Why Family Movie Night Is More Than Just Popcorn and a Screen

Why Family Movie Night Is More Than Just Popcorn and a Screen

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After a long week of juggling work, school runs, and endless to-dos, parents are often looking for a way to bond with their kids that’s low-key, fun, and lets everyone unwind. Research shows family movie nights are a simple tradition that can help strengthen family bonds, encourage valuable discussions, and even support your child’s emotional and social development.

Bonding Over Big-Screen Lessons


Watching movies as a family isn’t just entertainment—it’s an opportunity to connect and learn together. According to a study by Penn State researchers, children can gain powerful insights from both the positive and negative themes in movies when parents actively watch and discuss them with their kids.

This practice, called co-viewing, allows families to tackle tough topics, like violence or bullying, while also celebrating positive lessons, such as teamwork and standing up for what you believe in. After the movie, consider asking questions like, “What did the character do to help their friend? How can we show kindness like that?” or “Why is it important to stand up for what’s right?” These conversations not only teach kids critical thinking but also help them internalize values in a way that sticks.

Movies for the Mind and Mood

For parents, taking time to relax with your kids is a double win—you get to unwind while modeling healthy ways to decompress. And if the movie features inspiring characters or themes, research shows it might spark new hobbies or motivate your child to chase their dreams.

Medical professionals have long touted movies as a way to relax and de-stress. A 2016 review found that engaging in leisure activities like movie nights can improve mood and even reduce symptoms of depression. Laughter from a good comedy can provide the best medicine by lowering the stress hormone cortisol, while even a tearjerker can release built-up tension to leave your family feeling lighter.

Psychotherapists sometimes used movies as a powerful tool for emotional processing, as films allow viewers to empathize with characters facing similar challenges, offering catharsis, comfort, and insights.

Building Empathy One Scene at a Time

Movies have a unique way of immersing us in someone else’s story, which makes them an effective tool for teaching empathy. One recently published study showed that watching a docudrama about social justice increased viewers’ empathy toward formerly incarcerated people and support for criminal justice reform.

For kids, seeing characters from different backgrounds can open their minds to new perspectives and help them understand diverse experiences. Take the time to highlight these moments for your children. For example, you could say, “How do you think that character felt when they were left out? What can we do to make others feel included?” These discussions can foster compassion and emotional intelligence.

How to Make Your Family Movie Night Unforgettable

Want to make your next movie night extra special? Here are some tips:

  • Schedule It: Make it a regular tradition by putting movie night on the family calendar. Whether it’s weekly or monthly, consistency turns it into something special everyone looks forward to.
  • Get Cozy: Let everyone create their own comfy setup with blankets, pillows, or bean bag chairs. Don’t forget a spot for the family pet!
  • Take Turns Picking: Give everyone a chance to choose the movie. This maintains a fair democracy and introduces the family to different genres or even your childhood favorites. You might start by choosing from a curated list of age-appropriate selections from Common Sense Media and watch the trailer beforehand to help set the mood and create excitement. This approach also promotes fairness and shared decision-making in a family setting.
  • Thematic Fun: Build a theme around your movie choice. Watching a nature documentary? Pair it with a picnic-style dinner. Celebrating a holiday? Add decorations, props, or costumes to the mix. Or you can just keep it simple with popcorn—small details like this can make the tradition more meaningful for children.

Ready for Your Next Family Movie Night?

At Shine Studio, we make movie night an unforgettable experience with pizza, crafts, and classic films for kids ages 4+. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

  • March 28: Spring Movie Night
  • April 18: Earth Day Movie Night
  • May 24: Memorial Day Weekend Movie Night

Join us from 5–8 PM in Bridgehampton, NY, where we aim to create lasting memories while inspiring a lifetime of learning and connection. Contact the Shine Studio for details.

The New Norm: Extravagant Birthday Parties for Kids

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Gone are the days of simple gatherings with cake and balloons. Child birthday parties are becoming increasingly lavish, with many parents feeling the pressure to host over-the-top celebrations. This trend, fueled by social media and a desire to create unforgettable experiences, is reshaping how birthdays are celebrated.

Parents struggle to keep up with the Joneses

Today’s parties often feature custom themes, elaborate decorations, and interactive activities. In Los Angeles, William’s $75,000 sixth birthday party treated 100 guests to a fire station theme complete with personalized fire-hose backpacks and a custom ball pit. Every aspect was carefully curated, including street closures, gourmet food trucks, elaborate balloon garlands, and activities like ceramic painting and a real fire truck appearance.

These days, “over-the-top is applauded,” explains Send in the Clowns founder Leesa Zelken. “You can’t imagine a party where there isn’t catering or a professional photographer or a pretty backdrop so everyone can share it on Instagram.”

The cost and constraints of hosted child birthday parties inflate

Some parents seek a unique, all-inclusive venue for their events, though many popular NYC venues start their prices well above $1,000. For instance:

Typically, these venues limit guest lists to less than 30 guests and restrict party durations to just 2 hours, compromising your ability to plan a comprehensive and enjoyable celebration for all.

Parties can still be memorable and stress-free

For parents looking to create memorable and unique birthday experiences without the hefty price tag, hassle, or constraints, Shine offers a range of convenient, affordable, and all-inclusive packages. Looking for something more full-service and totally custom? Shine can work with any vision, no matter how specific.

After collaboratively planning your event, our expert team takes care of all the details — including staff, supplies, activities, set-up, and clean-up day of — ensuring a stress-free and fun-filled celebration.

We recently received this testimonial from a repeat customer:

“Thank you for another amazing party. You truly went above and beyond today! You make throwing a party so easy, and run seamless programming from start to finish! We really appreciate all the love and enthusiasm you and the team show up with for our kiddos.”

As birthday parties continue to evolve, parents will continue to desire novel ways to make their child’s day special. We’re here to help you soak up all the memories of your child’s special day while we keep the party in full swing. Contact us for more information on our unforgettable birthday parties.

Five Unique Twists on Spring Egg Dyeing

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Spring egg dyeing is a cherished tradition that brings families together to celebrate the joy and renewal of the spring season. While dyeing eggs with colorful tablets is a convenient and affordable method, you may want to spark your child’s imagination and add an element of surprise this year by trying something different. From dazzling speckles to funny ninjas, these novel egg ideas promise hours of entertainment and delightful results.

For each of these crafts, you’ll need a dozen hardboiled eggs, cooled. To hard-boil an egg, place it in a pot of water, bring the water to a boil, then let the egg cook for about 10-12 minutes before cooling it in cold water.

1.      Speckled Eggs

Supplies:

  • A disposable cup with tin foil or plastic wrap over the top (older kids)

Or a plastic container with a lid (younger kids)

  • ¼ cup uncooked rice per container
  • 15-20 drops of gel food coloring per cup
  • Hard-boiled eggs, cooled completely

Steps:

  1. Fill the plastic container halfway with uncooked rice.
  2. Add 15-20 drops of different food coloring to the rice in each container.
  3. Close the lid and vigorously shake to distribute the color.
  4. Waiting 15-30 minutes before rolling your hardboiled egg in the color.
  5. Pat race onto the egg to make the color stick and let the eggs dry on a paper towel.

2.      Shaving Cream Marbled Eggs

Supplies:

  • Shaving cream (white, unscented)
  • Food coloring
  • Toothpicks
  • Hard-boiled eggs, cooled completely

Steps:

  1. Fill a shallow tray of dish with a layer of shaving cream.
  2. Use the back of a spoon to spread the shaving cream evenly.
  3. Add drops of food coloring randomly on top of the shaving cream.
  4. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the colors into the shaving cream.
  5. Roll each egg in the colored shaving cream until fully coated.
  6. Gently place the eggs on a paper towel-lined tray and let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
  7. Carefully wipe off the shaving cream with a paper towel to reveal a vibrant marbled design.

3.      Ombre Eggs

Supplies:

  • Food coloring
  • Plastic cups or bowls
  • Vinegar
  • Water
  • Hard-boiled eggs, completely cooled

Steps:

  1. Rest your egg on top of a bottle cap inside a wide, flat-bottomed 8 oz glass.
  2. Combine ½ cup of boiling water with 1 tsp of white vinegar and 40 drops of food coloring.
  3. Add the solution to the cup until the egg is ¼ submerged. Soak for 5 minutes.
  4. Add clear, warm water to the glass until the egg is ½ submerged. Soak for 3 minutes.
  5. Repeat the process for one or two more stripes, pouring water and waiting 2 minutes.
  6. Remove the dyed egg from the glass with tongs and let it dry.

4.      Modge Podge Eggs

Supplies:

  • Mod Podge (or school glue mixed with a little water)
  • Tissue paper cut into various shapes (larger shapes recommended for younger children)
  • Sponge brush or paint brush

Steps:

  1. Using a sponge or paint brush, apply Mod Podge onto the surface of the egg.
  2. Place pieces of tissue paper onto the Mod Podge-covered egg.
  3. Apply another layer of Mod Podge on top of the tissue paper, pressing to adhere it to the egg.
  4. Continue adding tissue paper pieces and applying Mod Podge until the entire egg is covered.
  5. Allow the eggs to dry in the carton, rotating them occasionally to prevent sticking.

5.      Egg Ninjas

Supplies:

  • Black and skin tone acrylic paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Black Sharpie
  • Silicone glue (or a glue gun)
  • Thin silk ribbons in various colors
  • Toothpicks

Steps:

  1. Draw an oval shape on the egg using a pencil or marker. (Pro tip: Brown eggs work best!)
  2. Using your brush, paint the rest of the egg with black acrylic paint.
  3. Using the glue, attach two toothpicks vertically on the back of the egg like crossed swords.
  4. Use glue to create the ninja’s belt with the silk ribbons.
  5. Draw the ninja’s eyes and eyebrows with a black sharpie.
  6. If necessary, trim the tips of the toothpicks so the egg stands upright.

Got a creative child who can’t get their hands on enough crafts? Drop into The Shine Studio in The Hamptons, New York to treat them to a drop-in class, a workshop, or a break week camp. 

Fun New Year’s Crafts That Spark Creativity and Joy

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As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate with kids than to engage in crafty activities together. Crafting not only enhances creativity but also provides an opportunity for children to express themselves and builds lasting memories and traditions.

Here are some fun New Year’s crafts tailored for kids ages 5-12:

1. New Year’s Party Hats

Get the festivities started by crafting personalized party hats. First, make a cone-shaped hat by drawing a half-circle on a piece of paper using a compass or pencil tied to a string, cutting it out, forming a cone, and taping it at the base. Then unleash the imagination with a variety of custom decorations. We recommend colorful markers, stickers, streamers, puff balls, plastic shaped buttons, and glitter.

2. Countdown Clocks

Create anticipation for the stroke of midnight with DIY countdown clocks. Use paper plates or cardboard circles as the base, and have the kids divide them into 12 sections to represent the hours on a clock. Allow them to decorate each section with different colors and patterns. Add moving clock hands using a brad fastener. As the clock approaches midnight, they can turn the hand to count down the hours to the New Year.

3. Confetti Poppers

What’s a New Year’s celebration without confetti? Help your kids make DIY confetti poppers by tying a knot at one end of the balloon, cutting the top off, and stretching/taping the other end over an empty toilet paper roll. Decorate the roll with festive colors and fill with cut pieces of tissue paper or cut metallic paper pieces. Place a piece of tissue paper and a rubber band over the end to wait for the big moment. When the clock strikes midnight, pull the balloon and snap it, releasing a shower of celebratory confetti.

4. Wishing Wands

Encourage positive vibes for the New Year by crafting wishing wands. Provide plain wooden dowels for the kids to decorate with ribbons, glitter, and beads. Attach a small jingle bell or a star cutout to the top and encourage them to write or draw their wishes for the upcoming year on the star. Wave the wands as a symbolic gesture to send their wishes into the universe.

5. Vision Boards

Introduce the concept of vision boards to inspire your kids to visualize their dreams and aspirations for the coming year. Provide poster boards, magazines, scissors, and glue. You might also use a template to help get ideas flowing. Encourage your child to cut out images and words that represent their goals, dreams, and things they look forward to in the New Year. As they arrange and glue these elements onto their boards, discuss the importance of setting positive intentions and keeping visual reminders around. This meaningful exercise can teach children about the power of visualization and positive thinking.

Start the Year Off Inspired!

As the clock ticks down to the New Year, these crafts will not only keep your kids entertained but also foster creativity and a sense of excitement for the possibilities that lie ahead. So, gather the art supplies, set up a crafting station, and let the New Year’s crafting festivities begin! And if you’re in the Hamptons / East End of New York, stop by and visit The Shine Studio for crafting supplies, inspiration, and fun.

DIY Memorial Day Gifts: Fun Crafts for Kids and Adults

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Memorial Day is a day of remembrance to honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country. Crafting DIY gifts can be a fun and creative way to celebrate with your kids and help them understand the significance of the holiday. Whether you use these crafts to decorate your home or gift to friends and family, Memorial Day crafts encourage quality time together, inspire reflection, and teach reverence.

Here are a few easy Memorial Day crafts to get you started…

Patriotic Wreaths

Show your support for the country and those who have served with a wire or woven branch wreath wrapped in red, white, and blue ribbon, with decorative elements such as miniature flags or patriotic-themed ornaments. You could also add a personalized touch by weaving in photos of loved ones who have served.

Flag Painted Rocks

Painted rocks have become a popular DIY craft, and for Memorial Day, you can find smooth, flat rocks in a rectangular American flag shape and apply red, white, and blue acrylic paint with a paintbrush. First, paint the entire rock white, then paint a blue rectangle in the upper left corner. Once the blue paint has dried, use a thin brush to paint red stripes across the rest of the rock. The paint dries quickly and provides a simple, affordable project that can be completed in just a few hours. Put your rocks in the garden, hand them out, or leave them on nature trails for others to discover.

Memorial Day Mason Jars

Mason jars are a versatile craft supply that can be used to make patriotic lanterns. For this project, you’ll need acrylic paint, as it adheres well to glass surfaces and dries quickly. First, paint the outside of the jar blue and let it dry. Then, using painter’s tape, create stripes around the jar and paint the exposed areas red. Once the paint has dried, remove the tape to reveal the stripes. Finally, you can add a white star using either a stencil or a sticker. Don’t forget to place a battery-powered tealight candle inside for a glorious glow.

Handprint Flags

Ideal for younger children, all you need is white paper, red and blue paint, and a paintbrush. First, have your child paint their hand completely with blue paint and press it onto the paper to create the blue field of the flag. Once the blue paint has dried, use a paintbrush to help your child paint red and white stripes onto the paper. This creates a handprint flag that is unique to your child, making it a wonderful keepsake to cherish in the years to come.

American Flag Popsicle Stick Craft

Teach the history and significance of the American flag using popsicle sticks; red, white, and blue paint; and a glue gun. First, paint the popsicle sticks white and let them dry. Then, use a hot glue gun to glue three sticks together to create a base for the flag. Glue one vertical stick on the lefthand side to form a pole your child can hold or you can stick into a planter. Once the glue has dried, paint a blue square in the top corner and add white stars. Older kids may be able to paint tiny stars, but stickers work best for younger children. You may also paint the handle of the flag white, brown, or gold, depending on your preference. Finally, paint the top stick red, leave the next one white, paint the following stick red, and so on to create a mini American flag that can be displayed or used as a decoration.

Drop Into The Shine Studio For More Seasonal Crafts and Activities

Whether it’s making patriotic wreaths, painted rocks, or American flag crafts, DIY crafts bring families and friends together with projects that both kids and adults enjoy. These DIY gifts not only serve as a tribute to those who have served, but also create meaningful memories and traditions for years to come.

If you love making crafts but not all the shopping or the mess, stop by our creative arts space in Bridgehampton, NY. In addition to our popular summer camps, we offer classes, workshops, party planning, and special events all year round.

8 Fun Easter Traditions from Around the World

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Easter is a holiday celebrated around the world, whether for religious reasons or simply to welcome the spring season. While you may be familiar with hiding baskets filled with chocolate and eggs or a visit from the Easter Bunny, you may not have heard about all the kite-flying, mystery-reading, and water-sprinkling happening elsewhere. Read on to learn about unique Easter traditions and consider adding a lively new activity to this year’s festivities.

1. Kite Flying

The sky over Horseshoe Bay Beach is awash with color in Bermuda, as local residents fly kites handmade at the annual Kite Festival on Good Friday. Legend has it, a local Sunday school teacher used a kite to symbolize the ascension of Jesus Christ — and it’s been a hit ever since. Today, festivalgoers participate in kite competitions, races, Easter egg hunts, and fishcake contests.  

2. French Omelets

From hunts and rolling contests to dyes and breakfast, eggs are a quintessential symbol of Easter. But they take on special significance in France, where 15,000 eggs and over 300 pounds of bacon, garlic, onions, and crawfish tails go into the world’s largest omelet enjoyed by some 10,000 people. The modern tradition began in 1973, but was inspired by Napoleon’s overnight stay in the tiny southern town of Bessières where he enjoyed an omelet so much he ordered the locals to fetch every egg in the village to prepare a gigantic omelet for his entire army the next day. Today, the food is prepared by the The Giant Omelette Brotherhood of Bessières.

3. Murder Mystery Reading

There’s nothing like curling up with a good book during the chilly winter months—and don’t they know it in Norway, where there’s just six hours of daylight and average temperatures well below freezing. Crime stories, detective thrillers, and murder mysteries are their books of choice—a tradition known as Påskekrime. The tradition began in 1923, when a snippet of a murder mystery was printed on the front page of the newspaper and mistaken for fact. Today the stories are so pervasive you can even find them printed on milk cartons.

4. Costumes

Witches may be best associated with Halloween, but in Sweden and Finland, children dress up as “Easter witches” with old clothes, broomsticks, and copper kettles, going door to door and trading decorated willow branches and drawings for chocolate eggs. The tradition stems from the belief that witches head off to Blåkulla to party with the devil before Easter, so the children recite a blessing and their parents burn Easter bonfires to keep the evil away.

5. Italian Fireworks

You may think of fireworks for Independence Day or New Year’s, but Florence, Italy celebrates Scoppio del Carro, meaning “explosion of the cart,”an Easter firework display dates back to the First Crusade. In the modern-day celebration, the Archbishop of Florence lights a small coal lantern using flints once gifted to Pazzino, a crusade hero who climbed the walls of Jerusalem to raise the Christian flag. A pair of festooned oxen then travel the town pulling a three-story wagon built in 1622 loaded with fireworks. Drummers, flag throwers, and people wearing ornate 15th century costumes parade alongside the cart. Once the procession reaches the cathedral, the Archbishop of Florence sends out a little dove rocket attached to a string mechanism to set off the grand fireworks display.

6. Luxembourg Pretzels

The third Sunday in Lent marks Bretzelsonnden, or Pretzel Sunday, where the people of Luxembourg once showed their affection with sweet puff pastries decorated in icing and almonds. Dating back to the 18th century, a gentleman would offer the lady he fancied a pretzel on this day—and if she accepted, he visited on Easter Sunday to see if she found him sweet. If so, he received an egg in return. If not, he received an empty basket. On leap years, the girls offered pretzels to the guys. While the spring flirtation ritual has become antiquated, locals old and young still enjoy simply buying and eating their sweet frosted pretzels this time of year.

7. Bonfires

The tradition of lighting fire to chase away cold, dark winter and welcome the warmth of spring dates as far back as the ancient Egyptians. Osterfeurer has been incorporated into Easter Sunday and Monday traditions as the first major community gathering after months of Northwestern European winter — and about half the town attends! As you might expect, there’s beer and sausages, and locals also roast balls of dough over the open flames. Soon to follow are the communal fires on April 30th, a holiday known as Walpurgisnacht in Germany, Valborg in Sweden, or Čarodejnice in the Czech Republic—which purges the land of darkness and welcomes in the new growing season.

8. Dyngus Day

After weeks of fasting and praying, Easter brings a collective sigh of relief in Polish diaspora communities across Europe and the United States (particularly the rust belt cities of Buffalo, Chicago, and Cleveland). Groups gather for food and drink, parades, live music, and polka dancing the following day on Easter Monday — also known as Śmigus-dyngus, or Dyngus Day. As per tradition, boys chase girls with branches and water guns, and girls who get soaked are believed to marry within the year. These days, pussy willows and water guns are used by everyone who partakes in the festivities.

Love learning about cultural traditions? If you live in New York City, The Hamptons, or the Tristate Area, sign up for Shine’s Globe Trekkers class to visit a new country each week to enjoy the art, music, flavors, and games.

How To Throw a Spring Color Party

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Color parties are trending hot for spring and summer birthdays and events. In fact, posts labeled #colorparty have garnered over 48 million views on TikTok. If you’ve never been to one but are looking for a unique theme for your child’s birthday, continue reading for ideas and inspiration.

Why a Color Party?

There’s nothing more refreshing than the assembly of colors after a long winter! Color parties have roots in Holi, the Hindu festival celebrating the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. The main rituals involve flinging colored water and powders onto friends, family, and festivalgoers as a reenactment of a game Hindu god Lord Krishna played with his consort, goddess Radha. Borrowing a similar spirit, Color Run 5Ks are celebrated around the world, including New York’s Citi Field.

Psychologically, colors can symbolize many different ideas emotions — red for love, orange for sociability, yellow for happiness, green for money, blue for tranquility, or purple for opulence. Taken as a whole, the rainbow is the sum of its parts —a celebration of diversity, inclusivity, hope, and friendship. In some circles, rainbow colors represent God’s covenant with Noah after the Great Flood destroyed much of the world — and in others, a rainbow signifies LGBTQ+ identity and pride.

Studies show children are naturally drawn to bright, saturated colors — and that these colors can affect their moods. So for your next event, consider the crowd-pleasing color party to create memories for years to come.

How To Prepare for a Color Party

  • Buy the supplies. One of the easiest ways to set up your color party is to buy packets of loose, dry powder and put them into Dixie cups. Skip squeeze bottles or squirt guns, which tend to jam up. Another fun option is to use color powder cannons, which use compressed air to blast partygoers up to 20 feet away.
  • Put safety first. The powder itself is non-toxic, typically made of food dye and cornstarch, but it’s best if you don’t directly inhale it or get it in your eyes. So, no matter which option you choose, we recommend passing out colored bandanas and sunglasses to serve as protective gear and keep everybody safe.
  • Secure the venue. The ideal location for a color party is in your own backyard or on private country land with the expressed permission of the property owner. Color parties might not be welcome in public spaces due to cleanup considerations.
  • Have cleanup supplies on hand. If you’re doing the cleanup, you’ll want brooms and dustpans or leaf blowers to move dry powder from your sidewalk or driveway. A sprinkler, hose, or pressure washer will clean up the grass if necessary. A soapy water bucket and sponge can clean your tables and chairs. A vacuum cleaner will pick up any stray colors tracked into the house.
  • Send the invitations. There are several approaches to a color party. Some events have each person pick one color — and they dress from head to toe in that color and bring a matching dish to share. For the main color-tossing event, we recommend handing out white t-shirts as practical party favor keepsakes. Even though the color powders typically wash out of clothing, it’s best to forewarn guests on the invitation that the party could get messy.
  • Decorate. To add vibrancy, you can hang rainbow garlands in trees, hang colorful leis on each chair, tie up helium-filled balloons, set out colorful plastic tablecloths, add LED lights to mason jars as centerpieces, freeze water balloons and place them into a cooler with bottled water.

All that’s left now? Have fun!

Color Party Games and Activities

For the main event, divide your group into two teams (each with their own color), put on the high-energy tunes, and let them run wild with the goal of coating the opposing team while evading their retaliation. If you prefer, each person can have a different color and the game can be played warrior-style.

While the color war is the main event, there are many other activities:

  • Art: Art naturally lends itself to a rainbow of colors, so you might consider setting up a painting station or place colored confetti, construction paper, and glue on the table to see what the kids come up with — or even just simple sidewalk chalk can add to the party décor.
  • Color Powder Alternatives: Instead of “war,” you might set up obstacle courses the kids have to run through while others try to hit them with powder. Or you might divide into two teams, fill black balloons with two different colored powders, and play a roulette-style game where you pop a balloon over a player’s head. If it’s their team’s color, the team gets a point. If it’s the other team’s color, the team loses a point. If it’s the magic gold powder, they earn their team five points.
  • Wet and Wild: Bust out the sprinklers and slip-and-slides to make those colors even more saturated! And remember those frozen water balloons? Once they’ve thawed out in the hot sun and all the water’s been consumed, they’re fair game for another fun round of friendly competition. Or perhaps you organize a calmer tossing event for the chance to win a colorful prize.
  • Hula Hoop Contest: Hula hoops come in bright colors, so they make the perfect contest.
  • Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of colorful items hidden around the yard kids need to find to win a prize.
  • Dessert Station: A vanilla cupcake decoration station with colored sprinkles is always a hit.

Plan Your Next Event

Want help orchestrating your next party in New York City, the Hamptons, or the tristate area? Shine educators travel to your location of choice, bring themed supplies, set up decorations, entertain the kids with guided activities, and cleanup when the event’s done. No fuss, no muss — only fun! We also offer creative programming that includes summer camps, classes, field trips, and more. Contact us for details.

When dodgeball had run its course, we handed out cheap goggles to act as protective eye gear and got the color fight under way.

Happy Lunar New Year!

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Xīnnián hǎo! From China and Korea to Vietnam and Malaysia, East Asian cultures are celebrating the most significant holiday of the year as they usher in the 2023 Lunar New Year from January 22nd through February 1st. Goodbye, action-oriented Year of the Tiger! Hello Year of the Rabbit’s quiet contemplation and confidence! As a water year, it’s also time to go with the flow. Whether you’re Asian-American or you’d like to raise a child with cultural awareness and appreciation, Lunar New Year is a great opportunity to educate and partake in rich traditions.

What To Do for Lunar New Year

  • Decorate! Red is considered a lucky color to ward off evil spirits and bring positive energy into your life at the start of the New Year. Deck out your front door with red lanterns, couplets, and calligraphy.
  • Eat! Like any festival, Lunar New Year has its all-star lineup of signature dishes, including fish (to symbolize abundance), dumplings shaped like silver ingots (to symbolize family prosperity), glutinous rice cakes (to symbolize career advancement), sweet rice balls (to symbolize family togetherness), good fortune fruit (to symbolize fullness), spring rolls (to symbolize wealth), and longevity noodles (to symbolize happiness into old age). For tasty, easy dishes you can make at home, check out our top 5 kid-friendly Asian recipes.
  • Gift! Red envelopes containing money are often gifted to children and retired seniors to wish them a safe and fortunate year. According to legend, there was a demon named Sui who came out New Year’s Eve to terrorize children at night, so parents would light candles and keep the children up all night. One boy’s parents decided to wrap and re-wrap eight coins to entertain him. After the boy fell asleep, his parents placed the coins under his pillow. When Sui came near, a magical light frightened him away, as the eight coins were actually eight fairies. Parents have been gifting red envelopes of money ever since. Other popular gifts include tea, fruits, and candies.

Slightly older kids can see real-life celebrations in this Scholastic video. You may also consider reading one of these popular Lunar New Year books. We Teach NYC put together this comprehensive guide of activities and resources for teaching elementary-aged children about Asian culture and Lunar New Year traditions. Similarly, the Panda Express Club offers 8 free interactive lessons that explore Lunar New Year traditions through trivia, language instruction, and more. Or you can take a virtual trip to the Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art to learn meditation, painting, mask crafting, and art interpretation. 

  • Celebrate! Firecrackers are a popular and customary way to drive away darkness and welcome light into your life. It’s not too late to order sparklers online for the kids. Festivities may also include a nighttime lantern parade and dragon dance through the streets.

Lunar New Year 2023 Events in the East End of Long Island

While NYC’s Chinatown comes to life with dragon parades and lantern festivals, Lunar New Year celebrations can be difficult to find in these parts. But you are always welcome to bring the kids to the Shine Studio, where we combine art, storytelling, song, culinary, dance, and education in fun, engaging, age-appropriate ways. Contact us for details.

8 Thanksgiving Crafts for a Memorable Holiday

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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

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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

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  • 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.

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