droolicious : activities for kids

Curiouser and Curiouser: Alice in Wonderland Jigsaw Puzzle

Aaron Burgess — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:00:00 GMT

I hear you, Alice: If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense, too. Thankfully, with this 500-piece jigsaw puzzle, the kids and I can spend an afternoon in that mindset via a beautifully designed collage of vintage images from Lewis Carroll's classic. Common sense would tell us to glue and mount the puzzle once it's finally complete, but in the spirit of being contrarywise, I think it's back to the box it'll go.

$14.95 from The Afternoon.

Insanely Awesome Motor Workshop

Cathy Hale — Sat, 09 May 2009 15:00:00 GMT

If you are looking for an awesome replica of a real workshop for your little handyman (or gal), take a look at this! I bought the Little Tikes 2-in-1 Buildin' to Learn Motor Workshop last weekend for my son and it is just incredible! I am still in awe over the working tools - the power drill even changes directions!

There are so many different things in this workshop that can be safely taken apart and put back together, it provides hours of enjoyment. I'm so impressed with this toy and all of the doors it opens for imaginative play. It's easy to assemble and looks great. I'm not even whining about all of the little pieces or the batteries. Yes folks, it's that cool! Get up and grow.

Better Batter Baseball is a Home Run

Cathy Hale — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:30:00 GMT

We got this toy when my oldest turned three and it's been a blast ever since! If you're looking for a fun activity that will entertain your little guy (or gal), you've got to check out the Better Batter Baseball from Fisher-Price. The tee-free design lets toddlers play without having to routinely reset the ball. They simply tap the plate and the balls automatically load thanks to the Velcro on the arm (it sticks to the ball). The trainer is height adjustable too. It says ages 3+, but I think younger children can easily get the hang of it. Retails for $40 at Target. Batter up!

Green Baby: WoodPecker Walker

Cathy Hale — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 01:00:00 GMT

If you're looking for a walker without lots of buzzing, dinging, ringing and batteries, this might the one for you. What a fun & safe way for your baby to build gross motor skills and improve balance. The WoodPecker Walker from Plan Toys features two wooden birdies that peck when the walker moves. It's beautifully crafted and has no sharp edges. Your child will love the click-clack sound. Retails for $72 at BabyEarth.

Keep 'em Busy: Chalk Mats

AmandaHill — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Chalk Mats are the handiest products. They are easy to unroll in the car or restaurant. They have a nifty little pocket that stores the chalk and the eraser. When your little one is finished, you just roll the Chalk Mat up and pack it up. Click behind the fold to find out where the mats can be purchased.

Chalk Mats can be purchased at Baby Browns. They come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Freaky Freebies: Printable Activities from 'Vunce Upon a Time'

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:04:00 GMT

Leave it to Olive, the Other Reindeer creator J.otto Seibold to conjure up a blood-sucking undead character we'd actually want to cuddle up with this Halloween. Okay, that's not entirely true about the blood-sucking stuff: See, Dagmar the vampire is actually a shy, people-fearing vegetarian, and his real weakness isn't A, B or O-positive; it's more like Almond Joy, Butterfinger and Oompas. In Seibold and Siobhan Vivian's delightful new book, Vunce Upon a Time, the candy-crazed cutie has to overcome his fear of the living to score big as a trick-or-treater.

Chronicle Kids, Vunce Upon a Time's publisher, has rolled out some Halloween-friendly treats of its own to celebrate the book, and we're happy to report that you don't need to make a donation, blood or otherwise, to enjoy 'em. Each is a printable PDF, and when you put everything together you've even got the ingredients for a party.

Check out the "Vunce in a Lifetime Halloween Adventure" site for the full-color experience, or grab the whole lot via the links below. Happy crafting, and a totally premature Happy Halloween to all!

Turn Into a Vampire in 6 Easy Steps

Vampire Jack-O-Lantern Pattern

Face Painting Template

Bat Ear Pattern

Sticker Sheets

Coloring Sheets

Spiderweb Pumpkin Ginger Cupcakes Recipe

Caramel Apples and Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipes