#2018top50

Inspired by Booky Margoof’s 100 Day pom project, my almost-8-year-old saved up for her own pom making kit and now both my kids are making them. This adorable book by Japanese Crafter Trikotri, Pom Pom Animals: 45 Easy and Adorable Projects Made from Wool, looks like the perfect follow up for them to expand on their new hobby. Pet pals, gifts for friends, brooches, magnets, knit hat accessories, and more.

Trikotri also recommends Clover's cutwork 115 scissors and highly-rated Pom Makers in multiple sizes.

Math Fluxx! Our favorite ever-changing game with three levels of math gameplay to choose from. Yet another smart way to make numbers fun and familiar.

🔥POPULAR 🔥 Including kids in food preparation from a young age is a gift in itself. It connects them to their food and their family, it instills responsibility and confidence, and passes along a lifelong skill. We started with a lot of baking (cookies, pies, and breads), but wanted to involve them in everyday dinners and meals that included our back yard veggies and strawberries. Knives quickly became a part of the equation. 

If you’re looking for a knife for little kids vs letting them learn with what you’ve got, Opinel’s le petit Chef set is a great starter. The stainless steel knife end is rounded for kid-use and there are learning rings and a finger guard to help cut and peel. Made in France. Looks great, too.

⭐️ AWARD-WINNER ⭐️ We've stared at these cards quietly for long periods, and though no one can tell, we're having fun. SET! The Family Game of Visual Perception. A focus and patience builder, this is a brain game for older kids and adults, playing with friends or solo. Find three cards that either share one shape, color, number, or shading among them, or that don't have anything in common at all. Amazing practice for pattern recognition, concentration, and quick-thinking.

This has been a family favorite for years, but I especially love seeing my (now) teens exercise their brains on this one.