I love themes and any reason to celebrate. With that in mind, here are some suggestions on what you could do on Leap Day every four years.
Playing around the art and architecture on the University of Texas campus I'm always happy to see this family in front of my camera. Last time we were out at Commons Ford Ranch. This Spring, the mom chose the Blanton Museum Courtyard on the University of Texas...
This holiday season, break away from the traditional gift-giving routine and infuse some playful spirit into your presents.
Whether you’re shopping for kids, family, or friends, this list of Top 10 Fun Items is designed to inspire creativity, play, and silliness. From indoor snowball battles to taste-altering berries, here are delightful gift ideas that promise giggles and new playful memories.
Living in Austin, Texas, where snow is a rare sight, why not bring the winter wonderland indoors? Gift a set of fake snowballs and watch as your living room transforms into a battleground for epic snowball fights. Embrace the joy of the season, no matter the climate.
2) Miracle berries + variety of foods to test on
Do you know what miracle berries are? They make sour foods taste sweet. Combine this with some super taster strips – and you have a whole night of food experiementation. Challenge taste buds and create a unique dining experience that will be remembered long after the holiday season.
3) Flashlight – I never met a kid who didn’t love a flashlight. So illuminate your holiday nights with the timeless gift of flashlights. Encourage a game of “Hide and Seek in the Dark” or be prepared for the next power outage or ice storm. A simple yet versatile gift that sparks joy in both children and adults.
4) Duct Tape – Gift vibrant rolls of duct tape and let imaginations run wild. Combine it with the cardboard boxes from your online shopping haul to create anything from futuristic forts to colorful costumes. A simple yet effective way to nurture creativity in a hands-on, DIY manner.
5) Austin Event Calendar – Yes – I have the photo for October, so I’m partial to this gift. But it gives you loads of ideas month by month of events to enjoy in Austin. Perfect for locals and visitors alike, this gift ensures that the fun never stops, offering a plethora of ideas for every season.
6) Solar Eclipse Glasses – Anticipate the breathtaking solar eclipse on April 8th, 2024, with a pair of stylish solar eclipse glasses. A unique and educational gift, these glasses turn a celestial event into a mesmerizing experience for the whole family.
7) Art Dice – Inject an element of chance into artistic endeavors with art dice. Roll the dice to determine what to draw, adding an unpredictable twist to the creative process. A delightful gift for budding artists or anyone seeking inspiration.
8) Family Charades – If your family loves performing, gift them a Family Charades game. Watch as your living room transforms into a stage for laughter and entertainment. A fantastic way to bond and showcase hidden talents during the holiday season.
9) Glow Battle – Combine the thrill of laser tag with the comfort of your backyard. Glow Battle lets kids and adults alike run, dodge, and swing light swords all winter long. Turn your outdoor space into an arena for memorable battles and active fun.
10) Twelve Games of Christmas – Elevate your holiday gatherings with Twelve Games of Christmas. Whether you’re visiting relatives or hosting at home, these festive, easy-to-learn party games promise to add a dash of excitement to the celebrations.
This holiday season, prioritize joy, creativity, and laughter with unique and playful gifts that will leave a lasting impression. Happy shopping, and may your festivities be filled with endless fun and merriment!
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Playing around the art and architecture on the University of Texas campus I'm always happy to see this family in front of my camera. Last time we were out at Commons Ford Ranch. This Spring, the mom chose the Blanton Museum Courtyard on the University of Texas...
1. Gingerbread Houses: This classic holiday activity of decorating gingerbread houses can happen at the Thinkery or Laguna Gloria this month.
2. Santa Cookie Plate: Personalize and decorate a cookie plate for Santa at Cordovan Art School
3. Handmade Gifts: Sign up for one of the Austin Tinkering School crafting classes for kids, teens and Adults. You can make presents like handmade soap, customized candles, shibori-dyed tea towels, hand-stamped gift wrap, wooden salt shakers and a succulent plant box.
4. Handmade ornaments: They have a variety of classes available, but the handmade Loteria ornaments workshop at Austin Creative Reuse looks very fun. Make sure to check their monthly event calendar for other fun crafting opportunities.
5. Snow globe terrarium: Plant Party is offering a Frosty’s Snow Globe: Kids Holiday workshop every Saturday and Sunday morning in December for $10.
6. Stained Glass: You can make a stained glass snowflake, a fused glass ornament or holiday sculptural beads at Blue Moon Glassworks this December.
7. Library Crafts: Check out the Austin Public Library events page to make Winter Cheer Mason Jar Gifts (adults only), Winter Snow Globes (ages 5 and up) or Perler Beads: Holiday Gifting Edition (all ages) this month
Happy Crafting!
Playing around the art and architecture on the University of Texas campus I'm always happy to see this family in front of my camera. Last time we were out at Commons Ford Ranch. This Spring, the mom chose the Blanton Museum Courtyard on the University of Texas...
Print out or screenshot my checklist of favorites above and have a great time this month and next.
There’s light displays, holiday performances, and hands-on activites to enjoy. Some of the activities are free, while some have an entrance fee. Some are in Austin, while others are a short drive out of town. Most appeal to a wide range of ages. All of them should put you in a festive holiday mood (ugly Christmas sweaters are always optional to wear).
Playing around the art and architecture on the University of Texas campus I'm always happy to see this family in front of my camera. Last time we were out at Commons Ford Ranch. This Spring, the mom chose the Blanton Museum Courtyard on the University of Texas...
This lovely family got a two-part photo session. We started out in the fog at the Butterfly Bridge and Central Library – but once the rain started, we had to call it quits. So we met up again at the park behind Central Market for some additional family pics.
Please enjoy this sneak peek of their Family Portrait session. To see all the (password protected) photos and purchase prints from their session click HERE.
===== stephanie friedman. austin family photography. your life. close-up =====
Now that holiday cards have gone out, I can share the second part of the Wonder Woman photo session (this mama is smart and gets her Halloween + Christmas photos done in one fell swoop). For their family photos, we enjoyed sunrise at Butler Park with some giggling, dancing and lots of snuggles.
Please enjoy this sneak peek of their Holiday Portrait session. To see all the photos and purchase prints from their (password protected) session click HERE.
===== stephanie friedman. austin family photography. your life. close-up =====
This lovely family got a two-part photo session. We started out in the fog at the Butterfly Bridge and Central Library – but once the rain started, we had to call it quits. So we met up again at the park behind Central Market for some additional family pics.