gardens, demonstration plots, and ivy mazes makes it the perfect oasis for picnicking.

Bridge Gardens is open daily from 10-4 with free admission. Out of an abundance of caution, the Peconic Land Trust has switched their tour programming to virtual Zoom meetings instead.

Madoo Conservancy

Established by artist, writer, and gardener Robert Dash, Madoo Conservancy in Sagaponack is a registered historic site replete with fairytale cottages, Chinese ponds, unique artwork, and enchanting gardens.

Madoo Conservancy opened for the season on June 22nd. If you wish to visit the Madoo Conservancy, visits for groups of 10 or less are now by APPOINTMENT ONLY. The garden is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 12-4pm through October 10th, 2020.

All guests are required to wear face masks, which can also be found on-site if you do not have one. Guests are asked to wash their hands upon entering and using hand sanitizer upon leaving.  Strollers are not permitted and there are no public restrooms at this time.

The $10 admission fee is waived, thanks to a generous grant from the Barry Friedberg and Charlotte Moss Family Foundation.

Amber Waves Farm

Amber Waves Farm in Amagansett has received praise for their safety-first approach to produce cultivation during the COVID-19 crisis. Normally, this time of year, there are pizza-making workshops, farm tours, and story hours for kids – but specialty programming has been placed on hold in light of recent events. Even so, Full Moon Suppers are on the calendar starting in August, and you can always stop by for a box of produce and a bite to eat.

The Café opened for the 2020 season on June 13th with breakfast and lunch orders available to-go or to enjoy at their socially-distant picnic tables from 8am to 4pm. Guests are asked to wear masks any time they are on the property, except for when dining. You can also shop the market and order a produce box for next-day curbside pickup online. The staff is required to wear gloves and face coverings while working at the market.

Looking for a safe enrichment environment for your children?

Summer camp for ages 4-11 is a little different this year, with pods very limited in size to keep everybody safe. We have three full days of programming (9:00 am to 2:30 pm), with a few spots left.

Monday outdoor sessions at LongHouse Reserve will meet in two groups of 10, with no other camps on-site. Wednesday and Friday sessions at the Children’s Museum of the East End from July 20th through September 4th offers an exclusive opportunity to visit the museum while it is closed to the public.

Beyond the size limitations, Shine educators are strictly adhering to ALL State of New York and CDC protocols. Parents are to stay in the car during pickups and drop-offs. We will ask you a few questions, such as whether anyone in your household has experienced COVID-like symptoms in the past 14 days, tested positive, or come into contact with someone who has confirmed or suspected coronavirus. Campers will have their temperatures taken and wash their hands thoroughly before the day begins. Teachers and counselors will be wearing masks when interacting with children, remaining at a distance whenever possible, and sanitizing surfaces and materials frequently.  

Children will receive the same high-quality Shine programming we’ve curated for the past six years. Carolina Fuentes and Drumanawé will be stopping by with their unique combination of music and movement. Mondays feature Chris Sahr’s fine arts groups and a coach from Super Soccer Stars. Wednesday Workshops bring in local farmers and artisans. Fridays include art with Chris Sahr and fun interactive STEM activities with Snapology.

Shine will be taking summer excursions to all of the places mentioned here. Check out some of the places we’ve been with the kids so far, from strawberry fields to beaches on our Instagram. We’re also working on adding private museum access and guided walks at SoFo in the coming weeks as well. Contact us to inquire about availability and the latest partnerships.

Everything You Need To Know About Kid Parties in a Socially Distant NYC

/in , , , /by

There’s good news if your child has a summer birthday: New York City moving toward reopening after the statewide PAUSE. As of June 8th, our region entered phase one, meaning that 10 or fewer people may gather. By phase three, we’ll be allowed to gather in groups up to 25.

Is a Kid Birthday Party Risky During a Coronavirus Pandemic?

At this point, any contact outside your home pod elevates your risk of COVID-19 transmission, but the 1 percent virus positive test rate is minuscule enough that having a small backyard gathering may not raise the hairs on the back of your neck, especially if you’re friends with several other families that generally minimal contact with others and practice social distancing.

True social distancing can be a challenge with young children. Ideally, each guest would remain six feet apart and wear masks in close passing or when dishing food. Older kids may be able to follow these guidelines, but you may want to consider hosting a Zoom party or a more structured format for younger kids.

Socially Distant Kids’ Birthday Party Ideas

There are many ways to celebrate a child’s birthday, even with social distancing in place:

  • Birthday Parades – Decorate a special chair into an honorary “throne” for the day and set it up curbside, while friends and family drive by with balloons, signs, and music playing. Oriental Trading has a number of themed decorations you can pass out to guests before the big day. You could also ask your guests to dress up in old Halloween costumes to make the parade more entertaining. Gifts can be dropped off to a point person at the end of the caravan if you wish.
  • Movie Parties – Drive-ins are likely to be all the rage this summer. Staten Island BBQ will be showing classic kid-friendly films like Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Greenpoint’s new Skyline Drive-In overlooks the East River and Manhattan skyline and welcomes guests who may not have a car to park as well. If you have a grand to spend and would like a more intimate backyard movie party, you could hire Arcade Specialties – or you could source your own materials for less.
  • Picnic Parties – A number of NYC restaurants offer picnic takeout and there are plenty of parks to choose for your setting. Blue Moon Mexican Café offers birthday takeout for six, which includes fixins’ for tacos or fajitas, a dessert platter, beverages, sombreros, and birthday candles. Armed with little more than a cooler, a basket, and a blanket, you’ll have a unique and memorable way to celebrate a birthday with one or two other families. Social distancing will be easier to follow, using the blankets themselves as “safe zones.”
  • Zoom Parties and Virtual Performers – Everyone can join a party from their own comfortable space at home, while a virtual performer sets the agenda so it’s meaningful for the participants and not just anarchy. BubbleDad can wow kids with bubble characters, smoke bubbles, square bubbles, and shared secrets on how to blow the perfect bubble. Yogi Beans will virtually host up to 25 kids with themes like unicorn, safari, or undersea that take kids through yoga activities, a Choose-Your-Own adventure, and a birthday singing – all recorded for your viewing pleasure later. Hire My Fairytale Party to have your child’s favorite princess, hero, or character sing, read, and play games with your group. Sammie & Tudie’s Imagination Playhouse offers an interactive 30-minute Zoom “comedy magic circus” geared toward ages 3 to 8. Kids ages 7+ can make a clay creation – like a bird, shark, dish, cupcake, or dinosaur — led by Clay Art Center or you can have your group make something yummier (like pizza, soft pretzels, muffins, or cookies) along with Taste Buds Kitchen.

Shine Party Boxes Make Your Social Distancing Event Special

This summer, we are pleased to offer the best in high-quality child birthday entertainment, whether you’re celebrating in the backyard with a small group or connecting virtually with friends from afar.

Custom Curated Birthday Party Boxes have been in high demand during quarantine. It’s the next best thing to a fully hosted event. We’ll create custom curated party boxes based on whatever theme you’d like and send them out to all the kids attending your virtual party.

Our first-ever party box, delivered to the birthday child and each invited guest, featured a jolly good pirate theme, complete with costumes, props, treasure maps, gold doubloons, treasure, stickers, tattoos, and all the art supplies needed to make our signature treasure chest craft.

On the day of your event, we’ll dress the part, singing, dancing, and performing live music to complement your theme. Our programming is highly customizable with games, surprise character visits, and baking or crafting activities. We’ll work with you to ensure your child feels attended to on this momentous occasion.

Other Shine birthday options include:

  • Online classes – Enjoy our signature mix of art, music, cooking, crafts, exercise, and more from the comfort of your own home – in a private family session or with friends!
  • Craft bags – Shine Director Aaron Goldschmidt leads engaging Zoom classes paired with craft bags delivered to the homes of all party attendees. Complete up to four signature Shine crafts. We’ve done lanterns, wreaths, decorated journals, puppets, masks, flower pots, vases, bird feeders, tie-dye, bridge paintings, sand art, and more. Check out our quarantine craft bag highlight to see some of what we offer.
  • Private day camps – Host up to eight kids (ages 4-11) with activities ranging from arts and crafts, outdoor science, and nature exploration, to sports and games, percussion workshops, and educational programming. Space is very limited, so email info@shinenyc.net to reserve your spot asap!

We want to help you through this difficult time! Call 212-414-5427 or email info@shinenyc.net to learn more about offerings, options, and pricing.

5 Simple Things You and Your Kids Can Do To Give Back During the COVID-19 Quarantine

/in , , , /by

“The darker the storm, the brighter the rainbow.”

By now, you’ve had a few weeks to adjust to the “new normal.” You likely have a routine, you’ve explained the situation to your children, and you’re busy keeping up with school work. Yet, you may also be feeling tinges of emptiness, anxiety, or helplessness. During a time of crisis, it can be cathartic to reach out to others. Use this time productively to demonstrate the kindness, charity, and thoughtfulness you want your kids to assimilate. Joining together in a service project bonds the family closer together and helps your children with anxiety and boredom as well. 

1. Take care of your own.

First and foremost, practice social distancing! By now, scientists have talked until they’re blue in the face about the dire need of flattening the curve by staying at home with your immediate family members. With reduced work hours and homeschooling in full effect, you’re likely to be spending a LOT more family time these days.

However, don’t forget about family members who may be missing your family or enduring the quarantine in complete isolation from others. Make it a habit – if not daily, then at least weekly – to catch up with grandparents, cousins, friends, or even your child’s classmates.

Many people are using FaceTime, Zoom, or the House Party app to visually connect with others. You can also tape video messages on your smartphone and text them directly to others. Another alternative (for longer videos) is to upload them to YouTube, list them as “unshared” to keep them unsearchable, and send the link to your desired recipient via text or email. You can also create beautiful works of art with the kids to mail to loved ones the old-fashioned way with a stamp. Share a little bit of your day with other parents who are also feeling their way through this Brave New World of homeschooling.

2. Lend a helping hand to your neighbors.

Consider what you can do for your neighbors, particularly the elderly or homebound. Use this template to print out viral kindness postcards to place in mailboxes, offering assistance – whether it’s picking up a few items from the store, completing yard work, or making a friendly wellness call.

If you’re feeling too cooped up and need to get out into the community, New York Cares is in need of volunteers to help with a number of projects. You might pack meal bags for delivery to seniors, bag produce, or serve at a local food pantry. 

Show your support for neighborhood walkers by posting one of these popular rainbow signs in your window with an encouraging message. Some kids are also using sidewalk chalk to write messages of cheer, hope, love, and togetherness. You might consider thanking “essential personnel” that may be coming to your home, such as a postal worker or delivery person.

3. Make sure there’s enough food for everyone.

A number of organizations are providing for the hungry. More than 80,000 New Yorkers filed for unemployment in March, so we can only assume the number of people who suddenly can’t afford groceries is skyrocketing similarly. You can feed five people for $1 with your donation to The Food Bank of NYC.

Make it a family affair by using this opportunity to talk to your kids about the importance of giving money to local food banks. You might read a book like Maddi’s Fridge or Last Stop on Market Street to help younger child understand that some children are less fortunate, particularly during economic downturns like the one we’re facing now. 

Charities like City Harvest openly encourage young volunteerism. Kids can get involved with the “Draw Hope To Drive Hope” campaign by: coloring or designing a donation food truck or lunch bag. Socially share using hashtag #WeAreCityHarvest to raise awareness, then mail the finished illustration to drivers on the front lines at drawhope@cityharvest.org or City Harvest Food Rescue Facility, 55-01 2nd Street, Queens NY 11101, ATTN: Francesca. Do your part by sending in a financial contribution; just $15 feeds 55 children for a day. You can double your donation amount by texting LUNCH to 20222, which will not only make a $15 donation, but will include a matched amount from Danone North America (up to $100K).

Of course, you’d hate to hear that all your favorite restaurants have gone out of business after this is all over. Order out from your favorite NYC eatery offering takeout at least once a week to support your local community. As an added bonus, you can donate to restaurants that are raising funds to feed busy healthcare workers.

4. Adopt a pet.

Now that you are spending more time at home, it could be the right time to expand your family. Adopting a pet is a loving gesture that your kids will really enjoy. New animals require lots of attention during their initial adjustment phase, with a structured routine, lots of play, and daily training sessions. Be sure you specifically check off the box to search “good with children.”

Animal Care Centers of NYC is not allowing tours of the buildings as per usual, but if you see a pet that pulls at your heart strands on their website, a care coordinator can set up a meeting. You may also consider donating animal food, cleaning supplies, bedding, leashes, collars, and bowls to a local animal shelter. They are always in need.

5. Help classmates celebrate their birthdays.

It can be difficult for children to cope with having a quarantine birthday. They miss out on all the special treats they’ve seen other kids receive on their birthdays earlier in the school year – be it a crown, a special song, or cupcakes brought in by parents. They may also be missing out on a party with friends, presents, and a place they really love.

Reach out to your child’s teacher to find out who is celebrating a birthday coming up. For classmates your child is not besties with, you can simply create a “Happy Birthday” sign to send virtually – or you might record a video to pass along. Organizing a virtual Zoom Party can be a fun way to get the whole class together, at least for a song.

For friends, cousins, and classmates your child is closer to, you might consider sending a small gift and calling them up for a video chat. Some families do car parades, sending their drive-by wishes, honking horns. You might place balloons on a porch railing, decorate the yard, or draw chalk messages in their driveways (with parental permission, of course!) 

If your child is the one having a quarantine birthday, consider different ways to make the day special. Create a balloon waterfall to rain down on your child when he or she opens the door in the morning. Pick a theme. For instance, you might pitch a tent and have a pretend campout at home or set up a projection screen movie. Set up a scavenger hunt where one present leads to another throughout the house and yard. Spend the day cooking a favorite ethnic meal or baking together, filming your child’s contribution like a cooking show. FaceTime with friends and family throughout the day. Families have been doing dress-up princess tea parties, beach parties with blow-up pools full of pillows and blankets in the living room, and ice cream sundaes.

We look forward to seeing you in our classes and workshops after the quarantine is over! 

And while still in quarantine, click here to learn more about our craft bags and online classes!

How Different Cultures Celebrate December Holidays

/in , , , /by

When the ground freezes and the earth is covered in a blanket of snow, we tend to think of hibernation, rest, and quietude. Busy cultural calendars around the world stand in juxtaposition, as the colder months prove a time of feast and festivity. Learning about other traditions around the world is an interesting lesson in history, religion, and culture, but also an important opportunity to promote greater tolerance, acceptance, and celebration of diversity. Here are 10 different December holidays you may introduce to your child to provoke discussion and reflection of the winter season.

St. Nicholas Day (December 6, 2019)

St. Nicholas Day is celebrated in Eastern Christian religions — particularly in Russia and Greece, where Saint Nicholas is the patron saint. The Roman Empire bishop is known for generosity, kindness toward children, calming the seas, and performing miracles. The feast day is celebrated with children’s masses, special hymns, and prayer. In Western and Central European countries like Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, and the Netherlands — where children put out a boot for St. Nicholas on December 5th in hopes of receiving small coins, candy, oranges, toys, or glass ornaments in the morning. Historical recordings dating back to medieval times allege that nuns used the night of December 6th to distribute anonymous baskets of food and clothing at the doorsteps of the needy. 

St. Lucia Day (December 13, 2019)

St. Lucia’s Day is celebrated in Sweden, Norway, and Swedish-speaking parts of Finland to honor the third-century virgin martyr. She is recognized as a symbol of light and purity, so the eldest daughter of the family dresses up in a long white gown with a red sash and wreath of burning candles on her head. She awakens the family by singing songs and bringing them coffee and twisted saffron buns called lussekatter (Lucia cats). Finland celebrates the day with a torchbearer parade of light. Norwegians hold processions through schools, hospitals, nursing homes, daycares, and senior centers to warm the heart and celebrate emergence out of the darkest winter nights. 

Winter Solstice (December 21, 2019)

Winter Solstice has been celebrated for thousands of years by cultures all around the world. The shortest day of the year may have been observed as early as the Neolithic Period (the end of the Stone Age) in 10,200 BC. Archaeologists theorize monuments like Newgrange in Ireland, Maeshowe in Scotland, and Stonehenge in England were a place of December ritual. Today, there are large gatherings at these sites. Ancient Romans celebrated Saturnalia, a weeklong holiday of feasting and drinking in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture. The Norsemen of Scandinavia celebrated Yule from the winter solstice through January, where they would feast until a large Yule log burned out. Zuni and Hopi Native American tribes commemorate the beginning of the new year with ceremonial mask dances, fires, and gift-giving. From hot yuzu fruit baths in Japan, to the “Burning of Clocks” in Brighton, England, Winter Solstice is celebrated in different ways around the world.

Hanukkah (December 22-30, 2019)

Jewish people around the world celebrate Hanukkah, a religious holiday honoring the Maccabee’s victory over King Antiochus, who forbade Jews from practicing their religion. During the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the menorah’s candles were said to have miraculously burned for eight nights, even though there was only enough oil for a single day. Today, nine menorah candles are lit in the home for eight nights. During Hanukkah, blessings are said, special foods like potato pancakes (latkes) and jam-filled donuts (sufganiyot) are eaten, songs are sung, and children spin tops called dreidels to win nuts, raisins, and chocolate coins. Holidays like Passover and Rosh Hashanah are much more significant to the religion, but Hanukkah is special to many families as a cherished winter tradition nonetheless.   

Christmas (December 25, 2019)

Christmas originated as a religious holiday celebrated by Christians around the world to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, the son of God. Religious celebrations involve candle-lit wreaths to represent the four weeks of Advent, songs like “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” readings of Christmas stories in the Bible, the display of Nativity Scenes, and December 24th Midnight mass in darkness to celebrate the birth of light. Over the years, Christmas has been adopted by non-Christian peoples as a secular holiday of gift-giving, decorating, caroling, storytelling, and feasting. Traditions vary around the world.  Evergreen trees decorated with ornaments and lights date back to 16thCentury Germany. In Australia, where Christmas falls during summer, people head out to the beach and decorate a Christmas Bush. Depictions of Father Christmas or Santa Claus, based loosely on Saint Nicholas, go back at least as far as the reign of Henry VIII, where he appeared in plays wearing fur-lined green or red robes to deliver peace, joy, food, wine, and good cheer. Some say Santa arrives on Christmas Eve in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer to deliver gifts to good girls and boys, but he arrives by boat in Hawaii and on water skis in Australia. Instead of leaving milk and cookies out for Santa Claus, children in England leave mince pies and brandy for Father Christmas. Iceland has thirteen Santas known as Yule Lads who leave small gifts for good children in shoes left on the window sill, and potatoes in the shoes of naughty children. From lantern festivals in the Philippines and Kentucky Fried Chicken dinners in Japan, to 42-foot-tall straw yule goats in Sweden and late night fireworks in Brazil, there is no shortage of ways to observe Christmas around the world.  

Kwanzaa (December 26, 2019 – January 1, 2020)

Kwanzaa is a relatively young holiday created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 following the Watts riots in Los Angeles. He wanted to reconnect African Americans to African culture roots, borrowing traditions from Swahili “first fruit” harvest celebrations. Celebrations include song, dance, drumming, storytelling, poetry reading, and feasts. On each of the seven nights, a child lights a candle on the Kinara to represent the seven principle values of African culture: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. Though it is celebrated mostly in America, more than 20 million people now celebrate the holiday from Jamaica, London, and South Africa, to Ghana, Toronto, and Paris — as seen in the documentary “The Black Candle.” 

Boxing Day (December 26, 2019)

The observation of Boxing Day originated in the United Kingdom during the Middle Ages as a day where the church collection boxes for the poor were distributed to communities. Servants were given the day off to celebrate Christmas with their families. Boxing Day is now a public holiday in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where mail carriers and trade professionals enjoy a day of rest. For retail workers, Boxing Day is the busiest shopping day of the year, due to post-Christmas sales. In Ireland, they celebrate St. Stephen’s Day. In the Bahamas, the Junkanoo street parade and festival is held on Boxing Day. Not only is it a popular day of continued celebration and shopping, but also sport – with horse races, soccer matches, and ice hockey contests in European nations.  

Ōmisoka (December 31, 2019)

Japan’s New Year’s Eve called Ōmisoka is considered one of the most important days of the year. Families visit shrines or temples at midnight for joya-no-kane, the striking of large cast bells for each of the 108 earthly desires that cause human suffering. Families gather to enjoy a feast of soba or udon noodles for one last time in the old year. Homes are cleaned and de-cluttered from top to bottom in osoji (the big cleaning). Many people also look forward to the national broadcast of the Red vs. White Singing Competition, which is akin to our “American Idol” competition.

Hogmanay (December 31, 2019)

During the Protestant Reformation, Christmas was banned in Scotland for some 400 years, so prior to 1958, the biggest winter holiday was Hogmanay, which started on December 31stand spilled over into the New Year. Families gathered for bonfires, large feasts, and the cleaning out of the fireplace. Many people still recognize the ancient tradition of “first-footing,” where it is believed the household is presented with good fortune when the first person to cross the threshold is a dark-haired male. (In those days, a red or blonde-haired stranger was probably an invading Norseman!) Different parts of Scotland have their own quaint Hogmanay traditions as well. For instance, Edinburgh is home to a huge street party and torchlight processions; balls of fire swing through the fishing village of Stonehaven; and fancy-dressed partiers swim in the icy waters of  Firth of Forth at South Queensferry in what is called “the Loony Dook.” 

New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2019)

“Out with the old and in with the new” is the idea behind the celebration of New Year’s Eve. Since New Year’s Day is a public holiday, the night before is spent feasting, partying, and ringing in the New Year at midnight. Most countries celebrate New Year’s Eve with fireworks – with the largest displays in New York’s Times Square; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Sydney, Australia; London, England; Edinburgh, Scotland; and Dubai, UAE. In Spain, 12 grapes are eaten at midnight to represent each month of the New Year. In Denmark, old plates and glasses are broken against the doors of friends and family to banish bad spirits. In Columbia, three “fortune-telling” potatoes are placed under the bed and pulled out at midnight – one peeled (financial problems), one unpeeled (abundance), and one half-peeled (something in between). In Ecuador, families symbolically burn a straw man at midnight in hopes that their faults with disappear with him. In Canada, New Year’s Eve is a popular ice-fishing day. 

No matter what you’re celebrating this holiday season, you can find a place at Shine. We foster natural curiosity about cultures from around the world through crafts, storytelling, music, and culinary delights. Contact us to learn more about our wide range of inclusive workshops, classes, parties, and enrichment activities. 

7 Hidden Gems in the Hamptons

/in , , , , /by

Whether you live in the East End or you’re looking to get out of Manhattan for a day, the Hamptons provide a wealth of environmental treasures for families. These destinations evoke a sense of wonder, awe, and imagination in young and old alike. Shine play groups meet at some of these locations on a weekly basis, while others we visit for special events, parties, and workshops. With the Indian summers we’ve been having, autumn is the perfect season to get out and explore some of these hidden gems at a time when the crowds are thin.

LongHouse Reserve

Stroll this 16-acre sculpture garden to find a giant chess board designed by Yoko Ono, a beautiful pond with lotus plants and frogs on lily pads, and Buckminster Fuller’s iconic “Fly’s Eye Dome,” designed with water collection systems and solar panels as a “self-sufficient home of the future.” Kids delight in the maze-like layout, while embarking upon a scavenger hunt for the unique and captivating. All ages are welcome, but the ideal age is six and up, as they are less likely to climb on the sculptures, shout at the top of their lungs, or be tempted to play hide-and-seek.   

Visit: 133 Hands Creek Road,  East Hampton, 613-604-5330, www.longhouse.org

Bridge Gardens

Part of the Peconic Land Trust, designed to preserve Long Island’s working farms and natural lands, the five acres of Bridge Gardens offer the perfect respite from City life for birdwatching, painting, photography, and nature study in the heart of Bridgehampton. The land boasts a collection of perennial and annual beds, as well as hedgerows and herb gardens. The garden hosts many educational and family-friendly events in partnership with Shine and the local children’s museum.

Visit: 36 Mitchell Lane, Bridgehampton, 631-537-7440, www.peconiclandtrust.org

Children’s Museum of the East End

Parents and children alike will enjoy the magic of this interactive play center geared toward ages 2-7. The town-like setting takes families through a farmers’ market, a windmill, a potato chip factory, a 1950s diner, a library, a fire station, a construction site, a pirate shipwreck, and a musical forest. Active children will delight in the wooden climbing structures, soft foam areas, and slides. Keep an eye out for classes, workshops, and special performances throughout the year.

Visit: 376 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton, 631-537-8250, www.cmee.org

Amber Waves Farm

Amber Waves was founded in 2009 to produce healthy, organic food for the local community such as wheat, popcorn, and over 300 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and cutting flowers. You’ll also see dozens of chickens running about. Guided tours, pizza-making workshops, story hours, toddler play groups, and a hands-on Farm Club program are all part of the family-oriented experience.

Visit:  367 Main Street, Amagansett, 631-267-5664, www.amberwavefarms.org

Madoo Conservancy

Madoo is an enchanting oasis – from the pruned boxwood and grove of ginkgos of the central walkway and the Chinese bridge overlooking a pond, to the blue wrought-iron gated gardens and the fairytale cottages with yellow doors. With free admission, there’s really no excuse to miss out on this local landmark and tribute to artist/gardener Robert Dash. Children’s programming includes storytelling in the gardens from 10-11 am on Monday mornings through October 7th. During the summer months, they offer an art program based on East End painters for kids ages 5-8.

Madoo is an enchanting oasis – from the pruned boxwood and grove of ginkgos of the central walkway and the Chinese bridge overlooking a pond, to the blue wrought-iron gated gardens and the fairytale cottages with yellow doors. With free admission, there’s really no excuse to miss out on this local landmark and tribute to artist/gardener Robert Dash. Children’s programming includes storytelling in the gardens from 10-11 am on Monday mornings through October 7th. During the summer months, they offer an art program based on East End painters for kids ages 5-8.

Visit: 618 Sagg Main Street, Sagaponack, 631-537-8200, www.madoo.org

Nova’s Ark

Artist Nova Mihai Popa hoped the enormous sculptures set on the 95 acres of Nova’s Ark would “reflect the spirit and knowledge all around us.” One can’t help but be impressed by the bronze-colored structures reaching over five stories high. While you’re there, stop by to see the resident grazing sheep and the majestic horses boarded at Big Sky Ranch. The Ark serves as a great introduction to unique architectural styles, with the Elliptical House (designed to have a small ecological footprint), the Castle Barn celebration center (renovated from an old dairy barn), and the Cities of the Future (cosmic brick homes that can be easily replicated in factories).

Visit: 60 Millstone Road, Water Mill, 631-537-0061, www.thearkproject.com

Wölffer Estate Winery

This vineyard is assuredly kid-friendly. Co-owner Joey Wölffer explains, “There is nothing better than having my daughters at the Wine Stand with me on Friday and Saturday nights. Kids love to run around and play together, and it’s a great place to bring the family.” Across the road from the main vineyard, music starts at 5:00 pm and runs through the end of September. Bring blankets and chairs to enjoy a sunset picnics with wines by the bottle and glass, cheese and charcuterie platters, as well as beverages and snack boxes with raisins, string cheese, and Goldfish crackers available for the kids. During the summer months, Wölffer runs a pony camp for kids. (Nearby Channing Daughters winery is another one of our kid-friendly favorites.)

Visit: 3312 Montauk Highway, Sagaponack, 631-537-5106, www.wolffer.com

Contact us to learn more about child enrichment programs and idyllic escapes in the East End.

ServicesEventsAboutBlogContact

212-414-5427
info@shinenyc.net
For Media Inquiries, Contact media@shinenyc.net
Location New York, NY 10036
Location Sag Harbor, NY 11963
Follow Us
FacebookTwitterPinterestInstagramYoutube

Site Map | Copyright ©2021 Shine Creative, Inc.

Website and SEO by RazorRank