A Perfect Kid's Gift

She liked it! She really liked the gift I gave her. I believe I was more excited than my granddaughter.
Unless I'm given the exact spelling of what my grandkids want, I'm at a loss.  It turns into one big guessing game. I find myself asking store clerks for advice. (Actually begging for advice.)
When the time comes to give my gift, I'm sure to attach the receipt, apologize as it's being opened, and usually have some cookies waiting in the wings. But this time was different. Katie's response was immediate. No receipt or apology was necessary. It was love at first sight. She adores drawing anywhere, anytime. This sweet "Pipity", oil-clothed tote, opened up to all the accessories needed to bring her ideas to life. With an easel, pockets and a shoulder strap, this little honey was ready to get to work at home, in the car, or even at Bubbie's house. 
Share with us your successes, suggestions, and thoughts on gift-giving for kids. Love to hear from you!
Best, 
Bubbie and her grandbabies 
How To Choose The Perfect Gift For Your Child

Coloring Books Verses Blank Paper

Draw anything your little heart desires...imagine that! 
All you need is a piece of blank paper and a writing tool and you're off and running...I mean drawing!
This little sweetheart jumped right in with his blue marker and a plan. He clearly had something in mind as he drew his loop-d-loops, squiggly lines and came to his big finish with lots of dots. It was then off to the refrigerator for display and then back to the drawing board for his next dive into a million possibilities.
Although I have coloring books on hand, I usually offer white paper with crayons or markers for coloring fun. My grandkids never turn down the chance to show me what they can do. It's always exciting to hear the stories that lie within the lines. 
Share with us your coloring ways with your kids and/or grandkids. Always enjoy hearing from you.
Best, 
Bubbie and her Grandbabies
Scholastic/Coloring Inside the Lines
"Preschool (and kindergarten) is a time of exploration, experimentation, and creativity. It is best not to expect your child to try to work within the lines or to try to make perfect letters at this stage."
Why I Don't Buy Colorinng Books for My Kids
"If you want to raise creative kids, skip the coloring books and give them paper and crayons. Encourage them to draw for themselves."

A Water Colorist : The Real Deal

Who knew how much joy I could bring into the life of one of my kiddos with a blackboard, a thick paintbrush and a small amount of water in a cup? Well, apparently a lot! And, who knew he would take it so seriously? The places he went on this adventure was extraordinary! Starting out with lines, which circled back to shapes, and with some added dots, he explained his compilation of monsters, ghosts and a dinosaur pushing through the crowd! With so much effort and concentration called for, a snack was in order. Soon my grand baby was satisfied and ready to create another work of art on a completely dry canvas. This Bubbie was also overjoyed with this mess-free activity!
Please share your no-mess or just-a-little-mess solutions for your kids and/or grandkids:)
Stress-Free, Mess-Free Water Play
13 No-Mess Activities for Kids
See you next time,
Bubbie and her Grandbabies

Toddler Playgroups

Jude and I began going to the park months ago as a way of stretching our legs and enjoying the clean, fresh air.  We never expected to end up with a great playgroup!  On any given day we can have as few as 4 children and as many as 20!  Socializing consists of sharing healthy treats for snack time,  gathering the kids for circle games, and if time allows breaking out the bubbles and wands, blankets for coloring or big brushes for water painting. The kids play hard and are ready for lunch and a nap by the time we get them home, which makes for a very happy grown-up!

Keep 'em laughing,

Bubbie and Jude

P.S. Please share your (grandkids or kids) playgroup experiences!

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