I got a few of these baskets this year and they have came in handy many times! They’re great to store all the items you need in one spot and contain messes easily. With all the ways these divided baskets can be used and at only $1 a piece, I wanted to share a few ideas for using them this holiday season! You can find them on amazon or at The Dollar Tree!
#1- Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt- one of my kids favorite traditions! Fill your baskets with a travel mug of warm cocoa (don’t forget the whipped cream and marshmallows!), a clipboard with a scavenger hunt sheet attached (this one is from www.lilluna.com but there are lots of free printables on pinterest, even ones with pictures for your kiddos who aren’t reading yet), a writing utensil, a flashlight to see their list in the car, and some (not too messy) snacks. Have your kids put on their pajamas and maybe grab their favorite blanket and make a fun new memory! You could even bring a treat with a certificate to give to which house you think should win for best lights!
#2-Wrapping Paper Station- I’ve heard of people who have entire rooms dedicated to just wrapping gifts but if that’s not you, this will help keep things organized all through the holiday season. Stock it with scissors, lots of tape, name tags, pens, ribbon, and bows. Grab a roll of wrapping paper and this caddy and you’ll be ready to wrap anytime.
#3- Themed Movie Night- We have had lots of fun themed movie nights over the years. Take your basket, fill it with a container of popcorn, a drink, a napkin, and a fun treat, and you’re set! Here are a few fun, themed ideas:
- “Elf”- candy canes, Keebler (elf) cookies, or a maple donut.
- “Frozen”- powdered donuts holes, carrots, white chocolate popcorn, or ice cream sandwiches.
- “Santa Buddies”- muddy buddies (there are so many varieties or you can stick with the original).
- “Prep and Landing”- anything miniature you can call elf snacks, like frosted Cheerios can be elf donuts, elf hats made from Bugles, or Jingle bell chocolates.
- “The Santa Claus”- hot cocoa M&Ms, Santa hats made from strawberries, or milk and cookies.
- “The Polar Express”- hot chocolate station, oranges, or coconut macaroons. *It’s also fun to give each of your kids a train ticket (there are printables online or you can make your own) and a jingle bell.
- “The Grinch”-Rice Krispie treats shapes into hearts, you can make your favorite snack mix and call it reindeer chow, pistachio “Grinch” pudding, or green sugar cookies.
Don’t like you’re kids to eat on the couch? Put down a picnic blanket or old quilt on the floor to contain the mess! Any of these movie nights can easily be turned into a themed dinner as well.
#4- Get Better Basket- this last idea is one I hope you won’t need to use much this winter but we have used ours several times in the past month. I love using these baskets to keep all I need for each child contained in one spot. It’s so easy to carry them from room to room and even keep on their nightstands for middle of the night throwing up or breathing treatments. Fill it with a drink to keep them hydrated, a scrunchie to keep long hair out of the way, medicine with dropper or cup, tissue package, oximeter, thermometer, inhaler, hand sanitizer, or whatever you need. I really like to keep a sticky note with a pen in it to keep track of when I give them each dose of medicine and anything else I need to remember since sickness and brain fog from lack of sleep tend to go hand in hand. You could also put in a book or activity pages to pass the downtime!
Hope you are able to make lots of happy memories this holiday season without too much sickness!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our family to yours!
