Oops and Daisies

Connection & inspiration for people who want to create

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • About
    • Contact
    • Disclosure
  • Family & Lifestyle
    • Life With Kids
    • Parenting
    • More than Mama
    • Personal Development
    • Self Care
    • Travel
  • Work From Home
    • WAHM Life
    • Interviews with Creative Moms
    • Inspiration
  • Writing, Books, & Resources
    • Book Reviews
    • My Stories and Books
    • Path to Publication
    • Quotes
  • Shop
  • Work With Me

5 Gift Ideas to Encourage Creativity in Kids

November 28, 2025 by Liz SanFilippo Hall

5 Gift Ideas to Encourage Creativity in Kids

One corner of our house is bursting with art supplies, the drawers full of colored pencils, markers, beads, pipe cleaners, construction paper, and oh so many odds and ends. The kids use all of our random art supplies when they just want to explore and experiment. That alone can be an incredible way to encourage creativity in kids.  But sometimes kids just want a project to play with, or to test … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: art set, arts and crafts, Christmas, creativity, drawing, gift guide, gift ideas, life with kids, sensory kits, stem kits

Recent Posts

  • Oops, Daisies, and Dreams: Interview with Author J.P. Lee February 19, 2026
  • Stop the Mean Girl Voice in Our Heads: How to Do Affirmations February 11, 2026
  • Oops, Daisies, and Dreams: Kathy Osgood of Little Bear Photography February 4, 2026
  • My 10 Favorite Books From the 59 I Read in 2025 January 1, 2026
  • Oops, Daisies, and Dreams: Interview with Author J.M. Guilfoyle December 3, 2025

Categories

Newsletter

authorlizsanfilippohall

Multi-genre author. 📚BECOMING CHARLOTTE CORDAY, a YA historical fantasy coming spring 2027 from Apprentice House Press

Someone told me they thought journaling was a wast Someone told me they thought journaling was a waste of time… that they weren’t into “navel gazing.” That it didn’t seem “productive.”But, take it from me, someone who has kept a journal for more than 3 decades. Journaling doesn’t necessarily mean keeping a diary… and I’m sorry, but who decided EVERYTHING needs to be productive all the time?!There can be a lot of beauty in slowing down.I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a slower pace of life. A kinder life. A more gentle life.Journaling is a safe space, one that we can reflect, think, and grow.For me, it’s also become a place not for story endings, but beginnings.What story do you dream of telling? Do you use a journal to start working on your story? Or what does your creative process look like?#Journaling #AmWriting #MomLife #TheStoriesWeTellOurselves
What do you do when you have “too many” ideas? What do you do when you have “too many” ideas? You start where you are, and give yourself permission to begin.#FridayPoetry
When I learned that “Shift” was being marketed When I learned that “Shift” was being marketed to fans of Hunger Games, I knew I had to read it. While the book’s structure was different than what I’m used to from YA books (with some exposition up front), the concept and storytelling had me hooked:Shapeshifters stereotyped as criminalsPolitical intrigue and shady government dealingsThe main character Sybil trying to figure out who she is in a world that just didn’t seem to accept her “kind”Challenging family dynamics… especially with her brother ArtNot knowing who to trust or believeBonus: Lee’s world-building was super impressive, blending real-world elements like the beautiful Appalachian Mountains and DC with a land divided over magic and what should be done about the Shifters.I look forward to reading the sequel!Thanks for sharing an advanced copy with me @jpleeauthor! #BookReview #YAReads #AdvanceReview #FantasyBook
Do you ever create simply for the sake of creating Do you ever create simply for the sake of creating? To enjoy the process?In my attempts to spend less time on social media , I’ve been doodling and coloring with no specific plans… just to unwind and relax without a screen. It feels like a mediation of sorts.#Creativity #MomLife #ColoringForAdults
Save the date! April 25th I’ll be at a local aut Save the date! April 25th I’ll be at a local authors fest in Wheaton signing my Etta Betta and the Beast books! There might also be a sneak peek of something new 🧐💖#KidLit #AuthorEvent #WritingLife
How about some poetry for your weekend? Here’s a How about some poetry for your weekend? Here’s a haiku by yours truly… and my reminder to live in the moment.#Poetry #MomLife #WritingCommunity
Yes, I’m posting my March recap on April 6… I’ve been away on vacation with my family, and I spent my Monday reorienting myself to my work and writing. So what can I say about March?I SIGNED A BOOK CONTRACT. (And yes, I’ll be shouting it from the rooftops until it feels real). I could just leave it at that… because, let’s be honest, that’s the most exciting thing that’s happened with my creative writing in a while, but that’s dismissing a whole lot of other things that have been going on in the work world of Liz SanFilippo Hall.Just some of the things that I’ve been up to in March:🌸 Launched my in-person picture book writing workshop. We’re four weeks in, and I love seeing my students’ stories take shape.🌸 Ghostwriting projects for my clients, including writing about whiskey and telecommunications technology. (Ghostwriting is so much fun because, clearly, I can explore a wide variety of topics!)🌸 Continued posting weekly on my Substack, Where Daisies Grow, with lots of tips and reflections on the writing process🌸 Held my Creative Writing Accountability Club every Thursday morning (it’s free! If you want in, let me know)🌸 Submitted a non-fiction book proposal to a creative arts grant (fingers crossed!)🌸 Sent the last few chapters of my New Adult Contemporary novel to a critique/writing partner (now this sits on the shelf for a bit while I let her feedback marinate, and I delve into some other manuscripts)🌸 Nearly finished a project I’ll be launching in April (yes, I’m posting this to hold myself accountable)🌸 And yes, I’ll repeat it because it bears repeating: I’m publishing a young adult historical fantasy with @apprenticehousepress!I’ll be sharing a ton more about my forthcoming book and my writing process over on Substack (Where Daisies Grow) and here on Insta, so stay tuned! #WritingLife #BookContract #MomLife
I’m currently in a “transition mode” - going I’m currently in a “transition mode” - going from a busy/fun spring break trip with my whole family (where it feels like time stops for a bit) to returning to the “real world” and our usual routine. It’s like my brain is in one place (planning for the week) while my body is still trying to catch up! What a week it was: go, go, go… but we had so much fun. So thankful for this week with my family 💖#SpringBreak #MomLife #LifeWithKids
Excuse me for my lack of posting about writing and Excuse me for my lack of posting about writing and all that jazz. My family and I have been busy out in California, exploring LA and visiting some theme parks. I’ll be back to sharing about my forthcoming book, writing tips and tricks… and new writing prompts and other goodies soon! So other than the occasional Insta story and my scheduled Substack newsletter, see ya next week!
Follow on Instagram
Follow on Instagram

Categories

Archives

Copyright © 2026 · Delightful theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2026 · Delightful Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in