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Easy Paper Plate Dinosaur Mask Craft for Kids

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(This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you) Looking for a quick and easy dinosaur craft for kids ? These paper plate dinosaur masks are simple to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for imaginative play afterwards. This craft is ideal for a dinosaur-themed day at home , a rainy afternoon activity, or even a classroom craft. All you need is a paper plate, a few basic craft supplies, and a little creativity! Once finished, children can wear their dinosaur masks and stomp around the house pretending to be their favourite prehistoric creature. Why Kids Love This Dinosaur Craft This activity is perfect for young children because it’s: Quick and simple to make Great for creative decorating Encourages imaginative play Uses easy supplies you probably already have at home It also pairs perfectly with our Dinosaur Day activities in the Holiday at Home series. What You’ll Need ...
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Create Your Own Mandalas: A Calm and Creative Weekend Activity for Kids

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Looking for a calm, screen-free weekend activity for kids that actually holds their attention? Creating and colouring mandalas has quickly become one of our favourite quiet time activities at home. It’s creative, relaxing, low-prep — and surprisingly engaging for all ages. We recently discovered  MandalaGaba to design our own mandalas before printing them out and spending the afternoon colouring them in. What started as “something to try” turned into hours of peaceful, focused fun. And honestly? I enjoyed it just as much as the children did. What Are Mandalas? Mandalas are circular designs made up of repeating shapes and patterns. The word “mandala” comes from Sanskrit and means “circle.” Traditionally, mandalas have been used in meditation and art practices around the world as a symbol of balance and wholeness. Today, they’re widely used as a mindful colouring activity for kids and adults — and for good reason. Benefits of Mandala Colouring for Kids If you’re searchin...
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At-Home Holiday Magic: How to Make School Holidays Special Without Going Anywhere

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As fun as holidays away from home can be, it's not always possible for us to travel. Whether it's a lack of time, holiday allowance or budget, sometimes we spend holidays at home. But here's the good news: You don't need flights You don't need theme parks You don't need a packed itinerary Some of the most magical school holiday memories happen at home — in pyjamas, with fairy lights, and slightly too much popcorn. If you want the holidays to feel special without overspending or exhausting yourself, this is where simple “holiday magic” comes in. Here are easy ways to create that away-from-home feeling… without actually leaving. 🏕 1. Backyard “Glamping” & Outdoor Cinema Night Camping… but comfortable. I'm going to hold my hands up here, I am not a camping person, but m y kids love it when we put the 'tent' up.  Our tent is nothing more than a pop up beach tent I bought second hand when they were tiny. That doesn't seem to matter though, t...
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How to Handle “I’m Bored” During the School Holidays (Without Losing Your Patience)

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We've all been there...there comes a time of the day when your children suddenly declare: “I’m bored.” As parent you want to immediately fix that situation, so you suggest something. “That’s boring.” comes the reply. You suggest something else. “Don’t want to.” And suddenly you feel like the full-time activities coordinator of the household — except nobody likes your programme.  If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. School holidays are long, and boredom shows up often. But here’s the reassuring truth that I only realised in recent years: Boredom isn’t a problem to fix. It’s a skill to build. Here’s how to handle “I’m bored” during the school holidays — without turning yourself into a cruise director.  Why Boredom Isn’t the Enemy When children say they’re bored, it usually means one of three things: They want connection They don’t want to start something independently They’re overstimulated and don’t know how to reset Our natural instinct is to...
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School Holiday Snack Ideas (Budget-Friendly, Easy & Picnic Ready)

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(This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you) If there’s one thing that increases during the school holidays, it’s the endless snack requests. Suddenly everyone is hungry. All the time. Five minutes after breakfast... And if you’re not careful, snacks become the silent budget and energy drain of the holidays — especially when you’re out and about. The good news? With a little planning, you can keep everyone fed without constant shop stops or expensive convenience food. Here are simple, realistic school holiday snack ideas that are: Budget-friendly Easy to prep Perfect for days out Suitable for home days too 🧺 The Golden Rule: Pack Before You Leave Before we get into specific food ideas, this one rule saves the most money: Always pack a snack box before leaving the house. Even if you think you won’t need it. Include: Water bottles Two small snacks per child So...
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How to Survive the School Holidays Without Overspending

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School holidays can feel expensive before they’ve even begun. Extra food. Extra activities. Extra outings. Extra everything. And while it’s lovely to plan days out and make memories, the pressure to constantly be doing something can quietly drain your budget — and your energy. The good news? You don’t need a packed calendar or a big spending pot to have a good school holiday. Here’s how to survive the school holidays without overspending — in a way that still feels fun, relaxed and realistic. 1. Decide Your Holiday Budget First Before you plan anything, set a rough budget. Even something simple like: £50 per week for outings One paid activity per fortnight Mostly free days with one “yes day” Having a number in mind removes guilt and impulse spending. It also helps you say no confidently — because you’re sticking to your plan, not just reacting in the moment. 2. Plan “Home Days” After Paid Days If you do a trip to soft play, a cinema visit or a day at the fa...
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