teens

12 Fun And Creative Teenager Gift Ideas For Girls

November 28, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you need a little help with teenager gift ideas, I have the girls covered for you with this list of eclectic but popular ideas. Also, look at my pages How to Successfully Homeschool Middle School and How to Homeschool High School.

Whether you are struggling with an idea for your own teenage daughter, niece, granddaughter, or any other 12–18-year-old girl you will find something for girls of all personalities here.

12 Fun And Creative Teenager Gift Ideas For Girls

Check over my list and hopefully it helps you cross some items off your list to get your shopping done quickly.

I have researched, polled the teenage girls I know, and compared them to bring you some choices that I think you (and they of course) will really like.

Most options come in a variety of colors and are appropriate for girly girls to more neutral girlies.

Too, you’ll find many of them budget friendly.

Next, look at some more gift guides.

Gift Guides for Families

12 Teenager Gift Ideas For Girls

Teenager Gift Ideas For Girls

Add one or two of these to your gift list for teen girls.

Instant Print Camera -(Pink) Print Memories Instantly

What better way for them to document friendships, co-op, field trips, and family events than with an adorable and instant printing camera?

Stanley Quencher Vacuum Insulated Tumbler with Lid and Straw

I have been assured that this is one of the big gift ideas for teens right now, they come in a wide variety of colors and are great for getting their water in around the house, on field trips, or at co-op classes.

Wearable Blanket Hoodie

Most of the teens I know love to be bundled up with a hoodie even when it's far too warm, this big snuggly option is great for around the house on the chilliest of days.

Bluetooth Speaker with Lights, Wireless Charging Speaker

This is wireless, bluetooth and works with Androids or iPhone so even if you are not sure which type they have you are covered.

Polymer Clay Earring Making Kit

If you want to gift your teen with something that helps build skills and flex their creative muscles a nice quality jewelry kit gives them the framework but plenty of freedom to be unique and show off their own personal style.

Cute Pastel Highlighters Set: 12 Assorted Colors No Bleed Pens

For school, notes, letters, and more these aesthetic highlighters are pretty paired with a cute notepad and post it notes.

Life Skills for Teenage Girls: How to Be Healthy, Avoid Drama, Manage Money, Be Confident, Fix Your Car, Unclog Your Sink, and Other Important Skills Teen Girls Should Know!

I think this is a great practical gift that might be paired with something more whimsical to give your teenage girl some simple life skills goals to aspire to.

iPhone Charger Cord 6FT 4Packs 4Colors Lightning Cable iPhone Charger

If you have a teen, you know that there are never enough phone cords or blocks in the house. This is always a wonderful and welcomed gift. Look for unique colors and designs as well as different sizes

The Summer I Turned Pretty

This one you will have to do a little investigating on, especially if it is not your child to be sure it's appropriate and a topic they enjoy. Twilight, Hunger Games, and Divergent series are still popular YA options. The Summer I Turned Pretty is one of the books on my teen shopping list this year.

Led Strip Lights Led Strip Lights Waterproof

Strip lights can be run around computers, tv/s, bulletin boards, and around the room to add a little fun.

Neon Signs,Pink Led Neon Light for Wall Decor,Neon

These shaped ones to show off a little of the teen's personality are also really fun.

Monopoly: Barbie Edition Board Game

Barbie has been really big this year from the big screen to makeup palettes, clothes, and in everyone's favorite all night game, monopoly too. This one is perfect for the girly girl who loves all things pink and glamor girl barbie.

Kanoodle Extreme Puzzle Game, Brain Teaser

This is a great brain teaser puzzle pocket game for a single player that has been trending lately.

LEGO Icons Flower Bouquet Botanical Collection and Table Art for Adults

Even if they are not typically into LEGO these beautiful flower sets are not only a great permanent bouquet but also a good and crafty tech distraction. They make a wonderful room decoration when completed.

Easy Fall Crafts To Make And Sell By Kids & Scarecrow Candy Jar

October 6, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some easy fall crafts to make and sell by kids and an adorable scarecrow candy jar. Also, you’ll love my page Fall Season Unit Study {Pumpkins, Leaves, Corn, & More}.

One great aspect of homeschooling is teaching your child and encouraging them to be entrepreneurs.

There are lots of easy fall crafts to make and sell.

One activity that is adorable and fun to make is these scarecrow candy jars.

And they have so much personality and each one is unique.

But beyond the tutorial I have for you today I have plenty more ideas on those easy fall crafts to make and sell for all your little budding businessmen and women of all ages.

Easy Fall Crafts To Make And Sell By Kids

Next, look at some of these ideas for your entrepreneur.

Easy Fall Crafts To Make And Sell By Kids

Grab an idea or two for a craft to sell or just for fun.

Photo Credit: gluesticksblog.com

10-Minute Sock Pumpkins (Video)

Make darling sock pumpkins in 10 minutes! Perfect for fall decor and SO easy to make! You’ll want to make an entire pumpkin patch of sock pumpkins for fall decor this year.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub & 7 Fall DIY Crafts For Teens

Your teens will enjoy making these fall diy crafts as much as they’ll enjoy using them. Also, look at my page Free Fall Unit Study Ideas– For Older Kids Too.

Photo Credit: pacountrycrafts.com

Canning Ring Rag Sunflowers

Last year I came up with these little upcycled rag sunflowers using old canning rings and lids. It took a little tweaking to get the process more efficient and neatly finished, but I finally have it figured out.

Apples Unit How to Make a Fall Kids Garland Apple Craft

If you’re doing an apples unit, your kids will love making this fall garland craft. Add this hands-on craft to my fall unit apple study for a study for multiple ages.

Photo Credit: www.motherthyme.com

DIY Faux Mini Apple Pie

With just a few supplies you can easily whip up this darling DIY faux mini apple pie! This is so cute to add into your fall decor, make for a gift, add to a tiered tray or on a coffee bar!

Photo Credit: www.thebestideasforkids.com

Leaf Clay Dish

Fall is the perfect time to do crafts with leaves and nature. This leaf clay dish is one older kids can make. It would make a beautiful gift they can personalize.

10 Dollar Tree Crafts for Teens & Craft a Cute Fall Fairy Garden Wreath

Dollar Tree crafts are a great way to update your teens decor without breaking the bank and give them something creative to do. Also, you’ll love my page Fall Season Unit Study {Pumpkins, Leaves, Corn, & More}.

Photo Credit: www.sadieseasongoods.com

DIY Hand Warmers from Flannel Shirts

So, why not make some DIY hand warmers for a fun and easy upcycling idea?

Photo Credit: www.stylesimpler.com

DIY Yarn Tassel Garland

It’s officially fall ya all! I wanted to bring some fall colors into my home but I’m trying to keep things simple and budget friendly this year

Photo Credit: thriftyjinxy.com

DIY Pumpkin Spice Goat Milk Soap

This DIY Pumpkin Spice Goat Milk Soap is easy to make and is perfect for your own bath or to give as a gift.

Photo Credit: farmlifediy.com

DIY Candy Corn Decor

Easy DIY Candy Corn Decor is a fun, affordable fall craft project! This wooden candy corn can be used in a holiday centerpiece, vignette, or string it on twine for a seasonal garland!

Then, look how to make this adorable scarecrow candy mason jar.

Scarecrow Candy Jar

The key to keeping the paint from scratching off these jars is preparation from cleaning to removing oils and sealing it.

You will need:

Smooth glass jar with a lid
Raffia and/or twine
Tan craft
Paint Pens/Markers
Waterproof Mod Podge
Burlap ribbon
Flowers or mini pumpkins

You can use any kind of jar that has smooth sides, like a spaghetti jar, smooth mason, jar, and empty garlic jar.

The jars I’m using today are glass Oui yogurt jars that have been cleaned.

I also found lids that fit tightly on them here.

If your jar has label residue on it you can use something like goo gone or just lemon essential oil to soak it in for 10 minutes then scrub it off.

Wipe down the outside of the jar well with rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt or oil.

Once dry paint with one coat of waterproof Mod Podge.

Paint 1 to 2 coats of straw-colored paint all over the outside of the jar, drying between coats.

Now. give your scarecrows a little hair.

You can either use raffia or twine.

Both work great and I did one of each to show you how they look.

For short hair cut bits of raffia and glue around the edge beneath the lid where it won’t interfere with it closing.

For long braids, braid lengths of twine.

Then glue it to the jar, again making sure it doesn’t impede the lid.

Once all your layers of paint dry, use paint pens to draw on the eyes, nose, mouth, and any other accents like patches, you might like.

Typically scarecrows are hand-sewn with burlap and fabrics so add little “stitches” to the features to give it an authentic scarecrow look.

If your jar has a screw-on lid you will want to prep and paint it to blend in or look like a hat.

Seal it with a coat of waterproof Mod Podge or clear sealing spray and protect the inside since that is where food will be kept.

Add a bow with a piece of burlap ribbon to the jar or the edge of the lid.

You can also add flowers, small pumpkins, or other small decorative pieces with hot glue to add a little more color and personality.

Or a little bowtie at the base.

Fill with candy and replace the lid.

How to Help Kids Go Beyond the Basics of Homeschool Cooking & Resources

September 20, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today I’m sharing tips on helping your kids go beyond the basics of homeschool cooking and resources. Also, you’ll love the tips I share on my post How to Incorporate Subjects into a Fun Homeschool Cooking Unit Study.

Do you want to take your teens lessons beyond the basics but keep it simple?

How to Help Kids Go Beyond the Basics of Homeschool Cooking & Resources

Teach your kids to move beyond teaching them to whip eggs, bake a cake, and cook grilled cheese.

It’s time to move on to the next thing – preparing them for independence outside the home.

Whether it’s next year or 3 years away you can start teaching them what they need and how to be the master of their own kitchen.

Besides, you want them to exercise that independence at home first.

More Homeschool Cooking

Learn How to Set Up a Kitchen

For this lesson, have your teen do a lot of their own research using books and the internet.

Your child or teen can learn how to: set up a kitchen for:

cooking
baking
and other miscellaneous supplies they’ll need.

First, look at some of these resources and a great cooking curriculum.

14 Learning How To Cook Books and Games

Add some of these books and games to your homeschool cooking unit study to learn life skills and have fun with the entire family.

Food Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of Our Edible World

Get your recommended daily allowance of facts and fun with Food Anatomy, the third book in Julia Rothman’s best-selling Anatomy series. She starts with an illustrated history of food and ends with a global tour of street eats. Along the way, Rothman serves up a hilarious primer on short-order egg lingo and a mouthwatering menu of how people around the planet serve fried potatoes — and what we dip them in. Award-winning food journalist Rachel Wharton lends her expertise to this light-hearted exploration of everything food that bursts with little-known facts and delightful drawings. Everyday diners and seasoned foodies alike are sure to eat it up.

Cooking Curriculum for the Whole Family

your homeschool curriculum needs life skills and your life needs kids who help out.

Connect with your kids in the kitchen, build life skills, and put peace into your homeschool day.

Who Was Julia Child?

Born in California in 1912, Julia Child enlisted in the Army and met her future husband, Paul, during World War II. She discovered her love of French food while stationed in Paris and enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu cooking school after her service. Child knew that Americans would love French food as much as she did, so she wrote Mastering the Art of French Cooking in 1961. The book was a success and the public wanted more. America fell in love with Julia Child. Her TV show, The French Chef, premiered in 1963 and brought the bubbling and lovable chef into millions of homes. Find out more about this beloved chef, author, and TV personality in Who Was Julia Child?

The Science Chef: 100 Fun Food Experiments and Recipes for Kids

Break out your best aprons and spatulas: The Science Chef: 100 Fun Food Experiments and Recipes for Kids, 2nd Edition teaches children the basics of science through a variety of fun experiments, activities, and recipes. Each chapter explores a different science topic by giving you an experiment or activity you can do right in your kitchen, followed by easy-to-make recipes using ingredients from the experiment. Altogether there are over 100 experiments, activities, and recipes for you to try. From learning why an onion makes you cry to how to bake the perfect cupcake, you'll bring the fundamentals of science to life in a new, magical way.

MasterChef Junior Cookbook: Bold Recipes and Essential Techniques to Inspire Young Cooks

Creativity, hard work, and lots of fun—that’s what it takes to cook like a master. Beloved television competition show MasterChef Junior fosters all of this within each of its pint-size home cooks, and what they whip up is truly impressive. This book aims to give any aspiring young chef the tools he or she needs to hone essential cooking skills, with 100 recipes inspired by dishes that the contestants served in the first five seasons, as well as timeless techniques, tips, and advice. With this book, anyone can become an excellent cook.

MasterChef Family Cooking Game.

Bring Masterchef Into Your Kitchen: Turn Mealtime Into Game Time With This Exciting New Culinary Board Game. Teach Kids Valuable Cooking Skills Through A Series Of Fun Challenges With Delicious Results. Find Out If Your Family Has What It Takes To Become The Ultimate Masterchef

Guacamole Game - Cooperative and Critical Thinking Ingredient Matching Card Game

EASY TO PLAY: Players must use critical thinking to collect the ingredients for their guacamole recipes.

FAMILY FUN: This lively family card game is perfect for kids to spice up their day or for contemplative adults.

Foodie Fight Revised: A Trivia Game for Serious Food Lovers

FIND THE BIGGEST FOODIE: Test your knowledge on topics ranging from culinary science to celebrity chefs, exotic cuisine to cooking and baking skills.

Your Kids: Cooking!: A Recipe for Turning Ordinary Kids Into Extraordinary Cooks

Your Kids: Cooking! is a fun and engaging hands-on cooking program that prepares kids for a lifetime of healthy eating by teaching them how to turn fresh, wholesome ingredients into healthy and delicious meals. Much more than a just a cookbook, YKC is a multimedia cooking program that teaches kids how to cook in a structured, fun, and engaging way.

Melon Rind Check The Oven! Math Game - Adding to 12 Card Game for Kids (Ages 7 and up)

Sometimes you just need to break it up with a fun family game, but to stay on theme let's go with the quick play card game - Check the Oven.

Throw Throw Burrito

Another one that our family enjoys for fun that is food-themed is Throw Throw Burrito, you will end up in stitches with this one.

Teens Cook

Teenagers like what they like, and they will only eat what they like. But instead of causing mealtime strife, now they can learn to cook those foods themselves. With over 75 delicious recipes for meals at all times of the day—breakfast, snacks, sides, dinners, and dessert, too—Teens Cook is a guide to everything teenagers (and tweens) need to learn about conquering the kitchen without accidentally setting the house on fire. Written by teens and for teens in easy-to-follow instructions, authors Megan and Jill Carle give young readers advice on how to maneuver their kitchen in a language they’ll understand (and actually listen to). The Carle sisters pass on their knowledge of how to decipher culinary vocabulary, understand kitchen chemistry (why stuff goes right and wrong when cooking), adapt recipes to certain dietary restrictions (like vegetarianism), and avoid all sorts of possible kitchen disasters.

Where's Mom Now That I Need Her: Surviving Away from Home

WHERE'S MOM NOW THAT I NEED HER?: Surviving Away from Home is the ultimate guide to living away from home! It is filled with real world information and basic survival tips on topics such as:

Cooking for BEGINNERS with Recipes for Quick, Easy Meals
Nutrition
Grocery Shopping
Laundry and Clothing Care
First Aid
And lots more

The Happy Planner - Foodie (Recipe Organizer)

During their last few years at home, it is a great time to put together a book of family recipes. This Happy Planner Recipe Book is a great place to preserve recipes while they work on penmanship and attention to
detail. It has a kitchen conversion list and then is broken down into 8 categories.

Next, you want your child to learn how to set up a kitchen.

Homeschool Cooking Setting Up a Starter Kitchen

I think a very important aspect of their last years of homeschooling is learning how to set up their own kitchen so let’s dig into that a little.

This is an opportunity for them to explore their tastes, while they change.

Not only research styles, but they can compare prices and figure out how much a starter kitchen will set them back.

Kitchen Prepware

Mixing Bowls
Cutting Board
Measuring cups/spoons
Basic knife set
Vegetable peeler
Grater
Can opener

Cookware

Pots and Pans including:
10 and an 8-quart stockpot
5-quart pot or a Dutch oven
2 and a 1-quart saucepan
8-10 inch skillet
12-14” skillet
Casserole Dish

Have them research different materials like copper, nonstick, and glass versus stone, to decide which is best for their needs.

Bakeware

Cookie sheets
Baking pans with sides
Muffin tin
Pie plate

Utensils for a New Kitchen

Spatulas
Whisks
Tongs
Colander
Wooden spoons
Potato masher

Small Appliances

Coffee Maker
Stand Mixer
Air Fryer
Blender

Eating Utensils

Utensils
Plates
Bowls
Cups

Miscellaneous Items for a Starter Kitchen

Oven mitts/pot holders
Dish drying rack
Dish towels
Cleaning supplies

Small and Large Appliance Care

You will also want to teach about basic kitchen appliance use, how to care for them, clean them, and simple maintenance.

This includes items like the microwave, oven, fridge, coffee pot, mixers, and toasters/toaster ovens.

Many kids leave home without knowing how to descale a coffee pot or safely and properly clean an oven. Learning that care and maintenance extend the life of your small and large appliances is

Here are some additional skills you might want to teach this year:

Clean an Oven
Descale a coffee pot
Clean and sanitize your refrigerator
How to clean a microwave
Caring for cookware

Budgeting, Meal Planning, and Shopping

Finally, If you have not yet introduced these three important skills this is a great time to, it is as important as learning how to stock and maintain a kitchen.

Teach them to create a grocery list by “shopping” from the pantry first.
Add Meal Planning for Beginners: 10 Steps for Success to what you already know to help prepare them for independence.
How to Make a Food Budget You’ll Stick To can give your teen some good basics.
Scroll down for two free different master grocery lists to help teach grocery shopping skills.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub & 7 Fall DIY Crafts For Teens

September 2, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Your teens will enjoy making these fall diy crafts as much as they’ll enjoy using them. Also, look at my page Free Fall Unit Study Ideas– For Older Kids Too.

If your teen loves the smell of fall and pampering, they are going to love this easy peasy recipe for a pumpkin spice body scrub made with simple household ingredients.

We already know that cooking is an invaluable life skill and a great addition to your homeschool lessons.

But have you ever considered having your teen make their own DIY beauty products as part of their studies?

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub & 7 Fall DIY Crafts For Teens

Just like cooking, teens learn ratios, measurements, mixing, and following directions.

They can also get a lesson in economics by comparing the cost of making vs. buying the product.

It can also be used as business making, and selling products, designing a label, creating a website or Facebook for selling, researching advertising, and so much more.

Finally, it can also be used to encourage and discuss good hygiene and self-care with your teen.

DIY Fall Crafts

But it’s okay if it is just a fun fall diy craft too.

A sweet memory for you to create together and trust me you will love this one just as much as they do.

Sugar is a fantastic exfoliant and can turn a simple bath or shower into a mini spa experience.

Now, look at these fun ideas for teens.

7 More Fall DIY Crafts For Teens

Besides the lovely pumpkin spice body scrub, I have for you today I gathered up 7 more Fall DIY crafts for teens that they can make for themselves, use as gifts, or to start a small business with.

Photo Credit: www.momsandcrafters.com

Fall DIY Decor – Macrame Leaf Wall Hanging Tutorial

This simple macrame leaf wall hanging tutorial teaches you how to make some fall DIY decor to bring warmth into your home decor this autumn!

Photo Credit: www.kitchencounterchronicle.com

How to Decorate Pumpkins with Markers : Simple Fall DIY

While your teen may think they are too old to craft with pumpkins they will no doubt love to Decorate Pumpkins With Markers to a pretty fall table.

Photo Credit: bigfamilyblessings.com

Fall Macrame Rainbow

Make this fun and festive fall craft with your tweens and teens this fall season. This adorable Fall Macramé Rainbow craft is simple to make, and a great fall craft to decorate or give as a gift.

Easy Fall Crafts for Middle School: DIY String Pumpkin Art

If you’re wanting fall crafts for middle school for a fall unit study you’ll love this project. And look on my page homeschool middle school for more tips.

Photo Credit: acultivatednest.com

DIY Pumpkin Spice Soy Candle

Pumpkin spice candles that you can diy! If you’re like me, then you love to stop to smell the candles in stores like Target or Bath and Body Works.

Photo Credit: awellpurposedwoman.com

How to Make Fabric Pumpkins from Old Socks

Learn how to make sock pumpkins from old socks with this step by step tutorial. Fabric pumpkins are a fall decor favorite and now you can make your own sock pumpkins just by using up your mismatched socks.

Photo Credit: sistersknowbest.com

Easy DIY Fall Leaf Roses - Roses made from fall leaves!

Also, look at these other ideas to include all your children if you’re wanting to study about the fall season.

Fall Homeschool Activities for the Whole Family

Finally, look how to make this fun pumpkin spice body scrub.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub

If pumpkin spice is not a favorite you can omit the spice, add in different extracts like peppermint or lemon, use essential oils, or even a bit of instant coffee or cocoa to create a recipe they love.

You will need:

1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup coconut or olive oil
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 Tablespoon unscented castile soap -optional
Jar with tight fitting lid

First, place sugar in a large bowl.

Stir in coconut oil, castile soap, and spices.

Castile soap is a great cleanser as well as moisturizer, it adds a bit of sudsing effect to the sugar scrub.

While not necessary I like the benefits that it adds to it. They could also use a little of their favorite mildly scented body wash in place of the castile soap.

Mix until well combined, add more oil or spices to the mixture until it is your preferred scent and consistency.

Transfer mixture to a glass jar with a lid, I found this nice locking jar at Dollar Tree and it would be great for gifting the sugar scrub in.

Store out of the direct line of water.

To use: Rub sugar scrub gently over wet skin, especially on elbows, knees, and feet and then rinse away.

I do not recommend this as a face scrub as it is too abrasive for the tender skin of the face.

22 Hands-on Fun Ocean Sea Shell Activities For Teens

June 22, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 22 fun ocean sea shell activities for teens. Also, you’ll love more ideas on my pages Oceans, Homeschool Middle School and How to Homeschool High School.

There seems to always be a lot of fun ocean seashell crafts for the younger kids but not so much for older kids and especially teens.

I found a great list of crafts that are fun and more challenging.

From tinkling wind chimes to elegant artwork there are plenty of choices here to use for fun craft projects that will brighten up their room or have a special place on the mantle

22 Hands-on Fun Ocean Sea Shell Activities For Teens

Before we get into the more creative stuff, let’s answer a couple of important questions about these beautiful beach treasures.

You can ask your teen and have him research the answers on their own or read to them about shells while they work on a craft.

And yes, teens still liked to be read to.

What Is A Sea Shell?

A seashell is a mollusk’s abandoned exoskeleton.

It was their protection, home, and a place for their muscle to attach to.

While ocean sea shells seem to come in an endless variety of shapes, they’re all really versions of the same fundamental pattern – a spiral.

How Are Seashells Made?

During their daily life mollusks draw in salts and chemicals from the water around them.

As they process the materials, they secrete the calcium carbonate, which hardens on the outside of their bodies and begins to form the hard outer shell.

As they continue excreting the calcium carbonate the surface grows and grows.