12 Days of Holiday Giveaways — Play Beyond The Lines

You read that right! I have 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways coming your way. We all know that the holidays can be full of excitement, overwhelm, relaxation and stress all at the same time. More than ever, we may need a quick activity (or 10) to pull out for the kiddos.

Be sure to check back here for the next twelve days. Each day I will provide a new resource designed with the upcoming holiday (and your sanity) in mind. Some activities will buy you a little time to wrap that last minute gift. Others will offer time to pause and play together as a family. Some will be open ended while others are more directed. Play, art, learning and fun were in the forefront when creating each resource.

More than anything I hope these resources provide an opportunity to create, connect with each other and find a little joy in the busy season ahead.

What to expect:

Each day a new section will be added to this post with a link to the day’s free resource. Each giveaway will include a free PDF download. These downloads can be printed and used right away. I aimed to keep prep work to a minimum, but you may choose to print, cut and laminate resources for some suggested uses. A description of the download with directions, tips and ideas will also be included. Many of the activities can be adapted to meet your needs and the needs of your children. I tried to incorporate items you may have around the house. Don’t feel pressured to purchase anything additional. Simply swap out items and make adjustments that work for you. Most of all have fun! Take what will work for you and pass on those that don’t. Share how it goes in the comments below or tag us in your play on social media. Be sure to share this link with your friends and family so they can join in on all the fun too!

Without further ado, let’s kick the off the 12 Days of Giveaways! (cue fanfare and holiday music!)

Day One:Holiday Play Mats

The Day One Giveaway is a set of Holiday Play Mats. The simplicity and versatility is what makes play mats shine. They can be used with all ages in a variety of ways. They may seem simple enough, but this resource can be used again and again.

Check out all the details for the first resource here.

Day Two: Letters to Santa

The Day Two Giveaway is a set of letter templates. These can be used to write that annual letter to the big guy himself. I love this activity because it gives me a little keepsake to remember their wishes each year. It is so fun to look back at what they have asked for each year. The teacher in me loves the writing process as well. I love to see their writing ability progress from year to year.

You’ll find your letters waiting for you here .

Day Three: Hot Chocolate Math Games

The Day Three Giveaway is a resource with math games centered around the theme of hot chocolate. It is such a fun one too! Everything you need is included within the resource. There are several activities included within the one resource. A full description and variations of play are included. Warm up your favorite hot chocolate and, if you’re like me, pile on the marshmallows. Then cozy up to practice math skills in a fun, hands-on way.

You’ll find the goodies here.

Day Four: Winter BINGO

The Day Four Giveaway is a winter themed BINGO. Included with this resource are variation of play. There is a classic pictured based BINGO for young children. There is a multiplication version included as well. The final pages provide a blank key and call card templates so you can create your own using the same BINGO boards. As a mom with kids ranging from 3-11, I love that I can use this with all of my kids.

Grab your BINGO games here.

Day Five: Five Little Snowmen

“Five little snowmen made of snow.

Five little snowmen in a row.

Out came the sun and stayed all day,

and one little snowman melted away.”

You’ll be chanting this rhyme and fingerplay all winter long. It has a great rhythm and rhyme which draws children in. Add manipulative or movement and they are sold. Day Five’s Giveaway includes a printable of this rhyme with snowmen and a sun included. Click the link below to get some tips on how you can incorporate this rhyme with your little ones along with some of the benefits it provides.

You’ll find all of the details here.

Day Six: Discount Code

We are halfway through the 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways, so I thought I would switch it up for today. Instead of a printable, I am giving a discount to anything in the Etsy Shop. This coupon code will be for any single purchase today through December 31st. Just use the code “HOLIDAY20” to get 20% off your order!

You can browse through the Etsy Shop here.

Day Seven: Would You Rather? Holiday Edition

My nine year old came up with this idea and it is going to be so much fun to use with our whole family. Together, we made a set of 24 Would your Rather scenarios that fit within a winter or holiday theme. Each card presents two options that participants will choose between. These cards will make the perfect ice breaker at your holiday gatherings or to use as a guessing game around the Christmas tree. Read all the details and download your set for free here.

Day Eight: Holiday Mark Making Cards

This one is for the pre-writing youngsters. Before young children can form proper letters and number, they must first be able to form various lines and curves. The set of mark making cards provides opportunities to practice these skills. Use them for formal writing practice or introduce as a form of play and exploration. Either way your little ones will have fun while developing important pre-writing skills. You’ll find some ideas along with the freebie link here.

Day Nine: Winter counting Cards

Day nine brings another fun math resource! This one incorporates a variety of math skills for early learners. They can be used as a way to practice counting skills together or for independent practice of identifying quantities and numerals. The winter theme will extend all season long. Read all about it and download your set for free here.

Day Ten and Eleven: Arctic Animals Resource Bundle

There is an added bonus for today! Not only are you getting day ten’s resource but I added day eleven early as well! The animal resource cards have been such a popular item in the Etsy shop that I wanted to create a new one just for the giveaway. Day ten features 16 Arctic animal cards, both with and without labels. Day eleven takes the resource a bit further and includes 2 part puzzles of each animal as well! You will get 14 pages total in this bundle. Grab your copy here!

Day Twelve: Beginning Sound Sort

We have finally made it to the 12th and final day of the holiday giveaway!!

The final giveaway is a holiday/winter themed beginning sound sort. 9 consonants and 45 picture cards are featured in this download. Each of the pictures fit within the theme and begin with the 9 featured consonants. Select the cards of choice or challenge your young readers with the entire collection.

Read more about it and download your copy here.

Be sure to download your copies right away. These resources will only be available for a limited time. Happy holidays and happy playing!!