Gold Medal Crafts

Of course we’re excited about the Olympics coming to town but we’re also considering our own budding athletes—what to do with them when all their activities are cancelled and schools are closed. We’re thinking there might be a few days when we hunker down and get cozy at home, avoid traffic and make some crafts.

Let the Crafts Begin!
Keep the Olympic Spirit burning in your home with Craft Caravan, a crafty company started by local Vancouver mom Keri Zingle. She offers a monthly mail-out of craft kits which include all the materials and directions you need to make those crafts happen. All of her crafts are themed around the calendar and your kids can make them as sophisticated (or as basic) as they want. For February, subscribers to Craft Caravan will receive all the materials they need to create their own Olympic torch—but you’ll need to sign up before January 23. At $11.99 for a one-month subscription, it might be the most inexpensive Olympic activity you do. 

Dress Them Up
Moojoes Kids Gear, a North Vancouver based e-tailer started by two local mom-entrepreneurs, imports unique items for babies and children from Europe. We like that they are not only hard to find in Canada, but because of the higher environmental standards in Europe, they’re a smart choice for moms. One of our fave items on Moojoes’ site is the Colour Your Own Costume Kit ($18.95). No matter what your child’s age or interest is, there are hours of fun to be had in colouring his or her own costume. The kit is imported from the Netherlands and the costume is made of cotton (and comes folded in a small cotton pouch, so there is minimal packaging). You can use your own markers to colour the costume, but the fabric markers ($6.95) are recommended for their permanency. Now Jack and Jill are ready for the opening ceremonies!

To the Moon and Back
Last, but definitely not least, are some great crafts from Green Planet Parties: a Built-It Space Explorer Rocket Kit ($21.95) made of wood, non-toxic paint, glue and stickers, a Felt Flower Jewelry Kit ($7.95), and Made By Me wooden vehicle kits ($5.50). All of these craft kits are involved enough to take an afternoon to make and open-ended enough to allow for your child’s own creative expression. As an added bonus, and with another green nod, part of the rocket packaging becomes a space mobile.

So take advantage of this Olympic-sized break in our routines, and start your training. You’ll be owning the craft podium in no time.

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