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Every now and then, it’s important to pause the routines and just celebrate the joy of having kids. Parents across the country are finding simple, creative ways to make lasting memories—from DIY spa sessions to backyard adventures—all without breaking the bank. Whether it’s a special weekend, a birthday alternative, or just a “just-because” day, these fun ideas bring the family closer and let your little ones feel extra loved.
At Gifting Trove, we’re here to make those moments even easier to create. We’ve rounded up 10 thoughtful activities inspired by real moms and trending ideas, complete with products to help bring the magic home.
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1. Backyard Adventure Day
What Parents are Doing:
Think DIY campgrounds, fairy-light-lit tents, treasure maps, and nature scavenger hunts. Parents are transforming their yards into exciting outdoor escapes with crafts, nature-themed games, and even pretend camping.
Why?
It's the perfect way to disconnect from screens and reconnect as a family. Even city folks are getting creative with rooftop or balcony set-ups.
Proud-Parent Moment:
“We used a play tent, glow sticks, and turned our backyard into a mini national park. My daughter called it her ‘best day off ever.’” — Jessica M., New Jersey
Essentials:
Pop-Up Play Tent with Star Lights
Verified Purchase : Dee - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Lovely Play Tent
“This tent provides a little hideaway which is very cozy. My granddaughter is a taller 4 year old and this was a perfect gift for her. The lights worked properly. The tent is durable. My 10 year old fell asleep inside it! My granddaughter and son, who is 8, had a little tea party inside. I would highly recommend if you have a little ones”
Kids’ Explorer Kit with Binoculars
Verified Purchase : Gilbert - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Great set for adventures
“Great quality, a good range of things for the kids to catch bugs and inspect them. Love that it has a bag that they can carry everything around in. Easy for them to use and open everything.”
LED Glow Sticks for Outdoor Play
Verified Purchase : K&S - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Great Value for Price!
“My kids love these glow sticks and the uses are endless! Love that it comes with connectors so you can make bracelets and necklaces if you want to ! As a parent, I recommend you purchase and make some fun memories with your kiddos!”
2. Mom-and-Me DIY Spa Day
What Moms Are Doing:
Home-spa setups are becoming a hit! Moms are buying matching robes, setting up “spa stations” with mani-pedis, chocolate masks, and cucumber slices. Some even serve fruit-infused water and play calming spa music from YouTube.
Why:
This doubles as bonding time and self-care. Great for girls or even open-minded boys who enjoy pampering and attention.
Proud-Mom Moment:
“My daughter and I wore matching robes and had a mani-pedi session. She now calls me her ‘best friend and beauty queen.’” — Ava B., Florida
Essentials:
Kids Spa Day Gift Set with Nail Kit
Verified Purchase : Hailey G. - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Highly recommend it!
“If you have a daughter that loves a spa night, this is the perfect gift! A great price for everything that is included. Bath salts, foot soak, nail polish, nail glitter, nail stickers, toe separators, and slippers! The foot soaker works great. Everything you need for the salon experience at home!”
Matching Mommy & Me Robes
Verified Purchase : Kristin - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Cute and comfy!
“These matching silk pajamas are adorable and feel so soft and luxurious! Perfect for cozy nights and cute photos. They fit well, wash nicely, and my daughter loves twinning with me.”
Aromatherapy Bath Bombs – 12 pack
Verified Purchase : Margaret - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Don't be afraid to buy these, they are worth it!
“I have bought these off and on for years and these are hands down the best bath bombs around! Good size, colors and oils in them. Delivery is fast and have always enjoyed them!”
3. DIY Kids Photoshoot
What Parents Are Doing:
Creating a DIY studio with backdrops, costumes, and ring lights. Parents are capturing professional-style shots of their kids dressed as royalty, superheroes, or their future professions (doctor, astronaut, etc.).
Why:
This is a keepsake builder and a fun way for kids to express themselves. Some families even turn the photos into annual tradition albums.
Proud-Parent Moment:
“We had a costume shoot with our son as a firefighter and daughter as a chef. They loved hamming it up!” — Dana R., Texas
Essentials:
Balloon Arch DIY Kit – 100pcs
Verified Purchase : Frida genis - 5.0 out of 5 stars | So handy
“For the price , it can’t be beat. I love that it comes with extra supplies to help make blowing up balloons easy. I didn’t think this machine would be strong but I was wrong. It has a lot of power & gets the job done quick. It is a bit loud but what can you expect with balloons .”
Portable Ring Light Tripod Set
Verified Purchase : Tyannah - 4.0 out of 5 stars | Surprising length !
“This is actually amazing!! It’s bigger in person, very sturdy , it definitely is a necessity to upgrade your content & picture quality! Oh , forgot to mention the assembly was very easy !”
Kids Career Costume Set
Verified Purchase : Elisha - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Great gift
“High quality, great value for the money, durable articles of clothing, super fun to play with, fits nice and the colors are great.”
4. Breakfast in Bed
What Parents Are Doing:
Parents are surprising their kids with breakfast in bed—think Dino-shaped pancakes, fun napkins, and a balloon on the tray. Some even include a personalized note or mini gift box.
Why:
It flips the script and makes kids feel adored from the moment they wake up. It's low-budget and high-impact.
Proud-Parent Moment:
“My son looked shocked—he sat up and said, ‘Am I dreaming?’ when he saw his pancake breakfast with sprinkles.” — Maya H., California
Essentials:
Animal/Dino Shaped cookie cutter Molds
Verified Purchase : Martha Villalobos - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Great product
“These work amazingly and easy to clean, my boys love dinos and sometimes ask for Dino shape pancakes and sandwiches these work great, they make my day easy and my boys days even brighter”
Kids’ Lap Breakfast Tray Table
Verified Purchase : LJ - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Sturdy
“Nice size for my 8 year old grandson. Perfect for meals or activities. The holders are a nice addition. Had gotten the green and blue. Sturdy enough for its use. Would recommend”
Kid's Balloons
Verified Purchase : Lister - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Great product
“Loved these. Made an igloo with them for school. They lasted a month. I used over 400 and was able to use an air compressor to blow them up.”
5. DIY Gift Creation Station
What Parents Are Doing:
Craft-loving Parents are setting up stations where kids make cards, bracelets, or framed drawings for siblings, friends, or teachers. Some donate their creations to local hospitals or shelters.
Why:
It teaches gratitude, encourages creativity, and gets kids excited about giving—not just getting.
Proud-Parent Moment:
“My daughter made her brother a card with ‘You’re the coolest big bro.’ He hugged her so tight. My heart melted.” — Whitney R., Ohio
Essentials:
Crayola Art & Craft Supplies Kit
Verified Purchase : Emily - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Create then erase!
“100% love these, my baby is able to express her creative side without me worrying about stained walls. You can draw anything and erase with a wet towel or even a baby wipe. Comes off clothing after one wash.!”
Colorful Gift Bags with Tissue Paper – 20pk
Verified Purchase : CM - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Nice
“These bags are very nice and are good quality. Really pretty colors too.”
Sticker & Stamps Bundle Pack
Verified Purchase : Holmes - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Toddler Loves Them
“wrapped. All have a good amount of ink. They don’t dry out that quickly either, some have survived being uncapped for a whole day.”
6. Kids’ Talent Show at Home
What Parents Are Doing:
Families are putting on living room talent shows—kids perform jokes, dances, or recite poems. Some print DIY tickets and “hire” siblings as hosts or judges.
Why:
It boosts confidence, encourages family participation, and provides lots of laughs. Perfect for multiple-kid households.
Proud-Parent Moment:
“My son made up a comedy skit. We laughed so hard we cried. He said it was the best day ever.” — Samantha D., Illinois
Essentials:
Wireless Karaoke Microphone for Kids
Verified Purchase : Courtney Gaccetta - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Mini-Karaoke Machine
“A great little karaoke machine for my grand kids! We really like that there are 2 microphones. It definitely stops the fighting”
Dress-Up Costume Trunk
Verified Purchase : David Son5.0 out of 5 starsSoft and Safe for Toddlers!
“So cute and affordable! I got this so my baby daughter wouldn't bop herself on a hard toy box. It's soft but rigid, and not too deep that she can't reach in for her toys.”
Red Curtain Backdrop for DIY Stage
Verified Purchase : Angelia Carder - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Great product
“They were wonderful. Struddy and easy to hang. Bright beautiful gold color. Used these for my Son's college graduation and they were perfect.”
7. Personalized Gifting Ceremony
What Parents Are Doing:
Parents are surprising kids with gifts tailored to their interests—STEM kits, books, or character merch. They wrap them in fun packaging and create a “gifting corner” at home.
Why:
It shows attentiveness to each child’s unique personality. And what kid doesn’t love surprises?
Proud-Parent Moment:
“I gave my son a LEGO Star Wars set and he yelled, ‘You remembered!’ I was tearing up!” — Elena S., Michigan
Essentials:
Personalized Storybook Adventure
Verified Purchase : Jennifer - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Gift for Grandson
“This book was well made! The bright colors and size was as advertised add being personalized with his picture made this book a real hit and something that will be a keep sake .”
LEGO Super Mario Starter Set
Verified Purchase : MT - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Good price
“Decent price for young Lego fans was fun to put together”
Fire HD 10 Kids Tablet
Verified Purchase : Billie G. - 5.0 out of 5 stars | You won't be disappointed.
“Granddaughter had this up and running in a matter of minutes ... and she's VERY young. Super purchase in every way.”
8. Giving Back Together
What Parents Are Doing:
Some families are teaching kindness by creating care packages or donating toys to shelters. Kids help pack and hand-deliver items (where allowed).
Why:
It nurtures empathy, shows privilege in action, and turns a simple celebration into something more meaningful.
Proud-Parent Moment:
“We filled backpacks with snacks and toys for a local kids’ shelter. My 6-year-old asked if we could do it again next month.” — Rachel F., Georgia
Essentials:
Drawstring Backpack Bulk Set
Verified Purchase : Speculative dry ad - 5.0 out of 5 stars | As promised
“More durable than other drawstring bags. Good price.”
Mini Hygiene Essentials Pack
Verified Purchase : Kimberly Ratcliff - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Blessing Bags
“These were the perfect addition to our blessing bags.”
Stuffed Animal Bulk Toy Pack
Verified Purchase : Janelle Miller - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Cute
“These are very cute!”
9. DIY Movie Premiere Night
What Parents Are Doing:
Families are recreating the cinema experience with popcorn, themed costumes, and a new or favorite movie. Some even create “movie tickets” and name the home theater!
Why:
It adds magic to a screen-time activity. Bonus: the whole family can join in.
Proud-Parent Moment:
“We turned the living room into ‘Princess Theater’ and dressed as Disney characters. My kids didn’t want it to end.” — Brittany L., Arizona
Essentials:
Popcorn Maker Machine
Verified Purchase : Ahmer - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Loved it
“This is very cool, it makes the popcorn ready in 2 mins. Good thing no Oil needed just hot air. Smells great when the popcorn is ready.”
Costumes for Kids – Disney/Marvel
Verified Purchase : Vanessa V - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Perfect for toddlers
“My daughters love this set so much. Great deal”
Verified Purchase : ROBERT - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Marvel Costumes
“My grandson loves his costumes. They showed up exactly like they were in the description. Thank you”
LED Cinema Lightbox Sign
Verified Purchase : tyler merkel - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Perfect versatile gift that can be personalized
“Purchased as gifts for my sisters (age 16 and 18). They love them!! Perfect versatile gift that can be personalized!”
10. Memory Jar Moment
What Parents Are Doing:
Families sit together and write down their favorite memories, dreams, or what they love most about each other. These go into a jar to open in future years.
Why:
It creates lasting emotional connection and quiet time to reflect. Great for bedtime closure to a fun day.
Proud-Parent Moment:
“My daughter wrote, ‘I love Children’s Day because you’re always with me.’ I kept her note in my wallet.” — Nina W., Washington
Essentials:
Decorative Memory Jar Kit
Verified Purchase : LA - 4.0 out of 5 stars | Fun idea
“Papers and capsules were quite small, but a very fun idea. I would buy it again”
Mini Colorful Sticky Notes Pack
Verified Purchase : Ralphie's Mom - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Small and colorful sticky notes. Very versatile!
“High quality and very useful !”
Kids’ Memory Scrapbook Album
Verified Purchase : Kindle Customer - 5.0 out of 5 stars | Great quality
“Great quality for a good price. I love the scrapbooking accessories it came with. Good packaging as well”
Final Thoughts:
You don’t need a big party to create magical moments. These creative celebration ideas are perfect for Parents looking to build joy, connection, and traditions that matter. Whether you go big or stay home, what counts is showing your kids how special they are—and thanks to Gifting Trove, all the extras are just a click away.
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