Kids are creative by nature and we’ve found a fun way to indulge and encourage that creativity.  Let them build their own drinking straws!  Each kit contains 24 non-toxic and dishwasher-safe straw pieces along with 20 flexible connectors.  Let your kids amaze you (just don’t let them catch you playing with them!).

$12.99 at Perpetual Kid

You’re never too young to help out in the kitchen, even if it’s just banging on pots and pans or organizing measuring cups. But when kids get a little older, this cute and creative A to Z Recipe Box with cool, yummy recipes is absolutely great to get them involved (or keep them occupied) in the kitchen.

From Ants in My Applesauce to Zany Zucchini Sticks, the 26 recipes offer young chefs a wide variety of hands-on cooking adventures. Each recipe has clear, simple steps that children will find easy to follow and in the process, they’ll learn about the foods they enjoy and practice skills like following directions and measuring, too.

Developed by a former chef who is also a mother and a cooking teacher, these tasty (but still healthy) recipes have been kid-tested and perfected. Recommended for ages 4-8, but kids even younger would no doubt love eating the fun recipe results.

$16.99 at Amazon.com

School is out for the summer and the kidlets are free to roam….and wear on your last nerve as they quickly become bored with their new-found freedom. So if you’re looking for cool projects to keep your kids occupied, here’s a great one. The Sunprint kit was designed by professors at UC-Berkeley and is a great way to generate your kidlet’s interest in science. Easy to use and offered at a price that won’t break the bank (just $7.50!)…now that’s my kind of project! Check it out at Kid O.

I’m excited because I just discovered another great BPA-free product for kids (okay, and adults too)! Summertime is here, and what goes with sunshine, barbecues, and wading pools better than refreshing popsicles? (That sounds especially nice to me right now, with 90 degree weather this week…ugh!)

With these popsicle molds from The Land of Nod you can make your own popsicles right at home and choose exactly what ingredients go inside. So if you don’t want your kids overloading on corn syrup, artificial flavors & colors, then try using homemade juice or smoothie in the molds. You could get really creative with what you “sneak” inside, if need be.

I also love that you can choose a shape - my favorite are the rockets. There’s also “green star” or “yellow groovy”, and they all have the added feature of no-drip holders and plastic insulated sleeves so kids can set them down or take their time. Everything is dishwasher safe, too. And if you really like these, they also have ice cream sandwich molds! Yum…

$10.95 for a set of 6 at The Land of Nod

Here’s a simple but special idea for Dad’s Day:

Let your kids show off artwork, photos, or a special Father’s Day message for Dad in a unique way with these cute art clips. Choose from 3 designs to let them feel extra special that their works of art are on display!

$9.95 at The Land of Nod