New Years Eve - surprise bags!

We did this last year and my family LOVED it! I loved it too - it spread out the fun, it made even the "regular" everyday things seem exciting and I knew we were going to have a fun family New Years Eve! 

Celebrate New Years Eve with SURPRISE time bags!

New Years is all about the countdown! So - countdown to the New Year with this fun activity!

The idea of the timed surprised bags is to plan an activity, treat, etc that will be revealed at the time listed on the front of the bag. Everyone can see the different times and the anticipation of what is coming next make it very exciting! You can start at any time you want during the day! Fill the bags with the activity or something that may represent the activity if it won't fit in the bag. Need some ideas of what activities to do? I will list some at the end but will also reveal some each day this week! 

Materials: 

Several bags (you could use lunch bags, small gift bags, decorative bags, etc)

Ribbon

Hole punch

glue stick

papers

Step 1: You can add the time to the front of the bag anyway you'd like to. I chose a clock face in a black/white/silver theme. I cut out some circles from book pages and cut another circle slightly larger from tin foil! I also cut some long skinny triangles for the clock hands. 

Step 2: Layer the pieces and glue to the front of the bags. Be sure to place your clock face a couple of inches from the top of the bag. You want to be able to fold the top over to keep peeping eyes from discovering what is in there. Add your hour number ( I have a ton of rub on transfer so I just used what I had on hand!).

 

Step 3: Add your surprise activity, treat, etc. inside the bag - fold the top over - punch 2 holes and thread a ribbon through to top it off!

Place all the bags together on a table in a nice basket, etc. It may become one of your new favorite traditions! 

Need ideas of what to fill the bags with??? Here's a few but come back each day this week to see some of my favorites! 

1. Dance party! - Slip a CD into the bag with a note that says - family dance party for the next 30 minutes! Push the furniture to the walls and release your inner "Dancing Queen!" YES parents have to get involved to and let their hair down! We did this last year but as part of our activity we got "dressed up". 

2. Favorite movie and popcorn! - depending on what time of day you start going to a movie as a family or surprising them with one and some microwave popcorn is always fun! 

3. Make your own pizza night! - Dinner can be part of the New Years Eve fun too! Set up a bar of fixings and let each member be their own chef for the night! Get the whole family involved in the process - rolling out the dough, spreading the sauce, etc. 

4. Build your own cupcake! - Put some fun sprinkles and candies in the bag with the note announcing dessert! We have done this one was well and the kids love frosting their own and creating their own delicious treat (piled high with sprinkles and candies!).

5. Game time! Gather the family around for your favorite board games or do the electronic route and break out the rock band or something similar where family member can be involved. 

6. Treats! - Sometimes it's nice to just surprise them with a simple treat. Maybe it's a sucker or a candy bar. Each time doesn't have to big a deal - make it what works for your family!

7. American Idol/Who's got Talent! - Have a sing off! Set up a "stage" area, turn on a favorite song and perform as a band! Don't forget to turn on the camera to video the event! The kids will love to watch the playback! Or have a talent show - they could be real talents or silly ones! 

8. Photo booth! - Slip the fun photo props into a bag and get ready for photos! Set up the camera on a tripod and dress up your background too if you want! Let the kids snap the photos too! They will love being in on all the fun too!

The bag TIMES can be as frequent or spread apart as you want them to be! And don't get me wrong here - not every moment has to be scheduled. Once your activity is done, everyone can go do what they want until the next "time" rolls around. But trust me - your kids/guests will be watching the clock!

**Tomorrow - another idea for New years and you could include it as surprise bag activity! 
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I'll be linking up and sharing HERE