Halloween is right around the corner, and along with awesome handmade costume options and go-to choices from big-box stores, you can also get crafty and make your own from something you probably have hanging out in the garage: a cardboard box!
These box costumes definitely stand out from the rest and are easier to put together than you think. But if DIY isn't your thing, we've even found a few cardboard costumes you can purchase ready-made. Along with being really special, these costumes are eco-friendly and a great way to repurpose old boxes into a cool costume this Halloween. Click through for some cardboard box costume inspirations and easy-to-follow directions.
Celebrate the Fall season with homemade scented ornaments made from fragrant cinnamon and applesauce. Your lil one will love stirring and mixing this fun dough together and then rolling and cutting out shapes and designs. Hang the dried ornaments from plants or in a window to help 
Amaze your tot with a fun and exciting science experiment using a simple egg. She'll love observing the changes the egg goes through during this scientific exploration and learn more about basic concepts such as liquids and solids. Even though this incredible bouncing egg won't stand up to hours of play, it's worth it to see your tot's face checking out the springy egg with this really cool science activity. 
Transform a cheap metal serving tray into a really special chalkboard wall hanging with the help of homemade chalkboard paint. Once you know how to mix together this special paint, you can transform just about anything into a fun drawing spot for your tot. And you can use any color of paint for the base, creating a chalkboard wall in your tot's room that matches the decor or painting the top of a table with your tot's favorite color for hours of chalk drawing fun. Chalkboard paint is easier to mix together than you think, making this an exciting project to tackle with your tot. 
With just a sheet of orange construction paper, your tot can create this cute paper strip pumpkin that makes a really adorable holiday decoration, while you encourage your little one's budding cutting skills. Cut the strips the same width, or try thick or thinner lengths for a unique pumpkin. Threading the strips with the green pipe cleaner finishes the decoration and hones your child's concentration skills and focus. The cute paper strip pumpkins look adorable on mantels or dining room tables or on top of a favorite bookshelf.
There's nothing like a 
Squishing something slimy is serious fun for lil ones, making this homemade goop recipe good for hours of excitement. This concoction only requires three ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and is completely safe for little kids. Adding food coloring makes this slimy goop even more entertaining. Along with encouraging your child to squeeze, pinch, and grasp, this activity also introduces your child to basic science concepts. 
Create something really special with your child that will decorate your home and bring the beauty of falling Autumn leaves indoors — without creating a big mess. Sewing is an important skill for kids to master, making this craft perfect for children 6 and up. And with a bit of adult supervision, these felt sewn leaves are easier to make than you think, turning into a colorful Fall centerpiece or soft playthings for indoor imaginary play. 