The Greening of Playtime

Okay so it's like that old joke about grandparents who look at your kids' video games and say VIDEO GAMES? Back in my day we played with twigs and rocks and we LIKED IT. But the truth is, is there really anything so bad about playing wit…

The Greening of Playtime

Okay so it's like that old joke about grandparents who look at your kids' video games and say VIDEO GAMES? Back in my day we played with twigs and rocks and we LIKED IT. But the truth is, is there really anything so bad about playing with twigs and rocks?

That's exactly what Kimberly Monaghan was thinking when she wrote Organic Crafts, a book with 75 activities that get your kid out of the house to forage for art supplies. Masks can be made from grass, puppets from pebbles, even a gourd birdhouse. Plus I like the info on stuff older kids can get into, like recycling, John Audobon's story, and plants you can use to make paints.

It's enough fun to keep the kids entertained all summer long. And you won't have spent one penny on batteries. -Liz

[thanks, rebecca] 

More in KidsView all picks →

Q&A with children's book creator LeUyen Pham

Q&A with children's book creator LeUyen Pham

If you've been following us lately, you know how excited we are about our new Q&A books series. The chance to chat with authors like Sophie Blackall , LeUyen Pham, and the others coming up soon has been thrilling and delightful. And we'r…

Hanna Andersson: The pajamas we splurge on because they last forever

Hanna Andersson: The pajamas we splurge on because they last forever

Some kids’ pajamas are cute for approximately five minutes—and then they’re stretched out, faded, or covered in breakfast and stained forever. If you’re going to spend a little more on children’s sleepwear, it makes sense to choose somet…

Cool clothes for stylish kids

Cool clothes for stylish kids

Some kids’ shopping feels like a treasure hunt—in the best possible way. Maisonette is the online destination for moms who want children’s clothes, toys, accessories, and home finds that feel a little more special than the usual lineup. …