We started analyzing our budget and cutting expenses. We decided to give our cell phone bill a hard look. The plan itself wasn’t too costly but the added “service fees” were killing us.

Why was our cell phone service so expensive? All we needed was to call, text, and have some data. I mean, we weren’t trying to save the world with our cell phone.

We felt that our company was overdoing it quite a bit in the service fee department.

So, we began a quest to find the best inexpensive cell phone service provider out there. We tested several companies before we landed on Red Pocket Mobile through a recommendation from a coworker.

We quickly learned that Red Pocket Mobile is an excellent cell phone service provider and their customer service is amazing!

We have used their service for years now and have been incredibly pleased. We even recommend it to everyone we know!

We switched based on your recommendation and now save $80 a month! We’ve had it 4 months now with no change in quality of service. Thanks for sharing about it!

my friend, Rebecca

Red Pocket Review quick version: You can get exactly what you have now: YOUR phone, the SAME network, the SAME amount of data…FOR LESS MONEY and NO CONTRACT! And you can turn your phone into a hotspot for FREE.

If you have questions about Red Pocket coverage, Red Pocket Plans and Pricing, How Red Pocket works, Red Pocket Deals, or How to activate your Red Pocket SIM card (among other things), this is the Red Pocket Review for you.

Now, if you’re ready to dig into all the details of Red Pocket Mobile and all its benefits, keep reading!

What is Red Pocket and who is this Red Pocket Review for?

Red Pocket is an inexpensive cell phone service provider.

They use the towers from the major US carriers to provide you with a more affordable cell phone service with the same coverage and data speeds

Red Pocket Mobile is great for anyone who seeks an alternative option to their current cell phone service provider.

If you budget, save money, have positive financial goals, are on the road to becoming debt-free, or simply don’t like to be taken advantage of, this Red Pocket Review is for you.

Is Red Pocket Mobile any good? Why Red Pocket is the best inexpensive cell phone service provider

We searched far and wide for a cell phone service provider that would meet our needs, not charge high prices and be upfront about their costs. We tested many low-cost, no contract cell phone service providers and Red Pocket exceeded them all.

Pros of Red Pocket:

You can use your existing phone with your current number.

No contracts.

No activation fees.

No overage fees.

Affordable plans.

We have found that the service is excellent, and the data speeds are fast.

I use my phone and data for personal and business purpose, and it had exceeded my expectations. In fact, I even use my phone as a hotspot to teach English to children in China!

Cons of Red Pocket

I have learned that the customer service wait times can be quite long on the phone. So, I typically choose to chat with them instead.

Is Red Pocket a MVNO?

Red Pocket is an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) that uses the major service providers in the USA to provide service to its customers.

That basically means that Red Pocket uses the towers of the big boys.

That also means that they can charge you less because they have less over-head.

This is a great option for the consumer as it allows you to choose the carrier that meets your needs. You can choose between: Version, Spring, AT&T, or T-Mobile.

How does Red Pocket work?

Use your existing, unlocked phone (more on that below…it’s easy) or buy one from Red Pocket.

Keep your phone number or get a new one.

Choose a service plan that fits your needs.

Choose a network you like.

Pay.

Then, they mail you a sim card to put in your phone (which can be customized to fit your phone- including standard, micro, and nano sizes).

Activate it when you get it and you’re all set!

Red Pocket makes their service extremely easy to use and if you have any problems during the activation process, just call or chat with them.

Personally, I prefer to chat. Their representatives have always been so helpful!

Which network does Red Pocket use?

Red Pocket Mobile uses four different networks. This means that they are compatible with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon devices.

Here is a breakdown of their networks and compatible devices according to their website:

GSMA: This network offers the largest GSM coverage in the US. This network works with most AT&T-compatible, GSM unlocked and CDMA LTE unlocked devices.

CDMAS: Bring your own Sprint LTE or 3G device and most CDMA unlocked devices.

GSMT:  This network works with most T-Mobile-compatible, GSM unlocked and CDMA LTE unlocked devices.

CDMA:  This network works with most Verizon-compatible LTE devices.

Red Pocket

Does Red Pocket support hotspot?

Yes! Red Pocket lets you turn your phone into a Hot Spot for free.

Other providers will charge you a fee to turn that feature on even though you are using the data you already paid for.

Just call them and ask them to turn the hotspot feature on.

I hotspot my cell phone so I can write this blog! I have found the feature to be extremely reliable and convenient.

Does Red Pocket have 5G?

According to the customer service representative I chatted with, as of the publishing date on this article, only their GSMT Network offers 5G service.

Red Pocket Plans & Pricing

When it comes to paying for cell phone service or anything else, I don’t like contracts.

I don’t like rates increasing without my knowledge.

I also don’t like high prices.

Now, I understand that I must pay taxes (which makes the prices a little higher). After all, I live in America. The Land of Taxes.

But what I really don’t like is hidden fees.

My favorite part about Red Pocket (besides the excellent prices) is that they don’t have hidden fees. You know what I’m talking about.

Other companies do it like this:

The service costs $50 a month (for one line)
+
Administration fees
+
Regulatory fees
+
Activation fees
+
Cancellation fees
+
Smartphone Line Access (seriously?)

And the list goes on.

Forbes states, “On average, Americans pay $225 per year above and beyond their wireless service charges.”

Paying high prices and hidden fees will not get you closer to your debt-free goals and it most certainly doesn’t help you control your budget.

I want to know what I’m paying for up front. If a company is going to charge me $50 plus all these other fees, then they should just go ahead and say it’s a $100 plan. Let’s not beat around the bush.

That is why I like Red Pocket. They aren’t like that. No secrets.

That’s what I want you to learn the most out of this Red Pocket Review. Their plans are extremely economical.

Affordable Service Plans

As of today, we are paying $20 a month for a service that would cost us over $50 a month with another carrier.

I even turn the phone into a hotspot so I can have WiFi to my laptop so I can write this blog! (We can’t have reasonable home internet here in the Bermuda Triangle.)

Red Pocket Pay as You Go Monthly Plans

My favorite part about Red Pocket is their pre-paid service plans.

You can pay monthly (pay as you go)or yearly. There is a small discount for paying yearly.

We just pick the plan we want, we pay for an entire year up front, and we don’t have to think about it for another year.

You even get to choose which network you prefer for the best signal in your area (AT&T, Verizon, or Sprint).

Check out Red Pocket Monthly Plans here.

Red Pocket Yearly Plans

Currently, Red Pocket offers several yearly (annual) plans.

They are offering the unlimited plan which is 3GB of data per month for $15/month (for a year).

Or, the ultimate plan which is 8GB of data per month for $20/month (for a year).

Finally, they are offering the XL plan (which I have). It is 20GB of data per month for $30/month (for a year).

Check out Red Pocket Yearly Plans here.

How to activate Red Pocket SIM card

Activating your Red Pocket SIM card is quite easy.

Visit redpocket.com/start and enter you SIM card number. You will follow the directions from there.

Personally, I prefer to call customer service and have them activate it. They can also help you port your existing number if you are new to Red Pocket.

You can reach Red Pocket Customer Service at: 712-775-8777

Where to buy Red Pocket SIM

Red Pocket offers a free SIM and shipping with your service plan. You can shop for Red Pocket SIMs here.

Most of their SIM sales are from their eBay store. So, don’t be surprised when their website directs you there! It’s completely legit and easy to order there.

Is Red Pocket GSMA or CDMA?

Both!

Actually, Red Pocket offers 4 different networks for you to choose from: GSMA, CDMAS, GSMT, and CDMA. You can choose the network that works best for you and your device.

Red Pocket Coverage

We weren’t sure which network would have the best reception/coverage out here in the Woods. So, we bought only one month of service using Sprint’s network.

I could only send a picture of the kids to my in-laws if I stood on the back porch with one leg in the air and my tongue sticking out. Clearly, that wasn’t going to work long term.

So, we switched to AT&T the next month to test it and it was perfect! We had no problems with their service whatsoever.

Once we determined which network would provide us the best signal, we started purchasing a year’s worth of service at a time because it’s cheaper that way. (Every penny counts, right?)

My advice is to try out the networks before you buy a yearly plan (if that’s your goal). See which one works best for you.

Customer Service

No Red Pocket Review would be complete without discussing the quality of their customer service.

Red Pocket Customer Service has always been excellent and extremely helpful. I prefer to use the chat feature instead of calling because their wait times can be several minutes or more during peak times.

I am a homeschooling mom to three kids, so I don’t have a lot of time to wait on hold. With the chat feature, I just start the chat and my phone alerts me when the customer service representative is live and has responded.

Their representatives are always friendly, knowledgeable, and quick to help.

Red Pocket Customer Service Number

You can reach Red Pocket Customer Service at: 712-775-8777

How to buy a phone from Red Pocket

Buying a phone from Red Pocket couldn’t be easier! Shop here.

If you have an unlocked phone, you can bring it to Red Pocket and use their service. Be sure to check with Red Pocket/ you carrier to make sure it is compatible.

How do you get your phone unlocked?

Getting your phone unlocked is easy.

Just ask your carrier to unlock your phone after you have finished your contract.

You can also get all sorts of new, unlocked phones online. Red Pocket sells them too! We even got a free, unlocked iPhone from Red Pocket through a promotion they were running one time.

Does Red Pocket data roll over?

No. The data, minutes, and texts do not roll over. I have used Red Pocket for years and was 100% sure I was correct, but I chatted with customer service to verify this information.

So, I always make a note in my calendar of when my data expires each month. Then, I let my 8-year-old watch drawing and art tutorials on YouTube OR I watch a few YouTube videos about RV remodels (which seems to be an obsession of mine).

Another good option for you to use extra data would be to watch my YouTube Channel!

Does Red Pocket Support Tethering?

Yes! Tethering (and hotspot) services are supported with Red Pocket Plans. According to their website, “Tethering and Hotspot service availability will vary depending on the network and device.”

You can read more about that here: Does Red Pocket Support Tethering?

Red Pocket Deals

Red Pocket often offers deals on their plans and products. So, always keep a look out on their website if you are in the market for a new cell phone service provider or a new iPhone.

Red Pocket also makes a point to take care of their customers. When the Covid pandemic of 2020 began, my husband started working from home.

All of the sudden, we needed more cell phone data. We signed into our Red Pocket Mobile account to see how much it would cost. That is when we noticed that they had already given us extra data.

I called them to ask about it and they told me that they had given all their customers extra data because they knew many people would be working from home during this time.

I was blown away.

Red Pocket Mobile Approval Score

I am giving Red Pocket a solid 9/10.

If their customer service wait times were shorter, I would give them a perfect 10.

To combat long wait times, try to contact them in off-peak hours.

Red Pocket Review Conclusion

It is completely worth it to switch to Red Pocket Mobile.

It’s the same service on the same towers with the same phone as you have now…it’s just less expensive.

We have loved using Red Pocket for years and I’m sure you will too!

I hope this helps you. Decently priced cell phone service shouldn’t be something we have to search so hard for, but it is.

If you have any questions about this Red Pocket Review or my experience with Red Pocket Mobile, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment.

All the best,
Lindsey

*This post contains affiliate links.

The post Red Pocket Review 2021- Best Inexpensive Cell Phone Service Provider appeared first on Big House in the Woods.

We started learning more about what was in the food we were eating, the products we were using, AND the water we were drinking.

We didn’t begin our healthy eating journey thinking we could prevent cancer. We started our journey because cancer opened our eyes and MADE us want to know more.

While we were learning about the food we were eating, we also started questioning the quality of our drinking water.

250×250 Girl

Berkey Water Filter Stats

We were unsatisfied with the water our city was providing and we weren’t interested in buying bottled water. The cost of bottled water for drinking AND cooking everyday would be astronomical. Besides that, we didn’t want to buy water that was bottled in plastic.

That’s what led us to buy a Berkey.

21,000,000 Americans drink water that violates U.S. health standards.

Berkey water filter systems are actually water purifiers because they remove bacteria and viruses that conventional filters cannot.

reference

Cheaper than a pitcher-style system

We are extremely frugal people so you know that we did the math to see if Berkey would be a cost effective solution to our problem.

And, do you know what we discovered?

Over time, filtering our water with a Berkey was cheaper than filtering with a cheap pitcher-style system even though the up-front cost of the Berkey was much higher. The best part is that the Berkey water filter system would also give us cleaner water than any other system we had researched.

Just see what Berkey has to say about it…

Our Berkey water filter systems can be classified as a water purifier because the elements actually remove 99.9999999% of pathogenic bacteria (log 9 reductions) and 99.999% of viruses which greatly exceeds the standards.

Also removes or reduces:

Arsenic (>99.9%); Escherichia coli (E. Coli) (>99.999%); Fluorene (>99.9%); Manganese (>99.9%); MBAS (>96.67%); Nitrites (>95%); PCB s (>99.9%); Petroleum Products (Gasoline, Diesel, Crude Oil, Kerosene, Mineral Spirits, Refined Oil- All >99.9%); Selenium (>99.9%); Thallium (>99.5%); Rust; Silt; Sediment; Turbidity; Foul Tastes and Odors.

reference

Even More Perks!

You can even purchase fluoride filters to remove the fluoride from your water.

I love that they are also available in stainless steel. That’s what we have because we don’t want our water sitting in a plastic container.

Plus, I love the way it looks in our kitchen!

So, if you are looking for a cost-effective way to give your family cleaner water, Berkey is for you!

We have had our Berkey for a LONG time. We are all about saving money and being healthy (plus, we won’t buy just anything) so you know we have done our research! If you have any questions, let me know!

All the best,
Lindsey

Looking for more money-saving product reviews? You’re in luck! Click here.

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The post Berkey Water Filter- Best Water Filtration System appeared first on Big House in the Woods.

During the summer, we spend many evenings on the screened porch (away from the mosquitoes) playing games. It’s a very pleasant way to spend time together.

So, I thought all of you might be interested in a list of our favorites! These are unique ideas that you probably haven’t heard of.

1. UNO Dare
Mattel Games CDY11 UNO: Dare – Card Game
This game makes me laugh hysterically. I’m not even kidding.

2. Monopoly Deal
Monopoly Deal Games
This is the fast paced version of Monopoly…because who has time to play monopoly for hours?

3. Pass the Pigs Party Edition
Pass The Pigs (Party Edition) (Colors May Vary)
We all LOVE this game! It’s so funny to listen to the kids trying to get a “leaning jowler.”

4. Hot Potato
Ideal Hot Potato Electronic Musical Passing Kids Party Game
When you just want to play something quick and fast paced…this is it!

5. The Struggle for Catan Card Game
Struggle for Catan
Catan is one of our favorite games. HOWEVER, we don’t always have the patience to play the full game with kids running around. This card game is a nice alternative.

6. Farkle
Farkle Dice Cup
Fun and quick dice game

7. Suspend
Melissa & Doug Suspend Family Game
We love playing this game outside on the patio!

8. Sequence Dice
Sequence Dice
Even our 3-yeaer-old is good at this game!

9. Pirates of the Caribbean Battle Ship
Battleship Command Pirates of the Caribbean
This version of Battle Ship takes it up to the next level. It takes strategic planning and it’s so much fun!

10. Toss Up
Patch ProductsToss-Up Dice Game
This is fun to play and chat at the same time. We’ve even been known to play a few rounds while the kids are napping!

Now all you have to do is plan a family game night!

Have fun! -Lindsey

The post The 10 Best Inexpensive Games for Family Game Night at Home appeared first on Big House in the Woods.

Almost ALL shampoo and conditioners sold in stores contain ingredients that are known carcinogens/toxins.

I wanted something different and I didn’t want to spend a TON to get it. I love the price point of this bar AND the effectiveness!

What are the ingredients of typical shampoo?

I quickly looked up the ingredients to a popular shampoo sold at grocery stores everywhere and here is what I found:

Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocomide MEA, Ammonium Chloride, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Fragrance, PPG-9, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Blue 1, and Red 33.

Do you know what all those ingredients are? Toxins.

You can look up each one of them on ewg.org and it will give you details about them and a cancer rating.

For example:

Sodium Laureth Sulfate: Ewg.org says it’s “classified as expected to be toxic or harmful” to your organs. You will find this ingredient in body wash, shampoo, liquid hand soap, bath salts, toothpaste, hair color/bleaching, styling mousse/foam, baby shampoo, etc.

Cocamide MEA: This ingredient is “linked to cancer in government, industry or academic studies or assessments.” Also found in body wash and bubble bath

Ammonium Chloride: Classified as an irritant to your skin, eyes, or lungs. Also found in hair bleach.

Sodium Benzoate: Found in polish remover, baby oil, nail polish, eye shadow, perfume, baby suncreen, hand sanitizer, hair spray, lip stick, toothpaste, mascara, baby shampoo, etc. Spoiler alert: This is also in your soda. There is limited data on sodium benzoate due to data gaps but I can tell you this, I wouldn’t want the same ingredient in my nail polish and my soda. (P.S. I don’t use nail polish or drink soda.)

Disodium EDTA: This is a “penetration enhancer.” Note: This is also in most mayonnaise which is why I make my own.

Big House in the Woods Homemade Mayo

So, what are you supposed to do?

There are better products but you have to dig for them and do a lot of reading. We have been researching and trying products for 10 years. I have found an AMAZING product that I want to share with you.

It’s called J.R. Liggett’s Old-Fashioned Shampoo Bar

I’ve been using organic shampoo for ten years but several months ago I decided to switch to a shampoo bar. I wanted something with even LESS ingredients than my liquid shampoo. Also, a shampoo bar is much easier to travel with.

I tried out several different things for months and my hair was so gross that I was embarrassed to go in public. I’m serious. It was awful. It was so awful that I almost cut all my hair off. Then I ran across J.R. Liggett’s Shampoo bar. I gave it about a 40% chance that it would work. I wasn’t counting on it.

That’s why I was SO surprised when it worked and it worked WELL! I’m still in shock. If you’ve lived in the natural world very long you know that sometimes the products with the worst ingredients are the ones that work the best. Sometimes that’s just the sad facts. It’s not true with this shampoo bar though.

I bought the Tea Tree and Hemp Oil bar. The scent it SO fresh. Every time my husband hugs me he says, “Your hair smells so good!”

Ingredients of J.R. Liggett’s Shampoo Bar

Here are the ingredients in the Tea Tree and Hemp Oil bar I use: Saponified Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Almond Oil, Tea Tree Oil and Hemp Oil.

It has no fragrance added and it’s GMO free.

Are you as shocked as I am?

Do I need conditioner with a shampoo bar?

I have found that I have never needed conditioner with organic shampoos and that is also true with this shampoo bar.

My hair is fluffy and feels so soft after washing it with this bar!

How long does the shampoo bar last?

It is supposed to last as long as a 24 ounce bottle of shampoo. I am keeping track of how many washes I get out of mine and I will report back when it runs out. I have used it multiple times so far and it still looks brand new.

J.R. Liggett’s Shampoo Bar

If you try it too, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think. I know so many of you are looking for natural options in your home that work well and don’t break the bank. I hope this helps you!

As you work toward a cleaner and chemical-free home, remember that it’s important to take baby steps. Don’t get overwhelmed. You can’t change everything at once but you can make small changes often. Start with your shampoo. It’s an easy switch and you will feel good about it every time you shower!

Happy shampooing!
Lindsey

*this post contains affiliate links

The post The Best Natural Shampoo Bar EVER…That Will Save You Money appeared first on Big House in the Woods.

1. Dream Big, Draw Bigger Open Ended Art Book

Dream Big, Draw Bigger

My daughter loves this book! I actually cut the binding off of this book, hole punched the entire thing, and put it in a 3-ring binder. That way she can pick a page she wants, put it in a clear plastic sleeve, and draw on it with dry erase markers over and over again! It is a gift that keeps on giving!

2. Spirograph

Spirograph Award Winning Deluxe Design Kit – 45 Piece Set

If you have never played with spirographs, they are fun! My daughter has made these shapes into flowers, lions’ manes, etc. You can really get creative with them and have some fun! The possibilities are endless.

3. Play Doh- 36 pack!

Play-Doh Modeling Compound 36-Pack Case of Colors, Non-Toxic, Assorted Colors, 3-Ounce Cans (Amazon Exclusive)

I think this suggestion is quite obvious for a creative kid. ? There is no limit to what you can create with Play-Doh. Now, if you buy the Play-Doh, be sure to get a small pack of cookie cutters to go with it! We like to use our rolling pin on the kitchen counter to roll out our Play-Doh then cut it with all kinds of different shaped cookie cutters. After we get the shapes we want, my kids use different colored Play-Doh to decorate each “cookie.”

Here is a good cookie cutter suggestion to go with your Play-Doh:

Wilton Cookie Cutters Set, 101-Piece — Alphabet, Numbers and Holiday Cookie Cutters

4. Magna Doodle

Cra-Z-Art Retro Magna Doodle

First, I would like to say that this is the “retro” magna doodle. This is the one I remember when I was young. Though, I don’t consider myself old enough to be “retro.” ? Here is what makes a magna doodle fun… 1. My three year old likes to lay with it in bed and practice writing his letters during nap time. 2. My kids like to take it out on the back porch and draw without having to carry out paper and a whole box of crayons. 3. It is fun to take in the car and not messy! 4. It is also easy to erase and start over if they mess up. Basically, they love having a Magna Doodle around to draw something real quick whenever the mood strikes. **A quick note here though… it does come with several small magnets that children can use to “stamp” on the magna doodle. After my one year old put one in her mouth, I threw them away. It scared me so bad that I decided it wasn’t even worth saving them for when she got older. I just chunked them. You don’t have to be so drastic if you have little ones around. However, if you decide to throw away your little magnets too, any magnet can be used to make a shape on the magna doodle. So my kids love to get magnets off of the refrigerator to make their shapes.

5. Li’l Davinci Art Frames

Li’l DAVINCI Art Frames: Front-Opening, Wooden EZ Store Frames That Allow You to Hold up to 50 Items in Each! (Black, 8.5 x 11)

I don’t have one of these but I waaaaant one. I neeeeed one!! How awesome would it be to display the kids drawings in a classy way instead of having them stuck all over the refrigerator?

6. Crayola Tempera Paint

Crayola Artista II Washable Liquid Tempera Paint, Set of 12, 16oz , Assorted Colors (54-8216)

What is an artsy kid supposed to do without tempera paint? Wheel of tempera paint at my house. The bright colors are fun for the kids to paint with and I love that they are washable!

7. Lite Brite

Basic Fun Lite-Brite Ultimate Classic Toy

Did you have a Lite Brite when you were young? I still remember mine! This is a fun “toy” for artsy kids. It is a unique way to be creative. Plus, it is just fun for kids to see their creation lit up!

8. Watercolor Paint

36 Color Fundamental Watercolor Pan Set with Paint Brush by Artists Loft

Watercolor paints are just so much fun! My daughter loves how the colors flow and how you can overlap them on your page to make new colors. It is fun to use them on a page from a coloring book instead of coloring on it with crayons. We love this set because of the variety of colors. Look how many there are! AND it comes with a paintbrush. ??️

9. Chalk Board with Chalk MARKERS!

Chalk Board Sign Chalkboard Blackboard – Hanging Chalkboard Sign Black Board Chalkboards Framed Large Chalkboard 18×22 Chalk Boards with Frame Magnetic Chalkboard Chalk Markers Kids Chalkboard Eraser

Chalk markers?! Yes, please! I HAVE to get this! My kids would love it! They already love drawing with chalk but I think a chalk marker would just push it over the top! (By the way, have you ever let your kids draw with chalk on black construction paper? It is so much fun!) Having a chalkboard in your house is a great way to have fun with chalk when it’s too rainy or cold to play with sidewalk chalk outside.

10. 128 pack of Sidewalk Chalk

Speaking of sidewalk chalk…

128 Pack 16 Colors Jumbo Sidewalk Chalk Set, Washable Art Play For Kid and Adult, Paint on School Classroom Chalkboard, Kitchen, Office Blackboard, Playground, Outdoor, Gift for Birthday Party

11. Construction Paper

Pacon Lightweight Super Value Construction Paper 6555, 9″ x 12″, 10 Assorted Colors, 500 Sheets

Creative kids need construction paper. It’s just that simple. ?

12. The Drawing Book for Kids

The Drawing Book for Kids: 365 Daily Things to Draw, Step by Step (Woo! Jr. Kids Activities Books)

Now, I do not own this book but I am going to get it! We have a book that is similar and my daughter just loves it. She is a budding artist and it is a great way for her to learn how to draw. This book has step by step instructions for drawing 365 different things! And I can’t believe how reasonable the price is!

13. Scissors with a Decorative Edge

UCEC 6 Colorful Decorative Paper Edge Scissor Set, Great for Teachers, Crafts, Scrapbooking, Kids Design

My kids love to cut paper with scissors like these! It makes things look so fancy!

14. Electronic Snap Circuits!

This suggestion isn’t “artsy” but it’s definitely for creative kids!! We LOVE creating with our snap circuits!! Here is my post on it:

15. Cra-Z-Art Wonderful Weaves

Cra-Z-Art Wonderful Weaves (Packaging May Vary)

My daughter loves making pot holders with this! I remember doing this when I was little and I had no idea they still made these looms!! They are so much fun and they’re perfect for creative kids! This one happens to be a double whammy. My daughter loves to cook AND she’s creative. So, it’s fun that she gets to make her own potholders to use in the kitchen.

16. Play Sand!

Construction Moving Sand Kit – Kenlaimi Play Sand for Kids – Construction Vehicle Playset – 2lbs Play Sand 6 Mini Construction Trucks 10 Road Signs with Foldable Sandbox Birthday Gifts for Boys Girls

How cool would it be to build sand castles even in the winter?! This is a fun play set that includes trucks, road signs, etc. You can even get the sand in various colors!

I hope this list helps you when you are trying to think of gifts for creative artsy kids! I have spent months compiling this list. Anytime something came to mind that we use and love OR that I would love to have for my creative kids, I would jot it down.

Sometimes it can be difficult to think of good gifts off the top of your head. I hope this list points you in the right direction.

Happy creating!

You might also like my DIY crayon organizer! This post also has a video! See below…

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase within 24 hours, I will get a small commission. And by “small” I mean “tiny”.

The post 16 Best Gifts for Creative Artsy Kids appeared first on Big House in the Woods.

However, I draw the line when I can’t actually walk into the room because there is no clean floor space for my feet. When it gets to that point, I usually look around and think, “What is this stuff?! Where did it come from?!” It’s like toys, stuffed animals, and objects from the recycling bin started oozing from the walls.

After making sure the kids are busy elsewhere, that’s when I go into trash it mode. They can get emotional when I throw away their most cherished coloring page that I found crumpled up behind the toy box.

Next, I start evaluating their toys. I don’t like things that are just a waste of space or are just around to make noise and annoy me. (It’s bad when you realize you’ve been singing “Camptown Races” in your head for days because every time you turn around it’s blaring from the same little toy.) 

I like toys that are open-ended and spark thought, creativity, and learning.

That’s why I wanted to tell you about my little discovery…electronic snap circuits. They are now one of my favorite toys for the kids. I had actually never heard of them until a couple months ago.

My parents and my in-laws always want to know what to get the kids for their birthdays and Christmas. Well, Miss G was about to have a birthday a few months back, and I was at a loss as to what to suggest as a gift. So, I did what any good Millennial would do. I Googled it.

I found a pretty cool list of things that creative homeschoolers would like. The coolest, most awesome thing on the list was Electronic Snap Circuits by Elenco. I suggested this gift idea to my mom, who immediately said, “Order it and use my debit card.” Bingo. That’s my kind of lady.

Now, I would like to take a moment to diffuse the thought that electronic snap circuits are just for boys or not girly. Maybe I’m crazy, but I just don’t see how snapping circuits together to make super cool projects is boyish or girlish. It’s just coolish! In my opinion, there is no limit to learning. Circuits are good, useful, and fun learning for boys AND girls.

I’m sure my husband was glad I enjoyed such things a few years back when I was big, round, and pregnant and wiring the entire new breaker box in our garage so we could have electricity. I enjoyed every minute of it. I didn’t feel boyish; I felt powerful. Muahahahaha!

I picked Elenco’s electronic snap circuits because the reviews were AMAZING; it had 5 stars on Amazon, and there were about 5,000 reviews. After some research, I chose the SC-300 model. They make sets that are smaller (and less expensive), but people were saying that those sets didn’t include all the pieces needed to create every project in the instruction booklet.

The SC-300 was the first of the big sets that included everything to make each project, and there are over 300 different projects you can build. The price point wasn’t bad either.

When Miss G unwrapped the box, she was a bit confused. I expected that. She had no idea what they were. So, I picked a simple project, and we started building. We built a little circuit that had a fan on it. When you flipped the switch, the fan blade would fly up in the air like a flying saucer, and you had to catch it.

From the screened porch, you could hear shouts of “This is the best day EVER!” and “This is the best present EVER!” The rest is history. She has eagerly built circuits ever since. Even my 3-year-old says, “Can Sissy build circuits now?” And I’m like, “You haven’t even had breakfast yet!”

Miss G has built circuits that have LED lights that light up, fans that spin, flying saucers, speakers that make space war sounds, musical doorbells, voice activated lights, motion detectors, and on and on. As a side note, I always thought my singing voice was a nice blend of Carrie Underwood and Mariah Carey until Miss G built a lie detector test that proved it otherwise!

One day, she built a circuit that simulated a breaker box. So, I showed her our breaker box in the laundry room and explained how (just like on the circuit she built) if the breaker is thrown, you don’t get any power to your switch. She thought that was pretty cool.

Then she built a light with a two-way switch. You could turn the light on with a switch on one end of the circuit or a button on the other end. So, I took her to the foyer and showed her that the lights in there work the same way; you can turn them on from the front door or the living room. (I love teachable moments!)

The electronic snap circuits box actually says it’s for ages 8-108 but Miss G got the set for her 7th birthday and hasn’t had any trouble with it. In fact, my 3-year-old son loves it too! We don’t let him actually snap any of it together because we wouldn’t want him to accidentally break anything. His special job is handing Miss G anything she needs out of the box. So, from the living room, I often hear her say, “I need a 5.” or “Hand me the whistle chip.”

I’m really impressed with how well the set is made. Each piece is sturdy and easy to snap together. The set comes with a plastic grid system to snap all the circuit pieces on. You don’t technically need it to make the circuits work, but it keeps them nice and straight.

As for people who are over 8 years old and not quite 108…it’s loads of fun. I’ve put some circuits together by myself when the kids are off doing something else, because it’s that much fun! It’s kind of therapeutic, as well as quick, easy, neat, and satisfying. There aren’t too many things in my line of work that qualify for all four of those things at once!

So, here’s a link if you want to pick up a set.  

Snap Circuits Classic SC-300 Electronics Exploration Kit | Over 300 STEM Projects | 4-Color Project Manual | 60 Snap Modules | Unlimited Fun

I would like to mention that there are also upgrade kits! We don’t have any of them yet, but there are plenty of birthdays in our future. One upgrade kit is for a remote controlled RC Snap Rover! Hello! That sounds AWESOME!

Snap Circuits R/C Snap Rover Electronics Exploration Kit | 23 Fun STEM Projects | 4-Color Project Manual | 30+ Snap Modules | Unlimited Fun

They also have an upgrade kit for learning about Alternative Energy. It has 125 projects that teach about geothermal, wind, solar, hydro, and tidal energy. I’m SO excited about that one!

Snap Circuits Alternative Energy Green Electronics Exploration in Alternative Energy Kit | Over 125 STEM Projects | 4-Color Project Manual | 40+ Snap Modules | Unlimited Fun

The last one that I can’t wait to get is the SCL-175 model that LIGHTS UP!! Snap Circuits in the dark?!?! Yes, please!!!

Snap Circuits SCL-175 Lights Electronics Exploration Kit | Over 175 Exciting STEM Projects | 4-Color Project Manual | 55 Snap Modules | Unlimited Fun

So, what’s our next project? I’m glad you asked! We’re going to build a circuit that emits a sound only dogs can hear!

We would love to talk! Leave us a comment below.

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All the best,
Lindsey

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