Summer Kids Reading Rewards

Freebies 4 Mom just posted a list of rewards that kids can earn this summer for doing a little reading. Here is a brief summary:


Scholastic Summer Challenge - Kids can earn points by reading and playing games on their website. Accumulated points can then be used to enter for prizes and sweepstakes.

Half-Price Books Feed Your Brain - Kids under 12 will earn a $3 Half-Price Books gift card for every week they read at least 15 minutes from June 1 to July 31.

Pottery Barns Book Club - Tuesdays from 11 to 11:30 am. Kids will get a coupon after attending 5 sessions and getting their booklet stamped.

TD Bank Summer Reading - Kids who read 10 books will get $10.

Borders Reading Challenge - Kids under 12 will get to choose a $4.99 Reading Challenge item (50% off) after completing 8 books.

So let your kids read on this summer!!!

Freebies For Kids

Looking for some freebies for the kids? Check out weeklyfreebie.com for some great offers including free stickers, an F-15 airplane kit, or a Sunkist Lemonade stand! This site is updated weekly so be sure to check back for other freebie offers!

Looking for unique t-shirts, bags, and coffee mugs?

Looking for a unique bag, t-shirt, or coffee mug for yourself or someone special? Try shopping at Tiny Tees and Books! This site is still in it's infancy, but already has some special items that are sure to delight!

Home Depot Workshop for Kids!

Looking for something constructive (and free) for your kids to do this summer? I recently learned that Home Depot offers free workshops for kids ages 5-12! Kids will learn do-it-yourself skills such as building a mailbox organizer or tool box. Every child also receives the infamous orange apron similar to what the Home Depot employees wear, as well as an achievement pin. The classes are offered on the first Saturday of every month between 9am-noon. Click here for more details!

I just have to share my opinion on this fabulous children's picture book that I've just read! It's called Someday and it written by Alison McGhee. The story chronicles a mother's thoughts and emotions as her daughter grows up from a newborn to an adult with silvery hair. It is a very heart-touching story and written very lovingly. I know many of you will absolutely adore it and want to read it with your little one! Here is a link to the Barnes and Noble site in case anyone is interested.

Diapers.com is offering $10 off your first diaper order (minimum order of $49)! Click here for more details.

Edible Play Dough

Okay, so how many of you out there have kids that like to eat their play dough? Here are some edible play dough recipes that your kids will love to both play with and you won't mind if they eat it!

Kool-Aid Play Dough

1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/2 cup
salt
3 teaspoons Cream of Tartar
1 package Kool-Aid Mix (any flavor of unsweetened)
1 tablespoon cooking oil

Mix all the dry ingredients together in a large saucepan. Then slowly add water mixed with the cooking oil. Stir over medium heat until mixture thickens to a dough-like consistency. Turn out onto a heatproof bread board or counter top and knead until the dough is cool enough for children to handle. Can be stored for 6 months in air-tight container.


Peanut Butter Play Dough

one 18-oz. jar creamy peanut butter
6 tablespoons honey
3/4 cup non-fat dry milk
flour (optional)

Mix all of the ingredients together. Add dry milk until you reach the desired consistency. If desired, add flour to stiffen it up a bit.

Jell-O Play Dough

1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1 cup water
1 tablespoon oil
2 teaspoons Cream of Tartar
1 (3-1/2 oz.) package "unsweetened" Jell-O

Mix all of the ingredients together and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until consistency of mashed potatoes. Let it cool and knead with floured hands until dry. Needs to completely cool before storing in air-tight container.

*** This play dough can be painted after it dries!

Have fun!