Designing a Nursery Archives

We get it—between holiday shopping, family gatherings, and managing the everyday chaos, sometimes that mischievous little elf just…forgets to move. Whether you’re running on fumes or just plain forgot (no judgment here!), we’ve got you covered. When your little ones wake up and notice their elf is in the same spot as yesterday, these playful excuses will save the day. Whether your elf got “snowed in” or indulged in too much cocoa, these reasons will keep the elf magic alive and bring a smile to your face, too!
1. Snowed In! It turns out, even magical elves have weather problems. A surprise snowstorm at the North Pole left your elf grounded for the night. Good thing they’re safe and sound in your cozy home!
1. Got Stuck Watching the Stars. Your elf was so mesmerized by the twinkling holiday lights outside that they lost track of time stargazing. Who can blame them?
1. Too Much Elf Cocoa. Rumor has it that elves love hot cocoa. Last night, they may have had one too many marshmallow-topped mugs and were just too full to fly home.
1. Caught in a Sugar Crash. After a day sneaking candy canes and cookies, your elf might have succumbed to a classic sugar crash. No worries—they’ll be back in action tomorrow!
1. Santa Had a Big Ask. Santa sent an urgent message to the elves, asking them to freeze in place to conserve their magic for a big upcoming delivery. They’ll make up for it soon!
1. Stuck in a Holiday Dance-Off. Your elf had a dance-off with their toy friends and got too tired to move afterward. The good news? They totally won the “Jingle Bell Rock” round!
1. Practicing New Elf Magic. Your elf was practicing a tricky new spell and couldn’t quite get it right in time to move. Don’t worry—they’re perfecting their skills for tomorrow!
1. Binge-Watching Holiday Movies. They found the remote and couldn’t resist watching a marathon of holiday classics on TV. Looks like they’ve added “Home Alone” to their favorites list!
1. Stuck in a Deep Conversation. Your elf was chatting with their toy friends about all the fun your family has been having this holiday season. They lost track of time!
1. Saving Energy for Something Big. Sometimes elves need to conserve their magic for an extra-special move or prank. Stay tuned—tonight might be their most creative adventure yet!
Of course, you can always let the kids imagine and dream for themselves! If your elf forgets to move, turn it into a game. Ask your kids what they think happened. Their creativity might surprise you and even give you new ideas for tomorrow’s elf antics!

A Holiday Reminder for Parents

As fun as it is to create magical moments with your Elf on the Shelf, remember this: you’re already creating the most important magic of all—precious memories with your kids. The holidays can be hectic, but don’t sweat the small stuff. Your children will cherish the laughter, the love, and the time spent together far more than the perfect elf setup. They’re only little for such a short time, so soak up the giggles, the wonder, and the joy of this season. You’re doing an amazing job, and your efforts—big and small—are what make this time of year so special for your family. From our Rhea Lana’s family to yours, happy holidays! ❤️

Save this photo to your camera roll for a quick cheat sheet in case your elf is too busy to move 😉
It’s getting darker earlier, and unfortunately outdoor playtime may be limited after school and work. But fear not—there are plenty of fun, age-appropriate indoor activities to keep your kiddos entertained, engaged, and happy during those long evenings. Whether you’re dealing with toddlers or tweens, here are some ideas tailored by age group to make the most of your family time indoors!

Activities for Toddlers (Ages 1-3)

1. Sensory Play Bins
Fill a bin with rice, pasta, or kinetic sand, and let your toddler explore. Add scoops, cups, or small toys for added fun. Sensory play encourages fine motor skills and keeps little hands busy.

2. Bubble Dance Party
Turn on some music and add bubbles! Toddlers will love chasing and popping bubbles while grooving to the beat.

3. Indoor Obstacle Course
Set up a simple course using pillows, soft toys, and blankets. Encourage crawling, hopping, or climbing to help them burn off energy.

4. Storytime with Puppets
Bring storybooks to life by using finger or hand puppets. Toddlers love the interaction, and it helps build early literacy skills.

Activities for Preschoolers (Ages 4-6)

1. DIY Art Projects
Preschoolers love getting creative! Set up a station with paper, crayons, washable paints, and stickers. Try seasonal crafts, like making paper snowflakes or decorating pinecones.

2. Mini Science Experiments
Introduce simple experiments, such as mixing baking soda and vinegar for a “volcano” or using food coloring in water to explore colors. These are fun and educational.

3. Scavenger Hunts
Create a simple list of items for them to find around the house, like “something red” or “a soft toy.” This keeps them active and engaged.

4. Indoor Bowling
Use empty plastic bottles as pins and a soft ball to create a bowling game. It’s a fun way to practice coordination and counting.

Activities for Early Elementary Kids (Ages 7-9)

1. Build a Blanket Fort
Let your kids create a cozy fort with blankets, pillows, and chairs. Once it’s built, they can use it for reading, playing games, or even as a secret hideout.

2. Board Games and Card Games
Introduce classic board games like Candy Land, Guess Who?, or Uno. These games help develop strategic thinking while being loads of fun.

3. Cooking or Baking Together
Teach kids simple recipes like baking cookies, making sandwiches, or assembling mini pizzas. It’s a great way to bond and teach life skills.

4. Lego Building Challenges
Set up Lego challenges, like building the tallest tower or creating a themed structure (e.g., a spaceship or a zoo). This activity sparks creativity and problem-solving.

Activities for Tweens (Ages 10-12)

1. DIY Projects and Crafts
Encourage tweens to try projects like tie-dyeing a T-shirt, creating friendship bracelets, or painting small canvases. They’ll enjoy the opportunity to express themselves.

2. Family Trivia Night
Set up a trivia game with categories like animals, history, or movies. Tweens love a bit of friendly competition, and it’s a fun way to learn new facts.

3. Movie Marathon with Themes
Let your tween pick a movie series or theme, like superheroes or adventure films, and enjoy a marathon together. Add popcorn and cozy blankets for extra fun.

4. Indoor Fitness Challenge
Tweens often have extra energy to burn. Set up a mini workout circuit with activities like jumping jacks, push-ups, or yoga. You can even make it a friendly competition to see who completes the most rounds.

Activities for Teens (Ages 13 and Up)

1. Create a DIY Escape Room
Design an escape room challenge with clues and puzzles for your teen to solve. It’s a great way to engage their critical thinking skills and teamwork.

2. Cooking or Baking Competitions
Host a “Chopped”-style cooking challenge where teens have to make something creative from random ingredients. They’ll love the challenge and the chance to show off their skills.

3. Start a Family Book Club
Choose a book to read together and discuss it over dinner or during a designated “book club night.” It’s a great way to connect over shared interests.

4. DIY Video Production
If your teen loves tech, encourage them to create a short film, vlog, or stop-motion animation. They can write a script, film, and edit their creation, all from home.

Get creative and have FUN as a family!
By April Sonsona of Rhea Lana’s of East Bay CA

Halloween is a time of excitement, costumes, and, of course, treats. But for parents of children with food allergies, it can also be a time of heightened anxiety. My son is 5 years old and has peanut and sesame food allergies. The abundance of treats, many of which contain common allergens, can make navigating Halloween a challenging experience. However, with careful planning and awareness, Halloween can be fun and safe for all children. Here’s how parents can manage food allergies during the Halloween season.

1. Educate Your Child About Their Allergies

Empowering your child with knowledge about their food allergies is crucial. Make sure they understand which foods to avoid and why it’s important not to eat anything without checking first. Teach them to politely decline treats if unsure about the ingredients, and practice reading labels together to identify potential allergens. This will help your child feel more confident and in control when they’re out trick-or-treating or at Halloween parties. For younger children, consider role-playing different scenarios they might encounter, such as being offered candy by a friend or receiving a treat with no label. This can help reinforce safe behaviors and give them the tools needed to navigate Halloween safely. My son usually speaks up and says he has food allergies and is very hesitant to accept food from people.

Have you heard of the “Teal Pumpkin Project”?! A teal Halloween bucket indicates a child has a food allergy and may prefer non-food treats like glow sticks, pencils, or stickers. The Teal Pumpkin Project is a worldwide movement to make Halloween safer and more inclusive for children with food allergies. A teal pumpkin on a doorstep means that the homeowner has non-food treats available.

2. Plan Ahead for Trick-or-Treating
Before heading out for trick-or-treating, have a game plan in place. One strategy is to carry a bag of safe, allergy-friendly treats with you. As your child collects candy, you can discreetly swap out potentially unsafe treats with those you’ve brought along. This allows your child to participate in the fun without the risk of an allergic reaction. Another option is to seek out neighborhoods or events that participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project. Homes displaying a teal pumpkin offer non-food treats, such as stickers, small toys, or glow sticks, which are safe for all children, including those with food allergies. You can also encourage your community to join this initiative by spreading the word and offering non-food treats at your own home. Our neighbors are very understanding, and we say that my son has a peanut allergy – many times they have an alternative (otherwise we decline and thank them – no hard feelings).

3. Organize or Attend Allergy-Friendly Halloween Events
If you’re concerned about your child’s exposure to allergens during Halloween, consider organizing or attending allergy-friendly events. Many communities, schools, and support groups host Halloween parties that cater to children with food allergies. These events often feature non-food activities like costume contests, pumpkin decorating, and games, ensuring that all children can participate safely. If organizing your own event, coordinate with other parents to create a fun and inclusive environment. You can provide a list of allergy-friendly treats and encourage participants to bring non-food items as well. This way, everyone can enjoy the festivities without the worry of accidental exposure to allergens. We are very fortunate to have a school Halloween festival, which includes non-food treats that the kids love. You know crayons and pencils can go a long way.

4. Check Candy Labels Carefully
After trick-or-treating, it’s essential to carefully inspect the candy your child collected. Many popular candies contain common allergens like nuts, dairy, soy, and gluten; and not all ingredients are always listed clearly. Watch out for treats that may have been manufactured in facilities that process allergens, as cross-contamination can pose a significant risk. Sort through the candy together, setting aside anything that’s potentially unsafe. You can then create a “safe” pile of treats that your child can enjoy. If your child is disappointed about giving up certain candies, consider doing a candy trade where they can exchange unsafe items for allergy-friendly alternatives or non-food rewards.

5. Have a Post-Halloween Plan
Even after Halloween night, managing your child’s candy consumption is important. Create a plan for how and when they may enjoy their treats, ensuring they only eat items from the safe pile. Some parents opt for a “Switch Witch” or similar tradition, where their child leaves their candy out at night in exchange for a special toy or gift, reducing the temptation to eat potentially unsafe candy. Involving your child in these plans helps them feel included and less deprived, making the experience positive rather than restrictive. Halloween can be a magical time for children, and with thoughtful planning, it can be safe and enjoyable for those with food allergies too. By educating your child, planning, and creating allergy-friendly experiences, you can help them fully participate in the holiday festivities without fear. Remember, the goal is to ensure that Halloween remains a time of fun and excitement, not stress and worry.

Happy Halloween!