While my son is at preschool I love taking the time to do more complicated activities with my daughter who at 16 months sees her brother making things and wants to join in. So a few days ago we make this spider which is now scaring people in our foyer. Obviously with toddlers you need to help a lot but it's all a learning process, which is why I like including lots of learning opportunities about colors, and textures.

You will need some paper in spider/ Halloween colors , felt and streamers. Like I said above I like mixing textures because at 16 months they may not be wondering about spiders specifically but they will understand when something is soft, black or rough. So lable everything verbally for your toddler.  You will also need some glue, paint or a marker , a paper plate, chenille stems ( ours were supplied by  www.craftprojectideas.com * ) and some scissors and tape.

Start by coloring or painting your paper plate. I drew a spider body on ot before painting but you don't have to if you are greta at free hand cutting.

Add glue

Add the collage materials.

Let dry and cut out.  Remember with toddlers to refer back to their experience saying things like " Did you make this spider?" " Is that square green? It's soft!" etc...

I know that I normally link to blogs with kids crafts, post about early learning and fun things to doi with your kids but sometimes I see so many awesome ideas I need to share. Halloween isn't just for the kids so check out these ideas to get your house Halloween ready.

Aren't those wooden pumpkins from Crafty Chic Mommy awesome?! The tutorial on her blog takes you through the steps perfectly so you can make some for your porch too!

I love how simple this wreath from Something To Do  is, but even more I love how it looks. Even the busiest parent could make this!

These blocks from Poppies At Play make my heart skip a beat. All I see if a perfect Halloween decoration and early literacy lesson all in one .. what other words can you make with these letters?

Last but far from least is this amazing ghost cake from I Am Baker. I can hardly ice a cupcake so I am in spooky awe of this amazing cake!

Even the uncrafty can make this super easy ghost craft!

You will need a white treat box ( party supply and dollar stores have them in stock year round), some black party streamers , googly eyes , scissors and a glue stick.

Glue the eyes on.

Cut the 5 or more streamer pieces.

Glue to the inside of the box.

Hang up and watch the ghost tails float spookily in the air !

Ever have a craft that went so well until it didn't? Yeah that was this craft. I'd been saving these yogurt cups for EVER and then after I finished the craft I popped it to the side to make the Monster Bag from yesterday and in those 3 minutes the string got all tangled. It was hopeless. I ended up cutting it and in frustration not re stringing it. As you can see it looks cute either way.

You'll need some orange yogurt cups, a black permanent marker ( or letter labels would be cute too), scissors, and bakers twine.

Start by drawing some jack-o-lanterns and the word Halloween on the cups one letter at a time - with the cup upside down.

Poke two holes in each bottom.

String the bakers twine through. I would be lying through my teeth if I said this was easy, I am lucky I have crazy small hands.

Voila!  Now carefully take it to where you want to hang it. Do not pass go, do not collect your money just go ;)

Or forget the twine all together display as is.

Make your own scary or maybe just silly monsters gift bag. You can use it for trick or treating or as bag to hold a scary gift for a friend. Either way it will be one of a kind and there will be no wondering who's bag it is.

You will need  aplain colored gift bag, some sticky back foan, scissors and an imagination.

Cut the foam into eyes, teeth, horns... the sky is the limit! Peel the backing off and stick it on. Easy and fun!

This is very possibly the easiest craft ever. If you need something for a Halloween party where kids would rather be eating candy but adults want something quick to take home... this is it!

1. Gather your materials. You will need 3 black cupcake liners, 1 sheet of construction paper ( purple or orange), glue and 2 googly eyes.